Form 1-K Issuer Information


FORM 1-K

UNITED STATE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 1-K

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1-K: Filer Information

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0001139685
Issuer CCC
XXXXXXXX
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Is this filing by a successor company pursuant to Rule 257(b)(5) resulting from a merger or other business combination?
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12-31-2019

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1-K: Tab 1 Notification

This Form 1-K is to provide an
x Annual Report o Special Financial Report for the fiscal year
Fiscal Year End
12-31-2019
Exact name of issuer as specified in the issuer's charter
20/20 GeneSystems, Inc.
CIK
0001139685
Jurisdiction of Incorporation / Organization
DELAWARE
I.R.S. Employer Identification Number
52-2272107

Address of Principal Executive Offices

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9430 Key West Ave., Rockville, MD 20850
Address 2
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ROCKVILLE
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MARYLAND
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20850
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240-453-6339
Title of each class of securities issued pursuant to Regulation A
Series B Preferred Stock and Series C Preferred Stock

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 1−K

 

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO REGULATION A

OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

 

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019

 

20/20 GeneSystems, Inc.

(Exact name of issuer as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware  

57-2272107

(State or other jurisdiction
of incorporation or organization)

  (I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)

 

9430 Key West Ave., Rockville, MD 20850

(Full mailing address of principal executive offices)

 

(240) 453-6339

(Issuer’s telephone number, including area code)

 

Series B Preferred Stock and Series C Preferred Stock

Title of each class of securities issued pursuant to Regulation A

 

 

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

ITEM 1. BUSINESS 1
   
Overview 1
The Market for Early Detection of Cancer 1
Product Portfolio 3
Sales and Marketing Strategy 5
Lab Facility 7
Competition 7
Customers 8
Competitive Advantages 8
Growth Strategies 9
Commercialization Milestones to Execute Our Growth Strategy 10
Intellectual Property 10
Research and Development 11
Employees 11
Regulation 11
Legal Proceedings 11
Risk Factors 12
   
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 25
   
Overview 25
Recent Developments 25
Principal Factors Affecting our Financial Performance 26
Going Concern Assessment 26
Results of Operations 26
Liquidity and Capital Resources 27
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements 29
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates 30
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements 31
   
ITEM 3. DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS 31
   
Directors and Executive Officers 31
Family Relationships 33
Legal Proceedings 33
Corporate Governance 33
Compensation of Directors and Executive Officers 34
   
ITEM 4. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF MANAGEMENT AND CERTAIN SECURITYHOLDERS 36
   
ITEM 5. INTEREST OF MANAGEMENT AND OTHERS IN CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS 37
   
ITEM 6. OTHER INFORMATION 38
   
ITEM 7. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 39
   
ITEM 8. EXHIBITS 40

 

i

 

 

Use of Terms

 

Except as otherwise indicated by the context and for the purposes of this report only, references in this report to “we,” “us,” “our” or “our company” refer to 20/20 GeneSystems, Inc., a Delaware corporation.

 

Special Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements

 

Certain information contained in this report includes forward-looking statements. The statements herein which are not historical reflect our current expectations and projections about our company’s future results, performance, liquidity, financial condition, prospects and opportunities and are based upon information currently available to our company and our management and our interpretation of what is believed to be significant factors affecting the businesses, including many assumptions regarding future events.

 

Forward-looking statements are generally identifiable by use of the words “may,” “should,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “believe,” “intend,” or “project” or the negative of these words or other variations on these words or comparable terminology. Actual results, performance, liquidity, financial condition, prospects and opportunities could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements as a result of various risks, uncertainties and other factors. Actual events or results may differ materially from those discussed in forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including, without limitation, the risks outlined under “Item 1. Business─Risk Factors” below, and matters described in this report generally. In light of these risks and uncertainties, there can be no assurance that the forward-looking statements contained in this report will in fact occur.

 

Potential investors should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. Except as expressly required by the federal securities laws, there is no undertaking to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, changed circumstances or any other reason.

 

Preliminary Statement Regarding Late Filing of Annual Report

 

We are filing this annual report on Form 1-K late in reliance on the temporary relief from ongoing reporting requirements provided in paragraph (f) of 17 CFR §230.257. Like most businesses, our operations have been impacted by the coronavirus pandemic in the community and steps taken to avoid it. Many of our personnel have been working from home. Accordingly, our ability to close and reconcile monthly, quarterly and annual financial records has been seriously impaired. In addition, similar circumstances have occurred at the offices of our independent accountants and auditors. Between these two systematic impairments, we have found it impossible to provide properly audited financial statements quickly enough to timely file this report.

 

ii

 

 

ITEM 1. BUSINESS

 

Overview

 

We are an early revenue stage digital diagnostics company with the core mission of developing and commercializing in-vitro diagnostic tests powered by machine learning to improve diagnostic accuracy and clinical usefulness. In response to the novel coronavirus pandemic that began in early 2020, we expanded upon our longstanding mission of reducing cancer mortality in the U.S. and around the world through early detection. More specifically, we acquired and commercialized several COVID-19 antibody tests, both rapid kits and laboratory-based tests.

 

For early cancer detection, we use machine learning and real-world data analytics approaches to substantially improve the accuracy of tumor biomarkers that are currently tested in millions of individuals around the world. Our products include a multi-cancer test for screening at least five types of cancer from one blood sample known as OneTest (www.OneTestforCancer.com) and a blood test for early lung cancer known as PAULA’s Test. In the coming months, we expect to integrate PAULA’s Test into OneTest. Our legacy business includes a patented field test kit for screening suspicious powders for bioterror agents that is used regularly by hundreds of first responder organizations worldwide known as BioCheck (www.BioCheckInfo.com). Our BioCheck kits for screening suspicious powders remains profitable, but with limited growth potential, at least in the U.S. absent a serial anthrax incident, or similar incident, like the one that occurred in the U.S. in 2001.

 

The Market for Early Detection of Cancer

 

The survival rate for the deadliest cancers is closely linked to stage at time of diagnosis. With lung cancer, for example, some studies show a five-year survival rate approaching 90% for screen detected Stage 1 cancers (Henschke, et al. “Survival of patient with Stage 1 Lung Cancer Detected on CT Screening,” N. Engl. J. Med. 355 (2006)). That survival plummets to under five percent for cancers first diagnosed in Stage 4. For these reasons in certain regions of the world, especially East Asia, an aggressive cancer screening posture is commonplace. Tens of millions of individuals in Japan, Korea, China, and Taiwan undertake 3-5 hour “health checks” each year that usually include blood tests for an array of cancers. Typically, these blood tests measure the levels of between three to eight tumor antigens, which are proteins secreted by tumors that can be detected using antibodies. Large scale studies by our collaborators in Taiwan demonstrate that these tests are useful for detecting even early stage cancers (Y.-H. We et al., “Cancer screening through a multi-analyte serum biomarker panel during health check-up examinations: Results from a 12-year experience,” Clinica Chemica Acta 450 (2015)). However, using the approach pioneered by us, this screening approach can be rendered significantly more accurate using machine learning algorithms that integrate clinical factors (e.g. age, gender, smoking history, etc.) with the biomarker levels. Evidence of our approach was published in a respected oncology journal in May 2020 co-authored by several 20/20 scientists. See Wang, et al. “Improving Multi-Tumor Biomarker Health Check-up Tests with Machine Learning Algorithms,” Cancers 2020, 12, 1442.Incorporation of changes to the levels of these biomarkers over time (a/k/a/ biomarker “trends” or “velocity”) has also been shown in numerous studies to improve diagnostic accuracy and usefulness.

 

Our “East to West” business model is to use our algorithms to improve blood-based screening tests in regions where this testing is common (e.g. East Asia) while introducing this testing paradigm in regions where such testing is not yet widespread (e.g. North America).

 

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East to West Model
Bringing Cancer Screening to the West

 

Typical Health Screening Center Menu of Cancer Marker Tests

 

 

 

In short, our unique technical approach involves the following three elements: (i) obtain “real-world” data from tens of thousands of apparently healthy individuals (i.e. no apparent signs of symptoms of cancer) who are screened for cancer using blood tests that are routine in certain parts of the world (e.g. East Asia), (ii) use this data to build machine learning algorithms that improve the accuracy of those tests by integrating clinical factors (age, gender, etc.), and (iii) introduce those tests and algorithms worldwide even in parts of the world where this testing approach is less common (e.g. North America) while examining variability across patient populations. As of the date of this report, are unaware of any other companies that have adopted this approach.

 

Our solutions historically focused on lung cancer, which is the third most common cancer and the leading cause of cancer deaths among both men and women, according to the American Cancer Society. According to Grand View Research, the global lung cancer diagnostics market is forecasted to grow to $3.64 billion by 2024 from an estimated $1.63 billion in 2015. While the North American market generated the most revenue in 2015 (~$520 million), the Asia Pacific market has the largest projected growth rate at a CAGR of 9.5% from 2013 to 2024.

 

Our tests are built around the installed base of existing U.S. Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, approved tumor marker detection kits which run on automated instruments available from companies like Roche Diagnostics, Abbott Diagnostics, Siemens Diagnostics, and others. These tests and instruments are used in thousands of clinical testing labs worldwide, thereby permitting us to scale globally. To the best of our knowledge, no other company has yet commercialized a scalable lung or multi-cancer test utilizing the biomarker platforms and algorithm approach adopted by us.

 

In the second half of 2018, we transitioned our focus to the commercialization of a multi or “pan” cancer test (i.e. screening for several cancers from one blood sample) called OneTest. We believe that this test has a substantially larger market than any single cancer test. In Asia, several hundred million individuals receive yearly blood tests for many of the tumor markers that are part of OneTest. These tests are typically private pay (i.e. not covered by health insurance) averaging about $100 per test, depending on the number of biomarkers measured. Our market experience has shown that a large number of Americans are willing to pay up to an average of about $200 out-of-pocket for a blood test that can simultaneously screen for multiple cancers. There are about 115 million Americans between the ages 45-75, the optimal ages for cancer screening. Thus, we estimate that OneTest addresses a market of about $15 billion in the U.S. alone.

 

2

 

 

Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning are expected to transform healthcare by helping physicians diagnose and treat patients with greater accuracy and precision. According to Accenture, the U.S. can potentially save $150 billion annually by 2026, with key healthcare AI applications such as robot-assisted surgery, preliminary diagnosis, and virtual nursing assistants. As we continue to collect reliable outcome data (i.e. whether cancer was diagnosed) from individuals tested with the OneTest biomarkers (either from our customers or from research collaborators), our ability to leverage the latest and most powerful forms of machine learning (e.g. Deep Learning Neural Networks) will increase.

 

We believe that we are the first company to incorporate the following four core elements in each of our cancer tests: (i) a panel of three to eight protein biomarkers, (ii) individual patient characteristics and health history (age, sex, smoking history, risk factors, and medical imaging results, etc.), (iii) data from hundreds to thousands of patients previously tested, and (iv) machine learning and artificial intelligence-based analytics. Additionally, we have added to our portal and test report forms a feature to easily show the biomarker trends from serial testing. Several studies have demonstrated that rising biomarkers levels over time is more useful than single time point testing.

 

Product Portfolio

 

OneTest

 

In the second half of 2018, we began focusing on the commercialization of OneTest, a multi-cancer test and algorithm to screen for multiple cancer types from a single blood sample. OneTest is modeled on the testing approach common in East Asia where millions of healthy individuals receive cancer biomarker tests as part of yearly health check-ups. Real world data from over 40,000 individuals tested with the seven-biomarker panel over a 12-year period is the foundation of this test. Importantly, our algorithms and analytics substantially improve the accuracy of cancer tests currently used by physicians, hospitals, clinical labs, and health check centers in many parts of the world - without requiring new equipment or change in diagnostic testing practice. The algorithm combines the levels of protein biomarkers - like carcinoembryonic antigen, or CEA, alpha-fetoprotein, or AFP, prostate specific antigen, or PSA, and others, with patient information (e.g. age, gender, smoking history, etc.). We report patient risk of having five or more cancers (liver, lung, pancreas, and the like) and recommend follow-up testing with the objective of finding early tumors that can be surgically removed before they become fatal. We operate our own laboratory with a Certificate of Compliance (General Immunology) through June 2022. In May 2018, we acquired, installed, and validated the automated immunoassay analyzer manufactured by Roche Diagnostics needed to run OneTest (this same analyzer is also being used to run a COVID-19 antibody test as discussed below.) All of our standard operating procedures were in place per CLIA (Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments) requirements before the end of August 2018, after which we began several targeted sales and marketing campaigns.

 

 

3

 

 

Among the cancers for which OneTest accuracies are strongest are those of the lung, liver, pancreas and colon. The foundation of this product is the measurement of a panel to tumor antigens—CEA, cancer antigen 125, Cyfra, AFP, cancer antigen 19.9, cancer antigen 15.3, and PSA.

 

The following demonstrates the accuracy of biomarkers, which is the first part of OneTest, without our algorithm.

 

 

In the U.S., our CLIA licensed clinical laboratory utilizes immunoassay detection kits and analyzers from Roche Diagnostics. For overseas customers, our algorithms have been optimized to accommodate data from the following kits and analyzers: Roche Diagnostics, Abbott Diagnostics, Siemens Healthcare and Beckman Coulter.

 

PAULA’s Test

 

We previously introduced different versions of PAULA’s (Protein Assays Using Lung Cancer Analytes) Test, the 2.0 version having been co-developed and validated by the Cleveland Clinic, in the U.S. in the second quarter of 2014. We believe that PAULA’s Test was among the first combinatorial blood tests for the early detection of lung cancer that incorporates a machine learning algorithm that factors in clinical parameters (age, gender, smoking history) together with biomarker values. The algorithm analyzes biomarkers (also known as tumor antigens) associated with non-small cell lung cancer. PAULA’s Test is designed for patients who are at high risk for lung cancer due to long-term smoking.

 

In the coming months, we expect to integrate PAULA’s Test into OneTest. As most of the biomarkers measured in PAULA’s Test (CEA, CA-125, Cyfra) are also part of OneTest, this integration mainly centers on using common testing instrumentation.

 

BioCheck Suspicious Powder Screening Kits

 

We have a longstanding business that makes and sells patented test kits for screening suspicious powders called BioCheck. These popular kits are widely used by fire departments and other emergency responders to quickly screen unknown suspicious powders for compounds such as ricin, anthrax, and other bioweapon agents and to identify false alarms in minutes at the site of a suspected bioterror threat. The powder screening kit works by quickly identifying the presence or absence of protein, a biomolecule found in all living materials. It therefore provides a rapid screen for the possible presence of multiple bioterrorism agents while ruling out most of the ordinary substances that citizens have frequently feared to be possible bio-agents of terror. Such ordinary substances include, for example, talc, ceiling tile dust, powdered sugar, etc., none of which are expected to contain detectable levels of protein.

 

4

 

 

 

Our BioCheck business is small, but profitable, with gross profit margins of about 65%. Importantly, as discussed below, we are leveraging the network, sales channels, and positive brand identification we have built over many years from selling BioCheck to fire departments to introduce them to OneTest since firefighters have proven higher cancer incidence and mortality over the general population.

 

COVID-19 Antibody Tests

 

As the COVID-19 pandemic emergency manifested in the United States in March of 2020 our company, like many of our peers in the life sciences industry, considered potential opportunities to leverage our technical and business expertise, commercial relationships, and laboratory infrastructure. Beginning in late March, following new guidance from the FDA, we began to import, evaluate, market and distribute rapid COVID-19 IgM/IgG antibody detection kits manufactured by Innovita of China. This company was selected by us because they were one of the few manufacturers with approval from the Chinese FDA and because they presented a data set with specificity reported at 100% (specificity is especially important with antibody tests due to the need to negate false positives). Before selling the rapid test, we conducted external studies at six independent sites to verify that the tests performed as expected.

 

Sales of this product were brisk, especially during the month of April, when we sold over 70,000 tests. In May, a combination of negative news reports about the quality of rapid tests from China coupled with confusing guidance from the FDA dampened demand for this category of test. Accordingly, we have acquired laboratory-based antibody tests from Roche Diagnostics which has an Emergency Use Authorization, or EUA, from the FDA. According to the manufacturer, this test has a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 99.8%. Importantly, the test has been validated on nearly 5,000 samples so the low false positive rate—the most important criteria for antibody tests—is believed to be highly reliable. Conveniently, this test utilizes the same Roche Cobas testing instrument that we use to run OneTest, so we did not need to purchase any new instrumentation.

 

Demand for COVID-19 antibody tests during the second half of 2020 will depend heavily on the results of studies seeking to ascertain the extent and duration of immunity conferred by the presence of antibodies. New data emerges by the week, but as of late June 2020 studies out of the U.K. and China suggest at least 2-3 months of immunity. If these studies are confirmed with larger and more geographically diverse cohorts, this suggests that there will be significant demand for antibody tests by the fall of 2020.

 

Sales and Marketing Strategy

 

United States

 

Based on market research conducted in 2018 and sales in 2019, we believe that our best near-term market for our cancer tests in the U.S. is occupational health, and more specifically, firefighters. Studies by several research groups, including the National Institutes of Occupational Safety & Health, have proven that firefighters have increased incidence and mortality for several types of cancers including those of the digestive, respiratory, and urinary tracts. Importantly, for many of these high incidence cancers (e.g. mesothelioma), the biomarkers that we measure have been shown to be elevated in numerous published studies. Thus, we believe OneTest to be a useful tool for cancer screening of current and former firefighters. See www.OneTestforCancer/Firefighters.

 

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There are an estimated one million active and retired firefighters (career and volunteer) in the U.S. between the ages of 45 to 75, the optimal ages for cancer screening. Thus, at an average selling price of $130 this represents a $130 million market in the U.S. alone.

 

As of the date of this report, we received OneTest orders from fire departments in more than a dozen states, as well as from individual firefighters, totaling over 1,200 test orders. Following the pandemic emergency in the U.S. beginning in March 2020, there was a significant drop in OneTest orders as routine medical examinations were deferred by most Americans. However, we are seeing increasing orders beginning in June and this occupational sector will likely remain a prime target for us at least through 2020 when we will expand to other occupations.

 

 

Studies have demonstrated that more than 60% of the genetic mutations that cause cancer come from random DNA copying errors over time (i.e. aging) rather than inherited genes or lifestyle (smoking, occupational exposure, etc.). Thus, we believe that all adults should be screened yearly for multiple cancers, beginning in middle age. To penetrate this exceptionally large market of healthy adults between the ages of 45 to 75 (about 115 million Americans alone) will require (i) a significant direct-to-consumer education and marketing campaign over many years and (ii) convenient access to phlebotomy services and medical practitioners to provide guidance on the test and its results. Retail (walk-in) clinics such as urgent care centers and pharmacy chains present the best opportunities to provide convenient “one-stop shopping” for OneTest.

 

6

 

 

 

As for COVID-19 related products which we are currently selling in the U.S. only, we have relied mainly on media outreach (i.e. press releases) to attract customers. Digital marketing is not available due to bans by Facebook and Google on advertisements related to COVID-19 related products. We have also engaged in cross-marketing our cancer and COVID-19 products by offering a complimentary antibody test for all blood specimens that arrive in our lab for OneTest.

 

International

 

Outside of the U.S., our commercialization models usually involve having blood samples tested locally with access to the OneTest algorithms over our cloud accessible portals. The target end-users are “Health Check Centers” of which there are thousands in Asia and parts of Europe and the Middle East. Heath Check Centers provide only screening examinations. They offer no treatment of injuries or illnesses. Invariably, these Health Check Centers offer routine testing of the biomarkers that are part of OneTest (albeit without any algorithms or analytics).

 

As of the date of this report, we have clinical users or marketing representatives in place in China, Taiwan, Japan, Israel, Jordan, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates. These commercial engagements usually involved a month or two of free portal access followed by fee-based arrangements. Our largest global markets are likely in China and Japan due not only to their large populations, but to the fact that tens of millions of their citizens receive tumor biomarker testing each year as part health check-ups.

 

Lab Facility

 

We operate a CLIA approved laboratory facility, Genesys Biolabs, where testing can be performed. As part of our commercialization strategy, we established this CLIA certified lab facility to perform immunodiagnostic tests of the highest level of complexity. CLIA regulations establish standards for proficiency testing; facility administration; general laboratory systems; preanalytic, analytic, and postanalytic systems; personnel qualifications and responsibilities; quality control, quality assessment; and specific cytology provisions for labs performing moderate to high complexity tests. Our laboratory is inspected biennially as part of its ongoing certification under CLIA.

 

Competition

 

Because of the substantial unmet medical need worldwide, many companies (and associated academic entities) are actively seeking to develop and commercialize tests of various types to detect cancers early, when it can be treated most effectively. Current approaches include in-vivo radiographic imaging as well as in-vitro tests using diverse bodily tissues and fluids including blood (serum or whole blood), urine, saliva, stool, sputum, and exhaled breath.

 

With regard to lung cancer, a longstanding focus of our company, key competitors include OncImmune, Ltd. and OncoCyte, Corp.

 

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We are unaware of any widely utilized products on the market that currently compete with our proposed OneTest multi (pan) cancer test. In the U.S., we know of no pan-cancer blood test that large numbers of physicians routinely order on behalf of their patients. In East Asia, where such biomarker tests are commonly offered as part of annual health check-ups, we are unaware of any widely used algorithms of the type we have developed, namely an algorithm built with real-world data from a large screening population with known cancer outcomes. However, there are many emerging companies seeking to use “liquid biopsy” and “next-gen sequencing” for pan-cancer testing. Furthermore, many companies are actively utilizing AI and machine learning to improve health outcomes, and at least some of those companies are likely seeking to use these techniques to improve cancer screening blood tests. Examples of companies working on pan-cancer tests include Grail, Thrive, and Freenome. We are aware of only one company actively marketing a “next-gen sequencing” test for pan-cancer screening in the U.S., the IvyGene test. Of note, IvyGene, like our pan-cancer test, is also being actively marketed to fire departments.

 

We believe we may be the first and only company to have a market ready pan-cancer blood test that meets each of the following criteria:

 

Aids in the early detection of five or more cancers, especially deadly cancers such as those of the lung, liver, and pancreas for which there are no widely used screening tools in the U.S.;

 

Includes machine learning algorithms powered by data from over 28,000 individuals, the majority of whom were tested before being diagnosed with cancer (it is very important to show that a test is useful to screen asymptomatic individuals vs. monitoring those who have confirmed cancer);

 

Externally validated using an independent sample set; and

 

Reasonably expected to be offered for under $200 over the next few years (this price point is important since these tests will not likely be covered by insurance for many years to come).

 

Our OneTest meets each of the above criteria whereas our known competitors are not expected to do so in the near future due to the need to run multi-year prospective clinical studies which are believed to be getting underway only this year. Data from a large cohort of individuals tested before being diagnosed with cancer is usually needed to assess the true efficacy of tests in a real-world screening population. Furthermore, most of our known competitors in the pan-cancer space are believed to rely heavily on next-generation sequencing of cell-free DNA, which is currently far more expensive than the immunoassays used by our company.

 

We currently intend, subject to a validation study, to incorporate our lung cancer assay (PAULA’s Test) into OneTest, at least initially for those consumers with a history of smoking.

 

We believe that we are among the first companies to develop and bring to market in the U.S. and China machine learning algorithms developed from and used with standard biomarker tests run in thousands of Health Check Centers in East Asia and around the world. Accumulation of high-quality data to build these algorithms was a multi-year effort, thereby creating a substantial barrier to entry. As a first mover, serial data we collect from individuals who use our test will be fed back into the machine learning algorithm resulting in further accuracy improvement. Thus, we expect to remain ahead of emerging competitors in terms of continuously learning and improving test performance.

 

Customers

 

Over 3,500 individuals have been tested to date with PAULA’s Test for the early detection of lung cancer. Approximately 1,500 of our newer OneTests have been ordered as of the date of this report with demand expected to substantially increase when the pandemic lockdown fully relaxes. We also have a legacy product, BioCheck, for screening suspicious powders that has been used by more than 1,000 fire departments and other emergency responder organizations worldwide. These customers are also targets for our lung and multi-cancer tests due to proven increase in lung cancer risk among firefighters.

 

Competitive Advantages

 

Based on our management’s experience in the industry, we believe the following competitive strengths should enable us to compete effectively in and capitalize on the growing cancer diagnostic market.

 

Our pan-cancer test and algorithm are based on data from a pre-symptomatic patient population and therefore should translate well into a real-world screening population. The reported diagnostic accuracy of our tests—typically quantified as a function of clinical sensitivity and specificity—are generally comparable to those reported by our aforementioned competitors. However, unlike all of our known competitors, the data supporting our pan-cancer products were generated from tens of thousands of individuals undergoing yearly screenings in “real-world” patient settings where blood samples were taken and analyzed before the cancer diagnosis. In contrast, competing products were developed in a laboratory setting involving blood samples from individuals after they presented with symptoms of cancer when it has often advanced to a later stage. The accuracies of tests developed using this “case/control” model consistently fail to hold up in real-world screening practice.

 

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Our tests our designed to be compatible with existing systems. Our tests are designed to be compatible with standard instrument systems manufactured and distributed by companies such as Roche Diagnostics, Abbott Diagnostics, and Siemens Healthcare. We believe that this dramatically lowers the barriers to adoption by hundreds of clinical diagnostics laboratories worldwide. Furthermore, it helps to pave the way for new sources of “big data” from tens of thousands of individuals tested worldwide using standardized test kits and instruments.

 

Our tests are expected to be more affordable compared to DNA based liquid biopsies. We project that the average selling price of OneTest (blood test plus algorithm) will be about $165 (with bulk discounts provided to companies). For overseas users accessing the algorithm only (i.e. laboratory testing conducted in-country), the cost will average about $20 per use. In contrast, we estimate tests that incorporate next-gen sequencing of cell-free DNA will likely cost an average of $500 or more for at least the next several years.

 

Cancer screening options in the U.S. are limited to only a few types of cancers. Widespread cancer screening in the U.S. is limited to only colorectal, breast, prostate and cervical cancers. Our test offers additional early detection options for other commonly diagnosed cancers such as lung, pancreatic and liver, malignancies where few if any low cost, easily accessible screening option exists today.

 

Growth Strategies

 

We will strive to be a leading cancer diagnostic company by pursuing the following growth strategies:

 

Targeting of high-risk occupations. Certain professions (e.g. firefighters) have proven higher incidence and mortality rates for multiple cancer types and are therefore actively looking for new, affordable early detection solutions. We have found these communities to be accessible and early adopters for OneTest.

 

Easy access to foreign markets. Our tests and algorithms measure the levels of biomarkers that can be assayed using kits and instruments widely available in thousands of clinical laboratories worldwide. The proprietary algorithms will be separate from the testing service so there is virtually no limit on scalability, both in volume and geography. Because the specimens can be tested in a local lab, costly shipping can be avoided so specimens do not need to be sent out using expensive overnight shipping services. In the future, we expect our tests to become available at pharmacy chains and walk-in clinics that have on-site blood sample collection capabilities and trained healthcare practitioners to educate consumers.

 

Direct-to-consumer outreach. Our market research and pre-commercial pilots suggest that a substantial and growing segment of the wellness market is willing to pay an average of about $200 for early cancer screening blood tests if it helps to reduce the risk of advanced, lethal cancers. We believe that well educated consumers look to manage their own medical options when it comes to diagnostic testing, nutrition and preventative services. Even when it means going beyond what the medical establishment covers for general screening for the public, many people seek better understanding and management of their health. We have therefore adopted a consumer-initiated model where interested individuals request the test from a physician of their choice. We have no immediate plans for a pure direct-to-consumer model that avoids physicians entirely. Since our tests run on industry standard instruments which use very low-cost reagent kits, these low-cost consumable reagent kits allow running the cancer biomarker tests extremely affordable and profitable for the labs which run them. This low cost/high profit model means that our partner labs have a strong motivation to offer our tests to their medical providers.

 

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Commercialization Milestones to Execute Our Growth Strategy

 

In order to achieve our ambitious growth strategies set forth above in a timely manner, we have established, and begun to execute the following goals and milestones with respect to OneTest:

 

COMMERCIALIZATION PHASES   UNITED STATES  

OUTSIDE U.S.

(East Asia, Middle East, Russia)

Pilot (Proof-of-Concept) Phase

(Q3 2018 through Q2 2019)

  Received first group orders from several fire departments. Demonstrated the ability to generate and fill on-line test orders using digital marketing. Generated nearly 200 paid test orders in the second quarter of 2019, a substantial increase over previous quarters.   Entered into software (algorithm) access subscription agreements with health check clinics or clinical laboratories in each of Taiwan, Japan, the UAE, Jordon, and Austria. Most provide for 2 or 3 months of free use before any royalty payments due. Average royalty per individual use about $20 USD.
         

Growth Phase

(Q3 2019 through Q2 2020)

 

  Doubled quarterly paid test volume to over 400 in the third quarter of 2019 and over 600 in the fourth quarter. Increased average test selling price from $110 to $130. Improved digital marketing to yield several on-line test orders each day
 
Cancer test demand fell in Q1 2020 due to pandemic as routine medical exams were deferred.
  Entered into first software subscription agreement with a health check clinic in mainland China.
 
Admitted to highly competitive Ping An Accelerator in Shenzhen China. Fewer than 3% of applicants worldwide are accepted into this program. This has given us access to various units within Ping An to pilot our software products.
 
First peer-reviewed publication describing OneTest algorithm appeared in leading European oncology journal.
 
Improved OneTest algorithm and portal to include “universal algorithm” permitting any number of biomarkers to be tested and “time to retest” feature.
         

Scale Up Phase

(Q3 2020 and beyond)

  Make test available at one or more retail pharmacy chains that operates in 50 states.
 
Transition test from our CLIA lab to at least one national reference laboratory (e.g. LabCorp, Quest Diagnostics, BioReference Labs).
 
Substantially expand sales and marketing
 
Increase average test volume to over 1,000 specimens per week.
  Subscription agreements with 200 or more health check centers or clinics worldwide.
 
Yearly run rate for royalties based on worldwide software subscriptions to exceed $1 million by 2021 with substantial growth.

 

The milestones above are generally sequential in nature, so delays in accomplishing one phase will likely delay subsequent phases. They also assume that our financing goals are accomplished in a timely manner. If our financing goals fall short or take longer than anticipated to complete, achievement of any or all of the aforementioned milestones and goals will be likely delayed.

 

Intellectual Property

 

We own or exclusively license 10 patent families related to cancer diagnostics and biowarfare detection. As of the date of this report, our patent portfolio included 16 granted patents and 13 pending applications in the U.S. and various other jurisdictions, including Canada. The earliest patent family (related to BioCheck) has a projected expiration date of 2020. Other family patents are expected to extend through 2039, based on priority date and projected expiration for pending applications or granted patents included in each family. No assurance is made that any pending patent applications within the portfolio will result in a granted patent.

 

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Research and Development

 

Our research and development expenses include clinical data acquisitions, laboratory validation and bridging studies, data analysis algorithms and non-capitalizable machine learning software development. In the future, we may in-license and validate novel biomarker test kits that compliment or improve our current products. Our research and development expenses were $195,041 and $234,492 for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

 

Employees

 

As of the date of this report, we had a total of 15 full-time equivalent employees.

 

We believe that we maintain a satisfactory working relationship with our employees, and we have not experienced any significant labor disputes or any difficulty in recruiting staff for our operations. None of our employees are represented by a labor union.

 

Regulation

 

Based on advice of regulatory counsel, we believe that our products do not require pre-market approval from the FDA or its counterparts in most of the other countries that we plan to do business. In the U.S., our products likely fall into one of two categories: Laboratory Developed Tests, or LDTs, or Clinical Decisions Support Software, or CDSS. As explained below, products in both of those categories do not require FDA pre-market approval, but could become subject to the FDA’s policy of “enforcement discretion.”

 

Laboratory Developed Tests. LDTs are tests run in the laboratory of the company that developed them. In general, LDTs are not regulated by the FDA but rather under a different regulatory regime called CLIA (Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments). Our laboratory is fully certified and compliant with CLIA. In November 2016, the FDA issued a formal statement clarifying that LDTs can be marketed without pre-market approval, but that the agency maintains “enforcement discretion” to require their approval for those LDTs that are marketed in a way that is unsafe or could mislead or cause harm to patients. Since November 2016, such enforcement discretion has been exercised very rarely and when it has been exercised the tests were not ordered by independent medical professionals. To reduce the likelihood that our tests will face enforcement discretion by the FDA, we request that our tests be ordered by a physician who is independent of our company and that the physician aid the patient/consumer in interpreting the test results.

 

CDSS. On December 13, 2016, the 21st Century Cures Act was signed into law. Among the many provisions of the Cures Act was the exclusion of certain medical decision support software from the FDA’s jurisdiction. On December 8, 2017, the FDA issued its first set of Draft Guidance to implement those provisions of the Cures Act relating to CDSS. Based on our reading of this Draft Guidance, we believe that there may be aspects of our current or planned OneTest software package that would be exempt from pre-market approval. If we elect to proceed with an independent software product in the U.S. (as we are doing overseas), outside laboratories could run the OneTest biomarker panels (all of the detection instruments and kits are FDA approved).

 

Operating under the assumption that seeking FDA approval for our products is optional, but that approval could improve the adoption rates and permit greater scale, we may seek FDA approval when test volume exceeds the capacity of our CLIA laboratory. In so doing, we will present to the FDA real-world evidence, data from tens of thousands of individuals tested with our products in the U.S. and overseas. On August 31, 2017, the FDA issued Guidance on the “Use of Real-World Evidence to Support Regulatory Decision-Making for Medical Devices.” The Guidance provides that “in some cases, a ‘traditional’ clinical trial may be impractical or excessively challenging to conduct” and that use of real world data “may in some cases provide similar information with comparable or even superior characteristics to information collected and analyzed through a traditional clinical trial.”

 

Legal Proceedings

 

From time to time, we may become involved in various lawsuits and legal proceedings which arise in the ordinary course of business. However, litigation is subject to inherent uncertainties, and an adverse result in these or other matters may arise from time to time that may harm our business. We are currently not aware of any such legal proceedings or claims that we believe will have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or operating results.

 

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Risk Factors

 

Investing in our securities involves a significant degree of risk. In evaluating our company and an investment in our securities, careful consideration should be given to the following risk factors, in addition to the other information included in this report. Each of these risk factors could materially adversely affect our business, operating results or financial condition, as well as adversely affect the value of an investment in our securities. The following is a summary of the most significant factors. We are still subject to all the same risks that all companies in our industry, and all companies in the economy, are exposed to. These include risks relating to economic downturns, political and economic events and technological developments (such as cyber-security). Additionally, early-stage companies are inherently riskier than more developed companies. You should consider general risks as well as specific risks when deciding whether to invest.

 

Risks Related to our Business Generally

 

We are an early revenue stage company and have incurred operating losses since inception and we do not know when we will attain profitability. An investment in our securities is highly risky and could result in a complete loss of your investment if we are unsuccessful in our business plans.

 

We are an early stage company. Since inception, we have incurred operating losses and negative cash flow, and we expect to continue to incur losses and negative cash flow in the future. Our net losses for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 were approximately $2.4 million and $1.5 million, respectively. Since inception, we have financed our operations through the sale of our securities, product revenues and government research grants and contracts. There is no assurance that we will be able to obtain adequate financing that we may need, or that any such financing that may become available will be on terms that are favorable to us and our stockholders. Ultimately, our ability to generate sufficient operating revenue to earn a profit depends upon our success in developing and marketing or licensing our diagnostic tests and technology. Any failure to do so could result in the possible closure of our business or force us to seek additional capital through loans or additional sales of our equity securities to continue business operations, which could dilute the value of any securities you hold, or could result in the loss of your entire investment.

 

We will need to attract additional capital to scale our business but have no assurance that we can do so successfully.

 

We will be incurring significant sales and marketing costs as we commercialize our diagnostic test products. We will need to raise additional capital to pay operating expenses until we are able to generate sufficient revenues from diagnostic test sales, royalties, and license fees, and we will need to sell additional equity or debt securities to meet those capital needs. Our ability to raise additional equity or debt capital will depend not only on progress made marketing and selling our diagnostic tests, but also will depend on access to capital and conditions in the capital markets. There is no assurance that we will be able to raise capital at times and in amounts needed to finance the development and commercialization of our diagnostic tests, maintenance of our CLIA certified diagnostic laboratory, and general operations. Even if capital is available, it may not be available on terms that we or our stockholders would consider favorable. Furthermore, sales of additional equity securities could result in the dilution of the interests of our stockholders.

 

Our success depends heavily on our cancer screening tests.

 

For the foreseeable future, our ability to generate revenues will depend almost entirely on the commercial success of our cancer tests. The commercial success and our ability to generate revenues will depend on a variety of factors, including the following:

 

patient acceptance of and demand for our tests;

 

acceptance in the medical community;

 

successful sales, marketing, and educational programs, including successful direct-to-patient marketing such as online advertising;

 

the amount and nature of competition from other multi- cancer screening products and procedures;

 

the ease of use of our ordering process for physicians; and

 

maintaining and defending patent protection for the intellectual property and our ability to establish and maintain adequate commercial manufacturing, distribution, sales and CLIA laboratory testing capabilities.

 

If we are unable to develop and maintain substantial sales of our tests or if we are significantly delayed or limited in doing so, our business prospects, financial condition and results of operation would be adversely affected.

 

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The success of our tests depends on the degree of market acceptance by physicians, patients, and others in the medical community.

 

Our tests may not gain market acceptance by physicians, and others in the medical community. The degree of market acceptance of our tests will depend on a number of factors, including:

 

its demonstrated sensitivity and specificity for detecting cancers;

 

its price;

 

the availability and attractiveness of alternative screening methods;

 

the willingness of physicians to prescribe our tests; and

 

the ease of use of our ordering process for physicians.

 

If OneTest does not achieve an adequate level of acceptance, we may not generate the substantial revenues we need to generate to become profitable.

 

Our near-term revenues will be derived mainly from payment from consumers and employers rather than government or private health insurance.

 

Should we be able to successfully market our diagnostic tests and software we will, for at least the near-term, rely on self-pay from the consumers and employers but may not be able to receive reimbursement for them from payers, such as health insurance companies, health maintenance organizations and Medicare, or any reimbursement that we receive may be lower than we anticipate. We cannot guarantee that a sufficient number of consumers or their employers will willingly pay the amounts we require to sustain growth and profitability.

 

Our inability to manage growth could harm our business.

 

We have added, and expect to continue to add, additional personnel in the areas of sales and marketing, laboratory operations, billing and collections, quality assurance and compliance. As we build our commercialization efforts and expand research and development activities, the scope and complexity of our operations is increasing significantly. As a result of our growth, our operating expenses and capital requirements have also increased, and we expect that they will continue to increase, significantly. Our ability to manage our growth effectively requires us to forecast expenses accurately, and to properly forecast and expand operational and testing facilities, if necessary, to expend funds to improve our operational, financial and management controls, reporting systems and procedures. As we move forward in commercializing our tests, we will also need to effectively manage our growing manufacturing, laboratory operations and sales and marketing needs. If we are unable to manage our anticipated growth effectively, our business could be harmed.

 

The success of our business is substantially dependent upon the efforts of our senior management team.

 

Our success depends largely on the skills, experience and performance of key members of our senior management team who are critical to directing and managing our growth and development in the future. Our success is substantially dependent upon our senior management’s ability to lead our company, implement successful corporate strategies and initiatives, develop key relationships, including relationships with collaborators and business partners, and successfully commercialize products and services. While our management team has significant experience development of diagnostic products, we have considerably less experience in commercializing these products or services. The efforts of our management team will be critical to us as we develop our technologies and seek to commercialize our tests and other products and services.

 

Our success depends on our ability to retain our managerial personnel and to attract additional personnel.

 

Our success depends in large part on our ability to attract and retain managerial personnel. If we were to lose any of our senior management team, we may experience difficulties in competing effectively, developing our technologies and implementing our business strategies. Competition for desirable personnel is intense, and there can be no assurance that we will be able to attract and retain the necessary staff. The failure to maintain management or to attract sales personnel could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

We currently manufacture our tests predominantly in one facility and perform our testing in one laboratory facility. As demand for our tests grow, we may lack adequate facility space and capabilities to meet increased processing requirements. Moreover, if these or any future facilities or our equipment were damaged or destroyed, or if we experience a significant disruption in our operations for any reason, our ability to continue to operate our business could be materially harmed.

 

We currently perform testing in a single laboratory facility in Rockville, Maryland. Our headquarters and manufacturing facilities are also located in Rockville, Maryland.

 

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As we expand sales and increase the number of tests processed by our laboratory facility, we may need to expand or modify our existing laboratory facility or acquire new laboratory facilities to increase our processing capacity. Any failure to do so on terms acceptable to us, if at all, may significantly delay our processing times and capabilities, which may adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operation.

 

If these, or any future facilities, were to be damaged, destroyed or otherwise unable to operate, whether due to fire, floods, storms, tornadoes, other inclement weather events or natural disasters, employee malfeasance, terrorist acts, power outages, or otherwise, our business could be severely disrupted. If our laboratory is disrupted, we may not be able to perform testing or generate test reports as promptly as patients and healthcare providers require or expect, or possibly not at all. If we are unable to perform testing or generate test reports within a timeframe that meets patient and healthcare provider expectations, our business, financial results and reputation could be materially harmed.

 

We currently maintain insurance against damage to our property and equipment and against business interruption and research and development restoration expenses, subject to deductibles and other limitations. If we have underestimated our insurance needs with respect to an interruption, or if an interruption is not subject to coverage under our insurance policies, we may not be able to cover our losses.

 

Failure of our internal controls over financial reporting could harm our business and financial results.

 

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. Internal control over financial reporting includes maintaining records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect our transactions; providing reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary for preparation of our financial statements; providing reasonable assurance that receipts and expenditures of our assets are made in accordance with management authorization; and providing reasonable assurance that unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements would be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting is not intended to provide absolute assurance that a misstatement of our financial statements would be prevented or detected. Our growth and entry into new diagnostic tests, technologies and markets will place significant additional pressure on our system of internal control over financial reporting. Any failure to maintain an effective system of internal control over financial reporting could limit our ability to report our financial results accurately and timely or to detect and prevent fraud.

 

Risks Related to Our Technology and Business Model

 

We will spend a substantial amount of our capital on data acquisition, data analytics and algorithm development, but our products might not succeed in gaining widespread market acceptance.

 

We have developed and will continually refine new biomarker test panels and associated algorithms. The main focus of these products is on early detection of cancer. Our technologies many not prove to be sufficiently efficacious or medically useful to gain widespread adoption or market share. The diagnostics tests and software that we have introduced to the market to date and have not yet generated significant revenues. Without diagnostic test sales or licensing fee revenues, we will not be able to operate at a profit, and we will not be able to cover our operating expenses without raising additional capital.

 

Physicians and hospitals may be reluctant to try a new diagnostic test due to the high degree of risk associated with the application of new technologies and diagnostic tests in the field of human medicine, especially if the new test differs from the current standard of care for detecting cancer in patients. Competing tests for the screening or initial diagnosis of cancer are being developed by established companies, other small biotechnology companies, and academic laboratories.

 

There also is a risk that our competitors may succeed in developing more accurate or more cost effective diagnostic tests that could render our diagnostic tests and technologies obsolete or noncompetitive. Even if our tests are technically superior, we may not be able to differentiate our products sufficiently from our competition.

 

Sales of any diagnostic tests that we develop and commercialize could be adversely impacted by the reluctance of physicians to adopt, promote or encourage the use of our tests and the availability of competing diagnostic tests.

 

The value of our diagnostic products is thus far proven mainly with real world evidence, rather than traditional clinical trials; there is no assurance that real world evidence will gain wide acceptance by the medical establishment or regulators in the countries in which we conduct business. Also, there is no assurance that data derived from East Asia will be accepted in Western nations, and generating data from Western populations could be time consuming and expensive.

 

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The value of machine learning and artificial intelligence in our algorithms is novel, not entirely proven, and might not be widely embraced by the medical establishment or regulators in the countries in which we conduct business.

 

If we fail to meet our obligations under various license and technology transfer agreements, we may lose our rights to key technologies or data sources on which our business depends.

 

Our business will depend on several critical technologies and data sources that have licenses from various overseas research centers. These license agreements typically impose obligations on us, including payment obligations and obligations to pursue development and commercialization of diagnostic tests under the licensed patents and technology. If licensors believe that we have failed to meet our obligations under a license agreement, they could seek to limit or terminate our license rights, which could lead to costly and time-consuming dispute resolution and, potentially, a loss of the licensed rights. During the period of any such litigation our ability to carry out the development and commercialization of potential diagnostic tests, and our ability to raise any capital that we might then need, could be significantly and negatively affected. If our license rights were restricted or ultimately lost, we would not be able to continue to use the licensed patents and technology in our business.

 

We have limited marketing and sales resources and few distribution resources for the commercialization of any diagnostic tests that we have developed.

 

If we are successful in developing marketable diagnostic tests, we will need to build our own marketing and sales capability, which would require the investment of significant financial and management resources to recruit, train, and manage a sales force.

 

Our business and operations could suffer in the event of system failures.

 

Despite the implementation of security measures, our internal computer systems and those of our contractors and consultants are vulnerable to damage from computer viruses, unauthorized access, natural disasters, terrorism, war and telecommunication and electrical failures. Such events could cause interruption of our operations. For example, the loss of data for our diagnostic test candidates could result in delays in our regulatory filings and development efforts and significantly increase our costs. To the extent that any disruption or security breach was to result in a loss of or damage to our data, or inappropriate disclosure of confidential or proprietary information, we could incur liability and the development of our diagnostic test candidates could be delayed.

 

In the event that one or more lawsuits are filed against us, we could be subject to reputational risk.

 

Our diagnostic tests are intended for use only as screening devices, which trigger more in-depth diagnostic procedures. If our tests failed to detect cancer in a patient with a malignant tumor and the patient sued us, we could incur reputational damage if doctors or patients were dissuaded from using our tests. Repeated lawsuits could also precipitate regulatory scrutiny that could negatively impact our ability to sell our products.

 

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Risks Related to Our Revenue Model

 

We are expecting patient self-pay to constitute a significant portion of our revenues for the foreseeable future, and our revenues could decline if individuals fail to provide timely and adequate payment for our diagnostic tests and algorithms.

 

We expect that a substantial portion of the patients for whom we will perform diagnostic tests will have Medicare as their primary medical insurance. Medicare coverage is not expected for several years. Even if our planned tests are otherwise successful, reimbursement for the Medicare-covered portions of our planned tests might not, without Medicare reimbursement, produce sufficient revenues to enable us to reach profitability and achieve our other commercial objectives.

 

Private health insurance company policies may deny coverage or limit the amount they will reimburse us for the performance of our diagnostic tests.

 

Patients who are not covered by Medicare will generally rely on health insurance provided by private health insurance companies. If we are considered a “non-contracted provider” by a third-party payer, that payer may not reimburse patients for diagnostic tests performed by us or doctors within the payer’s network of covered physicians may not use our services to perform diagnostic tests for their patients. As a result, we may need to enter into contracts with health insurance companies or other private payers to provide diagnostic tests to their insured patients at specified rates of reimbursement which may be lower than the rates we might otherwise collect.

 

Risks Related to our COVID-19 Antibody Tests

 

We are relying on FDA policies and guidance provisions that have changed very recently and relate directly to the COVID-19 health crisis. If we misinterpret this guidance or the guidance changes unexpectedly and/or materially, potential sales of the COVID-19 antibody tests would be impacted.

 

The FDA issued non-binding guidance for manufacturers relating to the pathway to enable FDA approval for devices related to testing for COVID-19 under an EUA. On March 16, 2020, guidance specific to COVID-19 ‘serology tests’ was issued that cover antibody tests like the ones we are distributing. In this guidance document and in subsequent communications with FDA officials, the pathway to enable distribution of the COVID-19 test was further explained. If our interpretation of the newly revised guidance is incorrect or specifics around the guidance change, the sales of the COVID-19 test could be materially impacted.

 

If the COVID-19 antibody tests that we are distributing in the U.S. do not perform as expected, are misused or misinterpreted, or the reliability of the technology is questioned, we could experience delayed or reduced market acceptance of the tests, increased costs and damage to our reputation. False positives or false negatives could cause harm to patients and could result in action taken against our company.

 

Our success depends on the market’s confidence that we can provide a reliable, high-quality COVID-19 diagnostic test. We believe that customers in our target markets are likely to be particularly sensitive to product defects and errors. Our reputation and the public image of our licensed COVID-19 diagnostic tests may be impaired if they fail to perform as expected or are perceived as difficult to use. Despite clinical verification studies, quality control and quality assurance testing, defects or errors could occur with the tests.

 

In the future, if our licensed COVID-19 diagnostic tests experience a material defect or error, this could result in loss or delay of revenues, delayed market acceptance, damaged reputation, diversion of development resources, legal claims, increased insurance costs or increased service and warranty costs, any of which could harm our business. Such defects or errors could also prompt us to amend certain warning labels or narrow the scope of the use of our diagnostic tests, either of which could hinder our success in the market. Even after any underlying concerns or problems are resolved, any widespread concerns regarding our technology or any manufacturing defects or performance errors in the test could result in lost revenue, delayed market acceptance, damaged reputation, increased service and warranty costs and claims against us.

 

If we become subject to claims relating the receipt and handling of bio-hazardous materials (including infected blood), we could incur significant cost and liability.

 

Our quality control quality assurance process might involve the receipt and handling of whole blood, serum, or plasma from one or more individuals confirmed to have been diagnosed with COVID-19. We are subject to Federal, state and local regulations governing the use, manufacture, storage, handling and disposal of biological materials and waste products. We may incur significant costs complying with both existing and future environmental laws and regulations. In particular, we are subject to regulation by the Maryland Department of Health, the CLIA, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or OSHA, and the Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA, and to regulation under the Toxic Substances Control Act and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act in the United States. OSHA or the EPA may adopt additional regulations in the future that may affect our research and development programs. The risk of accidental contamination or injury from hazardous materials cannot be eliminated completely. In the event of an accident, we could be held liable for any damages that result, and any liability could exceed the limits or fall outside the coverage of our workers’ compensation insurance. We may not be able to maintain insurance on acceptable terms, if at all. 

 

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Our COVID-19 antibody tests are being manufactured on a high-volume scale, but the intense and growing worldwide demand could curtail available supply and increase our purchase prices.

 

While the manufacturers of the COVID-19 antibody tests have experience in manufacturing diagnostic tests, there can be no assurance that they can manufacture the COVID-19 antibody tests at a scale that is adequate for our current and future commercial needs. We may face significant or unforeseen difficulties in securing adequate supply of the COVID-19 antibody tests relating to the manufacturing of the tests. These risks include but are not limited to:

 

competition from large purchasers worldwide, especially from Europe (in late March 2020, several European governments began to purchase millions of rapid COVID-19 antibody tests from Europe);

 

technical issues relating to manufacturing components of the COVID-19 antibody tests on a high-volume commercial scale at reasonable cost, and in a reasonable time frame;

 

difficulty meeting demand or timing requirements for orders due to excessive costs or lack of capacity for part or all of an operation or process;

 

changes in Chinese government export controls, regulations or in quality or other requirements that lead to additional manufacturing costs or an inability to supply product in a timely manner, if at all; and

 

increases in raw material or component supply cost or an inability to obtain supplies of certain critical supplies needed to complete our manufacturing processes.

 

These and other factors might limit our supply and increase our purchase price. In the event the tests cannot be manufactured in sufficient commercial quantities or manufacturing is delayed, our future prospects could be significantly impacted and our financial prospects could be materially harmed.

 

Our suppliers may experience development or manufacturing problems or delays that could limit the growth of our revenue or increase our losses.

 

We may encounter unforeseen situations in the manufacturing of the COVID-19 antibody tests that could result in delays or shortfalls in our production. Suppliers may also face similar delays or shortfalls. In addition, suppliers’ production processes may have to change to accommodate any significant future expansion of manufacturing capacity, which may increase suppliers’ manufacturing costs, delay production of diagnostic tests, reduce our product gross margin and adversely impact our business. If we are unable to keep up with demand for the COVID-19 antibody tests by successfully securing supply and shipping our diagnostic tests in a timely manner, our revenue could be impaired, market acceptance for the tests could be adversely affected and our customers might instead purchase our competitors’ diagnostic tests.

 

We have relied and expect to continue to rely on third parties to conduct studies of the COVID-19 antibody tests that will be required by the FDA or other regulatory authorities and those third parties may not perform satisfactorily.

 

Although we intend to sell the COVID-19 antibody tests by virtue of recent FDA guidance allowing for reduced product clinical and analytical studies, we have relied on third parties, such as independent testing laboratories and hospitals, to conduct such studies. Our reliance on these third parties will reduce our control over these activities. These third-party contractors may not complete activities on schedule or conduct studies in accordance with regulatory requirements or our study design. We cannot control whether they devote sufficient time, skill and resources to our studies. Our reliance on third parties that we do not control will not relieve us of any applicable requirement to prepare, and ensure compliance with, various procedures required under good clinical practices. If these third parties do not successfully carry out their contractual duties or regulatory obligations or meet expected deadlines, if the third parties need to be replaced or if the quality or accuracy of the data they obtain is compromised due to their failure to adhere to our clinical protocols or regulatory requirements or for other reasons, our studies may be extended, delayed, suspended or terminated, and we may not be able to obtain regulatory approval for additional diagnostic tests.

 

We will rely on third parties to manufacture the COVID-19 antibody tests that we distribute in the U.S., and if such third parties refuse or are unable to supply us with the COVID-19 tests, our business will be materially harmed.

 

We will rely on third parties to manufacture the COVID-19 antibody tests that we distribute in the U.S. If any issues arise with respect to the manufacturer’s ability to manufacture and deliver to us the COVID-19 antibody tests, our business could be materially harmed.

 

While we have obtained options to procure exclusive distribution agreements for the exclusive rights to commercialize the rapid COVID-19 IgM/IgG antibody detection kits manufactured by Innovita in the United States, the manufacturer has no obligation to supply us with a minimum amount, or any, of these tests. The manufacturer may choose not to supply us with a sufficient quantity of such tests in order to supply such tests to other distributors, or for any reason. In addition, the manufacturers of all of our COVID-19 antibody tests may be unable to provide us with an adequate supply for various reasons, including, among others, if they become insolvent, if a United States regulatory authority or other governments block the import or sale of the COVID-19 tests, or if they fail to maintain their rights to manufacture the COVID-19 tests.

 

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We face substantial competition.

 

The development and commercialization of blood tests to detect antibodies is highly competitive and subject to rapid technological advances. We may face future competition with respect to our current product candidates and any product candidates we may seek to develop or commercialize in the future. Our competitors may develop COVID-19 tests that are safer, more effective, more convenient or less costly than any products that we may develop or market, or may obtain marketing approval for their products from the FDA, or equivalent foreign regulatory bodies more rapidly than we may obtain approval for our product candidates. Our competitors may devote greater resources to market or sell their COVID-19 tests, research and development capabilities, adapt more quickly to new technologies, scientific advances or patient preferences and needs, initiate or withstand substantial price competition more successfully, or more effectively negotiate third-party licensing and collaborative arrangements. As a result, physicians and other key healthcare decision makers may choose other products over our products, switch from our products to new products or choose to use our products only in limited circumstances, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

Risks Related to Regulation

 

Our business is subject to various complex laws and regulations. We could be subject to significant fines and penalties if we or our partners fail to comply with these laws and regulations.

 

As a provider of clinical diagnostic products and services, we and our partners are subject to extensive and frequently changing federal, state and local laws and regulations governing various aspects of our business. In particular, the clinical laboratory industry is subject to significant governmental certification and licensing regulations, as well as federal and state laws regarding:

 

test ordering and billing practices;

 

marketing, sales and pricing practices;

 

health information privacy and security, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, or HIPAA, as amended by the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act of 2009, or HITECH, and comparable state laws;

 

anti-markup legislation; and

 

consumer protection.

 

We are also required to comply with FDA regulations, including with respect to our labeling and promotion activities. In addition, advertising of our tests is subject to regulation by the Federal Trade Commission, or FTC. Violation of any FDA requirement could result in enforcement actions, such as seizures, injunctions, civil penalties and criminal prosecutions, and violation of any FTC requirement could result in injunctions and other associated remedies, all of which could have a material adverse effect on our business. Most states also have similar regulatory and enforcement authority for devices. Additionally, most foreign countries have authorities comparable to the FDA and processes for obtaining marketing approvals. Obtaining and maintaining these approvals, and complying with all laws and regulations, may subject us to similar risks and delays as those we could experience under FDA and FTC regulation. We incur various costs in complying and overseeing compliance with these laws and regulations.

 

Healthcare policy has been a subject of extensive discussion in the executive and legislative branches of the federal and many state governments and healthcare laws and regulations are subject to change. Development of the existing commercialization strategy for our tests have been based on existing healthcare policies. We cannot predict what additional changes, if any, will be proposed or adopted or the effect that such proposals or adoption may have on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

If we or our partners, including independent sales representatives, fail to comply with these laws and regulations, we could incur significant fines and penalties and our reputation and prospects could suffer. Additionally, our partners could be forced to cease offering our products and services in certain jurisdictions, which could materially disrupt our business.

 

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We could be unexpectedly required to obtain regulatory approval of our diagnostic test products in one or more countries in which we do business.

 

Our diagnostic test products are classified as either Laboratory Developed Tests or Clinical Decision Support Software, which, in general, are not currently regulated by the FDA. However, FDA policies and practices could be interpreted or evolve to deem our products under their jurisdiction and in need of approval as a condition to continued marketing in the U.S. This may also be the case for corresponding foreign regulatory authorities.

 

As a result of required FDA pre-market review, our tests may not be cleared or approved on a timely basis, if at all.

 

The regulatory approval process may involve, among other things, successfully completing additional clinical trials and making a 510(k) submission, or filing a pre-market approval application with the FDA.

 

We will have to maintain our CLIA certificate of registration license for our laboratory for the manufacture and use of diagnostic tests and as part of re-certification our laboratory will be inspected.

 

In addition to meeting federal regulatory requirements, each state has its own laboratory certification and inspection requirements for a CLIA laboratory that must be met in order to sell diagnostic tests in the state. CLIA licensed laboratories can lose their licenses if problems arise during a periodic inspection.

 

If the FDA regulates Laboratory Developed Tests and requires that we seek pre-market approval, there is no assurance that we will be able to comply with FDA requirements.

 

In 2020, legislation known as the VALID Act may be introduced in Congress that, if passed into law, could require pre-market FDA approval of most Laboratory Developed Tests. While this legislation would be expected to “grandfather” tests that were on the market at the time of passage, it could limit our ability to introduce new tests or substantial refinements to OneTest.

 

If we unexpectedly are required to obtain regulatory approval of our diagnostic test products, it may take two years or more to conduct the clinical studies and trials necessary to obtain pre-market approval from the FDA. Even if our clinical trials are completed as planned, we cannot be certain that the results will support our test claims or that the FDA will agree with our conclusions regarding our test results. Success in early clinical trials does not ensure that later clinical trials will be successful, and we cannot be sure that the later trials will replicate the results of prior clinical trials and studies. If we are required to conduct pre-market clinical trials, delays in the commencement or completion of clinical testing could significantly increase our test development costs and delay commercialization. Many of the factors that may cause or lead to a delay in the commencement or completion of clinical trials may also ultimately lead to delay or denial of regulatory clearance or approval. The clinical trial process may fail to demonstrate that our tests are effective for the proposed indicated uses, which could cause us to abandon a test candidate and may delay development of other tests.

 

We may be required to comply with federal and state laws governing the privacy of health information, and any failure to comply with these laws could result in material criminal and civil penalties.

 

HIPAA sets forth security regulations that establish administrative, physical and technical standards for maintaining the confidentiality, integrity and availability of protected health information in electronic form. We also may be required to comply with state laws that are more stringent than HIPAA or that provide individuals with greater rights with respect to the privacy or security of, and access to, their health care records. HITECH established certain health information security breach notification obligations that require covered entities to notify each individual whose protected health information is breached.

 

We may incur significant compliance costs related to HIPAA and HITECH privacy regulations and varying state privacy regulations and varying state privacy and security laws. Given the complexity of HIPAA and HITECH and their overlap with state privacy and security laws, and the fact that these laws are rapidly evolving and are subject to changing and potentially conflicting interpretation, our ability to comply with the HIPAA, HITECH and state privacy requirements is uncertain and the costs of compliance are significant. The costs of complying with any changes to the HIPAA, HITECH and state privacy restrictions may have a negative impact on our operations. Noncompliance could subject us to criminal penalties, civil sanctions and significant monetary penalties as well as reputational damage.

 

We are subject to federal and state healthcare fraud and abuse laws and regulations and could face substantial penalties if we are unable to fully comply with such laws.

 

We are subject to healthcare fraud and abuse regulation and enforcement by both the federal government and the states in which we conduct our business. These health care laws and regulations include the following:

 

The federal Anti-Kickback Statute;

 

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The federal physician self-referral prohibition, commonly known as the Stark Law;

 

The federal false claims and civil monetary penalties laws;

 

The federal Physician Payment Sunshine Act requirements under the Affordable Care Act; and

 

State law equivalents of each of the federal laws enumerated above.

 

Any action brought against us for violation of these laws or regulations, even if we are in compliance and successfully defend against it, could cause us to incur significant legal expenses and divert our management’s attention from the operation of our business. If our operations are found to be in violation of any of these laws and regulations, we may be subject to applicable penalties associated with the violation, including, among others, administrative, civil and criminal penalties, damages and fines, and/or exclusion from participation in Medicare, Medicaid programs, including the California Medical Assistance Program (Medi-Cal—the California version of the Medicaid program) or other state or federal health care programs. Additionally, we could be required to refund payments received by us, and we could be required to curtail or cease our operations.

 

Risks Related to Our Intellectual Property

 

If we are unable to obtain and enforce patents and to protect our trade secrets, others could use our technology to compete with us, which could create undue competition and pricing pressures. There is no certainty that our pending or future patent applications will result in the issuance of patents or that our issued patents will be deemed enforceable.

 

The success of our business depends significantly on our ability to operate without infringing patents and other proprietary rights of others. If the technology that we use infringes a patent held by others, we could be sued for monetary damages by the patent holder or its licensee, or we could be prevented from continuing research, development, and commercialization of diagnostic tests that rely on that technology, unless we are able to obtain a license to use the patent. The cost and availability of a license to a patent cannot be predicted, and the likelihood of obtaining a license at an acceptable cost would be lower if the patent holder or any of its licensees is using the patent to develop or market a diagnostic test with which our diagnostic test would compete. If we could not obtain a necessary license, we would need to develop or obtain rights to alternative technologies, which could prove costly and could cause delays in diagnostic test development, or we could be forced to discontinue the development or marketing of any diagnostic tests that were developed using the technology covered by the patent.

 

We have issued patents and patent applications pending worldwide that are owned by or exclusively licensed to us. We and our collaborators expect to continue to file and prosecute patent applications covering the products and technology that we commercialize. However, there is no assurance that any of our licensed patent applications, or any patent applications that we have filed or that we may file in the future in the United States or abroad, will result in the issuance of patents.

 

Our success will depend in part on our ability to obtain and enforce patents and maintain trade secrets in the United States and in other countries. If we are unsuccessful in obtaining and enforcing patents, our competitors could use our technology and create diagnostic tests that compete with our diagnostic tests, without paying license fees or royalties to us.

 

The relatively recent Supreme Court decisions in Mayo Collaborative Services v. Prometheus Laboratories, Inc. and Alice Corp. v. CLS Bank Int'l may adversely impact our ability to obtain strong patent protection for some or all of our diagnostic tests and associated algorithms.

 

The preparation, filing, and prosecution of patent applications can be costly and time consuming. Our limited financial resources may not permit us to pursue patent protection of all of our technology and diagnostic tests throughout the world, even where we have legally binding patent protection and trade secret rights.

 

Even if we are able to obtain issued patents covering our technology or diagnostic tests, we may have to incur substantial legal fees and other expenses to enforce our patent rights in order to protect our technology and diagnostic tests from infringing uses. We may not have the financial resources to finance the litigation required to preserve our patent and trade secret rights.

 

The process of applying for and obtaining patents can be expensive and slow.

 

The preparation and filing of patent applications, and the maintenance of patents that are issued, may require substantial time and money. A patent interference proceeding may be instituted with the United States Patent and Trademark Office, or USPTO, when more than one-person files a patent application covering the same technology, or if someone wishes to challenge the validity of an issued patent.

 

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Our patents may not protect our diagnostic tests from competition.

 

We might not be able to obtain any patents beyond those that have been issued by the USPTO, and any patents that we do obtain might not be comprehensive enough to provide us with meaningful patent protection. There will always be a risk that our competitors might be able to successfully challenge the validity or enforceability of any patent issued to us.

 

Risks Related to Our Dependence on Third Parties

 

There are a limited number of manufacturers of molecular diagnostic equipment and related chemical reagents necessary for the provision of our diagnostic tests.

 

The test panels and algorithms that we have developed and will continue to develop rely on the certain analytic equipment. There are only a few manufacturers of the equipment we will need and the chemical reagents that are required for use with a particular manufacturer’s equipment will be available only from that equipment manufacturer. If the manufacturer of the equipment we acquire discontinues operation or if we and other testing laboratories experience supply or quality issues with their equipment or reagents, it may become necessary for us to adjust our products for different analytic equipment, which would require additional experiments to ensure reproducibility of our test results using the new equipment. As a result, we may be unable to provide our diagnostic products for a period of time.

 

To achieve widespread use of our diagnostic test and commercial scale, individual consumers will need convenient access to blood draw services, but we cannot guarantee that these service providers will be willing to perform them.

 

The large laboratory testing chains in each of the countries in which we conduct business should be under contract with us before we can achieve widespread adoption of our cancer diagnostic tests so that consumers can easily obtain a blood draw. There is no assurance that we will be able to obtain the contractual obligations needed to achieve widespread use of our cancer diagnostic tests and commercial scale.

 

If we fail to enter into and maintain successful strategic alliances for diagnostic tests that we elect to co-develop, co-market, or out-license, we may have to reduce or delay our diagnostic test development or increase our expenditures.

 

To facilitate the development, manufacture and commercialization of our diagnostic tests we may enter into strategic alliances with hospitals and biomedical research institutes, biotechnology and diagnostics companies, clinical testing reference laboratories, and marketing firms in many of the countries in which we do business. We will face significant competition in seeking appropriate alliances. We may not be able to negotiate alliances on acceptable terms, if at all. If we fail to create and maintain suitable alliances, we may have to limit the size or scope of, or delay, one or more of our product development or research programs, or we may have to increase our expenditures and may need to obtain additional funding, which may be unavailable or available only on unfavorable terms.

 

In some countries we may license marketing rights to diagnostics or clinical laboratory companies or to a joint venture company formed with those companies. Under such arrangements we might receive only a royalty on sales of the diagnostic tests developed or an equity interest in a joint venture company that develops the diagnostic test. As a result, our revenues from the sale of those diagnostic tests may be substantially less than the amount of revenues and gross profits that we might receive if we were to market and run the diagnostic tests ourselves.

 

We may become dependent on possible future collaborations to develop and commercialize many of our diagnostic test candidates and to provide the manufacturing, regulatory compliance, sales, marketing and distribution capabilities required for the success of our business.

 

We may enter into various kinds of collaborative research and development, manufacturing, and diagnostic test marketing agreements to develop and commercialize our diagnostic tests. There is a risk that we could become dependent upon one or more collaborative arrangements. A collaborative arrangement, upon which we might depend might be terminated by our collaboration partner or they might determine not to actively pursue the co-development of our diagnostic tests. A collaboration partner also may not be precluded from independently pursuing competing diagnostic tests or technologies.

 

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Risks Related to Doing Business in China and Other Countries

 

International operations could subject us to risks and expenses that could adversely impact the business and results of operations.

 

To date, we have not undertaken substantial commercial activities outside the United States. We have evaluated commercialization in Asian countries. If we seek to expand internationally, or launch other products or services internationally, in the future, those efforts would expose us to risks from the failure to comply with foreign laws and regulations that differ from those under which we operate in the U.S., as well as U.S. rules and regulations that govern foreign activities such as the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. In addition, we could be adversely affected by other risks associated with operating in foreign countries. Economic uncertainty in some of the geographic regions in which we might operate, including developing regions, could result in the disruption of commerce and negatively impact cash flows from our operations in those areas.

 

These and other factors may have a material adverse effect on any international operations we may seek to undertake and, consequently, on our financial condition and results of operations.

 

Certain jurisdictions in which we may do business may not provide the same level of legal protections and enforcement of contract and intellectual property rights to which investors are accustomed in the United States.

 

We may conduct business in China and other foreign jurisdictions. In order to do business in these countries, we will be required to comply with the laws of those countries, including restrictions on exporting currency, requirements for local partners, tax laws and other legal requirements. Doing business in such foreign jurisdictions also entails political risk over which we have no control and for which we are unable to obtain insurance on acceptable terms. These countries also have different judicial systems, which may not provide the same level of legal protections and enforcement of contract and intellectual property rights to which investors are accustomed in the United States. We can provide no assurance that the applicable laws of such foreign jurisdictions will not be changed in ways unfavorable to us, or that applicable laws will be adequately enforced in order to provide the same levels of protection accorded to us in the United States.

 

Risks Related to Ownership of our Securities

 

There is no public market for our Common Stock. You cannot be certain that an active trading market or a specific share price will be established, and you may not be able to resell your securities at or above the public offering price.

 

There is currently no public market for our Common Stock. We may apply for the listing of our Common Stock on a national exchange (i.e., NYSE or NASDAQ) or for the quotation of our Common Stock on the OTCQB or OTCQX market maintained by OTC Markets Group Inc., subject to certain considerations, including, without limitation, the size and timing of our ongoing Regulation A offering, and whether we accomplish certain commercialization milestones. However, an active trading market may not develop even if we are successful in arranging for our Common Stock to be listed or quoted. We also cannot assure you that the market price of our Common Stock will not fluctuate or decline significantly, including a decline below the offering price, in the future.

 

If we apply for quotation of our Common Stock on the OTCQB or OTCQX markets, it may have an unfavorable impact on our stock price and liquidity.

 

The OTCQB and OTCQX markets are significantly more limited markets than the New York Stock Exchange or The Nasdaq Stock Market. If we apply for quotation of our Common Stock on the OTCQB or OTCQX market, the quotation of our shares on such market may result in a less liquid market available for existing and potential stockholders to trade shares of our Common Stock, could depress the trading price of our Common Stock and could have a long-term adverse impact on our ability to raise capital in the future, Furthermore, we cannot assure you that we will be able to meet the initial listing standards of any stock exchange, or that we will be able to maintain any such listing.

 

The market price of our Common Stock may fluctuate, and you could lose all or part of your investment.

 

Our financial performance, our industry’s overall performance, changing consumer preferences, technologies and government regulatory action, tax laws and market conditions in general could have a significant impact on the future market price of our Common Stock. Some of the other factors that could negatively affect our share price or result in fluctuations in our share price include:

 

actual or anticipated variations in our periodic operating results;

 

increases in market interest rates that lead purchasers of our Common Stock to demand a higher yield;

 

changes in earnings estimates;

 

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changes in market valuations of similar companies;

 

actions or announcements by our competitors;

 

adverse market reaction to any increased indebtedness we may incur in the future;

 

additions or departures of key personnel;

 

actions by stockholders;

 

speculation in the press or investment community; and

 

our intentions and ability to list our Common Stock on a national securities exchange and our subsequent ability to maintain such listing.

 

Future issuances of our Common Stock or securities convertible into our Common Stock could cause the market price of our Common Stock to decline and would result in the dilution of your shareholding.

 

Future issuances of our Common Stock or securities convertible into our Common Stock could cause the market price of our Common Stock to decline. We cannot predict the effect, if any, of future issuances of our Common Stock or securities convertible into our Common Stock on the price of our Common Stock. In all events, future issuances of our Common Stock would result in the dilution of your shareholding. In addition, the perception that new issuances of our Common Stock, or other securities convertible into our Common Stock, could occur, could adversely affect the market price of our Common Stock.

 

Future issuances of debt securities, which would rank senior to our capital stock upon our bankruptcy or liquidation, and future issuances of Preferred Stock may adversely affect the level of return you may be able to achieve from an investment in our securities.

 

In the future, we may attempt to increase our capital resources by offering debt securities. Upon bankruptcy or liquidation, holders of our debt securities, and lenders with respect to other borrowings we may make, would receive distributions of our available assets prior to any distributions being made to holders of our capital stock. Moreover, if we issue additional Preferred Stock, the holders of such Preferred Stock could be entitled to preferences over existing holders of Common Stock and Preferred Stock in respect of the payment of dividends and the payment of liquidating distributions. Because our decision to issue debt or preferred securities in any future offering, or borrow money from lenders, will depend in part on market conditions and other factors beyond our control, we cannot predict or estimate the amount, timing or nature of any such future offerings or borrowings. You must bear the risk that any future offerings we conduct or borrowings we make may adversely affect the level of return you may be able to achieve from an investment in our securities.

 

We have never paid cash dividends on our stock and we do not intend to pay dividends for the foreseeable future.

 

We have paid no cash dividends on any class of our stock to date, and we do not anticipate paying cash dividends in the near term. For the foreseeable future, we intend to retain any earnings to finance the development and expansion of our business, and we do not anticipate paying any cash dividends on our stock. Accordingly, investors must be prepared to rely on sales of their shares after price appreciation to earn an investment return, which may never occur. Investors seeking cash dividends should not purchase our shares. Any determination to pay dividends in the future will be made at the discretion of our board of directors and will depend on our results of operations, financial condition, contractual restrictions, restrictions imposed by applicable law and other factors our board deems relevant.

 

Certain provisions of our second amended and restated certificate of incorporation may make it more difficult for a third party to effect a change-of-control.

 

Our second amended and restated certificate of incorporation authorizes our board of directors to issue up to 10,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock. The Preferred Stock may be issued in one or more series, the terms of which may be determined at the time of issuance by our board of directors without further action by the stockholders. These terms may include voting rights including the right to vote as a series on particular matters, preferences as to dividends and liquidation, conversion rights, redemption rights and sinking fund provisions. The issuance of any Preferred Stock could diminish the rights of holders of existing shares, and therefore could reduce the value of such shares. In addition, specific rights granted to future holders of Preferred Stock could be used to restrict our ability to merge with, or sell assets to, a third party. The ability of our board of directors to issue Preferred Stock could make it more difficult, delay, discourage, prevent or make it costlier to acquire or effect a change-in-control, which in turn could prevent our stockholders from recognizing a gain in the event that a favorable offer is extended and could materially and negatively affect the market price of our Common Stock.

 

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We are subject to ongoing public reporting requirements that are less rigorous than rules for more mature public companies, and our stockholders receive less information.

 

We are required to publicly report on an ongoing basis under the reporting rules set forth in Regulation A for Tier 2 issuers. The ongoing reporting requirements under Regulation A are more relaxed than for public companies reporting under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act. The differences include, but are not limited to, being required to file only annual and semiannual reports, rather than annual and quarterly reports. Annual reports are due within 120 calendar days after the end of the issuer’s fiscal year, and semiannual reports are due within 90 calendar days after the end of the first six months of the issuer’s fiscal year.

 

We may elect to become a public reporting company under the Exchange Act. If we elect to do so, we will be required to publicly report on an ongoing basis as an emerging growth company, as defined in Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act, or the JOBS Act, under the reporting rules set forth under the Exchange Act. For so long as we remain an emerging growth company, we may take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other Exchange Act reporting companies that are not emerging growth companies, including but not limited to:

 

not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act;

 

being permitted to comply with reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in our periodic reports and proxy statements; and

 

being exempt from the requirement to hold a non-binding advisory vote on executive compensation and stockholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved.

 

In addition, Section 107 of the JOBS Act also provides that an emerging growth company can take advantage of the extended transition period provided in Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act, for complying with new or revised accounting standards. In other words, an emerging growth company can delay the adoption of certain accounting standards until those standards would otherwise apply to private companies. We have elected to take advantage of the benefits of this extended transition period. Our financial statements may therefore not be comparable to those of companies that comply with such new or revised accounting standards.

 

We would expect to take advantage of these reporting exemptions until we are no longer an emerging growth company. We would remain an emerging growth company for up to five years, or until the earliest of (i) the last day of the first fiscal year in which our total annual gross revenues exceed $1 billion, (ii) the date that we become a large accelerated filer as defined in Rule 12b-2 under the Exchange Act, which would occur if the market value of our common shares that is held by non-affiliates exceeds $700 million as of the last business day of our most recently completed second fiscal quarter or (iii) the date on which we have issued more than $1 billion in non-convertible debt during the preceding three year period.

 

If we decide to apply for the quotation of our Common Stock on the OTCQB or OTCQX market, we will be subject to the OTC Market’s Reporting Standards, which can be satisfied in a number of ways, including by remaining in compliance with (i) SEC reporting requirements, if we elect to become a public reporting company under the Exchange Act, or (ii) Regulation A reporting requirements, if we elect not to become a reporting company under the Exchange Act.

 

In either case, we will be subject to ongoing public reporting requirements that are less rigorous than Exchange Act rules for companies that are not emerging growth companies, and our stockholders could receive less information than they might expect to receive from more mature public companies.

 

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If our shares become subject to the penny stock rules, it would become more difficult to trade our shares.

 

The SEC has adopted rules that regulate broker-dealer practices in connection with transactions in penny stocks. Penny stocks are generally equity securities with a price of less than $5.00, other than securities registered on certain national securities exchanges or authorized for quotation on certain automated quotation systems, provided that current price and volume information with respect to transactions in such securities is provided by the exchange or system. If we do not obtain and retain a listing or quotation of our Common Stock and if the price of our Common Stock is less than $5.00, our Common Stock will be deemed a penny stock. The penny stock rules require a broker-dealer, before a transaction in a penny stock not otherwise exempt from those rules, to deliver a standardized risk disclosure document containing specified information. In addition, the penny stock rules require that before effecting any transaction in a penny stock not otherwise exempt from those rules, a broker-dealer must make a special written determination that the penny stock is a suitable investment for the purchaser and receive (i) the purchaser’s written acknowledgment of the receipt of a risk disclosure statement; (ii) a written agreement to transactions involving penny stocks; and (iii) a signed and dated copy of a written suitability statement. These disclosure requirements may have the effect of reducing the trading activity in the secondary market for our Common Stock, and therefore stockholders may have difficulty selling their shares.

 

If securities industry analysts do not publish research reports on us, or publish unfavorable reports on us, then the market price and market trading volume of our Common Stock could be negatively affected.

 

Any trading market for our Common Stock will be influenced in part by any research reports that securities industry analysts publish about us. We do not currently have and may never obtain research coverage by securities industry analysts. If no securities industry analysts commence coverage of us, the market price and market trading volume of our Common Stock could be negatively affected. In the event we are covered by analysts, and one or more of such analysts downgrade our securities, or otherwise reports on us unfavorably, or discontinues coverage or us, the market price and market trading volume of our Common Stock could be negatively affected.

 

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Overview

 

We are an early revenue stage digital diagnostics company with the core mission of developing and commercializing in-vitro diagnostic tests powered by machine learning to improve diagnostic accuracy and clinical usefulness. In response to the novel coronavirus pandemic that began in early 2020, we expanded upon our longstanding mission of reducing cancer mortality in the U.S. and around the world through early detection. More specifically, we acquired and commercialized several COVID-19 antibody tests, both rapid kits and laboratory-based tests.

 

For early cancer detection, we use machine learning and real-world data analytics approaches to substantially improve the accuracy of tumor biomarkers that are currently tested in millions of individuals around the world. Our products include a multi-cancer test for screening at least five types of cancer from one blood sample known as OneTest and a blood test for early lung cancer known as PAULA’s Test. In the coming months, we expect to integrate PAULA’s Test into OneTest. As most of the biomarkers used in PAULA’s Test are part of OneTest, this integration mainly centers on using common testing instrumentation.

 

Our legacy business includes a patented field test kit for screening suspicious powders for bioterror agents that is used regularly by hundreds of first responder organizations worldwide known as BioCheck. Our BioCheck kits for screening suspicious powders remains profitable, but with limited growth potential, at least in the U.S. absent a serial anthrax incident, or similar incident, like the one that occurred in the U.S. in 2001.

 

Recent Developments

 

Regulation A Offering

 

On January 8, 2020, we launched an offering under Regulation A of Section 3(6) of the Securities Act for Tier 2 offerings, pursuant to which we are offering up to 3,340,909 shares of Series C Preferred Stock at an offering price of $4.40 per share for gross proceeds of up to $14,700,000 on a “best efforts” basis. As of the date of this report, we have raised approximately $1.2 million in gross proceeds through the sale of 268,451 shares of our Series C Preferred Stock.

 

COVID-19 Antibody Tests

 

On April 5, 2020, we entered into a sales representative agreement with Mems Technologies Holdings Company Limited, or MEMS, a Hong Kong based company that has the rights to export COVID-19 rapid antibody test kits manufactured by Innovita (Tangshan) Biological Technology Co., Ltd., located in Hebei, China, or Innovita. Pursuant to this agreement, MEMS granted to us a non-exclusive right to solicit orders for the Innovita product from customers outside of China. We will receive a commission of ten percent (10%) of the price for Innovita products on orders solicited by us that are approved by MEMS, the terms of which shall be provided by MEMS. The term of the agreement with MEMS is two years.

 

In May 2020, we validated and began offering COVID-19 antibody tests manufactured by Roche Diagnostics.

 

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PPP Loan

 

On May 19, 2020, we received a $144,000 Payroll Protection Program, or PPP, loan from the United States Small Business Administration, or SBA, under provisions of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act, or the CARES Act. The PPP loan has a two-year term and bears interest at a rate of 1.0% per annum. Monthly principal and interest payments are deferred for six months after the date of disbursement. The PPP loan may be prepaid at any time prior to maturity with no prepayment penalties. The PPP loan contain events of default and other provisions customary for loans of this type. The PPP provides that the PPP loans may be partially or wholly forgiven if the funds are used for certain qualifying expenses as described in the CARES Act. We intend to use the proceeds from the PPP loan for qualifying expenses and to apply for forgiveness of the PPP loan in accordance with the terms of the CARES Act. We have classified the PPP loan as a current liability pending SBA clarification of the final loan terms.

 

Principal Factors Affecting our Financial Performance

 

Our operating results are primarily affected by the following factors:

 

our ability to access additional capital and the size and timing of subsequent financings;

 

the costs of acquiring additional data, technology, and/or intellectual property to successfully reach our goals and to remain competitive;

 

personnel and facilities costs in any region in which we seek to introduce and market our products;

 

the costs of sales, marketing, and customer acquisition;

 

average price per test paid by consumers;

 

the number of tests ordered per quarter;

 

costs of third-party laboratories to run our tests;

 

willingness of healthcare providers (including telemedicine providers) to prescribe and encourage our tests and the fees charged by them to do so;
     
the costs of compliance with any unforeseen regulatory obstacles or governmental mandates in any states or countries in which we seek to operate; and
     
the costs of any additional clinical studies which are deemed necessary for us to remain viable and competitive in any region of the world.

 

Going Concern Assessment

 

Our financial statements are prepared using U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, or U.S. GAAP, applicable to a going concern, which contemplates the realization of assets and liquidation of liabilities in the normal course of business. Throughout the next 12 months from the date of this report, we intend to fund our operations through increased revenue from operations and the remaining capital raised through our recent Regulation A offerings. Based on our current capital, management believes the doubt regarding our ability to continue as a going concern has been alleviated.

 

Results of Operations

 

The following table sets forth key components of our results of operations during the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018.

 

    Year Ended December 31,     Change  
    2019     2018     $     %  
Revenues   $ 288,300     $ 277,047     $ 11,253       4.1 %
Cost of revenues     263,917       217,595       46,322       21.3 %
Gross profit     24,383       59,452       (35,069 )     (59.0 )%
Operating expenses                                
Sales, general and administrative     2,296,632       1,299,174       997,458       76.8 %
Research and development     195,041       234,492       (39,451 )     (16.8 )%
Total operating expenses     2,491,673       1,533,666       958,007       62.5 %
Loss from operations     (2,467,290 )     (1,474,214 )     (993,076 )     (67.4 )%
Total other income (expense)     41,952       11,109       30,843       277.6 %
Net loss   $ (2,425,338 )   $ (1,463,105 )   $ (962,233 )     65.8 %

 

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Revenues. We generate revenues from sales of BioCheck and OneTest in 2019 and from BioCheck and PAULA’s Test in 2018. Our total revenues were $288,300 for the year ended December 31, 2019, compared to $277,047 for the year ended December 31, 2018, an increase of $11,253, or 4.1%.

 

Revenues from sales of our cancer test (OneTest) for the year ended December 31, 2019 amount to $65,806, compared to revenues from sales of the prior year cancer test (PAULA’s Test) of $8,024 for the year ended December 31, 2018, an increase of $57,782, or 720.1%. Revenues from our cancer test business increased compared to the prior year as we transitioned to OneTest and identified and engaged certain new addressable market segments, including firefighters, actively seeking novel cancer detection solutions. Revenues from sales of BioCheck decreased by $46,529, or 17.3%, from $269,023 in the year ended December 31, 2018 to $222,494 in the year ended December 31, 2019. The decrease in BioCheck sales is attributable to the reduced demand from State and Local governments in the current year.

 

Cost of revenues. Our cost of revenues includes materials, labor and laboratory costs. Our cost of revenues increased by $46,322, or 21.3%, to $263,917 for the year ended December 31, 2019 from $217,595 for the year ended December 31, 2018. This increase was mainly due to attributable an increase in base costs of maintaining a laboratory, amortization of license agreements attributable to the analyzation of OneTest orders and the required diagnostic reagent kits in connection with the OneTest sales increases.

 

Gross profit and gross margin. Our gross profit decreased by $35,069, or 59.0%, to $24,383 for the year ended December 31, 2019 from $59,452 for the year ended December 31, 2018. Gross profit as a percentage of revenues (gross margin) was 8.5% and 21.5% for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The decrease the in gross margin was primarily due to the decrease in sales of BioCheck, while at the same time the required labor and laboratory infrastructure cost established in the prior year was maintained.

 

Sales, general and administrative expenses. Our sales, general and administrative expenses include sales, marketing, office leases, overhead, executive compensation, legal, regulatory, government relations, and similar expenses. Our sales, general and administrative expenses increased by $997,458, or 76.8%, to $2,296,632 for the year ended December 31, 2019, from $1,299,174 for the year ended December 31, 2018. Such increase was primarily due to an increase in sales and marketing related costs, primarily resulting from overseas business development initiatives in East Asia and the Middle East, as well as stock compensation expense for securities issued in 2019. As a percentage of revenues, sales, general and administrative expenses increased to 796.6% for the year ended December 31, 2019 from 468.9% for the year ended December 31, 2018.

 

Research and development expenses. Our research and development expenses include principally clinical data acquisitions, laboratory validation and bridging studies, data analysis algorithms and non-capitalizable machine learning software development. Our research and development expenses decreased by $39,451, or 16.8%, to $195,041 for the year ended December 31, 2019 from $234,492 for the year ended December 31, 2018. The decrease was due to the allocation of resources related to operations in 2019 compared to the prior year, as a result of increased sales. As a percentage of revenues, research and development expenses decreased to 67.7% for the year ended December 31, 2019 from 84.6% for the year ended December 31, 2018.

 

Net loss. As a result of the cumulative effect of the factors described above, our net loss increased by $962,233, or 65.8%, to $2,425,338 for the year ended December 31, 2019 from $1,463,105 for the year ended December 31, 2018.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Historically, our sources of cash have included private placements of equity securities and cash generated from revenues. Our historical cash outflows have primarily been associated with cash used for operating activities such as research and development activities and other working capital needs; the acquisition of clinical data, patient samples (blood, tissue), intellectual property; and expenditures related to equipment and improvements used for our laboratory facility. We intend to fund our operations through increased revenue from operations and the remaining capital raised through our recent offerings.

 

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Summary of Cash Flows

 

As of December 31, 2019, we had $636,018 in cash and cash equivalents. The following table presents a summary of our cash flows for the periods indicated:

 

    Year Ended December 31,  
    2019     2018  
Net cash used in operating activities   $ (2,122,808 )   $ (1,314,504 )
Net cash used in investing activities     (1,664,152 )     (436,173 )
Net cash provided by financing activities     1,149,484       3,984,088  
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents     (2,637,476 )     2,233,411  
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year     3,273,494       1,040,083  
Cash and cash equivalent at end of year   $ 636,018     $ 3,273,494  

 

Net cash used in operating activities was $2,122,808 for the year ended December 31, 2019, as compared to $1,314,504 for the year ended December 31, 2018. The principal use of cash in operating activities was to fund our net loss. Cash flows from operations can vary significantly due to various factors, including changes in our operations, accounts receivable, prepaid expenses, accounts payable and accrued expenses.

 

Net cash used in investing activities was $1,664,152 for the year ended December 31, 2019, as compared to $436,173 for the year ended December 31, 2018. Net cash used in investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2019 consisted of investments in certificates of deposit of $2,216,284, purchases of property and equipment of $2,293 and investment in intangibles of $45,575, offset by a redemption of certificate of deposit of $600,000, while net cash used in investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2018 consisted of related party advances of $210,000, investments in license fee of $150,000, purchases of fixed assets in the amount of $64,074 and investments in intangibles of $12,099.

 

Net cash provided by financing activities was $1,149,484 for the year ended December 31, 2019, as compared to $3,984,088 for the year ended December 31, 2018. Net cash provided by financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2019 consisted entirely of net proceeds from the issuance of preferred stock, while net cash provided by financing activities consisted of net proceeds from issuance of preferred stock of $3,984,078 and proceeds from warrant exercises of $10.

 

On October 13, 2017, we launched an equity crowdfunding offering under Section 4(a)(6) of the Securities Act and Regulation Crowdfunding promulgated thereunder, pursuant to which we offered shares of our Series A-2 Preferred Stock at a purchase price of $3.26 per share. On December 29, 2017, we completed an initial closing in which we raised $1,018,297 in gross proceeds through the sale of 312,361 shares of Series A-2 Preferred Stock. On January 23, 2018, we completed a second and final closing in which we raised $48,988 in gross proceeds through the sale of 15,027 shares of Series A-2 Preferred Stock.

 

On August 17, 2018, we launched an offering under Regulation A of Section 3(6) of the Securities Act for Tier 2 offerings, pursuant to which we offered shares of our Series B Preferred Stock at a purchase price of $3.53 per share. During 2018, we raised approximately $3,919,062 in gross proceeds through the sale of 1,110,216 shares of Series B Preferred Stock for net proceeds of $3,593,419. During 2019, we raised approximately $1,275,175 in gross proceeds through the sale of 361,271 shares of Series B Preferred Stock for net proceeds of $1,149,483.

 

From time to time, investors in our company are directed to deposit funds in a limited liability company, or an Investment LLC, set up by us for the purposes of managing investments seeking the advantages of the Maryland Biotechnology Investor Tax Credit program. On January 9, 2018 and March 16, 2018, we issued 11,380 and 94,785 shares of Series A-2 Preferred Stock at $3.26 per share for gross proceeds of $37,100 and $309,000 to an Investment LLC, respectively.

 

Capital Expenditures

 

In July of 2018, we purchased laboratory equipment to be used in our CLIA laboratory for approximately $59,000. We incurred nominal capital expenditures of $2,293 in the year ended December 31, 2019. We estimate that our total capital expenditures in fiscal year 2020 will reach approximately $150,000. Such funds will be used primarily to expand office and laboratory facilities in or around our location in Rockville, MD.

 

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Contractual Obligations

 

In November 2000, we entered into a licensing agreement with the United States Public Health Service, or PHS, that gave us exclusive rights to use several patents owned by PHS. The agreement was subsequently amended in 2005 and 2011. Under the most current agreement, we were required to pay minimum annual royalty fees of $7,500 due and payable on January 1 of each calendar year from 2003 through 2011. Further payment of the minimum annual royalty has been deferred until January 1 of the calendar year following the first year we achieve annual net sales of the licensed product equal to or greater than $1,000,000. The minimum annual royalty will be due January 1 of each calendar year thereafter. The PHS agreement also calls for us to pay other royalties, including earned royalties, benchmark royalties, and sublicensing royalties. In addition, the agreement requires us to reimburse PHS for patent expenses incurred. Reimbursement is due on January 1 of each calendar year beginning in 2013. Minimum reimbursement of $10,000 is due until we have achieved $500,000 in net sales of licensed products, $20,000 once we have achieved between $500,000 and $1,000,000 in net sales of licensed products, and the balance of the remaining unreimbursed patent expenses due in full once we achieve net sales of licensed products of $1,000,000 or upon termination or expiration of the license, whichever comes first. In addition, PHS continues to submit annual requests for reimbursement of patent expenses incurred throughout the preceding year. Unreimbursed patent expenses are included in accrued expenses and were $195,794 at December 31, 2019 and 2018.

 

In July 2002, we entered into an award and royalty agreement with MdBio, Inc. Under this agreement, we received $150,000 in funding and are to make payments of 3% of gross sales revenues beginning in June 2003 and ending when a total of $450,000 has been repaid. Total royalty expenses incurred relating to this agreement were $8,641 for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018.

 

During 2010, we entered into a licensing agreement with Abbott Molecular, Inc., or Abbott. Under this agreement, we retained exclusive rights to use certain processes and know-how for which Abbott has a patent pending. Under this agreement, we are to pay royalties equal to 9% of the service revenue and net sales of each licensed product sold or otherwise disposed of prior to the issuance of the related patents and 18% of sales revenue or net sales of each licensed product sold or otherwise disposed of once the related patents are issued. Royalties will be deferred until either our lung cancer testing business is acquired by Abbott or another third party or the value of the royalties exceeds $1,000,000. The agreement also allows Abbott first right to acquire our lung cancer testing business at various intervals.

 

In May 2011, we received a grant from the Maryland Biotechnology Center, or MBC. Under this grant agreement, we were to receive $200,000 in funding. Per the agreement, beginning January 31 of the year after the completion of the project, we are to repay MBC in payments equal to 3% of total sales revenues (excluding revenues relating to our BioCheck product). If the grant is not repaid in full by one year after the first payment date, the total repayment will equal 150% of the award, or $300,000. If the grant is not repaid in full by two years after the first payment date, the total repayment will equal 175% of the award, or $350,000. If the grant is not repaid in full by three years after the first payment date, the total repayment will equal 200% of the award, or $400,000.

 

In February 2016, we entered into a collaboration agreement with National Foundation for Cancer Research, Inc., or NFCR, a tax exempt 501(c)(3) organization, for the development of a cloud accessible algorithm to assist physicians in the Peoples Republic of China, or PRC, to interpret test results, and to support refinements of PAULA’s Test. The NFCR will assist us in obtaining blood test data from the PRC. Upon execution of the agreement, we issued NFCR 19,157 shares of Common Stock. We issued an additional 19,157 shares of Common Stock in 2016 based on the first milestone of receiving data from the first 1,000 patients located in the PRC. Per the agreement, after we have analyzed data from the initial population, we may seek additional data from more patients which can trigger an additional 38,315 shares of Common Stock being issued. To date, this provision has not yet been triggered. If, upon seeking and receiving this additional patient data as set forth in the agreement, and immediately after issuing the requisite shares, for five (5) years we shall pay to NFCR two percent (2%) of gross sales we derive from the sale, licensing and other dispositions of the developed algorithm, payable quarterly.

 

Effective April 17, 2017, we entered into a six-month option agreement with Chang Gung Memorial Hospital of Taiwan to obtain and secure an exclusive license to certain technology, intellectual property, and data relating to our pan-cancer test. The option period was extended through February 28, 2018 through an amendment executed in November 2017. The option was exercised in a timely manner, payments were made, data was transferred to us and was verified by us and we entered an exclusive license to the technology until the last patent included in the specified technology expires, or 20 years. As consideration for this option, we paid an option fee of $75,000. Once the option was exercised in February 2018, we paid an additional license fee of $150,000 in cash and $300,000 in Common Stock (through the issuance of 92,025 shares of Common Stock), which were released from escrow upon verification of the viability of the data. We have amortized the license agreement over the term amounting to an accumulative amortization of $20,358 and $19,071 as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

We did not have during the periods presented, and we do not currently have, any off-balance sheet arrangements.

 

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Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires our management to make assumptions, estimates and judgments that affect the amounts reported, including the notes thereto, and related disclosures of commitments and contingencies, if any. We have identified certain accounting policies that are significant to the preparation of our financial statements. These accounting policies are important for an understanding of our financial condition and results of operation. Critical accounting policies are those that are most important to the portrayal of our financial condition and results of operations and require management’s difficult, subjective, or complex judgment, often as a result of the need to make estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain and may change in subsequent periods. Certain accounting estimates are particularly sensitive because of their significance to financial statements and because of the possibility that future events affecting the estimate may differ significantly from management’s current judgments. We believe the following critical accounting policies involve the most significant estimates and judgments used in the preparation of our financial statements:

 

Revenue Recognition. Effective January 1, 2018, we adopted Accounting Standards Codification, or ASC, Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, using the modified retrospective method. We determined that the adoption of ASC 606 had no material impact to our financial statements. In accordance with ASC Topic 606, we recognize revenue when the customer obtains control of promised goods or services, in an amount that reflects the consideration which we expect to receive in exchange for those goods and services. To determine revenue recognition for arrangements that we deem are within the scope of ASC Topic 606, we perform the following five steps: (i) identify the contract(s) with a customer; (ii) identify the performance obligations in the contract; (iii) calculate transfer price; (iv) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligation in the contract; and (v) recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation. We recognize revenue from the sale of BioCheck when purchase orders are processed, and kits are shipped to customers. Revenue from the sale of OneTest and PAULA’s Test is recognized when returned testing kits are processed in the laboratory and the results are reported. Due to the nature of OneTest and PAULA’s Test, revenue per test is recorded based on historical average receipts from patients.

 

Inventories. Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market using the first-in, first out (FIFO) method. Inventories consisted entirely of finished goods as of December 31, 2019 and 2018.

 

Intangible Assets – Patents. We capitalize patent filing fees, and we expense legal fees, in connection with internally developed pending patents. We also will capitalize patent defense costs to the extent these costs enhance the economic value of an existing patent. We evaluate the capitalized costs annually to determine if any amounts should be written down. Patent costs begin amortizing upon approval by the corresponding government and are generally amortized over the expected period to be benefitted, not to exceed the patent lives, which may be as long as 20 years.

 

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets. The long-lived assets held and used by us are reviewed for impairment no less frequently than annually or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. In the event that facts and circumstances indicate that the cost of any long-lived assets may be impaired, an evaluation of recoverability is performed. There were no impairment losses during the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018. There can be no assurance, however, that market conditions will not change or demand for our products and services will continue, which could result in impairment of long-lived assets in the future.

 

Offering Costs. We comply with the requirements of Financial Accounting Standards Board, or FASB, ASC 340 with regards to offering costs. Prior to the completion of an offering, offering costs will be capitalized as deferred offering costs on the balance sheet. The deferred offering costs will be charged to stockholders’ equity upon the completion of an offering or to expense if the offering is not completed.

 

Preferred Stock. ASC 480, Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity, includes standards for how an issuer of equity (including equity shares issued by consolidated entities) classifies and measures on its balance sheet certain financial instruments with characteristics of both liabilities and equity. Management is required to determine the presentation for the Preferred Stock as a result of the redemption and conversion provisions, among other provisions in the agreement. Specifically, management is required to determine whether the embedded conversion feature in the Preferred Stock is clearly and closely related to the host instrument, and whether the bifurcation of the conversion feature is required and whether the conversion feature should be accounted for as a derivative instrument. If the host instrument and conversion feature are determined to be clearly and closely related (both more akin to equity), derivative liability accounting under ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging, is not required. Management determined that the host contract of the Preferred Stock is more akin to equity, and accordingly, derivative liability accounting is not required by us. Costs incurred directly for the issuance of the Preferred Stock are recorded as a reduction of gross proceeds received by us.

 

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Research and Development. We incur research and development costs during the process of researching and developing our technologies and future manufacturing processes. Our research and development costs consist primarily of materials and services. We expense these costs as incurred until the resulting product has been completed, tested, and made ready for commercial use.

 

Stock-Based Compensation. We account for stock awards issued under ASC 718, Compensation – Stock Compensation. Under ASC 718, stock-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date, based on the estimated fair value of the award. Stock-based compensation is recognized as expense over the employee’s requisite vesting period and over the nonemployee’s period of providing goods or services. The fair value of each stock option or warrant award is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option valuation model. Restricted shares are measured based on the fair market value of the underlying stock on the grant date.

 

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

 

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other: Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment. To simplify the subsequent measurement of goodwill, the update requires only a single-step quantitative test to identify and measure impairment based on the excess of a reporting unit’s carrying amount over its fair value. A qualitative assessment may still be completed first for an entity to determine if a quantitative impairment test is necessary. The update is effective for fiscal year 2021 and is to be adopted on a prospective basis. Early adoption is permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017. We are currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of this guidance on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

 

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases. This ASU is a comprehensive new leases standard that amends various aspects of existing guidance for leases and requires additional disclosures about leasing arrangements. It will require companies to recognize lease assets and lease liabilities by lessees for those leases classified as operating leases under previous GAAP. Topic 842 retains a distinction between finance leases and operating leases. The classification criteria for distinguishing between finance leases and operating leases are substantially similar to the classification criteria for distinguishing between capital leases and operating leases in the previous lease’s guidance. The ASU is effective for annual periods beginning January 1, 2019 for public companies and January 1, 2022 for non-public companies, including interim periods within those fiscal years; earlier adoption is permitted. In the financial statements in which the ASU is first applied, leases shall be measured and recognized at the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented with an adjustment to equity. Practical expedients are available for election as a package and if applied consistently to all leases. We are currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of this guidance on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

 

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13 Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments which requires the measurement and recognition of expected credit losses for financial assets held at amortized cost. ASU 2016-13 replaces the existing incurred loss impairment model with an expected loss methodology, which will result in more timely recognition of credit losses. ASU 2016-13 is effective for annual reporting periods, and interim periods within those years beginning January 1, 2020 for public companies and January 1, 2023 for non-public companies. We are currently in the process of evaluating the impact of the adoption of ASU 2016-13 on our financial statements.

 

ITEM 3. DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS

 

Directors and Executive Officers

 

The following table sets forth the name and position of each of our current executive officers, directors and significant employees.

 

Name   Position   Age   Term of Office   Approximate hours per week for part-time employees
Jonathan Cohen   Chief Executive Officer, President and Director   57   From August 2000   N/A
John G. Compton   Chairman of the Board   71   From July 2016   N/A
Richard M. Cohen   Director   69   From July 2016   N/A
Jayson Lee   Director   37   From July 2016   N/A
John W. Rollins   Director   75   From November 2017   N/A
Michael A. Ross   Director   69   From July 2016   N/A

 

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Jonathan Cohen is the founder of our company and has served as Chief Executive Officer, President and a Director since its inception. He is a co-inventor of two of the company’s most successful products, OneTest and BioCheck, and has led the commercial launch and sales of both. Mr. Cohen has become a successful healthcare entrepreneur in the U.S., particularly with respect to equity crowdfunding, since it was implemented by the JOBS Act. He has also spearheaded license, research, technology transfer, investment, and sales and marketing agreements with Fortune 500 companies such as Eastman Kodak, Abbott Diagnostics, Johnson & Johnson, IBM, and Ping An, the largest health insurance company in China. Mr. Cohen has also been a leading advocate in Annapolis, MD and on Capitol Hill on behalf of small and emerging biotechnology companies. He is the architect of the Maryland Biotechnology Investor Tax Credit, the most aggressive investor incentive in the U.S. He also led the legislative effort that resulted in the first increase in funding under the federal Small Business Innovative Research in over 30 years. Mr. Cohen is currently leading a coalition of small, emerging diagnostics companies to advocate against overly burdensome FDA regulations that limit patient access to innovative tests. Before founding our company, Mr. Cohen was patent and general counsel for two publicly traded companies: Ventana Medical Systems Inc. (acquired by Roche diagnostics in 2008), from 1999 to 2000, and Oncor Inc., from 1997 to 1999. Mr. Cohen is a registered patent attorney with more than 18 years of experience in biotechnology patents and licensing matters. Mr. Cohen has a Master of Science Degree in Biotechnology from Johns Hopkins University and a law degree from the American University.

 

John Compton has served as Chairman of the Board since July 2016. Mr. Compton has over 30 years of experience in the development and application of molecular biological techniques to answer questions about genetics and epidermal differentiation, and has authored more than 80 publications in the field. Mr. Compton served as Vice-President of BioReference Laboratories from 2007 to 2013. Previously, Mr. Compton was founder, and served as Scientific Director and Co-President of GeneDx Inc., from 2000 to 2006, the assets of which were acquired by BioReference Laboratories (now part of Opko) in September 2006. GeneDx is a world leader in diagnostic genetic testing with an acknowledged expertise in rare and ultra-rare genetic disorders, as well as one of the broadest menus of sequencing services available among commercial laboratories. Mr. Compton holds B.S. degrees in Physics and Biology from MIT, received his Ph.D. from the University of California, Berkeley in Biophysics, and did his post-doctoral training in protein-DNA interactions at the Baylor College of Medicine. He was a Staff Scientist at the National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, from 1991-2000. In 2003, he was awarded the Entrepreneur of the Year award by the Technology Council of Maryland.

 

Richard M. Cohen has served as a member of our board of directors since July 2016. Mr. Cohen is an experienced CEO/CFO at public and private companies. His professional experience includes biotech, financial services and diversified media and he maintains excellent contacts with capital financing sources on and off Wall Street. From 2013 to present, Mr. Cohen has been President of Richard M. Cohen Consultants. He was the CEO, CFO, and Board Member of CorMedix Inc., Bridgewater, NJ, a publicly traded (NYSE) medical device/biotechnology company with an intrapericardial therapy product targeted to markets in the U.S. and Europe, from 2010 to 2013. He has served on the board of directors and as Audit Committee Chair of Helix BioMedix, Inc. (2006 to Present), CorMedix Inc. (2010 to 2013), and Rodman & Renshaw (2008 to 2012). Mr. Cohen’s academic credentials include an MBA, Stanford University, B.S. with honors, Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania. Mr. Cohen has no relation to CEO Jonathan Cohen.

 

Jayson Lee has served as a member of our board of directors since July 2016. Mr. Lee has served as an Executive Director at Ping An Ventures, a 10% stockholder of our company, since 2016. Ping An Ventures is the investment arm of Ping An, one of the largest health and life insurance companies in China. At Ping An Ventures, Mr. Lee focuses on direct investment in the healthcare sector with an emphasis on Series B to pre-IPO companies. Previously, Mr. Lee was Executive Director at BE Capital (Beijing China) from 2014 to 2016, where he also focused on healthcare investments and he served at the China Development Investment Bank from 2009 to 2014. Mr. Lee has his M.B.A. degree from National Chengchi University in Taiwan and studied in Norges Handelshøyskole.

 

John W. Rollins has served as a member of our board of directors since November 2017. He is an active investor with the Keiretsu Forum and other angel investor organizations. Since 2014, Mr. Rollins has served on multiple boards and chairs the board of directors of the MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center (2014 to present). From 2001 to 2010, he taught Entrepreneurship at the George Washington University School of Business and founded the GW New Venture Competition and served as its Director from 2007 to 2014. In 2003, Mr. Rollins founded StreamCenter, Inc., a firm that pioneered online education using video streaming, and served as chair of the board of directors from 2003 to 2008, and CEO from 2008 to 2010. Prior to 2001, he founded and served for three decades as the CEO and chairman of AZTECH Software Corporation (Bethesda, MD), the nation’s first specialized provider of information technology services to non-profit organizations. Mr. Rollins’s board experience has included serving as Trustee of the National Park Trust (Vice Chair and Treasurer) (1990 to present), Director of the MedStar Georgetown University Hospital (Vice Chair) (2002 to 2013), the Washington Hospital Center (Vice Chair and Treasurer) (1977 to 2002), and the U.S. Association for Small Business & Entrepreneurship (2004 to 2006). Mr. Rollins earned his A.B. in Mathematics from Dartmouth and his M.B.A. in Finance from the Stanford University Graduate School of Business.

 

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Michael A. Ross has served as a member of our board of directors since July 2016. Dr. Ross has served as the Chairman and CEO of Euclid Systems Corporation (Herndon, VA) since 2015, where he led the growth of this ophthalmic medical device company from $3.1 million to over $20 Million in five years. The bulk of Euclid’s sales are in China and East Asia where Michael visits 4-5 times per year. Prior to joining Euclid, he was CEO of E-P Therapeutics from 2010 to 2012, and was a Medical and Scientific Advisor to StemCyte, Inc. 2009 to 2010. He is Board-certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology and is a founding member of a OB-GYN-Infertility practice in Northern Virginia from 1980 to 2007. Dr. Ross has been a Clinical Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, George Washington University Medical Center since 1979, and has served on the Boards of Directors of several biotech and medical device companies. He has a B.S. in Chemistry and Biology from Dickinson College and an M.D. from George Washington University.

 

Directors are elected until their successors are duly elected and qualified.

 

Mr. Lee was elected by the holders of our Series A-1 Preferred Stock and Mr. Rollins was elected by the holders of our Preferred Stock. Except for the rights of such holders to elect a director, which will expire upon conversion of such shares, there are no agreements or understandings for any of our executive officers or directors to resign at the request of another person and no officer or director is acting on behalf of nor will any of them act at the direction of any other person.

 

Family Relationships

 

There are no family relationships between any director, executive officer, person nominated or chosen to become a director or executive officer or any significant employee.

 

Legal Proceedings

 

To the best of our knowledge, none of our directors or executive officers has, during the past five years:

 

been convicted in a criminal proceeding (excluding traffic violations and other minor offences); or

 

had any petition under the federal bankruptcy laws or any state insolvency law was filed by or against, or a receiver, fiscal agent or similar officer was appointed by a court for the business or property of such person, or any partnership in which he was general partner at or within two years before the time of such filing, or any corporation or business association of which he was an executive officer at or within two years before the time of such filing.

 

Corporate Governance

 

Our board of directors currently has two standing committees, an audit committee and a compensation committee, which perform various duties on behalf of and report to the board of directors. From time to time, the board of directors may establish other committees.

 

The Board’s Role in Risk Oversight

 

Our board of directors plays an active role, as a whole and also at the committee level, in overseeing management of our risks and strategic direction. Our board of directors regularly reviews information regarding our liquidity and operations, as well as the risks associated with each. Our audit committee oversees the process by which our senior management and relevant employees assess and manage our exposure to, and management of, financial risks. Our compensation committee is responsible for overseeing the management of risks relating to our executive compensation plans and arrangements. While each committee is responsible for evaluating certain risks and overseeing the management of such risks, the entire board of directors is regularly informed about such risks.

 

Audit Committee

 

Our audit committee currently consists of Messrs. Richard Cohen and Michael A. Ross, with Mr. Cohen serving as chairman. The primary purposes of our audit committee are to assist our board of directors in fulfilling its responsibility to oversee the accounting and financial reporting processes of our company and audits of our financial statements, including: (i) responsibility for the appointment, termination, compensation, retention and oversight of the work of the independent auditor; (ii) pre-approving all auditing services and permissible non-audit services to be performed by the independent auditor; (iii) reviewing the independent auditor’s audit plans procedures, including the general audit approach, scope, staffing, fees and timing of the audit; (iv) reviewing all accounting policies and practices; (v) reviewing the year-end audited financial statements, the unaudited quarterly or interim financial statements, and the management discussion and analysis in the reports filed with the SEC; (vi) reviewing major financial risk exposures and the steps management has taken to monitor and control such exposures; (vii) reviewing and approving related-party transactions; (viii) reviewing the adequacy and effectiveness of our internal controls, internal audit procedures, and the adequacy and effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures; (ix) reviewing matters related to the corporate compliance activities; and (x) reviewing and assessing annually the audit committee’s performance and the adequacy of its charter.

 

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Compensation Committee

 

Our compensation committee currently consists of Messrs. Richard M. Cohen, John G. Compton and John Rollins, with Mr. Rollins serving as chairman. The primary purposes of our compensation committee are to assist our board of directors in fulfilling its responsibility to determine the compensation of our executive officers and directors and to approve and evaluate the compensation policies and programs of our company, including: (i) reviewing the structure and competitiveness of our executive compensation programs; (ii) reviewing trends in management compensation, overseeing the development of new compensation plans, and, when necessary, approving the revision of existing plans; (iii) reviewing and approving the compensation structure for corporate officers at the level of corporate vice president and above; (iv) overseeing an evaluation of the performance of our executive officers and approving the annual compensation, including salary, bonus, incentive and equity compensation, for the executive officers; (v) reviewing and approving corporate goals and objectives relevant to the compensation of our chief executive officer, evaluate the performance of the chief executive officer in light of those goals and objectives, and setting the compensation level of chief executive officer based on this evaluation; (vi) reviewing and approving the compensation of our directors, including, without limitation, equity and equity-based compensation; (vii) reviewing and making recommendations concerning long-term incentive compensation plans; and (viii) reviewing and assessing annually the compensation committee’s performance and the adequacy of its charter.

 

Compensation of Directors and Executive Officers

 

Summary Compensation Table

 

The following table sets forth the annual compensation of each of the three highest paid persons who were executive officers or directors during our last completed fiscal year:

Name   Capacities in which compensation was received   Cash Compensation ($)     Other Compensation ($)     Total Compensation ($)  
Jonathan Cohen   Chief Executive Officer and President   $ 307,895     $ 9,020     $ 316,915  

 

Other compensation represents fringe benefits for insurance in the amount of $9,020.

 

Employment Agreement

 

On May 6, 2019, we entered into an employment agreement with Jonathan Cohen, our Chief Executive Officer and President, with an initial term commencing as of January 1, 2019 and ending on December 31, 2019, which will automatically renew for additional one (1) year periods unless either party provides written notice at least sixty (60) days prior to the expiration of the initial term or any renewal period. Pursuant to the employment agreement, Mr. Cohen is entitled to an annual base salary of $250,000. Mr. Cohen will also be entitled to a cash bonus for 2019 of up to 30% of the base salary at the discretion of the compensation committee and based on certain criteria set forth in the employment agreement, which shall be paid within 60 days after year end. In the event that the employment agreement is renewed, the compensation committee shall approve, prior to the commencement of the renewal period, the criteria for the cash bonus for such renewal period. We also agreed to, as soon as practicable following execution of the employment agreement, but no later than September 30, 2019, grant Mr. Cohen a customary number of stock options, as agreed between us and Mr. Cohen, with a strike price equal to the then fair market value of a share of Common Stock and with a customary vesting schedule. In addition, we are required to pay or reimburse Mr. Cohen for all reasonable and necessary expenses actually incurred or paid by Mr. Cohen in the performance of his duties under the employment agreement, upon submission and approval of expense statements, vouchers or other supporting information in accordance with our then customary practices. Mr. Cohen is also permitted during the term, if and to the extent eligible, to participate in all employee benefit plans, policies and practices maintained by or on behalf of our company commensurate with Mr. Cohen’s position.

 

34

 

 

Either party may terminate the employment agreement at any time without cause (as defined in the employment agreement) upon sixty (60) days’ written notice. In addition, we may terminate the employment agreement immediately for cause. If we terminate the employment agreement without cause, all compensation payable to Mr. Cohen under the employment agreement shall cease as of the date of termination, and we shall pay to Mr. Cohen the following sums: (i) the base salary on the termination date for twelve (12) months (the applicable period being referred to as the severance period), payable in equal installments in accordance with our normal payroll procedures beginning with the termination date; (ii) benefits under group health and life insurance plans in which Mr. Cohen participated prior to termination through the severance period; (iii) all previously earned, accrued, and unpaid benefits from us and our employee benefit plans, including any such benefits under our pension, disability, and life insurance plans, policies, and programs; and (iv) bonus, if any, at the discretion of the compensation committee; provided that if, prior to the date on which our foregoing obligations cease, Mr. Cohen violates certain covenants set forth in the employment agreement, then we shall have no obligation to make any of the payments that remain payable by us under clauses (i), (ii) and (iv) above on or after the date of such violation. The payment of severance may be conditioned by us on the delivery by Mr. Cohen of a release of any and all claims that he may have against our company. In addition, if the employment agreement is terminated by us for cause, then Mr. Cohen is only entitled to receive the amounts specified in clause (iii), and if the employment agreement is terminated by Mr. Cohen or due to his death or disability, then Mr. Cohen (or his estate or representative as applicable) shall receive only the amounts specified in clauses (iii) and (iv). In the event that the term expires and is not renewed by us, then Mr. Cohen shall receive the amounts specified in clauses (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv), provided however, that this shall not apply if we enter into a new employment agreement with Mr. Cohen. Finally, in the event that the employment agreement is terminated by us within one year following a change of control (as defined in the employment agreement), then Mr. Cohen shall receive, in addition to the amount of any accrued and unpaid salary then due Mr. Cohen, the amounts specified in clauses (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv).

 

Mr. Cohen’s employment agreement contains restrictive covenants prohibiting him from owning or operating a business that competes with our company or soliciting our customers or employees for one year following the termination of his employment.

 

Director Compensation

 

Our non-executive directors are paid a cash fee of $750 for each board meeting attended, with the Chairman receiving a cash fee of $1,000 for each board meeting attended. During 2019, our non-executive directors received total cash compensation of $19,250 for serving as directors. The total number of directors in the group was seven.

 

In addition, on August 1, 2019, we issued options for the purchase of an aggregate of 292,680 shares to six non-executive directors who served on the board during 2018. These options have an exercise price of $0.82 per share and vested in full on the date of grant.

 

Stock Incentive Plan

 

On July 16, 2019, our board of directors adopted the 20/20 GeneSystems, Inc. 2019 Stock Incentive Plan, or the Plan. The following is a summary of certain significant features of the Plan.

 

Awards that may be granted include incentive stock options as described in section 422(b) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, non-qualified stock options (i.e., options that are not incentive stock options) and awards of restricted stock. These awards offer our employees, consultants, advisors and outside directors the possibility of future value, depending on the long-term price appreciation of our Common Stock and the award holder’s continuing service with our company or one or more of its subsidiaries.

 

All of the permissible types of awards under the Plan are described in more detail as follows:

 

Purposes of Plan: The purpose of the Plan is to offer selected employees, consultants, advisors and outside directors the opportunity to acquire equity in our company.

 

Administration of the Plan: Administration of the Plan is entrusted to the compensation committee of the board of directors. Among other things, the committee has the authority to select persons who will receive awards, determine the types of awards and the number of shares to be covered by awards, and to establish the terms, conditions, restrictions and other provisions of awards.

 

35

 

 

Eligible Recipients: Persons eligible to receive awards under the Plan will be those employees, consultants, advisors and outside directors of our company and its subsidiaries who are selected by the compensation committee.

 

Shares Available Under the Plan: The maximum number of shares of Common Stock that may be delivered to participants under the Plan is 2,000,000, subject to adjustment for certain corporate changes affecting the shares, such as stock splits. Shares subject to an award under the Plan for which the award is canceled, forfeited or expires again become available for grants under the Plan. Shares subject to an award that is settled in cash will not again be made available for grants under the Plan.

 

Stock Options:

 

General. Subject to the provisions of the Plan, the compensation committee has the authority to determine all grants of stock options. That determination will include: (i) the number of shares subject to any option; (ii) the exercise price per share; (iii) the expiration date of the option; (iv) the manner, time and date of permitted exercise; (v) other restrictions, if any, on the option or the shares underlying the option; and (vi) any other terms and conditions as the compensation committee may determine.

 

Option Price. The exercise price for stock options will be determined at the time of grant. Normally, the exercise price will not be less than the fair market value on the date of grant, as determined in good faith by the compensation committee. As a matter of tax law, the exercise price for any incentive stock option awarded may not be less than the fair market value of the shares on the date of grant. However, incentive stock option grants to any person owning more than 10% of our voting stock must have an exercise price of not less than 110% of the fair market value on the grant date.

 

Exercise of Options. An option may be exercised only in accordance with the terms and conditions for the option agreement as established by the compensation committee at the time of the grant. The option must be exercised by notice to us, accompanied by payment of the exercise price. Payments may be made in cash or, at the option of the compensation committee, by actual or constructive delivery of shares of Common Stock to the holder of the option based upon the fair market value of the shares on the date of exercise.

 

Expiration or Termination. Options, if not previously exercised, will expire on the expiration date established by the compensation committee at the time of grant; provided that such term cannot exceed ten years and that such term of an incentive stock option granted to a holder of more than 10% of our voting stock cannot exceed five years. Options will terminate before their expiration date if the holder’s service with us terminates before the expiration date. The option may remain exercisable for specified periods after certain terminations of service, including terminations as a result of death, disability or retirement, with the precise period during which the option may be exercised to be established by the compensation committee and reflected in the grant evidencing the award.

 

Stock Awards: Stock awards can also be granted under the Plan. A stock award is a grant of shares of Common Stock. These awards will be subject to such conditions, restrictions and contingencies as the compensation committee shall determine at the date of grant. Those may include requirements for continuous service and/or the achievement of specified performance goals.

 

Other Material Provisions: Awards will be evidenced by a written agreement, in such form as may be approved by the compensation committee. In the event of various changes to the capitalization of our company, such as stock splits, stock dividends and similar re-capitalizations, an appropriate adjustment will be made by the compensation committee to the number of shares covered by outstanding awards or to the exercise price of such awards. The compensation committee is also permitted to include in the written agreement provisions that provide for certain changes in the award in the event of a change of control of our company, including acceleration of vesting. Except as otherwise determined by the compensation committee at the date of grant, awards will not be transferable, other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution. Prior to any award distribution, we are permitted to deduct or withhold amounts sufficient to satisfy any employee withholding tax requirements. The board also has the authority, at any time, to discontinue the granting of awards. The board also has the authority to alter or amend the Plan or any outstanding award or may terminate the Plan as to further grants, provided that no amendment will, without the approval of our stockholders, increase the number of shares available under the Plan or change the persons eligible for awards under the Plan. No amendment that would adversely affect any outstanding award made under the Plan can be made without the consent of the holder of such award.

 

Except as set forth above, we do not have any ongoing plan or arrangement for the compensation of directors and executive officers.

 

36

 

 

ITEM 4. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF MANAGEMENT AND CERTAIN SECURITYHOLDERS

 

The following table sets forth information regarding beneficial ownership of our voting stock as of July 2, 2020 (i) by each of our executive officers and directors who beneficially owns more than 10% of any class of our voting securities; (ii) by all of our executive officers and directors as a group; and (iii) by each person who is known by us to beneficially own more than 10% of any class our voting securities. Since none of the foregoing own any of our Series B Preferred Stock or Series C Preferred Stock, we have excluded columns for these shares from the table below. Unless otherwise specified, the address of each of the persons set forth below is in care of our company at 9430 Key West Avenue, Suite 100, Rockville MD 20850.

 

    Amount of Beneficial Ownership Acquirable(1)                                
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner   Total Common Stock     Series A Preferred Stock     Series
A-1 Preferred Stock
    Series
A-2 Preferred Stock
    Percent of Common Stock(2)    

Percent

of

Series A Preferred Stock(3)

   

Percent

of

Series A-1 Preferred Stock(4)

   

Percent

of

Series A-2 Preferred Stock(5)

   

Percent of

Total Voting Stock(6)

 
Jonathan Cohen(7)     1,471,262       0       0       0       30.46 %     *       *       *       17.29 %
All directors and officers as a group(8)     1,735,605       13,029       651,465       21,535       35.99 %     1.54 %     100.00 %     4.87 %     28.53 %
Joel Kanter(9)     537,272       143,750       0       0       11.37 %     16.98 %     *       *       8.10 %

 

* Less than 1%.

 

(1) Beneficial Ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the SEC and generally includes voting or investment power with respect to securities. Each of the beneficial owners listed above has direct ownership of and sole voting power and investment power with respect to the shares. For each beneficial owner above, any securities acquirable within 60 days have been included in the denominator in accordance with SEC Rule 13d-3(d)(1).

 

(2) Based on 4,725,633 shares of our Common Stock outstanding as of July 2, 2020.

 

(3) Based on 846,368 shares of our Series A Preferred Stock outstanding as of July 2, 2020.

 

(4) Based on 651,465 shares of our Series A-1 Preferred Stock outstanding as of July 2, 2020.

 

(5) Based on 442,402 shares of our Series A-2 Preferred Stock outstanding as of July 2, 2020.

 

(6) Percentage of Total Voting Stock represents total ownership with respect to all shares of our Common Stock, Series A Preferred Stock, Series A-1 Preferred Stock, Series A-2 Preferred Stock, Series B Preferred Stock and Series C Preferred Stock, as a single class and on an as-converted to Common Stock basis. As of July 2, 2020, there were 1,471,487 shares of Series B Preferred Stock and 268,451 shares of Series C Preferred Stock issued and outstanding. Shares of Series A Preferred Stock, Series A-1 Preferred Stock, Series A-2 Preferred Stock, Series B Preferred Stock and Series C Preferred Stock are convertible into shares of Common Stock on the basis of 1 share of Common Stock for each share of such Preferred Stock (subject to adjustment). Holders of Series A Preferred Stock, Series A-1 Preferred Stock, Series A-2 Preferred Stock, Series B Preferred Stock and Series C Preferred Stock vote with the holders of Common Stock on all matters on an as-converted to Common Stock basis.

 

(7) Includes 1,366,400 shares of Common Stock and options for the purchase of 104,862 shares of Common Stock exercisable within 60 days.

 

(8) Includes 1,384,177 shares of Common Stock and options for the purchase of 348,762 shares of Common Stock and warrants for the purchase of 2,666 shares of Common Stock exercisable within 60 days.

 

(9) Includes (i) 28,597 shares of Common Stock held by Kanter Family Foundation; (ii) 223,500 shares of Common Stock held by Chicago Investors VI, LLC; (iii) 13,500 shares of Common Stock held by Equity Investments, LP; (iv) 209,494 shares of Common Stock and 143,750 shares of Series A Preferred Stock held by Outside Investors, LLC; and (v) 62,181 shares of Common Stock held by Windy City, Inc.

 

From time to time, investors in our company are directed to deposit funds in Investment LLCs set up by us for the purposes of managing investments seeking the advantages of the Maryland Biotechnology Investor Tax Credit program. All matters submitted to a vote of our stockholders must be submitted to the members of the Investment LLCs for their approval. Therefore, the members have voting control over the securities held by these Investments LLC’s in proportion to their interests and the proportional share of our securities is included in the table above.

 

37

 

 

ITEM 5. INTEREST OF MANAGEMENT AND OTHERS IN CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS

 

The following includes a summary of transactions since the beginning of our 2018 fiscal year, or any currently proposed transaction, in which we were or are to be a participant and the amount involved exceeded or exceeds the lesser of $120,000 and one percent of the average of our total assets at year-end for the last two completed fiscal years, and in which any related person had or will have a direct or indirect material interest (other than compensation described under “Item 3. Directors and Officers—Compensation of Directors and Executive Officers”). We believe the terms obtained or consideration that we paid or received, as applicable, in connection with the transactions described below were comparable to terms available or the amounts that would be paid or received, as applicable, in arm’s-length transactions.

 

We utilize the services of Barry Cohen, the brother of our Chief Executive Officer, to assist with marketing, business development and software product development. During the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, consulting expenses and salary of approximately $51,588 and $51,256 respectively, were incurred to this related party, with approximately $21,707 included within accrued liabilities as of December 31, 2018.

 

From time to time, investors in our company are directed to deposit funds in an Investment LLC set up by us for the purposes of managing investments seeking the advantages of the Maryland Biotechnology Investor Tax Credit program. Funds from those Investment LLCs either have been or will be transferred to our company pursuant to the rules and procedures of the tax credit program. Our shares will be issued to investors in those Investment LLCs in the same manner as if they invested directly in our company. While we perform the administrative tasks for the Investment LLCs when they are active, we have no ownership, requirements to fund, or voting privileges within these entities.

 

As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, we had approximately $2,700 and $57,000, respectively, due from various Investment LLCs controlled by certain stockholders of our company as a result of funds advanced to them by us as it relates to the expected tax refunds under the Maryland Biotechnology Investor Tax Credit program.

 

During 2017, an Investment LLC received approximately $240,000 in funds for investment in our company, pending application of the Maryland Biotechnology Investor Tax Credit. In November and December 2017, the Investment LLC lent $210,000 to us, which we subsequently repaid in 2018 upon the investment LLC receiving the requisite initial tax credit certificate. Furthermore, the $240,000 investment was made by the Investment LLC as part of a total investment of $309,000 for shares of stock in 2018.

 

ITEM 6. OTHER INFORMATION

 

We have no information to disclose that was required to be in a report on Form 1-U during the last six months of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, but was not reported.

 

38

 

 

ITEM 7. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

  Page
Financial Statements for the Years Ended December 31, 2018 and 2017  
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm F-1
Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 F-2
Statements of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 F-3
Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 F-4
Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 F-5
Notes to the Financial Statements F-6

 

39

 

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

To the Stockholders and the Board of Directors of 2020 GeneSystems, Inc.

 

Opinion on the Financial Statements

 

We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of 2020 GeneSystems, Inc. (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, the related statements of operations, stockholders’ equity and cash flows, for the years then ended, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the years then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

Basis for Opinion

 

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

 

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

/s/ dbbmckennon

 

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2017.

Newport Beach, California

July 6, 2020

 

F-1

 

 

20/20 GENESYSTEMS, INC.

BALANCE SHEETS

DECEMBER 31, 2019 AND 2018

 

    2019     2018  
Assets            
Current assets:            
Cash and cash equivalents   $ 636,018     $ 3,273,494  
Accounts receivable, net     32,498       15,488  
Inventory     35,477       26,298  
Short-term investment (certificates of deposit)     1,647,806       -  
Prepaid expenses     51,567       16,478  
Total current assets     2,403,366       3,331,758  
License agreement, net     410,571       430,929  
Property and equipment, net     48,924       60,994  
Intangible assets, net     247,453       211,066  
Due from affiliated entities     2,699       57,667  
Other assets     12,873       12,795  
Total assets   $ 3,125,886     $ 4,105,209  
                 
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity                
Current liabilities:                
Accounts payable   $ 382,722     $ 327,668  
Accrued liabilities     516,063       492,874  
Deferred revenue     77,775       -  
Total current liabilities     976,560       820,542  
                 
Commitments and contingencies (Note 5)     -       -  
                 
Stockholders’ equity:                
Series B preferred stock, $0.01 par value; 3,569,405 authorized; 1,471,487 and 1,110,216 shares issued and outstanding, respectively     14,715       11,102  
Series A-2 preferred stock, $0.01 par value; 800,000 authorized; 442,402 shares issued and outstanding     4,424       4,424  
Series A-1 preferred stock, $0.01 par value; 978,000 authorized; 651,465 shares issued and outstanding     6,515       6,515  
Series A preferred stock, $0.01 par value; 1,303,000 authorized; 846,368 shares issued and outstanding     8,464       8,464  
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 25,000,000 authorized; 4,725,633 shares issued and outstanding     47,256       47,256  
Additional paid-in capital     21,870,200       20,583,816  
Accumulated deficit     (19,802,248 )     (17,376,910 )
Total stockholders’ equity     2,149,326       3,284,667  
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity   $ 3,125,886     $ 4,105,209  

 

See accompanying notes to the financial statements

 

F-2

 

 

20/20 GENESYSTEMS, INC.

STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019 AND 2018

 

    2019     2018  
Revenues   $ 288,300     $ 277,047  
                 
Cost of revenues     263,917       217,595  
                 
Gross profit     24,383       59,452  
                 
Operating expenses:                
Sales, general and administrative     2,296,632       1,299,174  
Research and development     195,041       234,492  
Total operating expenses     2,491,673       1,533,666  
                 
Operating loss     (2,467,290 )     (1,474,214 )
                 
Other income (expense):                
Interest income     58,852       11,193  
Other expense     (16,900 )     (1,834 )
Other income     -       1,750  
Total other (income) expense     41,952       11,109  
                 
Net loss   $ (2,425,338 )   $ (1,463,105 )
                 
Basic and diluted net loss per common share   $ (0.51 )   $ (0.31 )
Weighted-average common shares outstanding, basic and diluted     4,725,633       4,713,339  

 

See accompanying notes to the financial statements

 

F-3

 

 

20/20 GENESYSTEMS, INC.

STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019 AND 2018

 

    Series B
Preferred Stock
    Series A-2
Preferred Stock
    Series A-1
Preferred Stock
    Series A
Preferred Stock
    Common Stock     Additional Paid-in
    Accumulated     Total Stockholders’  
    Shares     Amount     Shares     Amount     Shares     Amount     Shares     Amount     Shares     Amount     Capital     Deficit     Equity  
Balance, December 31, 2017     -     $ -       312,361     $ 3,124       651,465     $ 6,515       846,368     $ 8,464       4,632,608     $ 46,326     $ 16,305,560     $ (15,913,805 )   $ 456,184  
Stock compensation                     2,301       23                                                       7,477               7,500  
Exercise of warrants     -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       1,000       10       -       -       10  
Issuance of shares for license agreement     -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       92,025       920       299,080       --       300,000  
Issuance of preferred stock, net of issuance costs     1,110,216       11,102       127,740       1,277       -       -       -       -       -       -       3,971,699       -       3,984,078  
Net loss     -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       (1,463,105 )     (1,463,105 )
Balance, December 31, 2018     1,110,216     $ 11,102       442,402     $ 4,424       651,465     $ 6,515       846,368     $ 8,464       4,725,633     $ 47,256     $ 20,583,816     $ (17,376,910 )   $ 3,284,667  
Stock compensation     -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       140,514       -       140,514  
Issuance of preferred stock, net of offering costs     361,271       3,613       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       1,145,870       -       1,149,483  
Net loss     -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       -       (2,425,338 )     (2,425,338 )
Balance, December 31, 2019     1,471,487     $ 14,715       442,402     $ 4,424       651,465     $ 6,515       846,368     $ 8,464       4,725,633     $ 47,256     $ 21,870,200     $ (19,802,248 )   $ 2,149,326  

 

See accompanying notes to the financial statements

 

F-4

 

 

20/20 GENESYSTEMS, INC.

STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019 AND 2018

 

    2019     2018  
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:                
Net loss   $ (2,425,338 )   $ (1,463,105 )
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:                
Depreciation and amortization     23,550       11,689  
Stock compensation     140,514       7,500  
Amortization of license fees     20,358       19,071  
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:                
Accounts receivable     (17,010 )     37,618  
Inventory     (9,179 )     11,494  
Prepaid expenses and other     (66,689 )     (2,863 )
Accounts payable     55,054       73,229  
Accrued liabilities     23,189       (7,124 )

Receipt (payment) of funds - affiliated entities

    54,968       (513 )
Deferred revenue     77,775       -  
Other liabilities     -       (1,500 )
Net cash used in operating activities     (2,122,808 )     (1,314,504 )
                 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:                
Purchase of property and equipment     (2,293 )     (64,074 )
Related party advances     -       (210,000 )
Investments in certificates of deposit     (2,216,284 )     -  
Redemption of certificate of deposit     600,000       -  
Investment in license fee     -       (150,000 )
Investment in intangibles     (45,575 )     (12,099 )
Net cash used in investing activities     (1,664,152 )     (436,173 )
                 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:                
Proceeds from exercise of warrants     -       10  
Proceeds from sale of preferred stock, net of offering costs     1,149,484       3,984,078  
Net cash provided by financing activities     1,149,484       3,984,088  
                 
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents     (2,637,476 )     2,233,411  
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year     3,273,494       1,040,083  
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year   $ 636,018     $ 3,273,494  
                 
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:                
Cash paid for interest   $ -     $ -  
Cash paid for income taxes   $ -     $ -  
                 
Non-cash disclosures of cash flow information:                
Common stock issued for license agreement   $ -     $ 300,000  

 

See accompanying notes to the financial statements

 

F-5

 

 

20/20 GENESYSTEMS, INC.

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2019 AND 2018

 

NOTE 1 – BUSINESS AND NATURE OF OPERATIONS

 

20/20 GeneSystems, Inc. (the “Company”), founded in May 2000, is a digital diagnostics company with the core mission of reducing cancer mortality in the U.S. and around the world through early detection. To do so, the Company uses machine learning and big data analytics approaches to substantially improve the accuracy of tumor biomarkers that are currently tested in millions of individuals around the world.

 

For early cancer detection, the Company uses machine learning and real-world data analytics approaches to substantially improve the accuracy of tumor biomarkers that are currently tested in millions of individuals around the world. The Company’s products include a multi-cancer test for screening at least five types of cancer from one blood sample known as OneTest and, until 2019, we also sold a blood test for early lung cancer known as PAULA’s Test.

 

In the company months, the Company expects to integrate PAULA’s Test into OneTest. The Company’s legacy business includes a patented field test kit for screening suspicious powders for bioterror agents that is used regularly by hundreds of first responder organizations worldwide known as BioCheck.

 

Going Concern

 

We have incurred operating losses since inception and historically relied on debt and equity financing for working capital. Throughout the next 12 months, the Company intends to fund its operations through increased revenue from operations and the remaining capital raised through its recent Regulation A offering. On January 8, 2020, the Company launched an offering under Regulation A of Section 3(6) of the Securities Act for Tier 2 offerings, pursuant to which, through the date of these financial statements, the Company has raised approximately $1.2 million in gross proceeds through the sale of 268,451 shares of Series C Preferred Stock. In addition, in March 2020 the Company began distributing Covid-19 test kits and in May 2020 received funds from the Payroll Protection Program (see Note 9). Based on the Company’s current capital, management believes the doubt regarding the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern has been alleviated.

 

NOTE 2 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

Use of Estimates

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with United States generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amount of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could materially differ from these estimates. It is reasonably possible that changes in estimates will occur in the near term. The use of estimates include revenue recognition, impairment of long-lived assets, stock-based compensation and expense accruals.

 

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

 

Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants as of the measurement date. Applicable accounting guidance provides an established hierarchy for inputs used in measuring fair value that maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs by requiring that the most observable inputs be used when available. Observable inputs are inputs that market participants would use in valuing the asset or liability and are developed based on market data obtained from sources independent of the Company. Unobservable inputs are inputs that reflect the Company’s assumptions about the factors that market participants would use in valuing the asset or liability. There are three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:

 

Level 1 - Observable inputs that reflect quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.

 

Level 2 - Include other inputs that are directly or indirectly observable in the marketplace.

 

Level 3 - Unobservable inputs which are supported by little or no market activity.

 

F-6

 

 

20/20 GENESYSTEMS, INC.

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2019 AND 2018

 

The fair value hierarchy also requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value.

 

Fair value estimates discussed herein are based upon certain market assumptions and pertinent information available to management as of December 31, 2019 and 2018. The respective carrying value of certain on-balance-sheet financial instruments approximated their fair values. These financial instruments include cash, accounts payable and accrued liabilities. Fair values for these items were assumed to approximate carrying values because of their short-term nature or they are payable on demand.

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

The Company considers time deposits, certificates of deposit, and certain investments with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.

 

Accounts Receivable

 

Accounts receivable represent amounts due from commercial customers. On December 31, 2019 and 2018, customer accounts receivable totaled $32,498 and $15,488, respectively. Management reviews open accounts monthly and takes appropriate steps for collection. When needed, an allowance for doubtful accounts is recorded to reflect management’s determination of the amount deemed uncollectable. An allowance for doubtful accounts of $17,000 and $1,479 is included in accounts receivable at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

 

Inventories

 

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market using the first-in, first out (FIFO) method. Inventories consisted entirely of finished goods as of December 31, 2019 and 2018.

 

Certificates of Deposit

 

The Company uses certificates of deposit for short-term investments. No more than $250,000 is invested in any single certificate of deposit so that all balances are covered by federally insured limits. As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, $1,647,806 and $0, respectively, of the Company’s certificates of deposit had original maturities greater than three months and therefore were not included in cash and cash equivalents.

 

Internal Use Software

 

The Company incurs software development costs to develop software programs to be used solely to meet its internal needs and cloud-based applications used to deliver its services. In accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 350-40, Internal-Use Software, the Company capitalizes development costs related to these software applications once the preliminary project stage is complete and it is probable that the project will be completed, the software will be used to perform the function intended, and the value will be recoverable. Reengineering costs, minor modifications and enhancements that do not significantly improve the overall functionality of the software are expensed as incurred.

 

Property and Equipment

 

Property and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of three (3) to seven (7) years. Significant renewals and betterments are capitalized while maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred. Leasehold improvements are amortized on the straight-line basis over the lesser of their estimated useful lives or the term of the related lease, whichever is shorter. Gains or losses on dispositions of assets are reflected in other income or expense.

 

F-7

 

 

20/20 GENESYSTEMS, INC.

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2019 AND 2018

 

Intangible Assets - Patents

 

The Company capitalizes patent filing fees, and it expenses legal fees, in connection with internally developed pending patents. The Company also will capitalize patent defense costs to the extent these costs enhance the economic value of an existing patent. The Company evaluates the capitalized costs annually to determine if any amounts should be written down. Patent costs begin amortizing upon approval by the corresponding government and are generally amortized over the expected period to be benefitted, not to exceed the patent lives, which may be as long as 20 years.

 

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

 

The long-lived assets held and used by the Company are reviewed for impairment no less frequently than annually or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. In the event that facts and circumstances indicate that the cost of any long-lived assets may be impaired, an evaluation of recoverability is performed. There were no impairment losses during 2019 and 2018. There can be no assurance, however, that market conditions will not change or demand for the Company’s products and services will continue, which could result in impairment of long-lived assets in the future.

 

Offering Costs

 

The Company complies with the requirements of Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) ASC 340 with regards to offering costs. Prior to the completion of an offering, offering costs will be capitalized as deferred offering costs on the balance sheet. The deferred offering costs will be charged to stockholders’ equity upon the completion of an offering or to expense if the offering is not completed.

 

Preferred Stock

 

ASC 480, Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity, includes standards for how an issuer of equity (including equity shares issued by consolidated entities) classifies and measures on its balance sheet certain financial instruments with characteristics of both liabilities and equity.

 

Management is required to determine the presentation for the Preferred Stock as a result of the redemption and conversion provisions, among other provisions in the agreement. Specifically, management is required to determine whether the embedded conversion feature in the Preferred Stock is clearly and closely related to the host instrument, and whether the bifurcation of the conversion feature is required and whether the conversion feature should be accounted for as a derivative instrument. If the host instrument and conversion feature are determined to be clearly and closely related (both more akin to equity), derivative liability accounting under ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging, is not required. Management determined that the host contract of the Preferred Stock is more akin to equity, and accordingly, derivative liability accounting is not required by the Company.

 

Costs incurred directly for the issuance of the Preferred Stock are recorded as a reduction of gross proceeds received by the Company.

 

Per Share Information

 

Basic per share information is computed based upon the weighted average number of shares of Common Stock outstanding during the period. Diluted per share information consists of the weighted average number of shares of Common Stock outstanding, plus the dilutive effects of potential shares of Common Stock, including convertible Preferred Stock, and options and warrants calculated using the treasury stock method. In loss periods, dilutive common equivalent shares are excluded as the effect would be anti-dilutive.

 

During the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company excluded the outstanding securities summarized below from its calculation of diluted loss per share, as their effects would have been anti-dilutive.

 

F-8

 

 

20/20 GENESYSTEMS, INC.

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2019 AND 2018

 

    2019     2018  
Warrants to purchase Common Stock     113,106       117,823  
Options to purchase Common Stock     -       -  
Series B Preferred Stock     1,471,487       1,110,216  
Series A-2 Preferred Stock     442,402       442,402  
Series A-1 Preferred Stock     651,465       651,465  
Series A Preferred Stock     846,368       846,368  
      3,524,828       3,168,274  

 

Revenue Recognition

 

Effective January 1, 2018, the Company adopted ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, using the modified retrospective method. The Company determined that the adoption of ASC 606 had no material impact to the Company’s financial statements. In accordance with ASC Topic 606, the Company recognizes revenue when the customer obtains control of promised goods or services, in an amount that reflects the consideration which it expects to receive in exchange for those goods and services. To determine revenue recognition for arrangements that the Company deems are within the scope of ASC Topic 606, the Company performs the following five steps: (i) identify the contract(s) with a customer; (ii) identify the performance obligations in the contract; (iii) calculate transfer price; (iv) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligation in the contract; and (v) recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation.

 

Disaggregated Revenue ‒ The Company disaggregates revenue from contracts with customers by contract type, as it believes it best depicts how the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows are affected by economic factors.

 

The Company’s revenue by contract type is as follows:

 

    For the Years Ended
December 31,
 
    2019     2018  
Revenues            
BioCheck   $ 222,494     $ 269,023  
Cancer Test (OneTest/PAULA’s Test)     65,806       8,024  
Total revenues   $ 288,300     $ 277,047  

 

Performance Obligations ‒ Performance obligations for two different types of services are discussed below:

 

BioCheck ‒ Revenues for kits is recognized when purchase orders are processed and kits are shipped to customers.

 

OneTest/PAULA’s Test ‒ Revenue from the sale of OneTest and PAULA’s Test is recognized when returned testing kits are processed in the laboratory and the results are reported. Due to the nature of OneTest and PAULA’s Test, revenue per test is recorded based on historical average receipts from patients and insurance companies.

 

Shipping and Handling

 

Amounts billed to a customer for shipping and handling are reported as revenues. Costs related to shipments to the Company are classified as cost of sales and totaled $15,775 and $7,244 for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

 

Research and Development

 

The Company incurs research and development costs during the process of researching and developing the Company’s technologies and future manufacturing processes. The Company’s research and development costs consist primarily of materials and services. The Company expenses these costs as incurred until the resulting product has been completed, tested, and made ready for commercial use.

 

F-9

 

 

20/20 GENESYSTEMS, INC.

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2019 AND 2018

 

Advertising

 

The Company expenses advertising costs as incurred. Advertising expenses were $41,282 and $46,635 for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

 

Stock-Based Compensation

 

The Company accounts for stock awards issued under ASC 718, Compensation – Stock Compensation. Under ASC 718, stock-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date, based on the estimated fair value of the award. Stock-based compensation is recognized as expense over the employee’s requisite vesting period and over the nonemployee’s period of providing goods or services. The fair value of each stock option or warrant award is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option valuation model. Restricted shares are measured based on the fair market value of the underlying stock on the grant date.

 

Income Taxes

 

The Company applies ASC 740, Income Taxes. Deferred income taxes are recognized for the tax consequences in future years of differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their financial statement reported amounts at each period end, based on enacted tax laws and statutory tax rates applicable to the periods in which the differences are expected to affect taxable income. Valuation allowances are established, when necessary, to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized. The provision for income taxes represents the tax expense for the period, if any and the change during the period in deferred tax assets and liabilities. At December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company has established a full allowance against all deferred tax assets.

 

ASC 740 also provides criteria for the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of uncertain tax positions. A tax benefit from an uncertain position is recognized only if it is “more likely than not” that the position is sustainable upon examination by the relevant taxing authority based on its technical merit. Interest and penalties, if any, are accrued as a component of operating expenses when assessed.

 

Concentrations

 

The Company maintains its cash at various financial institutions located in the United States of America which it believes to be credit worthy. Balances are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation up to $250,000. At times, the Company maintains balances in excess of the federally insured limits. The Company has not experienced any losses with respect to its cash balances.

 

As of December 31, 2019, approximately 42% of total accounts receivable were due from two sources. As of December 31, 2018, approximately 34% of total accounts receivable were due from two sources. During the year ended December 31, 2019, approximately 11% of total revenues were received from one source. During the year ended December 31, 2018, approximately 35% of total revenues were received from two sources. Management believes the loss of one or more of these customers would not have a significant effect on the Company’s financial condition.

 

F-10

 

 

20/20 GENESYSTEMS, INC.

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2019 AND 2018

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

In January 2017, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2017-04, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other: Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment. To simplify the subsequent measurement of goodwill, the update requires only a single-step quantitative test to identify and measure impairment based on the excess of a reporting unit’s carrying amount over its fair value. A qualitative assessment may still be completed first for an entity to determine if a quantitative impairment test is necessary. The update is effective for fiscal year 2021 and is to be adopted on a prospective basis. Early adoption is permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of this guidance on its financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

 

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases. This ASU is a comprehensive new leases standard that amends various aspects of existing guidance for leases and requires additional disclosures about leasing arrangements. It will require companies to recognize lease assets and lease liabilities by lessees for those leases classified as operating leases under previous GAAP. Topic 842 retains a distinction between finance leases and operating leases. The classification criteria for distinguishing between finance leases and operating leases are substantially similar to the classification criteria for distinguishing between capital leases and operating leases in the previous lease’s guidance. The ASU is effective for annual periods beginning January 1, 2019 for public companies and January 1, 2022 for non-public companies, including interim periods within those fiscal years; earlier adoption is permitted. In the financial statements in which the ASU is first applied, leases shall be measured and recognized at the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented with an adjustment to equity. Practical expedients are available for election as a package and if applied consistently to all leases. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of this guidance on its financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

 

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13 Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments which requires the measurement and recognition of expected credit losses for financial assets held at amortized cost. ASU 2016-13 replaces the existing incurred loss impairment model with an expected loss methodology, which will result in more timely recognition of credit losses. ASU 2016-13 is effective for annual reporting periods, and interim periods within those years beginning January 1, 2020 for public companies and January 1, 2023 for non-public companies. The Company is currently in the process of evaluating the impact of the adoption of ASU 2016-13 on its financial statements.

 

NOTE 3 – PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

 

Property and equipment consisted of the following at December 31, 2019 and 2019:

 

    2019     2018  
Office equipment   $ 81,681     $ 79,661  
Furniture and fixtures     17,132       17,132  
Laboratory equipment     383,516       383,516  
Leasehold improvements     5,973       5,700  
Total property and equipment     488,302       486,009  
Less accumulated depreciation     (439,378 )     (425,015 )
    $ 48,924     $ 60,994  

 

Depreciation expense was $14,363 and $10,097 for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

 

F-11

 

 

20/20 GENESYSTEMS, INC.

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2019 AND 2018

 

NOTE 4 – INTANGIBLE ASSETS

 

Intangible assets consisted of the following at December 31, 2019 and 2018:

 

    2019     2018  
Issued patents (amortized)   $ 31,840     $ 31,840  
Unissued patents (unamortized)     201,514       201,514  
Software development costs     45,575       -  
Total patents     278,929       233,354  
Less accumulated amortization     (31,476 )     (22,288 )
    $ 247,453     $ 211,066  

 

Amortization expense for intangible assets for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 was $9,188 and $1,592. Estimated amortization expense on issued patents and software development costs for the years ending December 31 are as follows:

 

2020     16,784  
2021     16,784  
2022     9,187  
2023     1,592  
2024     1,592  
    $ 45,939  

 

NOTE 5 – COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

Leases

 

In August 2011, the Company entered into a lease commencing in December 2011 which expired in November 2016. Under the lease agreement, the Company was to pay an annual rent of $134,975, plus additional operating expenses. The agreement included a 3% annual increase and an option to expand office space. Upon expiration, this lease has continued on a month-to-month basis. Total rent expense, including additional operating expenses related to this property, was $138,697 and $154,902 for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

 

Royalties and License Agreements

 

The Company has entered into various agreements related to fundraising and other consulting services that commits the Company to paying certain additional fees contingent upon certain milestones and/or events. The amount of liability, if any, cannot be reasonably estimated. Hence, no liability has been recorded in the accompanying financial statements.

 

In 2008, the Company entered into three deferred bonus agreements and agreed to pay deferred bonus payments of approximately $500,000 if certain events related to stock options were triggered. The related stock options expired in February 2018. Upon expiration of these options, the contingency related to this deferred bonus also expired.

 

F-12

 

 

20/20 GENESYSTEMS, INC.

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2019 AND 2018

 

In November 2000, the Company entered into a licensing agreement with the United States Public Health Service (“PHS”) that gave the Company exclusive rights to use several patents owned by PHS. The agreement was subsequently amended in 2005 and 2011. Under the most current agreement, the Company was required to pay minimum annual royalty fees of $7,500 due and payable on January 1 of each calendar year from 2003 through 2011. Further payment of the minimum annual royalty has been deferred until January 1 of the calendar year following the first year the Company achieves annual net sales of the licensed product equal to or greater than $1,000,000. The minimum annual royalty will be due January 1 of each calendar year thereafter. The PHS agreement also calls for the Company to pay other royalties, including earned royalties, benchmark royalties, and sublicensing royalties. In addition, the agreement requires the Company to reimburse PHS for patent expenses incurred. Reimbursement is due on January 1 of each calendar year beginning in 2013. Minimum reimbursement of $10,000 is due until the Company has achieved $500,000 in net sales of licensed products, $20,000 once the Company has achieved between $500,000 and $1,000,000 in net sales of licensed products, and the balance of the remaining unreimbursed patent expenses due in full once the Company achieves net sales of licensed products of $1,000,000 or upon termination or expiration of the license, whichever comes first. In addition, PHS continues to submit annual requests for reimbursement of patent expenses incurred throughout the preceding year. Unreimbursed patent expenses are included in accrued expenses and were $195,794 at December 31, 2019 and 2018.

 

In July 2002, the Company entered into an award and royalty agreement with MdBio, Inc. Under this agreement, the Company received $150,000 in funding and is to make payments of 3% of gross sales revenues beginning in June 2003 and ending when a total of $450,000 has been repaid. Total royalty expenses incurred relating to this agreement were $8,641 for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018.

 

During 2010, the Company entered into a licensing agreement with Abbott Molecular, Inc. (“Abbott”). Under this agreement, the Company retained exclusive rights to use certain processes and know-how for which Abbott has a patent pending. Under this agreement, the Company is to pay royalties equal to 9% of the service revenue and net sales of each licensed product sold or otherwise disposed of prior to the issuance of the related patents and 18% of sales revenue or net sales of each licensed product sold or otherwise disposed of once the related patents are issued. Royalties will be deferred until either the Company's lung cancer testing business is acquired by Abbott or another third party or the value of the royalties exceeds $1,000,000. The agreement also allows Abbott first right to acquire the Company’s lung cancer testing business at various intervals.

 

In May 2011, the Company received a grant from the Maryland Biotechnology Center (“MBC”). Under this grant agreement, the Company was to receive $200,000 in funding. Per the agreement, beginning January 31 of the year after the completion of the project, the Company is to repay MBC in payments equal to 3% of total sales revenues (excluding revenues relating to the Company’s BioCheck suspicious powder screening kit). If the grant is not repaid in full by one year after the first payment date, the total repayment will equal 150% of the award, or $300,000. If the grant is not repaid in full by two years after the first payment date, the total repayment will equal 175% of the award, or $350,000. If the grant is not repaid in full by three years after the first payment date, the total repayment will equal 200% of the award, or $400,000.

 

In February 2016, the Company entered into a collaboration agreement with National Foundation for Cancer Research, Inc. (“NFCR”), a tax exempt 501(c)(3) organization, for the development of a cloud accessible algorithm to assist physicians in the Peoples Republic of China (“PRC”) to interpret test results, and to support refinements of the Company’s PAULAs test. The NFCR assisted the Company in obtaining blood test data from the PRC. Upon execution of the agreement, the Company issued NFCR 19,157 shares of Common Stock. The Company issued an additional 19,157 shares of Common Stock in 2016 based on the first milestone of receiving data from the first 1,000 patients located in the PRC. Per the agreement, after the Company has analyzed data from the initial population, it may seek additional data from more patients which can trigger an additional 38,315 shares of Common Stock being issued. To date, this provision has not yet been triggered. If upon seeking and receiving this additional patient data as set forth in the agreement, and immediately after issuing the requisite shares, the Company for five (5) years shall pay to NFCR two percent (2%) of gross sales the Company derives from the sale, licensing and other dispositions of the developed algorithm, payable quarterly.

 

F-13

 

 

20/20 GENESYSTEMS, INC.

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2019 AND 2018

 

Effective April 17, 2017, the Company entered into a six-month option agreement with Chang Gung Memorial Hospital (CGMH) of Taiwan to obtain and secure an exclusive license to certain technology, intellectual property, and data relating to our pan-cancer test. The option period was extended through February 28, 2018 through an amendment executed in November 2017. The option was exercised in a timely manner, payments were made, data was transferred to the Company and was verified by it and the Company entered an exclusive license to the technology until the last patent included in the specified technology expires, or 20 years. As consideration for this option, the Company paid an option fee of $75,000. Once the option was exercised in February 2018, the Company paid an additional license fee of $150,000 in cash and $300,000 in Common Stock (through the issuance of 92,025 shares of Common Stock), which were released from escrow upon verification of the viability of the data. The Company has amortized the license agreement over the term amounting to an amortization expense of $20,358 and $19,071 as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

 

NOTE 6 – STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

Preferred Stock

 

The Company has authorized the issuance of 10,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock with par value of $0.01, of which 1,303,000 have been designated as Series A Preferred Stock, 978,000 have been designated as Series A-1 Preferred Stock, 800,000 shares have been designated as Series A-2 Preferred Stock and 3,569,405 shares have been designated as Series B Preferred Stock (collectively, the “Designated Preferred Stock”). Below is a summary of the terms of the Designated Preferred Stock.

 

Ranking. With respect to dividend rights and rights on liquidation, winding up and dissolution, shares of Designated Preferred Stock rank pari passu to each other and senior to all shares of Common Stock.

 

Voting Rights. Shares of Designated Preferred Stock vote together with the holders of Common Stock on an as-converted basis on all matters for which the holders of Common Stock vote at an annual or special meeting of stockholders or act by written consent, except as required by law. For so long as shares of Designated Preferred Stock are outstanding, the holders of such shares vote together, as a separate class, to elect one director to the Company’s board, and for so long as shares of Series A-1 Preferred Stock are outstanding, the holders of Series A-1 Preferred Stock vote together, as a separate class, to elect one director to the Company’s board.

 

Conversion Rights. Each share of Designated Preferred Stock is convertible at any time at the option of the holder at the then current conversion rate. The conversion rate for the Designated Preferred Stock is currently one share of Common Stock for each share of Designated Preferred Stock, calculated by dividing the liquidation preference of such share by the conversion price then in effect. In addition, all outstanding shares of Designated Preferred Stock, plus accrued but unpaid dividends thereon, shall automatically be converted into shares of Common Stock, at the then effective conversion rate, upon the earlier to occur of (a) the closing of the sale of shares of Common Stock to the public at a price of at least $8.15 per share (subject to appropriate adjustment in the event of any stock dividend, stock split, combination or other similar recapitalization with respect to the Common Stock), in a public offering pursuant to an effective registration statement or offering statement under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), resulting in at least $5,000,000 of gross proceeds to the Company, (b) the date on which the shares of Common Stock are listed on a national stock exchange, including without limitation the New York Stock Exchange or the Nasdaq Stock Market, or (c) the date and time, or the occurrence of an event, specified by vote or written consent of the holders of at least 67% of the then outstanding shares of Designated Preferred Stock, voting together on an as-converted to Common Stock basis (which vote or consent shall include the holders of at least 67% of the shares of Series A-1 Preferred Stock outstanding voting as a separate class).

 

F-14

 

 

20/20 GENESYSTEMS, INC.

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2019 AND 2018

 

Liquidation Rights. In the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company or a deemed liquidation event, each holder of Designated Preferred Stock then outstanding shall be entitled to be paid out of the cash and other assets of the Company available for distribution to its stockholders, prior and in preference to all shares of Common Stock, an amount in cash equal to the aggregate liquidation preference of all shares held by such holder. The shares of Series A Preferred Stock, Series A-1 Preferred Stock, Series A-2 Preferred Stock and Series B Preferred Stock have a liquidation preference of $3.07, $3.07, $3.26 and $3.53, respectively (subject to appropriate adjustment in the event of any stock dividend, stock split, combination or other similar recapitalization) plus any accrued and unpaid dividends. If upon any liquidation or deemed liquidation event the remaining assets available for distribution are insufficient to pay the holders of Designated Preferred Stock the full preferential amount to which they are entitled, the holders of Designated Preferred Stock shall share ratably in any distribution of the remaining assets and funds in proportion to the respective full preferential amounts which would otherwise be payable, and the Company shall not make or agree to make any payments to the holders of Common Stock. A “deemed liquidation event” means, unless otherwise determined by the holders of at least a majority of the Designated Preferred Stock then outstanding (voting together as a single class on an as-converted basis), (a) a sale of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets to a non-affiliate of the Company, (b) a merger, acquisition, change of control, consolidation or other transactions or series of transactions in which stockholders prior to such transaction or series of transactions do not retain a majority of the voting power of the surviving entity immediately following such transaction or series of transactions, or (c) the grant of an exclusive license to all or substantially all of the Company’s technology or intellectual property rights except where such exclusive license is made to one or more wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company.

 

Dividends. The Designated Preferred Stock will not be entitled to dividends or distributions unless and until the board declares a dividend or distribution in cash or other property to holders of outstanding shares of Common Stock, in which event, the aggregate amount of such each distribution shall be distributed as follows: (a) first, seventy percent (70%) of the distribution amount to the holders of shares of Designated Preferred Stock, on a pro rata basis, until such time as such holders have received an aggregate amount in distributions or other payments in respect of such holder’s shares that is equal to the number of shares owned by such holders multiplied by the liquidation preference stated above, and (b) second, thirty percent (30%) of the distribution amount to the holders of shares of Common Stock, on a pro rata basis. Notwithstanding the foregoing, at such time as the holders of Designated Preferred Stock and Common Stock have received the amounts described above, the holders of the Designated Preferred Stock shall receive Distributions pari passu with the holders of the Common Stock on an as-converted basis, using the then-current conversion rate of such shares of Designated Preferred Stock.

 

Preemptive Rights. Until the Company’s initial public offering of Common Stock occurs and unless otherwise waived by the prior express written consent of the holders of the majority of the voting power of all then outstanding Designated Preferred Stock, voting together on an as-converted to Common Stock basis, in the event that the Company proposes to issue any Common Stock or shares convertible or exercisable for Common Stock, except for excluded issuances, the Company must first offer those additional equity securities to holders of Designated Preferred Stock for a period of no less than thirty (30) days prior to selling or issuing any such additional equity securities to any person, in accordance with the procedures set forth in the Company’s certificate of incorporation, as amended. For purposes hereof, “excluded securities” means the issuance of shares of Common Stock or securities convertible into shares of Common Stock (a) granted pursuant to or issued upon the exercise of stock options granted under an equity incentive plan to employees, officers, directors, consultants or strategic partners, (b) granted to employees, officers, directors, consultants or strategic partners for services, including in connection with an incentive plan, or other fair value received or committed, (c) in consideration for a transaction approved by the board which does not result in the issuance for cash of more than five percent (5%) of the outstanding shares of Common Stock, (d) in connection with an acquisition transaction approved by the board, (e) to vendors, commercial partners, financial institutions or lessors in connection with commercial credit transactions, equipment financings or similar transaction approved by the board (provided that such securities do not exceed 10% of the consideration in such transaction), (f) pursuant to conversion or exchange rights included in securities previously issued by the Company or (g) in connection with a stock split, stock division, reclassification, stock dividend or other recapitalization.

 

Redemption. Shares of Series A Preferred Stock, Series A-1 Preferred Stock, Series A-2 Preferred Stock and Series B Preferred Stock are not redeemable without the prior express written consent of the holders of the majority of the voting power of all then outstanding shares of such Series A Preferred Stock, Series A-1 Preferred Stock, Series A-2 Preferred Stock and Series B Preferred Stock, as applicable.

 

F-15

 

 

20/20 GENESYSTEMS, INC.

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2019 AND 2018

 

Protective Rights. So long as at least twenty-five percent (25%) of the Designated Preferred Stock collectively remains outstanding, in addition to any other vote or consent of stockholders required by law, the vote or consent of the holders of at least a majority of all shares of Designated Preferred Stock then outstanding and entitled to vote thereon, voting together and on an as-converted to Common Stock basis, given in person or by proxy, either in writing without a meeting or by vote at any meeting called for the purpose, including the consent of the holders of Series A-1 Preferred Stock, shall be necessary for effecting or validating, either directly or indirectly by amendment, merger, consolidation or otherwise:

 

(a) the authorization, creation and/or issuance of any equity security, other than shares of Common Stock or options to purchase Common Stock issued to investors, employees, managers, officers or directors of, or consultants or advisors to, the Company or any of its subsidiaries pursuant to a plan, agreement or arrangement approved by the board;

 

(b) the amendment, alteration or repeal of any provision of the certificate of incorporation or bylaws or otherwise alter or change any right, preference or privilege of any Designated Preferred Stock in a manner adverse to the holders thereof;

 

(c) any increase or decrease in the size of the board;

 

(d) the purchase, redemption, or acquisition of any shares other than from a selling holder pursuant to the provisions of the certificate of incorporation or any other restriction provisions applicable to any shares in agreements approved by the board or in the operating agreement of any limited liability company utilized for the purpose of facilitating investment in the Company;

 

(e) the liquidation or dissolution of the Company or the sale, lease, pledge, mortgage, or other disposal of all or substantially all of its assets;

 

(f) any election to engage in any business that deviates in any material respect from the Company’s business as contemplated under any operating plan approved by the board;

 

(g) the waiver of any adjustment to the conversion price applicable to the Designated Preferred Stock; or

 

(h) any declaration or payment of any cash dividend or other cash distribution to any holders of capital stock.

 

Series A Preferred Stock

 

As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, there were 846,368 shares of Series A Preferred Stock issued and outstanding. No shares of Series A Preferred Stock were issued during the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018.

 

Series A-1 Preferred Stock

 

As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, there were 651,465 shares of Series A-1 Preferred Stock issued and outstanding. No shares of Series A-1 Preferred Stock were issued during the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018.

 

Series A-2 Preferred Stock

 

On December 29, 2017, the Company issued 312,361 shares of Series A-2 Preferred Stock at $3.26 per share for proceeds of $936,017, net of $82,280 of offering cost fees, to investors an equity crowdfunding offering under Section 4(a)(6) of the Securities Act and Regulation Crowdfunding promulgated thereunder. On January 23, 2018, the Company completed a second and final closing of this equity crowdfunding offering and issued 15,027 shares of Series A-2 Preferred Stock for gross proceeds of $48,988. In connection with this offering, the Company also issued 6,548 shares of Series A-2 Preferred Stock to First Democracy VC, the platform for the offering, as partial consideration for their services.

 

On January 9, 2018 and March 16, 2018, the Company issued 106,165 and 94,785 shares, respectively, of Series A-2 Preferred Stock at $3.26 per share for gross proceeds of $346,100 to an Investment LLC (as defined below).

 

On February 15, 2018, the Company issued 2,301 shares of Series A-2 Preferred Stock to a consultant as partial compensation for services provide by such consultant.

 

As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, there were 442,402 shares of Series A-2 Preferred Stock issued and outstanding.

 

F-16

 

 

20/20 GENESYSTEMS, INC.

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2019 AND 2018

 

Series B Preferred Stock

 

On August 17, 2018, the Company launched its offering under Regulation A of Section 3(6) of the Securities Act for Tier 2 offerings, pursuant to which the Company offered a minimum of 127,479 shares of Series B Preferred Stock and a maximum of 3,399,433 shares of Series B Preferred Stock at an offering price of $3.53 per share, or a minimum of $450,000 of shares and a maximum of $12,000,000 of shares, on a “best efforts” basis.

 

In the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company raised $3,919,062 in gross proceeds through the sale of 1,110,216 shares of Series B Preferred Stock for net proceeds of approximately $3,593,419.

 

In the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company raised $1,275,175 in gross proceeds through the sale of 361,271 shares of Series B Preferred Stock for net proceeds of approximately $1,149,483.

 

As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, there were 1,471,487 and 1,110,216 shares of Series B Preferred Stock issued and outstanding, respectively.

 

Common Stock

 

The Company is authorized to issue 25,000,000 shares of Common Stock.

 

In February 2018, the Company issued 92,025 shares of Common Stock with a value of $300,000 in conjunction with a license agreement. The shares were valued based on the selling price of the A-2 Preferred Stock to third parties, as the common stock has relatively consistent rights with preferred stock.

 

In November 2018, the Company issued 1,000 shares of Common Stock upon the exercise of $0.01 warrants for proceeds of $10.

 

As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, there were 4,725,633 shares of Common Stock and outstanding.

 

Stock Options

 

In 2007, the board of directors adopted the 20/20 GeneSystems 2007 Equity Compensation Plan (the “2007 Plan”). The 2007 Plan provided for the grant of equity awards to employees and non-employees, including stock options and stock-based awards. Up to 500,000 shares of Common Stock could be issued pursuant to awards granted under the 2007 Plan. The 2007 Plan was administered by the board of directors and expired in 2017, ten years after adoption.

 

On July 16, 2019, the board of directors adopted the 20/20 GeneSystems, Inc. 2019 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2019 Plan”). The 2019 Plan provides for the grant of equity awards to employees, consultants, advisors and outside directors of the Company and its subsidiaries, including incentive stock options as described in section 422(b) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (“ISOs”), non-qualified stock options (i.e., options that are not incentive stock options) (“NSOs”) and awards of restricted stock. Up to 2,000,000 shares of Common Stock may be issued pursuant to awards granted under the 2019 Plan. The 2019 Plan is administered by compensation committee of the board of directors and expires ten years after adoption.

 

On August 1, 2019, the Company granted NSOs for the purchase of 292,680 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $0.82 per share, all of which vested in full on the date of grant. No stock options were granted during the year ended December 31, 2018. Management determines the value of options granted using the calculated value method and the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The fair value of the stock options issued in 2019 was determined using the Black Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions: dividend yield: 0%; volatility: 70.2%; risk free rate: 1.68%; term 10 years.

 

The risk-free interest rate assumption for options granted is based upon observed interest rates on the United States government securities appropriate for the expected term of the Company’s employee stock options.

 

The expected term of employee stock options is calculated using the simplified method which takes into consideration the contractual life and vesting terms of the options.

 

F-17

 

 

20/20 GENESYSTEMS, INC.

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2019 AND 2018

 

The Company determined the expected volatility assumption for options granted using the historical volatility of comparable public companies’ common stock. The Company will continue to monitor peer companies and other relevant factors used to measure expected volatility for future stock option grants, until such time that the Company’s Common Stock has enough market history to use historical volatility.

 

The dividend yield assumption for options granted is based on the Company’s history and expectation of dividend payouts. The Company has never declared or paid any cash dividends on its Common Stock, and the Company does not anticipate paying any cash dividends in the foreseeable future.

 

The Company recognizes stock option forfeitures as they occur as there is insufficient historical data to accurately determine future forfeitures rates.

 

At times, the Company granted stock options under the 2007 Plan in excess of the authorized shares under the plan. However, as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, due to forfeitures the number of options outstanding under the 2007 Plan are less than the authorized shares. The Company does not believe that such non-compliance with the 2007 Plan limits causes significant exposure to the Company as any options in excess have been forfeited and any such compensation expense has been recognized in historical financial information in compliance with applicable accounting standards. In 2017, the 2007 Plan expired.

 

A summary of the ISO activity is as follows:

 

    Total Options     Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share     Total Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life  
Options outstanding, December 31, 2017     233,763     $ 4.33       3.3  
Granted     -       -       -  
Exercised     -       -       -  
Expired     (80,401 )     4.00       -  
Options outstanding, December 31, 2018     153,362       4.50       4.0  
Granted     -       -       -  
Exercised     -       -       -  
Expired     -       -       -  
Options outstanding, December 31, 2019     153,362     $ 4.50       3.0  
                         
Options exercisable, December 31, 2019     153,362     $ 4.50       3.0  

 

There is no remaining unvested expense related to these stock options.

 

F-18

 

 

20/20 GENESYSTEMS, INC.

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2019 AND 2018

 

A summary of the Company’s NSO activity is as follows:

 

    Total Options     Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share     Total Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life  
Options outstanding, December 31, 2017     145,761     $ 4.50       1.8  
Granted     -       -       -  
Exercised     -       -       -  
Forfeited/Expired     (96,206 )     4.50       -  
Options outstanding, December 31, 2018     49,555       4.50       4.15  
Granted     292,680       0.82       10.0  
Exercised     -       -       -  
Expired     -       -       -  
Options outstanding, December 31, 2019     342,235     $ 1.35       8.65  
                         
Options exercisable, December 31, 2019     342,235     $ 1.35       8.65  

 

There is no remaining unvested expense related to these stock options.

 

Warrants

 

A summary of the Company’s warrant activity is as follows:

 

    Warrants     Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share     Total Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life  
Warrants outstanding, December 31, 2017     117,906     $ 0.01       4.98  
Granted     -       -       -  
Exercised     (1,000 )     0.01       0.59  
Forfeited/Expired     -       -       -  
Warrants outstanding, December 31, 2018     116,906       0.01       4.00  
Granted     -       -       -  
Exercised     -       -       -  
Forfeited/Expired     (5,700 )     -       -  
Warrants outstanding, December 31, 2019     111,206     $ 0.01       3.17  
                         
Warrants exercisable, December 31, 2019     111,206     $ 0.01       3.17  

 

NOTE 7 – RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

The Company has historically employed or contracted with immediate family members of the Chief Executive Officer. Such arrangements are under compensation arrangements for services provided in the normal course of business. As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company has an outstanding balance due to Barry Cohen, the Chief Executive Officer’s brother, in the amount of $0 and $27,832 for professional services, respectively.

 

From time-to-time, investors in the Company are directed to deposit funds in a Limited Liability Company (“Investment LLC”) set up by the Company for the purposes of managing investments seeking the advantages of the Maryland Biotechnology Investor Tax Credit program. Funds from those Investment LLCs either have been or will be transferred to the Company pursuant to the rules and procedures of the tax credit program. Shares of the Company will be issued to investors in those Investment LLCs in the same manner as if they invested directly in the Company. While the Company performs the administrative tasks for the Investment LLC when they are active, the Company has no ownership, requirement to fund, or voting privileges within these entities.

 

F-19

 

 

20/20 GENESYSTEMS, INC.

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2019 AND 2018

 

As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company has approximately $2,700 and $57,000 due from various Investment LLCs controlled by certain stockholders of the Company as a result of funds advanced to them by the Company as it relates to the expected tax refunds under the Maryland Biotechnology Investor Tax Credit program.

 

During 2017, an Investment LLC received approximately $240,000 in funds for investment in the Company, pending application of the Maryland Biotechnology Investor Tax Credit. In November and December 2017, the Investment LLC lent the Company $210,000 which the Company subsequently repaid in 2018 upon the investment LLC receiving the requisite initial tax credit certificate. Furthermore, the $240,000 investment was made by the Investment LLC as part of a total investment of $309,000 for shares of Series A-2 Preferred Stock in 2018.

 

NOTE 8 – INCOME TAXES

 

The following table presents the current and deferred income tax provision for federal and state income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018:

 

    2019     2018  
Current provision for income taxes   $    -     $     -  
Deferred income tax benefit     -       -  
Total provision for income taxes   $ -     $ -  

 

The provision for federal income taxes differs from that computed by applying federal and state statutory rates to the loss before federal income tax provision, as indicated in the following analysis:

 

    2019     2018  
Expected federal tax benefit   $ (509,900 )   $ (307,300 )
Expected state tax benefit     (200,300 )     (120,700 )
Nondeductible expenses and other     (308,500 )     3,400  
Increase (decrease) in valuation allowance     1,018,700       424,600  
Total provision for income taxes   $ -     $ -  

 

The major components of the deferred taxes are as follows at December 31, 2019 and 2018:

 

    2019     2018  
Account receivable, net   $ 5,000     $ 400  
Accumulated depreciation     (1,500 )     (1,500 )
Deferred rent     -       -  
Intangible assets, net     (64,800 )     (61,700 )
Accrued expenses     42,900       27,600  
Net operating loss     5,449,000       4,447,100  
Deferred tax asset value allowance     (5,430,600 )     (4,411,900 )
    $ -     $ -  

 

On December 22, 2017 the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“TCJA”) was signed into law.

 

The TCJA reduces the corporate income tax rate from 34% to 21% effective January 1, 2018. All deferred income tax assets and liabilities, including NOL’s have been remeasured using the new rate under the TCJA.

 

F-20

 

 

20/20 GENESYSTEMS, INC.

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2019 AND 2018

 

The Company files income tax returns for U.S. federal income tax purposes and in Maryland, Virginia, and Pennsylvania. Based on federal tax returns filed or to be filed through December 31, 2019, the Company had available approximately $18,678,000 in U.S. tax net operating loss carryforwards which assesses the utilization of a Company’s net operating loss carryforwards resulting from retaining continuity of its business operations and changes within its ownership structure. Net operating loss carryforwards expire in 20 years for federal income tax reporting purposes. For Federal income tax purposes, the net operating losses begin to expire in 2020, however, carryforward losses for years beginning in 2018 have no expiration. State net operating loss carryforwards through December 31, 2019 are approximately $18,504,000 and begin to expire in 2020. The valuation allowance for deferred tax assets increased by approximately $1,018,700 and $424,600 during the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

 

The United States Federal and applicable state returns from 2015 forward are still subject to tax examination by the United States Internal Revenue Service; however, the Company does not currently have any ongoing tax examinations.

 

NOTE 9 – SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

Regulation A Offering and Establishment of Series C Preferred Stock

 

On January 8, 2020, the Company launched an offering under Regulation A of Section 3(6) of the Securities Act for Tier 2 offerings, pursuant to which the Company is offering up to 3,340,909 shares of Series C Preferred Stock at an offering price of $4.40 per share for gross proceeds of up to $14,700,000 on a “best efforts” basis. As of the date of these financial statements, the Company has raised approximately $1,181,000 in gross proceeds through the sale of 268,451 shares of Series C Preferred Stock.

 

On March 9, 2020, the Company filed a Certificate of Designation with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware to establish the terms of the Series C Preferred Stock. Pursuant to the terms of the of the Certificate of Designation, the Company designated 3,340,909 shares of its Preferred Stock as Series C Preferred Stock. The terms of the Series C Preferred Stock are identical to the Designated Preferred Stock described under Note 6, except that the liquidation preference for the Series C Preferred Stock is $4.40 per share.

 

COVID-19 Antibody Tests

 

On April 5, 2020, the Company entered into a sales representative agreement with Mems Technologies Holdings Company Limited (“MEMS”), a Hong Kong based company that has the rights to export COVID-19 rapid antibody test kits manufactured by Innovita (Tangshan) Biological Technology Co., Ltd., located in Hebei, China (“Innovita”). Pursuant to this agreement, MEMS granted to the Company a non-exclusive right to solicit orders for the Innovita product from customers outside of China. The Company will receive a commission of ten percent (10%) of the price for Innovita products on orders solicited by the Company that are approved by MEMS, the terms of which shall be provided by MEMS. The term of the agreement with MEMS is two years.

 

In May 2020, the Company validated and began offering COVID-19 antibody tests manufactured by Roche Diagnostics.

 

PPP Loan

 

On May 19, 2020, the Company received a $144,000 Payroll Protection Program (“PPP”) loan from the United States Small Business Administration (“SBA”) under provisions of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”). The PPP loan has a two-year term and bears interest at a rate of 1.0% per annum. Monthly principal and interest payments are deferred for six months after the date of disbursement. The PPP loan may be prepaid at any time prior to maturity with no prepayment penalties. The PPP loan contain events of default and other provisions customary for loans of this type. The PPP provides that the PPP loans may be partially or wholly forgiven if the funds are used for certain qualifying expenses as described in the CARES Act. The Company intends to use the proceeds from the PPP loan for qualifying expenses and to apply for forgiveness of the PPP loan in accordance with the terms of the CARES Act. The Company has classified the PPP loan as a current liability pending SBA clarification of the final loan terms.

 

The Company has evaluated subsequent events that occurred after December 31, 2019 through July 6, 2020, the issuance date of these financial statements. There have been no other events or transactions during this time which would have a material effect on these financial statements.

 

F-21

 

 

ITEM 8. EXHIBITS

 

Exhibit No.   Description
2.1   Second Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of 20/20 GeneSystems, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Semiannual Report on Form 1-SA filed on November 15, 2018)
2.2*   Certificate of Designation of Series C Preferred Stock
2.3*   Amended and Restated Bylaws of 20/20 GeneSystems, Inc.
3.1   Form of Placement Agent Warrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Offering Statement on Form 1-A/A filed on December 31, 2019)
4.1   Form of Subscription Agreement for Series B Preferred Stock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4 to the Offering Statement on Form 1-A/A filed on August 14, 2018)
4.2   Form of Subscription Agreement for Series C Preferred Stock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Offering Statement on Form 1-A/A filed on December 31, 2019)
6.1   Form of Credit Card Services Agreement between StartEngine Crowdfunding, Inc. and 20/20 GeneSystems, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 6.1 to the Offering Statement on Form 1-A/A filed on November 26, 2019)
6.2*   Sales Representative Agreement, dated April 5, 2020, between Mems Technologies Holdings Company Limited and 20/20 GeneSystems, Inc.
6.3   Option Agreement to License and Commercialize Pan-Cancer Test Algorithm, dated April 17, 2017, between Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou and 20/20 GeneSystems, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 6.2 to the Offering Statement on Form 1-A/A filed on June 22, 2018)
6.4   Amendment to Option Agreement to License and Commercialize Pan-Cancer Test Algorithm, dated October 26, 2017, between Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou and 20/20 GeneSystems, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 6.3 to the Offering Statement on Form 1-A/A filed on June 22, 2018)
6.5   Cancer Early Detection Algorithm Development Collaboration Agreement, dated February 26, 2016, between National Foundation for Cancer Research, Inc. and 20/20 GeneSystems, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 6.4 to the Offering Statement on Form 1-A/A filed on June 22, 2018)
6.6   Award and Royalty Agreement, dated July 19, 2002, between MdBio, Inc. and 20/20 GeneSystems, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 6.5 to the Offering Statement on Form 1-A/A filed on July 11, 2018)
6.7   Patent License Agreement, dated November 9, 2000, between the National Institutes of Health and 20/20 GeneSystems, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 6.6 to the Offering Statement on Form 1-A/A filed on July 11, 2018)
6.8   License Amendment, dated April 14, 2005, between the National Institutes of Health on behalf of the Public Health Service and 20/20 GeneSystems, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 6.7 to the Offering Statement on Form 1-A/A filed on July 11, 2018)
6.9   Second Amendment to License Agreement, dated December 23, 2011, between the National Institutes of Health on behalf of the Public Health Service and 20/20 GeneSystems, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 6.8 to the Offering Statement on Form 1-A/A filed on July 11, 2018)
6.10   Employment Agreement, dated May 5, 2019, between 20/20 GeneSystems, Inc. and Jonathan Cohen (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 6.8 to the Offering Statement on Form 1-A filed on August 12, 2019)
8.1   Form of Escrow Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 6.1 to the Offering Statement on Form 1-A/A filed on June 22, 2018)
8.2   Form of Escrow Services Agreement among Prime Trust, LLC, 20/20 GeneSystems, Inc. and StartEngine Primary LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 8.1 to the Offering Statement on Form 1-A/A filed on November 26, 2019)
15.1   20/20 GeneSystems, Inc. Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 15.1 to the Offering Statement on Form 1-A filed on August 12, 2019)
15.2   Form of Stock Option Agreement (20/20 GeneSystems, Inc. Stock Incentive Plan) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 15.2 to the Offering Statement on Form 1-A filed on August 12, 2019)
15.3   Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement (20/20 GeneSystems, Inc. Stock Incentive Plan) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 15.3 to the Offering Statement on Form 1-A filed on August 12, 2019)
15.4   Audit Committee Charter (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 15.4 to the Offering Statement on Form 1-A filed on August 12, 2019)
15.5   Compensation Committee Charter (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 15.5 to the Offering Statement on Form 1-A filed on August 12, 2019)

 

* Filed herewith

 

40

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of Regulation A, the issuer has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

Date: July 6, 2020 20/20 GENESYSTEMS, INC.
   
  /s/ Jonathan Cohen
  Name: Jonathan Cohen
  Title: Chief Executive Officer
  (Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

 

Pursuant to the requirements of Regulation A, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the issuer and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

SIGNATURE   TITLE   DATE
         
/s/ Jonathan Cohen   CEO, President and Director   July 6, 2020
Jonathan Cohen   (principal executive officer and principal financial and accounting officer)    
         
/s/ Richard M. Cohen   Director   July 6, 2020
Richard M. Cohen        
         
/s/ John W. Rollins   Director   July 6, 2020
John W. Rollins        
         
/s/ Michael A. Ross   Director   July 6, 2020
Michael A. Ross        

 

41

 

 

Exhibit 2.2

 

    State of Delaware
    Secretary of State
    Division of Corporations
  Delivered  01:36 PM 03/09/2020
  CERTIFICATE OF DESIGNATION OF FILED  01:36 PM 03/09/2020
  SERIES C PREFERRED STOCK SR 20202005654 - File Number 3256145

OF

20/20 GENESYSTEMS, INC.

 

Pursuant to Section 151 of the

General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware

 

The undersigned duly authorized officer of 20/20 GENESYSTEMS, INC., a Delaware corporation (the“Corporation”), in accordance with the provisions of Section 151 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, hereby certifies that, pursuant to the authority conferred upon the board of directors of the Corporation (the “Board”) by the Article IV of the Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation (as such may be amended, modified or restated from time to time, the “Certificate of Incorporation”), the Board on September 17, 2019 adopted a resolution which creates a series of Preferred Stock of the Corporation designated as Series C Preferred Stock as follows:

 

RESOLVED, that pursuant to the provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation (which authorizes 10,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock), and the authority vested in the Board, a series of Preferred Stock be, and it hereby is, created, and that the designation and number of shares of such series, and the voting and other powers, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other rights, and the qualifications, limitations and restrictions thereof, are as set forth in the Certificate of lncorporation and this Certificate of Designation, as it may be amended from time to time, as follows:

 

1. Designation and Number of Shares. There is hereby created out of the authorized and unissued shares of Preferred Stock of the Corporation a series of Preferred Stock designated as the “Series C Preferred Stock” (the “Series C Preferred Stock”). The number of shares constituting such series shall be 3,340,909. Such number of shares may from time to time be increased or decreased (but not below the number of shares then outstanding) by the Board in accordance with the Certificate of Incorporation and applicable law. Each share of Series C Preferred Stock shall be identical in all respects to every other share of Series C Preferred Stock.

 

2. Ranking. With respect to payment of dividends and distribution of assets upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation, whether voluntary or involuntary, all shares of Series C Preferred Stock shall rank (i) pari passu with all Parity Securities; (ii) senior to all Junior Securities; and (iii) junior to all Senior Securities, if any. As used herein, “Parity Securities” means the Series A Preferred Stock, Series A-1 Preferred Stock, Series A-2 Preferred Stock and Series B Preferred Stock of the Corporation, and any class of securities hereafter authorized that is specifically designated as ranking pari passu with the Series C Preferred Stock, “Junior Securities” means the Common Stock of the Corporation and any other class of securities hereafter authorized that is specifically designated as junior to the Series C Preferred Stock, and “Senior Securities” means any class of securities hereafter authorized that is specifically designated as senior to the Series C Preferred Stock. The Series A Preferred Stock, Series A-1 Preferred Stock, Series A-2 Preferred Stock, Series B Preferred Stock and Series C Preferred Stock are collectively referred to herein as the“Designated Preferred Stock”.

 

 

 

 

3. Liquidation.

 

3.1. Liquidation Preference. In the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation (a “Liquidation Event’’) or a Deemed Liquidation Event (as defined below), each holder of shares of Series C Preferred Stock then outstanding shall be entitled to be paid out of the cash and other assets of the Corporation available for distribution to its stockholders before any payment shall be made to the holders of Junior Securities, but pari passu with the holders of Parity Securities, by reason of their ownership thereof, an amount in cash equal to the aggregate Liquidation Preference of all shares held by such holder. The “Liquidation Preference” means, with respect to any share of Series C Preferred Stock on any given date, the sum of the applicable Liquidation Value and the amount of any accrued but unpaid dividends thereon; if any, whether or not declared, to and including such date. The “Liquidation Value” means $4.40 per share, subject to appropriate adjustment in the event of any stock dividend, stock split, combination or other similar recapitalization with respect to such stock.

 

3.2. Participation after Liquidation Preference. Upon a Liquidation Event or a Deemed Liquidation Event, in the event that following the payment of the Liquidation Preference in Section 3.1 the Corporation shall have additional cash and other assets of the Corporation available for distribution to its stockholders, then the holders of the shares of Series C Preferred Stock shall participate pari passu with the holders of Parity Securities and the holders of Common Stock based on the then current conversion rate with respect to all remaining distributions, dividends or other payments of cash, shares or other assets and property of the Corporation, if any.

 

3.3. Insufficient Assets. If upon any Liquidation Event or Deemed Liquidation Event the remaining assets of the Corporation available for distribution to its stockholders shall be insufficient to pay the holders of the shares of Series C Preferred Stock the full preferential amount to which they are entitled under Section 3.1 and the holders of Parity Securities, if any, the full preferential amount to which they are entitled under the terms of the relevant instrument governing such Parity Securities, (a) the holders of the shares of Series C Preferred Stock and any such Parity Securities shall share ratably in any distribution of the remaining assets and funds of the Corporation in proportion to the respective full preferential amounts which would otherwise be payable in respect thereof upon such Liquidation Event or Deemed Liquidation Event if all amounts payable on or with respect to such shares and Parity Securities were paid in full, and (b) the Corporation shall not make or agree to make any payments to the holders of Junior Securities.

 

3.4. Deemed Liquidation Events. A“Deemed Liquidation Event” means, unless otherwise determined by the holders of at least a majority of the Designated Preferred Stock then outstanding (voting together as a single class on an as-converted basis), (a) a sale, lease or transfer of all or substantially all of the Corporation’s assets to a non-affiliate of the Corporation; (b) a merger, acquisition, change of control, consolidation or other transactions or series of transactions in which the Corporation’s stockholders prior to such transaction or series of transactions do not retain a majority of the voting power of the surviving entity immediately following such transaction or series of transactions; or (c) the grant of an (by territory, field of use or market) exclusive license to all or substantially all of the Corporation’s technology or intellectual property rights (determined on a consolidated basis with all of the Corporation’s direct and indirect subsidiaries) except where such exclusive license is made to one or more wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Corporation.

 

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4. Dividends and Distributions.

 

4.1. Payment of Dividends and Distributions. The Series C Preferred Stock will not be entitled to dividends or distributions unless and until the Board declares that the Corporation shall pay a dividend or distribution in cash or other property of the Corporation (a “Distribution”) to holders of outstanding shares of Common Stock, in which event, the aggregate amount of each such Distribution (the “Distribution Amount”) shall be distributed as follows:

 

4.1.1. First, seventy percent (70%) of the Distribution Amount to the holders of shares of Designated Preferred Stock, on a pro rata basis, until such time as such holders of Designated Preferred Stock have received an aggregate amount in Distributions or other payments in respect of such holder’s shares of Designated Preferred Stock that is equal to the number of shares of Designated Preferred Stock owned by such holders multiplied by the Liquidation Value of such Designated Preferred Stock (such amount, the “Investment Amount”), and

 

4.1.2. Second, thirty percent (30%) of the Distribution Amount to the holders of shares of Common Stock, on a pro rata basis (and for such Distribution payment purposes, without treating the Designated Preferred Stock as converted to Common Stock unless and until such shares of Designated Preferred Stock have actually been converted).

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, at such time as the holders of Designated Preferred Stock then outstanding have received the Investment Amount and the holders of Common Stock have received the amounts provided for in Section 4.1.2 above, the holders of the Designated Preferred Stock shall receive Distributions pari passu with the holders of the Common Stock on an as-converted basis, using the then-current conversion rate of such shares of Designated Preferred Stock.

 

4.2. Record Date. Any Distribution payable to the Series C Preferred Stock will have the same record and payment date and terms as the Distribution is payable on the Common Stock.

 

5. Voting Rights; Board Composition.

 

5.1. Voting Generally. On any matter presented to the stockholders of the Corporation for their action or consideration at any meeting of stockholders of the Corporation (or by written consent of stockholders in lieu of meeting), each holder of Series C Preferred Stock shall be entitled to cast the number of votes equal to the number of whole shares of Common Stock into which the shares of Series C Preferred Stock held by such holder are convertible as of the record date for determining stockholders entitled to vote on such matter. Except as provided by law or by the other provisions of this Certificate of Designation, the holders of Series C Preferred Stock shall vote together with the holders of shares of Series A Preferred Stock, Series A-1 Preferred Stock, Series A-2 Preferred Stock, Series B Preferred Stock and Common Stock as a single class.

 

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5.2. Preferred Stock Designees.

 

5.2.1. In addition to the matters set forth in Section 5.1, the size of the Board shall be seven (7) directors, as amended by a majority of the Board and in accordance with Section 5.3 from time to time. For so long as shares of Designated Preferred Stock are outstanding, the holders of all series of Designated Preferred Stock shall vote together, as a separate class, to elect one (1) director to the Board. For so long as any shares of Series A-1 Preferred Stock are outstanding, the holders of Series A-1 Preferred Stock shall vote together, as a separate class, to elect one (1) director to the Board. At any given time, one (1) director shall be independent expert in the Corporation’s industry and shall be appointed by the other then-current directors. The balance of the Board shall be elected by the holders of the Common Stock.

 

5.2.2. Whenever the holders of any class or classes of stock or series thereof are entitled to elect one or more directors by Section 5.2.1, vacancies and newly created directorships of such class or classes or series may be filled by at least a majority of the directors elected by such class or classes or series thereof then in office, or by a sole remaining director so elected, or, if there is no sole remaining director then in office, by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of the shares of that class or classes or series.

 

5.2.3. Any director who was elected by a specified class or classes of stock or series thereof may be removed during such director’s term of office, with or without cause, only by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of the shares of the class or classes of stock or series thereof that initially elect such director.

 

5.3. Amendment of Preferred Stock: Dividends: Material Acquisitions: Mergers and Consolidations. So long as at least twenty-five percent (25%) of the Designated Preferred Stock remains outstanding, in addition to any other vote or consent of stockholders required by law, Section 5.1 or this Certificate of Designation, the vote or consent of the holders of at least a majority of all shares of Designated Preferred Stock then outstanding and entitled to vote thereon, voting together and on an as-converted to Common Stock basis, given in person or by proxy, either in writing without a meeting or by vote at any meeting called for the purpose, including the consent of the holders of Series A-1 Preferred Stock, shall be necessary for effecting or validating, either directly or indirectly by amendment, merger, consolidation or otherwise:

 

5.3.1. the authorization, creation and/or issuance of any equity security, other than shares of Common Stock or options to purchase Common Stock issued to investors, employees, managers, officers or directors of, or consultants or advisors to, the Corporation or any of its subsidiaries pursuant to a plan, agreement or arrangement approved by the Board;

 

5.3.2. the amendment, alteration or repeal of any provision of this Certificate of Designation, the Certificate of Incorporation or the Bylaws or otherwise alter or change any right, preference or privilege of any Designated Preferred Stock in a manner adverse to the Designated Preferred Stock;

 

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5.3.3. any increase or decrease in the size of the Board;

 

5.3.4. the purchase, redemption, or acquisition of any shares of Designated Preferred Stock other than from a selling holder pursuant to the provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation or any other restriction provisions applicable to any shares of Designated Preferred Stock in agreements approved by the Board or in the operating agreement of any limited liability company utilized for the purpose of facilitating investment in the Corporation;

 

5.3.5. the liquidation or dissolution of the Corporation or the sale, lease, pledge, mortgage, or other disposal of all or substantially all of the Corporation’s assets;

 

5.3.6. any election to engage in any business that deviates in any material respect from the business of the Corporation as contemplated under any operating plan approved by the Board;

 

5.3.7. the waiver of any adjustment to the Conversion Price (as defined below) applicable to the shares of Designated Preferred Stock (including, without limitation, any adjustment pursuant to Section 6.4 hereof); or

 

5.3.8. any declaration or payment of any cash dividend or other cash distribution to any holders of capital stock.

 

6. Conversion.

 

6.1. Optional Conversion.

 

6.1.1. Right to Convert. Each Share of Series C Preferred Stock shall be convertible at any time and from time to time at the option of the holder into such number of fully paid and non-assessable shares of Common Stock as is determined by dividing the Liquidation Value by the Conversion Price in effect on the Conversion Date (as defined below). The “Conversion Price” means $4.40 per share, subject to adjustment as provided below. Shares of Series C Preferred Stock shall not be convertible at any time that there are not a sufficient number of authorized shares of Common Stock not reserved for other purposes so that all outstanding shares of Series C Preferred Stock can be converted.

 

6.1.2. Notice of Conversion. Holders shall effect conversions by providing the Corporation with a conversion notice (a“Notice of Conversion”). Each Notice of Conversion shall specify the holder’s name, the number of shares to be converted, the number of shares owned prior to the conversion at issue, the number of shares owned subsequent to the conversion at issue and the date on which such conversion is to be effected, which date may not be prior to the date the holder delivers such Notice of Conversion to the Corporation in accordance with Section 10 (the “Conversion Date”). If no Conversion Date is specified in a Notice of Conversion, the Conversion Date shall be the date that such Notice of Conversion to the Corporation is deemed delivered hereunder. In connection with any conversion of shares, a holder shall surrender the certificate(s) representing such shares to the Corporation, and if not all shares represented thereby are so converted, then the Corporation will reissue a certificate for the shares remaining. Shares converted into Common Stock or redeemed in accordance with the terms hereof shall be canceled and may not be reissued. Within ten (10) days of the receipt of the Notice of Conversion, the Corporation shall deliver to the holder a certificate or certificates representing the number of shares of Common Stock being acquired upon the conversion of shares of Series C Preferred Stock (including any accrued and unpaid dividends thereon).

 

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6.2. Mandatory Conversion.

 

6.2.1. Trigger Events. Upon the earlier to occur of: (a) the closing of the sale of shares of Common Stock to the public at a price of at least $8.15 per share (subject to appropriate adjustment in the event of any stock dividend, stock split, combination or other similar recapitalization with respect to the Common Stock) in a public offering pursuant to an effective registration statement or offering statement (Regulation A) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, resulting in at least $5,000,000 of gross proceeds to the Corporation, (b) the date on which the shares of Common Stock of the Corporation are listed on a national stock exchange, including without limitation the New York Stock Exchange or the Nasdaq Stock Market, or (c) the date and time, or the occurrence of an event, specified by vote or written consent of the holders of at least 67% of the then outstanding shares of Designated Preferred Stock, voting together on an as-converted to Common Stock basis (which vote or consent shall include the holders of at least 67% of the shares of Series A-1 Preferred Stock outstanding voting as a separate class) (the time of such closing or the date and time specified or the time of the event specified in such vote or written consent is referred to herein as the “Mandatory Conversion Time”), each share of Series C Preferred Stock plus accrued, but unpaid, dividends thereon shall be automatically converted (without the payment of additional consideration by the holder thereof), into such number of fully paid and non-assessable shares of Common Stock as is determined by dividing the Liquidation Value by the Conversion Price in effect at the Mandatory Conversion Time. Shares of Series C Preferred Stock so converted may not be reissued by the Corporation.

 

6.2.2. Procedural Requirements. All holders of record of shares of Series C Preferred Stock shall be sent written notice of the Mandatory Conversion Time and the place designated for mandatory conversion of all such shares pursuant to this Section 6.2.2. Such notice need not be sent in advance of the occurrence of the Mandatory Conversion Time. Upon receipt of such notice, each holder of shares in certificated form shall surrender his, her or its certificate or certificates for all such shares (or, if such holder alleges that such certificate has been lost, stolen or destroyed, a lost certificate affidavit and agreement reasonably acceptable to the Corporation to indemnify the Corporation against any claim that may be made against the Corporation on account of the alleged loss, theft or destruction of such certificate) to the Corporation at the place designated in such notice. If so required by the Corporation, any certificates surrendered for conversion shall be endorsed or accompanied by written instrument or instruments of transfer, in form satisfactory to the Corporation, duly executed by the registered holder or by his, her or its attorney duly authorized in writing. All rights with respect to the shares converted pursuant to Section 6.2.1, including the rights, if any, to receive notices and vote (other than as a holder of Common Stock), will terminate at the Mandatory Conversion Time (notwithstanding the failure of the holder or holders thereof to surrender any certificates at or prior to such time), except only the rights of the holders thereof, upon surrender of any certificate or certificates of such holders (or lost certificate affidavit and agreement) therefor, to receive the items provided for in the next sentence of this Section 6.2.2. As soon as practicable after the Mandatory Conversion Time and, if applicable, the surrender of any certificate or certificates (or lost certificate affidavit and agreement) for shares, the Corporation shall (a) issue and deliver to such holder, or to his, her or its nominees, a certificate or certificates for the number of full shares of Common Stock issuable on such conversion in accordance with the provisions hereof and (b) pay cash as provided in Section 6.3 in lieu of any fraction of a share of Common Stock otherwise issuable upon such conversion and the payment of any declared but unpaid dividends on the shares converted. Such converted shares shall be retired and cancelled and may not be reissued as shares of Series C Preferred Stock, and the Corporation may thereafter take such appropriate action (without the need for stockholder action) as may be necessary to reduce the authorized number of shares of Series C Preferred Stock accordingly.

 

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6.3. Fractional Shares. Upon a conversion hereunder, the Corporation shall not be required to issue stock certificates representing fractions of shares of the Common Stock, but may if otherwise permitted, make a cash payment in respect of any final fraction of a share based on the closing sale price at such time. If the Corporation elects not, or is unable, to make such a cash payment, the holder shall be entitled to receive, in lieu of the final fraction of a share, one whole share of Common Stock.

 

6.4. Adjustments.

 

6.4.1. Adjustment for Corporate Actions. If the Corporation shall at any time or from time to time after the issuance of the Series C Preferred Stock (a) pay a stock dividend or otherwise make a distribution or distributions on shares of its Common Stock or any other equity or equity equivalent securities payable in shares of Common Stock, (b) effect a subdivision of the outstanding Common Stock into a larger number of shares (including by way of a stock split), (c) combine (including by way of reverse stock split) outstanding shares of Common Stock into a smaller number of shares, or (d) issue by reclassification of shares of the Common Stock any shares of capital stock of the Corporation, then the Conversion Price then in effect immediately before such action shall be multiplied by a fraction, of which the numerator shall be the number of shares of Common Stock (excluding treasury shares, if any) outstanding before such event and of which the denominator shall be the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding after such event. Any adjustment made pursuant to this Section 6.4.1 shall become effective immediately after the record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to receive such dividend or distribution and shall become effective immediately after the effective date in the case of a subdivision, combination or reclassification.

 

6.4.2. Pro Rata Distributions. If the Corporation, at any time while Series C Preferred Stock is outstanding, shall distribute to all holders of Common Stock (and not to holders of Series C Preferred Stock) evidences of its indebtedness or assets or rights or warrants to subscribe for or purchase any security, then in each such case the Conversion Price shall be adjusted by multiplying such Conversion Price in effect immediately prior to the record date fixed for determination of stockholders entitled to receive such distribution by a fraction, of which the denominator shall be the closing sale price of the Common Stock determined as of the record date mentioned above, and of which the numerator shall be such closing sale price on such record date less the then fair market value at such record date of the portion of such assets or evidence of indebtedness so distributed applicable to one outstanding share of the Common Stock as determined by the Board in good faith. In either case, the adjustments shall be described in a statement provided to the holders of the portion of assets or evidences of indebtedness so distributed or such subscription rights applicable to one share of Common Stock. Such adjustment shall be made whenever any such distribution is made and shall become effective immediately after the record date mentioned above.

 

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6.4.3. Subsequent Equity Sales. If the Corporation at any time while Series C Preferred Stock is outstanding, shall sell or grant any option to purchase or otherwise dispose of or issue any Common Stock or shares convertible or exercisable for Common Stock (collectively, the “Additional Equity Securities”) entitling any person to acquire shares of Common Stock, at an effective price per share less than the then Conversion Price (such issuances individually and collectively, a “Dilutive Issuance”), as adjusted hereunder (if the holder of the Additional Equity Securities so issued shall at any time, whether by operation of purchase price adjustments, reset provisions, floating conversion, exercise or exchange prices or otherwise, or due to warrants, options or rights per share which is issued in connection with such issuance, be entitled to receive shares of Common Stock at an effective price per share which is less than the Conversion Price, such issuance shall be deemed to have occurred for less than the Conversion Price), then, the Conversion Price shall be reduced by multiplying the Conversion Price by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Dilutive Issuance plus the number of shares of Additional Equity Securities which the aggregate consideration received or receivable by the Corporation in connection with such Dilutive Issuance would purchase at the then effective Conversion Price, and the denominator of which shall be the sum of the number of shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Dilutive Issuance plus the number of shares of Additional Equity Securities so issued or issuable in connection with the Dilutive Issuance. Such adjustment shall be made whenever such Additional Equity Securities are issued, but no adjustment will be made in respect of an Excluded Issuance (as defined below).

 

6.4.4. Calculations. All calculations under this Section 6.4 shall be made to the nearest cent or the nearest 1/100th of a share, as the case may be. The number of shares of Common Stock outstanding at any given time shall not include shares owned or held by or for the account of the Corporation, and the description of any such shares of Common Stock shall be considered on issue or sale of Common Stock. For purposes of this Section 6.4, the number of shares of Common Stock deemed to be issued and outstanding as of a given date shall be the sum of the number of shares of Common Stock (excluding treasury shares, if any) issued and outstanding.

 

6.4.5. Notice to Holders. Whenever the Conversion Price is adjusted pursuant to any of this Section 6.4, the Corporation shall promptly mail to each holder a notice setting forth the Conversion Price after such adjustment and setting forth in reasonable detail the facts requiring such adjustment. If the Corporation issues a variable rate security, the Corporation shall be deemed to have issued Additional Equity Securities at the lowest possible conversion or exercise price at which such securities may be converted or exercised.

 

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6.4.6. Excluded Issuances. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no adjustment will be made under this Section 6.4 in respect of the issuance of shares of Common Stock or securities convertible into shares of Common Stock (a) granted pursuant to or issued upon the exercise of stock options granted under an equity incentive plan to employees, officers, directors, consultants or strategic partners, (b) granted to employees, officers, directors, consultants or strategic partners for services, including in connection with an incentive plan, or other fair value received or committed, (c) in consideration for a transaction approved by the Board which does not result in the issuance for cash of more than five percent (5%) of the outstanding shares of Common Stock, (d) in connection with an acquisition transaction approved by the Board, (e) to vendors, commercial partners, financial institutions or lessors in connection with commercial credit transactions, equipment financings or similar transaction approved by the Board (provided that such securities do not exceed 10% of the consideration in such transaction), (f) pursuant to conversion or exchange rights included in securities previously issued by the Corporation or (g) in connection with a stock split, stock division, reclassification, stock dividend or other recapitalization (the “Excluded Issuances”).

 

7. Redemption: Reissuances of Shares. Except as expressly provided in this Certificate of Designation, the Series C Preferred Stock is not redeemable without the prior express written consent of the holders of the majority of the voting power of all then outstanding shares of Series C Preferred Stock. In the event any shares shall be redeemed pursuant to this section or otherwise acquired by the Corporation or any subsidiary, the shares so redeemed or acquired shall automatically be canceled and returned to the status of authorized but unissued shares of Preferred Stock and may be reissued as part of a new series of Preferred Stock to be created by resolution or resolutions of the Board, subject to the conditions and restrictions on issuance set forth herein. Shares of Series C Preferred Stock converted to Common Stock shall automatically be canceled, but may not be reissued.

 

8. Pre-emptive Rights. Until the Corporation’s initial public offering of Common Stock occurs and unless otherwise waived by the prior express written consent of the holders of the majority of the voting power of all then outstanding Designated Preferred Stock, voting together on an as-converted to Common Stock basis, in the event that the Corporation proposes to issue any Additional Equity Securities, except for Excluded Issuances, the Corporation shall first offer those Additional Equity Securities to holders of Designated Preferred Stock for a period of no less than thirty (30) days prior to selling or issuing any such Additional Equity Securities to any person, in accordance with the following provisions:

 

8.1. The Corporation shall deliver written notice (a “Pre-emptive Right Sale Notice”) to each holder of Designated Preferred Stock stating (a) the Corporation’s bona fide intention to offer such Additional Equity Securities, (b) the number and type of such Additional Equity Securities to be offered, and (c) the price and terms, if any, upon which it proposes to offer such Additional Equity Securities (which price shall be no greater than the price to be paid by, and the purchase terms not materially less favorable than those offered to, any other person to purchase Additional Equity Securities).

 

8.2. Upon its receipt of the Pre-emptive Right Sale Notice, each holder of Designated Preferred Stock shall have fifteen (15) days after receipt of the Pre-emptive Right Sale Notice in which to notify the Corporation by delivering written notice (a “Subscription Notice”) to the Corporation that such holder elects to purchase Additional Equity Securities upon the same terms and conditions set forth in the Pre-emptive Right Sale Notice. Holders shall have the right to elect to purchase up to that portion of such Additional Equity Securities which equals the proportion that the number of shares of Designated Preferred Stock held by such holder bears to the total number of shares of Designated Preferred Stock then outstanding, as calculated by treating all Designated Preferred Stock on an as-converted to Common Stock basis.

 

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8.3. In the event that a Subscription Notice is timely delivered to the Corporation in accordance with Section 8.2, the Corporation shall be obligated to sell to such holder its pro rata share of such Additional Equity Securities at the time of the sale of Additional Equity Securities to other persons, but in no event later than sixty (60) days following the delivery by the Corporation to the holders of the Pre-emptive Right Sale Notice.

 

8.4. In the event that any holder of Designated Preferred Stock (a “Non-Purchasing Holder”) fails to elect within the fifteen (15) day period set forth in Section 8.2 to purchase all of its pro rata share of Additional Equity Securities, the Corporation shall within two (2) business days following the expiration of such aforementioned period send written notice thereof to all holders of Designated Preferred Stock that timely delivered a Subscription Notice (each, a “Participating Holder”). Each Participating Holder may within fourteen (14) business days from the date it receives the aforementioned notice from the Corporation elect to purchase a pro rata portion of the Non- Purchasing Holder’s portion of Additional Equity Securities (based on the proportion that the number of shares of Designated Preferred Stock held by such Participating Holder (on the date of the Pre-emptive Right Sale Notice) bears to the total number of shares of Designated Preferred Stock held by all Participating Holders (on the date of the Pre-emptive Right Sale Notice) electing to purchase a pro rata portion of the Additional Equity Securities offered for purchase to such Non-Purchasing Holder).

 

8.5. To the extent that any Additional Equity Securities are not subscribed for by the holders of Designated Preferred Stock pursuant to the above procedures, the Corporation shall be entitled to sell any such unsubscribed Additional Equity Securities to any person; provided, that the sale price for such Additional Equity Securities shall not be lower than the price contained in the Pre-emptive Right Sale Notice and that the purchase terms and conditions of the transaction are not materially more favorable to such person than those offered to the holders and described in the Pre-emptive Right Sale Notice.

 

8.6. If any holder of Designated Preferred Stock exercises its pre-emptive right as set forth herein, the Corporation shall set the time for closing in connection with the purchase of such Additional Equity Securities by such holder(s), which closing shall be at the principal office of the Corporation and held within sixty (60) days after the Subscription Notice is first received by the Corporation, but not earlier than the date of closing, if any, set forth in the Pre-emptive Right Sale Notice.

 

9. Notices of Record Date. In the event of any taking by the Corporation of a record of the holders of any class of securities for the purpose of determining the holders thereof who are entitled to receive any dividend or other distribution, any right to subscribe for, purchase or otherwise acquire any shares of stock of any class or any other securities or property, or any other right, the Corporation shall provide each holder of Series C Preferred Stock, at least ten (10) days prior to the date specified therein, notice in accordance with Section 10 specifying the date on which any such record is to be taken for the purpose of such dividend, distribution or right, and the amount and character of such dividend, distribution or right.

 

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10. Other Notices. Except as otherwise provided herein, all notices, requests, consents, claims, demands, waivers and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been given: (a) when delivered by hand (with written confirmation of receipt); (b) when received by the addressee if sent by a nationally recognized overnight courier (receipt requested); (c) on the third day after the date mailed, by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid; or (d) when sent if sent by electronic transmission in compliance with the provisions of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware. Such communications must be sent to the Corporation, at its principal executive offices, and to any stockholder, at such holder’s address at it appears in the stock records of the Corporation (or at such other address for a stockholder as shall be specified in a notice given in accordance with this Section 10).

 

11. Waiver. Any of the rights, powers, preferences and other terms of the Series C Preferred Stock set forth herein may be waived on behalf of all holders of shares of Series C Preferred Stock by the affirmative written consent or vote of the holders of at least a majority of the shares of Series C Preferred Stock then outstanding.

 

12. No Sinking Fund. No sinking fund shall be created for the redemption or purchase of shares of the Series C Preferred Stock.

 

13. Transfer Taxes. The Corporation shall pay any and all stock transfer, documentary, stamp and similar taxes that may be payable in respect of any initial issuance or delivery of the Series C Preferred Stock or certificates representing such shares, if any. The Corporation shall not, however, be required to pay any such tax that may be payable in respect of any transfer involved in the issuance or delivery of shares in a name other than that in which the shares were registered, or in respect of any payment to any person other than a payment to the initial registered holder thereof.

 

14. Other Rights. The shares of Series C Stock shall not have any rights, preferences, privileges or voting powers or relative, participating, optional or other special rights, or qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof, other than as set forth herein or in this Certificate of Designation or as provided by applicable law.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Certificate of Designation has been executed by a duly authorized officer of the Corporation on this 9th day of March, 2020.

 

  By: /s/ Jonathan Cohen
    Jonathan Cohen
    Chief Executive Officer

 

 

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Exhibit 2.3

 

AMENDED AND RESTATED BYLAWS
OF
20/20 GeneSystems, INC.

(the “Corporation”)

 

Adopted on November 19, 2019

 

 

 

Article I
Offices

 

1.1 Registered Office. The registered office of the Corporation in the State of Delaware shall be as set forth in the Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation, as amended from time to time (the “Certificate of Incorporation”).

 

1.2 Other Offices. The Corporation shall also have and maintain an office or principal place of business at such place as may be fixed by the Board of Directors, and may also have offices at such other places, both within and without the State of Delaware, as the Board of Directors may from time to time determine or the business of the Corporation may require.

 

Article II

Stockholders’ Meetings

 

2.1 Place of Meetings. Meetings of the stockholders of the Corporation may be held at such place, either within or without the State of Delaware, as may be determined from time to time by the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors may, in its sole discretion, determine that the meeting shall not be held at any place, but may instead be held solely by means of remote communication as provided under the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (“DGCL”).

 

2.2 Annual Meeting.

 

(a) The annual meeting of the stockholders of the Corporation, for the purpose of election of directors and for such other business as may lawfully come before it, shall be held on such date and at such time as may be designated from time to time by the Board of Directors. Nominations of persons for election to the Board of Directors of the Corporation and the proposal of business to be considered by the stockholders may be made at an annual meeting of stockholders: (i) pursuant to the Corporation’s notice of meeting of stockholders; (ii) by or at the direction of the Board of Directors; or (iii) by any stockholder of the Corporation who was a stockholder of record at the time of giving of notice provided for in the following Section 2.2(b), who is entitled to vote at the meeting and who complied with the notice procedures set forth in this Section 2.2.

 

 

 

 

(b) At an annual meeting of the stockholders, only such business shall be conducted as shall have been properly brought before the meeting. For nominations or other business to be properly brought before an annual meeting by a stockholder pursuant to clause (iii) Section 2.2(a), (i) the stockholder must have given timely notice thereof in writing to the Secretary of the Corporation, (ii) such other business must be a proper matter for stockholder action under the DGCL, (iii) if the stockholder, or the beneficial owner on whose behalf any such proposal or nomination is made, has provided the Corporation with a Solicitation Notice (as defined in this Section 2.2(b)), such stockholder or beneficial owner must, in the case of a proposal, have delivered a proxy statement and form of proxy to holders of at least the percentage of the Corporation’s voting shares required under applicable law to carry any such proposal, or, in the case of a nomination or nominations, have delivered a proxy statement and form of proxy to holders of a percentage of the Corporation’s voting shares reasonably believed by such stockholder or beneficial owner to be sufficient to elect the nominee or nominees proposed to be nominated by such stockholder, and must, in either case, have included in such materials the Solicitation Notice, and (iv) if no Solicitation Notice relating thereto has been timely provided pursuant to this Section 2.2(b), the stockholder or beneficial owner proposing such business or nomination must not have solicited a number of proxies sufficient to have required the delivery of such a Solicitation Notice under this Section 2.2(b). To be timely, a stockholder’s notice shall be delivered to the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Corporation not later than the close of business on the ninetieth (90th) day nor earlier than the close of business on the one hundred twentieth (120th) day prior to the first anniversary of the preceding year’s annual meeting; provided, however, that in the event that the date of the annual meeting is advanced more than thirty (30) days prior to or delayed by more than thirty (30) days after the anniversary of the preceding year’s annual meeting, notice by the stockholder to be timely must be so delivered not earlier than the close of business on the one hundred twentieth (120th) day prior to such annual meeting and not later than the close of business on the later of the ninetieth (90th) day prior to such annual meeting or the tenth (10th) day following the day on which public announcement of the date of such meeting is first made. In no event shall the public announcement of an adjournment of an annual meeting commence a new time period for the giving of a stockholder’s notice as described above. Such stockholder’s notice shall set forth: (A) as to each person whom the stockholder proposed to nominate for election or reelection as a director all information relating to such person that is required to be disclosed in solicitations of proxies for election of directors in an election contest, or is otherwise required, in each case pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “1934 Act”) and Rule 14a-4(d) thereunder (including such person’s written consent to being named in the proxy statement as a nominee and to serving as a director if elected); (B) as to any other business that the stockholder proposes to bring before the meeting, a brief description of the business desired to be brought before the meeting, the reasons for conducting such business at the meeting and any material interest in such business of such stockholder and the beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the proposal is made; and (C) as to the stockholder giving the notice and the beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the nomination or proposal is made (i) the name and address of such stockholder, as they appear on the Corporation’s books, and of such beneficial owner, (ii) the class and number of shares of the Corporation which are owned beneficially and of record by such stockholder and such beneficial owner, and (iii) whether either such stockholder or beneficial owner intends to deliver a proxy statement and form of proxy to holders of, in the case of the proposal, at least the percentage of the Corporation’s voting shares required under applicable law to carry the proposal or, in the case of a nomination or nominations, a sufficient number of holders of the Corporation’s voting shares to elect such nominee or nominees (an affirmative statement of such intent, a “Solicitation Notice”).

 

(c) Notwithstanding anything in the second sentence of Section 2.2(b) to the contrary, in the event that the number of directors to be elected to the Board of Directors of the Corporation is increased and there is no public announcement naming all of the nominees for director or specifying the size of the increased Board of Directors made by the Corporation at least one hundred (100) days prior to the first anniversary of the preceding year’s annual meeting, a stockholder’s notice required by this Section 2.2 shall also be considered timely, but only with respect to nominees for any new positions created by such increase, if it shall be delivered to the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Corporation not later than the close of business on the tenth (10th) day following the day on which such public announcement is first made by the Corporation.

 

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(d) Only such persons who are nominated in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Section 2.2 shall be eligible to serve as directors and only such business shall be conducted at a meeting of stockholders as shall have been brought before the meeting in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Section 2.2. Except as otherwise provided by law, the Chairman of the meeting shall have the power and duty to determine whether a nomination or any business proposed to be brought before the meeting was made, or proposed, as the case may be, in accordance with the procedures set forth in these Amended and Restated Bylaws and, if any proposed nomination or business is not in compliance with these Amended and Restated Bylaws, to declare that such defective proposal or nomination shall not be presented for stockholder action at the meeting and shall be disregarded.

 

(e) Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 2.2, in order to include information with respect to a stockholder proposal in the proxy statement and form of proxy for a stockholders’ meeting, stockholders must provide notice as required by the regulations promulgated under the 1934 Act. Nothing in these Amended and Restated Bylaws shall be deemed to affect any rights of stockholders to request inclusion of proposals in the Corporation proxy statement pursuant to Rule 14a-8 under the 1934 Act.

 

(f) For purposes of this Section 2.2, “public announcement” shall mean disclosure in a press release reported by the Dow Jones News Service, Associated Press or comparable national news service or in a document publicly filed by the Corporation with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) pursuant to Section 13, 14 or 15(d) of the 1934 Act.

 

2.3 Special Meetings.

 

(a) Special meetings of the stockholders of the Corporation may be called, for any purpose or purposes, by (i) the Chief Executive Officer, (ii) the President, (iii) by the Chief Executive Officer, the President or the Secretary pursuant to a resolution adopted by a majority of the total number of authorized directors (whether or not there exist any vacancies in previously authorized directorships at the time any such resolution is presented to the Board of Directors for adoption) or (iv) by the Chief Executive Officer, the President or the Secretary at the request of the holders of shares entitled to cast not less than 25% of the votes at the meeting, and shall be held at such place, on such date, and at such time as the Board of Directors shall fix.

 

(b) If a special meeting is properly called by stockholders pursuant to Section 2.3(a)(iv) above, the request shall be in writing, specifying the general nature of the business proposed to be transacted, and shall be delivered personally or sent by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, or by telegraphic or other facsimile transmission to the Chief Executive Officer, the President, or the Secretary of the Corporation. No business may be transacted at such special meeting otherwise than specified in such notice. The Board of Directors shall determine the time and place of such special meeting, which shall be held not less than thirty-five (35) nor more than one hundred twenty (120) days after the date of the receipt of the request. Upon determination of the time and place of the meeting, the officer receiving the request shall cause notice to be given to the stockholders entitled to vote, in accordance with the provisions of Section 2.4 of these Amended and Restated Bylaws. Nothing contained in this Section 2.3(b) shall be construed as limiting, fixing, or affecting the time when a meeting of stockholders called by action of the Board of Directors may be held.

 

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2.4 Notice of Meetings. Except as otherwise provided by law, notice, given in writing or by electronic transmission, of each meeting of stockholders shall be given not less than ten (10) nor more than sixty (60) days before the date of the meeting to each stockholder entitled to vote at such meeting, such notice to specify the place, if any, date and hour, in the case of special meetings, the purpose or purposes of the meeting, and the means of remote communications, if any, by which stockholders and proxyholders may be deemed to be present in person and vote at any such meeting. If mailed, notice is given when deposited in the United States mail, postage prepaid, directed to the stockholder at such stockholder’s address as it appears on the records of the Corporation. Notice of the time, place, if any, and purpose of any meeting of stockholders may be waived in writing, signed by the person entitled to notice thereof or by electronic transmission by such person, either before or after such meeting, and will be waived by any stockholder by his attendance thereat in person, by remote communication, if applicable, or by proxy, except when the stockholder attends a meeting for the express purpose of objecting, at the beginning of the meeting, to the transaction of any business because the meeting is not lawfully called or convened. Any stockholder so waiving notice of such meeting shall be bound by the proceedings of any such meeting in all respects as if due notice thereof had been given.

 

2.5 Quorum and Voting. At all meetings of stockholders, except where otherwise provided by statute or by the Certificate of Incorporation, or by these Amended and Restated Bylaws, the presence, in person, by remote communication, if applicable, or by proxy duly authorized, of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of stock entitled to vote shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. Except as otherwise provided by statute, or by the Certificate of Incorporation or these Amended and Restated Bylaws, in all matters other than the election of directors, the affirmative vote of a majority of shares present in person, by remote communication, if applicable, or represented by proxy duly authorized at the meeting and entitled to vote generally on the subject matter shall be the act of the stockholders. Except as otherwise provided by statute, the Certificate of Incorporation or these Amended and Restated Bylaws, directors shall be elected by a plurality of the votes of the shares present in person, by remote communication, if applicable, or represented by proxy duly authorized at the meeting and entitled to vote generally on the election of directors. Where a separate vote by a class or classes or series is required, except where otherwise provided by the statute or by the Certificate of Incorporation or these Amended and Restated Bylaws, a majority of the outstanding shares of such class or classes or series, present in person, by remote communication, if applicable, or represented by proxy duly authorized, shall constitute a quorum entitled to take action with respect to that vote on that matter. Except where otherwise provided by statute or by the Certificate of Incorporation or these Amended and Restated Bylaws, the affirmative vote of the majority (plurality, in the case of the election of directors) of shares of such class or classes or series present in person, by remote communication, if applicable, or represented by proxy at the meeting shall be the act of such class or classes or series.

 

2.6 Adjournment and Notice of Adjourned Meetings. Any meeting of stockholders, whether annual or special, may be adjourned from time to time either by the chairman of the meeting or by the vote of a majority of the shares present in person, by remote communication, if applicable, or represented by proxy. When a meeting is adjourned to another time or place, if any, notice need not be given of the adjourned meeting if the time and place, if any, thereof are announced at the meeting at which the adjournment is taken. At the adjourned meeting, the Corporation may transact any business which might have been transacted at the original meeting. If the adjournment is for more than thirty (30) days or if after the adjournment a new record date is fixed for the adjourned meeting, a notice of the adjourned meeting shall be given to each stockholder of record entitled to vote at the meeting.

 

2.7 Voting Rights. For the purpose of determining those stockholders entitled to vote at any meeting of the stockholders, except as otherwise provided by law, only persons in whose names shares stand on the stock records of the Corporation on the record date, as provided in Section 2.9, shall be entitled to vote at any meeting of stockholders. Every person entitled to vote or execute consents shall have the right to do so either in person, by remote communication, if applicable, or by an agent or agents authorized by a proxy granted in accordance with Delaware law. An agent so appointed need not be a stockholder. No proxy shall be voted after three (3) years from its date of creation unless the proxy provides for a longer period.

 

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2.8 Joint Owners of Stock. If shares or other securities having voting power stand of record in the names of two (2) or more persons, whether fiduciaries, members of a partnership, joint tenants, tenants in common, tenants by the entirety, or otherwise, or if two (2) or more persons have the same fiduciary relationship respecting the same shares, unless the Secretary is given written notice to the contrary and is furnished with a copy of the instrument or order appointing them or creating the relationship wherein it is so provided, their acts with respect to voting shall have the following effect: (a) if only one (1) votes, his act binds all; (b) if more than one (1) votes, the act of the majority so voting binds all; (c) if more than one (1) votes, but the vote is evenly split on any particular matter, each faction may vote the securities in question proportionally, or may apply to the Delaware Court of Chancery for relief as provided in Section 217(b) of the DGCL. If the instrument filed with the Secretary shows that any such tenancy is held in unequal interests, a majority or even-split for the purpose of subsection (c) shall be a majority or even-split in interest.

 

2.9 List of Stockholders. The Secretary shall prepare and make, at least ten (10) days before every meeting of stockholders, a complete list of the stockholders entitled to vote at said meeting, arranged in alphabetical order, showing the address of each stockholder and the number of shares registered in the name of each stockholder. Such list shall be open to the examination of any stockholder, for any purpose germane to the meeting, on a reasonably accessible electronic network, provided that the information required to gain access to such list is provided with the notice of the meeting, or during ordinary business hours, at the principal place of business of the Corporation. In the event that the Corporation determines to make the list available on an electronic network, the Corporation may take reasonable steps to ensure that such information is available only to stockholders of the Corporation. The list shall be open to examination of any stockholder during the time of the meeting as provided by law.

 

2.10 Organization.

 

(a) At every meeting of stockholders, the Chairman of the Board of Directors, or, if a Chairman has not been appointed or is absent, the Chief Executive Officer, or, if a Chief Executive Officer is absent, the President, or, if a President has not been appointed or is absent, a chairman of the meeting chosen by a majority in interest of the stockholders entitled to vote, present in person or by proxy, shall act as chairman. The Secretary, or, in his absence, an Assistant Secretary directed to do so by the Chief Executive Officer or the President, shall act as secretary of the meeting.

 

(b) The Board of Directors shall be entitled to make such rules or regulations for the conduct of meetings of stockholders as it shall deem necessary, appropriate or convenient. Subject to such rules and regulations of the Board of Directors, if any, the chairman of the meeting shall have the right and authority to prescribe such rules, regulations and procedures and to do all such acts as, in the judgment of such chairman, are necessary, appropriate or convenient for the proper conduct of the meeting, including, without limitation, establishing an agenda or order of business for the meeting, rules and procedures for maintaining order at the meeting and the safety of those present, limitations on participation in such meeting to stockholders of record of the Corporation and their duly authorized and constituted proxies and such other persons as the chairman shall permit, restrictions on entry to the meeting after the time fixed for the commencement thereof, limitations on the time allotted to questions or comments by participants and regulation of the opening and closing of the polls for balloting on matters which are to be voted on by ballot. The date and time of the opening and closing of the polls for each matter upon which the stockholders will vote at the meeting shall be announced at the meeting. Unless and to the extent determined by the Board of Directors or the chairman of the meeting, meetings of stockholders shall not be required to be held in accordance with rules of parliamentary procedure.

 

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2.11 Action Without Meeting.

 

(a) Unless otherwise provided in the Certificate of Incorporation, any action required by statute to be taken at any annual or special meeting of the stockholders, or any action which may be taken at any annual or special meeting of the stockholders, may be taken without a meeting, without prior notice and without a vote, if a consent in writing, or by electronic transmission setting forth the action so taken, shall be signed by the holders of outstanding stock having not less than the minimum number of votes that would be necessary to authorize or take such action at a meeting at which all shares entitled to vote thereon were present and voted.

 

(b) Every written consent or electronic transmission shall bear the date of signature of each stockholder who signs the consent, and no written consent or electronic transmission shall be effective to take the corporate action referred to therein unless, within sixty (60) days of the earliest dated consent delivered to the Corporation in the manner herein required, written consents or electronic transmissions signed by a sufficient number of stockholders to take action are delivered to the Corporation by delivery to its registered office in the State of Delaware, its principal place of business or an officer or agent of the Corporation having custody of the book in which proceedings of meetings of stockholders are recorded. Delivery made to a Corporation’s registered office shall be by hand or by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested.

 

(c) Prompt notice of the taking of the corporate action without a meeting by less than unanimous written consent shall be given to those stockholders who have not consented in writing or by electronic transmission and who, if the action had been taken at a meeting, would have been entitled to notice of the meeting if the record date for such meeting had been the date that written consents signed by a sufficient number of stockholders to take action were delivered to the Corporation as provided in Section 228(c) of the DGCL. If the action which is consented to is such as would have required the filing of a certificate under any section of the DGCL if such action had been voted on by stockholders at a meeting thereof, then the certificate filed under such section shall state, in lieu of any statement required by such section concerning any vote of stockholders, that written consent has been given in accordance with Section 228 of the DGCL.

 

(d) A telegram, cablegram or other electronic transmission consenting to an action to be taken and transmitted by a stockholder or proxyholder, shall be deemed to be written, signed and dated for the purposes of this Section, provided that any such telegram, cablegram or other electronic transmission sets forth or is delivered with information from which the Corporation can determine (i) that the telegram, cablegram or other electronic transmission was transmitted by the stockholder or proxyholder or by a person or persons authorized to act for the stockholder and (ii) the date on which such stockholder or proxyholder or authorized person or persons transmitted such telegram, cablegram or electronic transmission. The date on which such telegram, cablegram or electronic transmission is transmitted shall be deemed to be the date on which such consent was signed. No consent given by telegram, cablegram or other electronic transmission shall be deemed to have been delivered until such consent is reproduced in paper form and until such paper form shall be delivered to the Corporation by delivery to its registered office in the state of Delaware, its principal place of business or an officer or agent of the Corporation having custody of the book in which proceedings of meetings of stockholders are recorded. Delivery made to a Corporation’s registered office shall be made by hand or by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested. Notwithstanding the foregoing limitations on delivery, consents given by telegram, cablegram or other electronic transmission may be otherwise delivered to the principal place of business of the Corporation or to an officer or agent of the Corporation having custody of the book in which proceedings of meetings of stockholders are recorded if, to the extent and in the manner provided by resolution of the board of directors of the Corporation. Any copy, facsimile or other reliable reproduction of a consent in writing may be substituted or used in lieu of the original writing for any and all purposes for which the original writing could be used, provided that such copy, facsimile or other reproduction shall be a complete reproduction of the entire original writing.

 

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Article III
Directors

 

3.1 Number and Term of Office. The authorized number of directors of the Corporation shall be fixed by the Board of Directors from time to time. Directors need not be stockholders unless so required by the Certificate of Incorporation. If for any cause, the directors shall not have been elected at an annual meeting, they may be elected as soon thereafter as convenient.

 

3.2 Powers. The business and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed by or under the direction of the Board of Directors, except as may be otherwise provided by statute or by the Certificate of Incorporation.

 

3.3 Election and Term of Directors. Subject to the rights of the holders of any series of Preferred Stock to elect additional directors under specified circumstances, directors shall be elected at each annual meeting of stockholders in the manner set forth in Section 2.5 to serve until the next annual meeting of stockholders and his or her successor is duly elected and qualified or until his or her death, resignation or removal. No decrease in the number of directors constituting the Board of Directors shall shorten the term of any incumbent director.

 

3.4 Vacancies. Unless otherwise provided in the Certificate of Incorporation, and subject to the rights of the holders of any series of Preferred Stock, any vacancies on the Board of Directors resulting from death, resignation, disqualification, removal or other causes and any newly created directorships resulting from any increase in the number of directors shall, unless the Board of Directors determines by resolution that any such vacancies or newly created directorships shall be filled by stockholders, be filled only by the affirmative vote of a majority of the directors then in office, even though less than a quorum of the Board of Directors, or by a sole remaining director, provided, however, that whenever the holders of any class or classes of stock or series thereof are entitled to elect one or more directors by the provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation, vacancies and newly created directorships of such class or classes or series shall, unless the Board of Directors determines by resolution that any such vacancies or newly created directorships shall be filled by stockholders, be filled by a majority of the directors elected by such class or classes or series thereof then in office, or by a sole remaining director so elected. Any director elected in accordance with the preceding sentence shall hold office for the remainder of the full term of the director for which the vacancy was created or occurred and until such director’s successor shall have been elected and qualified. A vacancy in the Board of Directors shall be deemed to exist under this Bylaw in the case of the death, removal or resignation of any director.

 

3.5 Resignation. Any director may resign at any time by delivering his or her notice in writing or by electronic transmission to the Secretary, such resignation to specify whether it will be effective at a particular time, upon receipt by the Secretary or at the pleasure of the Board of Directors. If no such specification is made, it shall be deemed effective at the pleasure of the Board of Directors. When one or more directors shall resign from the Board of Directors, effective at a future date, a majority of the directors then in office, including those who have so resigned, shall have power to fill such vacancy or vacancies, the vote thereon to take effect when such resignation or resignations shall become effective, and each Director so chosen shall hold office for the unexpired portion of the term of the Director whose place shall be vacated and until his successor shall have been duly elected and qualified.

 

3.6 Removal. Subject to any limitations imposed by applicable law, the Board of Directors or any director may be removed from office at any time with or without cause by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the voting power of all then-outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to elect such director.

 

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3.7 Regular Meetings. Unless otherwise restricted by the Certificate of Incorporation, regular meetings of the Board of Directors may be held at any time or date and at any place within or without the State of Delaware which has been designated by the Board of Directors and publicized among all directors, either orally or in writing, including a voice-messaging system or other system designated to record and communicate messages, facsimile, telegraph or telex, or by electronic mail or other electronic means. No further notice shall be required for a regular meeting of the Board of Directors.

 

3.8 Special Meetings. Unless otherwise restricted by the Certificate of Incorporation, special meetings of the Board of Directors may be held at any time and place within or without the State of Delaware whenever called by the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer, the President, or by any of the foregoing on the request of a majority of directors.

 

3.9 Meetings by Electronic Communications Equipment. Any member of the Board of Directors, or of any committee thereof, may participate in a meeting by means of conference telephone or other communications equipment by means of which all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other, and participation in a meeting by such means shall constitute presence in person at such meeting.

 

3.10 Notice of Special Meetings. Notice of the time and place of all special meetings of the Board of Directors shall be orally or in writing, by telephone, including a voice messaging system or other system or technology designed to record and communicate messages, facsimile, telegraph or telex, or by electronic mail or other electronic means, at least forty-eight (48) hours before the date and time of the meeting. If notice is sent by US mail, it shall be sent by first class mail, postage prepaid at least five (5) days before the date of the meeting. Notice of any meeting may be waived in writing or by electronic transmission at any time before or after the meeting and will be waived by any director by attendance thereat, except when the director attends the meeting for the express purpose of objecting, at the beginning of the meeting, to the transaction of any business because the meeting is not lawfully called or convened.

 

3.11 Waiver of Notice. The transaction of all business at any meeting of the Board of Directors, or any committee thereof, however called or noticed, or wherever held, shall be as valid as though had at a meeting duly held after regular call and notice, if a quorum be present and if, either before or after the meeting, each of the directors not present who did not receive notice shall sign a written waiver of notice or shall waive notice by electronic transmission. All such waivers shall be filed with the corporate records or made a part of the minutes of the meeting.

 

3.12 Quorum and Voting. Unless the Certificate of Incorporation requires a greater number, a quorum of the Board of Directors shall consist of a majority of the exact number of directors fixed from time to time by the Board of Directors in accordance with these Amended and Restated Bylaws; provided, however, at any meeting, whether a quorum be present or otherwise, a majority of the directors present may adjourn from time to time until the time fixed for the next regular meeting of the Board of Directors, without notice other than by announcement at the meeting. At each meeting of the Board of Directors at which a quorum is present, all questions and business shall be determined by the affirmative vote of a majority of the directors present, unless a different vote be required by law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these Amended and Restated Bylaws.

 

3.13 Organization. At every meeting of the directors, the Chairman of the Board of Directors, or, if a Chairman has not been appointed or is absent, the Chief Executive Officer, or, if a Chief Executive Officer is absent, the President, or if a President has not been appointed or is absent, the most senior executive officer (if a director) or, in the absence of any such person, a chairman of the meeting chosen by a majority of the directors present, shall preside over the meeting. The Secretary, or in his absence, any Assistant Secretary directed to do so by the Chief Executive Officer or the President, shall act as secretary of the meeting.

 

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3.14 Action Without Meeting. Unless otherwise restricted by the Certificate of Incorporation or these Amended and Restated Bylaws, any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of the Board of Directors or of any committee thereof may be taken without a meeting, if all members of the Board of Directors or committee, as the case may be, consent thereto in writing or by electronic transmission, and such writing or writings or transmission or transmissions are filed with the minutes of proceedings of the Board of Directors or committee. Such filing shall be in paper form if the minutes are maintained in paper form and shall be in electronic form if the minutes are maintained in electronic form.

 

3.15 Fees and Compensation. Directors shall be entitled to such compensation for their services as may be approved by the Board of Directors, including, if so approved, by resolution of the Board of Directors, a fixed sum and expenses of attendance, if any, for attendance at each regular or special meeting of the Board of Directors and at any meeting of a committee of the Board of Directors. Nothing herein contained shall be construed to preclude any director from serving the Corporation in any other capacity as an officer, agent, employee, or otherwise and receiving compensation therefor.

 

3.16 Committees. The Board of Directors may, by resolution passed by a majority of the whole Board, designate committees, each committee to consist of one or more directors of the Corporation, which committees shall have such power and authority and shall perform such functions as may be provided in such resolution. Each committee, to the extent provided in such resolution, shall have and may exercise all of the authority of the Board of Directors in the management of the business and affairs of the Corporation, provided that no such committee shall have the power or authority in reference to (i) approving or adopting, or recommending to the stockholders, any action or matter expressly required by the DGCL to be submitted to stockholders for approval, or (ii) adopting, amending or repealing any bylaw of the Corporation. The Board of Directors may at any time increase or decrease the number of members of a committee or terminate the existence of a committee. The membership of a committee member shall terminate on the date of his death or voluntary resignation from the committee or from the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors may at any time for any reason remove any individual committee member and the Board of Directors may fill any committee vacancy created by death, resignation, removal or increase in the number of members of the committee. The Board of Directors may designate one or more directors as alternate members of any committee, who may replace any absent or disqualified member at any meeting of the committee, and, in addition, in the absence or disqualification of any member of a committee, the member or members thereof present at any meeting and not disqualified from voting, whether or not he or they constitute a quorum, may unanimously appoint another member of the Board of Directors to act at the meeting in the place of any such absent or disqualified member. Unless the Board of Directors shall otherwise provide, regular meetings of any committee shall be held at such times and places as are determined by the Board of Directors, or by any such committee, and when notice thereof has been given to each member of such committee, no further notice of such regular meetings need be given thereafter. Special meetings of any such committee may be held at any place which has been determined from time to time by such committee, and may be called by any director who is a member of such committee, upon notice to the members of such committee of the time and place of such special meeting given in the manner provided for the giving of notice to members of the Board of Directors of the time and place of special meetings of the Board of Directors. Notice of any special meeting of any committee may be waived in writing at any time before or after the meeting and will be waived by any director by attendance thereat, except when the director attends such special meeting for the express purpose of objecting, at the beginning of the meeting, to the transaction of any business because the meeting is not lawfully called or convened. Unless otherwise provided by the Board of Directors in the resolutions authorizing the creation of the committee, a majority of the authorized number of members of any such committee shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, and the act of a majority of those present at any meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the act of such committee.

 

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Article IV
Officers

 

4.1 Officers Designated. As soon as practicable after the annual meeting of stockholders in each year, the Board of Directors shall elect a President, a Secretary and a Treasurer. The Board may also elect a Chairman of the Board, a Chief Executive Officer, a Chief Financial Officer, one or more Vice Presidents, one or more Assistant Vice Presidents, one or more Assistant Secretaries, and one or more Assistant Treasurers. Any number of offices may be held by the same person. The Board of Directors may also elect and appoint such other officers and agents as it shall deem necessary, who shall be elected and appointed for such terms and shall exercise such powers and perform such duties as shall be determined from time to time by the Board.

 

4.2 Term of Office. All officers shall hold office at the pleasure of the Board of Directors and until their successors shall have been duly elected and qualified, unless sooner removed. If the office of any officer becomes vacant for any reason, the vacancy may be filled by the Board of Directors.

 

4.3 Resignations. Any officer may resign at any time by giving notice in writing or by electronic transmission notice to the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer, the President or the Secretary. Any such resignation shall be effective when received by the person or persons to whom such notice is given, unless a later time is specified therein, in which event the resignation shall become effective at such later time. Unless otherwise specified in such notice, the acceptance of any such resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective. Any resignation shall be without prejudice to the rights, if any, of the Corporation under any contract with the resigning officer.

 

4.4 Removal. Any officer may be removed from office at any time, either with or without cause, by the affirmative vote of a majority of the directors in office at the time, or by the unanimous written or electronic consent of the directors in office at the time, or by any committee or superior officers.

 

4.5 Duties of Officers.

 

(a) Chairman of the Board of Directors. The Chairman of the Board of Directors, when present, shall preside at all meetings of the stockholders and the Board of Directors. The Chairman of the Board of Directors shall perform other duties commonly incident to the office and shall also perform such other duties and have such other powers as the Board of Directors shall designate from time to time.

 

(b) Chief Executive Officer. The powers and duties of the Chief Executive Officer are: (i) to act as the general manager and chief executive officer of the Corporation and, subject to the direction of the Board of Directors, to have general supervision, direction and control of the business and affairs of the Corporation; (ii) to preside at all meetings of the stockholders and, in the absence of the Chairman of the Board of Directors or if there is no Chairman of the Board of Directors, at all meetings of the Board of Directors; (iii) to call meetings of the stockholders and meetings of the Board of Directors to be held at such times and, subject to the limitations prescribed by law or by these Amended and Restated Bylaws, at such places as he or she shall deem proper; and (iv) to affix the signature of the Corporation to all deeds, conveyances, mortgages, leases, obligations, bonds, certificates and other papers and instruments in writing which have been authorized by the Board of Directors or which, in the judgment of the Chief Executive Officer, should be executed on behalf of the Corporation, to sign certificates for shares of stock of the Corporation, and, subject to the direction of the Board of Directors, to have general charge of the property of the Corporation and to supervise and control all officers, agents and employees of the Corporation.

 

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(c) President. The powers and duties of the President are: (i) subject to the authority granted to the Chief Executive Officer, to act as the general manager of the Corporation and, subject to the control of the Board of Directors, to have general supervision, direction and control of the business and affairs of the Corporation; (ii) to preside at all meetings of the stockholders and Board of Directors in the absence of the Chairman of the Board of Directors and the Chief Executive Officer or if there be no Chairman of the Board of Directors; (iii) to call meetings of the stockholders and meetings of the Board of Directors to be held at such times and, subject to the limitations prescribed by law or by these Amended and Restated Bylaws, at such places as he or she shall deem proper; and (iv) to affix the signature of the Corporation to all deeds, conveyances, mortgages, leases, obligations, bonds, certificates and other papers and instruments in writing which have been authorized by the Board of Directors or which, in the judgment of the President, should be executed on behalf of the Corporation, to sign certificates for shares of stock of the Corporation, and, subject to the direction of the Board of Directors, to have general charge of the property of the Corporation and to supervise and control all officers, agents and employees of the Corporation. The President shall perform other duties commonly incident to the office and shall also perform such other duties and have such other powers as the Board of Directors shall designate from time to time.

 

(d) Vice Presidents. The Vice Presidents may assume and perform the duties of the President in the absence or disability of the President or whenever the office of President is vacant. The Vice Presidents shall perform other duties commonly incident to their office and shall also perform such other duties and have such other powers as the Board of Directors or the President shall designate from time to time.

 

(e) Chief Financial Officer. The Chief Financial Officer shall be subject to the direction of the Chief Executive Officer, the President and the Board of Directors and shall have day-to-day managerial responsibility for the finances of the Corporation.

 

(f) Treasurer. The powers and duties of the Treasurer are: (i) to supervise and control the keeping and maintaining of adequate and correct accounts of the Corporation’s properties and business transactions, including accounts of its assets, liabilities, receipts, disbursements, gains, losses, capital, surplus and shares; (ii) to have the custody of all funds, securities, evidences of indebtedness and other valuable documents of the Corporation and, at his or her discretion, to cause any or all thereof to be deposited for the account of the Corporation with such depository as may be designated from time to time by the Board of Directors; (iii) to receive or cause to be received, and to give or cause to be given, receipts and acquittances for moneys paid in for the account of the Corporation; (iv) to disburse, or cause to be disbursed, all funds of the Corporation as may be directed by the Chief Executive Officer, the President, the Chief Financial Officer or the Board of Directors, taking proper vouchers for such disbursements; (v)  to render to the Chief Executive Officer, the President, the Chief Financial Officer or to the Board of Directors, whenever either may require, accounts of all transactions as Treasurer and of the financial condition of the Corporation; and (vi)  generally to do and perform all such duties as pertain to such office and as may be required by the Board of Directors or these Amended and Restated Bylaws. The Chief Executive Officer, the President, the Chief Financial Officer or the Treasurer may direct any Assistant Treasurer, or the Controller or any Assistant Controller to assume and perform the duties of the Treasurer in the absence or disability of the Treasurer, and each Assistant Treasurer and each Controller and Assistant Controller shall perform other duties commonly incident to the office and shall also perform such other duties and have such other powers as the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer, the President or the Chief Financial Officer shall designate from time to time.

 

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(g) Secretary. The powers and duties of the Secretary are: (i) to keep a book of minutes at the principal executive office of the Corporation, or such other place as the Board of Directors may order, of all meetings of its directors and stockholders, whether regular or special, the notice thereof given, the names of those present at directors’ meetings, the number of shares present or represented at stockholders’ meetings and the proceedings thereof; (ii) to keep the seal of the Corporation and to affix the same to all instruments which may require it; (iii) to keep or cause to be kept at the principal executive office of the Corporation, or at the office of the transfer agent or agents, a record of the stockholders of the Corporation; (iv) to keep a supply of certificates for shares of the Corporation, to fill in and sign all certificates issued or prepare the initial transaction statement or written statements for uncertificated shares, and to make a proper record of each such issuance, provided that so long as the Corporation shall have one or more duly appointed and acting transfer agents of the shares, or any class or series of shares, of the Corporation, such duties with respect to such shares shall be performed by such transfer agent or transfer agents; (v) to transfer upon the share books of the Corporation any and all shares of the Corporation, provided that so long as the Corporation shall have one or more duly appointed and acting transfer agents of the shares, or any class or series of shares, of the Corporation, such duties with respect to such shares shall be performed by such transfer agent or transfer agents; and (vi) to make service and publication of all notices that may be necessary or proper and without command or direction from anyone. The Secretary shall perform all other duties provided for in these Amended and Restated Bylaws and other duties commonly incident to the office and shall also perform such other duties and have such other powers as the Board of Directors shall designate from time to time. The Chief Executive Officer or President may direct any Assistant Secretary to assume and perform the duties of the Secretary in the absence or disability of the Secretary, and each Assistant Secretary shall perform other duties commonly incident to the office and shall also perform such other duties and have such other powers as the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer or the President shall designate from time to time.

 

4.6 Salaries. The salaries of all officers and agents of the Corporation shall be fixed by the Board of Directors or any committee of the Board, if so authorized by the Board.

 

4.7 Employment and Other Contracts. The Board of Directors may authorize any officer or officers or agent or agents to enter into any contract or execute and deliver any instrument in the name or on behalf of the Corporation, and such authority may be general or confined to specific instances. The Board of Directors may, when it believes the interest of the Corporation will best be served thereby, authorize executive employment contracts which will contain such terms and conditions as the Board of Directors deems appropriate.

 

Article V
Shares Of Stock

 

5.1 Form and Execution of Certificates. The shares of the Corporation shall be represented by certificates, provided that the Board of Directors may provide by resolution or resolutions that some or all of any or all classes or series of its stock shall be uncertificated shares. Any such resolution shall not apply to shares represented by a certificate until such certificate is surrendered to the Corporation. Every holder of stock represented by certificates shall be entitled to have a certificate signed by, or in the name of the Corporation by, the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer, the President or a Vice President, and by the Treasurer or an Assistant Treasurer, or the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary, representing the number of shares registered in certificate form. Any or all the signatures on the certificate may be a facsimile. In case any officer, transfer agent or registrar who has signed or whose facsimile signature has been placed upon a certificate shall have ceased to be such officer, transfer agent or registrar before such certificate is issued, it may be issued by the Corporation with the same effect as if such person were such officer, transfer agent or registrar at the date of issue.

 

5.2 Lost, Stolen or Destroyed Certificates. A new certificate or certificates shall be issued in place of any certificate or certificates theretofore issued by the Corporation alleged to have been lost, stolen, or destroyed, upon the making of an affidavit of that fact by the person claiming the certificate of stock to be lost, stolen, or destroyed. The Corporation may require, as a condition precedent to the issuance of a new certificate or certificates, the owner of such lost, stolen, or destroyed certificate or certificates, or the owner’s legal representative, to agree to indemnify the Corporation in such manner as it shall require or to give the Corporation a surety bond in such form and amount as it may direct as indemnity against any claim that may be made against the Corporation with respect to the certificate alleged to have been lost, stolen, or destroyed.

 

5.3 Registered Stockholders. The Corporation shall be entitled to recognize the exclusive right of a person registered on its books as the owner of shares to receive dividends, and to vote as such owner, and shall not be bound to recognize any equitable or other claim to or interest in such share or shares on the part of any other person whether or not it shall have express or other notice thereof, except as otherwise provided by the laws of Delaware.

 

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Article VI

indemnification

 

6.1 General. To the maximum extent permitted by the laws of the State of Delaware in effect from time to time, and subject to compliance with any procedures and other requirements prescribed by said laws, any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suite 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 or 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 shall be indemnified by the Corporation 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 person’s 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 person’s conduct was unlawful.

 

6.2 Derivative Suits. To the maximin extent permitted by the laws of the State of Delaware in effect from time to time, and subject to compliance with any procedures and other requirements prescribed by said laws, the Corporation may indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action or suit by or in the right of the Corporation to procure a judgment in its favor by reason of the fact that 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 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.

 

6.3 Right to Indemnification of Successful on Merits. To the extent that a present or former director or officer of the Corporation has been successful on the merits or otherwise in defense of any action, suit or proceeding referred to in Sections 6.1 or 6.2, 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.

 

6.4 Requirement of Authorization in Specific Case. Any indemnification under Sections 6.1 or 6.2 (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 Sections 6.1 or 6.2. Such determination shall be made, with respect to a person who is a director or officer at the time of such determination, (i) by a majority vote of the directors who are not parties to such action, suit or proceeding, even though less than a quorum, or (ii) by a committee of such directors designated by majority vote of such directors, even though less than a quorum, or (iii) if there are no such directors, or if such directors so direct, by independent legal counsel in a written opinion, or (iv) by the stockholders.

 

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6.5 Advancement of Expenses. Expenses (inc1uding 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 the 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 Article VI. 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.

 

6.6 Not Exclusive Right. The rights conferred on any person by this Article VI shall not be exclusive of any other right which such person may have or hereafter acquire under any applicable statute, provision of the Certificate of Incorporation, these Amended and Restated Bylaws, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise, both as to action in his official capacity and as to action in another capacity while holding office. The Corporation is specifically authorized to enter into individual contracts with any or all of its directors, officers, employees or agents respecting indemnification and advances, to the fullest extent not prohibited by the DGCL or any other applicable law.

 

6.7 Insurance. The Corporation may 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 capacity, or arising out of such person’s status as such, whether or not the Corporation would have the power to indemnify such person against such liability under this Article VI.

 

6.8 Survival of Rights. The rights conferred on any person by this Article VI shall continue as to a person who has ceased to be a director or executive officer and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors and administrators of such a person.

 

6.9 Amendments. Any repeal or modification of this Article VI shall only be prospective and shall not affect the rights under this bylaw in effect at the time of the alleged occurrence of any action or omission to act that is the cause of any proceeding against any agent of the Corporation.

 

6.10 Saving Clause. If this Article VI or any portion hereof shall be invalidated on any ground by any court of competent jurisdiction, then the Corporation shall nevertheless indemnify each director and executive officer to the full extent not prohibited by any applicable portion of this Article that shall not have been invalidated, or by any other applicable law. If this Article VI shall be invalid due to the application of the indemnification provisions of another jurisdiction, then the Corporation shall indemnify each director and executive officer to the full extent under applicable law.

 

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6.11 Certain Definitions. For the purposes of this Article VI, the following definitions shall apply:

 

(a) The term “proceeding” shall be broadly construed and shall include, without limitation, the investigation, preparation, prosecution, defense, settlement, arbitration and appeal of, and the giving of testimony in, any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative.

 

(b) The term “expenses” shall be broadly construed and shall include, without limitation, court costs, attorneys’ fees, witness fees, fines, amounts paid in settlement or judgment and any other costs and expenses of any nature or kind incurred in connection with any proceeding.

 

(c) The term 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 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 the provisions of this Article with respect to the resulting or surviving Corporation as he would have with respect to such constituent corporation if its separate existence had continued.

 

(d) References to “other enterprises” shall include employee benefit plans; references to “fines” shall include any excise taxes assessed on a person with respect to an 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 he 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 Article VI.

 

Article VII
GENErAL

 

7.1 Loans to Officers. Except as otherwise prohibited under applicable law, the Corporation may lend money to, or guarantee any obligation of, or otherwise assist any officer or other employee of the Corporation or of its subsidiaries, including any officer or employee who is a Director of the Corporation or its subsidiaries, whenever, in the judgment of the Board of Directors, such loan, guarantee or assistance may reasonably be expected to benefit the Corporation. The loan, guarantee or other assistance may be with or without interest and may be unsecured, or secured in such manner as the Board of Directors shall approve, including, without limitation, a pledge of shares of stock of the Corporation. Nothing in these Amended and Restated Bylaws shall be deemed to deny, limit or restrict the powers of guaranty or warranty of the Corporation at common law or under any statute.

 

7.2 Execution of Corporate Instruments. The Board of Directors may, in its discretion, determine the method and designate the signatory officer or officers, or other person or persons, to execute on behalf of the Corporation any corporate instrument or document, or to sign on behalf of the Corporation the corporate name without limitation, or to enter into contracts on behalf of the Corporation, except where otherwise provided by law or these Amended and Restated Bylaws, and such execution or signature shall be binding upon the Corporation. All checks and drafts drawn on banks or other depositaries on funds to the credit of the Corporation or in special accounts of the Corporation shall be signed by such person or persons as the Board of Directors shall authorize so to do. Unless authorized or ratified by the Board of Directors or within the agency power of an officer, no officer, agent or employee shall have any power or authority to bind the Corporation by any contract or engagement or to pledge its credit or to render it liable for any purpose or for any amount.

 

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7.3 Execution of Other Securities. All bonds, debentures and other corporate securities of the Corporation, other than stock certificates (covered in Section 5.1 of these Amended and Restated Bylaws), may be signed by the Chairman of the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer, the President or any Vice President, or such other person as may be authorized by the Board of Directors, and the corporate seal impressed thereon or a facsimile of such seal imprinted thereon and attested by the signature of the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary, or the Chief Financial Officer or Treasurer or an Assistant Treasurer; provided, however, that where any such bond, debenture or other corporate security shall be authenticated by the manual signature, or where permissible facsimile signature, of a trustee under an indenture pursuant to which such bond, debenture or other corporate security shall be issued, the signatures of the persons signing and attesting the corporate seal on such bond, debenture or other corporate security may be the imprinted facsimile of the signatures of such persons. Interest coupons appertaining to any such bond, debenture or other corporate security, authenticated by a trustee as aforesaid, shall be signed by the Treasurer or an Assistant Treasurer of the Corporation or such other person as may be authorized by the Board of Directors, or bear imprinted thereon the facsimile signature of such person. In case any officer who shall have signed or attested any bond, debenture or other corporate security, or whose facsimile signature shall appear thereon or on any such interest coupon, shall have ceased to be such officer before the bond, debenture or other corporate security so signed or attested shall have been delivered, such bond, debenture or other corporate security nevertheless may be adopted by the Corporation and issued and delivered as though the person who signed the same or whose facsimile signature shall have been used thereon had not ceased to be such officer of the Corporation.

 

7.4 Voting of Securities Owned by the Corporation. All stock and other securities of other corporations owned or held by the Corporation for itself, or for other parties in any capacity, shall be voted, and all proxies with respect thereto shall be executed, by the person authorized so to do by resolution of the Board of Directors, or, in the absence of such authorization, by the Chairman of the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer, the President, or any Vice President.

 

7.5 Fixing Record Dates.

 

(a) In order that the Corporation may determine the stockholders entitled to notice of or to vote at any meeting of stockholders or any adjournment thereof, the Board of Directors may fix, in advance, a record date, which record date shall not precede the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted by the Board of Directors, and which record date shall, subject to applicable law, not be more than sixty (60) nor less than ten (10) days before the date of such meeting. If no record date is fixed by the Board of Directors, the record date for determining stockholders entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of stockholders shall be at the close of business on the day next preceding the day on which notice is given, or if notice is waived, at the close of business on the day next preceding the day on which the meeting is held. A determination of stockholders of record entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of stockholders shall apply to any adjournment of the meeting; provided, however, that the Board of Directors may fix a new record date for the adjourned meeting.

 

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(b) In order that the Corporation may determine the stockholders entitled to consent to corporate action in writing without a meeting, the Board of Directors may fix a record date, which record date shall not precede the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted by the Board of Directors, and which date shall not be more than ten (10) days after the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted by the Board of Directors. Any stockholder of record seeking to have the stockholders authorize or take corporate action by written consent shall, by written notice to the Secretary, request the Board of Directors to fix a record date. The Board of Directors shall promptly, but in all events within ten (10) days after the date on which such a request is received, adopt a resolution fixing the record date. If no record date has been fixed by the Board of Directors within ten (10) days of the date on which such a request is received, the record date for determining stockholders entitled to consent to corporate action in writing without a meeting, when no prior action by the Board of Directors is required by applicable law, shall be the first date on which a signed written consent setting forth the action taken or proposed to be taken is delivered to the Corporation by delivery to its registered office in the State of Delaware, its principal place of business or an officer or agent of the Corporation having custody of the book in which proceedings of meetings of stockholders are recorded. Delivery made to the Corporation’s registered office shall be by hand or by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested. If no record date has been fixed by the Board of Directors and prior action by the Board of Directors is required by law, the record date for determining stockholders entitled to consent to corporate action in writing without a meeting shall be at the close of business on the day on which the Board of Directors adopts the resolution taking such prior action.

 

(c) In order that the Corporation may determine the stockholders entitled to receive payment of any dividend or other distribution or allotment of any rights or the stockholders entitled to exercise any rights in respect of any change, conversion or exchange of stock, or for the purpose of any other lawful action, the Board of Directors may fix, in advance, a record date, which record date shall not precede the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted, and which record date shall be not more than sixty (60) days prior to such action. If no record date is fixed, the record date for determining stockholders for any such purpose shall be at the close of business on the day on which the Board of Directors adopts the resolution relating thereto.

 

7.6 Declaration of Dividends. Dividends upon the capital stock of the Corporation, subject to the provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation and applicable law, if any, may be declared by the Board of Directors pursuant to law at any regular or special meeting. Dividends may be paid in cash, in property, or in shares of the capital stock, subject to the provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation and applicable law.

 

7.7 Dividend Reserve. Before payment of any dividend, there may be set aside out of any funds of the Corporation available for dividends such sum or sums as the Board of Directors from time to time, in their absolute discretion, think proper as a reserve or reserves to meet contingencies, or for equalizing dividends, or for repairing or maintaining any property of the Corporation, or for such other purpose as the Board of Directors shall think conducive to the interests of the Corporation, and the Board of Directors may modify or abolish any such reserve in the manner in which it was created.

 

7.8 Corporate Seal. The Board of Directors may adopt a corporate seal. The corporate seal shall consist of a die bearing the name of the Corporation and the inscription, “Corporate Seal-Delaware.” Said seal may be used by causing it or a facsimile thereof to be impressed or affixed or reproduced or otherwise.

 

7.9 Fiscal Year. The fiscal year of the Corporation shall be fixed by resolution of the Board of Directors.

 

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7.10 Interpretation and Construction. Reference in these Amended and Restated Bylaws to any provision of the DGCL shall be deemed to include all amendments thereof. Unless the context requires otherwise, the general provisions, rules of construction and definitions in the DGCL shall govern the construction of these Amended and Restated Bylaws. Without limiting the generality of the provision, the singular number includes the plural, the plural number includes the singular, and the term “person” includes both a corporation and a natural person. All restrictions, limitations, requirements and other provisions of these Amended and Restated Bylaws shall be construed, insofar as possible, as supplemental and additional to all provisions of law applicable to the subject matter thereof and shall be fully complied with in addition to the said provisions of law unless such compliance shall be illegal. Any article, section, subsection, subdivision, sentence, clause or phrase of these Amended and Restated Bylaws which, upon being construed in the manner provided in this Section 7.10, shall be contrary to or inconsistent with any applicable provision of law, shall not apply so long as said provisions of law shall remain in effect, but such result shall not affect the validity or applicability of any other portions of these Amended and Restated Bylaws, it being hereby declared that these Amended and Restated Bylaws, and each article, section, subsection, subdivision, sentence, clause, or phrase thereof, would have been adopted irrespective of the fact that any one or more articles, sections, subsections, subdivisions, sentences, clauses or phrases is or are illegal.

 

Article VIII
ADOPTION, AMENDMENT OR REPEAL OF BYLAWS

 

8.1 By the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors is expressly empowered to adopt, amend or repeal bylaws of the Corporation.

 

8.2 By the Stockholders. The stockholders shall also have power to adopt, amend or repeal bylaws of the Corporation; provided, however, that, in addition to any vote of the holders of any class or series of stock of the Corporation required by law or by the Certificate of Incorporation, such action by stockholders shall require the affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of the voting power of all of the then-outstanding shares of the capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, voting together as a single class.

 

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CERTIFICATE OF ADOPTION OF AMENDED AND RESTATED BYLAWS

 

OF

 

20/20 GENESYSTEMS, INC.

 

The undersigned hereby certifies that he is the duly elected, qualified and acting Secretary of 20/20 GeneSystems, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Corporation”), and that the foregoing Amended and Restated Bylaws were adopted as the Corporation’s bylaws as of the date hereof by the Corporation’s Board of Directors.

 

The undersigned has executed this Certificate as of November 19, 2019.

 

 

/s/ Louis A. Bevilacqua

  Louis A. Bevilacqua
  Secretary

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 6.2

 

Sales Representative Agreement

 

This Sales Representative Agreement (“Agreement”) is made this 5th day of April, 2020 (“Effective Date”) between MEMS TECHNOLOGIES HOLDINGS COMPANY LIMITED. having a location at Room 909, 9/F., APEC Plaza, 49 Hoi Yuen Road, Kwun Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong (“MEMS”) and 20/20 BioResponse, a business unit of 20/20 GeneSytems, Inc. having its headquarters at 9430 Key Wes Avenue, Rockville, Maryland, United States of America 20850 (“20/20”).

 

BACKGROUND

 

MEMS sells ’2019-nCoV Ab Test (Colloidal Gold)’ (“Product”) manufactured by Innovita (Tangshan) Biological Technology Co., Ltd., worldwide outside of Mainland China 20/20 is a distributor of Product in the United State 20/20 has international sales channels and customers within such channels have expressed good faith interest in purchasing Product.

 

With respect to Product, MEMS desires that 20/20 represent MEMS to customers outside of China (“Territory”) and 20/20 desires to represent MEMS in the Territory, both according to the Terms and Conditions set forth herein below.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants, promises, mutual understandings, and agreements contained in this Agreement, MEMS and 20/20 agree as follows:

 

1. APPOINTMENT. MEMS grants to 20/20 the non-exclusive right to solicit orders for Product, as defined above, in the Territory. MEMS retains the right to directly and indirectly solicit and accept orders for Product anywhere in the world.

 

2. PERMITTED CUSTOMERS. At anytime during the term of this Agreement, MEMS may inform 20/20 in writing that 20/20 should not approach a person or entity with respect to Product. 20/20 is permitted to approach and to offer Product to all other persons and entities in the Territory (“Permitted Customers”).

 

3. ACCEPTANCE OF ORDERS. All orders are subject to acceptance or rejection by an authorized officer of MEMS, and MEMS may accept or reject any such order. MEMS shall be responsible for all credit risks and collections of bad debt.

 

4. TERMS OF SALE. MEMS shall instruct 20/20 in writing as to the prices, terms, and any other conditions of sale under which MEMS will accept under orders from 20/20, which prices, terms, and conditions may be updated from time to time. 20/20 shall not accept orders in MEMS’s name, make price quotations inconsistent with MEMS’s instructions, or make delivery promises without MEMS’s prior approval.

 

 

 

 

  5. COMPENSATION.

 

a. DURING TERM. MEMS will pay 20/20 a commission of ten percent (10%) of the price for Product on any order accepted by MEMS. MEMS will not increase the customary amounts charged for quoted or invoiced items in an order such as freight, handling insurance, duties and tariffs, 20/20’s commission shall be based on the price charged for the Product and not these other items so long as they are invoiced separately. Payment to 20/20 shall be made within 15 days of order shipped to customers.

 

b. TAIL. Following expiration or termination of this Agreement, MEMS will pay 30% of the commission it would have been otherwise entitled to from orders placed by entities who during the term of this Agreement have placed orders with MEMS because of 20/20’s efforts.

 

6. NON-CIRCUMVENTION.

 

a. During the term of this Agreement, MEMS will not interfere with 20/20’s relationship with respect to 20/20’s customers, prospects and sales leads with respect to sales and purchases of Product.

 

b. During the term of this Agreement, MEMS will not communicate, conduct business with, or otherwise circumvent 20/20 with respect to 20/20’s customers, prospects and sales leads with respect to sales and purchases of Product.

 

7. REGULATORY. MEMS and entities placing orders that have been accepted by MEMS shall be responsible for regulatory compliance including regulations regarding importation, exportation, financial transactions, and the sale and use of medical devices. As between the parties, 20/20 can rely on MEMS for such compliance.

 

8. CUSTOMER SUPPORT. MEMS will be responsible for customer support unless the parties agree that 20/20 shall be paid for such support and agree to such support and payment in writing.

 

9. PROPRIETARY RIGHTS. MEMS will retain ownership of all its intellectual property and proprietary rights used by 20/20 under this Agreement. 20/20 shall retain all rights and interests in all its trademarks, service marks, logos, websites, and data, and shall also retain its copyrights in any electronic, paper-based, or other expressions reduced to tangible form.

 

10. INDEMNIFICATION. MEMS indemnifies and holds harmless 20/20 and its affiliates from any and all liability arising out of the sale, use, or shipping of Product, provided that such liability does not arise from the willful misconduct of 20/20 or its affiliates or failure to conform with MEMS’s written instructions regarding sales, marketing, promotion and advertising of Product.

 

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11. NOTICES and REQUESTS.

 

All notices required or permitted to be given under this Agreement shall be to:

 

If to MEMS:

 

MEMS TECHNOLOGIES HOLDINGS COMPANY LIMITED.

Room 909, 9/F., APEC Plaza

49 Hoi Yuen Road

Kwun Tong, Kowloon

Hong Kong

 

It to 20/20:

 

CEO

20/20 GeneSytems, Inc.

9430 Key West Avenue, Suite 100

Rockville, MD 20850

USA

 

12. TERM and TERMINATION.

 

a. CONVENIENCE. This Agreement is terminable by either party on sixty (60) days written notice.

 

b. BREACH. This Agreement is terminable by either party thirty (30) days after written notice in either party materially breaches this Agreement and has not cured such breach within said thirty (30) days.

 

c. TERM. This Agreement will expire two (2) years after the Effective Date.

 

d. EFFECT. Expiration or early termination will not affect any rights or obligations that have already accrued under this Agreement.

 

13. DISPUTE RESOLUTION. If the parties cannot resolve a dispute or controversy, then then matter will be referred to the parties’ CEO’s for resolution. If the CEO’s cannot resolve the dispute or controversy, the parties will resolve the dispute by binding arbitration. To the extent permitted by the arbitrator(s), the arbitration will be attended by both parties remotely. The arbitration will apply the laws of the United Kingdom and be held in Hong Kong, SAR, PRC.

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be executed as of the Effective Date.

 

MEMS TECHNOLOGIES HOLDINGS COMPANY LIMITED.
   
 
By: /s/ Andy Leung  
Name: Andy Leung  
Title: General Manager  
Date 2020-06-03  

 

20/20 BIORESPONSE an affiliate of 20/20 GeneSystems, Inc. 
     
By: /s/ Jonathan Cohen  
Name: Jonathan Cohen  
Title: President & CEO  
Date: 4/19/2020  

 

 

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