As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 31, 2009
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
(Exact Name of Registrant As Specified in Its Charter)
Delaware | 2834 | 20-5894890 | ||
(State or Other Jurisdiction of
Incorporation or Organization) |
(Primary Standard Industrial
Classification Code Number) |
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number) |
(Address, Including Zip Code, and Telephone Number,
Including Area Code, of Registrants Principal Executive Offices)
(Name, Address Including Zip Code, and Telephone Number,
Including Area Code, of Agent for Service)
Copies to:
Yehuda Markovits, Esq.
Olshan Grundman Frome Rosenzweig & Wolosky LLP Park Avenue Tower 65 East 55 th Street New York, New York 10022 Telephone: (212) 451-2300 Facsimile: (212) 451-2222 |
Mitchell S. Nussbaum, Esq.
Angela M. Dowd, Esq. Loeb & Loeb LLP 345 Park Avenue New York, New York 10154 Telephone: (212) 407-4000 Facsimile: (212) 407-4990 |
Approximate Date of Commencement of Proposed Sale to the Public: As soon as practicable after the effective date of this registration statement .
If any of the securities being registered on this form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, check the following box. x
If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. o
If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. o
If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of large accelerated filer, accelerated filer and smaller reporting company in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large Accelerated Filer o | Accelerated Filer o | |
Non-Accelerated Filer
o
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company) |
Smaller Reporting Company x |
Title of Each Class of Securities to Be Registered |
Amount to Be
Registered (1) |
Proposed Maximum
Offering Price per Unit (2) |
Proposed Maximum
Aggregate Offering Price (2) |
Amount of
Registration Fee |
||||||||||||
Units, each consisting of two shares of common stock, $0.001 par value per share, and a warrant | Units | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
Common stock included in the Units | shares | | | | (3) | |||||||||||
Warrants included in the Units | warrants | | | | (3) | |||||||||||
Shares of common stock underlying the warrants included in the Units | shares | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
Underwriters Unit purchase option | 1 option | $ | $ | | (3) | |||||||||||
Units underlying Underwriters Unit purchase option (Underwriters Units) | Units | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
Common stock included in the Underwriters Units | shares | | | | (3) | |||||||||||
Warrants included in the Underwriters Units | warrants | | | | (3) | |||||||||||
Shares of common stock underlying the warrants included in the Underwriters Units | shares | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
Total | $ | 18,000,000 | $ | 1,004.40 | (4) |
(1) | Includes Units, consisting of shares of common stock and warrants, which may be issued upon exercise of a 45-day option granted to the underwriters to cover over-allotments, if any. |
(2) | Estimated solely for purposes of calculating the registration fee pursuant to Rule 457(o) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. |
(3) | No fee pursuant to Rule 457(g). |
(4) | Previously paid. |
The registrant hereby amends this registration statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this registration statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or until the registration statement shall become effective on such date as the Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.
The information in this preliminary prospectus is not complete and may be changed. We may not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This preliminary prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted.
PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS | SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED DECEMBER 31, 2009 |
This offering is the initial public offering of our securities. We are offering units, each unit consisting of two shares of our common stock and a warrant to purchase one share of common stock.
Each warrant entitles the holder to purchase one share of our common stock at a price equal to 110% of the offering price of the common stock underlying the units, subject to adjustment as described herein. Each warrant will become exercisable upon the earlier to occur of the expiration of the underwriters over allotment option or its exercise in full, and will expire on , or earlier upon redemption.
We expect the initial public offering price to be between $ and $ per unit. Currently, no public market exists for our units, common stock or warrants. We applied for listing our units, as well as our common stock and warrants underlying the units, on NYSE Amex under the symbols CRMD.U, CRMD and CRMD.W, respectively. The units will begin trading on or promptly after the date of this prospectus. Each of the common stock and warrants will trade separately within the first trading days following the earlier to occur of the expiration of the underwriters over allotment option or its exercise in full.
Investing in our securities involves a high degree of risk. See Risk Factors beginning on page 6 of this prospectus for a discussion of information that should be considered in connection with an investment in our securities.
Per Unit | Total | |||||||
Public offering price | $ | $ | ||||||
Underwriting discount and commissions (1) | $ | $ | ||||||
Proceeds to us, before expenses | $ | $ |
(1) | Does not include a corporate finance fee in the amount of 1% of the gross proceeds of the offering. |
We granted the underwriters the right to purchase up to additional units from us at the public offering price, less the underwriting discount, within 45 days from the date of this prospectus to cover over-allotments, if any. Following the closing of this offering, we will grant the underwriters an additional warrant to purchase such number of units equal to 8.0% of the units sold in this offering.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
We are offering the units for sale on a firm-commitment basis. The underwriters expect to deliver our securities to investors in this offering on or about , 2010.
The date of this prospectus is , 2010
You should rely only on the information contained in this prospectus. We have not, and the underwriters have not, authorized anyone to provide you with different information. We are not, and the underwriters are not, making an offer of these securities in any state where the offer is not permitted. You should not assume that the information contained in this prospectus is accurate as of any date other than the date on the front of this prospectus.
Through and including , 2010 (the 25 th day after the date of this prospectus), all dealers effecting transactions in these securities, whether or not participating in this offering, may be required to deliver a prospectus. This obligation is in addition to a dealers obligation to deliver a prospectus when acting as an underwriter and with respect to an unsold allotment or subscription.
For Investors Outside the United States: Neither we nor any of the underwriters have done anything that would permit this offering or possession or distribution of this prospectus in any jurisdiction where action for that purpose is required, other than in the United States. You are required to inform yourselves about and to observe any restrictions relating to this offering and the distribution of this prospectus.
We obtained statistical data, market data and other industry data and forecasts used throughout this prospectus from market research, publicly available information and industry publications. While we believe that the statistical data, industry data and forecasts and market research are reliable, we have not independently verified the data, and we do not make any representation as to the accuracy of the information.
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This summary highlights material information contained elsewhere in this prospectus and does not contain all of the information that you should consider in making an investment decision. We urge you to read this entire prospectus carefully, including the Risk Factors section and condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes appearing elsewhere in this prospectus, before making an investment decision. Unless the context provides otherwise, all references in this prospectus to CorMedix, we, us, our, or similar terms, refer to CorMedix Inc.
We are a biopharmaceutical company that seeks to in-license, develop and commercialize therapeutic products for the treatment of cardiac and renal dysfunction, also known as Cardiorenal disease. Specifically, our goal is to treat kidney disease by reducing the commonly associated cardiovascular and metabolic complications in effect, Treating the kidney to treat the heart. To date, we have licensed all of the products in our Cardiorenal pipeline.
We have several proprietary product candidates in clinical development that address large market opportunities, including our most advanced product candidates, CRMX003 (CorMedix Neutrolin®) and CRMX001. CRMX003 is a liquid designed to prevent central venous catheter infection and clotting in central venous catheters (initially in dialysis catheters). CRMX001, our unique formulation of the drug deferiprone, has the following two indications: (i) the prevention of contrast-induced nephropathy, or CIN, which is a common and potentially serious complication arising from the use of iodinated contrast media used in X-ray procedures to identify the status of blood vessels in different parts of the body, and (ii) the treatment of chronic kidney disease, or CKD.
We intend to submit an Investigational Device Exemption for CRMX003 by mid-2010, which if approved will enable us to start a pivotal clinical trial. For CRMX001, we intend to start a phase II biomarker proof of concept study for the CIN indication by mid-2010. We expect this study to generate supportive data on the ability of CRMX001 to reduce biomarker evidence of acute kidney injury. Additionally, we believe this study will also provide other information that will increase the likelihood of success of a later phase III trial for the CIN indication.
We have two foundational platforms. Our first foundational platform seeks to utilize liquid and gel formulations of Neutrolin® (CRMX003 and CRMX004, respectively) to prevent the infection and clotting that can occur with the use of central venous catheters and peripherally inserted central catheters. These catheters are frequently used for vascular access in hemodialysis (a form of dialysis where the patients blood is circulated through a dialysis filter), for cancer chemotherapy, long term antibiotic therapy, total parenteral nutrition (complete or partial dietary support via intravenous nutrients) and intensive care patients. Our second foundational platform seeks to reduce excess free (labile) iron, which is toxic to cells and tissues, using CRMX001, our unique formulation of the drug deferiprone.
Over the past two years we have made rapid and significant progress, including the following:
| we licensed liquid and gel formulations of Neutrolin® (CRMX003 and CRMX004, respectively) pursuant to agreements with ND Partners LLC and Dr. Hans-Dietrich Polaschegg, respectively; |
| CRMX001 received a Special Protocol Assessment from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for a single phase III study as the basis of a New Drug Application for reducing the serious kidney damage and associated morbidity and mortality arising from contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN); |
| we published early proof of concept studies for the use of CRMX001 in slowing the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD); and |
| we signed a development agreement with Afferix Ltd. for a diagnostic labile iron biomarker test product, CRMX002, that will support CRMX001 in the CKD indication by diagnosing patients with, identifying patients at risk for, and monitoring patient responses to therapy for, chronic kidney disease. |
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Provided that an Investigational Device Exemption is approved by the FDA for CRMX003 (which is not assured) and successful results from the CRMX001 phase II biomarker proof of concept study, both CRMX003 and CRMX001 will be poised to enter pivotal studies, and both products will have the benefit of significant market experience outside of the United States, potentially reducing development risk and defined FDA regulatory pathways.
We will seek to license other therapeutic product candidates for the treatment of diseases related to cardiac and renal dysfunction while simultaneously developing our existing product pipeline. Our strategy reduces risk by licensing product candidates that are currently marketed outside of the United States or have previously been tested in patients, providing an initial indication of the drugs safety and biological activity in humans before committing capital to the drugs development. We do not conduct any drug discovery activities and intend to limit our involvement with preclinical research activity.
Our current strategy is to develop CRMX003 and CRMX004 independently and, following the anticipated success of the phase II biomarker proof of concept study for CRMX001, we will seek to raise additional funds or co-develop CRMX001 with a suitable partner to commercialization. The proceeds from this offering would allow us to make significant progress on those value creating projects.
In executing our business strategy, we face significant risks and uncertainties, as more fully described in the section entitled Risk Factors. These risks include, among others, the incurrence of substantial and increasing net losses for the foreseeable future because we have no products approved for commercial sale and we have not generated any product revenue to date, and a potential need to obtain substantial additional funding for product development. We incurred a net loss of approximately $1.0 million for the period from inception (July 28, 2006) to December 31, 2006, and net losses of approximately $7.2 million and $9.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2008, respectively, for a total net loss of approximately $17.2 million for the period from inception (July 28, 2006) to December 31, 2008. We also incurred a net loss of approximately $3.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009. As of September 30, 2009, we had an accumulated deficit of approximately $20.8 million.
In addition, to receive regulatory approval for the commercial sale of CRMX003, CRMX001 or any other product candidates, we must conduct adequate and well-controlled clinical trials to demonstrate safety and efficacy in humans. If the clinical trials of CRMX003 and CRMX001 discussed herein or the clinical trials of other product candidates do not produce results necessary to support regulatory approval, we will be unable to commercialize these products.
We were organized as a Delaware corporation on July 28, 2006 under the name Picton Holding Company, Inc. and we changed our corporate name to CorMedix Inc. on January 18, 2007. Our principal executive offices are located at 86 Summit Avenue, Suite 301, Summit, NJ 07901-3647. Our telephone number is (908) 517-9500. Our website address is www.cormedix.com . The information on, or accessible through, our website is not part of this prospectus.
We have a license to use the following trademarks:
| In the United States and the European Union Neutrolin® |
| In Japan CLS® |
We have filed applications for the following trademarks:
| In the United States Transforming Medicine at the Cardiorenal Crossroads TM and Therapeutics at the Cardiorenal Crossroads TM . |
This prospectus also contains trademarks and tradenames of other companies.
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Securities offered by us |
units, each unit consisting of two shares of common stock and a warrant to purchase one share of common stock (a Unit). |
Common stock to be outstanding after this offering |
shares. |
Warrants to be outstanding after this offering |
8% Noteholder Warrants, Consultant Warrants, Warrants issued as a part of the Units, and Underwriters Warrant. See Description of Capital Stock on page 81 for more information. |
Terms of warrants issued as a part of the Units |
Exercise price $ , which is equal to 110% of the offering price of the common stock underlying the units. |
Exercisability each warrant is exercisable for one share of common stock, subject to adjustment as described herein. |
Exercise period . |
Redemption of warrants issued as a part of the Units |
We may call the warrants issued as a part of the Units for redemption as follows: (i) at a price of $0.01 for each warrant at any time while the warrants are exercisable, so long as a registration statement relating to the common stock issuable upon exercise of the warrants is effective and current; (ii) upon not less than days prior written notice of redemption to each warrant holder; and (iii) if, and only if, the reported last sale price of the common stock equals or exceeds $ per share for any 20 trading days within a 30 consecutive trading day period ending on the business day prior to the notice of redemption to warrant holders. |
If the foregoing conditions are satisfied and we call the warrants for redemption, each warrant holder will then be entitled to exercise his or her warrant prior to the date scheduled for redemption. However, there can be no assurance that the price of the common stock will exceed the call price or the warrant exercise price after the redemption call is made. |
Over-allotment option |
We granted the underwriters the right to purchase up to additional Units from us at the public offering price, less the underwriting discount, within 45 days from the date of this prospectus to cover over-allotments, if any. |
Use of proceeds |
We estimate that our net proceeds from this offering, without exercise of the over-allotment option, will be approximately $ million. We intend to use these proceeds as follows: (i) approximately $ for CRMX003 development; (ii) approximately $ for CRMX001 development; (iii) approximately $ |
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for CRMX004 development; (iv) approximately $ for CRMX002 development; and (v) the balance to fund working capital and other general corporate purposes. See Use of Proceeds on page 22 for more information. |
Market for our common stock |
We applied for listing the Units, as well as our common stock and warrants underlying the Units, on NYSE Amex under the symbols CRMD.U, CRMD and CRMD.W, respectively. |
Separation of common stock and warrants issued as a part of the Units. |
The Units will begin trading on or promptly after the date of this prospectus. Each of the common stock and warrants will trade separately within the first trading days following the earlier to occur of the expiration of the underwriters over allotment option or its exercise in full. |
Risk Factors |
Investing in our securities involves a high degree of risk. As an investor, you should be able to bear a complete loss of your investment. You should carefully consider the information set forth in the Risk Factors section beginning on page 6 . |
The number of shares of common stock that will be outstanding after this offering set forth above is based on shares of common stock outstanding as of after giving effect to a 1 for reverse stock split of our common stock, and excludes the following:
| 185,000 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of outstanding options at a weighted average exercise price of $1.05 per share; |
| 740,000 shares of common stock reserved for issuance under our stock incentive plan; |
| 140,000 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of outstanding warrants other than the First Bridge Warrants and the First Bridge Placement Agent Warrants at a weighted average exercise price of $1.36 per share, all of which are currently exercisable; and |
| shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of the First Bridge Warrants and the First Bridge Placement Agent Warrants. |
Unless specifically stated otherwise, all information in this prospectus assumes the following:
| the automatic conversion of all of our outstanding shares of Non-Voting Subordinated Class A Common Stock (Non-Voting Common Stock) into shares of common stock on a one-for-one basis upon the completion of this offering; |
| the automatic conversion of all of our outstanding convertible notes into an aggregate of Units and shares of common stock upon the completion of this offering; |
| the cancellation of all First Bridge Warrants, Second Bridge Warrants and First Bridge Placement Agent Warrants prior to the completion of this offering; |
| the filing of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and the adoption of our amended and restated by-laws effective upon the completion of this offering; |
| no exercise of warrants or options outstanding on the date of this prospectus, except as specifically set forth herein; and |
| a 1 for reverse stock split of our common stock to be effected prior to the completion of this offering. |
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The following statement of operations data for 2007 and 2008, are derived from our audited financial statements, which are included elsewhere in this document. The statement of operations data for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2009, along with the period from July 28, 2006 (Inception) to September 30, 2009, and the balance sheet data as of September 30, 2009, have been derived from our unaudited financial statements, which are also included elsewhere in this document. In the opinion of management, the unaudited financial statements have been prepared on the same basis as the audited financial statements and include all adjustments necessary for the fair presentation of our financial position and results of operations for these periods. The following selected financial data should be read together with our financial statements and related notes and Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included elsewhere in this prospectus. The summary financial data in this section is not intended to replace our financial statements and the accompanying notes. Our historical results are not necessarily indicative of our future results.
Year Ended
December 31, 2007 |
Year Ended
December 31, 2008 |
Nine Months
Ended September 30, 2008 |
Nine Months
Ended September 30, 2009 |
Period from
July 28, 2006 (Inception) to September 30, 2009 |
||||||||||||||||
(Unaudited) | (Unaudited) | (Unaudited) | ||||||||||||||||||
Operating expenses:
|
||||||||||||||||||||
Research and development | $ | 3,820,429 | $ | 3,083,002 | $ | 2,508,358 | $ | 994,195 | $ | 8,650,106 | ||||||||||
General and administrative | 1,667,056 | 1,732,602 | 1,286,567 | 1,090,386 | 4,699,733 | |||||||||||||||
Loss from operations | (5,487,485 | ) | (4,815,604 | ) | (3,794,925 | ) | (2,084,581 | ) | (13,349,839 | ) | ||||||||||
Interest income | 60,830 | 25,903 | 25,511 | 2,104 | 88,837 | |||||||||||||||
Interest expense, including amortization of deferred financing costs and debt discounts | (1,810,871 | ) | (4,207,044 | ) | (3,648,417 | ) | (1,498,510 | ) | (7,529,573 | ) | ||||||||||
Net loss | $ | (7,237,526 | ) | $ | (8,996,745 | ) | $ | (7,417,831 | ) | $ | (3,580,987 | ) | $ | (20,790,575 | ) | |||||
Basic and diluted net loss per common share | $ | (1.51 | ) | $ | (1.75 | ) | $ | (1.45 | ) | $ | (0.70 | ) | ||||||||
Weighted average common shares outstanding basic and diluted | 4,778,291 | 5,147,700 | 5,111,134 | 5,147,700 |
September 30, 2009 | ||||||||||||
Actual | Pro Forma | Pro Forma As Adjusted | ||||||||||
(Unaudited) | (Unaudited) | (Unaudited) | ||||||||||
Cash | $ | 24,093 | $ | $ | ||||||||
Total Assets | 123,922 | |||||||||||
Total Liabilities | 15,643,728 | |||||||||||
Deficit Accumulated During the Development Stage | (20,790,575 | ) | ||||||||||
Total Stockholders Equity (Deficiency) | (15,519,806 | ) |
The September 30, 2009 unaudited pro forma balance sheet data reflects (i) the automatic conversion of all of our outstanding convertible notes into an aggregate of Units and shares of common stock upon the completion of this offering, (ii) the automatic conversion of all of our outstanding shares of Non-Voting Common Stock into shares of common stock on a one-for-one basis upon the completion of this offering and (iii) our issuance of $2,619,973 aggregate principal amount of 8% Notes in October and November 2009. The September 30, 2009 unaudited pro forma as adjusted balance sheet data further reflects our sale of Units in this offering at an assumed initial public offering price of $ per Unit (the mid-point of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus), after deducting the estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us.
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Investing in our securities involves a high degree of risk. You should carefully consider the following risk factors, as well as the other information in this prospectus (including our financial statements and the related notes appearing at the end of this prospectus), before deciding whether to invest in our securities. The occurrence of any of the following risks could harm our business, financial condition, results of operations or growth prospects. In that case, the trading price of our securities could decline, and you may lose all or part of your investment.
We were established in July 2006 and have only a limited operating history. Therefore, there is limited historical financial information upon which to base an evaluation of our performance. Our prospects must be considered in light of the uncertainties, risks, expenses, and difficulties frequently encountered by companies in their early stages of operations. We incurred a net loss of approximately $1.0 million for the period from inception (July 28, 2006) to December 31, 2006, net losses of approximately $7.2 million and $9.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2008, respectively, and a net loss of approximately $3.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009. As of September 30, 2009, we had an accumulated deficit of approximately $20.8 million. We expect to incur substantial additional operating expenses over the next several years as our research, development, pre-clinical testing, and clinical trial activities increase. The amount of future losses and when, if ever, we will achieve profitability are uncertain. We have no products that have generated any commercial revenue, do not expect to generate revenues from the commercial sale of products in the near future, and might never generate revenues from the sale of products. Our ability to generate revenue and achieve profitability will depend on, among other things, the following: successful completion of the development of our product candidates; obtaining necessary regulatory approvals from the FDA and international regulatory agencies; establishing manufacturing, sales, and marketing arrangements, either alone or with third parties; and raising sufficient funds to finance our activities. We might not succeed at any of these undertakings. If we are unsuccessful at some or all of these undertakings, our business, prospects, and results of operations may be materially adversely affected.
In their report accompanying our audited financial statements, our independent registered public accounting firm expressed substantial doubt as to our ability to continue as a going concern. A going concern opinion could impair our ability to finance our operations through the sale of debt or equity securities. Our ability to continue as a going concern will depend, in large part, on our ability to generate positive cash flow from operations and obtain additional financing if necessary, neither of which is certain. If we are unable to achieve these goals, our business would be jeopardized and we may not be able to continue operations.
We have a history of losses and expect to incur substantial losses and negative operating cash flow for the foreseeable future, and we may never achieve or maintain profitability. Even if we succeed in developing and commercializing one or more product candidates, we expect to incur substantial losses for the foreseeable future and may never become profitable. We also expect to continue to incur significant operating and capital expenditures and anticipate that our expenses will increase substantially in the foreseeable future as we continue to undertake development of our product candidates, undertake clinical trials of our product candidates, seek regulatory approvals for product candidates, implement additional internal systems and infrastructure, and hire additional personnel.
We also expect to experience negative cash flow for the foreseeable future as we fund our operating losses and capital expenditures. As a result, we will need to generate significant revenues in order to achieve and maintain profitability. We may not be able to generate these revenues or achieve profitability in the future. Our failure to achieve or maintain profitability would negatively impact the value of our securities.
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To date, we have no approved product on the market and have generated no product revenues. Unless and until we receive approval from the FDA and other regulatory authorities for our product candidates, we cannot sell our products and will not have product revenues. Therefore, for the foreseeable future, we will have to fund all of our operations and capital expenditures from the net proceeds of this offering, cash on hand, licensing fees and grants.
We believe that the net proceeds from this offering and existing cash will be sufficient to enable us to fund our projected operating requirements for at least two years. However, we may need to raise additional funds more quickly if one or more of our assumptions prove to be incorrect or if we choose to expand our product development efforts more rapidly than we presently anticipate, and we may decide to raise additional funds even before we need them if the conditions for raising capital are favorable.
We may seek to sell additional equity or debt securities, obtain a bank credit facility, or enter into a corporate collaboration or licensing arrangement. The sale of additional equity or debt securities, if convertible, could result in dilution to our stockholders. The incurrence of indebtedness would result in increased fixed obligations and could also result in covenants that would restrict our operations. Raising additional funds through collaboration or licensing arrangements with third parties may require us to relinquish valuable rights to our technologies, future revenue streams, research programs or product candidates, or to grant licenses on terms that may not be favorable to us or our stockholders.
Our independent registered public accounting firm has identified material weaknesses in our financial reporting process with respect to lack of segregation of duties and lack of independent review over financial reporting. Our independent registered public accounting firm also identified numerous errors in the accounting for non-routine, complex transactions during their audit of our financial statements. Our failure to successfully implement our plans to remediate these material weaknesses could cause us to fail to meet our reporting obligations, to produce timely and reliable financial information, and to effectively prevent fraud. Additionally, such failure could cause investors to lose confidence in our reported financial information, which could have a negative impact on our financial condition and stock price.
We are a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of product candidates that are in various stages of development. Our products are currently at the following stages of development:
| CRMX003 (CorMedix Neutrolin®) - we intend to submit an Investigational Device Exemption by mid-2010 to support a pivotal clinical trial |
| CRMX004 - pre-clinical phase |
| CRMX001 - we intend to start a phase II biomarker proof of concept study by mid-2010 to support a phase III trial |
| CRMX002 - pre-clinical phase |
Our product development methods may not lead to commercially viable products for any of several reasons. For example, our product candidates may fail to be proven safe and effective in clinical trials, or we may have inadequate financial or other resources to pursue development efforts for our product candidates. Our product candidates will require significant additional development, clinical trials, regulatory clearances and investment by us or our collaborators before they can be commercialized.
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Our development of current and future product candidates is subject to the risks of failure and delay inherent in the development of new pharmaceutical products, including but not limited to the following:
| delays in product development, clinical testing, or manufacturing; |
| unplanned expenditures in product development, clinical testing, or manufacturing; |
| failure to receive regulatory approvals; |
| emergence of superior or equivalent products; |
| inability to manufacture our product candidates on a commercial scale on our own, or in collaboration with third parties; and |
| failure to achieve market acceptance. |
Because of these risks, our development efforts may not result in any commercially viable products. If a significant portion of these development efforts are not successfully completed, required regulatory approvals are not obtained or any approved products are not commercialized successfully, our business, financial condition, and results of operations may be materially harmed.
In order to obtain FDA approval to market a new drug or device product, we must demonstrate proof of safety and effectiveness in humans. To meet these requirements, we must conduct adequate and well-controlled clinical trials. Conducting clinical trials is a lengthy, time-consuming, and expensive process. The length of time may vary substantially according to the type, complexity, novelty, and intended use of the product candidate, and often can be several years or more per trial. Delays associated with products for which we are directly conducting clinical trials may cause us to incur additional operating expenses. The commencement and rate of completion of clinical trials may be delayed by many factors, including, for example:
| inability to manufacture sufficient quantities of qualified materials under the FDAs current Good Manufacturing Practices requirements, referred to herein as cGMP, for use in clinical trials; |
| slower than expected rates of patient recruitment; |
| failure to recruit a sufficient number of patients; |
| modification of clinical trial protocols; |
| changes in regulatory requirements for clinical trials; |
| lack of effectiveness during clinical trials; |
| emergence of unforeseen safety issues; |
| delays, suspension, or termination of clinical trials due to the institutional review board responsible for overseeing the study at a particular study site; and |
| government or regulatory delays or clinical holds requiring suspension or termination of the trials. |
The results from early clinical trials are not necessarily predictive of results to be obtained in later clinical trials. Accordingly, even if we obtain positive results from early clinical trials, we may not achieve the same success in later clinical trials.
Our clinical trials may be conducted in patients with serious or life-threatening diseases for whom conventional treatments have been unsuccessful or for whom no conventional treatment exists, and in some cases, our product is expected to be used in combination with approved therapies that themselves have significant adverse event profiles. During the course of treatment, these patients could suffer adverse medical events or die for reasons that may or may not be related to our products. We cannot ensure that safety issues will not arise with respect to our products in clinical development.
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Clinical trials may not demonstrate statistically significant safety and effectiveness to obtain the requisite regulatory approvals for product candidates. The failure of clinical trials to demonstrate safety and effectiveness for the desired indications could harm the development of our product candidates. Such a failure could cause us to abandon a product candidate and could delay development of other product candidates. Any delay in, or termination of, our clinical trials would delay the filing of our New Drug Applications or Premarket Approval Applications with the FDA and, ultimately, our ability to commercialize our product candidates and generate product revenues. Any change in, or termination of, our clinical trials could materially harm our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
To date, we have not applied for or received the regulatory approvals required for the commercial sale of any of our products in the United States or in any foreign jurisdiction. None of our product candidates has been determined to be safe and effective, and we have not submitted a New Drug Application or Premarket Approval Application to the FDA or an equivalent application to any foreign regulatory authority for any of our product candidates.
It is possible that none of our product candidates will be approved for marketing. Failure to obtain regulatory approvals, or delays in obtaining regulatory approvals, may adversely affect the successful commercialization of any drugs or biologics that we or our partners develop, impose additional costs on us or our collaborators, diminish any competitive advantages that we or our partners may attain, and/or adversely affect our receipt of revenues or royalties.
Once a product is approved, numerous post-approval requirements apply. Depending on the circumstances, failure to meet these post-approval requirements can result in criminal prosecution, fines, injunctions, recall or seizure of products, total or partial suspension of production, denial or withdrawal of pre-marketing product approvals, or refusal to allow us to enter into supply contracts, including government contracts. In addition, even if we comply with FDA and other requirements, new information regarding the safety or effectiveness of a product could lead the FDA to modify or withdraw product approval.
Sales of pharmaceutical products largely depend on the reimbursement of patients medical expenses by government health care programs and private health insurers. Without the financial support of the government or third-party payors, the market for our products will be limited. These third-party payors are increasingly challenging the price and examining the cost effectiveness of medical products and services. Recent proposals to change the health care system in the United States have included measures that would limit or eliminate payments for medical products and services or subject the pricing of medical treatment products to government control. Significant uncertainty exists as to the reimbursement status of newly approved health care products. Third-party payors may not reimburse sales of our products or enable our collaborators to sell them at profitable prices.
Even if the FDA approves one or more of our product candidates, physicians and patients may not accept and use it. Acceptance and use of our products will depend upon a number of factors including the following:
| perceptions by members of the health care community, including physicians, about the safety and effectiveness of our drug or device product; |
| cost-effectiveness of our product relative to competing products; |
| availability of reimbursement for our product from government or other healthcare payers; and |
| effectiveness of marketing and distribution efforts by us and our licensees and distributors, if any. |
Because we expect sales of our current product candidates, if approved, to generate substantially all of our product revenues for the foreseeable future, the failure of these products to find market acceptance would harm our business and could require us to seek additional financing.
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We compete with established pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies that are pursuing other forms of treatment for the same indications we are pursuing and that have greater financial and other resources. Other companies may succeed in developing products earlier than we do, obtaining FDA approval for products more rapidly, or developing products that are more effective than our product candidates. Research and development by others may render our technology or product candidates obsolete or noncompetitive, or result in treatments or cures superior to any therapy we develop. We face competition from companies that internally develop competing technology or acquire competing technology from universities and other research institutions. As these companies develop their technologies, they may develop competitive positions that may prevent, make futile, or limit our product commercialization efforts, which would result in a decrease in the revenue we would be able to derive from the sale of any products.
There can be no assurance that any of our product candidates will be accepted by the marketplace as readily as these or other competing treatments. Furthermore, if our competitors products are approved before ours, it could be more difficult for us to obtain approval from the FDA. Even if our products are successfully developed and approved for use by all governing regulatory bodies, there can be no assurance that physicians and patients will accept our product(s) as a treatment of choice.
Furthermore, the pharmaceutical industry is diverse, complex, and rapidly changing. By its nature, the business risks associated therewith are numerous and significant. The effects of competition, intellectual property disputes, market acceptance, and FDA regulations preclude us from forecasting revenues or income with certainty or even confidence.
Our business exposes us to the risk of product liability claims that are inherent in the development of drugs. If the use of one or more of our or our collaborators drugs harms people, we may be subject to costly and damaging product liability claims brought against us by clinical trial participants, consumers, health care providers, pharmaceutical companies or others selling our products. Our inability to obtain sufficient product liability insurance at an acceptable cost to protect against potential product liability claims could prevent or inhibit the commercialization of products we develop, alone or with collaborators.
We currently do not carry clinical trial insurance or product liability insurance. We intend to obtain such insurance in the future. We cannot predict all of the possible harms or side effects that may result and, therefore, the amount of insurance coverage we hold may not be adequate to cover all liabilities we might incur. We intend to expand our insurance coverage to include the sale of commercial products if we obtain marketing approval for our product candidates in development, but we may be unable to obtain commercially reasonable product liability insurance for any products approved for marketing. If we are unable to obtain insurance at an acceptable cost or otherwise protect against potential product liability claims, we may be exposed to significant liabilities, which may materially and adversely affect our business and financial position. If we are sued for any injury allegedly caused by our or our collaborators products and do not have sufficient insurance coverage, our liability could exceed our total assets and our ability to pay the liability. A product liability claim or series of claims brought against us would decrease our cash and could reduce our value or marketability.
Our research, development and manufacturing activities and/or those of our third party contractors may involve the controlled use of hazardous materials and chemicals. Although we believe that our safety procedures for using, storing, handling and disposing of these materials comply with federal, state and local laws and regulations, we cannot completely eliminate the risk of accidental injury or contamination from these materials. In the event of such an accident, we could be held liable for any resulting damages and any liability could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, the federal, state and local laws and regulations governing the use, manufacture, storage, handling and disposal of
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hazardous or radioactive materials and waste products may require us to incur substantial compliance costs that could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We are highly dependent on the principal members of our management and scientific staff, specifically, John Houghton, our Chief Executive Officer, and Dr. Mark Houser, our Chief Medical Officer. While we have employment agreements with such persons, employment agreements cannot insure our retention of the employees covered by such agreements. Furthermore, our future success will also depend in part on our ability to identify, hire, and retain additional personnel. We experience intense competition for qualified personnel and may be unable to attract and retain the personnel necessary for the development of our business. Moreover, our work force is located in the New York/New Jersey metropolitan area, where competition for personnel with the scientific and technical skills that we seek is extremely high and is likely to remain high. Because of this competition, our compensation costs may increase significantly. In addition, we have only limited ability to prevent former employees from competing with us.
Over time, we will need to hire additional qualified personnel with expertise in clinical testing, clinical research and testing, government regulation, formulation and manufacturing, and sales and marketing. We compete for qualified individuals with numerous biopharmaceutical companies, universities and other research institutions. Competition for such individuals is intense, and we cannot be certain that our search for such personnel will be successful. Attracting and retaining such qualified personnel will be critical to our success.
We currently use third party personnel to meet our internal accounting needs. In order to meet the heightened accounting and budgeting needs associated with operating a public company, it will be necessary to hire full-time accounting personnel, including a Chief Financial Officer. The hiring of a Chief Financial Officer is crucial to ensure the coordination and appropriate supervision of all financial and fiscal management aspects of our operations. The ability to retain a qualified Chief Financial Officer, and other appropriate accounting personnel as needed, will be essential to our success.
Our success will depend upon the expansion of our operations and the effective management of our growth, which will place a significant strain on our management and our administrative, operational and financial resources. To manage this growth, we must expand our facilities, augment our operational, financial and management systems and hire and train additional qualified personnel. If we are unable to manage our growth effectively, our business may be materially harmed.
Our commercial success will depend in part on the maintenance of our license agreements. Each of our license agreements provides the licensor with a right to terminate the license agreement for our material breach or default under the agreement. Particularly, our license agreement with Shiva Biomedical, LLC (referred to herein as the Shiva Contribution Agreement) provides for a right of termination for, among other things, our failure to (i) initiate patient dosing in a proof of concept trial for a licensed product on or before April 30, 2010, and (ii) initiate patient dosing in a pivotal trial on or before September 30, 2011. Additionally, our license agreement with Dr. Hans-Dietrich Polaschegg (referred to herein as the Polaschegg License Agreement) provides for a right of termination for, among other things, our failure to make a product with respect to a particular piece of technology (there are two) available to the market by the later of eight years
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after (i) the date of the Polaschegg License Agreement, and (ii) the priority date of any new patent. Our intellectual property licensed under the Shiva Contribution Agreement serves as the basis for CRMX001 and CRMX002, and our intellectual property licensed under the Polaschegg License Agreement serves as a basis for CRMX004. Should the licensor party to any of our license agreements exercise such a termination right, we would lose our right to the intellectual property under the license agreement at issue, which loss may materially harm our business.
Our commercial success will depend in part on obtaining further patent protection for our products and other technologies and successfully defending any patents that we currently have or will obtain against third-party challenges. The patents most material to our business are as follows:
| U.S. Registration No. 6,166,007 (expiring May 2019) - a method of inhibiting or preventing infection and blood coagulation at a medical prosthetic device (for CRMX003) |
| European Registration No. 1442753, (expiring February 2023) - use of a thixotropic gel as a catheter locking composition, and method of locking a catheter (for CRMX004) |
| U.S. Registration Nos. 6,933,104, 6,906,052, 6,908,733, 6,995,152, 6,998,396, 7,045,282, 7,037,643, and 7,235,542 (expiring April 2020) - family of patents related to the diagnosis and treatment of CKD (for CRMX001) |
We are currently seeking further patent protection for numerous compounds and methods of treating diseases. However, the patent process is subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, and there can be no assurance that we will be successful in protecting our products by obtaining and defending patents. These risks and uncertainties include those stated below.
| Patents that may be issued or licensed may be challenged, invalidated, or circumvented, or otherwise may not provide any competitive advantage. |
| Our competitors, many of which have substantially greater resources than we have and many of which have made significant investments in competing technologies, may seek, or may already have obtained, patents that will limit, interfere with, or eliminate our ability to make, use, and sell our potential products either in the United States or in international markets. |
| There may be significant pressure on the United States government and other international governmental bodies to limit the scope of patent protection both inside and outside the United States for treatments that prove successful as a matter of public policy regarding worldwide health concerns. |
| Countries other than the United States may have less restrictive patent laws than those upheld by United States courts, allowing foreign competitors the ability to exploit these laws to create, develop, and market competing products. |
In addition, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (the PTO) and patent offices in other jurisdictions have often required that patent applications concerning pharmaceutical and/or biotechnology-related inventions be limited or narrowed substantially to cover only the specific innovations exemplified in the patent application, thereby limiting the scope of protection against competitive challenges. Thus, even if we or our licensors are able to obtain patents, the patents may be substantially narrower than anticipated.
The patent applications in our patent portfolio are exclusively licensed to us. To support our patent strategy, we have engaged in a review of patentability and freedom to operate issues, including performing certain searches. We may not be aware, however, of all patents, published applications or published literature that may affect our business either by blocking our ability to commercialize our product candidates, preventing the patentability of our product candidates to us or our licensors, or covering the same or similar
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technologies that may invalidate our patents, limit the scope of our future patent claims or adversely affect our ability to market our product candidates.
In addition to patents, we also rely on trade secrets and proprietary know-how. Although we take measures to protect this information by entering into confidentiality and inventions agreements with our employees, scientific advisors, consultants, and collaborators, we cannot provide any assurances that these agreements will not be breached, that we will be able to protect ourselves from the harmful effects of disclosure if they are breached, or that our trade secrets will not otherwise become known or be independently discovered by competitors. If any of these events occurs, or we otherwise lose protection for our trade secrets or proprietary know-how, the value of this information may be greatly reduced.
Patent protection and other intellectual property protection is crucial to the success of our business and prospects, and there is a substantial risk that such protections will prove inadequate.
The biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries have been characterized by extensive litigation regarding patents and other intellectual property rights, and companies have employed intellectual property litigation to gain a competitive advantage. We may become subject to infringement claims or litigation arising out of patents and pending applications of our competitors, or additional interference proceedings declared by the PTO to determine the priority of inventions. The defense and prosecution of intellectual property suits, PTO proceedings, and related legal and administrative proceedings are costly and time-consuming to pursue, and their outcome is uncertain. Litigation may be necessary to enforce our issued patents, to protect our trade secrets and know-how, or to determine the enforceability, scope, and validity of the proprietary rights of others. An adverse determination in litigation or interference proceedings to which we may become a party could subject us to significant liabilities, require us to obtain licenses from third parties, or restrict or prevent us from selling our products in certain markets. Although patent and intellectual property disputes might be settled through licensing or similar arrangements, the costs associated with such arrangements may be substantial and could include our paying large fixed payments and ongoing royalties. Furthermore, the necessary licenses may not be available on satisfactory terms or at all.
If our products, methods, processes and other technologies infringe the proprietary rights of other parties, we could incur substantial costs and we may have to do one or more of the following:
| obtain licenses, which may not be available on commercially reasonable terms, if at all; |
| abandon an infringing product candidate; |
| redesign our products or processes to avoid infringement; |
| stop using the subject matter claimed in the patents held by others; |
| pay damages; or |
| defend litigation or administrative proceedings, which may be costly whether we win or lose, and which could result in a substantial diversion of our financial and management resources. |
Our business strategy may rely on out-licensing product candidates to or collaborating with larger firms with experience in marketing and selling pharmaceutical products. There can be no assurance that we will be able to successfully establish marketing, sales, or distribution relationships, that such relationships, if
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established, will be successful, or that we will be successful in gaining market acceptance for our products. To the extent that we enter into any marketing, sales, or distribution arrangements with third parties, our product revenues will be lower than if we marketed and sold our products directly, and any revenues we receive will depend upon the efforts of such third-parties. If we are unable to establish such third-party sales and marketing relationships, or choose not to do so, we will have to establish our own in-house capabilities. We currently have no sales, marketing, or distribution infrastructure. To market any of our products directly, we would need to develop a marketing, sales, and distribution force that has both technical expertise and the ability to support a distribution capability. The establishment of a marketing, sales, and distribution capability would significantly increase our costs, possibly requiring substantial additional capital. In addition, there is intense competition for proficient sales and marketing personnel, and we may not be able to attract individuals who have the qualifications necessary to market, sell, and distribute our products. There can be no assurance that we will be able to establish internal marketing, sales, or distribution capabilities. If we are unable to, or choose not to establish these capabilities, or if the capabilities we establish are not sufficient to meet our needs, we will be required to establish collaborative marketing, sales, or distribution relationships with third parties.
Completion of our clinical trials and commercialization of our product candidates require access to, or development of, facilities to manufacture a sufficient supply of our product candidates. All of our manufacturing processes currently are, and we expect them to continue to be, outsourced to third parties. If, for any reason, we become unable to rely on our current sources for the manufacture of our product candidates, either for clinical trials or, at some future date, for commercial quantities, then we would need to identify and contract with additional or replacement third-party manufacturers to manufacture compounds for pre-clinical, clinical, and commercial purposes. We may not be successful in identifying such additional or replacement third-party manufacturers, or in negotiating acceptable terms with any that we do identify. Such third-party manufacturers must receive FDA approval before they can produce clinical material or commercial product, and any that are identified may not receive such approval. We may be in competition with other companies for access to these manufacturers facilities and may be subject to delays in manufacturing if the manufacturers give other clients higher priority than they give to us. If we are unable to secure and maintain third-party manufacturing capacity, the development and sales of our products and our financial performance may be materially affected.
Before we can begin to commercially manufacture our product candidates, we must obtain regulatory approval of the manufacturing facility and process. Manufacturing of drugs for clinical and commercial purposes must comply with current Good Manufacturing Practices (referred to herein as cGMPs), and applicable non-U.S. regulatory requirements. The cGMP requirements govern quality control and documentation policies and procedures. Complying with cGMP and non-U.S. regulatory requirements will require that we expend time, money, and effort in production, recordkeeping, and quality control to assure that the product meets applicable specifications and other requirements. We, or our contracted manufacturing facility, must also pass a pre-approval inspection prior to FDA approval. Failure to pass a pre-approval inspection may significantly delay FDA approval of our products. If we fail to comply with these requirements, we would be subject to possible regulatory action and may be limited in the jurisdictions in which we are permitted to sell our products. As a result, our business, financial condition, and results of operations may be materially adversely affected.
Our operating and financial strategy for the development, clinical testing, manufacture, and commercialization of product candidates is heavily dependent on our entering into collaborations with corporations, academic institutions, licensors, licensees, and other parties. Our current strategy assumes that we will successfully establish these collaborations or similar relationships. However, there can be no assurance that we will be successful establishing such collaborations. Some of our existing collaborations are, and future
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collaborations may be, terminable at the sole discretion of the collaborator. Replacement collaborators might not be available on attractive terms, or at all. The activities of any collaborator will not be within our control and may not be within our power to influence. There can be no assurance that any collaborator will perform its obligations to our satisfaction or at all, that we will derive any revenue or profits from such collaborations, or that any collaborator will not compete with us. If any collaboration is not pursued, we may require substantially greater capital to undertake development and marketing of our proposed products and may not be able to develop and market such products effectively, if at all. In addition, a lack of development and marketing collaborations may lead to significant delays in introducing proposed products into certain markets and/or reduced sales of proposed products in such markets.
We rely on third-party vendors, scientists, and collaborators to provide us with significant data and other information related to our projects, clinical trials, and business. If such third parties provide inaccurate, misleading, or incomplete data, our business, prospects, and results of operations could be materially adversely affected.
Our directors, executive officers and 5% or greater stockholders currently beneficially own approximately 66.3% of our voting capital stock. When this offering is completed, our directors, executive officers and 5% or greater stockholders will, in the aggregate, beneficially own shares representing % of our voting capital stock, assuming such persons do not purchase any Units in this offering. As a result, if these stockholders were to choose to act together, they would be able to exercise significant influence with respect to all matters submitted to our stockholders for approval, as well as our management and affairs. For example, these persons, if they choose to act together, will exercise significant influence with respect to the election of directors and approval of any merger, consolidation, sale of all or substantially all of our assets or other business combination or reorganization. This concentration of voting power could delay or prevent an acquisition of us on terms that other stockholders may desire. The interests of this group of stockholders may not always coincide with your interests or the interests of other stockholders, and they may act in a manner that advances their best interests and not necessarily those of other stockholders, and might affect the prevailing market price for our securities.
Lindsay A. Rosenwald, M.D. is the Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and sole stockholder of Paramount BioCapital, Inc. Dr. Rosenwald currently beneficially owns approximately 17.5% of our voting capital stock. In addition, certain trusts established for the benefit of Dr. Rosenwalds children currently own less than one percent of our voting capital stock, and certain trusts established for the benefit of Dr. Rosenwald and his family currently own approximately 12.4% of our voting capital stock. Certain other employees of Paramount BioCapital, Inc. or its affiliates are also current stockholders and/or directors of CorMedix. Paramount BioSciences, LLC, of which Dr. Rosenwald is the sole member, and certain trusts established for the benefit of Dr. Rosenwalds children also have loaned us amounts from time to time pursuant to the PBS Note and Family Trusts Note (each as defined below). As of September 30, 2009, approximately $601,000, including accrued and unpaid interest, remained outstanding under such notes. Paramount BioCapital, Inc. is a FINRA-registered broker-dealer, which has acted as placement agent for certain of our past private placements of debt securities, and for which it received customary commissions. Paramount BioSciences, LLC is a global pharmaceutical development and healthcare investment firm that conceives, nurtures, and supports new biotechnology and life-sciences companies. To our knowledge, Paramount Biosciences is not presently invested in any of our competitors, licensees, or potential collaborators. Lindsay A. Rosenwald, M.D. is co-portfolio manager of a series of asset management vehicles focused on investments in healthcare and
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pharmaceutical companies, some of which may be potential competitors of ours. For more information regarding these relationships and other relationships between us and related parties, see Certain Relationships and Related Transactions.
Generally, Delaware corporate law, under which we are governed, requires that any transactions between us and any of our affiliates be on terms that, when taken as a whole, are substantially as favorable to us as those then reasonably obtainable from a person who is not an affiliate in an arms-length transaction. We believe that the terms of the agreements we have entered into with our affiliates satisfy the requirements of Delaware law, but in the event that one or more parties challenges the fairness of such terms we could have to expend substantial resources in resolving the challenge and we can make no guarantees as to the result. Furthermore, none of our affiliates, Paramount BioSciences, LLC or Dr. Rosenwald is obligated pursuant to any agreement or understanding with us to make any additional products or technologies available to us, nor can there be any assurance, and we do not expect and purchasers of the Units should not expect, that any biomedical or pharmaceutical product or technology identified by such affiliates, Paramount BioSciences, LLC or Dr. Rosenwald in the future will be made available to us. In addition, certain of our current officers and directors or certain of any officers or directors hereafter appointed may from time to time serve as officers or directors of other biopharmaceutical or biotechnology companies. There can be no assurance that such other companies will not have interests in conflict with our own.
Provisions in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated by-laws that will become effective upon the completion of this offering, as well as provisions of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (DGCL), may discourage, delay or prevent a merger, acquisition or other change in control of our company, even if such a change in control would be beneficial to our stockholders. These provisions include the following:
| prohibiting our stockholders from fixing the number of our directors; and |
| establishing advance notice requirements for stockholder proposals that can be acted on at stockholder meetings and nominations to our Board of Directors. |
Section 203 of the DGCL, which prohibits a person who owns in excess of 15% of our outstanding voting stock from merging or combining with us for a period of three years after the date of the transaction in which the person acquired in excess of 15% of our outstanding voting stock, unless the merger or combination is approved in a prescribed manner. We have not opted out of the restrictions under Section 203.
Assuming our sale of Units at an assumed public offering price of $ per Unit (which is the mid-point of the estimated initial offering price range set forth on the cover of this prospectus) and after deducting the underwriting discount and commissions and estimated offering expenses, our as adjusted net tangible book value as of would be approximately $ million, or $ per share of common stock outstanding. This represents an immediate increase in net tangible book value of $ per share of common stock to our existing stockholders and an immediate dilution of $ per share of common stock to the new investors purchasing Units in this offering. Purchasers of Units in this offering will have contributed approximately % of the aggregate price paid by all owners of our common stock but will own only approximately % of our common stock outstanding after this offering.
To the extent outstanding options or warrants are exercised, you will incur further dilution.
You will also incur dilution as a result of the conversion of our senior convertible notes, the Paramount Notes and our Non-Voting Common Stock upon the completion of this offering. Assuming an offering price of $ per Unit, the 12% Notes and the Paramount Notes will automatically convert into Units and the 8% Notes will automatically convert into shares of common stock. In addition, all shares of Non-Voting Common Stock will automatically convert into shares of common stock, on a one-for-one basis, upon the completion of this offering. See Description of Capital Stock on page 81 for more information regarding these securities.
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This is our initial public offering of equity securities and prior to this offering, there has been no public market for our common stock or other securities.
The initial public offering price for the Units sold in this offering will be determined through negotiations with the underwriters. We applied for listing our Units, as well as our common stock and warrants issued as a part of the Units, on NYSE Amex. The Units will begin trading on or promptly after the date of this prospectus. Each of the common stock and warrants will trade separately within the first trading days following the earlier to occur of the expiration of the underwriters over allotment option or its exercise in full.
An active trading market for our common stock and other securities may never develop or be sustained. If an active market for our common stock and other securities does not develop, it may be difficult for you to sell the securities you purchase in this offering without depressing the market price for such securities.
The prices of our securities are likely to be volatile. The stock market in general and the market for biotechnology companies in particular have experienced extreme volatility that has often been unrelated to the operating performance of particular companies. As a result of this volatility, investors may not be able to sell their securities at or above the price paid in this initial public offering. The market prices of our securities may be influenced by many factors, including but not limited to the following:
| results of clinical trials of our product candidates or those of our competitors; |
| our entry into or the loss of a significant collaboration; |
| regulatory or legal developments in the United States and other countries, including changes in the healthcare payment systems; |
| variations in our financial results or those of companies that are perceived to be similar to us; |
| market conditions in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors and issuance of new or changed securities analysts reports or recommendations; |
| general economic, industry and market conditions; |
| developments or disputes concerning patents or other proprietary rights; |
| future sales or anticipated sales of our securities by us or our stockholders; and |
| any other factors described in this Risk Factors section. |
For these reasons and others, you should consider an investment in our securities as risky and invest only if you can withstand a significant loss and wide fluctuations in the value of your investment.
Our management will have broad discretion in the application of the net proceeds from this offering and could spend the proceeds in ways that do not improve our results of operations or enhance the value of our securities. The failure by our management to apply these funds effectively could result in financial losses that could have a material adverse effect on our business, cause the price of our securities to decline and delay the development of our product candidates. Pending the application of these funds, we may invest the net proceeds from this offering in a manner that does not produce income or that loses value.
We intend to use the proceeds from this offering as follows: (i) approximately $ for CRMX003 development; (ii) approximately $ for CRMX001 development; (iii) approximately $ for CRMX004 development; (iv) approximately $ for CRMX002 development; and (v) the balance to fund working capital and other general corporate purposes, which may include the acquisition or licensing of complementary technologies, products or businesses. Because of the number and variability of factors that will determine our use of the proceeds from this offering, their ultimate use may vary substantially from their
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currently intended use. For a further description of our intended use of the proceeds of this offering, see the Use of Proceeds section of this prospectus.
Each Unit issued in this offering will consist of two shares of common stock and a warrant to purchase one share of common stock. We will also issue a warrant to purchase Units to the underwriters that, if executed, would result in the issuance of an additional shares of common stock and warrants to purchase an additional shares of common stock. Additionally, following the completion of this offering, we will have outstanding other warrants that, if executed, would result in the issuance of an additional 140,000 shares of common stock at a weighted average exercise price of $1.36 per share.
As of September 30, 2009, we had outstanding $13,764,911 aggregate principal amount and interest of 12% Notes and $601,194 aggregate principal amount and interest outstanding under the Paramount Notes, all of which will automatically convert into Units upon the completion of this offering. In addition, in October and November 2009, we issued $2,619,973 aggregate principal amount of 8% Notes (as defined below), all of which, together with accrued and unpaid interest thereon, will automatically convert into shares of common stock upon the completion of this offering. Assuming an offering price of $ per Unit, the 12% Notes and the Paramount Notes will automatically convert into Units and the 8% Notes will automatically convert into shares of common stock. In addition, all shares of Non-Voting Common Stock will automatically convert into shares of common stock on a one-for-one basis upon the completion of this offering.
We have issued options to purchase 185,000 shares of our common stock to our officers, directors and employees under our 2006 Stock Incentive Plan at a weighted average exercise price of $1.05 per share. Options to purchase 78,333 of such shares are currently exercisable or will be exercisable within 60 days of the date of this prospectus.
The sale or even the possibility of sale of the shares of common stock described above could substantially reduce the market price for our common stock or our ability to obtain future financing.
To the extent we raise additional capital by issuing equity securities, our stockholders may experience substantial dilution. We may sell common stock, convertible securities or other equity securities in one or more transactions at prices and in a manner we determine from time to time. If we sell common stock, convertible securities or other equity securities in more than one transaction, investors may be further diluted by subsequent sales. Such sales may also result in material dilution to our existing stockholders, and new investors could gain rights superior to existing stockholders.
Pursuant to our 2006 Stock Incentive Plan, our Board of Directors is authorized to award up to a total of 925,000 shares of common stock or options to purchase shares of common stock to our officers, directors and employees. As of December 31, 2009, options to purchase 185,000 shares of common stock had been issued under the 2006 Stock Incentive Plan at a weighted average exercise price of $1.05 per share. Stockholders will experience dilution in the event that additional shares of common stock are issued under the 2006 Stock Incentive Plan, or options previously issued or to be issued under the 2006 Stock Incentive Plan are exercised.
Following the completion of this offering, holders of Units and holders of shares of common stock will be entitled to certain demand and piggyback registration rights. Additionally, a warrant to purchase Units that we will issue to the underwriters as partial compensation for their
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services as underwriters will provide for certain demand and piggyback registration rights at our expense with respect to the underlying shares of common stock during the five year period commencing six months after the effective date. See Description of Capital Stock on page 81 for more information on these registration rights.
If these holders exercise their registration rights with respect to all of their securities, then there would be up to an additional shares of common stock eligible for trading in the public market. The presence of this additional number of shares of common stock eligible for trading in the public market may substantially reduce the market price of our common stock. In addition, the existence of these holders piggyback registration rights may make it more difficult for us to effect future public offerings and may reduce the amount of capital that we are able to raise for our own account in these offerings.
As a public company, we will incur significant legal, accounting and other expenses that we did not incur as a private company. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as well as rules subsequently implemented by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) and NYSE Amex, have imposed various new requirements on public companies, including requiring establishment and maintenance of effective disclosure and financial controls and changes in corporate governance practices. Our management and other personnel will need to devote a substantial amount of time to these new compliance initiatives. Moreover, these rules and regulations will increase our legal and financial compliance costs and will make some activities more time consuming and costly. We expect these rules and regulations to make it more difficult and more expensive for us to obtain director and officer liability insurance and we may be required to incur substantial costs to maintain the same or similar coverage.
The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 requires, among other things, that we maintain effective internal control over financial reporting and disclosure controls and procedures. In particular, we will be required to perform system and process evaluation and testing of our internal control over financial reporting to allow management and possibly our independent registered public accounting firm to report, commencing in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ending December 31, 2011, on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. To date, our independent registered public accounting firm has identified a number of deficiencies in our internal controls over financial reporting that it deemed to be material weaknesses. Our compliance with Section 404 will require that we incur substantial costs and expend significant management efforts. We currently do not have an internal accounting group, and we will need to hire additional accounting and financial staff. Moreover, if we are not able to comply with the requirements of Section 404 in a timely manner or if we are not able to remediate the material weaknesses identified by our independent registered public accounting firm, the market price of our stock could decline and we could be subject to sanctions or investigations by NYSE Amex, the SEC or other regulatory authorities, which would require additional financial and management resources.
We applied to have our Units, common stock and warrants listed on NYSE Amex. After the completion of this offering, we believe that we will satisfy the listing requirements and expect that our Units, common stock and warrants will be listed on NYSE Amex. Such listing, however, is not guaranteed. If the application is not approved, we will seek to have our Units, common stock and warrants quoted on the OTC Bulletin Board. Even if such listing is approved, there can be no assurance any broker will be interested in trading our securities. Therefore, it may be difficult to sell any securities you purchase in this offering if you desire or need to sell them. Our lead underwriter, Maxim Group LLC (Maxim), is not obligated to make a market in our securities, and even after making a market, can discontinue market making at any time without notice. Neither we nor the underwriters can provide any assurance that an active and liquid trading market in our securities will develop or, if developed, that the market will continue.
19
The trading market for our common stock and other securities will depend in part on the research and reports that securities or industry analysts publish about us or our business. We do not currently have and may never obtain research coverage by securities and industry analysts. If no securities or industry analysts commence coverage of us the trading price for our common stock and other securities would be negatively affected. In the event we obtain securities or industry analyst coverage, if one or more of the analysts who covers us downgrades our securities, the price of our securities would likely decline. If one or more of these analysts ceases to cover us or fails to publish regular reports on us, interest in the purchase of our securities could decrease, which could cause the price of our common stock and other securities and their trading volume to decline.
We have never paid dividends on our capital stock and do not anticipate paying any dividends for the foreseeable future. Accordingly, to the extent the securities you purchase in this offering convert into equity securities, you should not expect to receive dividends on such equity securities.
20
This prospectus contains forward-looking statements, including statements regarding the progress and timing of clinical trials, the safety and efficacy of our product candidates, the goals of our development activities, estimates of the potential markets for our product candidates, estimates of the capacity of manufacturing and other facilities to support our products, our expected future revenues, operations and expenditures and projected cash needs. The forward-looking statements are contained principally in the sections entitled Prospectus Summary, Risk Factors, Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and Business. These statements relate to future events or our future financial performance and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause our actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievement to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, among others:
| our ability to obtain additional funding to develop our product candidates; |
| the need to obtain regulatory approval of our product candidates; |
| the success of our clinical trials through all phases of clinical development; |
| any delays in regulatory review and approval of product candidates in clinical development; |
| our ability to commercialize our products; |
| market acceptance of our product candidates; |
| our ability to establish an effective sales and marketing infrastructure; |
| competition from existing products or new products that may emerge; |
| regulatory difficulties relating to products that have already received regulatory approval; |
| potential product liability claims; |
| our dependency on third-party manufacturers to supply or manufacture our products; |
| our ability to establish or maintain collaborations, licensing or other arrangements; |
| our ability and third parties abilities to protect intellectual property rights; |
| compliance with obligations under intellectual property licenses with third parties; |
| our ability to adequately support future growth; and |
| our ability to attract and retain key personnel to manage our business effectively. |
Forward-looking statements include all statements that are not historical facts. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terms such as may, will, should, could, would, expects, plans, anticipates, believes, estimates, projects, predicts, potential, or the negative of those terms, and similar expressions and comparable terminology intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements reflect our current views with respect to future events and are based on assumptions and subject to risks and uncertainties. Given these uncertainties, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements represent our estimates and assumptions only as of the date of this prospectus and, except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise after the date of this prospectus. The forward-looking statements contained in this prospectus are excluded from the safe harbor protection provided by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
21
We estimate that the net proceeds from the sale of the Units we are offering will be approximately $ million, or $ million if the underwriters exercise their over-allotment option in full, assuming an initial public offering price of $ per Unit, which is the midpoint of the range listed on the cover page of this prospectus, and after deducting estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us.
The principal purposes for this offering are to fund our development activities, including clinical trials for our most advanced product candidates, CRMX003 and CRMX001, and pre-clinical development of our other product candidates, CRMX004 and CRMX002, to increase our working capital, to create a public market for our common stock, to increase our ability to access the capital markets in the future, for general corporate purposes and to provide liquidity for our existing stockholders.
We anticipate using the net proceeds from this offering as follows:
| approximately $ for CRMX003 development to include the following: |
º | development of the final formulation for clinical trial use; |
º | FDA regulatory filing costs; |
º | pivotal clinical trial development costs; |
º | patent maintenance fees; |
| approximately $ for CRMX001 development to include the following: |
º | FDA regulatory costs; |
º | clinical development costs associated with the phase II biomarker proof of concept study; |
| approximately $ for CRMX004 development to include the following: |
º | optimizing a gel formulation; |
º | development costs associated with initial pre-clinical animal studies; |
| approximately $ for CRMX002 development to include the following: |
º | pre-clinical development costs associated with the identification and validation of an assay methodology to establish a reproducible test; and |
| the balance to fund working capital and other general corporate purposes, which may include the acquisition or licensing of complementary technologies, products or businesses. |
The expected use of net proceeds of this offering represents our intentions based on our current plans and business conditions. The amount and timing of our actual expenditures will depend on numerous factors, including the progress of our clinical trials and any unforeseen cash needs. As a result, we will retain broad discretion in the allocation and use of the remaining net proceeds of this offering. We have no current plans, agreements or commitments for any material acquisitions or licenses of any technologies, products or businesses.
We expect that the net proceeds from this offering, along with our existing cash resources, will be sufficient to enable us to fully develop CRMX003 through the pivotal clinical trial to the point of launch, and in parallel develop CRMX001 through completion of the phase II biomarker proof of concept study to the point of commencing the phase III trial, as well as advance the pre-clinical development of CRMX004 and CRMX002 as described above. We will need to raise additional funds following the completion of this offering in order to fully complete the development of CRMX001, to further develop CRMX002 or CRMX004 through and beyond the pre-clinical stage, or to develop any new product candidates.
A $1.00 increase (decrease) in the assumed initial public offering price of $ per Unit would increase (decrease) the net proceeds to us from this offering by approximately $ million, assuming the number of Units offered by us, as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, remains the same and after deducting estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us.
Pending application of the net proceeds, as described above, we intend to invest any remaining proceeds in a variety of short-term, investment-grade, interest-bearing securities.
22
We have never declared dividends on our equity securities, and currently do not plan to declare dividends on shares of our common stock in the foreseeable future. We expect to retain our future earnings, if any, for use in the operation and expansion of our business. Subject to the foregoing, the payment of cash dividends in the future, if any, will be at the discretion of our Board of Directors and will depend upon such factors as earnings levels, capital requirements, our overall financial condition and any other factors deemed relevant by our Board of Directors.
The following table sets forth our cash and our capitalization as of September 30, 2009:
| on an actual basis; |
| on a pro forma basis to reflect the following: |
º | the cancellation of all shares of our Class B Common Stock, Class C Common Stock, Class D Common Stock, Class E Common Stock and Class F Common Stock on October 6, 2009 and the issuance of 773,717 shares of common stock in exchange for the cancellation of such shares; |
º | the issuance of $2,619,973 in aggregate principal amount of the 8% Notes (occurred in October and November 2009); |
º | the automatic conversion of all of our outstanding shares of Non-Voting Common Stock into shares of common stock on a one-for-one basis upon the completion of this offering; and |
º | the automatic conversion of all of our outstanding convertible notes into an aggregate of Units and shares of common stock upon the completion of this offering; and |
| on a pro forma as adjusted basis to reflect our sale of Units in this offering, at an assumed initial public offering price of $ per Unit (the mid-point of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus), after deducting the estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us, the filing of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation upon completion of this offering and a 1 for reverse stock split of our common stock to be effected prior to the completion of this offering. |
23
The pro forma information below is illustrative only and our capitalization following the completion of this offering will be adjusted based on the actual initial public offering price and other terms of this offering determined at pricing. You should read this table together with Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and our audited and unaudited financial statements and the related notes appearing elsewhere in this prospectus.
As of September 30, 2009 | ||||||||||||
Actual | Pro Forma |
Pro Forma
As Adjusted |
||||||||||
(Unaudited) | (Unaudited) | (Unaudited) | ||||||||||
Cash | $ | 24,093 | $ | |||||||||
Note payable Galenica, Ltd. | 1,000,000 | |||||||||||
Senior convertible notes | 10,745,000 | |||||||||||
Notes payable related parties | 510,429 | |||||||||||
8% notes | | |||||||||||
Stockholders deficiency:
|
||||||||||||
Preferred stock, $.001 par value; 10,000,000 shares authorized; none issued | | |||||||||||
Common stock Non-voting Class A, $.001 par value; 5,000,000 shares authorized; 193,936 issued and outstanding | 194 | |||||||||||
Common stock Class A, $.001 par value; 33,000,000 shares authorized; 5,079,077 issued and outstanding, respectively | 5,079 | |||||||||||
Common stock Classes B F, $.001 par value; 2,000,000 shares authorized; 1,000,000 issued and escrowed | 1,000,000 | |||||||||||
Deferred stock issuances | (1,125 | ) | ||||||||||
Additional paid-in capital | 5,265,621 | |||||||||||
Deficit accumulated during the development stage | (20,790,575 | ) | ||||||||||
Total stockholders deficiency | (15,519,806 | ) | ||||||||||
Total capitalization | $ | (3,264,377 | ) |
The table above does not include the following:
| 185,000 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of outstanding options at a weighted average exercise price of $1.05 per share; |
| 740,000 shares of common stock reserved for issuance under our stock incentive plan; and |
| 140,000 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of outstanding warrants other than the First Bridge Warrants and the First Bridge Placement Agent Warrants at a weighted average exercise price of $1.36 per share, all of which are currently exercisable. |
| shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of the First Bridge Warrants and the First Bridge Placement Agent Warrants. |
24
If you invest in our securities, your investment will be diluted immediately to the extent of the difference between the public offering price per share of common stock, assuming no value is attributed to the warrants underlying the Units you purchase in this offering, and the net tangible book value per share of common stock immediately after this offering.
Our net tangible book value as of September 30, 2009 was approximately $(15.5) million, or $(2.47) per common share. Net tangible book value per share is determined by dividing tangible stockholders equity, which is total tangible assets less total liabilities, by the aggregate number of shares of common stock outstanding. Tangible assets represent total assets excluding goodwill and other intangible assets. Dilution in net tangible book value per share represents the difference between the amount per share of common stock issued as a part of the Units paid by purchasers of Units in this offering and the net tangible book value per share of our common stock immediately afterwards. Assuming the sale by us of shares of common stock issued as a part of the Units at an assumed public offering price of $ per Unit (which is the mid-point of the estimated initial offering price range set forth on the cover of this prospectus) and after deducting the underwriting discount and commissions and estimated offering expenses, our as adjusted net tangible book value as of would be approximately $ million, or $ per common share. This represents an immediate increase in net tangible book value of $ per share to our existing shareholders and an immediate dilution of $ per share to the new investors purchasing Units in this offering.
The following table illustrates this per share dilution, assuming no value is attributed to the warrants issued as a part of the Units:
Assumed initial public offering price per share | $ | |||||||
Historical net tangible book value per share | $ | (2.47 | ) | |||||
Increase attributable to the conversion of convertible promissory notes | $ | |||||||
Increase attributable to the conversion of Non-Voting Common Stock | $ | |||||||
Pro forma net tangible book value per share before this offering | $ | |||||||
Increase per share attributable to new investors | $ | |||||||
Pro forma net tangible book value per share after this offering | $ | |||||||
Dilution per share to new investors | $ |
The following table sets forth, on an as adjusted basis as of , the difference between the number of shares of common stock issued as a part of the Units, the total cash consideration paid, and the average price per share paid by our existing shareholders and by new public investors before deducting estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us, using an assumed public offering price of $ per Unit.
Shares Purchased | Total Consideration |
Average
Price per Share |
||||||||||||||||||
Number | Percent | Amount | Percent | |||||||||||||||||
Existing stockholders | % | $ | % | $ | ||||||||||||||||
New stockholders | ||||||||||||||||||||
Total | 100.0 | % | 100.0 | % |
If the underwriters over-allotment option of Units, which will include shares of common stock issued as a part of the Units, is exercised in full, the number of shares of common stock held by existing stockholders will be reduced to % of the total number of shares to be outstanding after this offering, and the number of shares held by the new investors will be increased to shares, or %, of the total number of shares of common stock outstanding after this offering.
25
The foregoing information is based on 6,360,601 shares of common stock issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2009, including the 213,562 shares of common stock held in escrow for NDP pending the achievement of certain milestones under the NDP License Agreement, and assumes the automatic conversion of all of our outstanding convertible notes into an aggregate of Units and shares of common stock upon the completion of this offering and the automatic conversion of all outstanding shares of Non-Voting Common Stock into shares of common stock on a one-for-one basis upon the completion of this offering. The table above excludes (i) 185,000 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of outstanding options at a weighted average exercise price of $1.05 per share; (ii) 740,000 shares of common stock reserved for issuance under our stock incentive plan; and (iii) shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of outstanding warrants at a weighted average exercise price of $ per share, all of which are currently exercisable. To the extent the options or warrants are exercised, there will be further dilution to new investors. In addition, we may choose to raise additional capital due to market conditions or strategic considerations even if we believe we have sufficient funds for our current or future operating plans. To the extent that additional capital is raised through the sale of equity or convertible debt securities, the issuance of these securities could result in further dilution to our shareholders.
26
The following statement of operations data for 2007 and 2008, and the balance sheet data as of December 31, 2007 and 2008 are derived from our audited financial statements, which are included elsewhere in this document. The statement of operations data for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2009, along with the period from July 28, 2006 (Inception) to September 30, 2009, and the balance sheet data as of September 30, 2009, have been derived from our unaudited financial statements, which are also included elsewhere in this document. In the opinion of management, the unaudited financial statements have been prepared on the same basis as the audited financial statements and include all adjustments necessary for the fair presentation of our financial position and results of operations for these periods. The following selected financial data should be read together with our financial statements and related notes and Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included elsewhere in this prospectus. The selected financial data in this section is not intended to replace our financial statements and the accompanying notes. Our historical results are not necessarily indicative of our future results.
Year Ended
December 31, 2007 |
Year Ended
December 31, 2008 |
Nine Months
Ended September 30, 2008 |
Nine Months
Ended September 30, 2009 |
Period from
July 28, 2006 (Inception) to September 30, 2009 |
||||||||||||||||
(Unaudited) | (Unaudited) | (Unaudited) | ||||||||||||||||||
Operating expenses:
|
||||||||||||||||||||
Research and development | $ | 3,820,429 | $ | 3,083,002 | $ | 2,508,358 | $ | 994,195 | $ | 8,650,106 | ||||||||||
General and administrative | 1,667,056 | 1,732,602 | 1,286,567 | 1,090,386 | 4,699,733 | |||||||||||||||
Loss from operations | (5,487,485 | ) | (4,815,604 | ) | (3,794,925 | ) | (2,084,581 | ) | (13,349,839 | ) | ||||||||||
Interest income | 60,830 | 25,903 | 25,511 | 2,104 | 88,837 | |||||||||||||||
Interest expense, including amortization of deferred financing costs and debt discounts | (1,810,871 | ) | (4,207,044 | ) | (3,648,417 | ) | (1,498,510 | ) | (7,529,573 | ) | ||||||||||
Net loss | $ | (7,237,526 | ) | $ | (8,996,745 | ) | $ | (7,417,831 | ) | $ | (3,580,987 | ) | $ | (20,790,575 | ) | |||||
Basic and diluted net loss per common share | $ | (1.51 | ) | $ | (1.75 | ) | $ | (1.45 | ) | $ | (0.70 | ) | ||||||||
Weighted average common shares outstanding
basic and diluted |
4,778,291 | 5,147,700 | 5,111,134 | 5,147,700 |
December 31,
2007 |
December 31,
2008 |
September 30,
2009 |
||||||||||
(Unaudited) | ||||||||||||
Cash | $ | 2,534,478 | $ | 1,380,012 | $ | 24,093 | ||||||
Total Assets | 4,112,803 | 1,620,298 | 123,922 | |||||||||
Total Liabilities | 8,508,742 | 13,647,446 | 15,643,728 | |||||||||
Deficit Accumulated During the Development Stage | (8,212,843 | ) | (17,209,588 | ) | (20,790,575 | ) | ||||||
Total Stockholders Deficiency | (4,395,939 | ) | (12,027,148 | ) | (15,519,806 | ) |
27
You should read the following discussion and analysis together with our financial statements and the notes to those statements included elsewhere in this prospectus. This discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. As a result of many factors, such as those set forth under Risk Factors and elsewhere in this prospectus, our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements.
We are a biopharmaceutical company that seeks to in-license, develop and commercialize therapeutic products for the treatment of cardiac and renal dysfunction, also known as Cardiorenal disease. Specifically, our goal is to treat kidney disease by reducing the commonly associated cardiovascular and metabolic complications in effect, Treating the kidney to treat the heart. To date, we have licensed all of the products in our Cardiorenal pipeline.
We have several proprietary product candidates in clinical development that address large market opportunities, including our most advanced product candidates, CRMX003 (CorMedix Neutrolin®) and CRMX001. CRMX003 is a liquid designed to prevent central venous catheter infection and clotting in central venous catheters (initially in dialysis catheters). CRMX001, our unique formulation of the drug deferiprone, has the following two indications: (i) the prevention of contrast-induced nephropathy, or CIN, which is a common and potentially serious complication arising from the use of iodinated contrast media used in X-ray procedures to identify the status of blood vessels in different parts of the body, and (ii) the treatment of chronic kidney disease, or CKD.
We intend to submit an Investigational Device Exemption for CRMX003 by mid-2010, which if approved will enable us to start a pivotal clinical trial. For CRMX001, we intend to start a phase II biomarker proof of concept study for the CIN indication by mid-2010. We expect this study to generate supportive data on the ability of CRMX001 to reduce biomarker evidence of acute kidney injury. Additionally, we believe this study will also provide other information that will increase the likelihood of success of a later phase III trial for the CIN indication.
Since our inception in July 2006, we have had no revenue from product sales, and have funded our operations principally through debt financings. Our operations to date have been primarily limited to organizing and staffing, licensing product candidates, developing clinical trials for our product candidates, establishing manufacturing for our product candidates and maintaining and improving our patent portfolio.
We have generated significant losses to date, and we expect to continue to generate losses as we progress towards the commercialization of our product candidates, including CRMX003 and CRMX001. As of September 30, 2009, we had an accumulated deficit of approximately $20.8 million. Because we do not generate revenue from any of our product candidates, our losses will continue as we advance our product candidates towards regulatory approval and eventual commercialization. As a result, our operating losses are likely to be substantial over the next several years. We are unable to predict the extent of any future losses or when we will become profitable, if at all.
We believe that the net proceeds from this offering and existing cash will be sufficient to fund our projected operating requirements for at least two years. Until we can generate a sufficient amount of product revenue, if ever, we expect to finance future cash needs through public or private equity offerings, debt financings or corporate collaboration and licensing arrangements.
We have not generated any revenue since our inception. To date, we have funded our operations primarily through debt financings. If our product development efforts result in clinical success, regulatory approval and successful commercialization of any of our products, we could generate revenue from sales or licenses of any such products.
28
Research and development expense consists of: (i) internal costs associated with our development activities; (ii) payments we make to third party contract research organizations, contract manufacturers, investigative sites, and consultants; (iii) technology and intellectual property license costs; (iv) manufacturing development costs; (v) personnel related expenses, including salaries, benefits, travel, and related costs for the personnel involved in drug development; (vi) activities relating to regulatory filings and the advancement of our product candidates through preclinical studies and clinical trials; and (vii) facilities and other allocated expenses, which include direct and allocated expenses for rent, facility maintenance, as well as laboratory and other supplies. All research and development is expensed as incurred.
Conducting a significant amount of development is central to our business model. Through September 30, 2009, we incurred approximately $8.7 million in research and development expenses since our inception in July 2006. Product candidates in later-stage clinical development generally have higher development costs than those in earlier stages of development, primarily due to the significantly increased size and duration of the clinical trials. We plan to increase our research and development expenses for the foreseeable future in order to complete development of our two most advanced product candidates, CRMX003 and CRMX001, and our earlier-stage research and development projects.
The following table summarizes the percentages of our research and development payments related to our two most advanced product candidates and other projects. The percentages summarized in the following table reflect payments directly attributable to each development candidate, which are tracked on a project basis. A portion of our internal costs, including indirect costs relating to our product candidates, are not tracked on a project basis and are allocated based on managements estimate.
Year Ended
December 31, |
Nine Months Ended September 30, |
Period from July 28,
2006 (Inception) through September 30, 2009 |
||||||||||||||||||
2007 | 2008 | 2008 | 2009 | |||||||||||||||||
CRMX003 | 0.8 | % | 54.1 | % | 54.6 | % | 43.6 | % | 17.0 | % | ||||||||||
CRMX001 | 97.9 | % | 32.6 | % | 33.7 | % | 43.0 | % | 77.9 | % | ||||||||||
CRMX002 | | 0.8 | % | 0.9 | % | | 0.2 | % | ||||||||||||
CRMX004 | 1.3 | % | 12.5 | % | 10.8 | % | 13.4 | % | 4.9 | % |
The process of conducting pre-clinical studies and clinical trials necessary to obtain FDA approval is costly and time consuming. The probability of success for each product candidate and clinical trial may be affected by a variety of factors, including, among others, the quality of the product candidates early clinical data, investment in the program, competition, manufacturing capabilities and commercial viability. As a result of the uncertainties discussed above, the uncertainty associated with clinical trial enrollments and the risks inherent in the development process, we are unable to determine the duration and completion costs of current or future clinical stages of our product candidates or when, or to what extent, we will generate revenues from the commercialization and sale of any of our product candidates. Development timelines, probability of success and development costs vary widely. We are currently focused on developing our two most advanced product candidates, CRMX003 and CRMX001. However, we will need to raise additional funds following the completion of this offering in order to fully complete the development of CRMX001, to further develop CRMX002 or CRMX004 through and beyond the pre-clinical stage, or to develop any new product candidates.
General and administrative expense consists primarily of salaries and other related costs, including stock-based compensation expense, for persons serving in our executive, finance and accounting functions. Other general and administrative expense includes facility-related costs not otherwise included in research and development expense, promotional expenses, costs associated with industry and trade shows, and professional fees for legal services and accounting services. We expect that our general and administrative expenses will increase as we add personnel and become subject to the reporting obligations applicable to public companies. From our inception in July 2006 through September 30, 2009, we spent $4.7 million on general and administrative expense.
29
Interest income consists of interest earned on our cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities. Interest expense consists of interest incurred on the 12% Notes, PBS Notes and Family Trust Notes as well as the amortization of deferred financing costs and our debt discount attributable to the issuance of the 12% Notes.
Research and Development Expense . Research and development expense was $994,195 for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, a decrease of $1,514,163, or 60%, from $2,508,358 for the nine months ended September 30, 2008. The decrease was primarily due to the refocusing of our business strategy on business development and fund raising activities.
General and Administrative Expense . General and administrative expense was $1,090,386 for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, a decrease of $196,181, or 15%, from $1,286,567 for the nine months ended September 30, 2008. The decrease was primarily due to a reduction in headcount and outsourced activities.
Interest Income and Interest Expense . Interest income was $2,104 for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, a decrease of $23,407, or 92%, from $25,511 for the nine months ended September 30, 2008. The decrease was primarily due to lower average cash balances.
Interest expense was $1,498,510 for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, a decrease of $2,149,907, or 59%, from $3,648,417 for the nine months ended September 30, 2008. The decrease was primarily due to lesser charges related to the amortization of our deferred financing costs and debt discount in 2009.
Research and Development Expense . Research and development expense was $3,083,002 for the year ended December 31, 2008, a decrease of $737,427, or 19%, from $3,820,429 for the year ended December 31, 2007. The decrease was primarily due to the completion, in 2007, of our initial start-up manufacturing and clinical development activities.
General and Administrative Expense . General and administrative expense was $1,732,602 for the year ended December 31, 2008, an increase of $65,546, or 4%, from $1,667,056 for the year ended December 31, 2007. The increase was primarily due to an increase in headcount and relocation to independent office space.
Interest Income and Interest Expense . Interest income was $25,903 for the year ended December 31, 2008, a decrease of $34,927, or 57%, from $60,830 for the year ended December 31, 2007. The decrease was primarily due to lower average cash balances and interest rates in 2008.
Interest expense was $4,207,044 for the year ended December 31, 2008, an increase of $2,396,173, or 132%, from 1,810,871 for the year ended December 31, 2007. The increase was primarily due to an increase in charges related to the amortization of our deferred financing costs and debt discount attributable to our fund raising activities.
30
As a result of our significant research and development expenditures and the lack of any approved products to generate product sales revenue, we have not been profitable and have generated operating losses since we were incorporated in July 2006. We have funded our operations through September 30, 2009 principally with $11,745,000 in convertible notes. The following table summarizes our funding sources as of December 31, 2009:
Source |
Amount Raised
($) (1) |
Principal and
Interest Outstanding as of September 30, 2009 |
Shares of
Common Stock Issuable Upon Conversion (Upon Completion of the Offering) (2) |
|||||||||
12% Notes
|
||||||||||||
First Bridge Notes (July and September 2007) | 8,645,000 | 10,423,679 | ||||||||||
Second Bridge Notes (August 2008) | 2,100,000 | 2,304,515 | ||||||||||
Galenica Note (April 2009) | 1,000,000 | 1,036,717 | ||||||||||
8% Notes (October 2009) | 2,619,973 | | (3) | |||||||||
Paramount Notes
|
||||||||||||
PBS Notes | 1,062,003 | (4) | 166,479 | |||||||||
Family Trust Notes | 1,430,000 | 434,715 | ||||||||||
Total | 16,856,976 | 16,986,078 |
(1) | Represents gross proceeds. |
(2) | Assumes principal and interest outstanding at the time of the completion of the offering is the same as the principal and interest outstanding as of September 30, 2009. |
(3) | The 8% Notes were not issued until October and November 2009. |
(4) | Includes $52,003 in aggregate principal amount of notes issued to PBS in respect of expenses paid by PBS on our behalf. |
In July and September of 2007, we issued a series of convertible promissory notes in the aggregate principal amount of $8,645,000 (the First Bridge Notes). In August 2008, we issued another series of convertible promissory notes in the aggregate principal amount of $2,100,000 on terms substantially the same as the First Bridge Notes (the Second Bridge Notes). In April 2009, we issued a convertible note in the principal amount of $1,000,000 to Galenica, Ltd., a pharmaceuticals company (Galenica), on terms substantially the same as the First Bridge Notes and the Second Bridge Notes (the Galenica Note, and together with the First Bridge Notes and the Second Bridge Notes, the 12% Notes). The 12% Notes are unsecured obligations of ours with a maturity date of July 31, 2010 and currently accrue interest at the rate of 12% per annum. The aggregate amount of accrued and unpaid interest under the 12% Notes as of September 30, 2009 was $2,019,911.
The outstanding principal amount of the 12% Notes, and all accrued interest thereon, will automatically convert into Units at a conversion price equal to at the lesser of (a) the lowest price at which our equity securities of are sold in a Qualified Financing and (b) $30,000,000 divided by the number of shares of common stock outstanding immediately prior to the Qualified Financing (determined on a fully diluted basis), upon the terms and conditions on which such securities are issued in the Qualified Financing. For purposes of the 12% Notes, Qualified Financing means the closing of an equity financing or series of related equity financings by us resulting in aggregate gross cash proceeds (before commissions or other transaction expenses, and excluding any such proceeds resulting from any conversion of First Bridge Notes) to us of at least $10,000,000 minus the aggregate principal amount of Second Bridge Notes. This offering, if consummated, will be considered a Qualified Financing. Assuming an offering price of $ per Unit, the 12% Notes will automatically convert into Units.
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In connection with the issuance of the First Bridge Notes, we issued seven-year warrants to their purchasers (the First Bridge Warrants). The First Bridge Warrants are currently exercisable and entitle the holders thereof to purchase that number of shares of common stock equal to 40% of the principal amount of the First Bridge Notes purchased by the original holder divided by $1.00, at a per share exercise price of $1.00.
In connection with the issuance of the Second Bridge Notes, we issued seven-year warrants to their purchasers (the Second Bridge Warrants). The Second Bridge Warrants entitle the holders thereof to purchase that number of shares of common stock equal to 40% of the principal amount of the Second Bridge Notes purchased by them divided by the lowest price at which our equity securities are sold in a Qualified Financing at a per share exercise price equal to 110% of such lowest price paid, subject to adjustment as set forth in the Second Bridge Warrants. If a Qualified Financing does not occur on or before the second anniversary of the initial closing of the Second Bridge Notes offering, August 18, 2010, then the Second Bridge Warrants will be exercisable for that number of shares of common stock equal to 40% of the principal amount of the Second Bridge Notes purchased by the original holder divided by $1.00, at a per share exercise price of $1.00. For purposes of the Second Bridge Warrants, Qualified Financing has the same meaning as it does in connection with the 12% Notes.
The First Bridge Warrants and the Second Bridge Warrants will be cancelled prior to the completion of this offering.
In October and November 2009, we issued another series of convertible promissory notes in the aggregate principal amount of $2,619,973 (the 8% Notes). The 8% Notes are unsecured obligations of ours with a maturity date of October 30, 2011 and currently accrue interest at the rate of 8% per annum.
The outstanding principal amount of the 8% Notes, and all accrued interest thereon, will automatically convert into shares of common stock upon the completion of a Qualified IPO. For purposes hereof, Qualified IPO means the completion of an underwritten initial public offering of equity securities by us resulting in aggregate gross cash proceeds (before commissions or other expenses) to us of at least $10,000,000. This offering, if consummated, will be considered a Qualified IPO. Assuming an offering price of $ per Unit, the 8% Notes will automatically convert into shares of common stock at a conversion price equal to 70% of the portion of the price of the Units sold in this offering that is allocated to the common stock.
In connection with the issuance of the 8% Notes, we issued seven-year warrants to the purchasers of the 8% Notes (the 8% Noteholder Warrants). The 8% Noteholder Warrants entitle the holders thereof to purchase a number of shares of common stock equal to 60% of the principal amount of the 8% Notes divided by the price at which our equity securities are sold in a Qualified IPO, at a per share exercise price equal to 110% of the offering price in the Qualified IPO, subject to adjustment as set forth in the warrant. If a Qualified IPO does not occur on or before the second anniversary of the closing of the offering of the 8% Noteholder Warrants, then each warrant will be exercisable for that number of shares of common stock equal to 60% of the principal amount of the note purchased by the original holder divided by $1.00, at a per share exercise price of $1.00. In the event of a sale of our company (whether by merger, consolidation, sale or transfer of our capital stock or assets or otherwise) prior to, but not in connection with, a Qualified IPO, the 8% Noteholder Warrants will terminate immediately upon such sale without opportunity for exercise. Assuming an offering price of $ per Unit, the 8% Noteholder Warrants will entitle the holders thereof to purchase shares of common stock at a conversion price equal to .
From July 26, 2006 through September 30, 2009, Paramount BioSciences, LLC (PBS), of which Lindsay A. Rosenwald is the sole member, had loaned us an aggregate principal amount of $1,062,003 pursuant to a future advance promissory note, dated July 28, 2006, as amended on June 15, 2007 and as amended and restated on September 30, 2009 (the PBS Note). From August 11, 2006 through September 30, 2009, certain trusts established for the benefit of Dr. Rosenwalds children (the Family Trusts) had loaned us an aggregate principal amount of $1,430,000 pursuant to a future advance promissory note, dated August 11, 2006, as amended on June 15, 2007 and July 22, 2008 and as amended and restated on
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September 30, 2009 (the Family Trusts Note and together with the PBS Note, the Paramount Notes). As of September 30, 2009, $166,479, including accrued and unpaid interest, was outstanding under the PBS Note, and $434,715, including accrued and unpaid interest, was outstanding under the Family Trusts Note. The Paramount Notes will mature on July 31, 2010 and all outstanding principal amount of the Paramount Notes, and all accrued interest thereon, will automatically convert into the securities issued in a Qualified Financing on the same terms as the 12% Notes. This offering, if consummated, will be considered a Qualified Financing. Assuming an offering price of $ per Unit, the Paramount Notes will automatically convert into Units.
Net cash used in operations was $4.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2008. The net loss for the year ended December 31, 2008 is higher than cash used in operating activities by approximately $4.9 million. The primary drivers for the difference are adjustments for non-cash charges such as amortization of deferred financing costs and our debt discount of $3.3 million and interest accruals of $0.9 million related to our senior convertible notes and stock-based compensation of $0.6 million related to a license agreement, consulting agreement and option and warrant issuances to employees and consultants. Net cash used in operations was $4.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2007. The net loss for the year ended December 31, 2007 is higher than cash used in operating activities by approximately $2.4 million. The primary drivers for the difference are adjustments for non-cash charges such as amortization of deferred financing costs and our debt discount of $1.5 million and interest accruals of $0.2 million related to our senior convertible notes as well as an increase in accounts payable and accrued expenses of $1.0 million tied to an increase in head count and operating activities.
Net cash used in operations was $1.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009. The net loss for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 is higher than cash used in operating activities by approximately $2.1 million. The primary drivers for the difference is adjustments for non-cash charges such as amortization of deferred financing costs and our debt discount of $0.6 million and interest accruals of $0.9 million related to our senior convertible notes as well as an increase in accounts payable and accrued expenses of $0.5 million tied to cash conservation during 2009 fund raising activities. Net cash used in operations was $3.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008. The net loss for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 is higher than cash used in operating activities by approximately $4.3 million. The primary drivers for the difference are the adjustments for non-cash charges of deferred financing costs and our debt discount of $3.1 million and interest accruals of $0.6 million related to our senior convertible notes and stock-based compensation of $0.6 million related to a license agreement, consulting agreement and option and warrant issuances to employees and consultants.
No cash was used in investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2008. Net cash used in investing activities was $47,255 for the year ended December 31, 2007. Net cash used in investing activities reflects $47,255 for the purchase of furniture and fixtures as well as computer equipment related to our move to new office space during 2007.
No cash was used in investing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008.
Net cash provided by financing activities was $3.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2008. Net cash provided by financing activities consisted primarily of private placements of our senior convertible notes through which we received gross proceeds of $2.1 million and a promissory note issued in connection with a term sheet with Galenica, Ltd. through which we received proceeds of $1.0 million which was offset by cash paid for financing costs of approximately $141,000. Net cash provided by financing activities was $7.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2007. Net cash provided by financing activities consisted primarily of our senior convertibles notes through which we received gross proceeds of $8.6 million as well as proceeds from related party notes of $1.5 million offset by a repayment of principal under the related party notes of $2.0 million and cash paid from financing costs of approximately $0.8 million.
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Net cash provided by financing activities was $105,365 for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, consisted primarily of $165,000 of proceeds received under related party notes offset by cash paid for financing costs of approximately $60,000. Net cash provided by financing activities was $1.9 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2008, consisted primarily of $2.1 million gross proceeds from our senior convertible notes offset by cash paid for financing costs of approximately $0.2 million.
We expect to incur losses from operations for the foreseeable future. We expect to incur increasing research and development expenses, including expenses related to the hiring of personnel and additional clinical trials. We expect that our general and administrative expenses will also increase as we expand our finance and administrative staff, add infrastructure, and incur additional costs related to being a public company, including directors and officers insurance, investor relations programs, and increased professional fees. Our future capital requirements will depend on a number of factors, including the timing and outcome of clinical trials and regulatory approvals, the costs involved in preparing, filing, prosecuting, maintaining, defending, and enforcing patent claims and other intellectual property rights, the acquisition of licenses to new products or compounds, the status of competitive products, the availability of financing, and our success in developing markets for our product candidates.
Our expected future expenditures related to product development are as follows:
| approximately $ million for CRMX003 development to include the following: |
º | development of the final formulation for clinical trial use; |
º | FDA regulatory filing costs; |
º | pivotal clinical trial development costs; |
º | patent maintenance fees; and |
| approximately $ million for CRMX001 development to include the following: |
º | FDA regulatory costs; and |
º | clinical development costs associated with the phase II biomarker proof of concept study; |
| approximately $ for CRMX004 development to include the following: |
º | optimizing a gel formation; |
º | development costs associated with initial pre-clinical animal studies; |
| approximately $ for CRMX002 development to include the following: |
º | pre-clinical development costs associated with the identification and validation of an assay methodology to establish a reproducible test. |
We believe that the net proceeds from this offering, together with our existing cash, will be sufficient to enable us to fund our operating expenses and capital expenditure requirements at least until the end of 2011. We believe that if we sell Units in this offering at an initial public offering price of $ per share ($1.00 lower than the mid-point of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus), or if we sell a fewer number of Units in this offering than anticipated, the resultant reduction in proceeds we receive from the offering would cause us to require additional capital earlier. We have based this estimate on assumptions that may prove to be wrong, and we could use our available capital resources sooner than we currently expect. Because of the numerous risks and uncertainties associated with the development and commercialization of our product candidates, we are unable to estimate the amounts of increased capital outlays and operating expenditures associated with our current and anticipated clinical trials.
We do not anticipate that we will generate product revenue for at least the next several years. In the absence of additional funding, we expect our continuing operating losses to result in increases in our cash used in operations over the next several quarters and years.
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We may need to finance our future cash needs through public or private equity offerings, debt financings or corporate collaboration and licensing arrangements. We do not currently have any commitments for future external funding. We may need to raise additional funds more quickly if one or more of our assumptions prove to be incorrect or if we choose to expand our product development efforts more rapidly than we presently anticipate, and we may decide to raise additional funds even before we need them if the conditions for raising capital are favorable. We may seek to sell additional equity or debt securities or obtain a bank credit facility. The sale of additional equity or debt securities, if convertible, could result in dilution to our stockholders. The incurrence of indebtedness would result in increased fixed obligations and could also result in covenants that would restrict our operations.
Additional equity or debt financing, grants, or corporate collaboration and licensing arrangements may not be available on acceptable terms, if at all. If adequate funds are not available, we may be required to delay, reduce the scope of or eliminate our research and development programs, reduce our planned commercialization efforts or obtain funds through arrangements with collaborators or others that may require us to relinquish rights to certain product candidates that we might otherwise seek to develop or commercialize independently.
We have acquired rights to develop and commercialize our product candidates through licenses granted by various parties. Certain of these licensing arrangements contain cash milestone payments and royalties.
On July 28, 2006, we entered into a contribution agreement, amended on October 6, 2009 (the Shiva Contribution Agreement), with Shiva Biomedical, LLC (Shiva), Picton Pharmaceuticals, Inc, a Delaware corporation (Picton), and the stockholders of Picton, including Lindsay Rosenwald, the Family Trusts and several of our current directors and officers (Antony Pfaffle, Timothy Hofer and Stephen Pilatzke). Pursuant to the Shiva Contribution Agreement, Shiva contributed to us its kidney products business and granted us an exclusive, worldwide license agreement for a patent estate covering proprietary formulations of deferiprone and a biomarker diagnostic test for measuring levels of labile iron (the Shiva Technology). The Shiva Technology serves as the basis for CRMX001 and CRMX002. In addition to an initial licensing fee of $500,000 and equity stake in us (consisting of 773,717 shares of our common stock as of December 31, 2009) provided to Shiva under the Shiva Contribution Agreement, we are also required to make cash payments to Shiva upon the achievement of certain clinical and regulatory-based milestones. The maximum aggregate amount of such payments, assuming achievement of all milestones, is $10,000,000. Events that trigger milestone payments include but are not limited to the reaching of various stages of applicable clinical trials and regulatory approval processes. Under the terms of the Shiva Contribution Agreement, in the event that the Shiva Technology is commercialized, we are also obligated to pay Shiva annual royalties based on net sales of the products, on a country-by-country basis. In the event that we sublicense Shiva Technology to a third party, we are obligated to pay Shiva a percentage of the royalties, fees or other lump-sum payments we receive from the sublicense, subject to certain deductions. To date, no milestone payments or royalty payments have been earned by or paid to Shiva.
The Shiva Contribution Agreement will expire on a country-by-country basis upon the later of (i) the date the last claim under the patent rights covering a licensed product expires in a particular country, or (ii) 10 years from the first commercial sale of an applicable licensed product in such country. Following the date the last claim under the patent rights covering a licensed product expires in a particular country, we will have an irrevocable, paid-up, royalty-free license to the Shiva Technology in such country. The Shiva Contribution Agreement also may be terminated by Shiva if we fail to make payments due in accordance with the Shiva Contribution Agreement within 45 days after written notice of such failure is given to us, or if we fail to meet certain funding and developmental progress requirements, including but not limited to (i) initiating patient dosing in a proof of concept trial for a licensed product on or before April 30, 2010, and (ii) initiating patient dosing in a pivotal trial on or before September 30, 2011. We have the right to terminate the Shiva Contribution Agreement for any reason upon 30 days prior written notice. Should the Shiva Contribution Agreement be terminated by either party, we are obligated to reassign to Shiva all our intellectual property rights with respect to the Shiva Technology.
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On January 30, 2008, we entered into a License and Assignment Agreement (the NDP License Agreement) with ND Partners LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (NDP). Pursuant to the NDP License Agreement, NDP granted us exclusive, worldwide licenses for certain antimicrobial catheter lock solutions, processes for treating and inhibiting infections, a biocidal lock system and a taurolidine delivery apparatus, and the corresponding United States and foreign patents and applications (the NDP Technology). We acquired such licenses and patents through our assignment and assumption of NDPs rights under certain separate license agreements by and between NDP and Dr. Hans-Dietrich Polaschegg, Dr. Klaus Sodemann, and Dr. Johannes Reinmueller. NDP also granted us exclusive licenses, with the right to grant sublicenses, to use and display certain trademarks in connection with the NDP Technology. In addition to an initial licensing fee of $325,000 and equity stake in us (consisting of 533,905 shares of our common stock as of December 31, 2009, subject to certain anti-dilution adjustments) provided to NDP under the NDP License Agreement, we are also required to make payments to NDP upon the achievement of certain regulatory and sales-based milestones. Certain of the milestone payments are to be made in the form of shares of common stock currently held in escrow for NDP, and other milestone payments are to be paid in cash. The maximum aggregate number of shares issuable upon achievement of milestones and the number of shares held in escrow is 213,562 shares of common stock as of December 31, 2009, subject to certain anti-dilution adjustments. The maximum aggregate amount of cash payments upon achievement of milestones is $3,000,000. Events that trigger milestone payments include but are not limited to the reaching of various stages of regulatory approval processes and certain worldwide net sales amounts. To date, no milestone payments have been earned by or paid to NDP.
The NDP License Agreement will expire on a country-by-country basis upon the earlier of (i) the expiration of the last patent claim under the NDP License Agreement in a given country, or (ii) the payment of all milestone payments and release of all shares of our common stock held in escrow under the NDP License Agreement. Upon the expiration of the NDP License Agreement in each country, we will have an irrevocable, perpetual, fully paid-up, royalty-free exclusive license to the NDP Technology in such country. The NDP License Agreement also may be terminated by NDP if we materially breach or default under the NDP License Agreement and that breach is not cured within 60 days following the delivery of written notice to us, or by us on a country-by-country basis upon 60 days prior written notice. If the NDP License Agreement is terminated by either party, our rights to the NDP Technology will revert back to NDP.
On January 30, 2008, we also entered into an Exclusive License and Consulting Agreement with Dr. Polaschegg (the Polaschegg License Agreement). Pursuant to the Polaschegg License Agreement, Dr. Polaschegg granted us an exclusive, worldwide license for a gel lock invention and certain taurolidine treatments and the corresponding United States patent applications (the Polaschegg Technology). The Polaschegg Technology serves as a basis for CRMX004. As consideration for the rights to the Polaschegg Technology, in addition to an initial fee of $5,000, we agreed to pay Dr. Polaschegg certain royalty payments ranging from 1% to 3% of the net sales of the Polaschegg Technology. The Polaschegg License Agreement also sets forth certain minimum royalty payments (on an annual basis) to be made to Dr. Polaschegg in connection with the Polaschegg Technology. Additional minimum royalty payments will become payable to Dr. Polaschegg if he develops new intellectual property that is applied to the Polaschegg Technology. To date, Dr. Polaschegg has received an aggregate of $72,500 in licensing and minimum royalty payments under the Polaschegg License Agreement.
We may terminate the Polaschegg License Agreement with respect to the gel lock invention or taurolidine treatments (individually or together) upon 60 days notice. Dr. Polaschegg has a right to terminate the Polaschegg License Agreement with respect to the gel lock invention and/or taurolidine treatments if no product based on the particular portion of Polaschegg Technology has been made available to the market by the later of eight years after (i) the date of the Polaschegg License Agreement, and (ii) the priority date of any new patent. If the Polaschegg License Agreement is terminated with respect to any piece of Polaschegg Technology by either party, all rights with respect to such portion of Polaschegg Technology will revert to Dr. Polaschegg.
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Potential milestone payments for licensed technologies may or may not be triggered and may vary in size, depending on a number of variables, almost all of which are currently uncertain. Additionally, we believe we will not begin selling any products that would require us to make any such royalty payments until the end of 2012. Whether we will be obligated to make milestone or royalty payments in the future is subject to the success of our product development efforts and, accordingly, is inherently uncertain.
Our managements discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations is based on our financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, or GAAP. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities and expenses. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate these estimates and judgments, including those described below. We base our estimates on our historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. These estimates and assumptions form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results and experiences may differ materially from these estimates.
While our significant accounting policies are more fully described in Note 2 to our financial statements included at the end of this prospectus, we believe that the following accounting policies are the most critical to aid you in fully understanding and evaluating our reported financial results and affect the more significant judgments and estimates that we use in the preparation of our financial statements.
We account for stock options according to the Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification No. 718 (ASC 718), Compensation Stock Compensation. Under ASC 718, share-based compensation cost is measured at grant date, based on the estimated fair value of the award, and is recognized as expense over the employees requisite service period on a straight-line basis.
We account for stock options granted to non-employees on a fair value basis using the Black-Scholes option pricing method in accordance with SFAS 123R and Emerging Issues Task Force No. 96-18, Accounting for Equity Instruments That are Issued to Other Than Employees for Acquiring, or in Conjunction with Selling, Goods or Services (EITF No. 96-18), The initial non-cash charge to operations for non-employee options with vesting are revalued at the end of each reporting period based upon the change in the fair value of the options and amortized to consulting expense over the related vesting period.
For the purpose of valuing options and warrants granted to our employees, non-employees and directors and officers during the year ended December 31, 2008, we used the Black-Scholes option pricing model utilizing the assumptions noted in the following table. No options were issued during the year ended December 31, 2007. To determine the risk-free interest rate, we utilized the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant with a term consistent with the expected term of our awards. We estimated the expected life of the options granted based on anticipated exercises in the future periods assuming the success of its business model as currently forecasted. The expected dividend yield reflects our current and expected future policy for dividends on its common stock. The expected stock price volatility for our stock options was calculated by examining historical volatilities for publicly traded industry peers as we do not have any trading history for our common stock. We will continue to analyze the expected stock price volatility and expected term assumptions as more historical data for our common stock becomes available. Given the limited service period for its current employees, directors and officers and non-employees, as well as the senior nature of the roles of those employees and directors and officers, we currently estimate that we will experience no forfeitures for those options currently outstanding.
None.
Since our inception, we have not engaged in any off-balance sheet arrangements, including the use of structured finance, special purpose entities or variable interest entities.
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We are a biopharmaceutical company that seeks to in-license, develop and commercialize therapeutic products for the treatment of cardiac and renal dysfunction, also known as Cardiorenal disease. Specifically, our goal is to treat kidney disease by reducing the commonly associated cardiovascular and metabolic complications in effect, Treating the kidney to treat the heart. To date, we have licensed all of the products in our Cardiorenal pipeline.
We have several proprietary product candidates in clinical development that address large market opportunities, including our most advanced product candidates, CRMX003 (CorMedix Neutrolin®) and CRMX001. CRMX003 is a liquid designed to prevent central venous catheter infection and clotting in central venous catheters (initially in dialysis catheters). CRMX001, our unique formulation of the drug deferiprone, has the following two indications: (i) the prevention of contrast-induced nephropathy, or CIN, which is a common and potentially serious complication arising from the use of iodinated contrast media used in X-ray procedures to identify the status of blood vessels in different parts of the body, and (ii) the treatment of chronic kidney disease, or CKD.
We intend to submit an Investigational Device Exemption for CRMX003 by mid-2010, which if approved will enable us to start a pivotal clinical trial. For CRMX001, we intend to start a phase II biomarker proof of concept study for the CIN indication by mid-2010. We expect this study to generate supportive data on the ability of CRMX001 to reduce biomarker evidence of acute kidney injury. Additionally, we believe this study will also provide other information that will increase the likelihood of success of a later phase III trial for the CIN indication.
We have two foundational platforms. Our first foundational platform seeks to utilize liquid and gel formulations of Neutrolin® (CRMX003 and CRMX004, respectively) to prevent the infection and clotting that can occur with the use of central venous catheters and peripherally inserted central catheters. These catheters are frequently used for vascular access in hemodialysis (a form of dialysis where the patients blood is circulated through a dialysis filter), for cancer chemotherapy, long term antibiotic therapy, total parenteral nutrition (complete or partial dietary support via intravenous nutrients) and intensive care patients. Our second foundational platform seeks to reduce excess free (labile) iron, which is toxic to cells and tissues, using CRMX001, our unique formulation of the drug deferiprone.
Over the past two years we have made rapid and significant progress, including the following:
| we licensed liquid and gel formulations of Neutrolin® (CRMX003 and CRMX004, respectively) pursuant to agreements with ND Partners LLC and Dr. Hans-Dietrich Polaschegg, respectively; |
| CRMX001 received a Special Protocol Assessment from the FDA for a single phase III study as the basis of a New Drug Application for reducing the serious kidney damage and associated morbidity and mortality arising from contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN); |
| we published early proof of concept studies for the use of CRMX001 in slowing the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD); and |
| we signed a development agreement with Afferix Ltd. for a diagnostic labile iron biomarker test product, CRMX002, that will support CRMX001 in the CKD indication by diagnosing patients with, identifying patients at risk for, and monitoring patient responses to therapy for, chronic kidney disease. |
Provided that an Investigational Device Exemption is approved by the FDA for CRMX003 (which is not assured) and successful results from the CRMX001 phase II biomarker proof of concept study, both CRMX003 and CRMX001 will be poised to enter pivotal studies, and both products will have the benefit of significant market experience outside of the United States, potentially reducing development risk and defined FDA regulatory pathways.
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The following table summarizes our product candidates.
Product | Intended Indication | Status of Clinical Programs |
Commercial
Rights |
|||
CRMX003 (CorMedix Neutrolin®) | Prevention of catheter-related blood stream infections and maintenance of catheter function in hemodialysis patients who are asymptomatic for catheter-related blood stream infections using both incident and prevalent catheters with any brand of central venous catheter | In Europe, CorMedix Neutrolin® (taurolidine 1.35%, citrate 4% and heparin 1000 u/mL) is considered to be a Type 3 device requiring submission and approval of a CE mark for marketing of the product. In the U.S., CorMedix Neutrolin® is considered to be a device/drug combination product, requiring submission and approval of a Premarket Approval application for marketing of the product. We anticipate starting a pivotal trial in the U.S. following the completion of this offering. | Worldwide | |||
CRMX004 | Prevention of catheter-related blood stream infections and maintenance of catheter function in hemodialysis patients who are asymptomatic for catheter-related blood stream infections using both incident and prevalent catheters with any brand of central venous catheter | In Europe, CRMX004 is considered to be a Type 3 device requiring submission and approval of a CE mark for marketing of the product. In the U.S. CRMX004 is considered to be a device/drug combination product, requiring submission and approval of a Premarket Approval application for marketing of the product. CRMX004 is in the pre-clinical phase of development. We anticipate starting pre-clinical animal studies following completion of this offering. | Worldwide | |||
CRMX001 for CIN | Prevention (decrease in the rate of incidence) of morbidity and mortality in subjects with moderate to severe chronic kidney disease and other risk factors undergoing interventional cardiac procedures and receiving an iodinated radiocontrast agent | We currently have an approved Investigational New Drug application in the U.S. and final approval for marketing will be obtained following approval of a New Drug Application. We anticipate starting a phase II biomarker proof of concept study following the completion of this offering. | Worldwide | |||
CRMX001 for CKD | Prevention of progressive loss of kidney function in patients with CKD | We currently have an approved Investigational New Drug Application in the U.S. and final approval for marketing would occur after approval of a New Drug Application. | Worldwide |
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Product | Intended Indication | Status of Clinical Programs |
Commercial
Rights |
|||
CRMX002 | Urine diagnostic test for toxic labile iron that could be used to diagnose chronic kidney disease, identify patients at risk for the disease, identify likely treatment responders and monitor response to therapy with CRMX001 | We anticipate starting pre-clinical assay development following completion of this offering. | Worldwide |
Patients undergoing hemodialysis require access to the vascular system in order to perform treatments on a multiple scheduled basis each week. According to a U.S. Renal Data System 2008 Annual Data Report, approximately 80,000 hemodialysis patients relied on a central venous catheter in 2008. One of the major complications for the use of a central venous catheter for hemodialysis treatment is catheter-related blood stream infections and the inflammatory complications associated with them. Catheter-related blood stream infections and inflammatory complications are a primary cause of morbidity in the end-stage renal disease hemodialysis patient population, and the second most common cause of mortality. Recent data from the United States Renal Data System (USRDS, 2008) indicates nearly 2 catheter infection events per-patient year or 5.37 per 1000 catheter days.
Prevention of catheter-related blood stream infections and inflammatory complications requires decontamination of the internal surface of the catheter to prevent the systemic dissemination of organisms contained within the biofilm and an anticoagulant to retain patency. Biofilm forms when bacteria adhere to surfaces in aqueous environments and begin to excrete a slimy, glue-like substance that can anchor them to various types of materials, including intravenous catheters. The presence of biofilm has many adverse effects, including the ability to release bacteria into the bloodstream. The current standard of catheter care is to instill a heparin lock solution at a concentration of 1000 5000 u/mL into each catheter lumen immediately post treatment, in order to prevent clotting between dialysis treatments. However, a heparin lock solution provides no protection from the risk of infection. Currently, there are no pharmacologic agents approved for the prevention of catheter-related blood stream infections in central venous catheters.
There is a significant unmet need for prevention of catheter-related blood stream infections in the hemodialysis patient population as well as for other patient populations utilizing central venous catheters, such as oncology/chemotherapy, total parenteral nutrition and intensive care unit patients.
CRMX003, or CorMedix Neutrolin®, is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial/antifungal and anticoagulant combination that is active against common microbes including antibiotic-resistant strains and in addition may prevent biofilm formation. We believe that using CorMedix Neutrolin® as a catheter lock solution will significantly reduce the incidence of catheter-related blood stream infections, thus reducing the need for local and systemic antibiotics while prolonging catheter life.
We believe that CRMX004, a thixotropic gel formulation of Neutrolin®, could be developed for the indication for prevention of catheter-related blood stream infections and maintenance of catheter function in hemodialysis. CRMX004 would provide an alternative to CRMX003 that may have superior performance in hemodialysis catheters. A thixotropic gel is viscous under normal conditions, but is able to flow under conditions where a pressure is applied. We believe this formulation could be ideal for hemodialysis catheters, as catheter lock solutions are known to partially leak out of the catheter between dialysis sessions. If the gel is retained within the catheter until electively removed, this formulation may also reduce catheter dysfunction due to thrombosis.
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CorMedix Neutrolin® contains 1.35% taurolidine, 4% Citrate and 1000 u/mL heparin.
Taurolidine was first synthesized around 1972 by Geistlich Pharma. Taurolidine is a derivative of the amino acid taurine. It is a potent antimicrobial agent with a novel mechanism of action. Taurolidine releases methylol derivatives which selectively interact with components of bacterial/fungal cell walls resulting in irreparable injury to the microorganism.
Taurolidine has several clinically beneficial characteristics relating to its antimicrobial action, including:
| broad spectrum antibacterial and antifungal action; |
| no tendency to induce bacterial resistance; and |
| the ability to inactivate endotoxins (a type of toxin contained within the cell wall of certain bacteria, which can cause a variety of important clinical symptoms including fever, chills and shock). |
We believe these characteristics give taurolidine a potential advantage over conventional antibiotics in the control and near eradication of infections. However, taurolidine was not successfully commercialized for systemic use because of several clinically-significant limitations, including the following:
| the need to provide high concentrations of taurolidine at the infection site in order to inhibit infection (i.e., a concentration approximately 1000 times greater than a typical antibiotic); |
| the low solubility of taurolidine in an aqueous solution, which makes it virtually impossible to achieve the high concentrations required for efficacy at an infection site within the body; and |
| the short and unpredictable shelf life of the previously available taurolidine + polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) mixture. |
Because of these issues, the adoption of taurolidine in the clinical setting has been limited. For the 15 years prior to Biolink utilizing taurolidine in a catheter lock formulation, the only clinical use was as a lavage solution for treating peritonitis (taurolidine mixed with PVP).
Citrate (4%) is considered to be as good as heparin as an anticoagulant and in addition improves the antimicrobial activity and solubility of taurolidine. Heparin at a concentration of 1000 u/mL 5000 u/mL is an anticoagulant widely used as a catheter locking solution in hemodialysis.
The rationale for commercializing CorMedix Neutrolin® is to capture the established efficacy of heparin as an anticoagulant and to combine it with the established potent antimicrobial and anticoagulant properties of taurolidine and citrate, respectively.
We are currently in the process of optimizing the thixotropic gel formulation of Neutrolin®; however the formulation will be a semi-solid gel that liquefies under the pressure of insertion and withdrawal from the catheter, a property known as thixotropic. This would prevent any spillage from the catheter tip and from the end of the catheter in the event the luer lock becomes disengaged. The solid nature of the gel when at rest in the catheter could also negate the need for an anticoagulant within the formulation.
Biolink Neutrolin® was a catheter lock solution that had been under development by a company known as Biolink Corporation (Biolink) to address the limitations of the current standard of catheter care. Biolink Neutrolin® contained taurolidine, a potent antimicrobial agent, and citric acid, which lowers pH thereby enhancing taurolidines antimicrobial activity and improves the solubility of taurolidine and is a stabilizing agent. Taurolidine provides broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria, including antibiotic-resistant strains, as well as activity against several clinically important fungi. Biolink Neutrolin® also contained Citrate, which acts as an anticoagulant.
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Extensive preclinical testing was completed with Biolink Neutrolin® and its use in hemodialysis catheters according to documented product specifications and design controls. The completed tests can be grouped as follows:
| The compatibility of Biolink Neutrolin® with catheter materials. |
| The safety of Biolink Neutrolin® as demonstrated through biocompatibility and direct injection in dogs. |
| The in vitro efficacy of Biolink Neutrolin® in anticoagulation and antimicrobial models. |
| The stability of Biolink Neutrolin® through forced degradation studies, repeating many of the safety and efficacy tests. |
All preclinical testing demonstrated that the efficacy and safety profile of Biolink Neutrolin® is appropriate for its intended use in humans. Additional preclinical studies evaluating effects of adding heparin at various concentrations were also performed.
On July 27, 2001, Biolink submitted an Investigational Device Exemption (#G0102000) to initiate clinical trials of Biolink Neutrolin®. In 2001, Biolink Neutrolin® was considered to be a device in Europe, and the CE marking classification rendered it a Type 2A device when it was formulated without the inclusion of heparin. This means that the manufacturer needs approval/certification from a Notified Body for its quality systems and takes responsibility to deem the device marketable (CE marked). During the development of Biolink Neutrolin®, Biolink decided to first pursue a CE marking of the product in Europe before its development and approval in the United States. Biolink utilized TUV of Germany as the Notified Body to obtain approval of compliance of Quality Systems Requirements (QSR) Certification. Biolink obtained QSR certification in 2002, which remained valid until March 2005.
Prior to its filing for bankruptcy in August 2003, Biolink had an Investigational Device Exemption approved by the FDA for Biolink Neutrolin®. A small non-randomized, case-control pilot study of the Biolink Neutrolin® solution (formulated with a lower pH) versus the standard heparin lock solution was carried out in 20 catheter-dependent hemodialysis patients at the University of Alabama, Birmingham. Biolink Neutrolin® dramatically reduced the frequency of catheter-related blood stream infections, although in these same patients, blood flow problems related to some type of thrombus formation (measured by increased use of tissue plasminogen activator) was increased compared to the heparin control. Laboratory studies indicated that the blood flow issues may have resulted from the low pH of the Biolink Neutrolin® formulation, and this was subsequently adjusted. Furthermore, after some testing by Biolink, this issue resulted in the addition of heparin to the catheter lock solution. The FDA then approved a pilot trial to be conducted (four centers, 60 patients) to confirm safety before proceeding to the main study. This trial would have utilized Biolink Neutrolin® solution with heparin added at the bedside. At this point all development activity stopped however, due to Biolinks filing for bankruptcy. A German company, TauroPharm GmbH (TauroPharm), established by Biolink to manufacture Biolink Neutrolin®, launched the product in Europe under the name of TauroLock (taurolidine and 4% citrate without heparin).
TauroLock is currently being used in Europe and the Middle East as a catheter lock solution in hemodialysis, in intensive care units and for oncology/chemotherapy patients. TauroLock is registered as a device and has the approval of a CE Mark from the Technischer Ueberwachungs Verein (TUV) in Munich, Germany. Several small studies using TauroLock have appeared in the published literature in Europe, all of which demonstrate positive results with near eradication of infection and limited blood flow issues, particularly with added heparin. In November 2007, TauroPharm launched two new products called TauroLock Heparin 500 and TauroLock Heparin 100 to address the needs of those customers who were using TauroLock and adding heparin separately.
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Published Clinical Studies of Biolink Neutrolin® (taurolidine 1.35% + citrate 4%) are listed below:
Study |
Number of
Catheters (Patients) |
Average
Duration |
CRBI per 1,000
Catheter Days (Taurolidine - Citrate CLS vs. Control) |
Control
Group |
Taurolidine -
Citrate CLS: % Patients Without Infection |
Catheter
Dysfunction |
||||||
Betjes and van Atgern Nephrol. Dial.
Transplant 2004 19:1546-1551 |
76 (58) | 158 d |
0 vs. 2.1
(P=0.047) |
RCT vs.
heparin 5,000 u/mL |
100 |
Catheter
removal: 2 heparin 1 Neutrolin |
||||||
Taylor J of Renal Care 2008
34(3):116-120 |
~20/month | 180 d |
0.6 vs. 5.2
(P<0.001) |
Cross-over
cohort vs. heparin 5,000 u/mL |
(89%
reduction) |
Incr.
urokinase resolved with |mF500 u/mL heparin |
||||||
Sodemann Poster:
American Society of Nephrology 2001 |
76 (76) |
250 d
(41 patient years) |
0.20 | None | 96 | No increase | ||||||
Allon Clin. Infect.
Dis. 2003 36 (12):1539-44 |
20/30
Neutrolin (taurolidine + citrate)/ Heparin |
85 d |
0.60 vs. 5.6
(P<0.001) |
Case-control
vs. heparin 5,000 u/mL |
94 |
Unassisted
catheter patency 24% vs 68% |
As a result of the NDP License Agreement and the Polaschegg License Agreement we entered into in January 2008, as described below under License Agreements and Intellectual Property, CorMedix is now the current Sponsor of the Biolink Neutrolin® Investigational Device Exemption. The conditional Investigational Device Exemption approval obtained from the FDA on March 12, 2003 outlined the need for the following actions in order for the Investigational Device Exemption to be fully approved for conducting a pivotal clinical trial to support marketing approval:
| addition of heparin to the taurolidine + citrate formulation to address patency issues; |
| evaluation of maintenance of patency and prevention of infection as co-primary end points in proposed clinical trial; |
| conduct of a pilot/vanguard study in 60 patients, with results submitted to the FDA for evaluation before proceeding to a single pivotal study of an additional 340 patients to support marketing approval. |
As there have been changes in the standards of patient and catheter care since the earlier Investigational Device Exemption approval, we held an informal pre-Investigational Device Exemption meeting with the FDA in October 2008 to discuss the current registration requirements for developing CorMedix Neutrolin® as a device/drug combination product.
We intend to submit a new Investigational Device Exemption, or supplement the current Investigational Device Exemption, to the FDA requesting approval of a pivotal clinical trial for CorMedix Neutrolin® by mid-2010. The addition of heparin is made to address the catheter patency issue, as highlighted in the study carried out at the University of Alabama. The proposed trial will be a double-blind study involving CorMedix Neutrolin® compared to the current standard of catheter care, the heparin lock. It is anticipated that the study will be of 15 months duration (9 months recruitment, 6 months follow-up), with an expected product launch 12 to 15 months following completion of the trial and submission of the Premarket Approval application to the FDA.
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Our strategy is to obtain worldwide approval for CorMedix Neutrolin® solution, and to obtain Orphan designation and qualify for FDA grants (of up to $400,000). Orphan status is a designation used by the FDA to encourage development of drugs and devices for rare diseases or indications. Achieving this status conveys significant benefits to the developer. An Orphan Device grant request was submitted in February 2009. We will make a request to the FDA to remove the requirement for a pilot study before commencing the pivotal clinical trial based on the substantial European experience that has been gained with the product in the last 6 years.
Projected key regulatory submissions/communications for both the United States and European Union in the next 12 months include:
| selection of E.U. Notified Body and discussions/agreements with them for Type 3 CE marking and Quality System Regulation (QSR) certification; |
| submission of the CTA (if EU studies are necessary) and approval of Type 3 CE mark; |
| obtaining Investigational Device Exemption approval from the FDA for the trial required to achieve registration. |
We plan to conduct a prospective, multicenter, double-blind, randomized, active comparator (heparin, which is the current standard of care) controlled study of approximately 400 patients to demonstrate the safety and effectiveness of CorMedix Neutrolin® (1.35% taurolidine, 4% citrate and heparin 1000 u/mL) in preventing catheter-related blood stream infections and maintaining catheter patency in patients receiving hemodialysis therapy as treatment for End Stage Renal Disease three times a week with a tunneled silicone or polyurethane hemodialysis catheter that has demonstrated the ability to deliver sufficient blood flow to enable successful hemodialysis. Patients can be enrolled with either incident catheters (catheters placed less than one week prior to entry into the trial) or prevalent catheters.
Subjects will be randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive either CorMedix Neutrolin® or the active comparator heparin (1000 u/ml) as a catheter locking solution. CorMedix Neutrolin® or heparin will be instilled into central venous hemodialysis catheters following all dialysis sessions and will be withdrawn prior to the initiation of the next dialysis session. All subjects will receive standard of care consistent with current dialysis clinical practice guidelines for the placement, care and use of central venous catheters for hemodialysis therapy.
A total of 400 randomized subjects are currently planned for this trial, which will have co-primary endpoints (two separate endpoints, both of which have to be achieved for the trial to be considered successful). Calculation of the sample size was based upon the assumption that the cumulative event rate for catheter-related blood stream infections would be 22.6% at 180 days. Although published data have consistently demonstrated an 80 90% reduction in catheter-related blood stream infections with Neutrolin®, we conservatively calculated sample size based upon an assumed 60% reduction in catheter-related blood stream infections. Conservative standard statistical sample size calculations for the first endpoint suggest that the required sample size would be 190 patients in each arm. The patency endpoint tests the hypothesis that the use of CorMedix Neutrolin® is non-inferior to the heparin comparator for the composite endpoint of requirement for catheter intervention (including use of a tissue plasminogen activator) or requirement for catheter replacement due to catheter thrombosis/dysfunction. A non-inferiority margin of 10% was assumed as was an event rate of 36%. Conservative standard statistical sample size calculations suggest that the required sample size is 200 patients per arm to meet these assumptions. As is normal, the non-inferiority endpoint will drive the required number of patients for the trial, which is a total sample of 400 patients. The planned treatment duration for all patients is 180 days.
The total cost for the study is estimated to be approximately $10 million. The primary endpoints for the study are discussed below.
Freedom from Infection Up to 180 day freedom from catheter-related bloodstream infections following the initial instillation of CorMedix Neutrolin® solution, or heparin alone
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The primary hypothesis is that CorMedix Neutrolin® will significantly increase the time to event of catheter-related blood stream infection. Catheter-related blood stream infections are defined in the following manner:
| the patient must demonstrate clinical signs and symptoms compatible with sepsis, which include one or more of the following: temperature greater than 38° C, rigors, chills, change in mental status or signs of localized catheter-related infection (e.g., tenderness and/or pain, erythema, swelling, purulent exudates within 2 cm of catheter entry site); |
| the patient must have microbiologically defined catheter-related blood stream infections as demonstrated by positive peripheral blood (or dialyzer blood line) cultures and concordant growth of bacteria with the same antibiogram from one of the following: (i) catheter lumen blood cultures; (ii) catheter tip or interior surface cultures with quantitative cultures >10 3 organisms per segment; or (iii) catheter exit site exudates; and |
| no other alternative source of infection is identified by clinically indicated testing. |
Patency Endpoint Duration of time that patency and adequate function is maintained up to 180 days following the initial instillation of CorMedix Neutrolin®, or heparin alone
The primary hypothesis is that the instillation of CorMedix Neutrolin® is non-inferior to heparin alone in maintaining patency and catheter function. For the purposes of this study, the endpoint can be satisfied by either of the following clinical events:
| need for an interventional procedure (e.g., de-clotting procedure or use of a tissue plasminogen activator) due to dysfunction; or |
| need for catheter removal or exchange to restore catheter patency. |
Secondary efficacy endpoints include mortality, infection rate per-1,000 catheter days, patency-related catheter removal/exchange rate per 1,000 catheter days, frequency of requirement for thrombolytic therapy (tPA) to restore access patency, assessed as events per 1,000 catheter days, freedom from thrombolytic therapy (tPA) at 90 days and 180 days, preservation of catheter blood flow (Qb), and dialysis adequacy (the ability of the hemodialysis catheter to deliver sufficient blood flow to enable adequate hemodialysis as defined by current hemodialysis clinical practice guidelines.
The primary efficacy analysis will include all patients. Given the anticipated censoring rate that would normally occur in any study of central venous catheters in hemodialysis patients, the primary analysis will be time to event or survival analysis using the Kaplan-Meier method (an actuarial technique for measuring time-related events). As the incidence of catheter-related blood stream infection is quite variable between dialysis units, patients will be stratified by unit and incident vs. prevalent catheter status. Given that hemodialysis patients have multiple health problems, and that patients dialyzing with a central catheter have a high mortality rate, Cox proportional hazards modeling (a form of statistical modeling used in survival analysis) will be done to identify possible confounding variables (as specific clinical risk factors for catheter-related blood stream infections have been identified in other studies). Confounding variables will be identified using logistic regression. Additionally, the impact of variables that are thought to be risk factors (age, gender, race, existence of diabetes and previous catheter-related blood stream infections) will be entered into the model. If there are no statistical or clinically relevant confounding variables, differences in survival will be analyzed using the log-rank test. If important confounding variables are identified, the primary comparison will be done using the Cox Proportional Hazards Model.
CRMX004 is currently in the pre-clinical stage of development. We are conducting pre-clinical laboratory tests with a view to commencing animal studies following the completion of this offering. If these animal studies are successful, we will require additional funds in order to start human pilot studies.
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If we obtain FDA Premarket Approval by the third quarter of 2012, we would expect to launch CorMedix Neutrolin® for the prevention of catheter-related blood stream infections and maintenance of catheter function in hemodialysis patients before the end of 2012. However, we cannot be assured of FDA approval of CRMX003 on that timeline or at all.
The sales model will primarily be one of achieving formulary listing and inclusion as policy and procedure with the key customers (Fresenius and Davita, as dialysis providers, cover 70% of dialysis patients). Key account managers will be required as well as medical liaison specialists.
It is anticipated that the costs of CorMedix Neutrolin® will be included in the future dialysis bundle, which will transition in from 2011 2014. In the interim, for those centers not participating in the bundle, the product will be billable on the basis of a separate billing J code. In any future model of full capitation reimbursement for dialysis services, the value proposition for CorMedix Neutrolin® would be even stronger. Clear demonstration of cost-effectiveness will be important for CMS, private payers and users of CorMedix Neutrolin®.
We will formulate plans for the commercialization of CRMX004 when the product reaches a later stage of development.
We will consider developing CorMedix Neutrolin® for indications for prevention of catheter-related blood stream infections associated with any chronic central venous catheter and peripherally inserted central catheter use, such as cancer chemotherapy, intensive care and total parenteral nutrition.
We intend CRMX004 to provide an alternative to CRMX003 in the dialysis setting. We believe CRMX004 would provide potential advantages over CRMX003 in the dialysis setting due to its unique formulation and would have a longer patent life.
Contrast-induced nephropathy, or CIN, is a common and potentially serious complication arising from the use of iodinated contrast media used in X-ray procedures to identify the status of blood vessels in different parts of the body. CIN is most commonly defined as a new onset or exacerbation of renal dysfunction after contrast administration without other identifiable causes. There are an estimated 150,000 cases per year in the United States. It is the third most common cause of hospital-acquired renal insufficiency (11% of cases) after low blood pressure and major surgery, and is associated with increased mortality, cardiovascular complications (myocardial infarction, stroke, heart failure, etc.), in-hospital and long term, increased dialysis, permanent kidney damage, and delayed discharge/re-hospitalization. In addition, CIN, or the risk of developing CIN, disrupts the workflow of the catheterization laboratory a key profit center of many hospitals. Any decrease in case load potentially reduces revenue. The most important risk factor for developing CIN is the presence of chronic kidney disease, or CKD.
Currently, the standard of care to prevent CIN in high risk patients with CKD is hydration before and after the procedure with saline (e.g., 1 1.5 mL/kg/h of 0.9% saline given 3 12 hours before and 6 24 hours after contrast procedure) or bicarbonate (3 mL/kg/h given for 1 hour before and 3 6 hours afterwards). Additional methods to reduce the risk of developing CIN include minimizing the volume of contrast used, utilizing low or iso-osmolar contrast agents, and withholding potentially nephrotoxic drugs.
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There is no single therapeutic intervention that has conclusively and consistently proven to be effective in the prevention of CIN, and there are no FDA-approved preventative treatments. N-acetylcysteine (NAC Mucomyst), an antioxidant and free radical scavenger, has been extensively studied in the prevention of CIN, but study results are conflicting. Other therapies that have suggested some efficacy in studies include vitamin C, Prostaglandin E1, theophylline, statins and bicarbonate.
We expect that the incidence of CIN will increase as the number of procedures requiring contrast grows with the ever-expanding scope of image-guided radiological interventions and the burgeoning older population.
There is accumulating evidence that iron plays an important role in the pathogenesis of CIN and the progression of CKD. The mechanism by which iron causes tissue injury in these renal diseases likely involves the generation of reactive oxygen species which cause damage to cell membranes, proteins and deoxyribonucleic acid. Reactive oxidants have the ability to cause both local tissue damage and also to instigate toxic effects distant from their site of generation. We believe that deferiprone, which binds or chelates iron, reducing oxidative stress and cellular injury, will be an effective treatment for the prevention of morbidity and mortality associated with CIN.
Deferiprone is a logical choice for evaluation of the potential therapeutic effect of iron chelation in these renal and cardiovascular diseases for a variety of reasons. There is clear experimental and clinical evidence of the efficacy of deferiprone as an oral iron chelator, complimented by an extensive safety database gathered from the administration of deferiprone for long periods of time and often at considerably higher drug exposure levels than is likely to be required for the suggested renal indications. Deferiprone is able to mobilize iron from multiple tissue and cellular sites, including reticuloendothelial, liver and heart, from the intracellular proteins ferritin and hemosiderin, and from transferrin and non-transferrin bound iron present in the serum. Due to its small size and neutral charge, deferiprone is able to access multiple intracellular iron pools and shuttle iron to acceptor molecules in the extracellular space. Deferiprone is also known to be partially excreted in an active form in the urine.
According to the National Kidney Foundations website, one in nine American adults (approximately 20 million people) has chronic kidney disease, or CKD. CKD may lead to the eventual need for dialysis, or early death from cardiovascular diseases. Early detection can help prevent the progression of kidney disease to kidney failure.
We believe deferiprone has the potential to substantially impact the disease burden and reduce the progression of CKD.
The role of iron in the pathogenesis of chronic renal disease has been proven through research using animal models and human data demonstrating an increased amount of iron in the kidneys and urine of patients with CKD. Furthermore, the use of iron chelators has been demonstrated to reduce or prevent injury in several studies using animal models to research CKD. Most importantly, small proof of concept trials in humans support the potential role of iron chelation in the treatment of CKD. These studies include cohorts of patients with early diabetic renal disease as well as patients with various forms of chronic glomerulonephritis (any disease process that causes injury or scarring to the small filters within the kidney). Both studies demonstrated a reduction in proteinuria (an important predictor of protection from progressive loss of kidney function) over a treatment period of six to nine months and did not demonstrate safety concerns. These studies provide strong supportive evidence for conducting phase II trials in either diabetic nephropathy or chronic glomerulonephritis.
Current treatments for CKD depend upon the primary diagnosis and overall activity of the disease. For diabetics, control of blood pressure and blood sugar are recognized to provide protection against the development and/or progression of CKD. However, even with excellent control of risk factors (and the use of angiotensin-receptor blockers) patients still have residual risk for loss of kidney function. On the other hand, high-risk patients with a variety of forms of chronic glomerulonephritis (a very heterogeneous population) are frequently treated with immunosuppressive therapy. However, there are subsets of patients within each of these populations that dont respond well to any current therapy. Although our phase II
47
program in CKD is not completely defined, we currently believe that we might initially study patients with either unresponsive IgA Nephropathy or Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis.
We have acquired a range of formulations of deferiprone, which we believe are novel, patentable and targeted to different conditions, including a slow release formulation that allows twice-daily dosing. Oral administration of deferiprone achieves rapid therapeutic plasma concentrations of drug followed by sustained plasma levels using a combination of immediate release and extended release formulations.
CorMedix deferiprone tablets are 900 mg formulated as separate immediate release and extended release tablets. The intended dose is one immediate release tablet and two extended release tablets twice a day for eight days. The unique combination of one immediate release tablet and two extended release tablets, which we plan to use in our lead CIN indication, results in a lower peak drug concentration (Cmax), reducing nausea, while allowing extended iron trapping for 12 hours.
These formulations have been studied in a pharmacokinetic study in the United States including patients with mild to moderate CKD.
Deferiprone is marketed in approximately 50 countries outside of the United States as a treatment for iron overload in a rare condition called Thalassemia major. We benefit substantially from the international body of knowledge already in place, which we believe significantly reduces development risk for future programs. The basic efficacy and safety of deferiprone is well-known from treatment of iron overload disorders, and it has been shown to be very effective at reducing heart damage due to iron. In general, deferiprone is well tolerated, but as with other iron chelators in the iron overload setting, some patients may experience white cell suppression with long-term use and high doses; this side effect has not been seen to date with the short term dosing proposed in our study.
Our first targeted indication for deferiprone is for the prevention (decrease in the rate of incidence) of morbidity and mortality associated with acute kidney injury in subjects with moderate to severe CKD and other risk factors undergoing interventional cardiac procedures and receiving an iodinated radiocontrast agent. There are multiple lines of evidence that form the scientific and clinical basis for our belief in the potential efficacy of deferiprone in preventing the morbidity and mortality associated with x-ray dye, which are described below.
1) | Oxidative stress due to labile (toxic) iron is a fundamental mechanism in the pathogenesis of contrast induced nephropathy and many other forms of acute kidney injury. Labile iron and oxidative stress increase following contrast in humans, labile iron is increased in the kidneys of patients with CKD, and contrast further increases urinary labile iron and markers of tubular injury. |
2) | CKD presents the perfect storm for contrast damage, including increased labile iron, chronic inflammation, increased baseline oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and endothelial dysfunction with reduced vascular autoregulation. |
3) | Raised labile iron predicts poor kidney transplant function and poor outcomes following myocardial infarction in diabetics. |
4) | Deferiprone protects the heart from damaging effects of excess labile iron in chronic iron overload disorders and binding labile iron improves clinical outcomes in the following circumstances: |
| binding labile iron (deferoxamine) reduces markers of oxidative stress, better preserves myocardial cells and improves outcomes following cardiopulmonary bypass surgery; and |
| binding labile iron (dexrazoxane) reduces the cardiovascular toxicity of doxorubicin. |
5) | The primary mechanisms leading to kidney injury following contrast appear to be both a direct toxic effect of the dye, and blood vessel spasm leading to a reduction in tissue oxygenation. The latter could be thought of as a mild heart attack occurring in the kidney. Iron chelators have been |
48
demonstrated to be protective in animal models of simulated heart attack and in patients have demonstrated improved outcomes following coronary artery bypass surgery. |
6) | A secondary mechanism leading to CIN is the direct toxic effect of contrast on renal cells. Binding labile iron is effective in all studied models of AKI (myoglobinuria, cisplatin, gentamicin and contrast). Also, labile iron is an important mediator of cellular injury, oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction: deferiprone reduces labile iron, oxidative stress and improves mitochondrial and endothelial function. |
Our current regulatory strategy for deferiprone is to obtain approval in the United States for the marketing of deferiprone for the prevention (decrease in the rate of incidence) of morbidity and mortality associated with acute kidney injury in subjects with moderate to severe CKD and risk factors undergoing interventional cardiac procedures and receiving an iodinated radiocontrast agent. Our goal is to be the first company to obtain this approval. As a second step, we plan to develop a strategy for the approval of deferiprone for the above indication in the rest of the world, with Europe as the next region of interest. We also believe that we may be able to obtain orphan status for this indication, thus extending our regulatory exclusivity.
An in-person meeting with the FDA was held on March 27, 2007, to discuss development plans for the approval of deferiprone for the prevention (decrease in the rate of incidence) of acute kidney injury secondary to contrast agent administration in high risk patients with CKD. This meeting was instrumental in reaching the following key verbal agreements with the FDA:
| no additional preclinical or phase I studies would be required to support marketing approval; |
| one phase III safety and efficacy clinical study would be required to support marketing approval (also reached agreement over the acceptable study end points); and |
| agreement to accept and review the protocol for the phase III clinical study via the Special Protocol Assessment process. |
On September 10, 2007, a response was obtained from the FDA confirming the satisfactory design of the phase III clinical study to support marketing approval.
Our current expectation is that completion of the New Drug Application for deferiprone for the desired indication will require completion of the following: a single, phase III safety and efficacy clinical trial (DEFEND-AKI), a thorough QT/QTc study and a drug-drug interaction study. The total cost to file the New Drug Application is anticipated to be approximately $30 million (DEFEND-AKI study, pharmacology studies, manufacturing/CMC and regulatory filing costs).
Prior to commencement of the phase III trial, we have decided to initially perform a phase II biomarker proof of concept study, which is planned to begin in the first quarter of 2010. We expect that the trial will generate specific data on the ability of our formulations of deferiprone to reduce biomarker evidence of acute kidney injury, consequently reducing the risk of the phase III trial, potentially enhancing the primary endpoint and providing pharmacokinetic data that is required for our patent continuation filing. This study will include exactly the same population as DEFEND-AKI and will recruit 60 patients over 6 months and cost approximately $1 million. The primary endpoint will be a reduction in a panel of sensitive biomarkers of acute kidney injury by CRMX001 compared with placebo (NGAL, Cystatin C, creatinine, liver fatty acid binding protein, Kidney injury molecule-1, glutathione-S- transferase).
The phase III clinical trial is already designed and would be the largest pharmaceutical trial ever conducted for the prevention of CIN. In addition, the patient population will also be the highest-risk population ever studied. Currently there is no proven pharmaceutical therapy that prevents or reduces the frequency/severity of CIN. Given this need, and the clear relationship between the development of CIN (defined as a change in renal function) and important clinical outcomes, the FDA has allowed us a unique opportunity to register CRMX001 following the successful completion of a single phase III trial.
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The trial will be a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-arm, multicenter study. The entry criteria for the trial includes the requirement for moderate to severe CKD as determined by an eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate, a marker of kidney function) of less than 60 mL/min, and at least one additional risk factor (diabetes, age greater than or equal to 75 years or heart failure). The patients will receive either low or iso-osmolar radiocontrast dye for a cardiac interventional procedure. Standard of care will be provided to all patients. This includes the avoidance of nephrotoxic medications, limiting contrast volume as much as clinically possible and hydration both before and after the procedure.
CRMX001 will be given as one immediate release tablet and two extended release tablets (total dose 2.7 g) 1 3 hours before angiography and given twice daily for a total of eight days. This dose is close to the initial starting dose for treatment of iron-overload disorders. Eight days of dosing was selected as contrast may be retained in patients with CKD for an extended period and oxidative stress is also present for at least 72 hours in some patients. Patients will be monitored for 90 days following the procedure and the composite endpoint includes any of the following: death, myocardial infarction, dialysis, stroke/TIA, heart failure or re-hospitalization. Given the known safety profile of deferiprone, no significant toxicity or safety issues are anticipated during the trial. From a statistical perspective, the trial is powered (to define the required sample size) to demonstrate a 1/3 reduction of the composite event rate (30% to 20%).
The principal investigator for the DEFEND-AKI trial will be Peter McCullough M.D., who is widely considered to be one of the foremost authorities on CIN. The Executive Committee for the trial consists of Peter McCullough, John Hirshfeld, Bruce Molitoris, Christian Mueller and Sudhir Shah (a principal stockholder of CorMedix). The Clinical Research Organization conducting the trial is Quintiles, Inc., which has significant recent experience in catheterization lab studies. Ninety study sites for the trial have been identified in the United States, Germany, Poland and Switzerland.
The risk-benefit profile of deferiprone must be carefully balanced with the underlying condition given the rare occurrence of neutropenia (a significant reduction in white blood cells) or agranulocytosis (the virtual absence of white blood cells) with chronic therapy. Therefore, a careful development plan will be conducted, taking into account dose-response and the impact on surrogate markers of disease and safety including our own catalytic iron biomarker test to ensure that a patient population and dose regimen with the best risk-benefit profile is selected prior to starting a phase III trial.
An Investigational New Drug Application (No. 62,180) is already in place for prevention of CKD progression. We could potentially begin a proof of concept study in 2010 with dose-ranging utilizing our extended release formulations. We are consulting with some of the worlds experts in the field to design our program. We have also received direction from the FDA in an in-person meeting held in March 2007. In particular, we are exploring the FDAs willingness to consider the use of novel endpoints beyond the typical death/dialysis or doubling of serum creatinine typically required for registration of such an indication. Assuming successful completion of the proof of concept study, which, according to our current timelines, we estimate will take approximately eighteen months, we could potentially commence a phase III trial for deferiprone in 2012 and have a product launch in 2015.
We currently have early proof of concept from two studies in diabetic nephropathy and chronic glomerulonephritis, two forms of CKD, which were presented at the 40 th Annual American Society of Nephrology meeting in November 2007. In these studies, deferiprone was able to significantly reduce protein in the urine, a sign of active kidney disease and a predictor for loss of kidney function. The glomerulonephritis study was conducted in fourteen patients with the following types of glomerulonephritis: Membranous, Focal Segmental Sclerosis, IgA nephropathy, Membranoproliferative and secondary glomerulonephritis (SLE, hemolytic-uremic syndrome, Henoch-Schonlein purpura). Deferiprone was given in a dose of 50mg/Kg/day for six months and consistent reduction (48%) in proteinuria, regardless of etiology, was demonstrated.
We have completed a pharmacokinetic study in renally impaired patients, and are discussing the optimal design of our next studies with the FDA and world experts. Some of these options include focused orphan indications such as specific types of glomerulonephritis (IgA nephropathy, FSGS, etc.).
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The primary target audience for the CIN indication will be catheterization laboratory-based interventional cardiologists and secondarily nephrologists and interventional radiologists. There are 6,300 interventional cardiologists and approximately 2,200 catheterization labs in the United States of which 1,000 target labs conduct the majority of procedures.
We believe that a sales force of approximately 50, including medical liaisons, sales representatives and management would be adequate to support the product. The rapid inclusion in relevant guidelines would be important to accelerate uptake. Given the medical safety issue surrounding the use of radiocontrast in at-risk patients and the anticipated morbidity-mortality label for deferiprone, we expect the ramp-up to peak sales and penetration to be faster (3 years) and larger (up to 90%) than for a typical new product launch.
We conducted a formal value-based pricing analysis based on expected events avoided. This analysis shows that the product is cost-neutral at a per-treatment cost of $3,500 (using a threshold cost per-QALYG (Quality Adjusted Life Year, a standard health economic tool) less than $50,000) and, we believe, highly cost-effective at a cost of $1,000 per treatment (cost per QALYG of only $3,500). The actual cost-effectiveness will ultimately depend on the results of the DEFEND-AKI trials and the chosen sales price.
Given the largely in-patient nature of this high-risk patient group, reimbursement is expected to be via specific Disease Related Groups that cover these high-risk patients.
All in all, we believe that the disease area known as CIN represents a reasonably fast-to-market opportunity with significant sales potential.
The target physician population for CKD will depend upon the intended indication. If we ultimately develop CRMX001 as a therapy to reduce residual risk in patients with diabetic nephropathy, the target group would include both nephrologists and endocrinologists, although nephrologists are more likely to care for these more advanced stage patients. Currently in the United States, there are approximately 5,500 nephrologists, although it is likely that a subset of these would treat the majority of these high-risk patients. However, to reach a larger population it would be important to achieve guideline endorsement for CRMX001 in this specific population.
If the CKD indication is partial or unresponsive chronic glomerulonephritis, the physician pool is much smaller. These patients are generally seen at major nephrology centers that specialize in the care of uncommon chronic glomerular disorders (such as the Center for Glomerular Diseases at Columbia University in New York City). Key opinion leader support and inclusion on treatment guidelines will be very important for this indication.
Pending a positive result from the first study, and successful issuance of a CIN patent, we could extend the product label by conducting additional studies, which could include:
| a broader range of angiography procedure involving iodinated contrast, such as urgent coronary angiography and peripheral angiography (e.g., whole body CT, neurological imaging); |
| patients with a broader range of risk factors such as hypertension, acute hypotension, nephrotoxic drug use, anemia, single kidney, transplanted kidney, staged procedure with contrast media less than 2 weeks prior, age over 60 years, chemotherapy, and HIV/AIDS; |
| prevention of AKI associated with various nephrotoxins such as aminoglycoside antibiotics and cis-platinum; |
| prevention of AKI in CABG (coronary bypass); and |
| other contrast media such as gadolinium-based contrast. |
We believe that the value drivers (exclusivity, first mover advantage, development costs, unmet need) and ultimately return on investment is maximized by rapid execution, for the reasons stated below.
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1) | There is a major unmet medical need |
| Significant morbidity and mortality is associated with the development of CIN |
| Improvements in radiocontrast agents and hydration has not eliminated CIN in high risk patients |
| Major medical safety issue means high level of support from regulatory and other agencies and associations as first mover (FDA CDER, FDA Orphan division, CMS, Professional bodies like AKIN, ACC) |
2) | There are compelling exclusivity reasons to move quickly |
| Exclusivity would be enhanced by being first deferiprone NCE in United States (5 vs. 3 years) |
| Achieving first orphan designation requires followers to demonstrate superiority (adds 2 years to base exclusivity) |
3) | Being the first marketed preventive agent with a morbidity-mortality claim is important |
| Drug with morbidity-mortality claim could rapidly become standard of care due to medical safety issue/litigation risk |
| Future agents would need to compare to deferiprone in non-inferiority design or as add-on |
| Hurdle for followers is substantially raised due to increased development cost and risk |
4) | Clear FDA pathway has significantly reduced development costs |
| Single 800 patient study as basis for New Drug Application defined by SPA |
| Minimal clinical-pharmacology requirements; no additional toxicology testing |
We believe that the target population for use of deferiprone for the prevention (decrease in the rate of incidence) of morbidity and mortality associated with CIN numbers fewer than 200,000 patients in the United States, making it a potential orphan indication. If CRMX001 is granted orphan drug designation by the FDA for the CIN indication and subsequently receives the first FDA approval for the CIN indication, CRMX001 will be entitled to orphan exclusivity, meaning that the FDA may not approve any other applications to market the same drug for the same CIN indication, except in certain very limited circumstances, for a period of seven years. We may not receive orphan drug designation for CRMX001 for the CIN designation and we may not receive FDA approval or we may not be the first to receive FDA approval for this indication.
If we do not receive orphan drug designation for CRMX001, we intend to rely on marketing exclusivity provisions of the Hatch-Waxman Act for a limited, five-year, marketing exclusivity of deferiprone. Hatch-Waxman provides such exclusivity to the first applicant to gain approval of an NDA for a product using an active ingredient that the FDA has not previously approved. We may not receive FDA approval for CRMX001 or we may not be the first to receive FDA approval for deferiprone.
There are other potential indications for deferiprone, which have pediatric uses. If CRMX001 is approved for pediatric uses during the above exclusivity period(s), six months will be added to the above exclusivity periods. In addition, if CRMX001 is first to market, it will also be considered a Reference Listed Drug and we will be able to list our patents regarding deferiprone (currently pending) in the Orange Book (an FDA reference of approved drugs and therapeutic equivalence evaluations). This should delay generic competition for several years beyond the above-mentioned exclusivity periods.
Iron is an essential element within all cells of the body. Irons importance, in part, has to do with its ability to cycle between two different chemical forms. One of these forms, however, can be damaging to cells through a process called oxidative stress. Labile iron has been shown to be both a cause and a marker of multiple types of tissue injury and is increased in the urine of patients with chronic kidney disease and in the blood of patients that have acute coronary syndromes (ex. heart attack).
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Based on the toxicity of raised labile iron to cells and tissues, we see a possible future in which testing for toxic labile iron could be as relevant as testing for HbA1c or LDL cholesterol, in other words making the concept of knowing your labile iron number as important as knowing your cholesterol.
To this end, we aim to develop, validate and, make widely available, a urine diagnostic test for labile iron that could be used to diagnose CKD, identify patients at risk for CKD and identify likely treatment responders and monitor response to therapy with CRMX001.
We envision a diagnostic test that would be performed by multiple reference laboratories worldwide. Depending upon the actual performance characteristics of the assay, it is possible that it could be performed in most large hospital laboratories. The clinical validation of the assay as to its sensitivity and specificity to diagnose or monitor chronic renal diseases will largely determine demand, which, in turn, will determine how widely and easily available the assay will become.
Our issued chronic kidney disease patents cover the use of a diagnostic test for urine labile iron and allow us to develop the market for this biomarker. We anticipate developing a sensitive and specific diagnostic test for urinary labile iron. Initially, we intend to identify and validate an assay methodology in order to establish a reproducible test and we anticipate starting this process following the completion of this offering. Once we have established a reproducible test, we will require additional funds in order to scale-up the diagnostic test and validate its utility for prediction of risk and diagnosis of CKD and treatment monitoring. We expect that the fully developed test would then be licensed to a global diagnostic company before the launch of CRMX001 in chronic kidney disease.
The timeline for full development of CRMX002 will be determined based in part on our funds available.
Depending upon the actual performance characteristics of the assay, it is possible that it could be performed in most large hospital laboratories. Consequently we envision the assay being available in most central laboratories. The test could also be developed into a point of care product for use in doctors offices.
We would seek to partner the diagnostic product with a suitable diagnostic company.
All of our manufacturing processes currently are, and we expect them to continue to be, outsourced to third parties. We rely on third-party manufacturers to produce sufficient quantities of drug product for use in clinical trials. We intend to continue this practice for any future clinical trials and commercialization of our products.
Navinta LLC, a U.S.-based Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) developer, has agreed to provide Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient manfacturing (manufactured in India at an FDA-compliant facility) and a Drug Master File for CRMX003, pursuant to a supply agreement dated December 7, 2009. The supply agreement provides that Navinta will supply taurolidine (the API for CRMX003) to us on an exclusive worldwide basis in the field of the prevention and treatment of human infection and/or dialysis so long as we purchase a minimum amount of the product from Navinta on an annual basis for a period of 5 years. We are also required to make certain cash payments to Navinta upon the achievement of certain sales-based milestones. The supply agreement has a term of five years, but may be terminated by either party upon 30 days written notice. We expect that the clinical trial material and finished product will be manufactured by either or both a European and U.S. company, but we have not yet entered into any agreements with respect to such manufacturing.
The deferiprone drug substance for CRMX001 was sourced from a company based in India, although we do not currently have a supply agreement with this company. This site has received previous FDA audits and was also audited by us. No significant issues were identified. The finished product is manufactured by Emcure Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc., a United States company (Emcure), which was also recently audited by the
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FDA without citations. Emcure manufactures the finished product pursuant to a manufacture and development agreement with us, dated March 5, 2007, and the first phase III commercial-sized batch has been produced. Emcure is also performing stability studies in PVC and ACLAR blisters and bottles and no substantive stability issues have been identified to date. Additional API is available for production of the second and third batches required for the New Drug Application. In order to meet the requirements for 18 months stability, production of these batches will commence when the phase III trial is about to start.
We are confident that there exist a sufficient number of potential sources for the drug substances required to produce our products, as well as third-party manufacturers, that we will be able to find alternate suppliers and third-party manufacturers in the event that our relationship with any supplier or third-party manufacturer deteriorates.
Products in development in the United States for the prevention and treatment of catheter-related blood stream infections are listed below.
Product | Company | Mechanism | Estimated Launch | Differentiation | ||||
Zuragen | Ash Access | Antimicrobial and anticoagulant Methylene blue + parabens + citrate 7% | 2011 | First potential approvable treatment for catheter-related blood stream infections in the U.S. Potentially need to undertake a 2 nd pivotal trial which will delay launch | ||||
B-Lock | Great Lakes Pharmaceuticals Inc. | Minocycline + EDTA + ethanol combinations | Pre Investigational Device Exemption discussions with the FDA | Contains an antibiotic |
Antibiotic or antimicrobial coated catheters have been launched by some device companies as short term prevention of catheter infection. These are not effective for hemodialysis catheters due to long term use and high blood flow.
There are only three other iron traps, or chelators, currently marketed. We believe that none are suited for use in cardiorenal disease and that our patents would preclude the marketing of any iron chelator for cardiorenal indications without a cross-license with us.
The Ferriprox® brand of deferiprone is sold in Europe and Asia as a 500mg immediate release formulation with a high Cmax (associated with nausea) that must be given three times daily, exhibiting a completely different pharmacokinetic profile from the CorMedix formulations.
Deferoxamine (Desferal®) has been available for the longest period of time. It is given intravenously or subcutaneously and due to the large size of the molecule, it does not adequately penetrate cells. Further, we believe the parenteral delivery system will preclude its use in our targeted indications and that multiple days of therapy are likely required.
Desferasirox (Exjade®) is an oral iron trap that was recently launched in the United States and European Union. It has a different pharmacokinetic profile than CRMX001 and is excreted primarily in the feces. Post-marketing experience has revealed frequent and significant renal adverse events (increasing proteinuria and creatinine) including cases of fatal renal failure, making it unlikely, in our opinion, that this product could be used for cardiorenal indications.
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A comparison of CRMX001 with the other three currently marketed iron chelators is found below:
Deferiprone
CMX001 (CorMedix) |
Deferiprone
Ferriprox® (1) |
Desferasirox
Exjade® (2) |
Deferoxamine
(3)
Desferal® |
|||||
Route |
Oral IR/ER
(b.i.d) |
Oral IR
(t.i.d) |
Oral daily | I.V./S.C. | ||||
Renal Toxicity | No | No | Yes | No | ||||
Active drug in urine | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | ||||
Method of use patents in cardiorenal disease | Yes | No | No | No | ||||
Effective at redistributing iron/ membrane permeable | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | ||||
Launch date | N/A | 2000 EU | 2006 | 1970s |
(1) | Registered Trademark of Apopharma Inc. |
(2) | Registered Trademarks of Novartis |
(3) | Also known as desferrioxamine, desferoxamine |
We do not believe that currently available iron traps are suited for development for the prevention (decrease in the rate of incidence) of morbidity and mortality associated with CIN either because of an intravenous form of delivery in the case of deferoxamine or because of documented renal toxicity in the case of desferasirox (Exjade®).
We do not believe there are any late stage investigational new drugs currently in development for this indication. Off-label studies continue to be conducted for N-acetyl cysteine and sodium bicarbonate, but results are inconclusive.
However, there are a number of device-based approaches currently under development by our competitors, including those listed below.
| Reprieve® Endovascular Temperature Therapy cooling system for core body temperature |
| Benephit® CV Infusion System renal artery infusion catheter for targeted drug delivery or fluids |
| RenalGuard® Therapy matched fluid replacement device |
We believe that none of these approaches will match the efficacy and simplicity of a short course of deferiprone tablets given before and after contrast administration.
Although we have not yet made a final decision, we believe that our initial studies would be in patients with unresponsive or partially responsive forms of chronic glomerulonephritis, specifically IgA Nephropathy and Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis. The treatments for these two disorders are largely targeted to drugs that modify the bodys immune system (glucocorticoids, azathioprine, cyclosporine, cytoxan, etc.). However, there are groups of patients that do not respond at all or that have only a partial response or toxicity from the drugs themselves. This would likely be our target population.
There are other compounds in clinical trials for these specific diseases. Most are immune-modulating therapies (mycophenolate mofetil, Rituximab, sirolimus, active forms of vitamin D, etc.) and therapies targeting the Renin-Angiotensin System (angiotensin converting-enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers and direct rennin inhibitors). Our proof of concept studies suggests that deferiprone will reduce proteinuria in patients with these disorders and thus may improve long-term outcomes.
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The research, development, testing, manufacture, labeling, promotion, advertising, distribution, and marketing, among other things, of our products are extensively regulated by governmental authorities in the United States and other countries. Because certain of our product candidates are considered as medical devices and others are considered as drugs for regulatory purposes, we intend to submit applications to regulatory agencies for approval or clearance of both medical devices and pharmaceutical product candidates.
In the United States, the FDA regulates drugs and medical devices under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and the agencys implementing regulations. If we fail to comply with the applicable United States requirements at any time during the product development process, clinical testing, and the approval process or after approval, we may become subject to administrative or judicial sanctions. These sanctions could include the FDAs refusal to approve pending applications, license suspension or revocation, withdrawal of an approval, warning letters, adverse publicity, product recalls, product seizures, total or partial suspension of production or distribution, injunctions, fines, civil penalties or criminal prosecution. Any agency enforcement action could have a material adverse effect on us.
Our products may be classified by the FDA as a drug or a medical device depending upon the indications for use or claims.
The research, development, and approval process in the United States and elsewhere is intensive and rigorous and generally takes many years to complete. The typical process required by the FDA before a therapeutic drug may be marketed in the United States includes:
| preclinical laboratory and animal tests performed under the FDAs Good Laboratory Practices regulations; |
| submission to the FDA of an Investigational New Drug Application, which must become effective before human clinical trials may commence; |
| preliminary human clinical studies to evaluate the drugs safety and effectiveness for its intended uses; |
| FDA review of whether the facility in which the drug is manufactured, processed, packed, or held meets standards designed to assure the products continued quality; and |
| submission of a marketing application to the FDA, and approval of the application by the FDA. |
During preclinical testing, studies are performed with respect to the chemical and physical properties of candidate formulations. These studies are subject to GLP requirements. Biological testing is typically done in animal models to demonstrate the activity of the compound against the targeted disease or condition and to assess the apparent effects of the new product candidate on various organ systems, as well as its relative therapeutic effectiveness and safety. An Investigational New Drug Application must be submitted to the FDA and become effective before studies in humans may commence.
Clinical trial programs in humans generally follow a three-phase process. Typically, Phase 1 studies are conducted in small numbers of healthy volunteers or, on occasion, in patients afflicted with the target disease. Phase 1 studies are conducted to determine the metabolic and pharmacological action of the product candidate in humans and the side effects associated with increasing doses, and, if possible, to gain early evidence of effectiveness. In Phase 2, studies are generally conducted in larger groups of patients having the target disease or condition in order to validate clinical endpoints, and to obtain preliminary data on the effectiveness of the product candidate and optimal dosing. This phase also helps determine further the safety profile of the product candidate. In phase III, large-scale clinical trials are generally conducted in patients having the target disease or condition to provide sufficient data for the statistical proof of effectiveness and safety of the product candidate as required by United States and foreign regulatory agencies.
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In the case of products for certain serious or life-threatening diseases, the initial human testing may be done in patients with the disease rather than in healthy volunteers. Because these patients are already afflicted with the target disease or condition, it is possible that such studies will also provide results traditionally obtained in Phase 2 studies. These studies are often referred to as Phase 1/2 studies. However, even if patients participate in initial human testing and a Phase 1/2 study carried out, the sponsor is still responsible for obtaining all the data usually obtained in both Phase 1 and Phase 2 studies.
Before proceeding with a study, sponsors may seek a written agreement from the FDA regarding the design, size, and conduct of a clinical trial. This is known as a Special Protocol Assessment (SPA). Among other things, SPAs can cover clinical studies for pivotal trials whose data will form the primary basis to establish a products efficacy. SPAs help establish up-front agreement with the FDA about the adequacy of a clinical trial design to support a regulatory approval, but the agreement is not binding if new circumstances arise. There is no guarantee that a study will ultimately be adequate to support an approval even if the study is subject to an SPA.
United States law requires that studies conducted to support approval for product marketing be adequate and well controlled. In general, this means that either a placebo or a product already approved for the treatment of the disease or condition under study must be used as a reference control. Studies must also be conducted in compliance with good clinical practice requirements, and informed consent must be obtained from all study subjects.
The clinical trial process for a new compound can take ten years or more to complete. The FDA may prevent clinical trials from beginning or may place clinical trials on hold at any point in this process if, among other reasons, it concludes that study subjects are being exposed to an unacceptable health risk. Trials may also be prevented from beginning or may be terminated by institutional review boards, who must review and approve all research involving human subjects. Side effects or adverse events that are reported during clinical trials can delay, impede, or prevent marketing authorization. Similarly, adverse events that are reported after marketing authorization can result in additional limitations being placed on a products use and, potentially, withdrawal of the product from the market.
Following the completion of clinical trials, the data are analyzed to determine whether the trials successfully demonstrated safety and effectiveness and whether a product approval application may be submitted. In the United States, if the product is regulated as a drug, a New Drug Application must be submitted and approved before commercial marketing may begin. The New Drug Application must include a substantial amount of data and other information concerning the safety and effectiveness of the compound from laboratory, animal, and human clinical testing, as well as data and information on manufacturing, product quality and stability, and proposed product labeling.
Each domestic and foreign manufacturing establishment, including any contract manufacturers CorMedix may decide to use, must be listed in the New Drug Application and must be registered with the FDA. The application generally will not be approved until the FDA conducts a manufacturing inspection, approves the applicable manufacturing process for the drug product, and determines that the facility is in compliance with cGMP requirements.
Under the Prescription Drug User Fee Act, as amended, the FDA receives fees for reviewing an New Drug Application and supplements thereto, as well as annual fees for commercial manufacturing establishments and for approved products. These fees can be significant. For fiscal year 2010, the New Drug Application review fee alone is $1,405,500, although certain limited deferral, waivers, and reductions may be available.
Each New Drug Application submitted for FDA approval is usually reviewed for administrative completeness and reviewability within 45 to 60 days following submission of the application. If deemed complete, the FDA will file the New Drug Application, thereby triggering substantive review of the application. The FDA can refuse to file any New Drug Application that it deems incomplete or not properly reviewable. The FDA has established performance goals for the review of New Drug Applications six months for priority applications and 10 months for standard applications. However, the FDA is not legally required to complete its review within these periods and these performance goals may change over time.
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Moreover, the outcome of the review, even if generally favorable, typically is not an actual approval but an action letter that describes additional work that must be done before the application can be approved. The FDAs review of an application may involve review and recommendations by an independent FDA advisory committee. Even if the FDA approves a product, it may limit the approved therapeutic uses for the product as described in the product labeling, require that warning statements be included in the product labeling, require that additional studies be conducted following approval as a condition of the approval, impose restrictions and conditions on product distribution, prescribing, or dispensing in the form of a risk management plan, or otherwise limit the scope of any approval.
Significant legal and regulatory requirements also apply after FDA approval to market under a New Drug Application. These include, among other things, requirements related to adverse event and other reporting, product advertising and promotion and ongoing adherence to cGMPs, as well as the need to submit appropriate new or supplemental applications and obtain FDA approval for certain changes to the approved product, product labeling, or manufacturing process. The FDA also enforces the requirements of the Prescription Drug Marketing Act which, among other things, imposes various requirements in connection with the distribution of product samples to physicians.
The regulatory framework applicable to the production, distribution, marketing, and/or sale, of our products may change significantly from the current descriptions provided herein in the time that it may take for any of its products to reach a point at which a New Drug Application is approved.
Overall research, development, and approval times depend on a number of factors, including the period of review at FDA, the number of questions posed by the FDA during review, how long it takes to respond to the FDAs questions, the severity or life-threatening nature of the disease in question, the availability of alternative treatments, the availability of clinical investigators and eligible patients, the rate of enrollment of patients in clinical trials, and the risks and benefits demonstrated in the clinical trials.
The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, as amended, and FDA regulations provide certain mechanisms for the accelerated Fast Track approval of products intended to treat serious or life-threatening illnesses which have been studied for safety and effectiveness and which demonstrate the potential to address unmet medical needs. The procedures permit early consultation and commitment from the FDA regarding the preclinical and clinical studies necessary to gain marketing approval. Provisions of this regulatory framework also permit, in certain cases, New Drug Applications to be approved on the basis of valid surrogate markets of product effectiveness, thus accelerating the normal approval process. Where the FDA approves a product on the basis of a surrogate market, it requires the sponsor to perform post-approval, or Phase 4, studies as a condition of approval, and may withdraw approval if post-approval studies do not confirm the intended clinical benefit or safety of the product. Special rules would also apply to the submission to the FDA of advertising and promotional materials prior to use.
Under the Orphan Drug Act, special incentives exist for companies to develop products for rare diseases or conditions, which are defined to include those diseases or conditions that affect fewer than 200,000 people in the United States, companies may request that the FDA grant a drug orphan designation prior to approval. Products designated as orphan drugs are eligible for special grant funding for research and development, FDA assistance with the review of clinical trial protocols, potential tax credits for research, reduced filing fees for marketing applications, and a special seven-year period of market exclusivity after marketing approval. Orphan drug exclusivity prevents FDA approval of applications by others for the same drug and the designated orphan disease or condition. The FDA may approve a subsequent application from another entity if the FDA determines that the application is for a different drug or different use, or if the FDA determines that the subsequent product is clinically superior, or that the holder of the initial orphan drug approval cannot assure the availability of sufficient quantities of the drug to meet the publics need. A grant of an orphan designation is not a guarantee that a product will be approved. If a sponsor receives orphan drug exclusivity upon approval, there can be no assurance that the exclusivity will prevent another entity or a similar drug from receiving approval for the same or other uses.
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Compounds that have a potential for patient dependence and abuse are classified as controlled substances under the Controlled Substances Act, regulations of the DEA, and similar state and foreign laws. In the United States, for new chemical entities under development for medicinal use, designated staff at the FDA make recommendations about whether a drug should be scheduled as a controlled substance, and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) makes the final determination. States then either follow the federal classification or make their own determination. In the case of a new drug approved by the FDA, the final DEA scheduling determination generally occurs several months or longer after the FDAs approval.
Drugs that are scheduled as controlled substances are subject to stringent regulatory requirements, including requirements for registering manufacturing and distribution facilities, security controls and employee screening, recordkeeping, reporting, product labeling and packaging, import and export. There are five federal schedules for controlled substances, known as Schedule I, II, III, IV and V. The regulatory requirements that apply to a drug vary depending on the particular controlled substance schedule into which a drug is placed, based on consideration of its potential for dependence and abuse and its medicinal uses. Schedules I and II contain the most stringent restrictions and requirements, and Schedule V the least. No products with recognized medicinal uses are in Schedule I. For substances in Schedule I and II, quotas must be obtained from the DEA in order to manufacture, procure, and distribute inventory. For all controlled substances, there are potential criminal and civil penalties that apply for the failure to meet applicable legal requirements. Healthcare professionals must have special DEA licenses in order to prescribe controlled substances.
In the United States, the research, manufacturing, distribution, sale, and promotion of drug and biological products are potentially subject to regulation by various federal, state, and local authorities in addition to the FDA, including the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (formerly the Heath Care Financing Administration), other divisions of the United States Department of Health and Human Services (e.g., the Office of Inspector General), the United States Department of Justice and individual United States Attorney offices within the Department of Justice, and state and local governments. For example, sales, marketing, and scientific/educational grant programs must comply with the anti-fraud and abuse provisions of the Social Security Act, the False Claims Act, the privacy provision of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, and similar state laws, each as amended. Pricing and rebate programs must comply with the Medicaid rebate requirements of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990 and the Veterans Health Care Act of 1992, each as amended. If products are made available to authorized users of the Federal Supply Schedule of the General Services Administration, additional laws and requirements apply. All of these activities are also potentially subject to federal and state consumer protection, unfair competition, and other laws.
Moreover, CorMedix is now, and may become subject to, additional federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and policies relating to safe working conditions, laboratory practices, the experimental use of animals, and/or the use, storage, handling, transportation, and disposal of human tissue, waste, and hazardous substances, including radioactive and toxic materials and infectious disease agents used in conjunction with our research work.
CorMedix and its collaborative partners may be subject to widely varying foreign regulations, which may be quite different from those of the FDA, governing clinical trials, manufacture, product registration and approval, and pharmaceutical sales. Whether or not FDA approval has been obtained, CorMedix or its collaboration partners must obtain a separate approval for a product by the comparable regulatory authorities of foreign countries prior to the commencement of product marketing in these countries. In certain countries, regulatory authorities also establish pricing and reimbursement criteria. The approval process varies from country to country, and the time may be longer or shorter than that required for FDA approval. In addition, under current United States law, there are restrictions on the export of products not approved by the FDA, depending on the country involved and the status of the product in that country.
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In many of the markets where CorMedix or its collaborative partners would commercialize a product following regulatory approval, the prices of pharmaceutical products are subject to direct price controls (by law) and to drug reimbursement programs with varying price control mechanisms. Public and private health care payors control costs and influence drug pricing through a variety of mechanisms, including through negotiating discounts with the manufacturers and through the use of tiered formularies and other mechanisms that provide preferential access to certain drugs over others within a therapeutic class. Payors also set other criteria to govern the uses of a drug that will be deemed medically appropriate and therefore reimbursed or otherwise covered. In particular, many public and private health care payors limit reimbursement and coverage to the uses of a drug that are either approved by the FDA or that are supported by other appropriate evidence (for example, published medical literature) and appear in a recognized drug compendium. Drug compendia are publications that summarize the available medical evidence for particular drug products and identify which uses of a drug are supported or not supported by the available evidence, whether or not such uses have been approved by the FDA. For example, in the case of Medicare coverage for physician-administered oncology drugs, the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993, with certain exceptions, prohibits Medicare carriers from refusing to cover unapproved uses of an FDA-approved drug if the unapproved use is supposed by one or more citations in the American Hospital Formulary Service Drug Information the American Medical Association Drug Evaluations, or the United States Pharmacopoeia Drug Information. Another commonly cited compendium, for example under Medicaid, is the DRUGDEX Information System.
We expect some of our products to be regulated as medical devices. Unless an exception applies, each medical device we wish to commercialize in the United States will require either prior 510(k) clearance or premarket approval from the FDA. The FDA classifies medical devices into one of three classes. Devices deemed to pose lower risks are placed in either Class I or II, which requires the manufacturer to submit to the FDA a premarket notification requesting permission to commercially distribute the device. This process is generally known as 510(k) clearance. Some low risk devices are exempt from this requirement. Devices deemed by the FDA to pose the greatest risk, such as life-sustaining, life-supporting or implantable devices, or devices deemed not substantially equivalent to a previously cleared 510(k) device, are placed in Class III, requiring premarket approval application, or PMA.
510(k)
When a 510(k) clearance is required, the device sponsor must submit a premarket notification demonstrating that their proposed device is substantially equivalent to a previously cleared 510(k) device or a device that was in commercial distribution. The evidence required to prove substantial equivalence varies with the risk posed by the device and its complexity. By regulation, the FDA is required to complete its review of a 510(k) within 90 days of submission of the notification. As a practical matter, clearance often takes longer. The FDA may require further information, including clinical data, to make a determination regarding substantial equivalence. If the FDA determines that the device, or its intended use, is not substantially equivalent,'' the FDA will place the device, or the particular use of the device, into Class III, and the device sponsor must then fulfill much more rigorous pre-marketing requirements, as required in a PMA (see discussion below).
After a device receives 510(k) clearance for a specific intended use, any modification that could significantly affect its safety or effectiveness, or that would constitute a major change in its intended use, design or manufacture, will require a new 510(k) clearance or could require a PMA. The FDA requires each manufacturer to make this determination initially, but the FDA can review any such decision and can disagree with a manufacturers determination. If the FDA disagrees with a manufacturers determination that a new clearance or approval is not required for a particular modification, the FDA can require the manufacturer to cease marketing and recall the modified device until 510(k) clearance or a PMA is obtained. Also, in these circumstances, the manufacturer may be subject to significant regulatory fines or penalties.
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Premarket Approval Application (PMA)
If an applicant is unable to demonstrate that a product candidate is substantially equivalent to a marketed device, the FDA will require the submission and approval of a PMA before marketing of the product. The FDA will approve a PMA only if the applicant provides the FDA with reasonable assurance that the product is safe and effective when used in accordance with its proposed labeling. The PMA review process includes analysis of manufacturing processes, inspection of manufacturing facilities, and a comprehensive review of pre-market data.
A PMA must be supported by extensive data, including data from preclinical studies and human clinical trials, and must contain a full description of the device and its components, a full description of the methods, facilities and controls used for manufacturing, and proposed labeling.
After the FDA determines that a PMA is sufficiently complete to permit a substantive review, the FDA will file the application and begin an in-depth review. The FDA, by statute, has 180 days to review a PMA, although the review generally occurs over a significantly longer period of time, and can take up to several years. During this review period, the FDA may request additional information or clarification of information already provided. Also during the review period, an advisory panel of experts from outside the FDA may be convened to review and evaluate the application and provide recommendations to the FDA as to the approvability of the device. In addition, the FDA will conduct a preapproval inspection of the manufacturing facility to ensure compliance with the FDAs Quality System Regulations, or QSR. New PMAs or supplemental PMAs are required for significant modifications to the manufacturing process, labeling, intended use and design of a device that is approved through the premarket approval process. Premarket approval supplements often require submission of the same type of information as a PMA, except that the supplement is limited to information needed to support any changes from the device covered by the original PMA, and may not require as extensive clinical data or the convening of an advisory panel.
A clinical trial is almost always required to support a PMA and, to a much lesser extent, to support a 510(k) pre-market notification. When FDA approval of a device requires human clinical trials, and if the clinical trial presents a significant risk'' to human health, the device sponsor is required to file an investigational device exemption, or IDE, application with the FDA and obtain IDE approval prior to commencing the human clinical trial. The IDE application must be supported by appropriate data, such as animal and laboratory testing results, showing that it is safe to test the device in humans and that the testing protocol is scientifically sound. Clinical trials for a significant risk device may begin once the IDE application is approved by the FDA and the institutional review boards, or IRB, overseeing the clinical trial. If the product is deemed a non-significant risk device, FDA approval is not required, but informed consent and approval from the IRB overseeing the clinical trial is required. Clinical trials are subject to extensive recordkeeping and reporting requirements. Clinical trials must be conducted under the oversight of an IRB at the relevant clinical trials site and in accordance with applicable regulations and policies including, but not limited to, the FDAs good clinical practice, or GCP, requirements. The applicant, the FDA or the IRB at each site at which a clinical trial is being performed may suspend a clinical trial at any time for various reasons, including a belief that the risks to study subjects outweigh the anticipated benefits. The results of clinical testing may not be sufficient to obtain approval of a product.
Humanitarian Device Exemption (HDE)
A third approval process requires that an application for a Humanitarian Device Exemption, or HDE, be made to the FDA for the use of a Humanitarian Use Device, or HUD. A HUD is intended to benefit patients by treating or diagnosing a disease or condition that affects, or is manifested in, fewer than 4,000 individuals in the U.S. per year. The application submitted to the FDA for an HDE is similar in both form and content to a PMA, but is exempt from the effectiveness requirements of a PMA. This approval process demonstrates there is no comparable device available to treat or diagnose the condition, the device will not expose patients to unreasonable or significant risk, and the benefits to health from use outweigh the risks. The HUD provision of the regulation provides an incentive for the development of devices for use in the treatment or diagnosis of diseases affecting small patient populations.
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After the FDA permits a device to enter commercial distribution, numerous regulatory requirements apply. Medical device manufacturers are subject to periodic inspections by the FDA and state agencies. If the FDA believes that a company is not in compliance with applicable laws or regulations, it can take any of the following actions: issue a warning or other letter notifying the particular manufacturer of improper conduct; impose civil penalties; detain or seize products; issue a recall; ask a court to seize products; enjoin future violations; withdraw clearances or approvals; or assess civil and criminal penalties against us, our officers or our employees.
In addition, regulations regarding the development, manufacture and sale of medical devices are subject to future change. We cannot predict what impact, if any, those changes might have on our business. Failure to comply with regulatory requirements could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Later discovery of previously unknown problems with a product or manufacturer could result in fines, delays or suspensions of regulatory clearances, seizures or recalls of products, operating restrictions and/or criminal prosecution. The failure to receive product approval clearance on a timely basis, suspensions of regulatory clearances, seizures or recalls of products or the withdrawal of product approval by the FDA could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
Medical device manufacturers are required to register with the FDA and are subject to periodic inspection by the FDA for compliance with the FDAs QSR requirements, which require manufacturers of medical devices to adhere to certain regulations, including testing, quality control and documentation procedures. In addition, the federal Medical Device Reporting regulations require medical device manufacturers to provide information to the FDA whenever there is evidence that reasonably suggests that a device may have caused or contributed to a death or serious injury or, if a malfunction were to occur, could cause or contribute to a death or serious injury. Compliance with applicable regulatory requirements is subject to continual review and is rigorously monitored through periodic inspections by the FDA.
We cannot assure you that we or our collaborators will be able to meet the FDAs requirements or receive FDA clearance for our products. Moreover, even if we are exempt from approval or even if we receive clearance, the FDA may impose restrictions on our marketing efforts. Finally, delays in the approval process may cause us to introduce our products into the market later than anticipated. Any failure to obtain regulatory approval, restrictions on our ability to market our products, or delay in the introduction of our products to the market could have a serious adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
International sales of medical devices manufactured in the U.S. that are not approved by the FDA for use in the U.S., or are banned or deviate from lawful performance standards, are subject to FDA export requirements. Exported devices are subject to the regulatory requirements of each country to which the device is exported. Some countries do not have medical device regulations, but in most foreign countries, medical devices are regulated. Frequently, regulatory approval may first be obtained in a foreign country prior to application in the U.S. to take advantage of differing regulatory requirements. Most countries outside of the U.S. require that product approvals be recertified on a regular basis, generally every five years. The recertification process requires that we evaluate any device changes and any new regulations or standards relevant to the device and conduct appropriate testing to document continued compliance. Where recertification applications are required, they must be approved in order to continue selling our products in those countries.
In the European Union, we are required to comply with the Medical Devices Directive and obtain CE Mark certification in order to market medical devices. The CE Mark certification, granted following approval from an independent notified body, is an international symbol of adherence to quality assurance standards and compliance with applicable European Medical Devices Directives. Manufactures are also required to maintain certain International Organization for Standardization, or ISO, certifications in order to sell their products and must undergo periodic inspections by notified bodies to obtain and maintain these certifications. We are also required to comply with other foreign regulations such as the requirement that we obtain Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare approval before we can launch new products in Japan. The time required to obtain these
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foreign approvals to market our products may vary from U.S. approvals, and requirements for these approvals may differ from those required by the FDA.
Medical device laws and regulations are in effect in many of the countries in which we may do business outside the United States. These laws and regulations range from comprehensive device approval requirements for our medical device product to requests for product data or certifications. The number and scope of these requirements are increasing. We may not be able to obtain regulatory approvals in such countries and we may be required to incur significant costs in obtaining or maintaining our foreign regulatory approvals. In addition, the export of certain of our products which have not yet been cleared for domestic commercial distribution may be subject to FDA export restrictions. Any failure to obtain product approvals in a timely fashion or to comply with state or foreign medical device laws and regulations may have a serious adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
The following summary table lists all of our outstanding patents, as well as their jurisdiction and duration. Our patents are discussed in more detail in the context of our product candidates related to them below.
Jurisdiction | Patent Number | Expiration Date | ||||||||||
U.S. | 6,166,007 | May 10, 2019 | ||||||||||
U.S. | 6,350,251 | January 18, 2020 | ||||||||||
U.S. | 6,423,706 | May 10, 2019 | ||||||||||
U.S. | 6,451,003 | August 16, 2020 | ||||||||||
U.S. | 6,498,157 | May 10, 2019 | ||||||||||
U.S. | 6,569,852 | May 10, 2019 | ||||||||||
U.S. | 6,575,945 | August 16, 2020 | ||||||||||
U.S. | 6,803,363 | March 31, 2022 | ||||||||||
U.S. | 6,906,052 | April 20, 2020 | ||||||||||
U.S. | 6,908,733 | April 20, 2020 | ||||||||||
U.S. | 6,933,104 | April 20, 2020 | ||||||||||
U.S. | 6,995,152 | April 20, 2020 | ||||||||||
U.S. | 6,998,396 | April 20, 2020 | ||||||||||
U.S. | 7,037,643 | April 20, 2020 | ||||||||||
U.S. | 7,045,282 | April 20, 2020 | ||||||||||
U.S. | 7,235,542 | April 24, 2020 | ||||||||||
Australia | 2004201714 | April 21, 2020 | ||||||||||
China | ZL 02108774.1 | May 10, 2019 | ||||||||||
China | ZL 02108777.6 | August 16, 2020 | ||||||||||
Europe | 1089738 | May 28, 2019 | ||||||||||
Europe | 1173757 | April 21, 2020 | ||||||||||
Europe | 1442753 | February 3, 2023 | ||||||||||
Hong Kong | HK 1059535 | May 10, 2019 | ||||||||||
Hong Kong | HK 1059746 | August 16, 2020 |
On July 28, 2006, we entered into the Shiva Contribution Agreement. Pursuant to the Shiva Contribution Agreement, Shiva contributed to us its kidney products business and granted us an exclusive, worldwide license agreement for a patent estate covering proprietary formulations of deferiprone and a biomarker diagnostic test for measuring levels of labile iron, the Shiva Technology. The Shiva Technology served as the basis for CRMX001 and CRMX002, respectively. In addition to an initial fee and equity stake in us provided to Shiva under the Shiva Contribution Agreement, we are also required to make cash payments to Shiva upon the achievement of certain clinical and regulatory-based milestone and the maximum aggregate amount of such payments, assuming achievement of all milestones, is $10,000,000. Events that trigger milestone
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payments include but are not limited to the reaching of various stages of applicable clinical trials and regulatory approval processes. Under the terms of the Shiva Contribution Agreement, in the event that the Shiva Technology is commercialized, we are also obligated to pay to Shiva annual royalties based upon net sales of the products. In the event that we sublicense Shiva Technology to a third party, we are obligated to pay to Shiva a portion of the royalties, fees or other lump-sum payments we receive from the sublicense.
Pursuant to the Shiva Contribution Agreement, we have licensed worldwide rights to Kidney Disease use patents for deferiprone as well as the following patents and patent applications:
| all method of use patents for the application of iron chelators to the treatment of chronic kidney disease and the prevention of contrast induced nephropathy filed in major non-U.S. markets like Japan, Europe, Australia and Canada; |
| seven Chronic Kidney Disease diagnosis and treatment patents in the U.S. (6,933,104; 6,906,052; 6,908,733; 6,995,152; 6,998,396; 7,045,282; 7,037,643). Patent office action or responses for non-U.S. filings are awaited; and |
| fourteen additional patent applications, some in different renal indications such as contrast induced nephropathy, erythropoetin resistant anemia and gadolinium associated nephrogenic fibrosing dermopathy, which have been published and/or are pending. |
The original composition of the patent for deferiprone has now expired.
Two significant patent families for deferiprone were developed and filed by Shiva Biomedical, LLC and licensed by CorMedix. All these patents are focused on the application of iron chelators in cardiorenal disease. The earliest patent family, originally filed in 2000 (now issued in the United States and a notice of allowance received in Europe), has broad claims related to the diagnosis (based on urine catalytic iron) and treatment of progressive kidney disease (all forms of glomerulonephritis and other nephropathies). The patent covers the use of any iron chelator (including deferoxamine and desferasirox) in this setting and will expire in 2020.
The second patent family, focused on the prevention of acute renal failure associated with iodinated radiocontrast dyes (CIN), was filed in August 2005, and is still undergoing prosecution. This patent also seeks the broad application of all iron chelators and through the filing of a continuation in part application is anticipated to have a significant formulation element (drug product claim/s) as well as method of treatment claims and if issued, will expire in 2025.
In addition to the above two patent families, an additional patent application, filed by us in November 2006, seeks to apply iron chelators and catalytic iron in the treatment of and diagnosis of gadolinium-induced toxicity. Gadolinium is a contrast agent commonly used for magnetic resonance imaging.
On January 30, 2008, we entered into a License and Assignment Agreement with NDP. Pursuant to the NDP License Agreement, NDP granted us exclusive, worldwide licenses for certain antimicrobial catheter lock solutions, processes for treating and inhibiting infections, a biocidal lock system and a taurolidine delivery apparatus, and the corresponding United States and foreign patents and applications, the NDP Technology. We acquired such licenses and patents through our assignment and assumption of NDPs rights under certain separate license agreements by and between NDP and Dr. Hans-Dietrich Polaschegg, Dr. Klaus Sodemann, and Dr. Johannes Reinmueller. NDP also granted us exclusive licenses, with the right to grant sublicenses, to use and display certain trademarks in connection with the NDP Technology. As consideration in part for the rights to the NDP Technology, we paid NDP an initial licensing fee of $325,000 and granted NDP an equity interest in us, consisting of 533,905 shares of common stock at December 31, 2009, subject to certain anti-dilution adjustments. In addition, we are required to make payments to NDP upon the achievement of certain regulatory and sales-based milestones. Such payments will be made in the form of shares of common stock currently held in escrow for NDP, amounting to 213,562 shares of common stock at December 31, 2009, subject to certain anti-dilution adjustments. The NDP License Agreement contains other customary clauses and terms as are common in similar agreements in the industry.
On January 30, 2008, we also entered into an Exclusive License and Consulting Agreement with Dr. Polaschegg. Pursuant to the Polaschegg License Agreement, Dr. Polaschegg granted us an exclusive,
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worldwide license for a gel lock invention and certain taurolidine treatments and the corresponding United States patent applications, the Polaschegg Technology. The Polaschegg Technology serves as a basis for CRMX004. As consideration for the rights to the Polaschegg Technology, in addition to an initial fee, we agreed to pay Dr. Polaschegg certain royalty payments ranging from 1% to 3% of the net sales of the Polaschegg Technology. The Polaschegg License Agreement also sets forth certain minimum royalty payments (on an annual basis) to be made to Dr. Polaschegg in connection with the Polaschegg Technology. The Polaschegg License Agreement contains other customary clauses and terms as are common in similar agreements in the industry.
Pursuant to the NDP License Agreement and the Polaschegg License Agreement, we have licensed worldwide rights to the following patents and patent applications:
| four issued U.S. patents and three issued foreign patents in connection with an antimicrobial catheter lock solution comprising taurolidine, citric acid and sodium citrate; |
| one pending U.S. patent application and four pending foreign patent applications in connection with an antimicrobial catheter lock solution comprising taurolidine and low concentration heparin; |
| one pending U.S. patent application and one issued foreign patent in connection with an antimicrobial catheter lock solution comprising a thixotropic gel incorporating taurolidine; |
| one issued U.S. patent and one pending foreign patent application in connection with a biocidal lock system providing an infection-free fluid connection to the vascular system of a patient; |
| two issued U.S. patents, two issued foreign patent and one pending foreign patent applications in connection with a process for disinfecting the space between an implanted device and encapsulating tissue, using an antimicrobial substance such as taurolidine; |
| one issued U.S. patent and four pending foreign patent applications in connection with an antimicrobial peritoneal dialysis solution for inhibiting infection within the abdomen; and |
| one pending U.S. patent application and one pending foreign patent application for processes and treatments relating to the use of antimicrobial substances such as taurolidine for a wide range of specific infections and specific prophylaxis methods and devices used in treatment. |
We believe that this patent portfolio covers effective solutions to the various problems discussed previously when using taurolidine in clinical applications, and specifically in hemodialysis applications. We intend to file additional patent applications to cover any additional related subject matter we develop.
We currently employ 3 full-time employees. None of our employees is represented by a labor union and we have not experienced any strikes or work stoppages. We believe our relations with our employees are good.
Our facilities consist of approximately 3,800 square feet of leased office space in Summit, New Jersey that houses our corporate headquarters. The lease terminates in March 2010.
We believe that these facilities are adequate to meet our current needs. We believe that if additional or alternative space is needed in the future, such space will be available on commercially reasonable terms as necessary.
We were organized as a Delaware corporation on July 28, 2006 under the name Picton Holding Company, Inc. and we changed our corporate name to CorMedix Inc. on January 18, 2007. Our principal executive offices are located at 86 Summit Avenue, Suite 301, Summit, NJ 07901-3647. Our telephone number is (908) 517-9500.
We are not currently a party to any material legal proceedings.
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The following table sets forth the name, age and position of each of our directors and executive officers.
Name | Age | Position | ||
John C. Houghton | 46 | President and Chief Executive Officer, Director (Principal Executive Officer) | ||
Russell H. Ellison, M.D., M.Sc. | 62 | Chairman of the Board | ||
Mark Houser, M.D., M.B.A. | 58 | Chief Medical Officer | ||
Richard M. Cohen | 58 | Director | ||
Gary A. Gelbfish, M.D. | 52 | Director | ||
Mahendra Patel, Ph.D. | 60 | Director | ||
Antony E. Pfaffle, M.D. | 46 | Director | ||
Timothy Hofer | 35 | Director, Secretary | ||
Stephen Pilatzke | 30 | Treasurer (Principal Financial Officer) |
The business experience for the past five years (and, in some instances, for prior years) of each of our executive officers and directors are as follows:
John C. Houghton became our President and Chief Executive Officer in May 2009. Previously, Mr. Houghton was our Chief Business Officer from January 2007 to May 2009. Mr. Houghton was the Vice President for Global Sales & Marketing at Stryker Biotech, a manufacturer of medical devices and medical equipment, from February 2005 to December 2006, where he helped build the United States and European Union sales and marketing infrastructure. Mr. Houghton worked for Aventis, Inc. and predecessor company Rhone-Poulenc Rorer Ltd. from 1992 to 2005, now a part of Sanofi-Aventis, an international pharmaceutical company, where he held positions of increasing responsibility, culminating in his role as Global New Products Marketing & Licensing Head for Cardiovascular, Diabetes, Respiratory, Inflammation and Bone. Mr. Houghton received his B.Sc. degree from Liverpool University in 1987.
Russell H. Ellison, M.D., M.Sc. joined us as Chairman of the Board in July 2007. Dr. Ellison serves as Executive Vice President of PBS. From October 2005 until June 2007, Dr. Ellison served as the Vice President of Clinical Development of Fibrogen, Inc., a privately held biotechnology company. From August 2002 to December 2004, Dr. Ellison served as Vice President of Medical Affairs and Chief Medical Officer of Sanofi-Synthelabo, USA, a pharmaceutical company. From May 1997 to August 2002, Dr. Ellison served as Vice President, Medical Affairs and Chief Medical Officer of Hoffman-La Roche, Inc., a pharmaceutical company. Dr. Ellison also serves as a director of several privately held development stage biotechnology companies. Dr. Ellison holds an M.D. from the University of British Columbia and an M.Sc. (with distinction) from The London School of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene.
Mark Houser, M.D., M.B.A. joined us as our Chief Medical Officer in March 2007. Previously, Dr. Houser worked for Ortho Biotech Products, a biopharmaceutical company that is an affiliate of Johnson & Johnson, a health, medical devices and pharmaceuticals conglomerate, from August 2002 to February 2007, where he held positions of increasing responsibility, culminating in his role as Medical Director, Internal Medical Clinical Affairs. Dr. Houser is Clinical Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, where he has been on teaching staff since 1983. Dr. Houser earned a Masters of Business Administration degree from Arizona State University in 2002, and completed his medical degree at University of Nebraska Medical Center in 1975.
Richard M. Cohen has been a director of CorMedix since December 2009. Since 2002, Mr. Cohen has served as a Managing Director of Encore/Novation, a company that purchases and securitizes settlement assets. He also served as Chief Financial Officer of Dune Energy, an oil and gas exploration and production company, from 2003 to 2005. Mr. Cohen is a member of the Board of Directors of Dune Energy, a member of the Board of Directors and the Audit Committee of Rodman & Renshaw, an investment bank, and a member of the Board of Directors of Pinpoint Recovery Systems, a public payroll tax recovery company. Mr. Cohen holds a C.P.A. from the State of New York, received his M.B.A. from Stanford University, and received his B.S. from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.
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Gary A. Gelbfish, M.D. has been a director of CorMedix since December 2009. Dr. Gelbfish has been in private practice as a vascular surgeon since 1990. Dr. Gelbfish has practiced vascular surgery at Beth Israel Hospital since 1990, and has practiced vascular surgery at New York University Downtown Hospital since 2003. Since 1997, Dr. Gelbfish has served as an Assistant Clinical Professor of Surgery at Mt. Sinai Hospital. Dr. Gelbfish received a B.S. from Brooklyn College, holds an M.D. from Columbia University, and completed his fellowship in vascular surgery at Maimonides Medical Center.
Mahendra Patel, Ph.D. has been a director of CorMedix since March 2008. Dr. Patel is the Chief Executive Officer of Navinta LLC, a technology development company that supplies dosage formulations to the pharmaceutical industry. Previously, Dr. Patel served as Chief Scientific Officer in charge of Global Pharmaceutical Development and as Support Leader to the Business Development and Merger & Acquisition groups at Sandoz, a Novartis affiliate, from January 2000 to December 2004. He is a member of the Board of Directors of Emcure Pharmaceuticals based in Pune, India, and of Zydus Pharmaceuticals USA. Dr. Patel received his M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Pharmacy from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, and his B.Sc. degree in Chemistry from Gujarat University, India. Dr. Patel is a director of Shiva BioMedical, LLC, which is one of our technology licensors and major stockholders.
Antony E. Pfaffle, M.D. has been a director of CorMedix since February 2007. Dr. Pfaffle has been a Partner at Bearing Circle Capital, L.P., an investment fund, since May 2007. He was a Managing Director at Paramount BioCapital, Inc. and Senior Vice-President of Business Development at Paramount BioSciences, LLC from December 2005 to May 2007. Dr. Pfaffle was a Principal and Founder of Black Diamond Research, an investment research company, from July 2001 to December 2005. Dr. Pfaffle is an internist who practiced nephrology at New York Hospital, Lenox Hill and Memorial Sloan-Kettering. Dr. Pfaffle received his M.D. degree from New York Medical College in 1989.
Timothy M. Hofer has been a director of CorMedix since February 2007, and was appointed our Secretary in November 2006. Mr. Hofer is Senior Vice President, Legal Affairs for Paramount BioCapital, Inc. and Paramount Biosciences, LLC, where he has been employed since April 2005. Mr. Hofer also serves as an officer and director of several privately held development stage biotechnology companies. From July 2000 until March 2005, Mr. Hofer was an associate in the Mergers & Acquisitions/Private Equity practice group of the New York office of the law firm OMelveny & Myers LLP, and its predecessor, OSullivan Graev & Karabell, LLP.
Stephen Pilatzke has been our Treasurer since February 2008. Mr. Pilatzke currently serves as the Senior Controller of PBS, where he has been employed since December 2005. Previously, Mr. Pilatzke worked as an auditor at Eisner LLP, an accounting and advisory firm, from November 2001 through December 2005. Mr. Pilatzke is an officer of several privately held biotechnology companies. Mr. Pilatzke received his Bachelors degree in Accounting from Binghamton University in 2001. Mr. Pilatzke is a certified public accountant.
We anticipate that each of our directors and nominees, with the exception of , will qualify as independent under the listing standards of NYSE Amex (even though we are not currently listed on such exchange), federal securities laws and SEC rules with respect to members of boards of directors and members of all board committees on which he or she serves.
The Underwriting Agreement with Maxim Group LLC, referred to herein as Maxim, will provide that we will permit Maxim to either (i) designate one individual who meets the independence criteria of NYSE Amex to serve on the Board of Directors for the three-year period following the closing of this offering or (ii) in the event that the individual designated by Maxim is not elected to the Board of Directors, have a representative of Maxim attend all meetings of the Board of Directors as an observer during such three-year period. Such director or observer, as the case may be, will attend meetings of the Board of Directors, receive all notices and other correspondence and communications sent by us to our directors, and such director will receive compensation equal to the highest compensation of other non-employee directors, excluding the Chairman of the Audit Committee. We expect to appoint a designee of Maxim to our Board of Directors prior to the completion of this offering.
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Under the terms of the Shiva Contribution Agreement, Shiva has the right to appoint one person to our Board of Directors during the term of the Shiva Contribution Agreement. Mr. Patel was appointed to our Board of Directors pursuant to this right.
Our Board of Directors does not have any committees at this time. Prior to the completion of this offering, our Board of Directors will have the following committees: an Audit Committee, a Compensation Committee, and a Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. The composition and responsibilities of each committee are described below. Members will serve on these committees until their resignation or until otherwise determined by our Board of Directors.
Our Audit Committee will consist of , each of whom will satisfy the independence requirements under NYSE Amex and SEC rules and regulations applicable to audit committee members and have an understanding of fundamental financial statements. will serve as chairman of the Audit Committee.
will qualify as an audit committee financial expert as that term is defined in the rules and regulations of the SEC. The designation of as an audit committee financial expert will not impose on him any duties, obligations or liability that are greater than those that are generally imposed on him as a member of our Audit Committee and our Board of Directors, and his designation as an audit committee financial expert pursuant to this SEC requirement will not affect the duties, obligations or liability of any other member of our Audit Committee or Board of Directors.
The Audit Committee will monitor our corporate financial statements and reporting and our external audits, including, among other things, our internal controls and audit functions, the results and scope of the annual audit and other services provided by our independent registered public accounting firm and our compliance with legal matters that have a significant impact on our financial statements. Our Audit Committee also will consult with our management and our independent registered public accounting firm prior to the presentation of financial statements to stockholders and, as appropriate, initiates inquiries into aspects of our financial affairs. Our Audit Committee will be responsible for establishing procedures for the receipt, retention and treatment of complaints regarding accounting, internal accounting controls or auditing matters, and for the confidential, anonymous submission by our employees of concerns regarding questionable accounting or auditing matters, and will have established such procedures to become effective upon the effectiveness of the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. In addition, our Audit Committee will be directly responsible for the appointment, retention, compensation and oversight of the work of our independent auditors, including approving services and fee arrangements. All related party transactions will be approved by our Audit Committee before we enter into them.
Both our independent auditors and internal financial personnel will regularly meet with, and will have unrestricted access to, the Audit Committee.
Our Compensation Committee will consist of , each of whom will satisfy the independence requirements of NYSE Amex and SEC rules and regulations. Each member of this committee will be a non-employee director, as defined pursuant to Rule 16b-3 promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and an outside director, as defined pursuant to Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. will serve as chairman of the Compensation Committee.
The Compensation Committee will review and approve our compensation policies and all forms of compensation to be provided to our executive officers and directors, including, among other things, annual salaries, bonuses, and other incentive compensation arrangements. In addition, our Compensation Committee will administer our stock option and employee stock purchase plans, including granting stock options to our executive officers and directors. Our Compensation Committee also will review and approve employment agreements with executive officers and other compensation policies and matters.
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Our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will consist of , each of whom will satisfy the independence requirements of NYSE Amex and SEC rules and regulations. will serve as chairman of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.
Our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will identify, evaluate and recommend nominees to our Board of Directors and committees of our Board of Directors, conduct searches for appropriate directors and evaluate the performance of our Board of Directors and of individual directors. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee also will be responsible for reviewing developments in corporate governance practices, evaluating the adequacy of our corporate governance practices and reporting and making recommendations to the Board of Directors concerning corporate governance matters.
There are no family relationships between any of our directors or executive officers.
CorMedix has established two Scientific Advisory Boards that provide guidance to us on matters of scientific relevance.
Our Cardiorenal Advisory Board is composed of leading physicians with special expertise in cardiorenal disease, representing the fields of nephrology, diabetes and endocrinology and cardiology. We believe these outstanding physicians will provide the high-level critical thinking and cutting-edge expertise we will require as we work to become a leading innovator in this exciting, challenging area of medicine. They provide feedback and advice regarding unmet medical needs, new therapeutic options, guidance on the design and conduct of clinical studies; and critical thinking on product development strategies and in-licensing opportunities.
Our Ferroscience Advisory Board is composed of leading scientists in the field of iron biology, or ferroscience to provide feedback and advice regarding the role of iron and oxidative stress in tissue injury and cardiorenal disease, and the current and potential future uses of iron chelation therapy.
In addition to our Scientific Advisory Boards, we have a Neutrolin® consultant group, which is composed of leading physicians with expertise in hemodialysis, infectious diseases (specifically catheter-related blood stream infections) and vascular access. We believe that the group will be able to advise us on the optimal development plan, with particular emphasis on clinical trial design.
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The following Summary Compensation Table shows the compensation awarded to or earned by our President and Chief Executive Officer and other two most highly-compensated executive officers for fiscal 2008. Also shown is the compensation awarded to or earned by our former President and Chief Executive Officer due to the fact that he held such positions during a portion of fiscal 2008. The persons listed in the following Summary Compensation Table are referred to herein as the Named Executive Officers.
Name and Principal Position | Year |
Salary
($) |
Bonus
($) |
Option
Awards ($) |
Total
($) |
|||||||||||||||
John Houghton
President and Chief Executive Officer (1) |
2008 | 220,000 | 75,000 | 3,265 | (2) | 298,265 | ||||||||||||||
Bruce Cooper
Former President and Chief Executive Officer (3) |
2008 | 350,000 | 100,000 | (4) | | 450,000 | ||||||||||||||
Mark Houser
Chief Medical Officer |
2008 | 220,000 | | 3,265 | (5) | 223,265 | ||||||||||||||
Stephen Pilatzke
Treasurer (6) |
2008 | | | | |
(1) | Mr. Houghton became our President and Chief Executive Officer in May 2009. Previously, Mr. Houghton was our Chief Business Officer from January 2007 to May 2009. |
(2) | On August 1, 2008, under the 2006 Stock Incentive Plan, our Board of Directors granted Mr. Houghton options to purchase 15,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $1.05 per share. One-third of the options vest on each of the first three anniversaries of the grant date. |
(3) | Dr. Cooper served as our President and Chief Executive Officer from November 2006 to June 2009. |
(4) | Dr. Cooper waived his rights to payment of this amount. |
(5) | On August 1, 2008, under the 2006 Stock Incentive Plan, our Board of Directors granted Dr. Houser options to purchase 15,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $1.05 per share. One-third of the options vest on each of the first three anniversaries of the grant date. |
(6) | Mr. Pilatzke is not compensated by us for his services as Treasurer. Mr. Pilatzke is an employee of Paramount BioSciences, LLC. |
On December 22, 2006, we entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Houghton to act as our Chief Business Officer (the Original Houghton Employment Agreement), for an initial term of three years. We have agreed with Mr. Houghton to amend and restate his employment agreement, effective as of November 25, 2009 (the Amended and Restated Houghton Employment Agreement) in connection with his appointment as our President and Chief Executive Officer in May 2009.
Pursuant to the Amended and Restated Houghton Employment Agreement, Mr. Houghton will receive an annual base salary of $250,000, and is eligible for annual milestone bonus payments of up to 30% of his base salary, as established annually by our Board of Directors or a committee thereof. The Amended and Restated Houghton Employment Agreement will provide for a $50,000 bonus upon consummation of this offering and certain market capitalization bonuses. In connection with his entry into the Original Houghton Employment Agreement, on January 2, 2007, Mr. Houghton was issued 105,999 restricted shares of common stock, one third of which vests on each of the first three anniversaries of the grant, if Mr. Houghton remains our employee. The Original Houghton Employment Agreement further entitled Mr. Houghton to a one-time $30,000 cash payment in reimbursement for relocation expenses. The Original Houghton Employment Agreement did, and the Amended and Restated Houghton Agreement will, provide for severance payments in certain circumstances, as discussed in detail below.
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On February 14, 2007, we entered into an employment agreement with Dr. Houser to act as our Chief Medical Officer (the Houser Employment Agreement) for an initial term of three years, which term will extend automatically for additional one-year periods unless appropriate notice is given by one of parties. Pursuant to the Houser Employment Agreement, Dr. Houser receives an annual base salary of $220,000, and is eligible for annual milestone bonus payments of up to 30% of his base salary, such milestones to be established by our Chief Executive Officer, in consultation with our Board of Directors. In connection with his entry into the Houser Employment Agreement, on March 1, 2007, Dr. Houser was issued 105,999 restricted shares of common stock, one third of which vests on each of the first three anniversaries of the grant, if Dr. Houser remains our employee. The Houser Employment Agreement provides for severance payments in certain circumstances, as discussed in detail below.
On November 9, 2006, we entered into an employment agreement with Dr. Cooper to act as our President and Chief Executive Officer (the Cooper Employment Agreement) for a term of three years. Pursuant to the Cooper Employment Agreement, Dr. Cooper received an annual base salary of $350,000, with a guaranteed annual bonus of $100,000 provided he was employed on the last day of the applicable year. Dr. Cooper was also eligible for annual milestone bonus payments of up to 40% of his base salary, as established annually by our Board of Directors or a committee thereof. The Cooper Employment Agreement further provided for market capitalization bonuses of between $125,000 and $1,000,000 depending on the attainment of market capitalization milestones. The Cooper Employment Agreement provided for the issuance to Dr. Cooper of common stock equal to 7.5% of our then outstanding common stock on a fully-diluted basis, with the shares vesting on each of the first three anniversaries of the grant, if Dr. Cooper remained our employee. The Cooper Employment Agreement also provided anti-dilution protections under which we were obligated to issue stock options to Dr. Cooper sufficient to maintain his ownership percentage at 7.5% of the outstanding common stock on a fully diluted basis. Such options were to vest, if at all, annually from the date of grant in equal proportions on each anniversary of Dr. Coopers employment agreement, such right terminating once we raised $10 million through the sale of our equity securities. The Cooper Employment Agreement also provided for severance payments in certain circumstances, as discussed in detail below.
Dr. Cooper resigned from his position as our Chief Executive Officer in June 2009, and continued to serve as a member of our Board of Directors until November 2009. Following his resignation, Dr. Cooper waived his rights to payment of any unpaid guaranteed annual bonuses. Dr. Cooper is not eligible to receive any other bonus payments going forward.
Pursuant to the Amended and Restated Houghton Employment Agreement, if we terminate Mr. Houghton as a result of his death or disability, Mr. Houghton, or his estate, as applicable, will receive his base salary, plus any accrued but unpaid annual milestone bonus and incentive bonus he is owed for a period of three months following his death or disability, and all unvested restricted shares and stock options held by Mr. Houghton that are scheduled to vest within the next year will be accelerated and vest as of the termination date. If we terminate Mr. Houghton for cause or Mr. Houghton terminates his employment other than for good reason, Mr. Houghton will receive his base salary and unreimbursed expenses through the date of termination. If we terminate Mr. Houghton upon the occurrence of a change of control, and on the date of termination the fair market value of our common stock is more than $50,000,000 (as determined by the Board of Directors in good faith), Mr. Houghton will receive his base salary and benefits for a period of six months following his termination, and all unvested restricted shares and stock options held by Mr. Houghton that are scheduled to vest will be accelerated and vest as of the termination date. If we terminate Mr. Houghton for reasons other than those stated above or Mr. Houghton terminates his employment for good reason, Mr. Houghton will receive his base salary and benefits for a period of six months following his termination, and all unvested restricted shares and stock options will be accelerated and vest as of the termination date.
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Pursuant to the Houser Employment Agreement, if we terminate Dr. Houser as a result of his death or disability, Dr. Houser, or his estate, as applicable, will receive his base salary, plus any accrued but unpaid annual milestone bonus and incentive bonus he is owed through the date of his death or disability, and all unvested restricted shares and stock options held by Dr. Houser that are scheduled to vest on the next succeeding anniversary of March 1, 2007 will be accelerated and vest as of the termination date. If we terminate Dr. Houser for cause or Dr. Houser terminates his employment other than for good reason, Dr. Houser will receive his base salary and unreimbursed expenses through the date of termination. If we terminate Dr. Houser within 30 days prior to or 60 days following the occurrence of a change of control, and on the date of termination the fair market value of our common stock is less than twice the amount we have raised in gross proceeds through the sale of equity securities (as determined by the Board of Directors in good faith), Dr. Houser will receive his base salary and benefits for a period of three months following his termination, and all unvested restricted shares and stock options held by Dr. Houser that are scheduled to vest on the next succeeding anniversary of March 1, 2007 will be accelerated and vest as of the termination date. If we terminate Dr. Houser for reasons other than those stated above or Dr. Houser terminates his employment for good reason, Dr. Houser will receive his base salary and benefits for a period of six months following his termination, and all unvested restricted shares and stock options will be accelerated and vest as of the termination date.
The following table sets forth certain information, on an award-by-award basis, concerning unexercised options to purchase common stock and common stock that has not yet vested for each Named Executive Officer and outstanding as of December 31, 2008.
Option Awards | Stock Awards | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Name |
Number of
Securities Underlying Unexercised Options (#) Exercisable |
Number of
Securities Underlying Unexercised Options (#) Unexercisable |
Option
Exercise Price ($) |
Option
Expiration Date |
Number of
Shares That Have Not Vested (#) |
Market
Value of Shares That Have Not Vested ($) |
||||||||||||||||||
John Houghton (1) | | 15,000 | 1.05 | 8/1/2018 | ||||||||||||||||||||
35,333 | 37,100 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Bruce Cooper | | | | | | | ||||||||||||||||||
Mark Houser (2) | | 15,000 | 1.05 | 8/1/2018 | ||||||||||||||||||||
35,333 | 37,100 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Stephen Pilatzke | | | | | | |
(1) | On August 1, 2008, Mr. Houghton was granted options to purchase 15,000 shares of common stock, with one third of such options vesting on each of the first three anniversaries of the grant date, if Mr. Houghton remains employed by us at such times. On January 2, 2007, in conjunction with the execution of the Houghton Employment Agreement, Mr. Houghton purchased 105,999 restricted shares of our common stock at a purchase price of $0.001 per share, with one third of such shares vesting on each of the first three anniversaries of such purchase if Mr. Houghton remains employed by us at such times. |
(2) | On August 1, 2008, Dr. Houser was granted options to purchase 15,000 shares of common stock, with one third of such options vesting on each of the first three anniversaries of the grant date, if Dr. Houser remains employed by us at such times. On March 1, 2007, in conjunction with the execution of the Houser Employment Agreement, Dr. Houser purchased 105,999 restricted shares of our common stock at a purchase price of $0.001 per share, with one third of such shares vesting on each of the first three anniversaries of such purchase if Dr. Houser remains employed by us at such times. |
Our 2006 Stock Incentive Plan provides us with the flexibility to use restricted stock, stock options and other awards based on our common stock as part of an overall compensation package to provide performance-based compensation to attract and retain qualified personnel. We believe that awards under the 2006 Stock
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Incentive Plan may serve to broaden the equity participation of key employees and further link the long-term interests of management and stockholders. Awards under the 2006 Stock Incentive Plan may be granted in any one or a combination of the following forms: stock options; stock awards; restricted stock; and performance shares.
To date, no shares of common stock, and options to purchase 185,000 shares of common stock, have been issued under the 2006 Stock Incentive Plan. As of December 31, 2009, 740,000 shares of common stock remain authorized for issuance under the 2006 Stock Incentive Plan.
Since its adoption, the 2006 Stock Incentive Plan has been administered by our Board of Directors. Following the formation of a compensation committee appointed by our Board of Directors, the 2006 Stock Incentive Plan will be administered by such committee. The compensation committee will consist of two or more non-employee directors, each of whom is intended to be, to the extent required by Rule 16b-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code (the Code), a non-employee director under Rule 16b-3 and an outside director under Section 162(m), or if no committee exists, the Board of Directors. References below to the compensation committee include a reference to our Board of Directors for those periods in which it is administering the 2006 Stock Incentive Plan. The compensation committee has the full authority to administer and interpret the 2006 Stock Incentive Plan and to take any other actions and make all other determinations that it deems necessary or appropriate in connection with the 2006 Stock Incentive Plan or the administration or interpretation thereof, including but not limited to the establishment of performance-based criteria for each person eligible to receive awards under the 2006 Stock Incentive Plan.
Our employees, directors and consultants, advisors or other independent contractors who provide services to us are eligible to be granted stock options, stock awards and performance shares under the 2006 Stock Incentive Plan.
Subject to adjustment upon certain corporate transactions or events, a maximum of 925,000 shares of our common stock may be issued under the 2006 Stock Incentive Plan. In addition, subject to adjustment upon certain corporate transactions or events, a participant may not receive awards with respect to more than 300,000 shares of common stock in any year. If an option or other award granted under the 2006 Stock Incentive Plan expires or terminates, the shares subject to any portion of the award that expires or terminates without having been exercised or paid, as the case may be, will again become available for the issuance of additional awards. Unless previously terminated by our Board of Directors, no new award may be granted under the 2006 Stock Incentive Plan after the tenth anniversary of the date that such plan was initially approved by our stockholders.
Stock Options . The terms of specific options, including whether options will constitute incentive stock options for purposes of Section 422(b) of the Code, will be determined by the compensation committee. The exercise price of an option will be determined by the compensation committee and reflected in the applicable award agreement. The exercise price with respect to incentive stock options may not be lower than 100% (110% in the case of an incentive stock option granted to a 10% stockholder, if permitted under the plan) of the fair market value of the common stock on the date of grant. Each option will be exercisable after the period or periods specified in the award agreement, which will generally not exceed ten years from the date of grant (or five years in the case of an incentive stock option granted to a 10% stockholder, if permitted under the plan). Options will be exercisable at such times and subject to such terms as determined by the compensation committee.
Stock Awards and Restricted Stock . A stock award consists of the transfer by us to a participant of shares of common stock as additional compensation for their services. Restricted stock will be subject to restrictions as the compensation committee will determine, and such restrictions may include a prohibition against transfer until such time as the compensation committee determines, forfeiture upon a termination of
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employment or other service during the applicable restriction period and such other conditions or restrictions as the compensation committee may deem advisable.
Performance Shares . A performance share consists of an award paid in shares of common stock or cash (as determined by the compensation committee), subject to performance objectives to be achieved by the participant before the end of a specified period. The grant of performance shares to a participant does not create any rights in such participant as a shareholder until the payment of shares of common stock with respect to an award. In the event that a participants employment or consulting engagement with us is terminated for any reason other than normal retirement, death or disability prior to the achievement of the participants performance objectives, the participants rights to the performance shares will expire and terminate unless otherwise determined by the compensation committee.
Upon a change in control of us (as defined in the 2006 Stock Incentive Plan), if the acquiring entity or successor to us does not assume the incentive awards or replace them with substantially equivalent incentive awards, all outstanding options will vest and become immediately exercisable in full, the restrictions on all shares of restricted stock awards will lapse immediately and all performance shares will be deemed to be met and payment made immediately.
Our Board of Directors may amend the 2006 Stock Incentive Plan as it deems advisable, except that it may not amend the 2006 Stock Incentive Plan in any way that would adversely affect a participant with respect to an award previously granted. In addition, our Board of Directors may not amend the 2006 Stock Incentive Plan without shareholder approval if such approval is then required pursuant to Section 422 of the Code, the regulations promulgated thereunder or the rules of any stock exchange or similar regulatory body.
The following table sets forth information regarding compensation earned by our directors who are not Named Executive Officers during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008.
Director |
Fees Earned
or Paid in Cash ($) |
Stock
Awards ($) |
Option
Awards ($) |
Total
($) |
||||||||||||
Russell H. Ellison | | | 26,116 (1) | 26,116 | ||||||||||||
Richard M. Cohen (2) | | | | | ||||||||||||
Gary A. Gelbfish (2) | | | | | ||||||||||||
Mahendra Patel | | | | | ||||||||||||
Antony E. Pfaffle | | | | | ||||||||||||
Timothy Hofer | | | | |
(1) | On August 1, 2008, Dr. Ellison was awarded options to purchase 120,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $1.05 per share. One-third of the options vest on each of the first three anniversaries of the grant date. |
(2) | Mr. Cohen and Dr. Gelbfish became directors in December 2009. |
Other than Dr. Ellison, our directors did not receive compensation for their service on our Board of Directors in 2008. The Board of Directors or a committee thereof will adopt a comprehensive director compensation policy prior to the completion of this offering.
Mr. Hofer does not receive any compensation from us for his service as our Corporate Secretary. Mr. Hofer is an employee of Paramount BioSciences, LLC and Paramount BioCapital, Inc.
Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation that will be in effect upon the closing of this offering limits the personal liability of directors for breach of fiduciary duty to the maximum extent permitted by the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, referred to herein as the DGCL. Our amended and
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restated certificate of incorporation provides that no director will have personal liability to us or to our stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty or other duty as a director. However, these provisions do not eliminate or limit the liability of any of our directors for any of the following:
| any breach of their duty of loyalty to us or our stockholders; |
| acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law; |
| voting or assenting to unlawful payments of dividends or other distributions; or |
| any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit. |
Any amendment to or repeal of these provisions will not eliminate or reduce the effect of these provisions in respect of any act or failure to act, or any cause of action, suit or claim that would accrue or arise prior to any amendment or repeal or adoption of an inconsistent provision. If the DGCL is amended to provide for further limitations on the personal liability of directors of corporations, then the personal liability of our directors will be further limited in accordance with the DGCL.
In addition, our amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that we must indemnify our directors and officers and we must advance expenses, including attorneys fees, to our directors and officers in connection with legal proceedings, subject to very limited exceptions.
We have entered into, and intend to continue to enter into, separate indemnification agreements with each of our officers and directors. These agreements, among other things, require us to indemnify our officers and directors for certain expenses, including attorneys fees, judgments, fines and settlement amounts incurred by an officer or director in any action or proceeding arising out of their services as one of our officers and directors, or any of our subsidiaries or any other company or enterprise to which the person provides services at our request, to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law. We will not indemnify an officer director, however, unless he or she acted in good faith, reasonably believed his or her conduct was in, and not opposed, to our best interests, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reason to believe his or her conduct was unlawful.
The following table provides information as of December 31, 2008 about the common stock that may be issued upon exercise of options, warrants and rights under all of our equity compensation plans as of December 31, 2008.
Plan Category |
Number of Shares to
Be Issued Upon Exercise of Outstanding Options, Warrants and Rights (1) |
Weighted Average
Exercise Price of Outstanding Options, Warrants and Rights |
Number of Shares
Remaining Available for Future Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans (Excluding Securities Reflected in Column (a)) |
|||||||||
(a) | (b) | (c) | ||||||||||
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders | 235,000 | $ | 1.05 | 690,000 | ||||||||
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders | | | | |||||||||
Total | 235,000 | $ | 1.05 | 690,000 |
(1) | The number of shares is subject to adjustments in the event of stock splits and other similar events. |
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Dr. Rosenwald is the Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and sole stockholder of Paramount BioCapital, Inc. (Paramount). Dr. Rosenwald currently beneficially owns approximately 17.5% of our voting capital stock. In addition, the Family Trusts (certain trusts established for the benefit of Dr. Rosenwalds children) currently own approximately less than one percent of our voting capital stock. In addition, certain other trusts established for the benefit of Dr. Rosenwald and his family currently own approximately 12.4% of our voting capital stock. Following the completion of the offering, Dr. Rosenwald will beneficially own approximately % of our voting capital stock, and the Family Trusts will own approximately % of our voting capital stock.
Pursuant to the Shiva Contribution Agreement, Pictons stockholders, which included Dr. Rosenwald, the trusts mentioned above, Antony Pfaffle and Timothy Hofer, contributed to us all of their Picton shares in exchange for shares of our common stock on a one-for-one basis.
From July 28, 2006 through September 30, 2009, PBS, of which Dr. Rosenwald is the sole member, had loaned us an approximate aggregate principal amount of $1,062,003, and from August 11, 2006 through September 30, 2009, the Family Trusts had loaned us an approximate aggregate principal amount of $1,430,000. The loans from PBS are evidenced by the PBS Note and the loans from the Family Trusts are evidenced by the Family Trusts Note, which together with the PBS Note, are referred to herein as the Paramount Notes. As of September 30, 2009, $166,479, including accrued and unpaid interest, was outstanding under the PBS Note and $434,715, including accrued and unpaid interest, was outstanding under the Family Trusts Note. The Paramount Notes will mature on July 31, 2010 and all outstanding principal amount of the Paramount Notes, and all accrued interest thereon, will automatically convert into the securities issued in a Qualified Financing on the same terms as the 12% Notes. This offering, if consummated, will be considered a Qualified Financing. Assuming an offering price of $ per Unit, the Paramount Notes will automatically convert into Units.
Paramount acted as the co-placement agent in connection with the offering of the First Bridge Notes. As compensation for its services, Paramount received $505,050 in commissions and a warrant exercisable for such number of shares of common stock equal to 10% of the aggregate purchase price of the First Bridge Notes sold through Paramount ($7,215,000) divided by $1.00, or 721,500 shares, at a per share exercise price of $1.00. This warrant will be cancelled prior to the completion of this offering.
Paramount also acted as a co-placement agent in connection with the offering of the Second Bridge Notes. As compensation for its services, Paramount received $126,000 in commissions.
In addition, certain employees of Paramount and its affiliates are current stockholders, and former and current employees, of CorMedix and certain current and former employees of Paramount and its affiliates have been granted options to purchase shares of common stock. Specifically, on August 1, 2008, our Board of Directors granted options to purchase 120,000 shares of common stock to Dr. Russell Ellison, the Chairman of our Board and Executive Vice President of PBS, and options to purchase 15,000 shares of common stock to Matt Davis, a former employee of PBS and consultant to us. These options were granted under the 2006 Stock Incentive Plan and each has an exercise price of $1.05 per share. Dr. Ellisons options have a three-year vesting schedule, with one-third vesting on each of the first three anniversaries of the grant date, while Mr. Davis options are fully vested.
Pursuant to the Shiva Contribution Agreement, Shiva contributed to us its kidney products business and granted us an exclusive, worldwide license agreement for the Shiva Technology. As consideration in part for the rights to the Shiva Technology, we paid Shiva an initial licensing fee of $500,000 and granted Shiva an equity interest in us. Shiva currently owns 773,717 shares of our common stock. Additionally, under the Shiva Contribution Agreement we are also required to make cash payments to Shiva upon the achievement of certain clinical and regulatory-based milestone and the maximum aggregate amount of such payments, assuming achievement of all milestones, is $10,000,000. Events that trigger milestone payments include but are not limited to the reaching of various stages of applicable clinical trials and regulatory approval processes. Under
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the terms of the Shiva Contribution Agreement, in the event that the Shiva Technology is commercialized, we are also obligated to pay to Shiva annual royalties based upon net sales of the products. In the event that we sublicense Shiva Technology to a third party, we are obligated to pay to Shiva a portion of the royalties, fees or other lump-sum payments we receive from the sublicense.
Pursuant to the terms of the Shiva Contribution Agreement, we are currently obligated to issue additional shares of common stock to Shiva BioMedical, LLC sufficient to maintain its ownership percentage, as defined, at 7.0% of the outstanding common stock on a fully diluted basis, until such time that we have raised $25 million through the sale of our equity securities or until an initial public offering, reverse merger or a sale of our company. This obligation will expire upon the completion of this offering.
In connection with the Shiva Contribution Agreement, on July 28, 2006, we entered into a consulting agreement with Sudhir Shah, a member of our Cardiorenal Advisory Board and President of Shiva, which was amended and restated on January 10, 2008 (the Shah Consulting Agreement). Pursuant to the Shah Consulting Agreement, Dr. Shah provides us with consulting services involving areas mutually agreed to by Dr. Shah and us for up to 40 hours per month and he serves on one of our Scientific Advisory Boards. As compensation for Dr. Shahs consulting services, we agreed to pay Dr. Shah $7,000 per month, which fee will be increased to $12,000 per month if we consummate a sale of equity securities (excluding convertible debt instruments) or assets in a transaction or series of related transactions with gross proceeds of at least $10,000,000. Under the Shah Consulting Agreement, the consulting services were to be provided for an initial one-year period, which ended on January 10, 2009, and thereafter on a month-to-month basis upon mutual agreement of the parties. We are currently continuing the consulting arrangement on such month-to-month basis.
Mahendra Patel, one of our directors, is also a director of Shiva.
As consideration in part for the rights to the NDP Technology, we paid NDP an initial licensing fee of $325,000 and granted NDP an equity interest in us, consisting presently of 533,905 shares of common stock, subject to certain anti-dilution adjustments. In addition, we are required to make payments to NDP upon the achievement of certain regulatory and sales-based milestones. Such payments will be made in the form of shares of common stock currently held in escrow for NDP, presently amounting to 213,562 shares of common stock, subject to certain anti-dilution adjustments.
Pursuant to the terms of a stockholder agreement with NDP, we are currently obligated to issue additional shares of common stock to NDP sufficient to maintain its ownership percentage at 5.0% of the outstanding common stock (7.0%, including the escrow shares) on a fully diluted basis, until such time that we have raised $25 million through the sale of its equity securities or until an initial public offering, reverse merger or a sale of our company. This obligation will expire upon the completion of this offering.
In conjunction with the execution of the Houghton Employment Agreement, Mr. Houghton purchased 105,999 restricted shares of our common stock at a purchase price of $0.001 per share pursuant to the terms of a stock purchase agreement. One third of these purchased shares vest on each of the first three anniversaries of such purchase, in each case only if Mr. Houghton remains employed by us at such times.
In addition, we have paid a total of $75,000 in finders fees to John Houghton, our Chief Executive Officer, in connection with the in-licensing of our product candidates.
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The following table sets forth certain information regarding the beneficial ownership of our common stock as of December 31, 2009, as adjusted to reflect the sale of the shares of common stock in this offering and the other adjustments discussed below, by the following:
| each of our directors and named executive officers; |
| all of our directors and executive officers as a group; and |
| each person, or group of affiliated persons, known to us to beneficially own 5% or more of our outstanding common stock. |
Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with SEC rules and generally includes voting or investment power with respect to securities. Unless otherwise indicated, the stockholders listed in the table have sole voting and investment power with respect to the shares indicated.
The table below lists the number of shares and percentage of shares beneficially owned prior to this offering based on 6,360,601 shares of common stock issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2009, including the 213,562 shares of common stock held in escrow for NDP pending achievement of certain milestones pursuant to the NDP License Agreement. The table also lists the number of shares and percentage of shares beneficially owned after this offering based on shares of common stock outstanding upon completion of this offering, assuming no exercise by the underwriters of their over-allotment option and after giving effect to the following:
| the automatic conversion of all of our outstanding convertible notes into an aggregate of shares of common stock upon the completion of this offering; |
| the automatic conversion of all of our outstanding shares of Non-Voting Common Stock into shares of common stock on a one-for-one basis upon the completion of this offering. |
| the cancellation of all First Bridge Warrants, Second Bridge Warrants and First Bridge Placement Agent Warrants prior to the completion of this offering; |
| the filing of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and the adoption of our amended and restated by-laws effective upon the completion of this offering; |
| no exercise of warrants or options outstanding on the date of this prospectus, except as specifically set forth herein; and |
| a 1 for reverse stock split of our common stock to be effected prior to the completion of this offering. |
For purposes of the table below, we treat shares of common stock subject to options or warrants that are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days after December 31, 2009 to be outstanding and to be beneficially owned by the person holding the options or warrants for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of the person, but we do not treat the shares as outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of any other stockholder.
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Except as otherwise set forth below, the address of each of the persons or entities listed in the table is c/o CorMedix Inc., 86 Summit Avenue, Suite 301, Summit, NJ 07901-3647.
Shares Beneficially Owned
Prior to Offering (1) |
Shares Beneficially Owned
After the Offering |
|||||||||||||||
Name | Number | Percentage | Number | Percentage | ||||||||||||
Named Executive Officers and Directors:
|
||||||||||||||||
John C. Houghton | 110,999 | (2) | 1.7 | % | ||||||||||||
Mark Houser, M.D. | 75,666 | (3) | 1.2 | % | ||||||||||||
Russell H. Ellison, M.D. | 40,000 | (4) | * | |||||||||||||
Richard M. Cohen | | | % | |||||||||||||
Gary A. Gelbfish | | | % | |||||||||||||
Mahendra Patel, Ph.D. | 773,717 | (5) | 12.2 | % | ||||||||||||
Antony E. Pfaffle, M.D. | 116,362 | (6) | 1.8 | % | ||||||||||||
Timothy Hofer | 58,181 | * | ||||||||||||||
Stephen Pilatzke | 3,879 | * | ||||||||||||||
Bruce Cooper, M.D. | 421,130 | 6.6 | % | |||||||||||||
All executive officers and directors as a group (ten persons) | 1,128,804 | 18.4 | % | |||||||||||||
5% Stockholders:
|
||||||||||||||||
Lindsay A. Rosenwald, M.D. | 1,113,188 | (7) | 17.5 | % | ||||||||||||
Lester E. Lipschutz | 787,377 | (8) | 12.4 | % | ||||||||||||
Shiva BioMedical, LLC | 773,717 | 12.2 | % | |||||||||||||
ND Partners, LLC | 747,467 | (9) | 11.8 | % |
* | Represents less than 1% |
(1) | Does not include shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of the First Bridge Warrants and the First Bridge Placement Agent Warrants, which will be cancelled prior to the completion of this offering. |
(2) | Includes 5,000 vested options granted to Mr. Houghton pursuant to the 2006 Stock Incentive Plan. Does not include 10,000 options to purchase shares of common stock granted to Mr. Houghton under the 2006 Stock Incentive Plan that have not yet vested pursuant to their terms. |
(3) | Includes 70,666 restricted shares of common stock which have vested under Dr. Housers employment agreement. Does not include 35,333 restricted shares of common stock that have not yet vested pursuant to their terms. We have the right to purchase such unvested shares upon the occurrence of certain events. Also includes 5,000 vested options granted to Dr. Houser pursuant to the 2006 Stock Incentive Plan. Does not include 10,000 options to purchase shares of common stock granted to Dr. Houser under the 2006 Stock Incentive Plan that have not yet vested pursuant to their terms. |
(4) | Includes 40,000 vested options granted to Dr. Ellison pursuant to the 2006 Stock Incentive Plan. Does not include 80,000 options to purchase shares of common stock granted to Dr. Ellison under the 2006 Stock Incentive Plan that have not yet vested pursuant to their terms. |
(5) | Represents shares issued to Shiva Biomedical, LLC pursuant to the Shiva Contribution Agreement. Dr. Patel is a member of the Board of Shiva BioMedical, LLC, and as such could be deemed to be the beneficial owner of such shares. Sudhir Shah, a consultant to us and a member of our Cardiorenal Advisory Board, is President of Shiva BioMedical, LLC. Pursuant to the terms of the Shiva Contribution Agreement, we are currently obligated to issue additional shares of common stock to Shiva BioMedical, LLC sufficient to maintain its ownership percentage at 7.0% of the outstanding common stock on a fully diluted basis, until such time that we have raised $25 million through the sale of our equity securities or until an initial public offering, reverse merger or a sale of our company. This obligation will expire upon completion of this offering. |
(6) | Includes 96,968 shares of non-voting common stock held by Dr. Pfaffle, which will convert into shares of our voting common stock on a one-for-one basis upon consummation of this offering. |
(7) | Does not include 721,500 shares of common stock underlying warrants that have been issued to Paramount BioCapital, Inc. as part compensation for its placement agent services for us in connection |
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with the original issuance of the First Bridge Notes. These warrants will be cancelled prior to consummation of the offering. Also does not include 40,725 shares held by five trusts established for the benefit of Dr. Rosenwalds children, or 777,680 shares held by four trusts established for the benefit of Dr. Rosenwald and his family, which are referenced in note 7 below as Dr. Rosenwald disclaims beneficial ownership of all of these shares, except to the extent of his pecuniary interest therein. Dr. Rosenwalds brother is the trustee of the five trusts established for the benefit of Dr. Rosenwalds children. |
(8) | Lester Lipschutz is the trustee of the four trusts established for the benefit of Dr.Rosenwald and his family, which own 777,680 shares of our common stock in the aggregate. Mr. Lipschutz may be deemed to beneficially own the shares held by the aforementioned trusts as he has sole control over the voting and disposition of any shares held by such trusts. Includes 9,697 shares of common stock owned individually by Mr. Lipschutz. |
(9) | Represents shares of common stock issued pursuant to the NDP License Agreement. Includes 213,562 shares of common stock currently held in escrow, which will be released to NDP in specified installments upon the achievement of certain regulatory and sales-based milestones with respect to the NDP Technology. Pursuant to the terms of a stockholder agreement with NDP, we are currently obligated to issue additional shares of common stock to NDP sufficient to maintain its ownership percentage at 5.0% of the outstanding common stock (7.0%, including the escrow shares) on a fully diluted basis, until such time that we have raised $25 million through the sale of its equity securities or until an initial public offering, reverse merger or a sale of our company. This obligation will expire upon completion of this offering. Anastasios Parafestas is the Managing Member of Spinnaker Capital LLC, the Managing Member of NDP. Mr. Parafestas may be deemed to beneficially own the shares held by NDP. Mr. Parafestas disclaims beneficial ownership of all of these shares, except to the extent of his pecuniary interest therein. |
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Upon the completion of this offering and filing of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, our authorized capital stock will consist of shares, of which (i) shares will be designated as common stock, and (ii) 10,000,000 shares will be designated as preferred stock, par value $0.001 per share.
The following description of our capital stock are summaries and are qualified by reference to the amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated by-laws that will be in effect upon completion of this offering. Copies of these documents will be filed with the SEC as exhibits to our registration statement, of which this prospectus forms a part. The descriptions of the common stock and preferred stock reflect changes to our capital structure that will occur upon the closing of this offering.
Each Unit consists of two shares of common stock and a warrant to purchase one share of common stock. The Units will begin trading on or promptly after the date of this prospectus. Each of the common stock and warrants will trade separately within the first trading days following the earlier to occur of the expiration of the underwriters over allotment option or its exercise in full.
As of December 31, 2009, there were 6,360,601 shares of common stock issued and outstanding, including the 213,562 shares of common stock held in escrow for NDP pending achievement of certain milestones pursuant to the NDP License Agreement, that were held of record by 82 stockholders.
Holders of common stock are entitled to one vote per share on matters on which our stockholders vote. There are no cumulative voting rights. Subject to any preferential dividend rights of any outstanding shares of preferred stock, holders of common stock are entitled to receive dividends, if declared by our Board of Directors, out of funds that we may legally use to pay dividends. If we liquidate or dissolve, holders of common stock are entitled to share ratably in our assets once our debts and any liquidation preference owed to any then-outstanding preferred stockholders are paid. Our certificate of incorporation does not provide the common stock with any redemption, conversion or preemptive rights. All shares of common stock that are outstanding as of the date of this prospectus and, upon issuance and sale, all shares we are selling in this offering, will be fully-paid and nonassessable.
Each warrant entitles the registered holder to purchase one share of our common stock at a price equal to 110% of the offering price of the common stock underlying Units. The warrants may only be exercised for cash. The warrants will expire years from the date of this prospectus at 5:00 p.m., New York City time. We may call the warrants issued as a part of the Units for redemption as follows:
| at a price of $0.01 for each warrant at any time while the warrants are exercisable, so long as a registration statement relating to the common stock issuable upon exercise of the warrants is effective and current; |
| upon not less than days prior written notice of redemption to each warrant holder; and |
| if, and only if, the reported last sale price of the common stock equals or exceeds $ per share for any 20 trading days within a 30 consecutive trading day period ending on the business day prior to the notice of redemption to warrant holders. |
If the foregoing conditions are satisfied and we call the warrants for redemption, each warrant holder will then be entitled to exercise his or her warrant prior to the date scheduled for redemption. However, there can be no assurance that the price of the common stock will exceed the call price or the warrant exercise price after the redemption call is made.
The warrants will be issued in registered form under a warrant agreement between , as warrant agent, and us. You should review a copy of the warrant agreement, which has been filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, for a complete description of the terms and conditions applicable to the warrants.
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The exercise price and number of shares of common stock issuable on exercise of the warrants may be adjusted in certain circumstances, including but not limited to in the event of a stock split, stock dividend, recapitalization, reorganization, merger or consolidation. However, the warrants will not be adjusted for the issuances of common stock or securities convertible or exercisable into common stock at a price below their respective exercise prices.
The warrants may be exercised upon surrender of the warrant certificate on or prior to the expiration date at the offices of the warrant agent, with the exercise form on the reverse side of the warrant certificate completed and executed as indicated, accompanied by full payment of the exercise price, by certified check payable to us, for the number of warrants being exercised. The warrant holders do not have the rights or privileges of holders of common stock and any voting rights until they exercise their warrants and received shares of common stock. After issuance of shares of common stock upon exercise of the warrants, each holder will be entitled to one vote for each share held of record on all matters to be voted on by stockholders.
No warrants will be exercisable unless at the time of exercise a prospectus relating to common stock issuable upon exercise of the warrants is current and the common stock has been registered or qualified or deemed to be exempt under the securities laws of the state of residence of the holder of the warrants. Under the terms of the warrant agreement, we have agreed to meet these conditions and use our best efforts to maintain a current prospectus relating to common stock issuable upon exercise of the warrants until the expiration of the warrants. However, we cannot assure you that we will be able to do so, and if we do not maintain a current prospectus related to the common stock issuable upon exercise of the warrants, holders will be unable to exercise their warrants and we will not be required to settle any such warrant exercise. If the prospectus relating to the common stock issuable upon the exercise of the warrants is not current or if the common stock is not qualified or exempt from qualification in the jurisdictions in which the holders of the warrants reside, we will not be required to net cash settle or cash settle the warrant exercise, the warrants may have no value, the market for the warrants may be limited and the warrants may expire worthless.
We have also agreed to issue to the underwriters warrants to purchase a number of shares of our common stock equal to an aggregate of 8% of the Units sold in this offering. The warrants will have an exercise price equal to 110% of the offering price of the Units sold in this offering and may be exercised on a cashless basis. The warrants are exercisable commencing six months after the effective date of the registration statement related to this offering, and will be exercisable for four and a half years thereafter. The warrants are not redeemable by us. The warrants also provide one demand registration of the shares of common stock underlying the warrants at our expense, an additional demand at the warrant holders expense and for unlimited piggyback registration rights at our expense with respect to the underlying shares of common stock during the five year period commencing six months after the effective date. The warrants and the Units (including the shares of common stock and warrants underlying the Units) have been deemed compensation by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) and are therefore subject to a 180-day lock-up pursuant to Rule 5110(g)(1) of FINRA. The underwriters (or permitted assignees under the Rule) may not sell, transfer, assign, pledge, or hypothecate the warrants or the securities underlying the warrants, nor will they engage in any hedging, short sale, derivative, put, or call transaction that would result in the effective economic disposition of the warrants or the underlying securities for a period of 180 days from the date of this prospectus. Additionally, the option may not be sold transferred, assigned, pledged or hypothecated for a one-year period (including the foregoing 180 day period) following the effective date of the registration statement except to any underwriter and selected dealer participating in the offering and their bona fide officers or partners. The warrants will provide for adjustment in the number and price of such warrants (and the shares of common stock and warrants underlying such warrants) in the event of recapitalization, merger or other structural transaction to prevent mechanical dilution.
5,000,000 shares of our authorized capital stock are currently designated as Non-Voting Subordinated Class A Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share (Non-Voting Common Stock). The Non-Voting Common Stock will be automatically converted into common stock on a one-for-one basis upon the closing of this offering.
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The holders of Non-Voting Common Stock, except as otherwise required under Delaware law, are not entitled or permitted to vote on any matter required or permitted to be voted upon by the holders of common stock. Upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding up, after payment of all our debts and liabilities, and after payment in full of a $20 million preference amount to the holders of our common stock, the holders of our common stock and Non-Voting Common Stock (on an as-converted basis) will be entitled to share ratably in all of our assets that are legally available for distribution.
The Board of Directors has the authority at any time to establish the rights and preferences of, and issue up to, 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock, of which none currently have designation.
In July and September of 2007, we issued a series of convertible promissory notes in the aggregate principal amount of $8,645,000, referred to herein as the First Bridge Notes. In August 2008, we issued another series of convertible promissory notes in the aggregate principal amount of $2,100,000 on terms substantially the same as the First Bridge Notes, referred to herein as the Second Bridge Notes. In June 2009, we issued a convertible note in the principal amount of $1,000,000 to Galenica, on terms substantially the same as the First Bridge Notes and the Second Bridge Notes, referred to herein as the Galenica Note, and together with the First Bridge Notes and the Second Bridge Notes, as the 12% Notes. The 12% Notes are unsecured obligations of ours with a maturity date of July 31, 2010 and currently accrue interest at the rate of 12% per annum. The aggregate amount of accrued and unpaid interest under the 12% Notes as of September 30, 2009 was $2,019,911.
The outstanding principal amount of the 12% Notes, and all accrued interest thereon, will automatically convert into Units at a conversion price equal to at the lesser of (a) the lowest price at which our equity securities are sold in a Qualified Financing and (b) $30,000,000 divided by the number of shares of common stock outstanding immediately prior to the Qualified Financing (determined on a fully diluted basis), upon the terms and conditions on which such securities are issued in the Qualified Financing. For purposes of the 12% Notes, Qualified Financing means the closing of an equity financing or series of related equity financings by us resulting in aggregate gross cash proceeds (before commissions or other transaction expenses, and excluding any such proceeds resulting from any conversion of First Bridge Notes) to us of at least $10,000,000 minus the aggregate principal amount of Second Bridge Notes. This offering, if consummated, will be considered a Qualified Financing. Assuming an offering price of $ per Unit, the 12% Notes will automatically convert into Units.
In October and November 2009, we issued another series of convertible promissory notes in the aggregate principal amount of $2,619,973, referred to herein as the 8% Notes. The 8% Notes are unsecured obligations of ours with a maturity date of October 29, 2011 and currently accrue interest at the rate of 8% per annum.
The outstanding principal amount of the 8% Notes, and all accrued interest thereon, will automatically convert into shares of common stock upon the completion of a Qualified IPO. For purposes hereof, Qualified IPO means the completion of an underwritten initial public offering of equity securities by us resulting in aggregate gross cash proceeds (before commissions or other expenses) to us of at least $10,000,000. This offering, if consummated, will be considered a Qualified IPO. Assuming an offering price of $ per Unit, the 8% Notes will automatically convert into shares of common stock at a conversion price equal to 70% of the portion of the price of the Units sold in this offering that is allocated to the common stock.
From July 26, 2006 through September 30, 2009, PBS had loaned us an aggregate principal amount of $1,062,003 and from August 11, 2006 through September 30, 2009, the Family Trusts had loaned us an aggregate principal amount of $1,430,000. The loans from PBS are evidenced by the PBS Note and the loans
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from the Family Trusts are evidenced by the Family Trusts Note, which together with the PBS Note, are referred to herein as the Paramount Notes. As of September 30, 2009, $166,479, including accrued and unpaid interest, was outstanding under the PBS Note and $434,715, including accrued and unpaid interest, was outstanding under the Family Trusts Note. The Paramount Notes will mature on July 31, 2010 and all outstanding principal amount of the Paramount Notes, and all accrued interest thereon, will automatically convert into the securities issued in a Qualified Financing on the same terms as the 12% Notes. This offering, if consummated, will be considered a Qualified Financing. Assuming an offering price of $ per Unit, the Paramount Notes will automatically convert into Units.
All of the warrants described below are currently outstanding and none have been exercised.
In connection with the issuance of the First Bridge Notes, we issued seven-year warrants to their purchasers (the First Bridge Warrants). The First Bridge Warrants are currently exercisable and entitle the holders thereof to purchase that number of shares of common stock equal to 40% of the principal amount of the First Bridge Notes purchased by the original holder divided by $1.00, at a per share exercise price of $1.00.
In connection with the issuance of the Second Bridge Notes, we issued seven-year warrants to their purchasers (the Second Bridge Warrants). The Second Bridge Warrants entitle the holders thereof to purchase that number of shares of common stock equal to 40% of the principal amount of the Second Bridge Notes purchased by them divided by the lowest price at which our equity securities are sold in a Qualified Financing at a per share exercise price equal to 110% of such lowest price paid, subject to adjustment as set forth in the Second Bridge Warrants. If a Qualified Financing does not occur on or before the second anniversary of the initial closing of the Second Bridge Notes offering, August 18, 2010, then the Second Bridge Warrants will be exercisable for that number of shares of common stock equal to 40% of the principal amount of the Second Bridge Notes purchased by the original holder divided by $1.00, at a per share exercise price of $1.00. For purposes of the Second Bridge Warrants, Qualified Financing has the same meaning as it does in connection with the 12% Notes.
The First Bridge Warrants and the Second Bridge Warrants will be cancelled prior to the completion of this offering.
In connection with the issuance of the 8% Notes, we issued seven-year warrants to the purchasers of the 8% Notes, referred to herein as the 8% Noteholder Warrants. The 8% Noteholder Warrants entitle the holders thereof to purchase a number of shares of common stock equal to 60% of the principal amount of the 8% Notes divided by the price at which our equity securities are sold in a Qualified IPO, at a per share exercise price equal to 110% of the offering price in the Qualified IPO, subject to adjustment as set forth in the warrant. If a Qualified IPO does not occur on or before the second anniversary of the closing of the offering of the 8% Noteholder Warrants, then each warrant will be exercisable for that number of shares of common stock equal to 60% of the principal amount of the note purchased by the original holder divided by $1.00, at a per share exercise price of $1.00. In the event of a sale of our company (whether by merger, consolidation, sale or transfer of our capital stock or assets or otherwise) prior to, but not in connection with, a Qualified IPO, the 8% Noteholder Warrants will terminate immediately upon such sale without opportunity for exercise. Assuming an offering price of $ per Unit, the 8% Noteholder Warrants will entitle the holders thereof to purchase shares of common stock at a conversion price equal to .
Paramount received, as partial compensation for its services in connection with the offering of the First Bridge Notes, a warrant exercisable for such number of shares of common stock equal to 10% of the amount of the aggregate purchase price of the First Bridge Notes sold through Paramount ($7,215,000) divided by $1.00, or 721,500 shares, at a per share exercise price of $1.00.
Co-placement agents with respect the offering of the First Bridge Notes received, as partial compensation for their services, a warrant exercisable for such number of shares of common stock equal to 10% of the
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amount of the aggregate purchase price of the First Bridge Notes sold through the co-placement agents ($1,430,000) divided by $1.00, or 143,000 shares, at a per share exercise price of $1.00.
These warrants and the warrant issued to Paramount, which are collectively referred to herein as the First Bridge Placement Agent Warrants, will be cancelled prior to completion of this offering.
Pursuant to a consulting agreement we entered into with Frank Prosl on January 30, 2008, as partial compensation for Mr. Prosls consulting services, we issued to Mr. Prosl a warrant to purchase 40,000 shares of our common stock at a purchase price of $1.36 per share, subject to adjustment.
In connection with a consulting agreement we entered into with Donald Consultants Ltd. on January 30, 2008, which agreement has since been terminated, we issued to Linda Donald a warrant to purchase 100,000 shares of our common stock at a purchase price of $1.36 per share, subject to adjustment.
These warrants are referred to herein as the Consultant Warrants.
Holders of Units, after giving effect to the conversion of our outstanding 12% Notes upon completion of this offering, have rights, under the terms of the purchase agreements between us and these holders, to require us to file registration statements under the Securities Act, subject to limitations and restrictions, or request that their Units be covered by a registration statement that we are otherwise filing, subject to specified exceptions.
Similarly, holders of shares of our common stock, after giving effect to the conversion of our outstanding 8% Notes upon completion of this offering, have rights, under the terms of the purchase agreements between us and these holders, to require us to file registration statements under the Securities Act, subject to limitations and restrictions, or request that their shares of common stock be covered by a registration statement that we are otherwise filing, subject to specified exceptions.
We refer to the Units or shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of our 12% Notes or 8% Notes, as the case may be, as registrable securities. The purchase agreements for our 12% Notes and 8% Notes do not provide for any liquidated damages, penalties or other rights in the event we do not file a registration statement. These rights will continue in effect following this offering.
At any time after 180 days following the effective date of this registration statement, subject to certain exceptions, (a) the holders of a majority of the registrable securities issuable upon the conversion of our 12% Notes have the right to demand that we file a registration statement covering the offering and sale of at least 51% of the registrable securities issuable upon the conversion of our 12% Notes then outstanding and (b) the holders of a majority of the registrable securities issuable upon the conversion of our 8% Notes have the right to demand that we file a registration statement covering the offering and sale of at least 51% of the registrable securities issuable upon the conversion of our 8% Notes then outstanding.
We have the ability to delay the filing of such registration statement under specified conditions, such as during the period starting with the date of filing of and ending on the date 180 days following the effective date of this offering or if our board of directors determines that it is advisable to delay such filing or if we are in possession of material nonpublic information that would be in our best interests not to disclose. Postponements at the discretion of our board of directors cannot exceed 90 days from the date of such determination by our board of directors. We are not obligated to file such registration statement on more than one occasion upon the request of the holders of a majority of the registrable securities issuable upon the conversion of our 12% Notes, and we are not obligated to file such registration statement on more than one occasion upon the request of the holders of a majority of the registrable securities issuable upon the conversion of our 8% Notes.
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If we are eligible to file a registration statement on Form S-3, the holders of the registrable securities issuable upon the conversion of our 12% Notes and the holders of the registrable securities issuable upon the conversion of our 8% Notes each have the right, on one or more occasions, to request registration on Form S-3 of the sale of the registrable securities held by such holder provided such securities are anticipated to have an aggregate sale price (before deducting any underwriting discounts and commissions) of at least $5,000,000.
We have the ability to delay the filing of any such registration statement under the same conditions as described above under Demand Registration Rights, and we are not obligated to effect more than one registration of registrable securities on Form S-3 in any twelve-month period for the holders of the registrable securities issuable upon the conversion of our 12% Notes or more than one such registration for the holders of the registrable securities issuable upon the conversion of our 8% Notes.
The holders of the registrable securities described above have piggyback registration rights. Under these provisions, if we register any securities for public sale, including pursuant to any stockholder-initiated demand registration, these holders will have the right to include their shares in the registration statement, subject to customary exceptions. The underwriters of any underwritten offering will have the right to limit the number of shares having registration rights to be included in the registration statement, and piggyback registration rights are also subject to the priority rights of stockholders having demand registration rights in any demand registration.
We will pay all registration expenses related to any demand, Form S-3 or piggyback registration, other than underwriting discounts and commissions and any professional fees or costs of accounting, financial or legal advisors to any of the holders of registrable securities.
The purchase agreements for our 12% Notes and 8% Notes contain customary cross-indemnification provisions, under which we are obligated to indemnify the selling stockholders in the event of material misstatements or omissions in the registration statement attributable to us, and each selling stockholder is obligated to indemnify us for material misstatements or omissions in the registration statement due to information provided by such stockholder provided that such information was not changed or altered by us.
Holders of shares of our common stock, under the terms of the purchase agreements between Picton and these holders, have the right to require us to file registration statements under the Securities Act, subject to limitations and restrictions, or request that their shares of common stock be covered by a registration statement that we are otherwise filling, subject to specified exceptions.
If we are eligible to file a registration statement on Form S-3, the holders of these shares of common stock have the right, on one or more occasions, to request registration on Form S-3 of the sale of the shares of common stock held by such holder provided such shares are anticipated to have an aggregate sale price (before deducting any underwriting discounts and commissions) of at least $1,000,000. The holders of these shares of common stock also have piggyback registration rights if we register any securities for public sale, subject to customary exceptions.
We are subject to the provisions of Section 203 of the DGCL. In general, Section 203 prohibits a publicly held Delaware corporation from engaging in a business combination with an interested stockholder for a three-year period following the time that this stockholder becomes an interested stockholder, unless the business combination is approved in a prescribed manner. A business combination includes, among other things, a merger, asset or stock sale or other transaction resulting in a financial benefit
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to the interested stockholder. An interested stockholder is a person who, together with affiliates and associates, owns, or did own within three years prior to the determination of interested stockholder status, 15% or more of the corporations voting stock. Under Section 203, a business combination between a corporation and an interested stockholder is prohibited unless it satisfies one of the following conditions:
| before the stockholder became interested, the Board of Directors approved either the business combination or the transaction which resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder; |
| upon completion of the transaction which resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder, the interested stockholder owned at least 85% of the voting stock of the corporation outstanding at the time the transaction commenced, excluding for purposes of determining the voting stock outstanding shares owned by persons who are directors and also officers, and employee stock plans, in some instances; or |
| at or after the time the stockholder became interested, the business combination was approved by the Board of Directors of the corporation and authorized at an annual or special meeting of stockholders by the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the outstanding voting stock which is not owned by the interested stockholder. |
Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws will include provisions that are intended to enhance the likelihood of continuity and stability in our Board of Directors and in its policies. These provisions might have the effect of delaying or preventing a change in control of our company even if such transaction could be beneficial to the interests of stockholders. These provisions include the following:
| prohibiting our stockholders from fixing the number of our directors; and |
| establishing advance notice requirements for stockholder proposals that can be acted on at stockholder meetings and nominations to our Board of Directors. |
Upon the completion of this offering, the transfer agent and registrar for our Units, common stock and warrants will be .
We applied for listing our Units, as well as our common stock and warrants underlying the Units, on NYSE Amex under the symbols CRMD.U, CRMD and CRMD.W, respectively. The Units will begin trading on or promptly after the date of this prospectus. Each of the common stock and warrants will trade separately within the first trading days following the earlier to occur of the expiration of the underwriters over allotment option or its exercise in full.
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Prior to this offering, there has been no public market for our common stock, and we cannot assure you that a significant public market for our common stock will develop or be sustained after this offering. As described below, no shares currently outstanding will be available for sale immediately after this offering due to certain contractual and securities law restrictions on resale. Sales of substantial amounts of our common stock in the public market after the restrictions lapse could cause the prevailing market price to decline and limit our ability to raise equity capital in the future.
Upon completion of this offering, we will have outstanding an aggregate of shares of common stock, assuming no exercise of the underwriters option to purchase additional shares and no exercise of options or warrants to purchase common stock that were outstanding as of the date of this prospectus. The shares of common stock being sold in this offering will be freely tradable without restriction or further registration under the Securities Act.
The remaining shares of common stock held by existing stockholders are restricted securities as that term is defined in Rule 144 under the Securities Act. Restricted securities may be sold in the public market only if registered or if they qualify for an exemption from registration under Section 4(1), or Rule 144 or 701 promulgated under the Securities Act, which rules are summarized below.
The following table shows approximately when the shares of our common stock that are not being sold in this offering, but which will be outstanding when this offering is complete, will be eligible for sale in the public market:
Days After Date of this Prospectus | Shares Eligible for Sale | Comment | ||
Upon Effectiveness | Shares sold in this offering | |||
90 Days | Shares saleable under Rules 144 and 701 that are not subject to the lock-up | |||
180 Days | Lock-up released, subject to extension; shares saleable under Rules 144 and 701 |
Resale of of the restricted shares that will become available for sale in the public market starting 180 days after the effective date will be limited by volume and other resale restrictions under Rule 144 because the holders are our affiliates.
The availability of Rule 144 will vary depending on whether restricted shares are held by an affiliate or a non-affiliate. Under Rule 144 as in effect on the date of this prospectus, once we have been a reporting company subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act for 90 days, an affiliate who has beneficially owned restricted shares of our common stock for at least six months would be entitled to sell within any three-month period a number of shares that does not exceed the greater of either of the following:
| 1% of the number of shares of common stock then outstanding, which will equal shares immediately after this offering; and |
| the average weekly trading volume of our common stock during the four calendar weeks preceding the filing of a notice on Form 144 with respect to the sale. |
However, the six month holding period increases to one year in the event we have not been a reporting company for at least 90 days. In addition, any sales by affiliates under Rule 144 are also limited by manner of sale provisions and notice requirements and the availability of current public information about us.
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The volume limitation, manner of sale and notice provisions described above will not apply to sales by non-affiliates. For purposes of Rule 144, a non-affiliate is any person or entity who is not our affiliate at the time of sale and has not been our affiliate during the preceding three months. Once we have been a reporting company for 90 days, a non-affiliate who has beneficially owned restricted shares of our common stock for six months may rely on Rule 144 provided that certain public information regarding us is available. The six month holding period increases to one year in the event we have not been a reporting company for at least 90 days. However, a non-affiliate who has beneficially owned the restricted shares proposed to be sold for at least one year will not be subject to any restrictions under Rule 144 regardless of how long we have been a reporting company.
Under Rule 701, common stock acquired upon the exercise of certain currently outstanding options or pursuant to other rights granted under our stock plans may be resold, to the extent not subject to lock-up agreements, (a) by persons other than affiliates, beginning 90 days after the effective date of this offering, subject only to the manner-of-sale provisions of Rule 144, and (b) by affiliates, subject to the manner-of-sale, current public information and filing requirements of Rule 144, in each case, without compliance with the one-year holding period requirement of Rule 144. All Rule 701 shares are, however, subject to lock-up agreements and will only become eligible for sale upon the expiration of the contractual lock-up agreements. Maxim may release all or any portion of the securities subject to lock-up agreements.
We and each of our officers, directors, and greater than % stockholders have agreed, subject to certain exceptions, not to offer, issue, sell, contract to sell, encumber, grant any option for the sale of or otherwise dispose of any shares of our common stock or other securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for shares of our common stock for a period of 180 days after the effective date of the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part without the prior written consent of Maxim. This 180-day restricted period will be automatically extended if: (1) during the last 17 days of the 180-day restricted period we issue an earnings release or announce material news or a material event; or (2) prior to the expiration of the 180-day restricted period, we announce that we will release earnings results during the 16-day period following the last day of the 180-day period, in which case the restrictions described in the preceding paragraph will continue to apply until the expiration of the 18-day period beginning on the issuance of the earnings release or the announcement of the material news or material event.
In addition, the holders of our 12% Notes and our 8% Notes have agreed pursuant to the purchase agreements for our 12% Notes and our 8% Notes not to sell the Units or shares of our common stock they receive upon conversion of our 12% Notes or 8% Notes for a period of 180 days after the effective date of the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part.
After the completion of this offering, the holders of shares of our common stock and holders of Units will be entitled to the registration rights described in the section titled Description of Capital Stock Registration Rights. All such shares are covered by lock-up agreements. Following the expiration of the lock-up period, registration of these shares under the Securities Act would result in the shares becoming freely tradable without restriction under the Securities Act immediately upon the effectiveness of the registration, except for shares purchased by our affiliates.
Prior to the expiration of the lock-up period, we intend to file one or more registration statements on Form S-8 under the Securities Act to register the shares of our common stock that are issuable pursuant to our 2006 Stock Incentive Plan. See Executive Compensation Equity Compensation Plan Information for additional information. Subject to the lock-up agreements described above and any applicable vesting restrictions, shares registered under these registration statements will be available for resale in the public market immediately upon the effectiveness of these registration statements, except with respect to Rule 144 volume limitations that apply to our affiliates.
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Subject to the terms and conditions of the underwriting agreement, the underwriters named below, through their representative, Maxim Group LLC, referred to herein as Maxim, have severally agreed to purchase from us on a firm commitment basis the following respective number of Units at a public offering price less the underwriting discounts and commissions set forth on the cover page of this prospectus:
Underwriters | Number of Units | |||
Maxim Group LLC |
The underwriting agreement provides that the obligation of the underwriters to purchase all of the Units being offered to the public is subject to specific conditions, including the absence of any material adverse change in our business or in the financial markets and the receipt of certain legal opinions, certificates and letters from us, our counsel and the independent auditors. Subject to the terms of the underwriting agreement, the underwriters will purchase all of the Units being offered to the public, other than those covered by the over-allotment option described below, if any of these Units are purchased.
We have granted to the underwriters an option, exercisable not later than 45 days after the effective date of the registration statement, to purchase up to additional Units at the public offering price less the underwriting discounts and commissions set forth on the cover of this prospectus. The underwriters may exercise this option only to cover over-allotments made in connection with the sale of the Units offered by this prospectus. The over-allotment option will only be used to cover the net syndicate short position resulting from the initial distribution. To the extent that the underwriters exercise this option, each of the underwriters will become obligated, subject to conditions, to purchase approximately the same percentage of these additional Units as the number of Units to be purchased by it in the above table bears to the total number of Units offered by this prospectus. We will be obligated, pursuant to the option, to sell these additional Units to the underwriters to the extent the option is exercised. If any additional Units are purchased, the underwriters will offer the additional Units on the same terms as those on which the other Units are being offered hereunder.
The underwriting discounts and commissions are 10% of the initial public offering price. We have agreed to pay the underwriters the discounts and commissions set forth below, assuming either no exercise or full exercise by the underwriters of the underwriters over-allotment option. In addition, we have agreed to pay to the underwriters a corporate finance fee equal to 1% of the gross proceeds of this offering as a non-accountable expense allowance.
We have been advised by the representative of the underwriters that the underwriters propose to offer the Units to the public at the public offering price set forth on the cover of this prospectus and to dealers at a price that represents a concession not in excess of $ per Unit under the public offering price of $ per Unit. The underwriters may allow, and these dealers may re-allow, a concession of not more than $ per Unit to other dealers. After the initial public offering, the representative of the underwriters may change the offering price and other selling terms.
The following table summarizes the underwriting discounts and commissions we will pay to the underwriters. The underwriting discounts and commissions are equal to the public offering price per share less the amount per share the underwriters pay us for the shares.
Fee per Unit (1) |
Total Without
Exercise of Over-Allotment |
Total With
Exercise of Over-Allotment |
||||||||||
Public offering price | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||
Discount | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||
Proceeds before expenses | $ | $ | $ |
90
(1) | The fees do not include the over-allotment option granted to the underwriters, the corporate finance fee in the amount of 1.0% of the gross proceeds, or the warrants to purchase Units equal to 8% of the number of Units sold in the offering issuable to the underwriters at the closing. |
We estimate that the total expenses of the offering, including registration, filing and listing fees, printing fees and legal and accounting expenses, but excluding underwriting discounts and commissions, will be approximately $ , all of which are payable by us.
We have also agreed to issue to the underwriters warrants to purchase a number of our Units equal to an aggregate of 8% of the Units sold in this offering. The warrants will have an exercise price equal to 110% of the offering price of the Units sold in this offering and may be exercised on a cashless basis. The warrants are exercisable commencing six months after the effective date of the registration statement related to this offering, and will be exercisable for four and a half years thereafter. The warrants are not redeemable by us. The warrants also provide for one demand registration of the shares of common stock underlying the warrants at our expense, an additional demand at the warrant holders expense and unlimited piggyback registration rights at our expense with respect to the underlying shares of common stock during the five year period commencing six months after the closing date. The warrants and the Units (including the shares of common stock and warrants underlying the Units) have been deemed compensation by FINRA and are therefore subject to a 180-day lock-up pursuant to Rule 5110(g)(1) of FINRA. The underwriters (or permitted assignees under the Rule) may not sell, transfer, assign, pledge, or hypothecate the warrants or the securities underlying the warrants, nor will they engage in any hedging, short sale, derivative, put, or call transaction that would result in the effective economic disposition of the warrants or the underlying securities for a period of 180 days from the date of this prospectus. Additionally, the option may not be sold transferred, assigned, pledged or hypothecated for a one-year period (including the foregoing 180 day period) following the effective date of the registration statement except to any underwriter and selected dealer participating in the offering and their bona fide officers or partners. The warrants will provide for adjustment in the number and price of such warrants (and the shares of common stock and warrants underlying such warrants) in the event of recapitalization, merger or other structural transaction to prevent mechanical dilution.
We and each of our officers, directors, and greater than % stockholders have agreed, subject to certain exceptions, not to offer, issue, sell, contract to sell, encumber, grant any option for the sale of or otherwise dispose of any shares of our common stock or other securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for shares of our common stock for a period of 180 days after the effective date of the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part without the prior written consent of Maxim. This 180-day restricted period will be automatically extended if: (1) during the last 17 days of the 180-day restricted period we issue an earnings release or announce material news or a material event; or (2) prior to the expiration of the 180-day restricted period, we announce that we will release earnings results during the 16-day period following the last day of the 180-day period, in which case the restrictions described in the preceding paragraph will continue to apply until the expiration of the 18-day period beginning on the issuance of the earnings release or the announcement of the material news or material event.
Prior to this offering there has been no public market for any of our securities. The public offering price of the Units and the terms of the warrants were negotiated between us and Maxim. Factors considered in determining the prices and terms of the Units, including the common stock and warrants underlying the Units, include:
| the history and prospects of companies in our industry; |
| prior offerings of those companies; |
| our prospects for developing and commercializing our products; |
| our capital structure; |
91
| an assessment of our management and their experience; |
| general conditions of the securities markets at the time of the offering; and |
| other factors as were deemed relevant. |
However, although these factors were considered, the determination of our offering price is more arbitrary than the pricing of securities for an operating company in a particular industry since the underwriters are unable to compare our financial results and prospects with those of public companies operating in the same industry.
In connection with this offering, the underwriters may distribute prospectuses electronically. No forms of prospectus other than printed prospectuses and electronically distributed prospectuses that are printable in Adobe. PDF format will be used in connection with this offering.
The underwriters have informed us that they do not expect to confirm sales of Units offered by this prospectus to accounts over which they exercise discretionary authority without obtaining the specific approval of the account holder.
The underwriters may engage in over-allotment, stabilizing transactions, syndicate covering transactions, and penalty bids or purchasers for the purpose of pegging, fixing or maintaining the price of the common stock, in accordance with Regulation M under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934:
| Over-allotment involves sales by the underwriters of shares in excess of the number of shares the underwriters are obligated to purchase, which creates a syndicate short position. The short position may be either a covered short position or a naked short position. In a covered short position, the number of shares over-allotted by the underwriters is not greater than the number of shares that they may purchase in the over-allotment option. In a naked short position, the number of shares involved is greater than the number of shares in the over-allotment option. The underwriters may close out any short position by either exercising their over-allotment option and/or purchasing shares in the open market. |
| Stabilizing transactions permit bids to purchase the underlying security so long as the stabilizing bids do not exceed a specified maximum; |
| Syndicate covering transactions involve purchases of the common stock in the open market after the distribution has been completed in order to cover syndicate short positions. In determining the source of shares to close out the short position, the underwriters will consider, among other things, the price of shares available for purchase in the open market as compared to the price at which they may purchase shares through the over-allotment option. If the underwriters sell more shares than could be covered by the over-allotment option, a naked short position, the position can only be closed out by buying shares in the open market. A naked short position is more likely to be created if the underwriters are concerned that there could be downward pressure on the price of the shares in the open market after pricing that could adversely affect investors who purchase in the offering. |
| Penalty bids permit the underwriters to reclaim a selling concession from a syndicate member when the common stock originally sold by the syndicate member is purchased in a stabilizing or syndicate covering transaction to cover syndicate short positions. |
These stabilizing transactions, syndicate covering transactions and penalty bids may have the effect of raising or maintaining the market price of our common stock or preventing or retarding a decline in the market price of the common stock. As a result, the price of the common stock may be higher than the price that might otherwise exist in the open market. These transactions may be effected in the over-the-counter market or otherwise and, if commenced, may be discontinued at any time.
Neither we nor any of the underwriters make any representation or prediction as to the direction or magnitude of any effect that the transactions described above may have on the price of the common stock. In addition, neither we nor any of the underwriters make representation that the underwriters will engage in these stabilizing transactions or that any transaction, once commenced, will not be discontinued without notice.
92
We have also agreed that if following the successful completion of the offering, Maxim conducts a solicitation for the exercise of outstanding warrants at our written request, we will pay to Maxim a cash fee equal to 3% of the total proceeds received from the exercise of any and all warrants (other than any warrants held by Maxim or its affiliates) as a result of such solicitation by Maxim, provided that Maxim is designated as the soliciting broker on the exercise form of the warrant certificate evidencing the warrants so exercised.
The Underwriting Agreement will provide that we will permit Maxim to either (i) designate one individual who meets the independence criteria of NYSE Amex to serve on our Board of Directors for the three-year period following the closing of this offering or (ii) in the event that the individual designated by Maxim is not elected to our Board of Directors, have a representative of Maxim attend all meetings of our Board of Directors as an observer during such three-year period. Such director or observer, as the case may be, will attend meetings of our Board of Directors, receive all notices and other correspondence and communications sent by us to our directors, and such director will receive compensation equal to the highest compensation of other non-employee directors, excluding the Chairman of the Audit Committee.
In addition, we have agreed to grant to Maxim, upon the consummation of this offering, the right of first negotiation to co-manage any public underwriting or private placement of our debt or equity securities or the debt or equity securities of our subsidiaries and successors (excluding (i) shares issued under any compensation or stock option plan approved by our stockholders, (ii) shares issued by us in payment of the consideration for an acquisition or as part of strategic partnerships and transactions and (iii) conventional banking arrangements and commercial debt financing) which includes the right to underwrite or place a minimum of 50% of the securities to be sold therein, for a period of eighteen (18) months after completion of this offering. If Maxim fails to accept in writing any such proposal for such public or private sale within ten (10) days after receipt of a written notice from us containing such proposal, then Maxim will have no claim or right with respect to any such sale contained in any such notice. If, thereafter, such proposal is modified in any material respect, we will adopt the same procedure as with respect to the original proposed public or private sale, and Maxim shall have the right of first negotiation with respect to such revised proposal.
Although we are not under any contractual obligation to engage any of the underwriters to provide any services for us after this offering, and have no present intent to do so, any of the underwriters may, among other things, assist us in raising additional capital, as needs may arise in the future. If any of the underwriters provide services to us after this offering, we may pay such underwriter fair and reasonable fees that would be determined at that time in an arms length negotiation; provided that if no agreement will be entered into with any of the underwriters and no fees for such services will be paid to any of the underwriters prior to the date which is 90 days after the effective date of the registration statement, unless FINRA determines that such payment would not be deemed underwriters compensation in connection with this offering.
We have agreed to indemnify the underwriters against liabilities relating to the offering arising under the Securities Act, liabilities arising from breaches of some or all of the representations and warranties contained in the underwriting agreement, and to contribute to payments that the underwriters may be required to make for these liabilities.
A prospectus in electronic format may be made available on the internet sites or through other online services maintained by one or more of the underwriters participating in this offering, or by their affiliates. In those cases, prospective investors may view offering terms online and, depending upon the particular underwriter, prospective investors may be allowed to place orders online. The underwriters may agree with us to allocate a specific number of shares for sale to online brokerage account holders. Any such allocation for online distributions will be made by the representatives on the same basis as other allocations.
Other than the prospectus in electronic format, the information on any underwriters web site and any information contained in any other web site maintained by an underwriter is not part of the prospectus or the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part, has not been approved and/or endorsed by us or any underwriter in its capacity as underwriter and should not be relied upon by investors.
93
Certain of the underwriters or their affiliates have provided from time to time and may in the future provide investment banking, lending, financial advisory and other related services to us and our affiliates for which they have received and may continue to receive customary fees and commissions.
The validity of the shares of our common stock offered hereby will be passed upon for us by Olshan Grundman Frome Rosenzweig & Wolosky LLP, New York, New York. In connection with the offering of the Units, Loeb & Loeb LLP, New York, New York advised the underwriters with respect to certain United States securities law matters.
J.H. Cohn LLP, our independent registered public accounting firm, has audited our balance sheets as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, and the related statements of operations, changes in stockholders deficiency and cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007 and the period from July 28, 2006 (inception) to December 31, 2008, as set forth in their report, which includes an explanatory paragraph relating to our ability to continue as a going concern. We have included our financial statements in this prospectus and in this registration statement in reliance on J.H. Cohn LLPs report given on their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.
We have filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-1, including exhibits and schedules, under the Securities Act with respect to the securities to be sold in this offering. This prospectus does not contain all the information contained in the registration statement. For further information with respect to us and the securities to be sold in this offering, we refer you to the registration statement and the exhibits and schedules attached to the registration statement. Statements contained in this prospectus as to the contents of any contract, agreement or other document referred to are not necessarily complete. When we make such statements, we refer you to the copies of the contracts or documents that are filed as exhibits to the registration statement because those statements are qualified in all respects by reference to those exhibits.
Upon the closing of this offering, we will be subject to the informational requirements of the Exchange Act and we intend to file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. You can read our SEC filings, including the registration statement, at the SECs website at www.sec.gov. You may also read and copy any document we file with the SEC at its public reference facility at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549, on official business days during the hours of 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.
You may also obtain copies of the documents at prescribed rates by writing to the Public Reference Section of the SEC at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the operation of the public reference facility.
Our website address is www.cormedix.com. The information on, or accessible through, our website is not part of this prospectus.
94
F-1
September 30,
2009 |
December 31,
2008 (Note 1) |
Pro Forma
September 30, 2009 (Note 7) |
||||||||||
ASSETS
|
||||||||||||
Current assets:
|
||||||||||||
Cash | $ | 24,093 | 1,380,012 | $ | 24,093 | |||||||
Other current assets | 4,339 | 4,668 | 4,339 | |||||||||
Total current assets | 28,432 | 1,384,680 | 28,432 | |||||||||
Office equipment, net | 26,603 | 34,061 | 26,603 | |||||||||
Deferred financing costs, net | 57,154 | 121,051 | | |||||||||
Other assets | 11,733 | 80,506 | 11,733 | |||||||||
Total assets | $ | 123,922 | $ | 1,620,298 | $ | 66,768 | ||||||
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS DEFICIENCY
|
||||||||||||
Current liabilities:
|
||||||||||||
Accounts payable and accrued expenses | $ | 1,277,623 | $ | 822,068 | $ | 1,277,623 | ||||||
Note payable Galenica, Ltd. | 1,000,000 | | | |||||||||
Interest payable Galenica, Ltd. | 36,717 | | | |||||||||
Senior convertible notes | 10,745,000 | | | |||||||||
Interest payable senior convertible notes | 1,983,194 | | | |||||||||
Notes payable related parties | 510,429 | | | |||||||||
Interest payable related parties | 90,765 | | | |||||||||
Total current liabilities | 15,643,728 | 822,068 | 1,277,623 | |||||||||
Senior convertible notes, net | | 10,309,125 | | |||||||||
Interest payable senior convertible notes | | 1,094,428 | | |||||||||
Note payable Galenica, Ltd. | | 1,000,000 | | |||||||||
Notes payable related parties | | 344,679 | | |||||||||
Interest payable related parties | | 77,146 | | |||||||||
Total liabilities | 15,643,728 | 13,647,446 | 1,277,623 | |||||||||
Commitments
|
||||||||||||
Stockholders deficiency:
|
||||||||||||
Preferred stock, $.001 par value; 10,000,000 shares authorized; none Issued | | | | |||||||||
Common stock Non-voting Class A, $.001 par value; 5,000,000 shares authorized; 193,936 issued and outstanding | 194 | 194 | | |||||||||
Common stock Class A, $.001 par value; 33,000,000 shares authorized; 5,079,077 issued and outstanding | 5,079 | 5,079 | ||||||||||
Common stock Class B, $.001 par value; 1,600,000 shares authorized; 800,000 issued and escrowed | 800 | 800 | | |||||||||
Common stock Class C, $.001 par value; 100,000 shares authorized; 50,000 issued and escrowed | 50 | 50 | | |||||||||
Common stock Class D, $.001 par value; 100,000 shares authorized; 50,000 issued and escrowed | 50 | 50 | | |||||||||
Common stock Class E, $.001 par value; 100,000 shares authorized; 50,000 issued and escrowed | 50 | 50 | | |||||||||
Common stock Class F, $.001 par value; 100,000 shares authorized; 50,000 issued and escrowed | 50 | 50 | | |||||||||
Deferred stock issuances | (1,125 | ) | (1,125 | ) | (1,125 | ) | ||||||
Additional paid-in capital | 5,265,621 | 5,177,292 | ||||||||||
Deficit accumulated during the development stage | (20,790,575 | ) | (17,209,588 | ) | ||||||||
Total stockholders deficiency | (15,519,806 | ) | (12,027,148 | ) | (1,210,855 | ) | ||||||
Total liabilities and stockholders deficiency | $ | 123,922 | $ | 1,620,298 | $ | 66,768 |
See Notes to Unaudited Condensed Financial Statements.
F-2
Nine Months
Ended September 30, 2009 |
Nine Months
Ended September 30, 2008 |
Period from
July 28, 2006 (Inception) to September 30, 2009 |
||||||||||
Operating expenses:
|
||||||||||||
Research and development | $ | 994,195 | $ | 2,508,358 | $ | 8,650,106 | ||||||
General and administrative | 1,090,386 | 1,286,567 | 4,699,733 | |||||||||
Loss from operations | (2,084,581 | ) | (3,794,925 | ) | (13,349,839 | ) | ||||||
Interest income | 2,104 | 25,511 | 88,837 | |||||||||
Interest expense, including amortization of debt discount and deferred financing costs | (1,498,510 | ) | (3,648,417 | ) | (7,529,573 | ) | ||||||
Net loss | $ | (3,580,987 | ) | $ | (7,417,831 | ) | $ | (20,790,575 | ) | |||
Basic and diluted net loss per common share | $ | (0.70 | ) | $ | (1.45 | ) | ||||||
Weighted average common shares outstanding basic and diluted | 5,147,700 | 5,111,134 | ||||||||||
Pro forma basic and diluted net loss per common share (unaudited) (Note 7) | $ | ( ) |
See Notes to Unaudited Condensed Financial Statements.
F-3
Non-Voting
Common Stock Class A |
Common Stock
Class A |
Common Stock
Class B F |
Deferred
Stock Issuance |
Additional
Paid-in Capital |
Deficit
Accumulated During the Development Stage |
Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares | Amount | Shares | Amount | Shares | Amount | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at January 1, 2009 | 193,936 | $ | 194 | 5,079,077 | $ | 5,079 | 1,000,000 | $ | 1,000 | $ | (1,125 | ) | $ | 5,177,292 | $ | (17,209,588 | ) | $ | (12,027,148 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Stock-based compensation | 88,329 | 88,329 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net loss | (3,580,987 | ) | (3,580,987 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at September 30, 2009 | 193,936 | $ | 194 | 5,079,077 | $ | 5,079 | 1,000,000 | $ | 1,000 | $ | (1,125 | ) | $ | 5,265,621 | $ | (20,790,575 | ) | $ | (15,519,806 | ) |
See Notes to Unaudited Condensed Financial Statements.
F-4
Nine Months
Ended September 30, 2009 |
Nine Months
Ended September 30, 2008 |
Period from
July 28, 2006 (Inception) to September 30, 2009 |
||||||||||
Cash flows from operating activities:
|
||||||||||||
Net loss | $ | (3,580,987 | ) | $ | (7,417,831 | ) | $ | (20,790,575 | ) | |||
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:
|
||||||||||||
Stock-based compensation | 88,329 | 249,442 | 439,582 | |||||||||
Stock issued in connection with license agreement | | 328,948 | 328,948 | |||||||||
Stock issued in connection with a consulting agreement | | 7,721 | 7,721 | |||||||||
Amortization of deferred financing costs | 123,532 | 979,900 | 1,659,275 | |||||||||
Amortization of debt discount | 435,875 | 2,089,389 | 3,741,196 | |||||||||
Interest payable Galenica, Ltd. | 36,717 | | 36,717 | |||||||||
Interest payable senior convertible notes | 888,766 | 566,190 | 1,983,194 | |||||||||
Expenses paid on behalf of the Company satisfied through the issuance of notes | 750 | | 52,003 | |||||||||
Interest payable related party | 13,619 | 12,937 | 90,765 | |||||||||
Depreciation | 7,458 | 7,459 | 23,120 | |||||||||
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
|
||||||||||||
Other current assets | 329 | (64,203 | ) | (4,339 | ) | |||||||
Other assets | 68,773 | 500,580 | (11,733 | ) | ||||||||
Accounts payable and accrued expenses | 455,555 | (420,059 | ) | 1,277,623 | ||||||||
Net cash used in operating activities | (1,461,284 | ) | (3,159,527 | ) | (11,166,503 | ) | ||||||
Cash flows from investing activities:
|
||||||||||||
Purchase of office and computer equipment | | | (49,723 | ) | ||||||||
Cash flows from financing activities:
|
||||||||||||
Proceeds from notes payable to related party | 165,000 | | 2,440,000 | |||||||||
Proceeds from senior convertible notes | | 2,100,000 | 10,745,000 | |||||||||
Proceeds from Galenica, Ltd. promissory note | | | 1,000,000 | |||||||||
Payments for deferred financing costs | (59,635 | ) | (219,133 | ) | (967,934 | ) | ||||||
Repayment of amounts loaned under related party notes | | | (1,981,574 | ) | ||||||||
Proceeds from receipt of stock subscriptions and issuances of common stock | | | 4,827 | |||||||||
Net cash provided by financing activities | 105,365 | 1,880,867 | 11,240,319 | |||||||||
Net (decrease)/increase in cash | (1,355,919 | ) | (1,278,660 | ) | 24,093 | |||||||
Beginning of period | 1,380,012 | 2,534,478 | | |||||||||
End of period | $ | 24,093 | $ | 1,255,818 | $ | 24,093 | ||||||
Supplemental schedule of non-cash financing activities:
|
||||||||||||
Stock issued to technology finders and licensors | $ | | $ | 125 | $ | 1,125 | ||||||
Warrants issued to placement agent | $ | | $ | | $ | 748,495 | ||||||
Debt discount on senior convertible notes | $ | | $ | 747,215 | $ | 3,741,196 | ||||||
Cash paid for interest during the period | $ | | $ | | $ | 18,425 |
See Notes to Unaudited Condensed Financial Statements.
F-5
CorMedix, Inc. (f/k/a Picton Holding Company, Inc.) (CorMedix or the Company) was incorporated in the State of Delaware on July 28, 2006. CorMedix is a development-stage biopharmaceutical company that seeks to fulfill selected, significant unmet medical needs in the therapeutic areas at the crossroads of cardiac and kidney (renal) disease. On January 18, 2007, the Company changed its name from Picton Holding Company, Inc. to CorMedix, Inc.
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission for interim financial information. Accordingly, the unaudited condensed financial statements do not include all information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for complete annual financial statements. In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited condensed financial statements reflect all adjustments, consisting of only normal recurring adjustments, considered necessary for fair presentation. Interim operating results are not necessarily indicative of results that may be expected for the full year ending December 31, 2009 or for any subsequent period. These unaudited condensed financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and notes thereto of the Company which are included elsewhere in this registration statement. The accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2008 has been derived from the audited financial statements included elsewhere in this registration statement.
The Companys primary activities since incorporation have been organizational activities, including recruiting personnel, establishing office facilities, acquiring licenses for its pharmaceutical compound pipeline, performing business and financial planning, performing research and development and raising funds through the issuance of debt and common stock. The Company has not generated any revenues and, accordingly, the Company is considered to be in the development stage.
The Companys financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis which contemplates the realization of assets and the settlement of liabilities and commitments through the normal course of business. For the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and the period from July 28, 2006 (inception) to September 30, 2009, the Company incurred net losses of $3,580,987 and $20,790,575, respectively. The Company has a stockholders deficiency and a working capital deficiency as of September 30, 2009 of $15,519,806 and $15,615,296, respectively. Management believes that the Company will continue to incur losses for the foreseeable future and will need additional equity or debt financing or will need to generate revenue from the licensing of its products or by entering into strategic alliances to be able to sustain its operations until it can achieve profitability and positive cash flows, if ever. Management plans to seek additional debt and/or equity financing for the Company, but cannot assure that such financing will be available on acceptable terms, or at all. These matters raise substantial doubt about the Companys ability to continue as a going concern. The accompanying financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
F-6
Basic earnings (loss) per common share excludes dilution and is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per common share reflect the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock or resulted in the issuance of common stock that then shared in the earnings of the entity. Since the Company has only incurred losses, basic and diluted loss per share are the same. The amount of potentially dilutive securities excluded from the calculation was 5,822,813 and 1,500,313 shares of common stock being held in escrow, warrants and options at September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively. Additionally, the amount of warrants that are potentially dilutive and are excluded from the calculation related to the issuance of senior convertible notes (see Note 9), based upon an exercise price of $1.00 (lowest possible conversion price), at September 30, 2009 and 2008 was 840,000 and 5,162,500, respectively.
The carrying value of the senior convertible notes and related party notes approximate fair value due to the short-term nature of these items and the related interest rate approximates market rates. Since the senior convertible and related party notes have been recorded at carrying value there has been no change in the value between reporting periods.
The Company accounts for stock options granted to employees according to the Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification No. 718 (ASC 718), Compensation Stock Compensation. Under ASC 718, share-based compensation cost is measured at grant date, based on the estimated fair value of the award, and is recognized as expense over the employees requisite service period on a straight-line basis.
The Company accounts for stock options granted to non-employees on a fair value basis using the Black-Scholes option pricing method in accordance with ASC 718. The initial non-cash charge to operations for non-employee options with vesting are revalued at the end of each reporting period based upon the change in the fair value of the options and amortized to consulting expense over the related vesting period.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2009, there were no options granted.
Effective August 1, 2006, the Company began accruing monthly fees for consulting services at a rate of $25,000 per month payable to Paramount Corporate Development, LLC (Paramount), an affiliate of a significant stockholder of the Company. Consulting services expense was $0, $200,000 and $625,000 for the nine ended September 30, 2009 and 2008 and the period from July 28, 2006 (inception) to September 30, 2009, respectively. As of September 30, 2009, the Company had $75,000 payable to Paramount pursuant to this agreement; such amount is included in accrued expenses. This agreement was terminated as of August 31, 2008.
On July 28, 2006, CorMedix issued a 5% promissory note payable to Paramount BioSciences, LLC (PBS), an affiliate of a significant stockholder of the Company. This note and all accrued interest was to mature on June 15, 2009, or earlier if certain events occurred. The maturity date of this note was extended until July 31, 2010. The note was issued to PBS for expenses that PBS has paid on behalf of the Company.
F-7
As of September 30, 2009, the principal amount outstanding under this note is $165,000. Through November 24, 2009, the Company made additional borrowings under this note in the amount of $25,000.
On August 11, 2006, CorMedix issued a 5% promissory note payable to an entity related to the sole member of PBS. This note and all accrued interest was to mature on August 11, 2009, or earlier if certain events occur. The maturity date of this note was extended until July 31, 2010. As of September 30, 2009, the principal amount outstanding under this note is $344,679.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008 and the period from July 28, 2006 (inception) to September 30, 2009, the Company recorded compensation expense, in connection with common stock issued to employees and technology finders each with a three-year vesting period, of $37,184, $45,489 and $167,436, respectively.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2008, the Company granted 235,000 options under the Plan to various employees, officers and directors with an exercise price of $1.05 per share. Each option granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2008 vests equally over a three-year period and has a ten year term. The Company recorded $51,145, $203,953 and $272,146 of compensation expense during the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008 and the period from July 28, 2006 (inception) to September 30, 2009, respectively, in accordance with ASC 718.
There were no options or warrants issued for the nine months ended September 30, 2009.
A summary of the Companys stock warrant activity under the Plan and related information is as follows:
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2009 |
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2008 |
|||||||||||||||
Shares |
Weight
Average Exercise Price |
Shares |
Weighted
Average Exercise Price |
|||||||||||||
Outstanding at beginning of period | 235,000 | $ | 1.05 | | $ | | ||||||||||
Granted | | $ | | 235,000 | $ | 1.05 | ||||||||||
Outstanding at end of period | 235,000 | $ | 1.05 | 235,000 | $ | 1.05 | ||||||||||
Options exercisable | 85,000 | $ | 1.05 | 6,667 | $ | 1.05 | ||||||||||
Weighted-average fair value of options granted during the period | $ | | $ | 0.87 |
The weighted average remaining contractual life of stock options outstanding at September 30, 2009 is 8.84 years.
As of September 30, 2009, the total compensation expense related to non-vested options not yet recognized totaled $17,048, $66,259 and $15,597 for the three months ending December 31, 2009, years ending December 31, 2010 and 2011, respectively. The weighted-average vesting period over which the total compensation expense related to non-vested options not yet recognized at September 30, 2009 was approximately 1.42 years.
In connection with the 8% senior convertible notes that were issued in 2007, since a Qualified Financing, an equity financing transaction from which the Company receives proceeds of at least $10,000,000, has not
F-8
taken place by July 31, 2009, each noteholder received warrants equal to 40% of the principal amount of the First Notes purchased divided by $1.00 at an exercise price of $1.00. In the aggregate, warrants to purchase 3,458,000 shares of common stock were issued with an exercise price of $1.00 in connection with this offering.
In addition, in connection with the placement warrants issued in conjunction with the senior convertible notes, since a Qualified Financing has not taken place by July 31, 2009, Paramount BioCapital Inc. (PCI), an affiliate of a significant stockholder of the Company, and the third party agents received warrants equal to 10% of the principal amount of the notes purchased divided by $1.00 at an exercise price of $1.00. In the aggregate, warrants to purchase 864,500 shares of common stock were issued with an exercise price of $1.00 in connection with this placement agent agreement.
On October 6, 2009, the Company completed an Exchange Agreement with Shiva whereby the Licensor surrenders all rights to the shares issued to the Licensor under a license agreement in exchange for 7% of the outstanding Series A common stock as of the date of the Exchange Agreement.
During October and November 2009, the Company issued 8% senior convertible notes in connection with a private placement in the aggregate principal amount of $2,619,973 (the Third Notes). The Third Notes mature on October 29, 2011.
Upon the closing of an initial public offering of equity securities from which the Company receives proceeds of at least $10,000,000 (Qualified IPO), the Third Notes, plus all accrued interest, will automatically convert into the same securities issued in the equity financing transaction at a price per security equal to 70% of the lowest price paid per unit of securities in such Qualified IPO. The Company valued the beneficial conversion feature of the Third Notes at $1,122,846, which will be recorded as interest expense only if a Qualified IPO is completed.
In addition, each noteholder received warrants to purchase a number of the Companys common stock equal to 60% of the principal amount of the Third Notes purchased divided by the price at which equity securities of the Company are sold in a Qualified IPO (IPO Price). Each warrant issued as a result of a Qualified IPO would be exercisable at a price per share equal to 110% of the IPO Price and exercisable for a period of five years. If a Qualified IPO does not occur on or before October 29, 2011, then each warrant will be exercisable for that number of shares of common stock equal to 60% of the principal amount of the Third Notes purchased by the original holder divided by $1.00, at a per share exercise price of $1.00. The Company will allocate proceeds of $1,238,265 from the sale of the Third Notes to the warrants, determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, at the time of issuance, which will be recorded as a debt discount and will reduce the carrying values of the Third Notes. Such discount will be amortized to interest expense over the term of the Third Notes.
In connection with the offering of the Third Notes a third party agent and the Company entered into a placement agency agreement dated September 4, 2009, pursuant to which the Company paid the third party agent cash commissions of $264,173 and for its services. The Company also has agreed to pay to the third party agent a commission on sales by the Company of securities on or prior to October 29, 2009 to the purchasers of the Third Notes who were introduced to the Company by the third party agent. The Company also granted the third party agent the right of first refusal to act as exclusive finder, placement agent or other similar agent in relation to any securities offerings on its behalf after closing of a Qualified IPO.
The Company evaluated subsequent events through November 24, 2009, the date of financial statement issuance.
F-9
The unaudited pro forma condensed balance sheet as of September 30, 2009 gives effect to the following transactions as if such transactions had occurred on September 30, 2009 and the unaudited pro forma basic and diluted net loss per common share gives effect to such transactions as if such transactions had occurred on January 1, 2009:
| the cancellation of all shares of Class B, D, E, and F common stock, which occurred on October 6, 2009 and the issuance of 773,717 shares of common stock in exchange for the cancellation of such shares; |
| the issuance of $2,619,973 in aggregate principal amount of the Third Notes, which occurred in October and November 2009; |
| the automatic conversion of all outstanding shares of non-voting common stock into shares of common stock on a one-for-one basis; and |
| the conversion of all outstanding convertible notes and accrued interest thereon into an aggregate of units and shares of common stock, including Note payable Galenica, Ltd., Senior convertible notes, Notes payable related parties, and Third Notes. |
F-10
F-11
The Board of Directors and Stockholders
CorMedix, Inc.
We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of CorMedix, Inc. (A Development Stage Company) as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, and the related statements of operations, changes in stockholders deficiency and cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007 and the period from July 28, 2006 (Inception) to December 31, 2008. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Companys management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of CorMedix, Inc. as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, and its results of operations and cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007 and the period from July 28, 2006 (Inception) to December 31, 2008, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
The accompanying financial statements have been prepared assuming the Company will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note 1 to the financial statements, the Company incurred a net loss of $8,996,745 for the year ended December 31, 2008 and, as of that date, had a deficit accumulated during the development stage of $17,209,588. These matters, among others, raise substantial doubt about the Companys ability to continue as a going concern. Managements plans concerning these matters are also described in Note 1. The accompanying financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
/s/ J.H. Cohn LLP
Roseland, New Jersey
November 24, 2009
F-12
December 31,
2008 |
December 31,
2007 |
|||||||
ASSETS
|
||||||||
Current assets:
|
||||||||
Cash | $ | 1,380,012 | 2,534,478 | |||||
Other current assets | 4,668 | 12,055 | ||||||
Total current assets | 1,384,680 | 2,546,533 | ||||||
Office equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $15,662 and $5,717 | 34,061 | 44,006 | ||||||
Deferred financing costs, net | 121,051 | 1,009,951 | ||||||
Other assets | 80,506 | 512,313 | ||||||
Total assets | $ | 1,620,298 | $ | 4,112,803 | ||||
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS DEFICIENCY
|
||||||||
Current liabilities:
|
||||||||
Accounts payable and accrued expenses | $ | 822,068 | $ | 1,212,425 | ||||
Senior convertible notes, net of discount of $435,875 and $1,995,987 | 10,309,125 | 6,649,013 | ||||||
Interest payable senior convertible notes | 1,094,428 | 242,760 | ||||||
Notes payable Galenica, Ltd. | 1,000,000 | | ||||||
Notes payable related parties | 344,679 | 344,679 | ||||||
Interest payable related parties | 77,146 | 59,865 | ||||||
Total liabilities | 13,647,446 | 8,508,742 | ||||||
Commitments
|
||||||||
Stockholders deficiency:
|
||||||||
Preferred stock, $.001 par value; 10,000,000 shares authorized; none Issued | | | ||||||
Common stock Non-voting Class A, $.001 par value; 5,000,000 shares authorized 193,936 issued and outstanding | 194 | 194 | ||||||
Common stock Class A, $.001 par value; 33,000,000 shares authorized 5,079,077 and 4,633,128 issued and outstanding, respectively | 5,079 | 4,633 | ||||||
Common stock Class B, $.001 par value; 1,600,000 shares authorized 800,000 issued and escrowed | 800 | 800 | ||||||
Common stock Class C, $.001 par value; 100,000 shares authorized 50,000 issued and escrowed | 50 | 50 | ||||||
Common stock Class D, $.001 par value; 100,000 shares authorized 50,000 issued and escrowed | 50 | 50 | ||||||
Common stock Class E, $.001 par value; 100,000 shares authorized 50,000 issued and escrowed | 50 | 50 | ||||||
Common stock Class F, $.001 par value; 100,000 shares authorized 50,000 issued and escrowed | 50 | 50 | ||||||
Deferred stock issuances | (1,125 | ) | (1,000 | ) | ||||
Additional paid-in capital | 5,177,292 | 3,812,077 | ||||||
Deficit accumulated during the development stage | (17,209,588 | ) | (8,212,843 | ) | ||||
Total stockholders deficiency | (12,027,148 | ) | (4,395,939 | ) | ||||
Total liabilities and stockholders deficiency | $ | 1,620,298 | $ | 4,112,803 |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
F-13
Year Ended
December 31, 2008 |
Year Ended
December 31, 2007 |
Period from
July 28, 2006 (Inception) to December 31, 2008 |
||||||||||
Operating expenses:
|
||||||||||||
Research and development | $ | 3,083,002 | $ | 3,820,429 | $ | 7,655,911 | ||||||
General and administrative | 1,732,602 | 1,667,056 | 3,609,347 | |||||||||
Loss from operations | (4,815,604 | ) | (5,487,485 | ) | (11,265,258 | ) | ||||||
Interest income | 25,903 | 60,830 | 86,733 | |||||||||
Interest expense, including amortization of deferred financing costs and debt discounts | (4,207,044 | ) | (1,810,871 | ) | (6,031,063 | ) | ||||||
Net loss | $ | (8,996,745 | ) | $ | (7,237,526 | ) | $ | (17,209,588 | ) | |||
Basic and diluted net loss per common share | $ | (1.76 | ) | $ | (1.51 | ) | ||||||
Weighted average common shares outstanding basic and diluted | 5,120,326 | 4,778,291 | ||||||||||
Pro forma basic and diluted net loss per common share (unaudited) (Note 11) | $ | ( ) |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
F-14
Non-Voting
Common Stock Class A |
Common
Stock Class A |
Common
Stock Class B F |
Deferred
Stock Issuances |
Additional Paid-in Capital |
Deficit
Accumulated During the Development Stage |
Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares | Amount | Shares | Amount | Shares | Amount | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common stock issued to founders at $.001 per share in June 2006 | 4,000,000 | $ | 4,000 | $ | 4,000 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common stock issued and held in escrow to licensor at $.001 per share in August 2006 | 1,000,000 | $ | 1,000 | $ | (1,000 | ) | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common stock issued to employee at $.001 per share in November 2006 | 421,130 | 421 | 421 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Stock-based compensation | $ | 4,726 | 4,726 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net loss | $ | (975,317 | ) | (975,317 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2006 | 4,421,130 | 4,421 | 1,000,000 | 1,000 | (1,000 | ) | 4,726 | (975,317 | ) | (966,170 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common stock issued to employees at $.001 per share in January and March 2007 | 211,998 | 212 | 212 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common stock issued to technology finders at $.001 per share in March 2007 | 193,936 | $ | 194 | 194 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Warrants issued in connection with senior convertible notes | 748,495 | 748,495 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Debt discount on senior convertible notes | 2,993,981 | 2,993,981 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Stock based compensation | 64,875 | 64,875 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net loss | (7,237,526 | ) | (7,237,526 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2007 | 193,936 | 194 | 4,633,128 | 4,633 | 1,000,000 | 1,000 | (1,000 | ) | 3,812,077 | (8,212,843 | ) | (4,395,939 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common stock issued to licensor at $1.05 per share in January 2008 | 313,283 | 314 | 328,634 | 328,948 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common stock issued to licensor and held in escrow in January 2008 | 125,313 | 125 | (125 | ) | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common stock issued to consultant at $1.05 per share in May 2008 | 7,353 | 7 | 7,714 | 7,721 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Debt discount on senior convertible notes | 747,215 | 747,215 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Stock-based compensation | 281,652 | 281,652 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net loss | (8,996,745 | ) | (8,996,745 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2008 | 193,936 | $ | 194 | 5,079,077 | $ | 5,079 | 1,000,000 | $ | 1,000 | $ | (1,125 | ) | $ | 5,177,292 | $ | (17,209,588 | ) | $ | (12,027,148 | ) |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
F-15
Year Ended
December 31, 2008 |
Year Ended
December 31, 2007 |
Period from
July 28, 2006 (Inception) to December 31, 2008 |
||||||||||
Cash flows from operating activities:
|
||||||||||||
Net loss | $ | (8,996,745 | ) | $ | (7,237,526 | ) | $ | (17,209,588 | ) | |||
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:
|
||||||||||||
Stock-based compensation | 281,652 | 64,875 | 351,253 | |||||||||
Stock issued in connection with license agreement | 328,948 | | 328,948 | |||||||||
Stock issued in connection with a consulting agreement | 7,721 | | 7,721 | |||||||||
Amortization of deferred financing costs | 1,030,768 | 504,975 | 1,535,743 | |||||||||
Amortization of debt discount | 2,307,327 | 997,994 | 3,305,321 | |||||||||
Interest payable senior convertible notes | 851,668 | 242,760 | 1,094,428 | |||||||||
Expenses paid on behalf of the Company satisfied through the issuance of notes | | 6,654 | 51,253 | |||||||||
Interest payable related party | 17,281 | 46,717 | 77,146 | |||||||||
Depreciation | 9,945 | 5,470 | 15,662 | |||||||||
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
|
||||||||||||
Other current assets | 7,387 | (12,055 | ) | (4,668 | ) | |||||||
Other assets | 431,807 | (512,313 | ) | (80,506 | ) | |||||||
Accounts payable and accrued expenses | (390,357 | ) | 1,045,514 | 822,068 | ||||||||
Net cash used in operating activities | (4,112,598 | ) | (4,846,935 | ) | (9,705,219 | ) | ||||||
Cash flows from investing activities:
|
||||||||||||
Purchase of office and computer equipment | | (47,255 | ) | (49,723 | ) | |||||||
Cash flows from financing activities:
|
||||||||||||
Proceeds from notes payable to related party | | 1,500,000 | 2,275,000 | |||||||||
Proceeds from senior convertible notes | 2,100,000 | 8,645,000 | 10,745,000 | |||||||||
Proceeds from Galenica, Ltd. promissory note | 1,000,000 | | 1,000,000 | |||||||||
Payments for deferred financing costs | (141,868 | ) | (766,431 | ) | (908,299 | ) | ||||||
Repayment of amounts loaned under related party notes | | (1,981,574 | ) | (1,981,574 | ) | |||||||
Proceeds from receipt of stock subscriptions and issuances of common stock | | 406 | 4,827 | |||||||||
Net cash provided by financing activities | 2,958,132 | 7,397,401 | 11,134,954 | |||||||||
Net (decrease)/increase in cash | (1,154,466 | ) | 2,503,211 | 1,380,012 | ||||||||
Beginning of period | 2,534,478 | 31,267 | | |||||||||
End of period | $ | 1,380,012 | $ | 2,534,478 | $ | 1,380,012 | ||||||
Supplemental schedule of non-cash financing activities:
|
||||||||||||
Stock issued to technology finders and licensors | $ | 125 | $ | | $ | 1,125 | ||||||
Warrants issued to placement agent | $ | | $ | 748,495 | $ | 748,495 | ||||||
Debt discount on senior convertible notes | $ | 747,215 | $ | 2,993,981 | $ | 3,741,196 | ||||||
Cash paid for interest during the year | $ | | $ | 18,425 | $ | 18,425 |
See Notes to Financial Statements.
F-16
CorMedix, Inc. (f/k/a Picton Holding Company, Inc.) (CorMedix or the Company) was incorporated in the State of Delaware on July 28, 2006. CorMedix is a development stage biopharmaceutical company that seeks to fulfill selected, significant unmet medical needs in the therapeutic areas at the crossroads of cardiac and kidney (renal) disease. On January 18, 2007, the Company changed its name from Picton Holding Company, Inc. to CorMedix, Inc.
The Companys primary activities since incorporation have been organizational activities, including recruiting personnel, establishing office facilities, acquiring licenses for its pharmaceutical compound pipeline, performing business and financial planning, performing research and development and raising funds through the issuance of debt and common stock. The Company has not generated any revenues and, accordingly, the Company is considered to be in the development stage.
The Companys financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis which contemplates the realization of assets and the settlement of liabilities and commitments through the normal course of business. For the year ended December 31, 2008 and the period from July 28, 2006 (inception) to December 31, 2008, the Company incurred net losses of $8,996,745 and $17,209,588, respectively. The Company has a stockholders deficiency as of December 31, 2008 of $12,027,148. Management believes that the Company will continue to incur losses for the foreseeable future and will need additional equity or debt financing or will need to generate revenue from the licensing of its products or by entering into strategic alliances to be able to sustain its operations until it can achieve profitability and positive cash flows, if ever. Management plans to seek additional debt and/or equity financing for the Company, but cannot assure that such financing will be available on acceptable terms, or at all. These matters raise substantial doubt about the Companys ability to continue as a going concern. The accompanying financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
The Company evaluated subsequent events through November 24, 2009, the date of financial statement issuance.
Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash. The Company maintains its cash in bank deposit and other accounts, the balances of which, at times, may exceed federally insured limits.
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Office equipment is stated at cost and depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the related assets of five years.
F-17
The Company accounts for stock options granted to employees according to the Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123(R) (SFAS 123R), Share-Based-Payment. Under SFAS 123R, share-based compensation cost is measured at grant date, based on the estimated fair value of the award, and is recognized as expense over the employees requisite service period on a straight-line basis.
The Company accounts for stock options granted to non-employees on a fair value basis using the Black-Scholes option pricing method in accordance with SFAS 123R and Emerging Issues Task Force No. 96-18, Accounting for Equity Instruments That are Issued to Other Than Employees for Acquiring, or in Conjunction with Selling, Goods or Services (EITF No. 96-18), The initial non-cash charge to operations for non-employee options with vesting are revalued at the end of each reporting period based upon the change in the fair value of the options and amortized to consulting expense over the related vesting period.
For the purpose of valuing options and warrants granted to employees, non-employees and directors and officers of the Company during the year ended December 31, 2008, the Company used the Black-Scholes option pricing model utilizing the assumptions noted in the following table. No options were issued during the year ended December 31, 2007. To determine the risk-free interest rate, the Company utilized the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant with a term consistent with the expected term of the Companys awards. The Company estimated the expected life of the options granted based on anticipated exercises in the future periods assuming the success of its business model as currently forecasted. The expected dividend yield reflects the Companys current and expected future policy for dividends on its common stock. The expected stock price volatility for the Companys stock options was calculated by examining historical volatilities for publicly traded industry peers as the Company does not have any trading history for its common stock. The Company will continue to analyze the expected stock price volatility and expected term assumptions as more historical data for the Companys common stock becomes available. Given the limited service period for its current employees, directors and officers and non-employees, as well as the senior nature of the roles of those employees and directors and officers, the Company currently estimates that it will experience no forfeitures for those options currently outstanding.
2008 | ||||
Risk-free interest rate | 3.23 3.62 | % | ||
Expected volatility | 118.46 132.79 | % | ||
Expected life of options in years | 5 | |||
Expected dividend yield | 0 | % |
Research and development costs, including license fees, are expensed as incurred. License fee expense for the year ended December 31, 2008 and 2007 and the period from July 28, 2006 (inception) to December 31, 2008 was approximately $813,378, $25,000 and $1,358,668, respectively.
Under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes, (SFAS 109), deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. Under SFAS 109, the effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized
F-18
in income in the period that includes the enactment date. Valuation allowances are established when it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.
Basic earnings (loss) per common share excludes dilution and is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per common share reflect the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock or resulted in the issuance of common stock that then shared in the earnings of the entity. Since the Company has only incurred losses, basic and diluted loss per share are the same. The amount of potentially dilutive securities excluded from the calculation was 1,500,313 and 1,000,000 shares of common stock being held in escrow, warrants and options at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Additionally, the amount of warrants that are potentially dilutive and are excluded from the calculation related to the issuance of senior convertible notes (see Note 9), based upon an exercise price of $1.00 (lowest possible conversion price), at December 31, 2008 and 2007 are 5,162,500 and 4,322,500, respectively.
The carrying value of the senior convertible notes and related party notes approximate fair value due to the short-term nature of these items and the related interest rate approximates market rates. Since the senior convertible and related party notes have been recorded at carrying value there has been no change in the value between reporting periods.
Effective August 1, 2006, the Company began accruing monthly fees for consulting services at a rate of $25,000 per month to Paramount Corporate Development, LLC (Paramount), an affiliate of a significant stockholder of the Company. Consulting services expense was $200,000, $300,000 and $625,000 for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007 and the period from July 28, 2006 (inception) to December 31, 2008, respectively. As of December 31, 2008, the Company had $75,000 payable to Paramount pursuant to this agreement; such amount is included in accrued expenses. This agreement was terminated as of August 31, 2008.
On July 28, 2006, CorMedix issued a 5% promissory note payable to Paramount BioSciences, LLC (PBS), an affiliate of a significant stockholder of the Company. This note and all accrued interest was to mature on June 15, 2009, or earlier if certain events occurred. The maturity date of this note was extended until July 31, 2010. The note was issued to PBS for expenses that PBS has paid on behalf of the Company. As of December 31, 2008, the principal amount outstanding under this note is $0. Through November 24, 2009, the Company made additional borrowings under this note in the amount of $190,000.
On August 11, 2006, CorMedix issued a 5% promissory note payable to an entity related to the sole member of PBS. This note and all accrued interest was to mature on August 11, 2009, or earlier if certain events occur. The maturity date of this note was extended until July 31, 2010. As of December 31, 2008 and 2007, the principal amount outstanding under this note is $344,679.
F-19
There was no current or deferred income tax provision for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007.
The Companys deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2008 and 2007 consist of the following:
2008 | 2007 | |||||||
Net operating loss carryforwards Federal | $ | 4,722,000 | $ | 2,450,000 | ||||
Net operating loss carryforwards state | 833,000 | 432,000 | ||||||
Totals | 5,555,000 | 2,882,000 | ||||||
Less valuation allowance | (5,555,000 | ) | (2,882,000 | ) | ||||
Deferred tax assets | $ | | $ | |
At December 31, 2008, the Company had potentially utilizable Federal and state net operating loss tax carryforwards of approximately $13,890,000 expiring through 2028.
The utilization of the Companys net operating losses may be subject to a substantial limitation due to the change of ownership provisions under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code and similar state provisions. Such limitation may result in the expiration of the net operating loss carryforwards before their utilization.
The effective tax rate varied from the statutory rate as follows:
December 31, | ||||||||
2008 | 2007 | |||||||
Statutory Federal tax rate | (34.0 | )% | (34.0 | )% | ||||
State income tax rate (net of Federal) | (6.0 | )% | (6.0 | )% | ||||
Debt discount amortization | 10.0 | % | 6.0 | % | ||||
Effect of valuation allowance | 30.0 | % | 34.0 | % | ||||
Effective tax rate | | % | | % |
A valuation allowance is provided when it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The net change in the total valuation allowance for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007 and for the period from July 28, 2006 (inception) to December 31, 2008 was $2,673,000, $2,493,000 and $5,555,000, respectively. The tax benefit assumed the Federal statutory tax rate of 34% and a state tax rate of 6% and has been fully offset by the aforementioned valuation allowance.
In July 2006, Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes an Interpretation of FASB Statement 109 (FIN 48), was issued and is effective for nonpublic entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008. The Company adopted FIN 48 as of January 1, 2007.
Management believes that the Company does not have any tax positions that will result in a material impact on the Companys financial statements because of the adoption of FIN 48. However managements conclusion may be subject to adjustment at a later date based on factors including additional implementation guidance from the Financial Accounting Standards Board and ongoing analyses of tax laws, regulations and related Interpretations.
F-20
In May 2007, the Company signed an agreement to lease office space in New Jersey. The lease commenced on May 1, 2007 and was set to expire on April 30, 2010. This lease was amended on March 21, 2008 which increased the Companys square footage, base rent and expiration to March 31, 2013. Rent expense pursuant to this lease for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007 and the period from July 28, 2006 (inception) to December 31, 2008 was approximately $88,000, $47,000 and $135,000, respectively. At December 31, 2008, future rent commitments under this lease agreement total approximately $128,000, $132,000, $136,000, $140,000 and $35,000 for the years ending December 31, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013, respectively. Pursuant to the agreement, the lease may be cancelled upon three months notice, which notice was given in November 2009.
The Company has employment agreements with certain key executives. At December 31, 2008, future employment contract commitments for such key executives total approximately $646,333 and $36,667 for the years ending December 31, 2009 and 2010, respectively.
On December 10, 2008, the Company issued a promissory note to Galenica, Ltd. (Galenica) in the amount of $1,000,000, in connection with a purchase agreement, with no stated interest rate. As a result of the termination of a proposed purchase agreement between the Company and Galenica, on April 30, 2009 this promissory note was cancelled and reissued with the same principal amount, an interest rate of 8% and an expiration date of July 31, 2010. The terms of this new note are consistent with the terms of the senior convertible notes issued in August 2008 (see Note 9).
During June 2006, the Company issued 4,000,000 shares of Class A Common Stock to its founders for proceeds of $4,000 or $.001 per share.
During July 2006, the Company issued 800,000 shares of Class B Common Stock, 50,000 shares of Class C Common Stock, 50,000 shares of Class D Common Stock, 50,000 shares of Class E Common Stock and 50,000 shares of Class F Common Stock in accordance with a license agreement at $.001 per share. Each of these stock issuances has been placed into escrow until certain clinical milestones are met, at which point the shares will be released to the licensor. During 2006, the Company recorded $1,000 in a contra-equity account for this common stock which was issued but is being held in escrow until achievement of certain future clinical milestones (see Note 8).
During November 2006, the Company issued 421,130 shares of Class A Common Stock to an employee in connection with an employment agreement for proceeds of $421 or $.001 per share which vest equally over a three year period. In connection with this stock issuance, the Company recorded compensation expense at $.22 per share for a total of $30,883, $30,883 and $66,913 of compensation expense for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007 and the period from July 28, 2006 (inception) to December 31, 2008, respectively. As of December 31, 2008, the total compensation expense related to non-vested common stock not yet recognized is $25,736 for the year ending December 31, 2009.
During January and March 2007, the Company issued 211,998 shares of Class A Common Stock to employees in connection with employment agreements for proceeds of $212 or $.001 per share which vest equally over a three year period. In connection with this stock issuance, the Company recorded compensation expense at $.22 per share for a total of $15,547, $14,251 and $29,798 of compensation expense for the years
F-21
ended December 31, 2008 and 2007 and the period from July 28, 2006 (inception) to December 31, 2008, respectively. As of December 31, 2008, the total compensation expense related to non-vested common stock not yet recognized is $15,547 and $1,296 for the years ending December 31, 2009 and 2010, respectively.
During March 2007, the Company issued 193,936 shares of Non-Voting Class A Common Stock to technology finders for proceeds of $194 or $.001 per share which vest equally over a three year period. In connection with this stock issuance, the Company recorded compensation expense at $.22 per share for a total of $14,222, $20,148 and $34,370 of compensation expense for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007 and the period from July 28, 2006 (inception) to December 31, 2008, respectively. As of December 31, 2008, the total compensation expense related to non-vested common stock not yet recognized is $8,296 for the year ending December 31, 2009.
During January 2008, the Company issued 313,283 shares of Class A Common Stock in accordance with a license agreement at $1.05 per share. During 2008, the Company recorded $328,948 in research and development expense in connection with this issuance. In addition, the Company issued an additional 125,313 shares of Class A Common Stock in connection with a license agreement which are being held in escrow until various clinical milestones are achieved. During 2008, the Company recorded $125 in a contra-equity account for this common stock which was issued but is being held in escrow (see Note 8).
During May 2008, the Company issued 7,353 shares of Class A Common Stock to a consultant in lieu of payment for consulting services at $1.05 per share. During 2008, the Company recorded $7,721 in research and development expense in connection with this issuance.
In 2006, the Company established a stock incentive plan (the Plan) under which incentive stock, options and/or warrants may be granted to officers, directors, consultants and key employees of the Company for the purchase of up to 925,000 shares of common stock. The options have a maximum term of ten years, vest over a period to be determined by the Companys Board of Directors and have an exercise price at or above fair market value on the date of grant.
There were no options issued for the period from July 28, 2006 to December 31, 2007.
During 2008, the Company granted 235,000 options under the Plan to various employees, officers and directors with an exercise price of $1.05 per share. Each option granted during 2008 vests equally over a three-year period and has a ten year term. The Company recorded $54,530 compensation expense during 2008 in accordance with SFAS 123R.
A summary of the Companys stock options activity under the Plan and related information is as follows:
2008 | ||||||||
Shares |
Weighted
Average Exercise Price |
|||||||
Outstanding at beginning of year | | $ | | |||||
Granted | 235,000 | $ | 1.05 | |||||
Outstanding at end of year | 235,000 | $ | 1.05 | |||||
Options exercisable at end of year | 6,667 | $ | 1.05 | |||||
Weighted-average fair value of options granted during the year | $ | 0.87 |
The weighted average remaining contractual life of stock options outstanding at December 31, 2008 is 9.59 years.
F-22
As of December 31, 2008, the total compensation expense related to non-vested options not yet recognized totaled $70,202, $68,269 and $17,608 for the years ending December 31, 2009, 2010 and 2011, respectively. The weighted-average vesting period over which the total compensation expense related to non-vested options not yet recognized at December 31, 2008 was approximately 2.17 years.
On January 30, 2008, the Company granted 140,000 warrants outside of the Plan in connection with consulting agreements with vesting based upon completion of certain consulting services. Each warrant was issued with an exercise price of $1.36 and a seven year term. As of June 30, 2008, each of the warrants became one hundred percent vested based upon the completion of the consulting services. During the year ended December 31, 2008, the Company recorded $166,471 of consulting expense in connection with the above mentioned warrants.
On July 28, 2006, the Company entered into a contribution agreement (the Shiva Contribution Agreement) with Shiva Biomedical, LLC, a New Jersey limited liability company (Shiva), Shiva contributed to the Company its kidney products business and granted the Company an exclusive, worldwide license agreement for a patent estate covering proprietary formulations of the first iron-trap pill for kidney diseases, specifically deferiprone (the Compound), and a biomarker diagnostic test for measuring levels of labile iron (the Test). Specifically, the Company licensed treatment, formulation and dosing regimens and methods of using the Compound and the Test, for the treatment and diagnosis of diseases and disorders, and the corresponding United States and foreign patents and applications in all fields of use (collectively, the Shiva Technology). As consideration in part for the rights to the Shiva Technology, the Company paid Shiva an initial licensing fee of $500,000 and granted Shiva up to a 20% equity interest in the Company consisting of shares of the Companys Series B, C, D, E and F Common Stock which were placed in escrow to be released upon the achievement of certain clinical milestones. In addition, the Company will be required to make substantial payments to Shiva upon the achievement of certain clinical and regulatory based milestones. In the event that the Shiva Technology is commercialized, the Company is obligated to pay to Shiva annual royalties based upon net sales of the product. In the event that the Company sublicenses the Shiva Technology to a third party, the Company is obligated to pay to Shiva a portion of the royalties, fees or other lump-sum payments it receives from the sublicense. During the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007 and the period from July 28, 2006 (Inception) to December 31, 2008, the Company expensed $0, $0 and $500,000, respectively.
In connection with the Shiva Contribution Agreement, on July 28, 2006, the Company entered into a Consulting Agreement with Dr. Sudir Shah, which was amended and restated on January 10, 2008 (the Shah Consulting Agreement). Pursuant to the Shah Consulting Agreement, as amended, for a period of one year commencing on January 10, 2008, Dr. Shah provides the Company with consulting services involving areas mutually agreed to by Dr. Shah and the Company for up to 40 hours per month and is serving on one of our Scientific Advisory Boards. This agreement has been renewed on a montlhly basis since its expiration on January 10, 2009 and is currently still in place. As compensation for Dr. Shahs consulting services, the Company has paid Dr. Shah $7,000 per month, which fee will be increased to $12,000 per month if the Company consummates a sale of equity securities (excluding convertible debt instruments) or assets in a transaction or series of related transactions with gross proceeds of at least $10,000,000. During the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007 and the period from July 28, 2006 (Inception) to December 31, 2008, the Company expensed $84,000, $84,000 and $196,000, respectively.
On January 30, 2008, the Company entered into a License and Assignment Agreement (the NDP License Agreement) with ND Partners LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (NDP). Pursuant to the NDP License Agreement, NDP granted the Company exclusive, worldwide licenses for certain antimicrobial catheter lock solutions, processes for treating and inhibiting infections, a biocidal lock system and a
F-23
taurolidine delivery apparatus, and the corresponding United States and foreign patents and applications (the NDP Technology). The Company acquired such licenses and patents through our assignment and assumption of NDPs rights under certain separate license agreements by and between NDP and Dr. Hans-Dietrich Polaschegg, Dr. Klaus Sodemann and Dr. Johannes Reinmueller. NDP also granted the Company exclusive licenses, with the right to grant sublicenses, to use and display certain trademarks in connection with the NDP Technology. As consideration in part for the rights to the NDP Technology, the Company paid NDP an initial licensing fee of $325,000 and granted NDP a 5% equity interest in the Company, consisting of 313,283 shares of the Companys Series A Common Stock, subject to certain anti-dilution adjustments. In connection with this stock issuance, the Company recorded $328,948 of research and development expense in 2008. In addition, the Company is required to make payments to NDP upon the achievement of certain regulatory and sales-based milestones. Certain of the milestone payments are to be made in the form of shares of common stock currently held in escrow for NDP, and other milestone payments are to be paid in cash. The maximum aggregate number of shares issuable upon achievement of milestones and the number of shares currently held in escrow is 213,562 shares of common stock, subject to certain anti-dilution adjustments. The maximum aggregate amount of cash payments upon achievement of milestones is $3,000,000. During the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007 and the period from July 28, 2006 (Inception) to December 31, 2008, the Company expensed $653,948, $0 and $653,948, respectively.
On January 30, 2008, the Company also entered into an Exclusive License and Consulting Agreement with Dr. Polaschegg (the Polaschegg License Agreement). The Polaschegg License Agreement replaced the original license agreement between NDP and Dr. Polaschegg that the Company was assigned and the Company assumed under the NDP License Agreement. Pursuant to the Polaschegg License Agreement, Dr. Polaschegg granted the Company an exclusive, worldwide license for a certain antimicrobial solution and certain taurolidine treatments and the corresponding United States patent applications (the Polaschegg Technology), and agreed to provide the Company with certain consulting services. As consideration for the rights to the Polaschegg Technology, the Company paid Dr. Polaschegg an initial payment of $5,000 and agreed to pay Dr. Polaschegg certain royalty payments ranging from 1% to 3% of the net sales of the Polaschegg Technology. The Polaschegg License Agreement also sets forth certain minimum royalty payments (on an annual basis) to be made to Dr. Polaschegg in connection with the Polaschegg Technology. As compensation for Dr. Polascheggs consulting services to be provided under the Polaschegg License Agreement, Dr. Polaschegg is being paid €200 per hour for services consisting of scientific work and €250 per hour for services consisting of legal work. During the year ended December 31, 2008 and the period from July 8, 2006 (Inception) to December 31, 2008, the Company expensed approximately $132,000 and $132,000, respectively.
During 2007, the Company issued 8% senior convertible notes in connection with a private placement in the aggregate principal amount of $8,645,000 (the First Notes). The First Notes were to mature on July 31, 2008. The First Notes maturity date was extended to July 31, 2009 at an increased interest rate of 10%. Subsequently, the First Notes maturity was further extended until July 31, 2010 at an increased interest rate of 12%.
Upon the closing of an equity financing transaction from which the Company receives proceeds of at least $10,000,000 (Qualified Financing), the Notes, plus all accrued interest, will automatically convert into the same securities issued in the equity financing transaction at a price per security equal to the lesser of the lowest price paid per unit of securities in such Qualified Financing or $30,000,000 divided by the number of shares of the Companys common stock outstanding immediately prior to the Qualified Financing, determined on a fully diluted basis. The Notes will also automatically convert into equity securities of the Company immediately prior to a sale of the Company, as defined.
F-24
In addition, each noteholder received warrants to purchase a number of the Companys common stock equal to 40% of the principal amount of the First Notes purchased divided by the greater of the lowest price paid for securities in a Qualified Financing or $1.00, if a Qualified Financing is not completed by July 31, 2009. Each warrant issued as a result of a Qualified Financing would be exercisable at a price per share equal to the greater of 110% of the price per share of the securities in the Qualified Financing or $1.00, if a Qualified Financing is not completed by July 31, 2009 the exercise price would be set at $1.00, and would be exercisable for a period of seven years. The Company allocated proceeds of $2,993,981 from the sale of the First Notes to the warrants, determined by using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, at the time of issuance which was recorded as a debt discount, and reduced the carrying values of the First Notes. As of December 31, 2008, the remaining unamortized debt discount is $0. Since a Qualified Financing has not taken place by July 31, 2009, each noteholder received warrants equal to 40% of the principal amount of the First Notes purchased divided by $1.00 at an exercise price of $1.00. In the aggregate, warrants to purchase 3,458,000 shares of common stock were issued with an exercise price of $1.00 in connection with this offering.
In connection with the offering of the First Notes, Paramount BioCapital, Inc. (PCI), an affiliate of a significant stockholder of the Company, and the Company entered into a placement agency agreement dated June 8, 2007, pursuant to which the Company paid PCI and third party agents cash commissions of $505,050 and $100,100, respectively, for their services. The Company also has agreed to pay to PCI a commission on sales by the Company of securities during the 18-month period subsequent to September 20, 2007 to the purchasers of the First Notes who were introduced to the Company by PCI. The Company also granted PCI the right of first refusal to act as exclusive finder, placement agent or other similar agent in relation to any securities offerings on its behalf during the 18-month period following September 20, 2007. This agreement terminated on March 20, 2009.
In addition, PCI and third party agents received warrants (the Placement Warrants) to purchase, at an exercise price of 110% of the lowest price paid for securities in a Qualified Financing, a number of shares of the Companys common stock equal to 10% of the principal amount of the First Notes purchased divided by the lowest price paid for securities in a Qualified Financing prior to December 31, 2009. If the Qualified Financing does not occur on or before July 31, 2009, the Placement Warrants will be exercisable for a number of shares of the Companys common stock equal to 10% of the principal amount of the First Notes purchased divided by $1.00, at a per share exercise price of $1.00 and are exercisable for seven years. The Company estimated the value of the warrants using the Black- Scholes option pricing model at approximately $748,000, currently recorded as deferred financing costs on the balance sheet as of December 31, 2008, which is being amortized to interest expense over the term of the First Notes. Since a Qualified Financing has not taken place by July 31, 2009, PCI and the third party agents received warrants equal to 10% of the principal amount of the First Notes purchased divided by $1.00 at an exercise price of $1.00. In the aggregate, warrants to purchase 864,500 shares of common stock were issued with an exercise price of $1.00 in connection with this placement agent agreement.
During August 2008, the Company issued 8% senior convertible notes in connection with a private placement in the aggregate principal amount of $2,100,000 (the Second Notes). The Second Notes were to mature on July 31, 2009. The Notes maturity date was extended to July 31, 2010 at an increased interest rate of 12%.
Upon the closing of an equity financing transaction from which the Company receives proceeds of at least $10,000,000 (Qualified Financing), the Notes, plus all accrued interest, will automatically convert into the same securities issued in the equity financing transaction at a price per security equal to the lesser of the lowest price paid per unit of securities in such Qualified Financing or $30,000,000 divided by the number of shares of the Companys common stock outstanding immediately prior to the Qualified Financing, determined on a fully diluted basis. The Notes will also automatically convert into equity securities of the Company immediately prior to a sale of the Company, as defined.
F-25
In addition, each noteholder received warrants to purchase a number of the Companys common stock equal to 40% of the principal amount of the Second Notes purchased divided by the greater of the lowest price paid for securities in a Qualified Financing or $1.00, if a Qualified Financing is not completed prior to August 18, 2010. Each warrant issued as a result of a Qualified Financing would be exercisable at a price per share equal to the greater of 110% of the price per share of the securities in the Qualified Financing or $1.00, if a Qualified Financing does not take place prior to August 18, 2010 then the exercise price would be set at $1.00, and would be exercisable for a period of seven years. The Company allocated proceeds of $747,215 from the sale of the Second Notes to the warrants, determined by using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, at the time of issuance which was recorded as a debt discount, and reduced the carrying values of the Second Notes. As of December 31, 2008, the remaining unamortized debt discount is $435,875.
In connection with the offering of the Second Notes, PCI, a third party agent and the Company entered into a placement agency agreement dated January 22, 2008, pursuant to which the Company paid PCI cash commissions of $126,000 for its services. The Company also has agreed to pay to PCI and a third party agent a commission on sales by the Company of securities on or prior to January 18, 2009 to the purchasers of the Second Notes who were introduced to the Company by PCI and the third party agent. The Company also granted PCI and the third party agent the right of first refusal to act as exclusive finder, placement agent or other similar agent in relation to any securities offerings on its behalf on or prior to January 18, 2009. This agreement terminated on January 18, 2009.
On October 6, 2009, the Company completed an Exchange Agreement with Shiva (the Licensor) whereby the Licensor surrenders all rights to the shares issued to the Licensor under a license agreement in exchange for 7% of the outstanding Series A common stock as of the date of the Exchange Agreement.
During October and November 2009, the Company issued 8% senior convertible notes in connection with a private placement in the aggregate principal amount of $2,619,973 (the Third Notes). The Third Notes mature on October 29, 2011.
Upon the closing of an initial public offering of equity securities from which the Company receives proceeds of at least $10,000,000 (Qualified IPO), the Third Notes, plus all accrued interest, will automatically convert into the same securities issued in the equity financing transaction at a price per security equal to 70% of the lowest price paid per unit of securities in such Qualified IPO. The Company valued the beneficial conversion feature of the Third Notes at $1,122,846, which will be recorded as interest expense only if a Qualified IPO is completed.
In addition, each noteholder received warrants to purchase a number of the Companys common stock equal to 60% of the principal amount of the Third Notes purchased divided by the price at which equity securities of the Company are sold in a Qualified IPO (IPO Price). Each warrant issued as a result of a Qualified IPO would be exercisable at a price per share equal to 110% of the IPO Price and exercisable for a period of five years. If a Qualified IPO does not occur on or before October 29, 2011, then each warrant will be exercisable for that number of shares of common stock equal to 60% of the principal amount of the Third Notes purchased by the original holder divided by $1.00, at a per share exercise price of $1.00. The Company will allocate proceeds of $1,238,265 from the sale of the Third Notes to the warrants, determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, at the time of issuance, which will be recorded as a debt discount and will reduce the carrying values of the Third Notes. Such amount will be amortized to interest expense over the term of the Third Notes.
In connection with the offering of the Third Notes a third party agent and the Company entered into a placement agency agreement dated September 4, 2009, pursuant to which the Company paid the third party
F-26
agent cash commissions of $264,173 and for its services. The Company also has agreed to pay to the third party agent a commission on sales by the Company of securities on or prior to October 29, 2009 to the purchasers of the Third Notes who were introduced to the Company by the third party agent. The Company also granted the third party agent the right of first refusal to act as exclusive finder, placement agent or other similar agent in relation to any securities offerings on its behalf after closing of a Qualified IPO.
The unaudited pro forma basic and diluted net loss per common share gives effect to the following transactions as if such transactions had occurred on January 1, 2009:
| the cancellation of all shares of Class B, D, E, and F common stock, which occurred on October 6, 2009 and the issuance of 773,717 shares of common stock in exchange for the cancellation of such shares; |
| the issuance of $2,619,973 in aggregate principal amount of the Third Notes, which occurred in October and November 2009; |
| the automatic conversion of all outstanding shares of non-voting common stock into shares of common stock on a one-for-one basis; and |
| the conversion of all outstanding convertible notes and accrued interest thereon into an aggregate of units and shares of common stock, including Note payable Galenica, Ltd., Senior convertible notes, Notes payable related parties, and Third Notes. |
F-27
Through and including 2010 (the 25 th day after the date of this prospectus), all dealers effecting transactions in these securities, whether or not participating in this offering, may be required to deliver a prospectus. This obligation is in addition to a dealers obligation to deliver a prospectus when acting as an underwriter and with respect to an unsold allotment or subscription.
The following table sets forth the various expenses (other than selling commissions and other fees to be paid to the underwriters) which will be paid by the Registrant in connection with the issuance and distribution of the securities being registered. With the exception of the SEC registration fee and the NASD filing fee, all amounts shown are estimates.
SEC registration fee | $ | 1,004.40 | ||
FINRA filing fee | 2,300.00 | |||
NYSE Amex listing fee and expenses | * | |||
Printing and engraving expenses | * | |||
Legal fees and expenses | * | |||
Accounting fees and expenses | * | |||
Transfer Agent and Registrar fees and expenses | * | |||
Miscellaneous | * | |||
Total | $ | * |
* | To be provided by amendment. |
The amended and restated certificate of incorporation of the Registrant to be effective upon the completion of the offering described in the prospectus filed herewith will provide that the Registrant will indemnify, to the extent permitted by the DGCL, any person whom it may indemnify thereunder, including directors, officers, employees and agents of the Registrant. In addition, the Registrants amended and restated certificate of incorporation will eliminate, to the extent permitted by the DGCL, personal liability of directors to the Registrant and its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty.
The Registrants authority to indemnify its directors and officers is governed by the provisions of Section 145 of the DGCL, as follows:
(a) A corporation shall have power to 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 (other than an action by or in the right of the corporation) by reason of the fact that the person 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 the person in connection with such action, suit or proceeding if the person acted in good faith and in a manner the person 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 the persons 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, shall not, of itself, create a presumption that the person did not act in good faith and in a manner which the person 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 reasonable cause to believe that the persons conduct was unlawful.
(b) A corporation shall have power to 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 the person 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) actually and reasonably incurred by the person in connection with the defense or settlement of such action or suit if the person acted in good faith and in a
II-1
manner the person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation and except that no indemnification shall be made in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which such person shall have been adjudged to be liable to the corporation unless and only to the extent that the Court of Chancery or the court in which such action or suit was brought shall determine upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all the circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses which the Court of Chancery or such other court shall deem proper.
(c) To the extent that a present or former director or officer of a corporation has been successful on the merits or otherwise in defense of any action, suit or proceeding referred to in subsections (a) and (b) of this section, or in defense of any claim, issue or matter therein, such person shall be indemnified against expenses (including attorneys fees) actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection therewith.
(d) Any indemnification under subsections (a) and (b) of this section (unless ordered by a court) shall be made by the corporation only as authorized in the specific case upon a determination that indemnification of the present or former director, officer, employee or agent is proper in the circumstances because the person has met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in subsections (a) and (b) of this section. Such determination shall be made, with respect to a person who is a director or officer at the time of such determination, (1) by a majority vote of the directors who are not parties to such action, suit or proceeding, even though less than a quorum, or (2) by a committee of such directors designated by majority vote of such directors, even though less than a quorum, or (3) if there are no such directors, or if such directors so direct, by independent legal counsel in a written opinion, or (4) by the stockholders.
(e) Expenses (including attorneys fees) incurred by an officer or director in defending any civil, criminal, administrative or investigative action, suit or proceeding may be paid by the corporation in advance of the final disposition of such action, suit or proceeding upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of such director or officer to repay such amount if it shall ultimately be determined that such person is not entitled to be indemnified by the corporation as authorized in this section. Such expenses (including attorneys fees) incurred by former directors and officers or other employees and agents may be so paid upon such terms and conditions, if any, as the corporation deems appropriate.
(f) The indemnification and advancement of expenses provided by, or granted pursuant to, the other subsections of this section shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which those seeking indemnification or advancement of expenses may be entitled under any bylaw, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise, both as to action in such persons official capacity and as to action in another capacity while holding such office. A right to indemnification or to advancement of expenses arising under a provision of the certificate of incorporation or a bylaw shall not be eliminated or impaired by an amendment to such provision after the occurrence of the act or omission that is the subject of the civil, criminal, administrative or investigative action, suit or proceeding for which indemnification or advancement of expenses is sought, unless the provision in effect at the time of such act or omission explicitly authorizes such elimination or impairment after such action or omission has occurred.
(g) A corporation shall have power to purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any person who 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 any liability asserted against such person and incurred by such person in any such capacity, or arising out of such persons status as such, whether or not the corporation would have the power to indemnify such person against such liability under this section.
(h) For purposes of this section, references to the corporation shall include, in addition to the resulting corporation, any constituent corporation (including any constituent of a constituent) absorbed in a consolidation or merger which, if its separate existence had continued, would have had power and authority to indemnify its directors, officers, and employees or agents, so that any person who is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of such constituent corporation, or is or was serving at the request of
II-2
such constituent corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, shall stand in the same position under this section with respect to the resulting or surviving corporation as such person would have with respect to such constituent corporation if its separate existence had continued.
(i) For purposes of this section, references to other enterprises shall include employee benefit plans; references to fines shall include any excise taxes assessed on a person with respect to any employee benefit plan; and references to serving at the request of the corporation shall include any service as a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation which imposes duties on, or involves services by such director, officer, employee, or agent with respect to an employee benefit plan, its participants or beneficiaries; and a person who acted in good faith and in a manner such person reasonably believed to be in the interest of the participants and beneficiaries of an employee benefit plan shall be deemed to have acted in a manner not opposed to the best interests of the corporation as referred to in this section.
(j) The indemnification and advancement of expenses provided by, or granted pursuant to, this section shall, unless otherwise provided when authorized or ratified, continue as to a person who has ceased to be a director, officer, employee or agent and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors and administrators of such a person.
(k) The Court of Chancery is hereby vested with exclusive jurisdiction to hear and determine all actions for advancement of expenses or indemnification brought under this section or under any bylaw, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors, or otherwise. The Court of Chancery may summarily determine a corporations obligation to advance expenses (including attorneys fees).
Pursuant to the Underwriting Agreement to be filed as Exhibit 1.1 to this Registration Statement, the Registrant will agree to indemnify the Underwriters and the Underwriters will agree to indemnify the Registrant and its directors, officers and controlling persons against certain civil liabilities that may be incurred in connection with the offering, including certain liabilities under the Securities Act.
The Registrant will enter into indemnification agreements with each of its directors after the completion of the offering, whereby it will agree to indemnify each director and officer from and against any and all judgments, fines, penalties, excise taxes and amounts paid in settlement or incurred by such director or officer for or as a result of action taken or not taken while such director was acting in his capacity as a director or executive officer of the Registrant.
During the past three years, the following securities were sold by the Registrant without registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act). All certificates representing the securities described herein and currently outstanding have been appropriately legended. The securities described below were deemed exempt from registration under the Securities Act in reliance upon Section 4(2), Regulation D or Regulation S of the Securities Act. There were no underwriters employed in connection with any of the transactions set forth in this Item 15. All of these securities, to the extent not included in this registration statement, are deemed restricted securities for purposes of the Securities Act. The terms of these securities are discussed in greater detail in the section of the prospectus entitled Description of Capital Stock.
1. | In July and September of 2007, we issued the First Bridge Notes, in the aggregate principal amount of $8,645,000, and the First Bridge Warrants, to 51 accredited investors. |
2. | In August 2008, we issued the Second Bridge Notes, in the aggregate principal amount of $2,100,000, and the Second Bridge Warrants, to 16 accredited investors. |
3. | In April 2009, we issued the Galenica Note, in the principal amount of $1,000,000, to Galenica. |
4. | In October and November 2009, we issued the 8% Notes, in the aggregate principal amount of $2,619,973, and the 8% Noteholder Warrants, to 19 accredited investors. |
5. | On July 28, 2006, pursuant to the Shiva Contribution Agreement, we issued to Shiva 800,000 shares |
II-3
of Series B Common Stock, 50,000 shares of Series C Common Stock, 50,000 shares of Series D Common Stock, 50,000 shares of Series E Common Stock and 50,000 shares of Series F Common Stock. |
6. | On October 6, 2009, pursuant to the Common Stock Exchange and Stockholder Agreement by and between us and Shiva, we issued to Shiva 773,717 shares of common stock in exchange for all of its Series B F Common Stock. |
7. | On January 30, 2008, pursuant to the NDP License Agreement, we issued to NDP 313,283 shares of common stock. |
8. | On January 30, 2008, pursuant to a consulting agreement, we issued to Mr. Prosl a warrant to purchase 40,000 shares of our common stock at a purchase price of $1.36 per share, subject to adjustment. |
9. | On January 30, 2008, pursuant to a consulting agreement, we issued to Linda Donald a warrant to purchase 100,000 shares of our common stock at a purchase price of $1.36 per share, subject to adjustment. |
10. | On August 11, 2006, we issued the Family Trusts Notes. Pursuant to the Family Trusts Notes, we borrowed an aggregate principal amount of $1,430,000 from August 11, 2006 through September 30, 2009. |
11. | On July 28, 2006, we issued the PBS Note. Pursuant to the PBS Note, we borrowed an aggregate principal amount of $1,062,003 from July 28, 2006 through September 30, 2009. |
12. | In July 2007, we issued to Paramount, in partial compensation for its services in connection with the offering of the First Bridge Notes, a warrant exercisable for 721,500 shares of common stock at a per share exercise price of $1.00. |
13. | In July 2007, we issued to Co-Placement Agents, in partial compensation for their services in connection with the offering of First Bridge Notes, a warrant exercisable for 143,000 shares of common stock at a per share exercise price of $1.00. |
II-4
(a) Exhibits:
Number | Description of Exhibit | |
1.1 | Form of Underwriting Agreement.* | |
3.1 | Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation.** | |
3.2 | By-laws.** | |
3.3 | Form of Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, to be effective upon the completion of the offering.* | |
3.4 | Form of Amended and Restated By-laws, to be effective upon the completion of the offering.* | |
4.1 | Specimen common stock certificate.* | |
4.2 | Specimen Unit certificate.* | |
4.3 | Specimen warrant certificate.* | |
4.4 | Form of warrant agreement.* | |
4.5 | Form of Unit option purchase agreement.* | |
4.6 | Common Stock Exchange and Stockholder Agreement, dated as of October 6, 2009, by and between CorMedix Inc. and Shiva Biomedical, LLC.** | |
4.7 | Stockholder Agreement, dated as of January 30, 2008, between the Company and ND Partners LLC.** | |
4.8 | Form of Stock Purchase Agreement for former stockholders of Picton Pharmaceuticals, Inc. | |
4.9 | Amended and Restated PBS Note dated September 30, 2000. | |
4.10 | Amended and Restated Family Trust Note dated September 30, 2009. | |
4.11 | Form of Note and Warrant Purchase Agreement for First Bridge Notes.** | |
4.12 | Form of Amended & Restated First Bridge Note.** | |
4.13 | Form of Note and Warrant Purchase Agreement for Second Bridge Notes.** | |
4.14 | Form of Second Bridge Note.** | |
4.15 | Convertible Promissory Note, dated April 30, 2009, issued to Galenica Ltd.** | |
4.16 | Form of Note and Warrant Purchase Agreement for Third Bridge Notes.** | |
4.17 | Form of Third Bridge Note.** | |
5.1 | Opinion of Olshan Grundman Frome Rosenzweig & Wolosky LLP.* | |
10.1 | Contribution Agreement, dated as of July 28, 2006, by and between Shiva Biomedical, LLC, Picton Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Picton Holding Company, Inc., and the stockholders of Picton Pharmaceuticals, Inc. | |
10.2 | Amendment to Contribution Agreement, dated as of October 6, 2009, by and between Shiva Biomedical, LLC and CorMedix, Inc. | |
10.3 | Amended and Restated Future Advance Promissory Note, dated as of September 30, 2009, issued by the Company in favor of Paramount Biosciences, LLC.** | |
10.4 | Amended and Restated Future Advance Promissory Note, dated as of September 30, 2009, issued by the Company in favor of The Lindsay A. Rosenwald Family Trusts Dated December 15, 2000.** | |
10.5 | License and Assignment Agreement, dated as of January 30, 2008, between the Company and ND Partners LLC. | |
10.6 | Escrow Agreement, dated as of January 30, 2008, among the Company, ND Partners LLC and the Secretary of the Company, as Escrow Agent.** | |
10.7 | Exclusive License and Consulting Agreement, dated as of January 30, 2008, between the Company and Hans-Dietrich Polaschegg. | |
10.8 | 2006 Stock Incentive Plan.** | |
10.9 | Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated as of November 25, 2009, between the Company and John Houghton.* | |
10.10 | Employment Agreement, dated as of February 14, 2007, between the Company and Mark Houser, M.D.** | |
10.11 | Amended and Restated Consulting Agreement, dated as of January 10, 2008, between the Company and Sudhir V. Shah, M.D.** | |
10.12 | Consulting Agreement, dated as of January 30, 2008, between the Company and Frank Prosl.** |
II-5
Number | Description of Exhibit | |
10.13 | Supply Agreement, dated as of December 7, 2009, between the Company and Navinta, LLC. | |
10.14 | Manufacture and Development Agreement, dated as of March 5, 2007, by and between the Company and Emcure Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc. | |
23.1 | Consent of J.H. Cohn LLP. | |
23.2 | Consent of Olshan Grundman Frome Rosenzweig & Wolosky LLP (included in Exhibit 5.1).* | |
24.1 | Powers of Attorney (included on the signature page of this Registration Statement). |
* | To be filed by amendment. |
** | Previously filed. |
| Confidential treatment has been requested for portions of this document. The omitted portions of this document will be filed separately with the SEC. |
(a) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to provide to the underwriter at the closing specified in the underwriting agreement, certificates in such denominations and registered in such names as required by the underwriter to permit prompt delivery to each purchaser.
(b) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the SEC such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
(c) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that:
(1) For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of this registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in a form of prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) or (4) or 497(h) under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of this registration statement as of the time it was declared effective.
(2) For the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
II-6
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant has duly caused this Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Summit, State of New Jersey on the 31 st day of December, 2009.
CORMEDIX INC. | ||
By:
/s/ John C. Houghton
|
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints John C. Houghton and Timothy Hofer as his true and lawful attorney-in-fact, each acting alone, with full power of substitution and resubstitution for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments, including post-effective amendments to this registration statement, and any related registration statement filed pursuant to Rule 462(b) of the Act and to file the same, with exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact or their substitutes, each acting along, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Signature | Title | Date | ||
*
Russell H. Ellison |
Chairman of the Board | December 31, 2009 | ||
/s/ John C. Houghton
John C. Houghton |
President, Chief Executive Officer and Director (Principal Executive Officer) | December 31, 2009 | ||
/s/ Stephen Pilatzke
Stephen Pilatzke |
Treasurer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) | December 31, 2009 | ||
Richard M. Cohen |
Director | December 31, 2009 | ||
Gary A. Gelbfish |
Director | December 31, 2009 | ||
*
Mahendra Patel |
Director | December 31, 2009 | ||
*
Antony E. Pfaffle |
Director | December 31, 2009 | ||
*
Timothy Hofer |
Director | December 31, 2009 |
* By:
/s/ John C. Houghton
|
II-7
Number | Description of Exhibit | |
1.1 | Form of Underwriting Agreement.* | |
3.1 | Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation.** | |
3.2 | By-laws.** | |
3.3 | Form of Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, to be effective upon the completion of the offering.* | |
3.4 | Form of Amended and Restated By-laws, to be effective upon the completion of the offering.* | |
4.1 | Specimen common stock certificate.* | |
4.2 | Specimen Unit certificate.* | |
4.3 | Specimen warrant certificate.* | |
4.4 | Form of warrant agreement.* | |
4.5 | Form of Unit option purchase agreement.* | |
4.6 | Common Stock Exchange and Stockholder Agreement, dated as of October 6, 2009, by and between CorMedix Inc. and Shiva Biomedical, LLC.** | |
4.7 | Stockholder Agreement, dated as of January 30, 2008, between the Company and ND Partners LLC.** | |
4.8 | Form of Stock Purchase Agreement for former stockholders of Picton Pharmaceuticals, Inc. | |
4.9 | Amended and Restated PBS Note dated September 30, 2009. | |
4.10 | Amended and Restated Family Trust Note dated September 30, 2009. | |
4.11 | Form of Note and Warrant Purchase Agreement for First Bridge Notes.** | |
4.12 | Form of Amended & Restated First Bridge Note.** | |
4.13 | Form of Note and Warrant Purchase Agreement for Second Bridge Notes.** | |
4.14 | Form of Second Bridge Note.** | |
4.15 | Convertible Promissory Note, dated April 30, 2009, issued to Galenica Ltd.** | |
4.16 | Form of Note and Warrant Purchase Agreement for Third Bridge Notes.** | |
4.17 | Form of Third Bridge Note.** | |
5.1 | Opinion of Olshan Grundman Frome Rosenzweig & Wolosky LLP.* | |
10.1 | Contribution Agreement, dated as of July 28, 2006, by and between Shiva Biomedical, LLC, Picton Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Picton Holding Company, Inc., and the stockholders of Picton Pharmaceuticals, Inc. | |
10.2 | Amendment to Contribution Agreement, dated as of October 6, 2009, by and between Shiva Biomedical, LLC and CorMedix, Inc. | |
10.3 | Amended and Restated Future Advance Promissory Note, dated as of September 30, 2009, issued by the Company in favor of Paramount Biosciences, LLC.** | |
10.4 | Amended and Restated Future Advance Promissory Note, dated as of September 30, 2009, issued by the Company in favor of The Lindsay A. Rosenwald Family Trusts Dated December 15, 2000.** | |
10.5 | License and Assignment Agreement, dated as of January 30, 2008, between the Company and ND Partners LLC. | |
10.6 | Escrow Agreement, dated as of January 30, 2008, among the Company, ND Partners LLC and the Secretary of the Company, as Escrow Agent.** | |
10.7 | Exclusive License and Consulting Agreement, dated as of January 30, 2008, between the Company and Hans-Dietrich Polaschegg. | |
10.8 | 2006 Stock Incentive Plan.** |
II-8
Number | Description of Exhibit | |
10.9 | Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated as of November 25, 2009, between the Company and John Houghton.* | |
10.10 | Employment Agreement, dated as of February 14, 2007, between the Company and Mark Houser, M.D.** | |
10.11 | Amended and Restated Consulting Agreement, dated as of January 10, 2008, between the Company and Sudhir V. Shah, M.D.** | |
10.12 | Consulting Agreement, dated as of January 30, 2008, between the Company and Frank Prosl.** | |
10.13 | Supply Agreement, dated as of December 7, 2009, between the Company and Navinta, LLC. | |
10.14 | Manufacture and Development Agreement, dated as of March 5, 2007, by and between the Company and Emcure Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc. | |
23.1 | Consent of J.H. Cohn LLP. | |
23.2 | Consent of Olshan Grundman Frome Rosenzweig & Wolosky LLP (included in Exhibit 5.1).* | |
24.1 | Powers of Attorney (included on the signature page of this Registration Statement). |
* | To be filed by amendment. |
** | Previously filed. |
| Confidential treatment has been requested for portions of this document. The omitted portions of this document will be filed separately with the SEC. |
II-9
(i)
|
If
to the Company:
|
(ii)
|
If
to the Purchaser, to the address set forth on the signature page of this
Agreement.
|
PICTON
PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
|
||||
By:
|
|
|||
Name:
|
||||
Title:
|
||||
PURCHASER:
|
||||
Name:
|
||||
Address:
|
||||
SS#:
|
$169,729.45
|
September
30, 2009
|
Aggregate
Prepayment Equity Amount =
|
{
|
A
|
}
|
-
A
|
B
|
Applicable
Percentage =
|
1 -
|
{
|
(
A x B )
C
|
}
|
CORMEDIX
INC.
|
|||
By:
|
/s/
John Houghton
|
||
Name:
|
John
Houghton
|
||
Title:
|
President
and Chief Executive Officer
|
||
PARAMOUNT
BIOSCIENCES, LLC
|
|||
By:
|
/s/
Lindsay A. Rosenwald, M.D.
|
||
Name:
|
Lindsay
A. Rosenwald, M.D.
|
||
Title:
|
Sole
Member
|
$434,714.66
|
September
30, 2009
|
Aggregate
Prepayment Equity Amount =
|
{
|
A
|
}
|
-
A
|
B
|
Applicable
Percentage =
|
1 -
|
{
|
(
A x B )
C
|
}
|
CORMEDIX
INC.
|
|||
By:
|
/s/
John Houghton
|
||
Name:
|
John
Houghton
|
||
Title:
|
President
and Chief Executive Officer
|
||
THE
LINDSAY A. ROSENWALD FAMILY TRUSTS
DATED
DECEMBER 15, 2000
|
|||
By:
|
/s/
Jon Rosenwald
|
||
Name:
|
Jon
Rosenwald
|
||
Title:
|
Trustee
|
Article
1 Definitions
|
2
|
|
1.1
|
“Affiliate”
|
2
|
1.2
|
“Applicable
Law(s)”
|
2
|
1.3
|
“Competent
Authority(ies)”
|
2
|
1.4
|
“Compound”
|
3
|
1.5
|
“Contributed
Product “
|
3
|
1.6
|
“Control”
|
3
|
1.7
|
“Development”
|
3
|
1.8
|
“DMF”
|
3
|
1.9
|
“FDA”
|
3
|
1.10
|
“Governmental
Approval(s)”
|
3
|
1.11
|
“IND(s)”
|
3
|
1.12
|
“Improvements”
|
3
|
1.13
|
“Know-how”
|
3
|
1.14
|
“Licensed
Product(s)”
|
4
|
1.15
|
“Marketing
Authorization”
|
4
|
1.16
|
“NDA”
|
4
|
1.17
|
“Net
Sales”
|
4
|
1.18
|
“Non-Royalty
Sublicensing Income”
|
5
|
1.19
|
“Patent
Rights”
|
5
|
1.20
|
“Royalty
Term”
|
6
|
1.21
|
“Sublicense”
|
6
|
1.22
|
“Sublicensee”
|
6
|
1.23
|
“Technology”
|
6
|
1.24
|
“Term”
|
6
|
1.25
|
“Territory”
|
6
|
1.26
|
“Third
Party”
|
6
|
1.27
|
“Valid
Claim”
|
6
|
Article
2 Grant
|
7
|
|
2.1
|
Grant
of License
|
7
|
2.2
|
Sublicenses
|
7
|
Article
3 Contributions of Technology, Rights and Picton Shares
|
8
|
|
3.1
|
Technology
Transfer
|
8
|
3.2
|
Rights
of Reference
|
9
|
3.3
|
Transfer
of the IND
|
9
|
3.4
|
Costs
of Transfer
|
9
|
3.5
|
Transfer
of Compound Inventory
|
10
|
3.6
|
Contribution
of Picton Shares
|
10
|
Article
4 Regulatory Compliance
|
10
|
|
4.1
|
Ownership
and Maintenance of Governmental Approvals
|
10
|
4.2
|
Compliance
|
10
|
Article
5 Development and Commercialization
|
11
|
|
5.1
|
Development
|
11
|
Article
6 Consideration for Contribution
|
11
|
|
6.1
|
Equity
and Other Consideration
|
11
|
6.2
|
Equity
to be Issued on Contribution
|
12
|
6.3
|
Royalties
|
12
|
6.4
|
Non-Royalty
Sublicensing Income (NRSI)
|
13
|
6.5
|
No
Multiple Royalties
|
13
|
6.6
|
Combination
Products
|
13
|
6.7
|
Place
of Payment, Taxes and Conversions
|
13
|
6.8
|
Time
for Payment
|
14
|
6.9
|
Interest
|
14
|
6.10
|
Board
of Directors; Consulting Agreement
|
14
|
6.11
|
Consideration
for Contribution of Picton Shares
|
14
|
Article
7 Reports and Records
|
15
|
|
7.1
|
Records
and Audits
|
15
|
7.2
|
Royalty
Statements
|
15
|
7.3
|
Confidential
Treatment of Reports
|
15
|
|
||
Article
8 Patent Prosecution and Maintenance
|
16
|
|
8.1
|
Prosecution
and Maintenance
|
16
|
8.2
|
Abandonment
|
16
|
Article
9 Dispute Resolution
|
16
|
|
9.1
|
Disputes
|
16
|
9.2
|
Performance
to Continue
|
18
|
9.3
|
Determination
of Patents and Other Intellectual Property
|
18
|
Article
10 Term and Termination
|
18
|
|
1
0.1
|
Term
|
18
|
10.2
|
Termination
for Insolvency
|
18
|
10.3
|
Termination
for Failure to make Payments
|
18
|
10.4
|
Termination
for Breach
|
19
|
10.5
|
Expiry
of Royalty Term on a Country by Country Basis
|
19
|
10.6
|
Termination
for Convenience
|
19
|
10.7
|
Consequences
of Termination
|
19
|
10.8
|
Survival
|
20
|
10.9
|
Failure
to Satisfy Condition to Close
|
20
|
Article
11 Infringement and Other Actions
|
20
|
|
11.1
|
Notice
of Infringement of Patent Rights
|
20
|
11.2
|
Option
to Prosecute or Defend Patent Rights
|
20
|
11.3
|
Infringement
by Licensed Product
|
21
|
11.4
|
Allocation
of Damages Recovered
|
21
|
11.5
|
Cooperation
|
21
|
Article
12 Representations and Warranties
|
21
|
|
12.1
|
Shiva
Warranties
|
21
|
12.2
|
Debarment
|
24
|
Article
13 Limitation of Liability, Indemnity
|
24
|
|
13.1
|
NO
IMPLIED WARRANTIES
|
24
|
13.2
|
Indemnity
of Shiva
|
24
|
13.3
|
Indemnity
of Stockholders
|
25
|
Article
14 Use of Names and Publication
|
25
|
|
14.1
|
Use
of Name; Labeling
|
25
|
14.2
|
No
Agency
|
25
|
14.3
|
Publication
|
25
|
Article
15 Confidentiality
|
26
|
|
15.1
|
Confidentiality
and Non-Use
|
26
|
Article
16 Effective Date and Conditions to Close
|
26
|
|
16.1
|
|
26 |
Article
17 Miscellaneous Provisions
|
27
|
|
17.1
|
Assignment
|
27
|
17.2
|
Binding
Nature and Enurement
|
27
|
17.3
|
Compliance
with Applicable Laws
|
27
|
17.4
|
Counterparts;
Facsimile
|
27
|
17.5
|
Entire
Agreement; Amendment
|
27
|
17.6
|
Force
Majeure
|
28
|
17.7
|
Further
Assurances
|
28
|
17.8
|
Headings
|
28
|
17.9
|
Law
|
28
|
17.10
|
No
Consequential Damages
|
28
|
17.11
|
Payments,
Notices and Other Communications
|
28
|
17.12
|
Payment
of Own Fees and Expenses
|
29
|
17.13
|
Severability
|
29
|
17.14
|
Waiver
|
29
|
|
1.1.1
|
“Control”
shall mean, for this purpose, direct or indirect control of more than
fifty percent (50%) of the voting securities of an Entity or, if such
Entity does not have outstanding voting securities, more than 50% of the
directorships or similar positions with respect to such
Entity.
|
|
1.1.2
|
“Entity”
shall mean any corporation, association, joint venture, partnership,
trust, university, business, individual, government or political
subdivision thereof, including an agency, or any other organization that
can exercise independent legal
standing.
|
|
(a)
|
the
regulation of medicinal products intended for human use, including, but
not limited to, the FDA, DEA, Health Canada (Canada), European Medicines
Agency (EMEA), and the Ministry of Health and Welfare (Japan);
or
|
|
(b)
|
the
establishment, maintenance and/or protection of rights related to the
Patent Rights including the United States Patent and Trademark
Office,
|
|
1.7.1
|
to
secure the Marketing Authorizations for Licensed Products;
and
|
|
1.7.2
|
to
manufacture or have manufactured the Licensed
Products.
|
|
1.17.1
|
“Net
Sales” shall mean the total invoiced amount for sales of Licensed Products
by or on behalf of the Company or any of its Affiliates or Sublicensees
(as applicable), less only the sum of the following, in each case to the
extent taken or allowed:
|
|
(a)
|
usual
trade discounts to customers;
|
|
(b)
|
sales,
tariff duties and/or use taxes directly imposed and with reference to
particular sales;
|
|
(c)
|
amounts
allowed or credited on returns;
|
|
(d)
|
bad
debt deductions actually written off during the accounting
period;
|
|
(e)
|
outbound
transportation prepaid or allowed and transportation insurance;
and
|
|
(f)
|
packaging
and freight charges.
|
|
1.17.2
|
Components
of Net Sales shall be determined in accordance with
GAAP.
|
|
1.17.3
|
Notwithstanding
anything herein to the contrary, (i) the transfer of a Licensed Product to
a third party without consideration to the Company in connection with the
research, development or testing of a Licensed Product and (ii) the
transfer of Licensed Product solely for indigent or similar public support
or compassionate use programs shall not be considered a sale of Licensed
Product under this Agreement and, accordingly, such sales shall not be
used in the calculation of Net
Sales.
|
|
1.17.4
|
Notwithstanding
anything herein to the contrary, the transfer of Licensed Product between
the Company, its Affiliate and/or its Sublicensee shall not be considered
a sale of Licensed Product under this Agreement unless such Affiliate or
Sublicensee are the end user of such Licensed
Product.
|
|
1.19.1
|
all
U.S. and foreign patents and patent applications set forth in Exhibit
1.19;
|
|
1.19.2
|
any
and all U.S. or foreign patents, patent applications, or other rights
issuing from, or filed subsequent to the Effective Date, based on or
claiming priority to or from the applications and rights listed on Exhibit
1.19, including continuations, continuations in part, divisionals,
reexaminations, extensions, renewals and reissues from such applications
and rights, and any patents resulting from any application or right
included in Articles 1.19.1 or
1.19.2;
|
|
1.19.3
|
any
other intellectual property rights owned or Controlled by Shiva relating
to the Technology as of the Effective Date and any and all US or foreign
patents, patent applications, or other rights, including continuations,
continuations in part, divisionals, reexaminations, extensions, and
reissues based on such rights;
|
|
1.19.4
|
any
other intellectual property rights owned or Controlled by Shiva at any
time during the Term of this Agreement relating to an Improvement; and any
and all US or foreign patents, patent applications, or other rights,
including continuations, continuations in part, divisionals,
reexaminations, extensions, renewals and reissues based on such rights;
and
|
|
1.19.5
|
any
foreign counterpart to any patent or patent application described in
Articles 1.19.1 through 1.19.4.
|
2.1
|
Grant
of License
|
|
2.1.1
|
Shiva
hereby grants to the Company and the Company accepts, subject to the terms
and conditions of this Agreement, an exclusive license under the Patent
Rights and the Know-How, and Shiva’s interest in any Improvements, to
make, have made, use, have used, import, have imported, export, have
exported, offer for sale, have sold, sell, produce, manufacture,
distribute and market Licensed Products in the Territory, including the
right to Sublicense in accordance with Article 2.2
below.
|
2.2
|
Sublicenses
|
|
2.2.1
|
The
Company shall have the right to Sublicense rights granted in Article 2.1.1
to its Affiliates in its sole discretion. Affiliates shall have
the right to grant further Sublicenses to such rights to their Affiliates
in their sole discretion.
|
|
2.2.2
|
The
Company shall also have the right to sublicense rights granted in Article
2.1.1 to Third Parties in its sole discretion. The Company
shall give Shiva prompt notice of the execution of any
Sublicense. Sublicensees of the Company shall have the right to
grant further sublicenses only with the Company’s
consent. Company shall promptly notify Shiva of
same. In the event the Company grants Sublicenses to others to
sell Licensed Products, such Sublicenses shall include an obligation for
the Sublicensee to account for and report its Net Sales to Shiva on the
same basis as if such sales were Net Sales by the Company and to afford to
Shiva the same audit and other rights related to the determination of Net
Sales and the amounts payable with respect thereto as are afforded to
Shiva hereunder.
|
|
2.2.3
|
The
terms of this Article 2.2 shall apply to each subsequent Sublicensee
(including sub-sublicensees), as if same were the Company’s original
Sublicensee.
|
|
2.2.4
|
Except
as expressly agreed in writing by Shiva in its sole discretion, no
Sublicense shall survive termination of this Agreement, provided, however,
that in the event that Shiva terminates this Agreement pursuant to Section
10.3 (non-payment) or Section 10.4 (Company breach) or this Agreement
terminates pursuant to Section 10.2 (Company insolvency), Sublicensee
shall have a direct grant from Shiva of the same rights Sublicensed to
Sublicensee under the Sublicense, subject to Sublicensee assuming all
obligations of the Company to Shiva under this Agreement and providing
directly to Shiva, rather than to the Company, any additional
consideration payable by Sublicensee to the Company under the
Sublicense. Upon request of the Company at the time it enters
into any sublicense agreement, Shiva agrees to directly contract with each
Sublicensee in writing in which Shiva agrees to the
foregoing.
|
|
2.2.5
|
Notwithstanding
the foregoing, if the Company believes that Shiva has terminated this
Agreement for the primary purpose of doing business directly with any
Sublicensee, the termination may be disputed under the provisions of
Article 9.
|
|
2.2.6
|
Notwithstanding
any other provision of this Agreement, the Company shall be responsible
for the payment of any royalties or other amounts payable to Shiva by any
Sublicensee.
|
3.1
|
Technology
Transfer
|
|
3.1.1
|
copies
of all regulatory submissions;
|
|
3.1.2
|
all
data and reports from pre-clinical and clinical
studies;
|
|
3.1.3
|
any
prototypes, designs or models of Shiva 101 and/or Shiva
102;
|
|
3.1.4
|
any
communications with the FDA and the minutes of any meetings with the FDA
relating to the Licensed Product;
|
|
3.1.5
|
trial
master files relating to the Licensed Product, including copies of all
case report forms;
|
|
3.1.6
|
copies
of all listings and tables of results from the clinical trials relating to
the Licensed Product;
|
|
3.1.7
|
copies
of all treatment-related serious adverse event reports from the clinical
trials relating to the Licensed
Product;
|
|
3.1.8
|
any
retained samples of materials used in clinical trials relating to the
Licensed Product;
|
|
3.1.9
|
rights
of access to CROs involved in the clinical trials relating to the Licensed
Product;
|
|
3.1.10
|
the
data, files and results of any CMC related activities regarding the
Licensed Product, and
|
|
3.1.11
|
all
other information that the Company may reasonably request regarding the
manufacturing of Licensed Products, clinical trials with respect to each
Licensed Product, and the commercial sale of Licensed
Products.
|
3.2
|
Rights
of Reference
|
|
3.2.1
|
Shiva
shall grant and hereby grants the Company a free-of-charge right to
reference and use and have full access to all Governmental Approvals and
all other regulatory documents relating to the Compound and products
incorporating the Technology, including any IND, any NDA and any DMF
(whether as an independent document or as part of any NDA, and all
chemistry, manufacturing and controls information), and any supplements,
amendments or updates to the foregoing, where such regulatory documents
are owned or sufficiently Controlled by Shiva, directly or indirectly, to
permit such grant (for the purposes of this Article, the “Right of
Reference”). The Company may Sublicense the Right of Reference to
Affiliates and to Third Parties, provided such Sublicense is consistent
with Article 2.2.
|
3.3
|
Transfer
of the IND
|
|
3.3.1
|
The
parties acknowledge that Shiva, as of the Effective Date, owns and holds
certain Governmental Approvals in connection with the research and
development of the Compound. Upon the Company’s request, such
request to be made as soon as reasonably possible, Shiva shall transfer to
the Company, without any additional consideration except as provided in
Article 3.4, such Government
Approvals.
|
3.4
|
Costs
of Transfer
|
|
3.4.1
|
The
Company shall pay Shiva for any services performed by officers or
employees of Shiva in effecting the technology transfer and other action
to be taken by Shiva as provided for under this Article 3, at a rate of
$[*] per day, per person (provided that there shall be no charge for the
first five days of said service), and shall reimburse Shiva and such
officers or employees for all reasonable, documented, actual travel and
associated accommodation expenses of Shiva personnel who, at the Company’s
request, travel to provide transition support under this
Article.
|
3.5
|
Transfer
of Compound Inventory
|
3.6
|
Contribution
of Picton Shares
|
4.1
|
Ownership
and Maintenance of Governmental
Approvals
|
|
4.1.1
|
The
Company will own all Marketing Authorizations for each country in the
Territory for Licensed Products. Without limiting the generality of the
foregoing, the Company shall prepare and submit in its own name and at its
expense NDAs with the FDA in the U.S. and any other equivalent application
with the Competent Authorities in other countries in the
Territory.
|
|
4.1.2
|
The
Company shall secure and maintain in good standing, at its sole cost and
expense, any and all Governmental Approvals (including, Marketing
Authorizations, licenses, permits and consents, facility licenses and
permits required by Applicable Laws or by the applicable Competent
Authorities) necessary and/or required for the Company to perform its
obligations under this Agreement and use commercially reasonable efforts
at its cost and expense to secure and maintain any variations and renewals
thereof.
|
4.2
|
Compliance
|
|
4.2.1
|
As
provided in this Agreement with regard to each party’s obligations
hereunder, the Company and Shiva shall each comply in all material
respects with all Applicable Laws within the Territory, including the
provision of information by the Company and Shiva to each other necessary
for Shiva and the Company, as the case may be, to comply with any
applicable reporting requirements and Governmental Approvals required; and
maintaining any and all licenses, permits and consents necessary and/or
required for complying with such party’s obligations under this
Agreement.
|
|
4.2.2
|
Each
party shall promptly notify the other party of any written or oral notices
received from, or inspections by, the FDA, or other Competent Authority,
relating to any Licensed Product, or to the Development and/or the
Marketing Authorizations of or for any Licensed Product, and shall
promptly inform the other party of any responses to such written notices
or inspections and the resolution of any issue raised by the FDA or other
Competent Authority.
|
|
4.2.3
|
During
the time that Shiva is the holder of the IND, the Company shall be
entitled to attend any and all meetings and participate in telephone calls
with the Competent Authorities, including without limitation any meeting
preparation, meeting co-ordination, preparation of minutes and pre-NDA
meeting with the FDA.
|
5.1
|
Development
|
|
5.1.1
|
The
Company (or its Sublicensee) shall use, and shall cause its Affiliates and
Sublicensees to use all reasonable commercial efforts to bring Licensed
Products to market through a thorough, vigorous and diligent program for
exploitation of the Technology as timely and efficiently as
possible. Such program shall include the preclinical and
clinical development including research and development, manufacturing,
laboratory and clinical testing and marketing of Licensed
Products. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the
Company shall use all reasonable commercial efforts to carry out those
activities provided for in the Development Plan attached hereto as Exhibit
5.1, which Development Plan shall include a clinical trial and regulatory
approval strategy and timeline for the anticipated Licensed
Products. The Development Plan shall cover a two year period,
and may be modified at any time and from time to time as reasonably
determined by the Company to be necessary or desirable in order to advance
any Licensed Product toward Marketing
Authorization.
|
6.1
|
Equity
and Other Consideration
|
6.2
|
Equity
to be Issued on Contribution
|
|
6.2.1
|
Upon
the Effective Date, the Company shall issue to Shiva 800,000 shares of
Series B Common Stock, 50,000 shares of Series C Common Stock, 50,000
shares of Series D Common Stock, 50,000 shares of Series E Common Stock,
and 50,000 shares of Series F Common Stock (as more particularly described
in the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation attached hereto as Exhibit
6.2, the “Common Stock”), which will represent twenty percent (20%) of the
outstanding shares of equity securities of the Company on a fully
converted and diluted basis immediately after taking into consideration
the issuance of Common Stock to Shiva and the issuance of shares of equity
securities to the Stockholders pursuant to Section 3.6 (using the number
of shares of equity securities that would be issued if all of the Picton
stockholders had participated in the contribution transaction contemplated
by Section 3.6). If all of the Picton stockholders do not
participate in the contribution transaction contemplated by Section 3.6
(such non-participating Picton stockholders shall be referred to as the
“Remaining Stockholders”), then the Company will consummate a merger of
Picton with either the Company or a newly-formed wholly-owned subsidiary
of the Company pursuant to which the shares of Picton stock held by the
Remaining Stockholders will be converted into the right to receive an
equal number of shares of common stock of the Company that have the same
rights and preferences as the Picton shares. Such merger will
be consummated as promptly as practicable after the Effective Date in a
manner which allows the transactions contemplated hereby to continue to
qualify as a contribution transaction under Section 351 of the Internal
Revenue Code
|
|
6.2.2
|
Neither
the Company nor Picton shall take any action that would have the effect of
denying to Shiva the intended benefits of the equity consideration
provided for in this Section 6.2.
|
6.3
|
Royalties
|
|
6.3.1
|
During
the Royalty Term unless this Agreement shall be terminated as hereinafter
provided, the Company shall pay Shiva royalties equal to [*] percent of
Net Sales, provided, however, that if the Company sublicenses the right to
sell or have sold Licensed Products granted to it under this Agreement by
Shiva to a third party pursuant to Article 2.2 prior to the initiation of
a Company sponsored clinical trial, the Company shall pay Shiva royalties
equal to [*] percent of Net Sales.
|
|
6.3.2
|
The
Company shall also make the following one time payments to
Shiva:
|
|
(a)
|
Five
Hundred Thousand Dollars ($500,000) upon the Effective Date (to be paid as
provided in Section 6.8.2);
|
|
(b)
|
[*];
|
|
(c)
|
[*];
|
|
(d)
|
[*];
|
|
(e)
|
[*];
|
|
(f)
|
[*];
|
|
(g)
|
[*];
|
|
(h)
|
[*]
|
|
(i)
|
[*];
and
|
|
(j)
|
[*].
|
6.4
|
Non-Royalty
Sublicensing Income (NRSI)
|
6.5
|
No
Multiple Royalties
|
6.6
|
Combination
Products
|
6.7
|
Place
of Payment, Taxes and Conversions
|
6.8
|
Time
for Payment
|
|
6.8.1
|
The
Company shall pay to Shiva the royalties due and payable under this
Agreement on a calendar quarterly basis. Royalties with respect
to any calendar quarter shall be paid within [*] of the end of such
calendar quarter, at the same time as the Royalty Statement is delivered
for such calendar quarter.
|
|
6.8.2
|
The
payments set forth in Section 6.3.2 shall be paid to Shiva within [*]
after achievement of the indicated milestone, provided, however, that the
payment provided for in Section 6.3.2 shall be paid no later than the
earlier of 30 days after the Effective Date or August 31,
2006.
|
|
6.8.3
|
Payments
owed to Shiva under Section 6.4 shall be paid within [*] of the event
giving rise to the payment
obligation.
|
|
6.8.4
|
If
no royalties or other payments that may be due to Shiva under this
Agreement shall be due, the Company shall not be required to make a report
pursuant to Article 7.2.
|
6.9
|
Interest
|
6.10
|
Board
of Directors; Consulting Agreement
|
6.11
|
Consideration
for Contribution of Picton Shares
|
7.1
|
Records
and Audits
|
7.2
|
Royalty
Statements
|
|
7.2.1
|
an
accounting of all Licensed Products used or
sold;
|
|
7.2.2
|
total
amounts invoiced for Licensed
Products;
|
|
7.2.3
|
Net
Sales for each Licensed Product by each of the Company, each Affiliate and
each Sublicensee;
|
|
7.2.4
|
cumulative
Net Sales for the current calendar
year;
|
|
7.2.5
|
a
breakdown of deductions applicable in computed Net Sales and taxes
withheld, if any;
|
|
7.2.6
|
a
breakdown of royalties due based on Net Sales by or for the Company or its
Affiliates;
|
|
7.2.7
|
a
breakdown of royalties due from any
Sublicensee;
|
|
7.2.8
|
names
and addresses of all Sublicensees and Affiliates of the Company;
and
|
|
7.2.9
|
a
copy of each report from each Sublicensee as may be pertinent to an
accounting of royalties and other payments that may be due to
Shiva.
|
7.3
|
Confidential
Treatment of Reports
|
8.1
|
Prosecution
and Maintenance
|
8.2
|
Abandonment
|
9.1
|
Disputes
|
|
9.1.1
|
The
parties recognize that disputes as to certain matters may from time to
time arise during the Term which relate to either party’s rights and/or
obligations hereunder or to the interpretation, performance, breach, or
termination of this Agreement, (a “Dispute”). It is the objective of the
parties to establish procedures to facilitate the resolution of a Dispute
in an expedient manner by mutual cooperation and without resort to
litigation. To accomplish this objective, the parties agree to follow the
procedures set forth in this Article 9 if and when a Dispute arises under
this Agreement.
|
|
9.1.2
|
A
Dispute among the parties will be resolved as recited in this Article 9.
Any Disputes relating to this Agreement shall be promptly presented to the
Chief Executive Officers of Shiva and the Company for resolution. From the
date of referral of a Dispute to the Chief Executive Officers of the
parties and until such time as any matter has been resolved by the parties
or has been finally settled by arbitration hereunder, the running of the
cure periods (if any) as to which a party must cure a breach that is part
of the subject matter of any Dispute shall be suspended. In the event that
the Chief Executive Officers of Shiva and the Company, or their respective
designees, cannot after good faith negotiations resolve the Dispute within
thirty (30) days (or such other period of time as mutually agreed to by
the parties in writing) of being requested by a party to resolve a
Dispute, the parties agree that such Dispute shall be resolved by binding
arbitration in accordance with this Article
9.1.
|
|
9.1.3
|
If
a party intends to begin arbitration to resolve such Dispute, such party
shall provide written notice (the “Arbitration Notice”) to the other party
informing such other party of such intention and the issues to be
resolved. Any arbitration hereunder shall be conducted pursuant to the
Commercial Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association
(“AAA”), including the Supplementary Procedures for Large Complex Disputes
(the “AAA Rule”) except as modified herein. The arbitration shall be
conducted by a panel of three (3) arbitrators (the “Panel”) to be mutually
agreed upon by the parties and appointed by the AAA. The arbitrators shall
be industry experts experienced in the issues comprising the Dispute and
shall have no past, present or anticipated future affiliation with either
party. If the parties are unable to agree upon all or any number of the
three (3) mutually acceptable arbitrators within thirty (30) days after
the filing of the Arbitration Notice, the AAA shall promptly appoint the
arbitrator(s) to complete the Panel in accordance with the criteria set
forth in this Article 9.1. The arbitration shall take place in New York,
New York. The Panel shall apply the laws of the State of New York, without
regard to its conflicts of laws provisions. The Panel shall issue
appropriate protective orders to protect each party’s Confidential
Information. If a party can demonstrate to the Panel that the complexity
of the issue or other reasons warrant the extension of one or more
timetables in the AAA Rules, the Panel may extend such timetables but in
no event shall the proceeding extend more than six (6) months from the
date of filing of the Arbitration Notice with the AAA. The Panel’s
decision shall be in writing. The Panel shall have the authority to award
any remedy allowed by law or in equity, including compensatory damages,
pre-judgment interest and to grant final, complete, interim, or
interlocutory relief, including specific performance, injunctions and
other equitable relief, but not punitive or other damages and each party
shall be deemed to have waived any right to such excluded damages. Each
party shall bear its own costs, fees and expenses in the arbitration and
shall share equally the Panel’s fees, unless the Panel determines that its
fees are to be paid by the non-prevailing
party.
|
9.2
|
Performance
to Continue
|
9.3
|
Determination
of Patents and Other Intellectual
Property
|
10.1
|
Term
|
10.2
|
Termination
for
Insolvency
|
10.3
|
Termination
for Failure to make Payments
|
10.4
|
Termination
for Breach
|
10.5
|
Expiry
of Royalty Term on a Country by Country
Basis
|
10.6
|
Termination
for Convenience
|
10.7
|
Consequences
of Termination
|
|
10.7.1
|
the
Company and any Sublicensee thereof may, after the effective date of such
termination and continuing for a period not to exceed nine (9) months
thereafter, sell all completed Licensed Products, and any Licensed
Products in the process of manufacture at the time of such termination,
and sell the same, provided that the
Company:
|
|
(a)
|
notifies
Shiva of its decision within thirty (30) days after the date it receives a
notice of termination by Shiva or the date it provides a notice of
termination to Shiva, as the case may
be;
|
|
(b)
|
pays
or cause to be paid to Shiva the royalties and other payments thereon as
required by Article 6 of this Agreement;
and
|
|
(c)
|
submits
the reports required by Article 7
hereof.
|
|
10.7.2
|
In
all other cases, unless Shiva, in its sole discretion elects to allow the
Company or any Sublicensee to sell-off or distribute, as
applicable, any existing inventory of Licensed Product, the Company and
any Sublicensee shall, at Shiva’s election,
either:
|
|
(a)
|
sell
all existing inventory of Licensed Product to Shiva at fair market value
(or at no charge, in the case of termination by Shiva for breach under
Section 10.4); or
|
|
(b)
|
destroy
all remaining inventory of Licensed Product in accordance with Applicable
Laws and provide Shiva with written proof of destruction sufficient to
comply with Applicable Laws.
|
10.8
|
Survival
|
10.9
|
Failure
to Satisfy Condition to Close
|
11.1
|
Notice
of Infringement of Patent Rights
|
11.2
|
Option
to Prosecute or Defend Patent
Rights
|
11.3
|
Infringement
by Licensed Product
|
11.4
|
Allocation
of Damages Recovered
|
11.5
|
Cooperation
|
12.1
|
Shiva
Warranties
|
|
12.1.1
|
Shiva
has the exclusive right, title, and interest in and to all Patent Rights
and Know-how, free and clear of all liens, charges, or
encumbrances.
|
|
12.1.2
|
To
Shiva’s knowledge, the use of the Technology to manufacture, use, sell or
import any Licensed Product will not infringe any claim of any issued
patent Controlled by any Third Party. To Shiva’s knowledge,
there is no claim in any pending patent application Controlled by any
Third Party which, if contained in an issued patent, would be infringed by
such use of the Technology. Shiva has not granted any license, option,
lien or any other right to a Third Party that limit Shiva’s rights in and
to the Patent Rights or its obligation under this
Agreement.
|
|
12.1.3
|
There
is no claim, pending or to Shiva’s knowledge threatened, of infringement,
interference, invalidity or unenforceability regarding any part or all of
the Patent Rights or Know-how or their use. There is no judgment, order,
injunction, decree, writ or award against Shiva that is not satisfied and
remains outstanding with respect to any Licensed
Product.
|
|
12.1.4
|
The
U.S. and foreign patent applications and patents itemized on Exhibit 1.19
set forth all of the patents and patent applications necessary or useful
for practicing the Technology to manufacture, use, sell or important any
Licensed Product owned or Controlled by or licensed to Shiva on the
Effective Date.
|
|
12.1.5
|
The
inventors listed on applications filed for such Patent Rights represent
the true inventors and there are no inventors of Patent Rights other than
those listed as inventors on applications filed for such Patent
Rights.
|
|
12.1.6
|
The
Patent Rights and Know How were not supported in whole or party by funding
or grants by any federal or state
agency.
|
|
12.1.7
|
Shiva
has provided Picton and the Company with copies of all documents
reflecting support or funding for all or part of the research leading to
Patent Rights and Know How, and has listed all such funding agencies on
Exhibit 12.1.7.
|
|
12.1.8
|
Shiva
is a limited liability company duly organized, validly existing and in
good standing under the laws of New Jersey. Shiva has the
requisite corporate power and authority to execute and deliver this
Agreement and the other agreements contemplated hereby to which it is a
party and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and
thereby. The execution and delivery of this Agreement and the
other agreements contemplated hereby to which Shiva is a party and the
performance and consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and
thereby by Shiva have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate
action on the part of Shiva. This Agreement and the other
agreements contemplated hereby to which Shiva is a party have been duly
executed and delivered by Shiva and, subject to the due authorization,
execution and delivery of such agreements by the other parties thereto,
this Agreement and such other agreements contemplated hereby constitute
valid and binding obligations of Shiva, enforceable against Shiva in
accordance with their respective terms, except as such enforcement may be
affected by bankruptcy, reorganization, insolvency, moratorium or similar
laws affecting creditor’s rights generally and except for general
principles of equity.
|
|
12.1.9
|
The
execution and delivery of this Agreement and the other agreements
contemplated hereby do not, and the consummation of the transactions
contemplated hereby and thereby will not, (i) conflict with, or
result in any violation or breach of any provision of the certificate of
incorporation or bylaws of Shiva, (ii) conflict with or violate any
applicable foreign, Federal, state and local statutes, judgments, decrees,
laws, ordinances, rules, regulations, injunctions and
orders (“Laws”) of any U.S. Federal, state, foreign or local
government or any court, tribunal, administrative agency or commission or
other governmental or regulatory authority, body or agency, including any
self-regulatory organization (“Governmental Authorities”) applicable to
Shiva or any of its assets or operations or any permit applicable to Shiva
or (iii) result in (x) any violation or breach of, constitute (with
or without notice or lapse of time or both) a default under or conflict
with (or give rise to a right of termination, amendment, cancellation or
acceleration of any material obligation or loss of any benefit under) the
provisions of any material lease, contract or other agreement to which
Shiva is a party or by which it or any of its properties or assets is
otherwise bound or (y) the imposition of any lien, pledge,
hypothecation, mortgage, security interest, claim, lease, charge, option,
right of first refusal or first offer, easement, servitude, transfer
restriction, voting requirement or any other encumbrance, restriction or
limitation on any of the properties or assets of
Shiva.
|
|
12.1.10
|
No
consent, approval or authorization of, or declaration or filing with, any
Governmental Authority or Person (a “Consent”) is required on the part of
Shiva in connection with its execution, delivery and performance of this
Agreement or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby or
in connection with the Licensed
Products.
|
|
12.1.11
|
Shiva
has not received from the Federal Drug Administration (“FDA”), the U.S.
Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”) or any similar state, local or
foreign Governmental Authority any written notice (i) regarding the
approvability or approval of any of the Licensed Products, or
(ii) alleging any violation by Shiva of any Law relating to any of
the Licensed Products. No Licensed Product has been withdrawn,
suspended or discontinued by Shiva as a result of any action by the FDA,
the DEA or any similar state, local or foreign Governmental Authority,
either within or outside the U.S. (whether voluntarily or
otherwise). No officer, employee or agent of Shiva, on behalf
of Shiva in regard to any Licensed Product, has made any untrue statement
of a material fact or a fraudulent statement to the FDA, DEA or any
similar state, local or foreign Governmental Authority, failed to disclose
any material fact required to be disclosed to the FDA, the DEA or any
similar state, local or foreign Governmental Authority, or committed an
act, made a statement or failed to make a statement that, at the time such
act, statement or omission was made, could reasonably be expected to
provide a basis for the FDA, the DEA or any similar state, local or
foreign Governmental Authority to invoke the FDA’s policy respecting
“Fraud, Untrue Statements of Material Facts, Bribery, and Illegal
Gratuities” set forth in 56 Fed. Reg. 46191 (September 10, 1991)
or any similar policy, nor has any director, officer, employee or agent of
Shiva on behalf of Shiva, has been convicted of any crime or engaged in
any conduct for which debarment is mandated by 21 U.S.C. Article
335a(a) (or any similar Law) or authorized by 21 U.S.C. Article
335a(b) (or any similar Law).
|
|
12.1.12
|
Shiva
has taken commercially reasonable efforts to preserve the confidentiality
of all trade secrets, proprietary and other confidential information
material to the business and operations of
Shiva.
|
12.2
|
Debarment
|
13.1
|
NO
IMPLIED WARRANTIES
|
|
13.1.1
|
SUBJECT
TO ARTICLE 12, SHIVA DOES NOT MAKE AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED,
INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND VALIDITY OF PATENTED RIGHTS CLAIMS, ISSUED OR
PENDING.
|
|
13.1.2
|
SUBJECT
TO ARTICLE 12, NOTHING HEREIN SHALL BE CONSTRUED AS A REPRESENTATION OR
WARRANTY BY SHIVA TO THE COMPANY THAT THE PATENT RIGHTS AND KNOW-HOW ARE
NOT INFRINGED BY ANY THIRD PARTY, OR THAT THE PRACTICE OF SUCH RIGHTS DOES
NOT INFRINGE ANY INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS OF ANY THIRD
PARTY.
|
13.2
|
Indemnity
of Shiva
|
|
13.2.1
|
from
the infringement by Licensed Products of the proprietary rights of a third
party;
|
|
13.2.2
|
out
of the exploitation by the Company or its Affiliates or Sublicensees or
their respective transferees of intellectual property rights licensed or
information furnished under this Agreement;
or
|
|
13.2.3
|
out
of any testing, use, manufacture, sale or other disposition by the Company
or its Affiliates or Sublicensees or their respective transferees of
Patent Rights, Know-how or Licensed
Products,
|
13.3
|
Indemnity
of Stockholders
|
14.1
|
Use
of Name; Labeling
|
14.2
|
No
Agency
|
14.3
|
Publication
|
15.1
|
Confidentiality
and Non-Use
|
|
15.1.1
|
The
receiving party receives at any time from a third-party lawfully in
possession of same and having the right to disclose
same;
|
|
15.1.2
|
is,
as of the date of this Agreement, in the public domain, or subsequently
enters the public domain through no fault of the receiving
party;
|
|
15.1.3
|
is
independently developed by the receiving party as demonstrated by written
evidence without reference to information disclosed to the receiving party
by the disclosing party;
|
|
15.1.4
|
is
disclosed pursuant to the prior written approval of the disclosing party;
or
|
|
15.1.5
|
is
required to be disclosed pursuant to Applicable Law or legal process
(including, without limitation, to a governmental authority) provided, in
the case of disclosure pursuant to legal process, reasonable notice of the
impending disclosure is provided to the non-disclosing
party.
|
17.1
|
Assignment
|
17.2
|
Binding
Nature and Enurement
|
17.3
|
Compliance
with Applicable Laws
|
17.4
|
Counterparts;
Facsimile
|
17.5
|
Entire
Agreement; Amendment
|
17.6
|
Force
Majeure
|
17.7
|
Further
Assurances
|
17.8
|
Headings
|
17.9
|
Law
|
17.10
|
No
Consequential Damages
|
17.11
|
Payments,
Notices and Other Communications
|
17.12
|
Payment
of Own Fees and Expenses
|
17.13
|
Severability
|
17.14
|
Waiver
|
PICTON
PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
|
SHIVA
BIOMEDICAL, LLC
|
|||
By:
|
/s/ J. Jay Lobell |
By:
|
/s/ Sudhir V. Shah, M.D. | |
Name:
|
J. Jay Lobell
|
Name:
|
Sudhir V. Shah, M.D.
|
|
Title:
|
President
|
Title:
|
President
|
|
Date:
|
7/28/06
|
Date:
|
7/27/06
|
|
PICTON
HOLDING COMPANY, INC.
|
||||
By:
|
/s/ Stephen Rocamboli | |||
Name:
|
Stephen Rocamboli
|
|||
Title:
|
President
|
|||
Date:
|
7/28/06
|
|
1.
|
Capitalized
terms used herein and not otherwise defined shall have the meanings given
to them in the Agreement. All references to an Article shall
refer to an Article of the Agreement unless otherwise
indicated.
|
|
2.
|
Article
1.14 is hereby amended and restated in its entirety as
follows:
|
|
“Licensed
Product(s)” shall mean (i) any product that cannot be manufactured, used
or sold, in whole or in part, in the country in which the product is made,
used, leased, imported, exported, offered for sale or sold, without
infringing one or more claims included within an existing issued patent or
pending patent application included in the Patent Rights as of the date of
the execution of this Agreement or (ii) any Contributed Product that
cannot be manufactured, used or sold, in whole or in part, in the country
in which the product is made, used, leased, imported, exported, offered
for sale or sold, without (x) infringing one or more claims otherwise
included at any time during the term of this Agreement within the Patent
Rights or (y) the use or incorporation of
Know-how.
|
|
3.
|
Article
1.18 is hereby amended and restated in its entirety as
follows:
|
|
“Non-Royalty
Sublicensing Income” means any and all consideration received from a
Sublicensee in connection with the grant of a Sublicense under the Patent
Rights or Know-how, including without limitation sublicense issue fees,
sublicense maintenance fees and sales and non-sales related milestone
payments, but excluding (a) consideration received for the sale, issuance
or exchange of debt or equity securities of the Company; (b) payments
received by the Company as reimbursement or advance payment for expenses
actually incurred by the Company in the research or development of the
Technology or any Licensed Product; and (c) royalty payments based on the
sales of Licensed Products (as such sales will be subject to payment under
Article 6.3.1).
|
4.
|
Article
1.23 is hereby amended and restated in its entirety as
follows:
|
|
5.
|
A
new Article 1.28 shall be added, which shall read in its entirety as
follows:
|
|
“Company
Technology Know-how” means all non-public tangible or intangible
information whether patentable or not (but which has not been patented)
related to the Technology, any Licensed Product or any Improvement,
including but not limited to: formulations, in vitro, preclinical or
clinical design, information or results, other proprietary materials,
processes, including but not limited to manufacturing processes, data,
drawings and sketches, designs, testing and test results, and regulatory
information of a like nature.
|
|
6.
|
A
new Article 1.29 shall be added, which shall read in its entirety as
follows:
|
|
7.
|
A
new Article 1.30 shall be added, which shall read in its entirety as
follows:
|
|
8.
|
A
new Article 1.31 shall be added, which shall read in its entirety as
follows:
|
|
9.
|
A
new Article 1.32 shall be added, which shall read in its entirety as
follows:
|
|
(i)
|
all
shares of Series A Common Stock and/or options, warrants or other Series A
Common Stock purchase rights and the Series A Common Stock issued pursuant
to such options, warrants or other rights (as adjusted for any stock
dividends, combinations, splits, recapitalizations and the like after the
date hereof) issued or to be issued after the date hereof to employees,
officers or directors of, or consultants or advisors to the Company
pursuant to stock purchase or stock option plans or other compensatory
arrangements that are approved by the Board of Directors of the Company,
not to exceed at any time, in the aggregate, more than fifteen percent
(15%) of the outstanding shares of Series A Common Stock (after giving
effect to (a) the assumed conversion of all then-outstanding securities
convertible by their terms into shares of Series A Common Stock on the
date of determination and (b) the assumed exercise of all then-outstanding
securities exercisable by their terms for shares of Series A Common Stock
on the date of determination);
|
|
(ii)
|
stock
issued or issuable pursuant to those rights or agreements, options,
warrants or convertible securities outstanding and determinable as of the
date of this Amendment, all of which are fully and accurately described in
Exhibit 1.32 attached hereto;
|
|
(iii)
|
any
Equity Securities issued pro rata in connection with any stock split,
stock dividend or recapitalization by the
Company;
|
|
(iv)
|
any
Equity Securities issued for consideration other than cash pursuant to a
merger, consolidation, acquisition or similar business combination with an
unaffiliated Third Party;
|
|
(v)
|
any
Equity Securities issued pursuant to any equipment loan or leasing
arrangement, real property leasing arrangement, or debt financing from a
bank or similar financial or lending
institution;
|
|
(vi)
|
any
Equity Securities that are issued by the Company pursuant to a
registration statement filed under the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended;
|
|
(vii)
|
any
Equity Securities issued in connection with strategic transactions
involving the Company and other entities, including, without limitation,
(a) joint ventures, strategic alliances, or research and development
collaborations and (b) technology transfer, licensing or development
arrangements; provided, that such transaction is not primarily for equity
financing purposes; and
|
(viii)
|
any
Equity Securities issued to Shiva.
|
|
10.
|
A
new Article 1.33 shall be added, which shall read in its entirety as
follows:
|
|
11.
|
A
new Article 1.34 shall be added, which shall read in its entirety as
follows:
|
|
12.
|
A
new Article 1.35 shall be added, which shall read in its entirety as
follows:
|
|
13.
|
Article
2.2.4 is hereby amended and restated in its entirety as
follows:
|
|
Except
as expressly agreed in writing by Shiva in its sole discretion or as set
forth in this Article 2.2.4, no Sublicense shall survive termination of
this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, with respect to
any Sublicense granted after such time that the Company has raised ten
million dollars ($10,000,000) in Additional Financing (as defined in
Article 10.4.2(b)) (the “Financing Benchmark”), in the event that Shiva
terminates this Agreement pursuant to Section 10.3 (non-payment) or
Section 10.4 (termination for cause) or this Agreement terminates pursuant
to Section 10.2 (Company bankruptcy), such Sublicense shall survive such
termination of this Agreement and such Sublicensee shall have a direct
grant from Shiva of the same rights Sublicensed to Sublicensee under the
Sublicense, subject to Sublicensee assuming all obligations of the Company
to Shiva under this Agreement and providing directly to Shiva, rather than
to the Company, any additional consideration payable by Sublicensee to the
Company under the Sublicense. Upon request of the Company at
the time it enters into any sublicense agreement after achievement of the
Financing Benchmark, Shiva agrees to directly contract with each such
Sublicensee in writing with respect to the foregoing
conditions.
|
|
14.
|
Article
6.2 is hereby amended and restated in its entirety as
follows:
|
|
6.2.1
|
On
the date of this Amendment, the Company and Shiva shall enter into a
common stock exchange agreement, in the form attached hereto as Exhibit
6.2.1, pursuant to which Shiva shall exchange all shares of Series B
Common Stock, Series C Common Stock, Series D Common Stock, Series E
Common Stock and Series F Common Stock currently held by Shiva
(collectively, the “Exchanged Shares”) for an aggregate of 773,717 shares
of Series A Common Stock (as more particularly described in the Company’s
Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation described in Article
6.2.2 below) (the “New Shares”). The New Shares shall represent
no less than seven percent (7%) of the outstanding shares of Series A
Common Stock on the date hereof (after giving effect to (i) the surrender
of the Exchanged Shares and the issuance of the New Shares, (ii) the
assumed conversion of all outstanding securities convertible by their
terms into shares of Series A Common Stock on the date hereof and (iii)
the assumed exercise of all outstanding securities exercisable by their
terms for shares of Series A Common Stock on the date
hereof).
|
|
6.2.2
|
In
conjunction with the execution of this Amendment, the Company shall file
an Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, in the form attached
hereto as Exhibit 6.2.2 (the “Restated Certificate”), with the Secretary
of State of the State of Delaware, which Restated Certificate shall set
forth the rights, preferences and privileges of the Series A Common Stock
representing the New Shares and shall remove all references to the several
series of common stock that comprised the Exchanged
Shares.
|
|
6.2.3
|
In
addition to the shares of Series A Common Stock to be issued pursuant to
Article 6.2.1, upon any proposed Equity Adjustment Event, the Company
shall, if necessary to achieve the Minimum Equity Percentage upon the
consummation of such Equity Adjustment Event, cause to be issued to Shiva
the applicable number of Equity Adjustment Shares as a condition to or
concurrently with the consummation of the proposed Equity Adjustment
Event.
|
|
6.2.4
|
The
Company’s obligations set forth in Article 6.2.3 shall terminate following
the earlier of (i) the consummation of one or more equity financings
following which the Qualifying Financing Amount has been received by the
Company, provided that Shiva’s rights under Article 6.2.3 shall apply to
the sale of Equity Securities up to and including the Qualifying Financing
Amount; (ii) any Sale (as defined in the Restated Certificate), provided
that Shiva’s rights under Article 6.2.3 shall apply up to and including
such Sale; (iii) any Reverse Merger, provided that Shiva’s rights under
Article 6.2.3 shall apply up to and including such Reverse Merger; or (iv)
the Company’s first firm commitment underwritten public offering of its
Series A Common Stock (or similar equity security for which the Series A
Common Stock may be exchanged or recapitalized after the date hereof)
registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended.
|
|
6.2.5
|
The
Company shall not take any action that would have the effect of denying to
Shiva the intended benefits of the equity consideration provided for in
this Article 6.2.
|
|
15.
|
Article
6.3.1 is hereby amended and restated in its entirety as
follows:
|
|
Unless
this Agreement shall be terminated as hereinafter provided, during the
applicable Royalty Term for each Licensed Product, the Company shall pay
Shiva royalties on such Licensed Product on a country-by-country basis
equal to [*] of Net Sales.
|
|
16.
|
Article
6.3.2 is hereby amended and restated in its entirety as
follows:
|
|
(a)
|
[*];
|
|
(b)
|
[*];
|
|
(c)
|
[*];
|
|
(d)
|
[*];
|
|
(e)
|
[*];
|
|
(f)
|
[*];
|
|
(g)
|
[*];
|
|
(h)
|
[*];
and
|
|
(i)
|
[*].
|
17.
|
Article
6.4 is hereby amended and restated in its entirety as
follows:
|
|
18.
|
A
new Article 6.12 shall be added, which shall read in its entirety as
follows:
|
|
6.12.1
|
Any
shares issued to Shiva pursuant to Article 6.2 (collectively, the “Shiva
Shares”) shall not be sold, pledged, or otherwise transferred, and the
Company shall not recognize and shall issue stop-transfer instructions to
its transfer agent with respect to any such sale, pledge, or transfer,
except upon the conditions specified in this Agreement, which conditions
are intended to ensure compliance with the provisions of the Securities
Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). Shiva shall
cause any proposed purchaser, pledgee, or transferee of the Shiva Shares
to agree to take and hold such securities subject to the provisions and
upon the conditions specified in this
Agreement.
|
|
6.12.2
|
Each
certificate or instrument representing the Shiva Shares and any other
securities issued in respect of the Shiva Shares upon any stock split,
stock dividend, recapitalization, merger, consolidation, or similar event,
shall (unless otherwise permitted by the provisions of Article 6.12.3
below) be stamped or otherwise imprinted with a legend substantially in
the following form:
|
6.12.3
|
Shiva,
by its acceptance of the Shiva Shares, agrees to comply in all respects
with the provisions of this Article 6.12. Before any proposed
sale, pledge, or transfer of any Shiva Shares, unless there is in effect a
registration statement under the Securities Act covering the proposed
transaction, Shiva shall give notice to the Company of its intention to
effect such sale, pledge, or transfer. Each such notice shall
name the proposed transferee and state the number of Shiva Shares to be
sold, pledged or transferred, the proposed consideration, and all other
terms and conditions of the proposed sale, pledge or transfer in
sufficient detail. If reasonably requested by the Company, such
notice shall be accompanied at Shiva’s expense by either (i) a written
opinion of legal counsel who shall, and whose legal opinion shall, be
reasonably satisfactory to the Company, addressed to the Company, to the
effect that the proposed transaction may be effected without registration
under the Securities Act; (ii) a “no action” letter from the SEC to the
effect that the proposed sale, pledge, or transfer of such Shiva Shares
without registration will not result in a recommendation by the staff of
the SEC that action be taken with respect thereto; or (iii) any other
evidence reasonably satisfactory to counsel to the Company to the effect
that the proposed sale, pledge, or transfer of the Shiva Shares may be
effected without registration under the Securities Act, whereupon Shiva
shall be entitled to sell, pledge, or transfer such Shiva Shares in
accordance with the terms of the notice given by Shiva to the Company,
subject to the terms of Article 6.12.4 below. The Company will
not require such a legal opinion or “no action” letter (x) in any
transaction in compliance with SEC Rule 144 or (y) in any transaction in
which Shiva distributes Shiva Shares to an Affiliate of Shiva for no
consideration; provided that each transferee agrees in writing to be
subject to the terms of this Article 6.12. Each certificate or
instrument evidencing the Shiva Shares transferred as above provided shall
bear, except if such transfer is made pursuant to SEC Rule 144, the
appropriate restrictive legend set forth in Article 6.12.2, except that
such certificate shall not bear such restrictive legend if, in the opinion
of counsel for Shiva and the Company, such legend is not required in order
to establish compliance with any provisions of the Securities
Act.
|
6.12.4
|
Shiva
hereby agrees that it shall not sell, transfer, make any short sale of,
grant any option for the purchase of, or enter into any hedging or similar
transaction with the same economic effect as a sale, the Shiva Shares or
any other securities of the Company held by Shiva (other than those
included in the registration) (i) during the 180-day period following the
effective date of the Company’s first firm commitment underwritten public
offering of its common stock registered under the Securities Act (or such
longer period as the underwriters or the Company shall request in order to
facilitate compliance with FINRA Rule 2711 or NYSE Member Rule 472 or any
successor or similar rule or regulation), and (ii) the 90-day period
following the effective date of a subsequent registration statement of the
Company filed under the Securities Act (or such longer period as the
underwriters or the Company shall request in order to facilitate
compliance with FINRA Rule 2711 or NYSE Member Rule 472 or any successor
or similar rule or regulation); provided, that, with respect to (i) and
(ii) above, all executive officers and directors of the Company and all
holders of greater than three percent (3%) of the Company’s outstanding
Series A Common Stock are bound by and have entered into similar
agreements. The obligations described in this Article 6.12.4 shall not
apply to a registration relating solely to employee benefit plans on Form
S-1 or Form S-8 or similar forms that may be promulgated in the future, or
a registration relating solely to a transaction on Form S-4 or similar
forms that may be promulgated in the
future.
|
|
19.
|
The
heading for Article 10.2 is hereby amended to “Termination for Bankruptcy”
and all references to Article 10.2 shall be amended to reflect “Company
bankruptcy.”
|
|
20.
|
The
heading for Article 10.4 is hereby amended to “Termination for Cause”, and
Article 10.4 is hereby amended and restated in its entirety as
follows:
|
10.4.1
|
Subject
to Article 9 and the provisions of this Article 10.4.1, upon any material
breach or default of this Agreement by the Company, other than as set
forth in Article 10.2 and 10.3 above or as set forth in Article 10.4.2
below, Shiva shall have the right to terminate this Agreement and the
rights, privileges and license granted hereunder by giving ninety (90)
days prior written notice to the Company. Upon the expiration
of the ninety (90) day period, if the Company shall have failed to cure
such breach or default, this Agreement shall, at the option of Shiva,
terminate upon written notice of Shiva. Notwithstanding
anything herein to the contrary, if the nature of the breach is such that
additional time is reasonably needed to cure such breach, and Company has
commenced with good faith efforts to cure such breach, then Shiva shall
provide Company with additional time (but in no event more than a total of
180 days) in which to cure such breach. If a dispute regarding
termination is addressed according to Article 9, this Agreement shall
remain in full force and effect until such dispute is settled or
determined in accordance with Article
9.
|
|
10.4.2
|
Shiva
shall have the right to terminate this Agreement within fifteen (15) days
after giving written notice of termination to the Company if any of the
following occurs:
|
|
(a)
|
the
Company has not raised at least one million five hundred thousand dollars
($1,500,000) on or before November 30,
2009;
|
|
(b)
|
the
Company has not, on or before March 31, 2010, either (i) obtained at least
ten million dollars ($10,000,000) in financing that is additional to the
capital raise described in Article 10.4.2(a) (“Additional Financing”) or
(ii) filed a registration statement for an initial public offering with
the United States Securities and Exchange
Commission;
|
|
(c)
|
the
Company has not, on or before June 30, 2010, obtained at least ten million
dollars ($10,000,000) in Additional
Financing;
|
|
(d)
|
the
Company has not initiated patient dosing in a “Proof of Concept Trial” for
a Licensed Product on or before April 30, 2010, where a “Proof of Concept
Trial” is a Phase II clinical study as and to the extent defined for the
United States in 21 C.F.R. § 312.21(b), or its successor regulation, or
the equivalent regulation in any other country;
or
|
|
(e)
|
the
Company has not initiated patient dosing in a “Pivotal Trial” for a
Licensed Product on or before September 30, 2011, where “Pivotal Trial”
means (i) a Phase III clinical study (as such term is defined in 21
C.F.R.§ 312.21(c) or its successor regulation or the equivalent regulation
in any other country), or (ii) if it has been determined at the time of
first dosing that the data generated in such study, if successful, will be
sufficient, without data from further studies, to support the filing of an
NDA, a Phase II clinical study (as described above) or a combination Phase
II clinical study and Phase III clinical
study.
|
|
21.
|
Article
10.5 is hereby amended and restated in its entirety as
follows:
|
|
22.
|
The
heading for Article 10.6 is hereby amended to “Termination by the
Company”, and Article 10.6 is hereby amended and restated in its entirety
as follows:
|
|
10.6.1
|
The
Company shall have the right at any time to terminate this Agreement in
its entirety, for any reason or no reason, by giving thirty (30) days
notice thereof in writing to Shiva.
|
10.6.2
|
Without
limiting the generality of the foregoing Article 10.6.1 or the right of
the Company to terminate this Agreement at will as provided therein,
subject to Article 9 and the provisions of this Article 10.6.2, the
Company shall have the right to terminate this Agreement for cause as
provided in this Article 10.6.2. Upon any material breach or default of
this Agreement by Shiva, the Company shall have the right to terminate
this Agreement by giving ninety (90) days prior written notice to Shiva.
Upon the expiration of the ninety (90) day period, if Shiva shall have
failed to cure such breach or default, this Agreement shall, at the option
of the Company, terminate upon written notice of the Company.
Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, if the nature of the
breach is such that additional time is reasonably needed to cure such
breach, and Shiva has commenced with good faith efforts to cure such
breach, then the Company shall provide Shiva with additional time (but in
no event more than a total of 180 days) in which to cure such breach. If a
dispute regarding termination is addressed according to Article 9, this
Agreement shall remain in full force and effect until such dispute is
settled or determined in accordance with Article
9.
|
|
23.
|
A
new Article 10.7.3 shall be added, which shall read in its entirety as
follows:
|
|
Without
limiting the provisions of Article 10.7.1 and 10.7.2, upon early
termination of this Agreement by either party for any reason other than
termination by the Company for cause pursuant to Article
10.6.2, as of the effective date of such termination the following
provisions shall apply:
|
|
(a)
|
The
Company shall reassign to Shiva all Know-how and other intellectual
property that Shiva assigned to the Company pursuant to Article
3.1.
|
|
(b)
|
Unless
otherwise prohibited by law, the Company shall transfer and assign to
Shiva all Company Technology Know-how Controlled by the Company, including
as applicable: (i) copies of all regulatory submissions; (ii)
all data and reports from pre-clinical and clinical studies; (iii) any
prototypes, designs or models of Shiva 101 and/or Shiva 102; (iii) any
communications with the FDA and the minutes of any meetings with the FDA
relating to any Licensed Product; (iv) trial master files relating to any
Licensed Product, including copies of all case report forms; (v) copies of
all listings and tables of results from the clinical trials relating to
any Licensed Product; (vi) copies of all treatment-related serious adverse
event reports from the clinical trials relating to any Licensed Product;
(vii) any retained samples of materials used in clinical trials relating
to any Licensed Product; (viii) rights of access to CROs involved in the
clinical trials relating to any Licensed Product; (ix) the data, files and
results of any CMC related activities regarding any Licensed Product; and
(x) all other information that Shiva may reasonably request regarding the
manufacturing of any Licensed Product, clinical trials with respect to any
Licensed Product, and the commercial sale of any Licensed
Product.
|
|
(c)
|
The
Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts to arrange (i) for the
assignment to Shiva of any manufacturing, supply, or similar commercial
contract related to any Licensed Product or ingredient thereof and
necessary or desirable for the manufacture, development, and
commercialization of any Licensed Product or ingredient thereof by Shiva
after the effective date of termination, subject to the assumption of such
contract by Shiva or (ii) for any Third Party who is (as of the effective
date of termination) a party with the Company to any such contract to
enter into a similar contract with Shiva, on a basis acceptable to Shiva,
provided that the Company shall not be required to make any payment or
provide any other consideration in order to arrange for any such
assignment or similar contract.
|
|
(d)
|
The
Company shall grant to Shiva a free-of-charge right to reference and use
and have full access to all Governmental Approvals and all other
regulatory documents relating to any Licensed Product, including any IND,
any NDA and any DMF (whether as an independent document or as part of any
NDA, and all chemistry, manufacturing and controls information), and any
supplements, amendments or updates to the foregoing, where such regulatory
documents are owned or sufficiently Controlled by the Company, directly or
indirectly, to permit such grant (for the purposes of this Article, the
“Right of Reference”). Shiva may sublicense the Right of Reference to
Affiliates and to Third Parties, in Shiva’s sole
discretion.
|
|
(e)
|
Upon
Shiva’s request, the Company shall transfer to Shiva any Governmental
Approvals or other applicable regulatory filings related to Licensed
Products, which are owned and held by the Company as of the effective date
of termination.
|
|
(f)
|
The
Company shall transfer to Shiva at Shiva’s request all or any part of the
Company’s inventory of (i) Licensed Products and (ii) GMP and non-GMP
Compound.
|
|
24.
|
Article
10.8 is hereby amended and restated in its entirety as
follows:
|
|
25.
|
Article
15.1 is hereby amended and restated in its entirety as
follows:
|
|
15.1.1
|
the
party using or disclosing such Confidential Information receives at any
time from a Third Party lawfully in possession of such Confidential
Information and having a right to disclose the
same;
|
|
15.1.2
|
is,
as of the date of this Agreement, in the public domain, or subsequently
enters the public domain through no fault of the party disclosing or using
such Confidential Information; or
|
|
15.1.3
|
is
disclosed or used pursuant to the prior written consent of the other
party.
|
i.
|
15.1.4
such
disclosure: (a) is reasonably necessary for filing, prosecuting,
defending or asserting Patent Rights as contemplated by this Agreement;
(b) is reasonably necessary in connection with any regulatory filings
for any Licensed Product; or (c) is made to any Third Party bound by
written obligations of confidentiality and non-use similar to those set
forth under this Article 15.1, to the extent otherwise necessary or
appropriate in connection with the exercise of its rights or the
performance of its obligations
hereunder;
|
ii.
|
15.1.5
such disclosure is reasonably necessary: (a) to such party’s directors,
attorneys, independent accountants or financial advisors for the sole
purpose of enabling such directors, attorneys, independent accountants or
financial advisors to provide advice to the party making such disclosure,
provided that in each such case disclosure is on the condition that such
directors, attorneys, independent accountants and financial advisors are
bound by confidentiality and non-use obligations substantially similar
with those contained in this Agreement; or (b) to actual or potential
investors and/or acquirors solely for the purpose of evaluating an actual
or potential investment or acquisition; provided that in each such case
disclosure is on the condition that such actual or potential investors
and/or acquirers are bound by confidentiality and non-use obligations
substantially consistent with those contained in the Agreement;
or
|
iii.
|
15.1.6
such
disclosure is required by judicial or administrative process, provided
that in such event such party shall promptly inform the other party of
such required disclosure and provide the other party an opportunity to
challenge or limit the disclosure obligations. Confidential
Information that is disclosed by judicial or administrative process shall
remain otherwise subject to the confidentiality and non-use provisions of
this Article 15.1, and the party disclosing Confidential Information
pursuant to law or court order shall take all steps reasonably necessary,
including seeking of confidential treatment or a protective order, to
ensure the continued confidential treatment of such Confidential
Information.
|
26.
|
A
new Exhibit 1.32 shall be added, which shall read in its entirety as
provided in the
Exhibit
attached to this Amendment.
|
|
27.
|
This
Amendment shall be in full force and effect from and after the date
hereof. Except as amended hereby, the Agreement shall remain in
full force and effect.
|
|
28.
|
This
Amendment may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall
be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and
the same instrument. This Amendment may be signed and delivered to the
other parties by facsimile signature; such transmission will be deemed a
valid signature.
|
CORMEDIX,
INC.
|
SHIVA
BIOMEDICAL, LLC
|
|||
By:
|
/s/ John C. Houghton
|
By:
|
/s/ Yashvant Patel
|
|
Name:
|
John C. Houghton
|
Name:
|
Yashvant Patel
|
|
Title:
|
President and CEO
|
Title:
|
Vice President
|
|
Date:
|
9/28/09
|
Date:
|
9/30/09
|
1.24.1
|
“Net
Sales” shall mean the total gross invoice amounts for sales or other
dispositions for consideration of Licensed Products to customers who are
not Affiliates, or are Affiliates, but are end users of the Licensed
Products, by or on behalf of the Company or any of its Affiliates or
Sublicensees (if applicable)
,
whether invoiced or
not, less the following
deductions:
|
(a)
|
usual
trade discounts to customers, including but not limited to
cash, quantity and trade discounts, rebates and other price
reductions for such Licensed Product given to such
customers;
|
(b)
|
sales,
tariff duties, value-added tax and/or use taxes directly imposed and with
reference to particular sales (which does not include income, withholding
or similar taxes);
|
(c)
|
amounts
allowed or credited on charge-backs and/or
returns;
|
(d)
|
bad
debt deductions and uncollectible amounts actually written off during the
applicable accounting period, up to a maximum of [*] of the
gross invoice amounts for such royalty reporting
period;
|
(e)
|
outbound
transportation prepaid or allowed and transportation
insurance;
|
(f)
|
packaging,
freight, and insurance
charges;
|
(g)
|
customs
duties, surcharges and other governmental charges incurred in exporting or
importing such Licensed Product to such customers;
and
|
(h)
|
wholesaler
discounts and chargebacks and rebates granted to (1) managed healthcare
organizations, (2) federal, state and/or provincial and/or local
governments or other agencies, (3) purchasers and reimbursers, or (4)
trade customers, including without limitation, wholesalers and chain and
pharmacy buying groups.
|
|
1.24.2
|
Components
of Net Sales (and the deductions listed above) shall be determined in
accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles
applied on a consistent basis.
|
|
1.24.3
|
Notwithstanding
anything herein to the contrary, the transfer of a Licensed Product to (i)
an Affiliate, Sublicensee, or other Third Party in connection with the
research, development or testing of a Licensed Product or for purposes of
resale, and (ii) to indigent or similar public support or compassionate
use programs shall not be considered a sale of a Licensed Product under
this Agreement.
|
|
1.25.1
|
all
U.S. and foreign patents and patent applications set forth in Schedule
1.25;
|
|
1.25.2
|
any
and all U.S. or foreign patents, patent applications, or other rights
issuing from, or filed subsequent to the date of this Agreement, based on
or claiming priority to or from the applications, patents, and rights
listed on Schedule 1.25, including but not limited to continuations,
continuations in part, divisionals, reexaminations, extensions, reissues,
substitutions, renewals, supplementary protection certificates,
registrations, and confirmations of any of the foregoing, and any patents
resulting from any application or right included in Articles 1.25.1 or
1.25.2; and
|
|
1.25.3
|
any
other intellectual property rights owned or Controlled by the Licensor at
any time during the Term of this Agreement relating to or claiming an
Improvement or that Licensor has the ability to license or gains the
ability to license to the Company relating to or claiming an Improvement;
and any and all US or foreign patents, patent applications, or other
rights, including continuations, continuations in part, divisionals,
reexaminations, extensions, reissues, substitutions, renewals,
supplementary protection certificates, registrations, and confirmations of
such rights relating to or claiming, in each case, an
Improvement.
|
2.2.1
|
The
Company shall have the right to grant sublicenses through multiple tiers
of any and all rights granted to Company under this Agreement to its
Affiliates or Third Parties in the Company’s sole
discretion. All sublicenses granted under this Article 2.2.1
shall survive and be automatically assigned to Licensor upon termination
of this Agreement,
provided however
,
Licensor shall not be obligated to incur any obligations in excess of
those of Licensor contained herein or
therein.
|
2.2.2
|
Notwithstanding
the foregoing, if the Company believes that Licensor has terminated this
Agreement for the primary purpose of doing business directly with the
Sublicensee, the termination may be disputed under the provisions of
Article 10.
|
a.
|
copies
of all regulatory submissions;
|
|
b.
|
any
communications with Competent Authorities and the minutes of any meetings
with Competent Authorities relating to any Licensed
Product;
|
|
c.
|
DMFs
and any trial, drug, device, or other master files relating to any
Licensed Product, including copies of all case report
forms;
|
|
d.
|
copies
of all listings and tables of results from the clinical trials relating to
any Licensed Product;
|
|
e.
|
copies
of all treatment-related serious adverse event reports from the clinical
trials relating to any Licensed
Product;
|
|
f.
|
any
retained samples of materials used in clinical trials relating to any
Licensed Product;
|
|
g.
|
access
to contract and clinical research organizations (to the extent the
Licensor is able using Commercially Reasonable Efforts) involved in the
preclinical studies and clinical trials relating to any Licensed
Product;
|
|
h.
|
the
data, files and results of any chemistry, manufacturing, or
control-related activities regarding any Licensed
Product.
|
|
4.1.1
|
The
Company may obtain, in its own name, all Marketing Authorizations for each
country in the Territory for Licensed Products. Without limiting the
generality of the foregoing, the Company shall prepare and submit in its
own name and at its expense PMAs with the FDA in the U.S. and any other
equivalent application with the Competent Authorities in other countries
in the Territory.
|
|
4.1.2
|
The
Company shall secure and maintain in good standing, at its sole cost and
expense, any and all Governmental Approvals (including, Marketing
Authorizations, licenses, permits and consents, facility licenses and
permits required by Applicable Laws or by the applicable Competent
Authorities) necessary and/or required for the Company to perform its
obligations under this Agreement and use Commercially Reasonable Efforts
at its cost and expense to secure and maintain any variations and renewals
thereof. Licensor shall promptly notify Company of any written
or oral notices received from, or inspections by, any Competent Authority
relating to any such Governmental
Approvals.
|
|
6.1.1
|
Three
Hundred Twenty-Five Thousand Dollars ($325,000) upon execution of this
Agreement;
|
|
6.1.2
|
[*];
|
|
6.1.3
|
[*];
|
|
6.1.4
|
[*];
and
|
|
6.1.5
|
[*].
|
|
7.2.1
|
Net
Sales for each Licensed Product by the Company, each Affiliate, and each
Sublicensee
|
|
7.2.2
|
cumulative
Net Sales for the applicable calendar
quarter;
|
|
7.2.3
|
a
breakdown of deductions applicable in computing Net Sales and taxes paid
or withheld, if any;
|
|
7.2.4
|
names
and addresses of all Sublicensees and Affiliates of the Company;
and
|
|
7.2.5
|
a
copy of each report from each Sublicensee as may be pertinent to an
accounting of payments that may be due to Licensor or the release of
Escrowed Shares hereunder.
|
9.1
|
Notice
of Infringement of Patent Rights
|
9.2
|
Prosecution
or Defense of Patent Rights
|
9.3
|
Infringement
by Licensed Product
|
9.4
|
Control
of Infringement Action
|
9.5
|
Allocation
of Damages Recovered
|
9.6
|
Cooperation
|
10.1
|
Disputes
|
|
10.1.1
|
The
parties recognize that disputes as to certain matters may from time to
time arise during the Term which relate to either party’s rights and/or
obligations hereunder or to the interpretation, performance, breach, or
termination of this Agreement (a “Dispute”). It is the objective of the
parties to establish procedures to facilitate the resolution of a Dispute
in an expedient manner by mutual cooperation and without resort to
litigation. To accomplish this objective, the parties agree to follow the
procedures set forth in this Article 10 if and when a Dispute arises under
this Agreement.
|
|
10.1.2
|
A
Dispute among the parties will be resolved as recited in this Article 10.
Any Disputes relating to or arising under this Agreement shall be promptly
presented to the Chief Executive Officers of Licensor and the Company, or
their respective designees (who must be members of a party’s senior
management) for resolution. From the date of referral of a Dispute to the
Chief Executive Officers or their designees of the parties and until such
time as any matter has been resolved by the parties or has been finally
settled by arbitration hereunder, the running of the cure periods (if any)
as to which a party must cure a breach that is part of the subject matter
of any Dispute shall be suspended. In the event that the Chief Executive
Officers of Licensor and the Company, or their respective designees,
cannot after good faith negotiations resolve the Dispute within forty-five
(45) days (or such other period of time as mutually agreed to by the
parties in writing) of being requested by a party to resolve a Dispute,
the parties agree that such Dispute shall be resolved by binding
arbitration in accordance with this Article
10.1.
|
|
10.1.3
|
If
a party intends to begin arbitration to resolve such Dispute, such party
shall provide written notice (the “Arbitration Notice”) to the other party
informing such other party of such intention and the issues to be
resolved. Any arbitration hereunder shall be conducted pursuant to the
Commercial Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association
(“AAA”; such rules, the “AAA Rules”), except as modified herein. The
arbitration shall be conducted by a panel of three (3) independent,
neutral arbitrators that are industry experts experienced in the issues
comprising the Dispute and have no past, present or reasonably anticipated
future affiliation with either party (the “Panel”). Company and
Licensor shall each be entitled to select one (1) such arbitrator, with
the two such arbitrators so selected selecting the third such
arbitrator. In the event either party fails to select its
arbitrator within such ten (10) day period, the arbitrator selected by the
other party within such ten (10) day period shall be entitled to select
such arbitrator. The arbitration shall take place in New York,
New York and be conducted in English. The Panel shall apply the laws of
the State of New York, without regard to its conflicts of laws provisions.
The Panel shall issue appropriate protective orders to protect each
party’s Confidential Information. If a party can demonstrate to the Panel
that the complexity of the issue or other reasons warrant the extension of
one or more timetables in the AAA Rules, the Panel may extend such
timetables but in no event shall the proceeding extend more than twelve
(12) months from the date of filing of the arbitration notice with the
AAA. The Panel’s decision shall be in writing. The Panel shall have the
authority to award any remedy allowed by law, including but not limited to
compensatory damages, pre-judgment interest, and punitive or other
damages. Each party shall bear its own costs, fees and expenses in the
arbitration and shall share equally the Panel’s fees, unless the Panel
determines that its fees are to be paid by the non-prevailing
party. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, without
prejudice to the above procedures, either party may seek, in a court of
competent jurisdiction, injunctive relief or other provisional judicial
relief if, in its reasonable judgment, such action is necessary to avoid
irreparable damage or otherwise enforce its rights
hereunder
|
10.2
|
Performance
to Continue
|
10.3
|
Determination
of Patents and Other Intellectual
Property
|
10.4
|
Statute
of Limitation and Time-Based Defenses
Tolled
|
11.1
|
Term
|
11.2
|
Termination
for Material Breach
|
11.3
|
Expiration
of Term on a Country by Country
Basis
|
11.4
|
Termination
by Company
|
11.5
|
Consequences
of Termination
|
|
11.5.1
|
Subject
to Article 11.5.2, the Company and its Affiliates (as the case may be)
shall have no right to practice within the Patent Rights or use any of the
Patent Rights and Know-how, and all rights, title or interest in, or other
incidents of ownership under the Patent Rights and Know-how shall revert
to and become the sole property of Licensor, and the licenses granted
under Article 2.1 shall automatically
terminate.
|
|
11.5.2
|
Notwithstanding
Article 11.5.1, if this Agreement is terminated other than pursuant to
Article 11.4, the Company and its Affiliates shall have the right, at the
Company’s sole discretion, to sell all completed Licensed Products and
complete (or have completed) any Licensed Products in the process of
manufacture at the time of such termination and sell the same, in each
case for a period not to exceed six (6) months after the effective date of
such termination. All such sales of Licensed Products by the
Company and its Affiliates shall be included in Net Sales. If
the Company and its Affiliates elect not to sell off any such inventory of
Licensed Products, then the Company shall, at Licensor’s election,
transfer and deliver, all Licensed Products (including those in the
process of manufacture at the time of such termination) to the Licensor,
who shall pay the Company (i) the fair market value therefor if the
termination is as the result of Licensor’s breach of this Agreement and
(ii) [*]% of the fair market value if this Agreement or any provisions of
this Agreement are terminated by the Company for any other
reason. Following such transfer, the Licensor shall have the
right to sell all completed Licensed Products (and retain all proceeds
therefrom).
|
|
11.5.3
|
Notwithstanding
anything to the contrary, each sublicense granted under this Agreement by
the Company or its Affiliates to a Sublicensee shall, to the extent not
imposing obligations on Licensor in excess of those contained herein,
survive such termination and be automatically assigned to Licensor as
provided for in Article 2, in order to provide for the applicable
Sublicensees’ continued enjoyment of their rights under such
sublicenses.
|
11.5.4
|
Upon
any termination of this Agreement, other than due to the Licensor’s
material breach: (i) for no additional consideration, the Company will
assign or otherwise transfer, and the Licensor will assume, all of the
Company’s rights, obligations and responsibilities under the Assigned
Agreements as of the effective date of such termination, but excluding the
Exclusive License and Consulting Agreement between Licensor and
Hans-Dietrich Polaschegg, dated as of April 29, 2005, and (ii) the parties
will enter into a mutually agreeable arrangement for a royalty-bearing
non-exclusive or exclusive license (as may be negotiated by the parties)
under any modifications, enhancements, or improvements of a Licensed
Product, or any Company Inventions (as defined below), to make, use, sell,
offer for sale, and import Licensed Products (collectively, the
“Reversion”). As used above, “Company Inventions” means any inventions,
discoveries, improvements (whether patentable or not), information, and
data, and any related patent rights, in each case that are owned or
Controlled by the Company as of the effective date of such termination and
which are used in or would be infringed by the manufacture, use, or sale
of any Licensed Product as conducted as of such termination effective
date. For clarity, Licensor shall not assume any indemnification or other
liabilities or obligations under the Assigned Agreements that occurred or
arose from transactions occurring or actions or inactions prior to the
Reversion but after the Effective Date that arose under or in connection
with this Agreement (“Company Liabilities”). Company Liabilities shall be
the sole responsibility of the Company. If, following good faith
negotiations, the parties are unable to agree on mutually agreeable terms
with respect to the license described in clause (ii) above within ninety
(90) days following the effective date of termination of this Agreement,
then the parties shall submit such dispute for final resolution to
mediation in New York, NY (with the mediator being mutually acceptable to
the parties hereto), with the cost thereof being shared equally by the
Company and the Licensor. In no event shall the termination of this
Agreement result in any forfeiture or loss of any equity securities of the
Company that are issued to Licensor pursuant to Section 1 of the
Subscription Agreement.
|
11.5.5
|
If
such termination was made by the Company pursuant to Article 11.4 then the
payments described in Article 6.1 and Article 6.2 shall survive any such
termination solely with respect to products the manufacture, use or sale
of which would infringe one or more issued patents licensed pursuant to
the Exclusive License and Consulting Agreement between Licensor and
Hans-Dietrich Polaschegg, dated as of April 29, 2005. Such payments shall
be made pursuant to the terms of Articles 6.3, 6.4 and
6.5.
|
11.6
|
Partial
Termination
|
11.7
|
Survival
|
12.1
|
Licensor
Warranties
|
|
12.1.1
|
Licensor
owns all right, title, and interest in and to the Patent Rights and
Know-how, including the exclusive, absolute, irrevocable right, title and
interest thereto, free and clear of all liens, charges, encumbrances or
other restrictions or limitations of any kind whatsoever. As of
the Effective Date, the Patent Rights are existing and, to the best of
Licensor’s knowledge, are valid and enforceable, in whole or in
part.
|
|
12.1.2
|
There
is no claim, pending or threatened, of infringement, interference or
invalidity regarding any part or all of the Patent Rights or Know-how or
their use.
|
|
12.1.3
|
The
US and foreign patent applications and patents itemized on Schedule 1.25
set forth all of the patents and patent applications necessary or useful
for practicing the Technology in the Field of Use owned by or licensed to
Licensor on the Effective Date.
|
|
12.1.4
|
The
Licensor is a limited liability company duly formed, validly existing and
in good standing under the laws of Delaware. The Licensor has
the requisite power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement
and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby. The
execution and delivery of this Agreement and the performance and
consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby by the Licensor have
been duly authorized by all necessary action on the part of the
Licensor. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered
by the Licensor and, subject to the due authorization, execution and
delivery of this Agreements by the Company, this Agreement constitutes a
valid and binding obligation of the Licensor, enforceable against the
Licensor in accordance with its terms, except as such enforcement may be
affected by bankruptcy, reorganization, insolvency, moratorium or similar
laws affecting creditor’s rights generally and except for general
principles of equity.
|
|
12.1.5
|
No
consent, approval or authorization of, or declaration or filing with, any
Governmental Authority or other Third Party (a “Consent”) is required on
the part of the Licensor in connection with its execution, delivery, and
performance of this Agreement or the consummation of the transactions
contemplated hereby.
|
|
12.1.6
|
There
are no suits or actions, administrative, arbitration or other proceedings,
or governmental investigations pending or, to the knowledge of the
Licensor, threatened against or affecting the Licensor with respect to
Licensed Products or the Patent Rights. No Person has notified
the Licensor in writing of any material claim against the Licensor
alleging any personal property or economic injury, loss or damage incurred
as a result of or relating to the use of the Technology or any Licensed
Products. There is no judgment, order, injunction, decree, writ
or award against the Licensor that is not satisfied and remains
outstanding with respect to the Technology, Patent Rights, or any Licensed
Product.
|
|
12.1.7
|
Schedule
12.1.7 hereto sets forth a true and complete list of each license,
contract or other agreement (together with certain other agreements and
any amendments to any of the foregoing) to which the Licensor is a party
or by or to which any property of the Licensor is otherwise bound or
subject that relates to the Licensed Products or the Patent Rights,
including but not limited to the Assigned Agreements (collectively, the
“Material Agreements”). True and complete copies of all
Material Agreements have been previously delivered to the
Company. Each of the Material Agreements is valid, binding and
in full force and effect, and enforceable by the Licensor, in each case in
accordance with its respective terms. No Person (other than the
Licensor) that is a party to any Material Agreement or is otherwise bound
thereby is, to the knowledge of the Licensor, in default or breach thereof
and no event, condition or act exists that, with the giving of notice or
the lapse of time or both, would give rise to such a default or breach
thereof or a right of cancellation by the Licensor
thereunder. The Licensor is not in default or breach in any
material respect of any of the Material Agreements and, no event,
condition or act exists that, with the giving of notice or the lapse of
time or both, would give rise to a default or breach by the Licensor
thereof or a right of cancellation thereunder by any other party
thereto. Except as set forth on Schedule 12.1.7, each
Assigned Agreement is assignable by Licensor to the Company without the
Consent of any other person.
|
|
12.1.8
|
To
the knowledge of the Licensor, none of the Patent Rights, Licensed
Products, or Technology, nor the practice, development, use, manufacture,
sale, or import of any of the foregoing, infringes or conflicts in any
material respect with, and the Licensor has not received any notice of
infringement of, or conflict with, any license, patent, copyright,
trademark, service mark or other intellectual property right of any Third
Party and, to the knowledge of the Licensor, there has not been and is not
currently any infringement or unauthorized use by any Third Party of any
of the Patent Rights, Technology, Know-how, or Licensed
Products. Except as provided herein, the validity or
enforceability of any of the Patent Rights and or the title of the
Licensor thereto has not been questioned in any litigation, governmental
inquiry or proceeding to which the Licensor is a party and, to the
knowledge of the Licensor, no such litigation, governmental inquiry or
proceeding is threatened.
|
|
12.1.9
|
Licensor
owns all right, title, and interest to the Licensor IND(s)/IDE(s) free and
clear of all liens, claims, and encumbrances, the Licensor IND(s)/IDE(s)
constitute the only INDs, IDEs, or regulatory filings of any kind
concerning any Licensed Product, and there are no Governmental Approvals
in place or effective in any jurisdiction with respect to any Licensed
Product.
|
12.2
|
Company
Warranties
|
|
The
Company represents and warrants
that:
|
13.1
|
NO
IMPLIED WARRANTIES
|
13.2
|
Indemnity
|
|
13.2.1
|
The
Company agrees to defend, indemnify and hold harmless Licensor, its
Affiliates, directors, employees and officers (“Licensor Indemnitees”)
from and against all third party liability, demands, damages, including
without limitation reasonable legal fees and expenses, and losses
including death, personal injury, illness or property damage to the extent
arising directly or indirectly out of the Company’s use, manufacture,
sale, or other disposition of Licensed Products under the terms of this
Agreement, to the extent not resulting from any Licensor Indemnitees’
breach of this Agreement, negligence, willful misconduct, or failure to
comply with Applicable Laws.
|
|
13.2.2
|
Licensor
agrees to defend, indemnify and hold harmless the Company, its Affiliates,
directors, employees, and officers (“Company Indemnitees”) from and
against all third party liability, demands, damages, including without
limitation reasonable legal fees and expenses, and losses (including but
not limited to death, personal injury, illness or property damage) to the
extent arising directly or indirectly out of (a) any of the Assigned
Agreements for any act or omission of Licensor occurring prior to the
Effective Date, or any breach of a representation or warranty made by
Licensor under such Assigned Agreements (excluding the Exclusive License
and Consulting Agreement with Hans-Dietrich Polaschegg, dated as of April
29, 2005), (b) any claim relating to the Licensor’s acquisition of the
Patent Rights, Know-how, Technology, and Assigned Agreements from the
bankruptcy proceeding for Biolink Corporation, or (c) any claim relating
to activities undertaken or performed in connection with the Technology by
or on behalf of Biolink Corporation or Licensor prior to the Effective
Date.
|
13.2.3
|
In
the event that either party intends to seek indemnification for any claim
under Article 13.2.1 or 13.2.2, it shall inform the other party of the
claim promptly after receiving notice of the
claim.
|
13.3
|
LIMITATION
OF LIABILITY
|
14.1
|
Use
of Name
|
14.2
|
No
Agency
|
14.3
|
Publication
|
15.1
|
Confidentiality
and Non-Use
|
|
15.1.1
|
The
receiving party receives without obligation of confidentiality at any time
from a third-party lawfully in possession of same and having the right to
disclose same;
|
|
15.1.2
|
is,
as of the date of this Agreement, in the public domain, or subsequently
enters the public domain through no fault of the receiving
party;
|
|
15.1.3
|
is
independently developed by the receiving party as demonstrated by written
evidence without reference to or benefit of information disclosed to the
receiving party by the disclosing
party;
|
|
15.1.4
|
is
disclosed pursuant to the prior written approval of the disclosing party;
or
|
|
15.1.5
|
is
required to be disclosed pursuant to Applicable Law or legal process
(including, without limitation, to a governmental authority) provided that
recipient will (i) give prior written notice of such required disclosure
to the other party, to the extent reasonably practicable, (ii) give
reasonable assistance to the other party, as requested thereby, seeking
confidential or protective treatment thereof, and (iii) only disclose such
Confidential Information to the extent required by such Applicable Law or
legal process.
|
15.2
|
Limited
Disclosure by Licensor
|
15.3
|
Material
Non-Public Information
|
16.1
|
Assignment
|
16.2
|
Binding
Nature and Inurnment
|
16.3
|
Counterparts;
Facsimile
|
16.4
|
Entire
Agreement; Amendment
|
16.5
|
Force
Majeure
|
16.6
|
Further
Assurances
|
16.7
|
Headings
|
16.8
|
Law
|
16.9
|
Payments,
Notices and Other Communications
|
16.10
|
Payment
of Own Fees and Expenses
|
16.11
|
Severability
|
16.12
|
Waiver
|
ND PARTNERS LLC
|
CORMEDIX, INC.
|
||||
By: Spinnaker Capital LLC, its Managing Member
|
|||||
By:
|
/s/ Anastasios Parafestas
|
By:
|
/s/ Bruce Cooper
|
||
Name:
|
Anastasios Parafestas
|
Name:
|
Bruce Cooper
|
||
Title:
|
Manager
|
Title:
|
CEO
|
||
Date:
|
1/30/08
|
Date:
|
1/30/08
|
(A) equal to
|
(C) of Net Sales if cumulative Net
Sales exceed
|
(D) and are not more than
|
||
[*]
|
Case
I
|
Case
II
|
Case
III
|
||
[*]
|
|
(c)
|
The
Royalty Payment shall be paid in United States dollars by the Company
within [*] following the end of each calendar quarter (the first such
quarter to be that in which royalties first accrue) in an amount equal to
the Royalty Payment accruing during that calendar quarter measured in
currency of the country in which sales shall have been made by the
Company, its Affiliates or their respective partners and converted into
United States dollars at such country’s official banker’s rate in effect
on the last day of such calendar quarter. The Royalty Payment
shall be accompanied by reports which shall indicate the sales by the
Company, its Affiliates and their respective partners for the previous
calendar quarter and shall show the amount of the Royalty Payment due with
sufficient information to enable confirmation by
Consultant.
|
Royalty
for
Calendar
year
|
Gel Lock
Patent
|
Taurolidine
Treatment
Patent
|
Example:
First New
development to
inventions
Assume it
filed in 2009
|
Example:
Second
New
development
to
inventions
Assume it filed
in
2010
|
||||
[*]
|
CorMedix
Inc.
|
/s/
Bruce Cooper
|
Name:
Bruce Cooper
|
Its:
CEO
|
CONSULTANT
:
|
/s/
Hans-Dietrich Polaschegg
|
Hans-Dietrich
Polaschegg
|
MANUFACTURER:
|
■ NAVINTA,
LLC
|
MANUFACTURER
CONTACT:
|
■ CHRISTOPHER
NEWTON,Ph.D.
|
CUSTOMER
CONTACT:
|
■ JOHN
C. HOUGHTON
|
EFFECTIVE
DATE:
|
■ DECEMBER
7, 2009
|
6.
|
Testing and Acceptance
Process
.
|
10.
|
Confidentiality
.
|
CORMEDIX
INC.
|
NAVINTA,
LLC
|
|||
By
|
/s/ John C. Houghton |
By
|
/s/ Pankaj
Dave
|
Print Name
|
John C. Houghton
|
Print Name
|
Pankaj
Dave
|
Title
|
President and CEO
|
Title
|
Vice President
|
|
Date
|
12/7/09
|
Date
|
12/4/09
|
2.
|
Supply of
Products
:
|
(a)
|
CorMedix
shall supply Emcure with sufficient bulk quantities of the active
ingredients for Emcure’s use in conducting the Development Activities
under this Proposal. Such ingredients shall be supplied by CorMedix at
CorMedix’s expense.
|
(b)
|
All
other materials required will be purchased by Emcure and billed back to
CorMedix at Emcure’s direct cost thereof plus
[*].
|
2.1
|
Manufacturing
:
|
(a)
|
Manufacture of
Products:
Emcure
will manufacture each “Product” (defined in
Exhibit B
attached hereto) in accordance with current Good Manufacturing Practices
(“cGMP”) and other applicable rules and regulations of the United States
Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) and other domestic or foreign
governmental or regulatory agencies with jurisdiction over the
manufacture, use or sale of such Product, as then in effect. In accordance
with cGMP and during the term of this Agreement, Emcure shall (i) take all
steps necessary to ensure that any Product that may be produced by it
pursuant to this Agreement shall be free of cross-contamination from any
other manufacturing or similar activities and (ii) be responsible for
validated cleaning and changeover procedures prior to manufacturing any
Product for CorMedix. Both parties shall promptly notify each other of any
new instructions or specifications required by the FDA or the United
States Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, and of other applicable
domestic or foreign rules and regulations, and shall confer with each
other with respect to the best means to comply with such requirements and
shall allocate any costs of implementing such changes on an equitable
basis.
|
(b)
|
Products Specifications;
Testing
:
Products supplied by Emcure hereunder will conform
to the “Specifications” (as defined in
Exhibit B
attached hereto) and such conformance will be verified in accordance with
the testing standards and procedures specified therein. The parties agree
that, should CorMedix wish to implement any amendment to the
Specifications, CorMedix shall provide written notice thereof to Emcure
for Emcure’s review and approval, which approval shall not be unreasonably
withheld.
|
(c)
|
Compliance with Laws
:
Emcure shall comply with all applicable present and future orders,
regulations, requirements and laws of any and all federal, state,
provincial and local authorities and agencies, including without
limitation all laws and regulations of such territories applicable to the
transportation, storage, use, handling and disposal of hazardous
materials. Emcure represents and warrants to CorMedix that it has and will
maintain during the Term all government permits, including without
limitation health, safety and environmental permits, necessary for the
conduct of the actions and procedures that it undertakes pursuant to this
Agreement.
|
(d)
|
Documentation
:
Emcure
shall keep complete, accurate and authentic accounts, notes, data and
records of the work performed under this Agreement (including, without
limitation, batch records). Each party shall maintain complete and
adequate records pertaining to the methods and facilities used for the
manufacture, processing, testing, packing, labeling, holding and
distribution of a Product in accordance with all applicable domestic and
foreign laws and regulations so that such Product may be used in
humans.
|
2.2
|
Delivery and
Acceptance
:
|
(a)
|
Unless
otherwise agreed by the parties in writing, all Product shipments shall be
shipped F.C.A. (Incoterms 2000) Emcure’s facility to the destination(s)
specified by CorMedix. Emcure will package and ship Products in accordance
with Emcure’s customary practices for pharmaceutical compounds, unless
otherwise specified by CorMedix.
|
(b)
|
Emcure
agrees to use its commercially reasonable efforts to ensure that Products
shall be delivered on the scheduled delivery dates set forth in the
Proposal.
|
(c)
|
In
order to reject delivery of a delivery of a Product, CorMedix must give
written notice to Emcure of CorMedix’s rejection of any delivery within
thirty (30) days after receipt of such delivery. If no such notice of
rejection is received, CorMedix shall be deemed to have accepted such
delivery, except with respect to defects which were not discoverable upon
reasonable physical inspection and testing, but were discovered at a later
time (e.g. in the course or as a result of long-term stability
studies).
|
(d)
|
After
notice of rejection is given, CorMedix shall cooperate with Emcure in
determining whether rejection is necessary or justified. Emcure will
evaluate process issues and other reasons for such non-compliance. Emcure
shall notify CorMedix as promptly as reasonably possible whether it
accepts CorMedix’s basis for any rejection. If Emcure in good faith
disagrees with CorMedix’s determination that a particular quality control
sample or batch of Product does not meet the applicable Specifications,
such Product shall be submitted to a mutually acceptable third party
laboratory. Such third party laboratory shall determine whether such
Product meets the applicable Specifications, and the parties agree that
such laboratory’s determination shall be final and determinative. The
party against whom the third party tester rules shall bear all costs of
the third party testing. Whether or not Emcure accepts CorMedix’s basis
for rejection, promptly on receipt of a notice of rejection of a full
batch of Product, Emcure shall replace such rejected Product, at its cost,
within sixty (60) days. If the third party tester rules that the original
batch meets the applicable Specifications, CorMedix shall purchase that
batch at the agreed-upon price, irrespective of whether Emcure has already
replaced it.
|
3.
|
Payment for
Service
:
|
(a)
|
CorMedix
shall pay Emcure for the Development Activities to be provided during the
term of this Proposal in such amounts and in such manner as set forth in
this Agreement. All amounts quoted are in USD funds and are valid for
sixty (60) days from the date of this Proposal. All amounts quoted are
subject to review by Emcure of all
product
specifications, development reports and, Environmental, Health and Safety
assessment. One review with changes is included in the fee for final
reports. Any additional changes shall be invoiced separately at the then
prevailing hourly rates.
|
(b)
|
Project
specific items, which include but are not limited to special equipment,
change parts, excipients, laboratory columns and reagents, tooling etc.,
obtained by Emcure from third party suppliers as well as services to be
provided by any third party suppliers shall be billed back to CorMedix
upon Emcure’s receipt of invoice from any supplier of
Emcure.
|
(c)
|
Each
Emcure invoice shall be due and payable within [*] of the date
of such invoice.
|
CorMedix
Inc.
|
Emcure
Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc.
|
|
/s/ Bruce C. Cooper | /s/ Nilesh M. Patel | |
Signature
|
Signature
|
|
Bruce C. Cooper | Nilesh M. Patel | |
Printed
Name
|
Printed
name
|
|
President and CEO | Vice President | |
Title
|
Title
|
|
3/5/07 | 3/5/07 | |
Date
|
Date
|
10.0
|
Termination/Cancellation
of the Project
|
·
|
CorMedix
may terminate the project or cancel any portion thereof at any time by
providing thirty
(30)
days written notice. Upon receipt of any notice of termination, Emcure
will promptly scale down the affected portion of the project and avoid
further related expenses to
CorMedix.
|
·
|
In
the event of a termination by CorMedix, CorMedix will make payment to
Emcure in accordance with the terms of Section
5
(Term and Termination) of the
Agreement.
|
11.0
|
Project
Approval and Authorization
|
Emcure
Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc.
|
CorMedix
Inc.
|
|
/s/ Bruce C. Cooper | /s/ Nilesh M. Patel | |
Signature
|
Signature
|
|
Bruce C. Cooper | Nilesh M. Patel | |
Printed
Name
|
Printed
name
|
|
President and CEO | Vice President | |
Title
|
Title
|
|
3/5/07 | 3/5/07 | |
Date
|
Date
|