NOTE 1. BACKGROUND AND ORGANIZATION
Business Operations
PLx Pharma Inc., together with its subsidiary PLx Opco Inc., is a late-stage startup specialty pharmaceutical company focusing initially on commercializing two patent-protected lead products: VAZALORE TM 325 mg and VAZALORE TM 81 mg (referred to together as “VAZALORE”). VAZALORE 325 mg is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) for over-the-counter distribution and is the first ever liquid-filled aspirin capsule.
NOTE 2. LIQUIDITY AND GOING CONCERN
The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern, which contemplates continuity of operations, realization of assets, and satisfaction of liabilities in the ordinary course of business. The propriety of using the going-concern basis is dependent upon, among other things, the achievement of future profitable operations, the ability to generate sufficient cash from operations and potential other funding sources, in addition to cash on-hand, to meet its obligations as they become due. The Company has not generated any revenue from sale of products and has incurred operating losses in each year since it commenced operations. As of June 30, 2020, the Company had an accumulated deficit of $91 million. The Company expects to continue to incur significant operating expenses and operating losses for the foreseeable future as the Company continues the development and commercialization of VAZALORE. These expenses include pre-commercial marketing spend which is discretionary and controllable as to the timing of the spending and the remaining required costs for the bioequivalence study for the sNDA for VAZALORE. As of June 30, 2020, the Company had working capital of $8.6 million, including cash and cash equivalents of $13.3 million. In March 2019, the Company entered into an equity distribution agreement (the" Equity Distribution Agreement") with JMP Securities, Inc (“JMP”) to issue and sell shares of its common stock, having an aggregate offering price of up to $12.5 million, from time to time during the term of the Equity Distribution Agreement, through an “at-the-market” equity offering program at the Company’s sole discretion, under which JMP will act as its agent. At June 30, 2020, the Company had $10.2 million available under this "at-the-market" program. Based on the Company’s expected obligated cash requirements, the Company believes its cash on hand at June 30, 2020 is adequate to fund its obligations for at least twelve months from the date that these financial statements were issued and mitigate the substantial doubt consideration.
NOTE 3. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of Accounting and Principles of Consolidation
The accompanying interim consolidated financial statements are unaudited. These unaudited interim consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) for interim financial information. Accordingly, they do not include all the information and footnotes required by U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”) for complete financial statements. The December 31, 2019 consolidated balance sheet included herein was derived from audited consolidated financial statements as of that date. Certain information and footnote disclosure normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been omitted pursuant to instructions, rules, and regulations prescribed by the SEC. The Company believes that the disclosures provided herein are adequate to make the information presented not misleading when these unaudited interim consolidated financial statements are read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and notes previously filed in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019. In the opinion of management, the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements reflect all the adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) necessary to state fairly the Company’s financial position as of June 30, 2020 and the results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019.
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its direct and indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries, PLx Opco Inc. and PLx Chile SpA. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated within the consolidated financial statements. The Company dissolved its subsidiary, PLx Chile SpA, in March 2020. The Company operates in one business segment.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amount of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. In the accompanying consolidated financial statements, estimates are used for, but not limited to, determining the fair value of warrant liabilities and other financial instruments, stock-based compensation, contingent liabilities, the fair value and depreciable lives of long-lived tangible and intangible assets, and deferred taxes and the associated valuation allowance. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Financial Statements
On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared the outbreak of COVID-19 as a “pandemic”, or a worldwide spread of a new disease. Many countries imposed quarantines and restrictions on travel and mass gatherings to slow the spread of the virus and have closed non-essential businesses.
In response to COVID-19, the Company implemented remote working and has not experienced a disruption or delay in the development of VAZALORE. However, the extent to which COVID-19 may impact our business will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted with confidence, such as the duration of the pandemic, travel restrictions and social distancing in the United States and other countries, business closures or business disruptions and the effectiveness of actions taken in the United States and other countries to contain and treat the pandemic.
The Company has not experienced any negative impact on the June 30, 2020 unaudited interim consolidated financial statements related to COVID-19.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents. The Company maintains cash and cash equivalents in a financial institution that at times exceeds federally insured limits. Management believes that the Company’s credit risk exposure is mitigated by the financial strength of the banking institution in which the deposits are held. As of June 30, 2020, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $13.3 million in U.S. bank accounts which were not fully insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.
Inventory
Inventory is stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value, using the average cost method. Inventory as of June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 was comprised of raw materials for the manufacture of VAZALORE. The Company regularly reviews inventory quantities on hand and assesses the need for an allowance for obsolescence. The allowance for obsolete inventory was $0.3 million as of June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, resulting in net inventory of $0.1 million and $0 as of June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
All financial instruments classified as current assets and liabilities are carried at cost, which approximates fair value, because of the short-term maturities of those instruments. The fair value of the term loan approximates its face value of $2.5 million based on the Company’s current financial condition and on the variable nature of the term loan’s interest feature as compared to current rates. For disclosures concerning fair value measurements, see Note 7.
Leases
At the inception of a contract, the Company determines if the arrangement is, or contains, a lease. Right-of-use (“ROU”) assets represent the Company’s right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent its obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Operating lease ROU assets and liabilities are recognized at commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. Rent expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
The Company has made certain accounting policy elections whereby the Company (i) does not recognize ROU assets or lease liabilities for short-term leases (those with original terms of 12-months or less) and (ii) combines lease and non-lease elements of its operating leases. Operating lease ROU assets are included in right of use assets and operating lease liabilities are included in other current and non-current liabilities in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. As of June 30, 2020, the Company did not have any finance leases.
Goodwill
Goodwill is not amortized but is subject to periodic review for impairment. Goodwill is reviewed annually, as of October 31, and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the goodwill might not be recoverable. Management performs its review of goodwill on its one reporting unit.
The Company performs a one-step test in its evaluation of the carrying value of goodwill, if qualitative factors determine it is necessary to complete a goodwill impairment test. In the evaluation, the fair value of the relevant reporting unit is determined and compared to the carrying value. If the fair value is greater than the carrying value, then the carrying value is deemed to be recoverable, and no further action is required. If the fair value estimate is less than the carrying value, goodwill is considered impaired for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value, and a charge is reported in impairment of goodwill in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.
The Company has not identified any events or changes in circumstances that indicate that a potential impairment of goodwill occurred during the three and six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019.
Revenue Recognition
The Company analyzes contracts to determine the appropriate revenue recognition using the following steps: (i) identification of contracts with customers; (ii) identification of distinct performance obligations in the contract; (iii) determination of contract transaction price; (iv) allocation of contract transaction price to the performance obligations; and (v) determination of revenue recognition based on timing of satisfaction of the performance obligation. The Company recognizes revenues upon the satisfaction of its performance obligations (upon transfer of control of promised goods or services to customers) in an amount that reflects the consideration to which it expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. Deferred revenue results from cash receipts from or amounts billed to customers in advance of the transfer of control of the promised services to the customer and is recognized as performance obligations are satisfied. When sales commissions or other costs to obtain contracts with customers are considered incremental and recoverable, those costs are deferred and then amortized as selling and marketing expenses on a straight-line basis over an estimated period of benefit.
The Company’s current sole revenue arrangement is a cost-reimbursable federal grant with the National Institutes of Health. The Company recognizes revenue on this grant as grant-related expenses are incurred by the Company or its subcontractors. The Company recognized $27,907 and $182,905 of revenue under this arrangement during the three months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The Company recognized $30,430 and $500,465 of revenue under this arrangement during the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
The Company has not incurred incremental costs to obtain contracts with customers or material costs to fulfill contracts with customers and did not have any contract assets or liabilities as of June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019.
Research and Development Expenses
Costs incurred in connection with research and development activities are expensed as incurred. Research and development expenses consist of direct and indirect costs associated with specific projects, manufacturing activities, and include fees paid to various entities that perform research related services for the Company combined with reimbursable costs related to the federal grant with the National Institutes of Health.
Stock-Based Compensation
The Company recognizes expense in its consolidated statements of operations for the fair value of all stock-based compensation to key employees, nonemployee directors and advisors, generally in the form of stock options and stock awards. The Company uses the Black-Scholes option valuation model to estimate the fair value of stock options on the grant date. Compensation cost is amortized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period for each respective award. The Company accounts for forfeitures as they occur.
Income Taxes
Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected future tax consequences attributable to temporary differences between financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. A valuation allowance is established when necessary to reduce deferred income tax assets to the amount expected to be realized.
Tax benefits are initially recognized in the financial statements when it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination by the tax authorities. Such tax positions are initially, and subsequently, measured as the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement with the tax authority, assuming full knowledge of the position and all relevant facts.
Income (Loss) Per Share
In periods of net loss, basic loss per share is computed by dividing net loss available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. The Series A convertible preferred stock (the “Series A Preferred Stock”) and the Series B convertible preferred stock (the “Series B Preferred Stock” and, together with the Series A Preferred Stock, collectively the “Preferred Stock”) contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends, and therefore are considered to be participating securities; in periods of net income, the calculation of basic earnings per share excludes from the numerator net income attributable to the Preferred Stock and excludes the impact of those shares from the denominator.
For periods of net loss, diluted loss per share is calculated similarly to basic loss per share because the impact of all potential dilutive common shares is anti-dilutive. For periods of net income, diluted earnings per share is computed using the more dilutive of the “two class method” or the “treasury method.” Dilutive earnings per share under the “two class method” is calculated by dividing net income available to common stockholders as adjusted for the participating impacts of the Preferred Stock, by the weighted-average number of shares outstanding plus the dilutive impact of all other potential dilutive common shares, consisting primarily of common shares underlying common stock options and stock purchase warrants using the treasury stock method. Dilutive earnings per share under the “treasury method” is calculated by dividing net income available to common stockholders by the weighted- average number of shares outstanding plus the dilutive impact of all potential dilutive common shares, consisting primarily of common shares underlying common stock options and stock purchase warrants using the treasury stock method, and convertible preferred stock using the if-converted method.
Due to net losses, none of the potential dilutive securities had a dilutive impact during the three and six months ended June 30, 2020.
The number of anti-dilutive shares for the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019 consisting of common shares underlying (i) common stock options, (ii) stock purchase warrants, and (iii) convertible preferred stock which have been excluded from the computation of diluted income per share, totaled 13,801,816 and 10,422,494 shares, respectively.
Recent Accounting Standards
The Company does not believe that any recently issued effective standards, or standards issued but not yet effective, if adopted, would have a material effect on the accompanying consolidated financial statements.
Subsequent Events
The Company’s management reviewed all material events through the date the consolidated financial statements were issued for subsequent event disclosure consideration.
NOTE 4. DEBT
Term Loan Facility
On August 9, 2017, the Company entered into a Loan and Security Agreement with Silicon Valley Bank (“SVB”) that provides for a Term Loan Facility (the “Term Loan Facility” and all amounts borrowed thereunder, the “Term Loan”). Under the Term Loan Facility, the Company borrowed an initial amount of $7.5 million, and had the right to borrow an additional $7.5 million on or before December 31, 2018; this right expired unexercised.
The Term Loan Facility carries interest at a floating rate of 4.0% above the prime rate per annum (for a total interest rate of 7.25% at June 30, 2020), with interest payable monthly. All outstanding principal and accrued and unpaid interest under the Term Loan will be due and payable on February 9, 2021.
The Company may elect to prepay the Term Loan Facility prior to the maturity date subject to defined prepayment fees. The Term Loan Facility includes a final payment fee equal to 8.0% of the original principal amount, which is being accrued using the effective interest method over the term.
The Term Loan Facility is collateralized by substantially all of the Company’s assets, contains certain restrictive covenants, and contains customary events of default. Upon the occurrence of an event of default, all amounts owed by the Company would begin to bear interest at a rate that is 5.00% above the rate effective immediately before the event of default and may be declared immediately due and payable by SVB.
In connection with entry into the Term Loan Facility, the Company issued to SVB and one of its affiliates stock purchase warrants to purchase an aggregate of 58,502 shares of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price of $6.41 per share. The warrants are immediately exercisable, have a 10-year term, contain a cashless exercise provision, and are classified in equity.
During the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, the Company made principal Term Loan payments of $1.9 million and $1.3 million, respectively. As of June 30, 2020, and December 31, 2019, $2.5 million and $4.4 million of the Term Loan was outstanding, respectively, and was presented in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets net of current unamortized discounts and issuance costs of $32,628 and $94,614, respectively. Total interest expense recognized for the three months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019 was $104,671 and $267,834, respectively. Total interest expense recognized for the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019 was $250,499 and $562,696, respectively.
NOTE 5. STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Common Stock
Equity Distribution Agreement
In March 2019, the Company entered into the Equity Distribution Agreement with JMP. Pursuant to the terms of the agreement, the Company may sell from time to time, at its option, shares of the Company’s common stock, through JMP, as sales agent, with an aggregate sales price of up to $12.5 million. Any sales of shares pursuant to the agreement will be made under the Company’s effective “shelf” registration statement, which allows it to sell debt or equity securities in one or more offerings up to a total public offering price of $75 million. In 2019, the Company issued 398,709 shares under the agreement generating gross proceeds of $2.3 million and net proceeds of $2.1 million after deducting legal and commission costs. There have been no issuances in 2020 under this agreement. As of June 30, 2020, $10.2 million remained available under the agreement.
Convertible Preferred Stock
Series A Preferred Stock
In December 2018, the Company entered into a purchase agreement with certain accredited investors for the private placement of $15.0 million of Series A Preferred Stock pending stockholders' approval, which approval was subsequently obtained on February 19, 2019. Accordingly, the Company completed the private placement on February 20, 2019, raising $15.0 million through the issuance of 15,000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock. The Series A Preferred Stock was issued at $1,000 per share and is convertible into common shares at a conversion price of $2.60 per share, subject to certain adjustments. Holders of the Series A Preferred Stock are entitled to an initial dividend rate of 8.0% per annum, which will stop accruing on the date of the FDA’s approval of the supplemental sNDA of VAZALORE 325 mg and VAZALORE 81mg. The dividends are compounded quarterly and payable in cash or shares of Series A Preferred Stock at the Company’s option. The Series A Preferred Stock carries a liquidation preference equal to its stated value of $1,000 plus accrued and unpaid dividends.
The Series A Preferred Stock is classified as temporary equity due to the presence of certain contingent cash redemption features. As a result of the excess value of the Company’s common stock on the issuance date over the conversion price of the Series A Preferred Stock, a beneficial conversion feature in the amount of $12.7 million was bifurcated from the host instrument and accounted for separately as an increase in additional paid-in capital in equity, and resulted in a deemed dividend during the three months ended March 31, 2019 of $12.7 million which was accounted for as a decrease in additional paid-in capital in equity due to the Company’s accumulated deficit position. At June 30, 2020, the carrying value of the temporary equity was $13.7 million, net of $1.3 million in offering costs.
The Company recognized $326,678 (or $0.04 per share) and $646,968 (or $0.07 per share) of total dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock during the three and six months ended June 30, 2020, respectively. The Company recognized $301,735 (or $0.03 per share) and $429,953 (or $0.05 per share) of total dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock during the three and six months ended June 30, 2019, respectively.
Series B Preferred Stock
In March 2020, the Company entered into a purchase agreement with certain accredited investors for the private placement of $8.0 million of Series B Preferred Stock pending stockholders' approval, which approval was subsequently obtained on May 15, 2020. Accordingly, the Company completed the private placement on May 15, 2020, raising $8.0 million through the issuance of 8,000 shares of Series B Preferred Stock. The Series B Preferred Stock was issued at $1,000 per share and is convertible into common shares at a conversion price of $3.10 per share, subject to certain adjustments. Holders of the Series B Preferred Stock are entitled to an initial dividend rate of 8.0% per annum, which will stop accruing on the date of the FDA’s approval of the supplemental sNDA of VAZALORE 325 mg and VAZALORE 81mg. The dividends are compounded quarterly and payable in cash or shares of Series B Preferred Stock at the Company’s option. The Series B Preferred Stock carries a liquidation preference equal to its stated value of $1,000 plus accrued and unpaid dividends.
The Series B Preferred Stock is classified as temporary equity due to the presence of certain contingent cash redemption features. At June 30, 2020, the carrying value of the temporary equity was $7.7 million, net of $0.3 million in offering costs.
The Company recognized $80,657 (or $0.01 per share) of total dividends on the Series B Preferred Stock during the three and six months ended June 30, 2020.
Warrants
In June 2017, the Company issued stock purchase warrants to purchase 2,646,091 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $7.50 per share. The warrants, exercisable beginning six months and one day after issuance, have a 10-year term and are liability classified due the holders’ right to require the Company to repurchase the warrants for cash upon certain deferred fundamental transactions. See Note 7 for the fair value measurement of the warrant liability.
In connection with the entry into the Term Loan Facility, the Company issued to SVB and one of its affiliates stock purchase warrants to purchase an aggregate of 58,502 shares of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price of $6.41 per share (see Note 4). These warrants are immediately exercisable, have a 10-year term, contain a cashless exercise provision, and are classified in equity.
Stock Options
Following is a summary of stock option activities for the six months ended June 30, 2020:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted
|
|
|
Weighted
Average
Remaining
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of
|
|
|
Average
Exercise
|
|
|
Contractual
Term
|
|
|
Aggregate
Intrinsic
|
|
|
|
Options
|
|
|
Price
|
|
|
(in years)
|
|
|
Value
|
|
Outstanding, December 31, 2019
|
|
|
1,666,797
|
|
|
$
|
13.96
|
|
|
|
7.22
|
|
|
$
|
91,475
|
|
Granted
|
|
|
554,000
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|
|
$
|
2.16
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exercised, cancelled, or forfeited
|
|
|
(155,417
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)
|
|
$
|
8.39
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Outstanding, June 30, 2020
|
|
|
2,065,380
|
|
|
$
|
11.21
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|
|
|
7.23
|
|
|
$
|
534,920
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exercisable, June 30, 2020
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|
|
1,139,647
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|
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$
|
17.19
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|
|
|
5.63
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|
|
$
|
1,400
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|
On September 13, 2018, the Company’s stockholders approved the 2018 Incentive Plan (the “2018 Plan”). The 2018 Plan provides that the Company may grant equity interests to employees, consultants and members of the Board of Directors in the form of incentive and nonqualified stock options, restricted stock and restricted stock units, stock appreciation rights and various other forms of stock-based awards. There are 1,250,000 shares authorized to be issued pursuant to the 2018 Plan, of which 144,650 shares are available for issuance under the 2018 Plan.
The Company granted 544,000 options during the six months ended June 30, 2020 with an aggregate fair value of $0.8 million calculated using the Black-Scholes model on the grant date. Variables used in the Black-Scholes model include: (1) discount rate of 0.67%, (2) expected life of 6.0 years, (3) expected volatility of 82%, and (4) zero expected dividends.
As of June 30, 2020, the Company had $2.1 million in unamortized expense related to unvested options which is expected to be expensed over a weighted average of 2.0 years.
During the three months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, the Company recorded $269,578 and $276,505, respectively, in total stock-based compensation expense related to the stock options and stock bonuses. During the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, the Company recorded $542,115 and $342,737, respectively, in total stock-based compensation expense related to the stock options and stock bonuses. Substantially all stock-based compensation expense is classified as general and administrative expenses in the accompanying unaudited consolidated statements of operations.
NOTE 6. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Lease Agreements
The Company presently leases office space under operating lease agreements, expiring on July 31, 2021, October 3, 2021, and June 30, 2024. The office leases require the Company to pay for its portion of taxes, maintenance, and insurance. Rental expense under these agreements was $87,601 and $94,137 for the three months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Rental expense under these agreements was $175,203 and $184,481 for the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
All the Company’s existing leases as of June 30, 2020 are classified as operating leases and have a weighted average remaining lease term of 2.2 years. Certain of the Company’s existing leases have fair value renewal options, none of which the Company considers certain of being exercised or included in the minimum lease term. The discount rate used in the calculation of the Company’s lease liability is 9.5%. In addition, the Company is the lessor for office space in New York that it sublets to a tenant; the sublease expires in 2021.
Lease costs, net of sublease income, for the six months ended June 30, 2020 consisted of the following:
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Operating lease cost
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$
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175,203
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Sublease income
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(122,245
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)
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Total lease costs
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$
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52,958
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A maturity analysis of the Company’s operating leases follows: Future undiscounted cash flows:
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2020
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$
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178,673
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2021
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|
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262,850
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2022
|
|
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60,819
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2023
|
|
|
60,264
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2024
|
|
|
30,132
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Total
|
|
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592,738
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|
|
|
|
|
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Discount factor
|
|
|
(61,030
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)
|
Lease liability
|
|
|
531,708
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|
Current lease liability
|
|
|
(335,467
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)
|
Non-current lease liability
|
|
$
|
196,241
|
|
Patent License Agreement with the Board of Regents of the University of Texas
On January 8, 2003, the Company entered into a patent license agreement with the Board of Regents of The University of Texas System (the “University”), under which it acquired an exclusive license for several patents and patent applications both inside and outside of the United States relating to gastrointestinal safer formulations of NSAIDs. Additionally, the Company acquired worldwide rights to commercialize licensed products which allow for the Company to grant sublicenses subject to royalty payments.
Under terms of the agreement, the Company is responsible for conducting clinical trials involving investigational use of a licensed product for the determination of metabolic and pharmacologic actions in humans, the side effects associated with increasing doses, examination of suspected indications, determination of the potential short-term side effects in humans and for establishing the safety, efficacy, labeled indications and risk-benefit profile in humans. The patent license agreement also requires the Company to provide reimbursement for all expenses incurred by The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston for filing, prosecuting, enforcing and maintaining patent rights and requires an annual nonrefundable license management fee. In addition, the Company is obligated to pay certain milestone payments in future years relating to royalties resulting from the approval to sell licensed products and the resulting sales of such licensed products. The Company recognized total expenses of $225,000 related to the University in the three months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019. The Company recognized total expenses of $226,640 and $250,000 related to the University in the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
NOTE 7. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
Fair value is defined as the price that would be received in the sale of an asset or that would be paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The Company has categorized all investments recorded at fair value based upon the level of judgment associated with the inputs used to measure their fair value.
Hierarchical levels, directly related to the amount of subjectivity associated with the inputs to fair valuation of these assets and liabilities, are as follows:
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●
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Level 1: Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the organization has the ability to access at the reporting date.
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|
●
|
Level 2: Inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1, which are either observable or that can be derived from or corroborated by observable data as of the reporting date.
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●
|
Level 3: Inputs include those that are significant to the fair value of the asset or liability and are generally less observable from objective resources and reflect the reporting entity’s subjective determinations regarding the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability.
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Financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis
The Company evaluates financial assets and liabilities subject to fair value measurements on a recurring basis to determine the appropriate level at which to classify them each reporting period. This determination requires the Company to make subjective judgments as to the significance of inputs used in determining fair value and where such inputs lie within the hierarchy.
The stock purchase warrants issued in June 2017 contain certain cash settlement features and, accordingly, the Company considered them to be liabilities and accounted for them at fair value using Level 3 inputs. The Company determined the fair value of this warrant liability using a binomial asset pricing model that consisted of a conditional probability weighted expected return method that values the Company’s equity securities assuming various possible future outcomes to estimate the allocation of value within one or more of the scenarios. Using this method, unobservable inputs included the Company’s equity value, expected timing of possible outcomes, risk free interest rates and stock price volatility. Variables used at June 30, 2020 include: (1) the Company stock price of $3.24, (2) the risk-free rate of 0.49%, (3) remaining expected life of 6.95 years, and (4) expected volatility of 88%.
The Series A Preferred Stock and the Series B Preferred Stock both contain a contingent put option and, accordingly, the Company considered them to be liabilities and accounted for them at fair value using Level 3 inputs. The Company determined the fair value of these liabilities was de minimis at issuance and as of June 30, 2020 due to the remote possibly of its occurrence, a Level 3 unobservable input.
The following table sets forth a summary of changes in the fair value of Level 3 liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis for the three months ended June 30, 2020:
Description
|
|
Balance at
March 31,
2020
|
|
|
Established
in 2020
|
|
|
Change in
Fair Value
|
|
|
Balance at
June 30,
2020
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Warrant liability
|
|
$
|
3,648,426
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
1,928,843
|
|
|
$
|
5,577,269
|
|
The following table sets forth a summary of changes in the fair value of Level 3 liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis for the six months ended June 30, 2020:
Description
|
|
Balance at December 31,
2019
|
|
|
Established
in 2020
|
|
|
Change in
Fair Value
|
|
|
Balance at
June 30,
2020
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Warrant liability
|
|
$
|
8,247,679
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
(2,670,410
|
)
|
|
$
|
5,577,269
|
|
The following table identifies the carrying amounts of such liabilities at June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019:
Description
|
|
Level 1
|
|
|
Level 2
|
|
|
Level 3
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Warrant liability
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
5,577,269
|
|
|
$
|
5,577,269
|
|
Balance at June 30, 2020
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
5,577,269
|
|
|
$
|
5,577,269
|
|
Description
|
|
Level 1
|
|
|
Level 2
|
|
|
Level 3
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Warrant liability
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
8,247,679
|
|
|
$
|
8,247,679
|
|
Balance at December 31, 2019
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
8,247,679
|
|
|
$
|
8,247,679
|
|
Financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value on a non-recurring basis
The Company does not have any financial assets or liabilities measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis.
Non-financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value on a recurring basis
The Company does not have any non-financial assets or liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis.
Non-financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value on a non-recurring basis
The Company measures its long-lived assets, including property and equipment and goodwill, at fair value on a non-recurring basis when they are deemed to be impaired. No such impairment was recognized in the three and six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019.
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (the “Quarterly Report”) that are not strictly historical are forward-looking statements and include statements about products in development, results and analyses of pre-clinical studies, clinical trials and studies, research and development expenses, cash expenditures, and alliances and partnerships, among other matters. You can identify these forward-looking statements because they involve our expectations, intentions, beliefs, plans, projections, anticipations, or other characterizations of future events or circumstances. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements as a result of any number of factors. These factors include, but are not limited to, risks relating to our ability to conduct and obtain successful results from ongoing clinical trials, commercialize our technology, obtain regulatory approval for our product candidates, contract with third parties to adequately test and manufacture our proposed therapeutic products, protect our intellectual property rights and obtain additional financing to continue our development efforts. We do not undertake to update any of these forward-looking statements or to announce the results of any revisions to these forward-looking statements except as required by law.
We urge you to read this entire Quarterly Report, including the “Risk Factors” referenced under Part II. Item 1A, the financial statements, and related notes. As used in this Quarterly Report, unless the context otherwise requires, the words “we,” “us,” “our,” “the Company” and “PLx Pharma” refers to PLx Pharma Inc. and its subsidiaries. The information contained herein is current as of the date of this Quarterly Report (June 30, 2020), unless another date is specified. We prepare our interim financial statements in accordance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“U.S. GAAP”). Our financials and results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020 are not necessarily indicative of our prospective financial condition and results of operations for the pending full fiscal year ending December 31, 2020. The interim financial statements presented in this Quarterly Report as well as other information relating to the Company contained in this Quarterly Report should be read in conjunction and together with the reports, statements and information filed by us with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).
Our Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations is provided in addition to the accompanying financial statements and notes to assist readers in understanding our results of operations, financial condition, and cash flows.
Overview
We are a late-stage specialty pharmaceutical company focused on developing our clinically-validated and patent-protected PLxGuard delivery system to provide more effective and safer products. Our PLxGuard delivery system works by targeting the release of active pharmaceutical ingredients to various portions of the gastrointestinal (“GI”) tract. We believe this has the potential to improve the absorption of many drugs currently on the market or in development, and reduce the risk of stomach erosions and ulcers associated with aspirin and ibuprofen, and potentially other drugs.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (the “FDA”) approved our lead product, VAZALORE 325 mg, which is a novel formulation of aspirin using the PLxGuard delivery system intended to provide faster, reliable and more predictable platelet inhibition for the treatment of vascular disease as compared to the current standard of care, enteric-coated aspirin, and significantly reduce the risk of stomach erosions and ulcers as compared with immediate-release aspirin common in an acute setting. VAZALORE 325 mg (formerly PL2200 Aspirin 325 mg and Aspertec 325 mg) was originally approved under the drug name aspirin, and the proprietary name ‘VAZALORE’ was granted subsequent to the FDA approval. A companion 81 mg dose of the same novel formulation, VAZALORE 81 mg, is in late-stage development and will be the subject of a supplemental New Drug Application (“sNDA”), leveraging the already approved status of VAZALORE 325 mg. We are focused on collecting the data, including results from a bioequivalence study, required for post-approval manufacturing changes which will be included in the sNDA filing for VAZALORE 325 mg and to support approval of low dose VAZALORE 81 mg.
Our commercialization strategy will target both the over-the-counter (“OTC”) and prescription markets, taking advantage of the existing OTC distribution channels for aspirin while leveraging the FDA approval of VAZALORE 325 mg and anticipated approval for VAZALORE 81 mg for use when recommended by physicians for treatment of vascular disease. Given our clinical demonstration of faster, reliable and more predictable platelet inhibition (as compared with enteric-coated aspirin) and fewer stomach erosions and ulcers (as compared with immediate-release aspirin) common in an acute setting. We intend to market VAZALORE to the healthcare professional and the consumer through several marketing channels including a physician-directed sales force. Our product pipeline also includes other oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (“NSAIDs”) using the PLxGuard delivery system that may be developed, including PL1200 Ibuprofen 200 mg, for pain and inflammation currently in clinical stage.
Critical Accounting Policies
Our consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The preparation of these financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. Note 3 of the Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere herein describes the significant accounting policies used in the preparation of the financial statements. Certain of these significant accounting policies are considered to be critical accounting policies, as defined below.
A critical accounting policy is defined as one that is both material to the presentation of our financial statements and requires management to make difficult, subjective or complex judgments that could have a material effect on our financial condition and results of operations. Specifically, critical accounting estimates have the following attributes: (1) we are required to make assumptions about matters that are highly uncertain at the time of the estimate; and (2) different estimates we could reasonably have used, or changes in the estimate that are reasonably likely to occur, would have a material effect on our financial condition or results of operations.
Estimates and assumptions about future events and their effects cannot be determined with certainty. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions believed to be applicable and reasonable under the circumstances. These estimates may change as new events occur, as additional information is obtained and as our operating environment changes. These changes have historically been minor and have been included in the financial statements as soon as they became known. Based on a critical assessment of our accounting policies and the underlying judgments and uncertainties affecting the application of those policies, management believes that our financial statements are fairly stated in accordance with U.S. GAAP and present a meaningful presentation of our financial condition and results of operations. We believe the following critical accounting policies reflect our more significant estimates and assumptions used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements:
Use of Estimates
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amount of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. In the accompanying consolidated financial statements, estimates are used for, but not limited to, determining and liabilities acquired in business combinations, the fair value of warrant liabilities and other financial instruments, stock-based compensation, contingent liabilities, the fair value and depreciable lives of long-lived tangible and intangible assets, and deferred taxes and the associated valuation allowance. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Fair Value Measurements
Fair value is defined as the price that would be received in the sale of an asset or that would be paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The Company has categorized all investments recorded at fair value based upon the level of judgment associated with the inputs used to measure their fair value.
The Company’s financial instruments (cash and cash equivalents, receivables, accounts payable and accrued liabilities) are carried in the consolidated balance sheet at cost, which reasonably approximates fair value based on their short-term nature. The Company’s warrants are recorded at fair value, with changes in fair value being reflected in the statements of operations for the period of change. The fair value of the Company’s term loan (the "Term Loan") pursuant to its Loan and Security Agreement with Silicon Valley Bank ('SVB"), dated August 9, 2017, that provides for the Term Loan facility approximates its face value of $2.5 million based on the Company’s current financial condition and on the variable nature of the term loan’s interest feature as compared to current rates.
Research and Development Expenses
Costs incurred in connection with research and development activities are expensed as incurred. Research and development expenses consist of direct and indirect costs associated with specific projects, manufacturing and regulatory activities, and include fees paid to various entities that perform research related services for the Company combined with reimbursable costs related to the federal grant with the National Institutes of Health.
Stock-Based Compensation
The Company recognizes expense in the consolidated statements of operations for the fair value of all stock-based compensation to key employees, nonemployee directors and advisors, generally in the form of stock options and stock awards. The Company uses the Black-Scholes option valuation model to estimate the fair value of stock options on the grant date. Compensation cost is amortized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period for each respective award. The Company accounts for forfeitures as they occur.
Adopted Accounting Guidance
For a discussion of significant accounting guidance recently adopted or unadopted accounting guidance that has the potential of being significant, see Note 3 of the Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere herein.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Comparison of Three Months Ended June 30, 2020 and 2019
Revenue
Total revenues were $27,907 for the three months ended June 30, 2020, compared to revenues of $182,905 for the three months ended June 30, 2019. Revenue in both the 2020 and 2019 periods is attributable to work performed under a federal grant from the National Institutes of Health ("NIH") which came to an end in the second quarter of 2020.
Operating Expenses
Total operating expenses were $3.6 million during the three months ended June 30, 2020, a 11% decrease from operating expenses of $4.0 million in the comparable period in 2019. Operating expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019 were as follows:
|
|
Three Months Ended
June 30,
|
|
|
Increase (Decrease)
|
|
|
|
2020
|
|
|
2019
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
%
|
|
Operating Expenses
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Research and development expenses
|
|
$
|
1,394,881
|
|
|
$
|
1,598,884
|
|
|
$
|
(204,003
|
)
|
|
|
(13
|
)%
|
General and administrative expenses
|
|
|
2,207,164
|
|
|
|
2,433,200
|
|
|
|
(226,036
|
)
|
|
|
(9
|
)%
|
Total operating expenses
|
|
$
|
3,602,045
|
|
|
$
|
4,032,084
|
|
|
$
|
(430,039
|
)
|
|
|
(11
|
)%
|
Research and Development Expenses
Research and development expenses totaled $1.4 million in the three months ended June 30, 2020 and $1.6 million in the prior year period. The decrease is due to lower manufacturing-related activities for VAZALORE, as the prior year period included the manufacture of the registration batches. The decrease also reflects lower reimbursable grant expenses as the completion of the grant from the NIH came to an end in the second quarter of 2020. Higher clinical-related spending primarily for the bioequivalence study, partially offset this decrease.
General and Administrative Expenses
General and administrative expenses totaled $2.2 million in the three months ended June 30, 2020, compared to $2.4 million in the prior year period. The decrease primarily reflects lower compensation related expenses combined with reduced spending on conferences and related travel due to COVID-19 restrictions. These decreases were partially offset by higher pre-launch activities for VAZALORE.
Other income (expense), net
Other income (expense), net totaled $2.0 million and $5.5 million of net other expense in the three months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The decrease is largely attributable to the non-cash change in fair value of warrant liability primarily due to the fluctuation of the price of the Company’s common stock.
Comparison of Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 and 2019
Revenue
Total revenues were $30,430 for the six months ended June 30, 2020, compared to revenues of $500,465 for the six months ended June 30, 2019. All revenue in both the 2020 and 2019 periods is attributable to work performed under an award of a NIH grant which came to an end in the second quarter of 2020.
Operating Expenses
Total operating expenses were approximately $6.6 million during the six months ended June 30, 2020, a 9% decrease from operating expenses of approximately $7.3 million in the comparable period in 2019. Operating expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019 were as follows:
|
|
Six Months Ended
June 30,
|
|
|
Increase (Decrease)
|
|
|
|
2020
|
|
|
2019
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
%
|
|
Operating Expenses
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Research and development expenses
|
|
$
|
1,908,795
|
|
|
$
|
2,591,588
|
|
|
$
|
(682,793
|
)
|
|
|
(26
|
)%
|
General and administrative expenses
|
|
|
4,700,415
|
|
|
|
4,677,360
|
|
|
|
23,055
|
|
|
|
0
|
%
|
Total operating expenses
|
|
$
|
6,609,210
|
|
|
$
|
7,268,948
|
|
|
$
|
(659,738
|
)
|
|
|
(9
|
)%
|
Research and Development Expenses
Research and development expenses totaled approximately $1.9 million in the six months ended June 30, 2020, compared to $2.6 million in the prior year period. The decrease is due to lower manufacturing-related activities for VAZALORE, as the prior year period included the manufacture of the registration batches. The decrease also reflected lower reimbursable grant expenses as the grant from the NIH came to an end in the second quarter of 2020. Higher clinical-related spending primarily for the bioequivalence study partially offset this decrease.
General and Administrative Expenses
General and administrative expenses totaled approximately $4.7 million in the six months ended June 30, 2020 and the prior year period. Lower expenses for compensation and reduced spending on conferences and related travel due to COVID-19 restrictions, were offset by higher spending on pre-launch activities.
Other income (expense), net
Other income (expense), net totaled approximately $2.5 million of net other income in the six months ended June 30, 2020, compared to $13.4 million of net other expense in the prior year period. The difference is largely attributable to the non-cash change in fair value of warrant liability primarily due to the fluctuation of the price of the Company’s common stock.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Financial Condition
The following table summarizes the primary uses and sources of cash for the periods indicated:
|
|
Six Months Ended
June 30,
|
|
|
|
2020
|
|
|
2019
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash used in operating activities
|
|
$
|
(6,600,479
|
)
|
|
$
|
(5,866,654
|
)
|
Net cash used in investing activities
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
(1,450
|
)
|
Net cash provided by financing activities
|
|
$
|
5,856,379
|
|
|
$
|
12,874,480
|
|
Net Cash Used in Operating Activities
Net cash used in operating activities of $6.6 million and $5.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, is due to the increase in the settlement of year-end liabilities primarily for manufacturing, pre-commercial marketing and patent related costs combined with higher purchases of raw material related inventory.
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities
Net cash used in investing activities totaled $0 and $1,450 in the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, reflects the purchase of property and equipment net of sale of equipment in the prior year.
Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities
Net cash provided by financing activities totaled $5.9 million and $12.9 million in the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and reflects proceeds from the private placement of Series B Preferred Stock in the 2020 year, which was lower than the proceeds from the private placement of Series A Preferred Stock in the prior year. The current year also includes higher payments of the Term Loan as the prior year reflected two less payments due to the start of the payment amortization period.
Future Liquidity and Capital Needs
As of June 30, 2020, we had working capital of $8.6 million, including cash and cash equivalents of $13.3 million. In March 2019, we entered into an equity distribution agreement (the "Equity Distribution Agreement") with JMP Securities, Inc (“JMP”) to issue and sell shares of our common stock, having an aggregate offering price of up to $12.5 million, from time to time during the term of the Equity Distribution Agreement, through an “at-the-market” equity offering program at our sole discretion, under which JMP will act as our agent. At June 30, 2020, we had $10.2 million available under this "at -the-market" program.
We have not generated any revenue from the sale of products and have incurred operating losses in each year since we commenced operations. As of June 30, 2020, we had an accumulated deficit of $91 million. We expect to continue to incur significant operating expenses and operating losses for the foreseeable future as we continue the development and commercialization of VAZALORE. These expenses include pre-commercial marketing spend which is discretionary and controllable as to the timing of the spending and the remaining required costs for the bioequivalence study for the sNDA for VAZALORE. Even if we do generate revenues, we may never achieve profitability, and even if we do achieve profitability in the future, we may not be able to sustain profitability in subsequent periods. Our prior losses, combined with expected future losses, have had and will continue to have an adverse effect on our stockholders’ equity and working capital. If we are unable to achieve and sustain profitability, the market value of our common stock will likely decline. Because of the numerous risks and uncertainties associated with developing biopharmaceutical products, we are unable to predict the extent of any future losses or when, if ever, we will become profitable.
We will need to obtain significant additional financing in the future, in addition to the proceeds from the “at-the-market” program, to execute our commercialization plan. We may obtain additional financing through public or private equity offerings, debt financings (including related-party financings), a credit facility or strategic collaborations.
Additional financing may not be available to us when we need it or it may not be available to us on favorable terms, if at all. Our failure to raise capital as and when needed could have a negative impact on our financial condition and our ability to pursue our business strategies. We currently have no understandings, commitments or agreements relating to any of these types of transactions. If we are unable to raise additional funds when needed, we may be required to sell or license our technologies or clinical product candidates or programs that we would prefer to develop and commercialize ourselves. The Company believes its cash on hand at June 30, 2020 is adequate to fund its obligations for at least twelve months from the date that these financial statements were issued and mitigate the substantial doubt consideration.