Oramed Pharmaceuticals Inc.: Form 10-K for the period ended Dec 31, 2024

Description of Business

We are a pharmaceutical company engaged in the research and development of innovative pharmaceutical solutions with a technology platform that allows for the oral delivery of therapeutic proteins.

We have developed an oral dosage form intended to withstand the harsh environment of the stomach and effectively deliver active biological insulin or other proteins. The excipients in the formulation are not intended to modify the proteins chemically or biologically, and the dosage form is designed to be safe to ingest.

On January 11, 2023, we announced that the Phase 3 oral insulin trial (ORA-D-013-1) did not meet its primary or secondary endpoints. As a result, we terminated this trial and a parallel Phase 3, ORA-D-013-2 clinical trial. In 2023, we completed an analysis of the ORA-D-013-1 Phase 3 trial data and found that subpopulations of patients with pooled specific parameters, such as body mass index, or BMI, baseline HbA1c and age, responded well to oral insulin. Based on this analysis, on September 12, 2024 we submitted a protocol for a revised Phase 3 (ORA-D-013-3) clinical trial to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, or the FDA. We intend to initiate study during 2025. We are additionally examining our existing pipeline and have commenced an evaluation process of potential strategic opportunities, with the goal of enhancing value for our stockholders.

On January 22, 2024, we along with our wholly-owned subsidiary Oramed Ltd., entered into a joint venture agreement, or Initial JV Agreement, with Hefei Tianhui Biotech Co., Ltd. or HTIT, and its subsidiary Technowl Limited or HTIT Sub. OraTech will focus on developing and commercializing products based on our oral insulin and POD™ technology, utilizing HTIT’s manufacturing capabilities.

On February 7, 2025, we and HTIT entered into a Joint Venture Agreement, or the JV Agreement, amending the Initial JV Agreement signed on January 22, 2024. To execute the JV Agreement, we formed OraTech Pharmaceuticals, Inc., or OraTech, which will serve as the joint venture entity. We currently hold 100% of OraTech shares. OraTech was formed to advance the development and commercialization of oral insulin, combining our proprietary technology and funding with HTIT’s manufacturing capabilities. Through this partnership, OraTech will have the technology, resources, and production capacity to bring oral insulin to market. The agreement also outlines the spin-off of OraTech, or the Spin Off, requiring regulatory filings and the distribution of the majority of OraTech’s shares held by us to our shareholders. Both we and HTIT agreed to a 120-day lock-up period post-listing, restricting share sales.

The Initial Closing, set for April 30, 2025, or the Initial Closing, includes an investment of $40,000,000 by HTIT and $7,500,000 by us into OraTech . Additionally, we will transfer all our intellectual property rights to OraTech. The second closing, contingent on the listing of OraTech’s shares on Nasdaq, involves a $20,000,000 investment by HTIT and an additional $7,500,000 investment by us, or the Second Closing. It is expected to close by May 31, 2025, but no later than September 1, 2025. Upon completion of the Initial Closing and the Second Closing, both HTIT and we will receive OraTech shares, resulting in ownership of 50% for each of HTIT and us, excluding the impact of the contemplated distribution of OraTech shares to our shareholders.

As part of the JV Agreement, HTIT will receive $20,000,000 at the Initial Closing and $10,000,000 at the Second Closing under a supply agreement with OraTech.

2023 Scilex Transaction and 2024 Refinancing

2023 Scilex Transaction

On September 21, 2023, we entered into and consummated transactions, or, collectively, the 2023 Scilex Transaction, with Scilex, pursuant to which Scilex issued to us:

a. A senior secured promissory note, or the Tranche A Note, with a principal amount of $101,875,000, maturing on March 21, 2025 and bearing interest of SOFR plus 8.5%, payable in-kind. Scheduled principal payments are due on December 21, 2023, March 21, 2024, June 21, 2024, September 21, 2024, and December 21, 2024, with the balance due on March 21, 2025. In January 2025, we extended Tranche A Note maturity from March 21, 2025 to December 31, 2025. As per the Tranche A Note terms, if the Tranche A Note is not repaid in full on or prior to March 21, 2024, an exit fee of approximately $3,056,000 was. Since the Tranche A Note was not repaid by March 21, 2024, we are entitled to the above-mentioned exit fee at the maturity date of the Tranche A Note. As of March 27, 2025, Scilex has repaid $69,200,000 of the amount due under the Tranche A Note and refinanced $25,000,000 as part of the 2024 Refinancing (as defined below).

b. Warrants to purchase up to 4,500,000 shares of Scilex common stock with an exercise price of $0.01 per share, or the Closing Penny Warrants, and four additional warrants, or the Subsequent Penny Warrants, each for 2,125,000 shares of Scilex common stock with an exercise price of $0.01 per share. The Closing Penny Warrants vested on September 21, 2023, and each of the Subsequent Penny Warrants vested on each of March 19, 2024, June 17, 2024, September 15, 2024 and December 14, 2024. The Closing Penny Warrants and the Subsequent Penny Warrants shall become exercisable on the earliest of (i) March 14, 2025 and (ii) the date on which the Tranche A Note has been repaid in full. As of March 27, 2025, the Closing Penny Warrants and the Subsequent Penny Warrants are fully vested. On October 30, 2024, we exercised 4,500,000 Closing Penny Warrants and 2,000,000 Subsequent Penny Warrants that were exercisable at such time. As a result, we hold 6,500,000 shares of common stock of Scilex.

c. Transferred warrants, or the Transferred Warrants, to purchase 4,000,000 shares of Scilex common stock with an exercise price of $11.50 per share, fully exercisable and expiring on November 10, 2027. On September 20, 2024, we sold the Transferred Warrants for consideration of $300,000 (see below). As a result, as of March 27, 2025 we do not hold any Transferred Warrants.

On September 20, 2024, we and Scilex entered into an extension agreement, or the Extension Agreement, to extend the due date of the September 21, 2024 payment under the Tranche A Note. Pursuant to the Extension Agreement, Scilex paid us $2,000,000 on September 23, 2024, which payment is to be applied as follows: (i) $1,700,000 to the payment due under the Tranche A Note on March 21, 2025 and (ii) $300,000 to purchase the Transferred Warrants as mentioned above.

2024 Refinancing

On October 7, 2024, we and certain institutional investors, or the Note B Holders, entered into certain agreements with Scilex, pursuant to which the Note B Holders purchased in a registered offering, or the 2024 Refinancing, (i) a new tranche B of senior secured convertible notes of Scilex in the aggregate principal amount of $50,000,000, or the Tranche B Notes, which Tranche B Notes are convertible into shares of Scilex common stock and (ii) warrants, or the Tranche B Warrants, to purchase up to 7,500,000 shares of Scilex common stock, or Tranche B Warrants. We purchased 50% of Tranche B Note and Tranche B Warrants and therefore hold an aggregate principal amount of $25,000,000 under the Tranche B Note and 3,750,000 Tranche B Warrants.

Scilex received from us, in consideration for our part in Tranche B Notes and the Tranche B Warrants issued to us, an exchange and reduction of the principal outstanding balance under the Tranche A Note of $22,500,000.

Royalty Purchase Agreement

In addition, on October 8, 2024, we and certain institutional investors, or the RPA Purchasers, entered into a Purchase and Sale Agreement or the RPA with Scilex and Scilex Pharmaceuticals Inc., or Scilex Pharma. Pursuant to the RPA, the RPA Purchasers acquired the right to receive, in the aggregate, 8% of net sales worldwide for 10 years of certain purchase receivables, or the Purchased Receivables with respect to ZTlido (lidocaine topical system) 1.8%, SP-103 (lidocaine topical system) 5.4%, and any related, improved, successor, replacement or varying dosage forms of the foregoing. We acquired the right to receive 50% of the Purchased Receivables, as more fully described in the RPA and therefore hold the right to receive 4% royalties.

In consideration for our interest in the Purchased Receivables, we exchanged and reduced $2,500,000 of the principal balance under the Tranche A Note.

Following the refinancing as described above, on October 8, 2024, Scilex used $12,500,000 of the net proceeds from the proceeds of the Tranche B Note for the repayment of the outstanding balance under the Tranche A Note.

ZTLido Rest of the World Binding Agreement

In addition, on October 8, 2024, we and certain other institutional investors and Scilex entered into a binding term sheet, or the ROW License Term Sheet, regarding a license and development agreement, or the Lido License Agreement, with respect to services, compositions, products, dosages and formulations comprising lidocaine, including without limitation, the product and any future product defined as a “Product” under Scilex Pharma’s existing (i) Product Development Agreement, dated as of May 11, 2011, with Oishi Koseido Co., Ltd., or Oishi, and Itochu Chemical Frontier Corporation, or Itochu, as amended, and (ii) the associated Commercial Supply Agreement, dated February 16, 2017, between Scilex, Oishi and Itochu, as amended.

Subject to determination of a final structure for the transactions contemplated by the ROW License Term Sheet, we anticipate that we and such institutional investors will hold the Lido License Agreement through a joint venture, RoyaltyVest, Inc., or RoyaltyVest.

In consideration for the rights to be provided under the proposed Lido License Agreement, as more fully described in the ROW License Term Sheet, (a) RoyaltyVest will invest (whether through cash consideration or in-kind payment through the provision of services) $200,000 per year toward expanding the Product, (b) Scilex will grant RoyaltyVest a worldwide, exclusive right, license and interest to all products rights for the development, out-licensing, commercialization of any Product outside of the United States and other territories, other than certain excluded designated territories , or the ROW Territory, and (c) each of RoyaltyVest and Scilex will receive 50% percent of the net revenue (less expenses) generated from any Product in the ROW Territory. The term sheet is subject to entering into a definitive agreement (signed on February 22, 2025, see below) and subject to the consent of Oishi and Itochu to the Lido License Agreement.

Tranche B Note Consent

On January 2, 2025, we and other Tranche B noteholders entered into deferral and consent agreements with Scilex or the Tranche B Consent, deferring Scilex’s first amortization payment under the Tranche B Note to October 8, 2026. In consideration, we received approximately $877,000 and 2,500,000 shares of Scilex common stock.

In addition, as part of the Tranche B Consent and contingent upon certain conditions that were met:

1. Scilex and the Tranche B Noteholders agreed to a 10-year, assignable 4% royalty on global net sales of Gloperba and Elyxyb in certain territories outside of the United States , or RoW, of which, we are entitled to 2% royalties. Gloperba, an oral liquid colchicine formulation for gout, and Elyxyb, an oral solution for acute migraine treatment, represent key assets in Scilex’s portfolio. The definitive agreement was signed on February 28, 2025.

2. The Tranche B Noteholders have the option to fund up to 50% of the cash purchase price for RoW product rights to Gloperba and Elyxyb (excluding Elyxyb in Canada) and will receive proportional revenues from commercialization and licensing.

Tranche A Note Maturity Date Extension Amendment

On January 21, 2025, we entered into an amendment to the Tranche A Note, or the Tranche A Extension Amendment, extending the maturity date from March 21, 2025, to December 31, 2025 or the Extended Maturity Date. Interest will continue to accrue and be payable on the Extended Maturity Date. In consideration of the extension, we received 3,250,000 shares of Scilex common stock.

Lidocaine License Agreement

As part of the ROW License Term Sheet, on February 22, 2025, we, through its 50% ownership in RoyaltyVest, entered into a license agreement with Scilex. Under this agreement, RoyaltyVest acquired exclusive rights to develop, manufacture, and commercialize lidocaine-based products, including ZTlido (lidocaine topical system 1.8%) and SP-103, in the ROW Territory. As part of the arrangement, RoyaltyVest and Scilex will each receive 50% of the net profits from the commercialization of these products. Given our 50% ownership in RoyaltyVest, we effectively holds a 25% in the profits generated under this agreement.

BioXcel

In order to diversify our investments as a part of our use of cash strategy, on March 4, 2025, we participated in a registered direct offering by BioXcel Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: BTAI), or BioXcel, acquiring 2,000,000 shares of BioXcel’s common stock and accompanying warrants to purchase up to an additional 2,000,000 shares. The shares and warrants were purchased at a combined offering price of $3.50 per share and warrant, representing 50% of the total 4,000,000 shares issued in the offering. The warrants have an exercise price of $4.20 per share, are immediately exercisable, and will expire five years from the date of issuance.

BioXcel is a biopharmaceutical company leveraging artificial intelligence to develop innovative medicines in neuroscience and immuno-oncology. Its lead programs focus on treatments for agitation in neuropsychiatric disorders and other central nervous system conditions.

As of March 27, 2025, we have sold 869,992 shares and continues to hold 1,130,008 shares of BioXcel common stock.

Real Estate Transactions

Additionally, as a part of our cash management strategy, we have engaged in certain real estate transactions.

In January 2025, we entered into an agreement to acquire a parcel of land in Mevaseret Zion, Israel for a total purchase price of NIS 5,800,000 (approximately $1,586,000). The transaction is structured in installments, and as of March 27, 2025, we have paid approximately $1,210,000 toward the acquisition price. Under the agreement, the developer is responsible for executing all development-related activities, and we and the developer will share the profits upon the future sale of the property.

On March 24, 2025, we entered into a loan agreement to finance a purchase of a real estate asset in Jerusalem, Israel in the amount of $22,650,000. The loan has a one-year maturity and is secured by a first-ranking mortgage on a property valued at approximately $800,000,000, providing significant collateral coverage. The loan bears an annual interest rate of 12%.

Research and Development

Oral Insulin

Type 2 Diabetes: We conducted the ORA-D-013-1 Phase 3 trial on patients with type 2 diabetes, or T2D, with inadequate glycaemic control who were on two or three oral glucose-lowering agents. The primary endpoint of the trial was to evaluate the efficacy of our oral insulin capsule, ORMD-0801, compared to placebo in improving glycaemic control as assessed by HbA1c, with a secondary efficacy endpoint of assessing the change from baseline in fasting plasma glucose at 26 weeks. On January 11, 2023, we announced that the ORA-D-013-1 Phase 3 trial did not meet its primary or secondary endpoints. Following the results of the ORA-D-013-1 Phase 3 trial, we also terminated the ORA-D-013-2 Phase 3 trial, a second Phase 3 trial that included T2D patients with inadequate glycaemic control who were attempting to manage their condition with either diet alone or with diet and metformin. In 2023, we completed an analysis of the data from the ORA-D-013-1 Phase 3 trial and found that subpopulations of patients with pooled specific parameters, such as BMI, baseline HbA1c and age, responded well to oral insulin. These subsets exhibited an over 1% placebo adjusted, statistically significant, reduction in HbA1c. Based on this analysis, on September 12, 2024 we submitted a protocol for a revised Phase 3 (ORA-D-013-3) clinical trial to the FDA. We intend to initiate this study during 2025. We are additionally examining our existing pipeline and have commenced an evaluation process of potential strategic opportunities, with the goal of enhancing value for our stockholders.

Joint Venture Agreement: As mentioned above, on February 7, 2025, we entered into JV Agreement with HTIT. The collaboration combines our POD technology with HTIT’s manufacturing capabilities, creating a synergy. This integration of technology and manufacturing expertise will enable us to ensure consistent, high-quality production at scale, setting new standards for oral protein delivery.

OraTech is backed by a substantial capital and operational commitment. These resources support the initiation of a Phase 3 clinical trial in the U.S. As mentioned above, by leveraging insights from prior clinical studies, we have strategically designed this refined Phase 3 trial to focus on key patient subpopulations that we believe have the highest potential to demonstrate efficacy.

Oral Vaccine

On March 18, 2021, we entered into a license agreement with Oravax, a 63% owned joint venture to commercialize oral vaccines for COVID-19 and other novel coronaviruses based on Premas Biotech Pvt. Ltd.’s proprietary vaccine technology involving a triple antigen virus like particle.

In October 2022, Oravax reported positive preliminary Phase 1 data for Cohort A of a Phase 1 clinical trial, meeting primary or secondary endpoints of safety and immunogenicity. These results included significant antibody response (2-6 fold over baseline) as measured by multiple markers of immune response to virus like particle vaccine antigens observed in the majority of the patients dosed, and no safety issues were observed, including mild symptoms. Cohort B completed dosing in January 2023. Cohort B measured Immunoglobulin G, or IGG, against the spike (S) protein, showing positive IGG in approximately 55% of the patients dosed. We are currently evaluating our path forward for Oravax’s oral vaccines for COVID-19.

Impact of Current Events

On October 7, 2023, the State of Israel was attacked by Hamas, a group designated as a terrorist organization by the United States, and the State of Israel subsequently declared war on Hamas. Since that time, Israel has been engaged in a multi-front armed conflict with combatants located in Gaza, the West Bank, Syria, Iran, Lebanon and Yemen. The situation in the region remains volatile and the possibility of renewed conflicts persist. As of March 27, 2025, we believe that there is no immediate risk to our business operations related to these events. For further information, see “Item 1A. Risk Factors,” under “We are affected by the political, economic and military risks of having operations in Israel.”

Real Estate Investments

On November 7, 2024, our Board of Directors, or the Board, approved investments of up to $10,000,000 in real estate assets. This decision aligns with our strategic approach to capital allocation, leveraging opportunities in the current real estate market where we have identified attractive investment prospects. With interest rates expected to decline and valuations presenting favorable entry points, the Board believes these investments could provide long-term value appreciation and potential income streams, further strengthening our financial position. As we continues to evaluate our business strategy, including potential structural changes, these investments are intended to enhance financial flexibility and maximize shareholder value. On February 13, 2025, the Board approved increasing the real estate investments to up to $30,000,000.

Diabetes Market Overview

Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin. Insulin is a hormone that causes sugar to be absorbed into cells, where the sugar is converted into energy needed for daily life. The cause of diabetes is attributed both to genetics (type 1 diabetes, or T1D) and, most often, to environmental factors such as obesity and lack of exercise (T2D). According to the International Diabetes Federation, or IDF, approximately 537 million adults (20-79 years) worldwide suffered from diabetes in 2021 and the IDF projects this number will increase to 783 million by 2045. According to the American Diabetes Association, or ADA, in 2023, the United States there were approximately 37 million people with diabetes. Diabetes is a leading cause of blindness, kidney failure, heart attack, stroke and amputation.

Intellectual Property and Patents

We own a portfolio of patents and patent applications covering our technologies, and we are aggressively protecting these technology developments on a worldwide basis.

We maintain a proactive intellectual property strategy, which includes patent filings in multiple jurisdictions, including the United States and other commercially significant markets. We hold 26 patent applications currently pending, with respect to various compositions, methods of production and oral administration of proteins and exenatide. Expiration dates for pending patents, if granted, will fall between 2026 and 2039.

We hold 140 patents, eight of which were issued during the year ended December 31, 2024, including patents issued by the United States, Swiss, German, French, U.K., Italian, Netherlands, Swedish, Spanish, Australian, Israeli, Japanese, New Zealand, South African, Russian, Canadian, Hong Kong, Chinese, European and Indian patent offices that cover a part of our technology, which allows for the oral delivery of proteins; patents issued by the Australian, Canadian, European, Austrian, Belgian, French, German, Irish, Italian, Luxembourg, Monaco, Netherlands, Norwegian, Spanish, Swedish, Swiss, U.K., Israeli, New Zealand, South African, Russian, Brazilian and Japanese patent offices that cover part of our technology for the oral delivery of exenatide; and patents issued by the European, Austrian, Belgian, Denmark, French, German, Irish, Italian, Luxembourg, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Spanish, Swedish, Swiss, U.K. and Japanese patent offices for treating diabetes.

Consistent with our strategy to seek protection in key markets worldwide, we have been and will continue to pursue the patent applications and corresponding foreign counterparts of such applications. We believe that our success will depend on our ability to obtain patent protection for our intellectual property.

Our patent strategy is as follows:

• Aggressively protect all current and future technological developments to assure strong and broad protection by filing patents and/or continuations in part as appropriate,
• Protect technological developments at various levels, in a complementary manner, including the base technology, as well as specific applications of the technology, and
• Establish comprehensive coverage in the United States and in all relevant foreign markets in anticipation of future commercialization opportunities.

Trademarks and Trade Secrets

We have trademark applications pending in Israel, with Corresponding international trademark applications in Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Colombia, the European Union, India, Indonesia, Japan, Kazakhstan, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, U.S.A., Uzbekistan and Vietnam.

We also rely on trade secrets and unpatentable know-how that we seek to protect, in part, by confidentiality agreements. Our policy is to require our employees, consultants, contractors, manufacturers, outside scientific collaborators and sponsored researchers, our Board, technical review board and other advisors, to execute confidentiality agreements upon the commencement of employment or consulting relationships with us. These agreements provide that all confidential information developed or made known to the individual during the course of the individual’s relationship with us is to be kept confidential and not disclosed to third parties except in specific limited circumstances. We also require signed confidentiality or material transfer agreements from any company that is to receive our confidential information. In the case of employees, consultants and contractors, the agreements provide that all inventions conceived by the individual while rendering services to us shall be assigned to us as the exclusive property of the Company. There can be no assurance, however, that all persons who we desire to sign such agreements will sign, or if they do, that these agreements will not be breached, that we would have adequate remedies for any breach, or that our trade secrets or unpatentable know-how will not otherwise become known or be independently developed by competitors.

Out-Licensed Technology

Entera Bio

In June 2010, our wholly-owned subsidiary, Oramed Ltd., entered into a joint venture agreement with DNA GROUP (T.R.) Ltd. (formerly D.N.A Biomedical Solutions Ltd.), or DNA, for the establishment of Entera Bio Ltd., or Entera.

In March 2011, Oramed Ltd. sold shares of Entera to DNA, retaining 117,000 ordinary shares (after giving effect to a stock split by Entera in July 2018). In consideration for the shares sold to DNA, the Company received, among other payments, ordinary shares of DNA (see also note 3 to our audited consolidated financial statements).

As part of this agreement, Oramed Ltd. entered into a patent transfer agreement, or the Patent Transfer Agreement, according to which Oramed Ltd. assigned to Entera all of its rights to a patent application related to the oral administration of proteins that it has licensed to Entera since August 2010, in return for royalties of 3% of Entera’s net revenues and a license back of that patent application for use in respect of diabetes and influenza. As of December 31, 2024, Entera had not paid any royalties to Oramed Ltd. During the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, we did not sell any of DNA’s ordinary shares. As of December 31, 2024, we held approximately 1.4% of DNA’s outstanding ordinary shares and approximately 0.3% of Entera’s outstanding ordinary shares.

HTIT

On November 30, 2015, we entered into a Technology License Agreement, or TLA, with HTIT and on December 21, 2015, these parties entered into an Amended and Restated Technology License Agreement that was further amended by the parties on June 3, 2016 and July 24, 2016, or the HTIT License Agreement. According to the HTIT License Agreement, we granted HTIT an exclusive commercialization license in the territory of the People’s Republic of China, Macau and Hong Kong, related to our oral insulin capsule, ORMD-0801, or the Product. Pursuant to the HTIT License Agreement, HTIT will conduct, at its own expense, certain pre-commercialization and regulatory activities with respect to our technology and ORMD-0801 capsule, and will pay (i) royalties of 10% on net sales of the related commercialized products to be sold by HTIT in the territory, or Royalties, and (ii) an aggregate of $37,500,000, of which $3,000,000 was payable immediately, $8,000,000 will be paid subject to our entry into certain agreements with certain third parties, and $26,500,000 will be payable upon achievement of certain milestones and conditions. In the event that we will not meet certain conditions, the Royalties rate may be reduced to a minimum of 8%. Following the final expiration of our patents covering the technology in the territory in 2033, the Royalties rate may be reduced, under certain circumstances, to 5%. The royalty payment obligation shall apply during the period of time beginning upon the first commercial sale of the Product in the territory, and ending upon the later of (i) the expiration of the last-to-expire licensed patents in the territory; and (ii) 15 years after the first commercial sale of the Product in the territory. The HTIT License Agreement shall remain in effect until the expiration of the royalty term. The HTIT License Agreement contains customary termination provisions. Through December 31, 2024, we received aggregate milestone payments of $20,500,000 out of the aggregate amount of $37,500,000.

On August 21, 2020, we received a letter from HTIT, disputing certain pending payment obligations of HTIT under the TLA.

Pursuant to the terms of the JV Agreement, each of us, HTIT and HTIT Sub, irrevocably released and waived (i) any claims and demands against each other party in connection with the TLA; and (ii) all rights, obligations and liabilities set out and arising with respect to the performance of the TLA.

HTIT has submitted a Marketing Authorization Application to China’s regulators for the oral insulin capsule in China. Since the TLA was novated to OraTech, OraTech is expected to receive royalties from any future sales in China

Oravax License

On March 18, 2021, we entered into a license agreement, or the Oravax License Agreement, with Oravax, a 63% owned joint venture to commercialize oral vaccines for COVID-19 and other novel coronaviruses based on Premas Biotech Pvt. Ltd.’s proprietary vaccine technology involving a triple antigen virus like particle, or the Oravax product.

In consideration for the grant of the license under the Oravax License Agreement, we will receive (i) royalties equal to 7.5% on net sales, as defined in the Oravax License Agreement, of each product commercialized by Oravax, its affiliates and permitted sublicensees related to the license during the term specified in the Oravax License Agreement, (ii) sublicensing fees equal to 15% of any non-sales-based consideration received by Oravax from a permitted sublicensee and (iii) other payments ranging between $25,000,000 to $100,000,000, based on certain sales milestones being achieved by Oravax. The parties further agreed to establish a development and steering committee, which will consist of three members, of which two members will be appointed by us, that will oversee the ongoing research, development, clinical and regulatory activity with respect to the Oravax product. In addition, we agreed to buy and Oravax agreed to issue to us 1,890,000 shares of common stock of Oravax, representing 63% of the common stock of Oravax for the aggregate amount of $1,500,000. Akers Biosciences Inc. contributed $1,500,000 in cash to Oravax and a license agreement to the Oravax product.

Medicox License

On November 13, 2022, we entered into a distribution license agreement with Medicox Co., Ltd., or Medicox, an emerging biotech company with a consortium of proven partnerships in the Republic of Korea. The agreement grants Medicox the exclusive license to apply for regulatory approval and distribute ORMD-0801 for ten years in the Republic of Korea. Medicox will comply with agreed distribution targets and will purchase ORMD-0801 at an agreed upon transfer price per capsule. In addition, Medicox will pay Oramed up to $15,000,000 in developmental milestones, $2,000,000 of which were received by Oramed in 2022, and up to 15% royalties on gross sales. Medicox will also be responsible for gaining regulatory approval in the Republic of Korea. This agreement was assigned to OraTech.

Government Regulation

The Drug Development Process

Regulatory requirements for the approval of new drugs vary from one country to another. In order to obtain approval to market our drug portfolio, we need to go through a different regulatory process in each country in which we apply for such approval. In some cases, information gathered during the approval process in one country can be used as supporting information for the approval process in another country. As a strategic decision, we decided to first explore the FDA regulatory pathway. The following is a summary of the FDA’s requirements.

The FDA requires that pharmaceutical and certain other therapeutic products undergo significant clinical experimentation and clinical testing prior to their marketing or introduction to the general public. Clinical testing, known as clinical trials or clinical studies, is either conducted internally by life science, pharmaceutical or biotechnology companies or is conducted on behalf of these companies by CROs.

The process of conducting clinical trials is highly regulated by the FDA, as well as by other governmental and professional bodies. Below we describe the principal framework in which clinical trials are conducted, as well as describe a number of the parties involved in these trials.

Protocols. Before commencing human clinical trials, the sponsor of a new drug or therapeutic product must submit an IND application to the FDA. The application contains, among other documents, what is known in the industry as a protocol. A protocol is the blueprint for each drug study. The protocol sets forth, among other things, the following:

• Who must be recruited as qualified participants,
• How often to administer the drug or product,
• What tests to perform on the participants, and
• What dosage of the drug or amount of the product to give to the participants.

Institutional Review Board. An institutional review board is an independent committee of professionals and lay persons which reviews clinical research trials involving human beings and is required to adhere to guidelines issued by the FDA. The institutional review board does not report to the FDA, but its records are audited by the FDA. Its members are not appointed by the FDA. All clinical trials must be approved by an institutional review board. The institutional review board’s role is to protect the rights of the participants in the clinical trials. It approves the protocols to be used, the advertisements which the company or CRO conducting the study proposes to use to recruit participants, and the form of consent which the participants will be required to sign prior to their participation in the clinical trials.

Clinical Trials. Human clinical trials or testing of a potential product are generally done in three stages known as Phase 1 through Phase 3 testing. The names of the phases are derived from the regulations of the FDA. Generally, there are multiple trials conducted in each phase.

Phase 1. Phase 1 trials involve testing a drug or product on a limited number of healthy or patient participants, typically 24 to 100 people at a time. Phase 1 trials determine a product’s basic safety and how the product is absorbed by, and eliminated from, the body. This phase lasts an average of six months to a year.

Phase 2. Phase 2 trials involve testing of no more than 300 participants at a time who may suffer from the targeted disease or condition. Phase 2 testing typically lasts an average of one to two years. In Phase 2, the drug is tested to determine its safety and effectiveness for treating a specific illness or condition. Phase 2 testing also involves determining acceptable dosage levels of the drug. Phase 2 trials may be split into Phase 2a and Phase 2b sub-trials. Phase 2a trials may be conducted with patient volunteers and are exploratory (non-pivotal) trials, typically designed to evaluate clinical efficacy or biological activity. Phase 2b trials are conducted with patients defined to evaluate definite dose range and evaluate efficacy. If Phase 2 trials show that a new drug has an acceptable range of safety risks and probable effectiveness, a company will generally continue to review the substance in Phase 3 trials.

Phase 3. Phase 3 trials involve testing large numbers of participants, typically several hundred to several thousand persons. The purpose is to verify effectiveness and long-term safety on a large scale. These trials generally last two to three years. Phase 3 trials are conducted at multiple locations or sites. Like the other phases, Phase 3 requires the site to keep detailed records of data collected and procedures performed.

Biological License Application. The results of the clinical trials for a biological product are submitted to the FDA as part of a Biological License Application, or BLA. Following the completion of Phase 3 trials, assuming the sponsor of a potential product in the United States believes it has sufficient information to support the safety and effectiveness of its product, the sponsor will generally submit a BLA to the FDA requesting that the product be approved for marketing. The application is a comprehensive, multi-volume filing that includes the results of all clinical trials, information about the drug’s composition, and the sponsor’s plans for producing, packaging and labeling the product. The FDA’s review of an application can take a few months to many years, with the average review lasting 18 months. Once approved, drugs and other products may be marketed in the United States, subject to any conditions imposed by the FDA. Approval of a BLA provides 12 years of exclusivity in the U.S. market.

Phase 4. The FDA may require that the sponsor conduct additional clinical trials following new drug approval. The purpose of these trials, known as Phase 4 trials, is to monitor long-term risks and benefits, study different dosage levels or evaluate safety and effectiveness. In recent years, the FDA has increased its reliance on these trials. Phase 4 trials usually involve thousands of participants. Phase 4 trials also may be initiated by the company sponsoring the new drug to gain broader market value for an approved drug.

European Regulation. Similar to the U.S., a European sponsor of a biological product may submit a Marketing Approval Application to the European Medicines Agency, or EMA, for the registration of the product. The approval process in Europe consists of several stages, which together are summed up to 210 days from the time of submission of the application (net, without periods in which the sponsor provides answers to questions raised by the agency) following which, a Marketing Approval may be granted. During the approval process, the sponsor’s manufacturing facilities will be audited in order to assess Good Manufacturing Practice compliance.

The drug approval process is time-consuming, involves substantial expenditures of resources, and depends upon a number of factors, including the severity of the illness in question, the availability of alternative treatments, and the risks and benefits demonstrated in the clinical trials.

Other Regulations

Various federal, state and local laws, regulations, and recommendations relating to safe working conditions, laboratory practices, the experimental use of animals, the environment and the purchase, storage, movement, import, export, use, and disposal of hazardous or potentially hazardous substances, including radioactive compounds and infectious disease agents, used in connection with our research are applicable to our activities. They include, among others, the U.S. Atomic Energy Act, the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, the Occupational Safety and Health Act, the National Environmental Policy Act, the Toxic Substances Control Act, and Resources Conservation and Recovery Act, national restrictions on technology transfer, import, export, and customs regulations, and other present and possible future local, state, or federal regulation. The compliance with these and other laws, regulations and recommendations can be time-consuming and involve substantial costs. In addition, the extent of governmental regulation which might result from future legislation or administrative action cannot be accurately predicted and may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

Competition

Competition in the area of biomedical and pharmaceutical research and development is intense and significantly depends on scientific and technological factors. These factors include the availability of patent and other protection for technology and products, the ability to commercialize technological developments and the ability to obtain regulatory approval for testing, manufacturing and marketing. Our competitors include major pharmaceutical, medical products, chemical and specialized biotechnology companies, many of which have financial, technical and marketing resources significantly greater than ours. In addition, many biotechnology companies have formed collaborations with large, established companies to support research, development and commercialization of products that may be competitive with ours. Academic institutions, governmental agencies and other public and private research organizations are also conducting research activities and seeking patent protection and may commercialize products on their own or through joint ventures. We are aware of certain other products manufactured or under development by competitors that are used for the treatment of the diseases and health conditions that we have targeted for product development. We can provide no assurance that developments by others will not render our technology obsolete or noncompetitive, that we will be able to keep pace with new technological developments or that our technology will be able to supplant established products and methodologies in the therapeutic areas that are targeted by us. The foregoing factors could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations. These companies, as well as academic institutions, governmental agencies and private research organizations, also compete with us in recruiting and retaining highly qualified scientific personnel and consultants.

Competition within our sector is increasing, so we will encounter competition from existing firms that offer competitive solutions in diabetes treatment solutions. These competitive companies could develop products that are superior to, or have greater market acceptance, than the products being developed by us. We will have to compete against other biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies with greater market recognition and greater financial, marketing and other resources.

Our competition will be determined in part by the potential indications for which our technology is developed and ultimately approved by regulatory authorities. In addition, the first product to reach the market in a therapeutic or preventive area is often at a significant competitive advantage relative to later entrants to the market. Accordingly, the relative speed with which we, or our potential corporate partners, can develop products, complete the clinical trials and approval processes and supply commercial quantities of the products to the market are expected to be important competitive factors. Our competitive position will also depend on our ability to attract and retain qualified scientific and other personnel, develop effective proprietary products, develop and implement production and marketing plans, obtain and maintain patent protection and secure adequate capital resources. We expect our technology, if approved for sale, to compete primarily on the basis of product efficacy, safety, patient convenience, reliability, value and patent position.

We anticipated that our oral insulin capsule would be a competitive diabetes drug because of its anticipated efficacy and safety profile; however, there are other treatment options for T1D and T2D patients, such as insulin injections, insulin pumps or a combination of diet, exercise and oral medication which improve the body’s response to insulin or cause the body to produce more insulin.

Scientific Advisory Board

We maintain a Scientific Advisory Board consisting of internationally recognized scientists who advise us on scientific and technical aspects of our business. The Scientific Advisory Board meets to review specific projects and to assess the value of new technologies and developments to us. In addition, individual members of the Scientific Advisory Board meet with us to provide advice in their particular areas of expertise. The Scientific Advisory Board consists of the following members, information with respect to whom is set forth below: Dr. Roy Eldor, Professor Ele Ferrannini, Dr. Alexander Fleming, Professor Avram Hershko, Dr. Julio Rosenstock, Dr. Jay Skyler and Dr. Anne Peters.

Dr. Roy Eldor, MD, PhD, joined the Oramed Scientific Advisory Board in July 2016. He is an endocrinologist, internist and researcher with over twenty years of clinical and scientific experience. He is currently Director of the Diabetes Unit at the Institute of Endocrinology, Metabolism & Hypertension at the Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center. Prior to that, Dr. Eldor served as Principal Scientist at Merck Research Laboratories, Clinical Research – Diabetes & Endocrinology. He previously served as a senior physician in internal medicine at the Diabetes Unit in Hadassah Hebrew University Hospital in Jerusalem, Israel; and the Diabetes Division at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio, Texas. Dr. Eldor is a recognized expert, with over 50 peer reviewed papers and book chapters, and has been a guest speaker at numerous international forums.

Professor Ele Ferrannini, MD, joined the Oramed Scientific Advisory Board in February 2007. He is a past President to the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD), which supports scientists, physicians and students from all over the world who are interested in diabetes and related subjects in Europe and performs functions similar to that of the American Diabetes Association in the United States. Professor Ferrannini has worked with various institutions including the Department of Clinical & Experimental Medicine at the University of Pisa School of Medicine, and CNR (National Research Council) Institute of Clinical Physiology in Pisa, Italy; and the Diabetes Division, Department of Medicine at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio, Texas. He has extensive training in internal medicine and endocrinology, and has specialized in diabetes trials. Professor Ferrannini has received a Certificate of the Educational Council for Foreign Medical Graduates from the University of Bologna, and completed a subspecialty in Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases at the University of Torino, cum laude. He has published over 500 original papers and 50 book chapters and he is a “highly cited researcher,” according to the Institute for Scientific Information.

Dr. Alexander Fleming, MD, joined the Oramed Scientific Advisory Board in December 2019. Dr. Fleming, an endocrinologist, is Founder and Executive Chairman of Kinexum, a strategic advisory firm. From 1986 to 1998, he served at the FDA as a supervisory medical officer in the Division of Metabolism and Endocrine Drug Products and was responsible for landmark approvals of the first statin, metformin, and other endocrine and metabolic therapies. He also represented the FDA at the World Health Organization and on multiple expert working groups of the International Conference on Harmonization (ICH). Dr. Fleming coined the term, Metabesity, which refers to the constellation of major chronic diseases and the aging process itself, all which share common metabolic root causes and potential preventive therapies. He organized the first Congress on Metabesity in London in October 2017, followed by annual conferences. In 2020, Dr. Fleming founded the non-profit Kitalys Institute as a means of producing Metabesity conferences and advancing interventions of any kind that can improve health and healthspan.

Professor Avram Hershko, MD, PhD, joined the Oramed Scientific Advisory Board in July 2008. Professor Hershko served as a physician in the Israel Defense Forces from 1965 to 1967. After a post-doctoral fellowship with Gordon Tomkins at the University of San Francisco from 1969 to 1972, he joined the faculty of the Haifa Technion becoming a professor in 1980. He is now Distinguished Professor in the Unit of Biochemistry in the B. Rappaport Faculty of Medicine of the Technion in Haifa, Israel. Professor Hershko’s main research interests concern the mechanisms by which cellular proteins are degraded, a formerly neglected field of study. Professor Hershko and his colleagues showed that cellular proteins are degraded by a highly selective proteolytic system. This system tags proteins for destruction by linkage to a protein called ubiquitin, which had previously been identified in many tissues, but whose function was previously unknown. Subsequent work by Professor Hershko and many other laboratories has shown that the ubiquitin system has a vital role in controlling a wide range of cellular processes, such as the regulation of cell division, signal transduction and DNA repair. Professor Hershko was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2004, jointly with his former PhD student Aaron Ciechanover and their colleague Irwin Rose. His many honors include the Israel Prize for Biochemistry (1994), the Gairdner Award (1999), the Lasker Prize for Basic Medical Research (2000), the Wolf Prize for Medicine (2001) and the Louisa Gross Horwitz Award (2001). Professor Hershko is a member of the Israel Academy of Sciences since 2000 and a Foreign Associate of the U.S. Academy of Sciences since 2003.

Dr. Julio Rosenstock, MD, joined the Oramed Scientific Advisory Board in January 2020. Dr. Rosenstock is the Senior Scientific Advisor and Director of Velocity Clinical Research at Medical City, Dallas, Texas, and a Clinical Professor of Medicine at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, Texas. He is board certified in Internal Medicine, Endocrinology and Metabolism. His clinical and research activities have focused on exploring novel agents and therapeutic strategies to improve glycemic control, particularly early combination therapies in Type 2 Diabetes. Over the last 30 years, he has participated in hundreds of clinical trials and has had an active role in the development of new oral agents, incretin-related therapies and insulin formulations, often acting as a lead clinical investigator and scientific advisor on the design and reporting of these clinical trials. Dr. Rosenstock has been the author or co-author of 386 peer-reviewed manuscripts (H-index 124) and several hundreds of scientific abstracts and he is considered a key opinion leader in Type 2 Diabetes. He has also contributed to 13 book chapters on various topics in the field of diabetes and is considered a key opinion leader in Type 2 Diabetes.

Dr. Jay Skyler, MD, MCAP, FRCP, joined the Oramed Scientific Advisory Board in January 2020. Dr. Skyler is Professor of Medicine, Pediatrics and Psychology in the Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine. He previously held the position of Director of the Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism. In addition, Dr. Skyler is Deputy Director of Clinical Research and Academic Programs at the Diabetes Research Institute, and an Adjunct Professor of Pediatrics at the Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes at the University of Colorado in Denver. Dr. Skyler’s research focuses on the clinical aspects of diabetes, specifically the conduct of randomized controlled clinical trials. From 1993 to 2015, he was Chairman of the National Institute of Health (NIDDK)-sponsored Diabetes Prevention Trial–- Type 1 (DPT-1) and its successor Type 1 Diabetes Trial Net, a nationwide and global network conducting clinical trials to prevent T1D.

Dr. Anne Peters, MD, joined the Oramed Scientific Advisory Board in June 2022. Dr. Peters is Professor of Medicine at the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California (USC) and Director of the USC Clinical Diabetes Programs. Dr. Peters earned her medical degree from the Pritzker School of Medicine at the University of Chicago and performed an internal medicine residency at Stanford University and an endocrinology fellowship at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. She previously directed the clinical diabetes programs at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and UCLA in California. Her research has focused on testing new approaches for diagnosing and treating diabetes and developing systems of care to improve outcomes in diabetic under-resourced populations. Dr. Peters has consulted for many entities, including the FDA, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Institutes of Health to help guide the development and use of treatments for diabetes. In addition to being an investigator for more than 40 research studies, Dr. Peters has published over 200 articles, has written four books, and has given more than 500 lectures locally, nationally, and internationally. She has been on multiple guideline writing committees for the treatment of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. She was a recipient of the ADA Outstanding Physician Clinician Award, the Bernardo Houssay Award from the National Minority Quality Forum and received an Endocrine Society Laureate Award for Public Service.

Employees

We believe it is imperative to attract and retain top talent for all positions in the Company. We seek to make Oramed an inclusive, diverse and safe workplace, with meaningful compensation, benefits and wellness programs and opportunities.

We have experienced personnel involved in our research and development programs, as well as appropriate clinical/regulatory, quality assurance and other personnel needed to advance through clinical trials or have engaged the services of experts in the field for these requirements. As of December 31, 2024, we have contracted with thirteen individuals for employment or consulting arrangements. Of our staff, four are senior management, three are engaged in research and development work, and the remaining six are involved in corporate and administration work.

We provide competitive compensation, health and retirement programs for our employees. We offer variable pay in the form of bonuses and stock-based compensation for eligible employees. We also provide our employees with additional benefits such as team-building and educational offsite activities and gym facilities. We believe that this provides a comprehensive package to engage, motivate and retain our employees as a cohesive unit unified in its goal to achieve the Company’s strategy and objectives.

Additional Information

Additional information about us is contained on our Internet website at www.oramed.com (http://www.oramed.com). Information on our website is not incorporated by reference into this report. Our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act, are available free of charge on our website under “SEC Filings” as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the SEC. Reports filed with the SEC are made available on its website at www.sec.gov (http://www.sec.gov) and are also available on the website of the Israeli Securities Authority at www.magna.isa.gov.il (http://www.magna.isa.gov.il) or on the website of the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange at www.tase.co.il (http://www.tase.co.il). The following corporate governance documents are also posted on our website: Code of Ethics, Whistleblowing Policy and the charters for each of the Audit Committee, Compensation Committee and Nominating Committee of our Board.

An investment in our securities involves a high degree of risk. You should consider carefully the following information about these risks, together with the other information contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K before making an investment decision. Our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected as a result of any of the following risks. The value of our securities could decline as a result of any of these risks. You could lose all or part of your investment in our securities. Some of the statements in “Item 1A. Risk Factors” are forward-looking statements. The following risk factors are not the only risk factors facing the Company. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also affect our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations.

Summary Risk Factors

Risks Related to Our Business

• Our strategic review process may not be successful or timely.
• Our ability to consummate a strategic transaction depends on our ability to retain our employees required to consummate such transaction.
• We continue, and in the future expect, to incur losses, and we may need substantial additional capital in order to satisfy our business objectives.
• We may be unable to protect our intellectual property rights and we may be liable for infringing the intellectual property rights of others.
• Our success was primarily dependent on the successful commercialization of our oral insulin capsule.
• We have limited experience in conducting clinical trials.
• We can provide no assurance that our products will obtain regulatory approval or that the results of clinical trials will be favorable.
• We may not realize a return on the ordinary shares of DNA and Entera and the common stock of Scilex and BioXcel that we own.
• Because we may from time to time maintain a significant percentage of our assets in cash and/or securities, we may in the future be deemed to be an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940 resulting in additional costs and regulatory burdens.
• We may not realize the full benefit from our distribution license agreement with Medicox.
• The biotechnology and biopharmaceutical industries are characterized by rapid technological developments and a high degree of competition. We may be unable to compete with more substantial enterprises.
• Healthcare policy changes, including pending legislation recently adopted and further proposals still pending to reform the U.S. healthcare system, may harm our future business.
• We face uncertainties related to Oravax’s oral COVID-19 vaccine.

Risks Related to Our Real Estate Investments

Risks Related to the Notes

• We have lent a substantial amount of funds to Scilex. In the event that Scilex is unable to service its obligations under the Note and defaults on such Note, it could have a material adverse effect on our business.
• We may have difficulty realizing the full value of the Warrants.

Risks Related to our Common Stock

• Future sales of our common stock by our existing stockholders could adversely affect our stock price.
• Our failure to maintain compliance with the Nasdaq Capital Market’s continued listing requirements could result in the delisting of our common stock.
• As the market price of our common stock may fluctuate significantly, this may make it difficult for you to sell your shares of common stock when you want or at prices you find attractive.

Risks Related to JV Agreement

• On February 7, 2025, we and HTIT entered into a JV Agreement that amending the original agreement signed on January 22, 2024 or the Supplemental Agreement. If we fail to complete the transactions contemplated under the JV Agreement as supplemented by the Supplemental Agreement with HTIT, if such joint venture is not successful, or if we fail to realize the benefits we anticipate from such joint venture, we may not be able to capitalize on the full market potential of our drug products and technology.
• We may not complete the transactions contemplated by the JV Agreement, as supplemented by the Supplemental Agreement.
• We may not realize the anticipated benefits from the Spin Off, and the Spin Off could harm our business.
• Our business and assets will be less diversified following the Spin Off.

Risks Related to Conducting Business in Israel

• We are affected by the political, economic and military risks of having operations in Israel.
• It may be difficult to enforce a U.S. judgment against us or our officers and directors and to assert U.S. securities laws claims in Israel.

General Risk Factors

• Changes to tax laws could have a negative effect on us or our stockholders.
• Our business and operations would suffer in the event of computer system failures, cyber-attacks or deficiencies in our cyber-security.

Risks Related to Our Business

Our strategic review process may not be successful or timely.

Following the results of the ORA-D-013-1 Phase 3 trial, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of the data to understand if there is a path forward for our oral insulin candidate. We submitted a protocol ORA-D-013-3 titled, “A Double-Blinded, Placebo-controlled, Double Dummy Multi-center Randomized, Phase 3 Study to Evaluate the efficacy and safety in subjects with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus with Inadequate Glycemic Control on One to Three Glucose-lowering Agents” to the FDA on September 12, 2024. We intend to initiate study during 2025. Concurrently, we are examining our existing pipeline and have commenced an evaluation process of potential strategic opportunities, including among others, continuation as a stand-alone business, capital raises, or one or more acquisitions, mergers or business combinations or other strategic transactions. Potential counterparties in a strategic transaction involving us may place minimal or no value on our assets. While we are devoting significant efforts to identify and evaluate potential strategic alternatives, there can be no assurance that this strategic review process will result in us pursuing any transaction or that any transaction, if pursued, will be completed on attractive terms or at all. Additionally, there can be no assurances that any particular course of action, business arrangement or transaction, or series of transactions, will be pursued, successfully consummated, or lead to any stockholder value. Any potential transaction would be dependent on a number of factors that may be beyond our control, including, among other things, market conditions, industry trends, the interest of third parties in a potential transaction with us, obtaining stockholder approval and the availability of financing to third parties in a potential transaction with us on reasonable terms. The process of reviewing alternative strategic paths may be time consuming, may involve the dedication of significant resources and may require us to incur significant costs and expenses. It could negatively impact our ability to attract, retain and motivate employees, and expose us to potential litigation in connection with this process or any resulting transaction. If we are not successful in setting forth a new strategic path for the Company, or if our plans are not executed in a timely fashion, this may cause reputational harm with our stockholders and other stakeholders and the value of our securities may be adversely impacted. In addition, speculation regarding any developments related to the review of strategic alternatives and perceived uncertainties related to the future of the Company could cause our stock price to fluctuate significantly. There can be no guarantee that the process of evaluating alternative strategic paths will result in our entering into or completing potential transactions within the anticipated timing or at all.

If we are successful in completing a strategic transaction, we may be exposed to other operational and financial risks.

Although there can be no assurance that a strategic transaction will result from the process we have undertaken to identify and evaluate strategic alternatives, the negotiation and consummation of any such transaction will require significant time on the part of our management and may disrupt our business. The negotiation and consummation of any such transaction may also require more time or greater cash resources than we anticipate and expose us to other operational and financial risks, including: increased near-term and long-term expenditures; exposure to unknown liabilities; higher than expected acquisition or integration costs; incurrence of substantial debt or dilutive issuances of equity securities to fund future operations; write-downs of assets or goodwill or incurrence of non-recurring, impairment or other charges; increased amortization expenses; impairment of relationships with key suppliers of any acquired business due to changes in management and ownership; inability to retain our key employees; and possibility of future litigation. Any of the above risks could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and prospects.

Our ability to consummate a strategic transaction depends on our ability to retain our employees required to consummate such transaction.

Our ability to consummate a strategic transaction depends upon our ability to retain our employees required to consummate such a transaction, the loss of whose services may adversely impact the ability to consummate such transaction. Our cash conservation activities may yield unintended consequences, such as attrition and reduced employee morale, which may cause remaining employees to seek alternative employment. Our ability to successfully complete a strategic transaction depends in large part on our ability to retain certain of our remaining personnel. If we are unable to successfully retain our remaining personnel, we are at risk of a disruption to our exploration and consummation of a strategic alternative as well as business operations.

We may become involved in securities and stockholder litigation that could divert management’s attention and harm the Company’s business, and insurance coverage may not be sufficient to cover all costs and damages.

In the past, securities and stockholder litigation has often followed certain significant business transactions, such as the sale of a company or announcement of any other strategic transaction, or the announcement of negative events, such as negative results from clinical trials. The market price of our common stock dropped substantially when we announced the results of the ORA-D-013-1 Phase 3 trial. We may be exposed to such litigation even if no wrongdoing occurred. Litigation is usually expensive and diverts management’s attention and resources, which could adversely affect our business and cash resources and our ability to consummate a potential strategic transaction or the ultimate value our stockholders receive in any such transaction.

We continue, and in the future expect, to incur losses.

Successful evaluation and completion of our remaining development programs and our transition to normal operations are dependent upon obtaining necessary regulatory approvals from the FDA prior to selling our products within the United States, and foreign regulatory approvals must be obtained to sell our products internationally. There can be no assurance that we will receive regulatory approval of any of our product candidates, and a substantial amount of time may pass before we achieve a level of revenues adequate to support our operations. We expect to incur substantial expenditures in connection with our research and development programs, our strategic evaluation process, as well as the regulatory approval process with FDA and other agencies for each of our current or future product candidates during their respective developmental periods. Obtaining marketing approval will be directly dependent on our ability to implement the necessary regulatory steps required to obtain marketing approval in the United States and in other countries. We cannot predict the outcome of these activities.

Based on our current cash resources and commitments, we believe we will be able to maintain our current planned activities and the corresponding level of expenditures for at least the next 12 months, although no assurance can be given that we will not need additional funds prior to such time. If there are unexpected increases in our operating expenses, we may need to seek additional financing during the next 12 months.

We may need substantial additional capital in order to satisfy our business objectives.

To date, we have financed our operations principally through offerings of securities and we may require substantial additional financing at various intervals in order to implement any potential strategic alternative, to continue our remaining or potential future research and development programs, including significant requirements for operating expenses including intellectual property protection and enforcement, for pursuit of regulatory approvals, and for commercialization of our remaining or future products. We can provide no assurance that additional funding will be available on a timely basis, on terms acceptable to us, or at all. In the event that we are unable to obtain such financing, we may not be able to implement the actions we decide to take as part of our strategic review process, and we will not be able to fully develop and commercialize our technology or pursue new technology. Our future capital requirements will depend upon many factors, including:

• the results of our strategic review process and any new strategic direction we decide to take;
• continued scientific progress in our research and development programs;
• costs and timing of conducting clinical trials and seeking regulatory approvals and patent prosecutions;
• competing technological and market developments;
• our ability to establish additional collaborative relationships; and
• effects of commercialization activities and facility expansions if and as required.

If we cannot secure adequate financing when needed, we may be required to delay, scale back or eliminate one or more of our existing or planned courses of action or research and development programs, or to enter into license or other arrangements with third parties to commercialize products or technologies that we would otherwise seek to develop ourselves and commercialize ourselves. In such event, our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected as we may be required to scale-back, eliminate, or delay development efforts or product introductions or enter into royalty, sales or other agreements with third parties in order to commercialize our products.

We have a history of losses and can provide no assurance as to our future operating results.

We do not have sufficient revenues from our research and development activities to fully support our operations. Consequently, we have incurred net losses since inception. We currently have only licensing revenues and no product revenues, and may not succeed in developing or commercializing any products which could generate product revenues. We do not expect to have any products on the market for several years. In addition, development of our product candidates requires a process of pre-clinical and clinical testing, during which our products could fail. For example, in January 2023, the ORA-D-013-1 Phase 3 trial did not meet its primary or secondary endpoints. We may not be able to enter into agreements with one or more companies experienced in the manufacturing and marketing of therapeutic drugs and, to the extent that we are unable to do so, we will not be able to market our product candidates. Eventual profitability will depend on our success in developing, manufacturing, and marketing our product candidates or in pursuing a successful strategic alternative. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, we had working capital of approximately $137,536,000 and approximately $109,370,000, respectively, and stockholders’ equity of approximately $146,265,000 and approximately $163,821,000, respectively. See “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”

We rely upon patents to protect our technology.

The patent position of biopharmaceutical and biotechnology firms is generally uncertain and involves complex legal and factual questions. We do not know whether any of our current or future patent applications will result in the issuance of any patents. Even issued patents may be challenged, invalidated or circumvented. Patents may not provide a competitive advantage or afford protection against competitors with similar technology. Competitors or potential competitors may have filed applications for, or may have received patents and may obtain additional and proprietary rights to compounds or processes used by or competitive with ours. In addition, laws of certain foreign countries do not protect intellectual property rights to the same extent as do the laws of the United States.

Patent litigation is widespread in the biopharmaceutical and biotechnology industry and we cannot predict how this will affect our efforts to form strategic alliances, conduct clinical testing or manufacture and market any products under development. If challenged, our patents may not be held valid. We could also become involved in interference proceedings in connection with one or more of our patents or patent applications to determine priority of invention. If we become involved in any litigation, interference or other administrative proceedings, we will likely incur substantial expenses and the efforts of our technical and management personnel will be significantly diverted. In addition, an adverse determination could subject us to significant liabilities or require us to seek licenses that may not be available on favorable terms, if at all. We may be restricted or prevented from manufacturing and selling our products in the event of an adverse determination in a judicial or administrative proceeding or if we fail to obtain necessary licenses.

We may be unable to protect our intellectual property rights and we may be liable for infringing the intellectual property rights of others.

Our ability to compete effectively will depend on our ability to maintain the proprietary nature of our technologies. We currently hold several pending patent applications in the United States, Canada, Brazil, Europe, India, Hong Kong, Japan and China for our technologies covering oral administration of insulin and other proteins and oral administration of exenatide and proteins and 140 patents issued by the United States and various other countries’ patent offices that cover a part of our technology, which allows for the oral delivery of proteins; patents issued by various patent offices that cover part of our technology for the oral delivery of exenatide; and patents issued by patent offices for treating diabetes. Further, we rely on a combination of trade secrets and non-disclosure and other contractual agreements and technical measures to protect our rights in our technology. We depend upon confidentiality agreements with our officers, directors, employees, consultants, and subcontractors, as well as collaborative partners, to maintain the proprietary nature of our technology. These measures may not afford us sufficient or complete protection, and others may independently develop technology similar to ours, otherwise avoid our confidentiality agreements, or produce patents that would materially and adversely affect our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations. We believe that our technology is not subject to any infringement actions based upon the patents of any third parties; however, our technology may in the future be found to infringe upon the rights of others. Others may assert infringement claims against us or against companies to which we have licensed our technology, and if we should be found to infringe upon their patents, or otherwise impermissibly utilize their intellectual property, our ability to continue to use our technology could be materially restricted or prohibited. If this event occurs, we may be required to obtain licenses from the holders of this intellectual property, enter into royalty agreements, or redesign our products so as not to utilize this intellectual property, each of which may prove to be uneconomical or otherwise impossible. Licenses or royalty agreements required in order for us to use this technology may not be available on terms acceptable to us, or at all. These claims could result in litigation, which could materially adversely affect our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations. Further, we may need to indemnify companies to which we licensed our technology in the event that such technology is found to infringe upon the rights of others.

Our commercial success will also depend significantly on our ability to operate without infringing the patents and other proprietary rights of third parties. Patent applications are, in many cases, maintained in secrecy until patents are issued. The publication of discoveries in the scientific or patent literature frequently occurs substantially later than the date on which the underlying discoveries were made and patent applications are filed. In the event of infringement or violation of another party’s patent, we may be prevented from pursuing product development or commercialization. See “Item 1. Business—Description of Business— Intellectual Property and Patents.”

Our success was primarily dependent on the successful commercialization of our oral insulin capsule.

The successful commercialization of our principal product, the oral insulin capsule, was crucial for our success. On January 12, 2023, we announced top-line results from the phase 3 trial of our oral insulin capsule, which did not meet its primary or secondary endpoints, and indicated that we expect to discontinue oral insulin clinical activities for T2D. At present, following the results of the ORA-D-013-1 Phase 3 trial, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of the data and found that subpopulations of patients with pooled specific parameters responded well to oral insulin. Based on this analysis, we submitted a protocol for a new Phase 3 clinical trial to the FDA. . Concurrently, we are examining our existing pipeline and have commenced an evaluation process of potential strategic opportunities. Even if we succeed in commencing a new clinical trial for our oral insulin capsule, there are a variety of risks and uncertainties related to its development. Principally, these risks include the following:

• Future clinical trial results may show the same results as the ORA-D-013-1 Phase 3 trial;
• Future clinical trial results may be inconsistent with previous preliminary testing results and data from our earlier trials may be inconsistent with clinical data;
• Even if our oral insulin capsule is shown to be safe and effective for its intended purposes in future clinical trials, we may face significant or unforeseen difficulties in obtaining or manufacturing sufficient quantities or at reasonable prices;
• Our ability to complete the development and commercialization of the oral insulin capsule for our intended use is significantly dependent upon our ability to obtain and maintain experienced and committed partners to assist us with obtaining clinical and regulatory approvals for, and the manufacturing, marketing and distribution of, the oral insulin capsule on a worldwide basis;
• Even if our oral insulin capsule is successfully developed, commercially produced and receives all necessary regulatory approvals, there is no guarantee that there will be market acceptance of our product; and
• Our competitors may develop therapeutics or other treatments which are superior or less costly than our own with the result that our products, even if they are successfully developed, manufactured and approved, may not generate significant revenues.

Our business may be seriously harmed if our analysis does not produce positive results, if we are unable to find a path forward to continue development of our oral insulin capsule, if we are unsuccessful in realizing new strategic opportunities or dealing with any of these risks, or if we are unable to successfully commercialize our oral insulin capsule for some other reason.

We have limited experience in conducting clinical trials.

Clinical trials must meet FDA and foreign regulatory requirements. We have limited experience in designing, conducting and managing the preclinical trials and clinical trials necessary to obtain regulatory approval for our product candidates in any country. In the past, we entered into agreements with Integrium LLC and other consultants to assist us in designing, conducting and managing our various clinical trials in the United States, Europe and Israel. Any failure of a consultant to fulfill their obligations could result in significant additional costs as well as delays in designing, consulting and completing clinical trials on our products.

Our clinical trials may encounter delays, suspensions or other problems.

We may encounter problems in clinical trials that may cause us or the FDA or foreign regulatory agencies to delay, suspend or terminate our clinical trials at any phase. These problems could include the possibility that we may not be able to conduct clinical trials at our preferred sites, enroll a sufficient number of patients for our clinical trials at one or more sites or begin or successfully complete clinical trials in a timely fashion, if at all. For example, the rate of enrollment for our Phase 1 clinical trial for our oral COVID-19 vaccine in South Africa was slower than anticipated due to several factors, including the fact that many volunteers did not qualify during screening due to prior asymptomatic COVID-19 infection and other conditions, and as a result we had to add an additional clinical site. Furthermore, we, the FDA or foreign regulatory agencies may suspend clinical trials at any time if we or they believe the subjects participating in the trials are being exposed to unacceptable health risks or if we or they find deficiencies in the clinical trial process or conduct of the investigation. If clinical trials of any of the product candidates fail, we will not be able to market the product candidate which is the subject of the failed clinical trials. The FDA and foreign regulatory agencies could also require additional clinical trials, which would result in increased costs and significant development delays. Our failure to adequately demonstrate the safety and effectiveness of a pharmaceutical product candidate under development could delay or prevent regulatory approval of the product candidate and could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations. For example, see “Item 1. Business—Description of Business— Research and Development” regarding the results of the ORA-D-013-1 Phase 3 trial that did not meet its primary or secondary endpoints. Finally, the COVID-19 pandemic impacted clinical trials generally in recent years, and we experienced approximately six months of delays in clinical trials due to slow-downs of recruitment for trials generally related to COVID-19. We may experience further delays in site initiation and patient enrollment, failures to comply with study protocols, delays in the manufacture of our product candidates for clinical testing and other difficulties in starting or competing our clinical trials.

Initial success in the completed and ongoing early-stage clinical trials does not ensure success in later stage trials, regulatory approval or commercial viability of a product.

Positive results in a clinical trial may not be replicated in subsequent or confirmatory trials. Additionally, success in preclinical work or early stage clinical trials does not ensure that later stage or larger scale clinical trials will be successful or that regulatory approval will be obtained. Any of our product’s failure to show sufficient efficacy in patients with the targeted indication, or if such studies are discontinued for any other reason, could negatively impact our development and commercialization goals for these products and our stock price could decline. Many companies in the biopharmaceutical industry have suffered significant setbacks in advanced clinical trials due to lack of efficacy or adverse safety profiles, notwithstanding promising results in earlier trials. As a result, preliminary and interim data should be viewed with caution until the final data are available. We have invested in clinical studies of medicines that have not met the primary clinical endpoints in their Phase 3 studies or have been discontinued for other reasons. For example, in January 2023, we reported that ORA-D-013-1 trial did not meet its primary or secondary endpoint. Even if later stage clinical trials are successful, regulatory authorities may delay or decline approval of our product candidates.

There are a number of factors that could cause a clinical study to fail or be delayed, including: (i) the clinical study may produce negative or inconclusive results; (ii) regulators may require that we hold, suspend or terminate clinical research for noncompliance with regulatory requirements; (iii) we, our partners, the FDA or foreign regulatory authorities could suspend or terminate a clinical study due to adverse side effects of a product on subjects or lack of efficacy in the trial; (iv) we, or our partners, may decide, or regulators may require us, to conduct additional preclinical testing or clinical studies; (v) change in rates of enrollment and dropout among clinical trial participants; (vi) differences in the size and type of the patient populations; (vii) changes in and adherence to the dosing regimen and other clinical trial protocols; and (viii) people who enroll in the clinical study may later drop out due to adverse events, a perception they are not benefiting from participating in the study, fatigue with the clinical study process or personal or other issues. The occurrence of any of these events could result in significant costs and expense, have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations and/or cause our stock price to decline or experience periods of volatility.

Clinical trials of our products conducted by third parties may encounter delays, suspensions or other problems and are outside of our control.

Third parties who conduct clinical trials of our products may encounter problems that may cause delays, suspensions or other problems at any phase. These problems could include the possibility that they may not be able to conduct clinical trials at their preferred sites, enroll a sufficient number of patients for their clinical trials at one or more sites or begin or successfully complete clinical trials in a timely fashion, if at all. For example, the rate of enrollment for our Phase 1 clinical trial for our oral COVID-19 vaccine in South Africa was slower than anticipated due to several factors, including the fact that many volunteers did not qualify during screening due to prior asymptomatic COVID-19 infection and other conditions, and as a result we had to add an additional clinical site. In addition, these third parties are not controlled by us and may conduct these trials in a manner in which we disagree or which may prove to be unsuccessful. Furthermore, domestic or foreign regulatory agencies may suspend clinical trials at any time if they believe the subjects participating in the trials are being exposed to unacceptable health risks or if they find deficiencies in the clinical trial process or conduct of the investigation. If such clinical trials conducted by third parties fail, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations.

We can provide no assurance that our products will obtain regulatory approval or that the results of clinical trials will be favorable.

The testing, marketing and manufacturing of any of our products will require the approval of the FDA or regulatory agencies of other countries. We cannot predict with any certainty the amount of time necessary to obtain regulatory approvals, including from the FDA or other foreign regulatory authorities, and whether any such approvals will ultimately be granted. In any event, review and approval by the regulatory bodies is anticipated to take a number of years. Preclinical and clinical trials may reveal that one or more of our products are ineffective or unsafe, in which event further development of such products could be seriously delayed or terminated. For example, in January 2023, we announced that our ORA-D-013-1 Phase 3 trial did not meet its primary or secondary endpoints. As a result, we decided to terminate our ORA-D-013-2 Phase 3 trial, conducted a comprehensive analysis of the data and found that subpopulations of patients with pooled specific parameters, responded well to oral insulin. Based on this analysis, we submitted a protocol for a new Phase 3 clinical trial to the FDA. Moreover, obtaining approval for certain products may require the testing on human subjects of substances whose effects on humans are not fully understood or documented. Delays in obtaining necessary regulatory approvals of any proposed product and failure to receive such approvals would have an adverse effect on the product’s potential commercial success and on our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, it is possible that a product may be found to be ineffective or unsafe due to conditions or facts which arise after development has been completed and regulatory approvals have been obtained. In this event we may be required to withdraw such product from the market. See “Item 1. Business—Description of Business—Government Regulation.”

We are dependent upon third party suppliers of our raw materials and for other services.

We are dependent on outside vendors for our entire supply of the oral insulin capsules and do not currently have any long-term agreements in place for the supply of oral insulin capsules, which is still necessary if we decide to continue development of these projects. While we believe that there are numerous sources of supply available, if the third party suppliers were to cease production, or otherwise fail to supply us with quality raw materials in sufficient quantities on a timely basis and we were unable to contract on acceptable terms for these services with alternative suppliers, our ability to produce our products and to conduct testing and clinical trials would be materially adversely affected.

We rely on suppliers, vendors, outsourcing partners, alliance partners and other third parties to research, develop, manufacture, commercialize, co-promote and sell our products, manage certain marketing, IT, data and other business unit and functional services and meet their contractual, regulatory and other obligations. Using these third parties poses a number of risks, such as: (i) they may not perform to our standards or legal requirements, for example, in relation to the outsourcing of significant clinical development activities for innovative medicines to some CROs; (ii) they may not produce reliable products; (iii) they may not perform in a timely manner; (iv) they may not maintain confidentiality of our proprietary information; (v) they may incur a significant cyberattack or business disruption; (vi) they may be subject to government orders or mandates that require them to give priority to the government and set aside pre-existing commercial orders; (vii) disputes may arise with respect to ownership of rights to technology developed with our partners; and (viii) disagreements could cause delays in, or termination of, the research, development or commercialization of the product or result in litigation or arbitration. The failure of any critical third party to meet its obligations; to adequately deploy business continuity plans in the event of a crisis; and/or to satisfactorily resolve significant disagreements with us or address other factors, could have a material adverse impact on our operations and results. In addition, if these third parties violate, or are alleged to have violated, any laws or regulations, including the local pharmaceutical code, the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practice Act of 1977, the U.K. Bribery Act of 2010, the EU’s General Data Protection Regulations, and other similar laws and regulations, during the performance of their obligations for us, we could suffer financial and reputational harm or other negative outcomes, including possible legal consequences.

We may not realize a return on the ordinary shares of DNA and Entera and the common stock of Scilex and BioXcel that we own.

DNA’s ordinary shares are traded on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange and Entera’s ordinary shares and Scilex’s and BioXcel’s common stock are traded on the Nasdaq Stock Market, which are subject to market fluctuations. In addition, the shares of Scilex, DNA and Entera have historically experienced low trading volume compared to the level of shares we hold. As a result, there is no guarantee that we will be able to resell those shares at the prevailing market prices or that we will realize a positive return on such shares.

Because we may from time to time maintain a significant percentage of our assets in cash and/or securities, we may in the future be deemed to be an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940 resulting in additional costs and regulatory burdens.

Currently, we believe that either we are not within the definition of “Investment Company” as the term is defined under the Investment Company Act of 1940, or the 1940 Act, or, alternatively, we may rely on one or more of the 1940 Act’s exemptions. As of December 31, 2024, we held approximately 1.4% of DNA’s outstanding ordinary shares, approximately 0.3% of Entera’s outstanding ordinary shares, and beneficially own approximately 15.7% of BioXcel’s outstanding common stock. Further, we hold the Tranche A Note and Tranche B Note and in consideration of deferring Scilex’s first amortization payment under the Tranche B Note to October 8, 2026, we received, in addition to a nominal payment, 2,500,000 shares of Scilex Common Stock. We have also investments in real estate and real estate lending transactions as described elsewhere in this Annual Report. In order not to be regulated as an investment company under the 1940 Act, unless we can qualify for an exclusion, we must ensure that we are engaged primarily in a business other than investing, reinvesting or trading in securities and that our activities do not include investing, reinvesting, owning, holding or trading “investment securities” constituting more than 40% of our total assets (exclusive of U.S. government securities and cash items) on an unconsolidated basis. We intend to continue to conduct our operations and ongoing investments into DNA, BioXcel, Entera and Scilex and our real estate transaction in a manner that will exempt us from the registration requirements of the 1940 Act. If we were to be deemed to be an investment company because of our investments, we would be required to register as an investment company under the 1940 Act. Alternatively, to continue qualifying for the exemption, we could be required to dispose of the securities holdings or other investments, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. The 1940 Act places significant restrictions on the capital structure and corporate governance of a registered investment company and materially restricts its ability to conduct transactions with affiliates. Compliance with the 1940 Act could also increase our operating costs. Such changes could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

We may not realize the full benefit from our distribution license agreement with Medicox.

Our distribution license agreement with Medicox provides that Medicox will comply with agreed distribution targets and will purchase ORMD-0801 at an agreed upon transfer price per capsule and pay us up to $15,000,000 in developmental milestones, $2,000,000 of which have already been received by us. If we are not successful in finding a mutually agreed way to continue our collaboration following the results of the ORA-D-013-1 Phase 3 trial, or if Medicox is not successful in independently advancing the oral insulin candidate, we may not realize the benefits from this collaboration.

We are highly dependent upon our ability to enter into agreements with collaborative partners to develop, commercialize and market our products.

Our long-term strategy is to ultimately seek a strategic commercial partner, or partners, such as large pharmaceutical companies, with extensive experience in the development, commercialization, and marketing of insulin applications and/or other orally digestible drugs. Such planned strategic partnership, or partnerships, may provide a marketing and sales infrastructure for our products as well as financial and operational support for global clinical trials, post marketing trials, label expansions and other regulatory requirements concerning future clinical development in the United States and elsewhere. We currently lack the resources to manufacture any of our product candidates on a large scale and we have no sales, marketing or distribution capabilities. In the event we are not able to enter into a collaborative agreement with a partner, or partners, on commercially reasonable terms, or at all, we may be unable to commercialize our products, which would have a material adverse effect upon our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations.

The biotechnology and biopharmaceutical industries are characterized by rapid technological developments and a high degree of competition. We may be unable to compete with more substantial enterprises.

The biotechnology and biopharmaceutical industries are characterized by rapid technological developments and a high degree of competition. As a result, our products could become obsolete before we recoup any portion of our related research and development and commercialization expenses. These industries are highly competitive, and this competition comes both from biotechnology firms and from major pharmaceutical and chemical companies. Many of these companies have substantially greater financial, marketing and human resources than we do (including, in some cases, substantially greater experience in clinical testing, manufacturing and marketing of pharmaceutical products). We also experience competition in the development of our products from universities and other research institutions and compete with others in acquiring technology from such universities and institutions. We face the risk that new market entrants and existing competition may try to replicate our business model or introduce a more innovative offering that renders our services less competitive or obsolete. In addition, our research and development efforts may target diseases and conditions for which there are existing therapies or therapies that are being developed by our competitors. Further, any products resulting from our research and development efforts might not be able to compete successfully with others’ existing and future products. See “Item 1. Business—Description of Business—Competition.”

Our financial position or results could be negatively affected by product liability claims.

It is possible that we will be responsible for potential product liability stemming from product research, development or manufacturing and may face an even greater risk if any product candidate that we develop is commercialized. If we cannot successfully defend ourselves against claims that products we develop independently or with our partners caused injuries, we could incur substantial liabilities. Regardless of the merit or eventual outcome of such claims, any liability claims may result in, among other things, decreased demand for any product that we may develop, loss of revenues, significant time and costs to defend the related litigation, initiation of investigations by regulators and injury to our reputation and significant negative media attention. On occasion, large judgments have been awarded in class action lawsuits based on drugs or medical treatments that had unanticipated adverse effects. Our clinical trials are covered by liability insurance, but notwithstanding such coverage, our financial position or results could be negatively affected by product liability claims.

We have limited senior management resources and may be required to obtain more resources to manage our growth.

We expect the expansion of our business, as well as the activities we take as a result of our strategic review process, to place a significant strain on our limited managerial, operational and financial resources. We will be required to expand our operational and financial systems significantly and to expand, train and manage our work force in order to manage the expansion of our operations. Our failure to fully integrate our new employees into our operations could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations. Our ability to attract and retain highly skilled personnel is critical to our operations and expansion. We face competition for these types of personnel from other technology companies and more established organizations, many of which have significantly larger operations and greater financial, technical, human and other resources than we have. We may not be successful in attracting and retaining qualified personnel on a timely basis, on competitive terms or at all. If we are not successful in attracting and retaining these personnel, our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations will be materially adversely affected. See “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” “Item 1. Business—Description of Business—Employees.”

We depend upon our senior management and skilled personnel and their loss or unavailability could put us at a competitive disadvantage.

We currently depend upon the efforts and abilities of our senior executives, as well as the services of several key consultants and other key personnel, including Dr. Miriam Kidron, our Chief Scientific Officer. The loss or unavailability of the services of any of these individuals for any significant period of time could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations. We do not maintain “key man” life insurance policies for any of our senior executives. In addition, recruiting and retaining qualified scientific personnel to perform future research and development work will be critical to our success. There is currently a shortage of employees with expertise in developing, manufacturing and commercialization of products and related clinical and regulatory affairs, and this shortage is likely to continue. Competition for skilled personnel is intense and turnover rates are high. Our ability to attract and retain qualified personnel may be limited. Our inability to attract and retain qualified skilled personnel would have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations.

Our existing and any future joint ventures may limit our flexibility with jointly owned investments and we may not realize the benefits we expect from these arrangements.

We are currently party to certain joint ventures, and we may in the future sell or contribute additional assets or acquire, develop or recapitalize assets to or in these joint ventures or other joint ventures that we may enter.

Our participation in our existing joint ventures is subject to risks, including the following:

• We share approval rights over certain major decisions affecting the ownership or operation of the joint ventures and any assets owned by the joint ventures;
• We may need to contribute additional capital in order to preserve, maintain or grow the joint ventures and their investments;
• Our joint venture investors may have economic or other business interests or goals that are inconsistent with our business interests or goals and that could affect our ability to fully benefit from the assets owned by the joint ventures;
• Our joint venture investors may be subject to different laws or regulations than us, which could create conflicts of interest;
• Our joint ventures may have license and other agreements with other investors, which we are not party to and have no control over;
• Our ability to sell our interests in, or sell additional assets to, the joint ventures or the joint ventures’ ability to sell additional interests of, or assets owned by, the joint ventures when we so desire are subject to the approval rights of the other joint venture investors under the terms of the agreements governing the joint ventures; and
• Disagreements with our joint venture investors could result in litigation or arbitration that could be expensive and distracting to management and could delay important decisions.

Any of the foregoing risks could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Further, these, similar, enhanced or additional risks, including possible risks of the other joint venture investors having licensed assets to the joint venture, may apply to any future additional or amended joint ventures that we may enter into.

Healthcare policy changes, including pending legislation recently adopted and further proposals still pending to reform the U.S. healthcare system, may harm our future business.

Healthcare costs have risen significantly over the past decade. There have been and continue to be proposals by legislators, regulators and third-party payors to keep these costs down. Certain proposals, if passed, would impose limitations on the prices we will be able to charge for the products that we are developing, or the amounts of reimbursement available for these products from governmental agencies or third-party payors. These limitations could in turn reduce the amount of revenues that we will be able to generate in the future from sales of our products and licenses of our technology.

In 2010, the federal government enacted healthcare reform legislation that has significantly impacted the pharmaceutical industry. In addition to requiring most individuals to have health insurance and establishing new regulations on health plans, this legislation requires discounts under the Medicare drug benefit program and increased rebates on drugs covered by Medicaid. In addition, the legislation imposes an annual fee, which has increased annually, on sales by branded pharmaceutical manufacturers. There can be no assurance that our business will not be materially adversely affected by these increased rebates, fees and other provisions. In addition, these and other initiatives in the United States may continue the pressure on drug pricing, especially under the Medicare and Medicaid programs, and may also increase regulatory burdens and operating costs. The announcement or adoption of any such initiative could have an adverse effect on potential revenues from any product that we may successfully develop. An expansion in government’s role in the U.S. healthcare industry may lower the future revenues for the products we are developing and adversely affect our future business, possibly materially.

In September 2017, members of the U.S. Congress introduced legislation with the announced intention to repeal and replace major provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, or the ACA. In addition to those efforts, on October 12, 2017, an executive order was issued that modified certain aspects of the ACA. Following several years of litigation in the federal courts, in June 2021, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the ACA when it dismissed a legal challenge to the ACA’s constitutionality. Further attempts to repeal or to repeal and replace the ACA may continue. In addition, various other healthcare reform proposals have also emerged at the federal and state level. We cannot predict what healthcare initiatives, if any, will be implemented at the federal or state level, or the effect any future legislation or regulation will have on us.

We are exposed to fluctuations in currency exchange rates.

A considerable amount of our expenses are generated in dollars or in dollar-linked currencies, but a significant portion of our expenses such as some clinical trials and payroll costs are generated in other currencies such as NIS and Euro. Most of the time, our non-dollar assets are not totally offset by non-dollar liabilities. Due to the foregoing and to the fact that our financial results are measured in dollars, our results could be adversely affected as a result of a strengthening or weakening of the dollar compared to these other currencies. During the years ended December 31, 2019, 2020 and 2021, the dollar depreciated in relation to the NIS, which raised the dollar cost of our Israeli based operations and adversely affected our financial results, while during the year ended December 31, 2022, 2023 and 2024, the dollar increased in relation to the NIS, which reduced the dollar cost of our Israeli based operations costs. In addition, our results could also be adversely affected if we are unable to guard against currency fluctuations in the future. Although we may in the future decide to undertake foreign exchange hedging transactions to cover a portion of our foreign currency exchange exposure, we currently do not hedge our exposure to foreign currency exchange risks. These transactions, however, may not adequately protect us from future currency fluctuations and, even if they do protect us, may involve operational or financing costs we would not otherwise incur.

We face uncertainties related to Oravax’s oral COVID-19 vaccine.

We face uncertainties related to Oravax’s oral COVID-19 vaccine, including uncertainties related to the risk that our continued development programs may not be successful, commercially viable or receive approval from regulatory authorities. Other companies may produce superior or competitive oral or other products that make Oravax’s oral COVID-19 vaccine not commercially worthwhile. Even if we succeed in developing the product, the demand for any product we may develop may no longer exist, given the fluid nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, including possible decreased demand for vaccines due to weaker strains, the need for different vaccines for new variants of the virus or an end of the pandemic that may render Oravax’s vaccine obsolete.

Risks Related to Our Real Estate Investments

Our investments in real estate may expose us to market and liquidity risks that could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. On November 7, 2024, our Board approved investments of up to $10,000,000 in real estate assets, and additional investments of up to $20,000,000 On February 13, 2025. While we believe these investments present attractive opportunities, the real estate market is subject to fluctuations due to economic conditions, interest rate changes, and other external factors beyond our control. A downturn in the real estate market or an extended period of declining property values could negatively impact the returns on our investments. Additionally, real estate investments tend to be relatively illiquid, which may limit our ability to quickly exit or reallocate capital in response to market changes. Since our approach focuses on entrepreneurial real estate investments rather than direct property ownership or management, we are also exposed to risks associated with deal execution, market timing, and the financial health of investment partners or counterparties. If any of these risks materialize, they could adversely affect our financial position and ability to generate anticipated returns.

Risks Related to the Notes

We have lent a substantial amount of funds to Scilex. In the event that Scilex is unable to service its obligations under the Note and defaults on such Note, it could have a material adverse effect on our business.

On September 21, 2023, we were issued the Tranche A Note in an aggregate principal amount of $101,875,000 by Scilex pursuant to the Scilex SPA. The Note originally matured on March 21, 2025 and is payable in six principal installments, with the first installment paid on December 21, 2023. In January 2025, we extended Tranche A Note maturity from March 21, 2025 to December 31, 2025. Interest under the Note accrues at a fluctuating per annum interest rate equal to the sum of (1) the greater of (x) four percent (4%) and (y) Term SOFR (as defined in the Note) and (2) eight and one half percent (8.5%), payable in-kind on a monthly basis.

On October 7, 2024, we entered into an agreement to refinance a portion of the Tranche A Note and pay off certain other indebtedness of Scilex. We were issued an aggregate principal amount of $25,000,000 under the Tranche B Note and 3,750,000 Tranche B Warrants. In addition, on October 8, 2024, we entered into the RPA with Scilex to holds the right to receive 4% royalties.

There is no guarantee that Scilex will be able to service its repayment obligations under the Note. Although the Note is secured by a first priority security interest in and liens on all of the assets of Scilex and its subsidiaries, no assurance can be made that Scilex will be able to repay the Tranche A Note and Tranche B Notes, or the Notes, when due or that we will be able to foreclose on such assets and recover enough value upon the sale of such assets to repay the amounts owed to us. In such an event, we could lose all or a substantial portion of our loan investment. Additionally, Scilex has disclosed in its periodic reports filed with the SEC that there is substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern. If Scilex is unable to continue as a going concern or defaults on the Notes, we may be unable to recover some or all of the principal amount of the Note, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We may have difficulty realizing the full value of the Warrants.

The Closing Penny Warrant will be exercisable upon the earliest of (i) March 14, 2025, (ii) the date on which the Note has been repaid in full, and (iii) the Management Sale Trigger Date (as defined therein), if any, and will expire on the date that is the fifth anniversary of the issuance date. For purposes of the Penny Warrants, the Management Sale Trigger Date is generally the first date that certain members of Scilex management engage in certain sales or other similar transfers of shares of Scilex Common Stock or other of Scilex’s or any of its subsidiaries’ securities, subject to certain exceptions as are customary for lock-up agreements executed by directors and officers in connection with financings or similar transactions.

The Subsequent Penny Warrants will vest and become exercisable on the date that is the later of (i) Subsequent Penny Warrant Vesting Date, and (ii) the earliest of (A) March 14, 2025, (B) the date on which the Note has been repaid in full and (C) the Management Sale Trigger Date, if any. Each Subsequent Penny Warrant will expire on the date that is the fifth anniversary of the issuance date; provided that, if the Notes are repaid in full prior to the Subsequent Penny Warrant Vesting Date applicable to such Subsequent Penny Warrant, such Subsequent Penny Warrant will expire on the date the Notes are repaid in full.

Because of the foregoing restrictions on exercisability of the Closing Penny Warrant and the Subsequent Penny Warrants, we may not be able to exercise the Warrants for shares of Scilex Common Stock at a time when it would be financially beneficial for us to do so. Accordingly, there is no guarantee that we will be able to realize the full or any value of the Warrants.

Risks Related to our Common Stock

Future sales of our common stock by our existing stockholders could adversely affect our stock price.

The market price of our common stock could decline as a result of sales of a large number of shares of our common stock in the market, or the perception that these sales could occur. We experienced a significant decline in the market price of our common stock and a significant increase in trading volume after announcing the results of our ORA-D-013-1 Phase 3 trial in January 2023. Any strategic decision we make as a result of our strategic review process may also negatively affect our common stock price or cause volatility in the market price of our common stock. Sales of large amounts of our securities or large variations in trading volume might make it more difficult for us to sell equity securities in the future at a time and at a price that we deem appropriate. As of March 27, 2025, we had outstanding 40,850,455 shares of common stock, a large majority of which are freely tradable. Giving effect to the exercise in full of all of our outstanding warrants, options and restricted stock units, or RSUs, including those currently unexercisable or unvested, we would have outstanding 44,599,618 shares of common stock.

Our issuance of warrants, options and RSUs to investors, employees and consultants may have a negative effect on the trading prices of our common stock as well as a dilutive effect.

We have issued and may continue to issue warrants, options, RSUs and convertible notes at, above or below the current market price. As of March 27, 2025, we had outstanding warrants exercisable for 20,000 shares of common stock at a weighed average exercise price of $4.13 and options exercisable for 1,548,633 shares of common stock at a weighted average exercise price of $7.09. We also had outstanding RSUs for 589,781 shares of common stock. In addition to the dilutive effect of a large number of shares of common stock and a low exercise price for the warrants and options, there is a potential that a large number of underlying shares of common stock may be sold in the open market at any given time, which could place downward pressure on the trading of our common stock.

Because we will not pay cash dividends in the foreseeable future, investors may have to sell shares of our common stock in order to realize their investment.

We have not paid any cash dividends on our common stock and do not intend to pay cash dividends in the foreseeable future. We intend to retain future earnings, if any, for reinvestment in the development and expansion of our business. Any credit agreements which we may enter into with institutional lenders or otherwise may restrict our ability to pay dividends. Whether we pay cash dividends in the future will be at the discretion of our Board and will be dependent upon our financial condition, results of operations, capital requirements and any other factors that our Board decides is relevant.

Our failure to maintain compliance with the Nasdaq Capital Market’s continued listing requirements could result in the delisting of our common stock.

Our common stock is currently listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market. In order to maintain this listing, we must satisfy minimum financial and other requirements. Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(a)(2) requires the minimum bid price of our common stock on the Nasdaq Capital Market to remain above $1.00. If the bid price of our common stock closes below $1.00 per share for 30 consecutive business days, we would be in violation of Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(a)(2). In accordance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5810(c)(3)(A), we would have 180 calendar days to regain compliance with the minimum bid requirement.

While we intend to engage in efforts to maintain compliance, and thus maintain our listing, there can be no assurance that we will continue to meet all applicable Nasdaq Capital Market requirements in the future, especially in light of any strategic transaction we may choose to undertake. If our common stock were removed from listing with the Nasdaq Capital Market, it may be subject to the so-called “penny stock” rules. The SEC has adopted regulations that define a “penny stock” to be any equity security that has a market price per share of less than $5.00, subject to certain exceptions, such as any securities listed on a national securities exchange, which is the exception on which we currently rely. For any transaction involving a “penny stock,” unless exempt, the rules impose additional sales practice requirements on broker-dealers, subject to certain exceptions. If our common stock were delisted and determined to be a “penny stock,” a broker-dealer may find it more difficult to trade our common stock and an investor may find it more difficult to acquire or dispose of our common stock on the secondary market.

If our common stock is delisted and there is no longer an active trading market for our shares, it may, among other things: cause stockholders difficulty in selling our shares without depressing the market price for the shares or selling our shares at all; substantially impair our ability to raise additional funds; result in a loss of institutional investor interest and fewer financing opportunities for us; and/or result in costly litigation, significant liabilities and diversion of our management’s time and attention and could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, business and results of operations.

A delisting would also reduce the value of our equity compensation plans, which could negatively impact our ability to retain employees.

As the market price of our common stock may fluctuate significantly, this may make it difficult for you to sell your shares of common stock when you want or at prices you find attractive.

The price of our common stock is currently listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market and on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange and constantly changes. In recent years, the stock market in general has experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations. We expect that the market price of our common stock will continue to fluctuate. These fluctuations may result from a variety of factors, many of which are beyond our control. For example, we experienced a significant decline in the market price of our common stock after announcing the results of our ORA-D-013-1 Phase 3 trial in January 2023. These factors include:

• market acceptance of our new strategy, once determined and announced;
• clinical trial results and the timing of the release of such results;
• the amount of cash resources and our ability to obtain additional funding;
• announcements of research activities, business developments, technological innovations or new products by us or our competitors;
• entering into or terminating strategic relationships;
• changes in government regulation;
• departure of key personnel;
• disputes concerning patents or proprietary rights;
• changes in expense level;
• future sales of our equity or equity-related securities;
• public concern regarding the safety, efficacy or other aspects of the products or methodologies being developed;
• activities of various interest groups or organizations;
• media coverage; and
• status of the investment markets.

Future sales of common stock or the issuance of securities senior to our common stock or convertible into, or exchangeable or exercisable for, our common stock could materially adversely affect the trading price of our common stock, and our ability to raise funds in new equity offerings.

Future sales of substantial amounts of our common stock, including pursuant to any strategic opportunity, the ATM Agreement (as defined below), or other equity-related securities in the public market or privately, or the perception that such sales could occur, could adversely affect prevailing trading prices of our common stock and could impair our ability to raise capital through future offerings of equity or other equity-related securities. We anticipate that we will need to raise capital through offerings of equity and equity related securities. We can make no prediction as to the effect, if any, that future sales of shares of our common stock or equity-related securities, or the availability of shares of common stock for future sale, will have on the trading price of our common stock.

Our stockholders may experience significant dilution as a result of any additional financing using our equity securities.

To the extent that we raise additional funds by issuing equity securities, including in connection with any strategic opportunity or pursuant to the ATM Agreement, our stockholders may experience significant dilution. Additionally, we may, from time to time or in connection with a strategic alternative, issue additional shares of common stock at a discount from the current trading price of our common stock. As a result, our stockholders would experience immediate dilution upon the purchase of any shares of our common stock sold at such discount. In addition, as opportunities present themselves, we may enter into financing or similar arrangements in the future, including the issuance of convertible debt securities, preferred stock or common stock. If we issue common stock or securities convertible into common stock, our common stockholders would experience additional dilution and, as a result, our stock price may decline.

Risks Related to JV Agreement

If we fail to complete the transactions contemplated under the JV Agreement as supplemented by the Supplemental Agreement with HTIT , if such joint venture is not successful, or if we fail to realize the benefits we anticipate from such joint venture, we may not be able to capitalize on the full market potential of our drug products and technology.

In joint ventures, we share ownership and management of a company with one or more parties who may not have the same goals, strategies, priorities, business incentives or resources as we do and may compete with us outside the joint venture. Joint ventures are intended to be operated for the benefit of all co-owners, rather than for our exclusive benefit. Operating a business as a joint venture often requires additional organizational formalities as well as time-consuming procedures for sharing information and making decisions that must further take into consideration our partners’ interests. In joint ventures, we are required to foster our relationships with our co-owners as well as promote the overall success of the joint venture, and if a co-owner changes, relationships deteriorate or strategic objectives diverge, our success in the joint venture may be materially adversely affected. Further, because most of the benefits from a successful joint venture are shared among the co-owners, we do not receive all the benefits from our successful joint ventures.

In addition, because we share ownership and management with one or more parties, we may have limited control over the actions of a joint venture, particularly when we own a minority interest. As a result, we may be unable to prevent violations of applicable laws or other misconduct by a joint venture, adverse human rights or other impacts or the failure to satisfy contractual obligations by one or more parties. Moreover, a joint venture may not be subject to the same financial reporting, corporate governance or compliance approaches that we follow. To the extent another party makes decisions that negatively impact the joint venture or internal control issues arise within the joint venture, we may have to take responsive actions, or we may be subject to penalties, fines or other punitive actions or suffer reputational harm for these activities.

The consummation of the transactions contemplated by the JV Agreement, as supplemented by the Supplemental Agreement, is subject to the satisfaction or waiver of certain other closing conditions.

If we do not successfully complete the closing conditions, this may harm our ability to complete the transactions contemplated by the JV Agreement, as supplemented by the Supplemental Agreement, as well as additional clinical trials and marketing of our oral insulin candidate. In addition, this may cause irreparable harm to our financial position and business operations.

Furthermore, there can be no assurances that OraTech will receive the necessary regulatory approvals for the Phase 3 oral insulin trial in the United States or that our drug products and our technology will be developed and commercialized successfully. In addition, OraTech will subject us to a number of risks including risks relating to the lack of full control of OraTech, potential disagreements with HTIT about how to manage OraTech that may result in the delay or termination of the commercialization of our products or product candidates or that result in costly litigation or arbitration that diverts management attention and resources, conflicting interests of OraTech, and OraTech and its business not being profitable.

While we believe that our board representation, voting rights and other contractual rights with respect to OraTech will serve to mitigate some of these risks, we may have disagreements with the other directors and HTIT that could impair our ability to influence OraTech to act in a manner that we believe is in the best interest of us.

We may not complete the transactions contemplated by the JV Agreement, as supplemented by the Supplemental Agreement.

Pursuant to the Supplemental Agreement, the Initial Closing will be April 30, 2025. Subject to the completion and satisfaction of applicable closing conditions, the Second Closing shall occur on a date specified in the applicable closing notice, which such date shall be no later than the fifth business day after the satisfaction or waiver of the applicable closing conditions, provided, however, that the Second Closing shall not be consummated before April 30, 2025 unless the shares of OraTech’s common stock have been approved for listing and trading on the Nasdaq Stock Market prior to April 30, 2025. In the event the parties fail to consummate the Second Closing on or before April 30, 2025, solely due to the failure of not achieving the Listing, the parties agreed to consummate the Second Closing on or before May 31, 2025. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the provisions with respect to the Second Closing may be terminated by either HTIT or us if the Second Closing has not occurred by September 1, 2025, subject to certain conditions.

There are no assurances that the applicable parties will consummate either the Initial Closing or the Second Closing, of the Spin Off or complete the closing conditions such closings are subject to. If we do not successfully complete such closings in a timely manner, or at all, this may harm OraTech’s ability to complete the transactions contemplated by the JV Agreement and the Supplemental Agreement, which may in turn cause irreparable harm to our financial position and business operations.

We may not realize the anticipated benefits from the Spin Off, and the Spin Off could harm our business.

We may not be able to achieve the full strategic and financial benefits expected to result from the Spin Off and such benefits may be delayed or not occur at all. The Spin Off is designed to enhance strategic and management focus, provide a distinct corporate identity, and allow us to efficiently allocate resources and deploy capital. We may not achieve these and other anticipated benefits for a variety of reasons, including the following:

• the Spin Off will require significant amounts of management’s time and effort, which may divert management’s attention from operating and growing our business;
• following the Spin Off, OraTech may be more susceptible to economic downturns and other adverse events than if it was still a part of the Company;
• following the Spin Off, our business will be less diversified than prior to the Spin Off;
• following the Spin Off, our business will experience a loss of scale and access to certain financial, managerial, and professional resources as well as product and brand power influence and recognition with some customers from which we have benefited in the past;
• actions required to separate the respective businesses could disrupt our operations; and
• if we fail to achieve some or all of the benefits expected to result from the Spin Off, or if such benefits are delayed, our business could be harmed.

Until the Spin Off occurs, the business of OraTech will remain our business segment. Completion of the Spin Off remains subject to the satisfaction or waiver of certain conditions.

Potential indemnification liabilities to HTIT pursuant to the JV Agreement, as supplemented by the Supplemental Agreement could materially and adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.

The JV Agreement, as supplemented by the Supplemental Agreement, among other things, provides for indemnification obligations designed to make the Company and the OraTech financially responsible for certain liabilities that may exist relating to its business activities. If we and the OraTech are required to indemnify HTIT under the circumstances set forth in the JV Agreement, as supplemented by the Supplemental Agreement, we may be subject to substantial liabilities.

We potentially could have received better terms from unaffiliated third parties than the terms we received in our agreements with OraTech

The agreements we and OraTech entered into in connection with the Spin Off have been negotiated while OraTech is still a part of our business. The terms of the agreements negotiated in the context of the Spin Off relate to, among other things, the allocation of assets, intellectual property, liabilities, rights, and other obligations between OraTech and us, among others. Arm’s-length negotiations between OraTech and an unaffiliated third-party in another form of transaction, such as a buyer in a sale of a business transaction, may have resulted in more favorable terms to the unaffiliated third-party.

Our business and assets will be less diversified following the Spin Off

In connection with the transactions contemplated by the JV Agreement as supplemented by the Supplemental Agreement, on February 7, 2025, we entered into that certain Asset Transfer Agreement or the Asset Transfer Agreement with OraTech and Oramed Ltd., pursuant to which, we and Oramed Ltd. have agreed to transfer to OraTech all of our and their rights, titles, and interests in the Transferred IP, Business Contracts, Business Information, and Regulatory Information (each as defined in the Asset Transfer Agreement and collectively, or the Transferred Assets), as part of the capital contribution to be made to OraTech, in consideration for the issuance to us of certain Shares (as defined in the JV Agreement) in OraTech.

If such Transferred Assets are transferred to OraTech in connection with the Spin Off, OraTech will have all rights, title and interest in such Transferred Assets, and we will no longer have all rights, title and interest in such Transferred Assets, meaning that our business and assets will be less diversified following the Spin Off, which may in turn affect our operations and our financial position.

The financial position and business operations of the OraTech could be impacted by HTIT’s ability to perform its obligations under certain contracts with us.

In connection with the Spin Off, we have entered into a number of agreements with HTIT, including a supply agreement and a license agreement that govern our ongoing relationship with HTIT. Our success depends, in part, on the maintenance of our ongoing relationship with HTIT, HTIT’s performance of its obligations under these agreements, including HTITs maintenance of the quality of products and services and certain other trademarks and intellectual property that we license to HTIT. If we are unable to maintain a good relationship with HTIT, or if HTIT does not perform its obligations under our agreements with HTIT, the business of OraTech, its operations and its financial position may be negatively impacted.

The Spin Off may expose us to potential liabilities arising out of state and federal fraudulent conveyance laws.

If we file for insolvency or bankruptcy within certain timeframes following the Spin Off, a court could deem the Spin Off or certain internal restructuring transactions undertaken by us in connection therewith to be a fraudulent conveyance or transfer. Fraudulent conveyances or transfers are defined to include transfers made or obligations incurred with the actual intent to hinder, delay or defraud current or future creditors or transfers made or obligations incurred for less than reasonably equivalent value when the debtor was insolvent, or that rendered the debtor insolvent, inadequately capitalized or unable to pay its debts as they become due. In such circumstances, a court could void the transactions or impose substantial liabilities upon us, which could adversely affect our financial condition and our results of operations. Whether a transaction is a fraudulent conveyance or transfer will vary depending upon the jurisdiction whose law is being applied.

Risks Related to Conducting Business in Israel

We are affected by the political, economic and military risks of having operations in Israel.

We have operations in the State of Israel, and we are directly affected by political, economic and security conditions in that country. Since the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948, a number of armed conflicts have taken place between Israel and its Arab neighbors and a state of hostility, varying in degree and intensity, has led to security and economic problems for Israel. In addition, acts of terrorism, armed conflicts or political instability in the region could negatively affect local business conditions and harm our results of operations. We cannot predict the effect on the region of any diplomatic initiatives or political developments involving Israel or the Palestinians or other countries and territories in the Middle East. Recent political events, including political uprisings, social unrest and regime change, in various countries in the Middle East and North Africa have weakened the stability of those countries and territories, which could result in extremists coming to power. In addition, Iran has threatened to attack Israel and is widely believed to be developing nuclear weapons. Iran is also believed to have a strong influence among extremist groups in the region, such as Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon. This situation has escalated in the past and may potentially escalate in the future to violent events which may affect Israel and us. On October 7, 2023, the State of Israel was attacked by and subsequently declared war on Hamas. Israel has been in an ongoing state of war with Hamas since that time. Following the attack by Hamas, Hezbollah, a terrorist organization in Lebanon has also launched missile, rocket, and shooting attacks against Israeli military sites, troops, and Israeli towns in northern Israel. In response to these attacks, the Israeli army has carried out a number of targeted strikes on sites belonging to Hezbollah in southern Lebanon and in October 2024, the Israeli military initiated a ground operation in Lebanon, primarily near the Israel-Lebanon border. As of the end of November 2024, Israel entered into a ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah, but there are no guarantees as to whether the agreement will hold or whether further hostilities will resume.

In April and October 2024, Iran launched missile and unmanned aerial vehicle, or UAV, attacks on Israel. Most of the missiles and UAVs were intercepted by Israel’s defense systems, with support from the United States and other countries, including regional allies, preventing significant damage and resulting in no casualties. Despite the successful interceptions, the attacks posed an elevated threat to Israel’s security.

In December 2024, Ba’athist Syria, led by President Bashar al-Assad, collapsed during a major offensive by opposition forces made up of several competing rebel groups. In response, the Israeli Defense Forces took control over a United Nations-designated buffer zone over Mount Hermon that separates Israel and Syria. Simultaneously, Israel conducted targeted military strikes against military assets in Syria, aiming to eliminate any chemical weapons storage sites that could be used by rebel groups and further weaken Iran’s operational capabilities in the region. While the transitional government of Syria has indicated that it is interested in reconstruction and stability rather than a continuation of conflicts with Israel, there are no guarantees that there will be no future escalation of hostilities or that Syria will not permit other neighboring countries to launch attacks at Israel from its territory.

It is possible that other terrorist organizations, including Palestinian military organizations in the West Bank, as well as other hostile countries, such as Iran, will join the hostilities. Although we believe that there is no immediate risk to our business operations related to these events, our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected if such hostilities involving Israel continue or escalate or if trade or scientific cooperation between Israel and its current partners is interrupted or curtailed. Moreover, we cannot predict how this war will ultimately affect Israel’s economy in general, which may involve a downgrade in Israel’s credit rating by rating agencies (such as the recent downgrade by Moody’s of its credit rating of Israel from A1 to A2, in October 2023 and further downgrade to Baa1 with a negative outlook in September 2024, as well as the downgrade of its outlook rating from “stable” to “negative”). We may also be targeted by cyber terrorists specifically because we are an Israeli-related company.

All adult male and female permanent residents of Israel, unless exempt, may be required to perform military reserve duty annually. Additionally, all such residents are subject to being called to active duty at any time under emergency circumstances, and several hundred thousand Israeli military reservists were drafted to perform immediate military service during the current war with Hamas and other hostile elements, such as Hezbollah in Lebanon. Some of our employees may in the future be obligated to perform annual military reserve duty, although none were called up for reserves in the current war. If called up, such persons may be absent from their positions for a lengthy period of time. We can provide no assurance that such requirements will not have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations in the future, particularly if emergency circumstances occur.

It may be difficult to enforce a U.S. judgment against us or our officers and directors and to assert U.S. securities laws claims in Israel.

Almost all of our directors and officers are nationals and/or residents of countries other than the United States. As a result, service of process upon us, our Israeli subsidiary and our directors and officers, may be difficult to obtain within the United States. Furthermore, because the majority of our assets and investments, and most of our directors and officers are located outside the United States, it may be difficult for investors to enforce within the United States any judgments obtained against us or any such officers or directors. Additionally, it may be difficult to assert U.S. securities law claims in original actions instituted in Israel. Israeli courts may refuse to hear a claim based on a violation of U.S. securities laws because Israel is not the most appropriate forum in which to bring such a claim. In addition, even if an Israeli court agrees to hear a claim, it may determine that Israeli law and not U.S. law is applicable to such claim. If U.S. law is found to be applicable, the content of applicable U.S. law must be proved as a fact, which can be a time-consuming and costly process. Certain matters of procedure will also be governed by Israeli law.

Subject to specified time limitations and legal procedures, under the rules of private international law currently prevailing in Israel, Israeli courts may enforce a U.S. judgment in a civil matter, including a judgment based upon the civil liability provisions of the U.S. securities laws, as well as a monetary or compensatory judgment in a non-civil matter, provided that the following key conditions are met:

• subject to limited exceptions, the judgment is final and non-appealable;
• the judgment was given by a court competent under the laws of the state in which the court is located and is otherwise enforceable in such state;
• the judgment was rendered by a court competent under the rules of private international law applicable in Israel;
• the laws of the state in which the judgment was given provides for the enforcement of judgments of Israeli courts;
• adequate service of process has been effected and the defendant has had a reasonable opportunity to present its arguments and evidence;
• the judgment and its enforcement are not contrary to the law, public policy, security or sovereignty of the State of Israel;
• the judgment was not obtained by fraud and does not conflict with any other valid judgment in the same matter between the same parties; and
• an action between the same parties in the same matter was not pending in any Israeli court at the time the lawsuit was instituted in the U.S. court.

If any of these conditions are not met, Israeli courts will likely not enforce the applicable U.S. judgment.

General Risk Factors

Changes to tax laws could have a negative effect on us or our stockholders.

At any time, the U.S. federal or state income tax laws, or the administrative interpretations of those laws, may be amended. Federal and state tax laws are constantly under review by persons involved in the legislative process, the U.S. Internal Revenue Service, the U.S. Department of the Treasury and state taxing authorities. Changes to the tax laws, regulations and administrative interpretations, which may have retroactive application, could adversely affect us. Our stockholders are encouraged to consult with their tax advisors about the potential effects that changes in law may have on them and their ownership of our securities.

Our business and operations would suffer in the event of computer system failures, cyber-attacks or deficiencies in our cyber-security.

Despite the implementation of security measures, our internal computer systems, and those of third parties on which we rely, are vulnerable to damage from computer viruses, malware, natural disasters, terrorism, war, telecommunication and electrical failures, cyber-attacks or cyber-intrusions over the Internet, attachments to emails, persons inside our organization, or persons with access to systems inside our organization. The risk of a security breach or disruption, particularly through cyber-attacks or cyber intrusion, including by computer hackers, foreign governments, and cyber terrorists, has generally increased as the number, intensity and sophistication of attempted attacks and intrusions from around the world have increased. If such an event were to occur and cause interruptions in our operations, it could result in a material disruption of our product development programs. For example, the loss of clinical trial data from completed or ongoing or planned clinical trials could result in delays in our clinical trial efforts and significantly increase our costs to recover or reproduce the data. To the extent that any disruption or security breach was to result in a loss of or damage to our data or applications, or inappropriate disclosure of confidential or proprietary information, we could incur material legal claims and liability, and damage to our reputation, and the further development of our product candidates could be delayed.

We also maintain compliance programs to address the potential applicability of restrictions against trading while in possession of material, nonpublic information generally and in connection with a cyber-security breach. However, a breakdown in existing controls and procedures around our cyber-security environment may prevent us from detecting, reporting or responding to cyber incidents in a timely manner and could have a material adverse effect on our financial position and value of our stock.

Our management will have significant flexibility in using the net proceeds of any offering of securities.

We intend generally to use the net proceeds from any offerings of our securities for expenses related to our clinical trials, research and product development activities, and for general corporate purposes, including general working capital purposes. Our management will have significant flexibility in applying the net proceeds of any such offering and we will necessarily be using our capital when we decide on new strategic initiatives. The actual amounts and timing of expenditures will vary significantly depending on a number of factors, including the amount of cash used in our operations and our research and development efforts. Management’s failure to use these funds effectively would have an adverse effect on the value of our common stock and could make it more difficult and costly to raise funds in the future.

Delaware law could discourage a change in control, or an acquisition of us by a third party, even if the acquisition would be favorable to you, and thereby adversely affect existing stockholders.

The Delaware General Corporation Law contains provisions that may have the effect of making more difficult or delaying attempts by others to obtain control of the Company, even when these attempts may be in the best interests of stockholders. Delaware law imposes conditions on certain business combination transactions with “interested stockholders.” These provisions and others that could be adopted in the future could deter unsolicited takeovers or delay or prevent changes in our control or management, including transactions in which stockholders might otherwise receive a premium for their shares of common stock over then current market prices. These provisions may also limit the ability of stockholders to approve transactions that they may deem to be in their best interests.

The Board recognizes the critical importance of maintaining the trust and confidence of our business partners, employees and clinical trial participants. The Audit Committee is responsible for reviewing our policies with respect to cybersecurity risks and relevant contingent liabilities and risks that may be material to the Company, including risks from third parties and business partners.

We generally seek to address cybersecurity risks by implementing security measures on our internal computer systems and ensuring that third parties and business partners implement similar measures. These security measures include firewalls, intrusion prevention and detection systems, anti-malware functionality and access controls, which are evaluated by our external IT consultant and improved through vulnerability assessments and cybersecurity threat intelligence.

Our Chief Operating and Business Officer is responsible for implementing protection measures for our information systems from cybersecurity threats and promptly responding to any cybersecurity incidents.

To date, risks from cybersecurity threats have not materially affected us and we do not currently believe any risks from cybersecurity threats are reasonably likely to affect the Company, including our business strategy, results of operations or financial condition. For further information, see “Item 1A. Risk Factors,” under “Our business and operations would suffer in the event of computer system failures, cyber-attacks or deficiencies in our cyber-security.”

We believe that our existing facilities are suitable and adequate to meet our current business requirements. In the event that we should require additional or alternative facilities, we believe that such facilities can be obtained on short notice at competitive rates.

From time to time we may become subject to litigation incidental to our business. We are not currently a party to any material legal proceedings.

The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and the related notes included elsewhere herein and in our audited consolidated financial statements.

In addition to our audited consolidated financial statements, the following discussion contains forward-looking statements that reflect our plans, estimates and beliefs. Our actual results could differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to these differences include those discussed below and elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, particularly in “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” and “Item 1A. Risk Factors.”

Overview of Operations

We are a pharmaceutical company engaged in the research and development of innovative pharmaceutical solutions with a technology platform that allows for the oral delivery of therapeutic proteins.

We have developed an oral dosage form intended to withstand the harsh environment of the gastrointestinal tract and effectively deliver active insulin or other proteins. The formulation is not intended to modify the proteins chemically or biologically, and the dosage form is designed to be safe to ingest.

On January 11, 2023, we announced that the Phase 3 oral insulin trial (ORA-D-013-1) did not meet its primary or secondary endpoints. As a result, we terminated this trial and a parallel Phase 3, ORA-D-013-2 clinical trial. In 2023, we completed an analysis of the ORA-D-013-1 Phase 3 trial data and found that subpopulations of patients with pooled specific parameters, such as BMI, baseline HbA1c and age, responded well to oral insulin. Based on this analysis, we submitted a protocol for a new Phase 3 clinical trial to the FDA. We are additionally examining our existing pipeline and have commenced an evaluation process of potential strategic opportunities, with the goal of enhancing value for our stockholders.

As detailed above, in September 2023, we entered into the 2023 Scilex Transaction, which included a senior secured promissory note (Tranche A Note) and warrants. In October 2024, we participated in the 2024 Refinancing, purchasing a portion of the Tranche B Note and acquiring royalty rights under a Purchase and Sale Agreement. Additional agreements secured the right to receive royalties from certain products of Scilex. We believe that these transactions collectively strengthened our financial position and expanded our commercial interests.

Results of Operations

The table and discussion that follows includes a comparison of our results of operations and liquidity and capital resources for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023. For a comparison of our results of operations and financial condition for the year ended December 31, 2023 and the year ended December 31, 2022, see “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, filed with the SEC on March 6, 2024.

(dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

Revenues

Revenues consist of proceeds related to the Amended and Restated Technology License Agreement, dated December 21, 2015, between us and HTIT, or as further amended by the parties on June 3, 2016 and July 24, 2016, the HTIT License Agreement, that are recognized on a cumulative basis when it is probable that a significant reversal in the amount of cumulative revenue recognized will not occur, through the expected product submission date by HTIT of June 2023.

We did not recognize revenues for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to revenues of approximately $1,340,000 for the year ended December 31, 2023. The decrease was due to recognition of revenues through June 30, 2023, the product submission date by HTIT.

Research and Development Expenses

Research and development expenses include costs directly attributable to the conduct of research and development programs, including the cost of salaries, employee benefits, costs of materials, supplies, the cost of services provided by outside contractors, including services related to our clinical trials, clinical trial expenses, the full cost of manufacturing drugs for use in research and preclinical development. All costs associated with research and development are expensed as incurred.

Clinical trial costs are a significant component of research and development expenses and include costs associated with third-party contractors. We outsource a substantial portion of our clinical trial activities, utilizing external entities such as CROs, independent clinical investigators and other third-party service providers to assist us with the execution of our clinical trials.

Clinical activities which relate principally to clinical sites and other administrative functions to manage our clinical trials are performed primarily by CROs. CROs typically perform most of the start-up activities for our trials, including document preparation, site identification, screening and preparation, pre-study visits, training and program management.

Clinical trial and preclinical trial expenses include regulatory and scientific consultants’ compensation and fees, research expenses, purchase of materials, cost of manufacturing of the oral insulin and exenatide capsules, payments for patient recruitment and treatment, as well as salaries and related expenses of research and development staff.

Research and development expenses for the year ended December 31, 2024 decreased by 30% to approximately $6,324,000, compared to approximately $8,971,000 for the year ended December 31, 2023. The decrease was mainly due to lower expenses related to our Phase 3 trials that were terminated and was partially offset by stock-based compensation expenses and costs related to the new Phase 3 clinical trial preparations.

Government Grants

The Government of Israel encourages research and development projects through the IIA, pursuant to the R&D Law. Under the R&D Law, a research and development plan that meets specified criteria is generally eligible for a grant of up to 50% of certain approved research and development expenditures. Each plan must be approved by the IIA.

From August 2009 to March 2014, our subsidiary Oramed Ltd. was awarded five government grants amounting to a total net amount of NIS 8,000,000 (approximately $2,214,000 during such period) from the IIA. We used these funds to support further research and development and clinical trials of our oral insulin capsule and oral GLP-1 analog candidate during the period from February 2009 to December 2014.

In the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, we did not recognize any research and development grants.

Under the terms of the grants we had received from the IIA, we were obligated to pay royalties of 3% on all revenues derived from the sale of the products developed pursuant to the funded plans, including revenues from licensed ancillary services. Royalties were generally payable up to a maximum amount equaling 100% of the grants received (dollar linked) with the addition of interest at an annual rate based on the SOFR rate. On February 27, 2025, we paid approximately $2,031,000 to the IIA, and, as result, we are free of our obligations to the IIA.

The R&D Law generally requires that a product developed under a program be manufactured in Israel. However, when applying for a grant, the applicant may declare that part of the manufacturing will be performed outside of Israel or by non-Israeli residents and if the IIA is convinced that performing some of the manufacturing abroad is essential for the execution of the program, it may still approve the grant. This declaration will be a significant factor in the determination of the IIA as to whether to approve a program and the amount and other terms of the benefits to be granted. If a company wants to increase the volume of manufacturing outside of Israel after the grant has been approved, it may transfer up to 10% of the company’s approved Israeli manufacturing volume, measured on an aggregate basis, outside of Israel after first notifying the IIA thereof (provided that the IIA does not object to such transfer within 30 days). In addition, upon the approval of the IIA, a portion greater than 10% of the manufacturing volume may be performed outside of Israel. In any case of transfer of manufacturing out of Israel, the grant recipient is required to pay royalties at an increased rate, which may be substantial, and the aggregate repayment amount is increased up to 120% or 150% of the grant received (dollar linked) with the addition of interest at an annual rate based on the SOFR rate, depending on the portion of the total manufacturing volume that is performed outside of Israel. The approval we received from the IIA for the License Agreement was subject to payment of increased royalties and an increased ceiling, all in accordance with the provisions of the R&D Law. The R&D Law further permits the IIA, among other things, to approve the transfer of manufacturing rights outside of Israel in exchange for the import of different manufacturing into Israel as a substitute, in lieu of the increased royalties.

The R&D Law also provides that know-how developed under an approved research and development program and any derivatives thereof may not be transferred or licensed to third parties in Israel without the approval of the research committee, which approval may be subject to the payment of royalties from the sale. Such approval is not required for the sale or export of any products resulting from such research or development. The R&D Law further provides that the know-how developed under an approved research and development program and any derivatives thereof may not be transferred or licensed to any third parties outside Israel absent IIA approval which may be granted in certain circumstances as follows: (a) the grant recipient pays to the IIA a portion of the sale or license price paid in consideration for the purchase or license of such IIA-funded know-how or the price paid in consideration for the sale of the grant recipient itself, as the case may be, in accordance with certain formulas included in the tracks published under the R&D Law; (b) the grant recipient receives know-how from a third party in exchange for its IIA-funded know-how; or (c) such transfer of IIA-funded know-how is made in the context of IIA approved research and development cooperation projects or consortia.

The R&D Law imposes reporting requirements with respect to certain changes in the ownership of a grant recipient. The R&D Law requires the grant recipient to notify the IIA of any change in control of the recipient or a change in the holdings of the means of control of the recipient that results in a non-Israeli entity or person becoming an interested party in the recipient, and requires the new non-Israeli interested party to undertake to the IIA to comply with the R&D Law. In addition, the rules of the IIA may require the provision of additional information or representations in respect of certain such events. For this purpose, “control” is defined as the ability to direct the activities of a company other than any ability arising solely from serving as an officer or director of the company. A person is presumed to have control if such person holds 50% or more of the means of control of a company. “Means of control” refers to voting rights or the right to appoint directors or the chief executive officer. An “interested party” of a company includes a holder of 5% or more of its outstanding share capital or voting rights, its chief executive officer and directors, someone who has the right to appoint its chief executive officer or at least one director, and a company with respect to which any of the foregoing interested parties holds 25% or more of the outstanding share capital or voting rights or has the right to appoint 25% or more of the directors.

Failure to meet the R&D Law’s requirements may subject us to mandatory repayment of grants received by us (together with interest and penalties), as well as expose us to criminal proceedings. In addition, the Israeli government may from time to time audit sales of products which it claims incorporate technology funded through IIA programs which may lead to additional royalties being payable on additional products.

Sales and Marketing Expenses

Sales and marketing expenses include the salaries and related expenses of our commercial functions, consulting costs and other general expenses.

We did not recognize any sales and marketing expenses for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to an income of approximately $287,000 for the year ended December 31, 2023. The income primarily resulted from the reversal of previously recognized expenses related to forfeited employee stock options, following the termination of an executive officer in fiscal year 2023.

General and Administrative Expenses

General and administrative expenses include the salaries and related expenses of our management, consulting expenses, legal and professional fees, travel expenses, business development expenses, insurance expenses and other general expenses.

General and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2024 decreased by 23% to approximately $6,457,000, compared to approximately $8,425,000 for the year ended December 31, 2023. This decrease was mainly due to the reversal of previously recognized expenses following the resignation of certain executive officers.

Interest Expenses

Interest expenses were approximately $853,000 for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to approximately $2,037,000 for the year ended December 31, 2023, since the Short-Term Borrowings (as defined below) received from Discount Bank Ltd. were terminated during the second quarter of 2024 (see below).

Financial Income, Net

Net financial loss was approximately $2,286,000 for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to approximately $22,894,000 net financial income for the year ended December 31, 2023. The change was mainly due to the revaluation of the investments in Scilex and lower interest income on deposits.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

From our inception through December 31, 2024, we have incurred losses in an aggregate amount of approximately $176,616,000. During that period and through December 31, 2024, we have financed our operations through several private placements of our common stock, as well as public offerings of our common stock, raising a total of approximately $255,384,000, net of transaction costs. During that period, we also received cash consideration of approximately $28,001,000 from the exercise of warrants and options. We expect to seek additional financing through similar sources in the future, as needed. As of December 31, 2024, we had approximately $54,420,000 of available cash and approximately $55,281,000 of short-term bank deposits. In addition, we hold various of interest in certain investments, including in Scilex and others, as further detailed in this report.

From inception through December 31, 2024, we have not generated significant revenues from our operations. Although, we have increased the research and development activities related to the new Phase 3 clinical trial, our research and development activities have been significantly reduced while we conducted a strategic review process, following the termination of the ORA-D-013-1 and ORA-D-013-2 Phase 3 trials. Following the preparation and expected initiation of the revised phase 3 trial (ORA-D-013-3) we expect to increase our research and development expenses, either directly or through OraTech.

Based on our current cash resources and commitments, we believe we will be able to maintain our current planned activities and the corresponding level of expenditures for at least the next 12 months, although no assurance can be given that we will not need additional funds prior to such time. If there are increases in our operating expenses, we may need to seek additional financing during the next 12 months. We may also need additional funds to realize the decisions made as part of our strategic review process. We cannot predict the outcome of these activities.

On August 8, 2023, we borrowed an aggregate of $99,550,000 pursuant to loan agreements from Israel Discount Bank Ltd., or the Short-Term Borrowings. The Short-Term Borrowings mature on dates ranging from August 11, 2023 to May 24, 2024, bear interest ranging from 6.66% to 7.38%, were secured by certificates of deposits issued by Israel Discount Bank Ltd. having an aggregate face amount of $99,550,000. The net proceeds of the Short-Term Borrowings were used to fund the Tranche A Note. The Short-Term Borrowings were paid in one payment of principal and interest at each respective maturity. As of December 31, 2024, we repaid the entire Short-Term Borrowings amount.

As of December 31, 2024, our total current assets were approximately $143,221,000 and our total current liabilities were approximately $5,685,000. On December 31, 2024, we had a working capital surplus of approximately $137,536,000 and an accumulated loss of approximately $176,616,000. As of December 31, 2023, our total current assets were approximately $162,584,000 and our total current liabilities were approximately $53,214,000. On December 31, 2023, we had a working capital surplus of approximately $109,370,000 and an accumulated loss of approximately $157,556,000. The increase in working capital surplus was mainly due an increase in cash and cash equivalents together with a decrease in short-term borrowings that was partially offset by a decrease in short-term deposits and investments at fair value.

During the year ended December 31, 2024, cash and cash equivalents increased to approximately $54,420,000 from approximately $9,055,000 as of December 31, 2023. The increase was mainly due to the reasons described below.

Operating activities used cash of approximately $8,412,000 in the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to approximately $10,295,000 used in the year ended December 31, 2023. Cash used in operating activities consisted mainly of changes in fair value of investments partially offset by net loss resulting from research and development and general and administrative expenses.

Investing activities provided cash of approximately $105,817,000 in the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to cash used for investing activities of approximately $73,038,000 in the year ended December 31, 2023. Cash provided by investing activities in the year ended December 31, 2024 consisted primarily of proceeds from short-term deposits and proceeds from repayments by Scilex under the Tranche A Note. Cash used by investing activities in the year ended December 31, 2023 is mainly due to our investment in Scilex and the purchase of short-term deposits, partially offset by the proceeds of short-term deposits.

Financing activities used cash of approximately $52,036,000 in the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to cash of approximately $51,978,000 provided in the year ended December 31, 2023. Cash used for financing activities in the year ended December 31, 2024, consisted primarily of repayments of the Short-Term Borrowings and repurchases of our shares. Cash provided by financing activities in the year ended December 31, 2023, consisted primarily of the Short-Term Borrowings. Our primary financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2024, were as follows:

• In March 2024, we entered into the ATM Agreement with Rodman & Renshaw LLC and StockBlock Securities LLC as sales agents, or the Agents, pursuant to which we may issue and sell in transactions that are deemed to be “at the market” offerings as defined in Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act, shares of our common stock, par value $0.012 per share, having a maximum aggregate offering price of up to $75,000,000 from time to time through the Agents. Any sales of shares of common stock pursuant to the ATM Agreement will be made pursuant to an effective shelf registration statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-257926), which was declared effective by the SEC on July 26, 2021, the prospectus contained therein and a prospectus supplement related thereto dated March 18, 2024, filed with the SEC. The Agents may sell our common stock (A) in privately negotiated transactions with our consent; (B) as block transactions; or (C) by any other method permitted by law deemed to be an “at the market offering” as defined in Rule 415(a)(4) promulgated under the Securities Act, including sales made directly on The Nasdaq Capital Market or sales made into any other existing trading market for our common stock. As of December 31, 2024, no shares had been issued under the ATM Agreement.
• In June 2024, our Board authorized a stock buyback program pursuant to which we may, from time to time, repurchase and retire up to $20,000,000 in maximum value of our common stock. During the year ended December 31, 2024, we repurchased and retired 1,036,976 shares of our common stock under this program for approximately $2,494,000, including approximately $10,000 excise tax, at an average price of $2.36 per share. All repurchases were funded with cash on hand.
• On August 8, 2023, we borrowed an aggregate of $99,550,000 pursuant to loan agreements from Israel Discount Bank Ltd., or the Short-Term Borrowings. The Short-Term Borrowings mature on dates ranging from August 11, 2023 to May 24, 2024, bear interest ranging from 6.66% to 7.38%, were secured by certificates of deposits issued by Israel Discount Bank Ltd. having an aggregate face amount of $99,550,000. The net proceeds of the Short-Term Borrowings were used to fund the Tranche A Note. The Short-Term Borrowings were paid in one payment of principal and interest at each respective maturity. As of December 31, 2024, we repaid the entire Short-Term Borrowings amount.

Trend Information

Following the results of the Phase 3 trials for our oral insulin capsule candidate, ORMD-0801, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of the data to understand if there is a path forward for our oral insulin candidate, and we worked on a protocol for a new Phase 3 clinical trial that was submitted to the FDA. Conducting this clinical trial, whether independently or as part of OraTech, will require significant funds and resources. Concurrently, we are examining our existing pipeline and have commenced an evaluation process of potential strategic opportunities, with the goal of enhancing value for our stockholders. At this time, we cannot foresee how these strategic decisions will impact our financial results and operations.

Planned Expenditures

In previous years, we primarily invested in research and development. If we proceed to conduct a new clinical trial for our oral insulin candidate, we expect that in the upcoming years our research and development expenses will continue to be our major operating expense; however, if this clinical trial is conducted through OraTech, these costs will be borne by Oratech and not by us.

Critical Accounting Estimates

Our significant accounting policies are more fully described in the notes to our accompanying consolidated financial statements. We believe that the accounting policy below is critical for one to fully understand and evaluate our financial condition and results of operations.

The discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations is based on our consolidated financial statements, which we prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP. The preparation of our consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements, as well as the reported revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate such estimates and judgments. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other factors that we believe are 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.

Investments at fair value: On September 21, 2023 and on October 7, 2024 we entered into the 2023 Scilex Transaction and 2024 Refinancing, respectively. We elected the fair value option for each of the components under 2023 Scilex Transaction and 2024 Refinancing in order to reduce operational complexity of bifurcating embedded derivatives. Changes in value are recorded under financial income, net and include interest income on the Notes and Royalties received.

Determining the fair value of the components above required significant judgment with regards to the expected repayment date of the Notes which also impacts the number of Subsequent Penny Warrants to be issued to us. The total value of the 2023 Scilex Transaction (and of each of its components) was valued on a weighted average of the different scenarios.

On September 4, 2024, we entered into a loan agreement to finance a real estate project or the Profit Sharing Loan Agreement. We decided to designate the Profit Sharing Loan Agreement as a whole under the fair-value option. The valuation of the Profit Sharing Loan Agreement was based on various project profit scenarios derived from the appraiser’s report.

We are exposed to a variety of risks, including changes in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, changes in the value of our marketable securities and inflation.

As of December 31, 2024, we had approximately $54,420,000 in cash and cash equivalents and approximately $55,281,000 in short term bank deposits.

We aim to preserve our financial assets, maintain adequate liquidity and maximize return while minimizing exposure to market risks. Such policy further provides that we should hold most of our current assets in bank deposits. As of today, the currency of our financial assets is mainly in U.S. dollars.

Marketable securities

We own 1,701,357 common shares of DNA, 6,500,000 shares of Scilex Common Stock and 117,000 ordinary shares of Entera, which are presented in our financial statements as marketable securities. Marketable securities are presented at fair value and their realization is subject to certain limitations if sold through the market, and we are therefore exposed to market risk. There is no assurance that at the time of sale of the marketable securities the price per share will be the same or higher, nor that we will be able to sell all of the securities at once given the volume of securities we hold. Entera shares and the Closing Penny Warrants are traded on Nasdaq in U.S. dollars, while DNA shares are traded on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange in NIS. We are also exposed to changes in the market price of the Scilex, Entera and DNA shares and the Closing Penny Warrants, as well as to exchange rates fluctuations in the NIS currency compared to the U.S. dollar with respect to the DNA shares.

Interest Rate Risk

We invest a major portion of our cash surplus in bank deposits in banks in Israel. Since the bank deposits typically carry fixed interest rates, financial income over the holding period is not sensitive to changes in interest rates, but only the fair value of these instruments. However, our interest gains from future deposits may decline in the future as a result of changes in the financial markets.

The Note issued by Scilex is based on the SOFR rate. Our interest income may decline in the future as a result of a change in the SOFR rate.

Foreign Currency Exchange Risk

A significant portion of our expenditures, including salaries, clinical research expenses, consultants’ fees and office expenses relate to our operations in Israel. The cost of those Israeli operations, as expressed in U.S. dollars, is influenced by the extent to which any increase in the rate of inflation in Israel is not offset (or is offset on a lagging basis) by a devaluation of the NIS in relation to the U.S. dollar. If the U.S. dollar declines in value in relation to the NIS, it will become more expensive for us to fund our operations in Israel. In addition, as of December 31, 2024, we own net balances in NIS of approximately $2,078,000. Assuming a 10% appreciation of the NIS against the U.S. dollar, we would experience an exchange rate gain of approximately $231,000, while assuming a 10% devaluation of the NIS against the U.S. dollar, we would experience an exchange rate loss of approximately $189,000.

The exchange rate of the U.S. dollar to the NIS, based on exchange rates published by the Bank of Israel, was as follows:

We do not use any currency hedging transactions of options or forwards to decrease the risk of financial exposure from fluctuations in the exchange rate of the U.S. dollar against the NIS.

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2024. Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective.

Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Our management, under the supervision of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over our financial reporting, as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) promulgated under the Exchange Act. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting is defined as a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with GAAP. Internal control over financial reporting includes policies and procedures that:

• pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect our transactions and asset dispositions;
• provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit the preparation of our financial statements in accordance with GAAP, and that our receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of our management and directors; and
• provide reasonable assurance regarding the prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of assets that could have a material effect on our financial statements.

Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we evaluated the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2024 based on the current framework for Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013) set forth by The Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

Based on this evaluation, our management concluded that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2024 at a reasonable assurance level.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended December 31, 2024 that have materially affected, or are reasonable likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.