UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20549
Form
(Mark One)
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 | |
For the Quarterly Period Ended |
OR
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 | |
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(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
200 Berkley Street, Office 19th Floor
Boston, Massachusetts 02116
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of Each Class | Trading Symbol(s) | Name of Each Exchange On Which Registered | ||
The |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
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Large accelerated filer ◻ | Accelerated filer ◻ |
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Smaller reporting company | |
Emerging growth company |
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If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
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The number of outstanding shares of the registrant’s common stock, $0.001 par value, as of November 9, 2023 was
NeuroBo Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
FORM 10-Q
INDEX
2
PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1 – FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NeuroBo Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(in thousands, except share amounts and par value)
| September 30, |
|
| ||||
2023 | December 31, | ||||||
(unaudited) | 2022 |
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Assets | |||||||
Current assets: | |||||||
Cash | $ | | $ | | |||
Prepaid expenses | | | |||||
Total current assets |
| |
| | |||
Property and equipment, net |
| |
| | |||
Right-of-use asset | | — | |||||
Other assets | | — | |||||
Total assets | $ | | $ | | |||
Liabilities and stockholders’ equity | |||||||
Current liabilities: | |||||||
Accounts payable | $ | | $ | | |||
Accrued liabilities |
| |
| | |||
Warrant liabilities | | | |||||
Lease liability, short-term | | — | |||||
Total current liabilities |
| |
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Lease liability, long-term | | — | |||||
Total liabilities |
| |
| | |||
Commitments and contingencies (Note 4) | |||||||
Stockholders’ equity | |||||||
Preferred stock, $ | |||||||
Common stock, $ |
| |
| | |||
Additional paid–in capital |
| |
| | |||
Accumulated deficit |
| ( |
| ( | |||
Total stockholders’ equity |
| |
| | |||
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity | $ | | $ | | |||
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
3
NeuroBo Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
(unaudited)
For the Three Months Ended | For the Nine Months Ended | |||||||||||
September 30, | September 30, | |||||||||||
2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||
Operating expenses: |
|
|
|
| ||||||||
Research and development | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | ||||
General and administrative | | | | | ||||||||
Total operating expenses |
| |
| |
| |
| | ||||
Loss from operations |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( | ||||
Other income (expense): | ||||||||||||
Change in fair value of warrant liabilities | ( | — | | — | ||||||||
Interest income | | — | | — | ||||||||
Other expense | — | ( | — | ( | ||||||||
Loss before income taxes | ( | ( | ( | ( | ||||||||
Provision for income taxes | |
| | |
| | ||||||
Net loss |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( |
| ( | ||||
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax |
| — |
| — |
| — |
| ( | ||||
Comprehensive loss | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ( | ||||
Loss per share: | ||||||||||||
Net loss per share, basic and diluted | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | ( | ||||
Weighted average shares of common stock outstanding: | ||||||||||||
Basic and diluted |
| |
| |
| |
| | ||||
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
4
NeuroBo Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity
(in thousands, except share amounts)
(unaudited)
Additional | Accumulated | ||||||||||||||||
Common Stock | Paid–In | Comprehensive | Accumulated | Total |
| ||||||||||||
Shares |
| Amount |
| Capital |
| Income |
| Deficit |
| Equity |
| ||||||
Balance at December 31, 2021 | | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | ( | $ | | ||||||
Stock–based compensation | — | — | | — | — | | |||||||||||
Foreign currency translation adjustment | — | — | — | ( | — | ( | |||||||||||
Net loss | — | — | — | — | ( | ( | |||||||||||
Balance at March 31, 2022 | | | | | ( | | |||||||||||
Stock–based compensation | — | — | | — | — | | |||||||||||
Foreign currency translation adjustment | — | — | — | ( | — | ( | |||||||||||
Net loss | — | — | — | — | ( | ( | |||||||||||
Balance at June 30, 2022 | | $ | | $ | | $ | — | $ | ( | $ | | ||||||
Stock–based compensation | — | — | | — | — | | |||||||||||
Net loss | — | — | — | — | ( | ( | |||||||||||
Balance at September 30, 2022 | | $ | | $ | | $ | — | $ | ( | $ | | ||||||
Balance at December 31, 2022 | | $ | | $ | | $ | — | $ | ( | $ | | ||||||
Issuance of stock from exercise of warrants | | | | — | — | | |||||||||||
Stock–based compensation | — | — | ( | — | — | ( | |||||||||||
Net loss | — | — | — | — | ( | ( | |||||||||||
Balance at March 31, 2023 | | | | — | ( | | |||||||||||
Issuance of stock from exercise of warrants | | | | — | — | | |||||||||||
Stock–based compensation | — | — | | — | — | | |||||||||||
Net loss | — | — | — | — | ( | ( | |||||||||||
Balance at June 30, 2023 | | $ | | $ | | $ | — | $ | ( | $ | | ||||||
Issuance of stock for vested restricted stock units | | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||
Stock–based compensation | — | — | | — | — | | |||||||||||
Net loss | — | — | — | — | ( | ( | |||||||||||
Balance at September 30, 2023 | | $ | | $ | | $ | — | $ | ( | $ | | ||||||
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
5
NeuroBo Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
For the Nine Months Ended | |||||||
September 30, | |||||||
2023 | 2022 | ||||||
Operating activities | |||||||
Net loss | $ | ( | $ | ( | |||
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities: | |||||||
Stock-based compensation |
| |
| | |||
Non-cash lease expense | | | |||||
Depreciation |
| |
| | |||
Loss on sale of property and equipment | — | | |||||
Change in fair value of warrant liabilities | ( | — | |||||
Change in operating assets and liabilities: | |||||||
Prepaid expenses and other assets |
| ( |
| ( | |||
Accounts payable |
| |
| | |||
Accrued and other liabilities |
| |
| ( | |||
Net cash used in operating activities |
| ( |
| ( | |||
Investing activities | |||||||
Sale of property and equipment | — | | |||||
Purchases of property and equipment |
| ( |
| — | |||
Net cash used in (provided by) investing activities |
| ( |
| | |||
Financing activities | |||||||
Payment of issuance costs | ( | ( | |||||
Net cash used in financing activities |
| ( |
| ( | |||
Net decrease in cash |
| ( |
| ( | |||
Cash at beginning of period |
| |
| | |||
Cash at end of period | $ | | $ | | |||
Supplemental non-cash investing and financing transactions: | |||||||
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities | $ | | $ | — | |||
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liability | $ | | $ | — | |||
Modification of right-of-use asset and associated liability | $ | — | $ | | |||
Unpaid deferred issuance costs | $ | — | $ | | |||
Reclassification of warrant liabilities upon exercise of warrants | $ | | $ | — | |||
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
6
NeuroBo Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share amounts) (unaudited)
1. The Company and Basis of Presentation
NeuroBo Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (together with its subsidiaries, the “Company” or “NeuroBo”), is a clinical-stage biotechnology company with two primary programs focused on treatment of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (“NASH”), obesity, and type 2 diabetes mellitus (“T2D”):
| ● | DA-1241 is a novel G-Protein-Coupled Receptor 119 (GPR119) agonist that in preclinical studies demonstrated therapeutic potential for both NASH and T2D. Furthermore, in Phase 1a and 1b trials, DA-1241 was well tolerated in both healthy volunteers as well as in T2D patients. The U.S Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) cleared an Investigational New Drug (“IND”) application to support a Phase 2a clinical trial of DA-1241 in NASH patients. In the third quarter of 2023, the Company initiated the Phase 2a study with the goal of establishing efficacy of DA-1241 in NASH patients with confirmed pre-diabetes or T2D. |
| ● | DA-1726 is a novel oxyntomodulin (“OXM”) analogue that acts as a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP1R) and glucagon receptor (GCGR) dual agonist, currently in development for the treatment of obesity, with the potential to address NASH. In the fourth quarter of 2023 the Company intends to file an IND application for DA-1726 and initiate Phase 1 clinical trials, with the goal of establishing the safety of DA-1726 in human subjects. |
The Company had previously focused its efforts on four therapeutic programs: ANA001, NB-01, NB-02 and gemcabene. In June 2023, the Company decided to discontinue its clinical development of ANA001 (niclosamide) and clinical development of gemcabene for the treatment of COVID-19.
The Company’s operations have consisted principally of performing research and development activities, clinical development and raising capital. The Company’s activities are subject to significant risks and uncertainties, including failing to secure additional funding before sustainable revenues and profit from operations are achieved.
Basis of presentation and consolidation principles
The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared by the Company pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. The condensed consolidated financial statements may not include all disclosures required by GAAP; however, the Company believes that the disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and the notes thereto for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 30, 2023. The condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2022 was derived from the audited financial statements.
In the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting of only normal recurring adjustments that are necessary to present fairly the financial position, results of operations, and cash flows for the interim periods, have been made. The results of operations for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the operating results for the full fiscal year or any future periods.
The condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company include a former South Korean subsidiary, NeuroBo Co., LTD., which was fully owned by the Company until its liquidation in June 2023. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in the preparation of the financial statements.
7
NeuroBo Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements -continued
(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share amounts) (unaudited)
Going Concern
The determination as to whether the Company can continue as a going concern contemplates the realization of assets and the satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business. The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern and do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty. This basis of accounting contemplates the recovery of the Company's assets and the satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business.
As of September 30, 2023, the Company had $
The Company believes that its existing cash will be sufficient to fund its operations into the fourth quarter of 2024. The Company plans to continue to fund its operations and capital funding needs through a combination of equity offerings, debt financings, or other sources, potentially including collaborations, licenses and other similar arrangements. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to obtain any sources of financing on acceptable terms, or at all. To the extent that the Company can raise additional funds by issuing equity securities, the Company's stockholders may experience significant dilution. Any debt financing, if available, may involve restrictive covenants that impact the Company's ability to conduct its business. If the Company is unable to raise additional capital, the Company may slow down or stop its ongoing and planned clinical trials until such time as additional capital is raised and this may have a material adverse effect on the Company.
2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Use of estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the condensed consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of expenses during the reporting period. The most significant estimates in the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements relate to accrued expenses and the fair value of stock-based compensation and warrant issuances. The Company bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Changes in estimates are reflected in reported results in the period in which they become known.
General and Administrative Expenses
General and administrative expenses consist primarily of personnel-related costs, including salaries, fees and stock-based compensation costs, for personnel in functions not directly associated with research and development activities. Other significant costs include legal fees related to intellectual property and corporate matters and professional fees for accounting and other services.
Research and Development Costs
Research and development (“R&D”) costs are charged to expense as incurred. Research and development expenses are comprised of costs incurred in performing research and development activities, including clinical trial costs,
8
NeuroBo Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements -continued
(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share amounts) (unaudited)
manufacturing costs for both clinical and pre-clinical materials as well as other contracted services, license fees, and other external costs. Nonrefundable advance payments for goods and services that will be used in future research and development activities are expensed when the activity is performed or when the goods have been received, rather than when payment is made, in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 730, Research and Development.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The Company’s financial instruments principally include cash, prepaid expenses, right of use assets, accounts payable, accrued liabilities, lease liabilities and warrant liabilities. The carrying amounts of cash, prepaid expenses and other current assets, accounts payable, and accrued liabilities are reasonable estimates of their fair value because of the short maturity of these items. See Note 9 - Fair Value Measurements.
Warrant Liabilities
The Company accounts for its warrants as liabilities at fair value if equity accounting treatment is precluded due to provisions existing within the warrants. The change in fair value of the warrant liabilities are recognized as a fair value change in warrant liabilities in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss and as an operating item in the statement of cash flows.
Stock-Based Compensation
The Company accounts for stock-based compensation in accordance with the provisions of ASC 718, Compensation — Stock Compensation (“ASC 718”). Accordingly, compensation costs related to equity instruments granted are recognized at the grant-date fair value. The Company records forfeitures when they occur. Stock-based compensation arrangements to non-employees are accounted for in accordance with the applicable provisions of ASC 718 using a fair value approach.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements Adopted
From time to time, new accounting pronouncements are issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") or other standard setting bodies that are adopted by the Company as of the specified effective date. Unless otherwise discussed, the Company believes that the impact of recently issued standards that are not yet effective will not have a material impact on its consolidated financial position or results of operations upon adoption.
In June 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-13, “Financial Instruments – Credit Losses”. The ASU sets forth a “current expected credit loss” (CECL) model which requires the Company to measure all expected credit losses for financial instruments held at the reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable supportable forecasts. This replaces the existing incurred loss model and is applicable to the measurement of credit losses on financial assets measured at amortized cost and applies to some off-balance sheet credit exposures. This ASU is effective for calendar year 2023 for smaller reporting companies. The Company adopted this new guidance on January 1, 2023, and the adoption did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
9
NeuroBo Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements -continued
(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share amounts) (unaudited)
3. Balance Sheet Detail
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment consist of the following as of:
September 30, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | ||||||
Office equipment | $ | | $ | | |||
Less accumulated depreciation | ( | ( | |||||
Property and equipment, net | $ | | $ | |
Accrued liabilities
Accrued liabilities consist of the following as of:
September 30, 2023 | December 31, 2022 |
| |||||
External research and development expenses | $ | | $ | | |||
Payroll related |
| |
| | |||
Professional services | | | |||||
Other |
| — |
| | |||
Total | $ | | $ | |
4. Commitments and Contingencies
Operating Leases
New Corporate Headquarters Lease
In August 2023, the Company entered a non-cancelable operating lease for its new corporate headquarters in Boston (the “New Corporate Headquarters Lease”). The initial lease term is for
The following table reconciles the undiscounted lease liabilities to the total lease liabilities recognized on the consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2023:
As of | |||
September 30, | |||
2023 (October 1 to December 31) | | ||
2024 | | ||
2025 | | ||
2026 | | ||
Total lease payments | | ||
Less effect of discounting | ( | ||
Total | | ||
Short-term portion | ( | ||
Long-term portion | $ | | |
10
NeuroBo Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements -continued
(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share amounts) (unaudited)
Former Corporate Headquarters Lease
On May 14, 2021, the Company entered into a non-cancelable operating lease for its corporate headquarters located in Boston Massachusetts. (the “Former Corporate Headquarters Lease”). The agreement, effective August 1, 2021, had a
License Agreement with Dong-A ST
On September 14, 2022, the Company and Dong-A ST Co., Ltd. (“Dong-A”), a related party and greater than 5% shareholder, entered into a license Agreement, pursuant to which the Company received an exclusive global license (other than in the Republic of Korea) to
As of September 30, 2023,
11
NeuroBo Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements -continued
(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share amounts) (unaudited)
ANA Merger Milestone Payments
On December 31, 2020, the Company acquired
Milestone Event | Milestone Payment | |||||
First receipt of Marketing Approval (as defined in the 2020 Merger Agreement) from the FDA for any Niclosamide Product (as defined in the 2020 Merger Agreement) | $ | |||||
Sales Milestones: | ||||||
Milestone Event – Worldwide Cumulative Net Sales of a Niclosamide Product | ||||||
equal to or greater than: | Milestone Payment | |||||
$ | $ | |||||
$ | $ | |||||
$ | $ | |||||
$ | $ | |||||
Additionally, pursuant to the 2020 Merger Agreement, the Company is obligated to pay a royalty of two and a half percent (
On June 1, 2023, the Company discontinued its clinical development of ANA001 and therefore, believes the likelihood of achieving future milestones and royalty payments payable pursuant to the Merger Agreement is remote. As of September 30, 2023,
12
NeuroBo Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements -continued
(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share amounts) (unaudited)
YourChoice License Agreement
In connection with the 2020 Merger, the Company assumed the license agreement between ANA and Your Choice Therapeutics, Inc. (the “YourChoice Agreement”). Prior to the 2020 Merger, YourChoice Therapeutics, Inc. granted to ANA, during the term of the YourChoice Agreement, an exclusive, worldwide, fee-bearing license derived from the licensed intellectual property throughout the world. The fees due under the YourChoice Agreement include royalty payments of
Gemphire Contingent Value Rights Agreement
On December 30, 2019, the Company entered into a definitive merger agreement (the “2019 Merger”) with Gemphire Therapeutics, Inc. (“Gemphire”). In connection with the 2019 Merger, Gemphire entered into the Contingent Value Rights Agreement (the “CVR Agreement”) with Grand Rapids Holders’ Representative, LLC, as representative of Gemphire’s stockholders prior to the 2019 Merger (the “Holders’ Representative”), and Computershare Inc. and Computershare Trust Company, N.A. as the rights agents (collectively, the “Rights Agent”). Under the CVR Agreement, which NeuroBo assumed in connection with the 2019 Merger, the holders of Gemphire shares at the time of the 2019 Merger (collectively, the “CVR Holders”) were entitled to receive
On March 23, 2021, NeuroBo, the Holders’ Representative, and the Rights Agent entered into the First Amendment to Contingent Value Rights Agreement (the “CVR Amendment”) to amend the CVR Agreement. Pursuant to the CVR Amendment, (i) the CVR Holders will continue to have the right to receive
As of September 30, 2023,
Pfizer License Agreement
Upon the close of the 2019 Merger, an exclusive license agreement with Pfizer, Inc. (“Pfizer”) for the clinical product candidate Gemcabene (the “Pfizer Agreement”) was assumed by the Company. Under the Pfizer Agreement, in exchange for this worldwide exclusive right and license to certain patent rights to make, use, sell, offer for sale and import the clinical product Gemcabene, the Company has agreed to certain milestone and royalty payments on future sales.
The Company agreed to make milestone payments totaling up to $
13
NeuroBo Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements -continued
(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share amounts) (unaudited)
The Company also agreed to pay Pfizer tiered royalties on a country-by-country basis based upon the annual amount of net sales, as specified in the Pfizer Agreement, until the later of: (a)
As of September 30, 2023, the Company had not achieved any milestones under the Pfizer Agreement, nor were any milestones considered probable, and therefore,
Contingencies
From time to time, the Company may be subject to various claims and suits arising in the ordinary course of business. The Company does not expect that the resolution of these matters will have a material adverse effect on its financial position or results of operations.
5. License and Collaboration Agreement
Beijing SL License and Collaboration Agreement
Upon the close of the 2019 Merger, the License and Collaboration Agreement (the “Beijing SL Agreement”) with Beijing SL Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (“Beijing SL”) was assumed by the Company, pursuant to which the Company granted Beijing SL an exclusive royalty-bearing license to research, develop, manufacture and commercialize pharmaceutical products comprising, as an active ingredient, Gemcabene in mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan. The terms of the Beijing SL Agreement include payments based upon achievement of milestones and royalties on net product sales. Under the Beijing SL Agreement, the Company has variable consideration in the form of milestone payments. As of September 30, 2023,
6. Stockholders’ Equity
Warrants
The following warrants were outstanding as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022:
Warrant Issuance | September 30, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | Exercise Price | Expiration Date | ||||
July 2018 | | | $ | July 2028 | ||||
April 2020 | | | $ | April 2025 | ||||
January 2021 | | | $ | July 2026 | ||||
October 2021 | | | $ | April 2025 | ||||
November 2022 Series A | $ | December 2023 | ||||||
November 2022 Series B | $ | December 2027 | ||||||
Total | ||||||||
The November 2022 Series A Warrants and November 2022 Series B Warrants have a cashless exercise provision whereby
14
NeuroBo Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements -continued
(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share amounts) (unaudited)
7. Stock-based Compensation
Stock-based compensation expense was included in general and administrative and research and development costs as follows in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss:
Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | ||||||||||
September 30, | September 30, | ||||||||||
2023 |
| 2022 | 2023 |
| 2022 | ||||||
General and administrative | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | |||
Research and development | - | - | | - | |||||||
Total stock-based compensation | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | |||
In December 2019, the Company adopted the 2019 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2019 Plan”), and in November 2021 and December 2022, the Company adopted the 2021 Inducement Plan and 2022 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2022 Plan”), respectively. These plans provide for the grant of stock options, restricted stock and other equity awards of the Company's common stock to employees, officers, consultants, and directors. Options expire within a period of not more than
As of September 30, 2023,
Stock Options
The following table summarizes the Company’s activity related to its stock options for the nine months ended September 30, 2023:
Weighted‑ | ||||||||||
Weighted | Average | Aggregate | ||||||||
Average | Remaining | Intrinsic | ||||||||
Number of | Exercise | Contractual | Value | |||||||
Options | Price | Term (years) | (in thousands) | |||||||
Outstanding at December 31, 2022 | | $ | | $ | — | |||||
Granted | | $ | | — | $ | — | ||||
Exercised | - | $ | — | — | $ | — | ||||
Forfeited/Cancelled | ( | $ | | — | $ | — | ||||
Outstanding at September 30, 2023 | | $ | | $ | — | |||||
Vested and expected to vest at September 30, 2023 | | $ | | $ | — | |||||
Options exercisable at September 30, 2023 | | $ | | $ | — | |||||
There were
15
NeuroBo Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements -continued
(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share amounts) (unaudited)
The Company measures the fair value of stock options on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The Company does not have history to support a calculation of volatility and expected term. As such, the Company has used a weighted-average volatility considering the volatilities of several guideline companies.
For purposes of identifying similar entities, the Company considered characteristics such as industry, length of trading history, and stage of life cycle. The assumed dividend yield was based on the Company’s expectation of not paying dividends in the foreseeable future. The average expected life of the options was determined based on the mid-point between the vesting date and the end of the contractual term according to the “simplified method” as described in Staff Accounting Bulletin 110. The risk-free interest rate is determined by reference to implied yields available from U.S. Treasury securities with a remaining term equal to the expected life assumed at the date of grant. The Company records forfeitures when they occur.
The assumptions used in the Black-Scholes option-pricing model are as follows:
Nine Months Ended | |||||||||
September 30, | |||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||
Expected stock price volatility | % | % | |||||||
Expected life of options (years) | |||||||||
Expected dividend yield | — | % | — | % | |||||
Risk free interest rate | % | % | |||||||
During the three months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022,
Restricted Stock Units
During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, the Company awarded restricted stock units (“RSUs”) to employees and directors. The vested restricted stock units vest through the passage of time, assuming continued service. The fair value of the RSUs, at the time of grant, is expensed on a straight-line basis over the vesting period of the RSUs as the services are provided. The following table summarizes the Company’s activity related to its restricted stock units for the nine months ended September 30, 2023:
Weighted | |||||
Average | |||||
Number of | Grant Date Fair Value | ||||
RSUs | Price | ||||
Outstanding at December 31, 2022 | - | ||||
Granted | | $ | | ||
Vested and released | ( | $ | | ||
Forfeited/Cancelled | ( | $ | | ||
Outstanding at September 30, 2023 | | $ | | ||
8. Net Loss Per Common Share
Basic net loss per share is computed by dividing the net loss by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding for the period, without consideration for potentially dilutive securities if their effect is antidilutive. Diluted
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NeuroBo Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements -continued
(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share amounts) (unaudited)
net loss per share is computed by dividing the net loss by the weighted average number of shares of common stock and dilutive common stock equivalents outstanding for the period determined using the treasury stock method. Dilutive common stock equivalents are comprised of options and RSUs outstanding under the Company's stock incentive plans and warrants. For all periods presented, there is no difference in the number of shares used to calculate basic and diluted shares outstanding as inclusion of the potentially dilutive securities would be antidilutive.
The basic net loss per share calculation includes the 2022 Series A Warrants and 2022 Series B Warrants given that these instruments are exchangeable into common stock for which no additional consideration is required from the holder. The following potential shares of common stock were not considered in the computation of diluted net loss per share as their effect would have been anti-dilutive.
Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | |||||||
September 30 | September 30 | |||||||
| 2023 |
| 2022 |
| 2023 |
| 2022 | |
Stock options | | | | | ||||
RSUs | | — | | — | ||||
Warrants (excluding 2022 Series A Warrants and 2022 Series B Warrants) | | | | | ||||
9. Fair Value Measurements
The Company follows accounting guidance that emphasizes that fair value is a market-based measurement, not an entity specific measurement. Fair value is defined as “the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.” Fair value measurements are defined on a three level hierarchy:
Level 1 inputs: Unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets;
Level 2 inputs: Quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, quoted prices in markets that are not active, or inputs which are observable, whether directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the asset or liability;
Level 3 inputs: Unobservable inputs that reflect the Company’s own assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability in which there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability at the measurement date.
The fair value of financial instruments measured on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022 are as follows:
As of September 30, 2023 | |||||||||||||
Description |
| Total |
| Level 1 |
| Level 2 |
| Level 3 |
| ||||
Liabilities: | |||||||||||||
Warrant liabilities | $ | | $ | — | $ | | $ | — | |||||
Total liabilities at Fair Value | $ | | $ | — | $ | | $ | — | |||||
As of December 31, 2022 | |||||||||||||
Description |
| Total |
| Level 1 |
| Level 2 |
| Level 3 |
| ||||
Liabilities: | |||||||||||||
Warrant liabilities | $ | | $ | — | $ | — | $ | | |||||
Total liabilities at Fair Value | $ | | $ | — | $ | — | $ | | |||||
The fair value of the 2022 Series A Warrants and 2022 Series B Warrants (collectively, the “2022 Warrants”) was determined using a Monte Carlo simulation at December 31, 2022. This valuation technique involved a significant
17
NeuroBo Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements -continued
(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share amounts) (unaudited)
amount of estimation and judgment. In general, the assumptions used in calculating the fair value of the common stock warrant liability represent management’s best estimate, but the estimate involves inherent uncertainties and the application of significant management judgment. At December 31, 2022, these warrant liabilities fell within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.
However, due to the cashless exercise provision of the 2022 Warrants rendering the exercise price effectively at zero, the calculated price per share of the 2022 Warrants approximated that of a share of common stock. Based on this result, the Company changed its valuation methodology during the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and determined that the fair value of the warrants are equal to the underlying stock price at September 30, 2023. Therefore, as of September 30, 2023, these warrant liabilities fell within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
The following table provides a roll-forward of the warrant liabilities measured at fair value for the nine months ended September 30, 2023:
Nine Months Ended | ||
September 30, | ||
| 2023 | |
Balance at beginning of period | $ | |
( | ||
Reclass of warrant liabilities upon exercise of warrants | ( | |
Balance at end of period | $ | |
10. Income Taxes
The effective tax rate for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 was
11. Related Party Transactions
Manufacturing Agreement with Dong-A ST
On September 28, 2018, the Company entered into a
On June 7, 2020, the Company entered into a manufacturing and supply agreement (the “Manufacturing and Supply Agreement”) with Dong-A for the manufacturing and supply of NB-02 drug product and placebo for the purpose of research and development of NB-02, including but not limited to, the use in the first NB-02 human clinical trial to be conducted by the Company. Under the terms of the Manufacturing and Supply Agreement, upon receipt of a purchase order from the Company no later than
18
NeuroBo Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements -continued
(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share amounts) (unaudited)
termination under certain circumstances. The Company recognized
Shared Services Agreement
On September 14, 2022, in conjunction with the Dong-A License Agreement, the Company entered into a shared services agreement with Dong-A (the “Shared Services Agreement”), relating to DA-1241 and DA-1726. The Shared Services Agreement provides that Dong-A may provide technical support, pre-clinical development, and clinical trial support services on terms and conditions acceptable to both parties. In addition, the Shared Services Agreement provides that Dong-A will manufacture all of the Company’s clinical requirements of DA-1241 and DA-1726.
Either party may terminate the Shared Services Agreement for the other party’s material breach that is not cured within
As of September 30, 2023, the table below summarizes the statements of work (the “SOW”s) executed between the Company and Dong-A pursuant to the Shared Services Agreement:
SOW | Description | SOW amount |
| R&D expense for the three months ended September 30, 2023 |
| R&D expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 | Accounts payable/Accrued research and development as of September 30, 2023 | |||||||
SOW 2 | Secondment of Dong-A Personnel | $ | $ | | $ | | $ | - | ||||||
SOW 3 | Manufacture of DA-1241 and DA-1726(1) | | | | ||||||||||
SOW 4 | Preclinical and Research Overhead for DA-1241 and DA-1726 | | | | ||||||||||
SOW 5 | Secondment of Dong-A Personnel | | | | ||||||||||
Total | $ | $ | $ | $ |
| (1) | The SOW 3 amounts provided in the above table represents the expense incurred to manufacture DA-1241 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023. The SOW 3 amounts in the table above do not reflect the entire cost to manufacture DA-1726, which is to be provided by Dong-A closer to completion. |
12. Subsequent Event
Since September 30, 2023,
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ITEM 2. | MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS |
The following discussion of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this report and the audited financial statements and related notes for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K (“2022 Form 10-K”) filed by the Company with the SEC on March 30, 2023.
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“Exchange Act”), that are based on management’s beliefs, assumptions and expectations and information currently available to management. All statements that address future operating performance, events or developments that we expect or anticipate will occur in the future are forward-looking statements, including without limitation, our expectations regarding our ability to execute on our commercial strategy, the timeline for regulatory submissions, regulatory steps and potential regulatory approval of our current and future product candidates, the ability to realize the benefits of the license agreement with Dong-A ST Co. Ltd., including the impact on future financial and operating results of NeuroBo; the ability to integrate the product candidates into our business in a timely and cost-efficient manner; the cooperation of our contract manufacturers, clinical study partners and others involved in the development of our current and future product candidates; our ability to initiate clinical trials on a timely basis; our ability to recruit subjects for our clinical trials; costs related to the license agreement, known and unknown, including costs of any litigation or regulatory actions relating to the license agreement; changes in applicable laws or regulations; effects of changes to our stock price on the terms of the license agreement and any future fundraising and other risks and uncertainties described in our filings with the SEC.
In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by the following words: “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “ongoing,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “will,” “would” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. In addition, statements that “we believe,” “we expect,” “we anticipate” and similar statements reflect our beliefs and opinions on the relevant subject. These statements are based upon information available to us as of the date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and management believes that these forward-looking statements are reasonable as and when made. However, you should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements because they speak only as of the date when made. We undertake no obligation to revise any forward-looking statements in order to reflect events or circumstances that might subsequently arise.
Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events to adversely differ from the expectations indicated in these forward-looking statements, including without limitation, the risks and uncertainties described in our 2022 Form 10-K. We operate in an evolving environment. New risk factors and uncertainties may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all risk factors and uncertainties. We may not actually achieve the plans, projections or expectations disclosed in forward-looking statements, and actual results, developments or events could differ materially from those disclosed in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including without limitation, the possibility that regulatory authorities do not accept our application or approve the marketing of our products, the possibility we may be unable to raise the funds necessary for the development and commercialization of our products, and those described in our filings with the SEC.
Overview
NeuroBo Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (the “Company,” “NeuroBo,” “we,” “us” or “our”) is a clinical-stage
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biotechnology company focused primarily on developing and commercializing novel pharmaceuticals to treat cardiometabolic diseases. NeuroBo has two primary programs focused on treatment of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (“NASH”), obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (“T2D”):
| ● | DA-1241 is a novel G-Protein-Coupled Receptor 119 (GPR119) agonist that has demonstrated therapeutic potential for both NASH and T2D. In preclinical studies, DA-1241 demonstrated that GPR-119 agonism promotes release of the key gut peptides GLP-1, GIP, and PYY, which have a beneficial effect on liver inflammation, lipid metabolism, weight loss, and glucose metabolism. The therapeutic potential of DA-1241 has been demonstrated in multiple pre-clinical animal models of NASH and T2D whereby DA-1241 reduced hepatic steatosis, hepatic inflammation, and liver fibrosis, while also improving glucose control. Furthermore, in Phase 1a and 1b trials, DA-1241 was well tolerated in both healthy volunteers and those with T2D. The U.S Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) cleared an Investigational New Drug (“IND”) application to support a Phase 2a clinical trial of DA-1241 in NASH patients. In the third quarter of 2023, we initiated the Phase 2a study with the goal of establishing efficacy of DA-1241 in NASH patients with confirmed pre-diabetes or T2D. |
| ● | DA-1726 is a novel oxyntomodulin (“OXM”) analogue that acts as a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP1R) and glucagon receptor (GCGR) dual agonist. The once-weekly subcutaneous drug candidate is in development for the treatment of obesity, with the potential to address other co-morbidities, including NASH. DA-1726 has demonstrated superior body weight loss in preclinical studies compared with other selective GLP1R agonists. OXM is a naturally-occurring gut hormone that activates GLP1R and GCGR, which decrease food intake while increasing energy expenditure, thus potentially resulting in superior body weight loss compared to selective GLP1R agonists. In the fourth quarter of 2023 we intend to file an IND application for DA-1726 and initiate Phase 1 clinical trials, with the goal of establishing the safety of DA-1726 in human subjects. |
While we are primarily focused on development of DA-1241 and DA-1726, we also had four legacy therapeutics programs:
| ● | NB-01 was being developed as a treatment for painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN) as a first-line pain management therapy for PDN. |
| ● | NB-02 was being developed to treat the symptoms of cognitive impairment and modify the progression of neurodegenerative diseases associated with the misfunction of a protein called tau, and with amyloid beta plaque deposition. |
| ● | Gemcabene was being developed for the treatment of dyslipidemia, a serious medical condition that increases the risk of life-threatening cardiovascular disease, and was focused on orphan indications such as homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HoFH), as well as severe hypertriglyceridemia (SHTG) and for COVID-19. |
| ● | ANA001 is a proprietary oral niclosamide formulation that was being developed as a treatment for patients with moderate COVID-19. |
In June 2023, we decided to discontinue our clinical development of ANA001 (niclosamide) and clinical development of Gemcabene for the treatment of COVID-19.
For more information on our business and our product candidates, see “Business-Overview” in Part I, Item 1 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 30, 2023.
Our Board of Directors has determined to focus our financial resources and management attention on development of DA-1241 for NASH and T2D and DA-1726 for NASH and obesity. We will continue to consider out-
21
licensing and acquisition opportunities with respect to our legacy programs.
Current Scientific Activity
Following consummation of the License Agreement between Dong-A ST Co, Ltd and us, dated September 14, 2022, we have two primary programs focused on treatment of NASH, obesity and T2D:
DA-1241
DA-1241 is a novel chemical drug candidate selectively activating G protein-coupled receptor 119 (GPR119) which has shown consistent target-related mechanisms and glucose-lowering effects from nonclinical studies to a Phase 1b exploratory clinical trials in patients with T2D in the US. GPR119 is known to be a regulator of both blood glucose and lipid levels. Non-clinical studies suggest DA-1241 selectively activates GPR119, thus stimulating the secretion of insulin and incretin hormones such as GLP-1, GIP, and PYY. Extensive non-clinical studies have shown DA-1241 has therapeutic potential for the reduction in hepatic steatosis, inflammation, fibrosis, improved lipid metabolism, and glucose control regardless of body weight reduction. Other preclinical tests have suggested these therapeutic effects are augmented when co-treated with other oral anti-diabetic agents such as metformin, SGLT2 inhibitors, and DPP4 inhibitors which are widely used for treating patients with T2D in the clinic. Moreover, impaired insulin action and lipid metabolism which are frequently observed in T2D patients are highly associated with the pathogenesis of steatosis and inflammation in NASH. In Phase 1a and 1b human trials DA-1241 was well tolerated in both healthy volunteers and those with T2D.
Phase 2 Study
In March 2023, we submitted an Investigational New Drug (IND) application to the FDA to support a Phase 2a clinical trial of DA-1241 in NASH patients with pre-diabetes or T2D. The FDA cleared the IND application in May 2023, and we initiated the study in the third quarter of 2023.
The two-part, Phase 2a trial is designed to be a 16-week, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel clinical study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of DA-1241 in subjects with presumed NASH and confirmed pre-diabetes or T2D.
Part 1 is exploring the efficacy of DA-1241 versus placebo, and is expected to enroll 49 subjects, with a planned maximum of 55 subjects to account for early discontinuations. Subjects are being randomized in a 1:2:1 ratio into 3 treatment groups: DA-1241 50 mg, DA-1241 100 mg, or placebo.
Part 2 will explore the efficacy of DA-1241 in combination with sitagliptin, versus placebo, and will begin after completion of a confirmatory preclinical safety study of DA-1241 in combination with sitagliptin. It is expected to enroll 37 subjects, with a planned maximum of 43 subjects to account for early discontinuations, and subjects will be randomized in 2:1 ratio into 2 treatment groups: DA-1241 100 mg/sitagliptin 100 mg or placebo.
Randomization of both Part 1 and Part 2 will be stratified by T2D status at baseline.
The primary endpoint for both part 1 and part 2 is the change from baseline in alanine transaminase (ALT) levels at Week 16. Secondary efficacy endpoints include the proportion of subjects with normalization of ALT, relative percent change in liver fat fraction from baseline, absolute change in liver fat from baseline, and proportion of subjects with a 30% or more reduction in liver fat from baseline, among others. Safety will be evaluated by monitoring adverse
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events (AEs), serious adverse events (SAEs) and AEs leading to discontinuation and laboratory abnormalities.
DA-1726
DA-1726 is a novel OXM analogue functioning as a GLP1R/GCGR dual agonist for the treatment of NASH and obesity. Activation of GLP-1R contributes to central anorexic effect (appetite suppression) and activation of GCGR peripherally enhances basal metabolic rate. Accordingly, non-clinical studies have shown DA-1726 not only reduces food intake but also increases energy expenditure even at the basal resting state, leading to persistent weight loss in diet-induced obese animals. In preclinical mice models administration of DA-1726 resulted in improved weight loss, as well as reduced hepatic steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis compared to semaglutide as well as another OXM analogue in development. Having stabilized the fragile peptide through several unique modifications, DA-1726 is predicted to be available as a once-weekly regimen to humans. We intend to advance DA-1726 through an IND application during the fourth quarter of 2023 and thereafter through initiation of human clinical trials.
Results of Operations
The following table summarizes our operating results for the periods indicated: (dollar amounts in thousands)
For the Three Months Ended | For the Nine Months Ended | |||||||||||||||||
September 30, | September 30, | |||||||||||||||||
| 2023 |
| 2022 |
| Change | 2023 |
| 2022 |
| Change | ||||||||
Operating expenses: | ||||||||||||||||||
Research and development | $ | 2,292 | $ | 571 | $ | 1,721 | $ | 5,293 | $ | 2,473 | $ | 2,820 | ||||||
General and administrative | 1,601 | 2,533 | (932) | 4,926 | 6,725 | (1,799) | ||||||||||||
Total operating expenses |
| 3,893 |
| 3,104 |
| 789 |
| 10,219 |
| 9,198 |
| 1,021 | ||||||
Loss from operations |
| (3,893) |
| (3,104) |
| (789) |
| (10,219) |
| (9,198) |
| (1,021) | ||||||
Other income (expense): | ||||||||||||||||||
Change in fair value of warrant liabilities | (87) | — | (87) | 2,901 | — | 2,901 | ||||||||||||
Interest income | 162 | — | 162 | 162 | — | 162 | ||||||||||||
Other expense | — | (9) | 9 | — | (93) | 93 | ||||||||||||
Loss before income taxes | (3,818) | (3,113) | (705) | (7,156) | (9,291) | 2,135 | ||||||||||||
Provision for income taxes | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||
Net loss | $ | (3,818) | $ | (3,113) | $ | (705) | $ | (7,156) | $ | (9,291) | $ | 2,135 | ||||||
Comparison of Three Months Ended September 30, 2023 and 2022
Research and Development Expenses
Research and development expenses consist primarily of costs incurred in connection with the development of our product candidates. We expense research and development costs to operations as incurred.
Research and development expenses were approximately $2.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023 as compared to approximately $0.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2022. The increase of approximately $1.7 million was primarily due to costs related to our clinical trial of DA-1241 which we initiated in the third quarter of 2023, including increases in clinical trial costs and toxicology studies of $1.3 million and $0.4 million, respectively.
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General and Administrative Expenses
General and administrative expenses consist primarily of salaries and related costs, including stock-based compensation, for personnel in executive, finance and administrative functions. General and administrative expenses also include direct and allocated facility-related costs as well as professional fees for legal, patent, consulting, investor and public relations, accounting, and audit services.
General and administrative expenses were approximately $1.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023, compared to approximately $2.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2022. The decrease of approximately $0.9 million was primarily due to a decrease in professional fees of $0.7 million primarily related to the exploration of business opportunities during the three months ended September 30, 2022, as well as a decrease in insurance costs of approximately $0.2 million.
Change in fair value of warrant liabilities
The change in fair value of warrant liabilities resulted in a loss of $0.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023, primarily resulting from the fluctuation of the underlying stock price of our common stock at September 30, 2023 compared to December 31, 2022. We had no warrant liabilities during the three months ended September 30, 2022.
Interest Income
Interest income for the three months ended September 30, 2023 was $0.2 million and was related to cash deposits. Interest income for the three months ended September 30, 2022 was nominal.
Other expense
We did not incur other expense for the three months ended September 30, 2023. Other expense for the three months ended September 30, 2022 was nominal.
Comparison of Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023 and 2022
Research and Development Expenses
Research and development expenses consist primarily of costs incurred in connection with the development of our product candidates. We expense research and development costs to operations as incurred.
Research and development expenses were approximately $5.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 as compared to approximately $2.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022. The increase of approximately $2.8 million was primarily due to costs related to our clinical trial of DA-1241 which we initiated in the third quarter of 2023, including increases in clinical trial costs, toxicology studies and related costs to drug manufacturing of $0.9 million, $1.6 million, and $0.5 million, respectively. The increase is partially offset by a decrease in general research and development overhead, as we were finishing our ANA001 study, during the nine months ended September 30, 2022 of $0.2 million.
General and Administrative Expenses
General and administrative expenses consist primarily of salaries and related costs, including stock-based compensation, for personnel in executive, finance and administrative functions. General and administrative expenses also include direct and allocated facility-related costs as well as professional fees for legal, patent, consulting, investor and public relations, accounting, and audit services.
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General and administrative expenses were approximately $4.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, compared to approximately $6.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022. The decrease of approximately $1.8 million was primarily due to a decrease in professional fees of $1.0 million primarily related to the exploration of business opportunities during the nine months ended September 30, 2022, as well as a decrease in insurance costs of approximately $0.7 million and a decrease in stock-based compensation of $0.5 million, offset partially by increases in payroll and executive consultant fees in the aggregate of $0.4 million.
Change in fair value of warrant liabilities
The change in fair value of warrant liabilities resulted in a gain of $2.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, primarily resulting from the fluctuation of the underlying stock price of our common stock at September 30, 2023 compared to December 31, 2022. We had no warrant liabilities during the nine months ended September 30, 2022.
Interest Income
Interest income for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 was $0.2 million and was related to cash deposits. Interest income for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 was nominal.
Other expense
Other expense was $0.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and consisted primarily of a loss on the sale of fixed assets. We did not incur other expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2023.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Cash Flows
The following table summarizes our cash flows for the periods indicated:
For the Nine Months Ended | |||||||
September 30, | |||||||
| 2023 | 2022 |
| ||||
(in thousands) | |||||||
Net cash used in operating activities | $ | (7,406) | $ | (9,905) | |||
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities |
| (41) | 8 | ||||
Net cash used in financing activities |
| (80) | (134) | ||||
Net decrease in cash | $ | (7,527) | $ | (10,031) | |||
Operating Activities
During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, cash used in operating activities was approximately $7.4 million, consisting of our net loss of approximately $7.2 million and a change in the fair value of warrant liabilities of $2.9 million, offset partially by net changes in working capital and non-cash expenses in the amount of approximately $2.7 million in the aggregate. The net change in working capital was primarily due to increased accounts payable and accrued expenses related to expenses associated with our clinical trial of DA-1241.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2022, cash used in operating activities was approximately $9.9 million, consisting of our net loss of $9.3 million and changes in working capital cash usage in the amount of
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approximately $1.3 million, offset partially by non-cash expenses related primarily to stock-based compensation of $0.7 million.
Investing Activities
Cash used in investing activities during the nine months ended September 30, 2023 was approximately $41,000 for the purchase of equipment. Cash provided by investing activities during the nine months ended September 30, 2022 was approximately $8,000 for the sale of equipment.
Financing Activities
Cash used in financing activities was approximately $80,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 from the payment of financing costs related to a prior financing transaction. Cash used in financing activities was $0.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022.
Going Concern
We have incurred significant operating losses since inception. Our ability to generate product revenue sufficient to achieve profitability will depend on the successful development and eventual commercialization of one or more of our current or future product candidates. To date, we have not generated any revenue from product sales, collaborations with other companies, government grants or any other source, and do not expect to generate any revenue in the foreseeable future, and have been dependent on funding operations through the public and private sale of equity securities.
We have devoted substantially all of our resources to the development of our product candidates, including the conduct of our clinical trials, and general and administrative operations, including the protection of our intellectual property.
The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with GAAP, which contemplate our continuation as a going concern.
As of September 30, 2023, we had an accumulated deficit of $103.0 million. Our net losses were $3.8 million and $3.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Our net losses were $7.2 million and $9.3 million for the nine months ended September, 2023 and 2022, respectively. We expect that our expenses and capital requirements will increase substantially in connection with our ongoing activities, particularly if and as we:
| ● | pursue clinical development for any of our current product candidates; |
| ● | initiate preclinical studies and clinical trials with respect to any additional indications for our current product candidates and any future product candidates that we may pursue; |
| ● | acquire or in-license other product candidates and/or technologies; |
| ● | develop, maintain, expand and protect our intellectual property portfolio; |
| ● | hire additional clinical, scientific administrative and commercial personnel; |
| ● | establish a commercial manufacturing source and secure supply chain capacity sufficient to provide commercial quantities of any product candidates for which we may obtain regulatory approval; |
| ● | seek regulatory approvals for any product candidates that successfully complete clinical trials; |
| ● | establish a sales, marketing and distribution infrastructure and/or enter into partnership arrangements to commercialize any products for which we may obtain regulatory approval; or |
| ● | add administrative, operational, financial and management information systems and personnel, including personnel to support our product development and planned future commercialization efforts, and to support our being a public reporting company |
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We are currently developing DA-1241 and DA-1726 through various stages of clinical and preclinical development. Developing pharmaceutical products, including conducting preclinical studies and clinical trials, is expensive. As part of our longer-term strategy, we anticipate that we will incur significant expenses in connection with our research and development efforts and the maintenance of our general and administrative infrastructure. We may also engage in business development activities that involve potential in- or out-licensing of products or technologies or acquisitions of other products, technologies or businesses. If DA-1241 or DA-1726 or any of our other product candidates fails in clinical trials or does not gain or maintain regulatory approval, or if DA-1241 or DA-1726 or any of our other product candidates does not achieve market acceptance, we may never become profitable.
As of September 30, 2023, we had cash deposits in the amount of $25.8 million. We expect to continue to incur significant operating losses in the foreseeable future to support our planned continued clinical development of DA-1241 and DA-1726. We expect that our cash will be adequate to fund operations into the fourth quarter of 2024. We will need to continue to raise additional funds until we are able to generate sufficient revenues to fund our development activities, however these actions are not solely within our control and we are unable to predict the ultimate outcome of these actions to generate the liquidity ultimately required.
These factors individually and collectively raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. Our financial statements do not include any adjustments or classifications that may result from our possible inability to continue as a going concern.
Critical Accounting Estimates
Our financial statements are prepared in accordance with GAAP. These accounting principles require us to make estimates and judgments that can affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements as well as the reported amounts of revenue and expense during the periods presented. We believe that the estimates and judgments upon which we rely are reasonably based upon information available to us at the time that we make these estimates and judgments. To the extent that there are material differences between these estimates and actual results, our financial results will be affected. The accounting policies that reflect our more significant estimates and judgments and which we believe are the most critical to aid in fully understanding and evaluating our reported financial results are described in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”, included in our 2022 Form 10-K filed on March 30, 2023.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, there were no material changes to our critical accounting estimates disclosed in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” included in our 2022 Form 10-K filed on March 30, 2023.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Refer to Note 2— Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to our condensed consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this report for a discussion of recently issued accounting pronouncements.
ITEM 3.QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Not applicable.
ITEM 4.CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
We maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information we are required to disclose in our Exchange Act reports is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified
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in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive and financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
We designed and evaluate our disclosure controls and procedures recognizing that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance and not absolute assurance of achieving the desired control objectives. Also, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that misstatements due to error or fraud will not occur or that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, have been detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake. The design of any system of controls is based, in part, upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions.
Under the supervision of and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive and financial officer, we evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures, as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15(d)- 15(e) promulgated under the Exchange Act as of September 30, 2023. Based on this evaluation, our principal executive and financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective as a result of the material weaknesses described below.
In connection with the preparation of the financial statements included in our 2022 Form 10-K, management identified material weaknesses resulting from a lack of segregation of duties over cash disbursements and financial reporting, a material weakness related to logical access over computer applications, and a material weakness due to lack of supervision and review over financial reporting. A material weakness is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of our annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Specifically, there was a lack of segregation of duties involved in the execution of wire transfers, preparing journal entries, and review over clinical trial accruals, and certain individuals in the accounting department have administrative access to the financial reporting systems. See “Remediation Efforts to Address the Material Weaknesses” below for steps we are taking to correct these material weaknesses.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Except as provided below under “Remediation Efforts to Address Material Weaknesses,” there were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) or 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the quarter ended September 30, 2023, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
Remediation Efforts to Address Material Weaknesses
We are in the process of remediating, but have not yet remediated, the material weaknesses described above. Under the oversight of the audit committee, management is developing a detailed plan and timetable for the implementation of appropriate remedial measures to address the material weaknesses. As of the date of this quarterly report, we are in the process of making the following changes in our internal control environment to help remediate the material weaknesses:
| • | we have added additional accounting personnel, enabling us to alleviate the lack of segregation of duties over certain financial reporting processes; |
| • | we will enhance the controls over disbursements, separating the functions of initiating and approving to two separate individuals; |
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| • | we will implement enhanced controls relative to the review and oversight of the accounting for review of journal entries, cash disbursements and financial reporting. |
| • | we will restrict administrator rights to only those individuals who require access. |
Management may decide to take additional measures to remediate the material weaknesses as necessary.
PART II — OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1.LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
From time to time, we may be involved in various claims and legal proceedings relating to claims arising out of our operations. We are not currently a party to any legal proceedings that, in the opinion of our management, are likely to have a material adverse effect on our business. Regardless of outcome, litigation can have an adverse impact on us because of defense and settlement costs, diversion of management resources and other factors.
ITEM 1A.RISK FACTORS
Our business, results of operations, and financial condition are subject to various risks and uncertainties, including those described in Part I, Item 1A: Risk Factors in our 2022 Form 10-K. The following risk factor is being provided to supplement and update the risk factors set forth in our 2022 Form 10-K.
We have incurred losses since inception, we anticipate that we will incur continued losses for the foreseeable future and there is substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern for the full one-year period following the date of this report. We require additional financing to accomplish our long-term business plan and failure to obtain necessary capital when needed on acceptable terms, or at all, could force us to delay, limit, reduce or terminate our operations.
We have experienced net losses and negative cash flows from operating activities since our inception and have an accumulated deficit of $103.0 million as of September 30, 2023. It is possible we will never generate revenue or profit.
As of September 30, 2023, we had cash deposits of $25.8 million. Operating at the level of scientific activity described in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Statements and Results of Operations – Overview - Recent Developments,” we expect that our cash deposits will be adequate to fund operations into the fourth quarter of 2024. Accordingly, we will need to raise additional capital to fund continued operations at the current level beyond the third quarter of 2024.
Although we are exploring financing opportunities and carefully monitoring the capital markets, we do not yet have any commitments for additional financing and may not be successful in our efforts to raise additional funds. There can be no assurances that additional financing will be available to us on satisfactory terms, or at all. If we are unable to raise sufficient additional capital (which is not assured at this time, particularly as a result of recent depressed capital market conditions), our long-term business plan may not be accomplished, and we may be forced to cease, reduce, or delay operations.
The foregoing factors individually and collectively raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern for the full one-year period following the date of this report. For more information, see “Going Concern” under Note 2 to our financial statements included in Item 1 of this Quarterly Report. The perception that we may not be able to continue as a going concern may cause others to choose not to deal with us due to concerns about our ability to meet our contractual obligations. If we are unable to continue as a going concern, investors could lose all or part of their investment in our Company.
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We are not currently in compliance with the continued listing requirements for Nasdaq. If the price of our common stock continues to trade below $1.00 per share for a sustained period or we do not meet other continued listing requirements, our common stock may be delisted from the Nasdaq Capital Market, which could affect the market price and liquidity for our common stock and reduce our ability to raise additional capital.
On February 8, 2023, we received written notice (the “Notification Letter”) from The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (“Nasdaq”) notifying us that the Company was not in compliance with the minimum bid price requirements set forth in Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(a)(2) for continued listing on the Nasdaq Capital Market. Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(a)(2) requires listed securities maintain a minimum closing bid price of $1.00 per share, and Nasdaq Listing Rule 5810(c)(3)(A) provides that a failure to meet the minimum closing bid price requirement exists if the deficiency continues for a period of 30 consecutive business days. Based on the closing bid price of the Company’s common stock for the 30 consecutive business days prior to the date of the Notification Letter, the Company did not meet the minimum closing bid price requirement. To regain compliance, the closing bid price of the Company’s common stock must be at least $1.00 per share for a minimum of 10 consecutive business days at any time prior to August 7, 2023.
On July 31, 2023, the Company submitted a request to Nasdaq for a 180-day extension to regain compliance with the Minimum Bid Price Requirement. The Company indicated to Nasdaq that it met the continued listing requirement for market value of publicly-held shares and all other initial listing standards for the Nasdaq Capital Market, with the exception of the Minimum Bid Price Requirement, and provided notice of its intention to cure the deficiency during the extended compliance period by effecting a reverse stock split, if necessary. On June 28, 2023, the Company’s stockholders approved an amendment to the Company’s certificate of incorporation to effect a reverse stock split of the Company’s issued and outstanding common stock at a ratio between 1-for-5 and 1-for-8, with the decision of whether to implement such split being subject to the discretion of the Company’s Board of Directors.
On August 8, 2023, the Company received a letter from Nasdaq advising that the Company had been granted a 180-day extension to February 5, 2024 to regain compliance with the Minimum Bid Price Requirement, in accordance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5810(c)(3)(A).We continue to monitor the closing bid price of our common stock and consider our available options to resolve our noncompliance with the minimum bid price requirement. There can be no assurance that we will be able to regain compliance with the minimum bid price requirement or we will otherwise be in compliance with other Nasdaq listing criteria. If we fail to regain compliance with the minimum bid requirement or to meet the other applicable continued listing requirements for the Nasdaq Capital Market in the future and Nasdaq may delist our common stock.
Delisting from Nasdaq could adversely affect our ability to raise additional financing through the public or private sale of equity securities, would significantly affect the ability of investors to trade our securities and would negatively affect the value and liquidity of our common stock. Delisting could also have other negative results, including the potential loss of confidence by employees, the loss of institutional investor interest and fewer business development opportunities. If our common stock is delisted by Nasdaq, the price of our common stock may decline and our common stock may be eligible to trade on the OTC Bulletin Board, another over-the-counter quotation system, or on the pink sheets where an investor may find it more difficult to dispose of their common stock or obtain accurate quotations as to the market value of our common stock. Further, if we are delisted, we would incur additional costs under requirements of state “blue sky” laws in connection with any sales of our securities. These requirements could severely limit the market liquidity of our common stock and the ability of our stockholders to sell our common stock in the secondary market.
In addition, if our common stock is delisted from the Nasdaq Capital Market and the trading price remains below $5.00 per share, trading in our common stock might also become subject to the requirements of certain rules promulgated under the Exchange Act, which require additional disclosure by broker-dealers in connection with any trade involving a stock defined as a “penny stock” (generally, any equity security not listed on a national securities exchange or quoted on Nasdaq that has a market price of less than $5.00 per share, subject to certain exceptions).
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If we seek to implement a reverse stock split to remain listed on the NASDAQ Capital Market, the announcement or implementation of a reverse stock split could significantly negatively affect the price of our common stock. As stated above, our stockholders have approve a reverse stock split of the Company’s issued and outstanding common stock at a ratio between 1-for-5 and 1-for-8, with the decision of whether to implement such split being subject to the discretion of the Company’s Board of Directors. Additionally, in 2020, the SEC approved a previously proposed NASDAQ rule change to expedite delisting of securities with a closing bid price at or below $0.10 for 10 consecutive trading days during any bid price compliance period and that have had one or more reverse stock splits with a cumulative ratio of 1 for 250 or more shares over the prior two-year period. In addition, if a company falls out of compliance with the $1.00 minimum bid price after completing reverse stock splits over the immediately preceding two years that cumulatively result in a ratio of 1 for 250 shares, the company will not be able to avail itself of any bid price compliance periods under Rule 5810(c)(3)(A), and NASDAQ will instead require the issuance of a Staff delisting determination. The company could appeal the determination to a hearings panel, which could grant the company a 180-day exception to remain listed if it believes the company would be able to achieve and maintain compliance with the bid price requirement. Following the exception, we would be subject to the procedures applicable to a company with recurring deficiencies (NASDAQ Rule 5815(d)(4)(B)).
We continue to actively monitor our performance with respect to the listing standards and are considering available options to resolve the deficiency and regain compliance with the NASDAQ rules. There can be no assurance that we will be able to regain compliance with any deficiency, or maintain compliance even if we implement an option that regains our compliance.
ITEM 2.UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
None.
ITEM 3.DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
Not applicable.
ITEM 4.MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.
ITEM 5.OTHER INFORMATION
Rule 10b5-1 Trading Plans – Directors and Officers
During the three months ended September 30, 2023, none of the Company's directors or Section 16 officers
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ITEM 6. EXHIBITS
EXHIBIT |
| DESCRIPTION OF DOCUMENT |
3.1 | ||
3.2 | ||
10.1 | ||
10.2* | ||
31.1* | ||
31.2* | ||
32.1** | ||
32.2** | ||
101.INS* | Inline XBRL Instance Document | |
101.SCH* | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document | |
101.CAL* | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document | |
101.DEF* | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document | |
101.LAB* | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document | |
101.PRE* | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document | |
104 | Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101) | |
* | Filed herewith | |
** | Furnished herewith. The certification attached as Exhibit 32.1 that accompanies this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q is deemed furnished and not filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and is not to be incorporated by reference into any filing of NeuroBo Pharmaceuticals, Inc. under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, whether made before or after the date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, irrespective of any general incorporation language contained in such filing. |
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
Registrant: NeuroBo Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
SIGNATURE | DATE | ||||||||
/s/ Hyung Heon Kim | November 13, 2023 | ||||||||
Hyung Heon Kim | |||||||||
President and Chief Executive Officer | |||||||||
(Principal Executive Officer) | |||||||||
/s/ Marshall H. Woodworth | November 13, 2023 | ||||||||
Marshall H. Woodworth | |||||||||
Acting Chief Financial Officer | |||||||||
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) | |||||||||
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