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CITRINE GLOBAL CORP
2022 FORM 10-K ANNUAL REPORT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Cautionary Statement regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or the Exchange Act. These forward-looking statements relate to future events or our future financial performance. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as “may,” “should,” “expects,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “potential,” or “continue” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. These forward-looking statements are only predictions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, any of which may cause our or our industry’s actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements.
Forward-looking statements are made based on management’s beliefs, estimates and opinions on the date the forward-looking statements are made, and we undertake no obligation to update forward-looking statements should these beliefs, estimates, and opinions or other circumstances change. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements. Except as required by applicable law, including the securities laws of the United States, we do not intend to update any of the forward-looking statements to conform these forward-looking statements to actual results.
Our financial statements are stated in United States dollars, or US$, and are prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP. In this Annual Report, unless otherwise specified, all dollar amounts are expressed in United States dollars and all references to “common stock” refer to the shares of our common stock. As used in this Annual Report, the terms “we,” “us,” “our,” “Citrine Global,” the “Company” and the “Registrant” mean Citrine Global, Corp. and its subsidiaries unless the context clearly requires otherwise.
PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
This summary highlights selected information contained elsewhere in this report and does not contain all the information that you should consider before making your investment decision. Before investing in our common stock, you should carefully read this entire report, including the information set forth under the “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” sections of this report and our consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes included in this report. Except as otherwise indicated herein or as the context otherwise requires, references in this report to “Citrine Global,” the “Company,” “we,” “us,” and “our” refer to Citrine Global, Corp. and our consolidated subsidiaries, including our wholly-owned subsidiary, CTGL-Citrine Global Israel Ltd. and to our partially owned subsidiary Cannovation Center Israel Ltd.;
Description of our Business and Industry Background:
We are a plant-based wellness & pharma solutions company with a vision of becoming a leading company in these fields and improve people’s health and quality of life worldwide.
The global health and wellness market is expected to reach USD 7.6 trillion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 5.5% from 2021 to 20301 with growing awareness of health and wellness solutions for improving people’s quality of life2.
We are witnessing a global movement of health and wellbeing becoming a priority for the public, further emphasized by the global COVID-19 pandemic. There is increasing recognition that people need to take charge of their own health, improve their quality of life, use natural products, and balance side effects caused by medicines and treatment3.
Our headquarters and executives are based in Israel, where we operate via our 100%-owned-subsidiary “CTGL Citrine Global Israel Ltd.” and 60%-owned “Cannovation Center Israel Ltd.”
1 Research, P., 2022. Health and Wellness Market Size to Hit USD 7,656.7 Bn by 2030. [online] GlobeNewswire Newsroom.
2 NielsenIQ. 2022. An inside look into the 2021 global consumer health and wellness revolution. [online]
3 Sullivan, F., 2022. Increasing Health Consciousness Among Consumers to Shift the Global Prebiotic Ingredients Market. [online] Prnewswire.com.
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We believe the power of plant-based solutions from nature can help improve people’s health and quality of life. Our business activity is primarily composed of developing wellness and pharma solutions, focused on science backed plant-based products to improve quality of life and complementary solutions for balancing side effects caused by using medicines, treatments, or an unbalanced lifestyle.
We have built an end-to-end strategy to bring to market on a global scale innovative plant-based wellness and pharma solutions covering the whole spectrum from innovation, research and development, product development, infrastructure for production and manufacturing, distribution, marketing and sales.
We seek to bring to the market wellness and pharma innovative products, such as food supplements, healthy snacks, healthy beverages and natural cosmetics, to help improve people’s health and quality of life and complementary products that aim to balance selected side effects associated with medicines, treatments or an unbalanced lifestyle.
Leveraging technology and research, we are focused on developing a products portfolio based on rigorous scientific research ranging from synergistic botanicals, herbal extract, tinctures, medicinal mushrooms together with plant extracts, vitamins, minerals, botanical formulations from seeds, roots, bark, fruits, and a wide variety of plants that contain substances with health-supportive effects. Such supportive effects include, but are not limited to, enhancing oral care, anti-inflammatory properties, relaxation, sleep enhancement, energizing, mood and body balancing, alleviating side effects, and more.
We have more than 100 plant-based formulations and product lines under the brands GreenFeels™ and Green Side by Side™ targeting the nutritional supplements market that is expected to reach $625 billion by 20304.
The product lines categories include:
● | Personal Protection & Health Supportive Product Line | |
● | Balance & Calm Product Line | |
● | Digestion , Weight Management Product Line | |
● | Men Product Line | |
● | Women Product Line | |
● | Sports & Energy Product Line | |
● | Oral Cavity Care Product Line | |
● | Vitamins & Minerals Product Line | |
● | Medicinal Mushrooms Product Line |
We started beta-testing several products in the Israeli market with plans for an international network focusing on the U.S. market through local teams, distributors, online and physical shops and collaboration with partners worldwide.
Our presence in Israel combined with our close contacts with leading universities, researchers, companies, shareholders and governmental support, allows us to access the latest technologies, talent, and innovation to bring innovative solutions to the global market.
We have strategic alliance and manufacturing agreements with iBOT Israel Botanicals, an affiliated and nutritional supplements’ company and GMP-certified manufacturing facility approved by the Israeli Ministry of Health. As part of our activity with iBOT, we are developing and manufacturing our nutritional supplements product lines, including the GreenFeels™ & Green Side by Side™ product lines.
Acquisition of MyPlant Bio Ltd. - On December 30, 2022, we purchased a 10% equity interest (on a fully diluted basis) in MyPlant Bio Ltd and Citrine Global has an option to purchase an additional 45% of MyPlant equity. See Business- The MyPlant Transaction.
MyPlant Bio Ltd, specializes in botanical drug development and owns certain know-how and intellectual property rights that include a developed platform and cell-disease models to screen plant extracts to understand their biological effect, and has screening platforms using cell line models for certain diseases and conditions to detect effective plant materials and/or other substances for the treatment of these conditions. MyPlant was founded by Cannasoul Analytics, a leading botanical research and development company and Prof. Dedi Meiri from the Faculty of Biology at the Israeli Institute of Technology (Technion) and a member of the Technion Integrated Cancer Center. Citrine Global’s acquisition of MyPlant is in line with the Citrine Global’s strategy to be a leader in plant-based wellness and pharma solutions.
4 Research, P., 2022. Nutritional Supplements Market to Hit US$ 624.7 Billion by 2030. [online] GlobeNewswire
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We view the acquisition of MyPlant as an opportunity to advance its wellness and planned pharma and botanical drug products with MyPlant’s scientific research as to the effects of specific plant substances and compounds on different wellness and medical conditions. We believe that we can benefit from the collaboration with MyPlant and Professor Dedi Meiri to advance the company’s strategy for developing scientifically backed plant-based products composed of specific active plant substances proven by research to be effective for different medical conditions and possibly offer personally customized products for individual patients tailored for their healing process.
The collaboration with MyPlant is part of our strategy to add value to our product lines and position our company with a competitive edge in the Wellness market and the Nutritional Supplements.
As the worldwide use of botanical nutritional supplements and botanical drugs continues to grow, the need for scientific evaluation of the safety and efficacy of these products is becoming ever greater. We are targeting and positioning our product lines for the nutritional supplements market that is expected to reach $625 billion by 20305.
Our mission is to leverage the power of plant-based solutions from nature to help improve people’s health and quality of life.
We created multi-strategy solutions to realize our mission, the highlights of which include the following:
Developing & Bringing Plant-Based Wellness & Pharma Products to Market:
The plant-based products market is booming with health-conscious consumers spending more on natural products, ranging from nutraceuticals, natural superfoods, beverages, cosmetics, to legal cannabis and the evolving market of botanical and plant-derived drugs. The COVID-19 pandemic has left a lasting impression on consumer behavior, particularly in relation to plant-based nutrition and natural immunity boosters6.
Here are the various growing plant-based product global market segments
● | The nutritional supplements market is expected to reach USD 624.7 billion by 20307. | |
● | The superfoods market is expected to reach USD 287.7 billion by 20278. | |
● | The legal cannabis market is expected to reach USD 70.6 billion by 20289. | |
● | The botanical and plant-derived drug market is expected to reach USD 53 billion by 202610. | |
● | The natural cosmetics market is expected to reach USD 24.8 billion by 202711. |
We are basing our efforts on technologies to create research and innovation, developing plant-based solutions which include products for improving quality of life and complementary solutions for balancing selected side effects caused by using medicines, cannabis, treatments, or an unbalanced lifestyle.
5 Research, P., 2022. Nutritional Supplements Market to Hit US$ 624.7 Billion by 2030. [online] GlobeNewswire
6 Sullivan, F., 2022. Increasing Health Consciousness Among Consumers to Shift the Global Prebiotic Ingredients Market. [online] Prnewswire.com
7 Research, P., 2022. Nutritional Supplements Market to Hit US$ 624.7 Billion by 2030. [online] GlobeNewswire News Room
8 Research, I., 2022. Global Superfoods Market Size is Projected To Reach US$ 287.75 Billion by 2027 | Superfoods Market Store, Delivery Options, Emerging Trends 2022 | Segmentation by Product Type, Applications, Regions, & Key-Players (ADM, Ardent Mills, Bunge). [online] GlobeNewswire News Room
9 Grandviewresearch.com. 2022. Legal Marijuana Market Size Worth $70.6 Billion By 2028
10 2018-2026, G. and 2018-2026, G., 2022. Botanical and Plant Derivative Drug Market - Global Forecast 2018-2026. [online] Inkwood Research.
11 Fortune Business Insights, The global vegan cosmetics market is projected to grow to $24.79 billion in 2028 Report ID FBI106594 [online]
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Our IP Strategy and R&D Roadmap include:
● | Developing wellness plant-based product portfolio across the range from scientific and research-based plants, such as herbal extracts, medicinal mushrooms, and other natural ingredients. | |
● | Expanding our current product lines and registering the products for worldwide regulatory approvals. | |
● | Developing complementary products for balancing selected side effects caused by medicines, treatments, aging, stress, or an unbalanced lifestyle. | |
● | Researching and developing pharma solutions with the mission of developing plant-based medicines and botanical drugs. | |
● | Building our patent portfolio, conducting clinical trials, and advancing our products through innovation and technology. | |
● | We filed provisional patent applications in the field of Balancing Side Effects in the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO): Patent Application No. 63/418,046, and Patent Application No. 63/388,361 for compositions and methods for balancing side effects associated with the use of medicines, treatments, aging and unbalanced or unhealthy lifestyle and balancing side effects related to symptoms in the oral cavity. |
About Side Effects Caused by Using Medicines, Treatments or an Unbalanced Lifestyle
Side effects are unexpected reactions which may result from using medicines, treatments and an unbalanced lifestyle. There are common side effects, such as dryness in the oral cavity (xerostomia), headaches, dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, lack of concentration, and impaired appetite that are associated with the use of medicines and treatments12.
The public health impact of harms associated with medicines and treatments is a growing area of investigation, given the expanding pharma industry and widespread availability of drugs and different medical treatments around the world. Current evidence suggests that use of medicines is associated with side effects. Exploring the relationship between drug side-effects and therapeutic indications demonstrates that 69% of drugs have between 10 and 100 different side effects; 22% of drugs have more than 100 side-effects; only 9% of drugs have less than 10 side-effects (Please see Figure 1 below)13.
12 U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 2022. Learning about Side Effects.
13 P. Zhang, F. Wang, J. Hu, and R. 2013, Exploring the Relationship Between Drug Side-Effects and Therapeutic Indications, PubMed Central, PMCID: PMC3900166; PMID: 24551427
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Figure 1: Exploring drug side-effects: 69% of drugs have between 10 and 100 different side effects
*Illustration Taken from: PubMed – Exploring the Relationship Between Drug Side-
Effects and Therapeutic Indications
P. Zhang, F. Wang, J. Hu, and R. 2013, Exploring the Relationship Between Drug Side-Effects and Therapeutic Indications, PubMed Central, PMCID: PMC3900166; PMID: 24551427
Treatment of side-effects, or adverse drug reactions, has become a healthcare concern. The new market of Pharmacovigilance, also known as drug safety – the pharmaceutical science relating to the collection, detection, assessment, monitoring, and prevention of adverse effects with pharmaceutical products – is developing and expected to reach $12.48 Billion in 2027. Driving this are increasing public awareness and demand for safer medications and increasing government initiatives to promote drug safety around the globe14.
We believe that natural plant-based products show great promise in improving quality of life and can be used as complementary products to balance side effects. Antibiotics and probiotics are an excellent use case. Antibiotics are important for treating bacterial infections; however, they can sometimes cause side effects such as diarrhea, liver disease and changes to the gut microbiota. Using probiotics during and after a treatment with antibiotics can help reduce the risk of diarrhea and restore the gut microbiota to a healthy state15.
Addressing a significant market need, we included in our strategy the development of plant based complementary solutions through wellness as well as clinically developing plant-based pharmaceutical products to address the need to balance selected effects and support people who experience side effects from using medicines, cannabis, and various treatments.
Oral Cavity Dry-Mouth -Side-Effect
Research shows that the overall estimated prevalence of dry mouth is over one in four people in the general population with higher prevalence rates observed in studies conducted with elderly people16 demonstrating that oral cavity-related symptoms are linked to different factors, such as using medicines, treatments, aging, an unbalanced or unhealthy lifestyle, various chronic diseases, psychological reasons, stress, and more17.
It is important to maintain the saliva level in the mouth to prevent problems and damage, as saliva plays a key role in maintaining health in the oral cavity. Saliva contains calcium and phosphorous which protects teeth, helps the digestive system, prevents bad smell through balancing the acidity that comes from food and bacteria, has enzymes that help break down food, washes food scraps and bacteria, and helps speech as pronunciation of movements and syllables is done with saliva and tongue.
The Dry Mouth Treatment Market is expected to reach $1.81 billion by 203218.
In July 2022, we filed a provisional patent application for “COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR TREATING, AMELIORATING, ALLEVIATING, MITIGATING OR BALANCING SIDE-EFFECTS IN THE ORAL CAVITY ASSOCIATED WITH THE USE OF MEDICINES, TREATMENTS, AGING OR UNBALANCED/UNHEALTHY LIFESTYLE”, patent No: 63/388,361 in the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office. The patent application relates to compositions and methods for answering the need for treatment, amelioration, alleviation, mitigation, or balance of side effects in the Oral Cavity related to medications, treatments, using cannabis 24, smoking, adult population experiencing constant dry mouth and unhealthy lifestyle.
14 Pharmacovigilance Market Size to Reach 12.48 Billion in 2027 | Industry Trend - Rising Prevalence of Chronic Diseases Worldwide, Increasing Cases of Adverse Drug Reactions and Drug Toxicity and High Consumption of Drugs in Developed Economies, 2022, Bio Space Article [online]
15 Healthline. 2022. What You Should Eat During and After Antibiotics. [online]
16 How Common is Dry Mouth? Systematic Review and Meta-Regression Analysis of Prevalence Estimates Brazilian Dental Journal (2018) 29(6): 606-618
17 American Dental Association (ADA) Science & Research Institute, LLC Oral Health Topic: Xerostomia, Department of Scientific Information, Evidence Synthesis & Translation Research. Feb 2021
18 Dry Mouth Treatment Market Outlook (2022-2032), Persistence Market Research, 2021
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We developed Oral Cavity Care products lines the SmokLyTM and DryLessTM series of sprays that target to balance the dry mouth side effect that may result from using medicines, cannabis, smoking, treatments and unhealthy lifestyle, and is also targeting adult population that tends to experience constant dry mouth.
The products contain plant extracts distilled from seeds, roots, bark, fruits with active anti-inflammatory substances that encourage saliva production and taste in the oral cavity.
Our Oral Cavity Care Product Lines include:
● | SmokLyTM line of sprays targeting the market of cannabis users and tobacco smokers. |
● | DryLessTM line of sprays targeting adult population experiencing constant dry mouth and certain cancer treatment patients that experience constant dry mouth as part of their cancer treatment regimen. |
Figure 2: Our Oral Cavity Care Product Lines SmokLyTM & DryLessTM
The SmokLyTM & DryLessTM lines of sprays were launched in the Israeli market and are manufactured in a GMP certified facility approved by the Israeli Ministry of Health.
Side Effects from Cannabis Use
Following thorough investigation of cannabis’ side effects, we filed a provisional patent application titled “PHARMACEUTICAL COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR THE TREATMENT OF SIDE-EFFECTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE USE OF CANNABIS, CANNABINOIDS AND RELATED PRODUCTS”, patent No: 63/257,673 in the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office. In October 2022 we filed an extension to the provisional patent application No: 63/257,673 in the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office by filing a provisional patent application patent No: 63/418,046 for “COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR TREATING, AMELIORATING, ALLEVIATING, MITIGATING OR BALANCING SIDE-EFFECTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE USE OF MEDICINES, TREATMENTS, AGING, CANNABIS, AND UNBALANCED OR UNHEALTHY LIFESTYLE”. The patent application describes common side effects associated with the use of medicines, treatments, aging, cannabis and cannabinoids, and unbalanced or unhealthy life style, such as headaches, dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, lack of concentration, impaired appetite, and more.
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In July 2022, we filed a provisional patent application for “COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR TREATING, AMELIORATING, ALLEVIATING, MITIGATING OR BALANCING SIDE-EFFECTS IN THE ORAL CAVITY ASSOCIATED WITH THE USE OF MEDICINES, TREATMENTS, AGING OR UNBALANCED/UNHEALTHY LIFESTYLE”, patent No: 63/388,361 in the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office. The patent application relates to compositions and methods for answering the need for treatment, amelioration, alleviation, mitigation, or balance of side effects in the Oral Cavity related to medications, treatments, using cannabis 24, smoking, adult population experiencing constant dry mouth and unhealthy lifestyle.
There are currently over 200 million cannabis users worldwide and an increased interest in cannabis as a medicine in recent years19. Cannabis was approved for medical use showing benefit in serious medical conditions including cancer, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s, epilepsy, chronic pain, and post trauma20. Research indicates that some medical cannabis users experience side effects during their cannabis treatment, which may cause them to discontinue treatment despite good clinical outcomes achieved with the cannabis treatment21.
According to the Mayo Clinic in the US these are the most reported side effects in association with cannabis use22:
● | Headaches | |
● | Dry mouth and dry eyes | |
● | Lightheadedness and dizziness | |
● | Drowsiness | |
● | Fatigue | |
● | Nausea and vomiting | |
● | Disorientation | |
● | Hallucinations | |
● | Increased heart rate | |
● | Increased appetite | |
● | Impaired attention, judgement, and coordination | |
● | Worsened manic symptoms in people who have bipolar disorder | |
● | Increased risk of depression or worsen depression symptoms | |
● | Increased risk of psychosis in people who have schizophrenia | |
● | Impaired memory and cognitive function | |
● | Harmful cardiovascular effects, such as high blood pressure | |
● | Worsened respiratory conditions | |
● | Adverse interactions including with alcohol and anticoagulants. |
19 Statista. 2022. Cannabis users worldwide number by region 2011-2019 | Statista. [online]
20 2017. The Health Effects of Cannabis and Cannabinoids
21 Kudahl, B., Berg, M., Posselt, C., Nordentoft, M. and Hjorthøj, C., 2021. Medical cannabis and cannabis-based medicine show both potential efficacy and potential harms: Cross-sectional comparison with controls on self-rated and interviewer-rated outcomes within the Danish pilot program on medical cannabis. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 45, p.101476
22 Mayo Clinic. 2022. What you can expect from medical marijuana. [online]
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Figure 3: Schematic Representation of Side Effects Associated with the Use of Cannabis
*Illustration Taken from: Positive Choices Educational Program
Positive Choices. 2022. Cannabis: Factsheet. [online]
Our Plant-based product lines
We believe in the power of plant-based solutions from nature can improve people’s health and quality of life. We have developed our strategy to add value to our product lines and position our company with a competitive edge in the Wellness and the Nutritional Supplements market.
Leveraging technology and research, we are developing plant-based solutions targeting to improve quality of life and complementary products to balance selected side effects caused by medicines, cannabis, treatments, or an unbalanced lifestyle.
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The GreenFeels™ & Green Side by Side™ Product Lines:
Figure 4: Our Product Lines
We have more than 100 formulations & products under the brand names of GreenFeels™ and Green Side by Side™ product lines that include wellness plant-based products and nutritional supplements for improving quality of life and complementary products for balancing selected side effects caused by medicines, cannabis, treatments, or an unbalanced lifestyle. We position our product lines to capture market share in the nutritional supplements market that is expected to reach $625 billion by 203023.
The products arrive in multiple form factors, such as sprays, powders, tablets, capsules, and tinctures.
We used innovative technologies and experience to create the products combining a variety of well researched plants including herbal extracts, medicinal mushrooms, vitamins, minerals and variety of researched plants known for their healing qualities that contain substances with different anti-inflammatory properties and a variety of health-supportive effects that are relaxing, sleep enhancing, energizing, mood and body balancing, enhancing oral care and alleviating side effects.
We started our beta testing and initial launch of Green Side by Side™ in the Israeli market with a local company, an Israeli medical cannabis company, focusing on the SmokLy series, a line of sprays for the oral cavity to support people with oral cavity dryness (xerostomia), a common side effect experienced by many cannabis users. The products are available in several pharmacies and medical cannabis pharmacies as complementary products to medical cannabis users.
23 Research, P., 2022. Nutritional Supplements Market to Hit US$ 624.7 Billion by 2030. [online] GlobeNewswire
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Following the initial trial period, we developed an additional brand under the name GreenFeels™ and we plan to expand our distribution efforts with retail, pharmacy chains and natural products’ distributors in Israel. We also plan to distribute the product lines in the United States and worldwide with local partners consistent with local regulations.
Our nutritional supplements products are manufactured in Israel in iBOT Israel Botanicals Ltd under a GMP-certified manufacturing facility approved by the Israeli Ministry of Health.
The GreenFeels™ and Green Side by Side™ product lines that include the following categories:
1. The Oral Cavity Care Family Line
The Oral Cavity Care Product Family Line targets to balance oral cavity dryness side effect. The Oral Cavity Care Family Line includes the SmokLy TM and DryLess TM series of sprays for the oral cavity targeting to balance the dry mouth side effect (xerostomia) that may result from using medicines, cannabis, smoking or treatments.
Benefits of the Oral Cavity Care Product series:
● | The SmokLyTM line of sprays targeting the market of cannabis users and tobacco smokers. | |
● | The DryLessTM line of sprays targeting adult population experiencing constant dry mouth and certain cancer treatment patients that experience constant dry mouth as part of their cancer treatment regimen | |
● | The products contain plant extracts distilled from seeds, roots, bark, fruits with active anti-inflammatory substances that encourage saliva production, taste and can promote saliva production and moisture in the oral cavity. | |
● | Convenient to use by spraying into the oral cavity | |
● | The products come in 7 different flavors: lemon, strawberry, passion fruit, aniseed, mango, maple and mint |
2. The Medicinal Mushrooms Family Line:
Medicinal Mushrooms Family Line targets to balance important body systems.
The Medicinal Mushrooms Family Line is based on researched medicinal mushrooms that have been used for thousands of years in traditional medicine and have been proven to be efficient for various medicinal uses. Medicinal Mushrooms were found to have a wide potential in the treatment and prevention of diseases, including protection of the heart, antioxidant activity, balancing and strengthening the immune and digestive systems, lowering cholesterol and balancing blood sugar. Furthermore, it has been shown to protect other important organs such as the liver, with anti-cancer activity.
The Medicinal Mushrooms Family Line includes synergistic combinations of research-based medicinal mushrooms and herbs composed in an herbalist method and made of purely natural ingredients.
The products contain dry form, concentrated powders and extracts of mushrooms and herbals researched and found to benefit headaches, changes in blood pressure, anxiety, fatigue, and sleep disorders. We are harnessing the power of medicinal mushrooms for restoring nutritional balance and strengthening the immune system and other body systems.
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3. The Booster (Energy & Sports) Family Line
The Booster Family Line targets to provide energy and strength. The Booster Family Line contains unique research-based ingredients and herbal extracts with a high concentration of antioxidants composed in an herbalist method. The Booster Family Line products create a synergistic combination of researched plants and natural ingredients that have been shown to have health supportive anti-inflammatory properties, which strengthen the immune system and contribute to an improved overall feeling. Imbalance in the body, resulting from poor diet and unhealthy lifestyle, chronic diseases, weakness of the immune system, and side effects of medicines and treatments may lead to recurrent infections, chronic coughing, weakness, and gastrointestinal disorders. The Booster Family Line includes herbal syrups that are suitable for morning drinking preventively and target to support daily overload as energy and booster products. The Product Line for Sports & Energy contains research-based herbal formulas including powders and extracts of researched plants that have been demonstrated to have effects of enhancing exercise and athletic performance and include ingredients that improve strength or endurance, increase exercise efficiency, achieve a performance goal more quickly, and increase tolerance for more intense training. These products can be used to prepare the body for exercise, reduce the chance of injury during training, and enhance recovery from exercise. The products come in a variety of forms, including tablets, capsules, liquids, powders, and bars.
4. The Balance & Calm Family Line
Balance & Calm Family Line for mood and body balancing. The Balance & Calm Family Line contains research-based herbal formulas composed in an herbalist method including powders and extracts of researched plants that have been demonstrated to have health supporting effects of calming the digestive system, reducing anxiety and fatigue, and improving sleep quality.
The Balance & Calm Family Line serves as support for the digestive system, balancing and strengthening the body, calming and improving sleep quality. Modern lifestyles that include many tasks and heavy stress, with a non-optimal diet, can lead to fatigue, restlessness, pain, and a particularly sensitive digestive system. All of these can also be side effects of taking various medications and having an unbalanced lifestyle. Continuous stress releases toxic substances in the body, which over time can cause significant health problems. Studies showed that reducing stress improves sleep quality through affecting the nervous system. The Balance & Calm Family Line targets to restore and maintain emotional and body balance and calm the digestive and other systems of the body.
5. The Personal Protection & Health Supportive Family Line:
Personal Protection Family Line targets to support various health chronic and other conditions and prevent contagion with viruses and bacteria. The Personal Protection & Health Supportive Family Line contains research-based balanced combinations of plants, vitamins and minerals composed in an herbalist method, which together form a shell that supports the proper functioning of many body systems, giving an incentive to the immune system and preventing contagion with viruses and bacteria. In the current reality of pandemics, such as COVID-19, and the widespread use of medicines and treatments we believe it is important to balance and nurture different body systems and to strengthen the immune system.
6. The Digestion & Weight Management Family Line
The Product Line for Digestions & Weight Management contains research-based herbal formulas including powders and extracts of researched plants that have been demonstrated to have effects on the digestive system, metabolism and appetite and include ingredients that improve weight management and include ingredients with thermogenic, lipotropic, satiety, and other metabolic effects demonstrating improved markers of metabolic health, such as glucose, lipids, and blood pressure. These products can be used to support various digestive system health conditions and limited calory diet intake without suffering from nutritional deficiencies, successful weight management, which includes not only weight loss but also weight loss maintenance (i.e., limiting weight regain); control of appetite, and more.
7. The Men Family Line
The Product Line for Men contains research-based herbal formulas including powders and extracts of researched plants that have been demonstrated to have health supporting effects on Men’s Health issues in different areas, such as men’s sexual potency & fertility, prostate gland issues, fitness, weight loss, and more. The Product Line for Men targets to restore and maintain specific health issues common for men and is adapted to men’s physiology, nutritional needs, common health issues, and more.
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8. The Women Family Line
The Product Line for Women contains research-based herbal formulas including powders and extracts of researched plants that have been demonstrated to have health supporting effects on Women’s Health issues in different areas, such as candidiasis, fertility issues, vaginal microflora, menstrual cycle normalization, PMS relief, weight loss, and more. The Product Line for Women targets to restore and maintain specific health issues common for women and is adapted to women’s physiology, nutritional needs, common health issues, and more.
9. The Vitamins & Minerals Family Line
Vitamins and minerals are essential organic compounds that are required in order to maintain good health and overcome various infections and retain a good health condition. They are involved in a variety of metabolic processes and many physiological systems and functions in the body.
The Vitamins & Minerals Product Line is based on researched substances that have been proven to be efficient for various medicinal uses. Thy contain research-based balanced combinations of vitamins and minerals composed in an herbalist method, which support the proper functioning of many body systems, and specifically the immune system to prevent contagion with viruses and bacteria, support a healthy digestive system, cognitive functions, and more.
Acquisition of MyPlant Bio Ltd.
In December 30, 2022, we purchased a 10% equity interest (on a fully diluted basis) in MyPlant Bio Ltd. under the terms of a Share Purchase and Option Agreement. The agreement provides Citrine Global with an option to purchase an additional 45% of MyPlant equity.
MyPlant Bio Ltd, a pioneering Israeli company that is specialized in botanical drug development and owns certain know-how and intellectual property rights that include a developed platform and cell-disease models to screen plant extracts to understand their biological effect and has screening platforms using cell line models for certain diseases and conditions to detect effective plant materials and/or other substances for the treatment of these conditions. MyPlant was founded by Cannasoul Analytics, a leading botanical research and development company and Prof. Dedi Meiri from the Faculty of Biology at the Israeli Institute of Technology (Technion) and a member of the Technion Integrated Cancer Center. Citrine Global’s acquisition of MyPlant is in line with the Citrine Global’s strategy to be a leader in plant-based wellness and pharma solutions.
Under the terms of the Share Purchase and Option Agreement, we purchased from the MyPlant shareholders an aggregate of 44,328 ordinary shares of MyPlant (the “MyPlant Shares”) representing, on a fully diluted basis, 10% of the outstanding MyPlant Shares, in consideration of $444,444 payable by the issuance by Citrine Global to the MyPlant shareholders of an aggregate of 9,259,250 shares of our common stock. In addition, under the Share Purchase and Option Agreement, we were granted an option by the MyPlant shareholders to purchase an additional 35% of MyPlant Shares, on a fully diluted basis (the “Shareholders Option”), in consideration of $1,555,556 payable by the issuance of up to 32,407,417 shares of our common stock to the MyPlant shareholders, and a separate option by MyPlant to purchase an additional 10% of the MyPlant Shares, on a fully diluted basis (the “MyPlant Option”), in consideration of $444,444, which is payable, in our sole discretion, in cash or in the issuance to MyPlant of up to 9,259,250 shares of our common stock. Said options are exercisable through September 30, 2023 (the “Option Expiry Date”). If both the Shareholders Option and the Company Options are exercised, we will hold 55% of MyPlant Shares, on a fully diluted basis. Under the Share Purchase and Option Agreement, are authorized to continue its due diligence through the Option Expiry Date.
The transactions under the Share Purchase and Option Agreement are based on a MyPlant company valuation of approximately $4.45 million. Under the agreement, we are authorized at any time on or before the Option Expiry Date to obtain an independent third-party valuation of MyPlant. If it is determined by such third-party valuation that the MyPlant valuation is less than $4.45 million then the consideration payable in respect of the exercise price of the options will be accordingly adjusted, provided however that in any case the Company’s valuation in the transaction shall not be below US$1,000,000.
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Under the Share Purchase and Option Agreement, MyPlant granted to our company the exclusive right to utilize MyPlant’s activities as specified in the agreement, including without limitation, the screening platforms using cell line models for certain diseases and conditions to detect effective plant materials and/or other substances for the treatment of these conditions and a and a right of first opportunity to commercialize intellectual property developed by MyPlant that is in Citrine (or its subsidiaries’) field of business, provided that, if by December 31, 2023 we do not exercise either of the Shareholders Option or the Company Option and/or enter into a service agreement with MyPlant, then the exclusive rights shall terminate but the right of first opportunity to commercialize intellectual property developed by MyPlant shall continue thereafter until June 31, 2024, unless such rights have been extended beyond such date under the terms to be agreed in the service agreement entered into by MyPlant and out company. In addition, under the Share Purchase and Option Agreement, Cannasoul, MyPlant’s majority Shareholder, agreed to not that may compete with MyPlant’s activities.
We were also granted observer rights on the MyPlant board of Directors (the “MyPlant Board”). Following the exercise by us of the Shareholders Option, the MyPlant Board shall be comprised of four (4) directors of which MyPlant will be authorized to designate two of such directors.
The acquisition of MyPlant Bio is part of our strategy for developing scientifically backed plant-based products composed of specific active plant substances proven by research to advance our wellness and planned pharma product offerings as to the effects of specific plant substances and compounds on different wellness and medical conditions and possibly the option to offer personally customized products for individual patients tailored for their healing process. As the worldwide use of botanical nutritional supplements and botanical drugs continues to grow, the need for scientific evaluation of the safety and efficacy of these products is becoming ever greater and positions our company with a competitive edge in the Wellness market, the Nutritional Supplements market that is expected to reach USD 625 billion by 203024 and the botanical and plant-derived drug market that is expected to reach USD 53 billion by 202625.
Our IP Strategy and R&D Roadmap
Our IP strategy and R&D roadmap include developing plant-based wellness and pharma solutions, building our patent portfolio, conducting clinical trials, advancing products through regulatory approvals, and bringing innovative products to market.
Currently we have a provisional patent application, and as part of our IP strategy, we plan to build a patent portfolio. We are also considering purchasing patents and IP.
Our strategy includes developing plant-based wellness, and plant-based medicines products & solutions including:
● | Developing plant-based products portfolio based on rigorous scientific research ranging from synergistic botanicals, herbal extract tinctures, medicinal mushrooms together with plant extracts, botanical formulations from seeds, roots, bark, fruits and a wide variety of plants that contain substances with health-supportive effects. Such supportive effects include, but aren’t limited to, enhancing oral care, anti-inflammatory properties, relaxation, sleep enhancement, energizing, mood and body balancing and alleviating side effects. |
24 Research, P., 2022. Nutritional Supplements Market to Hit US$ 624.7 Billion by 2030. [online] GlobeNewswire
25 201-2026, G. and 2018-2026, G., 2022. Botanical and Plant Derivative Drug Market - Global Forecast 2018-2026. [online]
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● | Researching plant-based medicines and solutions for the botanical and plant-derived drug market. Botanical drugs are derivative of medicinal plants and may contain algae, plant-based substances and fungi. Botanical and plant derived drugs help in the treatment of various diseases, such as central nervous system disorders, infectious diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and respiratory diseases and are available in various forms, such as pills, tablets, and injections. The key factors driving this market are growing applications in diseases, growing FDA approvals and a dedicated Botanical Drugs Approval pathway, technological development in the manufacturing process, and rising demand for and focus on traditional and natural source medicines. | |
● | The acquisition of MyPlant is an opportunity to advance our wellness and planned pharma and botanical drug products with MyPlant’s scientific research as to the effects of specific plant substances and compounds on different wellness and medical conditions. As we have more than 100 researched plant-based formulations and product lines targeting to promote wellbeing and complementary products for balancing selected side effects caused by medicines, treatments, or an unbalanced lifestyle and we continue our research, we plan to benefit from the collaboration with MyPlant and Professor Dedi Meiri to advance our strategy for developing scientifically backed plant-based products composed of specific active plant substances proven by research to be effective for different medical conditions and possibly offer personally customized products for individual patients tailored for their healing process. We will also have access to MyPlant’s database of verified substances and their researched effects on different medical conditions to advance development our pharma products positioned to capture market share in the botanical and plant-derived drug market that is expected to reach USD 53 billion by 202626. |
Our research and development program includes:
● | Developing wellness plant-based product portfolio across the range from scientific and research-based plants, such as herbal extracts, medicinal mushrooms, and other natural ingredients |
● | Developing complementary products portfolio for balancing selected side effects caused by medicines, treatments, cannabis, aging, stress, and an unbalanced lifestyle |
● | Expanding our product lines and registering the products for worldwide regulatory approvals. |
● | Researching and developing plant-based medicines and pharma solutions with the mission of developing plant-based medicines and botanical drugs |
● | Building patent portfolio |
● | Building clinical trials program & portfolio |
● | Registering products for regulatory approval |
● | Building the infrastructure for production and innovation centers to leverage IP & competitive advantage in developing and manufacturing wellness to pharma plant-based products |
● | Currently our product line does not include any cannabis, cannabinoid, or cannabis related components. However, pending changes in the regulatory, market landscape and pending approval of the board of directors, we may consider developing cannabis, cannabinoid, and related products. |
Provisional Patent Applications
In October 2021 we filed a provisional patent application for “PHARMACEUTICAL COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR THE TREATMENT OF SIDE-EFFECTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE USE OF CANNABIS, CANNABINOIDS AND RELATED PRODUCTS”, patent No: 63/257,673 in the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office. The patent application describes certain side effects of cannabis use, the needs, technologies and solutions to support medical cannabis users who experience side effects related to their cannabis treatment.
In October 2022 we filed an extension to the provisional patent application No: 63/257,673 in the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office by filing a provisional patent application patent No: 63/418,046 for “COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR TREATING, AMELIORATING, ALLEVIATING, MITIGATING OR BALANCING SIDE-EFFECTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE USE OF MEDICINES, TREATMENTS, AGING, CANNABIS, AND UNBALANCED OR UNHEALTHY LIFESTYLE”. The patent application describes common side effects associated with the use of medicines, treatments, aging, cannabis and cannabinoids, and unbalanced or unhealthy life style, such as headaches, dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, lack of concentration, impaired appetite, and more.
26 2018-2026, G. and 2018-2026, G., 2022. Botanical and Plant Derivative Drug Market - Global Forecast 2018-2026. [online]
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In July 2022, we filed a provisional patent application patent No: 63/388,361 in the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office for “COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR TREATING, AMELIORATING, ALLEVIATING, MITIGATING OR BALANCING SIDE-EFFECTS IN THE ORAL CAVITY ASSOCIATED WITH THE USE OF MEDICINES, TREATMENTS, AGING OR UNBALANCED/UNHEALTHY LIFESTYLE”. The patent application relates to compositions and methods for answering the need for treatment, amelioration, alleviation, mitigation, or balance of side effects in the Oral Cavity related to medications, treatments (such as chemotherapy), and more. It describes technologies and solutions to support people who experience side effects related to their treatment. Oral cavity side effects are common. The overall estimated prevalence of dry mouth is over one in four people in the general population with higher prevalence rates observed in studies conducted with elderly people27. Research shows that oral cavity-related symptoms are linked to different factors, such as using medicines, treatments, aging, an unbalanced or unhealthy lifestyle, various chronic diseases, psychological reasons, stress, and more28.
Green Vision Center Production and Innovation Center for Plant-based Wellness & Pharma Products
Green Vision Center is part of our strategy to create end-to-end plant-based solutions covering all the infrastructure, facilities, and activities required for developing, manufacturing, and bringing to market innovative plant-based wellness and pharma products.
Figure 5: Green Vision Center Israel Building Demonstration
**All image rights are reserved to the Company and are for illustration purposes only and do not bind the company
Green Vision Center Israel
In February of 2022, we completed the acquisition from the Israel Lands Authority (ILA) of 125,000 square feet (approximately 11,687 square meters) or approximately three acres of industrial land in Yerucham, a city in southern Israel, to build Green Vision Center Israel. Approximately 90% of the acquisition cost was provided by Israeli government programs that encourage industrial development and includes additional grants and tax incentives.
27 How Common is Dry Mouth? Systematic Review and Meta-Regression Analysis of Prevalence Estimates Brazilian Dental Journal (2018) 29(6): 606-618
28 American Dental Association (ADA) Science & Research Institute, LLC Oral Health Topic: Xerostomia, Department of Scientific Information, Evidence Synthesis & Translation Research. Feb 2021
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It is currently anticipated that the Green Vision Center Israel will include approximately 65,000 sq. ft. (~ 5,800 sqm) a first-of-its-kind center’s infrastructure and facilities will be focused on the development and production of wellness and pharma plant-based products and planned to include:
● | Manufacturing facilities for botanicals and nutritional supplements | |
● | Manufacturing facilities for pharma plant-based products & botanical drugs | |
● | Manufacturing facilities for healthy snacks & beverages | |
● | Manufacturing facilities for plant-based cosmetics | |
● | Manufacturing facilities for medical cannabis and related products | |
● | R&D laboratories for development, clinical studies, and quality control testing | |
● | Distribution and global logistics center | |
● | Management and consultant offices | |
● | Conference, training & visitor center |
Green Vision Center Israel: Planned Divisions and Internal Design
Figure 6: Green Vision Center Israel Planned Internal Design
**All image rights are reserved to the Company and are for illustration purposes only and do not bind the company
Green Vision Center Israel was designed by Avner Sher, one of Israel’s most highly regarded architects. Its design includes a unique roof in the shape of a lotus flower and will be built with solar panels and according to ecological green principles of saving energy.
The center will be constructed by a professional project construction company and sub-contractors that will oversee all aspects of the building including interfacing and obtaining all facilities and products relevant licenses and regulatory approvals, the requisite building permits and other required authorizations.
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Our Business Model for the Green Vision Center includes:
● | Production & sales of our branded products; | |
● | Production & services to third parties; | |
● | Full turnkey solutions for all the services that the center can provide, including R&D, QA, production, market positioning, and sales; | |
● | Partnerships and collaborations with international companies in the wellness and pharma industries that are interested in establishing an innovation and production infrastructure in Israel; | |
● | Mergers & acquisitions and strategic partnership activities; and | |
● | Partnerships based on models of profit sharing. |
Our mission is to become a leading worldwide production and innovation center for natural plant-based products and health, wellness, and pharma solutions and to bring partners, market leaders, companies, technologies, and scientific collaborations from Israel and around the world.
Israel as a Source of Innovation
Our presence in Israel combined with our close contacts with leading universities, researchers and companies empowers us to access the latest technologies, talent, and innovations and bring them to the global market.
We chose to focus on Israel for the following reasons:
● | Israel is well positioned as a leader in technology with a critical mass of technology companies, researchers, and scientists29. |
● | Our headquarters, our executives and strategic partners are based in Israel, where we have been operating for years and have a strong network with Israeli companies, universities, labs, entrepreneurs, and businesses. |
● | Israel is considered a pharma powerhouse and a world leader in clinical trials due to its advanced regulatory environment and local experience30. |
● | The Israeli government views and supports technological innovation a major growth engine for the Israeli economy and supports it. The government support includes grants for the purchase of equipment, tax incentives, incentives for employing workers, and other benefits as part of a program of the Israeli government to encourages industrial development and benefits for the city of Yerucham. |
● | We acquired land in the south of Israel, backed by government support, to build the Green Vision Center, a first-of-its-kind production and innovation center for plant-based wellness & pharma products. |
Creating a Global Network & Growth Strategy
A core part of our strategy includes building a worldwide network with local teams, partners, subsidiaries, Green Vision Centers, strategic partnerships, collaborations, and mergers & acquisitions of technology and distribution companies.
Initially, we are planning to build infrastructure for business development and sales with local teams in North America and Europe.
Our strategy includes various business models that are intended to bring new products to market leveraging, and thereby, maximizing company’s value, building the company’s intellectual property and growth strategy that includes mergers & acquisitions of technology and distribution companies.
Go to Market Strategy and Prospective Revenue Sources
The plant-based wellness & pharma market is booming, with health-conscious consumers spending more on natural products ranging from nutraceuticals, natural superfoods, beverages, and cosmetics to legal cannabis and the evolving market of botanical and plant-derived drugs.
● | The nutritional supplements market is expected to reach USD 624.7 billion by 203031. | |
● | The superfoods market is expected to reach USD 287.7 billion by 202732. | |
● | The legal cannabis market is expected to reach USD 70.6 billion by 202833 | |
● | The botanical and plant-derived drug market is expected to reach USD 53 billion by 202634. | |
● | The natural cosmetics market is expected to reach USD 24.8 billion by 202735. |
29 PwC-Startup Nation Central Report Explores Israel’s Multinational Innovation Ecosystem
30 Portfolio of Israeli companies Life science and Clean-tech sectors October 2020
31 Research, P., 2022. Nutritional Supplements Market to Hit US$ 624.7 Billion by 2030. [online] GlobeNewswire]
32 Research, I., 2022. Global Superfoods Market Size is Projected To Reach US$ 287.75 Billion by 2027 | Superfoods Market Store, Delivery Options, Emerging Trends 2022 | Segmentation by Product Type, Applications, Regions, & Key-Players (ADM, Ardent Mills, Bunge). [online] GlobeNewswire Newsroom
33 Grandviewresearch.com. 2022. Legal Marijuana Market Size Worth $70.6 Billion By 2028
34 2018-2026, G. and 2018-2026, G., 2022. Botanical and Plant Derivative Drug Market - Global Forecast 2018-2026. [online]
35 52 Fortune Business Insights, The global vegan cosmetics market is projected to grow to $24.79 billion in 2028 Report ID FBI106594 [online]
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The wellness products are sold through different distribution channels which include online digital direct sales, online retailer websites, physical shops and retailers including food, drug, and mass merchandise retail networks. We are currently focused on building a B2B distribution network worldwide with select local partners who will be handling import, distribution, marketing, and sales while adhering with local regulations.
Our strategy for generating revenue in the near term and future include:
● | Sales of our proprietary products including Green Feels & Green Side by Side product lines | |
● | Commercialization and licensing our future IP, products & brands. | |
● | Collaborations & acquisitions of distribution companies and strategic partnership activities |
Competition
The global health and wellness market is expected to reach USD 7.6 trillion by 203036 and is very crowded and competitive. Many companies, from startups to corporate giants, operate in these spaces.
Plant-based wellness sector: Nutritional supplements
The Nutritional supplements and OTC wellness products markets are growing thanks to increased attention to natural products, health and prevention by the consumers and increased health care costs and search for alternatives to cure specific problems.
Some of the key players in this market are Herbalife Nutrition Ltd., Amway Corp., Abbott, Arkopharma, Bayer AG, Glanbia PLC, Pfizer Inc., ADM, and Ayanda37.
Botanical Drugs
The botanical and plant-derived drug market is expected to reach $53 billion by 202638.
Botanical drugs are derivative of medicinal plants and may contain algae, plant-based substances and fungi. Botanical and plant derived drugs help in the treatment of various diseases, such as central nervous system disorders, infectious diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and respiratory diseases and are available in various forms, such as pills, tablets, and injections.
We believe that the key factors driving this market are:
● | Growing applications of Botanical drugs in diseases | |
● | Growing FDA approvals and a dedicated Botanical Drugs Approval pathway | |
● | Technological development in the manufacturing process, | |
● | Rising demand for and focus on traditional and natural source medicines39. |
Large companies are involved in this market with the major players including Bayer AG, Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH, F. Hoffmann La Roche Ltd., Jazz Pharmaceuticals Plc, Johnson and Johnson Inc., Merck KGaA, Mitsubishi Chemical Corp., Novartis AG, Sanofi SA, and Tilray Inc.40.
36 Research, P., 2022. Health and Wellness Market Size to Hit USD 7,656.7 Bn by 2030. [online] GlobeNewswire News Room.
37 MarketView Research: Dietary Supplements Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Ingredient (Vitamins, Minerals), By Form, By Application, By End User, By Distribution Channel, By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2022 - 2030
38 2018-2026, G. and 2018-2026, G., 2022. Botanical and Plant Derivative Drug Market - Global Forecast 2018-2026. [online] Inkwood Research
39 2018-2026, G. and 2018-2026, G., 2022. Botanical and Plant Derivative Drug Market - Global Forecast 2018-2026. [online] Inkwood Research.
40 Technavio Report: Botanical and Plant-Derived Drugs Market by Type and Geography - Forecast and Analysis 2022-2026
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We have differentiated ourselves through our end-to-end strategy of bringing to market innovative plant-based wellness and pharma products covering the whole spectrum from research, product development, building the infrastructure, manufacturing, and marketing. We built the following strategy and unique business model that can support our ability to remain competitive:
● | We are leveraging technology and research and focus on developing plant-based wellness and pharma solutions to improve quality of life and complementary products for balancing selected side effects caused by medicines and treatments, cannabis, aging, stress, and an unbalanced lifestyle | |
● | We have the ability to develop innovative products and solutions that meet customer and market needs | |
● | We develop our IP strategy by building patent portfolio, conducting clinical studies, and obtaining regulatory approvals | |
● | We have a leading experienced team and partners with proven track record in technology, high-tech and biotech and proven experience in bringing companies to global success | |
● | Our presence in Israel combined with our close contacts with leading universities, researchers and companies powers us with the latest technologies, talent, and innovation and to offer innovative solutions to the global market. | |
● | Potential partnerships and other collaborations with international companies in the wellness and pharma industries |
The Health & Wellness Industries Global Market Size and Potential:
The global health and wellness market is expected to reach USD 7.6 trillion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 5.5% from 2021 to 2030. The hectic, unbalanced lifestyle has resulted in the prevalence of lack of proper diet and sleep, stress, depression, anxiety, cancer, diabetes, and various other health related issues. Lack of proper diet has resulted in the reduced intake of essential nutrients and minerals required for the healthy and active functioning of the human body. Precedence research identifies growth opportunities to the health and wellness market players across the globe in the adoption of smart technologies and innovative ways in manufacturing various health and wellness products, nutritional supplements, healthy snacks and beverages, the growing biopharmaceutical industry and development of botanical drugs41.
Health and wellness have been found by Nielsen IQ researchers to be the most powerful consumer force of 2021. In contrast to the unpredictable nature of COVID-19, consumers are being very deliberate with their choices. A survey conducted discovered that consumers emphasize having meaningful and purposeful living, health management, strength and wellness, mental health and stability, happiness, social connections, environmental betterment, balance, and fulfillment. We are witnessing a global movement of health and wellbeing becoming a priority for the public, further emphasized by the global COVID-19 pandemic. There is increasing recognition that people need to take charge of their own health, improve their quality of life, use natural products, and balance side effects caused by medicines and treatment42.
41 Research, P., 2022. Health and Wellness Market Size to Hit USD 7,656.7 Bn by 2030. [online] GlobeNewswire News Room
42 NielsenIQ. 2022. An inside look into the 2021 global consumer health and wellness revolution. [online]
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The Plant-Based Global Market Size and Potential:
The plant-based products market is booming with health-conscious consumers spending more on natural products, ranging from nutraceuticals, natural superfoods, beverages, cosmetics to legal cannabis and the evolving market for botanical and plant-derived drugs. For example:
● | The nutritional supplements market is expected to reach USD 624.7 billion by 203043. | |
● | The superfoods market is expected to reach USD 287.7 billion by 202744. | |
● | The legal cannabis market is expected to reach USD 70.6 billion by 202845. | |
● | The botanical and plant-derived drug market is expected to reach USD 53 billion by 202646. | |
● | The natural cosmetics market is expected to reach USD 24.8 billion by 202747 |
The Global Nutritional Supplements Market
The global nutritional supplements market is expected to reach USD 624.7 billion by 2030 and is expanding growth at a CAGR of 7.1% over the forecast period 2021 to 2030 with plant-based supplements containing natural ingredients and extracts of plants and mushrooms that have a beneficial biological effect48. The global superfoods market is expected to reach USD 214.95 billion by 2027 with superfoods being foods that have a very high nutritional density. This means they provide a substantial amount of nutrients and very few calories. They contain a high volume of minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants.
Growth in the nutritional supplements is driven by growing awareness of health and safety in the traditional pharma, food, and beverage industries as well as higher healthcare costs. Authentic consumption has become a major food and beverage trend as consumers increasingly seek natural ingredients. Products such as ginseng, echinacea, ginkgo biloba, and garlic, the top selling botanical products are considered natural remedies for inflammation and infections. This is further driven by the COVID-19 pandemic, with consumers looking to strengthen the natural immune system. This is also driving growth of vitamins and minerals and moving towards natural colorant-based plant juice products, since they provide better and long-lasting protection from viruses and bacteria. In addition, botanicals and nutritional supplements are widely used by people who suffer from diseases related to weight management, clinical nutrition, digestive health (gut health problems), immunity, diabetes, and cardio fitness, either as treatment or prevention49.
We believe that the market demand for Nutritional Supplements is driven by50:
● | Increasing attention to health and prevention by the consumers | |
● | Greater customization of needs for different segments of the population | |
● | Increased health care costs and search for alternatives to cure specific problems | |
● | The growth in demand for supplements is mainly driven by probiotic supplements, Fatty Acids (i.e. fish oils) and protein supplements | |
● | Herbal/Botanical Supplements usage has emerged as a popular complementary and alternative medicine or supplement to modern medicine | |
● | Rising consumer awareness regarding the severity of digestive disorders, stimulate the growth of the Enzymes segment. |
43 Research, P., 2022. Nutritional Supplements Market to Hit US$ 624.7 Billion by 2030. [online] GlobeNewswire
44 Research, I., 2022. Global Superfoods Market Size is Projected To Reach US$ 287.75 Billion by 2027 | Superfoods Market Store, Delivery Options, Emerging Trends 2022 | Segmentation by Product Type, Applications, Regions, & Key-Players (ADM, Ardent Mills, Bunge). [online] GlobeNewswire News Room
45 Grandviewresearch.com. 2022. Legal Marijuana Market Size Worth $70.6 Billion By 2028. [online]
46 2018-2026, G. and 2018-2026, G., 2022. Botanical and Plant Derivative Drug Market - Global Forecast 2018-2026. [online]
47 Fortune Business Insights, The global vegan cosmetics market is projected to grow to $24.79 billion in 2028 Report ID FBI106594 [online]
48 Research, P., 2022. Nutritional Supplements Market to Hit US$ 624.7 Billion by 2030. [online] GlobeNewswire
49 PwC “Vitamins and Dietary Supplements Market Overview Report, https://www.pwc.com/it/it/publications/assets/docs/Vitamins-Dietary-Supplements-Market-Overview.pdf
50 PwC “Vitamins and Dietary Supplements Market Overview Report, https://www.pwc.com/it/it/publications/assets/docs/Vitamins-Dietary-Supplements-Market-Overview.pdf
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The Botanical and Plant-derived Drug Market
The global botanical and plant-derivative drug market is anticipated to grow to $53 billion by 2026 driven by growing applications in diseases, technological developments in manufacturing processes and a growing focus and demand for naturally sourced medicines51.
Botanical drugs are derived from natural sources, plants and mushrooms, and are considered to have fewer side-effects as compared to synthetic drugs while showing high efficacy in helping to treat different medical conditions and chronic diseases52.
The important driver for growth in the global botanical and plant-derivative drug market is its growing applications in diseases. Botanical drugs are derivative of medicinal plants and may contain algae and vegetable substances, along with macroscopic fungi. These may assist in the treatment of various diseases, such as central nervous system disorders, infectious diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and respiratory diseases. Botanical and plant derivative drugs are available in various forms, such as pills, tablets, and injections53.
The Botanical and plant-derivative drug market is primarily driven by the following factors 54
● | Growing applications in diseases |
● | Growing FDA approvals |
● | Technological development in the manufacturing process |
● | Rising demand for traditional medicines |
● | Growing focus on natural source medicines |
The Global Cannabis Market
The global legal cannabis market size is expected to reach USD 70.6 billion by 2028 driven mainly by increased legalization of cannabis for medical and adult-use and the growing adoption of these products for the treatment of chronic diseases55.
There are currently over 200 million cannabis users worldwide and an increased interest in cannabis as a medicine in recent years56. Cannabis was approved for medical use showing benefit in serious medical conditions including cancer, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s, epilepsy, chronic pain, and post trauma. Research indicates that some medical cannabis users experience side effects during their cannabis treatment, which may cause them to discontinue treatment despite good clinical outcomes achieved with the cannabis treatment57.
The Global Natural Cosmetics Market
The global natural cosmetics market is projected to reach USD 24.86 billion by 2028 driven mainly by increasing demand for harmful chemical-free cosmetics, rising awareness against the use of animal derivatives and growing social media movements endorsing naturally derived products58.
The cosmetic and personal care segment of botanicals is also on the rise with companies increasingly discovering novel herbal ingredients as consumers are seeking more natural products with ingredients that are of plant origin: extracts or oils obtained from raw plant materials. Natural cosmetics are cosmetics that have ingredients of plant origin. The absence of chemical compounds and animal-by products are specifically suited to sensitive skin people. The natural cosmetic products are biodegradable and environmentally friendly. Many companies in the field focus on the production of natural cosmetics that are cruelty-free as these products have increasing demand59.
51 2018-2026, G. and 2018-2026, G., 2022. Botanical and Plant Derivative Drug Market - Global Forecast 2018-2026. [online] Inkwood Research
52 2018-2026, G. and 2018-2026, G., 2022. Botanical and Plant Derivative Drug Market - Global Forecast 2018-2026. [online] Inkwood Research
53 Sciences, L. and Discovery, D., 2022. Global Botanical and Plant-Derived Drugs Market 2022-2026. [online]
54 2018-2026, G. and 2018-2026, G., 2022. Botanical and Plant Derivative Drug Market - Global Forecast 2018-2026. [online] Inkwood Research
55 Statista. 2022. Cannabis users worldwide number by region 2011-2019 | Statista
56 Statista. 2022. Cannabis users worldwide number by region 2011-2019 | Statista
57 Statista. 2022. Cannabis users worldwide number by region 2011-2019 | Statista
58 Fortune Business Insights, The global vegan cosmetics market is projected to grow to $24.79 billion in 2028 Report ID FBI106594 [online]
59 Fortune Business Insights, The global vegan cosmetics market is projected to grow to $24.79 billion in 2028 Report ID FBI106594 [online]
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Side Effects and Drug Safety/Pharmacovigilance Evolving Market
The public health impact of harms associated with medicines and treatments is a growing area of investigation, given the expanding pharma industry and widespread availability of drugs, and different medical treatments around the world.
Current evidence suggests that use of medicines, and medical treatments are associated with a series of side effects. For example, exploring the relationship between drug side-effects and therapeutic indications demonstrate that 69% of drugs have between 10 and 100 different side effects; 22% of drugs have more than 100 side-effects; only 9% of drugs have fewer than 10 side-effects (Please see Figure 7 below)60
Figure 7: Exploring drug side-effects: 69% of drugs have between 10 and 100 different side effects
*Illustration Taken from: PubMed – Exploring the Relationship Between Drug Side-
Effects and Therapeutic Indications
P. Zhang, F. Wang, J. Hu, and R. 2013, Exploring the Relationship Between Drug Side-Effects and Therapeutic Indications, PubMed Central, PMCID: PMC3900166; PMID: 24551427
Drug side-effects, or adverse drug reactions, have become a healthcare concern. The new market of Pharmacovigilance, also known as drug safety—the pharmaceutical science relating to the collection, detection, assessment, monitoring, and prevention of adverse effects with pharmaceutical products—is developing and expected to reach $12.48 billion in 2027. Driving this are increasing public awareness and demand for safer medications and increasing government initiatives to promote drug safety around the globe61.
60 P. Zhang, F. Wang, J. Hu, and R. 2013, Exploring the Relationship Between Drug Side-Effects and Therapeutic Indications, PubMed Central, PMCID: PMC3900166; PMID: 24551427
61 BioSpace. 2022. Pharmacovigilance Market Size to Reach 12.48 Billion in 2027 | Industry Trend - Rising Prevalence of Chronic Diseases Worldwide, Increasing Cases of Adverse Drug Reactions and Drug Toxicity and High Consumption of Drugs in Developed Economies | BioSpace. [online]
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Regulatory Environment
In every jurisdiction in which we plan to operate, we will be subject to extensive governmental regulations on the formulation, manufacturing, packaging, labeling, advertising, promoting, importing, distributing, shipping, and selling our products, may they be nutritional supplements, cosmetics, foods, or any other category.
Prior to commencing operations and/or permitting sales of our products in the market, we may be required to obtain an approval, license, or certification from the relevant country’s ministry of health or another responsible agency. Prior to entering a new market, we plan to work with local authorities, either directly or via our local partner, to obtain the requisite approvals. The approval process usually requires us to present each product and product ingredients and, in some cases, arrange for testing of products by local technicians for ingredient analysis.
We or our local partners would need to obtain various regulatory approvals and licenses for our different product lines and activities, including production of botanicals, nutritional supplements, natural snacks and beverages, and natural cosmetics. We intend to obtain all regulatory approvals required for different product categories in the different countries in which we will operate either directly or through our local partners.
We describe in this section primarily the material regulations that are currently applicable to our products.
Regulatory Environment for the Our Products
While the number of people using nutritional supplements and herbal medicine products continues to increase in many countries, the regulations for these products vary by territory. In some countries supplement use is limited to general health and well-being while in other countries they are permitted for use as medicinal products. To date, there is little consensus from country to country on the scope, requirements, definition, or even the terminology in which the nutritional supplement and herbal medicines categories could be classified62.
Our products are regulated in Israel as nutritional supplements and meet all regulatory compliance requirements for nutritional supplements in Israel. iBOT Israel Botanicals, our manufacturing facility for our products, is approved by the Israeli Ministry of Health and is GMP-certified.
Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) is a system for ensuring that products are consistently produced and controlled according to quality standards. GMP covers all aspects of production from the starting materials, premises, and equipment to the training and personal hygiene of staff. Detailed written procedures are essential for each process that could affect the quality of the finished product. There must be systems to provide documented proof that correct procedures are consistently followed at each step in the manufacturing process - every time a product is made63. The National Food Service (NFS) is the regulatory body at the Israeli Ministry of Health, that is responsible for food and nutritional supplements approval. The NFS strictly examines the safety and quality of each nutritional supplement product that is about to be registered and marketed in Israel64.
We currently expect to launch our products in Europe in the first half of 2023. We will obtain all relevant regulatory approvals for the products before launching them in other territories, such as European countries and the U.S..
The Israeli Ministry of Health maintains a comprehensive list of authorized nutritional supplements for marketing. This list includes over a thousand different vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and herbs including their extracts. Items under this list can be legally marketed, however, no medical claims can be made without adequate supporting information. The final products can be in various forms such as powders, tablets, hard or soft capsules, liquids, including oils and tinctures. Each product must be manufactured under GMP conditions and be approved by the Ministry of Health prior to selling.
Regulatory Compliance for the Green Vision Center Israel
We acquired 125,000 sq ft (11,687 sqm), or approximately three acres, of industrial land in the south of Israel upon which a 65,000 sq. ft. (~5,800 sqm) facility will be built composed of manufacturing plants, laboratories, logistics, import and export, offices, training, conference center, and an international visitor complex. The center will be constructed by a real estate professional project construction company and regulatory consultants in the relevant fields that will obtain the required authorizations.
62 Thakkar, S., Anklam, E., Xu, A., Ulberth, F., Li, J., Li, B., Hugas, M., Sarma, N., Crerar, S., Swift, S., Hakamatsuka, T., Curtui, V., Yan, W., Geng, X., Slikker, W. and Tong, W., 2020. Regulatory landscape of dietary supplements and herbal medicines from a global perspective. Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology, 114, p.104647
63 ISPE organization, Regulatory-Resources - GMP
64 Israeli Ministry of Health, National Food Services Department Website (NFS)
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We intend to obtain all necessary regulatory approvals and licenses for the Green Vision Center’s production and operation facilities and products.
Corporate Overview
Figure 8: Corporate Overview
* Represents shares retained after selling 90% we held in Novomic Ltd. (“Novomic”)
**See above detailed description of the share purchase agreement with Nanomedic
**8-K Citrine Global Signs Share Purchase and Option agreement with MyPlant Bio
Our registered office address in the State of Delaware is c/o Business Filings Incorporated, 108 West 13th St., City of Wilmington, County of Newcastle, Delaware 19801, and the address of our primary executive office is 5 Golden Beach, Caesarea 3088900, Israel. Our website address is www.citrine-global.com.
Properties
Through our subsidiary Cannovation Israel Center, in February of 2022, we completed the acquisition of 125,000 sq ft (11,687 sq meters), or approximately three acres, of industrial land in Yerucham, a city in southern Israel, to build the Green Vision Center Israel with Israeli government’s support. Under the Development Agreement entered into with the Israel Lands Authority (“ILA”), Cannovation Ltd. will build and develop the Green Vision Center in accordance with by the time frames, terms and conditions of the agreement. Typically, the initial time frame for completing the development is four (4) years, subject to extensions that the ILA may approve. Upon completion of the development within the time frames and other requirements specified in the Development Agreement, then Cannovation Ltd. will be entitled subject to Israeli law to long term lease agreement (49 years) to the land (equivalent to ownership rights as most of the land in Israel is government owned and when marketed usually the developers are granted with development/long lease rights). Our subsidiary, Cannovation Ltd., holds title to the land under the Development Agreement. Cannovation Ltd. is developing its Green Vision Center as development and production of wellness & pharma plant-based products, including botanical solutions, nutritional supplements, vitamins, healthy snacks & beverages, natural cosmetics, medical cannabis & cannabinoid-based products, plant-based pharma products and botanical drugs, and it is planned to include manufacturing plants, laboratories, logistics, import and export, offices, training, conference center, and an international visitor complex.
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Employees/Consultants
We currently engage 18consultants, including our officers, on a part- time basis, working in various fields of management, research and development, product management, marketing and regulatory advice. Most of our activities are done with external consultants and professional companies that provide us the required services.
Legal Proceedings
We are not currently subject to any material legal proceedings.
Our Corporate History
We were incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware on May 26, 2010 under the name “TechCare Corp.”.
On January 6, 2020, our predecessor company, TechCare Corp., a Delaware corporation (“TechCare”), and Citrine S A L Investment & Holdings Ltd., an Israeli corporation and a major shareholder of our company (“Citrine S A L”), and a group of related persons and entities (the “Citrine S A L Group”) entered into a Common Stock Purchase Agreement (the “Citrine S A L Group Agreement”), which was later amended and restated on February 23, 2020 (the “AR Citrine S A L Group Agreement”). Pursuant to the AR Citrine Agreement, TechCare agreed to sell Citrine S A L Group and its group of business partners, up to an aggregate of 893,699,276 shares of TechCare’s common stock, representing approximately 95% of TechCare’s fully diluted capital, in two tranches, with the initial tranche of up to 452,063,196 shares of the TechCare’s common stock to be sold conditioned upon (i) the resignation of the then members of its board of directors, (ii) the appointment of the current members of the Board, and (iii) the transfer of the TechCare’s signatory rights to all Company bank accounts in the name of Citrine S A L Group’s nominee. In addition, the AR Citrine S A L Group Agreement provides for the second tranche of up to the remaining number of shares of common stock that will result in Citrine S A L Group, owning 95% of the TechCare’s fully diluted capital stock, to be sold conditioned upon the filing of the Company’s previously approved amendment to its First Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation to increase the Company’s authorized capital. Shares of the Company were issued and sold in accordance with this amended agreement to Citrine S A L Group on February 27, 2020, March 5, 2020, and, after the Company amended its Certificate of Incorporation to increase its authorized share capital, on November 11, 2020.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
You should consider carefully the risks and uncertainties described below, together with all of the other information in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. If any of the following risks are realized, our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects could be materially and adversely affected. The risks described below are not the only risks facing the Company. Risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.
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Risks Related to our Financial position
We have a limited operating history and if we are not successful in continuing to grow our business, then we may have to scale back or even cease our ongoing business operations.
We have been operating in our current business since March 2020. Accordingly, our operations are subject to all the risks inherent in the establishment of a developing enterprise and the uncertainties arising from the absence of a significant operating history. As of December 31, 2023, we have not generated revenues and there can be no assurance that we will ever be profitable. If our business plan is not successful, and we are not able to operate profitably, investors may lose some or all of their investment in our company.
We expect to incur losses for the foreseeable future as we continue the implementation of our business plan. If we fail to generate revenue and eventually become profitable, or if we are unable to fund our continuing losses, our shareholders could lose all or a substantial part of their investment.
Until we can generate a sufficient amount of product revenue to finance our cash requirements, which we may never achieve, we expect to finance our cash needs primarily through public or private equity offerings, debt financings or through the establishment of possible strategic alliances. We cannot be certain that additional funding will be available on acceptable terms, or at all. If we are not able to secure additional equity funding when needed, we may have to delay, reduce the scope of, or eliminate, development programs or future commercialization initiatives.
In addition, any additional equity funding that we do obtain will dilute the ownership held by our existing security holders.. Any debt financing that we obtain in the future could involve substantial restrictions on activities and creditors could seek a pledge of some or all of our assets. We have not identified potential sources for such financing that we will require, and we do not have commitments from any third parties to provide any future debt financing. If we fail to obtain funding as needed, we may be forced to cease or scale back operations, and our results, financial condition and stock price would be adversely affected.
We may never achieve profitability.
We are unable to accurately predict the timing or amount of future revenue or expenses or when, or if, we will be able to achieve profitability. We have financed our operations primarily through issuance and sale of equity and equity linked securities. The size of our future net losses will depend, in part, on the rate of growth or contraction of our expenses and the level and rate of growth, if any, of our revenues. We expect to continue to expend substantial financial and other resources on, among other things:
● | sales and marketing, including expanding our indirect sales organization and marketing programs; |
● | planning and conducting clinical trials to obtain regulatory approval/clearance for the commercialization of our products; |
● | expansion of our operations and infrastructure, both domestically and internationally; and |
● | general administration, including legal, accounting and other expenses related to being a public company. |
If we are unable to successfully commercialize our products or if revenue from any of our products that receives marketing approval is insufficient, we will not achieve profitability. Furthermore, even if we successfully commercialize our products, our planned investments may not result in increased revenue or growth of our business. We may not be able to generate net revenues sufficient to offset our expected cost increases and planned investments in our business. As a result, we may incur significant losses for the foreseeable future, and may not be able to achieve and sustain profitability. If we fail to achieve and sustain profitability, then we may not be able to achieve our business plan, fund our business or continue as a going concern.
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Currency exchange rate fluctuations affect our results of operations, as reported in our financial statements.
We incur expenses in U.S. Dollars and in NIS but our functional currency is the U.S. dollar. However, a significant portion of our headcount related expenses, consisting principally of personnel expenses as well as R&D consulting services, leases and certain other operating expenses, are denominated in NIS. This foreign currency exposure gives rise to market risk associated with exchange rate movements of the U.S. dollar against the NIS. Furthermore, we anticipate that a material portion of our expenses will continue to be denominated in NIS.
In addition, increased international sales in the future may result in greater foreign currency denominated sales, increasing our foreign currency risk. If we are not able to successfully hedge against the risks associated with currency fluctuations, our financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected. which could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
Risks Related to Our Business and Industry and Regulatory Process
Our failure to manage growth effectively could impair our business.
Our business strategy envisions a period of rapid growth that may put a strain on our administrative and operational resources and funding requirements. Our ability to effectively manage growth will require us to continue to expand the capabilities of our operational and management systems and to attract, train, manage, and retain qualified personnel. There can be no assurance that we will be able to do so, particularly if losses continue and we are unable to obtain sufficient financing. If we are unable to successfully manage growth, our business, prospects, financial condition, and results of operations could be adversely affected.
Our plans are dependent upon key individuals and the ability to attract qualified personnel.
In order to execute our business plan, we will be dependent on Ora Elharar Soffer, our Chief Executive Officer and Director. The loss of Ms. Elharar Soffer could have a material adverse effect upon our business prospects. Moreover, our success continues to depend to a significant extent on our ability to identify, attract, hire, train and retain qualified professional, creative, technical and managerial personnel.
Competition for such personnel is intense, and there can be no assurance that we will be successful in identifying, attracting, hiring, training, and retaining such personnel in the future. If we are unable to hire, assimilate and retain qualified personnel in the future, our business, operating results, and financial condition could be materially adversely effected. We may also depend on third party contractors and other partners to assist with the execution of our business plan. There can be no assurance that we will be successful in either attracting and retaining qualified personnel, or creating arrangements with such third parties. The failure to succeed in these endeavors would have a material adverse effect on our ability to consummate our business plans.
Failure in the Company’s information technology systems, including by cybersecurity attacks or other data security incidents, could significantly disrupt its operations.
Our operations depend, in part, on the continued performance of our information technology systems. Our information technology systems are potentially vulnerable to physical or electronic break-ins, computer viruses and similar disruptions. Failure of our information technology systems could adversely affect our business, profitability, and financial condition. Although we have information technology security systems, a successful cybersecurity attack or other data security incident could result in the misappropriation and/or loss of confidential or personal information, create system interruptions, or deploy malicious software that attacks our systems. It is possible that we not notice a cybersecurity attack for some period. The occurrence of a cybersecurity attack or incident could result in business interruptions from the disruption of the Company’s information technology systems, or negative publicity resulting in reputational damage with its shareholders and other stakeholders and/or increased costs to prevent, respond to or mitigate cybersecurity events. In addition, the unauthorized dissemination of sensitive personal information or proprietary or confidential information could expose the Company or other third parties to regulatory fines or penalties, litigation, and potential liability, or otherwise harm its business.
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We may grow through mergers or acquisitions, which strategy may not be successful or, if successful, may produce risks in successfully integrating and managing the merged companies or acquisition and may dilute our stockholders.
As part of our growth strategy, we may pursue mergers and acquisitions of entities and/or assets that we believe will have synergistic and/or other value to us. We currently have no agreements or understandings to merge with or acquire any entity and/or assets, and may not find suitable merger or acquisition opportunities. Mergers and acquisitions involve numerous risks, any of which could harm our business, including, without limitation:
● difficulties in integrating the operations, technologies, existing contracts, accounting processes and personnel of the target and realizing the anticipated synergies of the combined businesses;
● difficulties in supporting and transitioning customers of the target company;
● diversion of financial and management resources from existing operations;
● the price we pay or other resources that we devote may exceed the value we realize, or the value we could have realized if we had allocated the purchase price or other resources to another opportunity;
● entering new markets or areas in which we have limited or no experience;
● potential loss of key associates and customers from either our business or the target’s business;
● assumption of unanticipated problems or latent liabilities of the target; and
● the inability to generate sufficient revenue to offset acquisition costs.
Mergers and acquisitions also frequently result in the recording of goodwill and other intangible assets, which are subject to potential impairments in the future and that could harm our financial results. In addition, if we finance acquisitions by issuing convertible debt or equity securities, our existing stockholders may be diluted, which could affect the market price of our common shares. As a result, if we fail to properly evaluate mergers, acquisitions or investments, we may not achieve the anticipated benefits of any such merger or acquisition, and we may incur costs in excess of what we anticipate. The failure to successfully evaluate and execute mergers, acquisitions or investments or otherwise adequately address these risks could materially harm our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We may be subject to product liability claims which may have a material adverse effect on our business
Through our subsidiary Cannovation Center Israel, we developed the ‘Green Side by Side’ product line containing natural and herbal formulas based on researched and science-based plants, herbal extracts, mushrooms and other natural ingredients. The Green Side By side product lines are manufactured in Israel in iBOT Israel Botanicals Ltd, iBOT being a related party with which we have manufacturing and strategic cooperation agreements, under a GMP-certified manufacturing facility approved by the Israeli Ministry of Health. In the future we plan to develop additional products which may be subject to different regulations for manufacturing, depending on country and product. As these products are designed to be ingested by humans, we face an inherent risk of exposure to product liability claims, regulatory action and litigation if our products are alleged to have caused significant loss or injury. In addition, the manufacture and sale of cannabis products involve the risk of injury to consumers due to tampering by unauthorized third parties or product contamination. Previously unknown adverse reactions resulting from human consumption of cannabis products alone or in combination with other medications or substances could occur. We may be subject to various product liability claims, including, among others, that the products produced by us caused injury or illness, include inadequate instructions for use or include inadequate warnings concerning possible side effects or interactions with other substances. A product liability claim or regulatory action against us could result in increased costs, could adversely affect our reputation with our clients and consumers generally, and could have a material adverse effect on the business, financial condition and operating results of the Company. There can be no assurances that we will be able to obtain or maintain product liability insurance on acceptable terms or with adequate coverage against potential liabilities. The inability to obtain sufficient insurance coverage on reasonable terms or to otherwise protect against potential product liability claims could prevent or inhibit the commercialization of products.
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Product recalls may harm our reputation.
Manufacturers and distributors of products are sometimes subject to the recall or return of their products for a variety of reasons, including product defects, such as contamination, unintended harmful side effects or interactions with other substances, packaging safety and inadequate or inaccurate labeling disclosure. If any of our products are recalled due to an alleged product defect or for any other reason, we could be required to incur the unexpected expense of the recall and any legal proceedings that might arise in connection with the recall. We may lose a significant amount of sales and may not be able to replace those sales at an acceptable margin or at all. In addition, a product recall may require significant management attention. Although we have detailed procedures in place for testing finished products, there can be no assurance that any quality, potency or contamination problems will be detected in time to avoid unforeseen product recalls, regulatory action or lawsuits. Additionally, if one of the products produced by the Company were subject to recall, the image of that product and the Company could be harmed. A recall for any of the foregoing reasons could lead to decreased demand for products produced by the Company and could have a material adverse effect on the results of operations and financial condition of the Company. Additionally, product recalls may lead to increased scrutiny of the operations of the Company by any applicable regulatory agencies, requiring further management attention and potential legal fees and other expenses.
Our officers and directors may be subject to conflict of interest.
The Company may be subject to various potential conflicts of interest because of the fact that some of its officers and directors may be engaged in a range of business activities. In addition, the Company’s executive officers and directors may devote time to their outside business interests, so long as such activities do not materially or adversely interfere with their duties to the Company. In some cases, the Company’s executive officers and directors may have fiduciary obligations associated with these business interests that interfere with their ability to devote time to the Company’s business and affairs and that could adversely affect the Company’s operations. These business interests could require significant time and attention of the Company’s executive officers and directors.
In addition, the Company may also become involved in other transactions which conflict with the interests of certain directors and the officers who may from time-to-time deal with persons, firms, institutions or companies with which the Company may be dealing, or which may be seeking investments similar to those desired by it. The interests of these persons could conflict with those of the Company. In addition, from time to time, these persons may be competing with the Company for available investment opportunities. Conflicts of interest, if any, will be subject to the procedures and remedies provided under applicable laws. In particular, in the event that such a conflict of interest arises at a meeting of the Company’s directors, a director who has such a conflict will abstain from voting for or against the approval of such participation or such terms. In accordance with applicable laws, the directors of the Company are required to act honestly, in good faith and in the best interests of the Company.
We face significant competition in the market.
We face intense competition from other companies, some of which can be expected to have more financial resources and manufacturing and marketing experience than the Company. Increased competition by larger and better financed competitors could materially and adversely affect the business, financial condition and results of operations of the Company
We may not be able to obtain adequate insurance coverage and in the case of liability the lack of adequate insurance may have a material adverse effect on our business.
We have insurance to protect our assets, operations and employees. While we believe our insurance coverage addresses all material risks to which may be exposed and is adequate and customary in our current state of operations, such insurance is subject to coverage limits and exclusions and may not be available for the risks and hazards to which the Company is exposed. In addition, no assurance can be given that such insurance will be adequate to cover the Company’s liabilities or will be generally available in the future or, if available, that premiums will be commercially justifiable. If the Company were to incur substantial liability and such damages were not covered by insurance or were in excess of policy limits, or if the Company were to incur such liability at a time when it is not able to obtain liability insurance, its business, results of operations and financial condition could be materially adversely affected.
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Research and development and product obsolescence may impair our ability to compete in our target market.
Rapidly changing markets, technology, emerging industry standards and frequent introduction of new products characterize our business. The introduction of new products embodying new technologies, including new manufacturing processes, and the emergence of new industry standards may render our planned product offerings obsolete, less competitive or less marketable. The process of developing our planned products is complex and requires significant continuing costs, development efforts and third-party commitments The Company’s failure to develop new technologies and products and the obsolescence of existing technologies could adversely affect our business, financial condition and operating results. The Company’s success will depend, in part, on its ability to continue to enhance its existing technologies, develop new technology that addresses the increasing sophistication and varied needs of the market, and respond to technological advances and emerging industry standards and practices on a timely and cost-effective basis. The development of the Company’s proprietary technology entails significant technical and business risks. The Company may not be successful in using its new technologies or exploiting its niche markets effectively or adapting its businesses to evolving customer or medical requirements or preferences or emerging industry standards.
It may be difficult to enforce a judgment of a U.S. court against us and our executive officers and directors in Israel or the United States, to assert U.S. securities laws claims in Israel or to serve process on our executive officers and directors.
While we were incorporated in Delaware, all of our executive officers and directors reside outside of the United States, and all of our assets and most of the assets of these persons are located outside of the United States. Therefore, a judgment obtained against us, or any of these persons, including a judgment based on the civil liability provisions of the U.S. federal securities laws, may not be collectible in the United States and may not be enforced by an Israeli court. It also may be difficult for you to effect service of process on these persons in the United States or to assert U.S. securities law claims in original actions instituted in Israel. Additionally, it may be difficult for an investor, or any other person or entity, to initiate an action with respect to U.S. securities laws in Israel. Israeli courts may refuse to hear a claim based on an alleged violation of U.S. securities laws reasoning that Israel is not the most appropriate forum in which to bring such a claim. In addition, even if an Israeli court agrees to hear a claim, it may determine that Israeli law and not U.S. law is applicable to the claim. If U.S. law is found to be applicable, the content of applicable U.S. law must be proven as a fact by expert witnesses, which can be a time consuming and costly process. Certain matters of procedure will also be governed by Israeli law. There is little binding case law in Israel that addresses the matters described above. As a result of the difficulty associated with enforcing a judgment against us in Israel, you may not be able to collect any damages awarded by either a U.S. or foreign court.
The continuing prevalence of the COVID-19 pandemic may adversely affect our operations and our capital raising efforts.
In late 2019, a novel strain of Corona virus, also known as COVID-19, was reported in Wuhan, China. While initially the outbreak was largely concentrated in China, it has now spread globally. Many countries around the world, have significant governmental measures implemented to control the spread of the virus, including temporary closure of businesses, severe restrictions on travel and the movement of people, limited access to nursey homes, hospitals and other medical institutes and other material limitations on the conduct of business. These measures have resulted in work stoppages and other disruptions. Our research and development activities, sales and marketing efforts, as well as our ability to perform clinical trials (if needed) depend, in part, on attendance at in-person meetings, industry conferences and other events, facility visiting, and as a result some of our sales and marketing activities have been halted.
The extent to which the coronavirus impacts our operations will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted with confidence, including the duration and severity of the outbreak, and the actions that may be required to contain the coronavirus or treat its impact. In particular, the continued spread of the coronavirus globally, could have a material adverse impact on our operations and workforce, including our marketing and sales activities and ability to raise additional capital, and our ability to perform clinical trials, which in turn could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operation.
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We intend to rely on third parties to conduct clinical trials (if needed). If these third parties do not meet our deadlines or otherwise conduct the trials as required, our clinical trials programs could be delayed or unsuccessful and we may not be able to obtain regulatory approval for or commercialize our product candidates when expected or at all.
We may conduct clinical trials on our products. We do not have the ability to conduct all aspects of our clinical trials ourselves. We may rely upon medical institutions, clinical investigators and contract research organizations, or CROs, and consultants to conduct these trials in accordance with our clinical protocols. Our future CROs, investigators and other third parties play a significant role in the conduct of these trials and the subsequent collection and analysis of data from the clinical trials.
There is no guarantee that any CROs, investigators and other third parties upon which we rely for administration and conduct of clinical trials will devote adequate time and resources to such trials or perform as contractually required. If any of these third parties fail to meet expected deadlines, fail to adhere to our clinical protocols or otherwise perform in a substandard manner, our clinical trials may be extended, delayed or terminated. If any of these clinical trial sites terminate for any reason, we may experience the loss of follow-up information on patients enrolled in our ongoing clinical trials unless we are able to transfer the care of those patients to another qualified clinical trial site. In addition, principal investigators for any clinical trials we conduct may serve as scientific advisors or consultants to us from time to time and receive cash or equity compensation in connection with such services. If these relationships and any related compensation result in perceived or actual conflicts of interest, the integrity of the data generated at the applicable clinical trial site may be jeopardized.
We will be subject to regulation of plant-based nutritional supplements, botanicals, cannabis, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.
Our products, solutions and Green Vision Center activities are subject to rules and regulations pertaining to plant-based nutritional supplements, botanicals, cannabis, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals, as applicable. The company cannot predict the time required to secure all appropriate regulatory approvals or the extent of testing and documentation that may be required by governmental authorities. Any delays in obtaining, or failure to obtain, regulatory approvals would significantly delay the development of markets and products and could have a material adverse effect on the business, results of operations and financial condition of the Company.
Cannabis remains illegal under U.S. federal law.
As of January 2023, cannabis is legal for recreational use in 18 states and legal for medical use in 37 states. On a federal level, all cannabis remains illegal. The federal government classifies cannabis, along with heroin and cocaine, as a Schedule I drug with a high potential for abuse and little to no medical benefit. Despite the development of a regulated cannabis industry under the laws of certain states, these state laws regulating medical and adult cannabis use are in conflict with the Federal Controlled Substances Act, which classifies cannabis as a Schedule I controlled substance and makes cannabis use and possession illegal on a national level. The United States Supreme Court has ruled that the Federal government has the right to regulate and criminalize cannabis, even for medical purposes, and thus Federal law criminalizing the use of cannabis preempts state laws that regulate its use. During President Biden’s first year in office, Attorney General Merrick Garland rescinded two key memos that were part of the Trump Administration’s stated regulatory reform agenda: the Sessions Memo, which prohibited Department of Justice (DOJ) components from issuing “guidance documents” that effectively bound the public without undergoing notice-and-comment rulemaking, and the Brand Memo, which prohibited the DOJ from using noncompliance with DOJ’s or other agencies’ nonbinding guidance documents as a basis for affirmative civil enforcement actions. Calling the procedures laid out in the Sessions and Brand memos “overly restrictive,” Attorney General Garland replaced these memos with the Garland memo, which largely makes it easier for the DOJ to issue guidance and to rely on its own or other agencies’ guidance documents in enforcement actions. The Sessions Memo rescinded the Cole Memo which was adopted by the Obama administration as a policy of noninterference with cannabis-friendly state laws. The Sessions Memo shifted federal policy from a hands-off approach adopted by the Obama administration to permitting federal prosecutors across the country to decide how to prioritize resources to regulate cannabis possession, distribution and cultivation in states where cannabis use is regulated. With these changes in policy with every administration, there can be no assurance that federal prosecutors will not prosecute and dedicate resources to regulate cannabis possession, distribution and cultivation in states where cannabis use is regulated which may cause states to reconsider their regulation of cannabis which would have a detrimental effect on the cannabis industry.
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Risks Related to our Intellectual Property
If we are unable to obtain and maintain intellectual property protection for our product offerings, or if the scope of the intellectual property protection we obtain is not sufficiently broad, our competitors could develop and commercialize products similar or identical to ours, and our ability to successfully commercialize our products may be impaired.
Our ability to compete successfully will depend in part on our ability to obtain and enforce patent protection for our products, preserve our trade secrets and operate without infringing the proprietary rights of third parties. Filing, prosecuting, and defending patents on our products and other technologies in all countries throughout the world would be prohibitively expensive and time-consuming, and the laws of some foreign countries may not protect our rights to the same extent as the laws of the United States. We may not be able to file, prosecute, maintain, enforce, or license all necessary or desirable patents or patent applications at a reasonable cost or in a timely manner, or in all jurisdictions, or at all, or may choose not to do any of the foregoing.
Moreover, while we have applied for a patent that protect aspects of our products in the United States but our products are not covered by any patent protection, and we cannot assure you that our intellectual property position, will not be challenged or that all patents for which we have applied will be issued on a timely basis or at all, or that such patents will protect our technology, in whole or in part, or be issued in a form that will provide us with meaningful protection, prevent competitors from competing with us, or otherwise provide us with any competitive advantage. Although patents are presumed valid and enforceable upon issuance, a patent may be challenged as to its inventorship, scope, validity, or enforceability.
Patent applications in the United States and other jurisdictions are typically not published until 18 months after filing, or in some cases not at all. Therefore, we cannot know with certainty whether we were the first to make the invention claimed in our pending patent application, or that we were the first to file for patent protection of such inventions. As a result, the issuance, scope, validity, enforceability, and commercial value of our patent rights are uncertain. Given the amount of time required for the development, testing, and regulatory review of new products, patents protecting such products might expire before or shortly after such products are commercialized. As a result, any patent portfolio we develop may not provide us with sufficient rights to exclude others from commercializing products similar or identical to ours.
We may be sued by third parties for alleged infringement of their proprietary rights, which could adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
There is often litigation between competing companies relying on their respective technologies based on allegations of infringement or other violations of intellectual property rights. Our future success depends, in part, on not infringing the intellectual property rights of others. We may be unaware of the intellectual property rights of others that may cover some or all of our technology. Any such claims or litigation could cause us to incur significant expenses and, if successfully asserted against us, could require that we pay substantial damages or ongoing royalty payments, prevent us from offering some portion of our products, or require that we comply with other unfavorable terms. We may also be obligated to indemnify our customers or channel partners in connection with any such litigation and to obtain licenses or modify our products, which could further exhaust our resources. Patent infringement, trademark infringement, trade secret misappropriation and other intellectual property claims and proceedings brought against us, whether successful or not, could harm our brand, business, results of operations and financial condition. Litigation is inherently uncertain, and any judgment or injunctive relief entered against us or any adverse settlement could negatively affect our business, results of operations and financial condition. In addition, litigation can involve significant management time and attention and be expensive, regardless of the outcome. During the course of litigation, there may be announcements of the results of hearings and motions and other interim developments related to the litigation. If securities analysts or investors regard these announcements as negative, the trading price of our common stock may decline.
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We may become involved in lawsuits to protect or enforce our patents, which could be expensive, time consuming and unsuccessful.
If we attempt enforcement of our patents or other intellectual property rights, we may be subject or party to claims, negotiations or complex, protracted litigation. These claims and any resulting lawsuits, if resolved adversely to us, could subject us to significant liability for damages, impose temporary or permanent injunctions against our solutions or business operations, or invalidate or render unenforceable our intellectual property
Intellectual property disputes and litigation, regardless of merit, can be costly and disruptive to our business operations by diverting attention and energies of management and key technical personnel, and by increasing our costs of doing business. Such litigation, regardless of its success, could seriously harm our reputation with our channel partners, business partners and patients and in the industry at large. Some of our competitors may be able to sustain the costs of complex patent or intellectual property litigation more effectively than we can because they have substantially greater resources. Any of the foregoing could adversely affect our operating results.
Risks Relating to Our Israel Operations
Our development efforts are headquartered in Israel and, therefore, our results may be adversely affected by economic restrictions imposed on, and political and military instability in, Israel.
Our development headquarters, which houses substantially all of our research and development team, including engineers, machinists, researchers, and clinical and regulatory personnel as well as the facility of our contract manufacturer and final assembly are located in Israel. Our employees, service providers, directors and officers are residents of Israel. Accordingly, political, economic and military conditions in Israel and the surrounding region may directly affect our business. Any hostilities involving Israel or the interruption or curtailment of trade within Israel or between Israel and its trading partners could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations and could make it more difficult for us to raise capital. Although we plan to maintain inventory in the United States and Germany, an extended interruption could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Recent political uprisings, social unrest and violence in various countries in the Middle East and North Africa, including Israel’s neighbors Egypt and Syria, are affecting the political stability of those countries. This instability may lead to deterioration of the political relationships that exist between Israel and these countries and has raised concerns regarding security in the region and the potential for armed conflict. Our commercial insurance does not cover losses that may occur as a result of an event associated with the security situation in the Middle East. Any losses or damages incurred by us could have a material adverse effect on our business. In addition, Iran has threatened to attack Israel and is widely believed to be developing nuclear weapons. Iran is also believed to have a strong influence among parties hostile to Israel in areas that neighbor Israel, such as the Syrian government, Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon. Any armed conflicts, terrorist activities or political instability in the region could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
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Our operations and the operations of our contract manufacturer may be disrupted as a result of the obligation of Israeli citizens to perform military service.
Many Israeli citizens are obligated to perform one month, and in some cases more, of annual military reserve duty until they reach the age of 45 (or older, for reservists with certain occupations) and, in the event of a military conflict, may be called to active duty. In response to terrorist activity, there have been periods of significant call-ups of military reservists. It is possible that there will be additional military reserve duty call-ups in the future. Some of our employees, consultants and employees of the manufacturer of our products, are required to perform annual military reserve duty in Israel and may be called to active duty at any time under emergency circumstances. Our operations and the operations of our manufacturer could be disrupted by such call-ups.
Our sales may be adversely affected by boycotts of Israel.
Several countries, principally in the Middle East, restrict doing business with Israel and Israeli companies, and additional countries may impose restrictions on doing business with Israel and Israeli companies whether as a result of hostilities in the region or otherwise. In addition, there have been increased efforts by activists to cause companies and consumers to boycott Israeli goods based on Israeli government policies. Such actions, particularly if they become more widespread, may adversely impact our ability to sell our products.
Risks Related Ownership of Our Securities
A certain group of the Company’s stockholders may exert significant influence over its affairs, including the outcome of matters requiring stockholder approval.
Currently, a certain group of stockholders, including our Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer, Ora Elharar Soffer (directly and through Beezz Home Technologies Ltd and Citrine S A L Investment & Holdings Ltd) and others, collectively own a majority of the issued and outstanding shares of the Company. As a result, such individuals will have the ability, acting together, to control the election of the Company’s directors and the outcome of corporate actions requiring stockholder approval, such as: (i) a merger or a sale of the Company, (ii) a sale of all or substantially all of its assets, and (iii) amendments to its certificate of incorporation. This concentration of voting power and control could have a significant effect in delaying, deferring or preventing an action that might otherwise be beneficial to the Company’s other stockholders and be disadvantageous to the Company’s stockholders with interests different from those individuals. Certain of these individuals also have significant control over the Company’s business, policies and affairs as officers or directors of the Company. Therefore, you should not invest in reliance on your ability to have any control over the Company.
As of the date of this report, our executive officers and directors own, in the aggregate, beneficially own approximately 45.43% of our outstanding common stock as of the date of this filing. As a result, these persons, acting together, would be able to significantly influence all matters requiring stockholder approval, including the election and removal of directors, any merger, consolidation, sale of all or substantially all of our assets, or other significant corporate transactions.
You may experience future dilution as a result of future equity offerings.
Our Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation authorize the issuance of a maximum 1,500,000 shares of common stock. Any additional financings effected by us may result in the issuance of additional securities without stockholder approval and the substantial dilution in the percentage of common stock held by our then existing stockholders. In addition, we have reserved 180,000,000 shares of common stock for issuance under the 2018 Equity Incentive Plan. The issuance of such additional shares of common stock, or securities convertible or exchangeable into common stock, may cause the price of our common stock to decline. Additionally, if all or a substantial portion of these shares are resold into the public markets then the trading price of our common stock may decline.
If securities or industry analysts do not publish research or publish inaccurate or unfavorable research about our business, our stock price and trading volume could decline.
We currently do not have and may never obtain research coverage by securities analysts. If no securities analysts commence coverage of our company, or if industry analysts cease coverage of our company, the trading price for our stock could be materially and adversely impacted. In the event we obtain securities analyst coverage, if one or more of the analysts who cover us downgrade our stock or publish inaccurate or unfavorable research about our business, our stock price may be materially and adversely impacted. If one or more of these analysts cease coverage of our company or fail to publish reports on us regularly, demand for our stock could decrease, which might cause our stock price and trading volume to decline.
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If the price of our common stock fluctuates significantly, your investment could lose value.
Our common stock is quoted on the OTCQB, under the symbol “CTGL,” and, to date, has traded on a limited basis. We have applied to list our common stock on Nasdaq under the symbol “CTGL.” We cannot assure you that an active public market will continue for our common stock. If an active public market for our common stock does not continue, the trading price and liquidity of our common stock will be materially and adversely affected. If there is a thin trading market or “float” for our stock, the market price for our common stock may fluctuate significantly more than the stock market as a whole. Without a large float, our common stock would be less liquid than the stock of companies with broader public ownership and, as a result, the trading prices of our common stock may be more volatile. In addition, in the absence of an active public trading market, investors may be unable to liquidate their investment in us. Furthermore, the stock market is subject to significant price and volume fluctuations, and the price of our common stock could fluctuate widely in response to several factors, including, but not limited to:
● | our quarterly or annual operating results; | |
● | changes in our earnings estimates or the failure to accurately forecast and appropriately plan our expenses; | |
● | failure to achieve our growth expectations; | |
● | failure to attract new customers or retain existing customers; | |
● | the effect of increased or variable competition on our business; | |
● | additions or departures of key or qualified personnel; | |
● | failure to adequately protect our intellectual property; | |
● | costs associated with defending claims, including intellectual property infringement claims and related judgments or settlements; | |
● | changes in governmental or other regulations affecting our business; | |
● | our compliance with governmental or other regulations affecting our business; and | |
● | changes in global or regional industry, general market, or economic conditions. |
The stock market has experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations in recent years that have significantly affected the quoted prices of the securities of many companies, including companies in our industry. The changes may not be possible to predict and often appear to occur without regard to specific operating performance. The price of our common stock could fluctuate based upon factors that have little or nothing to do with our company and these fluctuations could materially reduce our stock price.
Delaware law contains provisions that could discourage, delay, or prevent a change in control of the Company, prevent attempts to replace or remove current management and reduce the market price of its common stock.
Provisions in the Company’s certificate of incorporation and bylaws may discourage, delay or prevent a merger or acquisition involving the Company that its stockholders may consider favorable. For example, the Company is subject to the anti-takeover provisions of the Delaware General Corporation Law (“DGCL”). Under these provisions, if anyone becomes an “interested stockholder,” the Company may not enter into a “business combination” with that person for three years without special approval, which could discourage a third party from making a takeover offer and could delay or prevent a change in control of the Company. An “interested stockholder” is, generally, a stockholder who owns 15% or more of the Company’s outstanding voting stock or an affiliate of the Company who has owned 15% or more of the Company’s outstanding voting stock during the past three years, subject to certain exceptions as described in the DGCL.
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We do not intend to pay dividends for the foreseeable future.
We have never declared or paid cash dividends on our capital stock nor are we under any obligation to declare or pay such cash dividends. We currently intend to retain any future earnings to fund our operations and the development and growth of our business, and we do not expect to declare or pay any dividends in the foreseeable future. Our future ability to pay cash dividends on our capital stock may be limited by any future debt instruments or preferred securities. As a result, investors may only receive a return on their investment in our common stock if the market price of our common stock increases to a price above the price paid for them and then sell such shares.
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
A description of the premises we utilize in several of our facilities is as follows:
Entity | Property Description | |
Citrine Global, Corp | Our principal office consists of leased premises and is located at 5 Golden Beach, Caesarea 3088900, Israel | |
Cannovation Center Israel Ltd. | 125,000 square feet (approximately 11,687 square meters) or approximately three acres of industrial land in Yerucham, a city in southern Israel, where we intend to build Green Vision Center Israel |
We believe that our facilities are generally in good condition and suitable to carry on our business. We also believe that, if required, suitable alternative or additional space will be available to us on commercially reasonable terms
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
There are no active or pending material legal proceedings against the Company, nor of any proceedings that a governmental authority is contemplating against the Company.
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.
PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Market Information
The Company’s common stock is quoted in the United States on the OTCQB market under the ticker symbol “CTGL.”
We have applied to list our common stock on the Nasdaq Capital Market. No assurance can be given that our application will be approved or that a trading market will develop.
Holders of our Common Stock
As of March 20, 2023, the Company had 120 registered stockholders holding 956,479,039 shares of common stock.
Dividends
Since the Company’s inception, it has not declared nor paid any cash dividends on its capital stock and the Company does not anticipate paying any cash dividends in the foreseeable future. Its current policy is to retain any earnings in order to finance its operations. Its Board of directors will determine future declarations and payments dividends, if any, in light of the then-current conditions it deems relevant and in accordance with applicable corporate law.
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Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans
The following table provides certain aggregate information with respect to the Company’s shares of common stock that as of December 31, 2022 were issuable under its equity compensation plans in effect as of December 31, 2022.
Plan Category | Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights (1) | Weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights (2) | Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in first column) (3) | |||||||||
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders | 122,529,342 | $ | 0.043 | 57,470,658 | ||||||||
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders | - | - | - | |||||||||
Total | 122,529,342 | $ | 0.043 | 57,470,658 |
(1) | Represents shares of common stock issuable under our 2017 and 2018 Employee Incentive Plan and upon exercise of outstanding options to purchase 122,529,342 shares of common stock. |
(2) | The weighted average remaining term for the expiration of remaining stock options is 2.53 years. |
(3) | Represents shares of common stock available for future issuance under equity compensation plans. “Equity Compensation Plan” under Item 11 hereof contains a description of the material features of the 2017 Employee Incentive Plan and the 2018 Stock Incentive Plan. |
Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers
None.
ITEM 6. RESERVED
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations is intended to provide information necessary to understand our audited consolidated financial statements for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021 and highlight certain other information which, in the opinion of management, will enhance a reader’s understanding of our financial condition, changes in financial condition and results of operations. In particular, the discussion is intended to provide an analysis of significant trends and material changes in our financial position and the operating results of our business during the year ended December 31, 2022, as compared to the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021. This discussion should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021 and related notes included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. These historical financial statements may not be indicative of our future performance. This Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contains numerous forward-looking statements, all of which are based on our current expectations and could be affected by the uncertainties and risks described throughout this filing, particularly in “Item 1A. Risk Factors.”
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The full extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic may directly or indirectly impact our business, results of operations and financial condition, will depend on future developments that are uncertain, including as a result of new information that may emerge concerning COVID-19 and the actions taken to contain it or treat COVID-19, as well as the economic impact on local, regional, national and international customers and markets. We have made estimates of the impact of COVID-19 within our financial statements, and although there is currently no major impact, there may be changes to those estimates in future periods. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
Significant Recent Events
(i) On January 30, 2023 the Company and each of Citrine High Tech 7 LP (“LP 7”), Citrine 8 LP (“LP 8 “) and Citrine 9 LP (“LP 9”; together with LP 7 and LP 8, the “Lending LP”), the lending entities under and parties to the Convertible Note Purchase Agreement entered into by the Company and several related parties in April 2020, as subsequently amended (the “CL Agreement”), have entered into an agreement (the “Agreement”) pursuant to which they have agreed to extend the maturity date on all outstanding convertible loans in the principal amount of $1,800,000 under the CL Agreement to May 31, 2024. LP 7 also agreed to extend to May 31, 2024 the note in the principal amount of $80,000
In addition, under the Agreement the Company and the Lending LPs have also agreed that if the Company’s common stock is listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market, then the Company, in its sole discretion, shall determine to convert, in whole or in part, the outstanding amount of the above mentioned notes to shares of the Company’s common stock at a conversion price equal to the price paid by the public investors for the common stock in such offering.
(ii) On January 17, 2023, the Board of Citrine Global, Corp., a Delaware corporation ( the “Company”), appointed Ms. Ora Elharar Soffer to serve as president of the Company. Ms. Elharar Soffer has been continuously serving as the Company’s Chief Executive Officer since May 7, 2020 and as a Company director since February 21, 2020 and as Chairperson of the Board since March 3, 2020.
(iii) On March 5, 2023, the Board of the Company provided that in the event that the Company’s stock is listed on the Nasdaq Stock Exchange, then one half of the awarded and unvested option grants made in each of August 2021 and in August 2022 to our current officers, directors and specific service providers, will immediately vest at such time. In addition, the Board also determined to provide that following the termination of services by our current officers, directors and specific service providers, for any reason other than cause, they shall have a one year period from the date of termination to exercise any option that was vested at the time of the termination of services. Previously, on November 13, 2022, the board of directors ratified the Stock Option Agreements for the previously disclosed stock options grants that were awarded in each of August 2021 and in August 2022 to our current officers and directors and specific service providers, to provide that the exercise price of the options that were awarded to date, shall remain unaffected by the implementation of a reverse stock split that the Company may implement; to avoid any doubt, such reverse stock split shall apply to the number of options shares issuable under such options and all other relevant terms of such options (other than the exercise price) shall continue in full force and effect following the implementation of such reverse stock split. Any and all tax implication of this decision shall rest solely with the optionee.
(iv) On March 6, 2023 Cannovation, the Company’s majority owned subsidiary and S.R. Accord Ltd., an Israeli public company (“Lender”), entered into an 18-month credit facility agreement (the “Credit Facility”) pursuant to which Lender has committed to fund Cannovation in an aggregate amount of 3,000,000 NIS (approximately $857,000) as needed. At the time of each draw down, Cannovation and Lender will determine the repayment of the loan. All amounts drawn under the Credit Facility will bear interest at a monthly rate of 1.7% and. Cannovation has the right to pre-pay the entire amount outstanding under the Credit Facility at any time. As security for any loans under the Credit Facility, Cannovation granted Lender a first priority lien on its rights to the 125,000 sq ft (11,687 sqm) of industrial land in Yerucham, a city in southern Israel which Cannovation acquired in February of 2022(the “Premises”) to build the Green Vision Center Israel with the support of the government of Israel. The lien will become effective only if Cannovation utilizes the Credit Facility. If the market value of the Premises is less than the amount outstanding under the Credit Facility, then Lender will be entitled to additional security including additional shares of Citrine Global common stock, on such terms and conditions as the parties may agree. As additional security for any payments due to Lender, CTGL Citrine Global Israel Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Citrine Global, (ii) Beezzhome Technologies Ltd. an entity wholly owned by Ora Elharar Soffer, the Chief Executive Officer of Citrine Global and (iii) Netto Holdings, an unaffiliated entity under the partial control of Ilan Ben Ishay, a director on the board of Cannovation, as well as each of Ms. Elharar Soffer and Mr. Ben Ishay in their personal capacities, are providing guarantees for the repayment of any amounts that may be owing to Lender under the Credit Facility. Cannovation and the Company has agreed to indemnify Ms. Elharar Soffer and Mr. Ben Ishay for any losses they incur as a result of the guarantee.
On March 7, 2023, the Company issued to the Lender 2,154,677 shares of the Company’s common stock a commitment fee in respect of the provision of the Credit Facility. As of the date of this report, Cannovation utilized $50,000 out of the credit line. Ilan Ben Ishay and Ms. Elharar Soffer and Mr. Ben Ishay in their personal capacities in are provided guarantees to Lender for the repayment this amounts.
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(v) On March 16, 2023, the consulting agreement originally entered into as of July 2020 with Ms. Ora Elharar Soffer, the Company’s Chairperson, CEO and President, was amended. The amendment provides for the following: (i) the monthly consulting to which Ms. Elharar Soffer is entitled will increase from $20,000 to $25,000 (in invoice plus VAT if applicable) upon a listing of the Company’s stock on the Nasdaq Stock Market, retroactive to January 1, 2023, (ii) the terms contained in her original agreement and all other terms and awards previously approved by the Company’s board relating to her, including payment of her monthly fee and reimbursement of social benefits payments made by Mr Elharar Soffer, shall continue in full force and effect so long as Ms. Elharar Soffer serves as either director and /or executive officer (iii) all previous awards and bonuses previously made to her were affirmed and (iv) Ms. Elharar Soffer has agreed to defer compensation due to her until such time as the Company shall have consummated an investment of at least $1.8 million in the Company’s securities, at which time all of the outstanding consulting fees from March 2020 and all reimbursement for related social benefits would be paid to her. In addition, The amendment also provides that the committee of the Board that will be responsible for setting the compensation terms of senior management shall prepare and present for approval a compensation program for the Consultant that takes into consideration Ms. Elharar Soffer’s role in founding and leading the Company and that such compensation package shall be competitive with compensation programs for top senior executives/founders generally available in the market and which will include, among other things, appropriate bonuses, severance payments and other amenities generally made available in the market to senior executive and that Ms. Elharar Soffer shall receive the most extensive of such compensation terms amongst senior management.
(vii) On March 16, 2023, the consulting agreement originally entered into as of July 2020 with Ms Ilanit Halperin, the Company’s director and CFO, was amended. The amendment provides for the following: (i) the monthly consulting to which Ms. Elharar Soffer is entitled will increase from $7,500 to $10,000 ( in invoice plus VAT if applicable) upon a listing of the Company’s stock on the Nasdaq Stock Market, retroactive to January 1, 2023, (ii) the terms contained in her original agreement and all other terms and awards previously approved by the Company’s board relating to her, including payment of her monthly fee and reimbursement of social benefits payments made by Mr Elharar Soffer ,shall continue in full force and effect so long as Ms. Halperin serves as either director and /or executive officer, (iii) all previous awards and bonuses previously made to her were affirmed and (iv) s. has agreed o defer compensation due to her until such time as the Company shall have consummated an investment of at least $1.8 million in the Company’s securities, at which time all of the outstanding consulting fees from March 2020 and all reimbursement for related social benefits would be paid to her. In addition, The Company undertakes that the committee of the Board that will be responsible for setting the compensation terms of senior management shall prepare and present for approval a compensation program for Ms. Halperin that shall be competitive with compensation programs for senior executives generally available in the market and which will include, among other things, appropriate bonuses, severance payments and other amenities generally made available in the market to senior executives.
Components of Operating Results
The following discussion summarizes the key factors our management believes are necessary for an understanding of our consolidated financial statements.
Revenues
We have not generated any revenues from product sales as of December 31, 2022.
Research and Development Expenses
The process of researching and developing our products is lengthy, unpredictable, and subject to many risks. We expect to continue incurring expenses for the next several years for research and development as we continue to develop products and innovative solutions. We are unable, with any certainty, to estimate either the costs or the timelines in which those expenses will be incurred. Our current development plans focus on the development of plant-based solutions including GreenFeels™ and Green Side by Side Products lines.
Our research and development costs include costs are composed of:
● internal recurring costs, such as personnel-related and consultants costs (salaries, employee benefits, equity compensation and other costs), materials and supplies, facilities and maintenance costs attributable to research and development functions; and
● fees paid to external parties who provide us with contract services, such as preclinical testing, manufacturing and related testing and activities.
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Marketing
Marketing expenses consist primarily of salaries, employee benefits, equity compensation, and other personnel-related costs associated with executive and other support staff. Other significant marketing expenses include the costs associated with professional fees to develop our marketing strategy.
General and Administrative Expenses
General and administrative expenses consist primarily of salaries, employee benefits, equity compensation, and other personnel-related costs associated with executive, administrative and other support staff. Other significant general and administrative expenses include the costs associated with professional fees for accounting, auditing, insurance costs, consulting and legal services, along with facility and maintenance costs attributable to general and administrative functions.
Financial Expenses
Financial expenses consist primarily impact of exchange rate derived from re-measurement of monetary balance sheet items denominated in non-dollar currencies. Other financial expenses include bank’s fees and interest on long term loans.
Results of Operations
Year ended December 31, 2022 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2021
The following table presents our results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021
Year Ended | ||||||||
December 31, | ||||||||
2022 | 2021 | |||||||
U.S. Dollars in thousands | ||||||||
Revenues | - | - | ||||||
Cost of sales | - | - | ||||||
Gross loss | - | |||||||
Research and development expenses | (120 | ) | (96 | ) | ||||
Marketing, general and administrative expenses | (1,866 | ) | (3,239 | ) | ||||
Operating loss | (1,986 | ) | (3,335 | ) | ||||
Expenses related to convertible loan terms | (635 | ) | (1,129 | ) | ||||
Other financing expenses, net | (24 | ) | (52 | ) | ||||
(659 | ) | (1,181 | ) | |||||
Net loss | (2,645 | ) | (4,516 | ) |
During the year ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company did not record any revenue.
The Company’s research and development expenses increased to $120,000 during the year ended December 31, 2022, compared to approximately $96,000 during the prior year. The increase is mainly attributable to professional expenses related to the development of our Green Botanical product line.
The Company’s marketing, general and administrative expenses during the year ended December 31, 2022, were $1,866,000 compared to $3,239,000 during the year ended December 31, 2021. The decrease in our marketing, general and administrative expenses is mainly attributable to the decrease in our non-cash share-based compensation expenses.
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During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company incurred financial expenses, net of $659,000, as compared to financial expenses of $1,181,000 during the year ended December 31, 2021. The reason for the decrease in financial expense is attributable to changes in terms of our convertible loans.
As a result of the above, the Company incurred a net loss of approximately $2,636,000 during the twelve months ended December 31, 2022 as compared to a net loss of approximately $4,516,000 in 2021.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
At December 31, 2022, we had current assets of $185,000 compared to total current assets of $349,000 as of December 31, 2021. At December 31, 2022, we had current liabilities of $1,805,000 as compared to $1,064,000 as of December 31, 2021. At December 31, 2022, we had total liabilities of $3,780,000 as compared to $2,495,000 as of December 31, 2021. The increase is mainly attributed to the increase in the balance of accrued expenses and the balance of convertible component in convertible notes.
At December 31, 2022, we had a cash balance of $77,000 compared to the cash balance of $270,000 as of December 31, 2021.
At December 31, 2022, we had a working capital deficiency of $1,620,000 as compared with a working capital deficiency of $715,000 at December 31, 2021.
The following table provides a summary of operating, investing, and financing cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 respectively (in thousands):
Year Ended | ||||||||
December 31, 2022 | December 31, 2021 | |||||||
Net cash used in operating activities | (567,000 | ) | (582,000 | ) | ||||
Net cash provided by investment activities | 11,000 | 286,000 | ||||||
Net cash provided by Financing Activities | 360,000 | 350,000 |
On March 6, 2023 our majority owned subsidiary, Cannovation and S.R. Accord Ltd., an Israeli company (“Lender”), entered into an 18-month credit facility agreement (the “Credit Facility”) pursuant to which Lender has committed to fund Cannovation in an aggregate amount of 3,000,000 NIS (approximately $857,000) as needed. At the time of each draw down, Cannovation and Lender will determine the repayment of the loan. All amounts drawn under the Credit Facility will bear interest at a monthly rate of 1.7% and will be due by no later than September 2024. Cannovation has the right to pre-pay the entire amount outstanding under the Credit Facility at any time. As security for any loans under the Credit Facility, Cannovation granted Lender a first priority lien on its rights to the 125,000 sq ft (11,687 sqm) of industrial land in Yerucham, a city in southern Israel which Cannovation acquired in February of 2022 (the “Premises”) to build the Green Vision Center Israel with the support of the government of Israel. The lien will become effective only if Cannovation utilizes the Credit Facility. If the market value of the Premises is less than the amount outstanding under the Credit Facility, then Lender will be entitled to additional security on such terms and conditions as the parties may agree.
On July 15, 2022, Citrine 9 LP (hereinafter “Citrine 9”), one of the related entities who are the signatory lenders (hereinafter the “Buyers”) to the Convertible Note Purchase Agreement entered into by the Company and such Buyers in April 2020, as subsequently amended (the “CL Agreement”) agreed to honor a Draw Down Notice for, and has advanced to the Company, $100,000 on the same terms and conditions as are specified in the CL Agreement. The annual interest on the loan continues to be nine percent (9%). The principal and interest payment on the Note shall be made in New Israeli Shekels (NIS) at the conversion rate which was in effect on the date on which the loan was advanced. As provided for under the terms of the Convertible Note Agreement, Citrine 9 is entitled to 8,333,333 Series A warrants and 8,333,333 Series B warrants for shares of common stock, where each of the series are exercisable beginning January 15, 2023 through October 31, 2025, in each case at an exercise price of $0.05 per share. On August 9, 2022, the Company’s board of directors agreed to extend the exercise period of the warrants through August 9, 2027. On January 26, 2023, the CL Agreement was further amended to extend to May 31, 2024 the maturity date thereof. The amendment also provides that upon a public offering of securities that the Company may effect in connection with a listing of the Company’s stock on a U.S. National Securities Exchange, the note is automatically convertible into the securities that are the subject matter such offering, in whole or in part, as the Citrine Global Board may determine.
43 |
On September 30, 2022, Citrine Global received a loan from Citrine Hi Tech 7 LP, an Israeli limited partnership and an affiliated entity (the “Lender”), in the principal amount of $80,000. The loans bears interest at 12% per annum and was scheduled to mature on December 15, 2022. On January 29, 2023 the maturity date was extended to May 31, 2024. The holder also agreed that upon a public offering of securities that the Company may effect in connection with a listing of the Company’s stock on a U.S. National Securities Exchange, the note is automatically convertible into the securities that are the subject matter such offering, in whole or in part, as the Citrine Global Board may determine
Based on the Company’s current cash balances and the access to the Credit Facility described above, the Company believes that it has sufficient funds for its plans for the next twelve months from the issuance of these financial statements. As the Company is embarking on its activities as detailed herein, it is incurring losses. It cannot determine with reasonable certainty when and if it will have sustainable profits.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
The Company has no off-balance sheet arrangements.
Recently issued accounting pronouncements
Recently issued accounting pronouncements are described in the notes to our financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, which are included within Item 8 in this annual report.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Our significant accounting policies are described in the notes to our financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 and which included within Item 8 in this annual report.
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Not applicable.
44 |
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
CITRINE GLOBAL CORP.
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2022
45 |
CITRINE GLOBAL CORP.
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2022
IN U.S. DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page | |
REPORT
OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM (Firm Name: Somekh Chaikin / PCAOB ID No. |
F-2 |
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS: | |
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2022 and 2021 | F-3 |
Consolidated Statements of Operation and Comprehensive Loss for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 | F-4 |
Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Deficit for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 | F-5 |
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 | F-6 |
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements | F-8 – F-36 |
F-1 |
Somekh Chaikin
KPMG Millennium Tower
17 Ha’arba’a Street, PO Box 609
Tel Aviv 61006, Israel
+972 3 684 8000
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of Citrine Global Corp
Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Citrine Global Corp and subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss, changes in shareholders’ deficit, and cash flows for each of the years in the two-year period ended December 31, 2022, and the related notes (collectively, the consolidated financial statements). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the two-year period ended December 31, 2022, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
Basis for Opinion
These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.
Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Critical Audit Matters
Critical audit matters are matters arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. We determined that there are no critical audit matters.
/s/
Somekh Chaikin
Member Firm of KPMG International
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2022.
March 22, 2023
KPMG Somekh Chaikin, an Israeli partnership and a member firm of the KPMG global organization of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International Limited, a private English company limited by guarantee
F-2 |
CITRINE GLOBAL CORP.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(U.S. dollars in thousands except share and per share data)
December 31, | December 31, | |||||||
2022 | 2021 | |||||||
A s s e t s | ||||||||
Current Assets | ||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | ||||||||
Restricted cash | ||||||||
Short-term loan to others (Note 8H) | ||||||||
Prepaid expenses | ||||||||
Other current assets | ||||||||
T o t a l Current assets | ||||||||
Non-current assets | ||||||||
Investments valued under the measurement alternative (Note 3) | ||||||||
Property and equipment, net (Note 4) | ||||||||
Total non-current assets | ||||||||
T o t a l assets | ||||||||
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Deficit | ||||||||
Current Liabilities | ||||||||
Short term loan (Note 5I) | ||||||||
Accounts payable and accrued expenses | ||||||||
Accrued compensation | ||||||||
T o t a l current liabilities | ||||||||
Non-current liability | ||||||||
Convertible component in convertible notes (Note 5) | ||||||||
Convertible notes (Note 5) | ||||||||
T o t a l liabilities | ||||||||
Stockholders’ Deficit (Note 6) | ||||||||
Common stock, par value $ | per share, shares authorized at December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021; and shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021||||||||
Additional paid-in capital | ||||||||
Stock to be issued | ||||||||
Accumulated deficit | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
Accumulated other comprehensive income | ||||||||
T o t a l stockholders’ deficit | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
T o t a l liabilities and stockholders’ deficit |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
F-3 |
CITRINE GLOBAL CORP.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATION AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
(U.S. dollars in thousands except share and per share data)
Years ended | ||||||||
December 31 | ||||||||
2022 | 2021 | |||||||
Research and development expenses | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
Marketing, general and administrative expenses | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
Operating loss | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
Financing expenses, net: | ||||||||
Expenses related to convertible loan terms | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
Other financing expenses, net | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
Financing expenses, net | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
Net loss attributable to Common stockholders | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
Loss per Common Stock (basic and diluted) | (0.00 | ) | (0.00 | ) | ||||
Basic weighted average number of shares of Common Stock outstanding | ||||||||
Comprehensive loss: | ||||||||
Net loss | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
Other comprehensive loss attributable to foreign currency translation | ||||||||
Comprehensive loss | ( | ) | ( | ) |
(*) |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
F-4 |
CITRINE GLOBAL CORP.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ DEFICIT
(U.S. dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)
Common Stock | Additional paid-in | Stock to be | Accumulated | Accumulated other comprehensive | Total stockholders’ equity | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Stock | Amount | Capital | issued | deficit | Income | (deficit) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2020 | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
CHANGES DURING THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2021: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Modification of warrants in connection with convertible loan restructuring (Note 5) | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Warrants issued in connection with convertible notes | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Classification of embedded conversion feature from liability to equity (Note 5) | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Commitment for issuance of fixed number of ordinary shares | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Share based compensation | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net loss | - | ( | ) | ( | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2021 | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
CHANGES DURING THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2022: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Issuance of shares | * | ( | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Stock based compensation to service providers | * | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Share based compensation | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Issuance of warrants | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Warrants issued in connection with convertible notes | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Modification of warrants in connection with convertible loan restructuring | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Change in terms of convertible component in convertible notes | - | ( | ) | ( | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Commitment for issuance of fixed number of ordinary shares (note 3b) | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive income | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net loss | - | ( | ) | ( | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2022 | ( | ) | ( | ) |
(*) |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
F-5 |
CITRINE GLOBAL CORP.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(U.S. dollars in thousands)
Year ended | ||||||||
December 31 | ||||||||
2022 | 2021 | |||||||
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: | ||||||||
Net loss | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | ||
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities: | ||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | ||||||||
Finance expenses, net | ( | ) | ||||||
Financial expenses with respect to convertible notes and loans | ||||||||
Interest and change in fair value of short-term loan measured at fair value | ||||||||
Share-based compensation | ||||||||
Change in fair value of marketable securities | ||||||||
Fair value adjustment of liability in connection with stock exchange agreement | ( | ) | ||||||
Changes in operating assets and liabilities: | ||||||||
Prepaid share based payment to a service provider | ||||||||
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
Accounts payable and accrued expenses | ||||||||
Net cash used in operating activities | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: | ||||||||
Purchase of property and equipment | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
Repayment (Grant) of short-term loan | ( | ) | ||||||
Proceeds from sale of trading securities | ||||||||
Proceeds from repayments of short-term loan | ||||||||
Net cash provided by investing activities | ||||||||
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: | ||||||||
Proceeds from short term loan | ||||||||
Proceeds from issuance of convertible note | ||||||||
Proceeds from the issuance of convertible notes and warrants | ||||||||
Net cash provided by financing activities | ||||||||
Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents | ( | ) | ||||||
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash | ( | ) |