Rezolute, Inc 10-K for FY2024
Rezolute, Inc. (RZLT)
About this 10-K
Rezolute, Inc filed this 10-K on September 19, 2024, covering the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024 (FY2024).
Headline figures
Fiscal year ended June 30, 2024, as reported in this filing, compared with the same period a year earlier where the filing states it.
- Net loss
- $68.46M
- compared with a net loss of $51.79M a year earlier
- Diluted EPS
- -$1.33
- compared with -$1.01 a year earlier
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM
(Mark One)
| ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 | |
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| TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 | |
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As of December 29, 2023, the last business day of the registrants most recently completed second fiscal quarter, the aggregate market value of the registrant’s voting stock held by non-affiliates, was approximately $
The registrant had
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of the definitive Proxy Statement to be delivered to shareholders in connection with the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on December 5, 2024 are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Result of Operations | | 21 |
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Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk | | 30 |
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Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure | | 60 |
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Item 9C. Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections | 62 | |
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Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance | | 62 |
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Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence | | 63 |
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CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024 (“Annual Report”) contains statements reflecting assumptions, expectations, projections, intentions or beliefs about future events that are intended as “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements included or incorporated by reference in this Annual Report, other than statements of historical fact, that address activities, events or developments that we expect, believe or anticipate will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. These statements appear in a number of places, including, but not limited to “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.” These statements represent our reasonable judgment of the future based on various factors and using numerous assumptions and are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause our actual results and financial position to differ materially from those contemplated by the statements. You can identify these statements by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts, and use words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “may,” “should,” “plan,” “project” and other words of similar meaning. In particular, these include, but are not limited to, statements relating to the following:
| ● | our ability to obtain regulatory approvals or remove regulatory holds for clinical trials and our drug candidates; |
| ● | expectations regarding clinical development and the timing of clinical trials in the United States and outside of the United States; |
| ● | projected operating or financial results, including anticipated cash flows to be used in operating activities; |
| ● | expectations regarding capital expenditures, research and development expenses and the timing of milestone payments required under license agreements; |
| ● | our beliefs and assumptions relating to our liquidity position, including our ability to obtain additional financing; and |
| ● | our future dependence on third-party manufacturers or strategic partners to manufacture any of our pharmaceutical drugs and diagnostics that receive regulatory approval, and our ability to identify strategic partners and enter into license, co-development, collaboration or similar arrangements. |
Any or all of our forward-looking statements may turn out to be wrong. They can be affected by inaccurate assumptions or by known or unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors including, but not limited to, the risks described in “Risk Factors” in Part I, Item 1A of this Annual Report.
In addition, there may be other factors that could cause our actual results to be materially different from the results referenced in the forward-looking statements, some of which are included elsewhere in this Annual Report, including “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.” Many of these factors will be important in determining our actual future results. Consequently, the accuracy of our forward-looking statements cannot be guaranteed. Our actual future results may vary materially from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements contained in this Annual Report are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we disclaim any obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this Annual Report, except as otherwise required by applicable law.
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PART I
Item 1. Business.
Rezolute, Inc. (“Rezolute”, the “Company”, “we” or “us”) is a late-stage rare disease company focused on significantly improving outcomes for individuals with hypoglycemia caused by hyperinsulinism (“HI”).
Summary of Clinical Assets
Ersodetug (formerly RZ358)
Our lead clinical asset, ersodetug (formerly RZ358), is a potential treatment for hypoglycemia caused by multiple forms of hyperinsulinism.
Ersodetug is an intravenously administered human monoclonal antibody that binds to a unique site (allosteric) on the insulin receptor in insulin target tissues, such as in the liver, fat, and muscle. The antibody down modulates insulin’s binding, signaling, and action thereby counteracting the effects of elevated insulin in the body, and helping to restore glucose to a more normalized range. Ersodetug shows dose dependent pharmacokinetics with a half-life greater than 2 weeks, which has the potential for twice or even once monthly dosing. Therefore, we believe that ersodetug is ideally suited as a potential therapy for conditions characterized by excessive insulin levels, and it is being developed to treat hyperinsulinism and low blood sugar. As ersodetug acts downstream from the beta cells, it has the potential to be universally effective at treating hypoglycemia related to HI, whether genetic or caused by tumors.
Ersodetug for congenital HI
Congenital HI is the most common cause of recurrent and persistent hypoglycemia in children. Individuals with congenital HI typically present with signs or symptoms of hypoglycemia shortly after birth. Hypoglycemia can result in significant brain injury and death if not recognized and managed appropriately. Additionally, recurrent, or cumulative, hypoglycemia can lead to progressive and irreversible damage over time, including serious and devastating brain injury, seizures, neuro-developmental problems, feeding difficulties, and significant impact on patient and family quality of life. In cases that are unresponsive to medical management, surgical removal of the pancreas may be required. In those with diffuse disease where the whole pancreas is affected, a near-total pancreatectomy can be undertaken, although ongoing medical treatment of hypoglycemia is generally required for several years after surgery, before eventual insulin-dependent diabetes ensues. There are no U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) approved therapies for all forms of congenital HI and the current standard of care treatments are suboptimal. The current treatments used by physicians include glucagon, diazoxide, somatostatin analogues and pancreatectomy. We estimate that in the U.S. alone the addressable market for congenital HI is more than 1,500 individuals.
Ersodetug has received Orphan Drug Designation in the U.S. and European Union for the treatment of congenital HI, as well as Rare Pediatric Disease Designation in the U.S., a prerequisite for a request for a Rare Pediatric Disease Priority Review Voucher upon Biologics License Application (“BLA”) submission. Based on the multinational Phase 2b clinical trial (“RIZE”) outcomes and the evidence of benefit in this serious condition with substantial unmet medical need, ersodetug was subsequently granted a priority medicines (“PRIME”) designation by the European Medicines Agency (“EMA”) and an Innovation Passport designation by the UK Innovative Licensing and Access Pathway (“ILAP”) Steering Group for the treatment of congenital HI.
Phase 3 sunRIZE
We are actively enrolling a pivotal Phase 3 clinical study (the “sunRIZE” study) of ersodetug for the treatment of hypoglycemia in participants with congenital HI, an ultra-rare pediatric genetic disorder characterized by excessive production of insulin by the pancreas. If untreated, the elevated insulin levels in patients suffering with congenital HI can induce extreme hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) events, increasing the risk of neurological and developmental complications, including persistent feeding problems, learning disabilities, recurrent seizures, brain damage or even death.
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The sunRIZE study is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel arm evaluation of ersodetug in participants 3 months of age and older with congenital HI who are not adequately responding to standard of care medical therapies. Specifically, the study is evaluating the safety and efficacy of ersodetug in participants who are unable to achieve control of low blood sugars (“hypoglycemia” [<70 mg/dL]). The study will determine the ability of ersodetug to correct hypoglycemia as assessed by (i) hypoglycemia events using self-monitored blood glucose (“SMBG”) and (ii) time in hypoglycemia using continuous glucose monitoring (“CGM”) over 24 weeks of treatment.
To date, we have been screening and enrolling participants outside the U.S. because the FDA had imposed an age restriction of 12 years of age and older on ersodetug clinical studies as well as dose level restrictions based on historical rat toxicology findings. On September 4, 2024, FDA lifted those restrictions and now the Company is conducting study start-up activities at sites in the U.S. in anticipation of enrolling U.S. participants in the sunRIZE study in the first part of 2025. Topline results from the study are anticipated to be available in the second half of calendar 2025.
The study will also measure the levels of ersodetug and its effects on other important blood and clinical markers of hypoglycemia, as well as quality of life measures. The primary and key secondary efficacy endpoints are the following:
Primary efficacy endpoint:
| ● | Change in average weekly occurrence of hypoglycemia events as measured by SMBG after 24 weeks |
Key secondary efficacy endpoint:
| ● | Change in average daily percent time in hypoglycemia as measured by CGM after 24 weeks |
Approximately 56 participants between 3 months and 45 years of age are intended to be enrolled. Participants between 1 and 45 years of age (approximately 48 participants) will be enrolled in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled fashion to receive ersodetug or placebo at dose levels of 5 or 10 mg/kg while on standard of care. Infant participants between 3 months and 1 year of age (approximately 8 participants) will initially be enrolled in open-label fashion to receive ersodetug at a starting dose level of 5 mg/kg, which may be increased to 10 mg/kg at the discretion of the investigator. Thereafter, pending agreement by an independent Data Monitoring Committee, infant patients may be permitted to be enrolled into the randomized, controlled study. Participants will receive ersodetug as an intravenous infusion every 2 weeks over an initial 4-week loading period (3 doses), followed by monthly doses over an additional 16-week maintenance period (4 doses), for a total of 7 doses over the total 24-week treatment period. Following the study period, participants may proceed into an open-label extension program where investigators shall be permitted to: (i) adjust the dose between 5 and 10 mg/kg; (ii) adjust the dosing frequency between 2 and 4 weeks; and (iii) wean or stop other background hypoglycemia therapies.
In summary, the study will be comprised of the following treatment groups:
| ● | Participants ≥1 year old: 5 mg/kg (n = 16) |
| ● | Participants ≥1 year old: 10 mg/kg (n = 16) |
| ● | Participants ≥1 year old: placebo (n = 16) |
| ● | Initial Infant Participants: starting at 5 mg/kg (n = 8) |
Ersodetug for tumor HI
Tumor HI may be caused by two distinct types of tumors: neuroendocrine islet cell tumors (“ICTs”) and non-islet cell tumors (“NICTs”), both of which lead to hypoglycemia due to excessive activation of the insulin receptor. Insulinomas are the most common type of functional ICT and mediate hypoglycemia through excessive insulin production. NICTs are generally associated with relatively large, solid tumors such as hepatocellular carcinoma, fibrosarcoma and mesothelioma, and can cause hypoglycemia by producing and secreting insulin-like paraneoplastic substances such as IGF-2 or related variants that bind to and activate the insulin receptor. This form of hypoglycemia can occur in more than 15 different tumor types.
Current therapies for insulinomas and NICTs can be grouped into two main categories: (a) tumor-directed de-bulking therapies (e.g. surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy), which may indirectly and/or eventually lead to decreased levels of
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circulating insulin and/or insulin-like substances, and therefore control HI and related hypoglycemia; and/or (b) medical therapies that directly treat HI and the associated hypoglycemia. Tumor-directed therapies do not directly treat hypoglycemia caused by insulinomas or NICTs. In many cases, tumor-directed therapies are administered concurrently with medical therapies for hypoglycemia and in other cases successful treatment of hypoglycemia often enables the initiation and/or continuation of tumor-directed therapies, as indicated. During the period from diagnosis to surgical treatment, or if surgery is contraindicated or refused, medical treatments are often necessary to directly manage the HI and hypoglycemia induced by the tumor. Additionally, chronic medical management of refractory hypoglycemia is often necessary for patients who cannot be cured by surgery, such as those with extensive disease of the pancreas, multi-focal insulinomas, inoperable or unresectable benign or malignant insulinomas, metastatic insulinomas, non-pancreatic insulinomas, or NICT hypoglycemia resulting from a variety of other tumors.
A significant unmet need exists for treatment options with improved efficacy and tolerability as normalization of glucose levels is crucial to prevent serious signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia, improve patient quality of life and overall function, and even to ensure patients are fit to receive cancer treatment and to reduce mortality. Unfortunately, some patients are unresponsive to the current standard of care medical therapies for tumor HI and experience debilitating hypoglycemia that is otherwise untreatable. Currently available medical therapies are directed at reducing or eliminating insulin production and/or secretion from tumors, which may be challenging when the tumor is differentiated or dysregulated, and therefore not responding to usual control mechanisms for suppressing insulin production. In some cases, commonly utilized somatostatin analog therapies may even worsen hypoglycemia due to suppression of glucagon. Therefore, currently available medical therapies directed at suppressing insulin production may have limited effectiveness in tumor HI.
While we believe the total addressable market may be larger, the immediately addressable market for the combined indications causing tumor HI is estimated to be approximately 1,500 patients in the U.S. alone, including approximately 500 with islet cell tumor hypoglycemia (“ICTH”) and approximately 1,000 with non-islet cell tumor hypoglycemia (“NICTH”).
On August 5, 2024, we announced FDA clearance of our Investigational New Drug (“IND”) application for a Phase 3 registrational study of ersodetug for the treatment of hypoglycemia due to tumor HI. This is the second rare disease program with ersodetug in Phase 3 development. We are initiating start-up activities for the study, which will be primarily conducted in the U.S., and patient enrollment is planned to commence in the first half of calendar 2025.
The Phase 3 registrational study is a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial of 24 participants who have inadequately controlled hypoglycemia because of tumor HI. Eligible participants will be randomized in 1:1 fashion (12 per treatment arm) to receive ersodetug 9 mg/kg per week or matched placebo, as an add-on to standard of care. Up to 24 additional participants may be enrolled into an open-label arm, in participants whose hypoglycemia is being managed by IV glucose in a hospital setting. Following a 6-week pivotal treatment period, all participants may receive ersodetug in open-label extension. The primary endpoint is the change in Level 2 (moderate) and Level 3 (severe) hypoglycemia events by self-monitored blood glucose. Additional endpoints include overall hypoglycemia events, time in hypoglycemia by continuous glucose monitor, patient reported quality of life, hospitalizations, and change in glucose requirements (for open-label hospitalized participants).
Expanded Access Program
Ersodetug has been shown to counteract excessive insulin action downstream, at the insulin-receptor on target organs. The unique mechanism of action of ersodetug makes the therapy a potential universal treatment for any form of hyperinsulinism.
We maintain an EAP for a variety of HI indications for the purpose of making ersodetug available on a compassionate use basis when available therapeutic options have failed, and an individual’s hypoglycemia is unmanageable. In the fourth quarter of 2022, we received and approved an EAP request from Dr. Mary Elizabeth Patti, Director of the Hypoglycemia Clinic at the Harvard Medical School and Beth Israel Medical Center-affiliated Joslin Diabetes Center, for a patient with intractable hypoglycemia caused by a metastatic insulinoma. Dr. Patti received a single patient IND approval from the FDA's Office of Cardiology, Hematology, Endocrinology and Nephrology - Division of Diabetes, Lipid Disorders, and
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Obesity (“Division”) to treat the patient with ersodetug. Dr. Patti reported that the patient safely achieved correction of hypoglycemia with ersodetug, enabling the patient to wean off continuous intravenous dextrose and several other medications for hypoglycemia, leave the hospital after a prolonged stay, and resume receiving concurrent treatment for his cancer with tumor-directed therapies. The patient remained on ersodetug for more than a year until he eventually passed away due to progression of his underlying malignant/metastatic insulinoma.
We have received and approved several additional requests to date for use of ersodetug in patients with tumor HI caused by metastatic insulinomas and other insulin secreting metastatic cancer (cervical). In the U.S., these requests have all been approved by the Division. These patients have been refractory to usual standard of care therapies for chronic management of hypoglycemia and required continuous high volume/concentration intravenous dextrose or nutritional infusion and were hospitalized and in life-threatening or hospice-bound condition because of uncontrollable hypoglycemia. Further treatment with tumor-directed therapies (e.g., embolization, radiotherapy, chemotherapy) was often deferred as a result of the debilitating hypoglycemia.
Generally, dosing for tumor HI patients has been either 6 mg/kg or 9 mg/kg every 1-2 weeks. In all cases to date, ersodetug has led to substantial improvement in hypoglycemia and has been well tolerated. Within a relatively short period of time after administration of ersodetug, continuous intravenous dextrose was discontinued or substantially reduced and hospitalized patients were able to be discharged and receive maintenance ersodetug doses on an outpatient basis, with durable benefit. In most cases, other background medical therapies for hypoglycemia were able to be weaned or stopped, and patients were able to resume tumor-directed therapies for treatment of their underlying cancer. Patients with metastatic tumor HI often have underlying hepatic injury (abnormal enzymes) at baseline due to hepatic metastases or previous tumor-directed treatments (e.g., partial liver resection or embolization). The patients with hepatic injury that have been treated under the EAP have not exhibited any indication of hepatic toxicity with the use of ersodetug.
RZ402
Our second clinical asset, RZ402, is an oral plasma kallikrein inhibitor (“PKI”) and potential therapy for the chronic treatment of diabetic macular edema (“DME”). DME is a vascular complication of diabetes and a leading cause of blindness in the U.S. and elsewhere. Chronic exposure to high blood sugar levels can lead to inflammation, cell damage, and the breakdown of blood vessel walls. Specifically, in DME, retinal blood vessels at the back of the eye become porous and permeable leading to the unwanted infiltration of fluid into the macula. This fluid leakage creates distorted vision, and if left untreated, blindness.
In May 2024, we completed a Phase 2 multi-center, randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled, parallel arm study to evaluate the safety, efficacy, and pharmacokinetics of RZ402 administered as a monotherapy over a 12-week treatment period in participants with DME who are naïve to, or have received limited anti-VEGF injections. The study population was comprised of DME patients with mild to moderate non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Eligible participants were randomized equally, to one of three RZ402 active treatment arms at doses of 50, 200, and 400 mg, or a placebo control arm, to receive study drug once daily for 12 weeks, before completing a 4-week follow-up. The study enrolled 94 patients in the U.S. The study met both primary endpoints, demonstrating a significant reduction in central subfield thickness (“CST") in the study eye at all RZ402 dose levels compared to placebo (up to approximately 50 micron improvement), as well as good safety and tolerability. The program is available for partnering and we are actively engaged in conversations with potential partners to take RZ402 into further development.
Intellectual Property
Our success depends on an intellectual property portfolio that supports our future revenue streams and also erects barriers to our competitors. We are maintaining and building our patent portfolio through filing new patent applications; prosecuting existing applications; and licensing patents and patent applications. Furthermore, we seek to protect our ownership of know-how, trade secrets and trademarks through an active program of legal mechanisms including registrations, assignments, confidentiality agreements, material transfer agreements, research collaborations and licenses. While we have confidence in our agreements and security measures, either may be compromised, and we may not have adequate remedies. In addition, our trade secrets may otherwise become known or independently discovered by competitors.
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U.S. patents, as well as most foreign patents, are generally effective for 20 years from the date the earliest application was filed. U.S. patents that were issued on applications filed before June 8, 1995, may be effective until 17 years from the issue date, if that is later than the 20-year date. In some cases, the patent term may be extended to recapture a portion of the term lost during regulatory review of the claimed therapeutic or, in the case of the U.S., because of U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) delays in prosecuting the application. In the U.S., under the Drug Price Competition and Patent Term Restoration Act of 1984 (commonly known as the Hatch-Waxman Act), a patent that covers a drug approved by the FDA may be eligible for patent term extension (for up to five years, but not beyond a total of 14 years from the date of product approval) as compensation for patent term lost during the FDA regulatory review process. The duration and extension of the term of foreign patents varies in accordance with local law. In the EU, Supplementary Protection Certificates, or SPCs, are available to extend a patent term up to five years to compensate for patent protection lost during regulatory review. Although all EU Member States must provide SPCs, SPCs must be applied for and granted on a country-by-country basis. Limited exceptions apply to the protection conferred by the SPC.
As further described in the “XOMA License Agreement” section below, we hold a worldwide, exclusive license from XOMA to patents covering the ersodetug molecule, including 37 issued patents worldwide and in the U.S. (3 U.S.) and pending patent applications with claims directed to compositions of matter and methods of use in therapy. These patents expire between 2030 to 2036. We also are pursuing patent applications relating to formulations of the clinical product candidate. In addition, for certain of our product candidates we also expect to have further exclusivity in the form of data and marketing exclusivity under pharmaceutical regulatory laws, including for example, potentially up to 12 years of exclusivity from the date of first BLA approval of our product candidates.
We also hold a worldwide, exclusive license from ActiveSite to patents covering the RZ402 molecule, certain prodrug forms of RZ402, and uses (as further described in the “ActiveSite License Agreement” section below), including 9 issued international patents and 7 issued U.S. patents. We have additional patents (2 U.S.) and pending patent applications (3 U.S. and 29 international) with claims directed to formulations, solid forms of RZ402, methods of preparing RZ402, and methods of use in therapy. These patents are expected to expire between 2040 and 2043. We also expect to be granted further exclusivity in the form of data and marketing exclusivity under pharmaceutical regulatory laws in various jurisdictions.
Competition
We face competition from pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, academic institutions, governmental agencies, and private research organizations in recruiting and retaining highly qualified scientific personnel and consultants and in the development and acquisition of technologies.
There are other companies developing therapies for HI that are potential competitors to ersodetug, including, Amylyx Pharmaceuticals, Hanmi Pharmaceuticals, and Zealand Pharma.
There are also companies developing therapies for DME that are potential competitors to our PKI including Curacle, KalVista, Ocuphire Pharma, Oxurion and Verseon.
Government Regulation
Regulation by governmental authorities in the U.S. and other countries is a significant factor in the development, manufacture and marketing of pharmaceutical products. All of our potential products will require regulatory approval by governmental agencies prior to commercialization. In particular, pharmaceutical therapies are subject to rigorous preclinical testing and clinical trials and other pre-market approval requirements by the FDA and Regulatory Authorities (as defined below) in foreign countries. Various federal, state and foreign statutes and regulations also govern or influence the manufacturing, safety, labeling, storage, record keeping and marketing of such products.
In addition, we are subject to various federal, state, and local laws, regulations and recommendations relating to safe working conditions; laboratory and manufacturing practices; the experimental use of animals; and the use and disposal of
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hazardous or potentially hazardous substances, including radioactive compounds and infectious disease agents, used in connection with our research, development and manufacturing.
Research and Development
We incurred approximately $55.7 million and $43.8 million in research and development expenses for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively. For further discussion of activities related to ersodetug and RZ402 product candidates, please refer to the discussion above. For further discussion of our research and development expenses, please refer to the discussion under the caption Results of Operations under Item 7 of this Annual Report.
Human Capital Management
Employees
As of June 30, 2024, we had 59 full time employees, of which 42 employees were engaged in research and development, manufacturing, clinical operations, regulatory and quality activities and 17 employees were engaged in administrative functions. Of the 59 employees, all were located in the United States. We have a number of employees who hold Ph.D. degrees and other advanced degrees. None of our employees are covered by a collective bargaining agreement, and we have experienced no work stoppages nor are we aware of any employment circumstances that are likely to disrupt work at any of our facilities. As part of our measures to attract and retain personnel, we provide a number of benefits to our full-time employees, including health insurance, life insurance, retirement plans, paid holiday and vacation time. In addition, we grant stock options to certain key employees as an added incentive to remain in our employment. We believe that we maintain good relations with our employees.
Diversity and Inclusion
Diversity and inclusion are priorities for us. We believe that a rich culture of inclusion and diversity enables us to create, develop and fully leverage the strengths of our workforce. In furtherance of our commitment to inclusion and diversity, on May 30, 2023, we adopted an equity and inclusion policy.
Human Resources, Hiring and Professional Development
The development, attraction and retention of employees is critical to our success. We work diligently to attract the best talent from a diverse range of sources in order to meet the current and future demands of our business. We leverage both formal and informal programs to identify, foster and retain top talent.
Business Ethics
Our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics is designed to ensure that the conduct of our business is consistent with the highest standards of business ethics. Our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics serves as a critical tool to help employees recognize and report unethical conduct, while preserving our culture of excellence. Our Board of Directors, management and staff are provided with training regarding our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics. On May 30, 2023, we adopted an amended and restated Code of Business Conduct and Ethics. The purpose of amending and restating the prior code was to improve its readability and clarify certain areas of importance, including with respect to compliance with laws, accounting and auditing matters, conflicts of interest, insider trading, confidentiality obligations and the reporting of violations of our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics.
Corporate Information
We were incorporated in Delaware in 2010, and we reincorporated in Nevada in June 2021. We maintain an executive office located at 275 Shoreline Drive, Suite 500, Redwood City, CA 94065 and our phone number is (650) 206-4507. Our website is located at www.rezolutebio.com. We file annual, quarterly, current reports, proxy statements and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The SEC maintains a website that contains our public
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filings and other information regarding the Company, at www.sec.gov. The information contained in, or that can be accessed through, our website is not part of, and is not incorporated into this document.
Item 1A. Risk Factors.
Investors should consider carefully the following risks before deciding to purchase any of our securities. If any of the events or developments described below actually occur, our business, results of operations and financial condition would likely suffer and investors may lose all or part of their investment. In addition, it is also possible that other risks and uncertainties that affect our business may arise or become material in the future.
Risks Related to Our Product Development and Commercialization
Any delays in the commencement or completion, or termination or suspension, of our future clinical trials, if any, could result in increased costs to us, delay or limit our ability to generate revenue and adversely affect our commercial prospects.
Before obtaining approval from the government authorities or professional bodies with authority to grant regulatory approval for our drug candidates in a particular country, such as the European Medicines Agency (“EMA”), the Food and Drug Administration of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (“FDA”) and analogous authorities in other jurisdictions outside of the United States (“Regulatory Authorities”), we must conduct extensive clinical studies to demonstrate safety and efficacy. Clinical testing is expensive, time consuming and uncertain as to the outcome. Any delays in the commencement or completion of our ongoing, planned or future clinical trials could significantly increase our costs, slow down our development and approval process and jeopardize our ability to commence product sales and generate revenues. We do not know whether our planned trials will begin on time or at all, or be completed on schedule, if at all. The commencement and completion of clinical trials can be delayed for a number of reasons, including delays related to:
| ● | Regulatory Authorities disagreeing as to the design or implementation of our clinical trials or with our recommended dose for any of our pipeline programs; |
| ● | obtaining Regulatory Authority authorization to commence a trial or reaching a consensus with such Regulatory Authorities on trial design; |
| ● | identifying and activating investigators and clinical trial sites to conduct trials; |
| ● | obtaining approval from one or more independent institutional review boards (“IRB”) or Ethics Committee (“EC”) at each clinical trial site before each trial may be initiated; |
| ● | IRBs/ECs refusing to approve, suspending or terminating the trial at an investigational site, precluding enrollment of additional subjects, or withdrawing their approval of the trial; |
| ● | changes to a clinical trial protocol; |
| ● | clinical sites deviating from trial protocol or dropping out of a trial; |
| ● | failing to manufacture or obtain sufficient quantities of drug candidate, or, if applicable, combination therapies for use in clinical trials; |
| ● | patients failing to enroll or remain in our trial at the rate we expect, or failing to return for post-treatment follow-up; |
| ● | patients choosing an alternative treatment, or participating in competing clinical trials; |
| ● | lack of adequate funding to continue the clinical trial; |
| ● | patients experiencing severe or unexpected drug-related adverse effects; |
| ● | occurrence of serious adverse events in trials of the same class of agents conducted by other companies; |
| ● | selecting or being required to use clinical end points that require prolonged periods of clinical observation or analysis of the resulting data; |
| ● | a facility manufacturing our drug candidates, or any of their components, including without limitation, our own facilities being ordered by Regulatory Authorities to temporarily or permanently shut down due to violations of current good manufacture practices, regulations or other applicable requirements, or infections or cross-contaminations in the manufacturing process; |
| ● | lack of stability of our clinical trial material or any quality issues that arise with the clinical trial material; |
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| ● | any changes to our manufacturing process that may be necessary or desired; |
| ● | our, or our third-party contractors, not performing data collection or analysis in a timely or accurate manner or improperly disclosing data prematurely or otherwise in violation of a clinical trial protocol; |
| ● | any third-party contractors becoming debarred or suspended or otherwise penalized by Regulatory Authorities or other government or regulatory bodies for violations of regulatory requirements, in which case we may need to find a substitute contractor, and we may not be able to use some or all of the data produced by such contractors in support of our marketing applications; |
| ● | a clinical trial being suspended or terminated by us, by the IRBs/ECs of the institutions in which such trials are being conducted, by a Data Safety Monitoring Board for such trial or by Regulatory Authorities, due to a number of factors, including failure to conduct the clinical trial in accordance with regulatory requirements or our clinical protocols, inspection of the clinical trial operations or trial site by Regulatory Authorities resulting in the imposition of a clinical hold, unforeseen safety issues or adverse side effects, failure to demonstrate a benefit from using the product under investigation, changes in governmental regulations or administrative actions or lack of adequate funding to continue the clinical trial; or |
| ● | changes in regulatory requirements and policies and our need to amend clinical trial protocols to comply with these changes and potentially resubmit our clinical trial protocols to IRBs/ECs for reexamination. |
Delays in initiating a new phase of clinical trials resulting from action by FDA or any other Regulatory Authority would delay the approval obtainment and commercialization of our product candidates and our ability to generate revenue, which would have an adverse effect on our business.
Adverse events in our clinical trials may force us to stop development of our product candidates or prevent regulatory approval of our product candidates.
Our product candidates may produce serious adverse events in patients during clinical trials. These adverse events could interrupt, delay or halt clinical trials of our product candidates and could result in the FDA, or other Regulatory Authorities requesting additional preclinical data or denying approval of our product candidates for any or all targeted indications. An IRB/EC, independent Data Safety Monitoring Board, the FDA, other Regulatory Authorities or the Company itself may suspend or terminate clinical trials at any time. We cannot assure you that any of our product candidates will prove safe for human use.
We are exposed to additional risks as we conduct the sunRIZE study outside of the U.S. and may not be successful in meeting the study’s primary endpoint.
Prior to the FDA’s lift of the partial clinical hold in September 2024, we initiated and are advancing the sunRIZE study outside of the U.S. The sunRIZE study may not produce positive results and meet its primary endpoint outside of the U.S. We may need to commence and complete additional clinical trials that satisfy the specified primary endpoint criteria in order to obtain necessary regulatory approvals from the EMA for ersodetug. Conducting clinical trials outside the U.S. also exposes us to additional risks, including risks associated with:
| ● | additional foreign regulatory requirements; |
| ● | foreign exchange fluctuations; |
| ● | compliance with foreign manufacturing, customs, shipment and storage requirements; |
| ● | potential political or economic instability in the jurisdictions where we initiate clinical trials; |
| ● | cultural differences in medical practice and clinical research; and |
| ● | diminished protection of intellectual property in some countries. |
After the completion of our clinical studies, we cannot predict whether or when we will obtain regulatory approval to commercialize our product candidates and we cannot, therefore, predict the timing of any future revenue from these product candidates.
Even if we achieve positive clinical results and file for regulatory approval, we cannot commercialize any of our product candidates until the appropriate Regulatory Authorities have reviewed and approved the applications for such product
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candidates. We cannot provide assurance that the Regulatory Authorities will complete their review processes in a timely manner or that we will obtain regulatory approval for any product candidate we develop. Satisfaction of regulatory requirements typically takes many years, is dependent upon the type, complexity and novelty of the product and requires the expenditure of substantial resources. In addition, we may experience delays or rejections based upon additional government regulation from future legislation or administrative action or changes in Regulatory Authority policy during the period of product development, clinical studies and regulatory review.
If we or a Regulatory Authority discovers previously unknown problems with a product, such as adverse events of unanticipated severity or frequency, or problems with the facility where the product is manufactured, a Regulatory Authority may impose restrictions on that product, the manufacturing facility or us, including requiring recall or withdrawal of the product from the market or suspension of manufacturing. If we, our product candidates or the manufacturing facilities for our product candidates fail to comply with applicable regulatory requirements, a Regulatory Authority may: issue warning letters or untitled letters; seek an injunction or impose civil or criminal penalties or monetary fines; suspend or withdraw regulatory approval; suspend any ongoing clinical studies; refuse to approve pending applications or supplements to applications filed by us; suspend or impose restrictions on operations, including costly new manufacturing requirements; or seize or detain products, refuse to permit the import or export of products, or require us to initiate a product recall.
The occurrence of any event or penalty described above may inhibit our ability to commercialize our products and generate revenue.
If our product candidates do not meet safety or efficacy requirements, they will not receive regulatory approval and we will be unable to market them.
The process of drug development, regulatory review and approval typically is expensive, takes many years and the timing of any approval cannot be accurately predicted. If we fail to obtain regulatory approval for our current or future product candidates, we will be unable to market and sell such products and therefore may never be profitable.
As part of the regulatory approval process, we must conduct preclinical studies and clinical trials for each product candidate to demonstrate safety and efficacy. The number of preclinical studies and clinical trials that will be required varies depending on the product candidate, the indication being evaluated, the trial results and regulations applicable to any particular product candidate.
The results of preclinical studies and initial clinical trials of our product candidates do not necessarily predict the results of later-stage clinical trials. Product candidates in later stages of clinical trials may fail to show the desired safety and efficacy despite having progressed through initial clinical trials. We cannot assure you that the data collected from the preclinical studies and clinical trials of our product candidates will be sufficient to support approval by the FDA or a foreign Regulatory Authority. In addition, the continuation of a particular study after review by an independent Data Safety Monitoring Board does not necessarily indicate that our product candidate will achieve the clinical endpoint.
The FDA and other Regulatory Authorities can delay, limit or deny approval for many reasons, including: a product candidate may not be safe or effective; our manufacturing processes or facility may not meet the applicable requirements; and changes in Regulatory Authority approval policies or adoption of new regulations may require additional clinical trials or work on our end.
Any delay in, or failure to receive or maintain, approval for any of our products could prevent us from ever generating meaningful revenues or achieving profitability.
Our product candidates are prone to the risks of failure inherent in drug development. Before obtaining regulatory approvals for the commercial sale of any product candidate for a target indication, we must demonstrate safety in preclinical studies and effectiveness with substantial evidence gathered in well-controlled clinical studies. With respect to approval in the U.S., to the satisfaction of the FDA and, with respect to approval in other countries, to the satisfaction of Regulatory Authorities in those countries, we must demonstrate that the product candidate is safe and effective for use for that target indication and that the manufacturing facilities, processes and controls are adequate.
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Despite our efforts, our product candidates may not: offer therapeutic benefit or other improvements over existing, comparable therapeutics; be proven safe and effective in clinical studies; meet applicable regulatory standards; be capable of being produced in sufficient quantities at acceptable costs; be successfully commercialized; or obtain favorable reimbursement.
We are not permitted to market any of our other product candidates in the U.S. until we receive approval of a new drug application, or approval of a biologics license application, from the FDA, or in any foreign countries until we receive the requisite approval from such countries. We have not submitted a new drug application or biologics license application or received marketing approval for any of our product candidates.
Preclinical testing and clinical studies are long, expensive and uncertain processes. We may spend several years completing our testing for any particular product candidate, and failure can occur at any stage. Negative or inconclusive results or adverse medical events during a clinical study could also cause us, one or more IRBs/ECs at clinical trial sites, a Data Safety Monitoring Board or the FDA or other Regulatory Authority to terminate a clinical study or require that we repeat it or conduct additional studies. Additionally, data obtained from a clinical study is susceptible to varying interpretations and the FDA or other Regulatory Authorities may interpret the results of our clinical studies less favorably than we do. The FDA and equivalent foreign Regulatory Authorities have substantial discretion in the approval process and may decide that our data is insufficient to support a marketing application and require additional preclinical, clinical or other studies.
Due to our reliance on contract research organizations or other third parties to conduct clinical trials, we may not have complete control over the timing, conduct and expense of our clinical trials.
We rely primarily on third parties to conduct our clinical trials. As a result, we will have less control over the conduct of the clinical trials, the timing and completion of the trials, the required reporting of adverse events and the management of data developed through the trial than would be the case if our own staff conducted all aspects of our clinical trials. Communicating with outside parties can also be challenging, potentially leading to mistakes and difficulties in coordinating activities. Outside parties may have staffing difficulties, may undergo changes in priorities or may become financially distressed, adversely affecting their willingness or ability to conduct our trials. We may experience unexpected increased costs that are beyond our control. Problems with the timeliness or quality of the work of a contract research organization may lead us to seek to terminate the relationship and use an alternative service provider. However, making this change may be costly and may delay our trials, and contractual restrictions may make such a change difficult or impossible. Additionally, it may be impossible to find a replacement organization that can conduct our trials in an acceptable manner and at an acceptable cost.
Any failure or delay by our third-party suppliers on which we rely or intend to rely to provide materials necessary to develop and manufacture our drug products may delay or impair our ability to commercialize our product candidates.
We rely upon a small number of third-party suppliers for the manufacture of certain raw materials that are necessary to formulate our drug products for preclinical and clinical testing purposes. We intend to continue to rely on them in the future. We also expect to rely upon third parties to produce materials required for the commercial production of our product candidates if we succeed in obtaining necessary regulatory approvals. If we are unable to arrange for third-party sources, or do so on commercially unreasonable terms, we may not be able to complete development of or market our product candidates. In addition, third-party suppliers that we engage may be adversely impacted by COVID-19.
It is possible that our raw material suppliers may not be able to sell these raw materials at the times we need them or on commercially reasonable terms due to forces outside of our control including, but not limited to, inflation and global conflicts. We do not have any control over the process or timing of the acquisition of these raw materials by our manufacturers. Our third-party manufacturers and suppliers may encounter delays in providing their services as a result of supply chain constraints. Moreover, we currently do not have any agreements for the commercial production of these raw materials. Although we generally do not begin a clinical study unless we believe we have a sufficient supply of a product candidate to complete the clinical study, any significant delay in the supply of raw material components needed to produce a product candidate for a clinical study due to the need to replace a third-party manufacturer could considerably delay completion of our clinical studies, product testing and potential regulatory approval of our product candidates. If we or our manufacturers are unable to purchase these raw materials after regulatory approval has been obtained for our product
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candidates, the commercial launch of our product candidates would be delayed or there would be a shortage in supply of such product candidates, which would impair our ability to generate revenues from the sale of our product candidates.
If we successfully commercialize any of our product candidates, we may be required to establish commercial manufacturing capabilities of larger scale. In addition, as our drug development pipeline increases and matures, we will have a greater need for clinical study and commercial manufacturing capacity. We have no experience manufacturing pharmaceutical products on a commercial scale and we may need to rely on third-party manufacturers with capacity for increased production scale to meet our projected needs for commercial manufacturing, the satisfaction of which on a timely basis may not be met.
If we use hazardous and biological materials in a manner that causes injury or violates applicable law, we may be liable for damages.
Our research and development activities involve the controlled use of potentially hazardous substances, including toxic chemical and biological materials. We could be held liable for any contamination, injury or other damages resulting from these hazardous substances. In addition, our operations produce hazardous waste products. While third parties are responsible for disposal of our hazardous waste, we could be liable under environmental laws for any required cleanup of sites at which our waste is disposed. Federal, state, foreign and local laws and regulations govern the use, manufacture, storage, handling and disposal of these hazardous materials. If we fail to comply with these laws and regulations at any time, or if they change, we may be subject to criminal sanctions and substantial civil liabilities, which may harm our business. Even if we continue to comply with all applicable laws and regulations regarding hazardous materials, we cannot eliminate the risk of accidental contamination or discharge and our resultant liability for any injuries or other damages caused by these accidents.
Guidelines and recommendations published by various organizations may adversely affect the use of any products for which we may receive regulatory approval.
Government agencies issue regulations and guidelines directly applicable to us and to our product candidates. In addition, professional societies, practice management groups, private health or science foundations and organizations involved in various diseases from time to time publish guidelines or recommendations to the medical and patient communities. These various sorts of recommendations may relate to such matters as product usage and use of related or competing therapies. For example, organizations like the American Diabetes Association have made recommendations about therapies in the diabetes therapeutics market. Changes to these recommendations or other guidelines advocating alternative therapies could result in decreased use of any products for which we may receive regulatory approval, which may adversely affect our results of operations.
Risks Related to Our Business
Changes in financial accounting standards or policies have affected, and in the future may affect, our reported financial condition or results of operations; there are inherent limitations to our system of internal controls; changes in corporate governance policies and practices may impact our business.
We prepare our consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). The preparation of our financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires that we make estimates and assumptions that affect the recorded amounts of assets, liabilities and net income during the reporting period. A change in the facts and circumstances surrounding those estimates could result in a change to our estimates and could impact our future operating results. GAAP is subject to interpretation by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”), the SEC and various bodies formed to interpret and create accounting policies. A change in those policies can have a significant effect on our reported results and may affect our reporting of transactions which are completed before a change is announced. In general, changes to accounting rules or challenges to our interpretation or application of the rules by regulators may have a material adverse effect on our reported financial results or on the way we conduct business.
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Our system of internal and disclosure controls and procedures was designed to provide reasonable assurance of achieving its objectives. However, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, have been or will be detected. As a result, there can be no assurance that our system of internal and disclosure controls and procedures will be successful in preventing all errors, theft and fraud, or in informing management of all material information in a timely manner.
Finally, corporate governance, public disclosure and compliance practices continue to evolve based upon continuing legislative action, SEC rulemaking and policy positions taken by large institutional stockholders and proxy advisors. As a result, the number of rules, regulations and standards applicable to us may become more burdensome to comply with, could increase scrutiny of our practices and policies by these or other groups and increase our legal and financial compliance costs and the amount of time management must devote to governance and compliance activities. For example, the SEC has recently proposed rules requiring that issuers provide significantly increased disclosures concerning cybersecurity matters and the impact of climate changes on their business and has adopted rules requiring public companies to adopt more stringent executive compensation clawback policies. Increasing regulatory burdens and corporate governance requirements could also make it more difficult for us to attract and retain qualified members of our Board of Directors and qualified executive officers.
We have a history of losses and may not achieve profitability in the future. We will need substantial additional capital to fund our operations. If we fail to obtain additional capital, we will be unable to sustain operations.
We incurred net losses of $68.5 million and $51.8 million for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively. As of June 30, 2024, we had an accumulated deficit of $329.4 million. Cash used in our operating activities amounted to $57.4 million and $44.5 million for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively. We expect that the amount of cash used in our operating activities will continue to increase for the next several years. As of June 30, 2024, we had cash and cash equivalents of $70.4 million and investments in marketable debt securities of $56.7 million that is expected to provide us with adequate capital resources to fund planned activities at least through the second quarter of calendar year 2026.
Since our inception, we have not generated meaningful revenue. We expect to continue to incur operating losses for the foreseeable future as we develop and commercialize our product candidate pipeline, and we expect to need additional capital from external sources before we will be able to begin generating revenue, if ever. If we are unable to raise additional capital, we may have to significantly delay, scale back or discontinue one or more of our research and development programs. We may be required to cease operations or seek partners for our product candidates at an earlier stage than otherwise would be desirable and on terms that are less favorable than might otherwise be available. In the absence of additional capital we may also be required to relinquish, license or otherwise dispose of rights to technologies, product candidates or products that we would otherwise seek to develop or commercialize on terms that are less favorable than might otherwise be available. If we are unable to secure additional capital, we may be required to take additional measures to reduce costs in order to conserve our cash in amounts sufficient to sustain operations and meet our obligations. These measures could cause significant delays in the development of our product candidates.
We face potential product liability exposure, and, if successful claims are brought against us, we may incur substantial liability.
The use of our product candidates in clinical studies and the sale of any products for which we obtain marketing approval expose us to the risk of product liability claims. Product liability claims might be brought against us by consumers, health care providers, pharmaceutical companies or others selling or otherwise coming into contact with our products. If we cannot successfully defend ourselves against product liability claims, we could incur substantial liabilities. In addition, regardless of merit or eventual outcome, product liability claims may result in: impairment of our business reputation; withdrawal of clinical study participants; costs of related litigation; distraction of management’s attention from our primary business; substantial monetary awards to patients or other claimants; the inability to commercialize our product candidates; and decreased demand for our product candidates, if approved for commercial sale.
We currently have clinical trial insurance for our active clinical programs. This product liability insurance coverage for our clinical studies may not be sufficient to reimburse us for all expenses or losses we may suffer. Moreover, insurance
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coverage is becoming increasingly expensive, and, in the future, we may not be able to maintain insurance coverage at a reasonable cost or in sufficient amounts to protect us against losses due to liability. If and when we obtain marketing approval for any of our product candidates, we intend to expand our insurance coverage to include the sale of commercial products; however, we may be unable to obtain this product liability insurance on commercially reasonable terms. On occasion, large judgments have been awarded in class action lawsuits based on drugs that had unanticipated adverse effects. A successful product liability claim, or series of claims, brought against us could cause our stock price to decline and, if judgments exceed our insurance coverage, could decrease our cash and adversely affect our business.
We may not be able to use a significant portion of our net operating loss carryforwards, which could adversely affect our profitability.
Federal and state laws impose substantial restrictions on the utilization of net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforwards in the event that certain ownership changes occur as defined in Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code (“IRC”). Due to our financing activities, we experienced ownership changes that have resulted in significant limitations on the future use of our NOL carryforwards. As of June 30, 2024, we have US federal NOL carryforwards of approximately $171.7 million, of which $33.4 million will expire without any opportunity for utilization due to the limitations set forth in IRC Section 382. Assuming that further IRC Section 382 ownership changes do not occur, the remaining $138.3 million of NOL carryforwards consist of approximately (i) $38.0 million that never expire and are currently available to offset taxable income, (ii) $9.6 million that are currently available to offset taxable income but if not utilized will expire in 2031 through 2035, (iii) $11.7 million that becomes available through 2038 and that expire by June 30, 2038 if not utilized, and (iv) $79.0 million that never expire. With respect to $79.0 million of NOL carryforwards that never expire, this amount will become available in varying annual amounts for an aggregate of approximately $13.2 million through fiscal year 2038, and $1.2 million annually thereafter. It is possible that any future ownership changes could result in further limitations on the use of our NOL carryforwards or other tax attributes, which could adversely affect our future financial position, profitability and cash flows.
If we fail to maintain proper and effective internal control over financial reporting, our ability to produce accurate and timely financial statements could be impaired, investors may lose confidence in our financial reporting and the trading price of our common stock may decline.
We are subject to Section 404 of The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (“Section 404”), and the related rules of the SEC which generally require our management and independent registered public accounting firm to report on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. Section 404 requires an annual management assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. Effective April 27, 2020, the SEC adopted amendments to the “accelerated filer” and “large accelerated filer” definitions in Rule 12b-2 under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934. The amendments exclude from the “accelerated filer” and “large accelerated filer” definitions an issuer that is eligible to be a smaller reporting company and that had annual revenues of less than $100 million in the most recent fiscal year for which audited financial statements are available. We determined that our Company does not meet the accelerated or large accelerated filer definitions as of June 30, 2024. For so long as we remain a smaller reporting company and a non-accelerated filer, we intend to take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to public companies, including, but not limited to, not being required as a non-accelerated filer to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404(b). An independent assessment by our independent registered public accounting firm of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting could detect problems that our management’s assessment might not. Undetected material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting could lead to financial statement restatements and require us to incur the expense of remediation.
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After remediation of a material weakness identified during the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2024, we have determined that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of June 30, 2024. However, we cannot provide assurance that there will not be material weaknesses or significant deficiencies in our internal control over financial reporting in the future. Any failure to maintain internal control over financial reporting could severely inhibit our ability to accurately report our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. If we are unable to conclude that our internal control over financial reporting is effective, investors may lose confidence in the accuracy and completeness of our financial reports, the market price of our common stock could decline, and we could be subject to sanctions or investigations by Nasdaq, the SEC or other regulatory authorities. Failure to remediate any material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting, or to implement or maintain other effective control systems required of public companies, could also restrict our future access to the capital markets.
Operations outside the United States may be affected by different local politics, business and cultural factors, different regulatory requirements and prohibitions between jurisdictions.
We intend to seek regulatory approval in foreign countries for all of our potential products prior to commercialization. Pharmaceutical therapies are subject to rigorous preclinical testing and clinical trials and other pre-market approval requirements by Regulatory Authorities in foreign countries. Operations outside the United States may be affected by different local business and cultural factors, different regulatory requirements and prohibitions between jurisdictions, including the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and local laws prohibiting corrupt payments, and changes in regulatory requirements for financing activities.
Our collection, use, processing, and cross-border transfer of personal information, including individually identifiable health information, is governed by restrictive regulations.
Our business is broadly regulated by U.S. and foreign regulatory authorities, and we must comply with all applicable rules and regulations concerning our use, processing, handling, maintenance, and protection of personal information. In the U.S., the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (“HIPAA”) imposes requirements at the federal level relating to the privacy, security and transmission of individually identifiable health information, while individual states, such as California, have adopted privacy regulations restricting the use of personal information and providing individuals certain rights with respect to the collection and use of their data. Further, the collection and use of personal information in Europe is governed by the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation and the United Kingdom’s implementation of the same, or the GDPR. Failure to comply with the requirements of the GDPR and other applicable data protection laws of the EU member states and the United Kingdom, or other applicable privacy rules and regulations in other countries, may result in significant fines and other administrative penalties. We may be required to put in place additional mechanisms to comply with current and future privacy and data protection regulations applicable to our business. This may interrupt or delay our development activities and/or require us to change our business practices, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.
We could recognize losses on securities held in our marketable debt securities portfolio, particularly if interest rates increase or economic and market conditions deteriorate.
As of June 30, 2024, the fair value of the investments in our marketable debt securities portfolio was approximately $56.7 million. Factors beyond our control can significantly influence the fair value of securities in our portfolio and can cause potential adverse changes to the fair value of these securities. For example, fixed-rate securities acquired by us are generally subject to decreases in market value when interest rates rise. Additional factors include, but are not limited to, rating agency downgrades of the securities or our own analysis of the value of the security, defaults by the issuer with respect to the underlying securities, and continued instability in the credit markets. Any of the foregoing factors could result in credit-related loss and result in realized losses. The process for determining whether allowances are needed for credit-related losses usually requires difficult, subjective judgments about the future financial performance of the issuer and any collateral underlying the security in order to assess the probability of receiving all contractual principal and interest payments on the security.
As of June 30, 2024, we had $79,000 in net unrealized losses in our marketable debt securities. Unrealized losses in our marketable debt securities portfolio may increase in the future due to the aforementioned economic factors. While our goal
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is to hold each security until maturity, that may not be possible in light of our policy to preserve capital and liquidity and because investment in securities with unrealized losses has a diminished utility as a source of liquidity prior to maturity. Selling securities with an unrealized loss would result in the realization of such losses, which could have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
Unfavorable global and regional economic, political and health conditions could adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.
Our business could be adversely affected by global or regional economic, political and health conditions. Various macroeconomic factors could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations, including changes in inflation, interest rates and overall economic conditions and uncertainties, including those resulting from political instability, trade disputes between nations and the current and future conditions in the global financial markets. For example, beginning in fiscal year ended June 30, 2023, much of the world, including the U.S. and the E.U., began to experience inflation levels not seen in more than 30 years. As a result, prices for many of our inputs have risen, in some cases dramatically. If inflation stays at elevated levels or increases, we may not be able to mitigate the impact of the increased costs we will bear, which could have an impact on our results of operations and financial condition. A global financial crisis or global or regional political and economic instability, wars, terrorism, civil unrest, outbreaks of disease (for example, COVID-19), and other unexpected events, such as supply chain constraints or disruptions, could cause extreme volatility in the capital and credit markets and disrupt our business. Business disruptions could include, among others, disruptions to our commercial activities, including due to supply chain or distribution constraints or challenges, clinical enrollment, clinical site availability, patient accessibility, and conduct of our clinical trials, as well as temporary closures of the facilities of suppliers or contract manufacturers in the biotechnology supply chain. In addition, during certain crises and events, patients may prioritize other items over certain or all of their treatments and/or medications, which could have a negative impact on our commercial sales. A severe or prolonged economic downturn, political disruption or adverse health conditions could result in a variety of risks to our business, including our ability to raise capital when needed on acceptable terms, if at all. Any of the foregoing could harm our business and we cannot anticipate all of the ways in which the political or economic climate and financial market conditions could adversely impact our business.
Certain Provisions of Nevada law may have anti-takeover effects.
Certain provisions of Nevada law applicable to us could also delay or make more difficult a merger, tender offer or proxy contest involving us, including Sections 78.411 through 78.444 of the Nevada Revised Statutes, which prohibit a Nevada corporation from engaging in any business combination with any "interested shareholder" (as defined in the statute) for a period of two years unless certain conditions are met. In addition, our senior management is entitled to certain payments upon a change in control.
Risks Related to Our Intellectual Property
Our current patent positions and license portfolio may not include all patent rights needed for the full development and commercialization of our product candidates. We cannot be sure that patent rights we may need in the future will be available to license on commercially reasonable terms, or at all.
We typically develop our product candidates using compounds that we have acquired or in-licensed, including the original composition of matter patents and patents that claim the activities and methods for such compounds’ production and use. For example, in 2017 we in-licensed (i) a fully human monoclonal antibody from XOMA Corporation (“XOMA”) as well as (ii) a plasma kallikrein inhibitor portfolio from ActiveSite Pharmaceuticals (“ActiveSite”) and in consideration for such licenses, we will owe milestone payments and royalties as we progress product candidates through development.
As we learn more about the mechanisms of action and new methods of manufacture and use of these product candidates, we may file additional patent applications for these new inventions, or we may need to ask our licensors to file them. We may also need to license additional patent rights or other rights on compounds, treatment methods or manufacturing processes because we learn that we need such rights during the continuing development of our product candidates.
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Although our patents may prevent others from making, using or selling similar products, they do not ensure that we will not infringe the patent rights of third parties. We may not be aware of all patents or patent applications that may impact our ability to make, use or sell any of our product candidates or proposed product candidates. For example, because we sometimes identify the mechanism of action or molecular target of a given product candidate after identifying its composition of matter and therapeutic use, we may not be aware until the mechanism or target is further elucidated that a third-party has an issued or pending patent claiming biological activities or targets that may cover our product candidate. U.S. patent applications filed after November 29, 2000 are confidential in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for the first 18 months after such applications’ earliest priority date, and patent offices in other countries often publish patent applications for the first time six months or more after filing. Furthermore, we may not be aware of published or granted conflicting patent rights. Any conflicts resulting from patent applications and patents of others could significantly reduce the coverage of our patents and limit our ability to obtain meaningful patent protection. If others obtain patents with conflicting claims, we may need to obtain licenses to these patents or to develop or obtain alternative technology.
We may not be able to obtain any licenses or other rights to patents, technology or know-how from third parties necessary to conduct our business as described in this Annual Report and such licenses, if available at all, may not be available on commercially reasonable terms. Any failure to obtain such licenses could delay or prevent us from developing or commercializing our drug candidates or proposed product candidates, which would harm our business. Litigation, patent office administrative proceedings or patent interference proceedings may be necessarily brought against us or third parties, as discussed below, to enforce any of our patents or other proprietary rights or to determine the scope and validity or enforceability of the proprietary rights of such third parties.
In addition, we may face claims by third parties that our agreements with employees, contractors, or consultants obligating them to assign intellectual property to us are ineffective, or in conflict with prior or competing contractual obligations of assignment, which could result in ownership disputes. In some instances, there may not be adequate written provisions to address clearly the resolution of intellectual property rights that may arise under our agreements, and we may be limited in our ability to use, make or sell these inventions. Litigation may be necessary to resolve these disputes, and if we are not successful, we may be precluded from using certain intellectual property, or may lose our exclusive rights in that intellectual property. Either outcome could have an adverse impact on our business.
If our or our licensors’ patent positions do not adequately protect our product candidates or any future products, others could compete with us more directly, which would harm our business.
Our commercial success will depend in part on our and our licensors’ ability to obtain additional patents and protect our existing patent positions, particularly those patents for which we have secured exclusive rights, as well as our ability to maintain adequate protection of other intellectual property for our technologies, product candidates and any future products in the U.S. and other countries. If we or our licensors do not adequately protect our intellectual property, competitors may be able to use our technologies and erode or negate any competitive advantage we may have, which could materially harm our business, negatively affect our position in the marketplace, limit our ability to commercialize our product candidates and delay or render impossible our achievement of profitability. The laws of some foreign countries do not protect our proprietary rights to the same extent as the laws of the U.S., and we may encounter significant problems in protecting our proprietary rights in these countries.
The patent positions of biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, including our own patent position, involve complex legal and factual questions, and, therefore, validity and enforceability cannot be predicted with certainty. Patents may be challenged, deemed unenforceable, invalidated or circumvented. In addition, the coverage claimed in a patent application can be significantly reduced before the patent is issued, and patent scope can be reinterpreted by the courts after issuance. Moreover, many jurisdictions permit third parties to challenge issued patents in administrative proceedings, which may result in further narrowing or even cancellation of patent claims. We cannot predict whether the patent applications we are currently pursuing will be issued as patents in any particular jurisdiction or whether the claims of any patents, if issued, will provide sufficient protection from competitors. We and our licensors will be able to protect our proprietary rights from unauthorized use by third parties only to the extent that our proprietary technologies, product candidates and any future products are covered by valid and enforceable patents or are effectively maintained as trade secrets.
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The degree of future protection for our proprietary rights is uncertain, and we cannot ensure that:
| ● | we or our licensors were the first to make the inventions covered by each of our pending patent applications; |
| ● | we or our licensors were the first to file patent applications for these inventions; |
| ● | others will not independently develop similar or alternative technologies or duplicate any of our technologies; |
| ● | any of our or our licensors’ pending patent applications will result in issued patents; |
| ● | any of our or our licensors’ patents will be valid or enforceable; |
| ● | any patents issued to us, or our licensors and collaborators will provide a basis for commercially viable products, will provide us with any competitive advantages or will not be challenged by third parties; |
| ● | we will develop additional proprietary technologies or product candidates that are patentable; or |
| ● | the patents of others will not have an adverse effect on our business. |
We may be unable to adequately prevent disclosure of trade secrets and other proprietary information.
We rely on trade secrets to protect our proprietary know-how and technological advances, especially where we do not believe patent protection is appropriate or obtainable. However, trade secrets are difficult to protect. We rely in part on confidentiality agreements with our employees, consultants, outside scientific collaborators, sponsored researchers and other advisors to protect our trade secrets and other proprietary information. These agreements may not effectively prevent disclosure of confidential information and may not provide an adequate remedy in the event of unauthorized disclosure of confidential information. In addition, others may independently discover our trade secrets and proprietary information. Costly and time-consuming litigation could be necessary to enforce and determine the scope of our proprietary rights. Failure to obtain or maintain trade secret protection could enable competitors to use our proprietary information to develop products that compete with our products or cause additional, material adverse effects upon our competitive business position.
Litigation regarding patents, patent applications and other proprietary rights may be expensive and time consuming. If we are involved in such litigation, it could cause delays in bringing product candidates to market and harm our ability to operate.
Our commercial success will depend in part on our ability to manufacture, use, sell and offer to sell our product candidates and proposed product candidates without infringing patents or other proprietary rights of third parties. Although we are not currently aware of any litigation or other proceedings or third-party claims of intellectual property infringement related to our product candidates, the pharmaceutical industry is characterized by extensive litigation regarding patents and other intellectual property rights. Other parties may obtain patents in the future and allege that the use of our technologies infringes these patent claims or that we are employing their proprietary technology without authorization. Likewise, third parties may challenge or infringe upon our or our licensors’ existing or future patents. Proceedings involving our patents or patent applications or those of others could result in adverse decisions regarding the patentability of our inventions relating to our product candidates or the enforceability, validity or scope of protection offered by our patents relating to our product candidates.
Even if we are successful in these proceedings, we may incur substantial costs and divert management’s time and attention in pursuing these proceedings. If we are unable to avoid infringing the patent rights of others, we may be required to seek a license, defend an infringement action or challenge the validity of the patents in court. Patent litigation is costly and time-consuming. We may not have sufficient resources to bring these actions to a successful conclusion. In addition, if we do not obtain a license, develop or obtain non-infringing technology, fail to defend an infringement action successfully or have our patents declared invalid, we may incur substantial monetary damages; encounter significant delays in bringing our product candidates to market; or be precluded from participating in the manufacture, use or sale of our product candidates or methods of treatment requiring licenses.
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If our patent and other intellectual property protection is inadequate, future sales and profits may never materialize or competitors could force our products completely out of the market.
Patents which prevent the manufacture or sale of our products may be issued to others. We may have to license those patents and pay significant fees or royalties to the owners of the patents in order to keep marketing our products. This would cause profits from any sales to suffer.
We have been granted patents or licensed patents in the United States, but patent applications that have been, or may in the future be, filed by us may not result in the issuance of additional patents. The scope of any patent issued may not be sufficient to protect our technology. The laws of foreign jurisdictions in which we intend to sell our products may not protect our rights to the same extent as the laws of the United States.
In addition to patent protection, we also rely on trade secrets, proprietary know-how and technological advances. We enter into confidentiality agreements with our employees and others, but these agreements may not be effective in protecting our proprietary information. Others may independently develop substantially equivalent proprietary information or obtain access to our know-how. Litigation, which is expensive, may be necessary to enforce or defend our patents or proprietary rights and may not end favorably for us. We may also choose to initiate litigation against other parties who we come to believe are infringing these patents. If such litigation is unsuccessful or if the patents are invalidated or canceled, we may have to write off the related intangible assets and such an event could significantly reduce our earnings. Any of our licenses, patents or other intellectual property may be challenged, invalidated, canceled, infringed or circumvented and may not provide any competitive advantage to us.
Risks Related to Our Common Stock
Exercise or conversion of warrants, stock options and other convertible securities will dilute shareholder’s percentage of ownership.
In addition to pre-funded warrants (“PFWs”), we have issued stock options and other warrants to purchase shares of our common stock. In the future, we may grant additional stock options, warrants and convertible securities. The exercise, conversion or exchange of stock options, warrants and convertible securities will dilute the percentage ownership of our shareholders. The dilutive effect of the exercise or conversion of these securities may adversely affect our ability to obtain additional capital. The holders of these securities may be expected to exercise or convert such stock options, warrants and convertible securities at a time when we would be able to obtain additional equity capital on terms more favorable than such securities or when our common stock is trading at a price higher than the exercise or conversion price of the securities.
Our stock price may be volatile.
The market price of our common stock is likely to be highly volatile and could fluctuate widely in price in response to various factors, many of which are beyond our control, including (i) limited trading activity on our common stock, (ii) positive or negative results achieved in our clinical activities, including regulatory determinations, (iii) our ability to obtain financing, (iv) additions or departures of key personnel, (v) the specific terms associated with new debt or equity financings, (vi) our ability to execute our business plan, (vii) loss of any strategic relationship, and (viii) economic and other external factors.
In addition, the securities markets have from time-to-time experienced significant price and volume fluctuations that are unrelated to the operating performance of particular companies. These market fluctuations may also materially and adversely affect the market price of our common stock.
Offers or availability for sale of a substantial number of shares of our common stock may cause the price of our common stock to decline.
If our shareholders sell substantial amounts of our common stock in the public market upon the expiration of any statutory holding period or lockup agreements, under Rule 144, or issued upon the exercise of outstanding PFWs, stock options, warrants or other convertible securities, it could create a circumstance commonly referred to as an “overhang” and in
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anticipation of which the market price of our common stock could fall. The existence of an overhang, whether or not sales have occurred or are occurring, also could make more difficult our ability to raise additional financing through the sale of equity or equity-related securities in the future at a time and price that we deem reasonable or appropriate. The shares of our restricted common stock will be freely tradable upon the earlier of: (i) effectiveness of a registration statement covering such shares and (ii) the date on which such shares may be sold without registration pursuant to Rule 144 (or other applicable exemption) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (“Securities Act”).
Investor relations activities and supply and demand factors may affect the price of our common stock.
We expect to utilize various techniques such as non-deal road shows and investor relations campaigns in order to generate investor awareness. These campaigns may include personal, video and telephone conferences with investors and prospective investors in which our business practices are described. We may provide compensation to investor relations firms and pay for newsletters, websites, mailings and email campaigns that are produced by third parties based upon publicly-available information concerning us. We do not intend to review or approve the content of such analysts’ reports or other materials based upon analysts’ own research or methods. Investor relations firms should generally disclose when they are compensated for their efforts, but whether such disclosure is made or complete is not under our control. In addition, investors may, from time to time, also take steps to encourage investor awareness through similar activities that may be undertaken at the expense of the investors. Investor awareness activities may also be suspended or discontinued, which may impact the trading market of our common stock.
We have no current plan to pay dividends on our common stock and investors may lose the entire amount of their investment.
We have never paid cash dividends on our common stock and do not anticipate paying any cash dividends on our common stock for the foreseeable future. Accordingly, any income derived from our common stock would only come from a rise in the market price of our common stock, which is uncertain and unpredictable. We cannot assure investors of a positive return on their investment.
Changes in U.S. tax law could adversely affect our business.
Changes to tax laws (which changes may have retroactive application) could adversely affect us or the holders of our common stock. For example, for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2023, we became subject to Internal Revenue Code Section 174 that requires capitalization of the vast majority of research and development costs whereas under prior tax law substantially all of these costs were deductible in the year incurred. Section 174 provides that such newly-capitalized costs may be amortized and become deductible over a period of 5 years for U.S. based costs and 15 years for foreign- based costs.
It cannot be predicted whether, when, in what form, or with what effective dates, new tax laws or regulations may be enacted under existing or new tax laws. This could result in an increase in our tax liability or require changes in our business in order to mitigate any adverse effects of changes in tax laws.
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments.
Not required for smaller reporting companies.
Item 1C. Cybersecurity.
We have established processes for assessing, identifying and managing cybersecurity risks, which are built into our information technology function and are designed to safeguard our information assets and operations from internal and external cyber threats, including protecting employee and patient information from unauthorized access to or attacks on our networks and systems. These processes include physical, procedural and technical safeguards, response plans, regular tests on our systems, incident simulations and routine reviews of our policies and procedures to identify risks and enhance our practices. We also employ processes to identify material risks from cybersecurity threats associated with our use of third-party service providers.
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We have engaged external parties, including risk management consultants and computer security firms, to enhance our cybersecurity oversight. In an effort to deter and detect cyber threats, we periodically provide training programs to our employees on issues related to privacy and data protection, cybersecurity risks, and the importance of reporting all incidents immediately. Topics include identifying phishing, password protection, securing confidential data, and mobile security. In addition, we use technology-based tools to mitigate cybersecurity risks and to bolster our employee-based cybersecurity programs. We also perform annual vulnerability assessments, conducted by independent, third-party cybersecurity firms.
Additionally, as part of our overall risk mitigation strategy, the Company obtains certain insurance policies. However, such insurance may not be sufficient in type or amount to cover us fully against claims related to security breaches, cyber-attacks and other related breaches.
The Audit Committee of our Board of Directors provides direct cybersecurity risk oversight. Our management provides timely disclosure and related updates to the Audit Committee regarding potential cybersecurity threats, incidents and general risks.
Our management periodically evaluates information provided by its consultants on evolving cybersecurity risks and, based on its assessment of the processes the Company has put in place, does not believe there are currently any known risks from cybersecurity threats that are reasonably likely to materially affect us or our business strategy, results of operations, or financial condition. Further, we have not had any cybersecurity incidents in 2024.
Item 2. Properties.
In April 2022, we entered into a lease for a new headquarters location at 275 Shoreline Drive, Suite 500, Redwood City California 94065. The leased space contains approximately 9,300 square feet of office space. The lease commenced in October 2022 and provides for average remaining monthly rent of approximately $53,000 through October 2027.
In November 2020, we entered into a lease in Bend, Oregon where the leased space consists of approximately 5,000 square feet of office space and provides for monthly rent of approximately $8,400 through the expiration date in February 2024. In October 2023, we entered into a lease extension for this space, which provides for monthly rent of approximately $9,000 through February 2027.
We believe our current physical properties are sufficient and adequate to meet our current and projected requirements.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings.
For a discussion of the Company’s legal proceedings, see “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - Commitments and Contingencies” in Part II. Item 8 on this Annual Report on Form 10-K, which is incorporated herein by reference.
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
Since November 9, 2020, our common stock has traded on Nasdaq under the symbol “RZLT”.
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Holders
As of September 13, 2024, there were 261 holders of record of our common stock. We believe the number of beneficial owners of our common stock is substantially greater than the number of record holders because a large portion of our outstanding common stock is held of record in broker “street names” for the benefit of individual investors.
Dividends
We have never paid cash dividends and intend to employ all available funds in the development of our business. We have no plans to pay cash dividends in the foreseeable future.
Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities
None.
Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans
Presented below is information about our equity compensation plans as of June 30, 2024 (shares in thousands):
| | | | Shares to be Issued Upon | | Securities | |||
| | | Plan | Exercise of Outstanding Options: | | Available | |||
| | | Termination | Number of | | | Weighted Average | | For Future |
| | | Date | Shares | | | Exercise Price | | Issuance |
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders: | | | | | | | | | |
2015 Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan | | | February 23, 2020 | 17 | | $ | 19.86 | | — |
2016 Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan | | | October 31, 2021 | 123 | | | 16.93 | | — |
2021 Equity Incentive Plan | | | March 31, 2031 | 10,276 | | | 3.51 | | 342 |
2022 Employee Stock Purchase Plan | | | Indefinite | — | | | — | | 500 |
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders: | | | | | | | | | |
2019 Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan | | | July 31, 2029 | 200 | | | 14.50 | | — |
Inducement Stock Option | | | January 23, 2029 | 275 | | | 1.02 | | — |
| | | | | | | | | |
Total | | | | 10,891 | | | 3.82 | | 842 |
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 contains forward-looking statements which involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors, including those set forth under the Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements on page ii, the “Risk Factors” set forth in Item 1A, and elsewhere in this Annual Report. We assume no obligation to update forward-looking statements or the risk factors. You should read the following discussion in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related notes included in Item 8 of this Annual Report.
Certain figures, such as interest rates and other percentages included in this section have been rounded for ease of presentation. Percentage figures included in this section have not in all cases been calculated on the basis of such rounded figures but on the basis of such amounts prior to rounding. For this reason, percentage amounts in this section may vary slightly from those obtained by performing the same calculations using the figures in our consolidated financial statements or in the associated text. Certain other amounts that appear in this section may similarly not sum due to rounding.
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Executive Summary
Our priorities going into the second half of 2024 and first half of 2025 are to (i) complete enrollment of ex-U.S. participants in the sunRIZE study, (ii) initiate study start-up activities in the U.S. to enable U.S. participant enrollment in the sunRIZE study, and (iii) continue study start-up activities and begin enrollment for the Phase 3 registrational tumor HI clinical study.
Clinical Development
Our focus as a Company is advancing ersodetug in two Phase 3 clinical studies for congenital HI and tumor HI. To that end, we are actively enrolling the pivotal Phase 3 sunRIZE clinical study of ersodetug, which is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel arm evaluation of ersodetug in participants with congenital HI who are not adequately responding to standard of care medical therapies. To date, in this study we have been screening and enrolling participants outside the U.S. because the U.S. FDA had imposed an age restriction of 12 years of age and older on ersodetug clinical studies as well as dose level restrictions based on historical rat toxicology findings. On September 4, 2024, FDA lifted those restrictions and authorized U.S. inclusion in the ongoing sunRIZE study. Currently, the Company is conducting study start-up activities at sites in the U.S. in anticipation of enrolling U.S. participants in the sunRIZE study in the first part of 2025. Topline results from the study are anticipated to be available in the second half of calendar 2025.
Additionally, we have begun study start-up activities for our Phase 3 registrational tumor HI clinical study which we anticipate to begin enrolling patients in the first half of calendar 2025.
RZ402
In May of 2024 we announced topline results from the Phase 2 proof-of-concept study of RZ402 in patients with DME, which met primary study endpoints, demonstrating a significant reduction in central subfield thickness in the Study Eye at all RZ402 dose levels compared to placebo (up to approximately a 50 micron improvement) and was safe and well-tolerated. The program is available for partnering and we are actively engaged in conversations with potential partners to take RZ402 into further development.
Recent Developments
Exchange Agreement. On March 8, 2024, we entered into a securities exchange agreement (the “Exchange Agreement”) with certain of our stockholders (the “Exchanging Shareholders”), whereby we purchased 3,000,000 shares of common stock representing approximately 7% of our outstanding shares with an aggregate fair value of $5,700,000 (the “Retired Shares”) from the Exchanging Shareholders. The Retired Shares were immediately cancelled whereby they will remain as authorized shares for future issuance in accordance with Nevada law. Consideration for the acquisition of the Retired Shares consisted of (i) a cash payment to the Exchanging Shareholders of $3,000, and (ii) the issuance of pre-funded warrants (the “Exchange PFWs”) to the Exchanging Shareholders with an estimated fair value of $5,697,000. The Exchange PFWs do not expire and were exercisable as of June 30, 2024 to purchase an aggregate of 3,000,000 shares of our outstanding common stock at an exercise price of $0.001 per share.
The Exchange PFWs required approval by our shareholders if the exercise of the Exchange PFWs resulted in aggregate beneficial ownership by the holders in excess of 19.99%. Even though the Exchange PFWs only entitled the holders to purchase 7% of our outstanding shares of common stock, the requirement to obtain shareholder approval for ownership in excess of 19.99% resulted in the treatment of the exchange PFWs as a warrant derivative liability of $5.7 million as of the issuance date. The fair value of this warrant derivative liability increased by approximately $2.9 million, for a total of $8.5 million as of May 13, 2024 when the Exchange PFWs were amended to permit equity classification. Accordingly, the derivative liability of $8.5 million was reclassified to shareholders’ equity on May 13, 2024.
2024 Underwritten Offering. On June 13, 2024, we entered into an underwriting agreement for the planned issuance and sale of equity securities in an underwritten public offering (the “2024 Underwritten Offering”). The 2024 Underwritten Offering provided for the issuance of (i) 11,250,000 shares of common stock at a price of $4.00 per share for gross proceeds of $45.0 million, and (ii) pre-funded warrants to purchase 3,750,000 shares of common stock at a public offering price of $3.999 per pre-funded warrant (the “2024 PFWs”) for gross proceeds of $15.0 million. The Company granted the
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underwriters a 30-day option to purchase up to an additional 2,250,000 shares of its common stock at a public offering price of $4.00 per share, less underwriting discounts of 6.0% of the gross proceeds. The underwriters’ option was partially exercised for 1,786,589 shares of common stock for gross proceeds of $7.1 million. Closing occurred on June 24, 2024, whereby the aggregate gross proceeds amounted to $67.1 million. The net proceeds of the 2024 Underwritten Offering amounted to approximately $62.6 million. In July 2024, we utilized approximately $59.7 million of the net proceeds from the 2024 Underwritten Offering to purchase investments in marketable debt securities with maturities that range from October 2024 through December 2025.
2024 Private Placement. In June 2024, we entered into a securities purchase agreement (the “2024 SPA”) with Handok, Inc. and one other investor relating to a private placement (the “2024 Private Placement”), pursuant to which we agreed to sell 1,500,000 shares of common stock at a purchase price of $4.00 per share. Closing of the 2024 Private Placement occurred in July 2024, whereby we received net proceeds of $6.0 million after deduction of underwriting discounts and other offering costs.
Factors Impacting our Results of Operations
We have not generated any meaningful revenues since our inception in March 2010. Over the last several years, we have conducted private placements and public offerings to raise additional capital, conducted pre-clinical and clinical trials, and conducted other research and development activities on our pipeline of product candidates.
Due to the time required to conduct clinical trials and obtain regulatory approval for our product candidates, we anticipate it will be some time before we generate substantial revenues, if ever. We expect to generate operating losses for the foreseeable future; therefore, we expect to continue efforts to raise additional capital to maintain our current operating plans over the next several years. We cannot assure you that we will secure such financing or that it will be adequate for the long-term execution of our business strategy. Even if we obtain additional financing, it may be costly and may require us to agree to covenants or other provisions that will favor new investors over our existing shareholders.
Key Components of Consolidated Statements of Operations
Research and development expenses. Research and development (“R&D”) expenses consist primarily of clinical trial costs, compensation and benefits for our personnel engaged in R&D activities, licensing costs, and consultants and outside services. Our R&D costs include an allocable portion of our cash and share-based compensation, employee benefits, and consulting costs related to personnel engaged in the design and development of product candidates and other scientific research projects. We also allocate a portion of our facilities and overhead costs based on the personnel and other resources devoted to R&D activities.
General and administrative expenses. General and administrative (“G&A”) expenses consist primarily of (i) an allocable portion of our cash and share-based compensation and employee benefits related to personnel engaged in our administrative, finance, accounting, and executive functions, and (ii) an allocable portion of our facilities and overhead costs based on the personnel and other resources devoted to G&A activities. G&A expenses also include travel, legal, auditing, investor relations and other costs primarily related to our operations as a public company.
Interest and other income. Interest and other income consist primarily of interest income earned on marketable debt securities and temporary cash investments, amortization of investment premiums and accretion of investment discounts.
Loss from change in fair value of derivative liabilities. We recognize liabilities for financial instruments that are required to be accounted for as derivatives, as well as embedded derivatives in our debt agreements. Warrant and embedded derivative liabilities are adjusted to fair value at the end of each reporting period until the contracts are settled, expire, or otherwise meet the conditions for equity classification. We also recognize liabilities for embedded derivatives that arose in connection with our legacy debt agreement. Changes in fair value are reflected as gains and losses in our consolidated statements of operations.
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Critical Accounting Policies and Significant Judgments and Estimates
Overview
Our management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations is based on our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of the consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements, as well as the reported revenue and expenses during the reporting periods. These items are monitored and analyzed for changes in facts and circumstances, and material changes in these estimates could occur in the future. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other factors that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying value of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Changes in estimates are reflected in reported results for the period in which they become known. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
With respect to our significant accounting policies that are described in Note 1 to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this Annual Report, we believe that the following accounting policies involve a greater degree of judgment and complexity. Accordingly, these are the policies we believe are the most critical to aid in fully understanding and evaluating our consolidated financial condition and results of operations.
Investments in Marketable Debt Securities
We account for investments in marketable debt securities as available-for-sale securities whereby they are recorded in our consolidated balance sheets at fair value. Interest income consists of accrued interest earned based on the coupon rate of the security, plus the impact of accreting discounts and amortizing premiums to maturity using the straight-line method which approximates the interest method. Unrealized gains and losses due to subsequent changes in fair value of the investments are reported in shareholders’ equity as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). The individual debt securities in our portfolio are subject to credit risk in the event of default by the issuers. We review the components of our portfolio of available-for-sale debt securities, using both quantitative and qualitative factors, to determine if declines in fair value below amortized cost have resulted from a credit-related loss or other factors. To the extent that declines in fair value are due to a deterioration of credit quality of the issuer, we will recognize an allowance for credit losses related to such investments with a corresponding loss in the consolidated statements of operations. Allowances for credit losses may be reversed in subsequent periods if conditions improve and credit-related losses are no longer expected. For a decline in fair value that is solely due to changes in interest rates, impairment is not recognized if we have the ability and intent to hold the investment until maturity. The cost basis of any securities sold prior to maturity will be determined using the specific identification method.
Research and Development
Research and development costs are expensed as incurred. Intangible assets related to in-licensing costs under license agreements with third parties are charged to expense unless we are able to determine that the licensing rights have an alternative future use in other research and development projects or otherwise.
Clinical Trial Accruals
Clinical trial costs are a component of research and development expenses. We accrue and charge to expenses clinical trial activities performed by third parties based upon estimates of the percentage of work completed over the life of the individual study in accordance with agreements established with clinical research organizations and clinical trial sites. We determine our estimates through discussions with internal clinical personnel and external service providers as to the progress or stage of completion of trials or services and the agreed-upon fee to be paid for such services.
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Share-Based Compensation Expense
We measure the fair value of services received in exchange for grants of stock options based on the fair value of the award as of the grant date. We compute the fair value of stock options with time-based vesting using the Black-Scholes Merton (“BSM”) option-pricing model and recognize the cost of the equity awards over the period that services are provided to earn the award. For awards that contain a graded vesting schedule, and the only condition for vesting is a service condition, compensation cost is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period as if the award was, in substance, a single award. We recognize the impact of forfeitures in the period that the forfeiture occurs, rather than estimating the number of awards that are not expected to vest in accounting for share-based compensation. For stock options that are voluntarily surrendered by employees, all unrecognized compensation is immediately recognized in the period the options are cancelled.
Loss from Change in Fair Value of Derivative Liabilities
We recognize warrant derivative liabilities based on assessment of the warrant’s specific terms and applicable authoritative guidance set forth by FASB in Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 480, Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity (“ASC 480”) and ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging (“ASC 815”). The assessment considers whether the warrants are freestanding financial instruments and meet the definition of a liability pursuant to ASC 480, and whether the warrants meet all of the requirements for equity classification under ASC 815, including whether the warrants are indexed to the Company’s own common shares and whether the warrant holders could potentially require “net cash settlement” in a circumstance outside of the Company’s control, among other conditions for equity classification. This assessment, which requires the use of professional judgment, is conducted at the time of warrant issuance and as of the end of each subsequent quarterly period while the warrants are outstanding. Liability classified warrants are valued using the BSM option-pricing model at issuance and for each reporting period when applicable. Changes in fair value are reflected as gains and losses in our consolidated statements of operations. We also recognize liabilities for embedded derivatives that arose in connection with a legacy debt agreement.
Results of Operations
Results of operations for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2024 and 2023 reflect net losses of approximately $68.5 million and $51.8 million, respectively. Our consolidated statements of operations for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, along with the changes between fiscal years, are presented below (in thousands, except percentages):
| | | | |
| | | Changes |
| |||
| | 2024 |
| 2023 |
| | Amount |
| Percent |
| ||
Operating expenses: | | |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
| |
Research and development: | | $ | 55,743 |
| $ | 43,813 |
| $ | 11,930 |
| 27 | % |
General and administrative: | |
| 14,680 | |
| 12,177 | |
| 2,503 |
| 21 | % |
Total operating expenses | |
| 70,423 | |
| 55,990 | |
| 14,433 |
| 26 | % |
Operating loss | |
| (70,423) | |
| (55,990) | |
| (14,433) |
| 26 | % |
Non-operating income (expense): | |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
Interest and other income | |
| 4,870 | |
| 4,208 | |
| 662 |
| 16 | % |
Loss from change in fair value of warrant derivative liability | |
| (2,850) | |
| — | |
| (2,850) |
| 100 | % |
Loss from change in fair value of embedded derivative liability | |
| (56) | |
| (5) | |
| (51) |
| 1,020 | % |
Total non-operating income, net | |
| 1,964 | |
| 4,203 | |
| (2,239) |
| (53) | % |
Net loss | | $ | (68,459) | | $ | (51,787) | | $ | (16,672) |
| 32 | % |
Presented below is a discussion of the key factors that resulted in changes in our results of operations for these periods.
Revenue. As a clinical stage company, we did not generate any revenue for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2024 and 2023. We are at an early stage of development and do not currently have any commercial products. Our existing product
25
candidates will require extensive additional clinical evaluation, regulatory review, significant marketing efforts and substantial investment before they generate any revenues. We do not expect to be able to market any of our product candidates for several years.
Research and Development Expenses. R&D expenses for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2024 and 2023 were as follows (in thousands, except percentages):
| | | | |
| | | Increase |
| |||
|
| 2024 |
| 2023 |
| | Amount |
| Percent |
| ||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total R&D expenses | | $ | 55,743 | | $ | 43,813 | | $ | 11,930 |
| 27 | % |
The increase of $11.9 million was primarily attributable to a net increase of $8.7 million in costs incurred for our two clinical candidate programs, of which the ersodetug program had an increase in spending of $10.9 million and the RZ402 program had a decrease in spending of $2.2 million.
The increase in ersodetug program costs of $10.9 million primarily was driven by (i) an increase of $3.9 million for higher spending on drug substance and drug product manufacturing and other development activities as we began manufacturing activities for process performance qualification activities, (ii) $5.0 million in milestone payments under our license agreement with XOMA due to the dosing of the first patient in a Phase 3 clinical study, (iii) a $1.3 million increase in other ersodetug costs incurred for toxicology studies to support the efforts to lift the FDA clinical hold and (iv) a $0.7 million increase in clinical trial costs due to the ongoing enrollment of patients in the Phase 3 clinical study. We did not incur any ersodetug milestone related costs during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2023.
The RZ402 program cost decrease of $2.2 million was primarily attributable to a $3.0 million decrease in milestone payments due under our license agreement with ActiveSite. In February 2023, we dosed the first patient in the RZ402 Phase 2 study, triggering a milestone payment due for $3.0 million to ActiveSite. There were no RZ402 related milestone costs incurred during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024. A further decrease in manufacturing preclinical, toxicology and other related costs of $1.2 million resulted in a total decrease of $4.2 million in RZ402 costs. This $4.2 million decrease in RZ402 costs was partially offset by a $2.0 million increase in clinical operation costs related to the ongoing Phase 2 study, for which the final patients completed the protocol in April 2024.
In addition to the net increase of $8.7 million in our clinical candidate programs, we had an increase of $2.6 million in R&D compensation and benefits for our R&D workforce. Cash-based R&D compensation and benefits increased by $2.4 million from $11.7 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2023 to $14.1 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024. This increase was primarily attributable to an increase in the average number of R&D employees from 36 to 42 and an increase in annual performance bonuses. R&D share-based compensation increased by $0.2 million from $3.2 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2023 to $3.4 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024. This increase in share-based compensation was primarily attributable to stock options granted to R&D employees hired during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024.
In addition to the increases in R&D compensation and benefits and our clinical programs noted above for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024, an increase of approximately $0.6 million was incurred related to higher facilities costs and employee related travel costs allocable to R&D due to the increased headcount as noted above.
General and Administrative Expenses. G&A expenses for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2024 and 2023 were as follows (in thousands, except percentages):
| | | | |
| | | Increase |
| |||
|
| 2024 |
| 2023 |
| | Amount |
| Percent |
| ||
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total G&A expenses | | $ | 14,680 | | $ | 12,177 | | $ | 2,503 |
| 21 | % |
26
The increase in G&A expenses of $2.5 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024 was primarily attributable to an increase in G&A compensation and benefits related to our administrative workforce of $1.2 million. Cash-based G&A compensation and benefits increased by $1.2 million from $3.8 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2023 to $5.0 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024. This increase was attributable to an increase in the average number of G&A employees from 12 to 15 and an increase in compensation related to annual performance bonuses. Investor relations expenses and other G&A professional fees increased by $1.1 million from $2.4 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2023 to $3.5 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024. This increase in investor relations expense and other G&A professional fees resulted from pre-commercial planning activities, post regulatory approval market approval planning and other professional fee increases.
In addition to the increases in G&A compensation and benefits and our other professional expenditures noted above for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024, an increase of approximately $0.2 million was incurred related to higher facilities costs and employee related travel costs allocable to G&A due to the increased headcount as noted above.
Interest and other income. For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024, we recognized $4.9 million of interest income compared to $4.2 million of interest income for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2023. This increase of $0.7 million was primarily due to our decision in January 2023 to invest an aggregate of approximately $115.0 million in marketable debt securities and an overnight money market mutual fund that provided for interest at a weighted average effective rate of approximately 5.0% for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024. Even though we had substantially more funds available for investment during the first half of the fiscal year ended June 30, 2023, our effective interest rate was less than 2.0% compared to approximately 5.0% after we began investing in marketable debt securities in January 2023. This change in strategy occurred midway through the fiscal year ended June 30, 2023 whereby interest income was $1.2 million for the first half of the fiscal year and $3.0 million for the second half of the fiscal year.
Change in Fair Value of Warrant Derivative Liability. For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024, we recognized a loss of $2.9 million during the period from March 8, 2024 through May 13, 2024 when the Exchange PFWs were classified as liabilities. This loss was due to an increase of $0.95 per share in our stock price, resulting in an increase in the fair value of the derivative liability that was recognized due to shareholder approval provision regarding ownership limitations that prohibited equity classification. This liability existed until May 13, 2024 when the Exchange PFW holders agreed to an amendment that eliminated this provision. Our stock price increased from $1.90 per share on March 8, 2024, to $2.85 per share on May 13, 2024 when the Exchange PFWs were modified. For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2023, the Company did not have any warrant derivative liabilities.
Income Taxes. For the fiscal years ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, we did not recognize any income tax benefit due to our net losses and our determination that a full valuation allowance was required for our deferred income tax assets.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Short-term Liquidity Requirements
As of June 30, 2024, we had cash and cash equivalents of $70.4 million, investments in marketable debt securities $56.7 million for a total of $127.1 million. Working capital amounted to approximately $119.0 million as of June 30, 2024. We have incurred cumulative net losses of $329.4 million since our inception and as a clinical stage company we have not generated any meaningful revenue to date.
Accordingly, our primary source of liquidity has historically been from the completion of private placements and public offerings of our equity securities, as well as proceeds from the issuance of debt securities. For the fiscal years ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, we received net proceeds from the issuance of equity securities of $62.6 million and $11.6 million, respectively. The completion of equity financings between May 2022 and June 2024 is the primary source of total cash and cash equivalents and investments in marketable debt securities of $127.1 million as of June 30, 2024. In July 2024, we received net proceeds of approximately $6.0 million related to a private placement of 1.5 million shares of common stock. For further information about the key terms and results of our equity financing activities completed in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2024 and the first quarter of fiscal year 2025, please refer to the discussion above under the caption Recent Developments.
27
Expected cash payments related to our existing contractual obligations for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025 include approximately (i) $0.7 million under our operating lease agreements, and (ii) a milestone payment to XOMA of $5.0 million that will become due upon dosing of the last patient in our Phase 3 clinical trial for ersodetug. Due to uncertainties in the timing associated with clinical trial activities, it is possible that the milestone payment due upon dosing of the last patient could be delayed beyond June 30, 2025.
Based on our cash, cash equivalents and marketable debt security investments totaling $127.1 million as of June 30, 2024, plus the July 2024 private placement proceeds of $6.0 million, we believe we have adequate capital resources to meet all of our contractual obligations and conduct all planned activities to advance our clinical trials at least through the second quarter of calendar year 2026.
Long-term Liquidity Requirements
Our most significant long-term contractual obligations consist of additional clinical and regulatory milestone payments up to $30.0 million payable to XOMA and additional milestone payments up to $25.0 million payable to ActiveSite. Of this total, we expect that $5.0 million will be payable to XOMA during the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025 as discussed above under the caption Short-term Liquidity Requirements. The remaining $50.0 million is considered a long-term liquidity requirement. Due to uncertainties in the timing associated with clinical trial activities and regulatory approvals, there is even greater uncertainty in forecasting the timing of future clinical and regulatory milestone payments to XOMA and ActiveSite that may be required during the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026 and thereafter.
In addition to the clinical and regulatory milestone payments discussed above, upon the future commercialization of ersodetug and RZ402 we will be obligated to pay additional milestone payments and royalties based on the net sales of the related products and alternative indication regulatory approvals to XOMA and ActiveSite for up to an additional $202.5 million. These future milestones include $185.0 million in potential payments to XOMA and $17.5 million to ActiveSite for various sales-based milestones and alternative indication regulatory approvals. No assurance can be provided that commercialization will ever be achieved for either ersodetug or RZ402, whereby none of these future payments may ever be required.
In addition to our licensing obligations, we also have long-term contractual obligations under existing operating lease agreements ranging between approximately $0.2 million to $0.8 million for each of the fiscal years ending June 30, 2026 through 2028. Based on our current forecast, we expect that our existing capital resources will be sufficient to fund our contractual obligations and conduct all planned activities to advance our clinical trials at least through the second quarter of calendar year 2026. Therefore, we will need to obtain additional equity or debt financing in order to fund all of our long-term liquidity requirements.
Presented below is additional discussion about the ongoing requirements pursuant to our license agreements with XOMA and ActiveSite, along with additional information about our ongoing financing activities that impacted our liquidity and capital resources for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024.
XOMA License Agreement
In December 2017, we entered into a license agreement (“XOMA License Agreement”) with XOMA through its wholly-owned subsidiary, XOMA (U.S.) LLC, pursuant to which XOMA granted an exclusive global license to develop and commercialize XOMA 358 (formerly X358 or RZ358, now ersodetug) for all indications. In January 2019, the XOMA License Agreement was amended with an updated payment schedule, as well as revisions to the amount we were required to expend on development of ersodetug and related licensed products, and revised provisions with respect to our diligence efforts in conducting clinical studies.
Upon the achievement of certain clinical and regulatory events, we will be required to make up to $37.0 million in aggregate milestone payments to XOMA. Milestone payments made to date include a $2.0 million payment in January 2022 for the enrollment of the last patient of the Phase 2 clinical study and $5.0 million paid in May 2024 related to the first patient enrollment in a Phase 3 study. We record a liability for milestone payments in our financial statements on the date that we achieve the milestone event. The next milestone payment of $5.0 million will be due upon the enrollment of the last patient in a Phase 3 study, which we believe will occur in the next twelve months. Additionally, upon the future commercialization of ersodetug, we will be required to pay royalties to XOMA based on the net sales of the related
28
products, and milestone payments up to an additional $185.0 million if future annual sales related to ersodetug exceed targets ranging from $100.0 million to $1.0 billion. Through June 30, 2024, no events have occurred that would result in the requirement to make additional milestone payments, and no royalties have been incurred.
ActiveSite License Agreement
In August 2017, we entered into a Development and License Agreement with ActiveSite (“ActiveSite License Agreement”) pursuant to which we acquired the rights to ActiveSite’s PKI portfolio. We are planning to use the PKI Program to develop, file, manufacture, market and sell products for diabetic macular edema and other therapeutic indications. The ActiveSite License Agreement requires various milestone payments ranging from $1.0 million to $10.0 million when milestone events occur, up to an aggregate of $46.5 million of aggregate milestone payments. The first milestone payment for $1.0 million was paid in December 2020 after completion of preclinical work and submission of an IND to the FDA for RZ402. The second milestone payment for $3.0 million became due upon dosing of the first patient in a Phase 2 study in February 2023. Remaining milestone payments under the ActiveSite License Agreement for various clinical and regulatory milestones amount to $25.0 million and milestones after commercial success or alternative indication approvals amount to $17.5 million. We will also be required to pay royalties equal to 2.0% of any sales of products that use the PKI Program. Through June 30, 2024, no events have occurred that would result in the requirement to make additional milestone payments and no royalties have been incurred.
Cash Flows Summary
Presented below is a summary of our operating, investing and financing cash flows for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2024 and 2023 (in thousands):
|
| 2024 |
| 2023 |
| Change | |||
Net cash provided by (used in): | |
| | |
| | |
| |
Operating activities | | $ | (57,368) | | $ | (44,481) | | $ | (12,887) |
Investing activities | |
| 48,699 | |
| (101,464) | |
| 150,163 |
Financing activities | |
| 63,029 | |
| 11,571 | |
| 51,458 |
Cash Flows Used in Operating Activities
For the fiscal years ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, cash flows used in operating activities amounted to $57.4 million and $44.5 million, respectively. The key components in the calculation of our cash used in operating activities are as follows (in thousands):
|
| 2024 |
| 2023 |
| Change | |||
| | | | | | | | | |
Net loss | | $ | (68,459) | | $ | (51,787) | | $ | (16,672) |
Non-cash expenses |
| | 10,828 |
| | 7,655 |
| | 3,173 |
Accretion of discounts and amortization of premiums on marketable debt securities, net |
| | (2,837) |
| | (1,370) |
| | (1,467) |
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net |
| | 3,100 |
| | 1,021 |
| | 2,079 |
Total | | $ | (57,368) | | $ | (44,481) | | $ | (12,887) |
| | | | | | | | | |
For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024, our net loss was $68.5 million compared to $51.8 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2023. For further discussion about changes in our operating results for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, please refer to Results of Operations above.
For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024, our non-cash expenses of $10.8 million primarily consisted of share-based compensation expense of $7.4 million, a loss from change in the fair value of the warrant derivative liability of $2.9 million, and non-cash lease expense of $0.5 million. For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2023, our non-cash expenses of $7.7 million primarily consisted of share-based compensation expense of $7.3 million and non-cash lease expense of $0.4 million.
29
For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024, non-cash gains consisted of the net impact of accreting discounts and amortizing premiums on investments in marketable debt securities of $2.8 million. For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2023, non-cash gains consisted of the net impact of accreting discounts and amortizing premiums on investments in marketable debt securities of $1.4 million.
For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024, net changes in operating assets and liabilities increased operating cash flow by $3.1 million, primarily driven by an increase accounts payable and other accrued liabilities of $3.2 million, partially offset by an increase in prepaid expenses and other assets of $0.1 million associated with prepayments for clinical trials and manufacturing activities. For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2023, net changes in operating assets and liabilities increased operating cash flow by $1.0 million, primarily driven by an increase accounts payable and other accrued liabilities of $2.3 million, partially offset by an increase in prepaid expenses and other assets of $1.3 million associated with prepayments for clinical trials and manufacturing activities.
Cash Flows Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities
For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024, net cash provided by investing activities amounted to $48.7 million, primarily related to the proceeds from maturities of marketable debt securities of $115.1 million, partially offset by cash outflows used in to purchase marketable debt securities of $66.4 million. For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2023, our net cash utilized in investing activities amounted to $101.5 million, primarily related to the purchase of $107.3 million of marketable debt securities, partially offset by cash proceeds of $6.0 million of resulting from maturities of marketable debt securities. Additionally, for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2023, our investing activities used $0.2 million for the purchase of furniture and equipment primarily for use in our new office location in Redwood City, California.
Cash Flows Provided by Financing Activities
Net cash provided by financing activities for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024 amounted to $63.0 million. This amount consisted of proceeds of $67.1 million from the 2024 Underwritten Offering. The total proceeds from the 2024 Public Underwritten Offering of $67.1 million were partially offset by underwriter discounts of $4.0 million related to this offering and other offering costs of $0.3 million. For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024, we also received proceeds of $0.2 million from the exercise of employee stock options to purchase approximately 82,000 shares of common stock.
Net cash provided by financing activities for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2023 amounted to $11.6 million. This amount consisted of gross proceeds of $12.3 million received from the 2022 Private Placement. The total proceeds from the 2022 Private Placement of $12.3 million were received in July 2022 and were partially offset by payments of $0.8 million for underwriting commissions and other costs related to this offering.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
During the fiscal years ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, we did not have any relationships with unconsolidated organizations or financial partnerships, such as structured finance or special purpose entities, which were established for the purpose of facilitating off-balance sheet arrangements.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
See Note 1 to our consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this Annual Report regarding the impact of certain accounting pronouncements on our consolidated financial statements.
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.
We are a smaller reporting company as defined by Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act and are not required to provide the information under this item.
30
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
|
| Page |
Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firms ( | | 32 |
| | |
Financial Statements: | | |
| | |
| 34 | |
| | |
| 35 | |
| | |
Consolidated statements of shareholders’ equity for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2024 and 2023 | | 36 |
| | |
Consolidated statements of cash flows for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2024 and 2023 | | 37 |
| | |
| 39 |
31
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders
Rezolute, Inc. and subsidiaries
Opinion on the financial statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Rezolute, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of June 30, 2024, the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for the year ended June 30, 2024, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of June 30, 2024, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the year ended June 30, 2024, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Basis for opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audit. 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 audit 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 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 audit 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 audit included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the 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 financial statements. Our audit also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Critical audit matters
Critical audit matters are matters arising from the current period audit of the 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 financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. We determined that there are no critical audit matters.
/s/ GRANT THORNTON LLP
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2024.
Newport Beach, California
September 19, 2024
32
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Shareholders and Board of Directors of Rezolute, Inc.
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying balance sheet of Rezolute, Inc. (the “Company”) as of June 30, 2023, the related statement of operations, shareholders' equity, and cash flows for year then ended, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of June 30, 2023, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the year then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Basis for Opinion
The Company's management is responsible for these financial statements. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audit. 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 audit 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 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 audit, 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 audit included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the 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 financial statements. Our audit also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
/s/ Plante & Moran, PLLC
We served as the Company’s auditor from 2013 to 2024.
Cleveland, Ohio
September 14, 2023
33
REZOLUTE, INC.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
June 30, 2024 and 2023
(In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
|
| 2024 |
| 2023 | ||
Assets | | | | | | |
Current assets: |
| |
| | |
|
Cash and cash equivalents | | $ | | | $ | |
Investments in marketable debt securities | | | | | | |
Prepaid expenses and other | | | | | | |
Total current assets | |
| | |
| |
| | | | | | |
Long-term assets: | | | | | | |
Right-of-use assets | |
| | |
| |
Deposits and other | | | | | | |
Investments in marketable debt securities | | | | | | |
Property and equipment, net | |
| | |
| |
Total assets | | $ | | | $ | |
| | | | | | |
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity | |
|
| |
|
|
Current liabilities: | |
|
| |
|
|
Accounts payable | | $ | | | $ | |
Accrued liabilities: | |
| | |
| |
Accrued clinical and other | | | | | | |
Compensation and benefits | | | | | | |
Current portion of operating lease liabilities | | | | | | |
Total current liabilities | |
| | |
| |
| | | | | | |
Long-term liabilities: | | | | | | |
Operating lease liabilities, net of current portion | |
| | |
| |
Embedded derivative liability | | | | | | |
Total liabilities | |
| | |
| |
| | | | | | |
Commitments and contingencies (Notes 5, 10 and 11) | |
|
| |
|
|
| | | | | | |
Shareholders' equity: | |
|
| |
|
|
Preferred stock, $ | |
| |
| ||
Common stock, $ | |
| | |
| |
Additional paid-in capital | |
| | |
| |
Accumulated other comprehensive loss | | | ( | | | ( |
Accumulated deficit | |
| ( | |
| ( |
Total shareholders’ equity | |
| | |
| |
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity | | $ | | | $ | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
34
REZOLUTE, INC.
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss
For the Fiscal Years Ended June 30, 2024 and 2023
(In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)
|
| | 2024 |
| 2023 | ||
Operating expenses: |
| | |
|
| |
|
Research and development |
| | $ | | | $ | |
General and administrative |
| | | | |
| |
Total operating expenses |
| | | | |
| |
Operating loss |
| | | ( | |
| ( |
Non-operating income (expense): |
| | |
| |
|
|
Interest and other income, net | | | | | | | |
Loss from change in fair value of warrant derivative liability | | | | ( | | | — |
Loss from change in fair value of embedded derivative liability | | | | ( | | | ( |
Total non-operating income, net |
| | | | |
| |
| | | | | | | |
Net loss | | | | ( | | | ( |
| | | | | | | |
Other comprehensive income (loss): | | | | | | | |
Net unrealized gain (loss) on marketable debt securities | | | | | | | ( |
| | | | | | | |
Comprehensive loss | | | $ | ( | | $ | ( |
| | | | | | | |
Net loss per common share: | | | | | | | |
Basic and diluted | | | $ | ( | | $ | ( |
| | | | | | | |
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding: | | |
| | | | |
Basic and diluted | | | | | |
| |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
35
REZOLUTE, INC.
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity
For the Fiscal Years Ended June 30, 2024 and 2023
(In Thousands)
| | | | | | Accumulated | | | | | |||||||
| | | | Additional | | Other | | | | Total | |||||||
|
| Common Stock | | Paid-in | | Comprehensive | | Accumulated | | Shareholders' | |||||||
|
| Shares |
| Amount |
| Capital |
| Loss |
| Deficit |
| Equity | |||||
Balances, June 30, 2022 | | | | $ | | | $ | | | $ | — | | $ | ( | | $ | |
Gross proceeds from issuance of common stock for cash in 2022 Private Placement | | | | | | | | | | | — | | | — | | | |
Underwriting commissions and other equity offering costs | | — | | | — | | | ( | | | — | | | — | | | ( |
Share-based compensation | | — | | | — | | | | | | — | | | — | | | |
Net change in accumulated other comprehensive loss | | — | | | — | | | — | | | ( | | | — | | | ( |
Net loss |
| — | |
| — | |
| — | |
| — | |
| ( | |
| ( |
Balances, June 30, 2023 | | | | | | | | | | | ( | | | ( | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Proceeds from issuance of equity securities in 2024 Underwritten Offering, net of underwriting discounts | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Common stock |
| | | | | | | | | | — | | | — | | | |
2024 Pre-Funded Warrants | | — | | | — | | | | | | — | | | — | | | |
Other equity offering costs | | — | | | — | | | ( | | | — | | | — | | | ( |
Issuance of common stock upon exercise of stock options | | | | | — | | | | | | — | | | — | | | |
Share-based compensation | | — | | | — | | | | | | — | | | — | | | |
Cashless exercise of pre-funded warrants | | | | | | | | ( | | | — | | | — | | | — |
Acquisition and retirement of treasury shares pursuant to Exchange Agreement | | ( | | | ( | | | ( | | | — | | | — | | | ( |
Reclassification of warrant derivative liability to equity | | — | | | — | | | | | | — | | | — | | | |
Net change in accumulated other comprehensive loss | | — | | | — | | | — | | | | | | — | | | |
Net loss | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | ( | | | ( |
Balances, June 30, 2024 | | | | $ | | | $ | | | $ | ( | | $ | ( | | $ | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
36
REZOLUTE, INC.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
For the Fiscal Years Ended June 30, 2024 and 2023
(In Thousands)
|
| 2024 |
| 2023 | ||
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: |
| |
|
| |
|
Net loss | | $ | ( | | $ | ( |
Share-based compensation expense | | | | | | |
Loss from change in fair value of warrant derivative liability | | | | | | — |
Loss from change in fair value of embedded derivative liability | | | | | | |
Non-cash lease expense | | | | | | |
Accretion of discounts and amortization of premiums on marketable debt securities, net | | | ( | | | ( |
Depreciation expense | | | | | | |
Changes in operating assets and liabilities: | |
|
| |
|
|
Increase in prepaid expenses, deposits, and other assets | |
| ( | |
| ( |
Increase in accounts payable | |
| | |
| |
Increase in accrued liabilities | | | | | | |
Net Cash Used in Operating Activities | |
| ( | |
| ( |
| | | | | | |
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES | |
| | | | |
Purchase of marketable debt securities | | | ( | | | ( |
Proceeds from maturities of marketable debt securities | | | | | | |
Purchase of property and equipment | | | — | |
| ( |
Total Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities | |
| | |
| ( |
| | | | | | |
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: | |
|
| | |
|
Proceeds from exercise of stock options | | | | | | — |
Net cash payment pursuant to Exchange Agreement | | | ( | | | — |
Proceeds from issuance of equity securities in 2024 Underwritten Offering, net of underwriting discounts | | | | | | |
Issuance of common stock | | | | | | — |
Issuance of pre-funded warrants | | | | | | — |
Gross proceeds from issuance of common stock in 2022 Private Placement | | | — | | | |
Payment of commissions and other deferred offering costs | |
| ( | | | ( |
Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities | |
| | |
| |
| | | | | | |
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents | | | | | | ( |
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of fiscal year | |
| | |
| |
Cash and cash equivalents at end of fiscal year | | $ | | | $ | |
| | | | | | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
37
REZOLUTE, INC.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, Continued
For the Fiscal Years Ended June 30, 2024 and 2023
(In Thousands)
| | 2024 |
| 2023 | ||
SUPPLEMENTARY CASH FLOW INFORMATION: | |
|
| |
|
|
Cash paid for interest | | $ | — | | $ | — |
Cash paid for income taxes | | | — | | | — |
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of operating lease liabilities | | | | | | |
Operating lease liabilities incurred in exchange for right-of-use assets | | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
NON-CASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES: | |
|
| |
|
|
Acquisition of treasury shares in exchange for pre-funded warrant derivative liability | | $ | | | $ | — |
Receivable from exercise of stock options | | | | | | — |
Payables for offering costs charged to additional paid-in capital | | | | | | — |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
38
NOTE 1 — NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Nature of Operations
Rezolute, Inc. (the “Company”) is a late-stage rare disease company focused on significantly improving outcomes for individuals with hypoglycemia caused by hyperinsulinism. The Company’s primary clinical assets consist of (i) ersodetug (formerly known as RZ358), which is a potential treatment for all forms of hyperinsulinism, including congenital hyperinsulinism, an ultra-rare pediatric genetic disorder characterized by excessive production of insulin by the pancreas, and (ii) RZ402, which is an oral plasma kallikrein inhibitor (“PKI”) being developed as a potential therapy for the chronic treatment of diabetic macular edema.
Consolidation
The Company has
Basis of Presentation
The Company’s consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”).
Comprehensive income (loss) is defined as net income (loss) plus other comprehensive income (loss). Other comprehensive income (loss) is comprised of revenues, expenses, gains, and losses that under GAAP are reported as separate components of shareholders’ equity instead of net income (loss). For the fiscal years ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, components of comprehensive loss included the Company’s net loss and unrealized gains (losses) on investments in marketable debt securities.
The Company’s Chief Executive Officer also serves as the Company’s chief operating decision maker for purposes of allocating resources and assessing performance based on financial information of the Company. Since its inception, the Company has determined that its activities as a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company are classified as a single reportable operating segment.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make judgments, estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts in the consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes. The Company bases its estimates and assumptions on current facts, historical experience, and various other factors that it believes are reasonable under the circumstances, to determine the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The Company’s significant accounting estimates include, but are not necessarily limited to, determination if an allowance for credit losses is required or if other than temporary impairment exists for marketable debt securities, fair value of an derivative liabilities, fair value of share-based payments, management’s assessment of going concern, and estimates related to clinical trial accrued liabilities. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Risks and Uncertainties
The Company's operations may be subject to significant risks and uncertainties including financial, operational, regulatory and other risks associated with a clinical stage company, including the potential risk of business failure discussed in Note 2.
39
Cash and Cash Equivalents
All highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less that are freely available for the Company’s immediate and general business use are classified as cash and cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents consist primarily of demand deposits with financial institutions, money market funds and corporate commercial paper purchased with a maturity of three months or less.
Investments in Marketable Debt Securities
Under the investment policy approved by the Company’s Board of Directors, eligible investments in fixed income debt securities must be denominated and payable in U.S. dollars, including eligible corporate bonds, corporate commercial paper, U.S. government obligations, and money market funds. This investment policy only permits investments in the debt securities of issuers that meet stringent credit quality ratings on the date of the investment. The investment policy also places restrictions on the length of maturities and concentrations by type and issuer. The Company’s investments are issued by issuers that management believes are of high credit quality. However, all issuers are exposed to credit risk in the event of default. The Company classifies investments in marketable debt securities that mature in less than one year as short-term assets. For investments that mature in more than one year, the investments are classified as long-term assets unless management intends to liquidate the investments to fund current operations before the scheduled maturity dates.
The Company accounts for all of its investments in marketable debt securities as available-for-sale securities whereby they are recorded in the consolidated balance sheet at fair value. Interest income is recognized in the consolidated statement of operations, consisting of accrued interest earned based on the coupon rate of the security, plus the impact of accreting discounts and amortizing premiums to maturity using the straight-line method which approximates the interest method. Unrealized gains and losses due to subsequent changes in fair value of the investments are reported in shareholders’ equity as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). The Company reviews the components of its portfolio of available-for-sale debt securities, using both quantitative and qualitative factors, to determine if declines in fair value below amortized cost have resulted from a credit-related loss or other factors. If declines in fair value below amortized costs are due to the deterioration of an issuer’s credit quality, the Company is required to record an allowance for credit losses related to such investments with a corresponding loss recognized in the consolidated statements of operations. Allowances for credit losses may be reversed in subsequent periods if conditions improve and credit-related losses are no longer expected. For declines in fair value that are solely due to changes in interest rates, impairment is not recognized if the Company has the ability and intent to hold the investment until maturity.
Prepaid Expenses and Other
Prepaid expenses and other includes nonrefundable advance payments for goods and services that will be used or rendered in future research and development activities. These advance payments are deferred and recognized as expenses in the period that the related goods are delivered, or services are performed.
Leases
The Company determines if an arrangement includes a lease as of the date an agreement is entered into. Operating leases are included in right-of-use (“ROU”) assets and operating lease liabilities in the Company's consolidated balance sheets. ROU assets and operating lease liabilities are initially recognized based on the present value of the future minimum lease payments at the commencement date of the lease. The Company generally uses its incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at the lease commencement date to determine the discount rate used to compute the present value of future payments. The Company's leases may include options to extend or terminate the lease; these options are included in the calculation of ROU assets and operating lease liabilities when it is reasonably certain that the Company will exercise the options. Lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The Company has elected not to apply the recognition requirements for short-term leases. For lease agreements with lease and non-lease components, the Company generally accounts for them separately.
40
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment consist solely of office furniture and equipment that is recorded at cost. Depreciation expense is calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets which range from
Research and Development Costs
Research and development costs are expensed as incurred. Intangible assets for in-licensing costs incurred under license agreements with third parties are charged to expense, unless the licensing rights have separate economic value in alternative future research and development projects or otherwise.
Clinical Trial Accruals
Clinical trial costs are a component of research and development expenses. The Company accrues and expenses clinical trial activities performed by third parties based upon estimates of the percentage of work completed over the life of the individual study in accordance with agreements established with clinical research organizations and clinical trial sites. The Company determines the estimates through discussions with internal clinical personnel and external service providers as to the progress or stage of completion of trials or services and the agreed-upon fee to be paid for such services.
Share-Based Compensation
The Company measures the fair value of employee and director services received in exchange for grants of stock options and other equity awards granted, based on the fair value of the award as of the grant date. The Company computes the fair value of stock options using the Black-Scholes-Merton (“BSM”) option pricing model and recognizes the value of the equity awards over the period that services are provided to earn the award, usually the vesting period. For awards granted which contain a graded vesting schedule, and the only condition for vesting is a service condition, compensation cost is recognized as an expense on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period as if the award was, in substance, a single award. The Company recognizes the impact of forfeitures in the period that the forfeiture occurs, rather than estimating the number of awards that are not expected to vest in accounting for share-based compensation. For stock options that are voluntarily surrendered by employees, all unrecognized compensation is immediately recognized in the period the options are cancelled.
Embedded Derivatives
When the Company enters into a financial instrument such as a debt or equity agreement (the “Host Contract”), the Company assesses whether the economic characteristics of any embedded features would meet the definition of a derivative instrument, and whether such features are considered clearly and closely related to the primary economic characteristics of the Host Contract. When it is determined that (i) an embedded feature possesses economic characteristics that are not clearly and closely related to the primary economic characteristics of the Host Contract, and (ii) a separate, stand-alone instrument with the same terms would meet the definition of a financial derivative instrument and cannot be classified in shareholders’ equity, then the embedded feature is bifurcated from the Host Contract and accounted for as a derivative liability. The estimated fair value of the derivative feature is recorded separately from the carrying value of the Host Contract, with subsequent changes in the estimated fair value recorded as a non-operating gain or loss in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.
Fair Value of Warrants
The Company accounts for warrants as either equity-classified or liability-classified instruments based on an assessment of the warrant’s specific terms and applicable authoritative guidance set forth by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) in Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 480, Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity (“ASC 480”) and ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging (“ASC 815”). The assessment considers whether the warrants are freestanding financial instruments pursuant to ASC 480, meet the definition of a liability pursuant to ASC 480, and whether the warrants meet all of the requirements for equity classification under ASC 815, including whether the warrants are indexed to the
41
Company’s own common shares and whether the warrant holders could potentially require “net cash settlement” in a circumstance outside of the Company’s control, among other conditions for equity classification. This assessment, which requires the use of professional judgment, is conducted at the time of warrant issuance and during each subsequent quarterly period while the warrants are outstanding. Liability-classified warrants are valued using the BSM option-pricing model at issuance, and for each subsequent reporting period.
Income Taxes
The Company accounts for income taxes using the asset and liability method. Under this method, deferred income tax assets and liabilities that are determined based on differences between financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities and are measured using enacted tax rates and laws that are in effect when the differences are expected to be recovered or settled. Realization of deferred income tax assets is dependent upon future taxable income. A valuation allowance is recognized if it is more likely than not that some portion or all of a deferred income tax asset will not be realized based on the weight of available evidence, including expected future earnings.
The Company recognizes uncertain tax position in its financial statements when it concludes that a tax position is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination based solely on its technical merits. Only after a tax position passes the first step of recognition will measurement be required. Under the measurement step, the tax benefit is computed as the largest amount of benefit that is more likely than not to be realized upon effective settlement. This calculation is determined on a cumulative probability basis. The full impact of any change in recognition or measurement is reflected in the period in which such change occurs. Interest and penalties related to income taxes will be recognized as a component of income tax expense.
Net Loss Per Share
Basic net loss per share is computed by dividing net loss by the weighted average number of outstanding shares of common stock and pre-funded warrants that are accounted for as equity instruments. Common shares associated with pre-funded warrants are included in the computation of both basic and diluted net loss per share since the exercise price is negligible and all of the pre-funded warrants are fully vested and exercisable. To the extent dilutive, during periods in which pre-funded warrants are accounted for as derivative liabilities, the calculation of diluted net loss per share will be further adjusted to eliminate gains on changes in the fair value of such pre-funded warrants, and the related pre-funded warrant shares will be included in the weighted average number of shares outstanding.
Diluted net loss per share is computed using the treasury stock method by further giving effect to all potential shares of common stock, including stock options and warrants, to the extent dilutive.
For participating warrants that are entitled to participate in dividends declared to holders of shares of common stock, the Company applies the two-class method of allocating earnings if the impact of including the participating warrants is dilutive for the calculation of both basic and diluted net loss per share.
Treasury Shares
The Company accounts for purchases of treasury shares under the cost method. In accordance with Nevada law, acquired treasury shares may be retired by the Company. Upon retirement, the treasury shares are no longer accounted for as issued and outstanding.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Recently Adopted Accounting Standard. The following accounting standard was adopted in the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024:
In June 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. ASU 2016-13 amends the guidance on the impairment of financial instruments. This update adds an impairment model (known as the current expected credit losses
42
model) that is based on expected losses rather than incurred losses. Under the expected credit loss model, if declines in fair value below amortized costs are due to the deterioration of an issuer’s credit quality, the Company is required to record an allowance for credit losses related to such investments with a corresponding loss recognized in the consolidated statements of operations. Allowances for credit losses may be reversed in subsequent periods if conditions improve and credit-related losses are no longer expected. For declines in fair value that are solely due to changes in interest rates, impairment is not recognized if the Company has the ability and intent to hold the investment until maturity. Effective as of July 1, 2023, the Company implemented the guidance in ASU 2016-13. The adoption of ASU 2016-13 did not have any impact on the accompanying consolidated financial statements.
Standard Required to be Adopted in Future Periods. The following accounting standard has not yet been adopted by the Company:
In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, “Income Taxes (Topic 740) – Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures”. ASU 2023-09 requires disclosure of additional income tax information, primarily related to the rate reconciliation and income taxes paid. This ASU is intended to enhance the transparency and decision usefulness of income tax disclosures. ASU 2023-09 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024. Management has not determined the timing for adoption of this standard.
The adoption of ASU 2023-09 and other accounting standards that have been issued or proposed by the FASB that do not require adoption until a future date are not currently expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements upon adoption.
NOTE 2 — LIQUIDITY
The Company is in the clinical stage and has not yet generated any revenues. For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024, the Company incurred a net loss of $
As discussed in Note 7, the Company completed the 2024 Underwritten Offering in June 2024 that resulted in the issuance of approximately
As of June 30, 2024, the Company had total liabilities of $
As discussed in Note 15, in July 2024 the Company received net proceeds of approximately $
Management believes the Company’s cash and cash equivalents, investments in marketable debt securities, and additional proceeds from the July 2024 private placement, will be adequate to meet the Company’s contractual obligations and carry out ongoing clinical trials and other planned activities through September 2025, at a minimum.
43
NOTE 3 — INVESTMENTS IN MARKETABLE DEBT SECURITIES
Investments in marketable debt securities are classified as follows in the consolidated balance sheets as of June 30, 2024 and 2023 (in thousands):
| 2024 |
| 2023 | ||
Short-term investments | $ | | | $ | |
Long-term investments | | | | | |
Total investments | $ | | | $ | |
The Company only invests in liquid, high quality debt securities. Nonetheless, all of these investments are subject to interest rate and credit risk that may result in fluctuations in the fair value of the investments. To minimize the exposure due to an adverse shift in interest rates, the Company generally invests in securities with expected maturities of
During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024, marketable debt securities for $
Accrued interest receivable on all marketable debt securities amounted to $
For the fiscal years ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, the Company did
The following table summarizes the unrealized gains and losses that result in differences between the amortized cost basis and fair value of the Company’s marketable debt securities held as of June 30, 2024 (in thousands):
| | | | | Gross Unrealized | | | | | ||||
| | Amortized Cost |
| Gains |
| Losses |
| Fair Value | | ||||
Corporate commercial paper | | $ | | | $ | — | | $ | ( | | $ | | |
Obligations of U.S. government agencies | | | | | | — | | | ( | | | | |
U.S. Treasury obligations | | | | | | — | | | ( | | | | |
Corporate notes and bonds | | | | | | — | | | ( | | | | |
Asset-backed securities | | | | | | — | | | — | | | | |
Total | | $ | | | $ | — | | $ | ( | | $ | | |
The following table summarizes the unrealized gains and losses that result in differences between the amortized cost basis and fair value of the Company’s marketable debt securities held as of June 30, 2023 (in thousands):
| | | | | Gross Unrealized | | | | ||||
| | Amortized Cost |
| Gains |
| Losses |
| Fair Value | ||||
Corporate commercial paper | | $ | | | $ | — | | $ | ( | | $ | |
Obligations of U.S. government agencies | | | | | | — | | | ( | | | |
U.S. Treasury obligations | | | | | | | | | ( | | | |
Corporate notes and bonds | | | | | | | | | ( | | | |
Asset-backed securities | | | | | | — | | | ( | | | |
Total | | $ | | | $ | | | $ | ( | | $ | |
44
NOTE 4 — LEASES
In October 2023, the Company entered into an addendum to the lease agreement for its office in Bend, Oregon. The addendum provided for a
In April 2022, the Company entered into a lease agreement for a new corporate headquarters facility in Redwood City, California. The space consists of approximately
As of June 30, 2024 and 2023, the carrying values of all of the Company’s right-of-use assets and the related operating lease liabilities were as follows (in thousands):
|
| 2024 |
| 2023 | ||
| | | | | | |
Right-of-use assets | | $ | | | $ | |
| | | | | | |
Operating lease liabilities: | |
|
| |
|
|
Current | | $ | | | $ | |
Long-term | |
| | |
| |
Total | | $ | | | $ | |
For the fiscal years ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, operating lease expense included under the following captions in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations (in thousands):
| | 2024 |
| 2023 | | ||
| | | | | | | |
Research and development | | $ | | | $ | | |
General and administrative | |
| | |
| | |
Total | | $ | | | $ | | |
In addition to base rent expense, the Company’s facility leases require variable payments, including the proportionate share of the real estate taxes, building insurance and common area maintenance costs related to the facilities. These variable payments are excluded from the determination of operating lease liabilities and amounted to an aggregate of $
As of June 30, 2024, the weighted-average remaining lease term under operating leases was
45
Future Lease Payments
Future payments under all operating lease agreements as of June 30, 2024 are as follows (in thousands):
Fiscal year ending June 30, |
|
| |
2025 | | $ | |
2026 | | | |
2027 | | | |
Thereafter | | | |
Total lease payments | | | |
Less imputed interest | |
| ( |
Present value of operating lease liabilities | | $ | |
NOTE 5 —LICENSE AGREEMENTS
XOMA License Agreement
In December 2017, the Company entered into a license agreement (“XOMA License Agreement”) with XOMA Corporation (“XOMA”), through its wholly-owned subsidiary, XOMA (U.S.) LLC, pursuant to which XOMA granted an exclusive global license to the Company to develop and commercialize XOMA 358 (formerly X358 or RZ358, now ersodetug) for all indications.
In January 2022, the Company was required to make a milestone payment under the XOMA License Agreement of $
ActiveSite License Agreement
In August 2017, the Company entered into a Development and License Agreement (the “ActiveSite License Agreement”) with ActiveSite Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (“ActiveSite”) pursuant to which the Company acquired the rights to ActiveSite’s Plasma Kallikrein Inhibitor program (“PKI Portfolio”). The Company is initially using the PKI Portfolio to develop an oral PKI therapeutic for diabetic macular edema (RZ402) and may use the PKI Portfolio to develop other therapeutics for different indications. The ActiveSite Development and License Agreement requires various milestone payments up to $
46
NOTE 6 — EMBEDDED DERIVATIVE LIABILITY
On April 14, 2021, the Company entered into a $
Concurrently with the execution of the Loan Agreement, the Company entered into an exit fee agreement (the “Exit Fee Agreement”) that provides for a fee of
NOTE 7 — SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Pre-Funded Warrants
Between October 2021 and June 2024, the Company issued fully vested pre-funded warrants (“PFWs”) exercisable to purchase an aggregate of
The PFWs are exercisable at any time, subject to the then effective ownership blocker percentage (the “OBP”) as elected by each of the holders of PFWs. The OBP is a percentage designated by the holders whereby the PFWs cannot be exercised if, after giving effect thereto, the holder would beneficially own more than the designated OBP. However, upon at least 61 days’ prior notice to the Company, any holder of PFWs may elect to increase or decrease the OBP to any other percentage not to exceed
As of June 30, 2022, the Company had an aggregate of
| 2021 | | 2022 | | Exchange | | 2024 | | |
| PFWs | | PFWs | | PFWs | | PFWs | | Total |
Outstanding, June 30, 2023 | | (1) | | (2) | — | | — | | |
Issuance of Exchange PFWs in March 2024 | — | | — | | | (3) | | | |
Issuance of 2024 PFWs in June 2024 | — | | — | | | | | (4) | |
Cashless exercise of PFWs: | | | | | | | | | |
Shares surrendered for exercise price | ( | | ( | | — | | — | | ( |
Shares of common stock issued | ( | | ( | | — | | — | | ( |
Outstanding, June 30, 2024 | | | | | | | | | |
47
| (1) | In connection with an underwritten offering in October 2021, PFWs were issued to purchase |
| (2) | In connection with a registered direct offering in May 2022, the Company issued |
| (3) | As discussed below under the caption Exchange Agreement, the Company issued |
| (4) | As discussed below under the caption 2024 Underwritten Offering, the Company issued 2024 PWFs for the purchase of |
2024 Underwritten Offering
On June 13, 2024, the Company entered into an underwriting agreement with Jefferies LLC and Cantor Fitzgerald & Co. (the “Underwriters”) for the planned issuance and sale of equity securities in an underwritten public offering (the “2024 Underwritten Offering”). The 2024 Underwritten Offering provided for the issuance of (i)
Exchange Agreement
On March 8, 2024, the Company entered into a securities exchange agreement (the “Exchange Agreement”) with certain of its stockholders (the “Exchanging Shareholders”), whereby the Company purchased
The Exchange PFWs originally required approval by the Company’s shareholders if the exercise of the Exchange PFWs resulted in aggregate beneficial ownership by the holders in excess of
48
Jefferies Open Market Sales Agreement
On November 14, 2023, the Company and Jefferies LLC (the “Agent) entered into an open market sales agreement (the “Sales Agreement”) that provides for an “at the market” offering for the sale of up to $
The Company has no obligation to sell any of the Placement Shares under the Sales Agreement. The Company intends to use the net proceeds, if any, from amounts sold under the Sales Agreement for general corporate purposes, including working capital. Under the terms of the Sales Agreement, the Company agreed to pay the Agent a commission equal to
For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024, the Company sold
2022 Private Placement
In May 2022, the Company entered into securities purchase agreements (the “2022 SPAs”) with Handok, Inc. (“Handok”) and certain of its affiliates. Handok is an affiliate of a member of the Company’s Board of Directors. In July 2022, the Company entered into amended 2022 SPAs for a private placement of common stock. The private placement resulted in gross proceeds of $
NOTE 8 — SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION AND WARRANTS
Stock Option Plans
Presented below is a summary of the number of shares authorized, outstanding, and available for future grants under the Company’s stock option plans and the Inducement Grant (defined below) as of June 30, 2024 (in thousands):
|
| Number of Shares | ||||
Description |
| Authorized |
| Outstanding |
| Available |
| | | | | | |
2015 Plan |
| |
| |
| — |
2016 Plan |
| |
| |
| — |
2019 Plan |
| |
| |
| — |
2021 Plan | | | | | | |
Inducement Grant | | | | | | — |
Total |
| |
| |
| |
The Company currently has
49
2022 Employee Stock Purchase Plan
On June 16, 2022, the Company’s shareholders approved the adoption of the 2022 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “2022 ESPP”). The 2022 ESPP provides an opportunity for employees to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock through accumulated payroll deductions.
The 2022 ESPP permits consecutive offering periods that begin approximately every 6 months commencing on the first trading day on or after July 1 and terminating on the last trading day of the offering period ending on December 31 and commencing on the first trading day on or after January 1 and terminating on the last trading day of the offering period ending on June 30. The 2022 ESPP reserves
Stock Options Outstanding
The following table sets forth a summary of the combined activity under all of the Company’s stock option plans, including Inducement Grant discussed below, for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2024 and 2023 (shares in thousands):
| | 2024 | | 2023 | ||||||||||
|
| Shares |
| Price (1) |
| Term (2) | | Shares |
| Price (1) |
| Term (2) | ||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Outstanding, beginning of fiscal year |
| | | $ | | | | | | $ | |
| ||
Grants to employees | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Exercises | | ( | (3) | | | | | | — | | | — | | |
Expired | | ( | | | | | | | ( | | | | | |
Forfeited | | ( | | | | | | | ( | | | | | |
Outstanding, end of fiscal year |
| | (4) |
| |
| | | |
| |
| ||
Vested, end of fiscal year |
| | (5) |
| |
| | | |
| |
| ||
| (1) | Represents the weighted average exercise price. |
| (2) | Represents the weighted average remaining contractual term until the stock options expire. |
| (3) | The total intrinsic value (the amount by which the fair market value exceeded the exercise price) of stock options exercised during the year ended June 30, 2024, was $ |
| (4) | As of June 30, 2024, the intrinsic value of outstanding options was approximately $ |
| (5) | As of June 30, 2024, the aggregate intrinsic value of vested stock options was approximately $ |
For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024, the aggregate fair value of stock options granted for approximately
50
The fair value of stock options was estimated on the dates of grant using the BSM option-pricing model, with the following weighted-average assumptions for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2024 and 2023:
|
| 2024 | | 2023 | |||
| | | | | | | |
Market price of common stock on grant date | | $ | | | $ | | |
Expected volatility |
| | | % | | | % |
Risk free interest rate |
| | | % | | | % |
Expected term (years) |
| | | | | ||
Dividend yield |
| | | % | | | % |
Share-based compensation expense is included under the following captions in the consolidated statements of operations for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2024 and 2023 (in thousands):
| | 2024 |
| 2023 | | ||
| | | | | | | |
Research and development | | $ | | | $ | | |
General and administrative | |
| | |
| | |
Total | | $ | | | $ | | |
Unrecognized share-based compensation expense for stock options as of June 30, 2024 was approximately $
Inducement Grant
In connection with the hiring of the Company’s Chief Financial Officer in January 2024, the Board of Directors granted a stock option for
Pre-Funded Warrants
PFWs are outstanding for a total of
Legacy Warrants
In connection with an equity financing in October 2020, the Company issued warrants entitling the holders to purchase approximately
51
For the fiscal years ended June 30, 2024 and 2023,
| | 2024 | | 2023 | ||||||||||
|
| Shares |
| Price (1) |
| Term (2) |
| Shares |
| Price (1) |
| Term (2) | ||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Outstanding, beginning of fiscal year |
| |
| $ | |
|
| |
| $ | |
| ||
Expirations |
| ( |
|
| |
|
|
| ( |
|
| |
|
|
Outstanding, end of fiscal year |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
| ||
| (1) | Represents the weighted average exercise price. |
| (2) | Represents the weighted average remaining contractual term for the number of years until the warrants expire. |
NOTE 9 — INCOME TAXES
Net Operating Loss Carryforwards
The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and in several states including, but not limited to, California, Colorado, and Oregon. The Company’s federal and state tax returns for the 2021 fiscal year and forward are subject to examination by taxing authorities. Federal and state laws impose substantial restrictions on the utilization of federal net operation loss (“NOL”) carryforwards in the event of an ownership change for income tax purposes, as defined in Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code (“IRC”). Pursuant to IRC Section 382, annual use of the Company’s NOL carryforwards is limited in the event that a cumulative change in ownership of more than 50% occurs within a three-year period. During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2022, the Company completed an IRC Section 382 analysis and concluded that the Company’s NOL carryforwards are subject to limitations as a result of past ownership changes.
As of June 30, 2024, the Company has U.S. federal net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforwards of approximately $
52
Income Tax Expense
For the fiscal years ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, the reconciliation between the income tax benefit computed by applying the statutory U.S. federal income tax rate to the pre-tax loss before income taxes, and total income tax expense recognized in the consolidated financial statements is as follows (in thousands):
|
| 2024 |
| 2023 | ||
| | | | | | |
Income tax benefit at statutory U.S. federal rate | | $ | | | $ | |
Income tax benefit attributable to U.S. states | |
| | |
| |
Impact of reduction in Colorado tax rate | | | — | | | ( |
Non-taxable derivative loss | | | ( | | | |
Non-deductible expenses | |
| ( | |
| ( |
Stock option expirations | |
| ( | |
| ( |
NOL expirations | | | ( | | | |
Other | | | | | | ( |
Change in valuation allowance | |
| ( | |
| ( |
Total income tax expense | | $ | | | $ | |
For the fiscal years ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, the Company did not recognize any current income tax expense or benefit due to a full valuation allowance on its net deferred income tax assets.
Deferred Income Tax Assets and Liabilities
As of June 30, 2024 and 2023, the income tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant deferred income tax assets and liabilities are as follows (in thousands):
|
| 2024 |
| 2023 | ||
Deferred income tax assets: |
| |
|
| |
|
Net operating loss carryforwards | | $ | | | $ | |
Research and experimental costs | | | | | | |
Intangible assets | | | | | | |
Share-based compensation | |
| | |
| |
Operating lease liabilities | | | | | | |
Accrued expenses and other | |
| | |
| |
| | | | | | |
Total deferred income tax assets | |
| | |
| |
Valuation allowance for deferred income tax assets | |
| ( | |
| ( |
| | | | | | |
Deferred income tax assets, net of valuation allowance | | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
Deferred income tax liability right-of-use assets | | | ( | | | ( |
| | | | | | |
Net deferred income tax assets | | $ | | | $ | |
For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024, the valuation allowance increased by $
53
Unrecognized Tax Benefits
The Company did not have any unrecognized tax benefits as of June 30, 2024 and 2023. The Company’s policy is to account for any interest expense and penalties for unrecognized tax benefits as part of the income tax provision. The Company does not anticipate that unrecognized tax benefits will significantly increase or decrease within the next twelve months.
NOTE 10 — COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Licensing Commitments
Please refer to Note 5 for further discussion of commitments to make milestone payments and to pay royalties under license agreements with XOMA and ActiveSite.
Employment Agreements
As of June 30, 2024, the Company was subject to employment agreements with
The agreements with the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Medical Officer provides that if either of the individuals is terminated outside of a change in control event and without cause, (i) all of their stock options that are subject to ongoing vesting conditions over subsequent periods ranging from
The Chief Medical Officer’s employment agreement, as amended, provides that upon the occurrence of a termination event other than a change of control, the Company is required to (i) make severance payments equal to
401(k) Plan
The Company has a defined contribution employee benefit plan under section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code (the “401(k) Plan”). The 401(k) Plan covers all eligible employees who are entitled to participate beginning six months after the commencement of employment. The Company matches contributions up to
Legal Matters
From time to time, the Company may be involved in litigation relating to claims arising out of operations in the normal course of business. As of June 30, 2024, there were no pending or threatened lawsuits that could reasonably be expected to have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations or financial position. At each reporting period, the Company evaluates whether or not a potential loss amount or a potential range of loss is probable and reasonably estimable under ASC 450, Contingencies. Legal fees are expensed as incurred.
54
NOTE 11 — RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Related Party Licensing Agreement
On September 15, 2020, the Company entered into an exclusive license agreement with Handok (the “Handok License”) for the territory of the Republic of Korea. The Handok License relates to pharmaceutical products in final dosage form containing the pharmaceutical compounds developed or to be developed by the Company, including those related to ersodetug and RZ402. The Handok License is in effect for a period of
Investors in 2022 Private Placement
Handok and certain of its affiliates were the sole investors in the 2022 Private Placement discussed in Note 7.
NOTE 12 - SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents consisted of the following as of June 30, 2024 and 2023 (in thousands):
|
| 2024 |
| 2023 | ||
| | | | | | |
Money market funds | | $ | | | $ | |
Demand deposits at a single financial institution | | | | | | |
Commercial paper | | | — | | | |
| | | | | | |
Total | | $ | | | $ | |
The money market funds and commercial paper included in the table above were purchased with an original maturity of three months or less. These investments and the demand deposits are freely available for the Company’s immediate and general business use.
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment consisted of the following as of June 30, 2024 and 2023 (in thousands):
|
| 2024 |
| 2023 | ||
| | | | | | |
Office furniture and equipment | | $ | | | $ | |
Less accumulated depreciation | |
| ( | |
| ( |
| | | | | | |
Total | | $ | | | $ | |
Depreciation expense related to property and equipment amounted to approximately $
55
NOTE 13 — NET LOSS PER SHARE
Basic net loss per share is computed by dividing net loss by the weighted average number of outstanding shares of common stock and PWFs during periods when the PFWs are accounted for as equity instruments. Common shares associated with PFWs that are accounted for as equity instruments are included in the computation of basic and diluted net loss per share since the exercise price is negligible and all of the PFWs are fully vested and exercisable. For the calculation of diluted net loss per share for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024, during the period when PFWs were accounted for as derivative liabilities, such PFWs were excluded from the calculation since the impact of PFWs was antidilutive.
Calculation of the weighted average number of shares outstanding for purposes of diluted net loss per share is also required to include the dilutive effect, if any, of stock options, Legacy Warrants, and other common stock equivalents computed using the treasury stock method. For the fiscal years ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, all of such common stock equivalents were antidilutive and excluded from the calculations. In addition, the impact of applying the two-class method related to the Participating Warrants, was antidilutive for the calculation of both basic and diluted net loss per share.
Presented below are the calculations of the numerators and the denominators for basic and diluted net loss per share for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2024 and 2023 (in thousands except per share amounts):
|
|
| 2024 | |
| 2023 |
Calculation of Numerators: | | | | | | |
Net loss for calculation of basic and diluted net loss per share | | $ | ( | | $ | ( |
| | | | | | |
Calculation of Denominators: | | | | | | |
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding | | | | | | |
Weighted average shares related to pre-funded warrants: | | | | | | |
2021 PFWs | | | | | | |
2022 PFWs | | | | | | |
Exchange PFWs | | | | | | — |
2024 PFWs | | | | (1) | | — |
Weighted average shares for basic and diluted net loss per share | | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
Net loss per share of common stock: | | | | | | |
Basic | | $ | ( | | $ | ( |
Diluted | | $ | ( | | $ | ( |
__________________
| (1) | Represents the weighted average number of shares related to the Exchange PFWs discussed in Note 7 for the period when they became equity-classified on May 13, 2024 through June 30, 2024. |
As of June 30, 2024 and 2023, the following potential common stock equivalents were excluded from the calculation of diluted net loss per share since the impact of inclusion was anti-dilutive (in thousands):
| | 2024 | | 2023 |
| | | | |
Stock options | | | | |
Legacy warrants | | | | |
Total | | | | |
56
NOTE 14 — FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND SIGNIFICANT CONCENTRATIONS
Fair Value Measurements
Fair value is defined as the price that would be received upon sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. When determining fair value, the Company considers the principal or most advantageous market in which it transacts and considers assumptions that market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability. The Company applies the following fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value into three levels and bases the categorization within the hierarchy upon the lowest level of input that is available and significant to the fair value measurement:
Level 1—Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities accessible to the reporting entity at the measurement date.
Level 2—Other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset and liability, either directly or indirectly through market corroboration, for substantially the full term of the asset or liability.
Level 3—Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability used to measure fair value to the extent that observable inputs are not available, thereby allowing for situations in which there is little, if any market activity for the asset or liability at the measurement date.
Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
The following table presents information about the Company’s financial assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis and indicates the fair value hierarchy classification of such fair values as of June 30, 2024.
| | | ||||||||||
| | Fair Value Measurement of Assets as of June 30, 2024 | ||||||||||
| | Total | | Level 1 | | Level 2 | | Level 3 | ||||
Cash and cash equivalents: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Money market funds | | $ | | | $ | | | $ | — | | $ | — |
Marketable debt securities: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Corporate commercial paper | | | | | | — | | | | | | — |
U.S. Government agencies | | | | | | — | | | | | | — |
U.S. Government treasuries | | | | | | — | | | | | | — |
Corporate notes and bonds | | | | | | — | | | | | | — |
Asset-backed securities | | | | | | — | | | | | | — |
Total | | $ | | | $ | | | $ | | | $ | — |
57
The following table presents information about the Company’s financial assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis and indicates the fair value hierarchy classification of such fair values as of June 30, 2023.
| | Fair Value Measurement of Assets as of June 30, 2023 | ||||||||||
| | Total | | Level 1 | | Level 2 | | Level 3 | ||||
Cash and cash equivalents: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Money market funds | | $ | | | $ | | | $ | — | | $ | — |
Corporate commercial paper | | | | | | | | | — | | | — |
Marketable debt securities: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Corporate commercial paper | | | | | | — | | | | | | — |
U.S. Government agencies | | | | | | — | | | | | | — |
U.S. Government treasuries | | | | | | | | | — | | | — |
Corporate notes and bonds | | | | | | — | | | | | | — |
Asset-backed securities | | | | | | — | | | | | | — |
Total | | $ | | | $ | | | $ | | | $ | — |
Marketable debt securities classified as Level 2 within the valuation hierarchy generally consist of U.S. government agency securities, corporate bonds, and commercial paper. The Company determines the fair value of marketable debt securities based upon valuations obtained from third-party pricing sources. Except for the amounts shown in the table above, the Company did not have any other assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of June 30, 2024 and 2023.
Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
For the fiscal years ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, the Company’s liabilities that are required to be measured and recorded at fair value on a recurring basis consist of the embedded derivative liability discussed in Note 6 and the warrant derivative liability discussed in Note 7. The warrant derivative liability is classified under Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy and the embedded derivative liability is classified under Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. Fair value of the warrant liability is predominantly based on the market price of the Company’s shares of common stock. Fair value of the embedded derivative liability is determined based on management’s assessment of the probability and timing of occurrence for the Exit Events discussed in Note 6 using a discount rate equal to the effective interest rate under the Loan Agreement prior to termination. The fair value of the Exchange PFWs was computed using the BSM option-pricing model. Key inputs to this valuation model as of May 13, 2024 included the exercise price of $
The following table sets forth a summary of changes in the fair value of the Company’s liabilities for which fair value was determined on a recurring basis for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2024 and 2023 (in thousands):
| | 2024 | | 2023 | ||||||||
| | Warrant | | Embedded |
| Warrant | | Embedded | ||||
Fair value, beginning of fiscal year | | $ | — | | $ | | | $ | — | | $ | |
Warrant liability incurred on March 8, 2024 | | | | | | — | | | — | | | — |
Changes in fair value | | | | | | | | | — | | | |
Reclassification of warrant derivative liability to equity on May 13, 2024 | | | ( | | | — | | | — | | | — |
Fair value, end of fiscal year | | $ | — | | $ | | | $ | — | | $ | |
Due to the relatively short maturity of the respective instruments, the fair value of cash and cash equivalents, accounts payable, and accrued liabilities approximated their carrying values as of June 30, 2024 and 2023. The Company’s policy is to recognize asset or liability transfers among Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 as of the actual date of the events or change
58
in circumstances that caused the transfer. During the fiscal years ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, the Company did not have any transfers of its assets or liabilities between levels of the fair value hierarchy.
Significant Concentrations
As of June 30, 2024, the Company had an aggregate of $
NOTE 15 — SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
2024 Private Placement
On June 25, 2024, the Company entered into a securities purchase agreement (the “2024 SPA”) with Handok and one other investor (the “2024 Purchasers”) relating to a private placement (the “2024 Private Placement”), pursuant to which the Company agreed to sell
Closing of the 2024 Private Placement occurred in July 2024, whereby the Company received net proceeds of $
Investments in Marketable Debt Securities
In July 2024, the Company utilized approximately $
Exchange PFW Warrant Exercise
In July 2024, a holder of Exchange PFWs provided notice of cashless exercise of
Executive Compensation
On September 10, 2024, the Board of Directors approved an employment agreement, effective September 15, 2024, with the Company’s Chief Financial Officer that provides for an annual base salary of $
59
termination date, and health insurance coverage for
Effective September 15, 2024, the Board of Directors approved an increase from approximately $
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.
None
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures.
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
We maintain “disclosure controls and procedures” as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Exchange Act, that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules and forms, and such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including the individual that serves as both our Chief Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
As of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of senior management, including our Chief Executive Officer (our Principal Executive and Financial Officer), of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(b) and 15d-15(b). Based upon this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer concluded that disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report.
Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Our internal control over financial reporting has been designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
Our internal control over financial reporting includes policies and procedures that pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect transactions and dispositions of our assets; provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP, and that receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorization of our management and directors; and provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on our financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect all misstatements. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation. Projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Our management assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of June 30, 2024. In making this assessment, management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway
60
Commission (COSO) in Internal Control—Integrated Framework (2013). Based on that assessment under those criteria, our management has determined that, as of June 30, 2024, our internal control over financial reporting was effective.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
During the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2024, we identified a material weakness in the system of internal control that related to complex pre-funded warrant accounting. A material weakness is a deficiency, or combination of deficiencies, that creates a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of our annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected in a timely manner.
The material weakness identified by management related to our controls over the accounting for pre-funded warrants whereby we failed to initially recognize these pre-funded warrants as liabilities, along with the subsequent changes in fair value as non-cash expenses. As a result of this material weakness, we failed to timely identify material adjustments to our financial statements that were detected shortly before the filing of our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal period ended March 31, 2024.
Our legacy processes included the timely identification of the relevant accounting technical pronouncements, other literature, consultation with third-party experts, and the preparation of a memorandum outlining our assessment of the factual background and our interpretation of the accounting requirements. With respect to pre-funded warrants issued on March 8, 2024, we improperly concluded that equity classification was permitted based on the facts that (i) the pre-funded warrants were only exercisable for 7% of our outstanding shares, (ii) the pre-funded warrants explicitly prohibit the holders from exercising if beneficial ownership would exceed 19.99%, and (iii) shareholder approval was only required if beneficial ownership exceeded 19.99%. Despite these terms, we determined that equity classification was not permitted, whereby we performed additional analysis as deemed necessary to ensure that the accompanying financial statements were revised and prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Accordingly, a material weakness existed even though the correct accounting treatment was employed when we filed our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal period ended March 31, 2024.
In June 2024, we completed a public underwritten offering, which included the issuance of pre-funded warrants. We engaged additional third-party specialists to determine the accounting treatment of the issued warrants to ensure that our warrant accounting policies and procedures are consistent across the organization and that we have adequate control over our Exchange Act reporting disclosures. As a result of these critical steps in our remediation efforts, we concluded that this material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting had been successfully remediated as of June 30, 2024.
Attestation Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
We are a smaller reporting company as defined by Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act and are not required to include an attestation report of our registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting.
Item 9B. Other Information.
utive Compensation Matters
Daron Evans Employment Agreement
On September 18, 2024, the Company entered into an employment agreement with its Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Daron Evans (the “Employment Agreement”). Pursuant to the Employment Agreement effective September 15, 2024, Mr. Evans was granted an increase of $185,000 to his yearly salary, making his base salary $460,000 annually. Mr. Evans is entitled to employee benefits and an annual performance bonus of up to 40% of his base salary, in addition to a discretionary bonus. If Mr. Evans’ employment is terminated by the Company for Cause or by Mr. Evans without Good Reason then he is entitled to (i) accrued, but unpaid salary through the effective date of his termination, (ii) any reimbursements owed for business expenses validly incurred on or prior to his, (iii) any earned but unpaid bonuses or other incentive payments approved by the Board of Directors but not paid, and (iv) any accrued but unpaid benefits due and owing to Mr. Evans
61
(the “Accrued Obligations”). Upon Mr. Evans’ termination without Cause, he will be entitled to the Accrued Obligations and a severance comprised of (i) 12 months’ salary, (ii) a pro-rata bonus payment equal to the pro-rata bonus amount of the bonus earned as of the date of termination without Cause, (iii) 12 months of COBRA premiums, collectively payable in equal monthly installments following his termination, and (iv) any granted but unvested stock options under any relevant Company stock option plan or agreement will have 12 months acceleration and an exercise period of 6 months following his termination. Further, if, within 12 months of a Change in Control Event Mr. Evans’ employment is terminated by the Company without Cause or by Mr. Evans with Good Reason, then he is entitled to receive the Accrued Obligations, and a severance comprised of (i) 18 months’ salary, (ii) a pro-rata bonus payment equal to the pro-rata bonus amount earned as of the date of termination, (iii) 18 months of COBRA premiums, collectively payable in equal monthly installments following the termination, and (iv) all of his granted but unvested stock options under any relevant company stock option plan or agreement will immediately vest and will also have an exercise period of 6 months following his termination without Cause. Mr. Evans and the Company had previously entered into an offer letter dated January 23, 2024 (the “Offer Letter”). The Employment Agreement replaces and supersedes in its entirety, any prior employment agreements or understandings between Mr. Evans and the Company including the Offer Letter. The definition of “Cause,” “Good Reason,” and “Change in Control Event” is found in the Employment Agreement, along with other material terms. The Employment Agreement is attached hereto as Exhibit 10.4.
Other Executive Compensation matters
In addition to entering into the Employment Agreement, the Company agreed to grant stock options to Mr. Evans for 100,000 shares of common stock pursuant to the Company’s 2021 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Options”). The Compensation Committee will grant Mr. Evans the Options following the Company’s blackout period.
Additionally, Nevan Elam, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chairman, was granted an increase in his base salary. Mr. Elam is now entitled to an annual base salary of $ 625,000.
Item 9C. Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections.
None.
PART III
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.
The information required by the Item is set forth in our 2024 Proxy Statement to be filed with the SEC within 120 days of June 30, 2024, and is incorporated by reference into this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Item 11. Executive Compensation.
The information required by the Item is set forth in our 2024 Proxy Statement to be filed with the SEC within 120 days of June 30, 2024, and is incorporated by reference into this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.
The information required by Item 403 of Regulation S-K is set forth in our 2024 Proxy Statement to be filed with the SEC within 120 days of June 30, 2024, and is incorporated by reference into this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
62
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions and Director Independence.
The information required by the Item is set forth in our 2024 Proxy Statement to be filed with the SEC within 120 days of June 30, 2024, and is incorporated by reference into this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services.
The information required by the Item is set forth in our 2024 Proxy Statement to be filed with the SEC within 120 days of June 30, 2024, and is incorporated by reference into this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
PART IV
Item 15. Exhibit and Financial Statement Schedules.
(a)(1) Financial Statements
Reference is made to Item 8 of Part II for the Company’s consolidated financial statements filed as part of this Report.
(a)(2) Financial Statement Schedules
All financial statement schedules are omitted because they are not applicable, or the amounts are immaterial, not required, or the required information is presented in the financial statements and notes thereto included in Item 8 of Part II of this Report.
(a)(3) Exhibits
Certain of the agreements filed as exhibits to this Report contain representations and warranties by the parties to the agreements that have been made solely for the benefit of the parties to the agreement. These representations and warranties:
| ● | may have been qualified by disclosures that were made to the other parties in connection with the negotiation of the agreements, which disclosures are not necessarily reflected in the agreements; |
| ● | may apply standards of materiality that differ from those of a reasonable investor; and |
| ● | were made only as of specified dates contained in the agreements and are subject to subsequent developments and changed circumstances. |
Accordingly, these representations and warranties may not describe the actual state of affairs as of the date that these representations and warranties were made or at any other time. Investors should not rely on them as statements of fact.
The following exhibits of Rezolute, Inc. are filed or incorporated by reference as part of this Report. For exhibits that are incorporated by reference, we have indicated the document previously filed with the SEC in which the exhibit was included.
Exhibit |
| Description | |
| | | |
1.1 | | ||
1.2 | | ||
1.3 | | ||
63
2.1 | | |
3.1 | | |
3.2 | | |
3.3 | | |
3.4 | | |
3.5 | | |
4.1 | | |
10.1 | | |
10.2 | | |
10.3 | | |
10.4 | | Employment Agreement of Daron Evans, dated September 15, 2024* |
10.5 | | |
10.6 | | |
10.7 | | |
10.8 | | |
10.9 | | |
10.10 | | |
10.11 | | |
10.12 | | |
10.13 | | |
10.14 | | |
10.15 | | |
10.16 | | |
10.17 | | |
10.18 | |
64
10.19 | | ||
10.20 | | ||
10.21 | | ||
10.22 | | ||
10.23 | | ||
10.24 | | ||
10.25 | | ||
10.26 | | ||
10.27 | | ||
10.28 | | ||
10.29 | | ||
10.30 | | ||
10.31 | | ||
10.32 | | ||
10.33 | | ||
10.34 | | ||
10.35 | | ||
10.36 | | ||
10.37 | | ||
14.1 | | ||
21.1 | | ||
23.1 | | ||
23.2 | | ||
31.1 | | ||
65
32.1 | | ||
97 | | ||
101.INS | | Inline XBRL Instance Document* | |
101.SCH | | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema* | |
101.CAL | | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase* | |
101.DEF | | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase* | |
101.LAB | | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase* | |
101.PRE | | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase* | |
104 | | Cover Page Interactive Data File, formatted in Inline XBRL (included as Exhibit 101) | |
*Filed herewith.
In accordance with SEC Release 33-8238, Exhibit 32.1 is being furnished and not filed.
Item 16. Form 10-K Summary.
Not applicable
66
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
| REZOLUTE, INC. | |
| | |
Date: September 19, 2024 | By: | /s/ Nevan Charles Elam |
| | Nevan Charles Elam |
| | Acting Chair of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer |
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Date: September 19, 2024 | By: | /s/ Nevan Charles Elam |
| | Nevan Charles Elam |
| | Acting Chair of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive and Financial Officer) |
| | |
Date: September 19, 2024 | By: | /s/ Gil Labrucherie |
| | Gil Labrucherie |
| | Director |
| | |
Date: September 19, 2024 | By: | /s/ Nerissa Kreher |
| | Nerissa Kreher |
| | Director |
| | |
Date: September 19, 2024 | By: | /s/ Philippe Fauchet |
| | Philippe Fauchet |
| | Director |
| | |
Date: September 19, 2024 | By: | /s/ Young-Jin Kim |
| | Young-Jin Kim |
| | Director |
| | |
Date: September 19, 2024 | By: | /s/ Wladimir Hogenhuis |
| | Wladimir Hogenhuis |
| | Director |
67
EXHBIT 4.1
General
The following description summarizes the most important terms of our capital stock. It is subject to and qualified in its entirety by reference to our Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation, as amended (“Articles of Incorporation”) and Amended and Restated Bylaws (“Bylaws”), which are included as exhibits to our annual report on Form 10-K, of which this Exhibit 4.1 is a part. We encourage you to read our Articles of Incorporation, our Bylaws and the applicable provisions of the Nevada Revised Statutes (the “NRS”), for additional information.
Common Stock
Our Articles of Incorporation provide authority for us to issue up to 100,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.001 per share (the “Common Stock”). Under the NRS, stockholders generally are not personally liable for our debts or obligations solely as a result of their status as stockholders. Our outstanding shares of Common Stock are fully paid and nonassessable.
Voting Rights. Holders of our Common Stock are entitled to one vote per share on all matters submitted to our stockholders for a vote. There are no cumulative voting rights in the election of directors. All elections of our Board of Directors at any meeting of our stockholders shall be determined by a plurality of the votes cast. Except as otherwise required by law, our Bylaws or the rules of any stock exchange upon which our company’s securities are listed, all other matters determined by our stockholders at a meeting shall be determined by a majority of the votes cast affirmatively or negatively.
Dividend Rights. Our shares of Common Stock are entitled to receive such dividends as may be declared and paid by our Board of Directors out of funds legally available therefor and to share ratably in the net assets, if any, of our company upon liquidation.
Preemptive Rights. Our stockholders have no preemptive rights to purchase any shares of our capital stock.
Choice of Forum. Our Articles of Incorporation provides that the Eighth Judicial District Court of Clark County, Nevada shall be the sole and exclusive forum for (i) any derivative action or proceeding brought on our behalf, (ii) any action asserting a claim for breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any of our directors, officers, employees or agents to us or our stockholders, (iii) any action asserting a claim arising pursuant to any provision of the NRS Chapters 78 or 92A, our Articles of incorporation or our Bylaws or (iv) any action asserting a claim governed by the internal affairs doctrine. Notwithstanding this exclusive forum provision, the exclusive forum provision shall not preclude or contract the scope of exclusive federal or concurrent jurisdiction for actions brought under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) or the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) or the respective rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
Preferred Stock
Our Articles of Incorporation provides authority for us to issue up to 400,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.001 per share. Our Board of Directors is authorized, without further stockholder action, to establish various series of preferred stock from time to time and to determine the rights, preferences and privileges of any unissued series including, among other matters, any dividend rights, dividend rates, conversion rights, voting rights, terms of redemption, liquidation preferences, sinking fund terms, the number of shares constituting any such series, and the description thereof and to issue any such shares.
The rights of the holders of our Common Stock will be subject to, and may be adversely affected by, the rights of holders of any preferred stock that may be issued in the future. Such rights may include voting and conversion rights which could adversely affect the holders of the Common Stock. Satisfaction of any dividend or liquidation preferences of outstanding preferred stock would reduce the amount of funds available, if any, for the payment of dividends or liquidation amounts on Common Stock.
Warrants
2024 Pre-Funded Warrants
In June 2024, we issued and sold Pre-Funded Warrants (the “2024 Pre-Funded Warrants”) to purchase an aggregate of 3,750,000 shares of common stock at a public offering price of $3.999 per 2024 Pre-Funded Warrant in an underwritten public offering pursuant to a shelf registration on Form S-3.
Each 2024 Pre-Funded Warrant entitles the holder to purchase one share of our common stock at an exercise price of $0.001 per share. The 2024 Pre-Funded warrants do not expire and may be exercised at any time after their original issuance.
Under the 2024 Pre-Funded Warrants, we many not effect the exercise of any 2024 Pre-Funded Warrant, and a holder will not be entitled to exercise any portion of any 2024 Pre-Funded Warrant, which, upon giving effect to such exercise, would cause (i) the aggregate number of shares of our common stock beneficially owned by the holder (together with its affiliates) to exceed 4.99%, 9.99% or 19.99%, as applicable to the holder, of the number of shares of our common stock outstanding immediately after giving effect to the exercise, or (ii) the combined voting power of our securities beneficially owned by the holder of the 2024 Pre-Funded Warrant (together with its affiliates) to exceed 4.99%, 9.99% or 19.99%, as applicable to the holder, of the combined voting power of all of our securities then outstanding immediately after giving effect to the exercise, as such percentage ownership is determined in accordance with the terms of the 2024 Pre-Funded Warrants. However, any holder may increase or decrease such percentage to any other percentage upon at least 61 days’ prior notice from the holder to us; provided, that a holder of a 2024 Pre-Funded Warrants may not increase such percentage to a percentage in excess of 19.99%.The exercise price of the 2024 Pre-Funded Warrants and the number of shares of our common stock issuable upon exercise of the 2024 Pre-Funded Warrants is subject to appropriate adjustment in the event of certain stock dividends and distributions, stock splits, stock combinations, reclassifications or similar events affecting our common stock and also upon any distributions of assets, including cash, stock or other property to our stockholders. The 2024 Pre-Funded Warrants also contain provisions that provide certain rights to holders in the event of a fundamental transaction, including a merger or consolidation with or into another entity, such as the right to receive the same amount and kind of consideration paid to the holders of our common stock in the fundamental transaction. The 2024 Pre-Funded Warrants do not entitle the holders to any voting rights or any of the other rights or privileges to which holders of common stock are entitled.
As of September 13, 2024, we have 3,750,000 shares underlying the 2024 Pre-Funded Warrants outstanding, of which there have been no exercises.
2024 Exchange Pre-Funded Warrants
In March 2024, we entered into a securities exchange agreement with certain of our stockholders, whereby we purchased 3,000,000 shares of common stock. These shares were immediately cancelled whereby they will remain as authorized shares for future issuance in accordance with Nevada law. Consideration for the acquisition of the shares consisted of (i) a cash payment to the exchanging shareholders of $3,000, and (ii) the issuance of pre-funded warrants (the “Exchange Pre-Funded Warrants”) to the exchanging shareholders.
Each of the Exchange Pre-Funded Warrant entitles the holder to purchase one share of our common stock at an exercise price of $0.001 per share. The 2024 Exchange Pre-Funded Warrants do not expire and may be exercised at any time after their original issuance.
Under the Exchange Pre-Funded Warrants, we many not effect the exercise of any Exchange Pre-Funded Warrant, and a holder will not be entitled to exercise any portion of any Exchange Pre-Funded Warrant, which, upon giving effect to such exercise, would cause (i) the aggregate number of shares of our common stock beneficially owned by the holder (together with its affiliates) to exceed 9.99% of the number of shares of our common stock outstanding immediately after giving effect to the exercise, or (ii) the combined voting power of our securities beneficially owned by the holder of the Exchange Pre-Funded Warrant (together with its affiliates) to exceed 9.99% of the combined voting power of all of our securities then outstanding immediately after giving effect to the exercise, as such percentage ownership is determined in accordance with the terms of the Exchange Pre-Funded Warrants.
However, any holder may increase or decrease such percentage to any other percentage upon at least 61 days’ prior notice from the holder to us; provided, that a holder of an Exchange Pre-Funded Warrants may not increase such percentage to a percentage in excess of 19.99%.The exercise price of the Exchange Pre-Funded Warrants and the number of shares of our common stock issuable upon exercise of the Exchange Pre-Funded Warrants is subject to appropriate adjustment in the event of certain stock dividends and distributions, stock splits, stock combinations, reclassifications or similar events affecting our common stock and also upon any distributions of assets, including cash, stock or other property to our stockholders. The Exchange Pre-Funded Warrants also contain provisions that provide certain rights to holders in the event of a fundamental transaction, including a merger or consolidation with or into another entity, such as the right to receive the same amount and kind of consideration paid to the holders of our common stock in the fundamental transaction. The Exchange Pre-Funded Warrants do not entitle the holders to any voting rights or any of the other rights or privileges to which holders of common stock are entitled.
As of September 13, 2024, there have been exercises of 610,404 shares underlying the Exchange Pre-Funded Warrants, with 2,389,596 shares underlying the Exchange Pre-Funded Warrants have not been exercised.
Class A Pre-Funded Warrants
In May 2022, we issued and sold Class A Pre-Funded Warrants (the “Class A Pre-Funded Warrants”) to purchase an aggregate of 1,973,684 shares of our common stock at an offering price of $3.799 per Class A Pre-Funded Warrant in an underwritten public offering pursuant to a shelf registration on Form S-3.
Each Class A Pre-Funded Warrant entitles the holder to purchase one share of our common stock at an exercise price of $0.001 per share. The Class A Pre-Funded Warrants do not expire and may be exercised at any time after their original issuance.
Under the Class A Pre-Funded Warrants, we may not effect the exercise of any Class A Pre-Funded Warrant, and a holder will not be entitled to exercise any portion of any Class A Pre-Funded Warrant, which, upon giving effect to such exercise, would cause (i) the aggregate number of shares of our common stock beneficially owned by the holder (together with its affiliates) to exceed 4.99% of the number of shares of our common stock outstanding immediately after giving effect to the exercise, or (ii) the combined voting power of our securities beneficially owned by the holder of the Class A Pre-Funded Warrant (together with its affiliates) to exceed 4.99% of the combined voting power of all of our securities then outstanding immediately after giving effect to the exercise, as such percentage ownership is determined in accordance with the terms of the Class A Pre-Funded Warrants. However, any holder may increase or decrease such percentage to any other percentage upon at least 61 days’ prior notice from the holder to us; provided, that a holder of a Class A Pre-Funded Warrants may not increase such percentage to a percentage in excess of 19.99%.The exercise price of the Class A Pre-Funded Warrants and the number of shares of our common stock issuable upon exercise of the Class A Pre-Funded Warrants is subject to appropriate adjustment in the event of certain stock dividends and distributions, stock splits, stock combinations, reclassifications or similar events affecting our common stock and also upon any distributions of assets, including cash, stock or other property to our stockholders. The Class A Pre-Funded Warrants also contain provisions that provide certain rights to holders in the event of a fundamental transaction, including a merger or consolidation with or into another entity, such as the right to receive the same amount and kind of consideration paid to the holders of our common stock in the fundamental transaction. The Class A Pre-Funded Warrants do not entitle the holders to any voting rights or any of the other rights or privileges to which holders of common stock are entitled.
As of September 13, 2024, all 1,973,684 shares underlying the Class A Pre-Funded Warrants have been exercised.
Class B Pre-Funded Warrants
In May 2022, we issued and sold Class B Pre-Funded Warrants (the “Class B Pre-Funded Warrants”) to purchase an aggregate of 10,947,371 shares of our common stock at an offering price of $3.799 per Class B Pre-Funded Warrant in an underwritten public offering pursuant to a shelf registration on Form S-3.
Each Class B Pre-Funded Warrant entitles the holder to purchase one share of our common stock at an exercise price of $0.01 per share. The Class B Pre-Funded Warrants do not expire and may be exercised at any time after their original issuance.
Under the Class B Pre-Funded Warrants, we may not effect the exercise of any Class B Pre-Funded Warrant, and a holder will not be entitled to exercise any portion of any Class B Pre-Funded Warrant, which, upon giving effect to such exercise, would cause (i) the aggregate number of shares of our common stock beneficially owned by the holder (together with its affiliates) to exceed 4.99%, 9.99% or 19.99%, as applicable to the holder, of the number of shares of our common stock outstanding immediately after giving effect to the exercise, or (ii) the combined voting power of our securities beneficially owned by the holder of the Class B Pre-Funded Warrant (together with its affiliates) to exceed 4.99%, 9.99% or 19.99%, as applicable to the holder, of the combined voting power of all of our securities then outstanding immediately after giving effect to the exercise, as such percentage ownership is determined in accordance with the terms of the Class B Pre-Funded Warrants. However, any holder may increase or decrease such percentage to any other percentage upon at least 61 days’ prior notice from the holder to us; provided, that a holder of a Class B Pre-Funded Warrants may not increase such percentage to a percentage in excess of 19.99%.The exercise price of the Class B Pre-Funded Warrants and the number of shares of our common stock issuable upon exercise of the Class B Pre-Funded Warrants is subject to appropriate adjustment in the event of certain stock dividends and distributions, stock splits, stock combinations, reclassifications or similar events affecting our common stock and also upon any distributions of assets, including cash, stock or other property to our stockholders. The Class B Pre-Funded Warrants also contain provisions that provide certain rights to holders in the event of a fundamental transaction, including a merger or consolidation with or into another entity, such as the right to receive the same amount and kind of consideration paid to the holders of our common stock in the fundamental transaction. The Class B Pre-Funded Warrants do not entitle the holders to any voting rights or any of the other rights or privileges to which holders of common stock are entitled.
As of September 13, 2024, there have been exercises of 2,800,000 shares underlying the Class B Pre-Funded Warrants, with 8,147,371 shares underlying the Class B Pre-Funded Warrants have not been exercised.
October 2021 Pre-Funded Warrants
In October 2021, we issued and sold pre-funded warrants (the “2021 Pre-Funded Warrants”) to purchase an aggregate of 1,661,461 shares of our common stock at an offering price of $6.49 per 2021 Pre-Funded Warrant in an underwritten public offering pursuant to a shelf registration on Form S-3.
Each 2021 Pre-Funded Warrant entitles the holder to purchase one share of our common stock at an exercise price of $0.01 per share. The 2021 Pre-Funded Warrants do not expire and may be exercised at any time after their original issuance.
Under the 2021 Pre-Funded Warrants, we may not effect the exercise of any 2021 Pre-Funded Warrant, and a holder will not be entitled to exercise any portion of any 2021 Pre-Funded Warrant, which, upon giving effect to such exercise, would cause (i) the aggregate number of shares of our common stock beneficially owned by the holder (together with its affiliates) to exceed 4.99% or 19.99%, as applicable to the holder, of the number of shares of our common stock outstanding immediately after giving effect to the exercise, or (ii) the combined voting power of our securities beneficially owned by the holder of the 2021 Pre-Funded Warrant (together with its affiliates) to exceed 4.99% or 19.99%, as applicable to the holder, of the combined voting power of all of our securities then outstanding immediately after giving effect to the exercise, as such percentage ownership is determined in accordance with the terms of the 2021 Pre-Funded Warrants. However, any holder may increase or decrease such percentage to any other percentage upon at least 61 days’ prior notice from the holder to us; provided, that a holder of a 2021 Pre-Funded Warrants may not increase such percentage to a percentage in excess of 19.99%.The exercise price of the 2021 Pre-Funded Warrants and the number of shares of our common stock issuable upon exercise of the 2021 Pre-Funded Warrants is subject to appropriate adjustment in the event of certain stock dividends and distributions, stock splits, stock combinations, reclassifications or similar events affecting our common stock and also upon any distributions of assets, including cash, stock or other property to our stockholders. The 2021 Pre-Funded Warrants also contain provisions that provide certain rights to holders in the event of a fundamental transaction, including a merger or consolidation with or into another entity, such as the right to receive the same amount and kind of consideration paid to the holders of our common stock in the fundamental transaction. The 2021 Pre-Funded Warrants do not entitle the holders to any voting rights or any of the other rights or privileges to which holders of common stock are entitled.
As of September 13, 2024, there have been exercises of 1,538,461 shares underlying the 2021 Pre-Funded Warrants, with 123,000 shares underlying the 2021 Pre-Funded Warrants have not been exercised.
Participating Warrants
In October 2020, we issued and sold 820,001 warrants (the “Participating Warrants”), and each 2020 Warrant entitles the holder to purchase 0.33 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $19.50 per share of our common stock. Each 2020 Warrant is exercisable on or after October 9, 2020 and will expire on or prior to 5:00 p.m. (New York City time) on October 9, 2027. The 2020 Warrant were subsequently registered for resale by certain selling stockholders pursuant to a registration statement on Form S-3.
Under the Participating Warrants, we may not effect the exercise of any 2020 Warrant, and a holder will not be entitled to exercise any portion of any 2020 Warrant, which, upon giving effect to such exercise, would cause the aggregate number of shares of our common stock beneficially owned by the holder (together with its affiliates) to exceed 4.99% or 19.99%, as applicable to the holder, of the number of shares of our common stock outstanding immediately after giving effect to the exercise. However, any holder may increase or decrease such percentage to any other percentage; provided, that a holder of 2020 Warrant may not increase such percentage to a percentage in excess of 9.99% of the number of shares of the common stock outstanding immediately after giving effect to the issuance of shares of common stock upon exercise of the 2020 Warrant held by the holder. Any increase in such percentage will not be effective until the 61st day after such notice is delivered to the company. The exercise price of the Participating Warrants and the number of shares of our common stock issuable upon exercise of the 2020 Warrant is subject to appropriate adjustment in the event of certain stock dividends and distributions, stock splits, stock combinations, reclassifications or similar events affecting our common stock and also upon any distributions of assets, including cash, stock or other property to our stockholders. The Participating Warrants also contain provisions that provide certain rights to holders in the event of a fundamental transaction, including a merger or consolidation with or into another entity, such as (i) the right to receive the same amount and kind of consideration paid to the holders of our common stock in the fundamental transaction and (ii) the right to require the company to repurchase the unexercised portion of certain warrants at the warrant’s respective fair value using the Black Scholes option pricing formula. The Participating Warrants do not entitle the holders to any voting rights or any of the other rights or privileges to which holders of common stock are entitled.
As of September 13, 2024, we have 820,001 shares underlying the Participating Warrants outstanding, of which there have been no exercises.
Other Warrants
The Company has issued warrants in conjunction with debt and equity financings and for services from 2015 to 2019. Such warrants have various expiration dates and exercise prices.
Anti-Takeover Provisions
Provisions of the NRS, our Articles of Incorporation, and our Bylaws, as amended from time to time, could have the effect of delaying or preventing a third-party from acquiring us, even if the acquisition would benefit our stockholders. Such provisions of the NRS, our Articles of Incorporation, and our Bylaws are intended to enhance the likelihood of continuity and stability in the composition of our Board of Directors and in the policies formulated by the Board of Directors and to discourage certain types of transactions that may involve an actual or threatened change of control of our company. These provisions are designed to reduce our vulnerability to an unsolicited proposal for a takeover that does not contemplate the acquisition of all of our outstanding shares, or an unsolicited proposal for the restructuring or sale of all or part of our company.
Authorized but Unissued Shares
Our authorized but unissued shares of Common Stock are available for our Board of Directors to issue without stockholder approval, subject to the rules of any stock exchange upon which our securities are listed. We may use these additional shares for a variety of corporate purposes, including raising additional capital, corporate acquisitions and employee stock plans. The existence of our authorized but unissued shares of Common Stock could render it more
difficult or discourage an attempt to obtain control of our company by means of a proxy context, tender offer, merger or other transaction since our Board of Directors can issue large amounts of capital stock as part of a defense to a take-over challenge. In addition, we have authorized in our Articles of Incorporation 400,000 shares of preferred stock. Our board acting alone and without approval of our stockholders, subject to the rules of any stock exchange upon which our securities are listed, can designate and issue one or more series of preferred stock containing super-voting provisions, enhanced economic rights, rights to elect directors, or other dilutive features, that could be utilized as part of a defense to a take-over challenge.
Bylaws
In addition, various provisions of our Bylaws may also have an anti-takeover effect. These provisions may delay, defer or prevent a tender offer or takeover attempt of our company that a stockholder might consider in his or her best interest, including attempts that might result in a premium over the market price for the shares held by our stockholders. Our Bylaws contain limitations as to who may call special meetings as well as require advance notice of stockholder matters to be brought at a meeting. Additionally, our Bylaws also provide that subject to the rights of the holders of any series of preferred stock then outstanding, any director, or the entire Board of Directors, may be removed only for cause and only by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least eighty percent (80%) of the voting power of all of the then outstanding shares of our company then entitled to vote at an election of directors, voting together as a single class. Our Bylaws also reserve the exclusive right of the Board of Directors to establish the number of directors and fill any vacancies and newly created directorships. These provisions will prevent a stockholder from increasing the size of our Board of Directors and gaining control of our Board of Directors by filling the resulting vacancies with its own nominees.
Our Bylaws also establish an advance notice procedure for stockholder proposals to be brought before an annual meeting of our stockholders, including proposed nominations of persons for election to the Board of Directors. Stockholders at an annual meeting will only be able to consider proposals or nominations specified in the notice of meeting or brought before the meeting by or at the direction of the Board of Directors or by a stockholder who was a stockholder of record on the record date for the meeting, who is entitled to vote at the meeting and who has given us timely written notice, in proper form, of the stockholder’s intention to bring that business before the meeting. Although our Bylaws do not give the Board of Directors the power to approve or disapprove stockholder nominations of candidates or proposals regarding other business to be conducted at a special or annual meeting, our Bylaws may have the effect of precluding the conduct of certain business at a meeting if the proper procedures are not followed or may discourage or deter a potential acquirer from conducting a solicitation of proxies to elect its own slate of directors or otherwise attempting to obtain control of our company.
Nevada Anti-Takeover Statutes
Business Combination Statute
We are subject to the “business combination” provisions of Sections 78.411 to 78.444 of the NRS. In general, such provisions prohibit a Nevada corporation with 200 or more stockholders from engaging in various “combination” transactions with any interested stockholder for a period of two years after the date of the transaction in which the person became an interested stockholder, unless the transaction is approved by the Board of Directors prior to the date the interested stockholder obtained such status or the combination is approved by the Board of Directors and thereafter is approved at a meeting of stockholders by the affirmative vote of stockholders representing at least 60% of the outstanding voting power held by disinterested stockholders, and extends beyond the expiration of the two-year period, unless (a) the transaction by which the person first became an interested stockholder was approved by the Board of Directors before the person became an interested stockholder; (b) the combination is later approved by a majority of the voting power held by disinterested stockholders; or (c) if the consideration to be paid by the interested stockholder is at least equal to the highest of: (i) the highest price per share paid by the interested stockholder within the two years immediately preceding the date of the announcement of the combination or in the transaction in which it became an interested stockholder, whichever is higher, or (ii) the market value per share of common stock on the date of announcement of the combination and the date the interested stockholder acquired the shares, whichever is higher.
A “combination” is generally defined to include mergers or consolidations or any sale, lease, exchange, mortgage, pledge, transfer, or other disposition, in one transaction or a series of transactions, with an “interested stockholder” or any affiliate or associate of an interested stockholder having: (a) an aggregate market value equal to more than 5% of the aggregate market value of the assets of the corporation, (b) an aggregate market value equal to more than 5% of the aggregate market value of all outstanding voting shares of the corporation, and (c) more than 10% of the earning power or net income of the corporation.
An “interested stockholder” is generally defined to mean a beneficial owner of at least 10% of the outstanding voting power or an affiliate or associate of the corporation that has been a 10% beneficial owner within the preceding 2 years. The statutes could prohibit or delay mergers or other takeover or change in control attempts and, accordingly, may discourage attempts to acquire our company even though such a transaction may offer our stockholders the opportunity to sell their stock at a price above the prevailing market price.
Acquisition of Controlling Interest Statute
Nevada’s Acquisition of Controlling Interest Statute (NRS Sections 78.378-78.3793) applies only to Nevada corporations with at least 200 stockholders, including at least 100 stockholders of record who are Nevada residents, which conduct business directly or indirectly in Nevada and whose articles of incorporation or bylaws in effect 10 days following the acquisition of a controlling interest by an acquiror do not prohibit its application. As of the date of this prospectus, we do not believe we have 100 stockholders of record who are residents of Nevada, although there can be no assurance that in the future the acquisition of controlling interest statutes will not apply to us.
Nevada’s Acquisition of Controlling Interest Statute, prohibits an acquiror, under certain circumstances, from voting shares of a target corporation’s stock after crossing certain threshold ownership percentages, unless the acquiror obtains the approval of the target corporation’s stockholders. The statute specifies three thresholds that constitute a controlling interest: (a) at least one-fifth but less than one-third; (b) at least one-third but less than a majority; and (c) a majority or more, of the outstanding voting power. Once an acquiror crosses one of these thresholds, shares which it acquired in the transaction exceeding the threshold (or within ninety days preceding the date thereof) become “control shares” which could be deprived of the right to vote until a majority of the disinterested stockholders restore that right.
A special stockholders meeting may be called at the request of the acquiror to consider the voting rights of the acquiror’s shares. If the acquiror requests a special meeting and gives an undertaking to pay the expenses of said meeting, then the meeting must take place no earlier than 30 days (unless the acquiror requests that the meeting be held sooner) and no more than 50 days (unless the acquiror agrees to a later date) after the delivery by the acquiror to the corporation of an information statement which sets forth the range of voting power that the acquiror has acquired or proposes to acquire and certain other information concerning the acquiror and the proposed control share acquisition.
If no such request for a stockholders meeting is made, consideration of the voting rights of the acquiror’s shares must be taken at the next special or annual stockholders meeting. If the stockholders fail to restore voting rights to the acquiror, or if the acquiror fails to timely deliver an information statement to the corporation, then the corporation may, if so provided in its articles of incorporation or bylaws, call certain of the acquiror’s shares for redemption at the average price paid for the control shares by the acquiror.
In the event the stockholders restore full voting rights to a holder of control shares that owns a majority of the voting stock, then all other stockholders who do not vote in favor of restoring voting rights to the control shares may demand payment for the “fair value” of their shares as determined by a court in dissenters rights proceeding pursuant to Chapter 92A of the NRS.
Limitation on Liability and Indemnification of Directors and Officers
Section 78.138 of the NRS provides that, unless the corporation’s articles of incorporation provide otherwise, a director or officer will not be individually liable unless the presumption that it is acting in good faith and on an informed basis with a view to the interests of the corporation has been rebutted, and it is proven that (i) the director’s
or officer’s acts or omissions constituted a breach of his or her fiduciary duties, and (ii) such breach involved intentional misconduct, fraud, or a knowing violation of the law.
Section 78.7502 of the NRS provides that a corporation may indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, except an action by or in the right of the corporation, by reason of the fact that he is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against expenses, including attorneys’ fees, judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by him in connection with the action, suit or proceeding if he: (a) is not liable pursuant to NRS 78.138; or (b) acted in good faith and in a manner which he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful. The termination of any action, suit or proceeding by judgment, order, settlement, conviction or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, does not, of itself, create a presumption that the person is liable pursuant to NRS 78.138 or did not act in good faith and in a manner which he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, or that, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, he had reasonable cause to believe that his conduct was unlawful.
Section 78.7502 of the NRS also provides that a corporation may indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action or suit by or in the right of the corporation to procure a judgment in its favor by reason of the fact that he is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise against expenses, including amounts paid in settlement and attorneys’ fees actually and reasonably incurred by him in connection with the defense or settlement of the action or suit if he: (a) as not liable pursuant to NRS 78.138; or (b) acted in good faith and in a manner which he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation. Indemnification may not be made for any claim, issue or matter as to which such a person has been adjudged by a court of competent jurisdiction, after exhaustion of all appeals therefrom, to be liable to the corporation or for amounts paid in settlement to the corporation, unless and only to the extent that the court in which the action or suit was brought or other court of competent jurisdiction determines upon application that in view of all the circumstances of the case, the person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses as the court deems proper.
Section 78.751 of the NRS provides that to the extent that a director, officer, employee or agent of a corporation has been successful on the merits or otherwise in defense of any action, suit or proceeding referred to above, or in defense of any claim, issue or matter therein, the corporation shall indemnify him against expenses, including attorneys’ fees, actually and reasonably incurred by him in connection with the defense.
Unless otherwise restricted by the articles of incorporation, bylaws, or an agreement made by the corporation, Section 78.751 of the NRS permits a Nevada company to indemnify its officers and directors against expenses incurred by them in defending a civil or criminal action, suit, or proceeding as they are incurred and in advance of final disposition thereof upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of the director or officer to repay the amount if it is ultimately determined by a court of competent jurisdiction that the director or officer is not entitled to be indemnified by the corporation. The articles of incorporation, bylaws, or an agreement made by the corporation may require a corporation to advance such expenses upon receipt of such an undertaking. Section 78.751 of the NRS further permits a Nevada company to grant its directors and officers additional rights of indemnification under its articles of incorporation, bylaws, or other agreement; provided, however, that unless advanced or otherwise ordered by a court, indemnification may not be made to or on behalf of any director or officer finally adjudged by a court, after exhaustion of appeals, to be liable for intentional misconduct, fraud, or a knowing violation of law that was material to the cause of action.
Section 78.752 of the NRS provides that a Nevada company may purchase and maintain insurance or make other financial arrangements on behalf of any person who is or was a director, officer, employee, or agent of the company, or is or was serving at the request of the company as a director, officer, employee, or agent of another company, partnership, joint venture, trust, or other enterprise, for any liability asserted against him and liability and expenses incurred by him in his capacity as a director, officer, employee, or agent, or arising out of his status as such, whether or not the company has the authority to indemnify him against such liability and expenses.
Our Articles of Incorporation provides that an indemnitee shall also have the right to be paid by our company the expenses (including attorney’s fees) incurred in defending any such proceeding in advance of its final disposition; provided, however, that, if NRS requires, an advancement of expenses incurred by an indemnitee in his capacity as a director or officer (and not in any other capacity in which service was or is rendered by such indemnitee, including, without limitation, service to an employee benefit plan) shall be made only upon delivery to our company of an undertaking, by or on behalf of such indemnitee, to repay all amounts so advanced if it shall ultimately be determined by final judicial decision from which there is no further right to appeal that such indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified for such expenses or otherwise.
In addition, we have entered into indemnification agreements with each of our directors and executive officers. These agreements, among other things, require us to indemnify our directors and executive officers for certain expenses, including attorneys’ fees, judgments and fines incurred by a director or executive officer in any action or proceeding arising out of their services as one of our directors or executive officers or any other company or enterprise to which the person provides services at our request.
We maintain a directors’ and officers’ insurance policy pursuant to which our directors and officers are insured against liability for actions taken in their capacities as directors and officers. We believe these provisions in the Articles of Incorporation and the Bylaws and these indemnification agreements are necessary to attract and retain qualified persons as directors and officers.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers, or control persons, in the opinion of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is therefore unenforceable.
Transfer Agent and Registrar
The transfer agent of our Common Stock is Issuer Direct Corporation. Their address is One Glenwood Avenue, Suite 1001, Raleigh, NC 27306.
Stock Exchange Listing
Our Common Stock is listed on The Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “RZLT”.
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
This EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is entered into as of September 18, 2024 (the “Effective Date”) by and between Daron Evans, (“Employee”), and Rezolute, Inc. (the “Company”).
WHEREAS, the Company wishes to continue to employ Employee in accordance with the terms of this Agreement;
WHEREAS, Employee wishes to accept continued employment with the Company according to the terms of this Agreement; and
WHEREAS, this Agreement shall replace and supersede in its entirety any prior employment agreements or understandings between Employee and the Company including the agreement dated January 23, 2024 (the “Prior Agreement”).
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants contained herein and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound, agree as follows:
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computer), and formulas relating to the Company’s business, together with all copies thereof, which is in the possession of Employee.
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of employment shall be deemed to have occurred at the time such termination constitutes a “separation from service” within the meaning of Code Section 409A for purposes of any provision of this Agreement providing for the payment of any amounts or benefits in connection with a termination of employment and, for purposes of any such provision of this Agreement, references to a “termination,” “termination of employment” or like terms shall mean a “separation from service.” Notwithstanding any other provision to the contrary, in no event shall any payment under this Agreement that constitutes “deferred compensation” for purposes of Code Section 409A be subject to offset by any other amount unless otherwise permitted by Code Section 409A.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.
The Company:
Rezolute, Inc.
By:
Nevan Elam
CEO
Employee:
Daron Evans
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EXHIBIT A
CONFLICT OF INTEREST
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT/DISCLOSURE FORM
1 | CONFLICTING ORGANIZATIONS |
Organization and Title or Interest:
2 | CONFLICTING ACTIVITIES/OBLIGATIONS |
3 | CONFLICTING BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES/COMMITMENTS |
4 | OTHER POTENTIAL CONFLICTS |
To the best of my knowledge, I have accurately answered the above questions.
|
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EXHIBIT B
SEPARATION AGREEMENT AND GENERAL RELEASE OF CLAIMS
This is a Separation Agreement and General Release of Claims (“Agreement”) dated as of [INSERT DATE] between Rezolute, Inc. (the “Company”), and Daron Evans (“Employee”). Employee and the Company are referenced together herein as the “Parties.”
RECITALS
TERMS AND SETTLEMENT
Employee agrees and acknowledges that Employee would have no right to the severance benefits provided by this Agreement but for Employee’s execution and compliance with the terms of this Agreement, and that such severance includes all severance due and owing to Employee under the terms of Employee’s [INSERT DATE] Amended and Restated Employment Agreement.
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| a. | Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disability Act of 1990, as amended, the California Family Rights Act (Cal. Govt. Code § 12945.2 et seq.), the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (Cal. Govt. Code § 12900 et. seq.); |
| b. | California Labor Code, including for penalties under Labor Code § 2699, et. seq., and the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1971, as amended; |
| c. | Any statutory provision regarding retaliation/discrimination including retaliation prohibited by Labor Code §§ 1102.5, 232.5, and 132(a), the Occupational Safety and Health Act, as amended, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002; |
| d. | Contract, tort, and property rights, breach of contract, breach of implied-in-fact contract, breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing, tortious interference with contract or current or prospective economic advantage, fraud, deceit, invasion of privacy, unfair competition, misrepresentation, defamation, wrongful termination, tortious infliction of emotional distress (whether intentional or negligent), breach of fiduciary duty, violation of public policy, or any other common law claim of any kind whatsoever; any claim for damages or declaratory or injunctive relief of any kind; |
| e. | The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act and California Investigative Consumer Reporting Agencies Act; |
| f. | Any common law claims whatsoever, claims for equity, stock options or any other benefits; and |
| g. | Any amounts allegedly due as wages, benefits, penalties or damages as a result of the employment relationship. |
Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to prohibit Employee from filing a charge or complaint, including a challenge to the validity of the waiver provision of this Agreement, with a government agency, including the National Labor Relations Board or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. However, Employee agrees he or she is waiving the right to monetary damages or other equitable or monetary relief as a result of such proceedings. Nothing in this agreement prohibits Employee from seeking a whistleblower award pursuant to Section 21F of the Securities Exchange Act.
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A GENERAL RELEASE DOES NOT EXTEND TO CLAIMS THAT THE CREDITOR OR RELEASING PARTY DOES NOT KNOW OR SUSPECT TO EXIST IN HIS OR HER FAVOR AT THE TIME OF EXECUTING THE RELEASE AND THAT, IF KNOWN BY HIM OR HER, WOULD HAVE MATERIALLY AFFECTED HIS OR HER SETTLEMENT WITH THE DEBTOR OR RELEASED PARTY.
| a. | That Employee’s waiver of rights under this Agreement includes a release of all claims relating to Employee’s age and is knowing and voluntary as required under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, 29 U.S.C. § 621 et seq. ("ADEA") and the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act ("OWPA"); |
| b. | That Employee understands the terms of this Agreement; |
| c. | That Employee has been advised to consult with an attorney prior to executing this Agreement; |
| d. | That Employee’s waiver under this Agreement is in exchange for consideration which Employee is not otherwise entitled to; |
| e. | That the Company has given Employee a period of up to twenty-one (21) days within which to consider this Agreement; |
| f. | That, following Employee’s execution of this Agreement, Employee has seven (7) days in which to revoke Employee’s agreement to this Agreement by notifying the Company in writing and that, if Employee chooses not to so revoke, the Agreement shall then become effective and enforceable and the payment listed above shall then be made to Employee in accordance with the terms of this Agreement; |
| g. | This Agreement does not release ADEA and OWPA claims occurring after the date of signing. |
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THE UNDERSIGNED STATE THAT THEY HAVE CAREFULLY READ THE AGREEMENT, HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF THEIR RIGHT TO CONSULT WITH COUNSEL CONCERNING THIS AGREEMENT, AND KNOW AND UNDERSTAND ITS CONTENTS.
AGREEING PARTIES
Dated: _________________
Daron Evans
Address:
Dated: _________________ | Rezolute, Inc. |
Sign:
[COMPANY SIGNATORY]
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SECURITIES PURCHASE AGREEMENT
THIS SECURITIES PURCHASE AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is made as of June 27, 2024, by and among Rezolute, Inc., a Nevada corporation (the “Company”), and each of those persons and entities, severally and not jointly, identified as a Purchaser on the Schedule of Purchasers attached as Exhibit A hereto (the “Schedule of Purchasers”). Such persons and entities together with their permitted successors and assigns, are referred to collectively as the “Purchasers” and each individually as a “Purchaser”. The Company and the Purchasers may each be referred to herein individually as a “Party” and collectively as the “Parties.”
RECITALS
A.The Parties are executing and delivering this Agreement in reliance upon the exemption from securities registration afforded by Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) and the provisions of Regulation D (“Regulation D”) or other applicable exemptions from registration, as promulgated by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) under the Securities Act.
B.The Purchasers wish to purchase, severally but not jointly, from the Company, and the Company wishes to sell and issue to the Purchasers, upon the terms and conditions stated in this Agreement, 1,250,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.001 per share (the “Common Stock”) for an aggregate purchase price of $5,000,000 (the “Shares”), with Jefferies LLC and Cantor Fitzgerald & Co. acting as placement agents (the “Placement Agents”)
C.Contemporaneously with the execution and delivery of this Agreement, the Parties will execute and deliver a Registration Rights Agreement, in the form attached hereto as Exhibit B (the “Registration Rights Agreement”), pursuant to which the Company agrees to provide certain registration rights with respect to the Shares under the Securities Act and applicable state securities Laws.
In consideration of the mutual promises made herein and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Parties agree as follows:
“Affiliate” means, with respect to any Person, any other Person directly or indirectly controlled by, controlling or under common control with, the Person, but only for so long as such control shall continue.
“Business Day” means any day, other than a Saturday or Sunday, on which banks in New York City are open for the general transaction of business.
“Closing Date” means the Trading Day when all of the Transaction Documents have been executed and delivered by the applicable parties thereto, and all of the conditions set forth in Section 6.1 and Section 6.2 hereof are satisfied or waived by the Required Purchasers, as the case may be, or such other date as the Company and the Required Purchasers may agree.
“Company Counsel” means Dorsey & Whitney LLP, with offices located at 1400 Wewatta Street, Suite 400, Denver, CO 80202-5549.
“Company Intellectual Property Counsel” means Marshall, Gerstein & Borun LLP and Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky and Popeo, P.C.
“Company’s Knowledge” means with respect to any statement made to the knowledge of the Company, that the statement is based upon the actual knowledge of the officers of the Company who, as of the date hereof, have responsibility for the matter or matters that are the subject of the statement, and the knowledge that each such person would have reasonably obtained in the performance of each such person’s duties as an officer of the Company.
“Contract” means any written agreement, contract, subcontract, lease, understanding, arrangement, instrument, note, option, warranty, purchase order, license, sublicense, insurance policy, benefit plan or legally binding commitment or undertaking of any nature.
“Control” (including the terms “controlling,” “controlled by” or “under common control with”) means the possession, direct or indirect, of (a) the power to direct or cause direction of the management and policies of a Person (whether through ownership of securities or partnership or other ownership interests, by contract or otherwise), or (b) at least 50% of the voting securities (whether directly or pursuant to any option, warrant or other similar arrangement) or other comparable equity interests.
“Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or any successor statute, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
“Insider” means each director, executive officer, other officer of the Company participating in the offering, any beneficial owner of twenty percent (20%) or more of the Company’s outstanding voting equity securities, calculated on the basis of voting power, and any promoter connected with the Company in any capacity on the date hereof.
“Law” or “Laws” means any federal, state, local, municipal, foreign or other law, statute, constitution, principle of common law, resolution, ordinance, code, edict, decree, rule, regulation, ruling or requirement issued, enacted, adopted, promulgated, implemented or otherwise put into effect by or under the authority of any governmental authority.
“Order” means any order, writ, injunction, judgment or decree.
“Person” means an individual, corporation, partnership, limited liability company, trust, business trust, association, joint stock company, joint venture, sole proprietorship, unincorporated organization, governmental authority or any other form of entity not specifically listed herein.
“Registration Statement” has the meaning set forth in the Registration Rights Agreement.
“Required Purchasers” means the Purchasers beneficially owning (calculated in accordance with Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act) a majority of the aggregate outstanding Shares.
“Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or any successor statute, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
“Share Purchase Price” means $4.00 per Share.
“Subscription Amount” means, with respect to each Purchaser, the aggregate amount to be paid for the Shares purchased by such Purchaser hereunder as indicated on such Purchaser’s signature page hereto next to the heading “Aggregate Purchase Price (Subscription Amount)” in United States dollars.
“Trading Market” means any of the following markets or exchanges on which the Common Stock is listed or quoted for trading on the date in question: the NYSE American, the Nasdaq Capital Market, the Nasdaq Global Market, the Nasdaq Global Select Market, the New York Stock Exchange, OTCQB or OTCQX (or any successors to any of the foregoing).
“Transaction Documents” means this Agreement and the Registration Rights Agreement.
If to the Company:
Rezolute, Inc.
275 Shoreline Drive, Suite 500
Redwood City, CA 94065
Attn: Nevan Elam, CEO
With a copy to:
Dorsey & Whitney LLP,
1400 Wewatta Street, Suite 400
Denver, CO 80202-5549
Attn: Anthony W. Epps, Esq.
If to the Purchasers:
to the addresses set forth on the signature pages hereto.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have executed this Agreement as of the date first indicated above.
The Company: | REZOLUTE, INC. | |
By: | ||
Name: Nevan Elam | ||
Its: Chief Executive Officer | ||
[Signature Page to PIPE – Securities Purchase Agreement]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have executed this Agreement as of the date first above written.
[•] | ||
By: | ||
Name: [•] | ||
Its: Chairman and Chief Executive Officer | ||
Aggregate Purchase Price (Subscription Amount): [•] | ||
Number of Shares to be Acquired: [•] | ||
Address for Notice/Residency of Purchaser: | ||
_[•] | ||
__________________________________ | ||
__________________________________ | ||
Telephone No.: [•] | ||
Facsimile No.:_ [•] | ||
E-mail Address: [•] | ||
Attention: _______________________ | ||
| ||
Delivery Instructions:
(if different than above)
c/o _______________________________
Street: ____________________________
City/State/Zip: ______________________
Attention: __________________________
Telephone No.: ____________________________
[Signature Page to PIPE – Securities Purchase Agreement]
REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT
This Registration Rights Agreement (this “Agreement”) is made and entered into as of June __, 2024 between Rezolute, Inc., a Nevada corporation (the “Company”), and each of the several purchasers signatory hereto (each such purchaser, a “Purchaser” and, collectively, the “Purchasers”).
The Company and each Purchaser hereby agrees as follows:
Capitalized terms used and not otherwise defined herein that are defined in the Securities Purchase Agreement shall have the meanings given such terms in the Securities Purchase Agreement. As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the following meanings:
“Advice” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6(c).
“Effectiveness Date” means, with respect to the Initial Registration Statement required to be filed hereunder, the 60th calendar day following the date hereof (or, in the event of a “full review” by the Commission, the 90th calendar day following the date hereof), and with respect to any additional Registration Statements which may be required pursuant to Section 2(c) or Section 3(c), the 60th calendar day following the date on which the Company first knows, that an additional Registration Statement is required to be filed hereunder (or, in the event of a “full review” by the Commission, the 90th calendar day following the date on which the Company first knows, that such additional Registration Statement is required to be filed hereunder); provided, however, that in the event the Company is notified by the Commission that one or more of the above Registration Statements will not be reviewed or is no longer subject to further review and comments, the Effectiveness Date as to such Registration Statement shall be the fifth Trading Day following the date on which the Company is so notified if such date precedes the dates otherwise required above; and provided, further, if such Effectiveness Date falls on a day that is not a Trading Day, then the Effectiveness Date shall be the next succeeding Trading Day.
“Effectiveness Period” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2(a).
“Event” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2(d).
“Event Date” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2(d).
“Filing Date” means, with respect to the Initial Registration Statement required hereunder, the thirtieth calendar day following the receipt of payment of the Securities, and, with respect to any additional Registration Statements which may be required pursuant to Section 2(c) or Section 3(c), the earliest practical date on which the Company is permitted by SEC Guidance to file such additional Registration Statement related to the Registrable Securities.
“Holder” or “Holders” means the holder or holders, as the case may be, from time to time of Registrable Securities.
“Indemnified Party” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5(c).
“Indemnifying Party” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5(c).
“Initial Registration Statement” means the initial Registration Statement filed pursuant to this Agreement.
“Losses” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5(a).
“Plan of Distribution” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2(a).
“Prospectus” means the prospectus included in a Registration Statement (including, without limitation, a prospectus that includes any information previously omitted from a prospectus filed as part of an effective registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A promulgated by the Commission pursuant to the Securities Act), as amended or supplemented by any prospectus supplement, with respect to the terms of the offering of any portion of the Registrable Securities covered by a Registration Statement, and all other amendments and supplements to the Prospectus, including post-effective amendments, and all material incorporated by reference or deemed to be incorporated by reference in such Prospectus.
“Registrable Securities” means, as of any date of determination, (a) all Shares and Warrant Shares then issued or to be issued and (b) any securities issued, dividend or other distribution, stock split, recapitalization or similar event with respect to the foregoing; provided, however, that any such Registrable Securities shall cease to be Registrable Securities (and the Company shall not be required to maintain the effectiveness of any, or file another, Registration Statement hereunder with respect thereto) for so long as (a) a Registration Statement with respect to the sale of such Registrable Securities is declared effective by the Commission under the Securities Act and such Registrable Securities have been disposed of by the Holder in accordance with such effective Registration Statement, (b) such Registrable Securities have been previously sold in accordance with Rule 144, or (c) such securities become eligible for resale without volume or manner-of-sale restrictions and without current public information pursuant to Rule 144 as set forth in a written opinion letter to such effect, addressed, delivered and acceptable to the Transfer Agent and the affected Holders (assuming that such securities and any securities issuable upon exercise, conversion or exchange of which, or as a dividend upon which, such securities were issued or are issuable, were at no time held by any Affiliate of the Company, and all Warrants are exercised by “cashless exercise”), as reasonably determined by the Company, upon the advice of counsel to the Company.
“Registration Statement” means any registration statement required to be filed hereunder pursuant to Section 2(a) and any additional registration statements contemplated by Section 2(c) or Section 3(c), including (in each case) the Prospectus, amendments and supplements to any such registration statement or Prospectus, including pre- and post-effective amendments, all exhibits thereto, and all material incorporated by reference or deemed to be incorporated by reference in any such registration statement.
“Rule 415” means Rule 415 promulgated by the Commission pursuant to the Securities Act, as such Rule may be amended or interpreted from time to time, or any similar rule
or regulation hereafter adopted by the Commission having substantially the same purpose and effect as such Rule.
“Rule 424” means Rule 424 promulgated by the Commission pursuant to the Securities Act, as such Rule may be amended or interpreted from time to time, or any similar rule or regulation hereafter adopted by the Commission having substantially the same purpose and effect as such Rule.
“Selling Stockholder Questionnaire” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3(a).
“SEC Guidance” means (i) any publicly-available written or oral guidance of the Commission staff, or any comments, requirements or requests of the Commission staff and (ii) the Securities Act.
| a. | First, the Company shall reduce or eliminate any securities to be included other than Registrable Securities; |
| b. | Second, the Company shall reduce Registrable Securities represented by Warrant Shares (applied, in the case that some Warrant Shares may be registered, to the Holders on a pro rata basis based on the total number of unregistered Warrant Shares held by such Holders); and |
| c. | Third, the Company shall reduce Registrable Securities represented by Shares (applied, in the case that some Shares may be registered, to the Holders on a pro rata basis based on the total number of unregistered Shares held by such Holders). |
In the event of a cutback hereunder, the Company shall give the Holder at least five (5) Trading Days prior written notice along with the calculations as to such Holder’s allotment. In the event the Company amends the Initial Registration Statement in accordance with the foregoing, the Company will use its reasonable best efforts to file promptly with the Commission one or more registration statements on Form S-3 or such other form available to register for resale those Registrable Securities that were not registered for resale on the Initial Registration Statement, as amended. The Company shall not be liable for any damages under this Agreement in connection with any Registrable Securities not registered for resale on a particular Registration Statement pursuant to Sections 2(b) or 2(c).
In connection with the Company’s registration obligations hereunder, the Company shall:
incurred in connection with the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (including, without limitation, all salaries and expenses of its officers and employees performing legal or accounting duties), the expense of any annual audit and the fees and expenses incurred in connection with the listing of the Registrable Securities on any securities exchange as required hereunder. In no event shall the Company be responsible for any broker or similar commissions of any Holder or, except to the extent provided for in the Transaction Documents, any legal fees or other costs of the Holders.
An Indemnified Party shall have the right to employ separate counsel in any such Proceeding and to participate in the defense thereof, but the fees and expenses of such counsel shall be at the expense of such Indemnified Party or Parties unless: (1) the Indemnifying Party has agreed in writing to pay such fees and expenses, (2) the Indemnifying Party shall have failed promptly to assume the defense of such Proceeding and to employ counsel reasonably satisfactory to such Indemnified Party in any such Proceeding, or (3) the named parties to any such Proceeding (including any impleaded parties) include both such Indemnified Party and the Indemnifying Party, and counsel to the Indemnified Party shall reasonably believe that a material conflict of interest is likely to exist if the same counsel were to represent such Indemnified Party and the Indemnifying Party (in which case, if such Indemnified Party notifies the Indemnifying Party in writing that it
elects to employ separate counsel at the expense of the Indemnifying Party, the Indemnifying Party shall not have the right to assume the defense thereof and the reasonable fees and expenses of no more than one separate counsel shall be at the expense of the Indemnifying Party). The Indemnifying Party shall not be liable for any settlement of any such Proceeding effected without its written consent, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed. No Indemnifying Party shall, without the prior written consent of the Indemnified Party, effect any settlement of any pending Proceeding in respect of which any Indemnified Party is a party, unless such settlement includes an unconditional release of such Indemnified Party from all liability on claims that are the subject matter of such Proceeding. Each Indemnified Party shall furnish such information regarding itself or the claim in question as an Indemnifying Party may reasonably request in writing and as shall be reasonably required in connection with defense of such claim and litigation resulting therefrom.
Subject to the terms of this Agreement, all reasonable fees and expenses of the Indemnified Party (including reasonable fees and expenses to the extent incurred in connection with investigating or preparing to defend such Proceeding in a manner not inconsistent with this Section) shall be paid to the Indemnified Party, as incurred, within ten Trading Days of written notice thereof to the Indemnifying Party, provided that the Indemnified Party shall promptly reimburse the Indemnifying Party for that portion of such fees and expenses applicable to such actions for which such Indemnified Party is finally determined by a court of competent jurisdiction (which determination is not subject to appeal or further review) not to be entitled to indemnification hereunder.
The parties hereto agree that it would not be just and equitable if contribution pursuant to this Section 5(d) were determined by pro rata allocation or by any other method of allocation that does not take into account the equitable considerations referred to in the immediately preceding paragraph. In no event shall the contribution obligation of a Holder of Registrable Securities be greater in amount than the dollar amount of the proceeds (net of all expenses paid by such Holder in connection with any claim relating to this Section 5 and the amount of any damages such Holder has otherwise been required to pay by reason of such untrue
or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission) received by it upon the sale of the Registrable Securities giving rise to such contribution obligation.
The indemnity and contribution agreements contained in this Section are in addition to any liability that the Indemnifying Parties may have to the Indemnified Parties.
If to the Company:
Rezolute, Inc.
275 Shoreline Drive, Suite 500
Redwood City, CA 94065
Attn: Nevan Elam, CEO
With a copy to:
Dorsey & Whitney LLP,
1400 Wewatta Street, Suite 400
Denver, CO 80202-5549
Attn: Anthony W. Epps, Esq.
If to the Holders:
to the addresses set forth on the signature pages hereto.
********************
(Signature Pages Follow)
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Registration Rights Agreement as of the date first written above.
Rezolute, Inc. | ||
By: | ||
Name: Nevan Elam | ||
Title: Chief Executive Officer | ||
[SIGNATURE PAGE OF HOLDERS FOLLOWS]
Name of Holder: _____________________________
Address of Holder: _____________________________
Signature of Authorized Signatory of Holder: _____________________________
Name of Authorized Signatory: ____________________________
Title of Authorized Signatory: _____________________________
Annex A
Plan of Distribution
Each Selling Stockholder (the “Selling Stockholders”) of the securities and any of their pledgees, assignees and successors-in-interest may, from time to time, sell any or all of their securities covered hereby on the principal Trading Market or any other stock exchange, market or trading facility on which the securities are traded or in private transactions. These sales may be at fixed or negotiated prices. A Selling Stockholder may use any one or more of the following methods when selling securities:
| ● | ordinary brokerage transactions and transactions in which the broker-dealer solicits purchasers; |
| ● | block trades in which the broker-dealer will attempt to sell the securities as agent but may position and resell a portion of the block as principal to facilitate the transaction; |
| ● | purchases by a broker-dealer as principal and resale by the broker-dealer for its account; |
| ● | an exchange distribution in accordance with the rules of the applicable exchange; |
| ● | privately negotiated transactions; |
| ● | settlement of short sales; |
| ● | in transactions through broker-dealers that agree with the Selling Stockholders to sell a specified number of such securities at a stipulated price per security; |
| ● | through the writing or settlement of options or other hedging transactions, whether through an options exchange or otherwise; |
| ● | a combination of any such methods of sale; or |
| ● | any other method permitted pursuant to applicable law. |
The Selling Stockholders may also sell securities under Rule 144 or any other exemption from registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), if available, rather than under this prospectus.
Broker-dealers engaged by the Selling Stockholders may arrange for other brokers-dealers to participate in sales. Broker-dealers may receive commissions or discounts from the Selling Stockholders (or, if any broker-dealer acts as agent for the purchaser of securities, from the purchaser) in amounts to be negotiated, but, except as set forth in a supplement to this Prospectus, in the case of an agency transaction not in excess of a customary brokerage commission in compliance with FINRA Rule 2121; and in the case of a principal transaction a markup or markdown in compliance with FINRA Rule 2121.
In connection with the sale of the securities or interests therein, the Selling Stockholders may enter into hedging transactions with broker-dealers or other financial institutions, which may in turn engage in short sales of the securities in the course of hedging the positions they assume. The Selling Stockholders may also sell securities short and deliver these securities to close out their short positions, or loan or pledge the securities to broker-dealers that in turn may sell these securities. The Selling Stockholders may also enter into option or other transactions with broker-dealers or other financial institutions or create one or more derivative securities which require the delivery to such broker-dealer or other financial institution of securities offered by this prospectus, which securities such broker-dealer or other financial institution may resell pursuant to this prospectus (as supplemented or amended to reflect such transaction).
The Selling Stockholders and any broker-dealers or agents that are involved in selling the securities may be deemed to be “underwriters” within the meaning of the Securities Act in connection with such sales. In such event, any commissions received by such broker-dealers or agents and any profit on the resale of the securities purchased by them may be deemed to be underwriting commissions or discounts under the Securities Act. Each Selling Stockholder has informed the Company that it does not have any written or oral agreement or understanding, directly or indirectly, with any person to distribute the securities.
The Company is required to pay certain fees and expenses incurred by the Company incident to the registration of the securities. The Company has agreed to indemnify the Selling Stockholders against certain losses, claims, damages and liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act.
We agreed to keep this prospectus effective until the earlier of (i) the date on which the securities may be resold by the Selling Stockholders without registration and without regard to any volume or manner-of-sale limitations by reason of Rule 144, without the requirement for the Company to be in compliance with the current public information under Rule 144 under the Securities Act or any other rule of similar effect or (ii) all of the securities have been sold pursuant to this prospectus or Rule 144 under the Securities Act or any other rule of similar effect. The resale securities will be sold only through registered or licensed brokers or dealers if required under applicable state securities laws. In addition, in certain states, the resale securities covered hereby may not be sold unless they have been registered or qualified for sale in the applicable state or an exemption from the registration or qualification requirement is available and is complied with.
Under applicable rules and regulations under the Exchange Act, any person engaged in the distribution of the resale securities may not simultaneously engage in market making activities with respect to the common stock for the applicable restricted period, as defined in Regulation M, prior to the commencement of the distribution. In addition, the Selling Stockholders will be subject to applicable provisions of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder, including Regulation M, which may limit the timing of purchases and sales of the common stock by the Selling Stockholders or any other person. We will make copies of this prospectus available to the Selling Stockholders and have informed them of the need to deliver a copy of this prospectus to each purchaser at or prior to the time of the sale (including by compliance with Rule 172 under the Securities Act).
Annex B
Rezolute, Inc.
Selling Stockholder Notice and Questionnaire
The undersigned beneficial owner of common stock (the “Registrable Securities”) of Rezolute, Inc., a Nevada corporation (the “Company”), understands that the Company has filed or intends to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) a registration statement (the “Registration Statement”) for the registration and resale under Rule 415 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), of the Registrable Securities, in accordance with the terms of the Registration Rights Agreement (the “Registration Rights Agreement”) to which this document is annexed. A copy of the Registration Rights Agreement is available from the Company upon request at the address set forth below. All capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed thereto in the Registration Rights Agreement.
Certain legal consequences arise from being named as a selling stockholder in the Registration Statement and the related prospectus. Accordingly, holders and beneficial owners of Registrable Securities are advised to consult their own securities law counsel regarding the consequences of being named or not being named as a selling stockholder in the Registration Statement and the related prospectus.
NOTICE
The undersigned beneficial owner (the “Selling Stockholder”) of Registrable Securities hereby elects to include the Registrable Securities owned by it in the Registration Statement.
The undersigned hereby provides the following information to the Company and represents and warrants that such information is accurate:
QUESTIONNAIRE
1. | Name. |
(a) | Full Legal Name of Selling Stockholder |
(b) | Full Legal Name of Registered Holder (if not the same as (a) above) through which Registrable Securities are held: |
(c) | Full Legal Name of Natural Control Person (which means a natural person who directly or indirectly alone or with others has power to vote or dispose of the securities covered by this Questionnaire): |
2. | Address for Notices to Selling Stockholder: |
Telephone:
Contact Person:
3. | Broker-Dealer Status: |
(a) | Are you a broker-dealer? |
Yes ☐ No ☐
(b) | If “yes” to Section 3(a), did you receive your Registrable Securities as compensation for investment banking services to the Company? |
Yes ☐ No ☐
Note: | If “no” to Section 3(b), the Commission’s staff has indicated that you should be identified as an underwriter in the Registration Statement. |
(c) | Are you an affiliate of a broker-dealer? |
Yes ☐ No ☐
(d) | If you are an affiliate of a broker-dealer, do you certify that you purchased the Registrable Securities in the ordinary course of business, and at the time of the purchase of the Registrable Securities to be resold, you had no agreements or understandings, directly or indirectly, with any person to distribute the Registrable Securities? |
Yes ☐ No ☐
Note: | If “no” to Section 3(d), the Commission’s staff has indicated that you should be identified as an underwriter in the Registration Statement. |
4. | Beneficial Ownership of Securities of the Company Owned by the Selling Stockholder. |
Except as set forth below in this Item 4, the undersigned is not the beneficial or registered owner of any securities of the Company other than the securities issuable pursuant to the Underwriting Agreement.
(a) | Type and Amount of other securities beneficially owned by the Selling Stockholder: |
5. | Relationships with the Company: |
Except as set forth below, neither the undersigned nor any of its affiliates, officers, directors or principal equity holders (owners of 5% of more of the equity securities of the
undersigned) has held any position or office or has had any other material relationship with the Company (or its predecessors or affiliates) during the past three years.
State any exceptions here:
The undersigned agrees to promptly notify the Company of any material inaccuracies or changes in the information provided herein that may occur subsequent to the date hereof at any time while the Registration Statement remains effective; provided, that the undersigned shall not be required to notify the Company of any changes to the number of securities held or owned by the undersigned or its affiliates.
By signing below, the undersigned consents to the disclosure of the information contained herein in its answers to Items 1 through 5 and the inclusion of such information in the Registration Statement and the related prospectus and any amendments or supplements thereto. The undersigned understands that such information will be relied upon by the Company in connection with the preparation or amendment of the Registration Statement and the related prospectus and any amendments or supplements thereto.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF the undersigned, by authority duly given, has caused this Notice and Questionnaire to be executed and delivered either in person or by its duly authorized agent.
Date: | Beneficial Owner: | |
By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: | ||
PLEASE FAX A COPY (OR EMAIL A .PDF COPY) OF THE COMPLETED AND EXECUTED NOTICE AND QUESTIONNAIRE TO:
Exhibit 21.1
Subsidiaries of the Registrant
Name of Entity |
| Formation |
| Jurisdiction of |
| Holder of Stock |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rezolute Bio UK, Ltd |
| July 11, 2019 |
| United Kingdom |
| Rezolute, Inc. |
Rezolute (Bio) Ireland Limited |
| July 19, 2019 |
| Ireland |
| Rezolute, Inc. |
Exhibit 23.1
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
We have issued our report dated September 19, 2024 with respect to the consolidated financial statements included in the Annual Report of Rezolute, Inc. on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2024. We consent to the incorporation by reference of said report in the Registration Statement of Rezolute, Inc. on Forms S-1 (File Nos. 333-234766 and 333-233310); Forms S-3 (File Nos. 333-250073, 333-251498, 333-265703, 333-268046, 333-275562 and 333-281257); and Forms S-8 (File Nos. 333-258222 and 333-268221).
/s/ GRANT THORNTON LLP
Newport Beach, California
September 19, 2024
Exhibit 23.2
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements on Form S-1 (File Nos. 333-234766 and 333-233310); S-3 (File Nos. 333-250073, 333-251498, 333-265703, 333-268046, 333-275562 and 333-281257); and Form S-8 (File Nos. 333-258222 and 333-268221) of our report dated September 14, 2023 with respect to the consolidated financial statements of Rezolute, Inc. as of and for the year ended June 30, 2023, that appears in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
/s/ Plante & Moran, PLLC
September 19, 2024
Cleveland, Ohio
EXHIBIT 31.1
CERTIFICATIONS
I, Nevan Charles Elam, certify that:
1. | I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Rezolute, Inc.; |
2. | Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report. |
3. | Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects, the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the Registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report. |
4. | As the Registrant's certifying officer, I am responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the Registrant and have: |
a) | Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the Registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; |
b) | Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; |
c) | Evaluated the effectiveness of the Registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and |
d) | Disclosed in this report any change in the Registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the Registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (fourth quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and |
5. | As the Registrant's certifying officer, I have disclosed, based on my most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the Registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the Registrant's board of directors: |
a) | All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the Registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and |
b) | Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the Registrant's internal control over financial reporting. |
Date:September 19, 2024
| By: | /s/ Nevan Charles Elam |
|
| Nevan Charles Elam |
|
| Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive and Financial Officer) |
EXHIBIT 32.1
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
In connection with the annual report of Rezolute, Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-K for the period ended June 30, 2024, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Nevan Charles Elam, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:
(1) | The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and |
(2) | The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company. |
Date:September 19, 2024
| By: | /s/ Nevan Charles Elam |
|
| Nevan Charles Elam |
|
| Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive and Financial Officer) |
A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to Rezolute, Inc. and will be retained by Rezolute, Inc. Inc. to be furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.
Exhibit 97
REZOLUTE, INC.
INCENTIVE COMPENSATION RECOVERY POLICY
The Board of Directors of Rezolute, Inc., a Nevada corporation (the “Corporation”) believes that it is in the best interests of the Corporation and its shareholders to create and maintain a culture that emphasizes integrity and accountability and that reinforces the Corporation's compensation philosophy. The Board has therefore adopted this policy, which provides for the recovery of erroneously awarded incentive compensation in the event that the Corporation is required to prepare an accounting restatement due to material noncompliance of the Corporation with any financial reporting requirements under the federal securities laws (the “Policy”). This Policy is designed to comply with Section 10D of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), related rules and the listing standards of The Nasdaq Stock Market or any other securities exchange on which the Corporation’s shares are listed in the future.
This Policy shall be administered by the Board or, if so designated by the Board, the Compensation Committee (the “Committee”), in which case, all references herein to the Board shall be deemed references to the Committee. Any determinations made by the Board shall be final and binding on all affected individuals.
Unless and until the Board determines otherwise, for purposes of this Policy, the term “Covered Executive” means a current or former employee who is or was identified by the Corporation as the Corporation’s president, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer (or if there is no such accounting officer, the controller), any vice-president of the Corporation in charge of a principal business unit, division, or function (such as sales, administration, or finance), any other officer who performs a policy-making function, or any other person (including any executive officer of the Corporation’s subsidiaries or affiliates) who performs similar policy-making functions for the Corporation. “Policy-making function” excludes policy-making functions that are not significant. “Covered Executives” will include, at minimum, the executive officers identified by the Corporation pursuant to Item 401(b) of Regulation S-K of the Exchange Act. For the avoidance of doubt, “Covered Executives” will include at least the following Corporation officers: CEO, CMO, CFO and any other officer who performs these functions.
This Policy covers Incentive Compensation received by a person after beginning service as a Covered Executive and who served as a Covered Executive at any time during the performance period for that Incentive Compensation.
In the event of an “Accounting Restatement,” the Corporation will recover reasonably promptly any excess Incentive Compensation received by any Covered Executive during the three completed fiscal years immediately preceding the date on which the Corporation is required to prepare an Accounting Restatement, including transition periods resulting from a change in the Corporation’s fiscal year as provided in Rule 10D-1 of the Exchange Act. Incentive Compensation is deemed “received” in the Corporation’s fiscal period during which the Financial Reporting Measure specified in the Incentive Compensation award is attained, even if the payment or grant of the Incentive Compensation occurs after the end of that period.
(a) | Definition of Accounting Restatement. |
For the purposes of this Policy, an “Accounting Restatement” means the Corporation is required to prepare an accounting restatement of its financial statements filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) due to the Corporation’s material noncompliance with any financial reporting requirements under the federal securities laws (including any required accounting restatement to correct an error in previously issued financial statements that is material to the previously issued financial statements, or that would result in a material misstatement if the error were corrected in the current period or left uncorrected in the current period).
The determination of the time when the Corporation is “required” to prepare an Accounting Restatement shall be made in accordance with applicable SEC and national securities exchange rules and regulations.
An Accounting Restatement does not include situations in which financial statement changes did not result from material non-compliance with financial reporting requirements, such as, but not limited to retrospective: (i) application of a change in accounting principles; (ii) revision to reportable segment information due to a change in the structure of the Corporation’s internal organization; (iii) reclassification due to a discontinued operation; (iv) application of a change in reporting entity, such as from a reorganization of entities under common control; (v) adjustment to provision amounts in connection with a prior business combination; and (vi) revision for stock splits, stock dividends, reverse stock splits or other changes in capital structure.
(b) | Definition of Incentive Compensation. |
For purposes of this Policy, “Incentive Compensation” means any compensation that is granted, earned, or vested based wholly or in part upon the attainment of a Financial Reporting Measure, including, for example, bonuses or awards under the Corporation’s short and long-term incentive plans, grants and awards under the Corporation’s equity incentive plans, and contributions of such bonuses or awards to the Corporation’s deferred compensation plans or other employee benefit plans. Incentive Compensation does not include awards which are granted, earned and
vested without regard to attainment of Financial Reporting Measures, such as time-vesting awards, discretionary awards and awards based wholly on subjective standards, strategic measures or operational measures.
(c) | Financial Reporting Measures. |
“Financial Reporting Measures” are those that are determined and presented in accordance with the accounting principles used in preparing the Corporation’s financial statements (including non-GAAP financial measures) and any measures derived wholly or in part from such financial measures. For the avoidance of doubt, Financial Reporting Measures include stock price and total shareholder return. A measure need not be presented within the financial statements or included in a filing with the SEC to constitute a Financial Reporting Measure for purposes of this Policy.
(d) | Excess Incentive Compensation: Amount Subject to Recovery. |
The amount(s) to be recovered from the Covered Executive will be the amount(s) by which the Covered Executive’s Incentive Compensation for the relevant period(s) exceeded the amount(s) that the Covered Executive otherwise would have received had such Incentive Compensation been determined based on the restated amounts contained in the Accounting Restatement. All amounts shall be computed without regard to taxes paid.
For Incentive Compensation based on Financial Reporting Measures such as stock price or total shareholder return, where the amount of excess compensation is not subject to mathematical recalculation directly from the information in an Accounting Restatement, the Board will calculate the amount to be reimbursed based on a reasonable estimate of the effect of the Accounting Restatement on such Financial Reporting Measure upon which the Incentive Compensation was received. The Corporation will maintain documentation of that reasonable estimate and will provide such documentation to the applicable national securities exchange.
(e) | Method of Recovery. |
The Board will determine, in its sole discretion, the method(s) for recovering reasonably promptly excess Incentive Compensation hereunder. Such methods may include, without limitation:
(i) | requiring reimbursement of compensation previously paid; |
(ii) | forfeiting any compensation contribution made under the Corporation’s deferred compensation plans, as well as any matching amounts and earnings thereon; |
(iii) | offsetting the recovered amount from any compensation that the Covered Executive may earn or be awarded in the future (including, for the avoidance of doubt, recovering amounts earned or awarded in the future to |
such individual equal to compensation paid or deferred into tax–qualified plans or plans subject to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (collectively, “Exempt Plans”); provided that, no such recovery will be made from amounts held in any Exempt Plan of the Corporation);
(iv) | taking any other remedial and recovery action permitted by law, as determined by the Board; or |
(v) | some combination of the foregoing. |
Subject to applicable law, the Corporation shall not indemnify, including by paying or reimbursing for premiums for any insurance policy covering any potential losses, any Covered Executives against the loss of any erroneously awarded Incentive Compensation, nor shall the Corporation advance any costs or expenses to any Covered Executives in connection with any action to recover excess Incentive Compensation.
The Board is authorized to interpret and construe this Policy and to make all determinations necessary, appropriate or advisable for the administration of this Policy. It is intended that this Policy be interpreted in a manner that is consistent with the requirements of Section 10D of the Exchange Act and any applicable rules or standards adopted by the SEC or any national securities exchange on which the Corporation's securities are listed.
The effective date of this Policy is October 2, 2023 (the “Effective Date”). This Policy applies to Incentive Compensation received by Covered Executives on or after the Effective Date that results from attainment of a Financial Reporting Measure based on or derived from financial information for any fiscal period ending on or after the Effective Date. Without limiting the scope or effectiveness of this Policy, Incentive Compensation granted or received by Covered Executives prior to the Effective Date will be subject to this Policy. In addition, this Policy is intended to be and will be incorporated as an essential term and condition of any Incentive Compensation agreement, plan or program that the Corporation establishes or maintains on or after the Effective Date.
The Board may amend this Policy from time to time in its discretion, and shall amend this Policy as it deems necessary to reflect changes in regulations adopted by the SEC under Section 10D of the Exchange Act and to comply with any rules or standards adopted by The Nasdaq Stock Market or any other securities exchange on which the Corporation’s shares are listed in the future.
The Board intends that this Policy will be applied to the fullest extent of the law. Upon receipt of this Policy, each Covered Executive is required to complete the Receipt and Acknowledgement attached as Schedule A to this Policy. The Board may require that any employment agreement or similar agreement relating to Incentive Compensation received on or after the Effective Date shall, as a condition to the grant of any benefit thereunder, require a Covered Executive to agree to abide by the terms of this Policy. Any right of recovery under this Policy is in addition to, and not in lieu of, any (i) other remedies or rights of compensation recovery that may be available to the Corporation pursuant to the terms of any similar policy in any employment agreement, or similar agreement relating to Incentive Compensation, unless any such agreement expressly prohibits such right of recovery, and (ii) any other legal remedies available to the Corporation. The provisions of this Policy are in addition to (and not in lieu of) any rights to repayment the Corporation may have under Section 304 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and other applicable laws.
The Corporation shall recover any excess Incentive Compensation in accordance with this Policy, except to the extent that certain conditions are met and the Board has determined that such recovery would be impracticable, all in accordance with Rule 10D-1 of the Exchange Act and The Nasdaq Stock Market or any other securities exchange on which the Corporation’s shares are listed in the future.
This Policy shall be binding upon and enforceable against all Covered Executives and their beneficiaries, heirs, executors, administrators or other legal representatives.