Unassociated Document
UNITED
STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington,
DC 20549
FORM
10-QSB
(Mark
One)
|
|
ý
|
QUARTERLY
REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE
ACT OF
1934
|
|
For
the quarterly period ended March 31,
2007
|
o
|
TRANSITION
REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF
1934
|
|
For
the transition period from
to
|
Commission
File Number: 333-139354
PIPEX
PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
(Name
of small business issuer in its charter)
Delaware
|
13-3808303
|
(State
or other jurisdiction of incorporation or
organization)
|
(IRS
Employer Identification Number)
|
3985
Research Park Drive
Ann
Arbor, MI
|
48108
|
(Address
of principal executive offices)
|
(Zip
Code)
|
Registrant’s
telephone number, including area code:
(734)
332-7800
Indicate
by check mark whether the issuer: (1) has filed all reports required to be
filed
by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the
preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required
to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements
for
the past 90 days. Yes ý No
o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined
in
Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes o No
ý
State issuer’s revenues for its most recent fiscal year: $0
As of May 10, 2007, the issuer had 17,023,218 shares of common stock
outstanding.
Documents
incorporated by reference: None.
Transitional
Small Business Disclosure Format (Check one): Yes o No ý
PIPEX
PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
FORM
10-QSB
TABLE
OF CONTENTS
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Page
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PART
I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
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Cautionary
Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
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3
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Item
1.
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|
Financial
Statements
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|
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Consolidated
Balance Sheet (Unaudited)
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4
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Consolidated
Statements of Operations (Unaudited)
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5
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|
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Consolidated
Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)
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6
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Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
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7
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Item
2.
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Management’s
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations
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15
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Item
3.
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Controls
and Procedures
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19
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PART
II - OTHER INFORMATION
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Item
1.
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|
Legal
Proceedings
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19
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Item
1A.
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Risk
Factors
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19
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Item
2.
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Unregistered
Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
|
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32
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Item
3.
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Defaults
Upon Senior Securities
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33
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Item
4.
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Submission
of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
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33
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Item
5.
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Other
Information
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33
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Item
6.
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Exhibits
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34
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SIGNATURE
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35
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PART
I. - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Forward-Looking
Statements
Most
of
the matters discussed within this report include forward-looking statements
on
our current expectations and projections about future events. In some cases
you
can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as “may,” “should,”
“potential,” “continue,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “plans,”
“believes,” “estimates,” and similar expressions. These statements are based on
our current beliefs, expectations, and assumptions and are subject to a number
of risks and uncertainties. Actual results and events may vary significantly
from those discussed in the forward-looking statements.
Except
as
otherwise provided, Pipex shall mean Pipex Pharmaceuticals and its subsidiaries,
Pipex Therapeutics Inc., Effective Pharmaceuticals, Inc., CD4 Biosciences,
Inc.
and Solovax, Inc.
|
(A
Development Stage Company)
|
Consolidated
Balance Sheet
|
March
31, 2007
|
(Unaudited)
|
|
|
|
|
Assets
|
|
Current
Assets
|
|
|
|
Cash
|
|
$
|
10,941,484
|
|
Prepaid
expenses
|
|
|
26,172
|
|
Total
Current Assets
|
|
|
10,967,656
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equipment,
net of accumulated depreciation of $42,497
|
|
|
324,043
|
|
|
|
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Deposits
and other assets
|
|
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301,225
|
|
|
|
|
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Total
Assets
|
|
$
|
11,592,924
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Liabilities
and Stockholders' Equity
|
Current
Liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts
payable
|
|
$
|
401,943
|
|
Accrued
liabilities
|
|
|
140,000
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|
Note
payable
|
|
|
200,000
|
|
Total
Current Liabilities
|
|
|
741,943
|
|
|
|
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Long
Term Liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
Note
payable, less current portion above
|
|
|
400,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
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Total
Liabilities
|
|
|
1,141,943
|
|
|
|
|
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Commitments
(See Note 5)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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Stockholders'
Equity
|
|
|
|
|
Preferred
stock, $0.001 par value; 10,000,000 shares authorized,
|
|
|
|
|
none
issued and outstanding
|
|
|
-
|
|
Common
stock, $0.001 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized,
|
|
|
|
|
17,023,218
shares issued and outstanding
|
|
|
17,023
|
|
Additional
paid-in capital
|
|
|
34,467,578
|
|
Deficit
accumulated during the development stage
|
|
|
(24,033,620
|
)
|
Total
Stockholders' Equity
|
|
|
10,450,981
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
|
|
$
|
11,592,924
|
|
See
accompanying notes to consolidated financial
statements
|
(A
Development Stage Company)
|
Consolidated
Statements of Operations
|
(Unaudited)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For
the Period
|
|
|
|
|
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from
January 8, 2001
|
|
|
|
For
the three months ended March 31,
|
|
(Inception)
to
|
|
|
|
2007
|
|
2006
|
|
March
31, 2007
|
|
Operating
Expenses:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Research
and development
|
|
|
1,417,123
|
|
|
331,319
|
|
|
6,250,192
|
|
General
and administrative
|
|
|
1,503,881
|
|
|
184,212
|
|
|
4,536,774
|
|
Total
Operating Expenses
|
|
|
2,921,004
|
|
|
515,531
|
|
|
10,786,966
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss
from Operations
|
|
|
(2,921,004
|
)
|
|
(515,531
|
)
|
|
(10,786,966
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other
Income (Expense):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest
income
|
|
|
71,469
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
116,051
|
|
Other
expense
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
(1,733
|
)
|
Total
Other Income, net
|
|
|
71,469
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
114,318
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
Loss
|
|
$
|
(2,849,535
|
)
|
$
|
(515,531
|
)
|
$
|
(10,672,648
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less:
Preferred stock dividend - subsidiary
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
(190,250
|
)
|
|
(951,250
|
)
|
Less:
Merger dividend
|
|
|
(12,409,722
|
)
|
|
-
|
|
|
(12,409,722
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
Loss Applicable to Common Shareholders
|
|
$
|
(15,259,257
|
)
|
$
|
(705,781
|
)
|
$
|
(24,033,620
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
Loss Per Share - Basic and Diluted
|
|
$
|
(0.90
|
)
|
$
|
(0.45
|
)
|
$
|
(9.55
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted
average number of shares outstanding
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
during
the period - basic and diluted
|
|
|
16,979,038
|
|
|
1,572,137
|
|
|
2,516,181
|
|
|
See
accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements
Pipex
Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Subsidiaries
|
(A
Development Stage Company)
|
Consolidated
Statements of Cash Flows
|
(Unaudited)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For
the Period
|
|
|
|
|
|
from
January 8, 2001
|
|
|
|
For
the three months ended March 31,
|
|
(Inception)
to
|
|
|
|
2007
|
|
2006
|
|
March
31, 2007
|
|
Cash
Flows From Operating Activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
loss
|
|
$
|
(2,849,535
|
)
|
$
|
(515,531
|
)
|
$
|
(10,672,648
|
)
|
Adjustments
to reconcile net loss to net cash
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
used
in operating activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stock-based
compensation expense
|
|
|
596,047
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
1,049,570
|
|
Stock-based
consulting
|
|
|
316,360
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
804,076
|
|
Stock
issued as compensation in acquisition of subsidiary
|
|
|
601,612
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
601,612
|
|
Stock
issued for license fee
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
388,691
|
|
Depreciation
|
|
|
9,562
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
42,497
|
|
Changes
in operating assets and liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Prepaid
expenses and other
|
|
|
(470
|
)
|
|
-
|
|
|
(26,172
|
)
|
Deposits
and other assets
|
|
|
(301,225
|
)
|
|
-
|
|
|
(301,225
|
)
|
Accounts
payable
|
|
|
(138,177
|
)
|
|
(3,679
|
)
|
|
401,943
|
|
Accrued
liabilities
|
|
|
(48,799
|
)
|
|
-
|
|
|
143,118
|
|
Net
Cash Used In Operating Activities
|
|
|
(1,814,625
|
)
|
|
(519,210
|
)
|
|
(7,568,538
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash
Flows From Investing Activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Purchases
of property and equipment
|
|
|
(36,317
|
)
|
|
-
|
|
|
(82,150
|
)
|
Cash
paid to acquire shell in reverse merger
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
(665,000
|
)
|
Net
Cash Used In Investing Activities
|
|
|
(36,317
|
)
|
|
-
|
|
|
(747,150
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash
Flows From Financing Activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Proceeds
from note payable
|
|
|
600,000
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
600,000
|
|
Proceeds
from sale of common stock and warrants in private
placements
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
13,926,362
|
|
Cash
paid as direct offering costs in private placements
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,160,418
|
)
|
Proceeds
from issuance of Series B, convertible preferred stock -
subsidiary
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
1,902,500
|
|
Direct
offering costs in connection with issuance of
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
series
B, convertible preferred stock - subsidiary
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
(152,200
|
)
|
Proceeds
from issuance of preferred and common stock
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
1,150,590
|
|
Proceeds
from loans payable - related party
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
280,349
|
|
|
3,210,338
|
|
Repayments
of loans payable - related party
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
(220,000
|
)
|
Net
Cash Provided By Financing Activities
|
|
|
600,000
|
|
|
280,349
|
|
|
19,257,172
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
increase (decrease) in cash
|
|
|
(1,250,942
|
)
|
|
(238,861
|
)
|
|
10,941,484
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash
at beginning of period
|
|
|
12,192,426
|
|
|
1,157,790
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash
at end of period
|
|
$
|
10,941,484
|
|
$
|
918,929
|
|
$
|
10,941,484
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Supplemental
disclosures of cash flow information:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash
paid for interest
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
Cash
paid for taxes
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Supplemental
disclosure of non-cash investing and financing
activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exchange
of EPI preferred stock into Pipex common stock in
acquisition
|
|
$
|
12,409,722
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
$
|
12,409,722
|
|
Pipex
acquired equipment in exchange for a loan with a related
party
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
$
|
284,390
|
|
$
|
284,390
|
|
EPI
declared a 10% and 30% in-kind dividend on its Series B,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
convertible
preferred stock.
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
$
|
190,250
|
|
$
|
951,250
|
|
The
Company issued shares and warrants in connection with the
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
conversion
of certain related party debt.
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
$
|
3,274,728
|
|
Conversion
of accrued liabilities to contributed capital - former related
party
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
$
|
3,017
|
|
See
accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements
Pipex
Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Subsidiaries
(A
Development Stage Company)
Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
Note
1 Organization, Nature of Operations and Basis of
Presentation
(A)
Description of the Business
Pipex
Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (“Pipex”) is a development-stage pharmaceutical company
that is developing proprietary, late-stage drug candidates for the treatment
of
neurologic and fibrotic diseases.
In
January 2007 the Company’s Board of Directors approved a 3 for 1 reverse stock
split of all outstanding common stock, stock options and stock warrants of
Pipex
which was effective of April 25, 2007. All references to the number of shares
and per share amounts have been retroactively restated to reflect this reverse
stock split.
(B)
Basis of Presentation
The
accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared
in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial
information and with the instructions to Form 10-QSB and Item 310(b) of
Regulation S-B. Accordingly they do not include all of the information and
footnotes necessary for a fair presentation of financial condition, results
of
operations and cash flows in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles. In the opinion of management of Pipex, the interim consolidated
financial statements included herewith contain all adjustments (consisting
of
normal recurring accruals and adjustments) necessary for their fair
presentation. The unaudited interim consolidated financial statements should
be
read in conjunction with the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-KSB, which
contains the audited financial statements and notes thereto, together with
the
Management’s Discussion and Analysis, for the year ended December 31, 2006.
The interim results for the period ended March 31, 2007 are not necessarily
indicative of results for the full fiscal year.
(C)
Reverse Merger and Recapitalization
On
October 31, 2006, Sheffield Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (“Sheffield”), a shell
corporation, entered into a Merger Agreement (“Merger”) with Pipex Therapeutics
Inc. (“Pipex Therapeutics”), a privately owned Delaware company, whereby Pipex
Therapeutics was the surviving corporation. This transaction was accounted
for
as a reverse merger since Sheffield did not have any operations and a
recapitalization of Pipex Therapeutics. Since Pipex Therapeutics acquired a
controlling voting interest, it was deemed the accounting acquirer, while
Sheffield was deemed the legal acquirer. The historical financial statements
of
the Company are those of Pipex Therapeutics, Effective Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
(“EPI”), Solovax, Inc. (“Solovax”) and CD4 Biosciences, Inc (“CD4”) since
inception, and of the consolidated entities from the date of Merger and
subsequent. On December 11, 2006, Sheffield changed its name to Pipex
Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Since
the
transaction is considered a reverse merger and recapitalization, the guidance
in
SFAS No. 141 does not apply for purposes of presenting pro-forma financial
information.
Pursuant
to the Merger Agreement, Sheffield issued 11,333,334 shares of common stock
for
all of the outstanding Series A, convertible preferred and common stock of
Pipex
Therapeutics and Sheffield assumed all of Pipex Therapeutics’s outstanding
options and warrants, but did not assume the options and warrants outstanding
within Pipex Therapeutics’s majority owned subsidiaries. On October 31, 2006,
concurrent with the Merger, Pipex Therapeutics executed a private stock purchase
agreement to purchase an additional 808,767 shares of common stock held by
Sheffield’s sole officer and director; these shares were immediately cancelled
and retired. Aggregate consideration paid for Sheffield was $665,000. Upon
the
closing of the reverse merger, shareholders of Sheffield retained an aggregate
245,824 shares of common stock. As a result of these transactions, Pipex
Therapeutics acquired approximately 98% ownership of the issued and outstanding
common shares of Sheffield.
(D)
Contribution Agreements — Consolidation of Entities under Common
Control
1.
EPI’s Acquisition of CD4
On
December 31, 2004, EPI acquired 91.61% of the issued and outstanding common
stock of CD4 in exchange for 825,000 shares of common stock having a fair value
of $825. EPI assumed certain outstanding accounts payable and loans of CD4
of
approximately $664,000. The fair value
of
the
exchange was equivalent to the par value of the common stock issued. CD4
shareholders retained 119,000 shares (8.39%) of the issued and outstanding
common stock of CD4; these shareholders comprise the non-controlling shareholder
base of CD4.
2.
Pipex Therapeutic’s Acquisition of Solovax
On
July
31, 2005, Pipex Therapeutics acquired 96.9% of the aggregate voting preferred
and common stock of Solovax.. Pipex Therapeutics assumed all outstanding
liabilities of approximately $310,000, the transfer of 1,000,000 shares of
Series A Convertible Preferred Stock owned by Solovax’s president and 250,000
shares of common stock owned by Solovax’s COO. The fair value of the exchange
was equivalent to the par value of the common stock received pursuant to the
terms of the contribution.
3.
Pipex Therapeutic’s Acquisition of EPI/CD4
On
December 31, 2005, Pipex Therapeutics acquired 65.47% of the aggregate voting
preferred and common stock of EPI and its majority owned subsidiary CD4. In
addition, Pipex Therapeutics assumed $583,500 of outstanding liabilities of
EPI.
The fair value of the exchange was equivalent to the par value of the common
stock received pursuant to the terms of the contribution.
In
the
consolidated financial statements, each of these transactions was analogous
to a
recapitalization with no net change to equity since the entities were under
common control at the date of the transaction.
4.
Pipex Pharmaceuticals’ Acquisition of EPI
On
January 5, 2007, EPI merged with and into a wholly owned subsidiary of Pipex,
Effective Acquisition Corp. In the transaction, Pipex issued 795,248 shares
of
common stock having a fair value of $15,865,184 based upon the quoted closing
trading price of $19.95 per share. As consideration for the share issuance,
EPI,
exchanged 634,167 shares of Series B Convertible Preferred stock and 25,000
shares of common stock into 765,087 and 30,161 (pursuant to the reverse stock
split), shares of Pipex common stock respectively. The Company took a charge
of
$601,712 to compensation expense for the newly issued common stock to an officer
and director of the Company. The additional 951,250 shares of outstanding Series
B preferred stock dividends were cancelled and retired and were not contemplated
in the exchange. EPI also cancelled and retired all of the issued and
outstanding 3,000,000 shares of Series A Convertible Preferred stock as well
as
750,000 shares of common stock.
In
connection with this exchange, and pursuant to EITF 98-3, “Determining whether a
Non-Monetary Transaction involves the receipt of Productive Assets or of a
Business” EPI was classified as a development stage company and thus was not
considered a business. As a result, SFAS No. 141 purchase accounting rules
did
not apply. Additionally, the Company applied the provisions of EITF 86-32,
“Early Extinguishment of a Subsidiary’s Mandatorily Redeemable Preferred Stock”
and has determined that even though the preferred stock of EPI was not
mandatorily redeemable, this transaction would be considered a capital
transaction, and there would be no resulting gain or loss.
Finally,
in connection with EITF Topic D-42, “The Effect on the Calculation of Earnings
Per Share for the Redemption or Induced Conversion of Preferred Stock”, The
Company has determined that the fair value of the consideration transferred
to
the holders of EPI Series B, convertible preferred stock over the carrying
amount of the preferred stock represents a return to the preferred stockholders.
The difference is $12,409,722, which is included as a component of paid in-kind
dividends. This amount is included as an additional reduction in net loss
applicable to common shareholders for purposes of computing loss per share
in
the accompanying financial statements for the period ending March 31,
2007.
As
part
of the acquisition of EPI, the Company granted an aggregate 68,858 warrants
and
34,685 options for the outstanding warrants and options with EPI warrant and
option holders. These new options and warrants will continue to vest according
to their original terms. Pursuant to SFAS No. 123R and fair value accounting,
the Company treated the exchange as a modification of an award of equity
instruments. As such, incremental compensation cost shall be measured as the
excess of the fair value of the replacement award over the fair value of the
cancelled award at the cancellation date. In substance, Pipex repurchased the
EPI instruments by issuing a new instrument of equal or greater
value.
The
Company used the following weighted average assumptions for the fair value
of
the replacement award: expected dividend yield of 0%; expected volatility of
196.10%; risk-free interest rate of 4.65%, an expected life ranging from seven
to eight years and exercise prices ranging from $0.09 - $3.30.
The
Company has the following weighted average assumptions for the fair value of
the
cancelled award at the cancellation date: expected dividend yield of 0%;
expected volatility of 200%; risk-free interest rate of 4.65%, an expected
life
ranging from seven to eight years and exercise prices ranging from $0.09 -
$3.30.
The
fair
value of the replacement award required an increase in compensation expense
of
approximately $352,734.
Note
2 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
(A)
Principles of Consolidation
The
consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Pipex Pharmaceuticals,
Inc. and its majority owned subsidiaries, Pipex Therapeutics, Solovax, EPI,
and
CD4. All significant inter-company accounts and transactions have been
eliminated in consolidation.
For
financial accounting purposes, the Company’s inception is deemed January 8,
2001. The activity of EPI for the period from December 12, 2000 to January
7,
2001 was nominal. Therefore, there is no financial information presented for
this period.
(B)
Development Stage
The
Company’s consolidated financial statements are presented as statements of a
development stage enterprise. For the period from inception (January 8, 2001)
to
date, the Company has been a development stage enterprise, and accordingly,
the
Company’s operations have been directed primarily toward the acquisition and
creation of intellectual properties and certain research and development
activities to improve current technological concepts. As the Company is devoting
its efforts to research and development, there has been no revenue generated
from sales, license fees or royalties. Additionally, the Company continually
seeks sources of debt or equity based funding to further its intended research
and development activities. The Company has experienced net losses since its
inception, and had an accumulated deficit of $24,033,620 at March 31, 2007.
(C)
Use of Estimates
In
preparing financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles, management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect
the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets
and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and revenues and
expenses during the periods presented. Actual results may differ from these
estimates.
Significant
estimates during 2007 and 2006 include depreciable lives of property, valuation
of stock options and warrants granted for services or compensation pursuant
to
SFAS No. 123R, existence and recording of research and development expenditures
as expenses in connection with the provisions of SFAS No. 2, estimates of the
probability and potential magnitude of contingent liabilities and the valuation
allowance for deferred tax assets.
(D)
Cash
The
Company minimizes its credit risk associated with cash by periodically
evaluating the credit quality of its primary financial institution. The balance
at times may exceed federally insured limits. At March 31, 2007, the balance
exceeded the federally insured limit by $10,655,878.
(E)
Equipment
Equipment
is stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation. Costs greater than $1,000
are
capitalized and depreciated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful
lives, which is generally ten years. Equipment consists primarily of equipment
used in connection with research and development. Expenditures for maintenance
and repairs are charged to expense as incurred.
(F)
Long Lived Assets
Long-lived
assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances
indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable.
Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of
the
carrying amount of an asset to future undiscounted net cash flows expected
to be
generated by the asset. If such assets are considered impaired, the impairment
to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of
the
assets exceeds the fair value of the assets. There were no impairment charges
taken during the three month periods ended March 31, 2007 and March 31, 2006
and
for the period from January 8, 2001 (inception) to March 31, 2007.
(G)
Derivative Liabilities
In
connection with the reverse merger, all outstanding convertible preferred stock
of Pipex was cancelled and retired, as such, the provisions of EITF No. 00-19,
“Accounting
for Derivative Financial Instruments Index to, and Potentially Settled in,
a
Company’s Own Stock”
do not
apply. The Company’s majority owned subsidiaries also contain issued convertible
preferred stock; however, none of these instruments currently contains any
provisions that require the recording of a derivative liability. In connection
with the acquisition of EPI on January 5, 2007 (See Note 9(A)), all issued
and
outstanding shares of Series A and B, convertible preferred stock were cancelled
and retired. As such, no potential derivative liabilities will exist pertaining
to these instruments.
(H)
Net Loss per Share
Basic
earnings (loss) per share is computed by dividing the net income (loss) less
preferred dividends for the period by the weighted average number of common
shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per share is computed by dividing net
income (loss) less preferred dividends by the weighted average number of common
shares outstanding including the effect of share equivalents, such as stock
options and warrants. Since the Company reported a net loss at March 31, 2007
and 2006 and for the period from January 8, 2001 (inception) to March 31, 2007,
respectively, all common stock equivalents would be anti-dilutive; as such
there
is no separate computation for diluted earnings per share.
The
Company’s net loss per share for the periods ended March 31, 2007 and 2006 and
for the period from January 8, 2001 (inception) to March 31, 2007 was computed
assuming the recapitalization associated with the reverse merger in October
2006
and the reverse stock split in April 2007, as such all share and per share
amounts have been retroactively restated. Additionally, the numerator for
computing net loss per share was adjusted for preferred stock dividends recorded
during the three months ended March 31, 2007, March 31, 2006 and the period
from
January 8, 2001 (inception) to March 31, 2007, in connection with the
acquisition of EPI (See Note 1(D)(4)) as well as and certain provisions relating
to the sale of EPI’s Series B, convertible preferred stock.
(I)
Research and Development Expense
The
Company expenses all research and development expense as incurred for which
there is no alternative future use. Research and development expenses consist
primarily of manufacturing costs, license fees, salaries and related personnel
costs, fees paid to consultants and outside service providers for laboratory
development, legal expenses resulting from intellectual property prosecution
and
other expenses relating to the design, development, testing and enhancement
of
the Company’s product candidates, as well as an allocation of overhead expenses
incurred by the Company.
(J)
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The
carrying amounts of the Company’s short-term financial instruments, including
accounts payable, accrued liabilities and notes payable, approximate fair value
due to the relatively short period to maturity for these
instruments.
(K)
Stock Based Compensation
All
share-based payments to employees since inception have been recorded and
expensed in the statements of operations as applicable under SFAS No. 123R
“Share-Based Payment”.
(L)
Reclassifications
Certain
amounts in the year 2006 financial statements have been reclassified to conform
to the year 2007 presentation. The results of these reclassifications did not
materially affect the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of
operations or cash flows.
Note
3 Long-Term Debt
On
March
30, 2007, the Company entered into a loan facility with a bank whereby the
Company borrowed $600,000 for equipment purchases. Borrowings under the facility
bear interest at the bank’s prime rate (8.25% at March 31, 2007) plus 2% and are
payable in equal monthly principal payments over 36 months. As of March 31,
2007, outstanding borrowings under the facility were $600,000. The loan facility
subjects the Company to financial covenants, which, among other restrictions,
requires the Company to maintain certain minimum levels of tangible net worth
and liquidity. Management has determined that the Company is in compliance
with
these covenants at March 31, 2007.
Note
4 Stockholders’ Equity and Non-Controlling Interest
(A)
Preferred Stock Issuances
On
January 4, 2001, EPI issued 3,000,000 shares of Series A Convertible Preferred
Stock to the Founder serving as the CEO and Chairman of the Board of EPI in
exchange for $250,000 ($0.08 per share).
On
January 15, 2001, Pipex Therapeutics issued 5,421,554 shares of Series A
Convertible Preferred Stock (pursuant to the October 31, 2006 reverse merger
and
recapitalization and the reverse stock split on April 25, 2007) to a founder
serving as the President, CEO and Chairman of the Board of Pipex in exchange
for
$300,000 ($0.055 per share). On October 31, 2006, pursuant to the reverse merger
with Sheffield, these shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock were
cancelled and retired.
On
January 31, 2001, Solovax issued 1,000,000 shares of Series A Convertible
Preferred Stock to the Founder serving as the President, CEO and Chairman of
the
Board of Solovax in exchange for $300,000 ($0.30 per share).
On
February 7, 2001, CD4 issued 1,000,000 shares of Series A Convertible Preferred
Stock, to an affiliate of a founder serving as the CEO and Chairman of the
Board
of CD4 in exchange for $300,000 ($.30 per share).
From
March through June 2005, EPI issued 1,902,500 shares of Series B Convertible
Preferred Stock, at $1 per share, for proceeds of $1,902,500. In connection
with
this offering, EPI paid $152,200 of offering costs that were charged against
additional paid in capital. The Company also granted 171,225 warrants as
compensation in connection with this equity raise. On January 5, 2007, pursuant
to the acquisition of EPI, these shares of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock
were cancelled and retired. (See Note 1(D)(4))
(B)
Common Stock Issuances of Issuer
On
January 5, 2007, the Company issued 795,248 shares of common stock in the
acquisition of EPI having a fair value of $15,865,184 based upon the quoted
closing trading price of $19.95 per share. (See Note (1)(D)(4).
During
October and November of 2006, the Company completed private placements of its
stock, which resulted in the issuance of 6,900,932 shares of common stock and
3,450,660 warrants. The net proceeds from the private placements were
approximately $12,766,000, which included cash paid as direct offering costs
of
approximately $1,160,000. In connection with the private placements, the Company
engaged a company, which is controlled by the Company’s Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer, as the placement agent for the transaction. Of the total
approximate $1,160,000 in direct offering costs, the Company paid the placement
agent the sum of approximately $1,033,800. Additionally the placement agent
was
paid non-cash compensation of 958,277 warrants with an aggregate fair value
of
$4,555,457. (See Note 3 (E)).
On
October 31, 2006, the loans payable to the Company’s founder, President and CEO
were converted into 1,665,211 shares of common stock and 832,606
warrants.
During
October 2006, the Company converted all of its 5,421,554 shares of Series A,
convertible preferred stock in exchange for equivalent common shares. The fair
value of the exchange was based upon par value with a net effect of $0 to the
statement of equity.
During
October 2006, the Company issued 422,314 shares of common stock to an unrelated
third party in connection with the terms of a license agreement. The fair value
was $388,691 based upon the recent cash offering price at that time and was
charged to research and development expense.
(C)
Common Stock Issuances of Subsidiaries
During
the period from January 8, 2001 (inception) to December 31, 2004, the Company’s
majority owned subsidiaries; CD4 and Solovax issued an aggregate 590,000 shares
of common stock for $590 and an aggregate 119,000 shares of common stock was
issued for compensation and consulting services rendered having a fair value
of
$119.
(D)
Stock Option Plan
On
March
20, 2007, the Company’s Board of Directors adopted the Company’s 2007 Stock
Incentive Plan (the “2007 Stock Plan”) for the issuance of up to 2,500,000
shares of common stock to be granted through incentive stock options,
nonqualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, dividend equivalent
rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units and other stock-based awards
to
officers, other employees, directors and consultants of the Company and its
subsidiaries. The
exercise price of stock options under the plan is determined by the compensation
committee of the Board of Directors, and may be equal to or greater than the
fair market value of the Company’s common stock on the date the option
is
granted. Options become exercisable over various periods from the date of grant,
and generally expire ten years after the grant date. As of March 31, 2007,
there
are a total of 260,012 options issued and outstanding under the 2007 Stock
Plan.
During
2001, Pipex Therapeutics’ Board and stockholders adopted the 2001 Stock
Incentive Plan (the “2001 Stock Plan”). This plan was assumed by Pipex in the
merger, in the forth quarter of 2006. As of the date of the merger there were
a
total of 1,489,353 options issued and outstanding. The total number of shares
of
stock with respect to which stock options and stock appreciation rights may
be
granted to any one employee of the Company or a subsidiary during any one-year
period shall not exceed 1,250,000. All awards pursuant to the Plan shall
terminate upon the termination of the grantee’s employment for any reason.
Awards include options, restricted shares, stock appreciation rights,
performance shares and cash-based awards (the “Awards”). The Plan contains
certain anti-dilution provisions in the event of a stock split, stock dividend
or other capital adjustment, as defined in the Plan. The Plan provides for
a
Committee of the Board to grant awards and to determine the exercise price,
vesting term, expiration date and all other terms and conditions of the awards,
including acceleration of the vesting of an award at any time.
Pursuant
to the provisions of SFAS No. 123R, in the event of termination, the Company
will cease to recognize compensation expense. There is no deferred compensation
recorded upon initial grant date, instead, the fair value of the share-based
payment is recognized ratably over the stated vesting period.
The
Company has followed fair value accounting and the related provisions of SFAS
No. 123R for all share based payment awards since inception. The fair value
of
each option or warrant granted is estimated on the date of grant using the
Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The Black-Scholes assumptions used in the
three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006 are as follows:
|
|
Three
Months Ended December 31,
|
|
|
2007
|
|
2006
|
Exercise
price
|
|
|
$0.09
- $22.50
|
|
|
|
$0.09
- $0.99
|
|
Expected
dividends
|
|
|
0%
|
|
|
|
0%
|
|
Expected
volatility
|
|
|
103.29%
- 200%
|
|
|
|
200%
|
|
Risk
fee interest rate
|
|
|
4.18%
- 4.90%
|
|
|
|
4.44%
- 4.57%
|
|
Expected
life of option
|
|
|
7-10
years
|
|
|
|
3-10
years
|
|
All
option grants are expensed in the appropriate period based upon vesting terms,
in each case with an offsetting credit to additional paid in capital. The
stock-based compensation expense recorded by the Company for the three months
ended March 31, 2007 and 2006 and the period from inception to March 31, 2007
with respect to stock option awards is as follows:
|
|
Three
Months Ended
March
31,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007
|
|
2006
|
|
Inception
to
March
31,
2007
|
Research
and development:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
employees
|
|
$
|
212,307
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
451,491
|
|
non-employees
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
52,412
|
|
|
|
59,960
|
|
General
and administrative:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
employees
|
|
|
185,725
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
381,730
|
|
non-employees
|
|
$
|
217,424
|
|
|
|
52,412
|
|
|
|
628,734
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
615,456
|
|
|
$
|
104,824
|
|
|
$
|
1,521,915
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pursuant
to FAS 123R, the Company records stock based compensation based upon the stated
vested provisions in the related agreements. The vesting provisions for these
agreements have various terms as follows: immediate vesting, half vesting
immediately and the remainder over three years, quarterly over three years,
annually over three years, one-third immediate vesting and remaining annually
over two years, and one half immediate vesting with remaining vesting over
six
months.
A
summary
of stock option activity for the three months ended March 31, 2007 and for
the
year ended December 31, 2006 is as follows:
|
|
Number
of
Shares
|
|
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
|
Balance
at December 31, 2005
|
|
|
254,795
|
|
|
$
|
0.09
|
|
Granted
|
|
|
1,364,061
|
|
|
$
|
2.19
|
|
Exercised
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
Forfeited
|
|
|
(5,000
|
)
|
|
$
|
0.90
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance
at December 31, 2006
|
|
|
1,613,855
|
|
|
$
|
1.86
|
|
Granted
|
|
|
152,177
|
|
|
$
|
6.98
|
|
Exercised
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
Forfeited
|
|
|
(16,667
|
)
|
|
$
|
15.75
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance
at March 31, 2007
|
|
|
1,749,365
|
|
|
$
|
1.79
|
|
The
weighted average remaining contractual term for options outstanding at March
31,
2007 was 9.36 years. Of the total options granted, 901,687 are fully
vested, exercisable and non-forfeitable and have a weighted average exercise
price of $1.07. Of the 152,177 options granted in 2007, 86,779 were granted
to
related parties of which all are fully vested.
(E)
Stock Warrants
On
February 15, 2007, the Company executed an agreement with an unrelated third
party to provide certain services. Pursuant to the terms of the agreement,
The
Company will issue warrants to purchase 100,000 shares of common stock upon
the
achievement of various milestones as well as over the life of the contract.
The
warrants have an exercise price of $3.75. The fair value of the warrants totals
$374,760 and was determined by using the Black-Scholes model with the following
assumptions: expected dividend yield of 0%; expected volatility of 187.22%;
risk-free interest rate of 4.68% and an expected life of five years. As of
March
31, 2007, 16,666 warrants have been issued for which the Company has charged
stock based compensation expense in the amount of $62,460.
On
January 5, 2007, the Company issued warrants to purchase 68,858 shares of common
stock as part of the acquisition of EPI. (See Note (1)(D)(4))
In
October and November 2006, the Company issued warrants to purchase 3,450,660
shares of common stock as part of private placement offerings. The warrants
have
an exercise price of $2.22 and each warrant has a life of 5 years.
In
addition, as part of the private placements, the Company issued warrants to
purchase 958,277 shares of common stock to the placement agent, that is a
company that is controlled by the Company’s Chairman and CEO. The warrants have
an exercise price of $2.22. The fair value of the warrants totals $4,555,457
and
was determined by using the Black-Scholes model with the following assumptions:
expected dividend yield of 0%; expected volatility of 79.4%; risk-free interest
rate of 4.54% and an expected life of 10 years. Since these warrants were
granted as compensation in connection with an equity raise, the Company has
treated these warrants as a direct offering cost. The result of the transaction
has a $0 net effect to equity. The warrants are fully vested and
non-forfeitable.
On
October 31, 2006, the loans payable to the Company’s founder, President and CEO
were converted into 1,651,878 shares of common stock and 832,606 warrants to
purchase common stock. The warrants have an exercise price of $2.22 and a life
of 5 years.
4,283,266
of the warrants are callable by Pipex in the event that Pipex’s common stock
trades at $5.55 per share for 20 of 30 consecutive days. Accordingly, net
proceeds of approximately $9,500,000 may be realized by Pipex in the event
that
all of the warrants are exercised.
13
A
summary
of warrant activity is as follows:
|
|
Number
of
Shares
|
|
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
|
|
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life
|
Balance
at December 31, 2005
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
|
Granted
|
|
5,241,544
|
|
2.22
|
|
4.69
Years
|
Exercised
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
Forfeited
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance
at December 31, 2006
|
|
5,241,544
|
|
2.22
|
|
4.69
Years
|
Granted
|
|
85,525
|
|
3.39
|
|
8.31
Years
|
Exercised
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
Forfeited
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance
at March 31, 2007
|
|
5,327,069
|
|
2.24
|
|
4.98
Years
|
(F)
Options of Subsidiary
CD4
has
30,000 options outstanding and exercisable, with an exercise price of $0.20
and
a remaining contractual life of 1.24 years as of March 31, 2007.
(G)
Non-Controlling Interest
Since
the
Company’s majority owned subsidiaries have never been profitable and present
negative equity, there has been no establishment of a positive non-controlling
interest. Since this value cannot be presented as a deficit balance, the
accompanying consolidated balance sheet reflects a $0 balance.
Note
5 Commitments
(A)
License Agreements
Since
inception, the Company has entered into various option and license agreements
for the use of patents and their corresponding applications. These agreements
have been entered into with various educational institutions and hospitals.
These agreements contain payment schedules or stated amounts due for (a) option
and license fees, (b) expense reimbursements, and (c) achievement of success
milestones. All expenses related to these agreements have been recorded as
research and development. In connection with these agreements, the Company
had
approximately $39,682 outstanding as accounts payable and $90,000 outstanding
as
accrued liabilities, as of March 31, 2007.
In
connection with these agreements, the Company may be obligated to make milestone
payments up to an amount of $6,675,000. Some of these payments may be fulfilled
through the issuance of the Company’s common stock, at the Company’s option.
There have been no such milestones achieved or payments made to date. At the
present time, the Company can give no assurances that any such milestones will
be achieved. In addition to the milestone payments, the Company may be obligated
to make royalty payments on future sales pursuant to the agreements. The
schedule below does not include the value of these commitments.
(B)
Research Agreement
In
September 2005, the Company entered into a three-year sponsored research
agreement with a University. Pursuant to that agreement, the Company sponsors
approximately $460,000 per year, payable in monthly installments. This agreement
can be extended for an additional two-year period. As of March 31, 2007, 56,567
are included in accounts payable in connection with this agreement.
(C)
Consulting Agreements
In
August
2005, Pipex entered into an agreement with an individual to provide consulting
services for the Company’s research and development. The consultant was paid
$25,000 upon the execution of the agreement. The consultant will receive annual
consulting fees of $120,000 for each of the next three years. The consultant
also received 66,667 options having a fair value $59,960 and was determined
using the Black-Scholes model with the following assumptions: expected dividend
yield of 0%, expected volatility of 200%, risk free interest rate of 1.81%
and
an expected life of 10 years.
In
December 2006, Pipex entered into an agreement with a Company to provide
consulting services relating to the Company’s business management and
development. The consultant will be paid $16,666 per month over a six-month
term. The consultant also received 99,502 stock options having a fair
value of $705,103, and was determined using the Black-Scholes model with the
following assumptions: expected dividend yield of 0%, expected volatility of
93.09%, risk free interest rate of 4.43% and an expected life of 10
years.
ITEM
2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS
The
following discussion should be read in conjunction with the attached unaudited
consolidated financial statements and notes thereto, and with our audited
consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2006, found in our Annual Report on Form 10-KSB. In addition
to historical information, the following discussion contains forward-looking
statements that involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Our actual results
could differ materially from those anticipated by the forward-looking statements
due to important factors and risks including, but not limited to, those set
forth under “Risk
Factors” in Part II, Item 1A.
Financial
Operations Overview
Since
our
inception during January 2001, our efforts and resources have been focused
primarily on acquiring and developing our pharmaceutical technologies, raising
capital and recruiting personnel. We are a development stage company and have
no
product sales to date and we will not receive any product sales until we receive
approval from the FDA or receive approval from equivalent foreign regulatory
bodies to begin selling our pharmaceutical candidates. Our major sources of
working capital have been proceeds from cash for equity financings from our
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and various private financings, primarily
involving private sales of our common stock and other equity
securities.
Our
company’s current corporate structure resulted from the October 2006 merger of a
newly-created wholly owned subsidiary of Sheffield Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
(“Sheffield”), a Delaware corporation incorporated in September 1993, and Pipex
Therapeutics, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Pipex Therapeutics”). In connection
with that transaction, a wholly owned subsidiary of Sheffield merged with and
into Pipex Therapeutics, with Pipex Therapeutics remaining as the surviving
corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sheffield. On December 11, 2006,
Sheffield changed its name to Pipex Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (“Pipex”). In exchange
for their shares of capital stock in Pipex Therapeutics, the former stockholders
of Pipex Therapeutics received shares of capital stock of Sheffield representing
approximately 98 percent of the outstanding equity of Sheffield on a primary
diluted basis after giving effect to the transaction, with Sheffield assuming
Pipex’s outstanding options and warrants. In addition, the board of directors of
Sheffield was reconstituted shortly following the effective time of the
transaction such that the directors of Sheffield were replaced by our current
directors, all of whom were previously directors of Pipex Therapeutics. Further,
upon the effective time of the merger, the business of Sheffield was abandoned
and the business plan of Pipex Therapeutics was adopted. The transaction was
therefore accounted for as a reverse acquisition with Pipex Therapeutics, as
the
acquiring party and Sheffield as the acquired party. Accordingly, when we refer
to our business and financial information relating to periods prior to the
merger, we are referring to the business and financial information of Pipex
Therapeutics, unless the context indicates otherwise.
Critical
Accounting Policies
In
December 2001, the SEC requested that all registrants discuss their most
“critical accounting policies” in management’s discussion and analysis of
financial condition and results of operations. The SEC indicated that a
“critical accounting policy” is one which is both important to the portrayal of
the company’s financial condition and results and requires management’s most
difficult, subjective or complex judgments, often as a result of the need to
make estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently
uncertain.
Research
and development expenses consist primarily of manufacturing costs, license
fees,
salaries and related personnel costs, fees paid to consultants and outside
service providers for laboratory development, legal expenses resulting from
intellectual property prosecution and organizational affairs and other expenses
relating to the design, development, testing, and enhancement of our product
candidates, as well as an allocation of overhead expenses incurred by the
Company. We expense our research and development costs as they are
incurred.
General
and administrative expenses consist primarily of salaries and related expenses
for executive, finance and other administrative personnel, recruitment expenses,
professional fees and other corporate expenses, including business development
and general legal activities, as well as an allocation of overhead expenses
incurred by the Company.
Our
results include non-cash compensation expense as a result of the issuance of
stock and stock option grants. Compensation expense for options granted to
employees represents the fair value of the award at the date of grant. We
account for stock-based employee compensation arrangements in accordance with
the provisions of Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for
Stock Issued to Employees” and comply with the disclosure provisions of
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-
Based Compensation.” Compensation for options granted to consultants has been
determined in accordance with SFAS No. 123 as the fair value of the equity
instruments issued. APB Opinion No. 25 has been applied in accounting for fixed
and milestone-based stock options to employees and directors as allowed by
SFAS
No. 123. This amount is being recorded over the respective vesting periods
of
the individual stock options. The expense is included in the respective
categories of expense in the statement of operations. We expect to record
additional non-cash compensation expense in the future, which may be
significant. However, because some of the options are milestone-based, the
total
expense is uncertain.
Results
of Operations
Three
Months Ended March 31, 2007 and 2006.
Research
and Development Expenses. For the three months ended March 31, 2007, research
and development expense was $1,417,123 as compared to $331,319 for the three
months ended March 31, 2006. The increase of $1,085,804 is due primarily to
a
stock based compensation charge of approximately $612,000, an increase in
salaries of approximately $207,000, an increase of approximately $105,000
associated with payments related to further the development of our licensed
clinical drug candidates, and an increase in patent expenses of approximately
$59,000.
General
and Administrative Expenses. For the three months ended March 31, 2007, general
and administrative expense was $1,503,881 as compared to $184,212 for the three
months ended March 31, 2006. The increase of $1,319,669 is due primarily to
a
stock based compensation charge of approximately $902,000, an increase to
professional fees of approximately $145,000, approximately $131,000 of expenses
relating to the build out of a new manufacturing facility and approximately
$50,000 for expenses related to the Company’s reporting requirements as a public
company .
Other
Income (Expense), net. For the three months ended March 31, 2007, interest
income was $71,469 as compared to $0 for the three months ended March 31, 2006.
Interest income was higher for the three month period in 2007 as compared to
the
same period in 2006, due to the higher levels of cash available for
investment.
Net
Loss.
Net loss for the three months ended March 31, 2007, was $2,849,535 as compared
to $515,531 for the three months ended March 31, 2006. This increase in net
loss
is attributable primarily to an increase in research and development expenses
of
$1,085,804, and an increase in general and administrative expenses of $1,319,669
as discussed above.
Net
Loss
Applicable to Common Shareholders. The net loss applicable to common
shareholders for the three months ended March 31, 2007 includes a non-cash
charge of $12,409,722 related to the acquisition of Effective Pharmaceuticals,
Inc (“EPI”). The net loss applicable to common shareholders for the three months
ended March 31, 2006 includes a non-cash charge of $190,250 related to Series
B
Preferred Stock dividends issued from EPI. The total of the non-cash charges
was
reflected through equal and offsetting adjustments to additional paid-in-capital
with no net impact on stockholders’ equity. These amounts were considered in the
determination of the Company’s loss per common share amounts for the three
months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006 and for the period from January 8, 2001
(inception) to March 31, 2007.
Liquidity
and Capital Resources
During
the three months ended March 31, 2007, we had a net decrease in cash of
$1,250,942. Total cash resources as of March 31, 2007 was
$10,941,484. During the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006, net
cash used in operating activities was $1,814,625 and $519,210, respectively.
This cash was used to fund operations for the periods, adjusted for non-cash
expenses and changes in operating assets and liabilities.
Net
cash
used in investing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2007 and
2006
was $36,317 and $0, respectively. The net cash used in investing activities
for
the three months ended March 31, 2007 resulted from the acquisition of property
and equipment.
Net
cash
proceeds from financing activities were $600,000 and $280,349 for the three
months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. The net cash proceeds from
financing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2007 resulted from
$600,000 in proceeds from a note payable under a term loan. The net cash
proceeds from financing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2006
resulted from proceeds from a related party loan of $280,349.
Our
continued operations will depend on whether we are able to raise additional
funds through various potential sources, such as equity and debt financing.
Such
additional funds may not become available on acceptable terms and there can
be
no assurance that any additional funding that we do obtain will be sufficient
to
meet our needs in the long term. We will continue to fund operations from cash
on hand and through the similar sources of capital previously described. We
can
give no assurances that any additional capital that we are able to obtain will
be sufficient to meet our needs.
Current
and Future Financing Needs
We
have
incurred an accumulated deficit of $24,033,620 through March 31, 2007. We have
incurred negative cash flow from operations since we started our business.
We
have spent, and expect to continue to spend, substantial amounts in connection
with implementing our business strategy, including our planned product
development efforts, our clinical trials, and our research and discovery
efforts. Based on our current plans, we believe that our cash will be sufficient
to enable us to meet our planned operating needs at least for the next 12
months.
However,
the actual amount of funds we will need to operate is subject to many factors,
some of which are beyond our control. These factors include the
following:
• the
progress of our research activities;
• the
number and scope of our research programs;
• the
progress of our pre-clinical and clinical development activities;
• the
progress of the development efforts of parties with whom we have entered into
research and development agreements;
• our
ability to maintain current research and development programs and to establish
new research and development and licensing arrangements;
• our
ability to achieve our milestones under licensing arrangements;
• the
costs involved in prosecuting and enforcing patent claims and other intellectual
property rights; and
• the
costs and timing of regulatory approvals.
We
have
based our estimate on assumptions that may prove to be wrong. We may need to
obtain additional funds sooner or in greater amounts than we currently
anticipate. Potential sources of financing include strategic relationships,
public or private sales of our shares or debt and other sources. We may seek
to
access the public or private equity markets when conditions are favorable due
to
our long-term capital requirements. We do not have any committed sources of
financing at this time, and it is uncertain whether additional funding will
be
available when we need it on terms that will be acceptable to us, or at all.
If
we raise funds by selling additional shares of common stock or other securities
convertible into common stock, the ownership interest of our existing
stockholders will be diluted. If we are not able to obtain financing when
needed, we may be unable to carry out our business plan. As a result, we may
have to significantly limit our operations and our business, financial condition
and results of operations would be materially harmed.
License
and Contractual Agreement Obligations
Below
is
a table of our contractual obligations for the years 2007 through 2010 as of
March 31, 2007.
|
|
|
|
Year
|
Agreements
|
|
Total
|
|
2007
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
2010
|
Short
and Long Term Debt with interest
|
|
$
696,402
|
|
$
|
191,769
|
|
|
|
$
|
237,341
|
|
|
|
$
|
216,433
|
|
|
|
$
|
50,859
|
|
Research
and Development
|
|
$
650,958
|
|
$
|
344,625
|
|
|
|
$
|
306,333
|
|
|
|
$
|
0
|
|
|
|
$
|
0
|
|
License
Agreements
|
|
$
388,830
|
|
$
|
110,000
|
|
|
|
$
|
88,830
|
|
|
|
$
|
95,000
|
|
|
|
$
|
95,000
|
|
Consulting
Agreements
|
|
$
193,332
|
|
$
|
123,332
|
|
|
|
$
|
70,000
|
|
|
|
$
|
0
|
|
|
|
$
|
0
|
|
Lease
Agreements
|
|
$
159,238
|
|
$
|
135,958
|
|
|
|
$
|
23,280
|
|
|
|
$
|
0
|
|
|
|
$
|
0
|
|
Product
Candidates
COPREXA TM (oral
tetrathiomolybate)
Based
on
completed pivotal clinical trials using COPREXA TM
for the
treatment of initially presenting neurologic Wilson’s disease and communication
with the FDA, we plan to file an NDA during 2007. In order to expand the
therapeutic utility of COPREXA TM
, we
have completed a phase II clinical trial using COPREXA TM
for the
treatment of refractory Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibroiss (IPF), a fatal lung
disease for which there is no FDA approved therapy. We have also initiated
a
phase II clinical trial using COPREXA TM
in the
treatment of primary biliary cirrohis (PBC), a fatal liver disease. The primary
purposes for these studies is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of COPREXA
TM
when
administered intravenously to patients with IPF and PBC and who have failed
curative or survival prolonging therapy or for whom no such therapies exist,
establish the maximum tolerated dose, and identify dose limiting
toxicities.
COPREXA
TM
has
received clinical development grants from the FDA’s Orphan Products group. These
grants have covered the predominant cost of pre-clinical efficacy and safety
testing, and Phase II and Phase III clinical program. PBC is currently supported
by a $950,000 orphan drug grant funded by the FDA. Through December 31, 2006,
we
have incurred approximately $1,456,000 of costs related to our development
of
COPREXA TM
, of
which approximately $150,000 and $1,061,000 was incurred in fiscal years 2005
and 2006, respectively, and approximately $245,000 was incurred for the three
months ending March 31, 2007.
TRIMESTA TM (oral
estriol)
During
2007, we plan to initiate a multicenter, placebo controlled 130 patient phase
II/III clinical trial using TRIMESTA TM
for the
treatment of relapsing-remitting Multiple Sclerosis (MS). This phase II/III
clinical trial builds upon our encouraging results from our earlier phase IIa
clinical trial. The primary purpose of this study will be to evaluate the safety
and efficacy of TRIMESTA TM
in a
larger MS patient population. The preclinical and clinical development of
TRIMESTA TM
has been
primary financed by grants from the NIH and various non-profit foundations.
Through March 31, 2007, we have incurred approximately $311,000 of costs related
to our development of TRIMESTA TM
of which
approximately $49,500 and $185,500 was incurred in fiscal years 2005 and 2006,
respectively,, and approximately $76,000 was incurred in the three months ending
March 31, 2007.
Anti-CD4
802-2
During
2007, we plan to complete our phase I/II clinical trial of anti-CD4 802-2 in
the
prevention of graft-vs-host disease as well as complete our preclinical animal
studies of anti-CD4 802-2. The primary purpose of these preclinical studies
is
to evaluate the molecules potential efficacy in different disease settings.
If
successful, we may choose to initiate clinical studies in these diseases. The
preclinical and clinical development of anti-CD4 802-2 has been primary financed
by grants from the NIH and various non-profit foundations. Through March 31,
2007, we have incurred $1,331,100 of costs related to our development of
anti-CD4 802-2 of which $57,800, $331,800, $303,300, $295,100, $112,500 and
$160,600 was incurred in fiscal years 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006
respectively and approximately $70,000 has been incurred in the three months
ended March 31, 2007.
CORRECTA TM (clotrimazole
emema)
During
2007, we plan to continue the phase II clinical trial of CORRECTA TM
in the
treatment of acute refractory pouchitis, a gastrointestinal disease (the
“CAPTURE study”). The primary purpose of this double blind, placebo-controlled
phase II clinical trial is to test CORRECTA’s safety and efficacy in treating
acute refractory pouchitis. The CAPTURE study is supported by a $750,000 orphan
drug grant from the FDA.
The
preclinical and clinical development of CORRECTA TM
has been
primarily financed by grants from the FDA’s orphan drug products group and
various non-profit foundations. Through March 31, 2007, we have incurred
approximately $232,000 of costs related to our development of CORRECTA
TM
of which
approximately $103,000 and $107,000 was incurred in fiscal years 2005 and 2006,
respectively, and $22,000 has been incurred during the first three months of
2007.
Solovax
During
2007, we plan to analyze the data from our phase II clinical trial of SOLAVAX
TM
in the
treatment of secondary progressive MS, as well as develop a new manufacturing
procedure for SOLAVAX TM
.
If
successful, we may choose to initiate a phase IIb clinical study in this
disease. The preclinical and clinical development of SOLOVAX has been primarily
financed by grants from the NIH and various non-profit foundations totaling
$5.5
million. Through March 31, 2007, we have incurred approximately $679,900 of
costs related to our development of SOLAVAX of which $106,900, $157,700,
$164,300, $162,800, $66,900 and $21,300 was incurred in fiscal 2001, 2002,
2003,
2004, 2005 and 2006, respectively, and $0 has been incurred in during the first
three months of 2007.
We
believe we currently have sufficient capital to fund development activities
of
COPREXA TM
,
TRIMESTA TM
,
anti-CD4 802-2, CORRECTA TM
and
SOLOVAX TM
during
2006 and 2007 and 2008. Assuming our NDA for COPREXA TM
is
filed, accepted and ultimately approved for market in 2008, we will generate
cash flow from the sales of COPREXA TM
.
However, if our business does not generate any cash flow, we will need to raise
additional capital to continue development of the product beyond 2009. To the
extent additional capital is not available when we need it, we may be forced
to
sublicense our rights to our product candidates, abandon our development efforts
altogether, or lose our licenses to our product candidates, any of which would
have a material adverse effect on the prospects of our business. See also the
risks identified under the section entitled “Risk Factors” in this
report.
Additional
Licenses
We
may
enter into additional license agreements relating to new drug
candidates.
Use
of Estimates
The
preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles
generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make
estimates and assumptions that affect certain reported amounts of assets and
liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date
of
the financial statements and the reported amounts of expenses during the
reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
ITEM
3. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
The
Company maintains disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure
that information required to be disclosed in the Company’s reports under the
Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time
periods specified in the Commission’s rules and forms and that such information
is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its Chief
Executive Officer, as appropriate, to allow for 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, can provide only reasonable assurance of
achieving the desired control objectives, and management is required to apply
its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls
and procedures.
As
required by Commission Rule 13a-15(b), the company carried out an evaluation,
under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management,
including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, of the effectiveness of the
design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as of
the end of the period covered by this Report. Based on the foregoing, the
Company’s Chief Executive Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure
controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance
level.
There
has
been no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during
the Company’s most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is
reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over
financial reporting.
The
Company is not an “accelerated filer” for the 2007 fiscal year because it is
qualified as a “small business issuer”. Hence, under current law, the internal
controls certification and attestation requirements of Section 404 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley act will not apply to the Company.
PART
II - OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM
1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
We
are
not a party to any pending legal proceeding, nor are we aware of any proceeding
contemplated by any governmental authority involving us.
ITEM
1A. RISK FACTORS
An
investment in our securities is highly speculative and involves a high degree
of
risk. Therefore, in evaluating us and our business you should carefully consider
the risks set forth below, which are only a few of the risks associated with
investing in our common stock. You should be in a position to risk the loss
of
your entire investment.
Risks
Relating to Our Business
We
are a development stage company. We currently have no product revenues and
will
need to raise additional capital to operate our
business.
We
are a
development stage company that has experienced significant losses since
inception and has a significant accumulated deficit. We expect to incur
additional operating losses in the future and expect our cumulative losses
to
increase. To date, we have generated no product revenues. As of March 31,
2007,
we have expended approximately $9.6 million on a consolidated basis acquiring
and developing our current product candidates. Until such time as we receive
approval from the FDA and other regulatory authorities for our product
candidates, we will not be permitted to sell our drugs and will not have
product
revenues. Therefore, for the foreseeable future we will have to fund all
of our
operations and capital expenditures from equity and debt offerings, cash
on
hand, licensing fees, and grants. We will need to seek additional sources
of
financing and such additional financing may not be available on favorable
terms,
if at all. If we do not succeed in raising additional funds on acceptable
terms,
we may be unable to complete planned pre-clinical and clinical trials or
obtain
approval of our product candidates from the FDA and other regulatory
authorities. In addition, we could be forced to discontinue product development,
reduce or forego sales and marketing efforts, and forego attractive business
opportunities. Any additional sources of financing will likely involve the
issuance of our equity or debt securities, which will have a dilutive effect
on
our stockholders.
We
are not currently profitable and may never become
profitable.
We
have a
history of losses and expect to incur substantial losses and negative operating
cash flow for the foreseeable future. Even if we succeed in developing and
commercializing one or more of our product candidates, we expect to incur
substantial losses for the foreseeable future and may never become profitable.
We also expect to continue to incur significant operating and capital
expenditures and anticipate that our expenses will increase substantially in
the
foreseeable future as we do the following:
• continue
to undertake pre-clinical development and clinical trials for our product
candidates;
• seek
regulatory approvals for our product candidates;
• implement
additional internal systems and infrastructure;
• lease
additional or alternative office facilities; and
• hire
additional personnel, including members of our management team.
We
also
expect to experience negative cash flow for the foreseeable future as we fund
our technology development with capital expenditures. As a result, we will
need
to generate significant revenues in order to achieve and maintain profitability.
We may not be able to generate these revenues or achieve profitability in the
future. Our failure to achieve or maintain profitability could negatively impact
the value of our common stock and underlying securities.
We
have a limited operating history on which investors can base an investment
decision.
We
are a
development-stage company and have not demonstrated our ability to perform
the
functions necessary for the successful commercialization of any of our product
candidates. The successful commercialization of our product candidates will
require us to perform a variety of functions, including:
• continuing
to undertake pre-clinical development and clinical trials;
• participating
in regulatory approval processes;
• formulating
and manufacturing products; and
• Conducting
sales and marketing activities.
Our
operations have been limited to organizing and staffing our company, acquiring,
developing, and securing our proprietary technology, and undertaking
pre-clinical trials and Phase I/II and Phase II clinical trials of our principal
product candidates. These operations provide a limited basis for you to assess
our ability to commercialize our product candidates and the advisability
of
investing in our securities.
We
may not obtain the necessary U.S. or worldwide regulatory approvals to
commercialize our product(s).
We
will
need FDA approval to commercialize our product candidates in the U.S. and
approvals from equivalent regulatory authorities in foreign jurisdictions
to
commercialize our product candidates in those jurisdictions. In order to
obtain
FDA approval for any of our product candidates, we must submit to the FDA
a new
drug application, or “NDA,” demonstrating that the product candidate is safe for
humans and effective for its intended use. This demonstration requires
significant research and animal tests, which are referred to as “pre-clinical
studies,” as well as human tests, which are referred to as “clinical trials.” We
will also need to file additional investigative new drug applications and
protocols in order to initiate clinical testing of our drug candidates in
new
therapeutic indications and delays in obtaining required FDA and institutional
review board approvals to commence such studies may delay our initiation
of such
planned additional studies.
Satisfying
the FDA’s regulatory requirements typically takes many years, depending on the
type, complexity, and novelty of the product candidate, and requires substantial
resources for research, development, and testing. We cannot predict whether
our
research and clinical approaches will result in drugs that the FDA considers
safe for humans and effective for indicated uses. The FDA has substantial
discretion in the drug approval process and may require us to conduct additional
pre-clinical and clinical testing or to perform post-marketing studies. The
approval process may also be delayed by changes in government regulation, future
legislation or administrative action, or changes in FDA policy that occur prior
to or during our regulatory review. Delays in obtaining regulatory approvals
may
do the following:
• delay
commercialization of, and our ability to derive product revenues from, our
product candidates;
• impose
costly procedures on us; and
• diminish
any competitive advantages that we may otherwise enjoy.
Even
if
we comply with all FDA requests, the FDA may ultimately reject one or more
of
our NDAs. We cannot be sure that we will ever obtain regulatory clearance for
our product candidates. Failure to obtain FDA approval of any of our product
candidates will severely undermine our business by reducing our number of
salable products and, therefore, corresponding product revenues.
In
foreign jurisdictions, we must receive approval from the appropriate regulatory
authorities before we can commercialize our drugs. Foreign regulatory approval
processes generally include all of the risks associated with the FDA approval
procedures described above. We cannot assure you that we will receive the
approvals necessary to commercialize our product candidate for sale outside
the
United States.
We
may not be able to retain rights licensed to us by others to commercialize
key
products and may not be able to establish or maintain the relationships we
need
to develop, manufacture, and market our products.
We
currently rely on an exclusive worldwide license agreement with the University
of Michigan relating to various uses of COPREXA TM
. We
also have an exclusive license agreement with the McLean Hospital relating
to
the use of EFFIRMA TM
to treat
fibromyalgia syndrome; an exclusive license agreement with Thomas Jefferson
University relating to our anti-CD4 inhibitors; an exclusive license agreement
with the Regents of the University of California relating to our TRIMESTA
TM
technology; an exclusive license agreement with the Children’s Hospital-Boston
relating to our CORRECTA TM
technology and an exclusive option agreement to license our T-cell vaccine
program from the University of Southern California (USC) which expires during
December 2007. Each of these agreements requires us to use our best efforts
to
commercialize each of the technologies as well as meet certain diligence
requirements and timelines in order to keep the license agreement in effect.
In
the event we are not able to meet our diligence requirements, we may not be
able
to retain the rights granted under our agreements or renegotiate our arrangement
with these institutions on reasonable terms, or at all.
Furthermore,
we currently have very limited product development capabilities and no
manufacturing, marketing or sales capabilities. For us to research, develop,
and
test our product candidates, we would need to contract with outside researchers,
in most cases those parties that did the original research and from whom we
have
licensed the technologies.
We
can
give no assurances that any of our issued patents licensed to us or any of
our
other patent applications will provide us with significant proprietary
protection or be of commercial benefit to us. Furthermore, the issuance of
a
patent is not conclusive as to its validity or enforceability, nor does the
issuance of a patent provide the patent holder with freedom to operate without
infringing the patent rights of others.
Developments
by competitors may render our products or technologies obsolete or
non-competitive.
Companies
that currently sell or are developing both generic and proprietary
pharmaceutical compounds to treat central-nervous-system, inflammatory,
autoimmune and fibrotic diseases include: Pfizer, Inc., GlaxoSmithKline
Pharmaceuticals, Shire Pharmaceuticals, Plc., Merck & Co., Eli Lilly &
Co.., Serono, SA, Biogen Idec, Inc., Achillion, Ltd., Active Biotech, Inc.,
Panteri Biosciences, Meda, Merrimack Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Schering AG,
Forest
Laboratories, Inc., Attenuon, LLC, Cypress Biosciences, Inc., Axcan Pharma,
Inc., Teva Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Intermune, Inc. Fibrogen, Inc., Rare Disease
Therapeutics, Inc., Prana Biotechnology, Inc., Merz & Co., AstraZeneca
Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Chiesi Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Targacept, Inc., and
Johnson & Johnson, Inc. Alternative technologies are being developed to
treat autoimmune inflammatory, fibrotic, Alzheimer’s and Wilson’s diseases,
several of which are in early and advanced clinical trials, such as,
pirfenidone, milnacipram, Actimmune TM and other interferon preparations.
Unlike
us, many of our competitors have significant financial and human resources.
In
addition, academic research centers may develop technologies that compete
with
our CORRECTA TM
,
TRIMESTA TM
,
anti-CD4 inhibitors, EFFIRMA TM
and
COPREXA TM
technologies. We are aware that other companies are developing competitive
anti-copper therapies that are in various stages of clinical
trial.
We
may not succeed in enforcing our orphan drug
designations.
COPREXA
TM
has been
designated by the FDA as an “orphan drug” for the treatment of Wilson’s disease
patients presenting with neurologic complications. CORRECTA TM
has also
been designated by the FDA as an “orphan drug” for the treatment of pouchitis
patients. We intend to file for “orphan drug” designations in the EMEA (the
European equivalent of the FDA) for both COPREXA TM
and
CORRECTA TM
for
similar uses. Pursuant to our agreements with our scientific inventors and
universities, we have acquired these designations. Orphan drug designation
is an
important element of our competitive strategy because there are no composition
of matter patents for COPREXA TM
,
TRIMESTA TM
or
CORRECTA TM
. Any
company that obtains the first FDA approval for a designated orphan drug for
a
rare disease generally receives marketing exclusivity for use of that drug
for
the designated condition for a period of seven years in the United States and
ten years in the European Union.
To
be
successful in enforcing this designation, our new drug application would need
to
be the first NDA approved to use COPREXA TM
to treat
Wilson’s disease. While we are not aware of any other companies that have sought
orphan drug designation for COPREXA TM
or its
active ingredient, tetrathiomolybdate, for this indication, other companies
may
in the future seek it and may obtain FDA marketing approval before we do. In
addition, the FDA may permit other companies to market a form of
tetrathiomolybdate to treat Wilson’s disease patients with neurologic
complication if their product demonstrates clinical superiority. This could
create a more competitive market for us.
Competitors
could develop and gain FDA approval of our products for a different
indication.
A
competitor could develop our products in a similar format, but for a different
indication. For example, other companies could manufacture and develop COPREXA
TM
and its
active ingredient, tetrathiomolybdate, and secure approvals for different
indications. We are aware that a potential competitor has an exclusive license
from the University of Michigan (UM) to an issued U.S. patent that relates
to
the use of tetrathiomolybdate to treat angiogenic diseases (the “Angiogenic
Patent”) and is currently in phase I and phase II clinical trials for the
treatment of various forms of cancer. To our knowledge, this competitor and
UM
have filed additional patent applications claiming various analog structures
and
formulations of tetrathiomolybdate to treat various diseases. While our use
of
COPREXA TM
and its
active ingredient, tetrathiomolybdate, is in a more advanced state of clinical
development, having completed two pivotal clinical trials, we cannot predict
whether or not one or more patent applications corresponding to the Angiogenic
Patent will be filed or if any U.S. patents will be issued which might prevent
us from expanding the commercial applications of COPREXA TM
.
Further, we cannot predict whether our competitor might seek to develop their
version of tetrathiomolybdate for Wilson’s disease and file for FDA or EMEA
approval before us and saturate the market. We also cannot predict whether,
if
issued, any patent corresponding to the Angiogenic Patent may prevent us from
conducting our business or result in lengthy and costly litigation or the need
for a license. Furthermore, if we need to obtain a license to these or other
patents in order to conduct our business, we may find that it is not available
to us on commercially reasonable terms, or is not available to us at
all.
If
the
FDA approves other tetrathiomolybdate products to treat indications other than
those covered by our issued or pending patent applications, physicians may
elect
to prescribe a competitor’s tetrathiomolybdate to treat Wilson’s disease—this is
commonly referred to as “off-label” use. While under FDA regulations a
competitor is not allowed to promote off-label uses of its product, the FDA
does
not regulate the practice of medicine and, as a result, cannot direct physicians
as to which source it should use for the tetrathiomolybdate they prescribe
to
their patients. Consequently, we might be limited in our ability to prevent
off-label use of a competitor’s tetrathiomolybdate to treat Wilson’s disease or
inflammatory or fibrotic disease, even if we have orphan drug exclusivity.
Our
competitor might seek FDA or EMEA approval to market tetrathiomolybdate for
any
therapeutic
indication, including Wilson’s disease or idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).
If we are not able to obtain and enforce these patents, a competitor could
use
tetrathiomolybdate for a treatment or use not covered by any of our
patents.
We
rely primarily on method patents and patent applications and various regulatory
exclusivities to protect the development of our technologies, and our ability
to
compete may decrease or be eliminated if we are not able to protect our
proprietary technology.
Our
competitiveness may be adversely affected if we are unable to protect our
proprietary technologies. Currently, there are no composition of matter patents
for TRIMESTA TM
,
EFFIRMA TM
,
CORRECTA TM
,
COPREXA TM
or their
respective active ingredients estriol, flupirtine, clotrimazole and
tetrathiomolybdate. Additionally, we do not have an issued patent for COPREXA
TM’s
use to
treat Wilson’s disease, although we do have Orphan Drug Designation for this
indication. Orphan Drug Designation provides protection for seven years of
marketing exclusivity for that product in that disease indication in the
U.S. We
also expect to rely on patent protection from an issued U.S. Patent for the
use
of COPREXA TM
and
related compounds to treat inflammatory and fibrotic diseases (U.S. Patent
No
6,855,340) and we have received a notice of allowance for the use of COPREXA
TM
and
related compounds to treat Alzheimer’s disease. Both of these patents have been
exclusively licensed to us. We have also filed various pending patent
applications which cover various formulations, packaging, distribution &
monitoring methods for COPREXA TM
. We
rely on issued patent and pending patent applications for use of TRIMESTA
TM
to treat
MS (issued U.S. Patent No. 6,936,599) and various other therapeutic indications
which have been exclusively licensed to us. We have also exclusively licensed
an
issued patent for the treatment of fibromyalgia with EFFIRMA TM
and have
pending patent applications for our uses of CORRECTA TM
.
We
also
expect to rely on regulatory exclusivities, such as the Orphan Drug Designation
with the FDA and EMEA (“Orphan Drug”) to protect COPREXA TM
and
CORRECTA TM
for
certain therapeutic indications and our other future products. Orphan Drug
protection provides for seven years of marketing exclusivity for that disease
indication in the U.S. and ten years of marketing exclusivity for that disease
indication in Europe. We have received an Orphan Drug Designation for the use
of
CORRECTA TM
to treat
pouchitis as well as an Orphan Drug Designation for the use of COPREXA
TM
to treat
neurologically presenting Wilson’s disease and are in the process of filing
similar designations in Europe. Orphan Drug Designation is an important element
of our competitive strategy for COPREXA TM
and
CORRECTA TM
. To be
successful in enforcing this designation, our NDA would need to be the first
NDA
approved to use COPREXA TM
and
CORRECTA TM
for that
indication. While we are not aware of any other companies that have sought
orphan drug designation for COPREXA TM
and
CORRECTA TM
for any
indication, other companies may in the future seek it and may obtain FDA
marketing approval before we do.
After
the
Orphan Drug exclusivity period expires, assuming our patents are validly issued,
we still expect to rely on our issued and pending method of use patent
applications to protect our proprietary technology with respect to the
development of COPREXA TM
,
TRIMESTA TM
and
CORRECTA TM
. The
patent positions of pharmaceutical companies are uncertain and may involve
complex legal and factual questions. We may incur significant expense in
protecting our intellectual property and defending or assessing claims with
respect to intellectual property owned by others. Any patent or other
infringement litigation by or against us could cause us to incur significant
expense and divert the attention of our management.
We
may
also rely on the United States Drug Price Competition and Patent Term
Restoration Act, commonly known as the “Hatch-Waxman Amendments,” to protect
some of our current product candidates, specifically COPREXA TM
,
TRIMESTA TM
,
Anti-CD4 802-2, EFFIRMA TM
and
other future product candidates we may develop. Once a drug containing a new
molecule is approved by the FDA, the FDA cannot accept an abbreviated NDA for
a
generic drug containing that molecule for five years, although the FDA may
accept and approve a drug containing the molecule pursuant to an NDA supported
by independent clinical data. Recent amendments have been proposed that would
narrow the scope of Hatch-Waxman exclusivity and permit generic drugs to compete
with our drug.
Others
may file patent applications or obtain patents on similar technologies or
compounds that compete with our products. We cannot predict how broad the claims
in any such patents or applications will be, and whether they will be allowed.
Once claims have been issued, we cannot predict how they will be construed
or
enforced. We may infringe intellectual property rights of others without being
aware of it. If another party claims we are infringing their technology, we
could have to defend an expensive and time consuming lawsuit, pay a large sum
if
we are found to be infringing, or be prohibited from selling or licensing our
products unless we obtain a license or redesign our product, which may not
be
possible.
We
also
rely on trade secrets and proprietary know-how to develop and maintain our
competitive position. Some of our current or former employees, consultants,
or
scientific advisors, or current or prospective corporate collaborators, may
unintentionally or willfully disclose our confidential information to
competitors or use our proprietary technology for their own benefit.
Furthermore, enforcing a claim alleging the infringement of our trade secrets
would be expensive and difficult to prove, making the outcome uncertain. Our
competitors may also independently develop similar knowledge, methods, and
know-how or gain access to our proprietary information through some other
means.
We
may fail to retain or recruit necessary personnel, and we may be unable to
secure the services of consultants.
As
of
March 31, 2007, we have nine full-time employees and one part-time employee,
including Steve H. Kanzer, our co-founder, Chairman and CEO and Dr. Charles
Bisgaier, our President. We have also engaged regulatory consultants to advise
us on our dealings with the FDA. We intend to recruit certain key executive
officers, including a vice president of regulatory affairs and other key
executive officers. Our future performance will depend
in
part on our ability to successfully integrate newly hired executive officers
into our management team and our ability to develop an effective working
relationship among senior management.
Certain
of our officers, directors, (including Mr. Stergis, our Vice Chairman &
former Chief Operating Officer and Dr. Rudick, our Chief Medical Officer)
scientific advisors, and consultants serve as officers, directors, scientific
advisors, or consultants of other biopharmaceutical or biotechnology companies.
We can expect this to also be the case with personnel that we engage in the
future. We can give no assurances that any such other companies will not
have
interests that are in conflict with our interests.
Losing
key personnel or failing to recruit necessary additional personnel would
impede
our ability to attain our development objectives. There is intense competition
for qualified personnel in the drug-development field, and we may not be
able to
attract and retain the qualified personnel we would need to develop our
business.
We
rely
on independent organizations, advisors, and consultants to perform certain
services for us, including handling substantially all aspects of regulatory
approval, clinical management, manufacturing, marketing, and sales. We expect
that this will continue to be the case. Such services may not always be
available to us on a timely basis when we need them.
We
may experience difficulties in obtaining sufficient quantities of our products
or other compounds.
In
order
to successfully commercialize our product candidates, we must be able to
manufacture our products in commercial quantities, in compliance with regulatory
requirements, at acceptable costs, and in a timely manner. Manufacture of the
types of biopharmaceutical products that we propose to develop present various
risks. For example, manufacture of the active ingredient in COPREXA TM
is a
complex process that can be difficult to scale up for purposes of producing
large quantities. This process can also be subject to delays, inefficiencies,
and poor or low yields of quality products. Furthermore, the active ingredient
of COPREXA TM
is known
to be subject to a loss of potency as a result of prolonged exposure to moisture
and other normal atmospheric conditions. We are developing proprietary
formulations and specialty packaging solutions to overcome this stability issue,
but we can give no assurances that we will be successful in meeting the
stability requirements required for approval by regulatory authorities such
as
the FDA. Additionally, our SOLOVAX T-cell vaccine technology is complex to
manufacture. The vaccine is manufactured through the procurement of a patients
own T-cells derived from the patient’s plasma. This manufacturing process
involves incubation of T-cells, irradiation and refrigeration of the cells.
We
plan to develop a revised manufacturing procedure which will streamline quality
control of the vaccine.
Historically,
our manufacturing has been handled by contract manufacturers and compounding
pharmacies. We can give no assurances that we will be able to continue to use
our current manufacturer or be able to establish another relationship with
a
manufacturer quickly enough so as not to disrupt commercialization of any of
our
products, or that commercial quantities of any of our products, if approved
for
marketing, will be available from contract manufacturers at acceptable
costs.
In
addition, any contract manufacturer that we select to manufacture our product
candidates might fail to maintain a current “good manufacturing practices”
(cGMP) manufacturing facility.
During
January 2007, we decided to establish a commercial manufacturing facility for
our products in Ann Arbor MI and we would require substantial additional funds
in order to hire and train significant numbers of employees and comply with
the
extensive regulations applicable to such a facility. We might find that we
are
unable to develop a cGMP manufacturing facility that is able to manufacture
quantities of products required for all clinical trials, as well as
commercial-scale manufacturing.
The
cost
of manufacturing certain products may make them prohibitively expensive. In
order to successfully commercialize our product candidates we may be required
to
reduce the costs of production, and we may find that we are unable to do so.
We
may be unable to obtain, or may be required to pay high prices for compounds
manufactured or sold by others that we need for comparison purposes in clinical
trials and studies for our products.
Clinical
trials are very expensive, time-consuming, and difficult to design and
implement.
Human
clinical trials are very expensive and difficult to design and implement, in
part because they are subject to rigorous regulatory requirements. The clinical
trial process is also time-consuming. We estimate that clinical trials of our
product candidates would take at least several years to complete.. Furthermore,
failure can occur at any stage of the trials, and we could encounter problems
that cause us to abandon or repeat clinical trials. Commencement and completion
of clinical trials may be delayed by several factors, including:
• unforeseen
safety issues;
• determination
of dosing;
• lack
of effectiveness during clinical trials;
• slower
than expected rates of patient recruitment;
• inability
to monitor patients adequately during or after treatment; and
• inability
or unwillingness of medical investigators to follow our clinical
protocols.
In
addition, we or the FDA may suspend our clinical trials at any time if it
appears that we are exposing participants to unacceptable health risks or if
the
FDA finds deficiencies in our submissions or conduct of our trials.
The
results of our clinical trials may not support our product candidate
claims.
Even
if
our clinical trials are completed as planned, we cannot be certain that the
results will support our product-candidate claims. Success in pre-clinical
testing and phase II clinical trials does not ensure that later clinical trials
will be successful. We cannot be sure that the results of later clinical trials
would replicate the results of prior clinical trials and pre-clinical testing.
Clinical trials may fail to demonstrate that our product candidates are safe
for
humans and effective for indicated uses. Any such failure could cause us to
abandon a product candidate and might delay development of other product
candidates. Any delay in, or termination of, our clinical trials would delay
our
obtaining FDA approval for the affected product candidate and, ultimately,
our
ability to commercialize that product candidate.
Physicians
and patients may not accept and use our technologies.
Even
if
the FDA approves our product candidates, physicians and patients may not accept
and use them. Acceptance and use of our product will depend upon a number of
factors, including the following:
• the
perception of members of the health care community, including physicians,
regarding the safety and effectiveness of our drugs;
• the
cost-effectiveness of our product relative to competing products;
• availability
of reimbursement for our products from government or other healthcare payers;
and
• the
effectiveness of marketing and distribution efforts by us and our licensees
and
distributors, if any.
Because
we expect sales of our current product candidates, if approved, to generate
substantially all of our product revenues for the foreseeable future, the
failure of any of these drugs to find market acceptance would harm our business
and could require us to seek additional financing.
We
depend on researchers who are not under our control.
We
depend
upon independent investigators and scientific collaborators, such as
universities and medical institutions, to conduct our pre-clinical and clinical
trials under agreements with us. These collaborators are not our employees
and
we cannot control the amount or timing of resources that they devote to our
programs or the timing of their procurement of clinical-trial data. They may
not
assign as great a priority to our programs or pursue them as diligently as
we
would if we were undertaking those programs ourselves. Failing to devote
sufficient time and resources to our drug-development programs, or substandard
performance, could result in delay of any FDA applications and our
commercialization of the drug candidate involved.
These
collaborators may also have relationships with other commercial entities, some
of which may compete with us. Our collaborators assisting our competitors at
our
expense, could harm our competitive position. For example, we depend on
scientific collaborators for our TRIMESTA TM
,
SOLOVAX TM
,
CORRECTA TM
,
anti-CD4 802-2, EFFIRMA TM
and
COPREXA TM
development programs. Specifically, all of the clinical trials have
been
conducted under physician-sponsored investigational new drug applications
(INDs), not corporate-sponsored INDs. We are also dependent on government and
private grants to fund certain of our clinical trials for our product
candidates. If we are unable to maintain these grants, we might be forced to
scale back development of these product candidates. We have experienced
difficulty in collecting the data or transferring these programs to
corporate-sponsored INDs.. Additionally, we are aware that all of our scientific
collaborators also act as advisors to our competitors.
We
have no experience selling, marketing, or distributing products and do not
have
the capability to do so.
We
currently have no sales, marketing, or distribution capabilities. We do not
anticipate having resources in the foreseeable future to allocate to selling
and
marketing our proposed products. Our success will depend, in part, on whether
we
are able to enter into and maintain collaborative relationships with a
pharmaceutical or a biotechnology company charged with marketing one or more
of
our products. We may not be able to establish or maintain such collaborative
arrangements or to commercialize our products in foreign territories, and
even
if we do, our collaborators may not have effective sales
forces.
If
we do
not, or are unable to, enter into collaborative arrangements to sell and market
our proposed products, we will need to devote significant capital, management
resources, and time to establishing and developing an in-house marketing and
sales force with technical expertise. We may be unsuccessful in doing
so.
If
we fail to maintain positive relationships with particular individuals, we
may
be unable to successfully develop our product candidates, conduct clinical
trials, and obtain financing.
If
we
fail to maintain positive relationships with members of our management team
or
if these individuals decrease their contributions to our company, our business
could be adversely impacted. We do not carry key employee insurance policies
for
any of our key employees.
We
also
rely greatly on employing and retaining other highly trained and experienced
senior management and scientific personnel. The competition for these and other
qualified personnel in the biotechnology field is intense. If we are not able
to
attract and retain qualified scientific, technical, and managerial personnel,
we
probably will be unable to achieve our business objectives.
We
may not be able to compete successfully for market share against other drug
companies.
The
markets for our product candidates are characterized by intense competition
and
rapid technological advances. If our product candidates receive FDA approval,
they will compete with existing and future drugs and therapies developed,
manufactured, and marketed by others. Competing products may provide greater
therapeutic convenience or clinical or other benefits for a specific indication
than our products, or may offer comparable performance at a lower cost. If
our
products fail to capture and maintain market share, we may not achieve
sufficient product revenues and our business will suffer.
We
will
compete against fully integrated pharmaceutical companies and smaller companies
that are collaborating with larger pharmaceutical companies, academic
institutions, government agencies, or other public and private research
organizations. Many of these competitors have therapies to treat autoimmune
fibrotic and central nervous system diseases already approved or in development.
In addition, many of these competitors, either alone or together with their
collaborative partners, operate larger research-and-development programs than
we
do, have substantially greater financial resources than we do, and have
significantly greater experience in the following areas:
• developing
drugs;
• undertaking
pre-clinical testing and human clinical trials;
• obtaining
FDA and other regulatory approvals of drugs;
• formulating
and manufacturing drugs; and
• launching,
marketing and selling drugs.
We
may incur substantial costs as a result of litigation or other proceedings
relating to patent and other intellectual property rights, as well as costs
associated with frivolous lawsuits.
If
any
other person files patent applications, or is issued patents, claiming
technology also claimed by us in pending applications, we may be required
to
participate in interference proceedings in the U.S. Patent and Trademark
Office
to determine priority of invention. We, or our licensors, may also need to
participate in interference proceedings involving our issued patents and
pending
applications of another entity.
We
cannot
guarantee that the practice of our technologies will not conflict with the
rights of others. In some foreign jurisdictions, we could become involved
in
opposition proceedings, either by opposing the validity of another’s foreign
patent or by persons opposing the validity of our foreign patents.
We
may
also face frivolous litigation or lawsuits from various competitors or from
litigious securities attorneys. The cost to us of any litigation or other
proceeding relating to these areas, even if resolved in our favor, could
be
substantial and could distract management from our business. Uncertainties
resulting from initiation and continuation of any litigation could have a
material adverse effect on our ability to continue our
operations.
If
we infringe the rights of others we could be prevented from selling products
or
forced to pay damages.
If
our
products, methods, processes, and other technologies are found to infringe
the
proprietary rights of other parties, we could be required to pay damages, or
we
may be required to cease using the technology or to license rights from the
prevailing party. Any prevailing party may be unwilling to offer us a license
on
commercially acceptable terms.
Our
ability to generate product revenues will be diminished if our drugs sell for
inadequate prices or patients are unable to obtain adequate levels of
reimbursement.
Our
ability to commercialize our drugs, alone or with collaborators, will depend
in
part on the extent to which reimbursement is available from government and
health administration authorities, private health maintenance organizations,
health insurers, and other healthcare payers.
Significant
uncertainty exists as to the reimbursement status of newly approved healthcare
products. Healthcare payers, including Medicare, are challenging the prices
charged for medical products and services. Government and other healthcare
payers increasingly attempt to contain healthcare costs by limiting both
coverage and the level of reimbursement for drugs. Even if our product
candidates are approved by the FDA, insurance coverage may not be available,
or
may be inadequate, to cover the cost of our drugs. This could affect our ability
to commercialize our products.
We
may not be able to obtain adequate insurance coverage against product liability
claims.
Our
business exposes us to the product liability risks inherent in the testing,
manufacturing, marketing, and sale of human therapeutic technologies and
products. Even if it is available, product liability insurance for the
pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry generally is expensive. Adequate
insurance coverage may not be available at a reasonable cost.
Risks
Relating to Our Stock
We
will seek to raise additional funds in the future, which may be dilutive to
shareholders or impose operational restrictions.
We
expect
to seek to raise additional capital in the future to help fund development
of
our proposed products. If we raise additional capital through the issuance
of
equity or debt securities, the percentage ownership of our current shareholders
will be reduced. We may also enter into strategic transactions that may be
dilutive. Our shareholders may experience additional dilution in net book value
per share and any additional equity securities may have rights, preferences
and
privileges senior to those of the holders of our common stock. If we cannot
raise additional funds, we will have to delay development activities of our
products candidates.
We
are controlled by our current officers, directors, and principal
stockholders.
Currently,
our directors, executive officers, and principal stockholders beneficially
own a
majority of our common stock. As a result, they will be able to exert
substantial influence over the election of our board of directors and the vote
on issues submitted to our stockholders.
Our
common stock may be thinly traded and its price volatile. This may make it
difficult for shareholders to sell their shares of our common
stock.
There
may
be significant volatility in the market price for our common stock. The stock
market has from time to time experienced significant price and volume
fluctuations that have particularly affected the market prices of
pharmaceuticals companies and that may be unrelated to our operating
performance. General market conditions could materially affect the market price
of our common stock. The market price of our shares could also be subject
to significant fluctuations in response to, and may be adversely effected by,
among other factors, government regulatory actions, variations in our quarterly
operating results, developments in the global pharmaceuticals industry, and
general stock market conditions.
Because
we will be subject to the “penny stock” rules, broker-dealers may find it harder
to sell the shares of our common stock.
Our
common stock is quoted on the OTCBB (as opposed to NASDAQ or AMEX) and the
price
of the common stock is below $5.00 per share, we are therefore subject to
“penny
stock” regulation. The penny stock rules impose additional sales practice
requirements on broker-dealers who sell such securities to persons other
than
established customers and accredited investors (generally those with assets
in
excess of $1,000,000 or annual income exceeding $200,000 or $300,000 together
with a spouse). For transactions covered by these rules, the broker-dealer
must
make a special suitability determination for the purchase of such securities
and
have received the purchaser’s written consent to the transaction prior to the
purchase. Additionally, for any transaction involving a penny stock, unless
exempt, the rules require the delivery, prior to the transaction, of a
disclosure schedule prescribed by the Securities and Exchange Commission
relating to the penny stock market. The broker-dealer also must disclose
the
commissions payable to both the broker-dealer and the registered representative
and current quotations for the securities. Finally, monthly statements must
be
sent disclosing recent price information on the limited market in penny stocks.
Consequently, the “penny stock” rules may restrict the ability of broker-dealers
to sell shares of our common stock. The market price of our common stock
would
likely suffer as a result.
Because
we became public by means of a “reverse merger”, we may not be able to attract
the attention of major brokerage firms.
Additional
risks may exist since we became public through a “reverse merger.” Securities
analysts of major brokerage firms may not provide coverage of us since there
is
little incentive to brokerage firms to recommend the purchase of our common
stock. No assurance can be given that brokerage firms will want to conduct
any
secondary offerings on behalf of our company in the future.
Our
compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and SEC rules concerning internal
controls may be time consuming, difficult and costly.
Although
individual members of our management team have experience as officers of
publicly traded companies, much of that experience came prior to the adoption
of
the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. It may be time consuming, difficult and costly
for us to develop and implement the internal controls and reporting procedures
required by Sarbanes-Oxley. We may need to hire additional financial reporting,
internal controls and other finance staff in order to develop and implement
appropriate internal controls and reporting procedures. If we are unable to
comply with Sarbanes-Oxley’s internal controls requirements, we may not be able
to obtain the independent accountant certifications that Sarbanes-Oxley Act
requires publicly-traded companies to obtain.
There
is not now, and there may not ever be, an active market for our common
stock.
There
currently is no market for our common stock. Further, although our common stock
may be quoted on the OTC Bulletin Board, trading of our common stock may be
extremely sporadic. For example, several days may pass before any shares may
be
traded. There can be no assurance that a more active market for the common
stock
will develop.
We
cannot assure you that the common stock will become liquid or that it will
be
listed on a securities exchange.
We
cannot
assure you that we will be able to meet the listing standards of any stock
exchange, such as the American Stock Exchange or the Nasdaq National Market,
or
that we will be able to maintain any such listing. Such exchanges require
companies to meet certain initial listing criteria including certain minimum
bid
prices per share. We may not be able to achieve or maintain such minimum bid
prices or may be required to effect a reverse stock split to achieve such
minimum bid prices. Until the common stock is listed on an exchange, we expect
that it would be eligible to be quoted on the OTC Bulletin Board, another
over-the-counter quotation system, or in the “pink sheets.” In those venues,
however, an investor may find it difficult to obtain accurate quotations as
to
the market value of the common stock. In addition, if we failed to meet the
criteria set forth in SEC regulations, various requirements would be imposed
by
law on broker-dealers who sell our securities to persons other than established
customers and accredited investors. Consequently, such regulations may deter
broker-dealers from recommending or selling the common stock, which may further
affect its liquidity. This would also make it more difficult for us to raise
additional capital.
There
may be issuances of shares of preferred stock in the
future.
Although
we currently do not have preferred shares outstanding, the board of directors
could authorize the issuance of a series of preferred stock that would grant
holders preferred rights to our assets upon liquidation, the right to receive
dividends before dividends would be declared to common stockholders, and the
right to the redemption of such shares, possibly together with a premium, prior
to the redemption of the common stock. To the extent that we do issue preferred
stock, the rights of holders of common stock could be impaired thereby,
including without limitation, with respect to liquidation.
We
have never paid dividends.
We
have
never paid cash dividends on our common stock and do not anticipate paying
any
for the foreseeable future.
Risks
Related to Our Industry
Government
Regulation
The
FDA,
comparable foreign regulators and state and local pharmacy regulators impose
substantial requirements upon clinical development, manufacture and marketing
of
pharmaceutical products. These and other entities regulate research and
development and the testing, manufacture, quality control, safety,
effectiveness, labeling, storage, record keeping, approval, advertising,
and
promotion of our products. The drug approval process required by the FDA
under
the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act generally involves:
• Preclinical
laboratory and animal tests;
• Submission
of an IND, prior to commencing human clinical trials;
• Adequate
and well-controlled human clinical trials to establish safety and efficacy
for
intended use;
• Submission
to the FDA of a NDA; and
• FDA
review and approval of a NDA.
The
testing and approval process requires substantial time, effort, and financial
resources, and we cannot be certain that any approval will be granted on a
timely basis, if at all.
Preclinical
tests include laboratory evaluation of the product candidate, its chemistry,
formulation and stability, and animal studies to assess potential safety and
efficacy. Certain preclinical tests must be conducted in compliance with good
laboratory practice regulations. Violations of these regulations can, in some
cases, lead to invalidation of the studies, requiring them to be replicated.
In
some cases, long-term preclinical studies are conducted concurrently with
clinical studies.
We
will
submit the preclinical test results, together with manufacturing information
and
analytical data, to the FDA as part of an IND, which must become effective
before we begin human clinical trials. The IND automatically becomes effective
30 days after filing, unless the FDA raises questions about conduct of the
trials outlined in the IND and imposes a clinical hold, in which case, the
IND
sponsor and FDA must resolve the matters before clinical trials can begin.
It is
possible that our submission may not result in FDA authorization to commence
clinical trials.
Clinical
trials must be supervised by a qualified investigator in accordance with good
clinical practice regulations, which include informed consent requirements.
An
independent Institutional Review Board (“IRB”) at each medical center reviews
and approves and monitors the study, and is periodically informed of the study’s
progress, adverse events and changes in research. Progress reports are submitted
annually to the FDA and more frequently if adverse events occur.
Human clinical trials typically have three sequential phases that may
overlap:
Phase I: The drug is initially tested in healthy human subjects or patients
for
safety, dosage tolerance, absorption, metabolism, distribution, and
excretion.
Phase II: The drug is studied in a limited patient population to identify
possible adverse effects and safety risks, determine efficacy for specific
diseases and establish dosage tolerance and optimal dosage.
Phase III: When phase II evaluations demonstrate that a dosage range is
effective with an acceptable safety profile, phase III trials to further
evaluate dosage, clinical efficacy and safety, are undertaken in an expanded
patient population, often at geographically dispersed sites.
We
cannot
be certain that we will successfully complete phase I, phase II, or phase
III
testing of our product candidates within any specific time period, if at
all.
Furthermore, the FDA, an IRB or the IND sponsor may suspend clinical trials
at
any time on various grounds, including a finding that subjects or patients
are
exposed to unacceptable health risk.
Concurrent
with these trials and studies, we also develop chemistry and physical
characteristics data and finalize a manufacturing process in accordance with
good manufacturing practice (“GMP”) requirements. The manufacturing process must
conform to consistency and quality standards, and we must develop methods
for
testing the quality, purity, and potency of the final products. Appropriate
packaging is selected and tested, and chemistry stability studies are conducted
to demonstrate that the product does not undergo unacceptable deterioration
over
its shelf-life.
Results
of the foregoing are submitted to the FDA as part of a NDA for marketing
and
commercial shipment approval. The FDA reviews each NDA submitted and may
request
additional information.
Once
the
FDA accepts the NDA for filing, it begins its in-depth review. The FDA has
substantial discretion in the approval process and may disagree with our
interpretation of the data submitted. The process may be significantly extended
by requests for additional information or clarification regarding information
already provided. As part of this review, the FDA may refer the application
to
an appropriate advisory committee, typically a panel of clinicians.
Manufacturing establishments often are inspected prior to NDA approval to
assure
compliance with GMPs and with manufacturing commitments made in the
application.
Submission
of a NDA with clinical data requires payment of a fee (for fiscal year 2004,
$573,500). In return, the FDA assigns a goal of ten months for issuing its
“complete response,” in which the FDA may approve or deny the NDA, or require
additional clinical data. Even if these data are submitted, the FDA may
ultimately decide the NDA does not satisfy approval criteria. If the FDA
approves the NDA, the product becomes available for physicians prescription.
Product approval may be withdrawn if regulatory compliance is not maintained
or
safety problems occur. The FDA may require post-marketing studies, also known
as
phase IV studies, as a condition of approval, and requires surveillance programs
to monitor approved products that have been commercialized. The agency has
the
power to require changes in labeling or prohibit further marketing based on
the
results of post-marketing surveillance.
Satisfaction
of these and other regulatory requirements typically takes several years, and
the actual time required may vary substantially based upon the type, complexity
and novelty of the product. Government regulation may delay or prevent marketing
of potential products for a considerable period of time and impose costly
procedures on our activities. We cannot be certain that the FDA or other
regulatory agencies will approve any of our products on a timely basis, if
at
all. Success in preclinical or early-stage clinical trials does not assure
success in later-stage clinical trials. Data obtained from pre-clinical and
clinical activities are not always conclusive and may be susceptible to varying
interpretations that could delay, limit or prevent regulatory approval. Even
if
a product receives regulatory approval, the approval may be significantly
limited to specific indications or uses. Even after regulatory approval is
obtained, later discovery of previously unknown problems with a product may
result in restrictions on the product or even complete withdrawal of the product
from the market. Delays in obtaining, or failures to obtain regulatory approvals
would have a material adverse effect on our business.
Any
products manufactured or distributed by us pursuant to FDA approvals are subject
to pervasive and continuing FDA regulation, including record-keeping
requirements, reporting of adverse experiences, submitting periodic reports,
drug sampling and distribution requirements, manufacturing or labeling changes,
record-keeping requirements, and compliance with FDA promotion and advertising
requirements. Drug manufacturers and their subcontractors are required to
register their facilities with the FDA and state agencies, and are subject
to
periodic unannounced inspections for GMP compliance, imposing procedural and
documentation requirements upon us and third-party manufacturers. Failure to
comply with these regulations could result, among other things, in suspension
of
regulatory approval, recalls, suspension of production or injunctions, seizures,
or civil or criminal sanctions. We cannot be certain that we or our present
or
future subcontractors will be able to comply with these
regulations.
The
FDA
regulates drug labeling and promotion activities. The FDA has actively enforced
regulations prohibiting the marketing of products for unapproved uses. The
FDA
permits the promotion of drugs for unapproved uses in certain circumstances,
subject to stringent requirements. We and our product candidates are subject
to
a variety of state laws and regulations which may hinder our ability to market
our products. Whether or not FDA approval has been obtained, approval by foreign
regulatory authorities must be obtained prior to commencing clinical trials,
and
sales and marketing efforts in those countries. These approval procedures vary
in complexity from country to country, and the processes may be longer or
shorter than that required for FDA approval. We may incur significant costs
to
comply with these laws and regulations now or in the future.
The
FDA’s
policies may change, and additional government regulations may be enacted which
could prevent or delay regulatory approval of our potential products. Increased
attention to the containment of health care costs worldwide could result in
new
government regulations materially adverse to our business. We cannot predict
the
likelihood, nature or extent of adverse governmental regulation that might
arise
from future legislative or administrative action, either in the U.S. or
abroad.
Other
Regulatory Requirements
The
U.S.
Federal Trade Commission and the Office of the Inspector General of the U.S.
Department of Health and Human Services (“HHS”) also regulate certain
pharmaceutical marketing practices. Government reimbursement practices and
policies with respect to our products are important to our success.
We
are
subject to numerous federal, state and local laws relating to safe working
conditions, manufacturing practices, environmental protection, fire hazard
control, and disposal of hazardous or potentially hazardous substances. We
may
incur significant costs to comply with these laws and regulations. The
regulatory framework under which we operate will inevitably change in light
of
scientific, economic, demographic and policy developments, and such changes
may
have a material adverse effect on our business.
European
Product Approval
Prior
regulatory approval for human healthy volunteer studies (phase I studies)
is
required in member states of the European Union (E.U.). Summary data from
successful phase I studies are submitted to regulatory authorities in member
states to support applications for phase II studies. E.U. authorities typically
have one to three months (which often may be extended in their discretion)
to
raise objections to the proposed study. One or more independent ethics
committees (similar to U.S. IRBs) review relevant ethical
issues.
For
E.U.
marketing approval, we submit to the relevant authority for review a dossier,
or
MAA (Market Authorization Application), providing information on the quality
of
the chemistry, manufacturing and pharmaceutical aspects of the product as well
as non-clinical and clinical data.
Approval
can take several months to several years, and can be denied, depending on
whether additional studies or clinical trials are requested (which may delay
marketing approval and involve unbudgeted costs) or regulatory authorities
conduct facilities (including clinical investigation site) inspections and
review manufacturing procedures, operating systems and personnel qualifications.
In many cases, each drug manufacturing facility must be approved, and further
inspections may occur over the product’s life. The regulatory agency may require
post-marketing surveillance to monitor for adverse effects or other studies.
Further clinical studies are usually necessary for approval of additional
indications. The terms of any approval, including labeling content, may be
more
restrictive than expected and could affect the marketability of a
product.
Failure
to comply with these ongoing requirements can result in suspension of regulatory
approval and civil and criminal sanctions. European renewals may require
additional data, resulting in a license being withdrawn. E.U. regulators have
the authority to revoke, suspend or withdraw approvals, prevent companies and
individuals from participating in the drug approval process, request recalls,
seize violative products, obtain injunctions to close non-compliant
manufacturing plants and stop shipments of violative products.
Pricing
Controls
Pricing
for products under approval applications is also subject to regulation.
Requirements vary widely between countries and can be implemented disparately
intra-nationally. The E.U. generally provides options for member states to
control pricing of medicinal products for human use, ranging from specific
price-setting to systems of direct or indirect controls on the producer’s
profitability. U.K. regulation, for example, generally provides controls on
overall profits derived from sales to the U.K. National Health Service that
are
based on profitability targets or a function of capital employed in servicing
the National Health Service market. Italy generally utilizes a price monitoring
system based on the European average price over the reference markets of France,
Spain, Germany and the U.K. Italy typically establishes price within a
therapeutic class based on the lowest price for a medicine belonging to that
category. Spain generally establishes selling price based on prime cost plus
a
profit margin within a range established yearly by the Spanish Commission for
Economic Affairs.
There
can
be no assurance that price controls or reimbursement limitations will result
in
favorable arrangements for our products.
Third-Party
Reimbursements
In
the
U.S., the E.U. and elsewhere, pharmaceutical sales are dependent in part on
the
availability and adequacy of reimbursement from third party payers such as
governments and private insurance plans. Third party payers are increasingly
challenging established prices, and new products that are more expensive than
existing treatments may have difficulty finding ready acceptance unless there
is
a clear therapeutic benefit.
In
the
U.S., consumer willingness to choose a self-administered outpatient prescription
drug over a different drug or other form of treatment often depends on the
manufacturer’s success in placing the product on a health plan formulary or drug
list, which results in lower out-of-pocket costs. Favorable formulary placement
typically requires the product to be less expensive than what the health plan
determines to be therapeutically equivalent products, and often requires
manufacturers to offer rebates. Federal law also requires manufacturers to
pay
rebates to state Medicaid programs
in order to have their products reimbursed by Medicaid. Medicare, which covers
most Americans over age 65 and the disabled, has adopted a new insurance regime
that will offer eligible beneficiarie’s limited coverage for outpatient
prescription drugs effective January 1, 2006. The prescription drugs that will
be covered under this insurance will be specified on a formulary published
by
Medicare. As part of these changes, Medicare is adopting new payment formulas
for prescription drugs administered by providers, such as hospitals or
physicians, that are generally expected to lower reimbursement.
The
E.U.
generally provides options for member states to restrict the range of medicinal
products for which their national health insurance systems provide
reimbursement. Member states can opt for a “positive” or “negative” list, with
the former listing all covered medicinal products and the latter designating
those excluded from coverage. The E.U., the U.K. and Spain have negative
lists,
while France uses a positive list. Canadian provinces establish their own
reimbursement measures. In some countries, products may also be subject to
clinical and cost effectiveness reviews by health technology assessment bodies.
Negative determinations in relation to our products could affect prescribing
practices. In the U.K., the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (“NICE”)
provides such guidance to the National Health Service, and doctors are expected
to take it into account when choosing drugs to prescribe. Health authorities
may
withhold funding from drugs not given a positive recommendation by NICE.
A
negative determination by NICE may mean fewer prescriptions. Although NICE
considers drugs with orphan status, there is a degree of tension on the
application of standard cost assessment for orphan drugs, which are often
priced
higher to compensate for a limited market. It is unclear whether NICE will
adopt
a more relaxed approach toward the assessment of orphan
drugs.
We
cannot
assure you that any of our products will be considered cost effective, or that
reimbursement will be available or sufficient to allow us to sell them
competitively and profitably.
Fraud
and Abuse Laws
The
U.S.
federal Medicare/Medicaid anti-kickback law and similar state laws prohibit
remuneration intended to induce physicians or others either to refer patients,
or to acquire or arrange for or recommend the acquisition of health care
products or services. While the federal law applies only to referrals, products
or services receiving federal reimbursement, state laws often apply regardless
of whether federal funds are involved. Other federal and state laws prohibit
anyone from presenting or causing to be presented false or fraudulent payment
claims. Recent federal and state enforcement actions under these statutes have
targeted sales and marketing activities of prescription drug manufacturers.
As
we begin to market our products to health care providers, the relationships
we
form, such as compensating physicians for speaking or consulting services,
providing financial support for continuing medical education or research
programs, and assisting customers with third-party reimbursement claims, could
be challenged under these laws and lead to civil or criminal penalties,
including the exclusion of our products from federally-funded reimbursement.
Even an unsuccessful challenge could cause adverse publicity and be costly
to
respond to, and thus could have a material adverse effect on our business,
results of operations and financial condition. We intend to consult counsel
concerning the potential application of these and other laws to our business
and
to our sales, marketing and other activities to comply with them. Given their
broad reach and the increasing attention given them by law enforcement
authorities, however, we cannot assure you that some of our activities will
not
be challenged.
Patent
Restoration and Marketing Exclusivity
The
U.S.
Drug Price Competition and Patent Term Restoration Act of 1984 (Hatch-Waxman)
permits the FDA to approve Abbreviated New Drug Applications (“ANDAs”) for
generic versions of innovator drugs, as well as NDAs with less original clinical
data, and provides patent restoration and exclusivity protections to innovator
drug manufacturers.
The
ANDA
process permits competitor companies to obtain marketing approval for drugs
with
the same active ingredient and for the same uses as innovator drugs, but does
not require the conduct and submission of clinical studies demonstrating safety
and efficacy. As a result, a competitor could copy any of our drugs and only
need to submit data demonstrating that the copy is bioequivalent to gain
marketing approval from the FDA.
Hatch-Waxman
requires a competitor that submits an ANDA, or otherwise relies on safety and
efficacy data for one of our drugs, to notify us and/or our business partners
of
potential infringement of our patent rights. We and/or our business partners
may
sue the company for patent infringement, which would result in a 30-month stay
of approval of the competitor’s application. The discovery, trial and appeals
process in such suits can take several years. If the litigation is resolved
in
favor of the generic applicant or the challenged patent expires during the
30-month period, the stay is lifted and the FDA may approve the
application.
Hatch-Waxman
also allows competitors to market copies of innovator products by submitting
significantly less clinical data outside the ANDA context. Such applications,
known as “505(b)(2) NDAs” or “paper NDAs,” may rely on clinical investigations
not conducted by or for the applicant and for which the applicant has not
obtained a right of reference or use and are subject to the ANDA notification
procedures described above.
The
law
also restores a portion of a product’s patent term that is lost during clinical
development and NDA review, and provides statutory protection, known as
exclusivity, against FDA approval or acceptance of certain competitor
applications. Restoration can return up to five years of patent term for a
patent covering a new product or its use to compensate for time lost during
product development and regulatory review. The restoration period is
generally one-half the time between the effective date of an IND and submission
of an NDA, plus the time between NDA submission and its approval (subject to
the
five-year limit), and no extension can extend total patent life beyond 14 years
after the drug approval date. Applications for patent term extension are subject
to U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (“USPTO”) approval, in conjunction with FDA.
Approval of these applications takes at least six months, and there can be
no
guarantee that it will be given at all.
Hatch-Waxman
also provides for differing periods of statutory protection for new drugs
approved under an NDA. Among the types of exclusivity are those for a “new
molecular entity” and those for a new formulation or indication for a
previously-approved drug. If granted, marketing exclusivity for the types
of
products that we are developing, which include only drugs with innovative
changes to previously-approved products using the same active ingredient,
would
prohibit the FDA from approving an ANDA or 505(b)(2) NDA relying on safety
and
efficacy data for three years. This three-year exclusivity, however, covers
only
the innovation associated with the original NDA. It does not prohibit the
FDA
from approving applications for drugs with the same active ingredient but
without our new innovative change. These marketing exclusivity protections
do
not prohibit FDA from approving a full NDA, even if it contains the innovative
change.
ITEM
2.
UNREGISTERED
SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
Not
applicable.
ITEM
3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
Not
applicable.
ITEM
4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY
HOLDERS
No
matters were submitted to a vote of stockholders during the first quarter ended
March 31, 2007.
ITEM
5. OTHER INFORMATION
Not
applicable.
ITEM
6. EXHIBITS
31.1
Certification pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a)
32.1
Certification pursuant to Section 1350 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
SIGNATURE
Pursuant
to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant
has
duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned.
PIPEX
PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
By:
/s/
Steve H. Kanzer
Steve
H.
Kanzer
Chairman
& Chief Executive Officer
(Principal
Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer)
Date:
May
14, 2007