Pelthos Therapeutics Inc.: Form 10-Q for the period ended Mar 31, 2024
Filed with the SEC on May 15, 2024 and accepted by EDGAR at May 15, 2024, 16:06 ET.
Management's discussion and analysis
As filed, 39,437 characters, with its headings, lists and tables. Extracted from the main document; charts and exhibits are in the original on sec.gov.
Cautionary Notice Regarding Forward Looking Statements
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (this “Report”) contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Forward-looking statements discuss matters that are not historical facts. Because they discuss future events or conditions, forward-looking statements may include words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “intend,” “could,” “should,” “would,” “may,” “seek,” “plan,” “might,” “will,” “expect,” “predict,” “project,” “forecast,” “potential,” “continue,” negatives thereof or similar expressions. These forward-looking statements are found at various places throughout this Report and include information concerning possible or assumed future results of Chromocell Therapeutics Corporation’s (“Chromocell”, the “Company”, “our”, “us” or “we”) operations; business strategies; future cash flows; financing plans; plans and objectives of management; any other statements regarding future operations, future cash needs, business plans and future financial results, and any other statements that are not historical facts.
From time to time, forward-looking statements also are included in our other periodic reports on Form 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K, in our press releases, in our presentations, on our website and in other materials released to the public. Any or all of the forward-looking statements included in this Report and in any other reports or public statements made by us are not guarantees of future performance and may turn out to be inaccurate. These forward-looking statements represent our intentions, plans, expectations, assumptions and beliefs about future events and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, including risks related to market, economic and other conditions; our current liquidity position, the need to obtain additional financing to support ongoing operations, Chromocell’s ability to continue as a going concern; Chromocell’s ability to maintain the listing of its Common Stock on the NYSE American LLC (the “NYSE American”), Chromocell’s ability to manage costs and execute on its operational and budget plans; and, Chromocell’s ability to achieve its financial goals. Many of those factors are outside of our control and could cause actual results to differ materially from the results expressed or implied by those forward-looking statements. In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the events described in the forward-looking statements might not occur or might occur to a different extent or at a different time than we have described. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this Report. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements concerning other matters addressed in this Report and attributable to us or any person acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements contained or referred to in this Report.
Except to the extent required by law, we undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, a change in events, conditions, circumstances or assumptions underlying such statements, or otherwise.
Overview
We are a clinical-stage biotech company focused on developing and commercializing new therapeutics to alleviate pain. Our clinical focus is to selectively target the sodium ion-channel known as “NaV1.7”, which has been genetically validated as a pain receptor in human physiology. A NaV1.7 blocker is a chemical entity that modulates the structure of the sodium-channel in a way to prevent the transmission of pain perception to the central nervous system (“CNS”). Our goal is to develop a novel and proprietary class of NaV blockers that target the body’s peripheral nervous system.
We have formally launched two programs developing pain treatment therapeutics, both based on the same proprietary molecule, as follows:
Neuropathic Pain: CC8464 is being developed to address certain types of neuropathic pain. The chemical characteristics of CC8464 restrict its entry into the CNS and limit its effect to the NaV1.7 receptors in the peripheral nervous system, which consists of the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. Activation of other receptors in the CNS can result in side effects, including addiction and other centrally mediated adverse effects. Since CC8464 is designed to not penetrate the CNS it is highly unlikely to produce CNS mediated side effects including euphoria or addiction. Based on its characteristics, preclinical studies (described below) and the Phase 1 studies we have completed to date, we believe that CC8464, if approved, could become an attractive option for both patients and physicians as a treatment for moderate-to-severe pain in Erythromelalgia (“EM”) and idiopathic small fiber neuropathy (“iSFN”).
We conducted four Phase 1 trials with 207 patients. The results showed that CC8464 has a good overall tolerability and demonstrated no liver or renal toxicity, no central nervous system changes and no cardiovascular findings but may cause rashes in certain patients. The occurrence of rashes is not uncommon in the class of molecules to which CC8464 belongs and the rashes were resolved in all cases with topical steroids and/or topical antihistamines (with the exception of one patient requiring systemic steroids).
As a result of the potential for rashes, following discussions with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”), we decided to launch a slow dose escalation study to further evaluate the incidence of rashes. By titrating the dose over nine weeks, we anticipate that we will reduce or eliminate this side effect. We expect that the slow dose escalation study will also help determine the need for dose escalation in the final treatment regime. Even though the FDA has in the past approved drugs that listed rashes as a potential side effect, we do not know if CC8464 will be approved by the FDA (or any foreign authority).
We anticipate that the dose escalation will enroll the first patient dosing in the third quarter of 2024. The dose escalation trial will enroll approximately 20 healthy volunteers who will receive CC8464 over a period of approximately nine weeks, with the dose escalation study expected to take approximately nine months in total. We anticipate that the slower dose escalation will decrease the likelihood of drug-related skin reactions. The primary endpoint of the dose escalation trail will be safety and tolerability of the slower dose titration; however, we will also be measuring blood concentrations of CC8464, which will allow us to better understand the pharmacokinetics of CC8464. Even if it is ultimately determined that we will need an escalation period for chronic pain treatment therapy, which patients could well take for the remainder of their lives, we do not believe the dose escalation approach is consequential.
We are conducting the escalation trial in Australia to avail ourselves of a 43.5% tax credit for clinical expenses incurred in Australia. The location of the proof-of-concept (“POC”) has not been determined at this time, with availability of facilities and patient population, costs, tax credits, centers of excellence in the respective fields (EM or iSFN) are all factors in the ultimate determination of the location.
We are currently working on the development of the Phase 2a POC plan and expect to launch the Phase 2a POC study in 2025 to assess the potential efficacy of CC8464 in EM and iSFN patients. Both are orphan indications for which we plan to apply for orphan drug designations. The orphan indication may decrease the scope of the ultimate development program that is necessary for approval and is associated with a marketing exclusivity period from the FDA along with some tax advantages.
Though the Phase 2a POC study design has not yet been completed, the study will take approximately twelve months after it is initiated. The primary endpoint will be the amount of pain experienced from EM or iSFN with secondary endpoints including other measurements like pain relief and neuropathy scores. The final design may change based on feedback from regulatory authorities or information learned during the dose escalation trial.
The potential population for EM in the United States is estimated to be between 5,000 and 50,000 patients and the potential population for ISFN in the United States is estimated to be between 20,000 and 80,000 patients. In both instances, we expect patients would potentially take our drug for the remainder of their lives, and given the lack of good therapeutic alternatives, we expect to have a robust, ongoing, and durable market.
The Phase 2a results will have significance beyond EM and iSFN and provide important insights about NaV1.7 as a potential target to find novel pain medications as an alternative to opioids, the continuing primary standard of care in analgesics. We believe that positive results from the Phase 2a study could not only act as support for CC8464’s potential in EM and iSFN but may also provide guidance of its potential for other indications of peripheral neuropathic pain.
Eye Pain: Based on the same proprietary molecule as CC8464, our newly launched program, titled CT2000, is for the potential treatment of both acute and chronic eye pain. NaV1.7 receptor is present on the cornea, making it a viable biological target for treating eye pain. Eye pain may occur with various conditions, including severe dry eye disease, trauma and surgery. Existing therapies for eye pain (such as steroids, topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, lubricants, local anaesthetics) are limited in their effectiveness and/or limited in the duration that they may be prescribed because of safety issues. We intend to explore the viability of developing CT2000 as a topical agent for the relief of eye pain. A potential advantage of this approach is that topical administration of CT2000 is unlikely to lead to any hypersensitivity or skin reactions, like what was noted with systemic administration of CC8464, because the systemic absorption from a topical administration would be extremely limited. We have commenced development of a topical ophthalmic formulation of CT2000 that would initially be evaluated for ophthalmic toxicology and then followed by a POC trial in patients. We expect the trials for this ophthalmic formulation of CT2000 to start in 2025.
Current options for the treatment of ocular pain center on the use of corticosteroids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (“NSAID”) based therapeutics. These options suffer from sight-threatening complications such as Glaucoma and corneal melting, thus there is a large unmet need for other approaches. As an example of the potential patient population, we estimate that there are approximately 5 million cases of corneal abrasions per year in the United States. In addition, other potential indications associated with eye pain include:
- severe dry eye,
- side effects from photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) and pterygium surgery,
- second eye cataract surgery,
- neuropathic corneal pain, and
- severe uveitis and severe iritis/scleritis.
As the NaV1.7 receptor is present on the cornea and is a viable biological target for treating eye pain, we believe that we have a sound scientific basis for our ability to treat a multitude of eye pain indications. We are in the process of formulating CT2000 eye drops and expect to move into animal toxicity studies in the second half of 2024. From there, we intend to move into proof-of-concept studies in humans.
We may further expand our pipeline with other internal or external compounds in the future, but all other internally discovered compounds are pre-clinical and no commercial discussions about in-licensing have been initiated to date, other than as disclosed in this Report with respect to the licensing of the “Spray Formulations.
Background
We were incorporated in Delaware on March 19, 2021. On August 10, 2022, we entered into the Contribution Agreement with Chromocell Corporation, a Delaware corporation (“Chromocell Holdings”). Pursuant to the Contribution Agreement, as of the Contribution Date, we acquired from Chromocell Holdings all assets, liabilities and results of operations related to Chromocell Holdings’ therapeutic business, including all patents, pre-clinical and Phase I study results and data, and trade secrets related to the CC8464 compound, in exchange for the issuance by us of 1,111,112 shares of our common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (“Common Stock”) and (ii) 600,000 shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock (“Series A Preferred Stock”).
On August 2, 2023, we entered into a Side Letter to the Contribution Agreement with Chromocell Holdings (the “Holdings Side Letter”). Pursuant to the Holdings Side Letter, upon closing of our initial public offering (“IPO”): (a) Chromocell Holdings re-assumed all $1.6 million in direct liabilities previously assumed by the Company in accordance with the Contribution Agreement, (b) Chromocell Holdings waived the Company’s obligations to make a cash payment in the amount of $0.6 million to Chromocell Holdings, and (c) in consideration thereof, we issued to Chromocell Holdings 2,600 shares of Series C Convertible Redeemable Preferred Stock of the Company, par value of $0.0001 per share (“Series C Preferred Stock”).
On February 21, 2024, we completed the IPO and issued and sold 1,100,000 shares of Common Stock at a price to the public of $6.00 per share. The aggregate net proceeds from the IPO were approximately $5.7 million after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions of approximately $0.5 million and offering expenses of approximately $0.4 million.
In connection with the completion of the IPO: (A) we have effected the 9-for-1 reverse stock split (the “Reverse Stock Split”) of our shares of Common Stock, (B) all 600,000 issued and outstanding shares of our Series A Preferred Stock automatically converted into 499,429 shares of Common Stock, (C) $389,757 and accrued interest of approximately $28,336 as of February 21, 2024 outstanding under our senior secured convertible notes issued in a bridge financing in April 2023 for an aggregate principal amount of $393,808 (the “April Bridge Financing”) after giving effect to the Representative Affiliate Transactions (as defined below), automatically converted into approximately 87,109 shares of Common Stock, (D) $197,421 and accrued interest of $8,169 as of February 21, 2024 outstanding under our senior secured convertible notes issued in a bridge financing in September 2023 for an aggregate principal amount of $198,128 (the “September Bridge Financing”) after giving effect to the Representative Affiliate Transactions, automatically converted into approximately 43,385 shares of Common Stock, which includes an additional 549 shares of Common Stock issuable as consideration for the September Bridge Financing (the “Bonus Shares”), (E) we issued 37,500 shares of Common Stock to an investor as consideration for its previous agreement to provide funding that is no longer necessary in connection with the IPO, (F) we effected the Representative Affiliate Transactions, (G) we effected the transactions contemplated by the Holdings Side Letter, and issued an aggregate of 2,600 shares of Series C Preferred Stock to Chromocell Holdings pursuant thereto, and (H) we issued (i) 93,823 shares to a lender holding a note payable for $450,000 (the “Investor Note”) and (ii) 29,167 shares to one of our directors holding the promissory note in the aggregate principal amount of $175,000 (the “Director Note”) in full satisfaction of our obligations thereunder (in the case of (A) through (D) and (H) above, based on the IPO price of $6.00 per share of Common Stock). We refer to these actions as the “IPO Transactions.”
In addition, certain stockholders of the Company (“Selling Stockholders”), as identified in the Registration Statement, have agreed to offer for resale of up to an aggregate of 2,969,823 shares of Common Stock (the “Selling Stockholder Shares”) to the public. After conversion of the convertible notes or shares of preferred stock, as applicable, the Selling Stockholders, or their respective transferees, pledgees, donees or other successors-in-interest, may sell the Selling Stockholders Shares through public or private transactions at prevailing market prices, at prices related to prevailing market prices or at privately negotiated prices. We will not receive any proceeds from the sale of the Selling Stockholder Shares by the Selling Stockholders.
Trends and Other Factors Affecting Our Business
On December 23, 2023, we entered into an exclusive licensing agreement (the “Benuvia License Agreement”) with Benuvia Operations LLC (“Benuvia”) for the Diclofenac Spray Formulation (as defined below), an intranasal spray formulation of Rizatriptan and an Ondansetron sublingual spray formulation (collectively, the “Spray Formulations”), diversifying our pipeline of non-opioid pain treatment therapies, while adding therapeutic options for related conditions. The sublingual formulation of a Diclofenac spray for the treatment of acute pain (the “Diclofenac Spray Formulation”) is patented and has started clinical development in human volunteers. Preliminary pharmacokinetics suggest that this formulation may have a faster onset of action than oral Diclofenac tablets. Diclofenac is an NSAID that is also marketed under additional brand names including Voltaren and Cataflam in its pill form. Rizatriptan, whose brand name is Maxalt, is used for the acute treatment of Migraines as a pill. By a number of clinical measures it is thought to be superior to Sumatriptan. A sublingual formulation of Rizatriptan may potentially have a faster onset of action than an oral form and may be easier to tolerate than swallowing a pill when patients are experiencing nausea as a result of the migraine headache. Ondansetron is an anti-emetic that is available in oral and intravenous form. An Ondansetron sublingual spray formulation may potentially have a faster onset of action than an oral form and may be easier to tolerate than swallowing a pill when patients are experiencing nausea. Under the terms of the Benuvia License Agreement, Benuvia will be responsible for the manufacturing and supply of the Spray Formulations, but we will have exclusive, worldwide rights to develop, commercialize and distribute the Spray Formulations.
In connection with the Benuvia License Agreement, we agreed to pay Benuvia a six and one-half percent (6.5%) royalty on net sales of the Spray Formulations for a period of up to 15 years from the date of the first commercial sale of any of the Spray Formulations. In addition, on December 23, 2023, we entered into a stock issuance agreement with Benuvia pursuant to which we issued to Benuvia 384,226 shares of our Common Stock, which may be offered and sold pursuant to the resale prospectus which forms a part of the Registration Statement.
While we currently do not have strategy and development plans for the Spray Formulations licensed from Benuvia, beginning in the third quarter of 2024, we plan to develop clinical programs for each of the Spray Formulations, determine the labelling strategy that would be obtained from completion of these programs and discuss with the FDA the requirements for bringing each of the Spray Formulations to market. We anticipate bringing the Spray Formulations to market through the FDA 505(b)(2) regulatory pathway for new drug applications; however, the exact details will require further consultation with the FDA.
As a result, our results of operations and balance sheets may not be indicative of future operating results or of our future financial condition.
Going Concern
For the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, we had a net loss of $2.6 million and $1.0 million, respectively, and will require additional capital in order to operate in the normal course of business and fund clinical studies. The IPO closed on February 21, 2024, from which, the Company received net proceeds from the IPO of approximately $5.7 million after deducting the underwriting discounts and commissions and offering expenses payable by the Company (excluding any exercise of the warrants issued to the A.G.P./Alliance Global Partners (the “Representative”) or its designees, in connection with the IPO).
Based on the Company’s current cash balance and projections, management believes there is substantial doubt about its ability to continue to operate as a going concern and fund its operations through at least the next twelve months following the issuance of these financial statements.
Results of Operations
Comparison of the Three Months Ended March 31, 2024 and 2023
The following table summarizes our results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023:
| OPERATING EXPENSES | For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2024 | For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2023 | $ Change | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General and administrative expenses | $787,561 | $477,630 | $309,931 | 65% |
| Research and development | 466,606 | 186,117 | 280,489 | 151% |
| Professional fees | 679,815 | 250,836 | 428,979 | 171% |
| Total operating expenses | 1,933,982 | 914,583 | 1,019,399 | 111% |
| Loss from operations | (1,933,982) | (914,583) | (1,019,399) | (111)% |
| Other expense | (628,348) | (51,978) | (576,370) | 1,109% |
| Net loss before provision for income taxes | (2,562,330) | (966,561) | (1,595,769) | 165% |
| Provision for income taxes | — | — | — | NA |
| Net loss | $(2,562,330) | $(966,561) | $(1,595,769) | 165% |
Operating Expenses
Our operating expenses consist of general and administrative expenses, research and development expenses and professional fees.
General and Administrative Expenses
We incurred general and administrative expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 of $787,561 and $477,630, respectively. For the three months ended March 31, 2024, compared to the same period in 2023, this represented an increase of $309,931, or 65%, primarily as a result of increases of $92,527 in compensation expenses, an increase of $106,000 in marketing expenses, and an increase of $20,331 in stock-based compensation expense.
Research and Development Expenses
We incurred research and development expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 of $466,606, and $186,117, respectively. For the three months ended March 31, 2024, compared to the same period in 2023, this represented an increase of $280,489, or 151%, with the details set forth in the table below:
| For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2024 | For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2023 | $ Change | % Change | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Consultant | $30,033 | $16,400 | $13,633 | 120% |
| Lab Gas | — | — | — | —% |
| Lab Cell Storage | 24,127 | 10,100 | 14,027 | 72% |
| Chemistry Manufacturing and Controls (“CMC”) | 303,397 | — | 606,397 | —% |
| IP Services | 109,049 | 159,617 | (50,568) | (316)% |
| Total | $466,606 | $186,117 | $280,489 | 66% |
The Company incurred higher research and development expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2024, as compared to the corresponding period in 2023 primarily as a result of an increase in contract research services of $303,397.
Professional Fees
We incurred professional expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 of $679,815 and $250,836, respectively. For the three months ended March 31, 2024, compared to the same period in 2023, this represented an increase of $428,979, or 171%, as a result of higher auditing and legal expenses associated with IPO readiness activities.
Other (Expense) Income
We incurred other expense for the three months ended March 31, 2024 of $628,348 as compared to other expense for the three months ended March 31, 2023 of $51,978. For the three months ended March 31, 2024, compared to the same period in 2023, this represented an increase of 576,370 or 1,109%. The other expense for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 was the result of interest expense. The increase in the interest expense was due to the remaining debt discount on the Company’s notes being amortized out upon the conversion of the notes at the completion of the IPO.
Liquidity
Sources of Liquidity and Capital
We are in our early stages of development and growth, without established records of sales or earnings. We will be subject to numerous risks inherent in the business and operations of financially unstable and early stage or emerging growth companies. We have not yet commercialized any products, and we do not expect to generate revenue from product sales of any of our compounds for several years.
Cash totaled $3.8 million and $0.1 million as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively. As of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, we had an accumulated deficit of approximately $16.1 million and $13.5 million, respectively, and had a working capital of $1.1 million and a working capital deficit $6.4 million, respectively.
Historically, we have funded our operations from a series of cash advances from Chromocell Holdings, licensing arrangements, bridge and note issuances and grants from the National Institutes of Health.
We anticipate that we will enter into a purchase agreement to issue the shares of Common Stock issuable pursuant to an Equity Line of Credit (the “ELOC”); however, as of the date hereof, an agreement with respect to our proposed ELOC has not been, and may never be, finalized and executed and there is no assurance that we will enter into an ELOC or, if we do enter into such an ELOC, that the terms thereof will be consistent with or as favorable as those described in this Report.
On February 8, 2024, we and certain affiliates of the Representative entered into amendments to the senior secured convertible notes issued to such affiliates of the Representative in the April Bridge Financing and September Bridge Financing to remove the automatic conversion features from such notes (the “Bridge Financing Note Amendments”). Under the Bridge Financing Note Amendments, both notes issued in the April Bridge Financing and the September Bridge Financing had a maturity date of March 1, 2024, and the full principal amount of both notes and any accrued interest thereon was payable solely in cash upon the consummation of the IPO. Both notes had an annual interest rate of eight percent (8%), which accrued daily, and was calculated on the basis of a 360-day year (consisting of twelve 30 calendar day periods).
On February 10, 2024, we entered into a Stock Rescission Agreement with certain affiliates of the Representative (the “Stock Rescission Agreement” and, together with the Bridge Financing Note Amendments, the “Representative Affiliate Transactions”), pursuant to which we rescinded 111,129 shares of our Common Stock held by such affiliates of the Representative and agreed to refund an aggregate of $91,513 paid by such affiliates of the Representative in consideration therefor within 30 days of the effective date of the Stock Rescission Agreement. At March 31, 2024, all such amounts have been paid pursuant to the Representative Affiliate Transactions and there are no remaining obligations thereto.
On February 21, 2024, we completed the IPO and issued 1,100,000 shares of Common Stock at a price of $6.00 per share. The aggregate net proceeds from the IPO were approximately $5.7 million after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and offering expenses.
In connection with the completion of the IPO: (A) we effected the Reverse Stock Split, (B) all 600,000 issued and outstanding shares of our Series A Preferred Stock automatically converted into 499,429 shares of Common Stock, (C) principal in the amount of $389,757, along with accrued interest of approximately $28,336 as of February 21, 2024, outstanding under our senior secured convertible notes issued in the April Bridge Financing (after giving effect to the Representative Affiliate Transactions), automatically converted into approximately 87,109 shares of Common Stock, (D) principal in the amount of $197,421, along with accrued interest of $8,169 as of February 21, 2024, outstanding under our senior secured convertible notes issued in the September Bridge Financing (after giving effect to the Representative Affiliate Transactions), automatically converted into approximately 43,385 shares of Common Stock, which includes an additional 549 Bonus Shares issuable as consideration for the September Bridge Financing, (E) we issued 37,500 shares of Common Stock to an investor as consideration for its previous agreement to provide funding that is no longer necessary in connection with the IPO, (F) we effected the Representative Affiliate Transactions, (G) we effected the transactions contemplated by the Holdings Side Letter, and issued an aggregate of 2,600 shares of Series C Preferred Stock to Chromocell Holdings pursuant thereto, and (H) we issued (i) 93,823 shares to a lender holding the Investor Note and (ii) 29,167 shares to one of our directors holding the Director Note in full satisfaction of our obligations thereunder (in the case of (A) through (D) and (H) above, based on the IPO price of $6.00 per IPO Share).
In addition, certain Selling Stockholders, as identified in the Registration Statement, have agreed to offer for resale of up to an aggregate of 2,969,823 Selling Stockholder Shares to the public. After conversion of the convertible notes or shares of preferred stock, as applicable, the Selling Stockholders, or their respective transferees, pledgees, donees or other successors-in-interest, may sell the Selling Stockholders Shares through public or private transactions at prevailing market prices, at prices related to prevailing market prices or at privately negotiated prices. We will not receive any proceeds from the sale of the Stockholder Shares by the Selling Stockholders.
Future Funding Requirements
Our primary use of cash is to fund clinical development, operating expenses and repay accrued liabilities associated with our IPO.
With respect to the Company’s future expected operations expenses, the primary expense drivers will be research and development and management overhead, including costs of being a public company. Of these, it is expected that research and development will be the largest expense and comprise approximately $3.0 million in the twelve months following the IPO, which will be utilized for the furtherance of the Company’s CC8464 and CT2000 programs. We have based the research and development costs on current clinical and pre-clinical trial parameters and expectations on certain existing tax credits, and there is no certainty that the clinical and pre-clinical trial parameters or tax credits available to the Company will remain as they are, which could lead to changes in our research and development expenditures. Cash used to fund operating expenses is impacted by the timing of when we pay these expenses, as reflected in the change in our outstanding accounts payable, accrued expenses and prepaid expenses.
We expect to continue to incur significant and increasing expenses and operating losses in connection with our ongoing research and development activities. In addition, with the closing of the IPO, we expect to incur additional costs associated with operating as a public company. As a result, we expect to continue to incur operating losses and negative operating cash flows for the foreseeable future.
Based on our current operating plan, we believe that the net proceeds from the IPO, together with our existing cash, will be sufficient to fund our operations and capital expenses through the end of 2024. However, we have based this estimate on assumptions that may prove to be incorrect, and we could exhaust our capital resources sooner than we expect.
We may also raise additional funding through strategic relationships, public or private equity or debt financings, credit facilities, grants or other arrangements. If such funding is not available or not available on terms acceptable to us, our current development plan and plans for expansion of our general and administrative infrastructure may be curtailed. If we raise additional funds through the issuance of preferred stock, convertible debt securities or other debt financing, these securities or other debt could contain covenants that restrict our operations. Any other third-party funding arrangement could require us to relinquish valuable rights.
The source, timing and availability of any future financing will depend principally upon market conditions. Funding may not be available when needed, at all, or on terms acceptable to us. Lack of necessary funds may require us to, among other things, delay, scale back or eliminate expenses including some or all of our planned development. There is substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern.
Cash Flows
The following table summarizes our cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023:
| For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2024 | For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2023 | $ Change | % Change | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net cash used in operating activities | $(1,991,893) | $(173,369) | $(1,818,524) | (1,049)% |
| Net cash provided by financing activities | 5,665,731 | 166,903 | 5,498,828 | 3,295% |
| Net increase (decrease) in cash | $3,673,838 | $(6,466) | $3,680,304 | (56,918)% |
Net Cash Used in Operating Activities
For the three months ended March 31, 2024, we incurred a net loss of $2,562,330, and net cash flows used in operating activities was $1,991,893. The cash flow used in operating activities was primarily due to a net loss of $2,562,330, offset by stock-based compensation expense of $292,552, amortization of debt discount of $605,630, a change in account payable and accrued expense of $90,994, change in prepaid expenses of $220,930 and an increase in accrued compensation in the amount of $155,000.
For the three months ended March 31, 2023, we incurred a net loss of $966,561, and net cash flows used in operating activities was $173,369. The cash flow used in operating activities was primarily due to a net loss of $966,561, offset by stock-based compensation expense of $272,221, amortization of debt discount of $31,650, a change in account payable and accrued expense of $367,326, and an increase in accrued compensation in the amount of $121,995
Net Cash (Used in) Provided by Investing Activities
The Company neither received nor used cash in investing activities during the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023.
Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities
For the three months ended March 31, 2024, net cash flows provided by financing activities were $5,665,731 resulting from payments from loans of $214,757, net proceeds from common stock issued for cash of $5,972,000, and payment of recission on stock of $91,512.
For the three months ended March 31, 2023, net cash flows provided by financing activities were $1,622,223, consisting of cash received total net proceeds from the issuance of notes in the amount of $166,903.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
During the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, we did not have, and we do not currently have, any off-balance sheet arrangements, as defined under applicable SEC rules.
Critical Accounting Estimates
The following discussions are based upon our financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.
The preparation of these financial statements requires management to make estimates, judgments and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosures of contingencies. We continually evaluate the accounting policies and estimates used to prepare the financial statements. We base our estimates on historical experiences and assumptions believed to be reasonable under current facts and circumstances. Actual amounts and results could differ from these estimates made by management.
See Note 3 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to the accompanying financial statements for a detailed description of our significant accounting policies.
Income Taxes
We are subject to income taxes in the U.S. Significant judgment is required in determining income tax expense, deferred taxes and uncertain tax positions. The underlying assumptions are also highly susceptible to change from period to period. In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some or all the deferred tax assets will be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred taxes assets is dependent upon generation of future taxable income during the period in which those temporary differences become deductible. Management considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, and taxable income in carryback years and tax-planning strategies when making this assessment. There is currently significant negative evidence which contributes to our recording a valuation allowance against our deferred tax assets due to cumulative losses since inception.
Although we believe our assumptions, judgments, and estimates are reasonable, changes in tax laws or our interpretation of tax laws and the resolution of any tax audits could significantly impact the amounts provided for income taxes in our consolidated financial statements. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities from a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. Adjustments to income tax expense, to the extent we establish a valuation allowance or adjust the allowance in a future period, could have a material impact on our financial condition and results of operations.
The critical accounting estimates below do not represent a material estimate in the preparation of our financial statements.
Recently Issued and Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
The FASB issues ASUs to amend the authoritative literature in the Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”). There have been several ASUs to date, including those above, that amend the original text of ASC. Management believes that those issued to date either (i) provide supplemental guidance, (ii) are technical corrections, (iii) are not applicable to us or (iv) are not expected to have a significant impact on our financial statements.
Other accounting standards that have been issued or proposed by FASB and do not require adoption until a future date are not expected to have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements upon adoption. Management does not believe that any other recently issued, but not yet effective, accounting standard if currently adopted would have a material effect on the accompanying financial statements.
Market risk
As filed, 147 characters, with its headings, lists and tables. Extracted from the main document; charts and exhibits are in the original on sec.gov.
As a smaller reporting company, as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act, we are not required to provide the information required by this Item.
Controls and procedures
As filed, 2,716 characters, with its headings, lists and tables. Extracted from the main document; charts and exhibits are in the original on sec.gov.
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
As required by Rule 13a-15 under the Exchange Act, we have carried out an evaluation of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this Report. This evaluation was carried out under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer.
Disclosure controls and procedures are controls and other procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our company’s reports filed under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, cannot provide absolute assurance that the objectives of the controls system are met, and no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within a company have been detected. Based on the evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of March 31, 2024, our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of such date, our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective.
Management identified the following material weaknesses:
1. We lack the necessary corporate accounting resources to maintain adequate segregation of duties. Such a lack of segregation of duties is typical in a company with limited resources.
2. We lack the ability to provide multiple levels of review in connection with the financial reporting process, which means that we cannot ensure that we are meeting certain financial reporting and transaction processing controls standards.
3. We lack the necessary internal IT infrastructure to ensure proper IT general controls. Additionally, we are reliant on third-party software for our financial systems and cannot ensure there are no vulnerabilities in these systems.
Changes in Internal Controls
With the completion of the IPO, the Company has begun instituting controls and procedures that we expect will demonstrably improve the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures in upcoming reporting periods.
Figures reported in this filing
Standardized line items from the XBRL in this filing, for the period ended 2024-03-31. Comparative periods it repeats are left out.
| Line item | Period | Value | XBRL concept |
|---|---|---|---|
| Research and development | 3 months2024-01-01 to 2024-03-31 | $466.6k | us-gaap:ResearchAndDevelopmentExpense |
| Operating income | 3 months2024-01-01 to 2024-03-31 | −$1.9m | us-gaap:OperatingIncomeLoss |
| Net income | 3 months2024-01-01 to 2024-03-31 | −$2.6m | us-gaap:NetIncomeLoss |
| Basic EPS | 3 months2024-01-01 to 2024-03-31 | −$0.55 | us-gaap:EarningsPerShareBasic |
| Operating cash flow | 3 months2024-01-01 to 2024-03-31 | −$2.0m | us-gaap:NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities |
| Cash and equivalents | At period end2024-03-31 | $3.8m | us-gaap:CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue |
| Current assets | At period end2024-03-31 | $4.0m | us-gaap:AssetsCurrent |
| Total assets | At period end2024-03-31 | $4.0m | us-gaap:Assets |
| Current liabilities | At period end2024-03-31 | $2.9m | us-gaap:LiabilitiesCurrent |
| Total liabilities | At period end2024-03-31 | $2.9m | us-gaap:Liabilities |
| Shareholders' equity | At period end2024-03-31 | $1.1m | us-gaap:StockholdersEquity |
Source: SEC EDGAR, the filing index for accession 0001753926-24-000976. Last ingested by Listed: Nov 3, 2026, 23:09 ET. Listed shows no prices and gives no investment advice.