UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
☒
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended September 30,
2023
OR
☐
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
From the transition period from_____ to______
Commission File Number: 001-40064
VIRPAX PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its
charter)
Delaware | | 82-1510982 |
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
1055 Westlakes Drive, Suite 300
Berwyn, PA 19312
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip
Code)
(610) 727-4597
(Registrant’s telephone number, including
area code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b)
of the Act:
Title of each class | | Trading Symbol(s) | | Name of each exchange on which registered |
Common Stock, $0.00001 Par Value Per Share | | VRPX | | The Nasdaq Capital Market |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant
(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 ☐
No.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant
has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405
of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). ☒
Yes ☐ No.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant
is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company.
See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,”
and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer | ☐ | Accelerated filer | ☐ |
Non-accelerated filer | ☒ | Smaller reporting company | ☒ |
| | Emerging growth company | ☒ |
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check
mark if registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards
pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant
is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). ☐
Yes ☒ No.
There were 11,714,284 shares of common stock,
par value $0.00001 of Virpax Pharmaceuticals, Inc. issued and outstanding as of December 5, 2023.
VIRPAX PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q
FOR THE FISCAL PERIOD ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2023
INDEX
PART I
ITEM 1: FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
VIRPAX PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
REPORT
OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
The Board of Directors and Stockholders of
Virpax Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Results of Review of Interim Financial Information
We have reviewed the condensed consolidated balance
sheet of Virpax Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Subsidiary (the “Company”) as of September 30, 2023, and the related condensed consolidated
statements of operations and changes in stockholders’ equity for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2023 and
2022, statements of cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, and the related notes (collectively referred to
as the “interim financial information”). Based on our reviews, we are not aware of any material modifications that should
be made to the accompanying interim financial information for it to be in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in
the United States of America.
We have previously audited, in accordance with
the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) ("PCAOB"), the balance sheet of the Company as
of December 31, 2022, and the related statements of operations, changes in stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for the year then
ended (not presented herein); and in our report dated March 22, 2023, we expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements.
In our opinion, the information set forth in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2022, is fairly
stated, in all material respects, in relation to the balance sheet from which it has been derived.
Going Concern
Note 1 of the Company's audited consolidated financial
statements as of December 31, 2022, and for the year then ended, discloses that the Company incurred continuing losses and had litigation
that may require cash payments in the next year. Our auditor's report on those financial statements includes an explanatory paragraph
referring to the matters in Note 1 of those consolidated financial statements and indicates that these matters raised substantial doubt
about the Company's ability to continue as a going concern. As indicated in Note 1 of the Company's unaudited interim financial information
as of September 30, 2023, and for the three- and nine-months then ended, the Company was still incurring continuing losses and continues
to be party to litigation that may require cash payments in the next year. The accompanying interim financial information does not include
any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
Basis for Review Results
This financial information is the responsibility
of the Company's management. We conducted our review in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. A review of interim financial information
consists principally of applying analytical procedures and making inquiries of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters.
It is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB, the objective of which is the
expression of an opinion regarding the financial statements taken as a whole. Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion.
/s/ EisnerAmper LLP
EISNERAMPER LLP
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
December 7, 2023
VIRPAX PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(UNAUDITED)
| |
September 30,
2023 | | |
December 31,
2022 | |
| |
(Unaudited) | | |
(Audited) | |
ASSETS | |
| | |
| |
Current assets | |
| | |
| |
Cash | |
$ | 12,152,993 | | |
$ | 18,995,284 | |
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | |
| 885,394 | | |
| 678,365 | |
Total current assets | |
| 13,038,387 | | |
| 19,673,649 | |
Total assets | |
$ | 13,038,387 | | |
$ | 19,673,649 | |
| |
| | | |
| | |
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT | |
| | | |
| | |
Current liabilities | |
| | | |
| | |
Accounts payable and accrued expenses | |
$ | 1,532,723 | | |
$ | 1,094,590 | |
Estimated litigation liability | |
| 5,000,000 | | |
| 2,000,000 | |
Total current liabilities | |
| 6,532,723 | | |
| 3,094,590 | |
Total liabilities | |
| 6,532,723 | | |
| 3,094,590 | |
| |
| | | |
| | |
Commitments and contingencies | |
| | | |
| | |
| |
| | | |
| | |
Stockholders’ equity | |
| | | |
| | |
Preferred stock, par value $0.00001, 10,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued and outstanding as of both September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022 | |
| — | | |
| — | |
Common stock, $0.00001 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized, 11,714,284 shares issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022 | |
| 117 | | |
| 117 | |
Additional paid-in capital | |
| 61,487,973 | | |
| 60,933,569 | |
Accumulated deficit | |
| (54,982,426 | ) | |
| (44,354,627 | ) |
Total stockholders’ equity | |
| 6,505,664 | | |
| 16,579,059 | |
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity | |
$ | 13,038,387 | | |
$ | 19,673,649 | |
See Notes to Condensed
Consolidated Financial Statements
VIRPAX PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(UNAUDITED)
| |
For the Three Months Ended
September 30, | | |
For the Nine Months Ended
September 30, | |
| |
2023 | | |
2022 | | |
2023 | | |
2022 | |
OPERATING EXPENSES | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| |
General and administrative (net of insurance reimbursement of $0 and $1,250,000 during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 - See Note 5) | |
$ | 4,619,519 | | |
$ | 4,910,039 | | |
$ | 6,983,670 | | |
$ | 9,338,070 | |
Research and development | |
| 1,495,619 | | |
| 2,805,103 | | |
| 4,022,020 | | |
| 9,404,980 | |
Total operating expenses | |
| 6,115,138 | | |
| 7,715,142 | | |
| 11,005,690 | | |
| 18,743,050 | |
Loss from operations | |
| (6,115,138 | ) | |
| (7,715,142 | ) | |
| (11,005,690 | ) | |
| (18,743,050 | ) |
| |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
OTHER INCOME | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Other income | |
| 120,640 | | |
| 73,252 | | |
| 377,891 | | |
| 79,443 | |
Loss before income taxes | |
| (5,994,498 | ) | |
| (7,641,890 | ) | |
| (10,627,799 | ) | |
| (18,663,607 | ) |
Income taxes | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | |
Net loss | |
$ | (5,994,498 | ) | |
$ | (7,641,890 | ) | |
$ | (10,627,799 | ) | |
$ | (18,663,607 | ) |
| |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Basic and diluted net loss per share | |
$ | (0.51 | ) | |
$ | (0.65 | ) | |
$ | (0.91 | ) | |
$ | (1.59 | ) |
Basic and diluted weighted average common stock outstanding | |
| 11,714,284 | | |
| 11,713,379 | | |
| 11,714,284 | | |
| 11,711,624 | |
See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial
Statements
VIRPAX PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES
IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(UNAUDITED)
| |
| | |
Additional | | |
| | |
Total | |
| |
Common stock | | |
paid-in | | |
Accumulated | | |
stockholders’ | |
| |
Shares | | |
Amount | | |
capital | | |
deficit | | |
equity | |
Balance at January 1, 2022 | |
| 11,714,885 | | |
$ | 117 | | |
$ | 60,188,535 | | |
$ | (22,703,907 | ) | |
$ | 37,484,745 | |
Restricted stock awards forfeited | |
| (160 | ) | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | |
Stock-based compensation | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| 211,340 | | |
| — | | |
| 211,340 | |
Net loss | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| (5,137,002 | ) | |
| (5,137,002 | ) |
Balance at March 31, 2022 | |
| 11,714,725 | | |
| 117 | | |
| 60,399,875 | | |
| (27,840,909 | ) | |
| 32,559,083 | |
Restricted stock awards forfeited | |
| (160 | ) | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | |
Stock-based compensation | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| 244,701 | | |
| — | | |
| 244,701 | |
Net loss | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| (5,884,715 | ) | |
| (5,884,715 | ) |
Balance at June 30, 2022 | |
| 11,714,565 | | |
| 117 | | |
| 60,644,576 | | |
| (33,725,624 | ) | |
| 26,919,069 | |
Restricted stock awards forfeited | |
| (131 | ) | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | |
Stock-based compensation | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| 150,717 | | |
| — | | |
| 150,717 | |
Net loss | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| (7,641,890 | ) | |
| (7,641,890 | ) |
Balance at September 30, 2022 | |
| 11,714,434 | | |
$ | 117 | | |
$ | 60,795,293 | | |
$ | (41,367,514 | ) | |
$ | 19,427,896 | |
| |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Balance at January 1, 2023 | |
| 11,714,284 | | |
$ | 117 | | |
$ | 60,933,569 | | |
$ | (44,354,627 | ) | |
$ | 16,579,059 | |
Stock-based compensation | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| 140,583 | | |
| — | | |
| 140,583 | |
Net loss | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| (1,520,534 | ) | |
| (1,520,534 | ) |
Balance at March 31, 2023 | |
| 11,714,284 | | |
| 117 | | |
| 61,074,152 | | |
| (45,875,161 | ) | |
| 15,199,108 | |
Stock-based compensation | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| 218,257 | | |
| — | | |
| 218,257 | |
Net loss | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| (3,112,767 | ) | |
| (3,112,767 | ) |
Balance at June 30, 2023 | |
| 11,714,284 | | |
| 117 | | |
| 61,292,409 | | |
| (48,987,928 | ) | |
| 12,304,598 | |
Stock-based compensation | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| 195,564 | | |
| — | | |
| 195,564 | |
Net loss | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| (5,994,498 | ) | |
| (5,994,498 | ) |
Balance at September 30, 2023 | |
| 11,714,284 | | |
$ | 117 | | |
$ | 61,487,973 | | |
$ | (54,982,426 | ) | |
$ | 6,505,664 | |
See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial
Statements
VIRPAX PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
(UNAUDITED)
| |
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, | |
| |
2023 | | |
2022 | |
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES | |
| | |
| |
Net loss | |
$ | (10,627,799 | ) | |
$ | (18,663,607 | ) |
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities: | |
| | | |
| | |
Stock-based compensation | |
| 554,404 | | |
| 606,758 | |
Change in operating assets and liabilities: | |
| | | |
| | |
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | |
| (207,029 | ) | |
| (342,706 | ) |
Accounts payable and accrued expenses | |
| 438,133 | | |
| 2,120,174 | |
Estimated litigation liability | |
| 3,000,000 | | |
| — | |
Net cash used in operating activities | |
| (6,842,291 | ) | |
| (16,279,381 | ) |
| |
| | | |
| | |
Net change in cash | |
| (6,842,291 | ) | |
| (16,279,381 | ) |
Cash, beginning of year | |
| 18,995,284 | | |
| 36,841,992 | |
Cash, end of year | |
$ | 12,152,993 | | |
$ | 20,562,611 | |
See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial
Statements
VIRPAX PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
Note 1. Business, and Liquidity and Going Concern
Business
Virpax Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (“Virpax”
or the “Company”) was incorporated on May 12, 2017, in the state of Delaware. Virpax is a preclinical stage pharmaceutical
company focused on developing novel and proprietary drug-delivery systems, and drug-releasing technologies focused on advancing non-opioid
and non-addictive pain management treatments and treatments for central nervous system (“CNS”) disorders to enhance patients’
quality of life.
On July 26, 2023, the Company formed Novvae Pharmaceuticals, Inc.,
a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, in the state of Delaware, for the purpose of developing over the counter products. No activities
have occurred for the three months ended September 30, 2023.
Liquidity and Going Concern
The Company, since inception, has been engaged
in organizational activities, including raising capital and research and development activities. The Company has not generated revenues
and has not yet achieved profitable operations, nor has it ever generated positive cash flow from operations. There is no assurance that
profitable operations, if achieved, could be sustained on a continuing basis. The Company is subject to those risks associated with any
preclinical stage pharmaceutical company that has substantial expenditures for research and development. There can be no assurance that
the Company’s research and development projects will be successful, that products developed will obtain necessary regulatory approval,
or that any approved product will be commercially viable. In addition, the Company operates in an environment of rapid technological
change and is largely dependent on the services of its employees and consultants. Further, the Company’s future operations are
dependent on the success of the Company’s efforts to raise additional capital.
The Company incurred a net loss of $10,627,799
and $18,663,607 for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively, and had an accumulated deficit of $54,982,426 as
of September 30, 2023. The Company anticipates incurring additional losses until such time, if ever, that it can generate significant
revenue from its product candidates currently in development. The Company’s primary source of capital has been the issuance of
debt and equity securities.
As noted in Note 5. Commitments and
Contingencies, the Company is currently involved in defending litigation. On September 1, 2023, the Court of Chancery of the State
of Delaware (the “Chancery Court”) issued a memorandum opinion addressing liability in the action filed by the
Plaintiffs against the Defendants and found in favor of the Plaintiffs’ on all but three counts which were deemed to have been
waived. The Court, however, stated that the question of an appropriate remedy must await further proceedings. See further discussion
in Note 5. Based on the facts of the litigation, including the September 1, 2023 memorandum opinion issued by the Chancery Court, as
well as the supplemental briefs filed by the Plaintiffs and the Defendants, the Company has recognized a total accrual of $5.0 million with respect to
the litigation. While the Company believes that it has issues to be raised on appeal, the ultimate resolution of the action could
result in a material loss to the Company. Due to the Company’s continuing losses and the uncertainty regarding the outcome of
this ongoing litigation and any potential claims, there exists substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a
going concern. The financial statements do not include any adjustments to the carrying amounts and classification of assets,
liabilities, and reported expenses that may be necessary if the Company were unable to continue as a going concern. Depending on the
magnitude of the award granted by the Chancery Court, the Company may be forced to cease developing certain product candidates or
all of our product candidates, liquidate assets, or initiate bankruptcy proceedings.
Additional financing will be needed by the Company
to fund its operations, including litigation costs, and to complete clinical development of and to commercially develop all of its product
candidates. There is no assurance that such financing will be available when needed or on acceptable terms. The Company has been and
may continue to be forced to curtail spending on research and development activities in order to conserve cash.
VIRPAX PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting
Policies
Basis of Presentation —
The interim condensed consolidated financial statements included herein are unaudited. In the opinion of management, these statements
include all adjustments, consisting only of normal, recurring adjustments, in addition to the aforementioned increase in the litigation
accrual, necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position of Virpax at September 30, 2023, and its results of operations
and its cash flows for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022. The interim results of operations are not necessarily
indicative of the results to be expected for a full year. These interim unaudited financial statements should be read in conjunction
with the audited financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 and notes thereto. The accompanying financial statements
have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”). Any reference in these
notes to applicable guidance is meant to refer to U.S. GAAP as found in the Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) of
the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”). Certain information and note disclosures normally included in financial
statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP have been omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange
Commission (“SEC”) relating to interim financial statements. The December 31, 2022 balance sheet information was derived
from the audited financial statements as of that date.
Use of Estimates — The
preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the
reported amounts of assets and liabilities, including disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities, at the date of the financial statements,
and the reported amounts of expenses during the reporting period. Due to the uncertainty of factors surrounding the estimates or judgments
used in the preparation of the financial statements, actual results may materially vary from these estimates.
Significant items subject to such estimates and
assumptions include research and development accruals and prepaid expenses, estimated litigation liability, and the valuation of stock-based
compensation. It is at least reasonably possible that the estimate of the effect of a condition, situation or set of circumstances that
existed at the date of the financial statements, which management considered in formulating its estimate, could change in the near term
due to one or more future confirming events. Accordingly, the actual results could differ from those estimates. Accounting estimates
used in the preparation of these financial statements change as new events occur, as more experience is acquired, as additional information
is obtained and as the operating environment changes.
Basic and Diluted Loss per Share —
Basic net loss per share is determined using the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during each period. Diluted
net loss per share includes the effect, if any, of the potential exercise or conversion of securities, such as stock options and warrants,
which would result in the issuance of incremental shares of common stock. The computation of diluted net loss per shares does not include
the conversion of securities that would have an antidilutive effect. Equivalent common shares are excluded from the calculation of diluted
net loss per share since their effect is antidilutive due to the net loss of the Company which consisted of the following:
| |
Three Months Ended September 30, | | |
Nine Months Ended September 30, | |
| |
2023 | | |
2022 | | |
2023 | | |
2022 | |
Equivalent common shares | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| |
Stock options | |
| 2,180,781 | | |
| 1,172,281 | | |
| 2,180,781 | | |
| 1,172,281 | |
Warrants | |
| 18,436 | | |
| 18,436 | | |
| 18,436 | | |
| 18,436 | |
Unvested restricted stock awards | |
| — | | |
| 711 | | |
| — | | |
| 711 | |
Cash — The Company deposits
its cash with reputable financial institutions that are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”). At
times, the Company’s cash balances exceed the insured amounts provided by the FDIC. The Company’s cash balances exceeded
federally insured limits by approximately $11,900,000 and $18,700,000, as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments —
The carrying amounts of the Company’s financial instruments, including cash and accounts payable approximate fair value due to
the short-term nature of those instruments.
Research and Development —
Research and development costs are expensed as incurred. These expenses include the costs of proprietary efforts, as well as costs incurred
in connection with certain licensing arrangements and external research and development expenses incurred under arrangements with third
parties, such as contract research organizations (“CROs”) and consultants. At the end of each reporting period, the Company
compares the payments made to each service provider to the estimated progress towards completion of the related project. Factors that
the Company considers in preparing these estimates include the status of preclinical studies, milestones achieved, and other criteria
related to the efforts of its vendors. These estimates will be subject to change as additional information becomes available.
VIRPAX PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
Stock-based Compensation —
Stock-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date based on the fair value of the award and is recognized as expense over the
requisite service period, which is generally the vesting period. Forfeitures are recognized when they occur. The Company’s policy
permits the valuation of stock-based awards granted to non-employees to be measured at fair value at the grant date.
Determining the appropriate fair value of share-based
awards requires the use of subjective assumptions, including the expected life of the option and expected share price volatility. The
Company uses the Black-Scholes option pricing model to value its option awards. The assumptions used in calculating the fair value of
share-based awards represent management’s best estimates and involve inherent uncertainties and the application of management’s
judgment. As a result, if factors change and management uses different assumptions, share-based compensation expense could be materially
different for future awards.
The expected life of options was estimated using
the simplified method, as the Company has no historical information to develop reasonable expectations about future exercise patterns
and post-vesting employment.
Income Taxes — The Company
accounts for income taxes using the asset-and-liability method in accordance with ASC 740, Income Taxes (“ASC 740”). Deferred
tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement
carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. 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 the deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rate is
recognized in the period that includes the enactment date. A valuation allowance is recorded if it is more-likely-than-not that some
portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized in future periods.
The Company follows the guidance in ASC 740-10
in assessing uncertain tax positions. The standard applies to all tax positions and clarifies the recognition of tax benefits in the
financial statements by providing for a two-step approach of recognition and measurement. The first step involves assessing whether the
tax position is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination based upon its technical merits. The second step involves measurement
of the amount to be recognized. Tax positions that meet the more-likely than-not threshold are measured at the largest amount of tax
benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon ultimate finalization with the taxing authority. The Company recognizes
the impact of an uncertain income tax position in the financial statements if it believes that the position is more likely than not to
be sustained by the relevant taxing authority. The Company will recognize interest and penalties related to tax positions in income tax
expense. As of September 30, 2023, the Company had no uncertain income tax positions.
Note 3. Prepaid Expenses and Other Current
Assets
Prepaid expenses and other current assets consist
of the following:
| |
September 30,
2023 | | |
December 31,
2022 | |
Prepaid insurance | |
$ | 406,853 | | |
$ | 156,754 | |
Prepaid research and development | |
| 448,429 | | |
| 496,270 | |
Other prepaid expenses and current assets | |
| 30,112 | | |
| 25,341 | |
| |
$ | 885,394 | | |
$ | 678,365 | |
VIRPAX PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
Note 4. Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities consist
of the following:
| |
September 30,
2023 | | |
December 31,
2022 | |
Accrued payroll | |
$ | 537,054 | | |
$ | 654,765 | |
Accrued severance | |
| 58,500 | | |
| — | |
Insurance premiums | |
| 210,622 | | |
| — | |
Research and development expenses | |
| 422,176 | | |
| 254,904 | |
Legal expenses | |
| 178,889 | | |
| 147,277 | |
Professional fees | |
| 92,290 | | |
| — | |
Other | |
| 33,192 | | |
| 37,644 | |
| |
$ | 1,532,723 | | |
$ | 1,094,590 | |
Note 5. Commitments and Contingencies
Litigation
From time to time the Company is subject to claims
by third parties under various legal disputes. The defense of such claims, or any adverse outcome relating to any such claims, could
have a material adverse effect on the Company’s liquidity, financial condition and cash flows.
On March 12, 2021, the Company and the
Company’s then Chief Executive Officer, Anthony P. Mack (the “Defendants”), were named as defendants in a
complaint (the “Complaint”) filed by Sorrento Therapeutics, Inc. (“Sorrento”), and Scilex Pharmaceuticals
Inc. (“Scilex” and together with Sorrento, the “Plaintiffs”) the Chancery Court. In the Complaint,
Plaintiffs alleged (i) Mr. Mack breached a Restrictive Covenants Agreement, dated as of November 8, 2016, between himself and
Sorrento (the “Restrictive Covenants Agreement”), (ii) the Company tortiously interfered with the Restrictive Covenants
Agreement, and (iii) the Company tortiously interfered with Scilex’s relationship with Mr. Mack. On May 7, 2021 Plaintiffs
filed an Amended Complaint asserting the same three causes of action. On September 28, 2021, Plaintiffs filed a Second Amended
Complaint asserting the same three causes of action as the prior complaints, as well as claims in which Plaintiffs alleged (i) Mr.
Mack breached an Employment, Proprietary Information and Inventions Agreement, dated as of October 25, 2016, between himself and
Sorrento (the “Employment Agreement”), (ii) the Company tortiously interfered with the Employment Agreement, (iii) Mr.
Mack breached his fiduciary duties to Scilex, and (iv) the Company aided and abetted Mr. Mack’s alleged breach of fiduciary
duties to Scilex. On April 1, 2022, Plaintiffs filed a Third Amended Complaint. The Third Amended Complaint asserts the same causes
of action as the Second Amended Complaint, as well as claims for (i) misappropriation of trade secrets by Defendants under Delaware
law, and (ii) misappropriation of trade secrets by Defendants under California law. On April 18, 2022, Defendants filed answers to
the Third Amended Complaint. Trial was held before Vice Chancellor Paul Fioravanti from September 12 through September 14, 2022.
Post-trial briefing was completed by December 12, 2022, and post-trial argument was held on January 20, 2023. Plaintiffs asserted
alternative damages theories that would imply potential damages up to approximately $35.0 million. The Company countered that actual
damages could be zero because, among other things, Plaintiffs’ calculations use various unsupported assumptions, any alleged
damages are speculative in nature, and there is a possibility the Company’s product candidates never reach market.
In March 2023, the Company collected $1,250,000 in reimbursement of
legal costs pursuant to the Company’s directors’ and officers’ insurance policy and recorded it as a reduction of general
and administrative expense. No further reimbursements are permitted from the insurance policy with respect to the litigation.
On September 1, 2023, the Chancery Court issued a memorandum opinion
addressing liability in the action filed by the Plaintiffs against the Defendants and found in favor of the Plaintiffs on all but three
counts which were deemed to have been waived. The Chancery Court found it proper to attribute Mr. Mack’s knowledge and actions to
the Company, which Mr. Mack used to effectuate the tortious interference and breach of fiduciary duty. The Chancery Court found that Mr.
Mack breached the restrictive covenants agreement he entered into with Sorrento by developing Epoladerm; the Company is liable for tortious
interference with contract; Plaintiffs were deemed to have waived their claims for breach of Mr. Mack’s employment contract and
for tortious interference with prospective economic advantage; Mr. Mack breached his fiduciary duty of loyalty to Scilex; the Company
aided and abetted Mr. Mack’s breach of fiduciary duty; and Mr. Mack misappropriated certain Scilex trade secrets. The Court, however,
stated that the question of an appropriate remedy must await further proceedings.
On October 4, 2023, the Chancery Court issued
a supplemental briefing schedule: Plaintiffs shall file their supplemental opening brief by October 18, 2023; Defendants shall file their
supplemental answering brief by November 29, 2023; and Plaintiffs shall file their supplemental reply brief by December 20, 2023.
VIRPAX PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
On October 18, 2023, the Plaintiffs filed their
supplemental brief requesting the following relief: An injunction, in the first instance, enjoining Mr. Mack from having any relationship
with Virpax for a period of 18 months and 27 days; enjoining Virpax from further developing or marketing Epoladerm for a period of 18
months and 27 days; alternatively, if these two injunction requests are not granted, the Plaintiffs request a judgement of joint and
several liability against Mr. Mack and Virpax of $14,684,833. In addition to these requests for injunctive relief (or the alternative
damages) Plaintiffs seek a constructive trust over the revenues of Epoladerm, Probudur and Envelta, or, in the alternative to a constructive
trust, a royalty of 5 percent of net sales of Epoladerm, 8-11 percent of net sales of Probudur and 7.5 percent of net sales of Envelta.
Plaintiffs also seek, in addition to the requests for injunctive relief, constructive trust and/or royalties, further damages jointly
and severally against Mr. Mack and Virpax as follows: $1.3 million for misuse of Scilex resources, $6.7 million for misappropriation
of trade secrets, $13.4 million for exemplary damage (trade secrets damage x2) and attorney’s fees in an unspecified amount. Finally,
Plaintiffs seek injunctive relief, enjoining Mr. Mack and Virpax from further access to Scilex’s trade secrets; requiring Mr. Mack
and Virpax to return Scilex’s trade secrets to Plaintiffs; and enjoining Mr. Mack and Virpax from marketing or selling any products
derived from or incorporating Scilex’s trade secrets.
On November 29, 2023, the Defendants filed their supplement brief on damages rebutting Plaintiffs’ damages analysis. Throughout
the brief, Defendants argued Plaintiffs failed to meet their burden to prove damages, and as such, should be precluded from any damages
award. However, given the Court’s instruction, Defendants proffered a reasonable damages analysis as follows: As for the injunctive
relief requested against Mr. Mack, the Company took no position, as the request was directed to Mr. Mack personally. Concerning Plaintiffs’
request for an injunction against further development of Epoladerm for a period of 18 months and 27 days, Defendants opposed this request,
arguing lack of irreparable harm, given Plaintiffs’ request for money damages. Defendants also argued a constructive trust is inappropriate,
given Plaintiffs failed to articulate the parameters of such relief and, additionally, the lack of sales for the drug candidates preclude
such relief. In terms of the money damages related to the three drug candidates, Defendants proffered a reasonable royalty rate of 1-3%
of the net profits of the drug candidates, as opposed to lump sum damages, as such rate would alleviate the speculative nature of the damages requested by Plaintiffs. As for the misappropriation
of trade secrets request of $6.7 million, given the Court found only 5 of the proffered 1,182 documents were trade secrets, Defendants
contend Plaintiffs either should receive no monetary damages (given the reasonable royalty would encompass use of these documents and,
alternatively, Defendants would return such documents). However, if the Court were to award damages, such damages should be pro rata for
the documents, or roughly $28,382. And, finally, Defendants opposed the request for attorneys’ fees and exemplary damages.
The parties to date have not had successful settlement
negotiations. As of December 31, 2022, the Company had accrued $2.0 million with respect to the litigation. Based on the facts of the
litigation, including the September 1, 2023 memorandum opinion issued by the Chancery Court, as well as the supplemental briefs filed
by the Plaintiffs and the Defendants, the Company has recognized an accrual totaling $5.0 million with respect to the litigation as of
September 30, 2023. The Company recognized $3.0 million and $2.0 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 and
2022, respectively, included in general and administrative expenses on the condensed consolidated statements of operations. While the
Company believes that it has issues to be raised on appeal, the ultimate resolution of the action could result in a material loss to the
Company and depending on the magnitude of the award granted by the Chancery Court, the Company may be forced to cease developing certain
product candidates or all of our product candidates, liquidate assets, or initiate bankruptcy proceedings, unless the Company is able
to raise additional capital, of which there is no certainty. In addition, the Company’s ability to achieve profitability will be
impacted by any royalties it is required to pay the Plaintiffs in its litigation. The payment of these royalties, if awarded to Plaintiffs,
will significantly impact the Company’s future revenue and may make it more difficult to engage in collaborations, licenses or the
acquisition of such products by a large pharmaceutical company. If the Plaintiffs are awarded a royalty percentage that the Company deems
will make the further development of any of Epoladerm, Probudur and Envelta no longer economical, the Company may choose not to continue
development of such product.
Global Macroeconomic Environment
The global macroeconomic environment could be negatively affected by,
among other things, COVID-19 or other pandemics or epidemics, instability in global economic markets, increased U.S. trade tariffs and
trade disputes with other countries, instability in the global credit markets and banking industry, supply chain weaknesses, instability
in the geopolitical environment as a result of the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union, the Russian invasion of Ukraine,
the war in the Middle East, other political tensions, and foreign governmental debt concerns. Such challenges have caused, and may continue
to cause, uncertainty and instability in local economies and in global financial markets. As a result, the Company and its third party
CMOs, and CROs have and may in the future face disruptions in procuring items that are essential to the Company’s research and development
activities, including, for example, medical and laboratory supplies used in the Company’s preclinical studies that are sourced from
abroad or for which there are shortages, or potential difficulties recruiting patients, and may cause delays and difficulties with ongoing
and planned preclinical and clinical trials. In addition, the licensor of Probudur that is conducting the development work for Probudur
is located in Israel and could be impacted by the current Middle East crisis which could disrupt the development of Probudur. The extent
to which the Company’s financial condition, liquidity or results of operations are impacted is uncertain, and may negatively impact
the Company’s results of operations, financial condition, and liquidity the remainder of 2023 and potentially beyond.
VIRPAX PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
Christopher Chipman Separation Agreement
On June 18, 2023, Christopher Chipman notified
the Board of Directors of the Company of his decision to resign from his position as Chief Financial Officer. The Company and Mr. Chipman
entered into a Separation Agreement dated June 18, 2023, whereby Mr. Chipman received the following consideration: (i) severance in the
amount of $234,000, payable in four equal installments of $58,500, subject to all withholdings, on the Company’s first payrolls
dates following July 1, 2023, August 1, 2023, September 1, 2023, and October 1, 2023, respectively; (ii) COBRA reimbursement in the amount
of $13,385 which represents four months of COBRA payments; and (iii) accelerated vesting of 238,126 shares subject to Mr. Chipman’s
outstanding stock options. Mr. Chipman’s separation from the Company was effective June 30, 2023. As of September 30, 2023
and December 31, 2022, the Company had an accrued severance balance of $58,500 and $0, respectively, included in accounts payable
and accrued expenses. The accrued severance balance was fully paid in October 2023.
Anthony Mack Resignation
As mentioned in Note 9. Subsequent Events,
On November 15, 2023, the Company accepted the resignation of Anthony P. Mack as Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and
Chair of the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of the Company effective November 17, 2023. The resignation was not
related to any disagreement with the Company on any matter relating to its operations, policies or practices. The Company is in
negotiations with Mr. Mack and it anticipates that it will pay Mr. Mack a severance equivalent to his annual base salary of $494,000
ratably over twelve months starting on his effective resignation date, reimbursement of COBRA payments and a prorated bonus of 50%
of his annual base salary in March 2024, subject to Mr. Mack’s execution of a release and the parties’ agreement and
execution of a definitive agreement.
Note 6. Stockholders’ Equity
Overview
Preferred Stock
The Company’s current Certificate of Incorporation
authorizes the issuance of preferred stock. The total number of shares of preferred stock which the Company is authorized to issue is
10,000,000, with a par value of $0.00001 per share. As of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022 there were no preferred
shares issued or outstanding.
Common Stock
The Company’s current Certificate of Incorporation
authorizes the issuance of common stock. The total number of shares which the Company is authorized to issue is 100,000,000, with a par
value of $0.00001 per share. As of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022 there were 11,714,284 common shares issued or outstanding.
Warrants
There were warrants exercisable for 18,436 shares of the Company’s
common stock outstanding as of September 30, 2023. There were no warrants granted, exercised, or forfeited during both the three
and nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022. The Company’s warrants are divided into two sets. One set of warrants has an
exercise price of $9.89 with expiration date of September 22, 2030. The remaining set has an exercise price of $12.50 with an expiration
date of February 16, 2026.
Note 7. Stock-Based Compensation
On May 20, 2017, the Company established the
Virpax Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Amended and Restated 2017 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2017 Plan”). The Company’s Board
of Directors (the “Board”), acting through its Equity Incentive Plan Committee, had determined that it would be to the advantage
and best interest of the Company and its stockholders to grant restricted stock awards to certain individuals as compensation to serve
as an employee of the Company and as an incentive for increased efforts during such service.
On June 14, 2022, the Company established the
Virpax Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 2022 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2022 Plan”) and no new grants of awards will be made under
the 2017 Plan and all new grants of awards will be made under the 2022 Plan. The 2022 Plan and 2017 Plan are administered by the Compensation
Committee of the Board (the “Compensation Committee”); provided that the entire Board may act in lieu of the Compensation
Committee on any matter. The 2022 Plan enables the Company to continue to provide equity and equity-based awards to eligible employees,
officers, non-employee directors and other individual service providers by reserving 1,500,000 shares of the Company’s common stock
for issuance under the 2022 Plan, subject to a 2% annual increase (similar to the 2017 Plan) pursuant to an “evergreen” provision
in the 2022 Plan (discussed further below). The Company believes that offering ownership interests in the Company is a key factor in
retaining and recruiting employees, officers, non-employee directors and other individual service providers, and aligning and increasing
their interests in the Company’s success.
VIRPAX PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
The 2022 Plan (which is summarized below) is
substantially similar to the 2017 Plan, except for (i) the increase in shares of common stock reserved for issuance as discussed
above, and (ii) the elimination of annual limitations on grants of awards to eligible individuals and certain other provisions which
had been included in the 2017 Plan in order to satisfy (now repealed) provisions of Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986, as amended.
The 2022 Plan reserves an aggregate of (i) 1,500,000
shares of the Company’s common stock for the issuance of awards under the 2022 Plan (all of which may be granted as an Incentive
Stock Option, or ISOs) plus (ii) an additional number of shares of common stock subject to outstanding awards under the 2017 Plan
that become forfeited or canceled without payment or which are surrendered in payment of the exercise price and/or withholding taxes
(collectively, the “Share Limit”). Pursuant to the 2022 Plan’s “evergreen” provision, the Share Limit shall
be cumulatively increased on January 1, 2023, and on each January 1 thereafter, by 2% of the number of shares of common stock
issued and outstanding on the immediately preceding December 31 or such lesser number of shares as determined by the Board. The
2022 Plan increased by 234,286 shares on January 1, 2023.
In applying the aggregate share limitation under
the 2022 Plan, shares of common stock (i) subject to awards that are forfeited, cancelled, returned to the Company for failure to
satisfy vesting requirements or otherwise forfeited, or terminated without payment being made thereunder and (ii) that are surrendered
in payment or partial payment of the exercise price of an option or stock appreciation right or taxes required to be withheld with respect
to the exercise of Stock Options or stock appreciation rights or in payment with respect to any other form of award are not counted and,
therefore, may be made subject to new awards under the 2022 Plan. There are 741,377 shares available for future grant under the 2022
Plan at September 30, 2023.
Restricted Stock
As of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022,
there were zero and 237 unvested restricted stock awards issued totaling $0 and $2,342, respectively, based on a fair value of the Company’s
common stock on the respective date of grant. During the three months ended September 30, 2023 and September 30, 2022, there were no
restricted stock awards granted, and zero and 131 shares of restricted stock awards were forfeited during the three months ended September
30, 2023 and 2022, respectively. In addition, during the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, there were no restricted stock
awards granted, and zero and 451 shares of restricted stock awards were forfeited during the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and
2022, respectively. The Company recognized $0 and $4,688 of stock-based compensation for vested restricted stock during the three months
ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The Company recognized $2,342 and $32,831 of stock-based compensation for vested restricted
stock during the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
VIRPAX PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
The Company recognized stock-based compensation
related to stock options exclusive of restricted stock under the 2017 Plan and 2022 Plan of $195,564 and $146,029 for the three months
ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The Company recognized stock-based compensation related to stock options under the 2017
Plan and 2022 Plan of $552,060 and $573,927 for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Total stock-based compensation,
inclusive of restricted stock and stock options, consists of the following:
| |
For the Three Months Ended
September 30, | | |
For the Nine Months Ended
September 30, | |
| |
2023 | | |
2022 | | |
2023 | | |
2022 | |
General and administrative expense | |
$ | 146,569 | | |
$ | 113,821 | | |
$ | 412,305 | | |
$ | 497,275 | |
Research and development expense | |
| 48,995 | | |
| 36,896 | | |
| 142,099 | | |
| 109,483 | |
| |
$ | 195,564 | | |
$ | 150,717 | | |
$ | 554,404 | | |
$ | 606,758 | |
The fair value of option awards is estimated
using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The exercise price of each award is generally not less than the per share fair value in
effect as of that award date. The determination of fair value using the Black-Scholes model is affected by the Company’s share
fair value as well as assumptions regarding a number of complex and subjective variables, including expected price volatility, risk-free
interest rate and projected employee share option exercise behaviors. Options granted or modified under the 2022 Plan during the nine
months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 were valued using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted-average
assumptions:
| |
For the Nine Months Ended
September 30, | |
| |
2023 | | |
2022 | |
Expected term (years) | |
| 5.46 | | |
| 5.65 | |
Risk-free interest rate | |
| 3.67 | % | |
| 1.96 | % |
Expected volatility | |
| 113.12 | % | |
| 77.12 | % |
Expected dividend yield | |
| 0 | % | |
| 0 | % |
The Company estimates its expected volatility
by using a combination of historical share price volatilities of similar companies within its industry. The risk-free interest rate assumption
is based on observed interest rates for the appropriate term of the Company’s options on a grant date. The expected option term
assumption is estimated using the simplified method and is based on the mid-point between vest date and the remaining contractual term
of the option, since the Company does not have sufficient exercise history to estimate expected term of its historical option awards.
2017 Plan
As of September 30, 2023, there was a total
of 1,172,281 options outstanding and $209,980 of total time-based unrecognized compensation costs related to unvested stock options within
the 2017 Plan. These costs are expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.04 years.
VIRPAX PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
2022 Plan
The following is a summary of stock option activity
under the 2022 Plan for the nine months ended September 30, 2023:
2022 Plan: | |
Number of
Shares
(in thousands) | | |
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price | | |
Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term
(Years) | | |
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
(in thousands) | |
Options outstanding at January 1, 2023 | |
| — | | |
$ | — | | |
| — | | |
$ | — | |
Forfeited | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | |
Cancelled | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | |
Exercised | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | | |
| — | |
Granted | |
| 1,008,500 | | |
| 0.78 | | |
| — | | |
| — | |
Options outstanding at September 30, 2023 | |
| 1,008,500 | | |
$ | 0.78 | | |
| 7.86 | | |
$ | 46,432 | |
Options exercisable at September 30, 2023 | |
| 212,000 | | |
$ | 0.76 | | |
| 4.58 | | |
$ | 8,344 | |
Under the 2022 Plan, the Company may grant equity-based awards to individuals who are employees, officers, directors,
or consultants of the Company. Options issued under the 2022 Plan will generally expire ten years from the date of grant and vest over
a one-year to three-year period.
On June 20, 2023, options were granted to the newly appointed Chief Financial Officer pursuant to the 2022 Plan
to purchase an aggregate of 100,000 shares of common stock.
The options have an exercise price of $0.99 per share, the fair market value of the common stock on the date of grant. The options granted
to the Chief Financial Officer vest as follows: (i) 25% shall vest upon the one-year anniversary from his hire date and (ii) the remaining
75% shall vest in thirty-six equal monthly installments. On August 15, 2023, the remaining 75% vesting term was amended from thirty-six
months to twenty-four months. The options have a ten-year expiration date.
In accordance with Mr. Chipman’s Separation Agreement with the
Company, he received accelerated vesting of 238,126 of his outstanding stock options (“Accelerated Options”) as of his separation
date of June 30, 2023. Additionally, these Accelerated Options could be exercised until severance was fully paid, which was on October
15, 2023. Accelerated Options were not exercised as of that date and were cancelled. The accelerated vesting and increase in the time
to exercise option awards after termination was treated as a stock option modification under ASC 718, Compensation - Stock Compensation.
The total incremental expense resulting from the modification was de minimis for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023.
The weighted-average grant-date fair value of
stock options granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2023 under the 2022 Plan was $0.63.
As of September 30, 2023, there was $338,790
of total time-based unrecognized compensation costs related to unvested stock options under the 2022 Plan. These costs are expected to
be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.58 years.
VIRPAX PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
Note 8. Research and Development and License
Agreements
MedPharm Limited
Research and Option Agreement
On April 11, 2017, the Company entered into a
research and option agreement, as amended on May 30, 2018 (the “MedPharm Research and Option Agreement”), with MedPharm Limited,
a company organized and existing under the laws of the United Kingdom (“MedPharm”), pursuant to which MedPharm granted the
Company an option to obtain an exclusive, world-wide, royalty bearing license to use certain technology developed by MedPharm. Pursuant
to the MedPharm Research and Option Agreement, MedPharm will conduct certain research and development of proprietary formulations incorporating
certain MedPharm technologies and certain of the Company’s proprietary molecules.
Under the MedPharm Research and Option Agreement,
MedPharm granted the Company an option (the “MedPharm Option”) to obtain an exclusive, worldwide, sub-licensable (through
multiple tiers), royalty bearing, irrevocable license to research, develop, market, commercialize, and sell any product utilizing MedPharm’s
spray formulation technology which is the result of the activities performed under the MedPharm Research and Option Agreement, subject
to the Company’s entry into a definitive license agreement with MedPharm. In order to exercise the MedPharm Option, the Company
must provide MedPharm with written notice of such exercise before the end of the Option Period (as defined in the MedPharm Research and
Option Agreement). The Option Period is subject to extension upon mutual agreement with MedPharm.
Pursuant to the MedPharm Research and Option Agreement,
the Company has a right of first refusal with respect to any license or commercial arrangement involving any Licensed Intellectual Property
(as defined in the MedPharm Research and Option Agreement) in combination with any Virpax Molecule (as defined in the MedPharm Research
and Option Agreement). In the event that MedPharm reaches an agreement with respect to a license or other commercial arrangement that
involves technology or molecules covered by the right of first refusal, the Company has ten business days from the date of notice to notify
MedPharm of its intention to exercise the right of first refusal and the Company’s intention to match the financial terms of the
other license or commercial arrangement.
License Agreement
On June 6, 2017, as a result of the Company’s
exercise of the MedPharm Option under the MedPharm Research and Option Agreement, the Company entered into a license agreement, as amended
on September 2, 2017 and October 31, 2017 (the “MedPharm License Agreement”), with MedPharm for the exclusive global rights
to discover, develop, make, sell, market, and otherwise commercialize any pharmaceutical composition or preparation (in any and all dosage
forms) in final form containing one or more compounds, including Diclofenac Epolamine (“Epoladerm”), that was developed, manufactured
or commercialized utilizing MedPharm’s spray formulation technology (“MedPharm Product”), to be used for any and all
uses in humans (including all diagnostic, therapeutic and preventative uses). Under the MedPharm License Agreement, the Company is required
to make future milestone and royalty payments to MedPharm. The Company is obligated to make aggregate milestone payments to MedPharm of
up to GBP 1.150 million upon the achievement of specified development milestones (payable in Great British Pounds). Additional milestone
payments are due upon the achievement of certain development and commercial milestones achieved outside the United States, payable on
a country-by-country basis. Royalty payments must be paid to MedPharm in an amount equal to a single-digit percentage of net sales of
all MedPharm Product sold by us during the royalty term in the territory. Royalties shall be payable, on a country-by-country basis, during
the period of time commencing on the first commercial sale and ending upon the expiration of the last-to-expire patent claim on the licensed
product, which is set to expire on December 4, 2028. Each party has the right to terminate the agreement in its entirety upon written
notice to the other party if such other party is in material breach of the agreement and has not cured such breach within ninety (90)
days after notice from the terminating party indicating the nature of such breach.
VIRPAX PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
LipocureRx, Ltd.
On March 19, 2018, the Company entered into a
license and sublicense agreement (the “Lipocure Agreement”) with LipocureRx, Ltd., a company organized and existing under
the laws of Israel (“Lipocure”), for the sole and exclusive global license and sub-license rights to discover, develop, make,
sell, market, and otherwise commercialize bupivacaine liposome, in injectable gel or suspension (“Licensed Compound”) or any
pharmaceutical composition or preparation (in any and all dosage forms) in final form, including any combination product, containing a
Licensed Compound (“Licensed Product”), including Probudur. Under the Lipocure Agreement, the Company was required to pay
an upfront fee upon signing of $150,000 and is required to make future milestone and royalty payments to Lipocure. The Company is obligated
to make aggregate milestone payments of up to $19.8 million upon the achievement of specified development and commercial milestones. Lipocure
met the development milestone of $300,000 in the third quarter of 2023 for successfully completing a formulation for the Licensed Product.
The Company paid $150,000 in the third quarter of 2023 and will pay the balance in the fourth quarter of 2023. Royalty payments must be
paid in an amount equal to a single digit to low double-digit percentage of annual net sales of royalty qualifying products, subject to
certain adjustments. Royalties shall be payable during the period of time, on a country-by-country basis, commencing on the first commercial
sale and ending upon the expiration of the last-to-expire patent claim on the licensed product, which is set to expire on July 24, 2030.
Each party has the right to terminate the agreement in its entirety upon written notice to the other party if such other party is in material
breach of the agreement and has not cured such breach within ninety (90) days after notice from the terminating party indicating the nature
of such breach.
The Company incurred $300,000 and $0 in research
and development expenses, respectively, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022. associated with this Lipocure
agreement.
Nanomerics Ltd.
Nanomerics Collaboration Agreement
On April 11, 2019, the Company entered into an
exclusive collaboration and license agreement, as amended (the “Nanomerics Collaboration Agreement”), with Nanomerics Ltd.,
a company organized and existing under the laws of United Kingdom (“Nanomerics”), for the exclusive world-wide license to
develop and commercialize products, including Envelta™, which contain hydrophilic neuropeptide Leucin5-Enkephalin and an amphiphile
compound which is quaternary ammonium palmitoyl glycol chitosan, to engage in a collaborative program utilizing Nanomerics’ knowledge,
skills and expertise in the clinical development of products and to attract external funding for such development. The Nanomerics Collaboration
Agreement was also amended to include a program for the pre-clinical development of a product for post-traumatic stress disorder (“PTSD”).
Under the Nanomerics Collaboration Agreement,
the Company is required to make royalty payments equal to a single digit percentage of annual net sales of royalty qualifying products.
The Company is also required to make aggregate milestone payments of up to $103 million upon the achievement of specified development
and commercial milestones, and sublicense fees for any sublicense relationships it enters into subsequent to the Nanomerics Collaboration
Agreement. The Company’s obligation to pay royalties, on a country-by-country basis, shall commence on the date of first commercial
sale of its licensed products and shall expire with respect to each separate licensed product, on the latest to occur of (a) the tenth
(10th) anniversary of the first commercial sale of the first licensed product; (b) the expiration date of the last to expire of any valid
claim (patent is set to expire on November 3, 2034); and, (c) the date upon which a generic product has been on the market for a period
of no fewer than ninety (90) days. The Company has the right to terminate the agreement upon 180 days’ prior written notice to Nanomerics.
Upon termination, the Company shall assign to Nanomerics all its right title and interest in all results other than results specific to
(a) the Device (as defined in the Nanomerics Collaboration Agreement), including its manufacture or use; and (b) the Technology, but excluding
any clinical Results relating to the Compound or Licensed Products (all terms as defined in the Nanomerics Collaboration Agreement).
Nanomerics License Agreement (AnQlar)
On March 9, 2022, the Company entered into an
Amended and Restated Collaboration and License Agreement with Nanomerics (the “Amended Nanomerics License Agreement”) which
amended and restated the August 7, 2020, Nanomerics License Agreement and expanded the Company’s North American rights for AnQlar
to include exclusive global rights to develop and commercialize AnQlar as a 24 hour prophylactic viral barrier to prevent or reduce the
risk or the intensity of SARS-CoV2, Influenza and other viral infections. The Amended Nanomerics License Agreement provides for payments
of up to $5.5 million upon the achievement of specified development milestones and profit share payments equal to between 30% to 40% of
certain profits (as set forth in the Amended Nanomerics License Agreement), payable to Nanomerics upon the achievement of specified commercial
milestones. The profit share payments are triggered upon determination by the FDA that AnQlar may be marketed as an Over-the-Counter product
in the United States. In the event the profit share payments are not triggered as defined above, the Company’s would be obligated
to pay royalties within a range of 5% to 15% of annual net sales of royalty qualifying products and commercial milestones on a worldwide
basis amounting to aggregate milestone payments of up to $112.5 million upon the achievement of these commercial milestones. The Amended
Nanomerics License Agreement also provides for additional aggregate milestone payments totaling $999,999 upon first receipt of regulatory
approval for a licensed product in the European Union, Asia/Pacific region and South America/Middle East region. The Company’s obligation
to pay royalties, on a country-by-country basis, shall commence on the date of first commercial sale of its licensed products and shall
expire with respect to each separate licensed product, on the latest to occur of (a) the tenth (10th) anniversary of the first commercial
sale of the first licensed product; (b) the expiration date of the last to expire of any valid claim; and, (c) the date upon which a generic
product has been on the market for a period of no fewer than ninety (90) days. The Company has the right to terminate the Nanomerics License
Agreement upon sixty (60) days’ prior written notice to Nanomerics. Upon termination, the Company shall assign to Nanomerics all
its rights, title and interest in all of its results. Nanomerics has the right to terminate the agreement upon sixty (60) days’
prior written notice. In consideration for entering into this Amended Nanomerics License Agreement, the Company paid Nanomerics a nonrefundable
fee of $1,500,000 in March 2022, which is included in research and development expenses during the three months ended March 31, 2022.
VIRPAX PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
Nanomerics License Agreement (NobrXiol, formerly
VRP324)
On September 17, 2021, the Company entered into a collaboration and
license agreement with Nanomerics (the “Nanomerics License Agreement - NobrXiol”) for the exclusive worldwide license to develop
and commercialize an investigational formulation delivered via the nasal route to enhance pharmaceutical-grade cannabidiol (“CBD”)
transport to the brain to potentially treat seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome in patients two years
of age and older. Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome are rare central nervous system diseases considered serious epileptic encephalopathies
that cause different types of epileptic seizures as well as cognitive and behavioral changes and are generally resistant to treatment.
Under the Nanomerics License Agreement – NobrXiol, the Company is required to make royalty payments within a range of 5% to 15%
of annual net sales of royalty qualifying products. The Company’s obligation to pay royalties, on a country-by-country basis, shall
commence on the date of first commercial sale of its licensed products and shall expire with respect to each separate licensed product,
on the latest to occur of (a) the fifteenth (15th) anniversary of the first commercial sale of the first licensed product; (b) the expiration
date of the last to expire of any valid claim; and, (c) the date upon which a generic product has been on the market for a period of no
fewer than ninety (90) days. The Company paid an upfront milestone payment upon signing of $200,000 and is required to make future milestone
and royalty payments of up to $41 million upon the achievement of specified development and commercial milestones, and sublicense fees
for any sublicense relationships the Company enters into subsequent to the Nanomerics License Agreement (any patent that is issued from
the currently filed provisional patent application would expire on August 24, 2041). The Company has the right to terminate the Nanomerics
License Agreement upon one hundred and eighty (180) days’ prior written notice to Nanomerics. Upon termination, the Company shall
assign to Nanomerics all its rights, title and interest in all of its results. Nanomerics has the right to terminate the agreement upon
thirty (30) days’ prior written notice if the Company concludes in writing to Nanomerics that the study aim has not been achieved
or the Company notifies Nanomerics that the Company has decided against proceeding with a Phase 3 Clinical trial.
On April 21, 2022, the Company notified Nanomerics
that the study aim of demonstrating the ability of Nanomerics platform technology delivering CBD to the brain via nasal administration
in an animal model was met. Pursuant to the Nanomerics License Agreement - NobrXiol, the Company paid and incurred a milestone payment
of $500,000 upon meeting this study aim in April 2022.
Research Agreements
Yissum
On June 30, 2021, the Company entered into an Agreement for Rendering
of Research Services with Yissum (the “June 2021 Yissum Research Agreement”) on substantially similar terms and conditions
as detailed above under the October 2020 Yissum Research Agreement. Under the June 2021 Yissum Research Agreement, the Company shall provide
funding for research and development studies to be performed by researchers at Hebrew University related to the optimization of the Liposomal
Bupivacaine formulation (Probudur) and to increase stability for manufacturing purposes. The Company may terminate the agreement at any
time and shall be only responsible to pay Yissum for work performed through the date of termination. In consideration for the research
services, the Company agreed to pay research service fees of $337,500 in six equal quarterly installments. All services to be provided
under the June 2021 Yissum Research Agreement initiated on July 1, 2021, and were completed by early January 2023.
VIRPAX PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
On January 31, 2023, the Company entered into an Agreement for Rendering
of Research Services with Yissum (the “January 2023 Yissum Research Agreement”) on substantially similar terms and conditions
as detailed above under the June 2021 Yissum Research Agreement. Under the January 2023 Yissum Research Agreement, the Company shall provide
funding for research and development studies to be performed by researchers at Hebrew University related to the optimization of the Liposomal
Bupivacaine formulation (Probudur) and to increase stability for manufacturing purposes. The Company may terminate the agreement at any
time and shall be only responsible to pay Yissum for work performed through the date of termination. In consideration for the research
services, the Company agreed to pay research service fees of $326,000 in four equal quarterly installments ($81,500 per calendar quarter).
All services to be provided under the January 2023 Yissum Research Agreement initiated in January 1, 2023, and are anticipated to be completed
towards the end 2023.
The Company incurred $81,500 and $56,250 in research and development
expenses respectively for the three months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 associated with these Yissum agreements. The Company incurred
$244,500 and $187,500 in research and development expenses respectively for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 associated
with these Yissum agreements.
Lipocure
On June 29, 2021, the Company entered into an
Agreement for Rendering of Research Services (the “June 2021 Lipocure Research Agreement”) with Lipocure RX, Ltd. (“Lipocure”).
Under the June 2021 Lipocure Research Agreement, the Company shall provide funding for research and development related to the optimization
of the Liposomal Bupivacaine formulation (Probudur) and eventual manufacture of pre-clinical batches including batches for stability testing,
animal studies and toxicology work. This will also include work associated with the potential filing of additional provisional patent
applications. The Company may terminate the agreement at any time upon 30 days written notice and shall be only responsible to pay Lipocure
for work performed through the date of such notice. In consideration for the research services, the Company agreed to pay research service
fees of $200,000 upon execution, as well as $400,000 in July 2021, $270,000 in both September 2021 and January 2022, and three additional
payments of $270,000 during 2022. The Company also agreed to pay $250,000 to Lipocure upon successful completion of a Chemistry, Manufacturing
and Controls “CMC” filing with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (the (“FDA”). All services to be provided
under the June 2021 Lipocure Research Agreement initiated on July 1, 2021, and were substantially complete by the end of 2022.
On February 1, 2023, the Company entered into an Agreement for Rendering
of Research Services (the “January 2023 Lipocure Research Agreement”) with Lipocure. Under the January 2023 Lipocure Research
Agreement, the Company shall provide funding for research and development related to the optimization of the Liposomal Bupivacaine formulation
(Probudur) and eventual manufacture of pre-clinical batches including batches for stability testing, animal studies and toxicology work.
This will also include work associated with the potential filing of additional provisional patent applications. The Company may terminate
the agreement at any time upon 30 days written notice and shall be only responsible to pay Lipocure for work performed through the date
of such notice. In consideration for the research services, the Company agreed to pay research service fees of $1,286,000 in four equal
quarterly installments ($321,500 per calendar quarter), as well as reasonable pass-through expenses. All services to be provided under
the January 2023 Lipocure Research Agreement initiated on January 1, 2023, and are anticipated to be completed towards the end 2023.
The Company incurred $488,000 and $270,000 in research and development
expenses, respectively, for the three months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 associated with these Lipocure agreements. The Company
incurred $1,130,000 and $900,000 in research and development expenses, respectively, for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and
2022 associated with these Lipocure agreements.
VIRPAX PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
NCATS-NIH Cooperative Research and Development
Agreement
On August 25, 2020, the Company entered into a
Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (“CRADA”) with the National Center for Advancing Translational Science (“NCATS”).
This collaboration is for the continued development of the Company’s product candidate, Envelta, an intranasal peptide, for the
management of acute and chronic non-cancer pain. The term of the CRADA is for a period of four years from May 6, 2020 (the effective date
of the agreement) and can be terminated by both parties at any time by mutual written consent. In addition, either party may unilaterally
terminate the CRADA at any time by providing written notice of at least sixty (60) days before the desired termination date. The agreement
provides for studies that are focused on the pre-clinical characterization of NES100 as a novel analgesic for acute and chronic non-cancer
pain, and for studies to further develop NES100 through investigative new drug (“IND”) enabling studies. There are certain
development “Go/No Go” provisions within the agreement whereby, if certain events occur, or do not occur, NCATS may terminate
the CRADA. These “No GO” provisions include: i) lack of efficacy in all animal pain models, ii) no reliable and sensitive
bioanalytical method can be developed, iii) manufacturing failure due to inherent process scalability issues, iv) unacceptable toxicity
or safety profile to enable clinical dosing, and v) inability to manufacture the NES100 dosage form.
With respect to NCATS rights to any invention
made solely by an NCATS employee(s) or made jointly by an NCATS employee(s) and the Company’s employee(s), the CRADA grants to the
Company an exclusive option to elect an exclusive or nonexclusive commercialization license. For inventions owned solely by NCATS or jointly
by NCATS and the Company, and licensed pursuant to the Company’s option, the Company must grant to NCATS a nonexclusive, nontransferable,
irrevocable, paid-up license to practice the invention or have the invention practiced throughout the world by or on behalf of the United
States government. For inventions made solely by an employee of the Company, it grants to the United States government a nonexclusive,
nontransferable, irrevocable, paid-up license to practice the invention or have the invention practiced throughout the world by or on
behalf of the United States government for research or other government purposes.
U.S Army Institute of Surgical Research
On April 28, 2022, the Company entered into a
CRADA with the U.S. Army Institute of Surgical Research (USAISR) to evaluate Probudur. The research project will evaluate the analgesic
effectiveness and physiologic effects of Probudur. This agreement will automatically expire on September 30, 2023, unless it is revised
by mutual written agreement. The CRADA was modified and signed on October 10, 2023, and extended the terms of the agreement until September
2024. No funding is being provided by either party to the other party under the agreement. Each party is responsible for funding its own
work performed and other activities undertaken for the research project under this agreement. The parties may elect to terminate this
agreement, or portions thereof, at any time by mutual consent. Either party may unilaterally terminate this entire agreement at any time
by giving the other party written notice, not less than thirty (30) days prior to the desired termination date.
Note 9. Subsequent Events
On November 15, 2023, the Company accepted
the resignation of Anthony P. Mack as Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Chair of the Board of Directors (the
“Board”) of the Company effective November 17, 2023. The resignation was not related to any disagreement with the
Company on any matter relating to its operations, policies or practices. The Company is in negotiations with Mr. Mack and it
anticipates that it will pay Mr. Mack a severance equivalent to his annual base salary of $494,000 ratably over twelve months
starting on his effective resignation date, reimbursement of COBRA payments and a prorated bonus of 50% of his annual base salary in
March 2024, subject to Mr. Mack’s execution of a release and the parties’
agreement and execution of a definitive agreement.
On November 15, 2023, the Company’s Board appointed Gerald Bruce as CEO and Dr.
Eric Floyd as Chair of the Board, effective as of November 20, 2023. Dr. Floyd also serves as Chair of the Compensation Committee.
On December 6, 2023, the Company and Mr.
Bruce entered into an employment agreement that provides for Mr. Bruce to serve as the Company’s Chief Executive Officer
reporting to the Company’s Board and provides for an annual base salary of $500,000, subject to annual increases at the
discretion of the Board. Under the employment agreement, Mr. Bruce will be eligible for an annual bonus in an amount up to 50% of
his base salary, prorated for 2023, which will be awarded by the Board in its sole discretion based on the achievement of the
Company and personal performance metrics established by the Board on an annual basis. Mr. Bruce may also receive, in the discretion
of the Board, equity awards under the Company’s 2022 Plan, or any other equity incentive plan that the Company may adopt in
the future. Mr. Bruce will also be entitled to receive other customary benefits described in the Bruce Employment Agreement. The
Company has not yet determined if any additional compensation will be paid to Dr. Floyd for serving as Chair of the Board.
On November 16, 2023, the Company received a notice
from The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (“Nasdaq”) notifying the Company that it was not in compliance with the continued listing
requirements of Nasdaq Listing Rule 5250(c)(1) because its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2023 had
not yet been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Nasdaq Listing Rule 5250(c)(1) requires the Company
to timely file all required periodic financial reports with the SEC. Under the Nasdaq rules, the Company now has 60 calendar days (until
January 16, 2024) to submit a plan to regain compliance. If Nasdaq accepts the Company’s plan, Nasdaq can grant an exception of
up to 180 calendar days from the Quarterly Report’s original due date, which 180-day period would end on May 13, 2024, to regain
compliance. The Company believes that the filing of this Quarterly Report resolves this matter with respect to the late filing of our
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2023 and the filing of a plan with respect to the late filing of our
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2023 will not be required.
The Company has evaluated subsequent events from
the balance sheet date through December 7, 2023.
ITEM 2: MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion and analysis of our
financial condition and results of operations should be read together with our financial statements and the related notes and the other
financial information included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (the “Quarterly Report”). This discussion contains
forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in
these forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including those discussed below and elsewhere in this Quarterly Report,
particularly those under “Risk Factors” and those identified under Part I, Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
year ended December 31, 2022.
CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking
statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 under Section 27A of the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements include
statements with respect to our beliefs, plans, objectives, goals, expectations, anticipations, assumptions, estimates, intentions and
future performance, and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may be beyond our control, and which may
cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from future results, performance or achievements expressed
or implied by such forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical fact are statements that could be forward-looking
statements. You can identify these forward-looking statements through our use of words such as “may,” “can,” “anticipate,”
“assume,” “should,” “indicate,” “would,” “believe,” “contemplate,”
“expect,” “seek,” “estimate,” “continue,” “plan,” “point to,”
“project,” “predict,” “could,” “intend,” “target,” “potential”
and other similar words and expressions of the future.
There are a number of important factors that could
cause the actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statement made by us. These factors include,
but are not limited to:
| ● | our lack of operating history; |
| ● | the expectation that we will
incur significant operating losses for the foreseeable future and will need significant additional capital; |
| ● | the outcome of certain current
litigation in which we and our then Chief Executive Officer are named as defendants (see “Part I - Financial Information”, “Item
1 - Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)” and “Part II – Other Information, Item 1—Legal
Proceedings and Item 1A - Risk Factors” for more information on our current litigation) which will impact our ability to further
develop our product candidates. |
| ● | our current and future capital
requirements to support our development and commercialization efforts for our product candidates and our ability to satisfy our capital
needs; |
| ● | our ability to raise additional
capital, which may be adversely impacted by potential worsening of global economic conditions, potential future global pandemics or health
crises, and the recent disruptions to, the damages awarded in the current litigation and volatility in, the credit and financial markets
in the United States; |
| ● | our dependence on our product
candidates, which are still in preclinical or early stages of clinical development; |
| ● | our, or that of our third-party manufacturers,
ability to manufacture current good manufacturing practice (“cGMP”) quantities of our product candidates as required for
preclinical and clinical trials and, subsequently, our ability to manufacture commercial quantities of our product candidates; |
| ● | our ability to complete required
clinical trials for our product candidates and obtain approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) or other
regulatory agencies in different jurisdictions; |
| ● | our lack of a sales and marketing
organization and our ability to commercialize our product candidates if we obtain regulatory approval; |
| ● | our dependence on third parties to
manufacture our product candidates; |
| ● | our reliance on third-party contract
research organizations (“CROs”) to conduct our clinical trials; |
| ● | our ability to maintain or
protect the validity of our intellectual property; |
| ● | our ability to internally develop
new inventions and intellectual property; |
| ● | interpretations of current
laws and the passages of future laws; |
| ● | acceptance of our business
model by investors; |
| ● | the accuracy of our estimates
regarding expenses and capital requirements; and |
| ● | our ability to maintain our
Nasdaq listing; and |
| ● | our ability to adequately support
organizational and business growth. |
The foregoing does not represent an exhaustive
list of matters that may be covered by the forward-looking statements contained herein or risk factors that we are faced with that may
cause our actual results to differ from those anticipated in our forward-looking statements. Please see “Risk Factors” for
additional risks which could adversely impact our business and financial performance.
All forward-looking statements are expressly qualified
in their entirety by this cautionary notice. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak
only as of the date of this report, or the date of the document incorporated by reference into this report. We have no obligation, and
expressly disclaim any obligation, to update, revise or correct any of the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information,
future events or otherwise. We have expressed our expectations, beliefs and projections in good faith and we believe they have a reasonable
basis. However, we cannot assure you that our expectations, beliefs or projections will result or be achieved or accomplished.
Overview
Company Overview
We are a preclinical-stage pharmaceutical company
focused on developing novel and proprietary drug delivery systems across various pain indications in order to enhance compliance and optimize
each product candidate in our pipeline. Our drug-delivery systems and drug-releasing technologies being developed are focused on advancing
non-opioid and non-addictive pain management treatments and treatments for central nervous system (“CNS”) disorders to enhance
patients’ quality of life.
We have exclusive global rights to the following
proprietary patented technologies: (i) Molecular Envelope Technology (“MET”) that uses an intranasal device to deliver enkephalin
for the management of acute and chronic pain, including pain associated with cancer (Envelta™) and PTSD (PES200), (ii) Injectable
“local anesthetic” Liposomal Technology for postoperative pain management (Probudur™), and (iii) Investigational formulation
delivered via the nasal route to enhance pharmaceutical-grade cannabidiol (“CBD”) transport to the brain (“NobrXiolTM”,
formerly VRP324) to potentially treat seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome in patients two years of age
and older. We are also exploring value creative opportunities for our two nonprescription product candidates including seeking regulatory
approval for commercialization of such products: AnQlar, which is being developed as a 24 hour prophylactic viral barrier to inhibit viral
infection by influenza or SARS-CoV-2, and Epoladerm™, which is a topical diclofenac epolamine metered dosed spray film formulation
being developed to manage pain associated with osteoarthritis.
Probudur
Probudur, our lead product candidate, uses a unique
liposomal delivery platform that incorporates large multi-lamellar vesicles (“LMLVs”) to encapsulate high doses of bupivacaine.
Early preclinical animal studies produced data that demonstrated that Probudur provided significantly improved onset and duration of analgesic
effect as compared to a similar product on the market. The animal studies were conducted by infiltrating the surgical/wound site with
Probudur. Probudur’s prolonged effectiveness is due to the formulation’s ability to keep the local anesthetic at the surgical/wound
site for an extended period of time (at least 96 hours). Four nonclinical trials were conducted using three animal models.
We plan to market Probudur to general surgeons,
anesthesiologists, and orthopedic surgeons within the $35 billion post operative pain management market. Based on head-to-head preclinical
studies compared to an approved liposomal bupivacaine formulation, if used appropriately, we believe Probudur has the potential to eliminate
or significantly reduce the need to prescribe opioids for post-operative pain relief. As a result of our pre-investigational new drug
(“pre-IND”) review, the FDA has indicated that it is reasonable for us to pursue a 505(b)(2) new drug application (“NDA”)
for Probudur. There can be no assurance that we will be successful in securing regulatory approval under the 505(b)(2) pathway or that
we will be successful in mitigating risks associated with the clinical development of this product candidate. Charles River Laboratories
was engaged to perform preclinical animal studies during the second half of 2021, including method, dosage, and toxicity as part of the
required FDA enabling trials for an IND filing for Probudur. However, we elected to strategically delay these trials in order to enhance
the formulation of Probudur to increase stability with the possibility to extend the lifetime of a relevant patent. The development of
the formulation was successfully completed in the third quarter of 2023. We anticipate this relevant provisional patent will be filed
at some point between the fourth quarter of 2023 and the first quarter of 2024. Lipocure RX, Ltd. (“Lipocure”) is currently
in the process of working through the scale up of Probudur to a larger batch size. IND enabling studies have started. The FDA minutes
indicated that we are to initiate our clinical studies in targeted patient populations following the completion of our nonclinical toxicity
studies. We anticipate starting Phase 2 clinical trial in 2024; however, we may need to adjust this timeline if Lipocure becomes unable
to continue development work due to the war in the Middle East.
Yissum Research Agreements
On June 30, 2021, we entered into an Agreement
for Rendering of Research Services with Yissum (the “June 2021 Yissum Research Agreement”). Under the June 2021 Yissum Research
Agreement, we provided funding for research and development studies performed by researchers at Hebrew University related to the optimization
of the Liposomal Bupivacaine formulation of Probudur and to increase stability for manufacturing purposes. In consideration for the research
services, we paid research service fees of $337,500 in six equal quarterly installments. All services provided under the June 2021 Yissum
Research Agreement initiated on July 1, 2021, and were completed in early January 2023.
On January 31, 2023, we entered into an Agreement
for Rendering of Research Services with Yissum (the “January 2023 Yissum Research Agreement”) on substantially similar terms
and conditions as detailed above under the June 2021 Yissum Research Agreement. Under the January 2023 Yissum Research Agreement, we will
provide funding for research and development studies to be performed by researchers at Hebrew University related to the optimization of
the Liposomal Bupivacaine formulation and to increase stability for manufacturing purposes. We may terminate the agreement at any time
and will only be responsible to pay Yissum for work performed through the date of termination. In consideration for the research services,
we agreed to pay aggregate research service fees of $326,000 in four equal quarterly installments ($81,500 per calendar quarter). All
services to be provided under the January 2023 Yissum Research Agreement initiated on January 1, 2023, and are anticipated to be completed
by the end of 2023.
We incurred $81,500 and $56,250 in research and
development expenses respectively for the three months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 associated with these Yissum agreements. We incurred
$244,500 and $187,500 in research and development expenses respectively for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 associated
with these Yissum agreements.
Lipocure Research Agreements
On June 29, 2021, we entered into an Agreement
for Rendering of Research Services with Lipocure RX, Ltd. (the “June 2021 Lipocure Research Agreement”). Under the June 2021
Lipocure Research Agreement, we shall provide funding for research and development related to the optimization of the Liposomal Bupivacaine
formulation of Probudur and eventual manufacturing of preclinical batches including for stability testing, and pre-clinical toxicology
work. This will also include work associated with the potential filing of additional provisional patent applications. We may terminate
the agreement at any time upon 30 days’ written notice and shall be only responsible to pay Lipocure for work performed through
the date of such notice. In consideration for the research services, we agreed to pay research service fees of $200,000 upon execution,
as well as $400,000 in July 2021, $270,000 in both September 2021 and January 2022, and three additional payments of $270,000 during 2022.
We also agreed to pay $250,000 to Lipocure upon successful completion of Chemistry, Manufacturing and Controls (“CMC”) filing
with the FDA. All services to be provided under the June 2021 Lipocure Research Agreement initiated on July 1, 2021 and were substantially
complete by the end of 2022.
On February 1, 2023, we entered into an Agreement
for Rendering of Research Services (the “January 2023 Lipocure Research Agreement”) with Lipocure. Under the January 2023
Lipocure Research Agreement, we shall provide funding for research and development related to the optimization of the Liposomal Bupivacaine
formulation and eventual manufacture of pre-clinical batches including batches for stability testing, animal studies and toxicology work.
This will also include work associated with the potential filing of additional provisional patent applications. We may terminate the agreement
at any time upon 30 days written notice and shall be only responsible to pay Lipocure for work performed through the date of such notice.
In consideration for the research services, we agreed to pay research service fees of $1,286,000 in four equal quarterly installments
($321,500 per calendar quarter). All services to be provided under the January 2023 Lipocure Research Agreement initiated on January 1,
2023, and are anticipated to be completed towards the end 2023.
We incurred $321,500 and $270,000 in research
and development expenses associated with these agreements for the three months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively. We incurred
$964,500 and $900,000 in research and development expenses associated with these agreements for the nine months ended September 30, 2023
and 2022, respectively.
Envelta
We believe Envelta and PES200 may provide prescribers,
regulators, and patients alternative non-addictive treatment options to control severe pain and manage symptoms related to PTSD. We plan
to utilize our proprietary drug delivery technologies to selectively develop a portfolio of patented new chemical entity (“NCE”)
candidates for commercialization. The IND enabling studies for Envelta are being performed under a Cooperative Research and Development
Agreement (“CRADA”) entered into with the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (“NIH/NCATS”).
We intend to use the NIH/NCATS studies as a source for INDs for two additional potential indications, cancer pain and PTSD. To date, all
four planned initial in vitro studies have been successfully completed. These preclinical studies under the CRADA are expected to continue
over the next nine months. We anticipate starting the healthy volunteer studies in 2024.
In February 2022, we completed a 14-day intranasal
dose range finding toxicity study of Envelta in rats with a 14-day recovery period which showed no adverse related findings in hematology,
coagulation, and serum chemistry data, with no treatment related toxicology findings or mortality noted. A 14-day intranasal dose range
finding toxicity study of Envelta in dogs with a 14-day recovery period was also conducted and showed no adverse toxicologic findings.
NobrXiol
NobrXiol is being developed by Nanomerics Ltd.,
a company organized and existing under the laws of the United Kingdom (“Nanomerics”) as an investigational formulation delivered
via the nasal route to enhance CBD transport to the brain. NobrXiol uses a preassembled device and cartridge system to propel the CBD
powder formulation into the nose and to the brain via the olfactory nerve/bulb. This product candidate will be formulated to potentially
treat seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut and Dravet syndromes in patients two years of age and older. Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and
Dravet syndrome are rare central nervous system diseases considered serious epileptic encephalopathies that cause different types of epileptic
seizures as well as cognitive and behavioral changes and are generally resistant to treatment. On September 17, 2021, we entered into
a collaboration and license agreement with Nanomerics (the “Nanomerics License Agreement - NobrXiol”) for the exclusive worldwide
license to develop and commercialize the product candidate. We plan to target our marketing and selling efforts to healthcare practitioners
specializing in epilepsy within the $16.5 billion market for managing epilepsy in pediatrics and adults.
On April 21, 2022, we notified Nanomerics that
the study aim of demonstrating the ability of Nanomerics platform technology delivering CBD to the brain via nasal administration in an
animal model was met. Pursuant to the Nanomerics License Agreement - NobrXiol, we paid a milestone payment of $500,000 upon meeting this
study aim in April 2022. We submitted the pre-IND Briefing Book with the FDA in October 2022 and received comments back from the FDA in
December 2022. Upon our review of the FDA minutes, we now believe we have the appropriate guidance from the FDA to move forward with our
overall development plan for this new product candidate and the ability to identify any need for further data prior to submitting the
IND. Our current plan is to utilize potential grant awards to fund the development of NobrXiol through to an IND filing while we focus
our cash resources on more immediate needs with regard to our lead product candidates. In April, 2023, we entered into a participant agreement
with the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (“NINDS”), a part of NIH, to supply our product candidate
compounds to the NINDS’s Epilepsy Therapy Screening Program (“ETSP”). NINDS ETSP will test our compounds in epilepsy
animal models to determine whether our compounds have activity against resistant epilepsy and related disorders.
Epoladerm
We believe the Topical Spray Film Delivery Technology,
which we refer to as Epoladerm, could provide a pathway for additional proprietary spray formulations with strong adhesion and accessibility
properties upon application, especially around active joints and contoured body surfaces to manage pain associated with osteoarthritis.
Osteoarthritis, which we believe to be a significant global market opportunity for us, is a painful condition that results in reduced
physical function and quality of life and increased risk of all-cause mortality. A recent large meta-analysis on pharmacologic treatments
for knee and hip osteoarthritis indicated that topical diclofenac had the largest effect on pain and physical function with a better safety
profile than oral diclofenac. Based on this meta-analysis it was recommended that topical diclofenac should be considered as a first-line
pharmacological treatment for knee osteoarthritis. Pursuant to a Research and Option Agreement with MedPharm Limited (the “MedPharm
Research and Option Agreement”), MedPharm will conduct certain research and development activities of proprietary formulations incorporating
certain MedPharm technologies and certain of our proprietary molecules. Under the agreement, we were granted an option to obtain an exclusive,
world-wide, sub-licensable, royalty bearing, irrevocable license to research, develop, market, use, commercialize, and sell any product
utilizing MedPharm’s spray formulation technology.
As a result of pre-IND meeting, we believe it
is reasonable for us to pursue a 505(b)(2) NDA for Epoladerm. There can be no assurance that we will be successful in securing regulatory
approval under the 505(b)(2) pathway or that we will be successful in mitigating risks associated with the clinical development of this
product candidate.
We made the determination to delay our First-in-Human
study investigating Epoladerm for pain associated with chronic osteoarthritis due to: (i) a delay in procuring the active pharmaceutical
ingredient necessary for the drug product candidate, (ii) delays related to supply chain disruptions, and (iii) an extensive review of
the formulation and potential degradants resulting in MedPharm exploring alternatives to mitigate the formation of the potential degradant.
This additional formulation work and permeation testing may enable the patent coverage of this asset to be extended until at least 2042.
MedPharm is anticipated to complete the formulation work and permeation testing at the end of the fourth quarter 2023.
We are seeking to license out or partner this
asset as we continue to focus our efforts on our prescription drug pipeline.
AnQlar
AnQlar is a high-density molecular masking spray
we plan to develop as a viral barrier to potentially reduce the risk or the intensity of respiratory viral infections in humans. We intend
for this formulation to be delivered using a metered dose nasal spray to propel the high-density molecular formulation into the nose.
We submitted and received a written pre-IND meeting
response from the FDA for AnQlar. In its pre-IND response, the FDA provided guidance on our pathway to pursue prophylactic treatment against
SARS-CoV-2 and influenza for daily use as an Over the Counter (“OTC”) product. We believe the results of the pre-IND response
support further research on AnQlar as a once daily intranasal prophylactic treatment of viral infections. The FDA has indicated that,
upon successful completion of all necessary preclinical and clinical trials, we may pursue an NDA drug approval with the Office of Non-Prescription
Drugs.
We have engaged a previous Deputy Director of
the Division of Antivirals (DAV), Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER), Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to assist with the
design of the optimal clinical trial to facilitate an efficient regulatory and development timeline for AnQlar. We have also entered into
a commercial manufacturing and supply agreement with Seqens, an integrated global leader in pharmaceutical solutions with 24 manufacturing
sites worldwide and seven research and development facilities throughout the U.S. and Europe. The agreement with Seqens provides for both
the supply material for our clinical studies as well as the long-term commercial supply of AnQlar. In addition, we engaged a research
and development firm to conduct a series of IND enabling toxicity studies for AnQlar which are expected to be completed by the first quarter
of 2024. This was slightly delayed due to certain issues with finalizing the bioanalytical method development of the product candidate.
We recently conducted an initial review of the
results from a preclinical virology study conducted by one of our CROs where we were evaluating the viral barrier properties of AnQlar™
versus two variants of the SARS CoV-2 virus. This review conducted by our external consultants indicates that the test article (AnQlar)
supports the proposed mechanism of action for a prophylactic viral barrier product candidate, which was the outcome we were expecting.
We are seeking to license out or partner this
asset as we continue to focus our efforts on our prescription drug pipeline.
We continue to seek opportunities to exploit our
product portfolio through licensing and other strategic transactions to further develop our drug product candidates. This includes seeking
potential partners in further developing our drug product candidates and responding to inquiries of interest we have received concerning
our product portfolio.
Critical Accounting Estimates
We have based our management’s discussion
and analysis of financial condition and results of operations on our financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with
accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make
estimates that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date
of the financial statements as well as the reported revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate
our estimates and judgments, including those related to clinical development expenses and stock-based compensation. We base our estimates
on historical experience and on various other factors that we believe to be appropriate under the circumstances. Actual results may differ
from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
While our significant accounting policies are
more fully discussed in Note 2 to our audited financial statements contained within our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 2022, we believe that the following accounting policies are critical to the process of making significant judgments
and estimates in the preparation of our financial statements.
Research and Development (“R&D”)
Expenses
We rely on third parties to conduct our preclinical
studies and to provide services, including data management, statistical analysis and electronic compilation. Once our clinical trials
begin, at the end of each reporting period, we will compare the payments made to each service provider to the estimated progress towards
completion of the related project. Factors that we will consider in preparing these estimates include the number of patients enrolled
in studies, milestones achieved, and other criteria related to the efforts of our vendors. These estimates will be subject to change as
additional information becomes available. Depending on the timing of payments to vendors and estimated services provided, we will record
net prepaid or accrued expenses related to these costs.
Stock-Based Compensation
Stock-based compensation cost is measured at the
grant date based on the fair value of the award and is recognized as expense over the requisite service period, which is generally the
vesting period. Our policy permits the valuation of stock-based awards granted to non-employees to be measured at fair value at the grant
date rather than on an accelerated attribution basis over the vesting period.
Determining the appropriate fair value of share-based
awards requires the use of subjective assumptions, including the excepted life of the option and expected share price volatility. We use
the Black-Scholes option pricing model to value its option awards. The assumptions used in calculating the fair value of share-based awards
represent management’s best estimates and involve inherent uncertainties and the application of management’s judgment. As
a result, if factors change and management uses different assumptions, share-based compensation expense could be materially different
for future awards. See Note 7 to notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
Legal and Other Contingencies
The outcomes of legal proceedings and claims brought
against us and other loss contingencies are subject to significant uncertainty. We accrue a charge against income when our management
determines that it is probable that an asset has been impaired, or a liability has been incurred and the amount of loss can be reasonably
estimated. In determining the appropriate accounting for loss contingencies, we consider the likelihood of loss or impairment of an asset
or the incurrence of a liability, as well as our ability to reasonably estimate the amount of loss. We regularly evaluate current information
available to us to determine whether an accrual should be established or adjusted. Estimating the probability that a loss will occur and
estimating the amount of a loss, or a range of loss involves significant judgment.
As noted in Note 5. Commitments and
Contingencies, the Company is currently involved in defending litigation. On September 1, 2023, the Chancery Court issued a
memorandum opinion addressing liability in the action filed by the Plaintiffs against the Defendants and found in favor of the
Plaintiffs on all but three counts which were deemed to have been waived. The Court, however, stated that the question of an
appropriate remedy must await further proceedings. See further discussion in Note 5. Based on the facts of the litigation, including
September 1, 2023 memorandum opinion issued by the Chancery Court, as well as the supplemental briefs filed by the Plaintiffs and the Defendants, the
Company has recognized a total accrual of $5.0 million with respect to the litigation. While the Company believes it has issues to
be raised on appeal, the ultimate resolution of the action could result in a material loss to the Company, and depending on the
magnitude of the award granted by the Chancery Court, the Company may be forced to cease developing certain product candidates or
all our product candidates, liquidate assets or initiate bankruptcy proceedings, unless we are able to raise additional capital, of
which there can be no certainty. In addition, the Company’s ability to achieve profitability will be impacted by any royalties
it is required to pay to the Plaintiffs in its litigation. The payment of these royalties, if awarded to Plaintiffs, will
significantly impact our future revenue and may make it more difficult to engage in collaborations, licenses or the acquisition of
such products by a large pharmaceutical company. If the Plaintiffs are awarded a royalty percent that we deem will make the further
development of any of Epoladerm, Probudur and Envelta no longer economical, we may choose not to continue development of such
product.
Results of Operations
Three Months Ended September 30, 2023 and
2022
Operating expenses:
| |
For the Three Months Ended
September 30, | | |
Change | |
| |
2023 | | |
2022 | | |
Dollars | | |
Percentage | |
Operating expenses: | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| |
General and administrative | |
$ | 4,619,519 | | |
$ | 4,910,039 | | |
$ | (290,520 | ) | |
| (6 | )% |
Research and development | |
| 1,495,619 | | |
| 2,805,103 | | |
| (1,309,484 | ) | |
| (47 | )% |
Total operating expenses | |
$ | 6,115,138 | | |
$ | 7,715,142 | | |
$ | (1,600,004 | ) | |
| (21 | )% |
General and administrative expenses decreased
by $290,520, or 6%, to $4,619,519 for the three months ended September 30, 2023, from $4,910,039 for the three months ended September
30, 2022. The primary reason for the decrease in general and administrative costs was the result of a decrease in legal costs of $607,513
mainly due to a decrease in legal defense costs with regard to litigation (net of increase in litigation accrual of $2,000,000 in 2022
and $3,000,000 in 2023). This was offset by increases in salaries and wages, board of directors’ fees, travel and entertainment
expenses, stock based compensation expenses, and professional fees.
Research and development expenses decreased by
$1,309,484, or 47%, to $1,495,619 for the three months ended September 30, 2023, from $2,805,103 for the three months ended September
30, 2022. The decrease was primarily attributable to (i) a decrease in AnQlar preclinical activities of $1,475,933, (ii) a decrease in
preclinical activity related to NobrXiol of $115,141, and (iii) a decrease in preclinical activity related to Epoladerm of $525,327. This
was offset by an increase of $823,105 related to Probudur preclinical activities.
The following table presents R&D expenses
tracked on a program-by-program basis for the three months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022:
| |
Three Months Ended
September 30, | |
| |
2023 | | |
2022 | |
Program expenses: | |
| | |
| |
Envelta | |
$ | 17,182 | | |
$ | 45,469 | |
Probudur | |
| 1,165,949 | | |
| 342,844 | |
Epoladerm | |
| 6,194 | | |
| 531,521 | |
AnQlar | |
| 257,299 | | |
| 1,733,232 | |
NobrXiol | |
| — | | |
| 115,141 | |
Total program expenses | |
| 1,446,624 | | |
| 2,768,207 | |
Unallocated expenses: | |
| | | |
| | |
Stock based compensation | |
| 48,995 | | |
| 36,896 | |
Total other research and development expense | |
| 48,995 | | |
| 36,896 | |
Total research and development expenses | |
$ | 1,495,619 | | |
$ | 2,805,103 | |
Other income:
| |
Three Months Ended
September 30, | | |
Change | |
| |
2023 | | |
2022 | | |
Dollars | | |
Percentage | |
Other income: | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| |
Other income | |
$ | 120,640 | | |
$ | 73,252 | | |
$ | 47,388 | | |
| 65 | % |
Total other income: | |
$ | 120,640 | | |
$ | 73,252 | | |
$ | 47,388 | | |
| 65 | % |
Other income increased by $47,388 primarily due
to interest income.
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023 and
2022
Operating expenses:
| |
For the Nine Months Ended
September 30, | | |
Change | |
| |
2023 | | |
2022 | | |
Dollars | | |
Percentage | |
Operating expenses: | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| |
General and administrative* | |
$ | 6,983,670 | | |
$ | 9,338,070 | | |
$ | (2,354,400 | ) | |
| (25 | )% |
Research and development | |
| 4,022,020 | | |
| 9,404,980 | | |
| (5,382,960 | ) | |
| (57 | )% |
Total operating expenses | |
$ | 11,005,690 | | |
$ | 18,743,050 | | |
$ | (7,737,360 | ) | |
| (41 | )% |
* | Net of insurance reimbursement of $1,250,000 during the nine
months ended September 30, 2023 |
General and administrative expenses decreased
by $2,354,400, or 25%, to $6,983,670 for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, from $9,338,070 for the nine months ended September
30, 2022. The primary reason for the decrease in general and administrative costs was the result of a decrease in legal costs of $3,383,040.
This decrease was a result of a reimbursement of legal defense costs of $1,250,000 pursuant to our directors’ and officers’
insurance policy and a decrease of legal defense costs with regard to litigation (net of increase in litigation accrual of $2,000,000
in 2022 and $3,000,000 in 2023). This was offset by an increase in salaries and wages of $246,578, severance expense of $234,000, and
an increase in fees related to market assessment and sub-licensing efforts of $485,277.
Research and development expenses decreased by
$5,382,960, or 57%, to $4,022,020 for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, from $9,404,980 for the -nine months ended September 30,
2022. The decrease was primarily attributable (i) a one-time milestone payment of $1,500,000 made to Nanomerics in 2022 related to expanding
AnQlar’s territory to global rights and a decrease in AnQlar preclinical activities of $3,537,737, (ii) a decrease in preclinical
activity related to Epoladerm of $988,286, and (iii) a decrease of $458,126 in preclinical activity related to NobrXiol. This was offset
by an increase of $1,077,138 related to Probudur preclinical activities.
The following table presents R&D expenses
tracked on a program-by-program basis for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022:
| |
Nine Months Ended
September 30, | |
| |
2023 | | |
2022 | |
Program expenses: | |
| | |
| |
Envelta | |
$ | 182,617 | | |
$ | 191,182 | |
Probudur | |
| 2,263,230 | | |
| 1,186,092 | |
Epoladerm | |
| 538,984 | | |
| 1,527,270 | |
AnQlar | |
| 696,975 | | |
| 5,734,712 | |
NobrXiol | |
| 198,115 | | |
| 656,241 | |
Total program expenses | |
$ | 3,879,921 | | |
$ | 9,295,497 | |
Unallocated expenses: | |
| | | |
| | |
Stock based compensation | |
| 142,099 | | |
| 109,483 | |
Total other research and development expense | |
| 142,099 | | |
| 109,483 | |
Total research and development expenses | |
$ | 4,022,020 | | |
$ | 9,404,980 | |
Other income:
| |
Nine Months Ended
September 30, | | |
Change | |
| |
2023 | | |
2022 | | |
Dollars | | |
Percentage | |
Other income: | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| |
Other income | |
$ | 377,891 | | |
$ | 79,443 | | |
$ | 298,448 | | |
| 376 | % |
Total other income: | |
$ | 377,891 | | |
$ | 79,443 | | |
$ | 298,448 | | |
| 376 | % |
Other income increased by $298,448 primarily due
to interest income.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
As of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022
Capital Resources
| |
September 30, | | |
December 31, | | |
Change | |
| |
2023 | | |
2022 | | |
Dollars | | |
Percentage | |
Current assets | |
$ | 13,038,387 | | |
$ | 19,673,649 | | |
| (6,635,262 | ) | |
| (34 | )% |
Current liabilities | |
$ | 6,532,723 | | |
$ | 3,094,590 | | |
| 3,438,133 | | |
| 111 | % |
Working capital | |
$ | 6,505,664 | | |
$ | 16,579,059 | | |
| (10,073,395 | ) | |
| (61 | )% |
As of September 30, 2023, our principal
source of liquidity was our cash, which totaled approximately $12.2 million. To continue to grow our business over the longer term,
we plan to commit substantial resources to research and development, pre-clinical and clinical trials of our product candidates,
other operations and potential product acquisitions and in-licensing. We have evaluated and expect to continue to evaluate a wide
array of strategic transactions as part of our plan to acquire or in-license and develop additional products and product candidates
to augment our internal development pipeline. Strategic transaction opportunities that we may pursue could materially affect our
liquidity and capital resources and may require us to incur additional indebtedness, seek equity capital or both. In addition, we
may pursue development, acquisition or in-licensing of approved or development products in new or existing therapeutic areas or
continue the expansion of our existing operations. Accordingly, we expect to continue to opportunistically seek access to additional
capital to license or acquire additional products, product candidates or companies to expand our operations, or for general
corporate purposes. Strategic transactions may require us to raise additional capital through one or more public or private debt or
equity financings or could be structured as a collaboration or partnering arrangement. Any equity financing would be dilutive to our
stockholders. We have no arrangements, agreements, or understandings in place at the present time to enter into any acquisition,
in-licensing or similar strategic business transaction. Our capital needs and our ability to continue our operations and development
activities will also depend upon the damages that are awarded in our existing litigation (see “Part I – Financial
Information”, “Item 1 - Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)” and “Part II
– Other Information, Item 1 —Legal Proceedings and Item 1A – Risk Factors”). Our ability to raise capital is
likely to be adversely impacted if we are required to pay significant damages. Depending on the magnitude of the award granted by
the Chancery Court, we may be forced to cease developing certain product candidates or all of our product candidates, liquidate assets or initiate bankruptcy
proceedings, unless we are able to raise additional capital, of which there can be no certainty.
Cash Flows
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023 and
2022
The following table summarizes our cash flows
from operating activities:
| |
For the Nine Months Ended
September 30, | |
| |
2023 | | |
2022 | |
Statement of cash flow data: | |
| | |
| |
Net cash used in operating activities | |
$ | (6,842,291 | ) | |
$ | (16,279,381 | ) |
Net change in cash | |
$ | (6,842,291 | ) | |
$ | (16,279,381 | ) |
Operating Activities
For the nine months ended September 30, 2023,
cash used in operations was $6,842,291 compared to $16,279,381 for the nine months ended September 30, 2022. The decrease in cash used
in operations was primarily the result of the decrease in net loss and an increase in prepaid insurance and prepaid research and development
costs, partially offset by an increase in accounts payable and accrued expenses. In addition, in March 2023, we collected $1,250,000 in
reimbursement of legal costs pursuant to our directors’ and officers’ insurance policy, which decreased our net loss during
the period. No further reimbursements are permitted from the insurance policy with respect to the litigation.
Future Capital Requirements
It is difficult to predict our spending for our
product candidates prior to obtaining FDA approval. Moreover, changing circumstances may cause us to expend cash significantly faster
than we currently anticipate, and we may need to spend more cash than currently expected because of circumstances beyond our control.
Our expectations regarding future cash
requirements do not reflect the potential impact of our existing litigation (see “Part I – Financial Information”,
“Item 1 - Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)” and “Part II – Other
Information, Item 1 – Legal Proceedings and Item 1A – Risk Factors”), any future acquisitions, mergers,
dispositions, joint ventures or investments that we make in the future. Depending on the magnitude of the award granted by the
Chancery Court, we may be forced to cease developing certain product candidates or all of our product candidates, liquidate assets or initiate bankruptcy
proceedings, unless we are able to raise additional capital, of which there can be no certainty. If the Chancery Court were to order
us to pay significant damages, our ability to raise capital will likely be adversely impacted. In addition, our ability to achieve
profitability will be impacted by any royalties we are required to pay to the Plaintiffs in our litigation. The payment of these
royalties, if awarded to Plaintiffs, will significantly impact our future revenue and may make it more difficult to engage in
collaborations, licenses or the acquisition of such products by a large pharmaceutical company. If the Plaintiffs are awarded a
royalty percent that we deem will make the further development of any of Epoladerm, Probudur and Envelta no longer economical, we
may choose not to continue development of such product. We have no current understandings, agreements or commitments for any
material acquisitions or licenses of any products, businesses or technologies. We may need to raise substantial additional capital
in order to engage in any of these types of transactions.
We expect to continue to incur substantial additional
operating losses for at least the next several years as we continue to develop our product candidates and seek marketing approval and,
subject to obtaining such approval, the eventual commercialization of our product candidates. If we obtain marketing approval for our
product candidates, we will incur significant sales, marketing and outsourced manufacturing expenses. In addition, we expect to incur
additional expenses to add operational, financial and information systems and personnel, including personnel to support our planned product
commercialization efforts. We also expect to continue to incur significant costs to comply with corporate governance, internal controls
and similar requirements applicable to us as a public company as well as commitments including severance payments.
Our future use of operating cash and capital requirements
will depend on many forward-looking factors, including the following:
|
● |
the costs to defend litigation, adverse court judgments and/or settlements related to litigation; |
|
● |
the initiation, progress, timing, costs and results of clinical trials for our product candidates; |
|
● |
the clinical development plans we establish for each product candidate; |
|
● |
the number and characteristics of product candidates that we develop or may in-license; |
|
● |
the terms of any collaboration agreements we may choose to execute; |
|
● |
the outcome, timing and cost of meeting regulatory requirements established by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the FDA, the European Medicines Agency or other comparable foreign regulatory authorities; |
|
● |
the cost of filing, prosecuting, defending and enforcing our patent claims and other intellectual property rights; |
|
● |
the cost of defending intellectual property disputes, including patent infringement actions brought by third parties against us; |
|
● |
costs and timing of the implementation of commercial scale manufacturing activities; |
|
● |
the cost of establishing, or outsourcing, sales, marketing, and distribution capabilities for any product candidates for which we may receive regulatory approval in regions where we choose to commercialize our products on our own; and |
To the extent that our capital resources are insufficient
to meet our future operating and capital requirements, we must finance our cash needs through public or private equity offerings, including
equity offerings for our subsidiaries, debt financings, collaboration and licensing arrangements or other financing alternatives. We have
no committed external sources of funds. Additional equity or debt financing or collaboration and licensing arrangements may not be available
on acceptable terms, if at all.
If we raise additional funds by issuing equity
securities, our stockholders will experience dilution. Debt financing, if available, would result in increased fixed payment obligations
and may involve agreements that include covenants limiting or restricting our ability to take specific actions, such as incurring additional
debt, making capital expenditures or declaring dividends. Any debt financing or additional equity that we raise may contain terms, such
as liquidation and other preferences that are not favorable to us or our stockholders. If we raise additional funds through collaboration
and licensing arrangements with third parties, it may be necessary to relinquish valuable rights to our technologies, future revenue streams
or product candidates or to grant licenses on terms that may not be favorable to us.
Liquidity
Since inception, we have been engaged in organizational
activities, including raising capital and research and development activities. We have not generated revenues and have not yet achieved
profitable operations, nor have we ever generated positive cash flow from operations. There is no assurance that profitable operations,
if achieved, could be sustained on a continuing basis. We are subject to those risks associated with any preclinical stage pharmaceutical
company that has substantial expenditures for research and development. There can be no assurance that our research and development projects
will be successful, that products developed will obtain necessary regulatory approval, or that any approved product will be commercially
viable. In addition, we operate in an environment of rapid technological change and is largely dependent on the services of its employees
and consultants. Further, our future operations are dependent on the success of our efforts to raise additional capital.
We incurred a net loss of $10,627,799 and $18,663,607
for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively, and had an accumulated deficit of $54,982,426 as of September 30,
2023. We anticipate incurring additional losses until such time, if ever, that we can generate significant revenue from our product candidates
currently in development. Our primary source of capital has been the issuance of debt and equity securities.
At September 30, 2023, we had cash of
approximately $12.2 million. As noted in Note 5. Commitments and Contingencies, the Company is currently involved in defending
litigation. On September 1, 2023, the Chancery Court issued a memorandum opinion addressing liability in the action filed by the
Plaintiffs against the Defendants and found in favor of the Plaintiffs on all but three counts which were deemed to have been
waived. The Court, however, stated that the question of an appropriate remedy must await further proceedings. See further discussion
in Note 5. Based on the facts of the litigation, including the September 1, 2023 memorandum opinion issued by the Chancery Court, as
well as the supplemental briefs filed by the Plaintiffs and the Defendants, the Company has recognized a total accrual of $5.0 million with respect to
the litigation. While the Company believes that it has issues to be raised on appeal, the ultimate resolution of the action could
result in a material loss to the Company. Due to the Company’s continuing losses, and the uncertainty regarding the outcome of
this ongoing litigation and any potential claims, there exists substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern.
Our auditors report within our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, filed on March 22, 2023, and the
report herein for the nine month period ended September 30, 2023, contain a paragraph regarding our substantial doubt of continuing
as a going concern. The accompanying financial statements do not include any adjustments to the carrying amounts and classification
of assets, liabilities, and reported expenses that may be necessary if we were unable to continue as a going concern. Depending on
the magnitude of the award granted by the Chancery Court, we may be forced to cease developing certain product candidates or all of
our product candidates, liquidate assets or initiate bankruptcy proceedings.
We currently do not have sufficient capital to
fund the commercialization of any or our product candidates. Additional financings will be needed by us to fund our operations, including
potential litigation costs, and to complete clinical development of and to commercially develop our product candidates. There is no assurance
that such financing will be available when needed or on acceptable terms. Our ability to raise additional capital may be adversely impacted
by potential worsening of global economic conditions, potential future global pandemics or health crises, and the recent disruptions to,
and volatility in, the credit, banking, and financial markets in the United States. In addition, our ability to raise additional capital
will likely be adversely impacted if the Chancery Court were to order us to pay significant damages. We also may be forced to curtail
spending in research and development activities in order to conserve cash.
Global Macroeconomic Environment
The global macroeconomic environment could be
negatively affected by, among other things, COVID-19 or other pandemics or epidemics, instability in global economic markets, increased
U.S. trade tariffs and trade disputes with other countries, instability in the global credit and banking markets, supply chain weaknesses,
instability in the geopolitical environment as a result of the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union, the ongoing conflict
between Russia and Ukraine, the war in the Middle East, other political tensions, and foreign governmental debt concerns. Such challenges
have caused, and may continue to cause, uncertainty and instability in local economies and in global financial markets.
While expected to be temporary, these disruptions
may negatively impact our results of operations, financial condition, and liquidity in 2023 and potentially beyond.
Factors that May Affect Future Results
You should refer to Part I, Item 1A
“Risk Factors” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, for a discussion of important
factors that may affect our future results.
Critical Accounting Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity
with GAAP requires us to use judgment in making certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities,
the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses in our financial statements and
accompanying notes. Critical accounting policies are those that are most important to the portrayal of our financial condition and results
of operations and require difficult, subjective and complex judgments by management in order to make estimates about the effect of matters
that are inherently uncertain. During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, there were no significant changes to our critical accounting
policies from those described in our annual financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2022, which we included in our Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022.
ITEM 3: QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES
ABOUT MARKET RISK
Not applicable.
ITEM 4: CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Our management, with the participation of our
Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of September
30, 2023. The term “disclosure controls and procedures,” as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act,
means controls and other procedures of a company that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by a company in
the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified
in the SEC’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to
ensure that information required to be disclosed by a company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated
and communicated to the company’s management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, as appropriate
to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed
and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving their objectives and management necessarily applies its judgment in evaluating
the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures. Based on the evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures as
of September 30, 2023, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of such date, our disclosure controls
and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level.
Evaluation of Changes in Internal Control over
Financial Reporting
There was no change in our internal control over
financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) of the Exchange Act) that occurred during the quarter ended September 30, 2023 that
has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting. Because of its inherent
limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of
effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risks that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that
the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. From time to time, we make changes to our internal control over
financial reporting that are intended to enhance its effectiveness, and which do not have a material effect on our overall internal control
over financial reporting.
PART II – OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1: LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
On March 12, 2021, the Company and the
Company’s then Chief Executive Officer, Anthony P. Mack (the “Defendants”), were named as defendants in a
complaint (the “Complaint”) filed by Sorrento Therapeutics, Inc. (“Sorrento”), and Scilex Pharmaceuticals
Inc. (“Scilex” and together with Sorrento, the “Plaintiffs”) in the Chancery Court. In the Complaint,
Plaintiffs alleged (i) Mr. Mack breached a Restrictive Covenants Agreement, dated as of November 8, 2016, between himself and
Sorrento (the “Restrictive Covenants Agreement”), (ii) the Company tortiously interfered with the Restrictive Covenants
Agreement, and (iii) the Company tortiously interfered with Scilex’s relationship with Mr. Mack. On May 7, 2021, Plaintiffs
filed an Amended Complaint asserting the same three causes of action. On September 28, 2021, Plaintiffs filed a Second Amended
Complaint asserting the same three causes of action as the prior complaints, as well as claims in which Plaintiffs alleged (i) Mr.
Mack breached an Employment, Proprietary Information and Inventions Agreement, dated as of October 25, 2016, between himself and
Sorrento (the “Employment Agreement”), (ii) the Company tortiously interfered with the Employment Agreement, (iii) Mr.
Mack breached his fiduciary duties to Scilex, and (iv) the Company aided and abetted Mr. Mack’s alleged breach of fiduciary
duties to Scilex. On April 1, 2022, Plaintiffs filed a Third Amended Complaint. The Third Amended Complaint asserts the same causes
of action as the Second Amended Complaint, as well as claims for (i) misappropriation of trade secrets by Defendants under Delaware
law, and (ii) misappropriation of trade secrets by Defendants under California law. On April 18, 2022, Defendants filed answers to
the Third Amended Complaint. Trial was held before Vice Chancellor Paul Fioravanti from September 12 through September 14, 2022.
Post-trial briefing was completed by December 12, 2022, and post-trial argument was held on January 20, 2023. Plaintiffs asserted
alternative damages theories that would imply potential damages up to approximately $35.0 million. The Company countered that actual
damages, even if Plaintiffs establish liability, could be zero because, among other things, Plaintiffs’ calculations use
various unsupported assumptions, any alleged damages are speculative in nature, and there is a possibility the Company’s
product candidates never reach market.
In March 2023, the Company collected $1,250,000
in reimbursement of legal costs pursuant to the Company’s directors’ and officers’ insurance policy, and recorded it
as a reduction of general and administrative expense on the condensed consolidated statements of operations. No further reimbursements
are permitted from the insurance policy with respect to the litigation.
On September 1, 2023, the Chancery Court issued
a memorandum opinion addressing liability in the action filed by the Plaintiffs against the Defendants and found in favor of the Plaintiffs
on all but three counts which were deemed to have been waived. The Chancery Court found it proper to attribute Mr. Mack’s knowledge
and actions to the Company, which Mr. Mack used to effectuate the tortious interference and breach of fiduciary duty. The Chancery Court
found that Mr. Mack breached the restrictive covenants agreement he entered into with Sorrento by developing Epoladerm; the Company is
liable for tortious interference with contract; Plaintiffs were deemed to have waived their claims for breach of Mr. Mack’s employment
contract and for tortious interference with prospective economic advantage; Mr. Mack breached his fiduciary duty of loyalty to Scilex;
the Company aided and abetted Mr. Mack’s breach of fiduciary duty; and Mr. Mack misappropriated certain Scilex trade secrets. The
Court, however, stated that the question of an appropriate remedy must await further proceedings.
On October 4, 2023, the Chancery Court issued
a supplemental briefing schedule. Plaintiffs shall file their supplemental opening brief by October 18, 2023; Defendants shall file their
supplemental answering brief by November 29, 2023; and Plaintiffs shall file their supplemental reply brief by December 20, 2023.
On October 18, 2023, the Plaintiffs filed their
supplemental brief requesting the following relief: An injunction, in the first instance, enjoining Mr. Mack from having any relationship
with Virpax for a period of 18 months and 27 days; enjoining Virpax from further developing or marketing Epoladerm for a period of 18
months and 27 days; alternatively, if these two injunction requests are not granted, the Plaintiffs request a judgement of joint and several
liability against Mr. Mack and Virpax of $14,684,833. In addition to these requests for injunctive relief (or the alternative damages)
Plaintiffs seek a constructive trust over the revenues of Epoladerm, Probudur and Envelta, or, in the alternative to a constructive trust,
a royalty of 5 per cent of net sales of Epoladerm, 8-11 percent of net sales of Probudur and 7.5 percent of net sales of Envelta. Plaintiffs
also seek, in addition to the requests for injunctive relief, constructive trust and/or royalties, further damages jointly and severally
against Mr. Mack and Virpax as follows: $1.3 million for misuse of Scilex resources, $6.7 million for misappropriation of trade secrets,
$13.4 million for exemplary damage (trade secrets damage x2) and attorney’s fees in an unspecified amount. Finally, Plaintiffs seek
injunctive relief, enjoining Mr. Mack and Virpax from further access to Scilex’s trade secrets; requiring Mr. Mack and Virpax to
return Scilex’s trade secrets to Plaintiffs; and enjoining Mr. Mack and Virpax from marketing or selling any products derived from
or incorporating Scilex’s trade secrets.
On November 29, 2023, the Defendants filed their
supplement brief on damages rebutting Plaintiffs’ damages analysis. Throughout the brief, Defendants argued Plaintiffs failed to
meet their burden to prove damages, and as such, should be precluded from any damages award. However, given the Court’s instruction,
Defendants proffered a reasonable damages analysis as follows: As for the injunctive relief requested against Mr. Mack, the Company took
no position, as the request was directed to Mr. Mack personally. Concerning Plaintiffs’ request for an injunction against further
development of Epoladerm for a period of 18 months and 27 days, Defendants opposed this request, arguing lack of irreparable harm, given
Plaintiffs’ request for money damages. Defendants also argued a constructive trust is inappropriate, given Plaintiffs failed to
articulate the parameters of such relief and, additionally, the lack of sales for the drug candidates preclude such relief. In terms
of the money damages related to the three drug candidates, Defendants proffered a reasonable royalty rate of 1-3% of the net profits
of the drug candidates, as opposed to lump sum damages, as such rate would alleviate the speculative nature of the damages requested
by Plaintiffs. As for the misappropriation of trade secrets request of $6.7 million, given the Court found only 5 of the proffered 1,182
documents were trade secrets, Defendants contend Plaintiffs either should receive no monetary damages (given the reasonable royalty would
encompass use of these documents and, alternatively, Defendants would return such documents). However, if the Court were to award damages,
such damages should be pro rata for the documents, or roughly $28,382. And, finally, Defendants opposed the request for attorneys’
fees and exemplary damages.
The parties to date have not had successful
settlement negotiations. As of December 31, 2022, the Company accrued $2.0 million with respect to the litigation. Based on the
facts of the litigation, including the September 1, 2023 memorandum opinion issued by the Chancery Court, as well as the
supplemental briefs filed by the Plaintiffs and the Defendants, the Company has recognized an accrual totaling $5.0 million with
respect to the litigation as of September 30, 2023. The $5.0 million accrual is recorded as “Estimated litigation
liability” on the condensed consolidated balance sheets as of September 30, 2023. While the Company believes that it has
issues to be raised on appeal, the ultimate resolution of the action could result in a material loss to the Company, and depending
on the magnitude of the award granted by the Chancery Court, we may be forced to cease developing certain product candidates or all
of our product candidates, liquidate assets or initiate bankruptcy proceedings, unless the Company is able to raise additional
capital, of which there can be no certainty. In addition, our ability to achieve profitability will be impacted by any royalties we
are required to pay to the Plaintiffs in our litigation. The payment of these royalties, if awarded to Plaintiffs, will
significantly impact our future revenue and may make it more difficult to engage in collaborations, licenses or the acquisition of
such products by large pharmaceutical company. If the Plaintiffs are awarded a royalty percent that we deem will make the further
development of any of Epoladerm, Probudur and Envelta no longer economical, we may choose not to continue development of such
product.
From time to time, we are subject to claims by
third parties under various legal disputes. The defense of such claims, or any adverse outcome relating to any such claims, could have
a material adverse effect on our liquidity, financial condition, and cash flows.
ITEM 1A: RISK FACTORS
Our operations and financial results are subject
to various risks and uncertainties, including those described in Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form
10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 22, 2023. Except as set forth below,
there have been no other material changes to our risk factors since our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022.
We have incurred losses since inception
and anticipate that we will continue to incur losses for the foreseeable future. We are not currently profitable, and we may never achieve
or sustain profitability.
We are a preclinical stage biopharmaceutical company
with a limited operating history and have incurred losses since our formation. We incurred net losses of approximately $10.6 million and
$18.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively. As of September 30, 2023, we had an accumulated deficit
of approximately $55.0 million. We have not commercialized any product candidates and have never generated revenue from the commercialization
of any product. To date, we have devoted most of our financial resources to research and development, including our preclinical work,
general and administrative expenses, including, but not limited to, legal defense costs and general corporate purposes, as well as to
intellectual property.
We expect to incur significant additional operating
losses for the next several years, at least, as we advance Epoladerm, Probudur, and Envelta through preclinical development, complete
clinical trials, seek regulatory approval and commercialize Epoladerm, Probudur, Envelta, AnQlar and NobrXiol (collectively, “Product
Candidates”), if approved. The costs of advancing product candidates into each clinical phase tend to increase substantially over
the duration of the clinical development process. Therefore, the total costs to advance any of our product candidates to marketing approval
in even a single jurisdiction will be substantial. Because of the numerous risks and uncertainties associated with pharmaceutical product
development, we are unable to accurately predict the timing or amount of increased expenses or when, or if, we will be able to begin generating
revenue from the commercialization of any products or achieve or maintain profitability. Our expenses will also increase substantially
if and as we:
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are required by the FDA, to complete Phase 2 trials to support an NDA for our Product Candidates; |
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are required by the FDA to complete Phase 3 trials to support NDAs for our Product Candidates; |
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establish a sales, marketing and distribution infrastructure to commercialize our drugs, if approved, and for any other product candidates for which we may obtain marketing approval; |
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maintain, expand and protect our intellectual property portfolio; |
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hire additional clinical, scientific and commercial personnel; |
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add operational, financial and management information systems and personnel, including personnel to support our product development and planned future commercialization efforts, as well as to support our transition to a public reporting company; and |
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acquire or in-license or invent other product candidates or technologies. |
Furthermore, our ability to successfully develop,
commercialize and license any product candidates and generate product revenue is subject to substantial additional risks and uncertainties,
as described under “Risks Related to Development, Clinical Testing, Manufacturing and Regulatory Approval” and “Risks
Related to Commercialization.” As a result, we expect to continue to incur net losses and negative cash flows for the foreseeable
future. These net losses and negative cash flows have had, and will continue to have, an adverse effect on our stockholders’ equity
and working capital. The amount of our future net losses will depend, in part, on the rate of future growth of our expenses and our ability
to generate revenues. If we are unable to develop and commercialize one or more product candidates, either alone or through collaborations,
or if revenues from any product that receives marketing approval are insufficient, we will not achieve profitability. In addition, our
ability to achieve profitability will be impacted by any royalties we are required to pay to the Plaintiffs in our litigation. The payment
of these royalties, if awarded to Plaintiffs, will significantly impact our future revenue and may make it more difficult to engage in
collaborations, licenses or the acquisition of such products by large pharmaceutical company. If the Plaintiffs are awarded a royalty
percent that we deem will make the further development of any of Epoladerm, Probudur and Envelta no longer economical, we may choose not
to continue development of such product. Even if we do achieve profitability, we may not be able to sustain profitability or meet outside
expectations for our profitability. If we are unable to achieve or sustain profitability or to meet outside expectations for our profitability,
the value of our common stock will be materially and adversely affected.
We will require additional capital to fund
our operations, and if we fail to obtain necessary financing, we may not be able to complete the development and commercialization of
our drugs.
Our operations have consumed substantial amounts
of cash since inception. We expect to continue to spend substantial amounts to advance the clinical development and launch and commercialize
our product candidates if we receive regulatory approval. We will require additional capital for the further development and potential
commercialization of our product candidates and may also need to raise additional funds sooner to pursue a more accelerated development
of our product candidates. If we are unable to raise capital when needed or on attractive terms, we could be forced to delay, reduce or
eliminate our research and development programs or any future commercialization efforts.
At September 30, 2023, we had cash of approximately
$12.2 million. We have incurred continuing losses including a loss of $10.6 million for the nine months ended September 30,
2023, and are currently involved in litigation and while we believe we have issues to be raised on appeal, the ultimate resolution of
the action could result in a material loss. Our future funding requirements, both near and long-term, will depend on many factors, including,
but not limited to the:
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costs associated with litigation, adverse judgments and/or settlements. |
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initiation, progress, timing, costs and results of preclinical studies and clinical trials, including patient enrollment in such trials, for our Product Candidates or any other future product candidates; |
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clinical development plans we establish for our Product Candidates and any other future product candidates; |
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obligation to make royalty and non-royalty sublicense receipt payments to third-party licensors, if any, under our licensing agreements; |
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number and characteristics of product candidates that we discover or in-license and develop; |
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outcome, timing and cost of regulatory review by the FDA and comparable foreign regulatory authorities, including the potential for the FDA or comparable foreign regulatory authorities to require that we perform more studies than those that we currently expect; |
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costs of filing, prosecuting, defending and enforcing any patent claims and maintaining and enforcing other intellectual property rights; |
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effects of competing technological and market developments; |
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costs and timing of the implementation of commercial-scale manufacturing activities; |
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costs and timing of establishing sales, marketing and distribution capabilities for any product candidates for which we may receive regulatory approval; and |
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cost associated with being a public company. |
If the Chancery Court were to order us to pay
significant damages, our ability to raise capital will likely be adversely impacted. If we are unable to expand our operations or otherwise
capitalize on our business opportunities due to a lack of capital, our ability to become profitable will be compromised.
Our business, financial condition and results
of operations may be adversely affected by the damages awarded in our current litigation with Sorrento Therapeutics, Inc. and Scilex Pharmaceuticals,
Inc.
On March 12, 2021, the Company and its then
Chief Executive Officer, Anthony P. Mack (the “Defendants”), were named as defendants in a complaint (the
“Complaint”) filed by Sorrento Therapeutics, Inc. (“Sorrento”), and Scilex Pharmaceuticals Inc.
(“Scilex” and together with Sorrento, the “Plaintiffs”) in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware.
In the Complaint, Plaintiffs alleged (i) Mr. Mack breached a Restrictive Covenants Agreement, dated as of November 8, 2016, between
himself and Sorrento (the “Restrictive Covenants Agreement”), (ii) the Company tortiously interfered with the
Restrictive Covenants Agreement, and (iii) the Company tortiously interfered with Scilex’s relationship with Mr. Mack. On May
7, 2021 Plaintiffs filed an Amended Complaint asserting the same three causes of action. On September 28, 2021, Plaintiffs filed a
Second Amended Complaint asserting the same three causes of action as the prior complaints, as well as claims in which Plaintiffs
alleged (i) Mr. Mack breached an Employment, Proprietary Information and Inventions Agreement, dated as of October 25, 2016, between
himself and Sorrento (the “Employment Agreement”), (ii) the Company tortiously interfered with the Employment Agreement,
(iii) Mr. Mack breached his fiduciary duties to Scilex, and (iv) the Company aided and abetted Mr. Mack’s alleged breach of
fiduciary duties to Scilex. On April 1, 2022, Plaintiffs filed a Third Amended Complaint. The Third Amended Complaint asserts the
same causes of action as the Second Amended Complaint, as well as claims for (i) misappropriation of trade secrets by Defendants
under Delaware law, and (ii) misappropriation of trade secrets by Defendants under California law. On April 18, 2022, Defendants
filed answers to the Third Amended Complaint. Trial was held before Vice Chancellor Paul Fioravanti from September 12 through
September 14, 2022. Post-trial briefing was completed by December 12, 2022, and post-trial argument was held on January 20, 2023.
Plaintiffs asserted alternative damages theories that would imply potential damages up to approximately $35.0 million. The Company
countered that actual damages, even if Plaintiffs establish liability, could be zero because, among other things, Plaintiffs’
calculations use various unsupported assumptions, any alleged damages are speculative in nature, and there is a possibility the
Company’s product candidates never reach market.
On September 1, 2023, the Chancery Court issued
a memorandum opinion addressing liability in the action filed by the Plaintiffs against the Defendants and found in favor of the Plaintiffs
on all but three counts which were deemed to have been waived. The Chancery Court found it proper to attribute Mr. Mack’s knowledge
and actions to the Company, which Mr. Mack used to effectuate the tortious interference and breach of fiduciary duty. The Chancery Court
found that Mr. Mack breached the restrictive covenants agreement he entered into with Sorrento by developing Epoladerm; the Company is
liable for tortious interference with contract; Plaintiffs were deemed to have waived their claims for breach of Mr. Mack’s employment
contract and for tortious interference with prospective economic advantage; Mr. Mack breached his fiduciary duty of loyalty to Scilex;
the Company aided and abetted Mr. Mack’s breach of fiduciary duty; and Mr. Mack misappropriated certain Scilex trade secrets. The
Court, however, stated that the question of an appropriate remedy must await further proceedings.
On October 4, 2023, the Chancery Court issued
a supplemental briefing schedule: Plaintiffs shall file their supplemental opening brief by October 18, 2023; Defendants shall file their
supplemental answering brief by November 29, 2023; and Plaintiffs shall file their supplemental reply brief by December 20, 2023.
On October 18, 2023, the Plaintiffs filed their
supplemental brief requesting the following relief: An injunction, in the first instance, enjoining Mr. Mack from having any relationship
with Virpax for a period of 18 months and 27 days; enjoining Virpax from further developing or marketing Epoladerm for a period of 18
months and 27 days; alternatively, if these two injunction requests are not granted, the Plaintiffs request a judgement of joint and several
liability against Mr. Mack and Virpax of $14,684,833. In addition to these requests for injunctive relief (or the alternative damages)
Plaintiffs seek a constructive trust over the revenues of Epoladerm, Probudur and Envelta, or, in the alternative to a constructive trust,
a royalty of 5 per cent of net sales of Epoladerm, 8-11 percent of net sales of Probudur and 7.5 percent of net sales of Envelta. Plaintiffs
also seek, in addition to the requests for injunctive relief, constructive trust and/or royalties, further damages jointly and severally
against Mr. Mack and Virpax as follows: $1.3 million for misuse of Scilex resources, $6.7 million for misappropriation of trade secrets,
$13.4 million for exemplary damage (trade secrets damage x2) and attorney’s fees in an unspecified amount. Finally, plaintiffs seek
injunctive relief, enjoining Mr. Mack and Virpax from further access to Scilex’s trade secrets; requiring Mr. Mack and Virpax to
return Scilex’s trade secrets to Plaintiffs; and enjoining Mr. Mack and Virpax from marketing or selling any products derived from
or incorporating Scilex’s trade secrets.
On November 29, 2023, the Defendants filed their supplement brief on damages rebutting Plaintiffs’ damages analysis. Throughout
the brief, Defendants argued Plaintiffs failed to meet their burden to prove damages, and as such, should be precluded from any damages
award. However, given the Court’s instruction, Defendants proffered a reasonable damages analysis as follows: As for the injunctive
relief requested against Mr. Mack, the Company took no position, as the request was directed to Mr. Mack personally. Concerning Plaintiffs’
request for an injunction against further development of Epoladerm for a period of 18 months and 27 days, Defendants opposed this request,
arguing lack of irreparable harm, given Plaintiffs’ request for money damages. Defendants also argued a constructive trust is inappropriate,
given Plaintiffs failed to articulate the parameters of such relief and, additionally, the lack of sales for the drug candidates preclude
such relief. In terms of the money damages related to the three drug candidates, Defendants proffered a reasonable royalty rate of 1-3%
of the net profits of the drug candidates, as opposed to lump sum damages, as such rate would alleviate the speculative nature of the
damages requested by Plaintiffs. As for the misappropriation of trade secrets request of $6.7 million, given the Court found only 5 of
the proffered 1,182 documents were trade secrets, Defendants contend Plaintiffs either should receive no monetary damages (given the reasonable
royalty would encompass use of these documents and, alternatively, Defendants would return such documents). However, if the Court were
to award damages, such damages should be pro rata for the documents, or roughly $28,382. And, finally, Defendants opposed the request
for attorneys’ fees and exemplary damages.
The parties to date have not had successful
settlement negotiations. As of December 31, 2022, the Company accrued $2.0 million with respect to the litigation. Based on the
facts of the litigation, including the September 1, 2023 memorandum opinion issued by the Chancery Court and the supplemental briefs
filed by the Plaintiffs and the Defendants, the Company has recognized an accrual totaling $5.0 million with respect to the litigation as of
September 30, 2023, which may not be sufficient. There can be no
assurance that Plaintiffs’ requested injunctive relief, royalties and/or damages award will not be granted by the Court in
whole or in part. Depending on the magnitude of the award granted by the Chancery Court, we may be forced to cease developing
certain product candidates or all of our product candidates, liquidate assets or initiate bankruptcy proceedings.
In addition, Plaintiffs are seeking royalty payments
or a constructive trust over revenues of Epoladerm, Probudur and Envelta. Our ability to achieve profitability will be impacted
by any royalties we are required to pay to the Plaintiffs in our litigation. The payment of these royalties, if awarded to Plaintiffs,
will significantly impact our future revenue and may make it more difficult to engage in collaborations, licenses or the acquisition of
such products by large pharmaceutical companies. If the Plaintiffs are awarded a royalty percent that we deem will make the further development
of any of Epoladerm, Probudur and Envelta no longer economical, we may choose not to continue development of such product.
Adverse global conditions, including economic
uncertainty, may negatively impact our financial results.
Global conditions, dislocations in the financial
markets, any negative financial impacts affecting United States as a result of tax reform or changes to existing trade agreements or tax
conventions, may adversely impact our business.
In addition, the global macroeconomic environment
could be negatively affected by, among other things, COVID-19 or other pandemics or epidemics, instability in global economic markets,
increased U.S. trade tariffs and trade disputes with other countries, instability in the global credit markets, supply chain weaknesses,
instability in the geopolitical environment as a result of the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union, the Russian invasion
of Ukraine, the war in the Middle East and other political tensions, and foreign governmental debt concerns. Such challenges have caused,
and may continue to cause, uncertainty and instability in local economies and in global financial markets.
Our development activities for Probudur
are conducted in Israel. The war in the Middle East, may affect our operations.
Lipocure, the company performing all of the development
work for Probudur, is located in Israel. If Lipocure were to be unable to continue to perform development work for us or were to be delayed
in its performance of development work due to the war in the Middle East, our development timelines will be adversely impacted and we
may not be able to develop Probudur within the timeline anticipated, if at all. There can be no assurance that we will be able to find
alternative developers at favorable prices.
Our failure to meet the continued listing requirements of The
Nasdaq Capital Market could result in a de-listing of our common stock.
Our shares of common stock are listed for trading
on The Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “VRPX.” If we fail to satisfy the continued listing requirements of The Nasdaq
Capital Market such as the corporate governance requirements, the stockholder’s equity requirement or the minimum closing bid price
requirement, The Nasdaq Capital Market may take steps to de-list our common stock or warrants.
On April 10, 2023, we received a written notice
(the “Notice”) from the Listing Qualifications Department of The Nasdaq Stock Market (“Nasdaq”) indicating that
we are not in compliance with the $1.00 Minimum Bid Price requirement set forth in Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(a)(2) for continued listing
on The Nasdaq Capital Market (the “Bid Price Requirement”). The Notice does not result in the immediate delisting of our common
stock from The Nasdaq Capital Market.
The Nasdaq Listing Rules require listed securities to maintain a minimum
bid price of $1.00 per share and, based upon the closing bid price of our common stock for the last 30 consecutive business days, we no
longer meet this requirement. The Notice indicated that the Company will be provided 180 calendar days in which to regain compliance,
or until October 9, 2023. On October 10, 2023 the Company received a written notice from Nasdaq that we were granted an additional 180
calendar day compliance period, granting the Company, a 180-day extension to regain compliance with the Nasdaq listing rule.
In the event we do not regain compliance with
Rule 5550(a)(2) prior to April 8, 2024, the Staff will provide us with written notification that its securities are subject to delisting
from The Nasdaq Capital Market. At that time, we may appeal the delisting determination to a hearings panel.
On November 16, 2023, we received a notice
from Nasdaq notifying the Company that we were not in compliance with the continued listing requirements of Nasdaq Listing Rule
5250(c)(1) because our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2023 had not yet been filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Nasdaq Listing Rule 5250(c)(1) requires us to timely file all required
periodic financial reports with the SEC. Under the Nasdaq rules, we now have 60 calendar days (until January 16, 2024) to submit a
plan to regain compliance. If Nasdaq accepts our plan, Nasdaq can grant an exception of up to 180 calendar days from the Quarterly
Report’s original due date, which 180-day period would end on May 13, 2024, to regain compliance. We believe that the filing
of this Quarterly Report resolves the matter with respect to the late filing of our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter
ended September 30, 2023 and the filing of a plan with respect to the late filing of our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the
quarter ended September 30, 2023 will not be required.
We intend to attempt to take actions to restore
our compliance with Nasdaq’s listing requirements and if needed intend to seek shareholder approval of a reverse stock split, but
we can provide no assurance that our shareholders will approve such a reverse stock split or that any action taken by us would result
in our common stock meeting the Nasdaq listing requirements, or that any such action would stabilize the market price or improve the liquidity
of our common stock. Any perception that we may not regain compliance or a delisting of our common stock by Nasdaq could adversely affect
our ability to attract new investors, decrease the liquidity of the outstanding shares of our common stock, reduce the price at which
such shares trade and increase the transaction costs inherent in trading such shares with overall negative effects for our stockholder.
In addition, delisting of our common stock from Nasdaq could deter broker-dealers from making a market in or otherwise seeking or generating
interest in our common stock and might deter certain institutions and persons from investing in our common stock.
In the event of a de-listing, we would take actions
to restore our compliance with The Nasdaq Capital Market’s listing requirements, but we can provide no assurance that any such action
taken by us would allow our common stock become listed again, stabilize the market price or improve the liquidity of our common stock,
prevent our common stock from dropping below The Nasdaq Capital Market, minimum bid price requirement or prevent future non-compliance
with The Nasdaq Capital Market’s listing requirements.
The National Securities Markets Improvement Act
of 1996, which is a federal statute, prevents or preempts the states from regulating the sale of certain securities, which are referred
to as “covered securities.” Because our common stock is listed on The Nasdaq Capital Market, our common stock is covered securities.
Although the states are preempted from regulating the sale of covered securities, the federal statute does allow the states to investigate
companies if there is a suspicion of fraud, and, if there is a finding of fraudulent activity, then the states can regulate or bar the
sale of covered securities in a particular case. Further, if we were to be delisted from The Nasdaq Capital Market, our common stock would
cease to be recognized as covered securities and we would be subject to regulation in each state in which we offer our securities.
We have experienced turnover in our senior
management team, and the loss of one or more of our executive officers or key employees or an inability to attract and retain highly
skilled employees could adversely affect our business.
Our success depends largely upon the continued
services of our key executive officers. We have in the past and may in the future experience changes in our executive management team
resulting from the departure of executives, which may be disruptive to our business. To continue to develop our pipeline and execute
our strategy, we also must attract and retain highly skilled personnel in our industry.
ITEM 2: UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES,
USE OF PROCEEDS, AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
None.
ITEM 3: DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
None.
ITEM 4: MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.
ITEM 5: OTHER INFORMATION
None.
ITEM 6: EXHIBITS
Exhibit No. |
|
Description |
3.1 |
|
Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Virpax Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 31, 2021, File No. 001-40064). |
|
|
|
3.2 |
|
Amended and Restated Bylaws of Virpax Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 31, 2021, File No. 001-40064). |
|
|
|
3.3 |
|
Amendment to Bylaws of Virpax Pharmaceuticals, Inc., dated June 5, 2023 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 7, 2023, File No. 001-40064). |
|
|
|
10.1 |
|
Amendment dated August 15, 2023 to Employment Agreement, dated as of September 18, 2018, as amended March 29, 2022 entered into between Virpax Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Anthony P. Mack (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 16, 2023, File No. 001-40064). |
|
|
|
31.1 |
|
Certification of the Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a). |
|
|
|
31.2 |
|
Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a). |
|
|
|
32.1** |
|
Certification of Principal Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b)
or Rule 15d-14(b). |
|
|
|
101.INS |
|
Inline XBRL Instance Document. |
|
|
|
101.SCH |
|
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document. |
|
|
|
101.CAL |
|
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document. |
|
|
|
101.DEF |
|
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document. |
|
|
|
101.LAB |
|
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document. |
|
|
|
101.PRE |
|
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document. |
|
|
|
104 |
|
Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101). |
| ** | This certification will not be
deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or otherwise subject to the
liability of that section. Such certification will not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities
Act of 1933, as amended, except to the extent specifically incorporated by reference into such filing. |
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized
on December 7, 2023.
|
VIRPAX PHARMACEUTICALS, INC. |
|
|
|
Date: December 7, 2023 |
By: |
/s/ Gerald Bruce |
|
|
Gerald Bruce |
|
|
President and Chief Executive Officer |
|
|
(Principal Executive Officer) |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Vinay Shah |
|
|
Vinay Shah |
|
|
Chief Financial Officer |
|
|
(Principal Financial Officer and
Principal Accounting Officer)
|
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I, Gerald Bruce, Chief Executive
Officer (Principal Executive Officer) of Virpax Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (the “Company”), do hereby certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C.
Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to the best of my knowledge:
I, Vinay Shah, Chief Financial
Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) of Virpax Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (the “Company”), do hereby certify, pursuant
to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to the best of my knowledge: