Copies of all communications, including communications sent to the agent for service, to:

Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: As soon as practicable after this registration statement becomes effective.

If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933 check the following box. ☒

If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. ☐

If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. ☐

If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act. ☐

The Registrant hereby amends this registration statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the Registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this registration statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or until the registration statement shall become effective on such date as the Commission acting pursuant to said Section 8(a) may determine.

The information in this preliminary prospectus is not complete and may be changed. These securities may not be sold until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities, nor does it seek an offer to buy these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted.

We are offering on a “reasonable best efforts” basis 8,379,888 shares of our common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (“Common Stock”) and warrants to purchase 8,379,888 shares of Common Stock, based on an assumed combined public offering price of $1.79 per share and accompanying warrant (the last reported sale price of our Common Stock on Nasdaq on April 14, 2023). Each share of Common Stock is being sold together with a five-year warrant to purchase one share of Common Stock. The warrants will have an exercise price of $ per share (100% of the combined public offering price per share of Common Stock and accompanying warrant) and will be exercisable upon issuance. This prospectus also relates to the offering of the shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the warrants. The combined public offering price per share and accompanying warrant will be fixed for the duration of this offering.

We are also offering to those investors, if any, whose purchase of shares of our Common Stock in this offering would result in such investor, together with its affiliates and certain related parties, beneficially owning more than 4.99% (or, at the election of the investor, 9.99%) of our outstanding Common Stock following the consummation of this offering, the opportunity to purchase, in lieu of the Common Stock that would otherwise result in the investor’s beneficial ownership exceeding 4.99% (or, at the election of the investor, 9.99%), pre-funded warrants each to purchase one share of our Common Stock at an exercise price of $0.0001, which we refer to as the pre-funded warrants. Each pre-funded warrant will be exercisable upon issuance and will expire when exercised in full. Each pre-funded warrant is being sold with a five-year warrant to purchase one share of our Common Stock. The public offering price for each pre-funded warrant and the accompanying warrant is equal to the price per share of Common Stock and the accompanying warrant being sold to the public in this offering, minus $0.0001. The combined public offering price per pre-funded warrant and accompanying warrant will be fixed for the duration of this offering. This prospectus also relates to the offering of the shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the pre-funded warrants.

For each pre-funded warrant we sell, the number of shares of Common Stock we sell in this offering will be decreased on a one-for-one basis. The shares of Common Stock and/or pre-funded warrants and the accompanying warrants can only be purchased together in this offering but will be issued separately and will be immediately separable upon issuance. You should read this prospectus carefully before you invest in our securities.

Our Common Stock is listed on the Nasdaq Global Market of The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (“Nasdaq”) under the symbol “ZVSA.” On April 14, 2023, the last quoted sale price for our Common Stock as reported on Nasdaq was $1.79. There is no established public trading market for the pre-funded warrants or warrants being offered hereby, and we do not expect a market to develop. Without an active trading market, the liquidity of the pre-funded warrants and the warrants will be limited. In addition, we do not intend to list the pre-funded warrants or warrants on Nasdaq, any other national securities exchange or any other trading system.

We have engaged A.G.P./Alliance Global Partners to act as lead placement agent in connection with this offering. The placement agents have agreed to use their reasonable best efforts to arrange for the sale of the securities offered by this prospectus, but the placement agents may be unable to sell all of the securities being offered hereby. The placement agents are not purchasing or selling any of the securities we are offering, and the placement agents are not required to arrange the purchase or sale of any specific number or dollar amount of securities. We have agreed to pay to the placement agents the placement agent fees set forth in the table below, which assumes that we sell all of the securities offered by this prospectus. See “Plan of Distribution (Conflicts of Interest)” starting on page 132 of this prospectus for more information regarding these arrangements.

Approximately $10.4 million of the proceeds from this offering will be used to redeem all of the PIPE Shares (as defined herein) sold immediately prior to the closing of the Business Combination (as defined herein). This offering will not be completed unless we sell enough securities to redeem all of the PIPE Shares. Pursuant to the Series A Certificate of Designation, we will redeem the PIPE Shares at 120% of the issue price. Until we sell enough securities to redeem all of the PIPE Shares, all investor funds will be held in an escrow account at Continental Stock Transfer & Trust, New York, New York, as agent, for the benefit of the investors. If we do not sell enough securities to redeem all of the PIPE Shares, all funds will be promptly returned to investors without interest or deduction. If we complete this offering, net proceeds will be promptly delivered to us on the closing date. Only the net proceeds (after offering expenses payable by us) received in excess of the amount required to redeem all of the PIPE Shares will be used for working capital and other general corporate purposes. Gross proceeds received by the Company from the sale of the PIPE Shares consummated on December 12, 2022 in connection with our Business Combination were approximately $8.635 million and the redemption price the Company will pay investors to redeem such securities will be approximately $10.4 million.

The actual combined public offering price for our securities in this offering will be determined at the time of pricing and may be at a discount to the then current market price. The recent market price used throughout this prospectus may not be indicative of the final offering price. The final public offering price will be determined through negotiation between us and investors based upon a number of factors, including our history and our prospects, the industry in which we operate, our past and present operating results, the previous experience of our executive officers and the general condition of the securities markets at the time of this offering.

You should read this prospectus, together with additional information described under the heading “Where You Can Find More Information,” carefully before you invest in any of our securities.

We are an “emerging growth company,” as defined under the federal securities laws, and, as such, may elect to comply with certain reduced public company reporting requirements for future filings.

Investing in our securities involves a high degree of risk. Before buying any securities, you should carefully read the discussion of the risks of investing in our securities in the section entitled “Risk Factors” beginning on page 7 of this prospectus.

(1) Represents a cash fee equal to 4.0% of the aggregate purchase price paid by investors in this offering. We have also agreed to reimburse the placement agents for certain of its offering-related expenses. See “Plan of Distribution (Conflicts of Interest)” beginning on page 132 of this prospectus for a description of the compensation to be received by the placement agents.

(2) Does not include proceeds from the exercise of the warrants in cash, if any.

Neither the Securities Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

This offering will be completed no later than May 10, 2023, at which time funds held in escrow will be returned to investors if we do not sell enough securities to redeem all of the PIPE Shares.

A.G.P./Alliance Global Partners, a placement agent in this offering, has a “conflict of interest” under Rule 5121 of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (“FINRA”). Accordingly, The Benchmark Company, LLC (“Benchmark”) has agreed to act as a “qualified independent underwriter” within the meaning of FINRA Rule 5121 in connection with this offering. In its role as a qualified independent underwriter, Benchmark has participated in the preparation of this registration statement and the prospectus and has exercised the usual standards of due diligence with respect thereto. For a more complete discussion of the role and compensation of the placement agents, please see the section of this prospectus entitled “Plan of Distribution (Conflicts of Interest).”

You should rely only on the information contained in this prospectus. No one has been authorized to provide you with information that is different from that contained in this prospectus. This prospectus is dated as of the date set forth on the cover hereof. You should not assume that the information contained in this prospectus is accurate as of any date other than that date.

We have not, and the placement agents have not, authorized anyone to provide any information or to make any representations other than those contained in this prospectus or in any free writing prospectuses prepared by or on behalf of us or to which we have referred you. We take no responsibility for, and can provide no assurance as to the reliability of, any other information that others may give you. This prospectus is an offer to sell only the securities offered hereby, and only under circumstances and in jurisdictions where it is lawful to do so. The information contained in this prospectus or in any applicable free writing prospectus is current only as of its date, regardless of its time of delivery or any sale of our securities. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since that date.

The information provided in this prospectus contains statistical data and estimates, including those relating to market size and competitive position of the markets in which we participate, that we obtained from our own internal estimates and research, as well as from industry and general publications and research, surveys and studies conducted by third parties. Industry publications, studies and surveys generally state that they have been obtained from sources believed to be reliable. While we believe our internal company research is reliable and the definitions of our market and industry are appropriate, neither this research nor these definitions have been verified by any independent source.

For investors outside the United States: We have not, and the placement agents have not, done anything that would permit this offering or possession or distribution of this prospectus in any jurisdiction where action for that purpose is required, other than in the United States. Persons outside the United States who come into possession of this prospectus must inform themselves about, and observe any restrictions relating to, the offering of the securities and the distribution of this prospectus outside the United States.

This prospectus contains summaries of certain provisions contained in some of the documents described herein, but reference is made to the actual documents for complete information. All of the summaries are qualified in their entirety by the actual documents. Copies of some of the documents referred to herein have been filed, will be filed or will be incorporated by reference as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, and you may obtain copies of those documents as described below under “Where You Can Find More Information.”

Unless expressly indicated or the context otherwise requires, references in this prospectus to the “Company,” the “Registrant,” “we,” “us” and “our” refer to ZyVersa (and the business of Old ZyVersa which became the business of ZyVersa after giving effect to the Business Combination).

This document contains references to trademarks and service marks belonging to other entities. Solely for convenience, trademarks and trade names referred to in this prospectus may appear without the ® or ™ symbols, but such references are not intended to indicate, in any way, that the applicable licensor will not assert, to the fullest extent under applicable law, its rights to these trademarks and trade names. We do not intend our use or display of other companies’ trade names, trademarks or service marks to imply a relationship with, or endorsement or sponsorship of it by, any other companies.

Unless otherwise stated in this prospectus or the context otherwise requires, references to:

“Business Combination” means the business combination, including the Merger and other transactions contemplated by the Business Combination Agreement;

“Business Combination Agreement” means that certain Business Combination Agreement, dated July 20, 2022, entered into by and among Old ZyVersa, the Securityholder Representative, Larkspur, and Merger Sub, as amended from time to time;

“Closing Date” means December 12, 2022, the date of the consummation of the Business Combination;

“IPO” means Larkspur’s initial public offering consummated December 23, 2021.

“Larkspur” means Larkspur Health Acquisition Corp., a Delaware corporation, prior to giving effect to the Business Combination;

“Merger” means the merger of Merger Sub with and into Old ZyVersa, with Old ZyVersa surviving the Merger as a wholly-owned subsidiary of ZyVersa;

“Merger Sub” means Larkspur Health Merger Sub, Inc., a Delaware corporation and wholly owned subsidiary of Larkspur;

“Old ZyVersa” means ZyVersa Therapeutics, Inc., a Florida corporation, after giving effect to the Business Combination;

“PIPE Investors” means the investors that have signed the PIPE Subscription Agreement;

“PIPE Shares” means the shares of Larkspur Series A Convertible Preferred Stock sold to the PIPE Investors in the PIPE Investment;

“PIPE Subscription Agreement” means the Securities Purchase Agreement, dated as of July 20, 2022, as amended (and as may be further amended, modified, supplemented or waived from time to time in accordance with its terms), entered into by and between Larkspur and the PIPE Investors, pursuant to which Larkspur has agreed to issue an aggregate of up to 12,500 shares of Larkspur’s Series A Convertible Preferred Stock and warrants in an amount equal to 100% of the underlying shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of such Series A Preferred Stock to the PIPE Investors at a purchase price of $1,000 per share;

“PIPE Warrants” means the private warrants sold along with the PIPE Shares to the PIPE Investors in the PIPE Investment;

“PIPE” or “PIPE Investment” means the private placement pursuant to which the PIPE Investors purchased an aggregate amount of $8,635,000 in exchange for shares of Larkspur’s Series A Preferred Stock and warrants immediately prior to and conditioned upon the Closing on the terms and conditions set forth in the PIPE Subscription Agreement;

“Public Warrants” means the public warrants issued to investors in connection with the IPO;

“Securityholder Representative” means the shareholder representative of Old ZyVersa as named in the Business Combination Agreement;

“Series B Shares” means the 5,062 shares of Larkspur’s Series B Convertible Preferred Stock, convertible into shares of Larkspur’s common stock that were issued to holders to settle certain liabilities and transaction costs;

“Sponsor” means Larkspur Health LLC, a Delaware limited liability company; and

“ZyVersa” or the “Company” means ZyVersa Therapeutics, Inc., a Delaware corporation, after giving effect to the Business Combination.

This prospectus contains statements that are forward-looking and as such are not historical facts. This includes, without limitation, statements regarding the financial position, business strategy and the plans and objectives of management for our future operations. These statements constitute projections, forecasts and forward-looking statements, and are not guarantees of performance. Such statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. When used in this prospectus, words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “strive,” “would” and similar expressions may identify forward-looking statements, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. Forward-looking statements in this prospectus and in any document incorporated by reference in this prospectus may include, for example, statements about:

These forward-looking statements are based on information available as of the date of this prospectus and current expectations, forecasts and assumptions, and involve a number of judgments, risks and uncertainties. Accordingly, forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing our views as of any subsequent date, and we do not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date they were made, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required under applicable securities laws.

PROSPECTUS SUMMARY

This summary highlights selected information from this prospectus and may not contain all of the information that is important to you in making an investment decision. Before investing in our securities, you should carefully read this entire prospectus, including our financial statements and the related notes included in this prospectus and the information set forth under the headings, “Risk Factors,” “Business,” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” included elsewhere in this prospectus. See also the section titled “Where You Can Find More Information.” Unless expressly indicated or the context requires otherwise, the terms the “Company,” the “Registrant,” “we,” “us” and “our” in this prospectus refer to ZyVersa (and the business of Old ZyVersa, which became the business of ZyVersa after giving effect to the Business Combination).

Overview

We are a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company leveraging proprietary technologies to develop drugs for patients with chronic renal or inflammatory diseases with high unmet medical needs. Our mission is to develop drugs that optimize health outcomes and improve patients’ quality of life.

We have two proprietary globally licensed drug development platforms, each of which was discovered by research scientists at the University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine (the “University of Miami” or “University”). These development platforms are:

●

Cholesterol Efflux Mediator^TM, VAR 200 (2-hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin or “2HPβCD”) is an injectable drug in clinical development for treatment of renal diseases. VAR 200 was licensed from L&F Research LLC on December 15, 2015. L&F Research was founded by the University of Miami research scientists who discovered the use of VAR 200 for renal diseases.

●

IC 100 is a monoclonal antibody inflammasome ASC inhibitor in preclinical development for treatment of inflammatory conditions. IC 100 was licensed from InflamaCore, LLC on April 18, 2019. InflamaCore, LLC was founded by the University of Miami research scientists who invented IC 100.

We believe that each of our product candidates has the potential to treat numerous indications in their respective therapeutic areas. Our strategy is to focus on indication expansion to maximize commercial potential.

Our renal pipeline is initially focused on rare, chronic glomerular diseases. Our lead indication for VAR 200 is focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (“FSGS”). On January 21, 2020, we filed an Investigational New Drug application (“IND”) for VAR 200, and the United States Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) has allowed our development plans to proceed to a Phase 2a trial in patients with FSGS based on the risk/benefit profile of the active ingredient (2HPβCD). Prior to initiating a Phase 2a trial in patients with FSGS, we are planning to support an open-label investigator-initiated trial (“IIT”) in Q4-2023 where we expect to obtain human proof-of-concept data in up to three renal patient cohorts. This will enable assessment of drug effects as patients proceed through treatment and will provide insights for developing our Phase 2a protocol. In addition to FSGS, VAR 200 has pharmacologic proof-of-concept data in animal models representative of Alport Syndrome and diabetic kidney disease, each of which may be developed based on our indication expansion strategy.

Our inflammasome ASC inhibitor program, IC 100, is in preclinical development. Our focus is on advancing 1C 100 toward a currently planned IND submission in Q2-2024, followed by initiation of a Phase 1 trial. IC 100 has pharmacologic proof-of-concept data in animal models representative of acute respiratory distress syndrome (“ARDS”) and multiple sclerosis (“MS”). We plan to conduct additional animal studies in up to six indications, such as immunoglobulin A (“IgA”) nephropathy, Parkinson’s Disease, Huntington’s Disease, congestive heart failure, and early Alzheimer’s disease, in our next waves of preclinical development. We anticipate that one or more lead indications for IC 100 will be selected based on data from our preclinical program.

Our Pipeline

The goal of our pipeline is to target renal and inflammatory indications with high unmet medical needs, which we believe can be addressed by our mechanisms of action. We intend to further enhance and expand our product portfolio through the development of multiple indications for each of VAR 200 and IC 100, and through potential in-licensing of promising renal and anti-inflammatory product candidates.

Business Strategy

We seek to be recognized as a leading biopharmaceutical company at the forefront of innovation for patients with high unmet medical needs. We are committed to restoring health and transforming the lives of patients through development of biopharmaceutical products. Our strategy is to:

	●	Advance development of VAR 200.

	●	Advance our IC 100 preclinical program.

●

Capitalize on our indication expansion strategy to maximize the commercial potential for each of our product platforms by developing multiple indications in their respective therapeutic areas.

	●	Maintain rights to develop and commercialize our product candidates.

	●	Expand our product candidate portfolio.

	●	Continue to strengthen and expand our intellectual property portfolio.

The dates and events reflected in the foregoing are estimates only, and there can be no assurances that the events included will be completed on the anticipated timeline presented, or at all. Further, there can be no assurances that we will be successful in the development of any of our product candidates, or any other products or product candidates we may develop in the future, or that any product candidate we may develop in the future, will receive FDA approval for any indication.

Market and Commercial Opportunity

We believe that our lead product candidates have potential for treatment of diseases with significant unmet medical needs, including (i) our lead renal product candidate, VAR 200, in development for potential treatment of multiple renal indications such as focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), and Alport Syndrome (orphan indications), and diabetic nephropathy; and (ii) our lead anti-inflammatory product candidate, IC 100, for treatment of multiple inflammatory diseases, including, but not limited to multiple sclerosis and acute respiratory distress syndrome. VAR 200 has not yet been granted orphan drug designation by the FDA for FSGS or Alport Syndrome.

Risk Factors

Our business is subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, including those highlighted in the section titled “Risk Factors” immediately following this prospectus summary, which illuminate challenges that we face in connection with the successful implementation of our strategy and the growth of our business. The following considerations, among others, may offset our competitive strengths or have a negative effect on our business strategy, which could cause a decline in the price of shares of our securities and result in a loss of all or a portion of your investment.

	●	Our current or future product candidates may never be approved or achieve commercial market acceptance;

	●	We are a development stage company with a limited operating history and no revenues and there are a number of factors that may affect our business prospects;

	●	To date, we do not have data to support regulatory approval of any of our drug products, we have no products approved for commercial sale in any jurisdiction, and we have not generated any revenue from product sales;

	●	We will need additional capital to develop and commercialize our product candidates. If we are unable to raise sufficient capital, we would be forced to delay, reduce or eliminate our product development programs;

	●	Our business is dependent on the successful development, regulatory approval and commercialization of our product candidates, in particular VAR 200 and IC 100;

	●	Our product candidates, if approved, will face significant competition and our failure to effectively compete may prevent us from achieving significant market penetration;

	●	We may not realize the anticipated benefits of our business, and any acquisition, strategic relationship, joint venture or investment could disrupt our business and harm our operating results and financial condition;

	●	If we are unable to manage our growth and expand our operations successfully, our reputation, brands, business and results of operations may be harmed;

	●	We are subject to risks related to our dependency on our key management members and other key personnel, as well as attracting, retaining and developing qualified personnel in a highly competitive talent market;

	●	We may be subject to litigation risks and may face liabilities and damage to our professional reputation as a result;

	●	Our business is subject to extensive domestic and foreign regulations that may subject us to significant costs and compliance requirements;

	●	We may be subject to risks related to our status as an emerging growth company within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”);

	●	Failure to achieve and maintain effective internal control over financial reporting could result in our failure to accurately or timely report our financial condition or results of operations which could have a material adverse effect on our business and stock price;

	●	We may be unable to continue as a going concern.

	●	If our estimates or judgments relating to our critical accounting policies prove to be incorrect, our operating results could be adversely affected;

	●	The requirements of being a public company may strain our resources, result in litigation and divert management’s attention;

	●	An active trading market for our Common Stock may never develop or be sustained;

	●	The price of our Common Stock may be volatile, which could result in substantial losses for investors.

	●	A significant portion of our total outstanding shares are restricted from immediate resale but may be sold into the market in the near future, which could cause the market price of our Common Stock to drop significantly, even if our business is doing well.

	●	Claims by third parties that we infringe or misuse their proprietary technology could subject us to significant liability and could force us to redesign our services and products or to incur significant costs;

	●	If we are unable to protect our intellectual property effectively, our business would be harmed;

	●	If you purchase securities in this offering, you will suffer immediate dilution of our investment; and

	●	This is a best efforts offering, no minimum amount of securities is required to be sold, and we may not raise the amount of capital we believe is required for our business plans, including our near-term business plans.

Purpose of the Offering

In connection with the Business Combination, we sold the PIPE Shares and the PIPE Warrants for proceeds of approximately $8.6 million. The PIPE Shares are convertible into an amount of Common Stock equal to the purchase price per PIPE Share of $1,000 divided by an initial conversion price of $10.00 (or 100 shares of Common Stock per PIPE Share), subject to a downward adjustment to no lower than the floor price of $2.00 per share based on the public trading price of the shares of our Common Stock calculated at 90 days and 150 days following the effective date of the registration statement with respect to registration of such securities in accordance with the Series A Certificate of Designation, subject to certain adjustments. Based on the current market price of our Common Stock, the adjusted conversion price for the PIPE Shares would be $2.00, resulting in approximately an additional 500 shares of Common Stock per PIPE Share issuable on conversion of such PIPE Share. The exercise price and number of Common Shares issuable upon exercise of the PIPE Warrants is related to the conversion price of the PIPE Shares. Following the initial reset of the conversion price of the PIPE Shares, the exercise price of the PIPE Warrants would be adjusted to equal the conversion price of the PIPE Shares and the number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the PIPE Warrants would equal the number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of the PIPE Shares. Following the initial reset of the conversion price of the PIPE Shares, the aggregate additional shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of the PIPE Shares and exercise of the PIPE Warrants would be significantly dilutive to existing holders of our Common Stock. Therefore, we intend to use the proceeds from this offering to redeem the PIPE Shares prior to the initial reset date because we believe paying the redemption price of the PIPE Shares will have less of an adverse effect on our ability to raise additional capital to allow us to execute our business strategy than leaving the PIPE Shares in place after the initial reset of the related conversion price. We also believe this offering will be less dilutive to holders of our Common Stock than the initial reset of the conversion price of the PIPE Shares and allowing the reset to occur will have an adverse effect on our ability to raise capital by selling equity securities on terms favorable to us.

Corporate Information

On December 12, 2022 (the “Closing Date”), we consummated the previously announced Business Combination pursuant to the terms of that certain Business Combination Agreement, by and among Old ZyVersa, the Securityholder Representative, Larkspur and Merger Sub. Pursuant to the terms of the Business Combination Agreement (and upon all other conditions of the Business Combination Agreement being satisfied or waived), on the Closing Date, (i) Larkspur changed its name to “ZyVersa Therapeutics, Inc.”, and (ii) Merger Sub merged with and into Old ZyVersa (the “Merger”), with Old ZyVersa as the surviving company in the Merger and, after giving effect to such Merger, Old ZyVersa became a wholly-owned subsidiary of ZyVersa.

Our principal executive offices are located at 2200 North Commerce Parkway, Suite 208, Weston, Florida 33326, and our telephone number is (754) 231-1688. Our website address is http://www.zyversa.com. The information contained on or otherwise accessible through our website is not part of this prospectus.

THE OFFERING

The following summary contains basic information about this offering. The summary is not intended to be complete. You should read the full text and more specific details contained elsewhere in this prospectus.

Common Stock offered:		8,379,888 shares (assuming a combined public offering price of $1.79 per share and accompanying warrant (the last reported sale price of our Common Stock on Nasdaq on April 14, 2023)).

Pre-funded warrants offered:		We are also offering to those investors, if any, whose purchase of shares of our Common Stock in this offering would result in such investor, together with its affiliates and certain related parties, beneficially owning more than 4.99% (or, at the election of the investor, 9.99%) of our outstanding Common Stock following the consummation of this offering, the opportunity to purchase, in lieu of the Common Stock that would otherwise result in the investor’s beneficial ownership exceeding 4.99% (or, at the election of the purchaser, 9.99%), pre-funded warrants each to purchase one share of our Common Stock at an exercise price of $0.0001, which we refer to as pre-funded warrants. Each pre-funded warrant will be exercisable upon issuance and will expire when exercised in full. Each pre-funded warrant is being sold with a five-year warrant to purchase one share of our Common Stock. The combined public offering price for each pre-funded warrant and accompanying warrant is equal to the combined public offering price per share of Common Stock and accompanying warrant being sold in this offering, minus $0.0001. For each pre-funded warrant we sell, the number of shares of Common Stock we sell will be decreased on a one-for-one basis. This prospectus also relates to the offering of the shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the pre-funded warrants. See “Description of Securities We Are Offering” for additional information.

Warrants offered:		Each share of Common Stock or pre-funded warrant is being offered together with a five-year warrant to purchase one share of our Common Stock. The warrants will have an exercise price of $ per share (100% of the combined public offering price per share of Common Stock and accompanying warrant) and will be exercisable upon issuance. This prospectus also relates to the offering of the shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the warrants See “Description of Capital Stock” for additional information.

Common Stock to be outstanding after this offering:		17,591,810 shares, assuming we sell only shares of Common Stock and no pre-funded warrants (assuming a combined public offering price of $1.79 per share and accompanying warrant (the last reported sale price of our Common Stock on Nasdaq on April 14, 2023)) and assuming we sell all the shares of Common Stock being offered pursuant to this registration statement.

Use of Proceeds		We estimate that the net proceeds from the offering will be approximately $13.6 million, assuming we sell only shares of Common Stock and no pre-funded warrants (assuming no exercise of the warrants), after deducting the placement agent fees and estimated offering expenses payable by us. We intend to use approximately $10.4 million of the net proceeds to redeem all of the PIPE Shares pursuant to the Series A Certificate of Designation, and the remaining proceeds for working capital and other general corporate purposes. We will not consummate this offering unless we receive net proceeds (after offering expenses payable by us) sufficient to redeem all of the PIPE Shares. Only the net proceeds (after offering expenses payable by us) received in excess of the amount required to redeem all of the PIPE Shares will be used for working capital and other general corporate purposes. See “Use of Proceeds” in this prospectus.

Best Efforts; Escrow		The placement agents have agreed to use their reasonable best efforts to arrange for the sale of the securities offered by this prospectus, but the placement agents may be unable to sell all of the securities being offered hereby. The placement agents are not purchasing or selling any of the securities we are offering, and the placement agents are not required to arrange the purchase or sale of any specific number or dollar amount of securities. Unless sooner withdrawn or canceled by either us or the placement agents, the offering will continue through until we sell at least $10.4 million of securities. All investor funds will be held in a non-interest bearing escrow account at Continental Stock Transfer & Trust, as agent, for the benefit of the investors. If we do not sell the amount to redeem the PIPE shares, unless we determine to extend the offering, all funds will be promptly returned to investors after the termination without interest or deduction. If we complete this offering, net proceeds will be promptly delivered to us on the closing date. See “Plan of Distribution (Conflicts of Interest) — Escrow Agent and Deposit of Offering Proceeds.”

Conflicts of Interest		A.G.P./Alliance Global Partners, a placement agent in this offering, has a “conflict of interest” under Rule 5121 of FINRA. Accordingly, Benchmark has agreed to act as a “qualified independent underwriter” within the meaning of FINRA Rule 5121 in connection with this offering. In its role as a qualified independent underwriter, Benchmark has participated in the preparation of this registration statement and the prospectus and has exercised the usual standards of due diligence with respect thereto. For a more complete discussion of the role and compensation of the placement agents, please see the section of this prospectus entitled “Plan of Distribution (Conflicts of Interest).”

Ticker Symbol:		Our Common Stock is listed on Nasdaq under the symbol “ZVSA.” There is no established public trading market for the pre-funded warrants or the warrants, and we do not expect such a market to develop. We do not intend to apply to list the pre-funded warrants or the warrants on any securities exchange or other nationally recognized trading system. Without an active trading market, the liquidity of the pre-funded warrants and the warrants will be limited.

Risk Factors:		See “Risk Factors” and other information included in this prospectus for a discussion of factors you should consider before investing in our securities.

The number of shares of Common Stock to be outstanding after the offering is based on 9,211,922 shares of Common Stock outstanding as of April 3, 2023 and excludes, as of that date, the following:

	●	240,204 shares issuable upon the exercise of the private placement warrants issued in connection with Larkspur’s IPO, with a weighted-average exercise price of $11.50 per share;
	●	5,825,369 shares issuable upon the exercise of the Public Warrants, with a weighted-average exercise price of $11.50 per share;
	●	4,317,500 shares issuable upon the exercise of the PIPE Warrants, with a weighted-average exercise price of $2.00 per share, assuming a combined public offering price of $1.79 per share and accompanying warrant (the last reported sale price of our Common Stock on Nasdaq on April 14, 2023);
	●	4,317,500 shares underlying the PIPE Shares, assuming a combined public offering price of $1.79 per share and accompanying warrant (the last reported sale price of our Common Stock on Nasdaq on April 14, 2023);
	●	723,143 shares underlying the Series B Shares, assuming a combined public offering price of $1.79 per share and accompanying warrant (the last reported sale price of our Common Stock on Nasdaq on April 14, 2023);
	●	1,818,760 shares currently issuable upon the exercise of warrants issued to Old ZyVersa holders and assumed by the Company with a weighted average exercise price of $8.08;
	●	1,993,235 shares issuable upon exercise of stock options, with a weighted-average exercise price of $10.81 issued pursuant to our 2014 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2014 Plan”); and
	●	1,453,108 shares reserved for future issuance under our 2022 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan (the “2022 Plan”).

The information discussed above is illustrative only and will adjust based on the actual public offering price and other terms of this offering determined at pricing. Unless expressly indicated or the context requires otherwise, all information in this prospectus assumes (i) no purchaser elects to purchase pre-funded warrants and (ii) no exercise of the warrants offered hereby.

An investment in our securities involves a high degree of risk. You should carefully consider the risks described below before making an investment decision. Our business, prospects, financial condition or operating results could be harmed by any of these risks, as well as other risks not currently known to us or that we currently consider immaterial. The trading price of our securities could decline due to any of these risks, and, as a result, you may lose all or part of your investment. Certain statements in “Risk Factors” are forward-looking statements. See “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.”

Our current and future product candidates may never be approved or achieve commercial market acceptance.

Our success depends on the market’s confidence that we can develop product candidates for patients with high unmet medical needs, optimize health outcomes and improve patients’ quality of life. Failure of our current and future product candidates, or those jointly developed with our collaborators, to develop or perform as expected could significantly impair our business. We and our collaborators may not succeed in achieving commercial market acceptance for our current or future product candidates due to a number of factors, including:

Additionally, our business could be negatively impacted due to changes in our research and development plans, financial constraints, the regulatory environment, negative publicity about our product candidates or competing products both of which are circumstances outside of our control. We may not be successful in addressing these or other factors that might affect the market acceptance of our product candidates and technologies. Failure to develop, obtain approval or achieve commercial market acceptance of our product candidates could materially harm our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We are a development stage company with a limited operating history and no revenues, and there are a number of factors that may affect our prospects.

We are a development stage pharmaceutical company with a limited operating history and no revenues. The likelihood of success of our business plan must be considered in light of the problems, substantial expenses, difficulties, complications and delays frequently encountered in connection with developing and expanding early-stage businesses and the regulatory and competitive environment in which we operate. Pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical product development is a highly speculative undertaking, involves a substantial degree of risk and is a capital-intensive business. Accordingly, you should consider our prospects in light of the costs, uncertainties, delays and difficulties frequently encountered by development stage pharmaceutical companies such as our Company, and note that we cannot assure you that we will be able to successfully address these risks.

Our operations to date have been primarily limited to our organizational and capital-raising activities, negotiating our license agreements, and conducting development activities for VAR 200 and IC 100. We have not demonstrated our ability to successfully complete large-scale, pivotal clinical trials, obtain regulatory approvals, manufacture a commercial scale product or arrange for a third party to do so on our behalf, or conduct sales and marketing activities necessary for successful product commercialization or manage an operational public company. Because of our limited operating history, we have limited insight into trends that may emerge and affect our business, and errors may be made in developing an approach to address those trends and the other challenges faced by development stage pharmaceutical companies such as our Company. Failure to adequately respond to such trends and challenges could cause our business, results of operations and financial condition to suffer or fail. Further, our limited operating history may make it difficult for our stockholders to make any predictions about our likelihood of future success or viability.

Factors relating to our business that may affect our prospects may include other such as:

We have never been profitable. To date, we do not have data to support regulatory approval of any of our drug products, we have no products approved for commercial sale in any jurisdiction, and we have not generated any revenue from product sales. As a result, our ability to curtail our losses and reach profitability is unproven, and we may never achieve or sustain profitability.

We have never been profitable and do not expect to be profitable for the foreseeable future. As of December 31, 2022, our accumulated net loss was approximately $71,865,602, inclusive of the Predecessor period. We have devoted most of our financial resources to our organizational and capital-raising activities and negotiating our license agreements, and other strategic partnerships and collaborations. We have not completed development of any product candidate through the receipt of marketing approval, and we have therefore not generated any revenues from product sales. Because of the numerous risks and uncertainties associated with pharmaceutical product development, we are unable to accurately predict the timing or amount of increased expenses or when, or if, we will be able to achieve or maintain profitability. We expect to incur increased expenses as we continue the clinical development of VAR 200 and preclinical development of IC 100 and other product candidates that we may seek to develop and for which we may seek marketing approval in the United States and elsewhere. We also expect an increase in our expenses associated with creating additional infrastructure (including hiring additional personnel) to commence clinical trials and continue the development and commercialization of VAR 200 and IC 100 and other product candidates that we may seek to develop. As a result, we expect to continue to incur net losses and negative cash flows for the foreseeable future. These net losses and negative cash flows have had, and will continue to have, an adverse effect on our stockholders’ equity and working capital.

To date, we have financed our operations through the sale of our equity securities. The amount of our future net losses will depend, in part, on the rate of future growth of our expenses and our ability to generate revenues. If we are unable to develop and commercialize VAR 200, IC 100, or any other product candidates that we may seek to develop, either alone or with collaborators, or if revenues from any product candidate that receives marketing approval are insufficient, we may not be able to raise additional capital and will not achieve profitability. Even if we do achieve profitability, we may not be able to sustain or increase profitability.

We are a development stage pharmaceutical company with no commercial products. Our primary product candidates are in the process of being developed, and will require significant additional preclinical and clinical development and investment before they could potentially be commercialized. As a result, we have not generated any revenue from operations since inception, and we have incurred substantial net losses to date. Moreover, our cash position is vastly inadequate to support our business plans and substantial additional funding will be needed in order to pursue those plans, which include research and development of our primary product candidates, seeking regulatory approval for those product candidates, and pursuing their commercialization in the United States and other markets. Our independent registered public accounting firm’s report contains an explanatory paragraph that expresses doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. Those circumstances raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. In particular, we believe that our current cash and cash equivalents on hand will only be sufficient to meet our anticipated cash requirements through the second quarter of 2023. If we are unable to continue as a going concern, we might have to liquidate our assets and the values we receive for our assets in liquidation or dissolution could be significantly lower than the values reflected in our financial statements. In addition, our lack of cash resources and our potential inability to continue as a going concern may materially adversely affect the value of our capital stock and our ability to raise new capital or to enter into critical contractual relations with third parties.

We identified a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting. If we are not able to remediate the material weakness and otherwise maintain an effective system of internal control over financial reporting, the reliability of our financial reporting, investor confidence in us and the value of our Common Stock could be adversely affected.

As a public company, we are required to maintain internal control over financial reporting and to report any material weaknesses in such internal controls. Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (“Section 404”) requires that we evaluate and determine the effectiveness of internal controls over financial reporting and provide a management report on internal control over financial reporting. A material weakness is a deficiency, or combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected and corrected on a timely basis.

During the audit for the 2022 fiscal year, we identified a material weakness in internal control over financial reporting because we did not design and implement effective controls over the accounting for significant and complex non-routine transactions.

Our management plans to establish procedures to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting on an ongoing basis and are committed to taking further action and implementing necessary enhancements or improvements. Management expects to complete its assessment of the design and operating effectiveness of its internal controls over financial reporting during 2023. However, the material weakness will not be considered remediated until the applicable controls operate for a sufficient period of time and management has concluded, through testing, that these controls are operating effectively.

If our steps are insufficient to successfully remediate the material weaknesses and otherwise establish and maintain an effective system of internal control over financial reporting, the reliability of our financial reporting, investor confidence in us and the value of our Common Stock could be materially and adversely affected. Effective internal control over financial reporting is necessary for us to provide reliable and timely financial reports and, together with adequate disclosure controls and procedures, are designed to reasonably detect and prevent fraud. Any failure to implement required new or improved controls, or difficulties encountered in their implementation could cause us to fail to meet our reporting obligations. For as long as we are a “smaller reporting company” under the U.S. securities laws, our independent registered public accounting firm will not be required to attest to the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting pursuant to Section 404. An independent assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting could detect problems that our management’s assessment might not. Undetected material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting could lead to financial statement restatements and require us to incur the expense of remediation.

Moreover, we do not expect that disclosure controls or internal control over financial reporting will prevent all errors and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the control system’s objectives will be met. Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, have been detected. The failure of our control systems to prevent error or fraud could materially adversely impact us.

We will need additional capital to develop and commercialize our product candidates. If we are unable to raise sufficient capital, we would be forced to delay, reduce or eliminate our product development programs.

Developing pharmaceutical products, including conducting preclinical studies and clinical trials, is expensive. We expect our research and development expenses to increase in connection with our ongoing activities, particularly as we start clinical trials for VAR 200 and conduct preclinical development of IC 100. We have no commitments or arrangements for any additional financing to fund our development and commercialization efforts for VAR 200, IC 100, or any other product candidate that we may seek to develop. We will need to raise substantial additional capital to develop and commercialize VAR 200, IC 100, and any other product candidate that we may seek to develop. Because successful development of VAR 200 or IC 100 is uncertain, we are unable to estimate the actual funds required to complete their development and commercialization.

Until we can generate a sufficient amount of revenue from VAR 200, IC 100, or any other product candidate that we may seek to develop, if ever, we expect to finance future cash needs through public or private equity offerings, debt financings or corporate collaborations and licensing arrangements. Additional funds may not be available when we need them on terms that are acceptable to us, or at all. If adequate funds are not available, we may be required to delay, reduce the scope of, or curtail, our operations. To the extent that we raise additional funds by issuing equity securities, or securities convertible into equity securities, the ownership of our then existing stockholders may be diluted, which dilution could be significant depending on the price at which we may be able to sell our securities. Also, if we raise additional capital through the incurrence of indebtedness, we may become subject to additional covenants restricting our business activities, the holders of debt instruments may have rights and privileges senior to those of our equity investors, and servicing the interest and principal repayment obligations under such debt instruments could divert funds that would otherwise be available to support research and development, clinical or commercialization activities. Corresponding, we may not be able to enter into collaborations that we seek to establish. To the extent that we raise additional funds through collaborations and licensing arrangements, it may be necessary to relinquish some rights to our technologies or our product candidates or grant licenses on terms that may not be favorable to us. We may seek to access the public or private capital markets whenever conditions are favorable, even if we do not have an immediate need for additional capital at that time.

Our future funding requirements, both near and long-term, will depend on many factors, including, but not limited to:

We are subject to various U.S. anti-corruption laws and other anti-bribery and anti-kickback laws and regulations.

We are subject to the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended (the “FCPA”), and other anticorruption, anti-bribery, and anti-money laundering laws in the jurisdictions in which we do business. These laws generally prohibit us and our employees from improperly influencing government officials or commercial parties in order to obtain or retain business, direct business to any person or gain any improper advantage. The FCPA and other applicable anti-bribery and anti-corruption laws also may hold us liable for acts of corruption and bribery committed by our third-party business partners, representatives and agents who are acting on our behalf. We and our third-party business partners, representatives and agents may have direct or indirect interactions with officials and employees of government agencies or state-owned or affiliated entities and we may be held liable for the corrupt or other illegal activities of these third-party business partners and intermediaries and employees, representatives, contractors and agents, even if we do not explicitly authorize such activities. These laws also require that we keep accurate books and records and maintain internal controls and compliance procedures designed to prevent any such actions. While we have policies and procedures to address compliance with such laws, we cannot assure that our employees and agents will not take actions in violation of our policies or applicable law, for which we may be ultimately held responsible and our exposure for violating these laws increases as our international presence expands and as we increases sales and operations in foreign jurisdictions. Any violation of the FCPA or other applicable anti-bribery, anti-corruption and anti-money laundering laws could result in whistleblower complaints, adverse media coverage, investigations, imposition of significant legal fees, loss of export privileges, severe criminal or civil sanctions or suspension or debarment from U.S. government contracts, substantial diversion of management’s attention, a drop in our stock price or overall adverse consequences to our business, all of which may have an adverse effect on our reputation, business, financial condition and operating results.

Our financial condition and results of operations may be adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Occurrences of epidemics or pandemics, depending on their scale, may cause different degrees of disruption to the regional, state and local economies in which we operate our business and develop our product candidates. The current COVID-19 pandemic has had and could continue to have a material adverse effect on the value, operating results and financial condition of our business. Extraordinary actions taken by international, federal, state, and local public health and governmental authorities to contain and combat the outbreak and spread of COVID-19 in regions throughout the world, including travel bans, quarantines, “stay-at-home” orders, suspension of interest accrual and collections on certain federally-backed student loans and similar mandates for many individuals and businesses to substantially restrict daily activities have led to a decrease in consumer activity generally. While the extent and duration of the economic slowdown and high unemployment rates attributable to the COVID-19 pandemic remain uncertain at this time, particularly as new strains of the virus emerge and create potential challenges to vaccination efforts, a continued significant economic slowdown could have a substantial adverse effect on our financial condition, liquidity and results of operations.

A pandemic, epidemic, or outbreak of an infectious disease, such as COVID-19 could cause a disruption to the development of our product candidates.

Public health crises such as pandemics or similar outbreaks could adversely impact our business. In December 2019, a novel strain of a virus named SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2), or coronavirus, which causes COVID-19, surfaced in Wuhan, China and has since spread worldwide. The coronavirus pandemic is evolving, and to date has led to the implementation of various responses, including government-imposed quarantines, travel restrictions and other public health safety measures. The extent to which the coronavirus impacts our operations or those of our third-party partners, including our preclinical studies or clinical trial operations, will also depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted with confidence, including the duration of the outbreak, new information that will emerge concerning the severity of the coronavirus and the actions to contain the coronavirus or treat its impact, among others. The continued spread of COVID-19 globally could adversely impact our preclinical or clinical trial operations in the U.S. and abroad, including our ability to recruit and retain patients and principal investigators and site staff who, as healthcare providers, may have heightened exposure to COVID-19. For example, similar to other biopharmaceutical companies, we may experience delays in enrolling our current and/or planned clinical trials. COVID-19 may also affect employees of third-party CROs located in affected geographies that we rely upon to carry out our clinical trials. In addition, the patient populations that our lead and other core product candidates target may be particularly susceptible to COVID-19, which may make it more difficult for us to identify patients able to enroll in our future clinical trials and may impact the ability of enrolled patients to complete any such trials. Any negative impact COVID-19 has to patient enrollment or treatment or the execution of our product candidates could cause costly delays to clinical trial activities, which could adversely affect our ability to obtain regulatory approval for and to commercialize our product candidates, increase our operating expenses, and have a material adverse effect on our financial results.

Additionally, timely enrollment in planned clinical trials is dependent upon clinical trial sites which could be adversely affected by global health matters, such as pandemics. We plan to conduct clinical trials for our product candidates in geographies which are currently being affected by the coronavirus. Some factors from the coronavirus outbreak that will delay or otherwise adversely affect enrollment in the clinical trials of our product candidates, as well as our business generally, include:

We have taken temporary precautionary measures intended to help minimize the risk of the virus to our employees, including having all of our employees to work remotely, suspending all non-essential travel worldwide for our employees and discouraging employee attendance at industry events and in-person work-related meetings, which could negatively affect our business. We cannot presently predict the scope and severity of the planned and potential shutdowns or disruptions of businesses and government agencies, such as the SEC or FDA.

Our business is dependent on the successful development, regulatory approval and commercialization of our product candidates, in particular VAR 200 and IC 100.

The success of our business, including our ability to finance our company and generate any revenue in the future, will primarily depend on the successful development, regulatory approval and commercialization or partnering of our product candidates. In the future, we may also become dependent on just one of our product candidates or any future product candidates that we may in-license, acquire or develop. The preclinical and clinical and commercial success of our product candidates will depend on a number of factors, including the following:

VAR 200 may not obtain an FDA designation as an Orphan Drug for FSGS. The FDA received our submission for Orphan Drug Designation on September 17, 2018. Orphan Drug Designation was unable to be granted because (1) the FSGS preclinical model used to support the request reflected prevention rather than treatment of FSGS, which was the proposed indication for VAR 200, and (2) the FDA felt that the prevalence estimate provided was underestimated based on the assumptions and calculations used. We plan to reapply for Orphan Drug Designation when clinical data are available for VAR 200, using additional information to support the prevalence rate of FSGS.

If we are unable to achieve one or more of the above factors, many of which are beyond our control, in a timely manner or at all, we could experience significant delays and increased costs or an inability to obtain regulatory approvals or commercialize our product candidates. Even if regulatory approvals are obtained, we may never be able to successfully commercialize any of our product candidates. Accordingly, we cannot assure you that we will be able to generate sufficient revenue through the sale of our product candidates or any future product candidates to continue operations.

Preclinical drug development for our product candidate IC 100 is very expensive, time-consuming and uncertain. Our preclinical trials may fail to adequately demonstrate pharmacologic activity in therapeutic areas of interest; cause unintended short- or long-term effects in other bodily systems; or produce unexpected toxicity that may alter or risk benefit assessment. The class of compounds reflective of IC 100 has not entered into clinical trials, and the effects of the pharmacologic class are unknown. These and other factors could prevent or delay further development.

The scientific discoveries that form the basis for our efforts to generate and develop our product candidates are relatively recent. The scientific evidence to support the feasibility of developing agents based on our approach is both preliminary and limited. IC 100 represents a novel therapeutic modality and the successful development may require additional studies and efforts to optimize its therapeutic potential. IC 100 may not demonstrate in patients the therapeutic properties ascribed to it in the laboratory or preclinical studies, and may interact with human biological systems in unforeseen, ineffective or even harmful ways. If we are unable to successfully develop and commercialize IC 100 we may never become profitable and the value of our capital stock may decline.

IC 100 is a relatively novel technology, which makes it difficult to predict the time and cost of development and of subsequently obtaining regulatory approval, if at all.

We have concentrated our research and development efforts on a limited number of initial targeted disease indications. There can be no assurance that we will not experience problems or delays in developing our current or future indications and that such problems or delays will not cause unanticipated costs, or that any such development problems can be solved. Preclinical data generated on IC 100 along with a proposed clinical development plan requires review and allowance by the FDA under an Investigational New Drug Application. We have not generated the data to support such an application, and the results of preclinical studies will require FDA review prior to the initiation of clinical studies which may not be granted.

We may not be successful in our efforts to use and expand our development platform to build a pipeline of product candidates.

A key element of our strategy for IC 100 is to use our experienced management and scientific team to evaluate IC 100 in broad range of human disease in order to build a pipeline of product candidates. Although our research and development efforts to date have resulted in potential product candidates, we may not be able to continue to identify and develop additional product candidates. Even if we are successful in continuing to build our pipeline, the potential product candidates that we identify may not be suitable for clinical development. For example, these potential product candidates may be shown to have harmful side effects or other characteristics that indicate that they are unlikely to receive marketing approval and achieve market acceptance. If we do not successfully develop and commercialize product candidates based upon our approach, we will not be able to obtain product revenue in future periods, which likely would result in significant harm to our financial position. There is no assurance that we will be successful in our preclinical and clinical development, and the process of obtaining regulatory approvals will, in any event, require the expenditure of substantial time and financial resources.

Clinical drug development for our product candidates is very expensive, time-consuming and uncertain. Our clinical trials may fail to adequately demonstrate the safety and efficacy of our product candidates, which could prevent or delay regulatory approval and commercialization.

Clinical drug development for our product candidates is very expensive, time-consuming, difficult to design and implement and its outcome is inherently uncertain. Before obtaining regulatory approval for the commercial sale of a product candidate, we must demonstrate through clinical trials that a product candidate is both safe and effective for use in the target indication, which is impossible to predict. Most product candidates that commence clinical trials are never approved by regulatory authorities for commercialization. Our product candidates are in various stages of development and a failure of one more clinical trial can occur at any stage of testing or at any time during the trial process. We expect that clinical trials for these product candidates will continue for several years but may take significantly longer than expected to complete. Not all of our product candidates have been tested in humans and the first use in humans may reveal unexpected effects. We have not completed all clinical trials for the approval of any of our product candidates.

We may experience delays in ongoing and future clinical trials for our product candidates and do not know if future clinical trials, if any, will begin on time, need to be redesigned, enroll adequate number of patients on time or be completed on schedule, if at all. In addition, we, any partner with which we currently or may in the future collaborate, the FDA, an Institutional Review Board (an “IRB”) or other regulatory authorities, including state and local agencies and counterpart agencies in foreign countries, may suspend, delay, require modifications to or terminate our clinical trials at any time, for various reasons, including:

We or any partner with which we may collaborate may suffer significant setbacks in our clinical trials similar to the experience of a number of other companies in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, even after receiving promising results in earlier trials. In the event that we or our potential partners abandon or are delayed in the clinical development efforts related to our product candidates, we may not be able to execute on our business plan effectively and our business, financial condition, operating results and prospects would be harmed.

Changes in methods of product candidate manufacturing or formulation may result in additional costs or delay.

As product candidates proceed through preclinical studies to late-stage clinical trials towards potential approval and commercialization, it is common that various aspects of the development program, such as manufacturing methods and formulation, are altered along the way in an effort to optimize processes and results. Such changes carry the risk that they will not achieve these intended objectives. Any of these changes could cause our product candidates to perform differently and affect the results of planned clinical trials or other future clinical trials conducted with the altered materials. Such changes may also require additional testing, FDA notification or FDA approval. This could delay completion of clinical trials, require the conduct of bridging clinical trials or the repetition of one or more clinical trials.

We may be unable to obtain regulatory approval for VAR 200 or IC 100, our early-stage product candidates under applicable regulatory requirements. The FDA and foreign regulatory bodies have substantial discretion in the approval process, including the ability to delay, limit or deny approval of product candidates. The delay, limitation or denial of any regulatory approval would adversely impact commercialization, our potential to generate revenue, our business and our operating results.

We currently have no products approved for sale, and we may never obtain regulatory approval to commercialize any of our current or future product candidates. The research, testing, manufacturing, safety surveillance, efficacy, quality control, recordkeeping, labeling, packaging, storage, approval, sale, marketing, distribution, import, export and reporting of safety and other post-market information related to our drug products are subject to extensive regulation by the FDA and other regulatory authorities in the United States and in foreign countries, and such regulations differ from country to country. We are not permitted to market any of our current product candidates in the United States until we receive approval of a NDA, BLA or other applicable regulatory filing from the FDA. We are also not permitted to market any of our current product candidates in any foreign countries until we or our partners receive the requisite approval from the applicable regulatory authorities of such countries. To gain approval to market a new drug such as VAR 200 or IC 100, the FDA and/or foreign regulatory authorities must receive, among other things, preclinical and clinical data that adequately demonstrate the safety, purity, potency, efficacy and compliant manufacturing of the drug product for the intended indication applied for in a NDA, BLA or other applicable regulatory filing. The development and approval of new drug products involves a long, expensive and uncertain process, and delay or failure can occur at any stage. A number of companies in the pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical industry have suffered significant setbacks in nonclinical development, clinical trials, including in Phase 3 clinical development, even after promising results in earlier preclinical studies or clinical trials. These setbacks have been caused by, among other things, findings made while clinical trials were underway and safety or efficacy observations made in clinical trials, including previously unreported adverse events. Success in clinical trials does not ensure that later clinical trials will be successful, or that nonclinical studies will be successful. The results of clinical trials by other parties may not be indicative of the results in trials we or our partners may conduct.

The FDA and foreign regulatory bodies have substantial discretion in the drug development and approval process, including the ability to delay, limit drug development or limit or deny approval of product candidates for many reasons. The FDA or the applicable foreign regulatory body may:

Any delay, limitation or denial in any applicable regulatory approval for any of our product candidates would delay or adversely impact commercialization of our product candidates and would harm our business, financial condition, operating results and prospects.

Even if our current product candidates or any future product candidates obtain regulatory approval, they may fail to achieve the broad degree of physician and patient adoption and use necessary for commercial success.

The commercial success of any of our current or future product candidates, if approved, will depend significantly on the broad adoption and use of the resulting product by physicians, patients and payors for approved indications, and may not be commercially successful. The degree and rate of adoption of our current or future product candidates, if approved, will depend on a number of factors, including:

If any of our current or future product candidates are approved for use but fail to achieve the broad degree of physician and patient adoption necessary for commercial success, our operating results and financial condition will be adversely affected, which may delay, prevent or limit our ability to generate revenue and continue our business.

Our product candidates, if approved, will face significant competition and our failure to effectively compete may prevent us from achieving significant market penetration.

The pharmaceutical industry is characterized by rapidly advancing technologies, intense competition, and a strong emphasis on developing proprietary therapeutics. Numerous pharmaceutical companies, generic drug companies, biotechnology companies, and academic and research institutions are engaged in the development, patenting, manufacturing, and marketing of health care products competitive with those that we are developing, including Travere, Pfizer, Goldfinch Bio, Boehringer Ingelheim, Astra Zeneca, Sanofi, Novartis, Roche and others. Many of our competitors have greater financial resources, marketing capabilities, sales forces, manufacturing capabilities, research and development capabilities, clinical trial expertise, intellectual property portfolios, experience in obtaining patents and regulatory approvals for product candidates and other resources than us. Some of the companies that offer competing products also have a broad range of other product offerings, large direct sales forces and long-term customer relationships with our target physicians, which could inhibit our market penetration efforts. In addition, certain of our product candidates, if approved, may compete with a share of some patients’ discretionary budgets and for physicians’ attention within their clinical practices.

We anticipate that, if we obtain regulatory approval of our product candidates, we will face significant competition from other approved therapies. If approved, our product candidates may also compete with unregulated, unapproved, off-label, and over the counter treatments. Certain of our product candidates, if approved, will present novel therapeutic approaches for the approved indications and will have to compete with existing therapies, some of which are widely known and accepted by physicians and patients. To compete successfully in this market, we will have to demonstrate that the relative cost, safety and efficacy of our approved products, if any, provide an attractive alternative to existing and other new therapies. Such competition could lead to reduced market share for our product candidates and contribute to downward pressure on the pricing of our product candidates, which could harm our business, financial condition, operating results and prospects.

We expect to face generic or similar type of product competition for our product candidates, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition, operating results and prospects.

Upon the expiration or loss of any patent protection for any of our product candidates that are approved, or upon the “at-risk” launch, despite pending patent infringement litigation against the generic product or its equivalent, by a generic competitor of a generic version of any of our product candidates that are approved, which may be sold at significantly lower prices than our approved product candidates, we could lose a significant portion of sales of that product in a short period of time, which would adversely affect our business, financial condition, operating results and prospects.

Any product candidates that we commercialize, or that any partner with which we may collaborate commercializes, will be subject to ongoing and continued regulatory review.

Even after we or our partners achieve U.S. regulatory approval for a product candidate, if any, we or our partners will be subject to continued regulatory review and compliance obligations. For example, with respect to our product candidates, the FDA may impose significant restrictions on the approved indicated uses for which the product may be marketed or on the conditions of approval. A product candidate’s approval may contain requirements for potentially costly post-approval studies and surveillance, including Phase 4 clinical trials or a REMS, to monitor the safety and efficacy of the product. We will also be subject to ongoing FDA obligations and continued regulatory review with respect to, among other things, the manufacturing, processing, labeling, packaging, distribution, adverse event reporting, storage, advertising, promotion and recordkeeping for our product candidates. These requirements include submissions of safety and other post-marketing information and reports, registration, as well as continued compliance with cGMP requirements, with the FDA’s good clinical practice, or GCP, or good agricultural and collections practices, or GACP, requirements and good laboratory practice, or GLP, requirements, which are regulations and guidelines enforced by the FDA for all of our product candidates in clinical and preclinical development, and for any clinical trials that we conduct post-approval. To the extent that a product candidate is approved for sale in other countries, we may be subject to similar restrictions and requirements imposed by laws and government regulators in those countries.

If we, our partners, our product candidates or the manufacturing facilities for our product candidates fail to comply with applicable regulatory requirements, a regulatory agency may:

The regulations, policies or guidance of the FDA and other applicable government agencies may change, and new or additional statutes or government regulations may be enacted that could prevent or delay regulatory approval of our product candidates or further restrict or regulate post-approval activities. We cannot predict the likelihood, nature or extent of adverse government regulation that may arise from future legislation or administrative action, either in the United States or abroad. If we are not able to achieve and maintain regulatory compliance, we may not be permitted to market our product candidates, which would adversely affect our ability to generate revenue and achieve or maintain profitability.

We may in the future conduct clinical trials for our product candidates outside the United States and the FDA and applicable foreign regulatory authorities may not accept data from such trials.

We may in the future choose to conduct one or more of our clinical trials outside the United States, including in Canada, Europe and South America. Although the FDA or applicable foreign regulatory authority may accept data from clinical trials conducted outside the United States or the applicable jurisdiction, acceptance of such study data by the FDA or applicable foreign regulatory authority may be subject to certain conditions. Where data from foreign clinical trials are intended to serve as the basis for marketing approval in the United States, the FDA will not approve the application on the basis of foreign data alone unless those data are applicable to the U.S. population and U.S. medical practice; the studies were performed by clinical investigators of recognized competence; and the data are considered valid without the need for an on-site inspection by the FDA or, if the FDA considers such an inspection to be necessary, the FDA is able to validate the data through an on-site inspection or other appropriate means. Many foreign regulatory bodies have similar requirements. In addition, such foreign studies would be subject to the applicable local laws of the foreign jurisdictions where the studies are conducted. There can be no assurance the FDA or applicable foreign regulatory authority will accept data from trials conducted outside of the United States or the applicable jurisdiction. If the FDA or applicable foreign regulatory authority does not accept such data, it would likely result in the need for additional trials, which would be costly and time-consuming and delay aspects of our business plan.

Our product candidates may cause undesirable side effects or have other unexpected properties that could delay or prevent their regulatory approval, limit the commercial profile of an approved label or result in post-approval regulatory action.

Unforeseen side effects from any of our product candidates could arise either during clinical development or, if approved, after the approved product has been marketed. Undesirable side effects caused by product candidates could cause us, any partners with which we may collaborate or regulatory authorities to interrupt, modify, delay or halt clinical trials and could result in a more restrictive label or the delay or denial of regulatory approval by the FDA or comparable foreign authorities. Results of clinical trials could reveal a high and unacceptable severity and prevalence of side effects. In such an event, trials could be suspended or terminated, and the FDA or comparable foreign regulatory authorities could order us, or our potential partners, to cease further development of or deny approval of product candidates for any or all targeted indications. The drug-related side effects could affect patient recruitment or the ability of enrolled patients to complete the trial or result in product liability claims. Any of these occurrences may harm our business, financial condition, operating results and prospects.

Additionally, if we or others identify undesirable side effects, or other previously unknown problems, caused by our product candidates after obtaining U.S. or foreign regulatory approval or other products with the same or related active ingredients, a number of potentially negative consequences could result, including:

Any of the above events resulting from undesirable side effects or other previously unknown problems could prevent us or our potential partners from achieving or maintaining market acceptance of the affected product candidate and could substantially increase the costs of commercializing our product candidates.

We may face product liability exposure, and if successful claims are brought against us, we may incur substantial liability if our insurance coverage for those claims is inadequate.

We face an inherent risk of product liability as a result of the clinical testing of our product candidates and will face an even greater risk if we commercialize any products. This risk exists even if a product is approved for commercial sale by the FDA and manufactured in facilities licensed and regulated by the FDA or an applicable foreign regulatory authority. Our products and product candidates are designed to affect important bodily functions and processes. Any side effects, manufacturing defects, misuse or abuse associated with our product candidates could result in injury to a patient or even death. We cannot offer any assurance that we will not face product liability suits in the future, nor can we assure you that our insurance coverage will be sufficient to cover our liability under any such cases.

In addition, a liability claim may be brought against us even if our product candidates merely appear to have caused an injury. Product liability claims may be brought against us by consumers, health care providers, pharmaceutical companies or others selling or otherwise coming into contact with our product candidates, among others. If we cannot successfully defend ourselves against product liability claims we will incur substantial liabilities and reputational harm. In addition, regardless of merit or eventual outcome, product liability claims may result in:

We currently maintain product liability insurance coverage, which may not be sufficient to cover all of our product liability related expenses or losses and may not cover us for any expenses or losses we may suffer. Moreover, insurance coverage is becoming increasingly expensive, and, in the future, we may not be able to maintain insurance coverage at a reasonable cost, in sufficient amounts or upon adequate terms to protect us against losses due to product liability. We will need to increase our product liability coverage if any of our product candidates receive regulatory approval, which will be costly, and we may be unable to obtain this increased product liability insurance on commercially reasonable terms, or at all. A successful product liability claim or series of claims brought against us could cause our stock price to decline and, if judgments exceed our insurance coverage, could decrease our cash and could harm our business, financial condition, operating results and prospects.

If any of our product candidates are approved for marketing and we are found to have improperly promoted off-label uses, or if physicians misuse our products or use our products off-label, we may become subject to prohibitions on the sale or marketing of our products, product liability claims and significant fines, penalties and sanctions, and our brand and reputation could be harmed.

The FDA and other regulatory agencies strictly regulate the marketing and promotional claims that are made about drug and biologic products. In particular, a product may not be promoted for uses or indications that are not approved by the FDA or such other regulatory agencies as reflected in the product’s approved labeling and comparative safety or efficacy claims cannot be made without direct comparative clinical data. If we are found to have promoted off-label uses of any of our product candidates, we may receive warning or untitled letters and become subject to significant liability, which would materially harm our business. Both federal and state governments have levied large civil and criminal fines against companies for alleged improper promotion and have enjoined several companies from engaging in off-label promotion. If we become the target of such an investigation or prosecution based on our marketing and promotional practices, we could face similar sanctions, which would materially harm our business. In addition, management’s attention could be diverted from our business operations, significant legal expenses could be incurred and our brand and reputation could be damaged. The FDA has also requested that companies enter into consent decrees or permanent injunctions under which specified promotional conduct is changed or curtailed. If we are deemed by the FDA to have engaged in the promotion of our products for off-label use, we could be subject to FDA regulatory or enforcement actions, including the issuance of an untitled letter, a warning letter, injunction, seizure, civil fine or criminal penalties. It is also possible that other federal, state or foreign enforcement authorities might take action if they consider our business activities constitute promotion of an off-label use, which could result in significant penalties, including criminal, civil or administrative penalties, damages, fines, disgorgement, exclusion from participation in government healthcare programs and the curtailment or restructuring of our operations.

We cannot, however, prevent a physician from using our product candidates outside of those indications for use when in the physician’s independent professional medical judgment he or she deems appropriate. Physicians may also misuse our product candidates or use improper techniques, potentially leading to adverse results, side effects or injury, which may lead to product liability claims. If our product candidates are misused or used with improper technique, we may become subject to costly litigation by physicians or their patients. Furthermore, the use of our product candidates for indications other than those cleared by the FDA may not effectively treat such conditions, which could harm our reputation among physicians and patients.

We may choose not to continue developing or commercializing any of our product candidates at any time during development or after approval, which would reduce or eliminate our potential return on investment for those product candidates.

At any time, we may decide to discontinue the development of any of our product candidates or not to continue commercializing one or more of our approved product candidates for a variety of reasons, including the appearance of new technologies that make our product obsolete, competition from a competing product or changes in or failure to comply with applicable regulatory requirements. If we terminate a program in which we have invested significant resources, we will not receive any return on our investment and we will have missed the opportunity to have allocated those resources to potentially more productive uses.

We or our current and prospective partners may be subject to product recalls in the future that could harm our brand and reputation and could negatively affect our business.

We or our current and prospective partners may be subject to product recalls, withdrawals or seizures if any of our product candidates, if approved for marketing, fail to meet specifications or are believed to cause injury or illness or if we are alleged to have violated governmental regulations including those related to the manufacture, labeling, promotion, sale or distribution. Any recall, withdrawal or seizure in the future could materially and adversely affect consumer confidence in our brands and lead to decreased demand for our approved products. In addition, a recall, withdrawal or seizure of any of our approved products would require significant management attention, would likely result in substantial and unexpected expenditures and would harm our business, financial condition and operating results.

If we or any partners with which we may collaborate are unable to achieve and maintain coverage and adequate levels of reimbursement for any of our product candidates for which we receive regulatory approval, or any future products we may seek to commercialize, their commercial success may be severely hindered.

For any of our product candidates that become available only by prescription, successful sales by us or by any partners with which we may collaborate depend on the availability of coverage and adequate reimbursement from third-party payors. Patients who are prescribed medicine for the treatment of their conditions generally rely on third-party payors to reimburse all or part of the costs associated with their prescription drugs. The availability of coverage and adequate reimbursement from governmental healthcare programs, such as Medicare and Medicaid, and private third-party payors is critical to new product acceptance. Coverage decisions may depend upon clinical and economic standards that disfavor new drug products when more established or lower cost therapeutic alternatives are already available or subsequently become available. If any of our product candidates do not demonstrate attractive efficacy profiles, they may not qualify for coverage and reimbursement. Even if we obtain coverage for a given product, the resulting reimbursement payment rates might not be adequate or may require co-payments that patients find unacceptably high. Patients are unlikely to use our products unless coverage is provided and reimbursement is adequate to cover a significant portion of the cost of our products.

In addition, the market for our product candidates will depend significantly on access to third-party payors’ drug formularies or lists of medications for which third-party payors provide coverage and reimbursement. The industry competition to be included in such formularies often leads to downward pricing pressures on pharmaceutical companies. Also, third-party payors may refuse to include a particular branded drug in their formularies or otherwise restrict patient access to a branded drug when a less costly generic equivalent or another alternative is available.

Further, third-party payors, whether foreign or domestic, or governmental or commercial, are developing increasingly sophisticated methods of controlling healthcare costs. In addition, in the United States, although private third-party payors tend to follow Medicare, no uniform policy of coverage and reimbursement for drug products exists among third-party payors. Therefore, coverage and reimbursement for drug products can differ significantly from payor to payor. As a result, the coverage determination process is often a time-consuming and costly process that will require us to provide scientific and clinical support for the use of our product candidates to each payor separately, with no assurance that coverage and adequate reimbursement will be obtained.

Further, we believe that future coverage and reimbursement will likely be subject to increased restrictions both in the United States and in international markets. Third-party coverage and reimbursement for any of our product candidates for which we may receive regulatory approval may not be available or adequate in either the United States or international markets, which could harm our business, financial condition, operating results and prospects.

Recently enacted and future healthcare legislative or regulatory reform measures, including government restrictions on pricing and reimbursement, may increase the difficulty and cost for us to obtain marketing approval, and could have a negative impact on our business and results of operations.

In the United States and some foreign jurisdictions, there have been, and continue to be, several legislative and regulatory changes and proposed changes regarding the healthcare system that could prevent or delay marketing approval of product candidates, restrict or regulate post approval activities, and affect our ability to profitably sell any product candidates for which we obtain marketing approval.

Legislative and regulatory proposals have been made to expand post-approval requirements and restrict sales and promotional activities for pharmaceutical products. We do not know whether additional legislative changes will be enacted, or whether the FDA regulations, guidance or interpretations will be changed, or what the impact of such changes on the marketing approvals of our product candidates, if any, may be. In addition, increased scrutiny by the U.S. Congress of the FDA’s approval process may significantly delay or prevent marketing approval, as well as subject us to more stringent product labeling and post-marketing testing and other requirements.

In the United States, under the Medicare Modernization Act, or MMA, Medicare Part D provides coverage to the elderly and disabled for outpatient prescription drugs by approving and subsidizing prescription drug plans offered by private insurers. The MMA also authorizes Medicare Part D prescription drug plans to use formularies where they can limit the number of drugs that will be covered in any therapeutic class. The Part D plans use their formulary leverage to negotiate rebates and other price concessions from drug manufacturers. Also under the MMA, Medicare Part B provides coverage to the elderly and disabled for physician-administered drugs on the basis of the drug’s average sales price, a price that is calculated according to regulatory requirements and that the manufacturer reports to Medicare quarterly. Both Congress and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (“CMS”), the agency that administers the Medicare program, from time to time consider legislation, regulations, or other initiatives to reduce drug costs under Medicare Parts B and D. For example, under the ACA, drug manufacturers are required to provide a 50% discount on prescriptions for branded drugs filled while the beneficiary is in the Medicare Part D coverage gap, also known as the “donut hole.” There have been legislative proposals to repeal the “non-interference” provision of the MMA to allow CMS to leverage the Medicare market share to negotiate larger Part D rebates. Further cost reduction efforts could decrease the coverage and price that we receive for our drug candidates and could seriously harm our business. Private payors often follow Medicare coverage policy and payment limitations in setting their own reimbursement rates, and any reduction in reimbursement under the Medicare program may result in a similar reduction in payments from private payors.

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 (the “ACA”) is intended to broaden access to health insurance and reduce or constrain the growth of healthcare spending. Further, the Affordable Care Act imposes a significant annual fee on companies that manufacture or import branded prescription drug products. It also increased the amount of the rebates drug manufacturers must pay to state Medicaid programs, required that Medicaid rebates be paid on managed Medicaid utilization, and increased the additional rebate on “line extensions” (such as extended-release formulations) of solid oral dosage forms of branded products. The law also contains substantial provisions affecting fraud and abuse compliance and transparency, which may require us to modify our business practices with healthcare practitioners and incur substantial costs to ensure compliance.

Among policy makers and payors in the United States and elsewhere, there is significant interest in promoting changes in healthcare systems with the stated goals of containing healthcare costs, improving quality and/or expanding access. In the United States, the pharmaceutical industry has been a particular focus of these efforts and has been significantly affected by major legislative initiatives.

For example, in the United States, the ACA, substantially changed the way health care is financed by both governmental and private insurers and significantly affects the pharmaceutical industry. Many provisions of the ACA impact the biopharmaceutical industry, including that in order for a biopharmaceutical product to receive federal reimbursement under the Medicare Part B and Medicaid programs or to be sold directly to U.S. government agencies, the manufacturer must extend discounts to entities eligible to participate in the drug pricing program under the Public Health Services Act (the “PHS”). Since its enactment, there have been judicial and Congressional challenges and amendments to certain aspects of the ACA. There is continued uncertainty about the implementation of the ACA, including the potential for further amendments to the ACA and legal challenges to or efforts to repeal the ACA.

In addition, other legislative changes that affect the pharmaceutical industry have been proposed and adopted in the United States since the ACA was enacted. For example, the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 included, among other things, a provision that authorizes CMS to negotiate a “maximum fair price” for a limited number of high-cost, single-source drugs every year, and another provision that requires drug companies to pay rebates to Medicare if prices rise faster than inflation. In addition, various states have adopted or are considering adopting laws that require pharmaceutical companies to provide notice prior to raising prices and to justify price increases. We expect that additional healthcare reform measures will be adopted in the future, any of which could limit the amounts that federal and state governments will pay for healthcare products and services, and in turn could significantly reduce the projected value of certain development projects and reduce our profitability.

There has also been heightened governmental scrutiny in the United States of pharmaceutical pricing practices in light of the rising cost of prescription drugs and biologics. Such scrutiny has resulted in several recent congressional inquiries and proposed and enacted federal and state legislation designed to, among other things, bring more transparency to product pricing, review the relationship between pricing and manufacturer patient programs, and reform government program reimbursement methodologies for products. At the federal level, the now-departed Trump administration proposed numerous prescription drug cost control measures. Similarly, the new Biden administration has made lowering prescription drug prices one of its priorities. The Biden administration has not yet proposed any specific plans, but we expect that these will be forthcoming in the near term. At the state level, legislatures are increasingly passing legislation and implementing regulations designed to control pharmaceutical and biological product pricing, including price or patient reimbursement constraints, discounts, restrictions on certain product access and marketing cost disclosure and transparency measures, and, in some cases, designed to encourage importation from other countries and bulk purchasing.

Other examples of proposed changes include, but are not limited to, expanding post-approval requirements, changing the Orphan Drug Act, and restricting sales and promotional activities for pharmaceutical products. We cannot be sure whether additional legislative changes will be enacted, or whether government regulations, guidance or interpretations will be changed, or what the impact of such changes would be on the marketing approvals, sales, pricing, or reimbursement of our drug candidates or products, if any, may be. We expect that these and other healthcare reform measures that may be adopted in the future, may result in more rigorous coverage criteria and in additional downward pressure on the price that we receive for any approved drug. Any reduction in reimbursement from Medicare or other government programs may result in a similar reduction in payments from private payors. The implementation of cost containment measures or other healthcare reforms may prevent us from being able to generate revenue, attain profitability, or commercialize our drugs.

In addition, FDA regulations and guidance may be revised or reinterpreted by the FDA in ways that may significantly affect our business and our products. Any new regulations or guidance, or revisions or reinterpretations of existing regulations or guidance, may impose additional costs or lengthen FDA review times for any of our current or future product candidates. We cannot determine how changes in regulations, statutes, policies, or interpretations when and if issued, enacted or adopted, may affect our business in the future. Such changes could, among other things, require:

Such changes would likely require substantial time and impose significant costs, or could reduce the potential commercial value of our product candidates. In addition, delays in receipt of or failure to receive regulatory clearances or approvals for any other products would harm our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

We may also be subject to healthcare laws, regulation and enforcement and our failure to comply with those laws could adversely affect our business, operations and financial condition.

Certain federal and state healthcare laws and regulations pertaining to fraud and abuse and patients’ rights are and will be applicable to our business. We are subject to regulation by both the federal government and the states in which we or our partners conduct our business. The laws and regulations that may affect our ability to operate include:

Because of the breadth of these laws and the narrowness of the statutory exceptions and safe harbors available, it is possible that some of our business activities could be subject to challenge under one or more of such laws. In addition, recent health care reform legislation has strengthened these laws. For example, the Affordable Care Act, among other things, amended the intent requirement of the federal Anti-Kickback Statute and certain criminal healthcare fraud statutes. A person or entity no longer needs to have actual knowledge of the statute or specific intent to violate it. In addition, the Affordable Care Act provided that the government may assert that a claim including items or services resulting from a violation of the federal Anti-Kickback Statute constitutes a false or fraudulent claim for purposes of the federal civil False Claims Act.

Achieving and sustaining compliance with these laws may prove costly. In addition, any action against us for violation of these laws, even if we 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 the laws described above or any other governmental laws or regulations that apply to us, we may be subject to penalties, including administrative, civil and criminal penalties, damages, fines, disgorgement, the exclusion from participation in federal and state healthcare programs, individual imprisonment or the curtailment or restructuring of our operations, any of which could adversely affect our ability to operate our business and our financial results.

Our business involves the use of hazardous materials and we and our third-party suppliers and manufacturers must comply with environmental laws and regulations, which can be expensive and restrict how we do business.

The manufacturing activities of our third-party suppliers and manufacturers involve the controlled storage, use and disposal of hazardous materials owned by us, including the components of our product candidates and other hazardous compounds. We and our manufacturers and suppliers are subject to laws and regulations governing the use, manufacture, storage, handling, and disposal of these hazardous materials. In some cases, these hazardous materials and various wastes resulting from their use are stored at our suppliers’ or manufacturers’ facilities pending use and disposal. We and our suppliers and manufacturers cannot completely eliminate the risk of contamination, which could cause an interruption of our commercialization efforts, research and development efforts and business operations, injury to our service providers and others and environmental damage resulting in costly clean-up and liabilities under applicable laws and regulations governing the use, storage, handling and disposal of these materials and specified waste products. Although we believe that the safety procedures utilized by our third-party suppliers and manufacturers for handling and disposing of these materials generally comply with the standards prescribed by these laws and regulations, we cannot guarantee that this is the case or eliminate the risk of accidental contamination or injury from these materials. In such an event, we may be held liable for any resulting damages and such liability could exceed our resources. We do not currently carry biological or hazardous waste insurance coverage.

Our employees, independent contractors, principal investigators, consultants, vendors, CROs and any partners with which we may collaborate may engage in misconduct or other improper activities, including noncompliance with regulatory standards and requirements.

We are exposed to the risk that our employees, independent contractors, principal investigators, consultants, vendors, CROs and any partners with which we may collaborate may engage in fraudulent or other illegal activity. Misconduct by these persons could include intentional, reckless or negligent conduct or unauthorized activity that violates: laws or regulations, including those laws requiring the reporting of true, complete and accurate information to the FDA or foreign regulatory authorities; manufacturing standards; federal, state and foreign healthcare fraud and abuse laws and data privacy; or laws that require the true, complete and accurate reporting of financial information or data. In particular, sales, marketing and other business arrangements in the healthcare industry are subject to extensive laws intended to prevent fraud, kickbacks, self-dealing and other abusive practices. These laws may restrict or prohibit a wide range of business activities, including research, manufacturing, distribution, pricing, discounting, marketing and promotion, sales commission, customer incentive programs and other business arrangements. Activities subject to these laws also involve the improper use of information obtained in the course of clinical trials, or illegal misappropriation of drug product, which could result in regulatory sanctions or other actions or lawsuits stemming from a failure to be in compliance with such laws or regulations, and serious harm to our reputation. In addition, federal procurement laws impose substantial penalties for misconduct in connection with government contracts and require certain contractors to maintain a code of business ethics and conduct. If any such actions are instituted against us, and we are not successful in defending ourselves or asserting our rights, those actions could have a significant impact on our business, including the imposition of civil, criminal and administrative penalties, damages, monetary fines, possible exclusion from participation in Medicare, Medicaid and other federal healthcare programs, contractual damages, reputational harm, diminished profits and future earnings, and curtailment of our operations, any of which could adversely affect our ability to operate our business and our operating results.

Actual or alleged non-compliance with applicable employment laws and regulation may require operational changes and undermine our competitive positioning or have other material adverse effects on our business.

Our business is subject to a variety of employment laws and regulations and may become subject to additional such requirements in the future. Although we believe we are in in material compliance with applicable employment laws and regulations, in the event of a change in requirements, we may be required to modify our operations or to utilize resources to maintain compliance with such laws and regulations. Moreover, we may be subject to various employment-related claims including individual actions, class actions, and government enforcement actions relating to alleged employment discrimination, employee classification and related withholding, wage-hour disputes, labor standards or healthcare and benefit issues in the future. Such claims, regardless of validity, may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, cash flows or other results of operations.

Our future growth depends, in part, on our ability to penetrate foreign markets, where we would be subject to additional regulatory burdens and other risks and uncertainties.

Our future profitability will depend, in part, on our ability to commercialize our product candidates in foreign markets for which we intend to rely on collaborations with third parties. If we commercialize VAR 200 or IC 100 or our other product candidates in foreign markets, we would be subject to additional risks and uncertainties, including:

Foreign sales of our product candidates could also be adversely affected by the imposition of governmental controls, political and economic instability, trade restrictions and changes in tariffs, any of which may adversely affect our results of operations.

As a result of the Business Combination with a special purpose acquisition company, regulatory obligations may impact us differently than other publicly traded companies.

We became a publicly traded company by completing the Business Combination with Larkspur, a special purpose acquisition company (a “SPAC”). As a result of the Business Combination, and the transactions contemplated thereby, our regulatory obligations have, and may continue, to impact us differently than other publicly traded companies. For instance, the SEC and other regulatory agencies may issue additional guidance or apply further regulatory scrutiny to companies like us that have completed a business combination with a SPAC. Managing this regulatory environment, which has and may continue to evolve, could divert management’s attention from the operation of our business, negatively impact our ability to raise additional capital when needed or have an adverse effect on the price of our Common Stock.

We are exposed to the risks of natural and man-made catastrophes, pandemics and malicious and terrorist acts that could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Natural and man-made catastrophes, pandemics, and malicious and terrorist acts present risks that could materially adversely affect our results of operations. While we have taken steps to identify and mitigate these risks, such risks cannot be predicted, nor fully protected against even if anticipated. In addition, such events could result in overall macroeconomic volatility or specifically a decrease or halt in economic activity in large geographic areas, adversely affecting the marketing or operation of our business within such geographic areas or the general economic climate, which in turn could have an adverse effect on our business, operations and financial condition.

In particular, the COVID-19 outbreak, which has been declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization, has significantly and negatively impacted financial markets and economic conditions in the United States and globally. As a result, our operations have been, and may be further, negatively impacted. Consequently, our business, financial condition and results of operations has been, and could be further, significantly and adversely affected.

Disruptions in the global economy and supply chains may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

The disruptions to the global economy in 2020 and into 2021 have impeded global supply chains, resulting in longer lead times and also increased critical component costs and freight expenses. We have taken or may have to take steps to minimize the impact of these disruptions in lead times and increased costs by working closely with third parties on whom we rely for the conduct of our business. Despite the actions we have undertaken or may have to undertake to minimize the impacts from disruptions to the global economy, there can be no assurances that unforeseen future events in the global supply chain will not have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Furthermore, inflation can adversely affect us by increasing the costs of clinical trials, the research and development of our product candidates, as well as administration and other costs of doing business. We may experience increases in the prices of labor and other costs of doing business. In an inflationary environment, cost increases may outpace our expectations, causing us to use our cash and other liquid assets faster than forecasted. If this happens, we may need to raise additional capital to fund our operations, which may not be available in sufficient amounts or on reasonable terms, if at all, sooner than expected.

Adverse global conditions, including economic uncertainty, may negatively impact our financial results.

Global conditions, dislocations in the financial markets, any negative financial impacts affecting United States as a result of tax reform or changes to existing trade agreements or tax conventions, may adversely impact our business.

In addition, the global macroeconomic environment could be negatively affected by, among other things, COVID-19 or other pandemics or epidemics, instability in global economic markets, increased U.S. trade tariffs and trade disputes with other countries, instability in the global credit markets, supply chain weaknesses, instability in the geopolitical environment as a result of the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union, the Russian invasion of Ukraine and other political tensions, and foreign governmental debt concerns. Such challenges have caused, and may continue to cause, uncertainty and instability in local economies and in global financial markets.

We have in the past relied and expect to continue to rely on third-party CROs and other third parties to conduct and oversee our clinical trials and other aspects of product development. If these third parties do not meet our requirements or otherwise conduct the trials as required, we may not be able to satisfy our contractual obligations or obtain regulatory approval for, or commercialize, our product candidates when expected or at all.

We have in the past relied and expect to continue to rely on third-party CROs to conduct and oversee our clinical trials and other aspects of product development. We also rely upon various medical institutions, clinical investigators and contract laboratories to conduct our trials in accordance with our clinical protocols and all applicable regulatory requirements, including the FDA’s regulations and GCPs, which are an international standard meant to protect the rights and health of patients and to define the roles of clinical trial sponsors, administrators and monitors, and state regulations governing the handling, storage, security and recordkeeping for drug and biologic products. These CROs and other third parties play a significant role in the conduct of these trials and the subsequent collection and analysis of data from the clinical trials. We rely heavily on these parties for the execution of our clinical trials and preclinical studies, and control only certain aspects of their activities. We and our CROs and other third-party contractors are required to comply with GCP, GLP, and GACP requirements, which are regulations and guidelines enforced by the FDA and comparable foreign regulatory authorities for products in clinical development. Regulatory authorities enforce these GCP, GLP and GACP requirements through periodic inspections of trial sponsors, principal investigators and trial sites. If we or any of these third parties fail to comply with applicable GCP, GLP and GACP requirements, the clinical data generated in our clinical trials may be deemed unreliable and the FDA or other regulatory authority may require us to perform additional clinical trials before approving our or our partners’ marketing applications. We cannot assure you that upon inspection by a given regulatory authority, such regulatory authority will determine that any of our clinical or preclinical trials complies with applicable GCP and GLP requirements. In addition, our clinical trials must generally be conducted with product produced under cGMP regulations. Our failure to comply with these regulations and policies may require us to repeat clinical trials, which would delay the regulatory approval process.

Our CROs are not our employees, and we do not control whether or not they devote sufficient time and resources to our clinical trials. Our CROs may also have relationships with other commercial entities, including our competitors, for whom they may also be conducting clinical trials, or other drug development activities, which could harm our competitive position. We face the risk of potential unauthorized disclosure or misappropriation of our intellectual property by CROs, which may reduce our trade secret protection and allow our potential competitors to access and exploit our proprietary technology. If our CROs do not successfully carry out their contractual duties or obligations, fail to meet expected deadlines, or if the quality or accuracy of the clinical data they obtain is compromised due to the failure to adhere to our clinical protocols or regulatory requirements or for any other reason, our clinical trials may be extended, delayed or terminated, and we may not be able to obtain regulatory approval for, or successfully commercialize any product candidate that we develop. As a result, our financial results and the commercial prospects for any product candidate that we develop would be harmed, our costs could increase, and our ability to generate revenue could be delayed.

If any of our CROs or clinical trial sites terminate their involvement in one of our clinical trials for any reason, we may not be able to enter into arrangements with alternative CROs or clinical trial sites, or do so on commercially reasonable terms. In addition, if our relationship with clinical trial sites is terminated, we may experience the loss of follow-up information on patients enrolled in our ongoing clinical trials unless we are able to transfer the care of those patients to another qualified clinical trial site. In addition, principal investigators for our clinical trials may serve as scientific advisors or consultants to us from time to time and could receive cash or equity compensation in connection with such services. If these relationships and any related compensation result in perceived or actual conflicts of interest, the integrity of the data generated at the applicable clinical trial site may be questioned by the FDA.

We rely completely on third-party contractors to supply, manufacture and distribute clinical drug supplies for our product candidates, including certain sole-source suppliers and manufacturers, we intend to rely on third parties for commercial supply, manufacturing and distribution if any of our product candidates receive regulatory approval and we expect to rely on third parties for supply, manufacturing and distribution of preclinical, clinical and commercial supplies of any future product candidates.

We do not currently have, nor do we plan to acquire, the infrastructure or capability to supply, manufacture or distribute preclinical, clinical or commercial quantities of drug substances or products. Our ability to develop our product candidates depends and our ability to commercially supply our products will depend, in part, on our ability to successfully obtain the raw materials and APIs and other substances and materials used in our product candidates from third parties and to have finished products manufactured by third parties in accordance with regulatory requirements and in sufficient quantities for preclinical and clinical testing and commercialization. If we fail to develop and maintain supply relationships with these third parties, we may be unable to continue to develop or commercialize our product candidates.

We rely and will continue to rely on certain third parties as the sole source of the materials they supply or the finished products they manufacture. Any of our existing suppliers or manufacturers may:

In the event of any of the foregoing, if we do not have an alternative supplier or manufacturer in place, we would be required to expend substantial management time and expense to identify, qualify and transfer processes to alternative suppliers or manufacturers. Transferring technology to other sites may require additional processes, technologies and validation studies, which are costly, may take considerable amounts of time, may not be successful and, in most cases, require review and approval by the FDA. Any need to find and qualify new suppliers or manufacturers could significantly delay production of our product candidates, adversely impact our ability to market our product candidates and adversely affect our business. Replacements may not be available to us on a timely basis, on acceptable terms or at all. Additionally, we and our manufacturers do not currently maintain significant inventory of drug substances and other materials. Any interruption in the supply of a drug substance or other material or in the manufacture of our product candidates could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, operating results and prospects.

We do not have direct control over the ability of our contract suppliers and manufacturers to maintain adequate capacity and capabilities to serve our needs, including quality control, quality assurance and qualified personnel. Although we are ultimately responsible for ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements such as cGMPs and GACP, we are dependent on our contract suppliers and manufacturers for day-to-day compliance with cGMPs or GACP for production of raw materials, APIs and finished products. Facilities used by our contract suppliers and manufacturers to produce the APIs and other substances and materials or finished products for commercial sale must pass inspection and be approved by the FDA and other relevant regulatory authorities. Our contract suppliers and manufacturers must comply with cGMP and GACP requirements enforced by the FDA through its facilities inspection program and review of submitted technical information. If the safety of any product or product candidate or component is compromised due to a failure to adhere to applicable laws or for other reasons, we may not be able to successfully commercialize or obtain regulatory approval for the affected product or product candidate, and we may be held liable for injuries sustained as a result. Any of these factors could cause a delay or termination of preclinical studies, clinical trials or regulatory submissions or approvals of our product candidates, and could entail higher costs or result in our being unable to effectively commercialize our approved products on a timely basis, or at all.

In addition, these contract manufacturers are engaged with other companies to supply and manufacture materials or products for such companies, which also exposes our suppliers and manufacturers to regulatory risks for the production of such materials and products. As a result, failure to meet the regulatory requirements for the production of those materials and products may also affect the regulatory clearance of a contract supplier’s or manufacturer’s facility. If the FDA or a comparable foreign regulatory agency does not approve these facilities for the supply or manufacture of our product candidates, or if it withdraws its approval in the future, we may need to find alternative supply or manufacturing facilities, which would negatively impact our ability to develop, obtain regulatory approval of or market our product candidates, if approved.

Our reliance on contract manufacturers and suppliers further exposes us to the possibility that they, or third parties with access to their facilities, will have access to and may misappropriate our trade secrets or other proprietary information.

If we are not able to establish and maintain collaborations, we may have to alter our development and commercialization plans.

The development and potential commercialization of our product candidates will require substantial additional cash to fund expenses. In order to fund further development of our product candidates, we may collaborate with pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies for the development and potential commercialization of those product candidates. We face significant competition in seeking appropriate partners. Whether we reach a definitive agreement for a collaboration will depend, among other things, upon our assessment of the partner’s resources and experience, the terms and conditions of the proposed collaboration and the proposed partner’s evaluation of a number of factors. Those factors may include the design or results of clinical trials; the likelihood of approval by the FDA or other regulatory authorities; the potential market for the subject product candidate; the costs and complexities of manufacturing and delivering such product candidate to patients; the potential of competing products; any uncertainty with respect to our ownership of our intellectual property; and industry and market conditions generally. The partner may also consider alternative product candidates or technologies for similar indications that may be available for collaboration and whether such a collaboration could be more attractive than the one with us for our product candidate. We may also be restricted under future license agreements from entering into agreements on certain terms with potential partners. Collaborations are complex and time-consuming to negotiate and document. In addition, there have been a significant number of recent business combinations among large pharmaceutical companies that have resulted in a reduced number of potential future partners.

Collaborations typically impose detailed obligations on each party. If we were to breach our obligations, we may face substantial consequences, including potential termination of the collaboration, and our rights to our partners’ product candidates, in which we have invested substantial time and money, would be lost.

We may not be able to negotiate collaborations on a timely basis, on acceptable terms or at all. If we are unable to do so, we may have to curtail the development of a product candidate, reduce or delay our development program or one or more of our other development programs, delay our potential commercialization or increase our expenditures and undertake development or commercialization activities at our own expense. If we elect to increase our expenditures to fund development or commercialization activities on our own, we may need to obtain additional capital, which may not be available to us on acceptable terms or at all. If we do not have sufficient funds, we may not be able to further develop our product candidates or bring them to market and generate product revenue.

We will need to further increase the size and complexity of our organization in the future, and we may experience difficulties in executing our growth strategy and managing any growth.

Our management, personnel, systems and facilities currently in place are not adequate to support our business plan and near-term future growth. We will need to further expand our chemistry and manufacturing team, clinical team, managerial, operational, financial, and other resources to support our planned research, development and commercialization activities.

To manage our operations, growth and various projects effectively requires that we:

In addition, historically, we have utilized and continue to utilize the services of part-time outside consultants to perform a number of tasks for us, including tasks related to preclinical and clinical testing. Our growth strategy may also entail expanding our use of consultants to implement these and other tasks going forward. We rely on consultants for certain functions of our business and will need to effectively manage these consultants to ensure that they successfully carry out their contractual obligations and meet expected deadlines. There can be no assurance that we will be able to manage our existing consultants or find other competent outside consultants, as needed, on economically reasonable terms, or at all. If we are not able to effectively manage our growth and expand our organization by hiring new employees and expanding our use of consultants, we might be unable to successfully implement the tasks necessary to execute effectively on our planned research, development and commercialization activities and, accordingly, might not achieve our research, development and commercialization goals.

If we fail to attract and retain management and other key personnel, we may be unable to continue to successfully develop or commercialize our product candidates or otherwise implement our business plan.

Our ability to compete in the highly competitive pharmaceuticals industry depends upon our ability to attract and retain highly qualified managerial, scientific, medical, sales and marketing and other personnel. We are highly dependent on our management, including: Stephen C. Glover, Peter Wolfe, Nicholas A. LaBella, Jr. and Karen A. Cashmere. The loss of the services of any of these individuals could impede, delay or prevent the successful development of our product pipeline, completion of our planned clinical trials, commercialization of our product candidates or in-licensing or acquisition of new assets and could negatively impact our ability to successfully implement our business plan. If we lose the services of any of these individuals, we might not be able to find suitable replacements on a timely basis or at all, and our business could be harmed as a result. We do not maintain “key man” insurance policies on the lives of these individuals or the lives of any of our other employees. In order to retain valuable employees at our company, in addition to salary and cash incentives, we provide stock options that vest over time. The value to employees of stock options that vest over time will be significantly affected by movements in our stock price that are beyond our control, and may at any time be insufficient to counteract offers from other companies.

We might not be able to attract or retain qualified management and other key personnel in the future due to the intense competition for qualified personnel among biotechnology, pharmaceutical and other businesses, particularly in the Weston, FL area where we are headquartered. We could have difficulty attracting experienced personnel to our company and may be required to expend significant financial resources in our employee recruitment and retention efforts. Many of the other pharmaceutical companies with whom we compete for qualified personnel have greater financial and other resources, different risk profiles and longer histories in the industry than we do. They also may provide more diverse opportunities and better chances for career advancement. If we are not able to attract and retain the necessary personnel to accomplish our business objectives, we may experience constraints that will harm our ability to implement our business strategy and achieve our business objectives.

In addition, we have scientific and clinical advisors who assist us in formulating our development and clinical strategies. These advisors are not our employees and may have commitments to, or consulting or advisory contracts with, other entities that may limit their availability to us. In addition, our advisors may have arrangements with other companies to assist those companies in developing products or technologies that may compete with ours.

The competitive job market creates a challenge and potential risk as we grow and strive to attract and retain a highly skilled workforce.

Competition for our employees, including highly skilled technology and product professionals, is extremely intense reflecting a tight labor market. This can present a risk as we compete for experienced candidates, especially if the competition is able to offer more attractive financial terms of employment. This risk extends to our current employee population. In addition, we have been impacted and could be further impacted by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which could cause talented employees to change locations, and may make it more challenging to attract and retain skilled professionals. We may also invest significant time and expense in engaging and developing our employees as we grow our business, which also increases their value to other companies that may seek to recruit them. Turnover can result in significant replacement costs and lost productivity. Additionally, U.S. immigration policy may make it more difficult for qualified foreign nationals to obtain or maintain work visas under the H-1B classification. These H-1B visa limitations may make it more difficult and/or more expensive for us to hire the skilled professionals we need to execute our growth strategy and may adversely impact our business.

We currently have limited marketing capabilities and no sales organization. If we are unable to establish sales and marketing capabilities on our own or through third parties, we will be unable to successfully commercialize our product candidates, if approved, or generate product revenue.

We currently have limited marketing capabilities and no sales organization. To commercialize our product candidates, if approved, in the United States, Canada, the European Union and other jurisdictions we seek to enter, we must build our marketing, sales, distribution, managerial and other non-technical capabilities or make arrangements with third parties to perform these services, and we may not be successful in doing so. Although our management team has experience in the marketing, sale and distribution of pharmaceutical products from prior employment at other companies, we as a company have no prior experience in the marketing, sale and distribution of pharmaceutical products and there are significant risks involved in building and managing a sales organization, including our ability to hire, retain and incentivize qualified individuals, generate sufficient sales leads, provide adequate training to sales and marketing personnel and effectively manage a geographically dispersed sales and marketing team. Any failure or delay in the development of our internal sales, marketing and distribution capabilities would adversely impact the commercialization of these products. We may choose to collaborate with additional third parties that have direct sales forces and established distribution systems, either to augment our own sales force and distribution systems or in lieu of our own sales force and distribution systems. If we are unable to enter into such arrangements on acceptable terms or at all, we may not be able to successfully commercialize our product candidates. If we are unable to successfully commercialize our product candidates, either on our own or through collaborations with one or more third parties, our business, financial condition, operating results and prospects would suffer.

Our failure to successfully in-license, acquire, develop and market additional product candidates or approved products would impair our ability to grow our business.

We intend to in-license, acquire, develop and market additional products and product candidates and we may in-license or acquire commercial-stage products or engage in other strategic transactions. Because our internal research and development capabilities are limited, we may be dependent upon pharmaceutical companies, academic scientists and other researchers to sell or license products or technology to us. The success of this strategy depends partly upon our ability to identify and select promising pharmaceutical product candidates and products, negotiate licensing or acquisition agreements with their current owners and finance these arrangements.

The process of proposing, negotiating and implementing a license or acquisition of a product candidate or approved product is lengthy and complex. Other companies, including some with substantially greater financial, marketing, sales and other resources, may compete with us for the license or acquisition of product candidates and approved products. We have limited resources to identify and execute the acquisition or in-licensing of third-party products, businesses and technologies and integrate them into our current infrastructure. Moreover, we may devote resources to potential acquisitions or licensing opportunities that are never completed, or we may fail to realize the anticipated benefits of such efforts. We may not be able to acquire the rights to additional product candidates on terms that we find acceptable, or at all.

Further, any product candidate that we acquire may require additional development efforts prior to commercial sale, including preclinical or clinical testing and approval by the FDA and applicable foreign regulatory authorities. All product candidates are prone to risks of failure typical of pharmaceutical product development, including the possibility that a product candidate will not be shown to be sufficiently safe and effective for approval by regulatory authorities. In addition, we cannot provide assurance that any approved products that we acquire will be manufactured or sold profitably or achieve market acceptance.

Additional potential transactions that we may consider include a variety of different business arrangements, including spin-offs, strategic partnerships, joint ventures, restructurings, divestitures, business combinations and investments. Any such transaction may require us to incur non-recurring or other charges, may increase our near- and long-term expenditures and may pose significant integration challenges or disrupt our management or business, which could adversely affect our operations and financial results. For example, these transactions entail numerous potential operational and financial risks, including:

Accordingly, there can be no assurance that we will undertake or successfully complete any transactions of the nature described above, and any transaction that we do complete could harm our business, financial condition, operating results and prospects.

Manufacturing and supply of the APIs and other substances and materials used in our product candidates is a complex and technically challenging undertaking, and there is potential for failure at many points in the manufacturing, testing, quality assurance and distribution supply chain, as well as the potential for latent defects after products have been manufactured and distributed.

Manufacturing and supply of APIs, other substances and materials and finished drug products is technically challenging. Changes beyond our direct control can impact the quality, volume, price and successful delivery of our product candidates and can impede, delay, limit or prevent the successful development and commercialization of our product candidates. Mistakes and mishandling are not uncommon and can affect successful production and supply. Some of these risks include:

Any of these factors could result in delays or higher costs in connection with our clinical trials, regulatory submissions, required approvals or commercialization of our product candidates, which could harm our business, financial condition, operating results and prospects.

Our operating results may fluctuate significantly, which makes our future operating results difficult to predict and could cause our operating results to fall below expectations.

Our operations to date have been primarily limited to researching and developing our product candidates and undertaking preclinical studies and clinical trials of our product candidates. We have not yet obtained regulatory approvals for any of our product candidates. Consequently, any predictions you make about our future success or viability may not be as accurate as they could be if we had a longer operating history or approved products on the market. Furthermore, our operating results may fluctuate due to a variety of other factors, many of which are outside of our control and may be difficult to predict, including the following:

Our operating results and liquidity needs could be negatively affected by market fluctuations and economic downturn.

Our operating results and liquidity could be negatively affected by economic conditions generally, both in the United States and elsewhere around the world. The market for discretionary medical products and procedures may be particularly vulnerable to unfavorable economic conditions. Some patients may consider certain of our product candidates to be discretionary, and if full reimbursement for such products is not available, demand for these products may be tied to the discretionary spending levels of our targeted patient populations. Domestic and international equity and debt markets have experienced and may continue to experience heightened volatility and turmoil based on domestic and international economic conditions and concerns. In the event these economic conditions and concerns continue or worsen and the markets continue to remain volatile, our operating results and liquidity could be adversely affected by those factors in many ways, including weakening demand for certain of our products and making it more difficult for us to raise funds if necessary, and our stock price may decline. Additionally, although we plan to market our products primarily in the United States, we could in the future have partners with extensive global operations, indirectly exposing us to risk.

Our business and operations would suffer in the event of failures in our internal computer systems.

Despite the implementation of security measures, our computer systems and those of our current and any future partners, contractors and consultants are vulnerable to damage from computer viruses, unauthorized access, natural disasters, terrorism, war and telecommunication and electrical failures. While we have not experienced any such material system failure, accident or security breach to date, if such an event were to occur and cause interruptions in our operations, it could result in a material disruption of our manufacturing activities, development programs and our business operations. For example, the loss of manufacturing records or clinical trial data from completed or future clinical trials could result in delays in our regulatory approval efforts and significantly increase our costs to recover or reproduce the data. To the extent that any disruption or security breach were to result in a loss of, or damage to, our data or applications, or inappropriate disclosure of confidential or proprietary information, we could incur liability and the further commercialization and development of our products and product candidates could be delayed.

We are increasingly dependent on information technology, and our systems and infrastructure face certain risks, including cybersecurity and data leakage risks.

Significant disruptions to our information technology systems or breaches of information security could adversely affect our business. In the ordinary course of business, we collect, store and transmit large amounts of confidential information, and it is critical that we do so in a secure manner to maintain the confidentiality and integrity of such confidential information. The size and complexity of our information technology systems, and those of our third-party vendors with whom we contract, make such systems potentially vulnerable to service interruptions and security breaches from inadvertent or intentional actions by our employees, partners or vendors, from attacks by malicious third parties, or from intentional or accidental physical damage to our systems infrastructure maintained by us or by third parties. Maintaining the secrecy of this confidential, proprietary, or trade secret information is important to our competitive business position. While we have taken steps to protect such information and invested in information technology, there can be no assurance that our efforts will prevent service interruptions or security breaches in our systems or the unauthorized or inadvertent wrongful use or disclosure of confidential information that could adversely affect our business operations or result in the loss, dissemination, or misuse of critical or sensitive information. A breach of our security measures or the accidental loss, inadvertent disclosure, unapproved dissemination, misappropriation or misuse of trade secrets, proprietary information, or other confidential information, whether as a result of theft, hacking, fraud, trickery or other forms of deception, or for any other reason, could enable others to produce competing products, use our proprietary technology or information, or adversely affect our business or financial condition. Further, any such interruption, security breach, loss or disclosure of confidential information, could result in financial, legal, business, and reputational harm to us and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial position, results of operations or cash flow.

Due to our primarily remote workforce, we may face increased business continuity and cyber risks that could significantly harm our business and operations.

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused us to modify our business practices by migrating to a primarily remote workforce where our employees are accessing our servers remotely through home or other networks to perform their job responsibilities. While most of our operations can be performed remotely and are operating effectively at present, there is no guarantee that this will continue or that we will continue to be as effective while working remotely because our team is dispersed, many employees may have additional personal needs to attend to (such as looking after children as a result of school closures or a family member who becomes sick), and employees may become sick themselves and be unable to work. As conditions improve and restrictions are lifted, similar uncertainties exist with the return-to-work process. Additionally, while we put in place additional safeguards to protect data security and privacy, a remote workforce places additional pressure on our user infrastructure and third parties that are not easily mitigated. These risks include home internet availability affecting work continuity and efficiency, and additional dependencies on third-party communication tools, such as instant messaging and online meeting platforms.

Failure to adequately protect our intellectual property could adversely affect our business, financial condition, and operating results.

Our business depends on our intellectual property and proprietary technology, the protection of which is crucial to the success of our business. We rely on a combination of trademark, copyright, and trade secret laws, license agreements, intellectual property assignment agreements, and confidentiality procedures to protect our intellectual property. Additionally, we rely on proprietary information (such as trade secrets, know-how and confidential information) to protect intellectual property that may not be patentable, or that we believe is best protected by means that do not require public disclosure. We generally attempt to protect our intellectual property, technology, and confidential information by requiring our employees and consultants who develop intellectual property on our behalf to enter into confidentiality and invention assignment agreements and third parties we share information with to enter into nondisclosure agreements. These agreements may not effectively prevent unauthorized use or disclosure of our confidential information, intellectual property, or technology and may not provide an adequate remedy in the event of unauthorized use or disclosure of our confidential information or technology, or infringement of our intellectual property. For example, we may fail to enter into the necessary agreements, and even if entered into, these agreements may be willfully breached or may otherwise fail to prevent disclosure, third-party infringement or misappropriation of our proprietary information, may be limited as to their term and may not provide an adequate remedy in the event of unauthorized disclosure or use of proprietary information. In addition, our proprietary information may otherwise become known or be independently developed by our competitors or other third parties. To the extent that our employees, consultants, contractors, and other third parties use intellectual property owned by others in their work for us, disputes may arise as to the rights in related or resulting know-how and inventions. Costly and time-consuming litigation could be necessary to enforce and determine the scope of our intellectual property rights and other proprietary rights, and failure to obtain or maintain protection for our proprietary information could adversely affect our competitive business position.

Despite our efforts to protect our proprietary rights, other parties may unintentionally or willfully disclose, obtain or use our technologies or systems, which may allow unauthorized parties to copy aspects of our platform or other software, technology, and functionality or obtain and use information that we consider proprietary. In addition, unauthorized parties may also attempt, or successfully endeavor, to obtain our intellectual property, confidential information and trade secrets through various methods, including through scraping of public data or other content from our website or mobile applications, cybersecurity attacks, and legal or other methods of protecting this data may be inadequate. Monitoring unauthorized use and disclosures of our intellectual property, proprietary technology, or confidential information can be difficult and expensive and we cannot be sure that the steps we have taken will prevent misappropriation or infringement of our intellectual property or proprietary rights.

We have registered domain names for websites that we use in our business, such as www.zyversa.com and other variations. The inclusion of the website address in this prospectus does not include or incorporate by reference the information on our website into this prospectus.

Competitors have and may continue to adopt service names similar to ours, thereby harming our ability to build brand identity and possibly leading to user confusion. In addition, there could be potential trade name or trademark infringement claims brought by owners of other trademarks that are similar to our trademarks. Further, litigation or proceedings before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office or other governmental authorities and administrative bodies in the United States and abroad may be necessary in the future to enforce our intellectual property rights and to determine the validity and scope of the proprietary rights of others. Any litigation we initiate concerning the violation by third parties of our intellectual property rights is likely to be expensive and time-consuming and could lead to the invalidation of, or render unenforceable, our intellectual property, or could otherwise have negative consequences for us. Even if we sue other parties for such infringement, such suits may have adverse consequences for our business. In addition, we may not timely or successfully apply for a patent or register our trademarks or otherwise secure our intellectual property, which could result in negative effects to our market share, financial condition and results of operations. Our efforts to protect, maintain, or enforce our proprietary rights may not be respected in the future or may be invalidated, circumvented or challenged, and could result in substantial costs and diversion of resources, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition, and operating results.

We may be unable to continue to use the domain names that we use in our business or prevent third parties from acquiring and using domain names that infringe on, are similar to, or otherwise decrease the value of our brand, trademarks, or service marks.

We have registered domain names that we use in, or are related to, our business. If we lose the ability to use a domain name, whether due to trademark claims, failure to renew the applicable registration, or any other cause, we may be forced to market our offerings under a new domain name, which could cause us substantial harm, or to incur significant expense in order to purchase rights to the domain name in question. We may not be able to obtain preferred domain names outside the United States due to a variety of reasons, including because they are already held by others. In addition, our competitors and others could attempt to capitalize on our brand recognition by using domain names similar to our domain names. We may be unable to prevent third parties from acquiring and using domain names that infringe on, are similar to, or otherwise decrease the value of our brand or our trademarks or service marks. Protecting, maintaining, and enforcing our rights in our domain names may require litigation, which could result in substantial costs and diversion of resources, which could in turn adversely affect our business, financial condition, and operating results.

Recent patent reform legislation could increase the uncertainties and costs surrounding the prosecution of our patent applications and the enforcement or defense of our future patents.

Our ability to obtain patents is highly uncertain because, to date, some legal principles remain unresolved, there has not been a consistent policy regarding the breadth or interpretation of claims allowed in patents in the United States and the specific content of patents and patent applications that are necessary to support and interpret patent claims is highly uncertain due to the complex nature of the relevant legal, scientific, and factual issues. Changes in either patent laws or interpretations of patent laws in the United States and other countries may diminish the value of our intellectual property or narrow the scope of our patent protection.

For example, on September 16, 2011, the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act, or the Leahy-Smith Act, was signed into law. The Leahy-Smith Act includes a number of significant changes to United States patent law. These include provisions that affect the way patent applications will be prosecuted and may also affect patent litigation. The United States Patent and Trademark Office (the “USPTO”) has developed new and untested regulations and procedures to govern the full implementation of the Leahy-Smith Act, and many of the substantive changes to patent law associated with the Leahy-Smith Act, and in particular, the first to file provisions, became effective in March 2013. The Leahy-Smith Act has also introduced procedures making it easier for third parties to challenge issued patents, as well as to intervene in the prosecution of patent applications. Finally, the Leahy-Smith Act contains new statutory provisions that require the USPTO to issue new regulations for their implementation, and it may take the courts years to interpret the provisions of the new statute. It is too early to tell what, if any, impact the Leahy-Smith Act will have on the operation of our business and the protection and enforcement of our intellectual property. However, the Leahy-Smith Act and its implementation could increase the uncertainties and costs surrounding the prosecution of our patent applications and the enforcement or defense of our future patents. Further, the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled on several patent cases in recent years, either narrowing the scope of patent protection available in certain circumstances or weakening the rights of patent owners in certain situations. In addition to increasing uncertainty with regard to our ability to obtain patents in the future, this combination of events has created uncertainty with respect to the value of patents, once obtained. Depending on actions by the U.S. Congress, the federal courts and the USPTO, the laws and regulations governing patents could change in unpredictable ways that would weaken our ability to obtain new patents or to enforce patents that we have owned or licensed or that we might obtain in the future. An inability to obtain, enforce, and defend patents covering our proprietary technologies would materially and adversely affect our business prospects and financial condition.

Similarly, changes in patent laws and regulations in other countries or jurisdictions or changes in the governmental bodies that enforce them or changes in how the relevant governmental authority enforces patent laws or regulations may weaken our ability to obtain new patents or to enforce patents that we may obtain in the future. Further, the laws of some foreign countries do not protect proprietary rights to the same extent or in the same manner as the laws of the United States. As a result, we may encounter significant problems in protecting and defending our intellectual property both in the United States and abroad. For example, if the issuance to us, in a given country, of a patent covering an invention is not followed by the issuance, in other countries, of patents covering the same invention, or if any judicial interpretation of the validity, enforceability, or scope of the claims, or the written description or enablement, in a patent issued in one country is not similar to the interpretation given to the corresponding patent issued in another country, our ability to protect our intellectual property in those countries may be limited. Changes in either patent laws or in interpretations of patent laws in the United States and other countries may materially diminish the value of our intellectual property or narrow the scope of our patent protection.

We may not be able to protect our intellectual property rights throughout the world.

Filing, prosecuting and defending patents on our product candidates in all countries throughout the world would be prohibitively expensive. The requirements for patentability may differ in certain countries, particularly developing countries. In addition, the laws of some foreign countries do not protect intellectual property rights to the same extent as laws in the United States. Consequently, we may not be able to prevent third parties from practicing our inventions in all countries outside the United States. Competitors may use our technologies in jurisdictions where we have not obtained patent protection to develop their own products and, further, may export otherwise infringing products to territories where we have patent protection, but enforcement on infringing activities is inadequate. These products may compete with our products, and our patents or other intellectual property rights may not be effective or sufficient to prevent them from competing.

Many companies have encountered significant problems in protecting and defending intellectual property rights in foreign jurisdictions. The legal systems of certain countries, particularly certain developing countries, do not favor the enforcement of patents and other intellectual property protection, particularly those relating to pharmaceuticals, which could make it difficult for us to stop the infringement of our patents or marketing of competing products in violation of our proprietary rights generally. Proceedings to enforce our patent rights in foreign jurisdictions could result in substantial costs and divert our efforts and attention from other aspects of our business, could put our patents at risk of being invalidated or interpreted narrowly and our patent applications at risk of not issuing, and could provoke third parties to assert claims against us. We may not prevail in any lawsuits that we initiate and the damages or other remedies awarded, if any, may not be commercially meaningful. In addition, certain countries in Europe and certain developing countries have compulsory licensing laws under which a patent owner may be compelled to grant licenses to third parties. In those countries, we may have limited remedies if our patents are infringed or if we are compelled to grant a license to our patents to a third party, which could materially diminish the value of those patents. This could limit our potential revenue opportunities. Accordingly, our efforts to enforce our intellectual property rights around the world may be inadequate to obtain a significant commercial advantage from the intellectual property that we own or license. Finally, our ability to protect and enforce our intellectual property rights may be adversely affected by unforeseen changes in foreign intellectual property laws.

Obtaining and maintaining our patent protection depends on compliance with various procedural, document submission, fee payment and other requirements imposed by governmental patent agencies, and our patent protection could be reduced or eliminated for non-compliance with these requirements.

Periodic maintenance and annuity fees on any issued patent are due to be paid to the USPTO and foreign patent agencies in several stages over the lifetime of the patent. The USPTO and various foreign governmental patent agencies require compliance with a number of procedural, documentary, fee payment and other similar provisions during the patent application process. While an inadvertent lapse can in many cases be cured by payment of a late fee or by other means in accordance with the applicable rules, there are situations in which noncompliance can result in abandonment or lapse of the patent or patent application, resulting in partial or complete loss of patent rights in the relevant jurisdiction. Non-compliance events that could result in abandonment or lapse of a patent or patent application include failure to respond to official actions within prescribed time limits, non-payment of fees and failure to properly legalize and submit formal documents. If we or our licensors fail to maintain the patents and patent applications covering our product candidates, our competitors might be able to enter the market, which would have an adverse effect on our business.

If we fail to comply with our obligations under our intellectual property license agreements, we could lose license rights that are important to our business.

We are a party to certain license agreements that impose various diligence, milestone, royalty, insurance and other obligations on us. If we fail to comply with these obligations, the respective licensors may have the right to terminate the license, in which event we may not be able to develop or market the affected product candidate. The loss of such rights could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, operating results and prospects. For more information about these license arrangements, see “Business – Strategic Alliances and Arrangements.”

If we are sued for infringing intellectual property rights of third parties, it will be costly and time-consuming, and an unfavorable outcome in that litigation could have a material adverse effect on our business.

Our commercial success depends upon our ability to develop, manufacture, market and sell our product candidates and use our proprietary technologies without infringing the proprietary rights of third parties. We cannot guarantee that marketing and selling such candidates and using such technologies will not infringe existing or future patents. Numerous U.S. and foreign issued patents and pending patent applications owned by third parties exist in the fields relating to our product candidates. As the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries expand and more patents are issued, the risk increases that others may assert that our product candidates, technologies or methods of delivery or use infringe their patent rights. Moreover, it is not always clear to industry participants, including us, which patents cover various drugs, biologics, drug delivery systems or their methods of use, and which of these patents may be valid and enforceable. Thus, because of the large number of patents issued and patent applications filed in our fields, there may be a risk that third parties may allege they have patent rights encompassing our product candidates, technologies or methods.

In addition, there may be issued patents of third parties that are infringed or are alleged to be infringed by our product candidates or proprietary technologies. Because some patent applications in the United States may be maintained in secrecy until the patents are issued, because patent applications in the United States and many foreign jurisdictions are typically not published until eighteen months after filing and because publications in the scientific literature often lag behind actual discoveries, we cannot be certain that others have not filed patent applications for technology covered by our own and in-licensed issued patents or our pending applications. Our competitors may have filed, and may in the future file, patent applications covering our product candidates or technology similar to ours. Any such patent application may have priority over our own and in-licensed patent applications or patents, which could further require us to obtain rights to issued patents covering such technologies. If another party has filed a U.S. patent application on inventions similar to those owned or in-licensed to us, we or, in the case of in-licensed technology, the licensor may have to participate, in the United States, in an interference proceeding to determine priority of invention.

We may be exposed to, or threatened with, future litigation by third parties having patent or other intellectual property rights alleging that our product candidates or proprietary technologies infringe such third parties’ intellectual property rights, including litigation resulting from filing under Paragraph IV of the Hatch-Waxman Act. These lawsuits could claim that there are existing patent rights for such drug and this type of litigation can be costly and could adversely affect our operating results and divert the attention of managerial and technical personnel, even if we do not infringe such patents or the patents asserted against us are ultimately established as invalid. There is a risk that a court would decide that we are infringing the third party’s patents and would order us to stop the activities covered by the patents. In addition, there is a risk that a court will order us to pay the other party damages for having violated the other party’s patents.

As a result of patent infringement claims, or to avoid potential claims, we may choose or be required to seek licenses from third parties. These licenses may not be available on commercially acceptable terms, or at all. Even if we are able to obtain a license, the license would likely obligate us to pay license fees or royalties or both, and the rights granted to us might be nonexclusive, which could result in our competitors gaining access to the same intellectual property, or such rights might be restrictive and limit our present and future activities. Ultimately, we or a licensee could be prevented from commercializing a product, or forced to cease some aspect of our business operations, if, as a result of actual or threatened patent infringement claims, we are unable to enter into licenses on acceptable terms.

In addition to possible infringement claims against us, we may become a party to other patent litigation and other proceedings, including interference, derivation, re-examination or other post-grant proceedings declared or granted by the USPTO, and similar proceedings in foreign countries, regarding intellectual property rights with respect to our current or of our other products.

There is a substantial amount of litigation involving patent and other intellectual property rights in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries generally. To date, no litigation asserting infringement claims has ever been brought against us. If a third-party claims that we infringe its intellectual property rights, we may face a number of issues, including:

Some of our competitors may be able to sustain the costs of complex patent litigation more effectively than we can because they have substantially greater resources. In addition, any uncertainties resulting from the initiation and continuation of any litigation could harm our ability to raise additional funds or otherwise adversely affect our business, financial condition, operating results and prospects.

Because we rely on certain third-party licensors and partners, and will continue to do so in the future, if one of our licensors or partners is sued for infringing a third party’s intellectual property rights, our business, financial condition, operating results and prospects could suffer in the same manner as if we were sued directly. In addition to facing litigation risks, we have agreed to indemnify certain third-party licensors and partners against claims of infringement caused by our proprietary technologies, and we have entered or may enter into cost-sharing agreements with some our licensors and partners that could require us to pay some of the costs of patent litigation brought against those third parties whether or not the alleged infringement is caused by our proprietary technologies. In certain instances, these cost-sharing agreements could also require us to assume greater responsibility for infringement damages than would be assumed just on the basis of our technology.

The occurrence of any of the foregoing could adversely affect our business, financial condition or operating results.

We may become involved in lawsuits to protect or enforce our patents or other intellectual property or the patents of our licensors, which could be expensive and time-consuming.

Competitors may infringe our intellectual property, including our patents or the patents of our licensors. As a result, we may be required to file infringement claims to stop third-party infringement or unauthorized use. This can be expensive and time-consuming, particularly for a company of our size. In addition, in an infringement proceeding, a court may decide that a patent of ours is not valid or is unenforceable, or may refuse to stop the other party from using the technology at issue on the grounds that our patent claims do not cover our technology or that the factors necessary to grant an injunction against an infringer are not satisfied. An adverse determination of any litigation or other proceedings could put one or more of our patents at risk of being invalidated, interpreted narrowly or amended such that they do not cover our product candidates. Moreover, such adverse determinations could put our patent applications at risk of not issuing, or issuing with limited and potentially inadequate scope to cover our product candidates or to prevent others from marketing similar products.

Interference, derivation or other proceedings brought at the USPTO may be necessary to determine the priority or patentability of inventions with respect to our patent applications or those of our licensors or potential partners. Litigation or USPTO proceedings brought by us may fail or may be invoked against us by third parties. Even if we are successful, domestic or foreign litigation or USPTO or foreign patent office proceedings may result in substantial costs and distraction to our management. We may not be able, alone or with our licensors or potential partners, to prevent misappropriation of our proprietary rights, particularly in countries where the laws may not protect such rights as fully as in the United States.

Furthermore, because of the substantial amount of discovery required in connection with intellectual property litigation or other proceedings, there is a risk that some of our confidential information could be compromised by disclosure during this type of litigation or other proceedings. In addition, during the course of this kind of litigation or proceedings, there could be public announcements of the results of hearings, motions or other interim proceedings or developments or public access to related documents. If investors perceive these results to be negative, the market price for our Common Stock or warrants could be significantly harmed.

Our reliance on third parties requires us to share our trade secrets, which increases the possibility that our trade secrets will be misappropriated or disclosed, and confidentiality agreements with employees and third parties may not adequately prevent disclosure of trade secrets and protect other proprietary information.

We consider proprietary trade secrets or confidential know-how and unpatented know-how to be important to our business. We may rely on trade secrets or confidential know-how to protect our technology, especially where patent protection is believed by us to be of limited value.

To protect this type of information against disclosure or appropriation by competitors, our policy is to require our employees, consultants, collaborators, contractors and advisors to enter into confidentiality agreements and, if applicable, material transfer agreements, consulting agreements or other similar agreements with us prior to beginning research or disclosing proprietary information. These agreements typically limit the rights of the third parties to use or disclose our confidential information, including our trade secrets. However, current or former employees, consultants, collaborators, contractors and advisors may unintentionally or willfully disclose our confidential information to competitors, and confidentiality agreements may not provide an adequate remedy in the event of unauthorized disclosure of confidential information. The need to share trade secrets and other confidential information increases the risk that such trade secrets become known by our competitors, are inadvertently incorporated into the technology of others, or are disclosed or used in violation of these agreements. Given that our proprietary position is based, in part, on our know-how and trade secrets, a competitor’s discovery of our trade secrets or other unauthorized use or disclosure would impair our competitive position and may have an adverse effect on our business and results of operations. Enforcing a claim that a third party obtained illegally and is using trade secrets or confidential know-how is expensive, time consuming and unpredictable. The enforceability of confidentiality agreements may vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction.

In addition, these agreements typically restrict the ability of our employees, consultants, collaborators, contractors and advisors to publish data potentially relating to our trade secrets, although our agreements may contain certain limited publication rights. Despite our efforts to protect our trade secrets, our competitors may discover our trade secrets, either through breach of our agreements with third parties, independent development or publication of information by any of our third-party collaborators. A competitor’s discovery of our trade secrets would impair our competitive position and have an adverse impact on our business.

We may be subject to claims that our employees, consultants or independent contractors have wrongfully used or disclosed to us alleged trade secrets of their former employers or their former or current customers.

As is common in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries, certain of our employees were formerly employed by other biotechnology or pharmaceutical companies, including our competitors or potential competitors. Moreover, we engage the services of consultants to assist us in the development of our products and product candidates, many of whom were previously employed at or may have previously been or are currently providing consulting services to, other biotechnology or pharmaceutical companies, including our competitors or potential competitors. We may be subject to claims that these employees and consultants or we have inadvertently or otherwise used or disclosed trade secrets or other proprietary information of their former employers or their former or current customers. Although we have no knowledge of any such claims being alleged to date, if such claims were to arise, litigation may be necessary to defend against any such claims. Even if we are successful in defending against any such claims, any such litigation could be protracted, expensive, a distraction to our management team, not viewed favorably by investors and other third parties and may potentially result in an unfavorable outcome.

If our patent term expires before or soon after our products are approved, or if manufacturers of generic or biosimilar drugs successfully challenge our patents, our business may be materially harmed.

Patents have a limited duration. In the United States, if all maintenance fees are timely paid, the natural expiration of a patent is generally twenty (20) years from its earliest U.S. non-provisional filing date. Various extensions may be available, but the life of a patent, and the protection it affords, is limited. Even if patents covering our product candidates, their manufacture, or use are obtained, once the patent life has expired, we may be open to competition from competitive medications, including generic or biosimilar medications.

Depending upon the timing, duration and conditions of FDA marketing approval of our product candidates, one or more of our United States patents may be eligible for limited patent term extension under the Drug Price Competition and Patent Term Restoration Act of 1984, referred to as the Hatch-Waxman Act, and similar legislation in the European Union. The Hatch-Waxman Act permits a patent term extension of up to five years for a patent covering an approved product as compensation for effective patent term lost during product development and the FDA regulatory review process. The patent term extension cannot extend the remaining term of a patent beyond a total of 14 years from the date of product approval, and only one patent applicable to an approved drug may be extended. However, we may not receive an extension if we fail to apply within applicable deadlines, fail to apply prior to expiration of relevant patents or otherwise fail to satisfy applicable requirements. Moreover, the length of the extension could be less than we request. If we are unable to obtain patent term extension or the term of any such extension is less than we request, the period during which we can enforce our patent rights for that product will be shortened and our competitors may obtain approval to market competing products sooner than we expect. Also, the scope of our right to exclude during any patent term extension period may be limited or may not cover a competitor’s product or product use. As a result, our revenue from applicable products could be reduced, possibly materially.

Given the amount of time required for the development, testing and regulatory review of new drug candidates, patents protecting such drug candidates might expire before or shortly after such drug candidates are commercialized. As a result, our patents and patent applications may not provide us with sufficient rights to exclude others from commercializing products similar or identical to ours. Any of the foregoing could have a material adverse effect on our competitive position, business, financial conditions, results of operations and prospects.

Manufacturers of generic or biosimilar drugs may challenge the scope, validity, or enforceability of our patents in court or before a patent office, and we may not be successful in enforcing or defending those intellectual property rights and, as a result, may not be able to develop or market the relevant product exclusively, which would have a material adverse effect on any potential sales of that product. Upon the expiration of our issued patents or patents that may issue from our pending patent applications, we will not be able to assert such patent rights against potential competitors and our business and results of operations may be adversely affected.

If our trademarks and trade names are not adequately protected, then we may not be able to build name recognition in our markets of interest and our business may be adversely affected.

Our unregistered trademarks or trade names may be challenged, infringed, circumvented or declared generic or determined to be infringing on other marks. We may not be able to protect our rights to these trademarks and trade names, which we need to build name recognition among potential collaborators or customers in our markets of interest. At times, competitors may adopt trade names or trademarks similar to ours, thereby impeding our ability to build brand identity and possibly leading to market confusion. In addition, there could be potential trade name or trademark infringement claims brought by owners of other registered trademarks or trademarks that incorporate variations of our unregistered trademarks or trade names. Over the long term, if we are unable to successfully register our trademarks and trade names and establish name recognition based on our trademarks and trade names, then we may not be able to compete effectively, and our business may be adversely affected. Our efforts to enforce or protect our proprietary rights related to trademarks, trade secrets, domain names, copyrights or other intellectual property may be ineffective and could result in substantial costs and diversion of resources and could adversely impact our financial condition or results of operations.

Our proprietary information may be lost, or we may suffer security breaches.

In the ordinary course of our business, we collect and store sensitive data, including intellectual property, clinical trial data, proprietary business information, personal data and personally identifiable information of our clinical trial subjects and employees, in our data centers and on our networks. The secure processing, maintenance and transmission of this information is critical to our operations. Despite our security measures, our information technology and infrastructure may be vulnerable to attacks by hackers or breached due to employee error, malfeasance or other disruptions. Although, to our knowledge, we have not experienced any such material security breach to date, any such breach could compromise our networks and the information stored there could be accessed, publicly disclosed, lost or stolen. Any such access, disclosure or other loss of information could result in legal claims or proceedings, liability under laws that protect the privacy of personal information, significant regulatory penalties, disrupt our operations, damage our reputation and cause a loss of confidence in us and our ability to conduct clinical trials, which could adversely affect our reputation and delay our clinical development of our product candidates.

Our management team has limited experience managing a public company and may not successfully manage our transition to public company status.

Most members of our management team have limited experience managing a publicly traded company, interacting with public company investors and complying with the increasingly complex laws pertaining to public companies. Our management team may not successfully or efficiently manage the transition to being a public company that is subject to significant regulatory oversight and reporting obligations under the federal securities laws and the continuous scrutiny of securities analysts and investors. These new obligations and constituents will require significant attention from our senior management and could divert their attention away from the day-to-day management of our business, which could harm our business, results of operations and financial condition.

We incur significant increased expenses and administrative burdens as a public company, which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results.

As a public company, we face increased legal, accounting, administrative and other costs and expenses that we did not incur as a private company, and these expenses may increase even more after we are no longer an “emerging growth company.” The Sarbanes-Oxley Act, including the requirements of Section 404, as well as rules and regulations subsequently implemented by the SEC, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 and the rules and regulations promulgated and to be promulgated thereunder, the PCAOB and the securities exchanges and the listing standards of the Nasdaq, impose additional reporting and other obligations on public companies.

Compliance with public company requirements will increase costs and make certain activities more time-consuming. A number of those requirements will require us to carry out activities that we had not done previously. For example, we have created new board committees, entered into new insurance policies, and adopted new internal controls and disclosure controls and procedures. In addition, expenses associated with SEC reporting requirements will be incurred. Furthermore, if any issues in complying with those requirements are identified (for example, if management or our independent registered public accounting firm identifies material weaknesses in the internal control over financial reporting), we could incur additional costs rectifying those issues, the existence of those issues could adversely affect our reputation or investor perceptions of us and it may be more expensive to obtain director and officer liability insurance. Risks associated with our status as a public company may make it more difficult to attract and retain qualified persons to serve on our Board or as executive officers. In addition, as a public company, we may be subject to stockholder activism, which can lead to substantial costs, distract management, and impact the manner in which we operate our business in ways we do not currently anticipate. As a result of disclosure of information in this prospectus and in filings required of a public company, our business and financial condition will become more visible, which may result in threatened or actual litigation, including by competitors and other third parties. If such claims are successful, our business and results of operations could be materially adversely affected and even if the claims do not result in litigation or are resolved in our favor, these claims and the time and resources necessary to resolve them, could divert the resources of our management and adversely affect our business and results of operations. The additional reporting and other obligations imposed by these rules and regulations will increase legal and financial compliance costs and the costs of related legal, accounting, and administrative activities. These increased costs will require us to divert a significant amount of money that could otherwise be used to expand the business and achieve strategic objectives. Advocacy efforts by stockholders and third parties may also prompt additional changes in governance and reporting requirements, which could further increase costs.

The requirements of being a public company may strain our resources, divert management’s attention and affect our ability to attract and retain qualified board members.

We are subject to the reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and any rules promulgated thereunder, as well as the rules of Nasdaq. The requirements of these rules and regulations increase our legal and financial compliance costs, make some activities more difficult, time-consuming or costly, and increase demand on our systems and resources. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires, among other things, that we maintain effective disclosure controls and procedures and internal controls for financial reporting. In order to maintain and, if required, improve our disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting to meet this standard, significant resources and management oversight will be required and, as a result, management’s attention may be diverted from other business concerns. These rules and regulations can also make it more difficult for us to attract and retain qualified independent members of our board of directors. Additionally, these rules and regulations make it more difficult and more expensive for us to obtain director and officer liability insurance. We may be required to accept reduced coverage or incur substantially higher costs to obtain coverage. The increased costs of compliance with public company reporting requirements and our potential failure to satisfy these requirements can have a material adverse effect on our operations, business, financial condition or results of operations.

In order to satisfy our obligations as a public company, we will need to hire qualified accounting and financial personnel with appropriate public company experience.

As a newly established public company, we will need to improve and maintain effective disclosure and financial controls and make changes in our corporate governance practices. We may need to hire additional accounting and financial personnel with appropriate public company experience and technical accounting knowledge, and it may be difficult to recruit and retain such personnel. Even if we are able to hire appropriate personnel, our existing operating expenses and operations will be impacted by the direct costs of their employment and the indirect consequences related to the diversion of management resources from research and development efforts.

We are an emerging growth company and any decision to comply only with certain reduced reporting and disclosure requirements applicable to emerging growth companies could make our Common Stock less attractive to investors.

We are an “emerging growth company,” as defined in the JOBS Act. For as long as we continue to be an emerging growth company, we may choose to take advantage of exemptions from various reporting requirements applicable to other public companies but not to “emerging growth companies,” including:

As a result, the stockholders may not have access to certain information that they may deem important. Our status as an emerging growth company will end as soon as any of the following takes place:

Under the JOBS Act, emerging growth companies can also delay adopting new or revised accounting standards until such time as those standards apply to private companies. We may elect to take advantage of this extended transition period and as a result, our financial statements may not be comparable with similarly situated public companies.

We cannot predict if investors will find our Common Stock less attractive if we choose to rely on any of the exemptions afforded emerging growth companies. If some investors find our Common Stock less attractive because we rely on any of these exemptions, there may be a less active trading market for our Common Stock and the market price of our Common Stock may be more volatile and may decline.

If we fail to maintain an effective system of disclosure controls and internal control over financial reporting, our ability to produce timely and accurate financial statements or comply with applicable regulations could be impaired, which may adversely affect investor confidence in us and, as a result, the market price of our Common Stock.

As a public company, we will be required to comply with the requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act including, among other things, that we maintain effective disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting. We continue to develop and refine our disclosure controls and other procedures that are designed to ensure that information we are required to disclose in the reports that we will file with the SEC is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules and forms and that information required to be disclosed in reports under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive and financial officers.

We must continue to improve our internal control over financial reporting. We will be required to make a formal assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting and once we cease to be an emerging growth company, we will be required to include an attestation report on internal control over financial reporting issued by our independent registered public accounting firm. To achieve compliance with these requirements within the prescribed time period, we will be engaging in a process to document and evaluate our internal control over financial reporting, which is both costly and challenging. In this regard, we will need to continue to dedicate internal resources, potentially engage outside consultants and adopt a detailed work plan to assess and document the adequacy of our internal control over financial reporting, validate through testing that controls are functioning as documented and implement a continuous reporting and improvement process for internal control over financial reporting. There is a risk that we will not be able to conclude, within the prescribed time period or at all, that our internal control over financial reporting is effective as required by Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. Moreover, our testing, or the subsequent testing by our independent registered public accounting firm, may reveal additional deficiencies in our internal control over financial reporting that are deemed to be material weaknesses.

Any failure to implement and maintain effective disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting, including the identification of one or more material weaknesses, could cause investors to lose confidence in the accuracy and completeness of our financial statements and reports, which would likely adversely affect the market price of our Common Stock. In addition, we could be subject to sanctions or investigations by the stock exchange on which our Common Stock is listed, the SEC and other regulatory authorities.

In this regard, during the audit for the 2022 fiscal year, we identified a material weakness in internal control over financial reporting because we did not design and implement effective controls over the accounting for significant and complex non-routine transactions. See “Risk Factors – We identified a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting. If we are not able to remediate the material weakness and otherwise maintain an effective system of internal control over financial reporting, the reliability of our financial reporting, investor confidence in us and the value of our Common Stock could be adversely affected.”

We may be subject to securities litigation, which is expensive and could divert management attention.

The per share price of our Common Stock may be volatile and, in the past, companies that have experienced volatility in the market price of their stock have been subject to securities litigation, including class action litigation. Litigation of this type could result in substantial costs and diversion of management’s attention and resources, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations. Any adverse determination in litigation could also subject us to significant liabilities.

Because we became a publicly traded company by means other than a traditional underwritten initial public offering, our stockholders may face additional risks and uncertainties.

Because we became a publicly traded company by means of consummating the Business Combination rather than by means of a traditional underwritten initial public offering, there is no independent third-party underwriter selling the shares of our Common Stock, and, accordingly, our stockholders will not have the benefit of an independent review and investigation of the type normally performed by an unaffiliated, independent underwriter in a public securities offering. Due diligence reviews typically include an independent investigation of the background of the company, any advisors and their respective affiliates, review of the offering documents and independent analysis of the plan of business and any underlying financial assumptions.

Although we performed a due diligence review and investigation of Old ZyVersa in connection with the Business Combination, the lack of an independent due diligence review and investigation increases the risk of investment in our securities because our due diligence review and investigation may not have uncovered facts that would be important to a potential investor.

In addition, because we did not become a publicly traded company by means of a traditional underwritten initial public offering, security or industry analysts may not provide, or be less likely to provide, coverage of us. Investment banks may also be less likely to agree to underwrite secondary offerings on behalf of us than they might otherwise be if we became a publicly traded company by means of a traditional underwritten initial public offering because they may be less familiar with us as a result of more limited coverage by analysts and the media. The failure to receive research coverage or support in the market for our Common Stock could have an adverse effect on our ability to develop a liquid market for our Common Stock.

An active trading market for our Common Stock may never develop or be sustained.

Although our Common Stock is listed on Nasdaq, the market for our shares has demonstrated varying levels of trading activity. If an active trading market does not develop, or develops but is not maintained, you may have difficulty selling any of our Common Stock due to the limited public float. We cannot predict the prices at which our Common Stock will trade. It is possible that in one or more future periods our results of operations and progression of our product pipeline may not meet the expectations of public market analysts and investors, and, as a result of these and other factors, the price of our Common Stock may fall. Accordingly, we cannot assure you of your ability to sell your shares of our Common Stock when desired or at prices at or above the price you paid for your shares or at all.

The market price of our Common Stock may be volatile, which could result in substantial losses for investors.

The trading price of our Common Stock has been and may continue to be highly volatile and could be subject to wide fluctuations in response to various factors, some of which are beyond our control.

The market price of our Common Stock may fluctuate due to a variety of factors, including:

These market and industry factors may materially reduce the market price of our Common Stock regardless of our operating performance.

Recently, stock markets in general, and the market for life sciences technology companies in particular, have experienced significant price and volume fluctuations that have often been unrelated or disproportionate to changes in the operating performance of the companies whose stock is experiencing those price and volume fluctuations, particularly in light of the current COVID-19 pandemic. Broad market and industry factors may seriously affect the market price of our Common Stock, regardless of our actual operating performance. These fluctuations may be even more pronounced in the trading market for our Common Stock and warrants. Following periods of such volatility in the market price of a company’s securities, securities class action litigation has often been brought against that company.

Because of the potential volatility of the price of our Common Stock, we may become the target of securities litigation in the future. Securities litigation could result in substantial costs and divert management’s attention and resources from our business.

Our issuance of additional capital stock in connection with financings, acquisitions, investments, our stock incentive plans or otherwise will dilute all other stockholders.

Our issuance of additional capital stock in connection with financings, acquisitions, investments, our stock incentive plans or otherwise will dilute our stockholders. We expect to issue additional capital stock in the future that will result in dilution to all other stockholders. We expect to grant equity awards to employees, directors, and consultants under our stock incentive plans. We may also raise capital through equity financings in the future. As part of our business strategy, we may acquire or make investments in complementary companies, products, or technologies and issue equity securities to pay for any such acquisition or investment. Any such issuances of additional capital stock may cause stockholders to experience significant dilution of their ownership interests and the per share value of our Common Stock to decline.

Further, we may incur additional dilution as a result of the re-setting the conversion price of the PIPE Shares or the Series B Shares if we issue equity at a price below the applicable conversion prices. The conversion price of the PIPE Shares and the Series B Shares will be reset to the price our shares are sold in this offering, but not below a price of $2.00 for the PIPE Shares and $7.00 for the Series B Shares. Additionally, the exercise price of the PIPE Warrants will be reset to the price our shares are sold in this offering, but not below a price of $2.00. The number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of the PIPE Warrants will be adjusted to equal 100% of the shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of the PIPE Shares. The possible issuance of additional shares of Common Stock upon exercise or conversion, as applicable, of the PIPE Shares, Series B Shares and PIPE Warrants may cause stockholders to experience significant dilution.

After this offering, we expect to raise additional capital by issuing equity or equity-linked securities in subsequent offerings. The consummation of this offering and any future offering or the possible issuance of additional shares of Common Stock upon exercise or conversion, as applicable, of the PIPE Shares, Series B Shares and PIPE Warrants, may have an adverse effect on our ability to raise additional capital on terms favorable to us or that are not substantially dilutive to existing shareholders. If we are unable to raise additional capital by issuing equity or equity-linked securities on terms favorable to us, we may not have sufficient liquidity to execute on our business strategy. In addition, consummation of this offering and any future offering or the possible issuance of additional shares of Common Stock upon exercise or conversion, as applicable, of the PIPE Shares, Series B Shares and PIPE Warrants, could have an adverse effect on the market price of our Common Stock because the additional shares that will be sold in this offering or any future offering, or issued upon exercise or conversion, as applicable, of the PIPE Shares, Series B Shares and PIPE Warrants, represent a significant portion of the issued and outstanding shares of our Common Stock and the price of the shares of Common Stock sold in this offering or any future offering may be below the current market price of our Common Stock, or the Common Stock issued upon exercise or conversion, as applicable, of the PIPE Shares, Series B Shares and PIPE Warrants could be significantly dilutive to existing holders of our Common Stock.

There can be no assurance that we will be able to comply with the continued listing standards of Nasdaq.

If Nasdaq delists our shares of Common Stock from trading on its exchange for failure to meet Nasdaq’s listing standards, we and our stockholders could face significant material adverse consequences including:

We may be required to take write-downs or write-offs, restructuring and impairment or other charges that could have a significant negative effect on our financial condition and the share price of our Common Stock, which could cause you to lose some or all of your investment.

We may be forced to later write-down or write-off assets, restructure operations, or incur impairment or other charges that could result in reporting losses. Unexpected risks may arise and known risks may materialize in a manner not previously anticipated. Even though these charges may be non-cash items that would not have an immediate impact on our liquidity, the fact that we report charges of this nature could contribute to negative market perceptions about us or our securities. In addition, charges of this nature may cause us to violate leverage or other covenants to which we may be subject. Accordingly, our stockholders could suffer a reduction in the value of their shares from any such write-down or write-downs.

A portion of our total outstanding shares are restricted from immediate resale but may be sold into the market in the near future. This could cause the market price of our Common Stock to drop significantly, even if our business is doing well.

Sales of a substantial number of shares of the Common Stock in the public market could occur at any time. These sales, or the perception in the market that the holders of a large number of shares intend to sell shares, could reduce the market price of the Common Stock. While the Sponsor has agreed, and will continue to be subject, to certain restrictions regarding the transfer of the Common Stock, these shares may be sold after the expiration of the applicable restrictions. We have filed a registration statement that provides for the resale of such shares from time to time. As restrictions on resale end and the registration statements are available for use, the market price of the Common Stock could decline if the holders of currently restricted shares sell them or are perceived by the market as intending to sell them.

The assumptions used in preparing the pro forma financial information may not prove to be accurate and other factors may affect our financial condition or results of operations in the future. Any potential decline in our financial condition or results of operations may cause significant variations in our stock price.

On January 27, 2023, we filed an amendment (the “Amendment”) to our current report on Form 8-K/A filed on December 16, 2023 (the “Original 8-K/A”); the Amendment was filed solely to replace entirely the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information included on the Original 8-K/A and which was included in our registration statement on Form S-4 relating to the Business combination. The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information previously reflected management’s estimates based on information available at the consummation of the Business Combination and was subject to change as additional information became available and analysis was performed. We updated the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information upon completion of our analysis to now reflect the Business Combination as a forward merger of ZyVersa Therapeutics, Inc. (“Old ZyVersa”) as it was determined that Old ZyVersa is a variable interest entity. The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information and related notes thereto reflects fair value adjustments to the net assets of Old ZyVersa acquired by the Company, which primarily consist of in-process research and development intangible assets which are indefinite-lived. The revised unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information is included in this prospectus. As a result of the changes to the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information, we may face potential litigation or other disputes which may include, among other things, litigation involving our shareholders, claims invoking the federal and state securities laws, contractual claims or other claims arising from such changes. As of the date of this prospectus, we have no knowledge of any such claims, litigation or disputes. However, we can provide no assurance that such, claims, litigation or disputes will not arise in the future. Any such claims, litigation or disputes, whether successful or not, could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

We are subject to business uncertainties that could affect the market price of our Common Stock.

Uncertainty about our business or operations may affect the relationship between us and our respective suppliers, users, distributors, licensors, and licensees. Any such impact may have an adverse effect on us and the market price of our Common Stock. These uncertainties may cause parties that deal with us to seek to change existing business relationships with them and to delay or defer decisions concerning us. Changes to existing business relationships, including termination or modification, could negatively affect each of our revenue, earnings and cash flow, as well as the market price of our Common Stock.

Additionally, matters may require commitments of time and resources that could otherwise have been devoted to other opportunities that might have been beneficial to us. Further, the Business Combination may give rise to potential liabilities, including as a result of pending and future stockholder lawsuits relating to the Business Combination. Any of these matters could adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.

Insiders own a significant percentage of our Common Stock and will be able to exercise significant influence over matters subject to stockholder approval.

As of March 23, 2023, our directors, executive officers, holders of more than 5% of our outstanding shares of Common Stock and their respective affiliates beneficially owned, collectively, approximately 60% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock. As a result, these stockholders, if they act together, may significantly influence all matters requiring stockholder approval, including the election of directors and approval of significant corporate transactions. This concentration of ownership may have the effect of delaying or preventing a change in control of our company that our other stockholders may believe is in their best interests. This in turn could have a material adverse effect on our stock price and may prevent attempts by our stockholders to replace or remove the board of directors or management.

Third parties may terminate or alter existing contracts or relationships with us.

Contracts with distributors, affiliates, landlords, licensors, and other business partners and third parties with which we currently have relationships may have the ability to terminate, reduce the scope of, or otherwise materially adversely alter their relationships with us. The pursuit of such rights may result in us suffering a loss of potential future revenue or incurring liabilities in connection with a breach of such agreements and losing rights that are material to our business. Any such disruptions could limit our ability to achieve the anticipated benefits of our business. The adverse effect of such disruptions could also impact our business and operations or the market price of our Common Stock.

We incurred substantial transaction fees and costs in connection with completing the Business Combination and integrating the businesses of Larkspur and Old ZyVersa.

We incurred material non-recurring expenses in connection with the Business Combination and the completion of the transactions contemplated by the Business Combination Agreement and related transaction agreements. While we have assumed that a certain level of expenses would be incurred in connection with the Business Combination, there are many factors beyond our control that have affected and could continue to affect the total amount of, or the timing of, such expenses with respect to our combined business. Additional unanticipated costs may continue to be incurred in the course of conducting our business following the Business Combination.

Our business and operations could be negatively affected if we become subject to any securities litigation or stockholder activism, which could cause us to incur significant expense, hinder execution of our business and growth strategy and impact our stock price.

In the past, following periods of volatility in the market price of a company’s securities, securities class action litigation has often been brought against that company. Stockholder activism, which could take many forms or arise in a variety of situations, has been increasing recently. Volatility in the stock price of our Common Stock or other reasons may in the future cause us to become the target of securities litigation or stockholder activism. Securities litigation and stockholder activism, including potential proxy contests, could result in substantial costs and divert management’s and the board of directors’ attention and resources from our business. Additionally, such securities litigation and stockholder activism could give rise to perceived uncertainties as to our future, adversely affect our relationships with service providers and make it more difficult to attract and retain qualified personnel. We may also be required to incur significant legal fees and other expenses related to any securities litigation and activist stockholder matters. Further, our stock price could be subject to significant fluctuation or otherwise be adversely affected by the events, risks and uncertainties of any securities litigation and stockholder activism.

The grant of registration rights to certain holders, including pursuant to the PIPE Subscription Agreement, and the future exercise of such rights may adversely affect the market price of our Common Stock.

Following completion of the Business Combination, the Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement was entered into by and among us and certain other parties thereto, replacing Larkspur’s prior registration rights agreement. Pursuant to the Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement, the holders of registrable securities subject thereto, and their permitted transferees and assigns will have customary registration rights (including demand, shelf and piggy-back rights, subject to cooperation and cut-back provisions) with respect to their shares of Common Stock. Pursuant to the registration rights agreement entered into in connection with the consummation of the PIPE Investment, we filed a registration statement with the SEC following the Business Combination for, in the case of the PIPE Investment, a secondary offering of the shares of Common Stock underlying the PIPE Securities. Further, pursuant to such registration rights agreement, we agreed that we will use commercially reasonable best efforts (i) to cause such registration statement to be declared effective promptly thereafter and (ii) to maintain the effectiveness of such registration statement until such time as there are no longer any registrable securities outstanding. In addition, the PIPE Subscription Agreement provides that these holders will have certain “piggy-back” registration rights to include their securities in other registration statements filed by us. We have also agreed to grant registration rights to holders of Series B Shares whereby such holders will receive customary registration rights (including demand, shelf and piggy-back rights, subject to cooperation and cut-back provisions) with respect to the shares of Common Stock underlying the Series B Shares.

If securities or industry analysts either do not publish research about us or publish inaccurate or unfavorable research about us, our business or our market, or if they adversely change their recommendations regarding our Common Stock, the trading price or trading volume of our Common Stock could decline.

The trading market for our Common Stock will be influenced in part by the research and reports that securities or industry analysts may publish about us, our business, our market, or our competitors. If one or more securities analysts initiate research with an unfavorable rating or downgrade our Common Stock, provide a more favorable recommendation about our competitors or publish inaccurate or unfavorable research about our business, our Common Stock price would likely decline. If few securities analysts commence coverage of us, or if one or more of these analysts cease coverage of us, or fail to publish reports on us on a regular basis, we could lose visibility in the financial markets and demand for our securities could decrease, which in turn could cause the price and trading volume of our Common Stock to decline.

A significant portion of our total outstanding shares is restricted from immediate resale but may be sold into the market in the near future, which could cause the market price of our Common Stock to decline significantly, even if our business is doing well.

The market price of our Common Stock could decline as a result of sales of a large number of shares of our Common Stock in the market, or the perception that these sales could occur. We have a total of 9,211,922 shares of Common Stock outstanding as of April 3, 2023. At any time after the expiration of a lock-up to which such shares are subject, certain stockholders will be entitled, under our Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement, to certain rights with respect to the registration of the offer and sale of those shares under the Securities Act, including requesting that we file a registration statement to register the offer and sale of their shares.

Pursuant to our obligations under the Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement and the registration rights agreements with the holders of the Series A Preferred Stock and the Series B Preferred Stock, we have filed a registration statement to register up to 15,183,512 million shares of Common Stock. Such securities represent approximately 165% of the shares of Common Stock outstanding as of the date hereof. If the shares to be registered on such registration statement were to all be sold by the selling stockholders, such sales could result in significant negative pressure on the market price of our Common Stock. Further, the conversion prices for the Series A Preferred Stock and the Series B Preferred Stock are subject to adjustment to floor prices of $2.00 and $7.00 per share of Common Stock, respectively, and the exercise price of the PIPE Warrants is subject to adjustment to the floor price of $2.00 per share of Common Stock. Therefore, in the event of such adjustments, it may be more likely that holders of such securities exercise or convert the securities into our Common Shares and sell such Common Shares, resulting in additional negative pressure on the market price of our Common Shares and other dilutive effects.

In addition, we intend to file a registration statement to register shares reserved for future issuance under our equity compensation plans. Upon effectiveness of that registration statement, subject to the satisfaction of applicable vesting restrictions and the expiration or waiver of the market standoff agreements and lock-up agreements referred to above, the shares issued upon exercise of outstanding stock options, restricted stock unit awards, and warrants or the vesting of other equity awards granted under such plans will be available for immediate resale in the public market.

Sales of our Common Stock as restrictions end or pursuant to registration rights may make it more difficult for us to sell equity securities in the future at a time and at a price that we deem appropriate. These sales also could cause the trading price of our Common Stock to fall and make it more difficult for you to sell shares of our Common Stock at a time and price that you deem appropriate.

We currently intend to retain our future earnings, if any, to finance the further development and expansion of our business and do not intend to pay cash dividends in the foreseeable future. Any future determination to pay dividends will be at the discretion of our board of directors and will depend on our financial condition, results of operations, capital requirements, restrictions contained in future agreements and financing instruments, business prospects and such other factors as our board of directors deems relevant.

The percentage of shares of our Common Stock owned by current stockholders may be diluted in the future because of equity issuances for acquisitions, capital market transactions, or otherwise, including, without limitation, equity awards that we may grant to our directors, officers, and employees, exercise of our warrants.

Sales of a substantial number of shares of our Common Stock in the public market, including the resale of the shares of Common Stock underlying the PIPE Shares and PIPE Warrants pursuant to an effective resale registration statement or Rule 144, could occur at any time. These sales, or the perception in the market that the holders of a large number of shares of Common Stock intend to sell shares, could reduce the market price of our Common Stock. Pursuant to our obligations under the Amended and Restate Registration Rights Agreement and the registration rights agreements with the holders of the Series A Preferred Stock and the Series B Preferred Stock, we have agreed to register up to 15,183,512 shares of Common Stock, which represents approximately 165% of the shares of Common Stock outstanding as of the date hereof. After it is effective and until such time that it is no longer effective, the registration statement registering such securities will permit the resale of these shares. The resale, or expected or potential resale, of a substantial number of shares of our Common Stock in the public market could adversely affect the market price for the Common Stock and make it more difficult for our shareholders to sell their holdings at times and prices that they determine are appropriate. Further, the adverse market and price pressures resulting from an offering pursuant to a resale registration statement regarding the registration rights agreements described in this paragraph may continue for an extended period of time.

We may amend the terms of the warrants in a manner that may be adverse to holders of public warrants with the approval by the holders of at least 50% of the then outstanding public warrants. As a result, the exercise price of the warrants could be increased, the exercise period could be shortened and the number of shares of Common Stock purchasable upon exercise of a warrant could be decreased, all without approval of each warrant affected.

Our warrants were issued in registered form under a warrant agreement between Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, as Warrant Agent, and us. The warrant agreement provides that the terms of the warrants may be amended without the consent of any holder to cure any ambiguity or correct any defective provision, but requires the approval by the holders of at least 50% of the then outstanding public warrants to make any change that adversely affects the interests of the registered holders of public warrants. Accordingly, we may amend the terms of the public warrants in a manner adverse to a holder if holders of at least 50% of the then outstanding public warrants approve of such amendment. Although our ability to amend the terms of the public warrants with the consent of at least 50% of the then outstanding public warrants is unlimited, examples of such amendments could be amendments to, among other things, increase the exercise price of the warrants, convert the warrants into cash, shorten the exercise period or decrease the number of shares of Common Stock, as applicable, purchasable upon exercise of a warrant.

We may redeem unexpired warrants prior to their exercise at a time that is disadvantageous to holders of warrants, thereby making such warrants worthless.

We have the ability to redeem outstanding warrants at any time after they become exercisable and prior to their expiration, at a price of $0.01 per warrant, provided that the last sale price of our shares of Common Stock or Common Stock, as applicable, equals or exceeds $18.00 per share (as adjusted for share splits, share capitalizations, reorganizations, recapitalizations and the like) for any 20 trading days within a 30 trading-day period ending on the third trading day prior to the date on which we send the notice of redemption to the warrant holders. We will not redeem the warrants unless an effective registration statement under the Securities Act covering the issuance of the shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the warrants is effective and a current prospectus relating to those shares of Common Stock is available throughout the 30-day redemption period, except if the warrants may be exercised on a cashless basis and such cashless exercise is exempt from registration under the Securities Act. If and when the warrants become redeemable by us, we may not exercise our redemption right if the issuance of shares upon the exercise of the warrants is not exempt from registration or qualification under applicable state blue sky laws or we are unable to register or qualify the underlying securities for sale under all applicable state securities laws. Redemption of the outstanding warrants could force holders thereof to (i) exercise warrants and pay the exercise price therefor at a time when it may be disadvantageous for such holder to do so, (ii) sell warrants at the then-current market price when such holder might otherwise wish to hold warrants or (iii) accept the nominal redemption price which, at the time the outstanding warrants are called for redemption, is likely to be substantially less than the market value of such warrants.

Our warrants may have an adverse effect on the market price of our Common Stock.

Warrants to purchase 5,825,369 shares of Common Stock as part of the units offered in the Larkspur IPO and, simultaneously with the closing of the Larkspur IPO, an aggregate of 320,272 units were issued in a private placement, each exercisable to purchase one share of Common Stock at $11.50 per share. The warrants entitled the holders to purchase shares of Larkspur Common Stock, which converted to our Common Stock upon the Closing of the Business. Such warrants, when exercised, will increase the number of issued and outstanding Common Stock and reduce the value of the Common Stock.

There can be no assurance that the PIPE Warrants or the Public Warrants will be in the money at the time they become exercisable; they may expire worthless and therefore we may not receive cash proceeds from the exercise of warrants.

As of the date hereof, we have 5,825,369 outstanding Public Warrants to purchase 5,825,369 shares of our Common Stock, exercisable at an exercise price of $11.50 per share, which expire on the earlier to occur of December 12, 2027 or redemption and (ii) outstanding PIPE Warrants to purchase up to 4,317,500 shares of our Common Stock, exercisable at an initial exercise price of $11.50 per share (subject to adjustment in connection with the consummation of this offering), which expire on December 12, 2027. The exercise of the PIPE Warrants and Public Warrants, and any proceeds we may receive from their exercise, are highly dependent on the price of our Common Stock and the spread between the exercise price of such warrant and the price of our Common Stock at the time of exercise. For example, to the extent that the price of our Common Stock exceeds $11.50 per share, it is more likely that holders of our PIPE Warrants and Public Warrants will exercise their warrants. If the price of our Common Stock is less than $11.50 per share, it is unlikely that such holders will exercise their warrants. As of April 14, 2023, the closing price of our Common Stock was $1.79 per share. There can be no assurance that all of our warrants will be in the money prior to their expiration. Our Public Warrants under certain conditions, as described in the warrant agreement, are redeemable by us at a price of $0.01 per warrant. Our PIPE Warrants are not redeemable and are exercisable on a cashless basis. As such, it is possible that we may never generate any cash proceeds from the exercise of our warrants.

The issuance of our Common Stock upon conversion of the PIPE Shares and exercise of the PIPE Warrants would be significantly dilutive to existing holders of our Common Stock.

The PIPE Shares are convertible into an amount of Common Stock equal to the purchase price per PIPE Share of $1,000 divided by an initial conversion price of $10.00 (or 100 shares of Common Stock per PIPE Share), subject to certain adjustments (including a downward adjustment to no lower than the floor price of $2.00 per share based on the public trading price of the shares of our Common Stock calculated at 90 days and 150 days following the effective date of the registration statement with respect to registration of such securities) in accordance with the Series A Certificate of Designation, subject to certain adjustments. The exercise price and number of Common Shares issuable upon exercise of the PIPE Warrants is related to the conversion price of the PIPE Shares. Following the initial reset of the conversion price of the PIPE Shares, the exercise price of the PIPE Warrants would be adjusted to equal the conversion price of the PIPE Shares and the number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the PIPE Warrants would equal the number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of the PIPE Shares. Following the initial reset of the conversion price of the PIPE Shares, the aggregate additional shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of the PIPE Shares and exercise of the PIPE Warrants would be significantly dilutive to existing holders of our Common Stock.

Warrants exercisable for shares of our Common Stock, if exercised, will increase the number of shares eligible for future resale in the public market and result in dilution to our stockholders.

There are private placement warrants exercisable for an aggregate of approximately 240,204 shares of our Common Stock that were issued in connection with Larkspur’s IPO, with a weighted-average exercise price of $11.50 per share. There are Public Warrants exercisable for an aggregate of approximately 5,825,369 shares of our Common Stock, with a weighted-average exercise price of $11.50 per share. Following the consummation of this offering, there will be PIPE Warrants exercisable for an aggregate of approximately 4,317,500 shares of our Common Stock (subject to possible adjustment for anti-dilution events), with a weighted-average exercise price of $2.00 per share. In addition, there are warrants exercisable for 1,818,760 shares of our Common Stock, that were issued to Old ZyVersa stockholders and assumed by us in connection with the Business Combination. The exercise price of the PIPE Warrants will be reset to the price of our Common Stock at the initial reset date of the conversion price of our PIPE Shares, but not below a price of $2.00. The number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of the PIPE Warrants will be adjusted to equal 100% of the shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of the PIPE Shares.

To the extent any such warrants are exercised, additional shares of our Common Stock will be issued, which will result in dilution to the holders of shares of our Common Stock and increase the number of shares of Common Stock eligible for resale in the public market. Sales of substantial numbers of such shares of Common Stock in the public market or the fact that such warrants may be exercised could adversely affect the market price of our Common Stock.

We intend to use a substantial portion of the net proceeds from this offering to redeem the PIPE Shares, which may have an adverse effect on our business and stockholders.

A substantial portion of the net proceeds from this offering will be used to redeem the PIPE Shares. Although we intend to use the remaining proceeds, if any, for working capital and other general corporate purposes, the redemption of the PIPE Shares will impact the cash we have available for other purposes and to execute on our business strategy. There can be no assurance that we will receive proceeds from this offering in an amount in excess of the amount required to redeem the PIPE Shares and, therefore, we may not receive any proceeds from this offering for general corporate purposes. We expect to raise additional capital by issuing equity or equity-linked securities in subsequent offerings. If we are unable to raise additional capital by issuing equity or equity-linked securities on terms favorable to us, we may not have sufficient liquidity to execute on our business strategy, which could have an adverse effect on our business, the value of our Common Stock, and our stockholders. For additional information, see sections titled, “Prospectus Summary – Purpose of the Offering,” “Use of Proceeds,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Liquidity and Capital Resources - Post-Business Combination Capital Needs,” and other risk factors under “Risk Factors.”

Our Charter provides, subject to limited exceptions, that the Court of Chancery will be the sole and exclusive forum for certain stockholder litigation matters, which could limit our stockholders’ ability to obtain a chosen judicial forum for disputes with us or our directors, officers, employees or stockholders.

Our Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (“Charter”) requires, to the fullest extent permitted by law, that derivative actions brought in our name, actions against directors, officers and employees for breach of fiduciary duty and other similar actions may be brought in the Court of Chancery or, if that court lacks subject matter jurisdiction, another federal or state court situated in the State of Delaware. Any person or entity purchasing or otherwise acquiring any interest in shares of our capital stock shall be deemed to have notice of and consented to the forum provisions in our Charter. In addition, our Charter and amended and restated bylaws will provide that the federal district courts of the United States shall be the exclusive forum for the resolution of any complaint asserting a cause of action under the Securities Act and the Exchange Act. While the exclusive forum provision does not restrict the ability of shareholders to bring claims under the Securities Act, it may limit shareholders’ ability to bring a claim in the judicial forum that they find favorable and may increase certain litigation costs on the shareholders, which may discourage the filing of claims under the Securities Act against us, our directors and officers.

In March 2020, the Delaware Supreme Court issued a decision in Salzburg et al. v. Sciabacucchi, which found that an exclusive forum provision providing for claims under the Securities Act to be brought in federal court is facially valid under Delaware law. It is unclear whether this decision will be appealed, or what the final outcome of this case will be. We intend to enforce this provision, but we do not know whether courts in other jurisdictions will agree with this decision or enforce it.

This choice of forum provision may limit a stockholder’s ability to bring a claim in a judicial forum that it finds favorable for disputes with us or any of our directors, officers, other employees or stockholders, which may discourage lawsuits with respect to such claims. Alternatively, if a court were to find the choice of forum provision contained in the Charter to be inapplicable or unenforceable in an action, we may incur additional costs associated with resolving such action in other jurisdictions, which could harm our business, operating results and financial condition.

Additionally, it is uncertain whether this choice of forum provision is enforceable. Section 22 of the Securities Act creates concurrent jurisdiction for federal and state courts over all suits brought to enforce any duty or liability created by the Securities Act or the rules and regulations thereunder. In light of this uncertainty, investors bringing a claim may face certain additional risks, including increased costs and uncertainty of litigation outcomes.

Anti-takeover provisions in our organizational documents could delay or prevent a change of control.

Certain provisions of our Charter and Bylaws may have an anti-takeover effect and may delay, defer or prevent a merger, acquisition, tender offer, takeover attempt or other change of control transaction that a stockholder might consider in its best interest, including those attempts that might result in a premium over the market price for the shares held by our stockholders.

These anti-takeover provisions could make it more difficult or frustrate or prevent a third party from acquiring us, even if the third party’s offer may be considered beneficial by many of our stockholders. Additionally, the provisions may frustrate or prevent any attempts by our stockholders to replace or remove our current management by making it more difficult for stockholders to replace members of our board of directors, which is responsible for appointing the members of our management. As a result, our stockholders may be limited in their ability to obtain a premium for their shares. These provisions could also discourage proxy contests and make it more difficult for you and other stockholders to elect directors of your choosing and to cause us to take other corporate actions you desire. See “Description of Securities We Are Offering.”

Claims for indemnification by our directors and officers may reduce our available funds to satisfy successful third-party claims against us and may reduce the amount of money available to us.

Our organizational documents provide that we will indemnify our directors and officers, in each case to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law.

In addition, as permitted by Section 145 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the “DGCL”), our Bylaws and indemnifications agreements entered into with our directors and officers provide that:

If you purchase securities in this offering, you will suffer immediate dilution of your investment.

You will incur immediate and substantial dilution as a result of this offering. The combined public offering price per share of Common Stock and accompanying warrant and the combined public offering price per pre-funded warrant and accompanying warrant will be substantially higher than the pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value per share of our Common Stock after giving effect to this offering. Therefore, if you purchase securities in this offering, you will pay an effective price per share of Common Stock you acquire that substantially exceeds our pro forma net tangible book value per share after this offering. Based on an assumed public offering price of $1.79 per share of Common Stock and accompanying warrant (the last reported sale price of our Common Stock on Nasdaq on April 14, 2023), and assuming no sale of any pre-funded warrants in this offering, no exercise of the warrants being offered in this offering, that no value is attributed to such warrants and that such warrants are classified as and accounted for as equity, you will experience immediate dilution of $1.68 per share, representing the difference between our as adjusted net tangible book value per share after giving effect to this offering and the assumed public offering price per share and accompanying warrant.

Our management will have broad discretion in the use of the net proceeds from this offering and may invest or spend the proceeds in ways with which you do not agree and in ways that may not yield a return.

Our management will have broad discretion in the application of the net proceeds from this offering, including for any of the purposes described in the section titled “Use of Proceeds,” and you will not have the opportunity as part of your investment decision to assess whether the net proceeds are being used appropriately. Because of the number and variability of factors that will determine our use of the net proceeds from this offering, their ultimate use may vary from their currently intended use. The failure by our management to apply these funds effectively could harm our business. Pending their use, we may invest the net proceeds from this offering in investment-grade, interest-bearing securities. These investments may not yield a favorable return to our securityholders.

There is no public market for the pre-funded warrants or the warrants offered hereby.

There is no established public trading market for the pre-funded warrants or the warrants offered hereby, and we do not expect such a market to develop. In addition, we do not intend to apply to list the pre-funded warrants or the warrants on any national securities exchange or other nationally recognized trading system. Without an active market, the liquidity of the pre-funded warrants and the warrants will be limited.

Holders of the pre-funded warrants or the warrants purchased in this offering will have no rights as common stockholders until such holders exercise their pre-funded warrants or warrants and acquire our Common Stock.

Until holders of the pre-funded warrants or the warrants acquire shares of our Common Stock upon exercise thereof, such holders will have no rights with respect to the shares of our Common Stock underlying the pre-funded warrants or the warrants. Upon exercise of the pre-funded warrants or the warrants, the holders will be entitled to exercise the rights of a common stockholder only as to matters for which the record date occurs after the exercise date.

The warrants offered hereby do not confer any rights of Common Stock ownership on their holders, such as voting rights or the right to receive dividends, but rather merely represent the right to acquire shares of Common Stock at a fixed price for a limited period of time. Moreover, following this offering, the market value of the warrants, if any, will be uncertain and there can be no assurance that the market value of the warrants will equal or exceed their imputed offering price. The warrants will not be listed or quoted for trading on any market or exchange. There can be no assurance that the market price of our Common Stock will ever equal or exceed the exercise price of the warrants, and consequently, the warrants may expire valueless.

A.G.P./Alliance Global Partners may have a “conflict of interest” under FINRA Rule 5121.

A.G.P./Alliance Global Partners, a placement agent in this offering, has a “conflict of interest” under Rule 5121 of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (“FINRA”) based on its beneficial ownership of our securities. Accordingly, this offering will be made in compliance with the applicable provisions of Rule 5121. The rule requires that a “qualified independent underwriter” meeting certain standards participate in the preparation of the registration statement and prospectus and exercise the usual standards of due diligence with respect thereto. Benchmark has agreed to act as a “qualified independent underwriter” within the meaning of Rule 5121 in connection with this offering. Benchmark will receive $25,000 for serving as a qualified independent underwriter in connection with this offering. In its role as qualified independent underwriter, Benchmark has participated in due diligence and the preparation of this prospectus and the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part and has exercised the usual standards of due diligence with respect thereto. See the section of this prospectus captioned “Plan of Distribution (Conflicts of Interest)” for additional information.

This is a best efforts offering, no minimum amount of securities is required to be sold, and we may not raise the amount of capital we believe is required for our business plans, including our near-term business plans.

The placement agents have agreed to use its reasonable best efforts to solicit offers to purchase the securities in this offering. The placement agents have no obligation to buy any of the securities from us or to arrange for the purchase or sale of any specific number or dollar amount of the securities. There is no required minimum number of securities that must be sold as a condition to completion of this offering. Because there is no minimum offering amount required as a condition to the closing of this offering, the actual offering amount, placement agent fees and proceeds to us are not presently determinable and may be substantially less than the maximum amounts set forth above. We may sell fewer than all of the securities offered hereby, which may significantly reduce the amount of proceeds received by us, and investors in this offering will not receive a refund in the event that we do not sell an amount of securities sufficient to support our continued operations, including our near-term continued operations. Thus, we may not raise the amount of capital we believe is required for our operations in the short-term and may need to raise additional funds, which may not be available or available on terms acceptable to us.

We estimate that the net proceeds from the sale of the shares of our Common Stock, the pre-funded warrants and the warrants in this offering will be approximately $13.9 million, after deducting placement agent fees and estimated offering expenses payable by us and assuming no sale of any pre-funded warrants and no exercise of the warrants. We will receive additional proceeds of approximately $15.0 million if the warrants are exercised in full for cash based on the assumptions above. We will not consummate this offering unless we receive net proceeds (after offering expenses payable by us) sufficient to redeem all of the PIPE Shares. Only the net proceeds (after offering expenses payable by us) received in excess of the amount required to redeem all of the PIPE Shares will be used for working capital and other general corporate purposes.

We intend to use approximately $10.4 million of the net proceeds from this offering to redeem all of the PIPE Shares pursuant to the Series A Certificate of Designation, and the remaining proceeds for working capital and other general corporate purposes.

The amounts and timing of our actual expenditures will depend upon numerous factors, including our clinical development efforts, our operating costs and the other factors described under “Risk Factors” in this prospectus. Accordingly, our management will have flexibility in applying the net proceeds from this offering. An investor will not have the opportunity to evaluate the economic, financial or other information on which we base our decisions on how to use the proceeds.

If you invest in our securities, your ownership interest will be diluted to the extent of the difference between the combined public offering price per share of our Common Stock and accompanying warrant and the as adjusted net tangible book value per share of our Common Stock immediately after giving effect to this offering.

Out tangible net book deficit as of December 31, 2022 was approximately $(12.0 million), or approximately $(1.32) per share of Common Stock. Net tangible book deficit per share is equal to the amount of our total tangible assets, less total liabilities, divided by the number of outstanding shares of Common Stock.

After giving effect to the assumed sale of 8,379,888 shares of Common Stock and accompanying warrants in this offering at an assumed combined public offering price of $1.79 per share and accompanying warrants (the last reported sale price of our Common Stock on Nasdaq on April 14, 2023), and after deducting placement agent fees and estimated offering expenses payable by us, and assuming no sale of any pre-funded warrants in this offering, no exercise of the warrants being offered in this offering, that no value is attributed to such warrants and that such warrants are classified as and accounted for as equity, our as adjusted net tangible book value as of December 31, 2022 would have been approximately $1.9 million, or approximately $0.11 per share of Common Stock. This amount represents an immediate increase in as adjusted net tangible book value of $1.43 per share to our existing stockholders and an immediate dilution of $1.68 per share to investors participating in this offering. We determine dilution per share to investors participating in this offering by subtracting our as adjusted net tangible book value per share after giving effect to this offering from the assumed combined public offering price per share and accompanying warrant paid by investors participating in this offering.

The following table illustrates this dilution to new investors on a per share basis:

In accordance with SEC rules, in the event that the actual combined public offering per share and accompanying warrant is more or less than the assumed combined public offering price of $1.79 per share and accompanying warrant (the last reported sale price of our Common Stock on Nasdaq on April 14, 2023), the number of shares and/or the pre-funded warrants and the warrants we sell may be decreased or increased so long as the aggregate offering amount does not exceed the total amount registered on the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. Assuming a total offering amount of $15.0 million, for every $0.50 increase in the assumed combined public offering price per share and accompanying warrant, we would sell 1,829,670 fewer shares of Common Stock and/or pre-funded warrants and warrants and for every $0.50 decrease in the assumed combined public offering price per share and accompanying warrant, we would sell 3,248,018 additional shares of Common Stock and/or pre-funded warrants and warrants. Each $0.50 increase in the assumed combined public offering price per share and accompanying warrant would increase the adjusted net tangible book value per share by $0.01 per share and increase the dilution per share to investors participating in this offering by $0.49 per share after deducting placement agent fees and estimated offering expenses payable by us. Each $0.50 decrease in the assumed combined public offering price per share and accompanying warrant would decrease the as adjusted net tangible book value per share by $0.02 per share and decrease the dilution per share to investors participating in this offering by $0.48 per share, after deducting placement agent fees and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us.

The number of shares of Common Stock to be outstanding after the offering is based on 9,081,922 shares of Common Stock outstanding as of December 31, 2022, and excludes the following:

The information discussed above is illustrative only and will adjust based on the actual public offering price and other terms of this offering determined at pricing. Unless expressly indicated or the context requires otherwise, all information in this prospectus assumes (i) no purchaser elects to purchase pre-funded warrants, and (ii) no exercise of the warrants offered hereby.

Our Common Stock is currently listed on the Nasdaq Global Market of The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (“Nasdaq”) under the symbol “ZVSA.” Prior to the consummation of the Business Combination, Larkspur’s Units, Common Stock and Public Warrants were listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbols “LSPRU,” “LSPR” and “LSPRW,” respectively. Larkspur’s Units and the Public Warrants are no longer listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market.

On April 14, 2023, the closing sale price of our Common Stock was $1.79 per share.

As of April 14, 2023, there were approximately 500 holders of record of our Common Stock. Such numbers do not include beneficial owners holding our securities through nominee names.

We have never declared or paid any cash dividends on our capital stock, and we do not currently intend to pay any cash dividends for the foreseeable future. We expect to retain future earnings, if any, to fund the development and growth of our business. Any future determination to pay dividends on our Common Stock will be at the discretion of our board of directors and will depend upon, among other factors, our financial condition, operating results, current and anticipated cash needs, plans for expansion and other factors that our board of directors may deem relevant.

Unless expressly indicated or the context otherwise requires, references in this prospectus to the “Company,” the “Registrant,” “we,” “us” and “our” refer to ZyVersa (and the business of Old ZyVersa which became the business of ZyVersa after giving effect to the Business Combination).

Chronic kidney disease (“CKD”) is an increasing public health problem which affects over 75 million people worldwide, and approximately 37 million in the United States. The National Kidney Foundation estimates that approximately 80 million adults are at risk for kidney disease in the United States. With no disease modifying drug therapies commercially available, a sizeable percentage of kidney patients progress to end-stage renal disease (“ESRD”), requiring dialysis or transplant to survive. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2018, approximately 131,600 people in the United States started treatment for ESRD, and nearly 786,000 people are currently living with ESRD in the United States (of those 786,000 people, approximately 71% are on dialysis, and 29% are living with a kidney transplant). Further, the economic burden associated with chronic kidney disease can be substantial, as Medicare Fee-for-Service spending was $130 billion in 2018 according to the National Kidney Foundation. We believe the high incidence level and the steep monetary burden caused by CKD create a need for effective, disease modifying drug therapies.

CKD is associated with poor prognosis and in 2017, according to the National Vital Statistics Report, CKD was the ninth-leading cause of death in the United States. To address this significant health problem, on July 10, 2019, the White House and Department of Health and Human Services launched the Advancing American Kidney Health (“AAKH”) initiative to advance kidney disease prevention and care in the United States, which has three goals: (1) to reduce the number of patients developing renal failure through better diagnosis, treatment, and preventative care; (2) to maximize provision of home dialysis care; and (3) to expand the pool of kidneys available for transplant. We believe that by mediating removal of excess renal intracellular cholesterol that contributes to kidney damage and dysfunction, VAR 200 has the potential to help address the AAKH initiative’s first goal to reduce the number of patients developing renal failure.

Our lead renal indication is FSGS, which is a progressive form of kidney disease with no approved drug therapies. Approximately 40-60% of FSGS patients develop end stage kidney disease within 10-20 years, requiring dialysis and ultimately kidney transplant to survive. FSGS is an orphan disease affecting approximately 40,000 people in the United States. It is characterized by injury to the kidneys’ filtration system or “glomerular podocytes” leading to scarring that is focal (i.e., affecting only some glomerulus) and segmental (i.e., affecting only part of glomerulus). Accumulation of cholesterol and lipids in renal glomeruli, which has been associated with structural damage and impaired kidney function, has been seen in FSGS patient biopsies and in representative FSGS animal models. Damage to the glomeruli causes protein to leak into urine, a condition known as proteinuria. As the level of protein increases in the urine, patients develop a specific set of symptoms known as nephrotic syndrome. Proteinuria is strongly associated with kidney disease progression, and nephrotic syndrome is generally predictive of a poor prognosis. Approximately 70% of FSGS patients present with nephrotic syndrome at diagnosis. By mediating removal of excess cholesterol from renal glomeruli, we believe that VAR 200 has the potential to preserve renal structure and function and thereby reduce proteinuria that leads to FSGS progression.

Chronic inflammatory diseases have been recognized as one of the most significant causes of death in the world today, with more than 50% of all deaths worldwide attributable to inflammation-related diseases such as ischemic heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (“NAFLD”) and autoimmune and neurodegenerative conditions. Excessive and persistent activation of inflammasomes have been linked to the pathophysiology of these types of chronic diseases.

Inflammasomes are comprised of 3 proteins: (i) one of several types of sensor molecules, (ii) an apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a caspase recruitment domain (“ASC”), and (iii) the proinflammatory caspase-1 (“pro-caspase-1”). There are multiple types of inflammasomes that trigger inflammation. They are named based on their associated sensor molecule, such as NLRP1, NLRP2, NLRP3, NLRC4, AIM2, and Pyrin. Numerous inflammatory diseases are often associated with activation of multiple types of inflammasomes. For example, multiple sclerosis is associated with activation of AIM2, NLRP1, NLRP3, and NLRC4. The ASC component of inflammasomes is a promising drug target since it is a component of the six most common types of inflammasomes referenced above. We believe this is more advantageous than targeting a specific sensor protein, a component of one type of inflammasome, which is the focus of several potential competitors. In addition to its pivotal role in inflammasome formation and activation required for initiation of an inflammatory response, ASC also plays a role in the perpetuation of inflammation associated with extracellular release of ASC specks. By targeting ASC, we believe IC 100 has potential to effectively control inflammation in a multitude of inflammatory diseases.

For VAR 200, our lead renal indication is FSGS (VAR 200-01). For IC 100, we will select one or more lead indications prior to our IND filing planned for Q2-2024. This will be based on data from existing and future preclinical studies.

With the myriad of diverse diseases and conditions mediated by chronic inflammation, we believe IC 100 has potential to treat a multitude of inflammatory diseases. The following is a summary of the market for IC 100’s current pipeline.

Cholesterol Efflux Mediator ^TM, VAR 200 (2-hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin, 2HPβCD)

Cholesterol Efflux Mediator VAR 200 is an injectable drug in clinical development for treatment of chronic glomerular diseases, initially focusing on FSGS. Alport Syndrome and diabetic kidney disease indications may be pursued based on our indication expansion strategy.

VAR 200 was developed with the intent to preserve renal structure and function, and reduce proteinuria that leads to glomerular disease progression by mediating removal of excess cholesterol that damages renal glomeruli. For our lead renal indication, FSGS (VAR 200-01), we are planning to support an open-label IIT in 2023 where we expect to obtain human proof-of-concept data in up to 3 renal patient cohorts, to be followed by initiation of a Phase 2a trial in patients with FSGS. Based on the anticipated data and key learnings from these trials, we may progress development of VAR 200 for Alport Syndrome (VAR 200-02) and for diabetic kidney disease (VAR 200-03) based on our indication expansion strategy.

Role of Cholesterol and Lipid Accumulation in Glomerular Diseases (Including FSGS, Alport Syndrome, and Diabetic Kidney Disease)

In chronic glomerular diseases, cholesterol accumulates in glomerular podocytes, due in part to impaired transport out of the cell, or “efflux,” resulting from reduced expression of the cholesterol transporters ABCA1 and ABCG1. Glomerular lipid accumulation has been demonstrated by in vitro podocyte studies, in human biopsy data, and in animal models of various kidney diseases, including FSGS, Alport Syndrome, and diabetic kidney disease. As shown below, the lipid accumulation causes distorted podocyte structure, damaged podocyte foot processes, and podocyte detachment and loss, which impairs kidney filtration resulting in proteinuria and disease progression. We hypothesize that restoration of lipid homeostasis and podocyte integrity has the potential to slow ongoing kidney damage progression to kidney failure, and delay the need for dialysis and ultimately transplant.

VAR 200’s active ingredient, 2HβCD, is comprised of seven sugar molecules bound together in a 3-D ring with a hydrophobic core and hydrophilic exterior. VAR 200 mediates cholesterol efflux both passively and actively by interacting with hydrophilic components of the glomerular membrane.

Passive cholesterol efflux occurs with formation of 2HPβCD dimers, which bind to the cell membrane surface and incorporate cholesterol into its hydrophobic core as an inclusion complex. Release of the 2HPβCD/cholesterol inclusion complex from the cell membrane surface brings the cholesterol into solution for transfer to cholesterol acceptors, such as high-density lipoprotein (“HDL”).

Active cholesterol efflux occurs through mediating metabolism of free cholesterol into oxysterols. Oxysterols activate the liver X receptor (“LXR”)-transcription factors, resulting in induction of cellular cholesterol efflux pathways, including upregulation cholesterol efflux transporters, ABCA1 and ABCG1, which transport free cholesterol outside the cell to cholesterol acceptors, such as HDL.

We believe that VAR 200 has an established benefit/risk profile supported by our in vivo studies and decades of use as an excipient. Additionally, it is our belief that data from animal models representing FSGS, Alport Syndrome, and diabetic kidney disease demonstrate that VAR 200 promotes cholesterol removal from podocytes, protecting the kidney’s filtration system from damage and reducing protein spillage into the urine or “proteinuria.” These types of outcomes are thought to be key to delaying or preventing progression of kidney disease.

VAR 200 was evaluated in two FSGS mouse models, an experimental nuclear factor of activated T-cells (“NFAT”) FSGS model and an Adriamycin (“ADR”)-induced FSGS model, which is characterized by a milder, less progressive form of nephropathy than the NFAT model.

In a study to examine the role of altered podocyte cholesterol homeostasis in NFAT-mediated podocyte injury and the effects of treatment with VAR 200, researchers administered VAR 200 subcutaneously at 4,000 mg/kg to 6-week-old NFATc1^nuc mice 24 hours prior to induction with doxycycline, and then every other day for 4 days. Single transgenic (“ST”) mice served as a control.

VAR 200 (indicated by “CD” in the graphs below) significantly reduced cholesterol in the renal cortex of FSGS mice compared to untreated double transgenic mice (indicated by “DT” in the graphs below). This was associated with a significant reduction in proteinuria (albumin/creatine ratio) as shown below.

In the second FSGS model, researchers injected 5-week-old BALB/c mice with one dose of Adriamycin at 11 mg/kg. Subsequently, VAR 200 was administered 24 hours later at 40 mg/kg via subcutaneous osmotic pump for 10 weeks. Non-induced mice served as a control.

VAR 200 (indicated by “CD” in the graphs below) significantly reduced mesangial expansion, which is commonly associated with lipid deposition, compared to untreated ADR-induced mice as shown below. This was associated with a significant reduction in proteinuria (albumin/creatine) and blood urea nitrogen (“BUN”) in VAR 200-treated) ADR-induced mice compared to untreated ADR-induced mice as shown below.

In another study, to evaluate whether VAR 200 has a protective effect in Alport Syndrome, researchers injected four-week-old female Col4a3 knockout (Col4a3−/−) mice with VAR 200 at 4000 mg/kg subcutaneously 3 times per week for 4 weeks. Wild type Col4a3 (“Col43+/+”) mice served as controls.

VAR 200 (indicated by “CD” in the graphs below) significantly reduced renal neutral lipid, cholesterol ester, and cholesterol crystal accumulation in Alport Syndrome mice when compared to untreated Alport Syndrome mice as shown below.

The decreased intracellular lipids in VAR 200-treated Alport Syndrome mice were associated with a significant reduction in renal damage (reduced mesangial expansion, fibrosis, and foot process effacement), and renal function was maintained when compared to untreated Alport Syndrome mice, as evidenced by reduced proteinuria (albumin/creatinine), blood urea nitrogen, and serum creatinine when compared to untreated Alport Syndrome mice as shown below.

In another study to determine if VAR 200 can sequester intracellular cholesterol and protect podocytes from cholesterol-dependent damage in diabetic kidney disease, researchers treated 4-week old BTBR ob/ob homozygous mice, a diabetic model of progressive kidney disease, with 3 weekly subcutaneous injections of VAR 200 at 4,000 mg/kg for 5 months. Heterozygous mice served as controls.

VAR 200 (indicated by “CD” in the graphs below) significantly reduced total cholesterol in the kidney cortex compared with untreated diabetic mice. This was associated with a significant reduction in renal damage (mesangial expansion) and reduced proteinuria (albumin/creatinine) compared to untreated diabetic mice starting at 2 months following treatment, with statistically significant reduced levels from 3 months to end of study as shown below.

Based on the results in animal models of 3 different renal diseases summarized above, we believe that VAR 200 has potential to induce and maintain partial or complete remission of proteinuria in renal patients with nephrotic syndrome, thereby reducing the rate of renal disease progression.

IC 100 is a monoclonal antibody inflammasome ASC inhibitor in preclinical development for the treatment of numerous inflammatory diseases. IC 100 was developed with the intent of mediating chronic aberrant inflammation that is pathogenic in a multitude of inflammatory diseases by blocking initiation and perpetuation of the innate inflammatory response to stop disease progression and improve quality of life.

A lead indication as not yet been identified for IC 100. Our focus is on advancing IC 100 toward a planned submission of an IND application in Q2-2024, which we intend to be followed by initiation of a Phase 1 trial. IC 100 has pharmacologic proof-of-concept data in animal models representative of ARDS and MS. We plan to conduct GLP toxicology studies in mice and NHP and conduct additional animal studies in up to 6 additional indications, such as IgA nephropathy, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, congestive heart failure, and early Alzheimer’s disease, in our next waves of preclinical development. One or more lead indications for IC 100 will be selected based on data from our preclinical program.

Excessive and persistent activation of inflammasomes have been linked to the pathophysiology of inflammatory diseases. Inflammasomes are multiprotein complexes that initiate an immune response to pathogens or internal danger signals. They are comprised three basic proteins: (i) one of several types of sensor molecules (e.g., NLRP1, NLRP2, NLRP3, NLRC4, AIM2, and Pyrin), (ii) adaptor protein, ASC, and (iii) pro-caspase 1. Each sensor molecule responds to different pathogens or internal danger signals.

As depicted below, in the presence of harmful pathogens or cell damage, an intracellular sensor molecule (e.g., NLRP3) is triggered, stimulating recruitment of adaptor ASC, which in turn recruits pro-caspase-1 to form an inflammasome. The inflammasome is the organizing center that recruits additional ASC and polymerizes in a prion-like structure to form a large filamentous signaling platform, known as an ASC Speck. ASC Specks provide a scaffold for pro-caspase-1 recruitment, which triggers conversion of pro-caspase-1 to active caspase-1, which in turn converts the cytokine pro-IL-1ß to its active form IL-1ß, initiating the inflammatory response. Activated caspase-1 also drives cleavage of Gasdermin D, which triggers pyroptosis, a form of programmed cell death, releasing active cytokines and ASC Specks into the extracellular space, with continued activation of pro-IL-1ß, heightening and perpetuating the inflammatory response in neighboring cells and tissues. Although inflammasome triggering of the innate immune response is essential for protection against pathogens, persistent overactivation of inflammasomes can lead to chronic inflammation underlying a multitude of inflammatory conditions and diseases. Numerous inflammatory diseases are associated with activation of multiple types of inflammasomes. For example, multiple sclerosis is associated with activation of AIM2, NLRP1, NLRP3, and NLRC4.

IC 100 was designed to bind to key amino acids in adaptor protein ASC that govern ASC recruitment into the inflammasome complex and ASC Speck formation:

A recent paper published in Translational Research demonstrates that inflammasome activity and signaling proteins triggered by one unique inflammatory condition can impact and potentially interact with another. The authors provided extensive evidence that traumatic brain injury (TBI) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) are linked by activation of multiple types of inflammasomes (NLRP3, NLRP1, and AIM2). In each condition, inflammasome activation leads to cell death and release of active cytokines and ASC specks to neighboring cells allowing for one condition to potentially exacerbate the other. For example, individuals with a history of moderate TBI have a 2.3 times greater risk of developing AD. Likewise, AD pathology is potentially exacerbated by inflammasome activation in patients with TBI through IL-18 and pathological ASC speck interactions with amyloid beta and phosphorylated tau, hallmarks of AD. The authors reported that inflammasome ASC represents a promising therapeutic target for TBI and AD because of ASC’s unique role in heightening and perpetuating inflammation in neighboring cells, and its pathological interactions with amyloid beta and phosphorylated tau. In a subsequent study, also published in Translational Research by several of the same authors, researchers evaluated if blocking inflammasome activity by inhibiting ASC with IC 100 reduces the elevated inflammatory response in AD mice after TBI. Data demonstrated that 100 resulted in reduction of inflammasome-mediated cytokine IL-1β in the injured cortex of AD mice at 1-week post-injury. This is consistent with preclinical studies conducted with IC 100, demonstrating reduced inflammatory activity, and improved histological and/or functional outcomes in models of traumatic brain injury and age-related brain inflammation (associated with conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease), highlighted in the next sections below.

Non-GLP toxicology studies in mice and non-human primates demonstrate that IC 100 has a good safety profile. There were no drug-related adverse events at doses up to 300 mg/kg in either species. Likewise, epigenetic screening demonstrates a lower immunogenicity potential than many biologics. Based on our preclinical study in an animal model representing MS, inflammation was attenuated without immunosuppression. In addition to the studies in traumatic brain injury and age-related inflammation (early cognitive impairment) referenced above, IC 100 has pharmacologic proof-of-concept data in animal models representative of ARDS and MS, and mechanistic proof-of-concept data in animal models representative of spinal cord injury.

In one study to determine if IC 100 protects against MS progression, researchers induced active experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (“EAE”) in C57BL/6 mice through immunization with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein peptide 35 – 55 (“MOG35 – 55”). IC 100 was administered via intraperitoneal (“IP”) injection at 10, 30, or 45 mg/kg on day 8 before appearance of clinical symptoms, followed by treatment every 4 days for 32 days. Vehicle served as a control.

IC 100 penetrated the spinal cord and decreased the number of spinal cords activated microglial CD4+, CD8+, and myeloid cells. This was associated with delayed onset and significantly improved functionality based on MS clinical scores as shown below.

In another study to determine if IC 100 can improve histopathological outcomes in ARDS, researchers induced acute lung injury and subsequent ARDS in naïve mice by delivering extracellular vesicles (“EV”) from mice with traumatic brain injury, followed by IV administration of a functional prototype of IC 100 at 5 mg/kg 1 hour after EV delivery; animals were sacrificed 24 hours later. Data were compared to naïve, sham (saline), untreated, or enoxaparin at 3mg/kg experimental groups.

IC 100 inhibited inflammasome and cytokine activation in lungs as evidenced by a reduction in caspase-1, ASC, IL-1β, AIM2, HMGB1 when compared with untreated positive control animals. This was associated with improved histological outcomes and reduced acute lung injury scores indicative of decreased lung injury severity.

To determine the effects of ASC neutralization in spinal cord injury, researchers administered 50 mcg of anti-ASC tool antibody IV and IP 20 minutes after injury in Fischer rats subjected to moderate cervical spinal cord injury (“SCI”). Anti-ASC neutralizing antibodies decreased caspase-1 activation and cytokine levels, improved histopathological outcomes and decreased spinal cord lesion volume, and improves functional outcomes (e.g., motor skills) compared to controls.

Based on the promising results in animal models of various inflammatory diseases, we believe IC 100 has potential to mediate the persistent damaging inflammation associated with inflammatory disease and improve outcomes.

The effects of ASC neutralization in traumatic brain injury were evaluated in two different animal models, a penetrating ballistic-like brain injury model, and a fluid percussion injury model.

In the penetrating ballistic-like brain injury model, researchers performed IV administration of a functional prototype of IC 100 at 5 mg/kg four hours after injury in Sprague-Dawley rats receiving a penetrating ballistic-like brain injury. IC 100 decreased inflammasome activation, as evidenced by decreased caspase-1 activity, and pyroptosis in microglia and infiltrating leukocytes compared with vehicle control.

In the fluid percussion injury model, researchers performed IV administration of anti-ASC tool antibody at 15 mcg immediately after injury in Sprague — Dawley rats receiving a fluid-percussion injury. Immunoglobulin G (“IgG”) served as a control. Neutralization of ASC interfered with NLRP1 inflammasome signaling, leading to a significant reduction caspase-1 compared with IgG. This was associated with a significant reduction in contusion volume.

To determine the effects of IC 100 on age-related inflammation, which is representative of early cognitive impairment, a functional prototype of IC 100 was administered via IP injection at 10 mg/kg for 3 days to aged mice (i.e., 18 months old). Aged mice receiving saline control, and untreated young mice (i.e., 3 months old) served as controls. IC 100 reduced inflammasome protein levels (i.e., NLRP1, ASC, capsase-1) and ASC Specks associated with a reduction of IL-1β, indicating that IC 100 reduces inflammasome activation in the cortex of aged mice.

Biomarkers are valuable tools to predict, diagnose, and monitor disease progression. They can also be used to target patients who are likely to respond to specific treatments, and to monitor ongoing efficacy of those treatments over time.

Researchers at the University of Miami evaluated serum inflammasome proteins as potential biomarkers for inflammatory disorders and identified ASC as a potential candidate. Serum ASC levels were elevated in patients with various inflammatory disorders when compared to healthy people. Additionally, when compared to caspase-1 as a biomarker in patients with multiple sclerosis, ASC had a similar sensitivity to caspase-1, but a significantly higher specificity than caspase-1.

ASC levels have been demonstrated to correlate with disease outcomes and disease severity, for example:

The total addressable market for disease-specific drug therapies for FSGS has not been established because there are no approved drug therapies specific to the condition (please see the next section which discusses the current treatment limitations). FSGS, an orphan indication, is estimated to affect around 40,000 people in the United States, with more than 5,400 new cases diagnosed annually, according to Nephcure Kidney International. FSGS is most common in adults 45 years of age and older and occurs in Black Americans at a rate that is four times higher than in Caucasian Americans.

At present, there are no commercially available disease-specific treatments for FSGS and there is no known cure. Current therapy focuses on maintaining adequate nutrition, controlling blood pressure and serum lipids, minimizing loss of protein in the urine, and preventing complications from edema, thereby stabilizing kidney function. The most common drug therapy includes diuretics for edema, ACE inhibitors and ARBs for reduction of proteinuria, other antihypertensive agents, and lipid lowering drugs. Steroids and calcineurin inhibitors are also used to induce partial remission of proteinuria.

We believe that there is a significant unmet need for effective FSGS-specific treatments that can delay disease progression, prevent end-stage renal disease, improve patients’ quality of life, and reduce the health economic burden.

AS, an orphan indication, is a progressive, inherited form of kidney disease that is often associated with hearing loss and abnormalities of the eye. It is caused by genetic mutations in genes encoding members of the type IV collagen family that ultimately cause lipid accumulation and scarring of the basement membranes of the kidney, or “glomerulus,” the inner ear, or “cochlea,” and the eye. A key, early feature of AS is blood in the urine, or “hematuria,” with a progressive decline in kidney function ultimately resulting in kidney failure. Hearing loss affecting both ears occurs in late childhood or early adolescence, generally before the onset of kidney failure. Patients may also have misshapen lenses in the eyes (anterior lenticonus) and abnormal retina coloration, but these abnormalities seldom lead to vision loss. Prognosis for patients with AS is poor.

The total addressable market for disease-specific drug therapies for AS has not been established because there are no FDA approved drug therapies specific to the condition (please see the next section which discusses the current treatment limitations). AS represents all geographic and ethnic groups. Although the overall incidence in the general population is unknown, U.S. data demonstrates AS accounts for three percent of children and 0.2% of adults with end-stage kidney disease. The gene frequency of AS in the United States has been estimated at 1:5,000 to 1:10,000 people, suggesting there are approximately 30,000 to 60,000 affected individuals, according to the National Organization of Rare Diseases.

There are currently no commercially available disease-specific treatments for AS. Current therapy focuses on minimizing loss of protein in the urine and preventing complications from edema to help stabilize kidney function. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (“ACE”) inhibitor therapy or angiotensin receptor blocker (“ARB”) therapy is recommended in individuals with AS who show overt proteinuria. We believe that there is a significant unmet need for effective AS-specific treatments that can delay disease progression, prevent end-stage renal disease and hearing loss, and improve patients’ quality of life.

Kidney disease or “nephropathy” has been recognized as a common complication of diabetes since the 1950s. Currently, diabetic nephropathy is the leading cause of chronic kidney disease in the United States and other Western societies. It is also one of the most significant long-term complications in terms of morbidity and mortality for individual patients with diabetes. Diabetes is responsible for 30 to 40% of all end-stage renal disease (“ESRD”) cases in the United States. Proteinuria is a predictor of morbidity and mortality. Patients with proteinuria have a 40-fold higher relative mortality rate. Microalbuminuria, (small quantities of albumin in the urine) independently predicts cardiovascular morbidity, and spillage of the protein, albumin into the urine (or “microalbuminuria and macroalbuminuria”) increase mortality from any cause in diabetes mellitus.

The total addressable market for disease-specific drug therapies for Diabetic Nephropathy has not been established because there are no approved drug therapies specific to the condition (please see the next section which discusses the current treatment limitations). Up to 50% of patients who have had diabetes for more than 20 years have diabetic nephropathy. It is estimated that up to 12 million people in the United States according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

High blood sugar, or “hyperglycemia,” has been shown to be a major determinant of the progression of diabetic nephropathy, so good blood glucose control is a key to management of the condition. As with other kidney diseases, there are no renal-specific drug therapies. Control of blood pressure using ACE inhibitors and ARBs is standard of care. New treatment guidelines recommend sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (“SGLT2”) inhibitors for patients with Type 2 diabetes, diabetic nephropathy, and an estimated glomerular filtration rate (“eGFR”) ≥30 ml/min per 1.73 m2 at any level of current glycemic control. SGLT2 inhibitors have been proven to improve kidney and cardiovascular outcomes in this population.

We believe there is a significant unmet need for effective diabetic nephropathy-specific treatments that can delay disease progression, prevent end-stage renal disease, and improve patients’ quality of life.

The global anti-inflammatory biologics market was valued at $64.84 billion in 2019 and is projected to reach $149.80 billion by 2027 according to Fortune Business Insights.

MS is a potentially disabling disease of the brain and spinal cord, which occurs as a result of the immune system attacking the protective myelin sheath that covers nerve fibers, resulting in communication problems between the brain and the rest of the body. Eventually, the disease can cause permanent damage or deterioration of the nerves.

Signs and symptoms of MS vary widely and depend on the amount of nerve damage and the specific nerves are affected. Common symptoms include numbness or weakness in one or more limbs, electric-shock sensations with certain neck movements, tremor, lack of coordination, or unsteady gait. Some people with severe MS may lose the ability to walk independently or at all, while others may experience long periods of remission without any new symptoms. Vison problems are also common in patients with MS, including partial or complete loss of vision, usually in one eye at a time, prolonged double vision, or blurry vision. Other symptoms may include slurred speech, fatigue, dizziness, and tingling or pain in parts of the body. Significant disability occurs within 20 to 25 years in about 30% of patients.

In 2019, U.S. disease modifying drugs for MS achieved $14.4 billion in sales according to a 2020 report by Cowan and Company. Based on current estimates, MS affects 1 million people in the United States and 2.8 million people worldwide, according to data from the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, approximately 85% of patients with MS have relapsing-remitting MS, and experience periods of new symptoms or relapses that develop over days or weeks and usually improve partially or completely. These relapses are followed by quiet periods of disease remission that can last months or even years. About 60% to 70% of people with relapsing-remitting MS eventually develop a steady progression of symptoms, with or without periods of remission, known as secondary-progressive MS. Some people with MS experience a gradual onset and steady progression of signs and symptoms without any relapses. This is known as primary-progressive MS.

Current treatment of MS includes immunomodulatory therapy (“IMT”) to address the underlying immune disorder and therapies to relieve or modify symptoms. The goal of IMT is to reduce the frequency of relapses and slow disease progression. Although there are numerous disease-modifying agents on the market, most have been approved for use only in relapsing forms of MS. There is only one FDA approved IMT for treatment of primary progressive MS. We believe there is a significant need for drugs that are effective in treating progressive MS, and we believe that IC 100 has potential to address this unmet need.

ARDS is a life-threatening form of respiratory failure characterized by rapid onset of widespread inflammation in the lungs, noncardiogenic pulmonary edema, hypoxemia refractory to oxygen therapy, diffuse abnormalities on chest radiographs, and decreased lung compliance. Patients require prolonged ICU stays and hospitalizations, consuming significant healthcare resources. Prognosis is poor with numerous complications, and high mortality; survivors have significant functional impairment for years following recovery. The most common causes of ARDS are COVID-19, pneumonia, aspiration of gastric contents, and sepsis.

The total addressable drug therapy market for ARDS has not been established because drug therapy is currently not used for treatment (please see the next section which discusses the current treatment limitations).ARDS affects approximately 90,600 patients per year in the United States, with mortality up to 45% according to Quintanilla et al (2021 publication). Globally, ARDS accounts for 10% of intensive care unit admissions, representing more than 3 million patients with ARDS annually. While the incidence of ARDS does not differ by gender, it increases with advancing age.

There are no commercially available drug treatments for ARDS. Current treatment of ARDS is focused on the underlying condition, supportive care, noninvasive or mechanical ventilation using low tidal volumes, and conservative fluid management. We believe IC 200 has potential to treat the widespread inflammation pathogenic in ARDS.

We continue to seek to identify and acquire commercialization rights to other technologies relating to renal and inflammatory diseases.

We entered into a License Agreement with L&F Research LLC (“L&F Research”) effective December 15, 2015, as amended (the “L&F License Agreement”), pursuant to which L&F Research granted us an exclusive, royalty-bearing, worldwide, sublicensable license under the patent and intellectual property rights and know-how specific to and for the development and commercialization of VAR 200, for the treatment, inhibition or prevention of kidney disease in humans and symptoms thereof, including FSGS. L&F Research was founded by the VAR 200 inventors and researchers at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, who licensed the intellectual property from the University of Miami. Pursuant to the L&F License Agreement, we (i) paid L&F Research an upfront license fee of $200,000 upon signing; (ii) agreed to make additional payments to L&F Research upon the achievement of certain development milestones up to an aggregate maximum of $21.5 million; and (iii) agreed to pay L&F Research royalty payments on net sales of any resulting product upon the achievement of certain net sales milestones, ranging from 5% to 10% based on certain annual net sales thresholds. In addition, upon the signing of and pursuant to the L&F License Agreement, we issued to L&F Research four (4) warrants (the “L&F Warrants”), exercisable in the aggregate for 878,947 shares of our Common Stock upon certain terms and conditions set forth in the L&F License Agreement and the L&F Warrants.

On December 23, 2022, we entered into a Second Amendment to Waiver of Certain Rights under License Agreement (the “Second Amendment”) with L&F Research LLC (“L&F Research”), amending the previously disclosed Waiver of Certain Rights under License Agreement, dated March 2, 2022, between ZyVersa Therapeutics, Inc., a Florida corporation (“Old ZyVersa”) and L&F Research, as amended (the “Waiver Agreement”). The Second Amendment further extended to March 31, 2023, the period that L&F Research waived its right to terminate the License Agreement and exercise any other remedies thereunder, with respect to $1,500,000 of aggregate milestone payments due to L&F Research pursuant to the L&F License Agreement (the “Milestone Payments”). On February 28, 2023, we entered into an Amendment and Restatement Agreement (the “Restatement”) with L&F Research, amending and restating the Waiver Agreement, as amended. The Restatement provides that, with respect to the Milestone Payments, L&F Research waives its right to terminate the L&F License Agreement and exercise any other remedies thereunder, until (a) March 31, 2023, as to $1,000,000 of such Milestone Payments (“Waiver A”), and (b) January 31, 2024, as to $500,000 of such Milestone Payments (“Waiver B”). Waiver A is contingent upon (i) forgiveness by the Company of $351,579 in aggregate principal amount outstanding under the previously disclosed Promissory Note, dated December 13, 2020, between L&F Research, as the borrower, and Old ZyVersa, as the lender (the “Note”), and (ii) a cash payment by the Company to L&F Research in the amount of $648,421, in each case, to be effectuated on or before March 31, 2023. Waiver B is contingent upon a cash payment by the Company to L&F Research in the amount of $500,000 to be effectuated on or before the earlier of (x) January 31, 2024, and (y) ten business days from the date that the Company receives net proceeds of at least $30,000,000 from the issuance of new equity capital. All other terms of the L&F License Agreement remain in effect.

The L&F License Agreement will terminate at the expiration of the last-to-expire of all royalty payment obligations under the L&F License Agreement and we have the right to terminate the L&F License Agreement upon 60 days’ notice.

The L&F License is terminable by either party if the other party is in material breach of the agreement, and has not cured the breach within 60 days of notice. If we fail to make payments under the agreement, L&F Research may terminate the agreement on 10 days’ notice. Further, L&F Research has the right to terminate the L&F License Agreement immediately upon written notice to us if we directly, or through assistance granted to a third party, commence any interference or opposition proceeding with respect to, challenges the validity or enforceability of, or opposes any extension of or the grant of a supplementary protection certificate with respect to, any Licensor Patent Right (as defined in the agreement).

In the event we do not complete the Throughput Milestones by the Throughput Milestone Completion Date (as each term is defined in the agreement), L&F Research may elect upon 90 days written notice to us to either (a) terminate the agreement in its entirety; or (b) terminate the exclusivity provisions of the agreement and convert the license to non-exclusive. However, before L&F Research terminates the agreement or terminates exclusivity, the parties will negotiate in good faith to agree upon a revised date for the relevant Throughput Milestone if we fail to achieve a particular Throughput Milestone by the specified time occurs because of a Force Majeure Event or a Significant Change (as those terms are defined in the agreement). In the event we cannot agree as to whether a Force Majeure Event or Significant Change has occurred by the later of the date of failure to meet the original Throughput Milestone Completion Date or 15 days after our notice that a Force Majeure Event or Significant Change has occurred, L&F Research may exercise its termination rights.

We entered into a License Agreement with InflamaCORE, LLC (“InflamaCORE”) effective as of April 18, 2019 (the “InflamaCORE License Agreement”), pursuant to which InflamCORE granted us an exclusive, worldwide, royalty-bearing, sublicensable license to patents, intellectual property rights, technology, and know-how to and for the development and commercialization of IC 100, in all therapeutic and diagnostic uses in all diseases and conditions. InflamaCORE was founded by the IC 100 inventors and researchers at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, who licensed the intellectual from the University of Miami and Selexis SA, a cell line development company in Switzerland. Pursuant to the InflamaCORE License Agreement, we (i) paid InflamaCORE an upfront license fee of $346,321.08 upon signing; (ii) agreed to make additional payments to InflamaCORE upon the achievement of certain development milestones up to an aggregate maximum of $22.5 million; (iii) agreed to pay InflamaCORE royalty payments on net sales of certain resulting products upon the achievement of certain net sales milestones, ranging from 5% to 10% depending on the level of net sales; (iv) agreed to pay University of Miami royalty payments on net sales of certain resulting products upon the achievement of certain net sales milestones, ranging from 3% to 6% of net sales, depending on the level of net sales; and (v) were granted a sublicense to all third-party technologies, including the Selexis cell line technology, and agreed to pay to InflamaCORE the obligations of their Selexis license. Pursuant to the Selexis license, we paid an upfront license fee to Selexis of CHF 50,000. We are also obligated to pay to Selexis (through reimbursement of InflamaCORE) (i) an annual maintenance fee of CHF 10,000, (ii) payments upon the achievement of certain development milestones up to an aggregate maximum of approximately CHF 1.1 million, and (iii) a royalty payment on net sales equal to a low single digit. Additionally, upon the execution of and pursuant to the InflamaCORE License Agreement, we issued (i) 200,000 shares of our Common Stock to the University of Miami, (ii) and four (4) warrants to InflamaCORE (the “InflamaCORE Warrants”) exercisable in the aggregate for 1,000,000 shares of our Common Stock upon certain terms and conditions set forth in the InflamaCORE License Agreement and the InflamaCORE Warrants.

The InflamaCORE License Agreement will terminate at the expiration of the last-to-expire of all royalty payment obligations under the InflamaCORE License Agreement and we have the right to terminate the InflamaCORE License Agreement upon 60 days’ notice. The license may be terminated by either party if the other party is in material breach of the agreement, and has not cured the breach within 60 days of notice. If we fail to make payments under the agreement, InflamaCORE may terminate the agreement on 10 days’ notice. Further, the agreement may be terminated by a party upon the bankruptcy or insolvency of the other party.

Upon any termination of the InflamaCORE License Agreement, the license granted to us will automatically terminate and revert back to InflamaCORE.

We do not currently own or operate any facilities to formulate, manufacture, test, store, package or distribute VAR 200, IC 100 and any other product candidate that we are developing or may seek to develop and do not currently have the capabilities to conduct such activities. We currently rely on third parties to manufacture, store and test VAR 200, IC 100 and any other product candidate that we may seek to develop. We will depend on third-party suppliers and manufacturing organizations for all our required raw materials and drug substance and to formulate, manufacture, test, store, package and distribute clinical trial quantities of VAR 200, IC 100 and any other product candidate that we may seek to develop. We plan to continue developing our network of third-party suppliers and manufacturing organizations, but in the future we may decide to consider investing in our own manufacturing and supply capabilities if there is a technical need or a strategic or financial benefit.

We have internal personnel and utilizes consultants with extensive technical, manufacturing, analytical and quality experience to oversee our contract manufacturing and testing activities. Manufacturing is subject to extensive regulations that impose procedural and documentation requirements, including, but not limited to, record-keeping, manufacturing processes and controls, personnel, quality control and quality assurance. Our systems, procedures and contractors are required to be in compliance with these regulations and are assessed through regular monitoring and formal audits.

We spent approximately $6.5 million on research and development activities in 2020, $2.2 million during the year ended December 31, 2021, and $5.4 million for the Predecessor period from January 1, 2022 through December 12, 2022 and $0.4 million for the Successor Period from December 13, 2022 through December 31 2022.

We currently have no marketing, sales or distribution capabilities. To commercialize any product that is approved for commercial sale, we must either develop our own sales, marketing and distribution infrastructure or collaborate with third parties that have such commercial infrastructure and relevant marketing and sales experience. We expect to be able to build our commercial infrastructure over time in advance of any anticipated launch of our products, and we may rely on licensing, co-sale and co-promotion agreements with strategic partners for the commercialization of our products. If we establish the commercial infrastructure to support the potential marketing of VAR 200, IC 100 and any other product candidate that we may seek to develop, such commercial infrastructure could be expected to include a targeted sales force supported by sales management, internal sales support, an internal marketing group and distribution support. In order to establish the proper commercial infrastructure, we would need to invest significant financial and management resources prior to any approval of VAR 200, IC 100 and any other product candidate that we may seek to develop.

The pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry is highly competitive. These competitors include many public and private companies, universities, governmental agencies and other research organizations actively engaged in the research and development of products that may be similar to our product candidates that we seek to develop or address similar indications. Many competitors have substantially greater financial, technical and human resources than we possess and may be better equipped to develop, manufacture and market their products. We also expect that the number of companies seeking to develop products and therapies similar to our products may increase over time. Competitive factors in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry include product efficacy, safety, ease of use, price, demonstrated cost-effectiveness, marketing effectiveness, service, reputation, and access to technical information. Any products that we develop and seek to commercialize may not be able to compete with the products of our competitors with respect to one or more of these considerations.

For instance, there are currently several other companies with drugs in clinical development for FSGS, targeting inflammation, fibrosis, and vasoconstriction. Among our competitors, there are products in various phases of development, including compounds in Phase 2 and Phase 3 of development. However, we believe that VAR 200 may be the only drug currently in development that addresses lipid accumulation in the glomerulus. The current treatment algorithm for renal disease includes multiple drug therapies to address the various pathways contributing to renal disease. We believe that VAR 200 could potentially be used in combination with other treatment modalities addressing other pathogenic pathways.

Additionally, there are a number of other companies developing drugs targeting the inflammasome pathway, some of which have clinical trials underway in multiple indications. Among these competitors, we are aware of a number of products in various stages of development, including those with Phase 2 clinical trials underway or completed, encompassing indications such as gout, Schnitzler’s Syndrome, COVID-19 respiratory symptoms, symptomatic knee osteoarthritis, familial cold auto-inflammatory syndrome, corneal epithelial defects, dry/wet macular degeneration, diabetic retinal disease, and melanoma. Additionally, there are a number of Phase 1 clinical trials underway encompassing indications such as CAPS, mild COVID-19, systolic heart failure, and solid tumors, in addition to healthy subjects. We believe that IC 100 may be the only monoclonal antibody targeting the ASC component of the inflammasome, which can potentially inhibit multiple types of inflammasomes to prevent initiation and perpetuation of inflammation.

We seek to protect our products and technologies through a combination of patents, regulatory exclusivity, and proprietary know-how. Our goal is to obtain, maintain, and enforce patent protection for our products, formulations, processes, methods, and other proprietary technologies, preserve our trade secrets, and operate without infringing on the proprietary rights of other parties, both in the United States and in other countries. Our policy is to actively seek to obtain, where appropriate, the broadest intellectual property protection possible for our current compositions and methods and any future compositions and methods under development, proprietary information, and proprietary technology through a combination of contractual arrangements and patents, where applicable, both in the United States and abroad. However, even patent protection may not always afford complete protection against competitors who seek to circumvent our patents. For additional information, see section entitled “Risk Factors — Risks Related to Our Intellectual Property.”

Pursuant to the L&F License Agreement, we have an exclusive, sublicensable, worldwide license to the inventions relating to 2-hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin (“2HPβCD”) for the treatment of kidney disease in humans, including FSGS, as described in certain method-of-use patents and pending applications filed in the United States and selected foreign countries (Canada, China, Europe, Japan, and Mexico) from two international patent applications filed pursuant to the provisions of the Patent Cooperation Treaty (“PCT”). Currently, there are 3 issued United States patents and 7 foreign granted or allowed applications. These patents, and any patents that issue from the pending applications, are anticipated to have a term to at least 2033, absent of any patent term adjustments or extensions.

Pursuant to the InflamaCORE License Agreement, we have an exclusive, sublicensable, worldwide license to the inventions relating to recognition, diagnosis, and treatment of inflammatory responses and inflammation mediated by inflammasomes and components thereof, including but not limited to IC 100 which is a humanized IgG4 antibody directed against a specific amino acid sequence of the pyrin domain of Apoptosis-associated speck-like protein (“ASC”). The patent portfolio for IC 100 includes 5 patent families covering composition of matter, biomarker, and method-of-use patents and their related national stage filings in the United States and selected foreign countries (Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Europe, India, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Philippines, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Thailand, Vietnam). Currently, there are 5 issued United States patents, 3 foreign granted or allowed applications and 56 pending applications. These patents, and any patents that issue from the pending applications, are anticipated to have a term at least 2028, absent of any patent term adjustments or extensions.

At this time, ZyVersa has no patents or patent applications outside of those connected to the L&F or InflamaCORE License Agreements.

Even though we have licensed issued patents, there is no guarantee that the validity of the patents will be upheld if challenged by a third party. There can be no assurance that any of our intellectual property rights will afford us any protection from competition.

On February 24, 2023, we filed two trademark applications for (1) Cholesterol Efflux Mediator™ and (2) Lipid Efflux Mediator™ for pharmaceutical preparations for treatment of renal diseases and disorders. No other applications for trademark protection have been filed for any names or logos for products or technologies in development. We plan to seek trademark protection inside and outside of the United States where available and when appropriate. We intend to use these registered marks in connection with our pharmaceutical research and development, including proprietary technologies, as well as our product candidates.

In the United States, the FDA regulates drug products, biological products, and medical devices under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (“FDCA”), the Public Health Service Act (“PHSA”), and other federal laws and regulations. These FDA-regulated products are also subject to state and local statutes and regulations, as well as applicable laws or regulations in foreign countries. The FDA, and comparable regulatory agencies in state and local and local jurisdictions and in foreign countries, impose substantial requirements on the research, development, testing, manufacture, quality control, labeling, packaging, storage, distribution, record-keeping, approval, post-approval monitoring, advertising, promotion, marketing, sampling and import and export of FDA-regulated products.

Any product development activities related to VAR 200, IC 100, and any other product candidates that we may seek to develop or acquire in the future will be subject to extensive regulation by various government authorities, including the FDA and other federal, state and local statutes and regulations and comparable regulatory authorities in other countries, which regulate the design, research, clinical and non-clinical development, testing, manufacturing, storage, distribution, import, export, labeling, advertising and marketing of pharmaceutical products and devices. Generally, before a new drug can be sold, considerable data demonstrating its quality, safety and efficacy must be obtained, organized into a format specific to each regulatory authority, submitted for review and approved by the regulatory authority. The data is often generated in two distinct development states: pre-clinical and clinical. VAR 200, IC 100, and any other product candidates that we may seek to develop or acquire in the future must be approved by the FDA through the New Drug Application (“NDA”), Biologic Licensing Application (“BLA”) or other applicable approval process before they may be legally marketed in the United States.

The clinical stages of development can generally be divided into three sequential phases that may overlap: Phase 1, Phase 2 and Phase 3 clinical trials. In Phase 1, generally, small numbers of healthy volunteers are exposed to single escalating doses and then multiple escalating doses of the product candidate. The primary purpose of these studies is to assess the metabolism, pharmacologic action, side effect tolerability and safety of the drug. Phase 2 trials typically involve studies in disease-affected patients to determine the dose required to produce the desired benefits. At the same time, safety and further pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic information is collected. In some instances, formal Phase 1 and Phase 2 trials may not be deemed necessary or required by the FDA. Such is often the case when the safety and efficacy of an API is considered to be well understood by the FDA. In Phase 3 studies, the drug or treatment is given to large groups of people to confirm its effectiveness, monitor side effects, compare it to commonly used treatments, and collect information that will allow the drug or treatment to be used safely. Under established regulatory pathways, pharmaceutical products with APIs equal or similar to those known by the FDA often enter more streamlined development programs than compounds entirely new to the agency.

Post-approval studies, sometime referred to as Phase 4 clinical trials, may be conducted after initial marketing approval. These studies may be used to gain additional experience from the treatment of patients in the intended therapeutic condition or to gain additional indications for a medication. In certain instances, the FDA may mandate the performance of Phase 4 studies.

In the United States, the process of obtaining regulatory approvals and the subsequent compliance with appropriate federal, state, local and foreign statutes and regulations require the expenditure of substantial time and financial resources. Failure to comply with the applicable United States requirements at any time during the product development process, approval process or after approval, may subject an applicant to administrative or judicial sanctions. These sanctions could include the FDA’s refusal to approve pending applications, withdrawal of an approval, a clinical hold, warning letters, product recalls or withdrawal from the market, product seizures, total or partial suspension of production or distribution, injunctions, fines, refusals of government contracts, restitution, disgorgement, or civil or criminal penalties.

Prior to the start of human clinical studies for a new drug or biological product in the United States, pre-clinical laboratory and animal tests are often performed under the FDA’s Good Laboratory Practices regulations. The Sponsor must submit the results of the pre-clinical tests, together with manufacturing information, analytical data, any available clinical data and literature and a proposed clinical protocol to the FDA as part of the Investigational New Drug (“IND”) application. Similar filings are required in other countries. The amount of data that must be supplied in the IND depends on the phase of the study. Phase 1 studies typically require less data than larger Phase 3 studies. A clinical plan must be submitted to the FDA prior to commencement of a clinical trial. If the FDA has concerns about the clinical plan or the safety of the proposed study, they may suspend or terminate the study at any time. Studies must be conducted in accordance with good clinical practice and regular reporting of study progress and any adverse experiences is required. Studies are also subject to review by independent institutional review boards responsible for overseeing studies at particular investigator sites and protecting human research study subjects. An independent institutional review board may also suspend or terminate a study once initiated. Accordingly, submission of an IND does not guarantee approval by the FDA allowing clinical trials to begin, or, once begun, that issues will not arise that could cause the trial to be suspended or terminated.

Following completion of Phase 3 trials, data from the trials are analyzed to determine safety and effectiveness. Complete development data is then filed with the FDA in a NDA or BLA, along with proposed labeling for the product and information about the manufacturing and testing processes and facilities that will be used to ensure product quality. The NDA and BLA applications are the vehicle through which drug sponsors formally propose that the FDA approve a new pharmaceutical product for sale and marketing in the United States. The NDA or BLA must contain proof of safety, purity, potency and efficacy, which entails extensive pre-clinical and clinical testing. The data gathered during the animal studies and human clinical trials of an IND become part of the NDA or BLA.

The review and evaluation of a NDA or BLA by the FDA may take several years to complete. The FDA may conduct pre-approval inspections of the manufacturing facilities for the new product to determine whether they comply with cGMP requirements and may also audit data from clinical and pre-clinical trials.

The FDA may place conditions on approvals including the requirement for a risk evaluation and mitigation strategy (“REMS”) to assure the safe use of the agent. If the FDA concludes a REMS is needed, the Sponsor of the application must submit a proposed REMS, which may include medication guides, physician communication plans, or elements to assure safe use, such as restricted distribution methods, patient registries and other risk minimization tools.

Prior to commencing a human clinical trial of a drug or biological product, an IND, which contains the results of preclinical studies along with other information, such as information about product chemistry, manufacturing and controls and a proposed protocol, must be submitted to the FDA. An IND is a request for authorization from the FDA to administer an investigational drug or biological product to humans. The IND automatically becomes effective 30 days after receipt by the FDA, unless the FDA within the 30-day time period raises concerns or questions about the conduct of the clinical trial. In such a case, the IND sponsor must resolve any outstanding concerns with the FDA before the clinical trial may begin. A separate submission to the existing IND must be made for each successive clinical trial to be conducted during drug development.

An independent Institutional Review Board (“IRB”) for each site proposing to conduct the clinical trial must review and approve the investigational plan for the trial before it commences at that site. Informed written consent must be obtained from each trial subject.

Human clinical trials for drug and biological products typically are conducted in sequential phases that may overlap:

All clinical trials must be conducted in accordance with FDA regulations, including good clinical practice (“GCP”) requirements, which are intended to protect the rights, safety and well-being of trial participants, define the roles of clinical trial sponsors, administrators and monitors and ensure clinical trial data integrity. Regulatory authorities, including the FDA, an IRB, a data safety monitoring board or the Sponsor, may suspend or terminate a clinical trial at any time on various grounds, including a finding that the participants are being exposed to an unacceptable health risk or that the clinical trial is not being conducted in accordance with FDA requirements.

During the development of a new drug or biologic, sponsors are given opportunities to meet with the FDA at certain points. These points may be prior to submission of an IND, at the end of Phase II clinical trials, and before a NDA or BLA is submitted. Meetings at other times may be requested. These meetings can provide an opportunity for the Sponsor to share information about the data gathered to date, for the FDA to provide advice and for the Sponsor and the FDA to reach agreement on the next phase of development. Sponsors typically use the end-of-Phase II clinical trials meetings to discuss their Phase II clinical trials results and present their plans for the pivotal Phase III registration trial that they believe will support approval of the new drug/biologic.

An investigational drug product that is a combination of two different drugs in the same dosage form must comply with an additional rule that requires that each component make a contribution to the claimed effects of the drug product. This typically requires larger studies that test the drug against each of its components.

Sponsors of clinical trials of FDA-regulated products, including drugs, biologics, and devices, are required to register and disclose certain clinical trial information. Information related to the product, patient population, phase of investigation, study sites and investigators, and other aspects of the clinical trial, is made public as part of the registration. Sponsors also are obligated to discuss the results of their clinical trials after completion. Disclosure of the clinical trial results can be delayed until the new product or new indication being studied has been approved. Competitors may use this publicly available information to gain knowledge regarding the progress of development programs.

The New Drug Application (NDA) and Biologics License Application (BLA) Approval Processes

Our drug or biological products must be approved by the FDA through the NDA and BLA approval processes, respectively, before they may be legally marketed in the U.S. These FDA-required processes for drugs or biological products to be marketed in the U.S. generally involve the following:

In order to obtain approval to market a drug or biological product in the U.S., a marketing application must be submitted to the FDA that provides data establishing to the FDA’s satisfaction the safety and effectiveness of the investigational drug for the proposed indication. The cost of preparing and submitting a NDA or BLA is substantial. Each NDA or BLA submission requires a user fee payment (exceeding $2.5 million in fiscal year 2019), unless a waiver or exemption applies. The manufacturer or sponsor of an approved BLA is also subject to annual establishment fees. The application includes all relevant data available from pertinent non-clinical studies, or preclinical studies and clinical trials, including negative or ambiguous results as well as positive findings, together with detailed information relating to the product’s chemistry, manufacturing, controls and proposed labeling, among other information. Data can come from company-sponsored clinical trials intended to test the safety and effectiveness of a use of a product, or from a number of alternative sources, including studies initiated by investigators that meet GCP requirements.

Companies also must develop additional information about the characteristics of the drug or biological product and finalize a process for the NDA or BLA sponsor’s manufacturing the product in compliance with current good manufacturing practice (“cGMP”) requirements. The manufacturing process must be capable of consistently producing quality batches of the product candidate, and the manufacturer must develop methods for testing the finished drug or biological product. Additionally, appropriate packaging must be selected and tested, and stability studies must be conducted to demonstrate that the product candidate does not undergo unacceptable deterioration over its shelf-life.

The results of drug or biological product development, non-clinical studies and clinical trials, along with descriptions of the manufacturing process, tests conducted on the drug or biological product, proposed labeling and other relevant information are submitted to the FDA as part of a NDA or BLA requesting approval to market the product.

The FDA reviews all NDAs or BLAs submitted to ensure that they are sufficiently complete for substantive review before it accepts them for filing. FDA may request additional information rather than accept a NDA or BLA for filing. In this event, the NDA or BLA must be resubmitted with the additional information. The resubmitted application also is subject to review before the FDA accepts it for filing. The FDA has 60 days from its receipt of a NDA or BLA to conduct an initial review to determine whether the application will be accepted for filing based on the agency’s threshold determination that it is sufficiently complete to permit substantive review.

Once the NDA or BLA submission is accepted for filing, the FDA begins an in-depth review of the NDA or BLA to determine, among other things, whether the proposed product is safe and effective for its intended use, and whether the product is being manufactured in accordance with cGMP to ensure the product’s identity, strength, quality and purity. The FDA has agreed to specific performance goals on the review of NDAs and BLA’s and seeks to review standard NDAs or BLAs within 12 months and prior review biologics within 8 months from submission of the respective applications. The review process may be extended by the FDA for three additional months to consider certain late submitted information or information intended to clarify information already provided in the submission.

After the FDA evaluates the NDA or BLA, it will issue either an approval letter or a complete response letter. An approval letter authorizes commercial marketing of the drug or biologic product with specific prescribing information for specific indications. A complete response letter indicates that the application is not ready for approval. A complete response letter may require additional clinical data and/or an additional pivotal clinical trial(s), and/or other significant, expensive and time-consuming requirements related to clinical trials, preclinical studies or manufacturing. Even if such additional information is submitted, the FDA may ultimately decide that the NDA or BLA does not satisfy the criteria for approval. The FDA may also refer applications for novel drug or biological products or drug or biological products that present difficult questions of safety or efficacy to an advisory committee, typically a panel that includes clinicians and other experts, for review, evaluation and a recommendation as to whether the application should be approved and, if so, under what conditions. The FDA is not bound by the recommendation of an advisory committee, but it considers such recommendations carefully and generally follows such recommendations when making decisions.

Before approving a NDA or BLA, the FDA typically will inspect the facilities where the product is manufactured. The FDA will not approve the product unless it determines that the manufacturing processes and facilities are in compliance with cGMP requirements and adequate to assure consistent production of the product within required specifications. After the FDA evaluates the NDA or BLA and the manufacturing facilities, it issues either the approval letter or the complete response letter. If the FDA determines the application, manufacturing process or manufacturing facilities are not acceptable, its complete response letter typically will outline the deficiencies and often will request additional testing or information, which may include additional large-scale clinical testing or information in order for the FDA to reconsider the application. This may significantly delay further review of the application.

If the FDA finds that a clinical site did not conduct the clinical trial in accordance with GCP regulations, the FDA may determine the data generated by the clinical site should be excluded from the primary efficacy analyses provided in the NDA or BLA. Additionally, notwithstanding the submission of any requested additional information, the FDA ultimately may decide that the application does not satisfy the regulatory criteria for approval.

If, or when, those deficiencies have been addressed to the FDA’s satisfaction in a resubmission of the NDA or BLA, the FDA will issue the approval letter. The FDA has committed to reviewing such resubmissions in 2 or 6 months depending on the type of information included. An approval letter authorizes commercial marketing and distribution of the product with specific prescribing information for specific indications. As a condition of approval, the FDA may require substantial post-approval testing and surveillance to monitor the product’s safety or efficacy after a product is approved, including additional clinical trials and may impose other conditions, including labeling restrictions, which can materially affect the product’s potential market and profitability. These so-called Phase IV or post-approval clinical trials may be a condition for continuing drug approval. The results of Phase IV clinical trials can confirm the effectiveness of a product candidate and can provide important safety information. In addition, the FDA now has express statutory authority to require sponsors to conduct post-marketing trials to specifically address safety issues identified by the agency. Once granted, product approvals may be withdrawn if compliance with regulatory standards is not maintained or problems or safety issues are identified following initial marketing.

The FDA also has authority to require a REMS to ensure that the benefits of a drug or biological product outweigh its risks. A sponsor may also voluntarily propose a REMS as part of the NDA submission. The need for a REMS is determined as part of the review of the NDA or BLA. Elements of a REMS may include “dear doctor letters,” a medication guide, more elaborate targeted educational programs, and in some cases elements to assure safe use (“ETASU”), which is the most restrictive REMS. ETASU can include, but are not limited to, special training or certification for prescribing or dispensing, dispensing only under certain circumstances, special monitoring and the use of patient registries. These elements are negotiated as part of the NDA or BLA approval, and in some cases the approval date may be delayed. Once implemented, REMS are subject to periodic assessment and modification.

Changes to some of the conditions established in an approved application, including changes in indications, labeling, device components or manufacturing processes or facilities, may require submission and FDA approval of a new NDA or BLA, or NDA or BLA supplement before the change can be implemented. A NDA or BLA supplement for a new indication typically requires clinical data similar to that in the original application, and the FDA uses the same procedures and actions in reviewing NDA or BLA supplements as it does in reviewing NDAs or BLAs.

Even if a product candidate receives regulatory approval, the approval may be limited to specific disease states, patient populations and dosages, or might contain significant limitations on use in the form of warnings, precautions or contraindications, or in the form of onerous risk management plans, restrictions on distribution or post-marketing trial requirements. Further, even after regulatory approval is obtained, later discovery of previously unknown problems with a product may result in restrictions on the product or even complete withdrawal of the product from the market. Delay in obtaining, or failure to obtain, regulatory approval for our products, or obtaining approval but for significantly limited use, would harm our business. Also, new government requirements, including those resulting from new legislation, may be established, or the FDA’s policies may change, which could delay or prevent regulatory approval of our products in development. In addition, we cannot predict what adverse governmental regulations may arise from future U.S. or foreign governmental action.

Under the Drug Price Competition and Patent Term Restoration Act of 1984, as amended, commonly known as the Hatch-Waxman Act, a portion of a product’s U.S. patent term that was lost during clinical development and regulatory review by the FDA may be restored. The Hatch-Waxman Amendments also provide a process for listing patents pertaining to approved products in the FDA’s Approved Drug Products with Therapeutic Equivalence Evaluations (commonly known as the Orange Book) and for a competitor seeking approval of an application that references a product with listed patents to make certifications pertaining to such patents. In addition, the Hatch-Waxman Amendments provide for a statutory protection, known as non-patent exclusivity, against the FDA’s acceptance or approval of certain competitor applications.

Patent term restoration can compensate for time lost during drug development and the regulatory review process by returning up to five years of patent life for a patent that covers a new product or its use. This period is generally one-half the time between the effective date of an IND (falling after issuance of the patent) and the submission date of a NDA, plus the time between the submission date of a NDA and the approval of that application, provided the Sponsor acted with diligence. Patent term restorations, however, cannot extend the remaining term of a patent beyond a total of 14 years from the date of product approval and only one patent applicable to an approved drug may be extended and the extension must be applied for prior to expiration of the patent. The USPTO, in consultation with the FDA, reviews and approves the application for any patent term extension or restoration.

In seeking approval for a drug through a NDA, applicants are required to list with the FDA each patent whose claims cover the applicant’s product. Upon approval of a drug, each of the patents listed by the NDA holder in the drug’s application or otherwise are published in the FDA’s Orange Book. Drugs listed in the Orange Book can, in turn, be cited by potential generic competitors in support of approval of an abbreviated new drug application (“ANDA”). An ANDA permits marketing of a drug product that has the same active ingredient(s) in the same strengths and dosage form as the listed drug and has been shown through bioequivalence testing to be therapeutically equivalent to the listed drug. Other than the requirement for bioequivalence testing, ANDA applicants are not required to conduct, or submit results of, preclinical studies or clinical trials to prove the safety or effectiveness of their drug product. Drugs approved under and ANDA are commonly referred to as “generic equivalents” to the listed drug and can often be substituted by pharmacists under prescriptions written for the original listed drug. Any applicant who files an ANDA seeking approval of a generic equivalent version of a drug listed in the Orange Book or a 505(b)(2) NDA referencing a drug listed in the Orange Book must certify to the FDA that (i) no patent information on the drug product that is the subject of the application has been submitted to the FDA; (ii) such patent has expired; (iii) the date on which such patent expires; or (iv) such patent is invalid or will not be infringed upon by the manufacture, use or sale of the drug product for which the application is submitted. This last certification is known as a paragraph IV certification. A notice of the paragraph IV certification must be provided to each owner of the patent that is the subject of the certification and to the holder of the approved NDA to which the ANDA or 505(b)(2) application refers. The applicant also may elect to submit a “section viii” statement certifying that its proposed label does not contain (or carves out) any language regarding the patented method-of-use rather than certify to a listed method-of-use patent. If the reference NDA holder and patent owners assert a patent challenge directed to one of the Orange Book listed patents within 45 days of the receipt of the paragraph IV certification notice, the FDA is prohibited from approving the application until the earlier of 30 months from the receipt of the notice of the paragraph IV certification, the expiration of the patent, when the infringement case concerning each such patent was favorably decided in the applicant’s favor or such shorter or longer period as may be ordered by a court. This prohibition is generally referred to as the thirty-month stay. The ANDA or 505(b)(2) application also will not be approved until any applicable non-patent exclusivity listed in the Orange Book for the branded reference drug has expired. Thus, approval of an ANDA or 505(b)(2) NDA could be delayed for a significant period depending on the patent certification the applicant makes and the reference drug sponsor’s decision to initiate patent litigation.

Market exclusivity provisions under the FDCA also can delay the submission or the approval of certain drug applications. The Hatch-Waxman Act establishes periods of regulatory exclusivity for certain approved drug products, during which the FDA cannot approve (or in some cases accept) an ANDA or 505(b)(2) application that relies on the branded reference drug. For instance, the FDCA provides a five-year period of non-patent marketing exclusivity within the U.S. to the first applicant to gain approval of a NDA for a new chemical entity (“NCE”). A drug is a NCE if the FDA has not previously approved any other new drug containing the same active moiety, which is the molecule or ion responsible for the action of the drug substance. During the exclusivity period, the FDA may not accept for review an ANDA or a 505(b)(2) NDA submitted by another company for another version of such drug where the applicant does not own or have a legal right of reference to all the data required for approval. However, an application may be submitted after four years if it contains a Paragraph IV certification. The Hatch- Waxman Act also provides three years of marketing exclusivity to the holder of a NDA (including a 505(b)(2) NDA) for a particular condition of approval, or change to a marketed product, such as a new formulation for a previously approved product, if one or more new clinical studies (other than bioavailability or bioequivalence studies) conducted or sponsored by the applicant were deemed by the FDA to be essential to the approval of the application, including, for example, new indications, dosages or strengths of an existing drug. This three-year exclusivity period protects against FDA approval of ANDAs and 505(b)(2) NDA for drugs that include the innovation that required the new clinical data, but does not prohibit the FDA from approving ANDAs for drugs containing the original active ingredient. Five-year and three-year exclusivity will not delay the submission or approval of a full NDA; however, an applicant submitting a full NDA is required to conduct or obtain a right of reference to all of the non-clinical studies and adequate and well-controlled clinical trials necessary to demonstrate safety and effectiveness.

The Biologics Price Competition and Innovation Act of 2009 (“BPCIA”) creates an abbreviated approval pathway for biosimilar products under section 351(k) of the Public Health Service Act (“PHSA”). A biosimilar product or “biosimilar” is a biological product that is highly similar to and has no clinically meaningful differences from an existing FDA-licensed reference product. Biosimilarity must be shown through analytical studies, animal studies, and at least one clinical study, absent a waiver. A biosimilar product may be deemed interchangeable with a prior licensed product if it is biosimilar and meets additional requirements under the BPCIA, including that it can be expected to produce the same clinical results as the reference product and, for products administered multiple times, the biologic and the reference biologic may be switched after one has been previously administered without increasing safety risks or risks of diminished efficacy relative to exclusive use of the reference biologic. An interchangeable product may be substituted for the reference product without the involvement of the prescriber.

Under the BPCIA, no section 351(k) application for a biosimilar may be submitted for four (4) years from the date of licensure of the reference product. Additionally, a reference biologic is granted twelve (12) years of exclusivity from the time of first licensure of the reference product, During this twelve (12)-year exclusivity period, another company may still market a competing version of the reference product if the FDA approves a full BLA for the competing product submitted under section 351(a) of the PHSA containing the competing sponsor’s own pre-clinical data and data from adequate and well-controlled clinical trials to demonstrate the safety, purity, and potency of the other company’s product. The first biologic product submitted under the abbreviated approval pathway that is determined to be interchangeable with the reference product may obtain exclusivity against a finding of interchangeability for other biologics for the same condition of use for the lesser of (i) one (1) year after first commercial marketing of the first interchangeable biosimilar; (ii) eighteen (18) months after the first interchangeable biosimilar is approved if there is no patent challenge; (iii) eighteen (18) months after resolution of a lawsuit over the patents of the reference biologic in favor of the first interchangeable biosimilar applicant; or (iv) forty-two (42) months after the first interchangeable biosimilar’s application has been approved if a patent lawsuit is ongoing within the forty-two (42)-month period.

Fast track designation may be granted for a product that is intended to treat a serious or life-threatening disease or condition for which preclinical or clinical data demonstrate the potential to address unmet medical needs for the condition. The sponsor of an investigational drug product may request that the FDA designate the drug candidate for a specific indication as a fast track drug concurrent with, or after, the submission of the IND for the drug candidate. The FDA must determine if the drug candidate qualifies for fast track designation within 60 days of receipt of the sponsor’s request. For fast track products, sponsors may have greater interactions with the FDA and the FDA may initiate review of sections of a fast track product’s NDA before the application is complete. This rolling review is available if the FDA determines, after preliminary evaluation of clinical data submitted by the sponsor, that a fast track product may be effective. The sponsor must also provide, and the FDA must approve, a schedule for the submission of the remaining information and the sponsor must pay applicable user fees. At the time of NDA filing, the FDA will determine whether to grant priority review designation. Additionally, fast track designation may be withdrawn if the FDA believes that the designation is no longer supported by data emerging in the clinical trial process.

The FDA may also accelerate the approval of a designated Breakthrough Therapy, which is a drug that is intended, alone or in combination with one or more other drugs, to treat a serious or life-threatening disease or condition and preliminary clinical evidence indicates that the drug may demonstrate substantial improvement over existing therapies on one or more clinically significant endpoints, such as substantial treatment effects observed early in clinical development. The sponsor of a Breakthrough Therapy may request the FDA to designate the drug as a Breakthrough Therapy at the time of, or any time after, the submission of a IND for the drug. If the FDA designates a drug as a Breakthrough Therapy, it must take actions appropriate to expedite the development and review of the application, which may include (i) holding meetings with the sponsor and the review team throughout the development of the drug; (ii) providing timely advice to, and interactive communication with, the sponsor regarding the development of the drug to ensure that the development program to gather the nonclinical and clinical data necessary for approval is as efficient as practicable; (iii) involving senior managers and experienced review staff, as appropriate, in a collaborative, cross-disciplinary review; (iv) assigning a cross-disciplinary project lead for the FDA review team to facilitate an efficient review of the development program and to serve as a scientific liaison between the review team and the sponsor; and (v) taking steps to ensure that the design of the clinical trials is as efficient as practicable, when scientifically appropriate, such as by minimizing the number of patients exposed to a potentially less efficacious treatment.

Accelerated approval may be granted for a product that is intended to treat a serious or life-threatening condition and that generally provides a meaningful therapeutic advantage to patients over existing treatments. A product eligible for accelerated approval may be approved on the basis of either a surrogate endpoint that is reasonably likely to predict clinical benefit, or on a clinical endpoint that can be measured earlier than irreversible morbidity or mortality, that is reasonably likely to predict an effect on irreversible morbidity or mortality or other clinical benefit, taking into account the severity, rarity or prevalence of the condition and the availability or lack of alternative treatments. The accelerated approval pathway is most often used in settings in which the course of a disease is long, and an extended period of time is required to measure the intended clinical benefit of a product, even if the effect on the surrogate or intermediate clinical endpoint occurs rapidly. The accelerated approval pathway is contingent on a sponsor’s agreement to conduct additional post-approval confirmatory studies to verify and describe the product’s clinical benefit. These confirmatory trials must be completed with due diligence and, in some cases, the FDA may require that the trial be designed, initiated, and/or fully enrolled prior to approval. Failure to conduct required post-approval studies, or to confirm a clinical benefit during post-marketing studies, would allow the FDA to withdraw the product from the market on an expedited basis. All promotional materials for product candidates approved under accelerated regulations are subject to prior review by the FDA.

Under the Orphan Drug Act, the FDA may grant orphan drug designation to drugs intended to treat a rare disease or condition, which is generally a disease or condition that affects fewer than 200,000 individuals in the United States, or more than 200,000 individuals in the United States but for which there is no reasonable expectation that the cost of developing and making the product for this type of disease or condition will be recovered from sales of the product in the United States.

Orphan drug designation must be requested before submitting a NDA. After the FDA grants orphan drug designation, the identity of the drug and its potential orphan use are disclosed publicly by the FDA. Orphan drug designation does not convey any advantage in, or shorten the duration of, the regulatory review and approval process.

The first NDA applicant to receive FDA approval for a particular active moiety to treat a rare disease for which it has such designation is entitled to a seven-year exclusive marketing period in the U.S. for that product, for that indication. During the seven-year exclusivity period, the FDA may not approve any other applications to market the same drug for the same disease, except in limited circumstances, such as a showing of clinical superiority to the product with orphan drug exclusivity by means of greater effectiveness, greater safety, or providing a major contribution to patient care, or in instances of drug supply issues. Orphan drug exclusivity does not prevent the FDA from approving a different drug for the same disease or condition, or the same drug for a different disease or condition. Other benefits of orphan drug designation include tax credits for certain research and an exemption from the NDA user fee.

Under the Pediatric Research Equity Act, or PREA, NDAs or supplements to NDAs must contain data to assess the safety and effectiveness of the drug for the claimed indications in all relevant pediatric subpopulations and to support dosing and administration for each pediatric subpopulation for which the drug is safe and effective. The FDA may grant full or partial waivers, or deferrals, for submission of data. Unless otherwise required by regulation, PREA does not apply to any drug for an indication for which orphan designation has been granted, with certain exceptions.

The Best Pharmaceuticals for Children Act, or BPCA, provides NDA holders a six-month extension of any exclusivity - patent or nonpatent - for a drug if certain conditions are met. Conditions for exclusivity include the FDA’s determination that information relating to the use of a new drug in the pediatric population may produce health benefits in that population, the FDA making a written request for pediatric studies, and the applicant agreeing to perform, and reporting on, the requested studies within the statutory timeframe. Applications under the BPCA are treated as priority applications, with all of the benefits that designation confers.

Following approval of a new product, a pharmaceutical company and the approved product are subject to continuing regulation by the FDA and other federal and state regulatory authorities, including, among other things, monitoring and record-keeping activities, reporting to applicable regulatory authorities of adverse experiences with the product, providing the regulatory authorities with updated safety and efficacy information, product sampling and distribution requirements, and complying with promotion and advertising requirements, which include, among others, standards for direct-to-consumer advertising, restrictions on promoting drugs for uses or in patient populations not described in the drug’s approved labeling (known as “off-label use”), limitations on industry-sponsored scientific and educational activities, and requirements for promotional activities involving the internet. Although physicians may prescribe legally available drugs for off-label uses, manufacturers may not market or promote such off-label uses. Modifications or enhancements to the products or labeling or changes of site of manufacture are often subject to the approval of the FDA and other regulators, which may or may not be received or may result in a lengthy review process.

The FDA, state and foreign regulatory authorities have broad enforcement powers. Failure to comply with applicable regulatory requirements could result in enforcement action by the FDA, state or foreign regulatory authorities, which may include the following:

Any of these sanctions could result in higher than anticipated costs or lower than anticipated sales and have a material adverse effect on our reputation, business, financial condition and results of operations. Such actions by government agencies could also require us to expend a large amount of resources to respond to the actions. Any agency or judicial enforcement action could have a material adverse effect on our business.

Prescription drug advertising is subject to federal, state and foreign regulations. In the United States, the FDA regulates prescription drug promotion, including direct-to-consumer advertising. Prescription drug promotion materials must be submitted to the FDA in conjunction with their first use. Any distribution of prescription drug products and pharmaceutical samples must comply with the U.S. Prescription Drug Marketing Act (“PDMA”), a part of the FDCA. Once a product is approved, its manufacture is subject to comprehensive and continuing regulations by the FDA. The FDA regulations require the products be manufactured in specific approved facilities and in accordance with cGMP, and NDA or BLA holders must list their products and register their manufacturing establishments with the FDA. These regulations also impose certain organizational, procedural and documentation requirements with respect to manufacturing and quality assurance activities. Drug manufacturers and other entities involved in the manufacture and distribution of approved drugs are subject to periodic unannounced inspections by the FDA and certain state agencies for compliance with cGMP and other laws.

NDA or BLA holders using contract manufacturers, laboratories or packagers are responsible for the selection and monitoring of qualified firms. These firms are subject to inspections by the FDA at any time, and the discovery of violations could result in enforcement actions that interrupt the operation of any such facilities or the ability to distribute products manufactured, processed or tested by them. Newly-discovered or developed safety or effectiveness data may require changes to a product’s approved labeling, including the addition of new warnings and contraindications, and also may require the implementation of other risk management measures.

If VAR 200, IC 100 and any other product candidate that we seek to develop, are approved by the FDA, government coverage and reimbursement policies will both directly and indirectly affect our ability to successfully commercialize the product, and such coverage and reimbursement policies will be affected by future healthcare reform measures. Government health administration authorities, private health insurers and other organizations generally decide which drugs they will pay for and establish reimbursement levels for healthcare. In particular, in the United States, private health insurers and other third-party payors often provide reimbursement for products based on the level at which the government (through the Medicare or Medicaid programs) provides reimbursement for such treatments. Patients who are prescribed treatments for their conditions and providers performing the prescribed services generally rely on third-party payors to reimburse all or part of the associated healthcare costs. Many patients are unlikely to use our products unless coverage is provided and reimbursement is adequate to cover a significant portion of the cost of our products. Sales of our products will therefore depend substantially, both domestically and abroad, to the extent they are reimbursed by government health administration authorities, such as Medicare and Medicaid, private health coverage insurers and other third-party payors. The market for our products will depend significantly on access to third-party payors’ formularies, or lists of products or treatments for which third-party payors provide coverage and reimbursement. Also, third-party payors are developing increasingly sophisticated methods of controlling healthcare costs. Coverage and reimbursements for therapeutic products can differ significantly from payor to payor. A third-party payors’ decision to provide coverage for a medical product or service does not imply that an adequate reimbursement rate will be approved. One third-party payor’s decision to cover a particular medical product or service does not assure that other payors will also provide coverage for the medical product or services, or to provide coverage at an adequate reimbursement rate. As a result, the coverage determination process will require us to provide scientific and clinical support for the use of or products to each payor separately, with no assurance that adequate coverage and reimbursement will be obtained.

In the United States and other potentially significant markets for VAR 200, IC 100 and any other product candidate that we seek to develop, government authorities and other third-party payors are developing increasingly sophisticated methods of controlling healthcare costs. For example, third-party payors are attempting to limit or regulate the price of medical products, particularly for new and innovative products and therapies, which has resulted in lower average selling prices. Further, the increased emphasis on managed healthcare in the United States will put additional pressure on product pricing, reimbursement and usage. These pressures can arise from rules and practices of managed care groups, judicial decisions and governmental laws and regulations related to Medicare, Medicaid and healthcare reform, pharmaceutical reimbursement policies and pricing in general.

The United States and some foreign jurisdictions have enacted or are considering a number of additional legislative and regulatory proposals designed to change the healthcare system in ways that could affect our ability to sell our products profitably. Among policy makers and payors in the United States and elsewhere, there is significant interest in promoting changes in healthcare systems with the stated goals of containing healthcare costs, improving quality and/or expanding access. In the United States, the pharmaceutical industry has been a particular focus of these efforts and has been significantly affected by major legislative initiatives, including the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, or ACA, enacted in March 2010. In the future, there may be additional proposals relating to the reform of the United States health care system, some of which could further limit the prices we are able to charge for our products, or the amounts of reimbursement available for our products. If drug products are made available to authorized users of the Federal Supply Schedule of the General Services Administration, additional laws and requirements apply. All of these activities are also potentially subject to federal and state consumer protection and unfair competition laws.

Further, if a drug product is reimbursed by Medicare, Medicaid or other federal or state healthcare programs, we, and our business activities, including but not limited to our sales, marketing and scientific/educational grant programs must comply with the False Claims Act, as amended, the federal Anti-Kickback Statute, as amended, other healthcare fraud and abuse laws and similar state laws. Additionally, if an outpatient prescription drug product is reimbursed by Medicare or Medicaid, pricing and rebate programs must comply with, as applicable, the Medicaid rebate requirements of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990, as amended, and the Medicare Prescription Drug Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003.

Manufacturing, sales, promotion and other activities following product approval are also subject to regulation by numerous regulatory authorities in addition to the FDA, including, in the United States, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (“CMS”), other divisions of the Department of Health and Human Services, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the Federal Trade Commission, the Occupational Safety & Health Administration, the Environmental Protection Agency, and state and local governments. Sales, marketing and scientific/educational programs must also comply with federal and state fraud and abuse laws. Pricing and rebate programs must comply with the Medicaid rebate requirements of the U.S. Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990. If products are made available to authorized users of the Federal Supply Schedule of the General Services Administration, additional laws and requirements apply. The handling of any controlled substances must comply with the U.S. Controlled Substances Act and Controlled Substances Import and Export Act. Products must meet applicable child-resistant packaging requirements under the U.S. Poison Prevention Packaging Act. Manufacturing, sales, promotion and other activities are also potentially subject to federal and state consumer protection and unfair completion laws.

The distribution of pharmaceutical products is subject to additional requirements and regulations, including extensive record-keeping, licensing, storage and security requirements intended to prevent the unauthorized sale of pharmaceutical products.

The Federal Physician Payments Sunshine Act within the ACA, and its implementing regulations, require that certain manufacturers of drugs, devices, biological and medical supplies for which payment is available under Medicare, Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (with certain exceptions) to report information related to certain payments or other transfers of value made or distributed to physicians and teaching hospitals, or to entities or individuals at the request of, or designated on behalf of, the physicians and teaching hospitals and to report annually certain ownership and investment interests held by physicians and their immediate family members.

In addition, we may be subject to data privacy and security regulation by both the federal government and the states in which we conduct our business. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (“HIPAA”), as amended by the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act (“HITECH”), and its implementing regulations, imposes certain requirements relating to the privacy, security and transmission of individually identifiable health information. Among other things, HITECH makes HIPAA’s privacy and security standards directly applicable to “business associates” - independent contractors or agents of covered entities that receive or obtain protected health information in connection with providing a service on behalf of a covered entity. HITECH also created four new tiers of civil monetary penalties, amended HIPAA to make civil and criminal penalties directly applicable to business associates and possibly other persons, and gave state attorneys general new authority to file civil actions for damages or injunctions in federal courts to enforce the federal HIPAA laws and seek attorneys’ fees and costs associated with pursuing federal civil actions. In addition, state laws govern the privacy and security of health information in certain circumstances, many of which differ from each other in significant ways and may not have the same effect, thus complicating compliance efforts. For example, California recently enacted legislation, the California Consumer Privacy Act, or CCPA, which went into effect January 1, 2020. The CCPA, among other things, creates new data privacy obligations for covered companies and provides new privacy rights to California residents, including the right to opt out of certain disclosures of their information. The CCPA also creates a private right of action with statutory damages for certain data breaches, thereby potentially increasing risks associated with a data breach.

The U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and similar foreign anti-corruption laws generally prohibit companies and their intermediaries from making improper payments or providing anything of value to improperly influence foreign government officials for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business, or obtaining an unfair advantage. In recent years, there has been a substantial increase in the global enforcement of anti-corruption laws. Our anticipated non-U.S. operations and our anticipated expansion into additional countries outside the United States, including in developing countries, could increase the risk of such violations. Violations of these laws may result in severe criminal or civil sanctions, could disrupt our business, and could adversely affect our reputation, business and results of operations or financial condition.

Before we can market VAR 200, IC 100 and any other product candidate that we seek to develop, in any jurisdiction outside of the United States, we must obtain the necessary marketing authorizations in such jurisdiction. Many such jurisdictions require extensive safety and efficacy data similar to the data required by the FDA before granting marketing authorization. We may not be successful in obtaining marketing authorizations that we seek outside of the United States. If we are successful in obtaining marketing authorization in one jurisdiction, including the United States, that authorization does not ensure that we will receive marketing authorization in any other jurisdiction. The authorizations that are required to market a pharmaceutical product vary greatly from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. If we obtain marketing approval in any jurisdiction outside of the United States, we will be subject to ongoing regulation in such jurisdiction, consistent with the ongoing regulations to which we would be subject in the United States.

Certain non-U.S. laws, such as the GDPR govern the privacy and security of health information in certain circumstances, some of which are more stringent than HIPAA and many of which differ from each other in significant ways and may not have the same effect, thus complicating compliance efforts. Failure to comply with these laws, where applicable, can result in the imposition of significant civil and/or criminal penalties and private litigation. For example, in Europe, the GDPR went into effect in May 2018 and introduces strict requirements for processing the personal data of individuals within the EEA. The GDPR also increases the scrutiny of transfers of personal data from clinical trial sites located in the EEA to the United States and other jurisdictions that the European Commission does not recognize as having “adequate” data protection laws. Further, recent legal developments in Europe have created complexity and compliance uncertainty regarding certain transfers of information from the EEA to the United States. For example, on June 16, 2020, the Court of Justice of the European Union, or the CJEU, declared the EU-U.S. Privacy Shield framework, or the Privacy Shield, to be invalid. As a result, Privacy Shield is no longer a valid mechanism for transferring personal data from the EEA to the United States. Moreover, it is uncertain whether the standard contractual clauses will also be invalidated by the European courts or legislature, which seems possible given the rationale behind the CJEU’s concerns about U.S. law and practice on government surveillance. Companies that must comply with the GDPR face increased compliance obligations and risk, including more robust regulatory enforcement of data protection requirements and potential fines for noncompliance of up to €20 million or 4% of the annual global revenues of the noncompliant company, whichever is greater. Additionally, following the United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the European Union and the EEA, companies have to comply with the GDPR and the GDPR as incorporated into United Kingdom national law, the latter regime having the ability to separately fine up to the greater of £17.5 million or 4% of global turnover. The relationship between the United Kingdom and the European Union in relation to certain aspects of data protection law remains unclear, for example around how data can lawfully be transferred between each jurisdiction, which exposes us to further compliance risk. In Canada, PIPEDA and similar provincial laws impose obligations on companies with respect to processing personal information, including health-related information, and provides individuals certain rights with respect to such information, including the right to access and challenge the accuracy of their personal information held by an organization. Failure to comply with PIPEDA could result in significant fines and penalties.

On January 18, 2019, the Company entered into a lease agreement (the “Lease”) for approximately 3,502 square feet of office space located at 2200 North Commerce Parkway, Suite 208, Weston, Florida 33326. The lease term is for 60 months beginning in January 2019 and ends in January 2024. We believe that our existing facility is adequate for our current needs, but additional office space may be required in connection with any anticipated expansion of our staff.

As of December 31, 2022, we had seven (7) full time employees. All our employees are engaged in administration, finance, research and development, clinical, regulatory and business development functions. We believe our relations with our employees are good. In addition, we utilize and will continue to utilize consultants, clinical research organizations and third parties to perform our pre-clinical studies, clinical studies, manufacturing and regulatory functions.

We are not currently party to or aware of being subject to any material legal proceedings. However, we may from time to time become a party to various legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of our business, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations. Regardless of outcome, litigation could impact our business due to defense and settlement costs, diversion of management resources and other factors.

We were incorporated under the name “Larkspur Health Acquisition Corp.” on March 17, 2021 under the laws of the State of Delaware for the purpose of effecting a merger, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, reorganization or similar business combination, involving one or more other businesses. On December 12, 2022, we changed our name to “ZyVersa Therapeutics, Inc.” in connection with the Business Combination.

Our principal executive offices are located at 2200 North Commerce Parkway, Suite 208, Weston, Florida 33326. Our telephone number is (754) 231-1688 and our website address is https://www.zyversa.com.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Unless the context otherwise requires, all references in this section to “we,” “us” or “our” refer to the combined business of ZyVersa Therapeutics, Inc., a Florida corporation, prior to the Business Combination and ZyVersa Therapeutics, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and its consolidated subsidiaries after giving effect to the Business Combination.

The following discussion and analysis provides information that management believes is relevant to an assessment and understanding of our consolidated results of operations and financial condition. You should read this discussion and analysis in conjunction with “Selected Historical Financial Information” and our consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included elsewhere in this prospectus. Certain amounts may not foot due to rounding. This discussion and analysis contains forward-looking statements and involves numerous risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, those described under “Risk Factors” and “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.” We assume no obligation to update any of these forward-looking statements. Actual results may differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements.

We are a clinical stage specialty biopharmaceutical company leveraging advanced proprietary technologies to develop products for patients with renal or inflammatory diseases with high unmet medical needs.

Our lead renal drug candidate, which we refer to as VAR 200 (2-hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin or “2HβCD”), is a cholesterol efflux mediator with potential to treat multiple renal indications. Our lead anti-inflammatory drug candidate, which we refer to as IC 100, is a humanized monoclonal antibody inflammasome ASC inhibitor with potential to treat multiple inflammatory diseases.

In December 2019, there was an outbreak of a novel strain of coronavirus, or COVID-19. In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic. The current COVID-19 pandemic has presented a substantial public health and economic challenge around the world and is affecting our employees, patients, communities and business operations, as well as the U.S. economy and financial markets. The full extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic will directly or indirectly impact our business, results of operations and financial condition will depend on future developments that are highly uncertain and cannot be accurately predicted, including new information that may emerge concerning COVID-19, the actions taken to contain it or mitigate its impact and the economic impact on local, regional, national and international markets. To date, the pandemic has caused some delays in the IC 100 preclinical program and we had to delay initiation of the VAR 200 phase 2a clinical trial. We will continue to monitor the overall impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business, financial condition, liquidity, assets and operations, including our personnel, programs, expected timelines, expenses, third-party contract manufacturing, contract research organizations and clinical trials.

While we have not experienced any significant interruptions to our contract manufacturers’ processes, it is possible that the pandemic and response efforts may have an impact in the future on our third-party contract manufacturers’ ability to produce quantities of our product candidates for preclinical testing and clinical trials. In addition, we rely on contract research organizations or other third parties to assist us with clinical trials, and we cannot guarantee that they will be able to operate in a timely and satisfactory manner as a result of the pandemic. Likewise, we cannot guarantee that clinical investigators will be able to operate in a timely and satisfactory manner during the pandemic. We and our contract research organizations may also need to make certain adjustments to the operation of planned clinical trials in an effort to minimize risk to trial integrity during the pandemic and generally.

We have taken temporary precautionary measures intended to help minimize the risk of the virus to our employees, including having all of our employees work remotely, suspending all non-essential travel worldwide for our employees and discouraging employee attendance at industry events and in-person work-related meetings, which could negatively affect our business.

We are continuing to assess the potential impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business and operations. For additional information on the various risks posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, refer to “Risk Factors” in this prospectus.

On December 12, 2022 (the “Closing Date”), we consummated the previously announced Business Combination pursuant to the terms of that certain Business Combination Agreement, by and among ZyVersa Therapeutics, Inc., a Florida corporation (“Old ZyVersa”), the representative of Old ZyVersa’s shareholders named therein (the “Securityholder Representative”), Larkspur Health Acquisition Corp., a Delaware corporation (“Larkspur”) and Larkspur Merger Sub, Inc., a Delaware corporation and wholly owned subsidiary of Larkspur (“Merger Sub”). Pursuant to the terms of the Business Combination Agreement (and upon all other conditions of the Business Combination Agreement being satisfied or waived), on the date of the consummation (the “Closing Date”) of the Business Combination and transactions contemplated thereby (the “Business Combination”), (i) Larkspur changed its name to “ZyVersa Therapeutics, Inc.”, a Delaware corporation (the “Company”) and (ii) Merger Sub merged with and into Old ZyVersa (the “Merger”), with Old ZyVersa as the surviving company in the Merger and, after giving effect to such Merger, Old ZyVersa became a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company.

Prior to the completion of the Business Combination, the Company was a shell company. Following the Business Combination, the business of Old ZyVersa is the business of the Company. The Company was incorporated in the state of Delaware on March 17, 2021 and its subsidiary, Old ZyVersa, was incorporated on March 11, 2014. Larkspur Merger Sub, Inc. was incorporated in the state of Delaware on July 13, 2022.

The Business Combination was accounted for as a forward merger of Old ZyVersa under U.S. GAAP, as it was determined that Old ZyVersa was a variable interest entity as of the Closing Date. Under this method of accounting, Old ZyVersa was treated as the “acquired” company for financial reporting purposes, and Larkspur was treated as the accounting acquirer, as it was determined that Larkspur was the primary beneficiary of Old ZyVersa.

We have not generated any revenue to date and have incurred significant operating losses. Our net losses were $75,018 for the period from December 13, 2022 through December 31, 2022 (the “Successor” period) and $14,047,607 for the period from January 1, 2022 through December 12, 2022 and $8,084,161 for the year ended December 31, 2021 (the “Predecessor” periods). As of December 31, 2022, we had an accumulated deficit of approximately $4.9 million and cash of $5.9 million. We expect to continue to incur significant expenses for the foreseeable future and to incur operating losses. We expect our expenses will increase in connection with our ongoing activities as we:

We will need additional financing to support our continuing operations. We will seek to fund our operations through public or private equity or debt financings or other sources, which may include government grants and collaborations with third parties. Adequate additional financing may not be available to us on acceptable terms, or at all. Our failure to raise capital as and when needed would have a negative impact on our financial condition and our ability to pursue our business strategy. We will need to generate significant revenues to achieve profitability, and we may never do so.

Since inception, we have not generated any revenue and do not expect to generate any revenue from the sale of products in the near future. If our development efforts for our product candidates are successful and result in regulatory approval, or if we enter into collaboration or license agreements with third parties, we may generate revenue in the future from a combination of product sales or payments from collaboration or license agreements.

Research and development expenses consist of costs incurred in the discovery and development of our product candidates, and primarily include:

We expense research and development costs as incurred. Costs for external development activities are recognized based on an evaluation of the progress to completion of specific tasks using information provided to us by our vendors. Payments for these activities are based on the terms of the individual agreements, which may differ from the pattern of costs incurred, and are reflected in our financial statements as prepaid expenses or accrued expenses.

Research and development activities are central to our business model. We expect that our research and development expenses will continue to increase for the foreseeable future as we continue clinical development for our product candidates. As products enter later stages of clinical development, they will generally have higher development costs than those in earlier stages of clinical development, primarily due to the increased size and duration of later-stage clinical trials. Historically, our research and development costs have primarily related to the development of VAR 200 and IC 100. As we advance VAR 200 and IC 100, as well as identify any other potential product candidates, we will continue to allocate our direct external research and development costs to the products. We expect to fund our research and development expenses from our current cash and cash equivalents and any future equity or debt financings, or other capital sources, including potential collaborations with other companies or other strategic transactions.

The successful development of our product candidates is highly uncertain. At this time, we cannot reasonably estimate or know the nature, timing and costs of the efforts that will be necessary to complete the remainder of the development of, or when, if ever, material net cash inflows may commence from our product candidates. This uncertainty is due to the numerous risks and uncertainties associated with the duration and cost of clinical trials, which vary significantly over the life of a project as a result of many factors, including:

Our expenditures are subject to additional uncertainties, including the terms and timing of regulatory approvals, and the expense of filing, prosecuting, defending and enforcing any patent claims or other intellectual property rights. We may never succeed in achieving regulatory approval for our product candidates. We may obtain unexpected results from our clinical trials. We may elect to discontinue, delay or modify clinical trials of our product candidates. A change in the outcome of any of these variables with respect to the development of a product candidate could mean a significant change in the costs and timing associated with the development of that product candidate. For example, if the FDA or other regulatory authorities were to require us to conduct clinical trials beyond those that we currently anticipate, or if we experience significant delays in enrollment in any of our clinical trials, we could be required to expend significant additional financial resources and time on the completion of clinical development. Product commercialization will take several years and likely millions of dollars in development costs.

General and administrative expenses consist primarily of salaries, stock-based compensation and related costs for our employees in administrative, executive and finance functions. General and administrative expenses also include professional fees for legal, accounting, audit, tax and consulting services, insurance, human resource, information technology, office, and travel expenses.

We expect that our general and administrative expenses will increase in the future as we increase our general and administrative headcount to support our continued research and development and potential commercialization of our product candidates. We also expect to incur increased expenses associated with being a public company, including costs of accounting, audit, legal, regulatory and tax compliance services, director and officer insurance, and investor and public relations costs.

Interest expense includes interest on indebtedness and accretion of debt discount which are associated with the unsecured convertible promissory notes which bear interest at a rate equal to 6% per annum.

Change in fair value of derivative liability represents the periodic mark-to-market of our derivative liabilities. The Company recorded derivative liabilities that were measured at fair value at issuance, related to the redemption features and put options of certain convertible notes payable.

Gain on forgiveness of PPP Loan represents the income from the derecognition of our PPP Loan liability.

The following table summarizes our results of operations for the Successor for the period December 13, 2022 through December 31, 2022 and for the Predecessor for the period from January 1, 2022 through December 12, 2022 and for the year ended December 31, 2021:

The following table summarizes our research and development expenses for the Successor for the period December 13, 2022 through December 31, 2022 and Predecessor for the period from January 1, 2022 through December 12, 2022 and for the year ended December 31, 2021:

Research and development expenses were $0.4 million for the Successor period from December 13, 2022 through December 31, 2022 and $5.4 million for the Predecessor period from January 1, 2022 through December 12, 2022. Research and development expenses for the combined year ended December 31 ,2022 were $5.8 million, an increase of $3.7 million or 173.4% from $2.1 million for the Predecessor year ended December 31 ,2021. The increase in research and development expenses was due to an overall increase in spending for batch manufacturing analytical services and for materials supplies for manufacturing.

Personnel expenses were $31 thousand for the Successor period from December 13, 2022 through December 31, 2022 and $1.0 million for the Predecessor period from January 1, 2022 through December 12, 2022. Personnel expenses for the combined year ended December 31, 2022 were $1.1 million, a decrease of $0.2 million or 17.6% from $1.3 million for the Predecessor year ended December 31, 2021. The decrease in personnel expenses is primarily related to a decrease in stock-based compensation for options granted in the prior year to consultants that immediately vested.

Clinical operations were $0 for the Successor period from December 13, 2022 through December 31, 2022 and ($0.1) million for the Predecessor period from January 1, 2022 through December 12, 2022. Clinical operations for the combined year ended December 31 ,2022 were ($0.1) million, a decrease of $0.4 million or 138.6% from $0.3 million for the Predecessor year ended December 31, 2021. The decrease in clinical operations is primarily related to a credit received from a vendor for work that was not completed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Pre-clinical operations were $0 for the Successor period from December 13, 2022 through December 31, 2022 and $60 thousand for the Predecessor period from January 1, 2022 through December 12, 2022. Pre-clinical operations for the combined year ended December 31 ,2022 were $60 thousand a decrease of $106 thousand or 62.7% from $161 thousand for the Predecessor year ended December 31, 2021. The decrease is a result of minimal pharmacology spending occurring during the year ended December 31, 2022.

Drug manufacturing and formulation were $0.4 million for the Successor period from December 13, 2022 through December 31, 2022 and $4.0 million for the Predecessor period from January 1, 2022 through December 12, 2022. Drug manufacturing and formulation for the combined year ended December 31, 2022 were $4.3 million, an increase of $4.1 million or 2,436.1% from $0.2 million for the Predecessor year ended December 31, 2021. The increase is driven by a $2.6 million purchase of materials for the anticipated batch manufacturing and $1.5 million for batch manufacturing and analytical services.

Other research and development costs were $46 thousand for the Successor period from December 13, 2022 through December 31, 2022 and $442 thousand for the Predecessor period from January 1, 2022 through December 31, 2022. Other research and development costs for the combined year ended December 31, 2022 were $488 thousand, an increase of $259 thousand or 113.1% from $229 thousand for the Predecessor year ended December 31, 2021. The increase is driven by consulting services.

The following table summarizes our general and administrative expenses for the Successor for the period December 13, 2022 through December 31, 2022 and Predecessor for the period from January 1, 2022 through December 12, 2022 and for the year ended December 31, 2021:

General and administrative expenses were $0.4 million for the Successor period from December 13, 2022, through December 31, 2022 and $7.6 million for the Predecessor period from January 1, 2022 through December 12, 2022. General and administrative expenses for the combined year ended December 31, 2022 were $8.0 million, an increase of $2.4 million or 43.8% from $5.6 million for the Predecessor year ended December 31, 2021.

Personnel expenses were $0.1 million for the Successor period from December 13, 2022, through December 31, 2022 and $4.2 million for the Predecessor period from January 1, 2022 through December 12, 2022. Personnel expenses for the combined year ended December 31, 2022, were $4.3 million, a decrease of $0.2 million or 4.1 % from $4.5 million for the Predecessor year ended December 31, 2021. The decrease in personnel expenses is primarily related to a decrease in stock-based compensation as a result of fewer options granted in 2022.

Transaction costs were $0.1 million for the Successor period from December 13, 2022, through December 31, 2022, and $2.1 million for the Predecessor period from January 1, 2022 through December 12, 2022. Transaction costs for the combined year ended December 31, 2022 were $2.2 million, as compared to none for the Predecessor year ended December 31, 2021. The increase in transaction costs was directly related to preparations for the business combination.

Legal and professional fees were $0.1 million for the Successor period from December 13, 2022, through December 31, 2022, and $0.9 million for the Predecessor period from January 1, 2022 through December 12, 2022. Legal and professional fees for the combined year ended December 31, 2022 were $1.0 million, an increase of $0.4 million or 54.4% from $0.6 million for the Predecessor year ended December 31, 2021. The increase in legal and professional fees was due to business combination fees which are not directly related to the transaction.

Rent expense was $8 thousand for the Successor period from December 13, 2022, through December 31, 2022 and $149 thousand for the Predecessor period from January 1, 2022 through December 12, 2022. Rent expenses for the combined year ended December 31, 2022 were $157 thousand, an increase of $9 thousand or 6.1% from $148 thousand for the Predecessor year ended December 31, 2021. The increase was driven by an increase in common area charges.

Other general and administrative expense was $0.1 million for the Successor period from December 13, 2022, through December 31, 2022 and $0.3 million for the Predecessor period from January 1, 2022 through December 12, 2022. Other general and administrative expenses for the combined year ended December 31, 2022 were $0.4 million, an increase of $0.1 million or 38.5% from $0.3 million for the Predecessor year ended December 31, 2021. The increase in other expenses is primarily related to a $50 thousand increase in director and officer insurance and approximately $50 thousand for investor and public relations expense.

The following table summarizes other (income) expense for the Successor for the period December 13, 2022 through December 31, 2022 and Predecessor for the period from January 1, 2022 through December 12, 2022 and for the year ended December 31, 2021:

Total other expense, net was $0 for the Successor period from December 13, 2022 through December 31, 2022 and $1.0 million for the Predecessor period from January 1, 2022 through December 12, 2022. Other expense, net for the combined year ended December 31, 2022 was $1.0 million, an increase of $0.6 million or 172.4 % from $0.4 million for the Predecessor year ended December 31, 2021. The change was a result of a decrease in interest expense of approximately $0.4 million as a result of convertible debt conversions, which was offset by an increased loss from the change in the fair value of the derivative liabilities of $0.4 million and a gain on the forgiveness of the PPP loan in 2021 of approximately ($0.2) million.

The following table summarizes our cash flows from operating and financing activities for the Successor for the period December 13, 2022 through December 31, 2022 and for the Predecessor for the period from January 1, 2022 through December 12, 2022 and for the year ended December 31, 2021:

Net cash used in operating activities was $3.4 million for the Successor period from December 13, 2022 through December 31, 2022 and $1.5 million for the Predecessor period from January 1, 2022 through December 12, 2022. Net cash used in operating activities for the combined year ended December 31, 2022 was $4.9 million, a decrease of $0.2 million or 3.7% from $5.1 million for the Predecessor year ended December 31, 2021. For the combined year ended December 31, 2022 and for the year ended December 31, 2021, the net cash used in operating activities was primarily attributable to the net loss of approximately $14.1 million and $8.1 million, respectively, offset by $3.6 million and $4.0 million, respectively, of net non-cash expenses, and approximately $5.6 million and ($1.0) million, respectively, of cash generated by or (used in) the levels of operating assets and liabilities, respectively.

Net cash provided by financing activities was $0 for the Successor period from December 13, 2022 through December 31, 2022 and $1.9 million for the Predecessor period from January 1, 2022 through December 12, 2022. Net cash provided by financing activities for the combined year ended December 31, 2022 was $1.9 million, a decrease of $3.3 million or 64.3% from $5.2 million for the Predecessor year ended December 31, 2021. Cash provided by financing activities during the year ended December 31, 2022 represented proceeds from the issuance of preferred stock. During the year ended December 31, 2021, we received $5.2 million from the issuance of convertible debt.

The following table summarizes our total current assets, liabilities and working capital deficiency at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively:

Since our inception in 2014 through December 31, 2022, we have not generated any revenue and have incurred significant operating losses and negative cash flows from our operations. Based on our current operating plan, we expect our cash of $5.9 million as of December 31, 2022 will only be sufficient to fund our operating expenses and capital expenditure requirements on a month-to-month basis. However, it is difficult to predict our spending for our product candidates prior to obtaining FDA approval. Moreover, changing circumstances may cause us to expend cash significantly faster than we currently anticipate, and we may need to spend more cash than currently expected because of circumstances beyond our control.

Since inception we have been engaged in organizational activities, including raising capital and research and development activities. We have not generated revenues and have not yet achieved profitable operations, nor have we ever generated positive cash flow from operations. There is no assurance that profitable operations, if achieved, could be sustained on a continuing basis. We are subject to those risks associated with any pre-clinical stage pharmaceutical company that has substantial expenditures for research and development. There can be no assurance that our research and development projects will be successful, that products developed will obtain necessary regulatory approval, or that any approved product will be commercially viable. In addition, we operate in an environment of rapid technological change and are largely dependent on the services of our employees and consultants. Further, our future operations are dependent on the success of the Company’s efforts to raise additional capital. These uncertainties raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern for 12 months after the issuance date of our financial statements. The accompanying financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis. The financial statements do not include any adjustments to reflect the possible future effects on the recoverability and classification of assets or the amounts and classification of liabilities that may result from the possible inability of the company to continue as a going concern, which contemplates the continuation of operations, realization of assets and liquidation of liabilities in the ordinary course of business. We incurred a combined loss of $14.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 and a net loss of $8.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2021, and we had an accumulated deficit of $4.9 million at December 31, 2022. We anticipate incurring additional losses until such time, if ever, that we can generate significant revenue from our product candidates currently in development. Our primary source of capital has been the issuance of debt and equity securities. We believe that current cash is only sufficient to fund operations and capital requirements on a month-to-month basis. Additional financings will be needed by us to fund our operations, to complete development of and to commercially develop our product candidates. There is no assurance that such financing will be available when needed or on acceptable terms.

The following summarizes our contractual obligations as of December 31, 2022 that will affect our future liquidity. Based on our current operating plan, we plan to satisfy the obligations identified below from our current cash balance and future financing.

Cash requirements for our current liabilities as of December 31, 2022 include approximately $8.2 million for accounts payable and accrued expenses. There are no cash requirements for long term liabilities at December 31, 2022.

We expect our cash on hand, together with the proceeds from this offering (assuming that we receive net proceeds of approximately $ million), will enable us to make investments in our continued development of VAR200 and IC100 through at least the first half of 2023. We intend to raise additional capital in the future to fund continued development.

We expect to raise additional capital by issuing equity or equity-linked securities in subsequent offerings. If we are unable to raise additional capital by issuing equity or equity-linked securities on terms favorable to us, we may not have sufficient liquidity to execute on our business strategy. We have various warrants outstanding that can be exercised for our Common Stock, many of which must be exercised in exchange for cash paid to us by the holders of such warrants. If the market price of our Common Stock is less than the exercise price of a holder’s warrants, it is unlikely that holders will exercise their warrants. As such, we do not expect to receive significant proceeds in the near term from the exercise of most of our warrants based on the current market price of our Common Stock and the exercise prices of such warrants.

Our policy is to invest any cash in excess of our immediate requirements in investments designed to preserve the principal balance and provide liquidity while producing a modest return on investment. Accordingly, our cash equivalents will be invested primarily in money market funds which are currently providing only a minimal return given the current interest rate environment.

We expect to continue to incur substantial additional operating losses for at least the next several years as we continue to develop our product candidates and seek marketing approval and, subject to obtaining such approval, the eventual commercialization of our product candidates. If we obtain marketing approval for our product candidates, we will incur significant sales, marketing and outsourced manufacturing expenses. In addition, we expect to incur additional expenses to add operational, financial and information systems and personnel, including personnel to support our planned product commercialization efforts. We also expect to incur significant costs to comply with corporate governance, internal controls and similar requirements applicable to us as a public company.

Our future use of operating cash and capital requirements will depend on many forward-looking factors, including the following:

To continue to grow our business over the longer term, we plan to commit substantial resources to research and development, clinical trials of our product candidates, and other operations and potential product acquisitions and in-licensing. We have evaluated and expect to continue to evaluate a wide array of strategic transactions as part of our plan to acquire or in-license and develop additional products and product candidates to augment our internal development pipeline. Strategic transaction opportunities that we may pursue could materially affect our liquidity and capital resources and may require us to incur additional indebtedness, seek equity capital or both. In addition, we may pursue development, acquisition or in-licensing of approved or development products in new or existing therapeutic areas or continue the expansion of our existing operations. Accordingly, we expect to continue to opportunistically seek access to additional capital to license or acquire additional products, product candidates or companies to expand our operations, or for general corporate purposes. Strategic transactions may require us to raise additional capital through one or more public or private debt or equity financings or could be structured as a collaboration or partnering arrangement. We have no arrangements, agreements, or understandings in place at the present time to enter into any acquisition, in-licensing or similar strategic business transaction. In addition, we continue to evaluate commercial collaborations and strategic relationships with established pharmaceutical companies, which would provide us with more immediate access to marketing, sales, market access and distribution infrastructure.

If we raise additional funds by issuing equity securities, our stockholders will experience dilution. Debt financing, if available, would result in increased fixed payment obligations and may involve agreements that include covenants limiting or restricting our ability to take specific actions, such as incurring additional debt, making capital expenditures or declaring dividends. Any debt financing or additional equity that we raise may contain terms, such as liquidation and other preferences that are not favorable to us or our existing stockholders. If we raise additional funds through collaboration and licensing arrangements with third parties, it may be necessary to relinquish valuable rights to our technologies, future revenue streams or product candidates or to grant licenses on terms that may not be favorable to us.

ZyVersa is an “emerging growth company,” as defined in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012, or the JOBS Act. The JOBS Act permits companies with emerging growth company status to take advantage of an extended transition period to comply with new or revised accounting standards, delaying the adoption of these accounting standards until they would apply to private companies. ZyVersa expects to use this extended transition period to enable it to comply with new or revised accounting standards that have different effective dates for public and private companies until the earlier of the date the Company (1) is no longer an emerging growth company or (2) affirmatively and irrevocably opts out of the extended transition period provided in the JOBS Act. As a result, our financial statements may not be comparable to companies that comply with the new or revised accounting standards as of public company effective dates.

In addition, the Company intends to rely on the other exemptions and reduced reporting requirements provided by the JOBS Act.

There are no off-balance sheet arrangements between us and any other entity that have, or are reasonably likely to have, a current or future effect on financial conditions, changes in financial conditions, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources that is material to stockholders.

The preparation of financial statements and related disclosures must be in conformity with U.S. GAAP. These accounting principles require us to make estimates and judgments that can affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements as well as the reported amounts of revenue and expense during the periods presented. We believe that the estimates and judgments upon which we rely are reasonably based upon information available to us at the time that it makes these estimates and judgments. To the extent that there are material differences between these estimates and actual results, our financial results will be affected. The accounting policies that reflect our more significant estimates and judgments and which we believe are the most critical to aid in fully understanding and evaluating our reported financial results are described below.

The following are not intended to be a comprehensive list of all of our accounting policies or estimates. Our accounting policies are more fully described in Note 3 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, in our financial statements included at the end of this prospectus.

Preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates, judgments and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and the amounts disclosed in the related notes to the financial statements. The Company bases its estimates and judgments on historical experience and on various other assumptions that it believes are reasonable under the circumstances. The amounts of assets and liabilities reported in the Company’s balance sheets and the amounts of expenses reported for each of the periods presented are affected by estimates and assumptions, which are used for, but not limited to, fair value calculations for equity securities, liabilities, share based compensation and acquired intangible assets, as well as establishment of valuation allowances for deferred tax assets. Certain of the Company’s estimates could be affected by external conditions, including those unique to the Company and general economic conditions. It is reasonably possible that actual results could differ from those estimates.

In applying the acquisition method of accounting for business combinations, amounts assigned to identifiable assets and liabilities acquired were based on estimated fair values as of the date of acquisition, with the remainder recorded as goodwill. Intangible assets are initially valued at fair value using generally accepted valuation methods appropriate for the type of intangible asset. In-process research and development (IPR&D) acquired in a business combination is capitalized as an indefinite-lived intangible asset until regulatory approval is obtained, at which time it is accounted for as a definite-lived asset and amortized over its estimated useful life, or discontinuation, at which point the intangible asset will be written off.

The Company accounts for long-lived assets in accordance with the provisions of ASC 360-10-35, Property, Plant and Equipment, Impairment or Disposal of Long-lived Assets. This accounting standard requires that long-lived assets be reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to future undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its estimated future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized by the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the fair value of the asset.

The Company accounts for goodwill and intangible assets in accordance with ASC 350, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other. Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price of an entity over the estimated fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. ASC 350 requires that goodwill and other intangibles with indefinite lives be tested for impairment annually or on an interim basis if events or circumstances indicate that the fair value of an asset has decreased below its carrying value.

In determining whether a quantitative assessment is required, the Company will evaluate relevant events or circumstances to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If, after performing the qualitative assessment, an entity concludes that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, the entity would perform the quantitative impairment test described in ASC 350. However, if, after applying the qualitative assessment, the entity concludes that it is not more than likely that the fair value is less than the carrying amount, the quantitative impairment test is not required. The Company bases these assumptions on its historical data and experience, industry projections, micro and macro general economic condition projections, and its expectations.

The Company evaluates its convertible instruments to determine if those contracts or embedded components of those contracts qualify as derivative financial instruments to be separately accounted for in accordance with Topic 815 “Derivatives and Hedging” (“ASC 815”) of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”). The accounting treatment of derivative financial instruments requires that the Company record any bifurcated embedded features at their fair values as of the inception date of the agreement and at fair value as of each subsequent balance sheet date. Any change in fair value is recorded in earnings each period as non-operating, non-cash income or expense. The Company reassesses the classification of its derivative instruments at each balance sheet date. If the classification changes as a result of events during the period, the contract is reclassified as of the date of the event that caused the reclassification. Bifurcated embedded features are recorded at their initial fair values which create additional debt discount to the host instrument.

Prior to the January 1, 2021 adoption of Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2020-06, if the embedded conversion options did not require bifurcation, the Company then evaluated for the existence of a beneficial conversion feature by comparing the fair value of the Company’s underlying stock as of the commitment date to the effective conversion price of the instrument (the intrinsic value). The host instrument is measured at amortized cost with the carrying value being accreted to the stated principal amount of contractual maturity using the effective-interest method with a corresponding charge to interest expense. After the January 1, 2021 adoption of ASU 2020-06, the Company is no longer required to evaluate for the existence of a beneficial conversion feature.

The Company measures the fair value of financial assets and liabilities based on ASC 820 “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures” (“ASC 820”), which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements.

ASC 820 defines fair value 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 on the measurement date. ASC 820 also establishes a fair value hierarchy, which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. ASC 820 describes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:

Level 1 — quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;

Level 2 — quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets or inputs that are observable; and

Level 3 — inputs that are unobservable (for example, cash flow modeling inputs based on assumptions).

The carrying amounts of the Company’s financial instruments, such as cash, accounts payable and investor deposits approximate fair values due to the short-term nature of these instruments.

See Note 8 – Derivative Liabilities for additional details regarding the valuation technique and assumptions used in valuing Level 3 inputs.

The Company recognizes deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of items that have been included or excluded in the financial statements or tax returns. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined on the basis of the difference between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their respective financial reporting amounts (“temporary differences”) at enacted tax rates in effect for the years in which the temporary differences are expected to reverse. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance to the extent management concludes it is more likely than not that the assets will not be realized. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in the statements of operations in the period that includes the enactment date.

The Company utilizes a recognition threshold and measurement process for financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return.

Research and development costs are expensed as incurred and include all direct and indirect costs associated with the development of our product candidates. These expenses include payments to third parties for research, development and manufacturing services, personnel costs and depreciation on manufacturing equipment. At the end of the reporting period, we compare payments made to third party service providers to the estimated progress toward completion of the research or development objectives. Such estimates are subject to change as additional information becomes available. Depending on the timing of payments to service providers and the progress that we estimate have been made as a result of the service provided, we may record net prepaid or accrued expense relating to these costs.

The Company measures the cost of services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments based on the fair value of the award. The fair value of the award is measured on the grant date. The fair value amount is then recognized over the period during which services are required to be provided in exchange for the award, usually the vesting period.

The Company has computed the fair value of stock options and warrants granted using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. Option forfeitures are accounted for at the time of occurrence. Successor common stock will be valued using the market approach using the trading prices of the common stock on the Nasdaq Global Market. During 2022, the fair value of the Predecessor common stock was determined using a market approach based on the status of the business combination agreement arm’s length discussions with the acquirer at each valuation date and which agreement was ultimately entered into on July 20, 2022 with a Predecessor valuation of $85 million. In 2021, the fair value of the Predecessor common stock was determined by management with the assistance of a third-party valuation specialist using an income approach. The expected term used for options is the estimated period of time that options granted are expected to be outstanding. The expected term used for warrants is the contractual life. The Company utilizes the “simplified” method to develop an estimate of the expected term of “plain vanilla” option grants. The Company did not have a public trading history for the common shares to support its historical volatility calculations until December 13, 2022. Accordingly, the Company is utilizing an expected volatility figure based on a review of the historical volatility of six comparable entities over a period of time equivalent to the expected life of the instrument being valued. The risk-free interest rate was determined from the implied yields from U.S. Treasury zero-coupon bonds with a remaining term consistent with the expected term of the instrument being valued.

In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-12, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes,” which is intended to simplify various aspects related to accounting for income taxes. ASU 2019-12 removes certain exceptions to the general principles in Topic 740 and also clarifies and amends existing guidance to improve consistent application. ASU 2019-12 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021. This standard was adopted on January 1, 2022 and did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

In May 2021, the FASB issued ASU 2021-04, Earnings Per Share (Topic 260), Debt—Modifications and Extinguishments (Subtopic 470-50), Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718), and Derivatives and Hedging—Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity (Subtopic 815-40): Issuer’s Accounting for Certain Modifications or Exchanges of Freestanding Equity-Classified Written Call Options. This new standard provides clarification and reduces diversity in an issuer’s accounting for modifications or exchanges of freestanding equity-classified written call options (such as warrants) that remain equity classified after modification or exchange. This standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Companies should apply the new standard prospectively to modifications or exchanges occurring after the effective date of the new standard. This standard was adopted on January 1, 2022 and did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

In August 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-06, Debt—Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20) and Derivatives and Hedging— Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity (Subtopic 815-40): Accounting for Convertible Instruments and Contracts in an Entity’s Own Equity, to clarify the accounting for certain financial instruments with characteristics of liabilities and equity. The amendments in this update reduce the number of accounting models for convertible debt instruments and convertible preferred stock by removing the cash conversion model and the beneficial conversion feature model. Limiting the accounting models will result in fewer embedded conversion features being separately recognized from the host contract. Convertible instruments that continue to be subject to separation models are (1) those with embedded conversion features that are not clearly and closely related to the host contract, that meet the definition of a derivative, and that do not qualify for a scope exception from derivative accounting and (2) convertible debt instruments issued with substantial premiums for which the premiums are recorded as paid-in-capital. In addition, this ASU improves disclosure requirements for convertible instruments and earnings-per-share guidance. The ASU also revises the derivative scope exception guidance to reduce form-over-substance-based accounting conclusions driven by remote contingent events. The amendments in this update are effective for our fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption will be permitted, but no earlier than for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020. The Company early adopted ASU 2020-06 effective January 1, 2021 which eliminated the need to assess whether a beneficial conversion feature needs to be recognized upon the issuance of new convertible instruments.

In February 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842).” ASU 2016-02 requires that a lessee recognize the assets and liabilities that arise from operating leases. A lessee should recognize in the statement of financial position a liability to make lease payments (the lease liability) and a right-of-use asset representing its right to use the underlying asset for the lease term. For leases with a term of 12 months or less, a lessee is permitted to make an accounting policy election by class of underlying asset not to recognize lease assets and lease liabilities. In transition, lessees and lessors are required to recognize and measure leases at the beginning of the earliest period presented using a modified retrospective approach. This amendment will be effective for private companies and emerging growth companies for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022. The FASB issued ASU No. 2018-10 “Codification Improvements to Topic 842, Leases” and ASU No. 2018-11 “Leases (Topic 842) Targeted Improvements” in July 2018, and ASU No. 2018-20 “Leases (Topic 842) - Narrow Scope Improvements for Lessors” in December 2018. ASU 2018-10 and ASU 2018-20 provide certain amendments that affect narrow aspects of the guidance issued in ASU 2016-02. ASU 2018-11 allows all entities adopting ASU 2016-02 to choose an additional (and optional) transition method of adoption, under which an entity initially applies the new leases standard at the adoption date and recognizes a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the period of adoption. The Company adopted ASU 2016-02 on December 31, 2022, effective January 1, 2022 and the adoption of this ASU resulted in the recording of right-of-use assets and lease liabilities for the Company’s operating leases in the approximate amounts of $182,732 and $199,642 and derecognizing deferred rent in the approximate amount of $16,910.

The following table sets forth certain information concerning our executive officers and directors as of April 14, 2023:

Stephen C. Glover. Mr. Glover is one of our co-founders and has served as our Chief Executive Officer, President and Chairman since December 2022. Mr. Glover served as Chief Executive Officer and President of Old ZyVersa from March 2014 to December 2022, a member of the board of directors from March 2014 to September 2021, and Chairman from September 2021 to December 2022. Mr. Glover is formerly the Co-Founder of Coherus Biosciences where he was focused on business strategy, partnerships, product development efforts, and capitalization of the company. Prior to Coherus, he was the President of Insmed Therapeutic Proteins (from 2007 to 2010), as well as Chief Business Officer of Insmed Incorporated (from 2007 to 2010). At Insmed, Mr. Glover was responsible for the creation of the biosimilar business unit and the divestiture of the business to Merck. As Chief Business Officer he led Insmed’s strategic review process which resulted in the merger of Insmed and Transave. Prior to Insmed, Mr. Glover held the position of Senior Vice President and General Manager at Andrx Laboratories (from 2004 to 2005) and Andrx Therapeutics (from 2005 to 2006), both divisions of Andrx Corporation. At Andrx Mr. Glover was responsible for the strategy and operation of the Andrx Labs which developed and marketed products in metabolic diseases and Men’s Health, and Andrx Therapeutics which was focused on the development of new controlled release products and contract manufacturing. He earlier held multiple sales, marketing, and operational roles at Hoffman LaRoche from (1984 to 1995), Amgen Inc. (from 1995 to 1998), and IMS Health (from 1998 to 2001). Mr. Glover received his B.S. in Marketing from Illinois State University. Mr. Glover has multifaceted experience in Fortune 100, start up, and entrepreneurial environments and he serves on the Boards of PDS Biotechnology, The Coulter Foundation (University of Miami) and Asclepius Lifesciences. Mr. Glover was selected to serve on our board of directors based on his extensive experience in the therapeutics industry, his deep knowledge of ZyVersa and his ongoing experience as a board member of other life sciences companies. Mr. Glover was appointed to our board of directors by ZyVersa pursuant to the Business Combination Agreement.

Nicholas A. LaBella, Jr. M.S. Mr. LaBella has served as our Chief Scientific Officer and Senior Vice-President of Research and Development since December 2022. Mr. LaBella served in the same capacity at Old ZyVersa from March 2014 to December 2022. From 2010 to 2012, Mr. LaBella served as Chief Scientific Officer at Insmed, Inc. From 2004 to 2009, Mr. LaBella served as VP of Development and Global Regulatory Affairs and Quality Assurance at Cardiokine, Inc. He served as VP of Operations, Phase IV, at Pharmanet from 200 to 2004. He served as Head of Operations at Medex Clinical Trial Services from 1997 to 2001, VP of New Drug Development at Watson Laboratories from 1995 to 1997), and VP of Research and Development at Circa Pharmaceuticals from 1989 to 1995. Mr. LaBella managed a full spectrum of R&D departments, has served on Executive Management Teams, and was a member of the board of director at Somerset Pharmaceuticals. Mr. LaBella’s initial career began in Regulatory Affairs at the Sandoz Research Institute, from 1980-1986, followed by Lorex Pharmaceuticals, from 1986-1989. Mr. LaBella received his Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from the University of Connecticut School of Pharmacy, and his Master of Science in Drug Information and Communication from Arnold and Marie Schwartz College of Pharmacy, Long Island University. Mr. LaBella is a licensed Pharmacist and with several publications and a patent for a pharmaceutical dosage form. Mr. LaBella’s expertise and core competency spans over 40 years in Pharmaceutical Research and Development, Regulatory Affairs, and Clinical Operations in small molecule pharmaceutical development providing corporate leadership, strategic positioning, FDA interactions, preparation, submission, and approval of NDA, ANDA, and IND applications, and compliance with cGMP, cGCP, and cGLP. He has successfully designed, developed, and executed pharmaceutical development programs in multiple therapeutic indications including cardiovascular, CNS, women’s health, metabolic disease, and anti-infectives.

Karen A. Cashmere. Ms. Cashmere has served as our Chief Commercial Officer since December 2022. Ms. Cashmere served in the same capacity at Old ZyVersa from January 2019 to December 2022, and as Acting Vice President, Development and Marketing from August 2014 to January 2019. Ms. Cashmere has more than 25 years’ experience in business planning and execution for biopharmaceutical and medical device companies ranging in size from start-up to Fortune 100 companies. She formerly led the Marketing Communications function at Mako Surgical Corporation, an emerging robotic orthopedics company, where she was responsible for creating awareness and driving sales of Robotic Arm Systems priced at over $1Million each and their associated implants for partial knee and total hip arthroplasty. Ms. Cashmere also served as Sr. Vice President, New Product Marketing at Auxilium Pharmaceuticals, an emerging pharmaceutical company focused on men’s health and orphan indications. Responsibilities included creation of the New Product Marketing Business Unit, strategic opportunity assessment, pipeline prioritization, commercial oversight of clinical development, and masterminding new product commercialization strategies. Ms. Cashmere led Auxilium’s strategic partnership review process, resulting in out-licensing European rights of a key asset with multiple indications, Xiaflex, to Pfizer. Prior to Auxilium, Ms. Cashmere was Sr. Director, Marketing at Andrx Laboratories, responsible for a newly created business unit focusing on commercialization of pipeline products for men’s health. Earlier she held strategic marketing positions at Noven, Serono, and Abbott.

Peter Wolfe. Mr. Wolfe has served as our Chief Financial Officer and Secretary since December 2022. Mr. Wolfe served as Senior Vice President, Finance and Administration at Old ZyVersa from 2019 to December 2022, and prior to that had served as Vice President of Finance from October 2015 to 2019. Mr. Wolfe has spent his career in various financial roles in the financial services, specialty finance, and the pharmaceutical/healthcare industries. Most recently Mr. Wolfe has spent his time cultivating start-up organizations in various healthcare entities, often dealing with complicated business models to develop a financial framework for success for many of these first of their kind businesses. Mr. Wolfe has spent the last 24 years of his career in the healthcare industry with one fourth of that time spent at Kos Pharmaceuticals, a publicly traded, fully-integrated specialty pharmaceutical company. Mr. Wolfe has his BBA from the University of Miami and his MBA from the University of Pittsburgh.

Pablo A. Guzman, M.D. Dr. Guzman has served as our Chief Medical Officer and Senior Vice President of Medical Affairs since January 2023. Prior to that, he we a consultant with us beginning January 2015. Since 2017, Dr. Guzman has served on the Scientific Advisory Board at Therapeutic Solutions International, Inc., a company focused on immune modulation. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Biology from St Peter’s University in Jersey City in 1971, his Medical Degree from the University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine in 1975, and his Interventional Cardiology Fellowship at The Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore in 1980. He is Board certified in Internal Medicine (1978) and Cardiovascular Diseases (1981). He joined the staff at Johns Hopkins in 1980 and his duties included patient care, teaching, and both clinical and basic science research in the dog lab. He has over 30 articles in peer reviewed journals and many abstracts, some of them presented in national meetings including the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology. While at Hopkins, he became a Fellow of the American Heart Association Council on Clinical Cardiology, a member of the North American Society of Pacing and Electrophysiology, and a Fellow of The American College of Cardiology and served as the Assistant Director of the cardiac catheterization lab and Co-director of the permanent pacemaker lab and Co-director of the cardiac catheterization lab at Baltimore City Hospital (Now Francis Scott Key Hospital). Dr. Guzman practiced Medicine/Interventional Cardiology in South Florida for 35 years and in 1987 Dr. Guzman designed and became the Director of the Cardiac Catheterization Lab at Boca Raton Community Hospital (now Boca Regional Hospital) and a Fellow of the Society for Cardiac Angiography and Interventions. He then became the Associate Director of the Cardiac catheterization Laboratory at North Ridge Medical Center. He is a past president of the Caducean Society of Greater Fort Lauderdale, a past Chief of the Department of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Diseases at North Ridge Medical Center. Dr. Guzman was a managing partner of Cardiology Associates of Fort Lauderdale, and a past member of The Broward County Medical Association and sits on the Board of Trustees at Holy Cross Health, a member of Trinity Health since 2015. He sits on the Scientific Advisory Board of Campbell Neurosciences Inc. and Therapeutics Solutions International.

Robert G. Finizio. Mr. Finizio has served as a member of our board of directors since December 2022. Mr. Finizio served in the same capacity at Old ZyVersa from September 2018 to December 2022. Mr. Finizio is currently the Executive Director of PleoPharma a, pharmaceutical development company focused on finding safe and effective FDA approved treatments for substance use disorders where therapies are lacking. Mr. Finizio is the Co-Founder of TherapeuticsMD Inc., an innovative women’s health pharmaceutical company, and served as its Chief Executive Officer and Director from 2008 to November 2021. With over 20 years of healthcare experience, Mr. Finizio started his career in an operational role at Endoscopy Specialist, Inc. (ESI), a leader in laparoscopic equipment outsourcing and intraoperative technical support. During his tenure at ESI, Mr. Finizio advanced to a regional management role, eventually leaving to join Omnicell Technologies, a leader in pharmacy automation. While at Omnicell, Mr. Finizio served as a sales director, ultimately leaving the company to co-found CareFusion in 2001. CareFusion was a pioneer in hospital patient safety systems for Medication, Blood, and Specimen verification at the point of care. Mr. Finizio co-founded TherapeuticsMD in 2008, combining his background in women’s healthcare, pharmaceutical technology, clinical software, and patient safety. Mr. Finizio sits on the board of directors for two non-profit organizations, BioFlorida and the Boca Raton Police Foundation. Prior to his healthcare career, Mr. Finizio, a University of Miami graduate who earned a Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in Premed and Psychology, taught English in Osaka, Japan. Mr. Finizio was selected to serve on our board of directors based on his extensive experience with early-stage company development in the healthcare industry. Mr. Finizio was appointed to our board of directors by ZyVersa pursuant to the Business Combination Agreement.

Min Chul Park, Ph.D. Dr. Park has served as a member of our board of directors since December 2022. Mr. Park served in the same capacity at Old ZyVersa from May 2021 to December 2022. Dr. Park is an Assistant Professor at Inje University’s College of Pharmacy. Dr. Park was formerly the Chief Executive Officer, and Director of Curebio Therapeutics, a biopharmaceutical company in Seoul, Korea, which develops peptide drugs for cancer, alopecia, and wound care, from October 2020 to April 2022. Dr. Park also served as Executive Vice President, CTO, and Director of Curebio from August 2017 to March 2022. Dr. Park served as an Adjust Professor at Korea University’s Department of Pharmacy from March 2019 to February 2022. With 10 years in the pharmaceutical industry, Dr. Park has worked in the field of drug target discovery, assay development, and drug candidate optimization. He has expertise in basic and applied molecular and cellular biology. In his former role at Curebio Therapeutics, Dr. Park led financing and business development deals, including co-development agreements with three pharmaceutical companies, and one in-license deal. Additionally, he developed cosmetic peptides, and he co-developed antibodies, circulating tumor cell-based diagnostics, and a cancer stem cell assay system. Additionally, Dr. Park is a co-founder of TME Therapeutics, Co. and is currently on its Scientific Advisory Board.

Until 2017, Dr. Park was CEO and Director at Neomics Co. in Seoul, Korea, where he helped expand the contract experiment and biomaterial business, and he led efforts to merge Neomics with Curebio and Bumyoung Bio Co., Ltd to form Curebio. Dr. Park developed cosmetic peptides, and a dermatology peptide drug candidate that he out-licensed. Dr. Park began his career as a Senior Research Associate at Medicinal Bioconvergence Research Center at Seoul National University, where he developed and led an out-licensing deal for an exosome isolation device, and he was responsible for two out-licensing deals for an anti-tumorigenic peptide. Dr. Park obtained his Ph.D. in pharmaceutical bioscience at the Seoul National University, Department of Pharmacy. Dr. Park was selected to serve on our board of directors based on his in-depth knowledge of the pharmaceutical industry and drug development technology. Dr. Park was appointed to our board of directors by ZyVersa pursuant to the Business Combination Agreement.

Daniel J. O’Connor. Mr. O’Connor has served as a member of our board of directors since December 2022. Mr. O’Connor previously served as Chair and Chief Executive Officer of Larkspur since its inception. Mr. O’Connor also currently serves as Chief Executive Officer and board member of Ambrx Biopharma Inc. (NASDAQ: AMAM), a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company using expanded genetic code technology platform to discover and develop Engineered Precision Biologics. Between September 2017 and June 2021, Mr. O’Connor served as the Chief Executive Officer, President and Director of OncoSec Medical Incorporated, a NJ based biotech company an intratumoral cancer immunotherapy that utilizes IL-12. While CEO of OncoSec, Mr. O’Connor has launched two KEYNOTE studies combining Merck’s Keytruda^®in PD-1 checkpoint refractory metastatic melanoma and in late-stage chemo-refractory triple negative breast cancer, raised more than $150 million and in 2019, successfully coordinated a $30 million strategic financing and collaboration with well-established biopharma partners. Prior to OncoSec, Mr. O’Connor served as President, CEO and Director of Advaxis Inc., where he successfully up-listed the company to NASDAQ, implemented a turnaround strategy that resulted in more than $300 million raised in funding and licensing deals and established major partnerships with companies such as Amgen Inc., Merck & Co. and Bristol Myers Squibb. Under his leadership, the company advanced four new cancer immunotherapy drug candidates into clinical trials and several PD-1 combination clinical studies with Keytruda^® and Opdivo^®, which ultimately transformed Advaxis into a patient-focused, leading cancer immunotherapy company. Earlier in his career, Mr. O’Connor was the General Counsel and Senior Vice President for ImClone Systems where he led the clinical development, launch and commercialization of ERBITUX^®, and positioned ImClone for sale to Eli Lilly in 2008. Mr. O’Connor served as General Counsel at PharmaNet (today, Syneos Health) and was part of the senior leadership team that grew PharmaNet from a start-up clinical research organization (CRO) into a well-established leader in clinical research. Mr. O’Connor is a member of the board of directors for Seelos Therapeutics (NASDAQ: SEEL) and was formerly the Chairman of the Audit Committee. Mr. O’Connor was also a member of the Board of Trustees of BioNJ from 2015 to 2021 and previously served as its Vice Chairman and Chairman of its Nominating Committee for several years. In 2015, Ernst & Young named Mr. O’Connor Entrepreneur of the Year^® in New Jersey. Also in 2015, he was the “Highly Commended” award winner for the 8^th Vaccine Industry Excellence Award (ViE) Best Biotech CEO. In 2017, he was appointed by the governor of New Jersey to serve on the New Jersey Biotechnology Task Force. The Task Force was created to improve communication between State government and the industry to find ways to help retain and attract biotechnology companies to New Jersey. In 2018, he received Irish American Magazine Healthcare & Life Sciences 50 Honoree. In May, 2021, he was named a finalist for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year^®in New Jersey. He is a 1995 graduate of the Penn State University’s Dickinson School of Law in Carlisle, Pennsylvania and previously served as a Trusted Advisor to its Dean. Mr. O’Connor graduated from the United States Marines Corps Officer Candidate School in 1988 and was commissioned as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Marines, attaining the rank of Captain and was deployed to Saudi Arabia for Operation Desert Shield. Prior to his career in drug development, Mr. O’Connor was a former criminal prosecutor in Somerset County, New Jersey. Mr. O’Connor was selected to serve on our board of directors based on his in-depth knowledge of the pharmaceutical industry and drug development. Mr. O’Connor was appointed to our board of directors by Larkspur pursuant to the Business Combination Agreement.

James Sapirstein. James Sapirstein has served as a member of our board of directors since January 2023. Mr. Sapirstein is currently the Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President of First Wave BioPharma (NASDAQ: FWBI). Mr. Sapirstein started his career in smaller biotech companies when he later joined Gilead Sciences, Inc. in order to lead the Global Marketing team in its launch of Viread (tenofovir). In 2002, he accepted the position of Executive Vice President, Metabolic and Endocrinology, for Serono Laboratories. Later, in 2006, he became the founding Chief Executive Officer of Tobira Therapeutics, then a private company. Tobira Therapeutics was acquired by Allergan in 2016. In 2012, Mr. Sapirstein became the Chief Executive Officer of Alliqua, Inc. Thereafter, he served as Chief Executive Officer of Contravir Pharmaceuticals from March 2014 until October 2018. All of these are publicly listed companies. Mr. Sapirstein has raised over $300 Million dollars in venture capital and public capital markets financing in his various engagements as Chief Executive Officer. He was named as a Finalist for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year award in 2015 as well as in 2016. In addition to being a board member of First Wave Bio Pharma, Mr. Sapirstein currently holds board positions on Enochian Biosciences (NASDAQ: ENOB) and Blue Water Vaccines (NASDAQ: BWV). He was Chairman of the Board for BioNJ, an association of biopharma industries in New Jersey from February 2017 to February 2019. In addition, he is a member of the Board of Directors for BIO (Biotechnology Innovation Organization), the leading biotechnology trade organization promoting public policy and networking in the healthcare space, where he sits on the Emerging Companies Section Governing Board. Mr. Sapirstein was selected to serve as a member of the Board because of his extensive experience as an executive in the biotech and pharmaceutical sectors and as a director for multiple public companies in such sectors.

Katrin Rupalla, Ph.D. Dr. Katrin Rupalla has served as a member of our board of directors since January 2023. Dr. Rupalla is a co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Ymmunobio AG, an immuno-oncology biotech launched in December 2021. She is currently a member of the Board of Directors of 4D Pharma PLC (UK AIM & NASDAQ: DDDD.L), Ambrx Biopharma Inc. (NYSE: AMAM), and the Cancer Drug Development Fund. Dr. Rupalla has previously served in senior positions at Roche, Celgene, Bristol-Myers Squibb (“BMS”) and Lundbeck. While at BMS from 2012 to 2019, Dr. Rupalla was Vice President Head Research & Development, China and Global Development Team Leader for Opdivo®/Yervoy® in China, and then Vice President, Head Oncology Global Regulatory Sciences. Throughout her 25-year career, she has led regional and global teams responsible for obtaining approvals for multiple new therapeutics and indications, including Opdivo®, Yervoy®, Rituxan®, Xeloda®, Avastin ®, Revlimid® and Vidaza®, among others. Between 2019 and 2021, Dr. Rupalla previously served as Senior Vice President, Global Head Regulatory Affairs, Medical Documentation and Research & Development Quality at Lundbeck, a leading biopharmaceutical developing novel therapeutics for diseases of the central nervous system. Dr. Rupalla has a Ph.D in CNS Pharmacology from the Philipps-University Marburg, Germany, and an MBA from Jones International University, Colorado, U.S. Dr. Rupalla was selected to serve on the Board because of her senior and executive leadership experience in biotech and pharmaceutical companies, her extensive knowledge of the regulatory and compliance issues facing companies in these sectors and her experience as a director of public companies.

Gregory Freitag. Gregory Freitag has served as a member of our board of directors since January 2023. Mr. Freitag is currently a member of the board of directors of PDS Biotechnology Corporation (NASDAQ: PDSB), a clinical-stage immunotherapy company developing a growing pipeline of targeted cancer and infectious disease immunotherapies based on its proprietary Veramune and Infectimune T cell-activating platforms. He is also on the board of directors of Axogen, Inc. (NASDAQ: AXGN), a leading regenerative medicine company dedicated to peripheral nerve repair. Mr. Freitag was Axogen’s Special Counsel from June 2020 until March 2021, General Counsel from September 2011 until June 2020, Chief Financial Officer from September 2011 until May 2014 and August 2015 until March 2016, and Senior Vice President Business Development from May 2014 until October 2018. Mr. Freitag was the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and a member of the board of directors of LecTec Corporation, an intellectual property licensing and holding company that merged with Axogen Inc. in September 2011, from June 2010 until September 2011. From May 2009 to the present, Mr. Freitag has been a principal of FreiMc, LLC, a healthcare and life science consulting and advisory firm he founded that provides strategic guidance and business development advisory services. Prior to founding FreiMc, LLC, Mr. Freitag was a Director of Business Development at Pfizer Health Solutions, a former subsidiary of Pfizer, Inc., from January 2006 until May 2009. From July 2005 to January 2006, Mr. Freitag worked for Guidant Corporation in the business development group. Prior to Guidant Corporation, Mr. Freitag was the Chief Executive Officer of HTS Biosystems, a biotechnology tools start-up company, from March 2000 until its sale in early 2005. Mr. Freitag was the Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer and General Counsel of Quantech, Ltd., a public point of care diagnostic company, from December 1995 to March 2000. Prior to that time, Mr. Freitag practiced corporate law in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Mr. Freitag holds a J.D. from the University of Chicago and a B.A. in Economics & Business and Law & Society from Macalester College, Minnesota. Mr. Freitag was selected to serve on the Board and as the chair of the Company’s Audit Committee because of his proven leadership and experience as a senior-level executive, his particular knowledge of public companies, including reporting, compliance and financial markets related thereto, his finance management and legal expertise, his former position as a public company chief financial officer and over 30 years of experience in the life sciences sector.

The standing committees of our board of directors consists of an audit committee, a compensation committee, and a nominating and corporate governance committee. Our board of directors may from time to time establish other committees. The Company’s chief executive officer and other executive officers regularly report to the non-executive directors and the audit, the compensation and the nominating and corporate governance committees to ensure effective and efficient oversight of our activities and to assist in proper risk management and the ongoing evaluation of management controls. We believe that the leadership structure of our board of directors provides appropriate risk oversight of the Company’s activities.

The audit committee consists of Gregory Freitag, serving as the chairperson, Robert G. Finizio, and Daniel J. O’Connor. Our board of directors has determined that each member of the audit committee qualifies as an independent director under the Nasdaq Listing Rules and the independence requirements of Rule 10A-3 under the Exchange Act. At least one member of the audit committee qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert,” as that term is defined in Item 407(d)(5) of Regulation S-K. The purpose of the audit committee is to prepare the audit committee report required by the SEC to be included in any proxy statement or prospectus required to be filed by the Company under the rules and regulations of the SEC and to assist our board of directors in overseeing and monitoring (1) the quality and integrity of the financial statements; (2) compliance with legal and regulatory requirements; (3) the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm’s qualifications and independence; (4) the performance of the Company’s internal audit function, if any; and (5) the performance of the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm. Our board of directors has adopted a written charter for the audit committee, which is available free of charge on our corporate website (www.zyversa.com).

The compensation committee consists of Robert G. Finizio, serving as the chairperson, Min Chul Park, Ph.D. and James Sapirstein. Our board of directors has adopted a written charter for the compensation committee, which is available free of charge on our corporate website (www.zyversa.com). The purpose of the compensation committee is to assist our board of directors in discharging its responsibilities relating to (1) setting the Company’s compensation program and compensation of its executive officers and directors; (2) monitoring the Company’s incentive and equity-based compensation plans; and (3) preparing the compensation committee report required to be included in any proxy statement or prospectus required to be filed by the Company under the rules and regulations of the SEC.

The nominating and corporate governance committee consists of Katrin Rupalla, serving as the chairperson, Gregory Freitag, and James Sapirstein. Our board of directors has adopted a written charter for the nominating and corporate governance committee, which is available free of charge on our corporate website (www.zyversa.com). The purpose of the nominating and corporate governance committee is to assist our board of directed in discharging its responsibilities relating to (1) identifying, reviewing the qualifications of, and recommending to the Board proposed nominees for election to the Board consistent with criteria approved by the Board, (2) selecting, or recommending that the Board select, the director nominees for the next annual meeting of stockholders, (3) overseeing the annual evaluation of the Board and management, and (4) recommending to the Board director nominees for each committee of the Board.

The Company has adopted a new code of business conduct that applies to all of our directors, officers and employees, including its principal executive officer, principal financial officer and principal accounting officer, which is available on the Company’s website. The Company’s code of business conduct is a “code of ethics,” as defined in Item 406(b) of Regulation S-K. Please note that the Company’s Internet website address is provided as an inactive textual reference only. The Company will make any legally required disclosures regarding amendments to, or waivers of, provisions of its code of ethics on its corporate website.

No member of our compensation committee was at any time during fiscal year 2022, or at any other time, one of our officers or employees. None of our executive officers have served as a director or member of a compensation committee (or other committee serving an equivalent function) of any entity, one of whose executive officers served as a director of our board of directors or member of our compensation committee.

Nasdaq rules generally require that independent directors must comprise a majority of a listed company’s board of directors. Based upon information requested from and provided by each proposed director concerning his or her background, employment, and affiliations, including family relationships, we have determined that Rob G. Finizio, Min Chul Park, Ph.D. Daniel J. O’Connor, James Sapirstein, Gregory Freitag, and Katrin Rupalla, Ph.D., representing six (6) of our seven (7) directors, are “independent” as that term is defined under the applicable rules and regulations of the SEC and the listing requirements and rules of the Nasdaq.

The Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (the “Charter”) contains provisions that limit the liability of our directors for monetary damages for breach of their fiduciary duties, except for liability that cannot be eliminated under the DGCL. Delaware law provides that directors of a corporation will not be personally liable for monetary damages for breach of their fiduciary duties as directors, except liability for any of the following:

This limitation of liability does not apply to liabilities arising under the federal securities laws and does not affect the availability of equitable remedies such as injunctive relief or rescission.

The Charter and the Second Amended and Restated Bylaws (the “Bylaws”) also provide that we shall indemnify our directors and executive officers and may indemnify our other officers and employees and other agents to the fullest extent permitted by law. We believe that indemnification under the Bylaws covers at least negligence and gross negligence on the part of indemnified parties. The Bylaws also permit us to secure insurance on behalf of any officer, director, employee or other agent for any liability arising out of his or her actions in this capacity, regardless of whether the Bylaws would permit indemnification.

We have entered into separate indemnification agreements with our directors and executive officers, in addition to indemnification provided for in our charter documents. These agreements, among other things, provide for indemnification of our directors and executive officers for expenses, judgments, fines and settlement amounts incurred by this person in any action or proceeding arising out of this person’s services as a director or executive officer or at our request. We believe that these provisions and agreements are necessary to attract and retain qualified persons as directors and executive officers.

The following Summary Compensation Table sets forth information regarding the compensation paid to, awarded to, or earned by our Named Executive Officers (“NEOs”) in 2022 and 2021 for services rendered in all capacities to us and our subsidiaries during 2022 and 2021.

On January 1, 2019, we entered into an employment agreement with Stephen C. Glover (the “Glover Employment Agreement”). Under the terms of the Glover Employment Agreement, he holds the position of Chief Executive Officer and receives a base salary of $450,000 annually, which base salary amount is subject to periodic adjustment by the board of directors or the compensation committee. In addition, Mr. Glover is eligible to receive an annual bonus, with a target amount equal to fifty percent (50%) of Mr. Glover’s base salary. The actual amount of each annual bonus will be based upon the level of achievement of our corporate objectives and Mr. Glover’s individual objectives, in each case, as established by us and Mr. Glover for the calendar year with respect to which the annual bonus relates. The determination of the level of achievement of the corporate objectives and the Mr. Glover’s individual performance objectives for a year shall be made by us in our reasonable discretion. In addition, pursuant to the terms of the Glover Employment Agreement, Mr. Glover is eligible to receive, from time to time, equity awards under our existing equity incentive plan, or any other equity incentive plan we may adopt in the future, and the terms and conditions of such awards, if any, will be determined by our board of directors or Compensation Committee, in their discretion. Mr. Glover is also eligible to participate in any executive benefit plan or program we adopt.

Pursuant to the Glover Employment Agreement, we may terminate Mr. Glover’s employment at any time without Cause (as that term is defined in the Glover Employment Agreement) upon 60 days prior written notice to Mr. Glover. Mr. Glover may terminate his employment for Good Reason (as that term is defined in Mr. Glover’s employment agreement) upon 90 days written notice to us, upon which notice we have 30 days to cure the conditions that Mr. Glover considers to be Good Reason, subject to certain conditions set forth in the Glover Employment Agreement.

If Mr. Glover’s employment is terminated without Cause or for Good Reason other than during a Post-Change in Control Period (as defined in the Glover Employment Agreement), Mr. Glover will be entitled to receive (i) the Accrued Obligations (as defined in the Glover Employment Agreement), (ii) severance payments equal to 15 months of Mr. Glover’s base salary (to be paid in a lump sum on the next regular payroll date within 60 days of Mr. Glover’s termination), and (iii) if elected, the Company will reimburse Mr. Glover for certain COBRA health benefits for 15 months.

Notwithstanding the above, if Mr. Glover’s employment is terminated without Cause or he resigns for Good Reason within 12 months after a Change of Control (as defined in the Glover Employment Agreement), Mr. Glover will receive (i) the Accrued Obligations, (ii) severance payments equal to 36 months of Mr. Glover’s base salary (to be paid in bimonthly payments commencing on the next regular payroll date within 60 days of Mr. Glover’s termination), (iii) any deferred compensation due to Mr. Glover, (iv) if elected, the Company will reimburse Mr. Glover for certain COBRA health benefits for 24 months, (v) a payment equal to Mr. Glover’s target annual bonus amount for the calendar year in which the termination occurs, (vi) in lieu of shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of outstanding options granted to Mr. Glover, Mr. Glover shall receive an amount in cash equal to the product of (A) the excess of the closing price of our Common Stock as reported on Nasdaq (if not so reported, on the basis of the average of the lowest asked and highest bid prices on or nearest the date of termination), over the per share exercise price of each option held by Mr. Glover (whether or not then fully exercisable) plus the amount of any applicable cash appreciation rights, times (B) the number of shares of Common Stock covered by each such option, and (vii) a payment equal to the amount of any and all legal fees incurred by Mr. Glover as a result of such termination.

Pursuant to the Glover Employment Agreement, we may terminate Mr. Glover’s employment at any time for Cause upon written notice to Mr. Glover. Mr. Glover may voluntarily terminate his employment at any time without Good Reason upon ninety (90) days prior written notice to the Company; provided, however, that we reserve the right, upon written notice to Mr. Glover, to accept Mr. Glover’s notice of resignation and to accelerate such notice and make Mr. Glover’s resignation effective immediately, or on such other date prior to Mr. Glover’s intended last day of work as we deem appropriate. If Mr. Glover’s employment is terminated with Cause or without Good Reason, he is entitled to receive (i) his earned but unpaid base salary through the final day of his employment, (ii) his accrued, but unused, vacation, (iii) expenses reimbursable under the employment agreement incurred on or prior to the last day of his employment, and (iv) any amounts or benefits that are vested amounts or benefits that Mr. Glover is entitled to receive under any of our equity compensation plans.

On July 20, 2022, we entered into a new executive employment agreement with Stephen C. Glover (the “New Glover Agreement”) that became effective upon consummation of the Business Combination, pursuant to which we agreed to continue to retain Mr. Glover as our Chief Executive Officer following the closing of the Business Combination, subject to the terms and conditions of the New Glover Agreement. The New Glover Agreement has superseded the Glover Employment Agreement. Under the New Glover Agreement, the conditions of Mr. Glover’s employment include, among other things, his agreement and execution of a Proprietary Information & Restrictive Covenant Agreement.

Under the terms of the New Glover Agreement, Mr. Glover will continue to hold the position of Chief Executive Officer and receive a base salary of $550,000 annually, subject to our standard payroll practices. Mr. Glover’s base salary and future increases in compensation are subject to periodic review and approval by the board of directors. In addition, Mr. Glover is eligible to receive an annual performance-based cash bonus, with a target amount equal to fifty-five percent (55%) of Mr. Glover’s base salary, subject to review and adjustment by the board of directors based upon Mr. Glover’s achievement of certain performance goals. Mr. Glover’s receipt of an annual bonus is also contingent upon Mr. Glover’s continued employment with us at the time such bonus is to be paid, otherwise the annual bonus is forfeited. In addition, pursuant to the terms of the New Glover Agreement, Mr. Glover may be eligible for certain grants of equity awards of our Common Stock, subject to vesting and other terms and conditions of our equity plan to which the award is granted and an agreement to be provided by us and entered into with Mr. Glover. Mr. Glover is also eligible to participate on the same basis as similarly situated employees in our benefit plans in effect from time during his employment.

Pursuant to the New Glover Agreement, we may terminate Mr. Glover’s employment at any time without Cause (as that term is defined in the New Glover Agreement) upon written notice to Mr. Glover. Provided Mr. Glover has not previously been notified of our intention to terminate his employment, Mr. Glover may resign from his employment with us for Good Reason (as that term is defined in the New Glover Agreement) upon 60 days written notice to us, upon which notice we have 30 days to cure the conditions that Mr. Glover considers to be Good Reason, subject to certain conditions set forth in the New Glover Agreement. In the event Mr. Glover resigns for Good Reason, and provided that such termination constitutes a Separation from Service (as that term is defined in the New Glover Agreement), then subject to Mr. Glover’s compliance with his obligations under the New Glover Agreement, Mr. Glover shall be eligible to receive the Severance Benefits (as that term is defined in the New Glover Agreement) on the same terms and conditions as he would be entitled for our termination of his employment without Cause.

In the event we terminate Mr. Glover’s employment at any time without Cause, or if Mr. Glover resigns for Good Reason, provided that such termination constitutes a Separation from Service, then Mr. Glover shall be entitled to receive the Accrued Obligations (as that term is defined in the New Glover Agreement) and, subject to Mr. Glover’s compliance with his obligations under the New Glover Agreement, Mr. Glover shall also be entitled to receive the following Severance Benefits: (i) an amount equal to Mr. Glover’s then current base salary for 24 months, paid in equal instalments on our regularly scheduled payroll dates following the Release Effective Date (as that term is defined in the New Glover Agreement); (ii) an amount equal to any unpaid bonus earned for the preceding year in which Mr. Glover’s termination occurs, paid in a single lump sum payment within 60 days following Mr. Glover’s termination; (iii) an amount equal to the greater of (a) the bonus paid for the performance year ending prior to Mr. Glover’s termination, and (b) the bonus that Mr. Glover would have earned for the performance year in which such termination occurs, in each case prorated for the period of Mr. Glover’s employment through the date of his termination, paid as a single lump sum payment within 60 days following Mr. Glover’s termination; (iv) any equity awards issued to Mr. Glover that are outstanding as of the date of Mr. Glover’s termination will become 100% vested and any stock options outstanding will remain exercisable until the earliest of (A) 18 months following Mr. Glover’s termination, or (B) the original expiration date for such vested options as provided in the applicable award agreement; and (iv) if elected, we will reimburse Mr. Glover for certain COBRA health benefits for up to 18 months, subject in each case to the terms and conditions of the New Glover Agreement and applicable laws and regulations.

Notwithstanding the above, if we (or any surviving or acquiring corporation) terminate Mr. Glover’s employment without Cause or Mr. Glover resigns for Good Reason within 90 days before and 24 months following the effective date of a Change of Control (as defined in the Glover Employment Agreement), then Mr. Glover will be entitled to receive the Accrued Obligations and, subject to Mr. Glover’s compliance with his obligations under the New Glover Agreement, Mr. Glover shall be eligible to receive the Severance Benefits on the same conditions as he would be entitled for our termination of his employment without Cause; provided, however, that Mr. Glover shall receive a bonus for the year in which his termination occurs equal to fifty-five percent (55%) of Mr. Glover’s base salary; and provided further, that if the Change in Control is a change in ownership of a corporation, a change in the effective control of a corporation, or a change in ownership of a substantial portion of a corporation’s assets, the cumulative amount of the severance payments payable (or remaining payable) for such termination shall be paid in a single lump sum on or within 30 days following such Change in Control.

Pursuant to the New Glover Agreement, we may terminate Mr. Glover’s employment at any time for Cause upon written notice to Mr. Glover. In the event Mr. Glover’s employment is terminated at any time for Cause, Mr. Glover will not receive Severance Benefits or any other severance compensation or benefits, except that, pursuant to our standard payroll policies, we shall pay to Mr. Glover the Accrued Obligations. Mr. Glover may resign from his employment with us at any time upon not less than 30 days’ advance written notice to us of such resignation. In the event Mr. Glover resigns from employment with us for any reason (other than a resignation for Good Reason), Mr. Glover will not receive Severance Benefits or any other severance compensation or benefits, except that we shall pay and provide the Accrued Obligations.

Mr. Glover’s entitlement to receive certain Severance Benefits is conditioned upon, among other things, his obligation to sign and deliver an effective Release (as that term is defined in the New Glover Agreement) in a form acceptable to us by the 60^th day following such termination or such earlier date as set forth in the Release.

On July 20, 2022, we entered into an executive employment agreement with Peter Wolfe (the “Wolfe Employment Agreement”) that became effective upon consummation of the Business Combination, pursuant to which we agreed to continue to retain Mr. Wolfe as our Chief Financial Officer following the closing of the Business Combination, subject to the terms and conditions of the Wolfe Employment Agreement. Under the Wolfe Employment Agreement, the conditions of Mr. Wolfe’s employment include, among other things, his agreement and execution of a Proprietary Information & Restrictive Covenant Agreement.

Under the terms of the Wolfe Employment Agreement, Mr. Wolfe will hold the position of Chief Financial Officer and receive a base salary of $395,000 annually, subject to our standard payroll practices. Mr. Wolfe’s base salary and future increases in compensation are subject to periodic review and approval by the board of directors. In addition, Mr. Wolfe is eligible to receive an annual performance-based cash bonus, with a target amount equal to forty percent (40%) of Mr. Wolfe’s base salary, subject to review and adjustment by the board of directors based upon Mr. Wolfe’s achievement of certain performance goals. Mr. Wolfe’s receipt of an annual bonus is also contingent upon Mr. Wolfe’s continued employment with us at the time such bonus is to be paid, otherwise the annual bonus is forfeited. In addition, pursuant to the terms of the Wolfe Employment Agreement, Mr. Wolfe may be eligible for certain grants of equity awards of our Common Stock, subject to vesting and other terms and conditions of our equity plan to which the award is granted and an agreement to be provided by us and entered into with Mr. Wolfe. Mr. Wolfe is also eligible to participate on the same basis as similarly situated employees in our benefit plans in effect from time during his employment.

Pursuant to the Wolfe Employment Agreement, we may terminate Mr. Wolfe’s employment at any time without Cause (as that term is defined in the Wolfe Employment Agreement) upon written notice to Mr. Wolfe. Provided Mr. Wolfe has not previously been notified of our intention to terminate his employment, Mr. Wolfe may resign from his employment with us for Good Reason (as that term is defined in the Wolfe Employment Agreement) upon 30 days written notice to us, upon which notice we have 30 days to cure the conditions that Mr. Wolfe considers to be Good Reason, subject to certain conditions set forth in the Wolfe Employment Agreement. In the event Mr. Wolfe resigns for Good Reason, and provided that such termination constitutes a Separation from Service (as that term is defined in the Wolfe Employment Agreement), then subject to Mr. Wolfe’s compliance with his obligations under the Wolfe Employment Agreement, Mr. Wolfe shall be eligible to receive the Severance Benefits (as that term is defined in the Wolfe Employment Agreement) on the same terms and conditions as he would be entitled for our termination of his employment without Cause.

In the event we terminate Mr. Wolfe’s employment at any time without Cause, or if Mr. Wolfe resigns for Good Reason, provided that such termination constitutes a Separation from Service, then Mr. Wolfe shall be entitled to receive the Accrued Obligations (as that term is defined in the Wolfe Employment Agreement) and, subject to Mr. Wolfe’s compliance with his obligations under the Wolfe Employment Agreement, Mr. Wolfe shall also be entitled to receive the following Severance Benefits: (i) an amount equal to Mr. Wolfe’s then current base salary for 12 months, paid in equal instalments on our regularly scheduled payroll dates following the Release Effective Date (as that term is defined in the Wolfe Employment Agreement); (ii) an amount equal to any unpaid bonus earned for the preceding year in which Mr. Wolfe’s termination occurs, paid in a single lump sum payment within 60 days following Mr. Wolfe’s termination; and (iv) if elected, we will reimburse Mr. Wolfe for certain COBRA health benefits for up to 12 months, subject in each case to the terms and conditions of the Wolfe Employment Agreement and applicable laws and regulations.

Notwithstanding the above, if we (or any surviving or acquiring corporation) terminate Mr. Wolfe’s employment without Cause or Mr. Wolfe resigns for Good Reason within 90 days before and 24 months following the effective date of a Change of Control (as defined in the Wolfe Employment Agreement), then Mr. Wolfe will be entitled to receive the Accrued Obligations and, subject to Mr. Wolfe’s compliance with his obligations under the Wolfe Employment Agreement, Mr. Wolfe shall be eligible to receive the Severance Benefits on the same conditions as he would be entitled for our termination of his employment without Cause and each of the following, provided, however, that if the Change in Control is a change in ownership of a corporation, a change in the effective control of a corporation, or a change in ownership of a substantial portion of a corporation’s assets, the cumulative amount of the severance payments payable (or remaining payable) for such termination shall be paid in a single lump sum on or within 30 days following such Change in Control: (i) Mr. Wolfe shall receive a bonus for the year in which his termination occurs equal to forty percent (40%) of Mr. Wolfe’s base salary, paid as a single lump sum payment within 60 days following Mr. Wolfe’s termination; and (ii) in the event that any equity awards issued by us to Mr. Wolfe are outstanding as of the closing of such Change in Control are assumed or continued (in accordance with their terms) by the surviving entity in such Change in Control, then 100% of the unvested portion of such equity awards shall become vested as of Mr. Wolfe’s termination.

Pursuant to the Wolfe Employment Agreement, we may terminate Mr. Wolfe’s employment at any time for Cause upon written notice to Mr. Wolfe. In the event Mr. Wolfe’s employment is terminated at any time for Cause, Mr. Wolfe will not receive Severance Benefits or any other severance compensation or benefits, except that, pursuant to our standard payroll policies, we shall pay to Mr. Wolfe the Accrued Obligations. Mr. Wolfe may resign from his employment with us at any time upon not less than 30 days’ advance written notice to us of such resignation. In the event Mr. Wolfe resigns from employment with us for any reason (other than a resignation for Good Reason), Mr. Wolfe will not receive Severance Benefits or any other severance compensation or benefits, except that we shall pay and provide the Accrued Obligations.

Mr. Wolfe’s entitlement to receive certain Severance Benefits is conditioned upon, among other things, his obligation to sign and deliver an effective Release (as that term is defined in the Wolfe Employment Agreement) in a form acceptable to us by the 60^th day following such termination or such earlier date as set forth in the Release.

On July 20, 2022, we entered into an executive employment agreement with Karen Cashmere (the “Cashmere Employment Agreement”) that became effective upon consummation of the Business Combination, pursuant to which we agreed to continue to retain Ms. Cashmere as our Chief Commercial Officer following the closing of the Business Combination, subject to the terms and conditions of the Cashmere Employment Agreement. Under the Cashmere Employment Agreement, the conditions of Ms. Cashmere’s employment include, among other things, her agreement and execution of a Proprietary Information & Restrictive Covenant Agreement.

Under the terms of the Cashmere Employment Agreement, Ms. Cashmere will hold the position of Chief Commercial Officer and receive a base salary of $320,000 annually, subject to our standard payroll practices. Ms. Cashmere’s base salary and future increases in compensation are subject to periodic review and approval by the board of directors. In addition, Ms. Cashmere is eligible to receive an annual performance-based cash bonus, with a target amount equal to thirty percent (30%) of Ms. Cashmere’s base salary, subject to review and adjustment by the board of directors based upon Ms. Cashmere’s achievement of certain performance goals. Ms. Cashmere’s receipt of an annual bonus is also contingent upon Ms. Cashmere’s continued employment with us at the time such bonus is to be paid, otherwise the annual bonus is forfeited. In addition, pursuant to the terms of the Cashmere Employment Agreement, Ms. Cashmere may be eligible for certain grants of equity awards of our Common Stock, subject to vesting and other terms and conditions of our equity plan to which the award is granted and an agreement to be provided by us and entered into with Ms. Cashmere. Ms. Cashmere is also eligible to participate on the same basis as similarly situated employees in our benefit plans in effect from time during her employment.

Pursuant to the Cashmere Employment Agreement, we may terminate Ms. Cashmere’s employment at any time without Cause (as that term is defined in the Cashmere Employment Agreement) upon written notice to Ms. Cashmere. Provided Ms. Cashmere has not previously been notified of our intention to terminate her employment, Ms. Cashmere may resign from her employment with us for Good Reason (as that term is defined in the Cashmere Employment Agreement) upon 30 days written notice to us, upon which notice we have 30 days to cure the conditions that Ms. Cashmere considers to be Good Reason, subject to certain conditions set forth in the Cashmere Employment Agreement. In the event Ms. Cashmere resigns for Good Reason, and provided that such termination constitutes a Separation from Service (as that term is defined in the Cashmere Employment Agreement), then subject to Ms. Cashmere’s compliance with her obligations under the Cashmere Employment Agreement, Ms. Cashmere shall be eligible to receive the Severance Benefits (as that term is defined in the Cashmere Employment Agreement) on the same terms and conditions as she would be entitled for our termination of her employment without Cause.

In the event we terminate Ms. Cashmere’s employment at any time without Cause, or if Ms. Cashmere resigns for Good Reason, provided that such termination constitutes a Separation from Service, then Ms. Cashmere shall be entitled to receive the Accrued Obligations (as that term is defined in the Cashmere Employment Agreement) and, subject to Ms. Cashmere’s compliance with her obligations under the Cashmere Employment Agreement, Ms. Cashmere shall also be entitled to receive the following Severance Benefits: (i) an amount equal to Ms. Cashmere’s then current base salary for 12 months, paid in equal instalments on our regularly scheduled payroll dates following the Release Effective Date (as that term is defined in the Cashmere Employment Agreement); (ii) an amount equal to any unpaid bonus earned for the preceding year in which Ms. Cashmere’s termination occurs, paid in a single lump sum payment within 60 days following Ms. Cashmere’s termination; and (iv) if elected, we will reimburse Ms. Cashmere for certain COBRA health benefits for up to 12 months, subject in each case to the terms and conditions of the Cashmere Employment Agreement and applicable laws and regulations.

Notwithstanding the above, if we (or any surviving or acquiring corporation) terminate Ms. Cashmere’s employment without Cause or Ms. Cashmere resigns for Good Reason within 90 days before and 24 months following the effective date of a Change of Control (as defined in the Cashmere Employment Agreement), then Ms. Cashmere will be entitled to receive the Accrued Obligations and, subject to Ms. Cashmere’s compliance with her obligations under the Cashmere Employment Agreement, Ms. Cashmere shall be eligible to receive the Severance Benefits on the same conditions as she would be entitled for our termination of her employment without Cause and each of the following, provided, however, that if the Change in Control is a change in ownership of a corporation, a change in the effective control of a corporation, or a change in ownership of a substantial portion of a corporation’s assets, the cumulative amount of the severance payments payable (or remaining payable) for such termination shall be paid in a single lump sum on or within 30 days following such Change in Control: (i) Ms. Cashmere shall receive a bonus for the year in which her termination occurs equal to thirty percent (30%) of Ms. Cashmere’s base salary, paid as a single lump sum payment within 60 days following Ms. Cashmere’s termination; and (ii) in the event that any equity awards issued by us to Ms. Cashmere are outstanding as of the closing of such Change in Control are assumed or continued (in accordance with their terms) by the surviving entity in such Change in Control, then 100% of the unvested portion of such equity awards shall become vested as of Ms. Cashmere’s termination.

Pursuant to the Cashmere Employment Agreement, we may terminate Ms. Cashmere’s employment at any time for Cause upon written notice to Ms. Cashmere. In the event Ms. Cashmere’s employment is terminated at any time for Cause, Ms. Cashmere will not receive Severance Benefits or any other severance compensation or benefits, except that, pursuant to our standard payroll policies, we shall pay to Ms. Cashmere the Accrued Obligations. Ms. Cashmere may resign from her employment with us at any time upon not less than 30 days’ advance written notice to us of such resignation. In the event Ms. Cashmere resigns from employment with us for any reason (other than a resignation for Good Reason), Ms. Cashmere will not receive Severance Benefits or any other severance compensation or benefits, except that we shall pay and provide the Accrued Obligations.

Ms. Cashmere’s entitlement to receive certain Severance Benefits is conditioned upon, among other things, her obligation to sign and deliver an effective Release (as that term is defined in the Cashmere Employment Agreement) in a form acceptable to us by the 60^thday following such termination or such earlier date as set forth in the Release.

On December 28, 2018, we entered into an employment agreement with Nicholas A. LaBella, Jr. (the “LaBella Employment Agreement”). Under the terms of the LaBella Employment Agreement, he holds the position of Chief Scientific Officer and Senior Vice President of Research and Development and receives a base salary of $325,000 annually, which base salary amount is subject to periodic adjustment by the board of directors or the compensation committee.

In addition, Mr. LaBella is eligible to receive an annual bonus, with a target amount equal to 35% of Mr. LaBella’s base salary under the LaBella Employment Agreement. The actual amount of each annual bonus will be based upon the level of achievement of our corporate objectives as established by us and Mr. Glover for the calendar year with respect to which the annual bonus relates. In addition, pursuant to the terms of his employment agreement, Mr. LaBella is eligible to receive, from time to time, equity awards under our existing equity incentive plan, or any other equity incentive plan we may adopt in the future, and the terms and conditions of such awards, if any, will be determined by our board of directors or Compensation Committee, in their discretion.

If at any time after the effective date, other than during a Change of Control Period (as defined in the LaBella Employment Agreement), we terminate Mr. LaBella’s employment without Cause (as defined in the LaBella Employment Agreement), then subject to Mr. LaBella executing and not revoking a general release of claims against the Company within sixty (60) days of such termination of employment, Mr. LaBella will be entitled to receive: (i) six months continuation of his base salary including a pro rata portion of the annual bonus, less applicable Federal and State Tax withholding, paid in accordance with the Company’s normal payroll practices; (ii) a sum equal to the product of (A) the per month medical and dental coverage premium pursuant to COBRA and (B) 6, to be paid on the 60^th day following such termination of employment; (iii) vesting number of shares subject to any stock options and equity awards held by Mr. LaBella immediately prior to such termination that would have become vested in the six months immediately following his termination of employment; and (iv) three months following such termination of employment in which to exercise vested shares subject to the options granted during his employment.

If, during the 12 month period commencing upon a Change of Control (as defined in the LaBella Employment Agreement), we terminate Mr. LaBella’s employment without Cause (as defined in the LaBella Employment Agreement) or he resigns for Good Reason (as defined in the LaBella Employment Agreement), then subject to his executing and not revoking a general release of claims against the Company in a form acceptable to the Company within 60 days of such termination of employment, in addition to the severance payments and benefits discussed above, 100% of the unvested shares subject to any stock options and equity awards that Mr. LaBella holds at the time of his termination will accelerate and become fully vested and he will be entitled to six months following such termination of employment in which to exercise vested shares subject to the options granted during Mr. LaBella’s employment.

On July 20, 2022, we entered into a new executive employment agreement with Nicholas A. LaBella, Jr. (the “New LaBella Agreement”) that became effective upon consummation of the Business Combination, pursuant to which we agreed to continue to retain Mr. LaBella as our Chief Scientific Officer and Senior Vice President of Research and Development following the closing of the Business Combination, subject to the terms and conditions of the New LaBella Agreement. The New LaBella Agreement superseded the LaBella Employment Agreement. Under the New LaBella Agreement, the conditions of Mr. LaBella’s employment include, among other things, his agreement and execution of a Proprietary Information & Restrictive Covenant Agreement.

Under the terms of the New LaBella Agreement, Mr. LaBella will continue to hold the position of Chief Scientific Officer and Senior Vice President of Research and Development and receive a base salary of $400,000 annually, subject to our standard payroll practices. Mr. LaBella’s base salary and future increases in compensation are subject to periodic review and approval by the board of directors. In addition, Mr. LaBella is eligible to receive an annual performance-based cash bonus, with a target amount equal to thirty-five percent (35%) of Mr. LaBella’s base salary, subject to review and adjustment by the board of directors based upon Mr. LaBella’s achievement of certain performance goals. Mr. LaBella’s receipt of an annual bonus is also contingent upon Mr. LaBella’s continued employment with us at the time such bonus is to be paid, otherwise the annual bonus is forfeited. In addition, pursuant to the terms of the New LaBella Agreement, Mr. LaBella may be eligible for certain grants of equity awards of our Common Stock, subject to vesting and other terms and conditions of our equity plan to which the award is granted and an agreement to be provided by us and entered into with Mr. LaBella. Mr. LaBella is also eligible to participate on the same basis as similarly situated employees in our benefit plans in effect from time during his employment.

Pursuant to the New LaBella Agreement, we may terminate Mr. LaBella’s employment at any time without Cause (as that term is defined in the New LaBella Agreement) upon written notice to Mr. LaBella. Provided Mr. LaBella has not previously been notified of our intention to terminate his employment, Mr. LaBella may resign from his employment with us for Good Reason (as that term is defined in the New LaBella Agreement) upon 30 days written notice to us, upon which notice we have 30 days to cure the conditions that Mr. LaBella considers to be Good Reason, subject to certain conditions set forth in the New LaBella Agreement. In the event Mr. LaBella resigns for Good Reason, and provided that such termination constitutes a Separation from Service (as that term is defined in the New LaBella Agreement), then subject to Mr. LaBella’s compliance with his obligations under the New LaBella Agreement, Mr. LaBella shall be eligible to receive the Severance Benefits (as that term is defined in the New LaBella Agreement) on the same terms and conditions as he would be entitled for our termination of his employment without Cause.

In the event we terminate Mr. LaBella’s employment at any time without Cause, or if Mr. LaBella resigns for Good Reason, provided that such termination constitutes a Separation from Service, then Mr. LaBella shall be entitled to receive the Accrued Obligations (as that term is defined in the New LaBella Agreement) and, subject to Mr. LaBella’s compliance with his obligations under the New LaBella Agreement, Mr. LaBella shall also be entitled to receive the following Severance Benefits: (i) an amount equal to Mr. LaBella’s then current base salary for 12 months, paid in equal instalments on our regularly scheduled payroll dates following the Release Effective Date (as that term is defined in the New LaBella Agreement); (ii) an amount equal to any unpaid bonus earned for the preceding year in which Mr. LaBella’s termination occurs, paid in a single lump sum payment within 60 days following Mr. LaBella’s termination; and (iv) if elected, we will reimburse Mr. LaBella for certain COBRA health benefits for up to 12 months, subject in each case to the terms and conditions of the New LaBella Agreement and applicable laws and regulations.

Notwithstanding the above, if we (or any surviving or acquiring corporation) terminate Mr. LaBella’s employment without Cause or Mr. LaBella resigns for Good Reason within 90 days before and 24 months following the effective date of a Change of Control (as defined in the LaBella Employment Agreement), then Mr. LaBella will be entitled to receive the Accrued Obligations and, subject to Mr. LaBella’s compliance with his obligations under the New LaBella Agreement, Mr. LaBella shall be eligible to receive the Severance Benefits on the same conditions as he would be entitled for our termination of his employment without Cause and each of the following, provided, however, that if the Change in Control is a change in ownership of a corporation, a change in the effective control of a corporation, or a change in ownership of a substantial portion of a corporation’s assets, the cumulative amount of the severance payments payable (or remaining payable) for such termination shall be paid in a single lump sum on or within 30 days following such Change in Control: (i) Mr. LaBella shall receive a bonus for the year in which his termination occurs equal to thirty-five percent (35%) of Mr. LaBella’s base salary, paid as a single lump sum payment within 60 days following Mr. LaBella’s termination; and (ii) in the event that any equity awards issued by us to Mr. LaBella are outstanding as of the closing of such Change in Control are assumed or continued (in accordance with their terms) by the surviving entity in such Change in Control, then 100% of the unvested portion of such equity awards shall become vested as of Mr. LaBella’s termination.

Pursuant to the New LaBella Agreement, we may terminate Mr. LaBella’s employment at any time for Cause upon written notice to Mr. LaBella. In the event Mr. LaBella’s employment is terminated at any time for Cause, Mr. LaBella will not receive Severance Benefits or any other severance compensation or benefits, except that, pursuant to our standard payroll policies, we shall pay to Mr. LaBella the Accrued Obligations. Mr. LaBella may resign from his employment with us at any time upon not less than 30 days’ advance written notice to us of such resignation. In the event Mr. LaBella resigns from employment with us for any reason (other than a resignation for Good Reason), Mr. LaBella will not receive Severance Benefits or any other severance compensation or benefits, except that we shall pay and provide the Accrued Obligations.

Mr. LaBella’s entitlement to receive certain Severance Benefits is conditioned upon, among other things, his obligation to sign and deliver an effective Release (as that term is defined in the New LaBella Agreement) in a form acceptable to us by the 60^thday following such termination or such earlier date as set forth in the Release.

On January 26, 2023, we entered into an executive employment agreement with Dr. Pablo Guzman (the “Guzman Employment Agreement”) that became effective upon consummation of the Business Combination, pursuant to which we agreed to terminate any outstanding consulting agreements we had with Dr. Guzman, and retain Dr. Guzman as our Chief Medical Officer and Senior Vice President of Medical Affairs, subject to the terms and conditions of the Guzman Employment Agreement. Under the Guzman Employment Agreement, the conditions of Dr. Guzman’s employment include, among other things, his agreement and execution of a Proprietary Information & Restrictive Covenant Agreement.

Under the terms of the Guzman Employment Agreement, Dr. Guzman will hold the position of Chief Medical Officer and Senior Vice President of Medical Affairs and receive a base salary of $350,000 annually, subject to our standard payroll practices. Dr. Guzman’s base salary and future increases in compensation are subject to periodic review and approval by the board of directors. In addition, Dr. Guzman is eligible to receive an annual performance-based cash bonus, with a target amount equal to thirty percent (30%) of Dr. Guzman’s base salary, subject to review and adjustment by the board of directors based upon Dr. Guzman’s achievement of certain performance goals. Dr. Guzman’s receipt of an annual bonus is also contingent upon Dr. Guzman’s continued employment with us at the time such bonus is to be paid, otherwise the annual bonus is forfeited. In addition, pursuant to the terms of the Guzman Employment Agreement, Dr. Guzman may be eligible for certain grants of equity awards of our Common Stock, subject to vesting and other terms and conditions of our equity plan to which the award is granted and an agreement to be provided by us and entered into with Dr. Guzman. Dr. Guzman is also eligible to participate on the same basis as similarly situated employees in our benefit plans in effect from time during his employment.

Pursuant to the Guzman Employment Agreement, we may terminate Dr. Guzman’s employment at any time without Cause (as that term is defined in the Guzman Employment Agreement) upon written notice to Dr. Guzman. Provided Dr. Guzman has not previously been notified of our intention to terminate his employment, Dr. Guzman may resign from his employment with us for Good Reason (as that term is defined in the Guzman Employment Agreement) upon 30 days written notice to us, upon which notice we have 30 days to cure the conditions that Dr. Guzman considers to be Good Reason, subject to certain conditions set forth in the Guzman Employment Agreement. In the event Dr. Guzman resigns for Good Reason, and provided that such termination constitutes a Separation from Service (as that term is defined in the Guzman Employment Agreement), then subject to Dr. Guzman’s compliance with his obligations under the Guzman Employment Agreement, Dr. Guzman shall be eligible to receive the Severance Benefits (as that term is defined in the Guzman Employment Agreement) on the same terms and conditions as he would be entitled for our termination of his employment without Cause.

In the event we terminate Dr. Guzman’s employment at any time without Cause, or if Dr. Guzman resigns for Good Reason, provided that such termination constitutes a Separation from Service, then Dr. Guzman shall be entitled to receive the Accrued Obligations (as that term is defined in the Guzman Employment Agreement) and, subject to Dr. Guzman’s compliance with his obligations under the Guzman Employment Agreement, Dr. Guzman shall also be entitled to receive the following Severance Benefits: (i) an amount equal to Dr. Guzman’s then current base salary for 12 months, paid in equal instalments on our regularly scheduled payroll dates following the Release Effective Date (as that term is defined in the Guzman Employment Agreement); (ii) an amount equal to any unpaid bonus earned for the preceding year in which Dr. Guzman’s termination occurs, paid in a single lump sum payment within 60 days following Dr. Guzman’s termination; and (iv) if elected, we will reimburse Dr. Guzman for certain COBRA health benefits for up to 12 months, subject in each case to the terms and conditions of the Guzman Employment Agreement and applicable laws and regulations.

Notwithstanding the above, if we (or any surviving or acquiring corporation) terminate Dr. Guzman’s employment without Cause or Dr. Guzman resigns for Good Reason within 90 days before and 24 months following the effective date of a Change of Control (as defined in the Guzman Employment Agreement), then Dr. Guzman will be entitled to receive the Accrued Obligations and, subject to Dr. Guzman’s compliance with his obligations under the Guzman Employment Agreement, Dr. Guzman shall be eligible to receive the Severance Benefits on the same conditions as he would be entitled for our termination of his employment without Cause and each of the following, provided, however, that if the Change in Control is a change in ownership of a corporation, a change in the effective control of a corporation, or a change in ownership of a substantial portion of a corporation’s assets, the cumulative amount of the severance payments payable (or remaining payable) for such termination shall be paid in a single lump sum on or within 30 days following such Change in Control: (i) Dr. Guzman shall receive a bonus for the year in which his termination occurs equal to thirty percent (30%) of Dr. Guzman’s base salary, paid as a single lump sum payment within 60 days following Dr. Guzman’s termination; and (ii) in the event that any equity awards issued by us to Dr. Guzman are outstanding as of the closing of such Change in Control are assumed or continued (in accordance with their terms) by the surviving entity in such Change in Control, then 100% of the unvested portion of such equity awards shall become vested as of Dr. Guzman’s termination.

Pursuant to the Guzman Employment Agreement, we may terminate Dr. Guzman’s employment at any time for Cause upon written notice to Dr. Guzman. In the event Dr. Guzman’s employment is terminated at any time for Cause, Dr. Guzman will not receive Severance Benefits or any other severance compensation or benefits, except that, pursuant to our standard payroll policies, we shall pay to Dr. Guzman the Accrued Obligations. Dr. Guzman may resign from his employment with us at any time upon not less than 30 days’ advance written notice to us of such resignation. In the event Dr. Guzman resigns from employment with us for any reason (other than a resignation for Good Reason), Dr. Guzman will not receive Severance Benefits or any other severance compensation or benefits, except that we shall pay and provide the Accrued Obligations.

Dr. Guzman’s entitlement to receive certain Severance Benefits is conditioned upon, among other things, his obligation to sign and deliver an effective Release (as that term is defined in the Guzman Employment Agreement) in a form acceptable to us by the 60^thday following such termination or such earlier date as set forth in the Release.

On January 26, 2023, the Compensation Committee of our board of directors approved for Dr. Guzman a grant of options exercisable for 100,000 shares of our Common Stock at an exercise price of $2.11.

Pursuant to their employment agreement or offer letter, as applicable, each NEO is eligible to earn a cash incentive bonus based on company and individual achievement of performance targets established by the board of directors in its discretion. In 2021, the NEOs did not participated in an annual cash incentive bonus plan, but may be eligible to participate in the annual cash incentive bonus plan effective January 1, 2022. For fiscal year 2022, each of our NEOs are eligible to earn a target bonus amount, which reflects a percentage of their annual base salaries. The board of directors also has the authority to grant additional discretionary bonuses to our NEOs on a case-by-case basis. Any discretionary bonuses awarded to an NEO for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 are set forth above in the section titled, “— Executive Employment Agreements.”

In addition to any individual benefits set forth in each Named Executive Officer’s employment agreement (described above), the Named Executive Officers are generally eligible to participate in our executive and employee health and other employee benefit programs on the same basis as other employees of the Company subject to applicable law.

Our employee benefit plans include our medical, dental, vision, group life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance plans, in each case, on the same basis as all of our other employees.

We are authorized to issue awards under our 2014 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2014 Plan”), as amended on October 9, 2018, February 2, 2019 and February 2, 2021. Under the 2014 Plan, 10,000,000 shares of our Common Stock of are authorized for issuance as of December 31, 2021. The number of shares of Common Stock available for issuance under the 2014 Plan shall automatically increase on the first trading day of January each calendar year during the term of the 2014 Plan, beginning with calendar year 2019, by an amount equal to five percent (5%) of the total number of shares of Common Stock outstanding on the last trading day in December of the immediately preceding calendar year, but in no event shall any such annual increase exceed 100,000 shares of Common Stock. The 2014 Plan provides for the issuance of incentive stock options, non-statutory stock options, rights to purchase Common Stock, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock and restricted stock units to employees, directors and consultants of ours and our affiliates. The 2014 Plan requires the exercise price of stock options to be not less than the fair value of our Common Stock on the date of grant. As of December 31, 2021, there were 1,068,154 shares available for future issuance under the 2014 Plan.

On December 12, 2022, in connection with the consummation of the Business Combination, the Company approved the amendment to the 2014 Plan (the “2014 Plan Amendment”). The 2014 Plan Amendment provides, among other things, that upon consummation of the Business Combination, no further increases in the shares of Common Stock reserved and available for issuance under the 2014 Plan shall occur and no new awards shall be made under the 2014 Plan. The foregoing summary of the 2014 Plan Amendment is qualified in its entirety by the full text of the 2014 Plan Amendment which is included as Exhibit to this prospectus and is incorporated herein by reference

The following description of the principal terms of the 2022 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan (the “2022 Plan”) is a summary and is qualified in its entirety by the full text of the 2022 Plan.

Administration. In general, the 2022 Plan will be administered by the Compensation Committee of the board of directors. The Compensation Committee will determine the persons to whom options to purchase shares of Common Stock, stock appreciation rights (or SARs), restricted stock units, restricted or unrestricted shares of Common Stock, performance shares, performance units, incentive bonus awards, other stock-based awards and other cash-based awards may be granted. The Compensation Committee may also establish rules and regulations for the administration of the 2022 Plan and amendments or modifications of outstanding awards. The Compensation Committee may delegate authority to the chief executive officer and other executive officers to grant options and other awards to employees (other than themselves), subject to applicable law and the 2022 Plan. No options, stock purchase rights or awards may be made under the 2022 Plan on or after the date that is 10 years after the effective date of the 2022 Plan, 2032 (or, the expiration date), but the 2022 Plan will continue thereafter while previously granted options, SARs or other awards remain outstanding.

Eligibility. Persons eligible to receive options, SARs or other awards under the 2022 Plan are those employees, officers, directors, consultants, advisors and other individual service providers of our Company and our subsidiaries who, in the opinion of the Compensation Committee, are in a position to contribute to our success, or any person who is determined by the Compensation Committee to be a prospective employee, officer, director, consultant, advisor or other individual service provider of the Company or any subsidiary. As of October 31, 2022, the Company and its subsidiaries had a total of seven employees, including four executive officers and two non-employee directors. As awards under the 2022 Plan are within the discretion of the Compensation Committee, we cannot determine how many individuals in each of the categories described above will receive awards.

Shares Subject to the 2022 Plan. Subject to the adjustment provisions of the 2022 Plan, and the automatic increase described below, the maximum aggregate number of shares of Common Stock that may be issued under the 2022 Plan is 1,453,108.

The number of shares of Common Stock available for issuance under the 2022 Plan will automatically increase on January 1^st of each year, commencing with January 1, 2023, and on each January 1 thereafter until the expiration date, in an amount equal to 4% of the total number of shares of our Common Stock outstanding on December 31^st of the preceding calendar year, unless the board of directors takes action prior thereto to provide that there will not be an increase in the share reserve for such year or that the increase in the share reserve for such year will be of a lesser number of shares of Common Stock than would otherwise occur.

“Incentive stock options,” or ISOs, that are intended to meet the requirements of Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (or, the Code) may be granted under the 2022 Plan with respect to up to 2,500,000 shares of Common Stock authorized for issuance under the 2022 Plan. None of the additional shares of Common Stock available for issuance pursuant to the previous paragraph may be subject to ISOs.

If any option or SAR granted under the 2022 Plan terminates without having been exercised in full or if any award is forfeited, or if shares of Common Stock are withheld to cover withholding taxes on options or other awards or applied to the payment of the exercise price of an option or purchase price of an award, the number of shares of Common Stock as to which such option or award was forfeited, withheld or paid, will be available for future grants under the 2022 Plan. Awards settled in cash will not count against the number of shares available for issuance under the 2022 Plan.

No non-employee director may receive awards in any calendar year having an accounting value in excess of $250,000 (inclusive of any cash awards to the non-employee director for such year that are not made pursuant to the 2022 Plan); provided that in the case of a new non-employee director, such amount is increased to $500,000 for the initial year of the non-employee director’s term.

The number of shares authorized for issuance under the 2022 Plan and the foregoing share limitations are subject to customary adjustments for stock splits, stock dividends, similar transactions or any other change affecting our Common Stock.

Terms and Conditions of Options. Options granted under the 2022 Plan may be either ISOs or “nonstatutory stock options” that do not meet the requirements of Section 422 of the Code. The Compensation Committee will determine the exercise price of options granted under the 2022 Plan. The exercise price of stock options may not be less than the fair market value per share of our Common Stock on the date of grant (or 110% of fair market value in the case of ISOs granted to a ten-percent stockholder).

If on the date of grant the Common Stock is listed on a stock exchange or is quoted on the automated quotation system of the Nasdaq Stock Market, the fair market value will generally be the closing sale price on the date of grant (or the last trading day before the date of grant if no trades occurred on the date of grant). If no such prices are available, the fair market value will be determined in good faith by the Compensation Committee based on the reasonable application of a reasonable valuation method.

No option may be exercisable for more than ten years (five years in the case of an ISO granted to a ten-percent stockholder) from the date of grant. Options granted under the 2022 Plan will be exercisable at such time or times as the Compensation Committee prescribes at the time of grant. No employee may receive ISOs that first become exercisable in any calendar year in an amount exceeding $100,000.

The Compensation Committee may, in its discretion, permit a holder of an option to exercise the option before it has otherwise become exercisable, in which case the shares of our Common Stock issued to the recipient will continue to be subject to the vesting requirements that applied to the option before exercise.

Generally, the option price may be paid in cash or by certified check, bank draft or money order. The Compensation Committee may permit other methods of payment, including (a) through delivery of shares of our Common Stock having a fair market value equal to the purchase price, (b) by a full recourse, interest bearing promissory note having such terms as the Compensation Committee may permit, or (c) a combination of these methods, as set forth in an award agreement or as otherwise determined by the Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee is authorized to establish a cashless exercise program and to permit the exercise price (or tax withholding obligations) to be satisfied by reducing from the shares otherwise issuable upon exercise a number of shares having a fair market value equal to the exercise price.

No option may be transferred other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution, and during a recipient’s lifetime an option may be exercised only by the recipient. However, the Compensation Committee may permit the holder of an option, SAR or other award to transfer the option, right or other award to immediate family members, a family trust for estate planning purposes or by gift to charitable institutions. The Compensation Committee will determine the extent to which a holder of a stock option may exercise the option following termination of service with us.

Stock Appreciation Rights. The Compensation Committee may grant SARs under the 2022 Plan. The Compensation Committee will determine the other terms applicable to SARs. The exercise price per share of a SAR will not be less than 100% of the fair market value of a share of our Common Stock on the date of grant, as determined by the Compensation Committee. The maximum term of any SAR granted under the 2022 Plan is ten years from the date of grant. Generally, each SAR will entitle a participant upon exercise to an amount equal to:

Payment may be made in shares of our Common Stock, in cash, or partly in Common Stock and partly in cash, all as determined by the Compensation Committee.

Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units. The Compensation Committee may award restricted Common Stock and/or restricted stock units under the 2022 Plan. Restricted stock awards consist of shares of stock that are transferred to a participant subject to restrictions that may result in forfeiture if specified conditions are not satisfied. Restricted stock units confer the right to receive shares of our Common Stock, cash, or a combination of shares and cash, at a future date upon or following the attainment of certain conditions specified by the Compensation Committee. The restrictions and conditions applicable to each award of restricted stock or restricted stock units may include performance-based conditions. Dividends or distributions with respect to restricted stock may be paid to the holder of the shares as and when dividends are paid to stockholders or at the time that the restricted stock vests, as determined by the Compensation Committee. If any dividends or distributions are paid in stock before the restricted stock vests they will be subject to the same restrictions. Dividend equivalent amounts may be paid with respect to restricted stock units either when cash dividends are paid to stockholders or when the units vest. Unless the Compensation Committee determines otherwise, holders of restricted stock will have the right to vote the shares.

Performance Shares and Performance Units. The Compensation Committee may award performance shares and/or performance units under the 2022 Plan. Performance shares and performance units are awards, denominated in either shares or U.S. dollars, which are earned during a specified performance period subject to the attainment of performance criteria, as established by the Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee will determine the restrictions and conditions applicable to each award of performance shares and performance units.

Incentive Bonuses. The Compensation Committee may grant incentive bonus awards under the 2022 Plan from time to time. The terms of incentive bonus awards will be set forth in award agreements. Each award agreement will have such terms and conditions as the Compensation Committee determines, including performance goals and amount of payment based on achievement of such goals. Incentive bonus awards are payable in cash and/or shares of our Common Stock.

Other Stock-Based and Cash-Based Awards. The Compensation Committee may award other types of equity-based or cash-based awards under the 2022 Plan, including the grant or offer for sale of shares of our Common Stock that do not have vesting requirements and the right to receive one or more cash payments subject to satisfaction of such conditions as the Compensation Committee may impose.

Effect of Certain Corporate Transactions. The Compensation Committee may, at the time of the grant of an award provide for the effect of a change in control (as defined in the 2022 Plan) on any award, including (i) accelerating or extending the time periods for exercising, vesting in, or realizing gain from any award, (ii) eliminating or modifying the performance or other conditions of an award, or (iii) providing for the cash settlement of an award for an equivalent cash value, as determined by the Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee may, in its discretion and without the need for the consent of any recipient of an award, also take one or more of the following actions contingent upon the occurrence of a change in control: (a) cause any or all outstanding options and SARs to become immediately exercisable, in whole or in part; (b) cause any other awards to become non-forfeitable, in whole or in part; (c) cancel any option or SAR in exchange for a substitute option; (d) cancel any award of restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance shares or performance units in exchange for a similar award of the capital stock of any successor corporation; (e) redeem any restricted stock for cash and/or other substitute consideration; (f) cancel or terminate any award for cash and/or other substitute consideration in exchange for an amount of cash and/or property equal to the amount, if any, that would have been attained upon the exercise of such award or realization of the participant’s rights as of the date of the occurrence of the change in control, but if the change in control consideration with respect to any option or SAR does not exceed its exercise price, the option or SAR may be canceled without payment of any consideration; or (g) make such other modifications, adjustments or amendments to outstanding awards as the Compensation Committee deems necessary or appropriate.

Amendment, Termination. The board of directors may at any time amend the 2022 Plan for the purpose of satisfying the requirements of the Code, or other applicable law or regulation or for any other legal purpose, provided that, without the consent of our stockholders, the board of directors may not (a) increase the number of shares of Common Stock available under the 2022 Plan, (b) change the group of individuals eligible to receive options, SARs and/or other awards, or (c) extend the term of the 2022 Plan.

A “new plan benefits” table, as described in the SEC’s proxy rules, is not provided because the grant of options and other awards under the 2022 Plan is discretionary, and we cannot determine now the specific number or type of options or awards to be granted in the future to any particular person or group.

Following is a summary of the U.S. federal income tax consequences of option and other grants under the 2022 Plan. Optionees and recipients of other rights and awards granted under the 2022 Plan are advised to consult their personal tax advisors before exercising an option or SAR or disposing of any stock received pursuant to the exercise of an option or SAR or following the vesting and payment of any award. In addition, the following summary is based upon an analysis of the Code as currently in effect, existing laws, judicial decisions, administrative rulings, regulations and proposed regulations, all of which are subject to change and does not address state, local, foreign or other tax laws.

The Code treats incentive stock options and nonstatutory stock options differently. However, as to both types of options, no income will be recognized to the optionee at the time of the grant of the options under the 2022 Plan, nor will our Company be entitled to a tax deduction at that time.

Generally, upon exercise of a nonstatutory stock option (including an option intended to be an incentive stock option but which has not continued to so qualify at the time of exercise), an optionee will recognize ordinary income tax on the excess of the fair market value of the stock on the exercise date over the option price. Our Company will be entitled to a tax deduction in an amount equal to the ordinary income recognized by the optionee in the fiscal year which includes the end of the optionee’s taxable year. We will be required to satisfy applicable withholding requirements in order to be entitled to a tax deduction. In general, if an optionee, in exercising a nonstatutory stock option, tenders shares of our Common Stock in partial or full payment of the option price, no gain or loss will be recognized on the tender. However, if the tendered shares were previously acquired upon the exercise of an incentive stock option and the tender is within two years from the date of grant or one year after the date of exercise of the incentive stock option, the tender will be a disqualifying disposition of the shares acquired upon exercise of the incentive stock option.

For incentive stock options, there is no taxable income to an optionee at the time of exercise. However, the excess of the fair market value of the stock on the date of exercise over the exercise price will be taken into account in determining whether the “alternative minimum tax” will apply for the year of exercise. If the shares acquired upon exercise are held until at least two years from the date of grant and more than one year from the date of exercise, any gain or loss upon the sale of such shares, if held as capital assets, will be long-term capital gain or loss (measured by the difference between the sales price of the stock and the exercise price). Under current federal income tax law, a long-term capital gain will be taxed at a rate which is less than the maximum rate of tax on ordinary income. If the two-year and one year holding period requirements are not met (a “disqualifying disposition”), an optionee will recognize ordinary income in the year of disposition in an amount equal to the lesser of (i) the fair market value of the stock on the date of exercise minus the exercise price or (ii) the amount realized on disposition minus the exercise price. The remainder of the gain will be treated as long-term capital gain, depending upon whether the stock has been held for more than a year. If an optionee makes a disqualifying disposition, our Company will be entitled to a tax deduction equal to the amount of ordinary income recognized by the optionee.

In general, if an optionee, in exercising an incentive stock option, tenders shares of Common Stock in partial or full payment of the option price, no gain or loss will be recognized on the tender. However, if the tendered shares were previously acquired upon the exercise of another incentive stock option and the tender is within two years from the date of grant or one year after the date of exercise of the other option, the tender will be a disqualifying disposition of the shares acquired upon exercise of the other option.

As noted above, the exercise of an incentive stock option could subject an optionee to the alternative minimum tax. The application of the alternative minimum tax to any particular optionee depends upon the particular facts and circumstances which exist with respect to the optionee in the year of exercise. However, as a general rule, the amount by which the fair market value of the Common Stock on the date of exercise of an option exceeds the exercise price of the option will constitute an item of “adjustment” for purposes of determining the alternative minimum taxable income on which the alternative tax may be imposed. As such, this item will enter into the tax base on which the alternative minimum tax is computed and may therefore cause the alternative minimum tax to become applicable in any given year.

Generally, the recipient of a SAR will not recognize any income upon grant of the SAR, nor will our Company be entitled to a deduction at that time. Upon exercise of a SAR, the holder will recognize ordinary income, and our Company generally will be entitled to a corresponding deduction, equal to the excess of fair market value of our Common Stock at that time over the exercise price.

Generally, absent an election to be taxed currently under Section 83(b) of the Code (or, a Section 83(b) Election), there will be no federal income tax consequences to either the recipient or our Company upon the grant of a restricted stock award or award of performance shares. At the expiration of the restriction period and the satisfaction of any other restrictions applicable to the restricted shares, the recipient will recognize ordinary income and our Company generally will be entitled to a corresponding deduction equal to the fair market value of the Common Stock at that time. If a Section 83(b) Election is made within 30 days after the date the restricted stock award is granted, the recipient will recognize an amount of ordinary income at the time of the receipt of the restricted shares, and our Company generally will be entitled to a corresponding deduction, equal to the fair market value (determined without regard to applicable restrictions) of the shares at such time, less any amount paid by the recipient for the shares. If a Section 83(b) Election is made, no additional income will be recognized by the recipient upon the lapse of restrictions on the shares (and prior to the sale of such shares), but, if the shares are subsequently forfeited, the recipient may not deduct the income that was recognized pursuant to the Section 83(b) Election at the time of the receipt of the shares.

The recipient of an unrestricted stock award, including a performance unit award, will recognize ordinary income, and our Company generally will be entitled to a corresponding deduction, equal to the fair market value of our Common Stock that is the subject of the award when the Award is made.

The recipient of a restricted stock unit generally will recognize ordinary income as and when the units vest and are settled. The amount of the income will be equal to the fair market value of the shares of our Common Stock issued at that time, and our Company will be entitled to a corresponding deduction. The recipient of a restricted stock unit will not be permitted to make a Section 83(b) Election with respect to such award.

Generally, the recipient of an incentive bonus or other stock or cash based award will not recognize any income upon grant of the award, nor will our Company be entitled to a deduction at that time. Upon payment with respect to such an award, the recipient will recognize ordinary income, and our Company generally will be entitled to a corresponding deduction, equal to the amount of cash paid and/or the fair market value of our Common Stock issued at that time.

Section 162(m) of the Code generally disallows a tax deduction for compensation in excess of $1 million paid in a taxable year by a publicly held corporation to its chief executive officer and certain other “covered employees.” Our Board and the Compensation Committee intend to consider the potential impact of Section 162(m) on grants made under the 2022 Plan, but reserve the right to approve grants of options and other awards for an executive officer that exceed the deduction limit of Section 162(m).

As and when appropriate, we shall have the right to require each optionee purchasing shares of Common Stock and each grantee receiving an award of shares of Common Stock under the 2022 Plan to pay any federal, state or local taxes required by law to be withheld.

The following table summarizes, for each of our Named Executive Officers, the number of shares of our Common Stock underlying outstanding stock options held as of December 31, 2022:

The following table sets forth information regarding compensation earned by or paid to each person who served as a non-employee member of our board of directors during 2022. In 2022, except as otherwise described below, we did not pay any fees, make any equity awards, or pay any other compensation to any of the other non-employee members of our board of directors. We reimburse members of our board of directors for reasonable travel expenses incurred in connection with attending meetings of the board of directors.

The options granted to our non-employee directors vest over three years with 33 1/3% of the options vesting and becoming exercisable on the one-year anniversary of the option grant date, 33 1/3% vest and become exercisable on the two-year anniversary of the option grant date and 33 1/3% vest and become exercisable on the three-year anniversary of the option grant date, subject to the non-employee directors remaining on our Board through the applicable vesting dates.

The Board sets non-employee director compensation which is designed to provide competitive compensation necessary to attract and retain high quality non-employee directors and to encourage ownership of our Common Stock to further align their interests with those of our stockholders. In 2022, each non-employee director of the Company was eligible to receive an annual fee of $30,000. A Finance Committee member received an additional $7,000 for his service in such role. The Company also granted stock options to its non-employee directors under the 2014 Plan.

Mr. Finizio will receive an annual cash retainer fee of $40,000 (pro-rated for the current year) and an additional cash retainer of $15,000 for his service as chair of the Compensation Committee and $8,000 as a member of the Audit Committee. Mr. Finizio will also receive an initial and annual option grant pursuant to the Company’s previously disclosed 2022 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan (the “2022 Plan”).

Dr. Park will receive an annual cash retainer fee of $40,000 (pro-rated for the current year) and an additional cash retainer of $7,500 for his service as a member of the Compensation Committee.

Mr. O’Connor will receive an annual cash retainer fee of $40,000 (pro-rated for the current year) and an additional cash retained of $8,000 for his service as a member of the Audit Committee. Mr. O’Connor will also receive an initial and annual option grant pursuant to the 2022 Plan.

Mr. Sapirstein will receive an annual cash retainer fee of $40,000 (pro-rated for the current year) and an additional cash retainer of $7,500 and $4,000, respectively, for his service as a member of the Compensation Committee and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. Mr. Sapirstein will also receive an initial and annual option grant pursuant to the 2022 Plan.

Mr. Freitag will receive an annual cash retainer fee of $40,000 (pro-rated for the current year) and an additional cash retainer of $18,500 for his service as chair of the Audit Committee and $4,000 as a member of the Corporate Governance Committee. Mr. Freitag will also receive an initial and annual option grant pursuant to the 2022 Plan.

Dr. Rupalla will receive an annual cash retainer fee of $40,000 (pro-rated for the current year) and an additional cash retainer of $8,000 for her service as chair of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee of the Board. Dr. Rupalla will also receive an initial and annual option grant pursuant to the 2022 Plan.

The following table sets forth beneficial ownership of the Company’s Common Stock as of March 23, 2023 by:

Beneficial ownership is determined according to the rules of the SEC, which generally provide that a person has beneficial ownership of a security if he, she or it possesses sole or shared voting or investment power over that security. Under those rules, beneficial ownership includes securities that the individual or entity has the right to acquire, such as through the exercise of warrants or stock options or the vesting of restricted stock units, within 60 days of March 23, 2023. Shares subject to warrants or options that are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days of March 23, 2023 or subject to restricted stock units that vest within 60 days of March 23, 2023 are considered outstanding and beneficially owned by the person holding such warrants, options or restricted stock units for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of that person but are not treated as outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of any other person.

Except as noted by footnote, and subject to community property laws where applicable, based on the information provided to the Company, the persons and entities named in the table below have sole voting and investment power with respect to all shares shown as beneficially owned by them. Unless otherwise indicated, the business address of each beneficial owner listed in the table below is c/o ZyVersa Therapeutics, Inc., 2200 N. Commerce Parkway, Suite 208, Weston, Florida 33326.

The beneficial ownership of our Common Stock is based on 9,211,922 shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding March 23, 2023.

A.G.P./Alliance Global Partners (“A.G.P.”) and The Benchmark Company, LLC (“Benchmark”), which we refer to herein as the placement agents have agreed to act as our placement agents in connection with this offering subject to the terms and conditions of the placement agency agreement dated , 2023. The placement agents are not purchasing or selling any of the securities offered by this prospectus, nor is it required to arrange the purchase or sale of any specific number or dollar amount of securities, but it has agreed to use its reasonable best efforts to arrange for the sale of all of the securities offered hereby. We will enter into a securities purchase agreement directly with purchasers in connection with this offering and may not sell the entire amount of securities offered pursuant to this prospectus.

This offering will be completed no later than two business days following the commencement of this offering and the delivery of such securities will be made upon receipt of investor funds received by the Company.

We have agreed to indemnify the placement agents and specified other persons against specified liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act. and to contribute to payments the placement agents may be required to make in respect thereof.

This offering is being conducted on a “reasonable best efforts” basis and the placement agents have no obligation to buy any of the securities from us or to arrange for the purchase or sale of any specific number or dollar amount of securities. We have agreed to pay the placement agents fees set forth in the table below (assuming the purchase of all of the securities we are offering).

We have agreed to pay to the placement agents a cash fee equal to 4.0% of the aggregate gross proceeds raised in this offering.

On December 12, 2022, at the closing of the Business Combination, A.G.P. was issued 3,495 Series B Shares representing $3,495,000 owed for the Advisory Fee and Benchmark was issued 450 Series B Shares representing $450,000 owed for services provided by Benchmark in connection with the Business Combination, which shares are deemed compensation pursuant to Rule 5110 of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. For additional information about the shares, see “Conflicts of Interest” below.

We estimate the total expenses payable by us for this offering to be approximately $1,365,000, which amount includes: (i) a placement agent fee of $600,000 assuming the purchase of all of the securities we are offering; (ii) a non-accountable expense allowance payable to the placement agents of $20,000; (iii) reimbursement of the accountable expenses of the placement agents of $80,000 related to the legal fees of the placement agents being paid by us (none of which has been paid in advance); and (iv) other estimated expenses of approximately $365,000 which include our legal, accounting, and printing costs and various fees associated with the registration and listing of our securities.

Each of the placement agents may be deemed to be an underwriter within the meaning of Section 2(a)(ii) of the Securities Act. and any commissions received by it and any profit realized on the resale of the securities sold by it while acting as principal might be deemed to be underwriting discounts or commissions under the Securities Act. As an underwriter, a placement agent would be required to comply with the requirements of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act, including, without limitation, Rule 4 l 5(a)(4) under the Securities Act and Rule I 06-5 and Regulation M under the Exchange Act. These rules and regulations may limit the timing of purchases and sales of securities by a placement agent acting as principal. Under these rules and regulations, a placement agent:

We and the placement agents have agreed in accordance with the provisions of SEC Rule 15c2-4 to cause all funds received by the placement agent for the sale of the securities to be promptly deposited in a non-interest bearing escrow account (“Escrow Account”) maintained by Continental Stock Transfer & Trust (the “Escrow Agent”), as escrow agent for the investors in the offering. The purpose of the Escrow Account is for (i) the deposit of all subscription monies (checks or wire transfers) which are received by the placement agent from prospective purchasers of our offered Common Stock and are delivered by the placement agent to the Escrow Agent, (ii) the holding of amounts of subscription monies which are collected through the banking system, and (iii) the disbursement of collected funds. The Escrow Agent will exercise signature control on the escrow account and will act based on joint instructions from us and A.G.P. On the closing date for the offering, and presuming that all conditions to closing have been satisfied, proceeds in the escrow account maintained by the Escrow Agent will be delivered to us.

The placement agents shall promptly deliver to the Escrow Agent all funds in the form of checks or wire transfers which it receives from prospective purchasers of our securities by noon of the next business day following receipt where internal supervisory review is conducted at the same location at which subscription documents and funds are received. Simultaneously with each deposit to the Escrow Account, the placement agents shall inform the Escrow Agent about the subscription information for each prospective purchaser. Upon the Escrow Agent’s receipt of such monies, they shall be credited to the Escrow Account. All checks delivered to the Escrow Agent shall be made payable to “Continental Stock Transfer & Trust as Agent for ZyVersa Offering 2023 Escrow.” The Escrow Agent shall not be required to accept for credit to the Escrow Account or for deposit into the Escrow Account checks which are not accompanied by the appropriate subscription information. Wire transfers representing payments by prospective purchasers shall not be deemed deposited in the Escrow Account until the Escrow Agent has received in writing the subscription information required with respect to such payments.

No interest will be available for payment to either us or the investors (since the funds are being held in a non-interest bearing account). All subscription funds will be held in trust pending the raising of the minimum offering amount and no funds will be released to us until the completion of the offering. Release of the funds to us is based upon the Escrow Agent reviewing the records of the depository institution holding the escrow to verify that the funds received have cleared the banking system prior to releasing the funds to us. All subscription information and subscription funds through checks or wire transfers should be delivered to the Escrow Agent. Failure to do so will result in subscription funds being returned to the investor. In event that the offering is terminated, all subscription funds from the escrow account will be returned to investors.

Our directors, officers and certain beneficial owners of 5% or more of our outstanding ordinary shares have entered into lock-up agreements. Under these agreements, these individuals have agreed, subject to specified exceptions, not to sell or transfer any shares of Common Stock or securities convertible into, or exchangeable or exercisable for, our shares of Common Stock during a period ending 90 days after the date of this prospectus, without first obtaining the written consent of the placement agents, subject to certain exceptions. Specifically, these individuals have agreed, in part, not to:

Notwithstanding these limitations, our securities may be transferred under limited circumstances, including, without limitation, by gift. will or intestate succession.

We have agreed with the placement agents to be subject to a lock-up period of 90 days following the date of closing of the offering pursuant to this prospectus. This means that, during the applicable lock-up period, subject to certain limited exceptions, we may not, without the prior written consent of the placement agents: (i) issue, enter into any agreement to issue or announce the issuance or proposed issuance of any shares of Common Stock or Common Stock equivalents, or (ii) file any registration statement or amendment or supplement thereto, other than the preliminary prospectus or the prospectus related to this offering or a registration statement on Form S-8 in connection with any employee benefit plan.

The public offering price of the securities we are offering was negotiated between us and the investors, in consultation with the placement agents based on the trading of our shares of Common Stock prior to the offering, among other things. Other factors considered in determining the public offering price of the securities we are offering include our history and prospects, the industry in which we operate, our past and present operating results, the stage of development of our business, our business plans for the future and the extent to which they have been implemented, the previous experience of our executive officers, general conditions of the securities markets at the time of the offering and such other factors as were deemed relevant.

Our Common Stock is listed on the Nasdaq Global Market of The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (“Nasdaq”) under the symbol “ZVSA.” There is no established public trading market for the warrants, and we do not expect such a market to develop. We do not intend to apply to list the warrants on any securities exchange or other nationally recognized trading system. Without an active trading market, the liquidity of the warrants will be limited.

The placement agents do not intend to confirm sales of the securities offered hereby to any accounts over which it has discretionary authority.

A.G.P., a placement agent in this offering, has a “conflict of interest” under Rule 5121 of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (“FINRA”). Accordingly, this offering will be made in compliance with the applicable provisions of Rule 5121. The rule requires that a “qualified independent underwriter” meeting certain standards participate in the preparation of the registration statement and prospectus and exercise the usual standards of due diligence with respect thereto. Benchmark has agreed to act as a “qualified independent underwriter” within the meaning of Rule 5121 in connection with this offering. Benchmark will receive $25,000 for serving as a qualified independent underwriter in connection with this offering. In its role as qualified independent underwriter, Benchmark has participated in due diligence and the preparation of this prospectus and the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part and has exercised the usual standards of due diligence with respect thereto.

The placement agents and certain of their affiliates are full service financial institutions engaged in various activities, which may include securities trading, commercial and investment banking, financial advisory, investment management, investment research, principal investment, hedging, financing and brokerage activities. The placement agents and certain of their affiliates have, from time to time, performed, and may in the future perform, various commercial and investment banking and financial advisory services for us and our affiliates, for which they received or will receive customary fees and expenses.

A.G.P. purchased 446,843 shares of Old Larkspur Class B common stock in May 2021, which such shares were converted into our Common Stock in connection with the consummation of the Business Combination. A.G.P. also previously served as the underwriter of the IPO of Old Larkspur and the placement agent for the PIPE. In connection with the IPO, Old Larkspur paid A.G.P. an underwriting fee of $500,000 and agreed to engage A.G.P. as an advisor in connection with the Business Combination to assist it in holding meetings with its stockholders to discuss the potential business combination and the target business’ attributes, introduce it to potential investors that were interested in purchasing its securities in connection with the business combination, assist it in obtaining stockholder approval for the business combination and assist it with its press releases and public filings in connection with the business combination. Old Larkspur agreed to pay A.G.P. a cash fee for such advisory services upon the consummation of the Business Combination in an amount equal to 4.5% of the gross proceeds of the IPO (the “Advisory Fee”). In connection with the PIPE, we agreed to pay A.G.P. placement agent fees of 6.0% of the gross proceeds from the PIPE (the “PIPE Agent Fee”). In connection with the consummation of the Business Combination, we agreed with A.G.P. to satisfy our obligations owed to A.G.P. with respect to the Advisory Fee and the PIPE Agent Fee through the issuance of shares of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Series B Shares”). At the closing of the Business Combination, A.G.P. was issued 4,026 Series B Shares for an aggregate purchase price of $4,026,000 representing (i) $3,495,000 owed for the Advisory Fee, (ii) $506,000 owed for the PIPE Agent Fee and (iii) non-accountable expenses in an amount equal to $25,000. If such Series B Shares were converted at the floor price of $7.00 (as described below), then A.G.P. would, together with the shares of Common Stock beneficially own approximately 10.6% of the Company’s Common Stock (based on the shares outstanding prior to this offering). For additional information, see “Certain Relationships and Related Person Transactions” and “Beneficial Ownership of Securities.”

On December 12, 2022, we issued to Benchmark 450 Series B Shares, subject to the terms set forth in the Series B Certificate of Designation, representing $450,000 owed for services provided by Benchmark in connection with the Business Combination.

The Series B Shares are convertible into shares of our Common Stock at a conversion price initially equal to $10.00 per share (subject to adjustments to a downward adjustment to no lower than the floor price of $7.00 per share based on the public trading price of the shares of our Common Stock, calculated at 150 days following the effective date of the registration statement with respect to registration of such securities) issuable upon conversion of the Series B Shares in accordance with the terms of the Series B Certificate of Designation, subject to certain adjustments. The Series B Certificate of Designation includes the right for the issuer to redeem such shares at 120% of the issue price of the Series B Shares then outstanding.

The 3,495 and 450 Series B Shares held by A.G.P. and Benchmark, respectively, are subject to lock-up agreements whereby each agreed that, pursuant to FINRA Rule 5110(e) and except as provided therein, such Series B Shares and the shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion thereof, will not be sold during this offering, or sold, transferred, assigned, pledged, or hypothecated, or be the subject of any hedging, short sale, derivative, put, or call transaction that would result in the effective economic disposition of such shares by any person for a period of 900 days immediately following the closing of this offering. A.G.P. and Benchmark also entered into a registration rights agreement pursuant to which we filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-1 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, which covers the resale of all of the shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion or exercise of their Series B Shares. There is no demand right for such shares. In addition, A.G.P. and Benchmark have certain “piggy-back” registration rights for a period of seven years after the date of this prospectus. We will bear the expenses incurred in connection with the filing of any such registration statement.

In addition, in the ordinary course of their various business activities, the placement agents and certain of their affiliates may make or hold a broad array of investments and actively trade debt and equity securities (or related derivative securities) and financial instruments (including bank loans) for their own account and for the· accounts of their customers, and such investment and securities activities may involve securities and/or instruments issued by us and our affiliates. If the placement agents or their affiliates enter into a lending relationship with us, they will routinely hedge their credit exposure to us consistent with their customary risk management policies. The placement agents and their affiliates may hedge such exposure by entering into transactions that consist of either the purchase of credit default swaps or the creation of short positions in our securities or the securities of our affiliates, including potentially the Common Stock offered hereby. Any such short positions could adversely affect future trading prices of the Common Stock offered hereby. The placement agents and certain of their affiliates may also communicate independent investment recommendations, market color or trading ideas and/or publish or express independent research views in respect of such securities or instruments and may at any time hold, or recommend to clients that they acquire, long and/or short positions in such securities and instruments.

This prospectus in electronic format may be made available on a website maintained by the placement agents, and the placement agents may distribute this prospectus electronically.

The foregoing does not purport to be a complete statement of the terms and conditions of the placement agency agreement or the securities purchase agreement, copies of which are attached to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. See “Where You Can Find More Information.”

In addition to the compensation arrangements with directors and executive officers described under the sections titled “Executive Compensation” and “Management” and the registration rights described elsewhere in this prospectus, the following is a description of each transaction since December 12, 2020 and each currently proposed transaction in which:

On January 19, 2023, in connection with this offering, we entered into an engagement letter with A.G.P/Alliance Global Partners (“A.G.P.”), pursuant to which we have agreed to pay A.G.P., as placement agent, a cash fee equal to 6.0% of the aggregate purchase price paid by each purchaser of securities sold in this offering and to reimburse A.G.P. for up to an aggregate of $100,000 for certain expenses incurred in connection with this offering. See “Plan of Distribution (Conflicts of Interest)” for additional information with respect to A.G.P.’s compensation. A.G.P. also previously served as the underwriter of our IPO and the placement agent for the PIPE, as further described below under “Pre-Business Combination Related Party Transactions of Larkspur.”

On January 22, 2015, we entered into a consulting agreement, as amended, with Dr. Pablo Guzman, our Chief Medical Officer and Senior Vice President of Medical Affairs, to provide us services in his capacity as our acting chief medical officer. Pursuant to the consulting arrangement, since December 12, 2020 we (i) made cash payments to Dr. Guzman in an aggregate amount equal to $207,984; and (ii) granted to Dr. Guzman options to purchase 29,120 shares of our Common Stock, at exercise prices ranging from $11.33 to $16.36 per share. The consulting arrangement with Dr. Guzman was terminated effective as of his employment with the Company on January 26, 2023.

In connection with the Business Combination, we entered into the PIPE Subscription Agreement, as amended with the PIPE Investors (including certain affiliates of the Company), pursuant to which, among other things, we sold to the PIPE Investors, in a private placement that closed immediately prior to the Closing of the Business Combination, an aggregate of (i) 8,636 shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “PIPE Shares”) for an aggregate purchase price of $8,635,000, convertible into shares of Common Stock at a conversion price initially equal to $10.00 per share (subject to a downward adjustment to no lower than the floor price of $2.00 per share based on the public trading price of the shares of our Common Stock calculated at 90 days and 150 days following the effective date of the registration statement with respect to registration of such securities) issuable upon the conversion of the PIPE Shares in accordance with the terms of the Series A Certificate of Designation, subject to certain adjustments; and (ii) common stock purchase warrants (each, a “PIPE Warrant”) to purchase up to a number of shares of Common Stock equal to 100% of the shares of Common Stock issued and issuable upon conversion of the PIPE Shares in accordance with the terms of the Series A Certificate of Designation and the Warrant, with an exercise price equal to $11.50 per share, subject to certain adjustments. The exercise price of the PIPE Warrants will be subject to certain adjustments including those resulting from (i) stock dividends and splits, (ii) subsequent rights offerings, (iii) pro-rata distributions, (iv) fundamental transactions, (v) certain voluntary adjustments and (vi) issuances of other securities at a price at or below the exercise price then in effect, in each case, in accordance with the terms of the PIPE Warrant. The Series A Certificate of Designation includes the right for the issuer to redeem such shares at 120% of the issue price of the PIPE Shares then outstanding. Additionally, the PIPE Subscription Agreement contains customary representations and warranties, and certain transfer restrictions. The closing of the sale of the PIPE Shares and the PIPE Warrants was conditioned upon, among other things, customary Closing conditions and the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Business Combination Agreement. The issuance of the securities pursuant to the PIPE Subscription Agreement was consummated substantially concurrently with the Closing of the Business Combination.

In connection with the PIPE Subscription Agreement, we and the other PIPE Investors entered into a warrant agreement, pursuant to which we issued common stock purchase warrants (each, a “PIPE Warrant”) to purchase up to a number of shares of Common Stock equal to 100% of the shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of the PIPE Shares, with an exercise price equal to $11.50 per share, subject to certain adjustments. The exercise price of the PIPE Warrants will be subject to certain adjustments including those resulting from (i) stock dividends and splits, (ii) subsequent rights offerings, (iii) pro-rata distributions, (iv) fundamental transactions, (v) certain voluntary adjustments and (vi) issuances of other securities at a price at or below the exercise price then in effect, in each case, in accordance with the terms of the PIPE Warrant.

In connection with the consummation of the Business Combination, we and the PIPE Investors entered into a registration rights agreement (the “PIPE Registration Rights Agreement”), pursuant to which we agreed to prepare and file with the SEC, no later than 5 business days after the closing date of the Business Combination, a registration statement on Form S-1 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, covering the resale of all of the shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion or exercise of the PIPE Shares and the PIPE Warrants issued pursuant to the PIPE Subscription Agreement and the PIPE Warrants. We are further required to use our best efforts to cause such initial registration statement (and additional registration statements required to be filed under the PIPE Registration Rights Agreement), to be declared effective by the SEC as soon as practicable after filing, but in no event later than 20 calendar days thereafter (or, 45 calendar days thereafter in the event of a “full review” by the SEC). In addition, pursuant to the terms of the PIPE Registration Rights Agreement and subject to certain requirements and customary conditions, including with regard to certain demand rights that may be exercised, the PIPE Investors shall also have certain “piggy-back” registration rights, subject to certain requirements and customary conditions. We will bear the expenses incurred in connection with the filing of any such registration statement.

In connection with the Business Combination Agreement, Larkspur, Old ZyVersa and the Key ZyVersa Shareholders entered into a Shareholder Support Agreement (the “Shareholder Support Agreement”), providing that, among other things, the Key ZyVersa Shareholders, whose ownership interests collectively represent the outstanding ZyVersa Common Stock and ZyVersa Series A Preferred Stock (voting on an as-converted basis) sufficient to approve the Business Combination on behalf of Old ZyVersa, supported the approval and adoption of the Business Combination Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, and executed and delivered the Written Consent, within 48 hours of the Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed with the SEC in connection with the Business Combination becoming effective. The Shareholder Support Agreement will terminate upon the earliest to occur of (a) the closing of the Business Combination, (b) the termination of the Business Combination Agreement in accordance with its terms, (c) the adoption by Larkspur and Old ZyVersa of any material amendment to the Business Combination Agreement, and (d) the written agreement by Larkspur, Old ZyVersa, and the ZyVersa Key Shareholders terminating the Shareholder Support Agreement (the “Expiration Time”). The Key ZyVersa Shareholders also agreed, until the Expiration Time, to certain transfer restrictions (excluding the Conversion).

In connection with the Shareholder Support Agreement, we and the Key ZyVersa Shareholders entered into a lock-up agreement, which we refer to as the “Lock-Up Agreement.” Pursuant to the Lock-Up Agreement, approximately 75% of the aggregate issued and outstanding securities issued to ZyVersa in connection with the Business Combination are subject to the restrictions described below from the Closing until the termination of applicable lock-up periods.

We and the Key ZyVersa Shareholders have agreed not to, without the prior written consent of the Audit Committee of the Company’s Board and subject to certain exceptions, during the applicable lock-up period:

Pursuant to the Lock-Up Agreement, we and the Key ZyVersa Shareholders agreed to the foregoing transfer restrictions during the period beginning on the Closing Date and ending on the date that is the earlier of (x) 180 days after the Closing Date and (y) the date on which the Company completes a liquidation, merger, capital stock exchange, reorganization or other similar transactions that result in all of the Company’s stockholders having the right to exchange their shares for cash, securities or other property.

In connection with the Business Combination, that certain Registration Rights Agreement, dated December 10, 2021, by and among Larkspur and certain persons and entities holding securities of Larkspur (the “IPO Registration Rights Agreement”), was amended and restated, and the Company, the Sponsor, certain persons and entities holding securities of Larkspur prior to the Closing (together with the Sponsor, the “Larkspur Holders”) and certain persons and entities holding securities of Old ZyVersa prior to the Closing (the “ZyVersa Holders,” together with the Larkspur Holders, the “Registration Rights Holders”) entered into the Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement, dated December 12, 2022. Pursuant to the Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement, the Company agreed that, (i) the Registration Rights Holders will be allowed certain demand registration rights six months after the consummation of the Business Combination, (ii) the Company will use its commercially reasonable efforts to file with the SEC (at the Company’s sole cost and expense) a registration statement registering the resale of certain securities held by or issuable to the Registration Rights Holders (the “Resale Registration Statement”), and (iii) the Company will use its commercially reasonable efforts to have the Resale Registration Statement declared effective as soon as reasonably practicable after the filing thereof. In certain circumstances, the Registration Rights Holders can demand up to two underwritten offerings and such holders will be entitled to customary piggyback registration rights. The Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement does not provide for the payment of any cash penalties by the Company if it fails to satisfy any of its obligations under the Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement.

In connection with the Business Combination, we agreed to issue to certain purchasers that have provided services to us, in a private placement to close immediately prior to the Closing of the Business Combination (“Series B Purchase Agreement”), an aggregate of 5,062 shares of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Series B Shares”) for an aggregate purchase price of $5,062,000, convertible into shares of our Common Stock at a conversion price initially equal to $10.00 per share (subject to a downward adjustment to no lower than the floor price of $7.00 per share based on the public trading price of the shares of our Common Stock, calculated at 150 days following the effective date of the registration statement with respect to registration of such securities) issuable upon conversion of the Series B Shares in accordance with the terms of the Series B Certificate of Designation, subject to certain adjustments. The Series B Certificate of Designation includes the right for the issuer to redeem such shares at 120% of the issue price of the Series B Shares then outstanding. Additionally, the Series B Purchase Agreement contains customary representations and warranties, and certain transfer restrictions. The closing of the sale of the Series B Shares was conditioned upon, among other things, customary Closing conditions and the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Business Combination Agreement. The issuance of the securities was consummated substantially concurrently with the Closing of the Business Combination.

In connection with the Series B Purchase Agreement, we and the other the Purchasers entered into a registration rights agreement (the “Series B Registration Rights Agreement”), pursuant to which we filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-1 (or other applicable registration statement) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, which covers the resale of all of the shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion or exercise of the Series B Shares issued pursuant to the Series B Purchase Agreement. We are further required to use our best efforts to cause such initial registration statement (and additional registration statements required to be filed under the Registration Rights Agreement), to be declared effective by the SEC as soon as practicable after filing. In addition, pursuant to the terms of the Series B Registration Rights Agreement and subject to certain requirements and customary conditions, including with regard to certain demand rights that may be exercised, the Purchasers shall also have certain “piggy-back” registration rights, subject to certain requirements and customary conditions. We will bear the expenses incurred in connection with the filing of any such registration statement.

From March 2022 to December 2022, Old ZyVersa conducted a private placement offering of shares of its Series A Convertible Preferred Stock and warrants (the “Bridge Warrants”) to purchase shares of Old ZyVersa’s common stock (the “Bridge Financing”). The shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock converted automatically immediately prior to the consummation of the Business Combination into shares of Old ZyVersa common stock. Such shares of Old ZyVersa common stock were exchanged (at the exchange ratio) for 1,271,904 shares of our Common Stock (of which 327,765 shares were related to the Bridge Financing and the remainder were from the conversion of the 2021 Promissory Note Financing conversion into the Bridge Financing) upon consummation of the Business Combination. Also, upon consummation of the Business Combination, the outstanding Bridge Warrants were assumed and converted (based on the merger exchange ratio) into a warrant to purchase shares of our Common Stock. The replacement Warrants are exercisable for 1,271,904 shares of our Common Stock (of which 327,765 of the warrants were from the Bridge Financing and the remainder were from the conversion of the 2021 Promissory Note Financing conversion into the Bridge Financing) with an initial exercise price equal to $6.90 per share (as adjusted to give effect to the Business Combination), subject to certain adjustments. Certain affiliates of the Company participated as investors in the Bridge Financing.

Our board of directors has adopted a written related person transaction policy that sets forth the following policies and procedures for the review and approval or ratification of related person transactions.

A “Related Person Transaction” is a transaction, arrangement or relationship in which the company or any of its subsidiaries was, is or will be a participant, the amount of which involved exceeds $120,000, and in which any related person had, has or will have a direct or indirect material interest.

The Company has policies and procedures designed to minimize potential conflicts of interest arising from any dealings it may have with its affiliates and to provide appropriate procedures for the disclosure of any real or potential conflicts of interest that may exist from time to time. Specifically, pursuant to its charter, the audit committee has the responsibility to review related party transactions.

All of the transactions described in this section were entered into prior to the adoption of this policy. Certain of the foregoing disclosures are summaries of certain provisions of our related party agreements, and are qualified in their entirety by reference to all of the provisions of such agreements. Because these descriptions are only summaries of the applicable agreements, they do not necessarily contain all of the information that you may find useful. Copies of certain of the agreements (or forms of the agreements) have been filed as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, and are available electronically on the website of the SEC at www.sec.gov.

See “Executive Compensation” for information regarding compensation arrangements with the executive officers and directors of the Company, which include, among other things, employment, termination of employment and change in control arrangements, stock awards and certain other benefits.

Our Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (“Charter”) and Second Amended and Restated Bylaws (“Bylaws”) provide for indemnification for our directors and officers to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL. We have entered into indemnification agreements with each of our directors and executive officers. For additional information, see the discussion of indemnification contained in “Management.”

Between February and March 2021, Old ZyVersa issued an aggregate of $5.23 million in principal amount of convertible promissory notes (the “2021 Notes”). Incon Co., Ltd., a more than 5% shareholder of Old ZyVersa, purchased an aggregate principal amount of $2,500,000 of 2021 Notes, and Stephen Glover, Old ZyVersa’s Chief Executive Officer, purchased an aggregate principal amount of $300,000 of 2021 Notes. The 2021 Notes bear interest at the rate of 6% per annum, compounded daily, and were due on December 31, 2021. In the event ZyVersa commences a debt financing after February 15, 2021 (the “Qualified Debt Financing”), the 2021 Notes shall automatically convert into a promissory note in the same form and with the same terms and conditions as those issued in the Qualified Debt Financing and in a principal amount equal to the then outstanding principal and accrued and unpaid interest under the 2021 Notes (the “Note Obligations”). Upon the Closing by the Company of a minimum of $500,000 equity financing after February 15, 2021 (the “Qualified Equity Financing”), the 2021 Notes shall automatically convert into the equity securities sold in a Qualified Equity Financing (the “Subsequent Round Securities”) at the same price and on the same terms and conditions received by any investor in such Qualified Equity Financing. The number of Subsequent Round Securities to be issued upon such conversion shall be equal to the quotient obtained by dividing (i) an amount equal to the Note Obligations outstanding on the closing of such Qualified Equity Financing by the lowest price per security at which the Subsequent Round Securities are sold in the Qualified Equity Financing (the “Conversion Price”). If at any time before the Qualified Equity Financing, a change of control occurs, an amount equal to the Note Obligations outstanding on the closing of such change of control shall automatically convert simultaneously with the closing of the change of control at the price of $3.25 per share. On July 8, 2022, as a result of the Series A Preferred Stock Financing (which resulted in a Qualified Equity Financing with cumulative gross proceeds that exceeded $500,000), the 2021 Notes consisting of $5,230,000 of principal and $428,888 of accrued interest, automatically converted into 1,802,193 shares of Series A Preferred Stock, at an effective conversion price of $3.14 per share of Series A Preferred Stock. In addition, Series A Warrants to purchase 2,035,571 shares of common stock were issued to the former 2021 Note holders upon the automatic conversion of the Series A Preferred Stock, which occurred upon the Closing of the Business Combination. These securities were ultimately converted into and on the same terms as the securities issued in the Bridge Financing.

In connection with a financing transaction on November 15, 2018, Old ZyVersa issued to Incon, Ltd., 4,347,826 shares of Old ZyVersa common stock for aggregate consideration of $10.0 million (the “2018 Incon Investment”). In connection with the 2018 Incon Investment, Incon appointed a representative to Old ZyVersa’s board of directors and Incon may request that Stephen Glover, Old ZyVersa’s Chief Executive Officer, join and serve as a member on Incon’s board of directors.

In November 2016, in connection with a private placement of Old ZyVersa’s common stock (the “2016 Old ZyVersa Financing”), Old ZyVersa entered into a Registration Rights Agreement (the “2016 Registration Rights Agreement”) with each investor that participated in the 2016 Financing. Pursuant to the 2016 Registration Rights Agreement, each investor in the 2016 Financing was granted piggyback registration rights whereby if Old ZyVersa proposes to register any shares of capital stock for sale by Old ZyVersa under the Securities Act on a form that would allow for the registration of the investors’ shares of common stock, each investor in the 2016 Financing would have the right to include their shares of Old ZyVersa’s common stock in such registration statement. The 2016 Registration Rights Agreement terminated automatically upon the closing of the Business Combination.

In the 2016 Old ZyVersa Offering, Stephen Glover, Old ZyVersa’s Chief Executive Officer, along with entities associated with Mr. Glover, purchased an aggregate of $550,000 worth of common stock, and an entity associated with Shawn Titcomb, a 5% shareholder of Old ZyVersa, purchased $200,000 worth of common stock.

On April 11, 2014, Old ZyVersa and three 5% shareholders, Shawn Titcomb, Nico Pronk and Nathan Cali, as well as Stephen Glover, Old ZyVersa’s Chief Executive Officer, entered into a Shareholders Agreement (the “2014 Old ZyVersa Shareholder Agreement”), whereby each shareholder-party thereto agreed to vote all of their respective voting securities in such a way to ensure that (i) the number of directors of Old ZyVersa remains at all times at three directors, and (ii) Shawn Titcomb, Nico Pronk and Stephen Glover are elected and continue to serve as Old ZyVersa directors.

The 2014 Old ZyVersa Shareholders Agreement also contains certain transfer restrictions on the securities owned by the shareholder-parties thereto, subject to certain customary exceptions. Pursuant to the 2014 Old ZyVersa Shareholders Agreement, each shareholder-party thereto has a right of first refusal if any other shareholder-party thereto receives a bona fide offer to sell its securities from a third party. On October 28, 2016, Nobel International Investments, Inc., a more than 5% shareholder of Old ZyVersa’s common stock and an entity affiliated with Mr. Pronk, executed a Joinder Agreement and was made party to the 2014 Old ZyVersa Shareholders Agreement, pursuant to the same terms as the other parties thereto. The 2014 Old ZyVersa Shareholders Agreement terminated automatically upon the Closing of the Business Combination.

On April 4, 2021, Larkspur entered into an agreement (the “Brio Agreement”) with Brio Financial Group (“Brio Financial”), pursuant to which Brio Financial provided certain financial and accounting services to Larkspur, including, but not limited to, assisting Larkspur with developing and documenting a monthly and quarterly accounting closing process, preparing financial statements, maintaining Larkspur’s accounting system and its internal debt and equity ledgers, preparing the MD&A portion of quarterly and annual reports, and evaluating its internal controls over financial reporting. Under the Brio Agreement, Larkspur agreed to pay Brio Financial a fixed price of $15,000 for initial services and a fixed monthly rate of $1,750 for recurring services, which commenced in June 2021. Larkspur also agreed to reimburse Brio Financial for travel and other out-of-pocket costs. The term of the Brio Agreement commenced on April 4, 2021 and will continue in effect until December 31, 2022. Either Larkspur or Brio Financial may terminate the Brio Agreement at any time, for any reason, within 10 days of written notice to the other party. David S. Briones, Larkspur’s Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer, Secretary and Director, is the managing member of Brio Financial and owns 100% of Brio Financial’s equity interest. The approximately value of the Brio Agreement is $48,250 and the approximate value of David S. Briones’s interest in the Brio Agreement is $48,250.

In connection with the consummation of the Business Combination, Larkspur entered into a Series B Purchase Agreement with A.G.P., covering the issuance of 4,026 Series B Shares to A.G.P., in consideration of A.G.P.’s activities on our behalf, including identifying potential target businesses and performing due diligence on suitable business combinations, for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $4,026,000, including, (i) placement agent fees of 6.0% in connection with the PIPE in an amount equal to approximately $506,000, (ii) deferred underwriting discount of 4.5% in connection with our IPO in an amount equal to $3,495,000, and (iii) non-accountable expenses in an amount equal to $25,000.

Prior to the closing of Larkspur’s initial public offering, Larkspur Health LLC’s investors agreed to loan Larkspur up to an aggregate of $750,000 to be used for a portion of the expenses of this offering. These loans are non-interest bearing, unsecured and were due at the earlier of December 31, 2021 or the closing of Larkspur’s initial public offering out of the estimated $1,176,000 of offering proceeds that was allocated to the payment of related offering expenses (other than underwriting commissions).

After Larkspur’s initial business combination, members of its management team who remain with the combined company may be paid consulting, management or other fees from the combined company with any and all amounts being fully disclosed to our stockholders, to the extent then known, in the tender offer or proxy solicitation materials, as applicable, furnished to its stockholders. It is unlikely the amount of such compensation will be known at the time of distribution of such tender offer materials or at the time of a stockholder meeting held to consider our initial business combination, as applicable, as it will be up to the directors of the post-combination business to determine executive and director compensation.

Larkspur entered into customary agreements with our officers and directors to provide contractual indemnification in addition to the indemnification provided for in its Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation. Larkspur’s bylaws also will permit them to secure insurance on behalf of any officer, director or employee for any liability arising out of his or her actions, regardless of whether Delaware law would permit such indemnification. Larkspur will purchase a policy of directors’ and officers’ liability insurance that insures its officers and directors against the cost of defense, settlement or payment of a judgment in some circumstances and insures it against its obligations to indemnify its officers and directors.

On May 7, 2021, the Sponsor purchased, pursuant to a written agreement, an aggregate of 320,272 private placement units from Larkspur for a purchase price of $10.00 per whole warrant in a private placement that occurred concurrently with the closing of the IPO and the underwriter’s exercise of their over-allotment option. Each private placement unit consists of one share of Class A common stock and three-fourths of one redeemable private placement warrant. Each private placement warrant entitles the holder to purchase one share of class A common stock at a price of $11.50 per share, subject to adjustment. The underlying shares of Common Stock and private placement warrants (including the shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise thereof) may not, subject to certain limited exceptions, be transferred, assigned or sold by the holder until 30 days after the completion of an initial business combination.

On May 7, 2021, Larkspur issued unsecured promissory notes (the “Promissory Notes”) to the Sponsor’s investors, which were amended and restated on October 7, 2021, pursuant to which Larkspur could borrow up to an aggregate principal amount of $750,000. The Promissory Note was non-interest bearing and payable on the earlier of (i) December 31, 2021 and (ii) the completion of the Larkspur’s initial public offering.

No compensation of any kind, including finder’s and consulting fees, will be paid to the Sponsor, officers and directors, or their respective affiliates, for services rendered prior to or in connection with the completion of an initial business combination. However, these individuals will be reimbursed for any out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with activities on Larkspur’s behalf such as identifying potential target businesses and performing due diligence on suitable business combinations. Larkspur’s audit committee reviewed on a quarterly basis all payments that were made by Larkspur to the Sponsor, officers, directors or their affiliates and determined which expenses and the amount of expenses would be reimbursed. There was no cap or ceiling on the reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses incurred by such persons in connection with activities on Larkspur’s behalf.

In addition, in order to finance transaction costs in connection with an intended initial business combination, the Sponsor or an affiliate of the Sponsor or certain of Larkspur’s officers and directors may, but are not obligated to, loan Larkspur funds as may be required (the “Working Capital Loans”). Such Working Capital Loans would be evidenced by the Promissory Notes. The notes may be repaid upon completion of a business combination, without interest. Such Units would be identical to the Private Placement Units. In the event that a business combination does not close, the Company may use a portion of proceeds held outside the Trust Account to repay the Working Capital Loans but no proceeds held in the Trust Account would be used to repay the Working Capital Loans. As of September 30, 2022, there were no amounts outstanding under the Working Capital Loans. Larkspur does not expect to seek loans from parties other than the Sponsor, its affiliates or its management team as it does not believe third parties will be willing to loan such funds and provide a waiver against any and all rights to seek access to funds in the Trust Account.

The Company has entered into indemnification agreements with each of its directors and named executive officers. These agreements require the Company to indemnify these individuals to the fullest extent permitted under Delaware law against liabilities that may arise by reason of their service to the Company, and to advance expenses incurred as a result of any proceeding against them as to which they could be indemnified. The Company also intends to enter into indemnification agreements with its future directors and executive officers. For a more fulsome description of the indemnification agreements refer to the disclosure in “Executive Compensation.”

Our board of directors has adopted a policy that our executive officers, directors, nominees for election as a director, beneficial owners of more than 5% of any class of our Common Stock, any members of the immediate family of any of the foregoing persons and any firms, corporations or other entities in which any of the foregoing persons is employed or is a partner or principal or in a similar position or in which such person has a 5% or greater beneficial ownership interest (collectively “related parties”), are not permitted to enter into a transaction with the Company without the prior consent of our board of directors acting through the Audit Committee or, in certain circumstances, the chairman of the Audit Committee. Any request for the Company to enter into a transaction with a related party, in which the amount involved exceeds $100,000 and such related party would have a direct or indirect interest must first be presented to the Audit Committee, or in certain circumstances the chairman of the Audit Committee, for review, consideration and approval. In approving or rejecting any such proposal, the Audit Committee, or the chairman of the Audit Committee, is to consider the material facts of the transaction, including, but not limited to, whether the transaction is on terms no less favorable than terms generally available to an unaffiliated third party under the same or similar circumstances, the extent of the benefits to us, the availability of other sources of comparable products or services and the extent of the related party’s interest in the transaction.

Our board of directors undertook a review of its composition, the composition of its committees and the independence of each director. Based upon information requested from and provided by each director concerning his or her background, employment and affiliations, including family relationships, our board of directors has determined that Rob G. Finizio, Min Chul Park, Ph.D. Daniel J. O’Connor, James Sapirstein, Gregory Freitag, and Katrin Rupalla, Ph.D., representing six (6) of our seven (7) directors, do not have a relationship that would interfere with the exercise of independent judgment in carrying out the responsibilities of a director, and that each of these directors is “independent” as that term is defined under the applicable rules and regulations of the SEC and the listing requirements and rules of the Nasdaq.

The following is a description of the securities of ZyVersa Therapeutics, Inc. (“us,” “our,” “we” or the “Company”) as set forth in certain provisions of our Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (the “Charter”) and our Second Amended and Restated Bylaws (the “Bylaws”), Series A Certificate of Designation, Series B Certificate of Designation, and applicable forms of warrant, each previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and incorporated by reference as an exhibit to this registration statement to which this prospectus forms a part. This summary does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by the full text of the Charter, Bylaws, Series A Certificate of Designation, Series B Certificate of Designation, applicable forms of warrant, and the applicable provisions of the Delaware General Corporation Law (the “DGCL”). We encourage you to read our Charter, Bylaws, Series A Certificate of Designation, Series B Certificate of Designation, applicable forms of warrant, and the applicable portions of the DGCL carefully.

As of March 23, 2023, our issued and outstanding capital stock consists of 9,211,922 shares of Common Stock and 13,698 shares of Preferred Stock. Our Common Stock is listed on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol “ZVSA.”

Each holder of common stock is entitled to one vote for each share of Common Stock held of record by such holder on all matters on which stockholders generally are entitled to vote.

Subject to preferences that may be applicable to any outstanding preferred stock, the holders of shares of Common Stock will be entitled to receive ratably such dividends, if any, as may be declared from time to time on Common Stock having dividend rights by our board of directors out of funds legally available therefor.

In the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company’s affairs, the holders of Common Stock will be entitled to share ratably in all assets remaining after payment of the Company’s debts and other liabilities, subject to pari passu and prior distribution rights of preferred stock or any class or series of stock having a preference over the Common Stock, then outstanding, if any.

The holders of Common Stock will have no preemptive or conversion rights or other subscription rights. There will be no redemption or sinking fund provisions applicable to the Common Stock. The rights, preferences and privileges of holders of the Common Stock will be subject to those of the holders of any shares of the preferred stock the Company may issue in the future.

We have approximately 13,698 shares of Preferred Stock issued and outstanding, consisting of approximately 8,636 shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, and 5,062 shares of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock. The Charter provides that shares of preferred stock may be issued from time to time in one or more series. The board of directors is authorized to fix the voting rights, if any, designations, powers and preferences, the relative, participating, optional or other special rights, and any qualifications, limitations and restrictions thereof, applicable to the shares of each series of Preferred Stock. The board of directors is able to, without stockholder approval, issue Preferred Stock with voting and other rights that could adversely affect the voting power and other rights of the holders of the Common Stock and could have anti-takeover effects. The ability of the board of directors to issue Preferred Stock without stockholder approval could have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change of control of the Company or the removal of existing management.

In connection with the Business Combination, we issued 8,636 shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock (the “PIPE Shares”), and the PIPE Warrants (as defined below) to purchase 863,500 shares of Common Stock, at a purchase price of $1,000 per share and warrant, for an aggregate purchase price of $8,635,000 (the “PIPE Investment”) pursuant to subscription agreements dated July 20, 2022 (collectively, the “PIPE Subscription Agreements”). Each PIPE Share is convertible into a number of shares of Common Stock equal to the purchase price divided by the conversion price. The initial conversion price is equal to $10.00 per share (subject to a downward adjustment to no lower than the floor price of $2.00 per share based on the public trading price of the shares of our Common Stock, calculated at 90 days and 150 days following the effective date of the registration statement with respect to registration of such securities) in accordance with the terms of the Series A Certificate of Designation, subject to certain adjustments. The Series A Certificate of Designation includes the right for the issuer to redeem such shares at 120% of the issue price of PIPE Shares then outstanding. Additionally, the PIPE Subscription Agreement contains customary representations and warranties, and certain transfer restrictions. The closing of the sale of the PIPE Shares and the PIPE Warrants was conditioned upon, among other things, customary Closing conditions and the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Business Combination Agreement. The issuance of the securities pursuant to the PIPE Subscription Agreement was consummated substantially concurrently with the Closing of the Business Combination.

Immediately prior to the consummation of the Business Combination, we issued to certain service providers of the Company an aggregate of 5,062 shares of the Company’s Series B Convertible Preferred Stock (the “Series B Shares”) at a purchase price of $1,000 per share in lieu of cash payments of certain fees payable to such service providers, for an aggregate amount of $5,062,000, pursuant to subscription agreements (collectively, the “Series B Subscription Agreements”). Each Series B Share is convertible into a number of shares of Common Stock equal to the purchase price divided by the conversion price. The initial conversion price is equal to $10.00 per share (subject to a downward adjustment to no lower than the floor price of $7.00 per share based on the public trading price of the shares of our Common Stock, calculated at 150 days following the effective date of the registration statement with respect to registration of such securities) in accordance with the terms of the Series B Certificate of Designation, subject to certain adjustments. The Series B Certificate of Designation includes the right for the issuer to redeem such shares at 120% of the issue price of the Series B Shares then outstanding. Additionally, the Series B Purchase Agreement contains customary representations and warranties, and certain transfer restrictions. The closing of the sale of the Series B Shares was conditioned upon, among other things, customary Closing conditions and the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Business Combination Agreement. The issuance of the securities was consummated substantially concurrently with the Closing of the Business Combination.

Each whole warrant entitles the registered holder to purchase one share of Common Stock at a price of $11.50 per share, subject to adjustment as discussed below, at any time commencing on the later of one year from the closing of Larkspur’s IPO and 30 days after the completion of the Business Combination, except as discussed in the immediately succeeding paragraph. Pursuant to the warrant agreement, a warrant holder may exercise its warrants only for a whole number of shares of Common Stock.

This means only a whole warrant may be exercised at a given time by a warrant holder. No fractional warrants will be issued upon separation of the units and only whole warrants will trade. The warrants will expire five years after the completion of the Business Combination, at 5:00 p.m., Eastern time, or earlier upon redemption or liquidation.

We will not be obligated to deliver any shares of Common Stock pursuant to the exercise of a warrant and will have no obligation to settle such warrant exercise unless a registration statement under the Securities Act with respect to the shares of Common Stock underlying the warrants is then effective and a prospectus relating thereto is current, subject to our satisfying our obligations described below with respect to registration, or a valid exemption from registration is available. No warrant will be exercisable, and we will not be obligated to issue a share of common stock upon exercise of a warrant unless the share of Common Stock issuable upon such warrant exercise has been registered, qualified or deemed to be exempt under the securities laws of the state of residence of the registered holder of the warrants. In the event that the conditions in the two immediately preceding sentences are not satisfied with respect to a warrant, the holder of such warrant will not be entitled to exercise such warrant and such warrant may have no value and expire worthless. In no event will we be required to net cash settle any warrant. In the event that a registration statement is not effective for the exercised warrants, the purchaser of a unit containing such warrant will have paid the full purchase price for the unit solely for the share of Common Stock underlying such unit.

We have agreed that as promptly as practicable, we will use our commercially reasonable efforts to file with the SEC a registration statement for the registration, under the Securities Act, of the shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the warrants, and we will use our commercially reasonable efforts to cause the same to become effective within 60 business days following the closing of our initial business combination, and to maintain the effectiveness of such registration statement and a current prospectus relating to those shares of Common Stock until the warrants expire or are redeemed, as specified in the warrant agreement; provided that if our shares of Common Stock are at the time of any exercise of a public warrant not listed on a national securities exchange such that they satisfy the definition of a “covered security” under Section 18(b)(1) of the Securities Act, we may, at our option, require holders of public warrants who exercise their warrants to do so on a “cashless basis” in accordance with Section 3(a)(9) of the Securities Act and, in the event we so elect, we will not be required to file or maintain in effect a registration statement for the registration, under the Securities Act, of the shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the warrants, but we will use our commercially reasonable efforts to register or qualify for sale the shares under applicable blue sky laws to the extent an exemption is not available. If a registration statement covering the shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the warrants is not effective by the 60^th day after the closing of the initial business combination, warrant holders may, until such time as there is an effective registration statement and during any period when we will have failed to maintain an effective registration statement, exercise warrants on a “cashless basis” in accordance with Section 3(a) (9) of the Securities Act or another exemption, but we will use our commercially reasonable efforts to register or qualify the shares under applicable blue sky laws to the extent an exemption is not available. In such event, each holder would pay the exercise price by surrendering the warrants for that number of shares of Common Stock equal to the lesser of (A) the quotient obtained by dividing (x) the product of the number of shares of Common Stock underlying the warrants, multiplied by the excess of the “fair market value” (defined below) over the exercise price of the warrants by (y) the fair market value and (B) 0.361 per warrant. The “fair market value” as used in this paragraph shall mean the volume weighted average price of the shares of Common Stock for the 10 trading days ending on the trading day prior to the date on which the notice of exercise is received by the Warrant Agent.

Once the warrants become exercisable, we may redeem the outstanding warrants (except as described herein with respect to the private placement warrants):

We will not redeem the warrants as described above unless a registration statement under the Securities Act covering the issuance of the shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the warrants is then effective and a current prospectus relating to those shares of Common Stock is available throughout the 30-day redemption period. If and when the warrants become redeemable by us, we may exercise our redemption right even if we are unable to register or qualify the underlying securities for sale under all applicable state securities laws.

If we call the warrants for redemption as described above, our management will have the option to require all holders that wish to exercise warrants to do so on a “cashless basis.” In determining whether to require all holders to exercise their warrants on a “cashless basis,” our management will consider, among other factors, our cash position, the number of warrants that are outstanding and the dilutive effect on our stockholders of issuing the maximum number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of our warrants. In such event, each holder would pay the exercise price by surrendering the warrants for that number of shares of Common Stock equal to the lesser of (A) the quotient obtained by dividing (x) the product of the number of shares of Common Stock underlying the warrants, multiplied by the excess of the “fair market value” of our shares of Common Stock over the exercise price of the warrants by (y) the fair market value.

We have established the last of the redemption criteria discussed above to prevent a redemption call unless there is at the time of the call a significant premium to the warrant exercise price. If the foregoing conditions are satisfied and we issue a notice of redemption of the warrants, each warrant holder will be entitled to exercise his, her or its warrant prior to the scheduled redemption date. Any such exercise would not be done on a “cashless” basis and would require the exercising warrant holder to pay the exercise price for each warrant being exercised. However, the price of the shares of Common Stock may fall below the $18.00 redemption trigger price (as adjusted for adjustments to the number of shares issuable upon exercise or the exercise price of a warrant as described under the heading “— Outstanding Redeemable Warrants — Public Warrants — Anti-Dilution Adjustments”) as well as the $11.50 (for whole shares) warrant exercise price after the redemption notice is issued.

No fractional shares of Common Stock will be issued upon exercise. If, upon exercise, a holder would be entitled to receive a fractional interest in a share, we will round down to the nearest whole number of the number of shares of Common Stock to be issued to the holder. If, at the time of redemption, the warrants are exercisable for a security other than the shares of Common Stock pursuant to the warrant agreement (for instance, if we are not the surviving company in our initial business combination), the warrants may be exercised for such security. At such time as the warrants become exercisable for a security other than the shares of Common Stock, the Company (or surviving company) will use its commercially reasonable efforts to register under the Securities Act the security issuable upon the exercise of the warrants.

A holder of a warrant may notify us in writing in the event it elects to be subject to a requirement that such holder will not have the right to exercise such warrant, to the extent that after giving effect to such exercise, such person (together with such person’s affiliates), to the Warrant Agent’s actual knowledge, would beneficially own in excess of 9.8% (or such other amount as a holder may specify) of the shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding immediately after giving effect to such exercise.

In the event that the Company conducts a tender offer or other redemption, termination or cancellation of the assumed Larkspur warrants, each of (x) the Larkspur Founder Stockholders, collectively, and (y) certain members of the Company’s management, collectively, shall be entitled to receive five percent (5%) of any cash proceeds actually received by the Company as a result of the exercise of any such assumed Larkspur warrants in connection with such redemption.

If the number of outstanding shares of Common Stock is increased by a capitalization or share dividend payable in shares of Common Stock, or by a split-up of shares of Common Stock or other similar event, then, on the effective date of such capitalization or share dividend, split-up or similar event, the number of shares of Common Stock issuable on exercise of each warrant will be increased in proportion to such increase in the outstanding shares of Common Stock. A rights offering made to all or substantially all holders of shares of Common Stock entitling holders to purchase shares of Common Stock at a price less than the “historical fair market value” (as defined below) will be deemed a share dividend of a number of shares of Common Stock equal to the product of (i) the number of shares of Common Stock actually sold in such rights offering (or issuable under any other equity securities sold in such rights offering that are convertible into or exercisable for shares of Common Stock) and (ii) one minus the quotient of (x) the price per share of Common Stock paid in such rights offering and (y) the historical fair market value. For these purposes, (i) if the rights offering is for securities convertible into or exercisable for shares of Common Stock, in determining the price payable for shares of Common Stock, there will be taken into account any consideration received for such rights, as well as any additional amount payable upon exercise or conversion and (ii) “historical fair market value” means the volume weighted average price of shares of Common Stock as reported during the 10 trading day period ending on the trading day prior to the first date on which the shares of Common Stock trade on the applicable exchange or in the applicable market, regular way, without the right to receive such rights.

In addition, if we, at any time while the warrants are outstanding and unexpired, pay a dividend or make a distribution in cash, securities or other assets to all or substantially all of the holders of the shares of Common Stock on account of such shares of Common Stock (or other securities into which the warrants are convertible), other than (a) as described above, (b) any cash dividends or cash distributions which, when combined on a per share basis with all other cash dividends and cash distributions paid on the shares of Common Stock during the 365- day period ending on the date of declaration of such dividend or distribution does not exceed $0.50 (as adjusted to appropriately reflect any other adjustments and excluding cash dividends or cash distributions that resulted in an adjustment to the exercise price or to the number of shares of Common Stock issuable on exercise of each warrant) but only with respect to the amount of the aggregate cash dividends or cash distributions equal to or less than $0.50 per share, (c) to satisfy the redemption rights of the holders of shares of Common Stock in connection with a proposed initial business combination, (d) to satisfy the redemption rights of the holders of shares of Common Stock in connection with a stockholder vote to amend our Charter (A) to modify the substance or timing of our obligation to provide holders of our shares of Common Stock the right to have their shares redeemed in connection with our initial business combination or to redeem 100% of our public shares if we do not complete our initial business combination within 12 months from the closing of the initial public offering (unless such date is extended in accordance with the existing organizational Documents) or (B) with respect to any other provision relating to the rights of holders of our shares of Common Stock, or (e) in connection with the redemption of our public shares upon our failure to complete our initial business combination, then the warrant exercise price will be decreased, effective immediately after the effective date of such event, by the amount of cash and/or the fair market value of any securities or other assets paid on each share of Common Stock in respect of such event.

If the number of outstanding shares of Common Stock is decreased by a consolidation, combination, reverse share sub-division or reclassification of shares of Common Stock or other similar event, then, on the effective date of such consolidation, combination, reverse share subdivision, reclassification or similar event, the number of shares of Common Stock issuable on exercise of each warrant will be decreased in proportion to such decrease in outstanding shares of Common Stock.

Whenever the number of shares of Common Stock purchasable upon the exercise of the warrants is adjusted, as described above, the warrant exercise price will be adjusted by multiplying the warrant exercise price immediately prior to such adjustment by a fraction (x) the numerator of which will be the number of shares of Common Stock purchasable upon the exercise of the warrants immediately prior to such adjustment and (y) the denominator of which will be the number of shares of Common Stock so purchasable immediately thereafter.

In case of any reclassification or reorganization of the outstanding shares of Common Stock (other than those described above or that solely affects the par value of such shares of Common Stock), or in the case of any merger or consolidation of us with or into another corporation (other than a consolidation or merger in which we are the continuing corporation and that does not result in any reclassification or reorganization of our outstanding shares of Common Stock), or in the case of any sale or conveyance to another corporation or entity of the assets or other property of us as an entirety or substantially as an entirety in connection with which we are dissolved, the holders of the warrants will thereafter have the right to purchase and receive, upon the basis and upon the terms and conditions specified in the warrants and in lieu of the shares of Common Stock immediately theretofore purchasable and receivable upon the exercise of the rights represented thereby, the kind and amount of shares of Common Stock or other securities or property (including cash) receivable upon such reclassification, reorganization, merger or consolidation, or upon a dissolution following any such sale or transfer, that the holder of the warrants would have received if such holder had exercised their warrants immediately prior to such event. However, if such holders were entitled to exercise a right of election as to the kind or amount of securities, cash or other assets receivable upon such consolidation or merger, then the kind and amount of securities, cash or other assets for which each warrant will become exercisable will be deemed to be the weighted average of the kind and amount received per share by such holders in such consolidation or merger that affirmatively make such election, and if a tender, exchange or redemption offer has been made to and accepted by such holders (other than a tender, exchange or redemption offer made by the company in connection with Redemption Rights held by stockholders of the company as provided for in our Charter or as a result of the redemption of shares of Common Stock by the company if a proposed initial business combination is presented to the stockholders of the company for approval) under circumstances in which, upon completion of such tender or exchange offer, the maker thereof, together with members of any group (within the meaning of Rule 13d-5(b)(1) under the Exchange Act) of which such maker is a part, and together with any affiliate or associate of such maker (within the meaning of Rule 12b-2 under the Exchange Act) and any members of any such group of which any such affiliate or associate is a part, own beneficially (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act) more than 50% of the issued and outstanding shares of Common Stock, the holder of a warrant will be entitled to receive the highest amount of cash, securities or other property to which such holder would actually have been entitled as a stockholder if such warrant holder had exercised the warrant prior to the expiration of such tender or exchange offer, accepted such offer and all of the shares of Common Stock held by such holder had been purchased pursuant to such tender or exchange offer, subject to adjustment (from and after the consummation of such tender or exchange offer) as nearly equivalent as possible to the adjustments provided for in the warrant agreement. If less than 70% of the consideration receivable by the holders of shares of Common Stock in such a transaction is payable in the form of shares of Common Stock in the successor entity that is listed for trading on a national securities exchange or is quoted in an established over-the-counter market, or is to be so listed for trading or quoted immediately following such event, and if the registered holder of the warrant properly exercises the warrant within thirty days following public disclosure of such transaction, the warrant exercise price will be reduced as specified in the warrant agreement based on the Black-Scholes value (as defined in the warrant agreement) of the warrant. The purpose of such exercise price reduction is to provide additional value to holders of the warrants when an extraordinary transaction occurs during the exercise period of the warrants pursuant to which the holders of the warrants otherwise do not receive the full potential value of the warrants.

The warrants were issued in registered form under a warrant agreement between Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, as Warrant Agent, and us. The warrant agreement provides that the terms of the warrants may be amended without the consent of any holder for the purpose of (i) curing any ambiguity or correct any mistake, including to conform the provisions of the warrant agreement to the description of the terms of the warrants and the warrant agreement set forth in this prospectus, or defective provision (ii) amending the provisions relating to cash dividends on shares of Common Stock as contemplated by and in accordance with the warrant agreement or adding or changing any provisions with respect to matters or questions arising under the warrant agreement as the parties to the warrant agreement may deem necessary or desirable and that the parties deem to not adversely affect the rights of the registered holders of the warrants, provided that the approval by the holders of at least 50% of the then-outstanding public warrants is required to make any change that adversely affects the interests of the registered holders. A copy of the warrant agreement, which was filed as an exhibit to the registration statement for the IPO, contains a complete description of the terms and conditions applicable to the warrants.

The warrant holders do not have the rights or privileges of holders of shares of Common Stock and any voting rights until they exercise their warrants and receive shares of Common Stock. After the issuance of shares of Common Stock upon exercise of the warrants, each holder will be entitled to one vote for each share held of record on all matters to be voted on by stockholders.

No fractional warrants will be issued upon separation of the units and only whole warrants will trade. If, upon exercise of the warrants, a holder would be entitled to receive a fractional interest in a share, we will, upon exercise, round down to the nearest whole number the number of shares of Common Stock to be issued to the warrant holder.

We have agreed that, subject to applicable law, any action, proceeding or claim against us arising out of or relating in any way to the warrant agreement will be brought and enforced in the courts of the State of New York or the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, and we irrevocably submit to such jurisdiction, which jurisdiction will be the exclusive forum for any such action, proceeding or claim. This provision applies to claims under the Securities Act but does not apply to claims under the Exchange Act or any claim for which the federal district courts of the United States of America are the sole and exclusive forum.

Except as described below, the private placement warrants have terms and provisions that are identical to those of the warrants sold as part of the units in Larkspur’s IPO. The private placement warrants (including the Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the private placement warrants) will not be transferable, assignable or salable until 30 days after the completion of our initial business combination (except pursuant to limited exceptions to our officers and directors and other persons or entities affiliated with the initial purchasers of the private placement warrants) and they will not be redeemable by us so long as they are held by the Sponsor or its permitted transferees. The Sponsor, or its permitted transferees, has the option to exercise the private placement warrants on a cashless basis. If the private placement warrants are held by holders other than the Sponsor or its permitted transferees, the private placement warrants will be redeemable by us in all redemption scenarios and exercisable by the holders on the same basis as the warrants included in the units being sold in Larkspur’s IPO. Any amendment to the terms of the private placement warrants or any provision of the warrant agreement with respect to the private placement warrants will require a vote of holders of at least 50% of the number of the then outstanding private placement warrants.

If holders of the private placement warrants elect to exercise them on a cashless basis, they would pay the exercise price by surrendering his, her or its warrants for that number of Common Stock equal to the quotient obtained by dividing (x) the product of the number of Common Stock underlying the warrants, multiplied by the excess of the “Sponsor fair market value” (defined below) over the exercise price of the warrants by (y) the Sponsor fair market value. For these purposes, the “Sponsor fair market value” means the average reported closing price of the Common Stock for the 10 trading days ending on the third trading day prior to the date on which the notice of warrant exercise is sent to the Warrant Agent. The reason that Larkspur agreed that these warrants will be exercisable on a cashless basis so long as they are held by the Sponsor and its permitted transferees is because it was not known at the time of Larkspur’s IPO whether they will be affiliated with us following a business combination. If they remain affiliated with us, their ability to sell our securities in the open market will be significantly limited. We have policies in place that restrict insiders from selling our securities except during specific periods of time. Even during such periods of time when insiders are permitted to sell our securities, an insider cannot trade in our securities if he or she is in possession of material non-public information. Accordingly, unlike public stockholders who could exercise their warrants and sell the Common Stock received upon such exercise freely in the open market in order to recoup the cost of such exercise, the insiders could be significantly restricted from selling such securities. As a result, we believe that allowing the holders to exercise such warrants on a cashless basis is appropriate.

In order to fund working capital deficiencies or finance transaction costs in connection with an intended initial business combination by Larkspur, the Sponsor or an affiliate of the Sponsor or certain of Larkspur’s officers and directors may, but are not obligated to, loan us funds as may be required. Up to $1,500,000 of such loans may be convertible into warrants of the Company at a price of $1.00 per warrant at the option of the lender. Such warrants would be identical to the private placement warrants.

In connection with the PIPE Subscription Agreement, the Company issued Common Stock purchase warrants (each, a “PIPE Warrant”) to purchase up to a number of shares of Common Stock equal to 100% of the shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of the Series A Preferred Stock, with an exercise price equal to $11.50 per share, subject to certain adjustments. The PIPE Warrants have an exercise period of five years. The exercise price of the PIPE Warrants will be subject to certain adjustments including those resulting from (i) stock dividends and splits, (ii) subsequent rights offerings, (iii) pro-rata distributions, (iv) fundamental transactions, (v) certain voluntary adjustments and (vi) issuances of other securities at a price at or below the exercise price then in effect, in each case, in accordance with the terms of the Series A Warrant.

The PIPE Warrants do not include any redemption features. The PIPE Warrants may be exercised on a cashless basis (i) in the event there is not an effective registration statement with respect to the Common Stock underlying the PIPE Warrants and (ii) at the expiration of the PIPE Warrants’ exercise period. The warrant holders do not have the rights or privileges of holders of shares of Common Stock and any voting rights until they exercise their warrants and receive shares of Common Stock. After the issuance of shares of common stock upon exercise of the warrants, each holder will be entitled to one vote for each share held of record on all matters to be voted on by stockholders.

In connection with the PIPE Subscription Agreement, we issued common stock purchase warrants (each, a “PIPE Warrant”) to purchase up to a number of shares of Common Stock equal to 100% of the shares of Common Stock issued and issuable upon conversion of the PIPE Shares in accordance with the terms of the Series A Certificate of Designation and the Warrant, with an exercise price equal to $11.50 per share, subject to certain adjustments. The PIPE Warrants have an exercise period of five years. The exercise price of the PIPE Warrants will be subject to certain adjustments including those resulting from (i) stock dividends and splits, (ii) subsequent rights offerings, (iii) pro-rata distributions, (iv) fundamental transactions, (v) certain voluntary adjustments and (vi) issuances of other securities at a price at or below the exercise price then in effect, in each case, in accordance with the terms of the PIPE Warrant.

The PIPE Warrants do not include any redemption features. The PIPE Warrants may be exercised on a cashless basis (i) in the event there is not an effective registration statement with respect to the Common Stock underlying the PIPE Warrants and (ii) at the expiration of the PIPE Warrants’ exercise period. The PIPE Warrant holders do not have the rights or privileges of holders of shares of Common Stock and any voting rights until they exercise their warrants and receive shares of Common Stock. After the issuance of shares of Common Stock upon exercise of the PIPE Warrants, each holder will be entitled to one vote for each share held of record on all matters to be voted on by stockholders.

From March 2022 to December 2022, ZyVersa Therapeutics, Inc., a Florida corporation (“Old ZyVersa”) conducted a private placement offering of shares of its Series A Convertible Preferred Stock and warrants (the “Bridge Warrants”) to purchase shares of Old ZyVersa’s common stock (the “Bridge Financing”). Certain affiliates of the Company participated as investors in the Bridge Financing. The shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock converted automatically immediately prior to the consummation of the Business Combination into shares of Old ZyVersa common stock. Such shares of Old ZyVersa common stock were exchanged (at the exchange ratio) for 1,271,904 shares of our Common Stock (of which 327,765 shares were related to the Bridge Financing and the remainder were from the conversion of the 2021 Promissory Note Financing conversion into the Bridge Financing) upon consummation of the Business Combination. Also, upon consummation of the Business Combination, the outstanding Bridge Warrants were assumed and converted (based on the merger exchange ratio) into a warrant to purchase shares of our Common Stock. On December 12, 2022, substantially concurrently with the consummation of the Business Combination, the Company issued replacement warrants (the “Replacement Warrants”) in exchange for the Bridge Warrants, as described below.

The Replacement Warrants are exercisable for 1,271,904 shares of Common Stock (of which 327,765 of the warrants were from the Bridge Financing and the remainder were from the conversion of the 2021 Promissory Note Financing conversion into the Bridge Financing) with an initial exercise price equal to $6.90 per share (as adjusted to give effect to the Business Combination), subject to certain adjustments. The Replacement Warrants have an exercise period of five years. The exercise price of the Replacement Warrants will be subject to certain adjustments including those resulting from stock dividends, reclassification and splits. The Replacement Warrants do not include any redemption features. The Replacement Warrants may be exercised on a cashless basis. The Replacement Warrant holders do not have the rights or privileges of holders of shares of Common Stock and any voting rights until they exercise their warrants and receive shares of Common Stock. After the issuance of shares of Common Stock upon exercise of the Replacement Warrants, each holder will be entitled to one vote for each share of Common Stock held of record on all matters to be voted on by the stockholders thereof.

On November 30, 2018, Old ZyVersa issued convertible debenture round warrants (the “Convertible Debenture Round Warrants”), as described below. The outstanding Convertible Debenture Round Warrants were assumed by the Company upon consummation of the Business Combination.

The Convertible Debenture Round Warrants are exercisable for 131,450 shares of Common Stock with an initial exercise price equal to $11.58 per share, subject to certain adjustments. The Convertible Debenture Round Warrants have an exercise period of five years. The exercise price of the Convertible Debenture Round will be subject to certain adjustments including those resulting from stock dividends, reclassification and splits. The Convertible Debenture Round Warrants do not include any redemption features. The Convertible Debenture Round Warrants may be exercised on a cashless basis. The Convertible Debenture Round Warrant holders do not have the rights or privileges of holders of shares of Common Stock and any voting rights until they exercise their warrants and receive shares of Common Stock. After the issuance of shares of Common Stock upon exercise of the Convertible Debenture Round Warrants, each holder will be entitled to one vote for each share of Common Stock held of record on all matters to be voted on by the stockholders thereof.

On November 30, 2018, Old ZyVersa issued broker warrants (the “Broker Warrants”), as described below. The outstanding Broker Warrants were assumed by the Company upon consummation of the Business Combination.

The Broker Warrants are exercisable for 112,159 shares of Common Stock with an initial exercise price equal to $11.58 per share, subject to certain adjustments. The Broker Warrants have an exercise period of five years. The exercise price of the Broker Warrants will be subject to certain adjustments including those resulting from stock dividends, reclassification and splits. The Broker Warrants do not include any redemption features. The Broker Warrants may be exercised on a cashless basis. The Broker Warrant holders do not have the rights or privileges of holders of shares of Common Stock and any voting rights until they exercise their warrants and receive shares of Common Stock. After the issuance of shares of Common Stock upon exercise of the Broker Warrants, each holder will be entitled to one vote for each share of Common Stock held of record on all matters to be voted on by the stockholders thereof.

On April 16, 2019, Old ZyVersa issued strategic warrants (the “Strategic Warrants”), as described below. The outstanding Strategic Warrants were assumed by the Company upon consummation of the Business Combination.

The Strategic Warrants are exercisable for 303,427 shares of Common Stock with an initial exercise price equal to $10.23 per share, subject to certain adjustments. The Strategic Warrants have an exercise period of five years. The exercise price of the Strategic Warrants will be subject to certain adjustments including those resulting from stock dividends, reclassification and splits. The Strategic Warrants do not include any redemption features. The Strategic Warrants may be exercised on a cashless basis. The Strategic Warrant holders do not have the rights or privileges of holders of shares of Common Stock and any voting rights until they exercise their warrants and receive shares of Common Stock. After the issuance of shares of Common Stock upon exercise of the Strategic Warrants, each holder will be entitled to one vote for each share of Common Stock held of record on all matters to be voted on by the stockholders thereof.

The Charter and the Bylaws contain provisions that may delay, defer or discourage another party from acquiring control of the Company. The Company expects that these provisions, which are summarized below, will discourage coercive takeover practices or inadequate takeover bids. These provisions are also designed to encourage persons seeking to acquire control of the Company to first negotiate with the board of directors, which the Company believes may result in an improvement of the terms of any such acquisition in favor of the Company’s stockholders. However, they also give the board of directors the power to discourage mergers that some stockholders may favor.

The Charter provides that directors may be removed only for cause and only by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of the voting power of all of the then outstanding shares of voting stock of the Company entitled to vote at an election of directors. Any vacancies on the Board of Directors resulting from death, resignation, disqualification, retirement, removal or other causes and any newly created directorships resulting from any increase in the number of directors shall be filled exclusively by the affirmative vote of a majority of the directors then in office, even though less than a quorum, or by a sole remaining director (other than any directors elected by the separate vote of one or more outstanding series of Preferred Stock), and shall not be filled by the stockholders. Any director appointed in accordance with the preceding sentence shall hold office until the expiration of the term of the class to which such director shall have been appointed or until his or her earlier death, resignation, retirement, disqualification, or removal.

The Charter provides that a special meeting of stockholders may be called by the (a) the Chairperson of the board of directors, (b) the board of directors or (c) the Chief Executive Officer or President of the Company, provided that such special meeting may be postponed, rescheduled or canceled by the board of directors or other person calling the meeting. The Bylaws limit the business that may be conducted at an annual or special meeting of stockholders to those matters properly brought before the meeting.

The Charter provides that any action required or permitted to be taken by the stockholders must be effected at an annual or special meeting of the stockholders, and may not be taken by written consent in lieu of a meeting.

The Bylaws establish advance notice procedures with regard to stockholder proposals relating to the nomination of candidates for election as directors or new business to be brought before meetings of our stockholders. These procedures provide that notice of stockholder proposals must be timely given in writing and in proper form to the corporate secretary of the Company prior to the meeting at which the action is to be taken. Generally, to be timely, notice must be received at the principal executive offices of the Company not less than 90 days nor more than 120 days prior to the first anniversary date of the annual meeting for the preceding year or, if later, the 10^th day following the day on which public disclosure (as defined in Section 2.4) of the date of such special meeting was first made. The Bylaws specify the requirements as to form and content of all stockholders’ notices. These requirements may preclude stockholders from bringing matters before the stockholders at an annual or special meeting.

The Board of Directors is expressly authorized to adopt, amend or repeal the Bylaws. The stockholders of the Corporation shall also have the power to adopt, amend or repeal the Bylaws; provided, that in addition to any vote of the holders of any class or series of stock of the Company required by applicable law or by this Charter (including any Certificate of Designation in respect of one or more series of Preferred Stock) or the Bylaws of the Company, the adoption, amendment or repeal of the Bylaws by the stockholders of the Company shall require the affirmative vote of the holders of at least sixty-six and two-thirds percent (66⅔%) of the voting power of all of the then outstanding shares of voting stock of the Company entitled to vote generally in an election of directors, voting together as a single class.

Provisions of the DGCL and our Charter could make it more difficult to acquire the Company by means of a tender offer, a proxy contest or otherwise, or to remove incumbent officers and directors. These provisions, summarized below, are intended to discourage coercive takeover practices and inadequate takeover bids and to encourage persons seeking to acquire control of the Company to first negotiate with the board of directors. We believe that the benefits of these provisions outweigh the disadvantages of discouraging certain takeover or acquisition proposals because, among other things, negotiation of these proposals could result in an improvement of their terms and enhance the ability of our Board to maximize stockholder value. However, these provisions may delay, deter or prevent a merger or acquisition of us that a stockholder might consider is in its best interest, including those attempts that might result in a premium over the prevailing market price of the Common Stock.

In addition, our Charter provides for certain other provisions that may have an anti-takeover effect:

Our Charter includes a forum selection clause. Our Charter provides that, subject to limited exceptions, the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware and federal court within the State of Delaware will be exclusive forums for any:

This choice of forum provision does not apply to actions brought to enforce a duty or liability created by the Exchange Act or any other claim for which federal courts have exclusive jurisdiction. Furthermore, in accordance with our Bylaws, unless the Company consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the federal district courts of the United States will be, to the fullest extent permitted by law, the exclusive forum for the resolution of any complaint asserting a cause of action arising under the Securities Act. The Company intends for this provision to apply to any complaints asserting a cause of action under the Securities Act despite the fact that Section 22 of the Securities Act creates concurrent jurisdiction for the federal and state courts over all actions brought to enforce any duty or liability created by the Securities Act or the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

The Charter contains provisions that limit the liability of the Company’s current and former directors for monetary damages to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law. Delaware law provides that directors of a corporation will not be personally liable for monetary damages for any breach of fiduciary duties as directors, except liability for:

These provisions may be held not to be enforceable for violations of the federal securities laws of the United States.

The Transfer Agent and registrar for the Common Stock and the Warrant Agent for the Public Warrants and Private Placement Warrants is Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company. We have agreed to indemnify Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company in its roles as Transfer Agent and Warrant Agent, its agents and each of its stockholders, directors, officers and employees against all liabilities, including judgments, costs and reasonable counsel fees that may arise out of acts performed or omitted for its activities in that capacity, except for any liability due to any gross negligence, willful misconduct or bad faith of the indemnified person or entity.

We are offering 8,379,888 shares of our Common Stock and accompanying warrants to purchase up to 8,379,888 shares of Common Stock at an assumed combined public offering price of $1.79 per share (the last reported sale of our Common Stock on Nasdaq on April 14, 2023). We are also offering pre-funded warrants to those purchasers whose purchase of shares of our Common Stock in this offering would result in the purchaser, together with its affiliates and certain related parties, beneficially owning more than 4.99% (or, at the election of the purchaser, 9.99%) of our outstanding shares of Common Stock following the consummation of this offering in lieu of the shares of Common Stock that would result in such excess ownership. For each pre-funded warrant we sell, the number of shares of Common Stock we sell in this offering will be decreased on a one-for-one basis. Each share of our Common Stock (or pre-funded warrant in lieu of a share of Common Stock) is being sold together with a five-year warrant to purchase one share of our Common Stock. The shares of our Common Stock and related warrant will be issued separately. We are also registering the shares of Common Stock issuable from time to time upon exercise of the pre-funded warrants and the warrants offered hereby.

The material terms and provisions of our Common Stock are described under the caption “Description of Capital Stock” in this prospectus and are incorporated herein by reference.

The following is a summary of certain terms and provisions of the warrants that are being offered hereby is not complete and is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by, the provisions of the warrant, the form of which will be filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. Prospective investors should carefully review the terms and provisions of the form of warrant for a complete description of the terms and conditions of the warrants.

Each warrant offered hereby will have an exercise price equal to $ per share (or 100% of the combined public offering price per share and accompanying warrant). The warrants will be immediately exercisable and may be exercised until five years from the date of issuance. The exercise price and number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise is subject to appropriate adjustment in the event of stock dividends, stock splits, reorganizations or similar events affecting our Common Stock and the exercise price. The warrants will be issued separately from the Common Stock or pre-funded warrants, respectively, and may be transferred separately immediately thereafter. The warrants will be issued in certificated form only.

The warrants will be exercisable, at the option of each holder, in whole or in part, by delivering to us a duly executed exercise notice accompanied by payment in full for the number of shares of our Common Stock purchased upon such exercise (except in the case of a cashless exercise as discussed below). A holder (together with its affiliates) may not exercise any portion of such holder’s warrants to the extent that the holder would own more than 4.99% of the outstanding Common Stock immediately after exercise, except that upon at least 61 days’ prior notice from the holder to us, the holder may increase the amount of ownership of outstanding stock after exercising the holder’s warrants up to 9.99% of the number of shares of our Common Stock outstanding immediately after giving effect to the exercise, as such percentage ownership is determined in accordance with the terms of the warrants. On the termination date, the warrant shall be automatically exercised via cashless exercise.

If, at the time a holder exercises its warrants, a registration statement registering the issuance or resale of the shares of Common Stock underlying the warrants under the Securities Act is not then effective or available for the issuance of such shares, then in lieu of making the cash payment otherwise contemplated to be made to us upon such exercise in payment of the aggregate exercise price, the holder may elect instead to receive upon such exercise (either in whole or in part) the net number of shares of Common Stock determined according to a formula set forth in the warrant.

In the event of any fundamental transaction, as described in the warrants and generally including any merger with or into another entity, sale of all or substantially all of our assets, tender offer or exchange offer, or reclassification of our Common Stock, then upon any subsequent exercise of a warrant, the holder will have the right to receive as alternative consideration, for each share of our Common Stock that would have been issuable upon such exercise immediately prior to the occurrence of such fundamental transaction, the number of shares of Common Stock of the successor or acquiring corporation or of our company, if it is the surviving corporation, and any additional consideration receivable upon or as a result of such transaction by a holder of the number of shares of our Common Stock for which the warrant is exercisable immediately prior to such event. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event of a fundamental transaction, the holders of the warrants have the right to require us or a successor entity to redeem the warrants for cash in the amount of the Black-Scholes Value (as defined in each warrant) of the unexercised portion of the warrants concurrently with or within 30 days following the consummation of a fundamental transaction.

However, in the event of a fundamental transaction which is not in our control, including a fundamental transaction not approved by our board of directors, the holders of the warrants will only be entitled to receive from us or our successor entity, as of the date of consummation of such fundamental transaction the same type or form of consideration (and in the same proportion), at the Black Scholes Value of the unexercised portion of the warrant that is being offered and paid to the holders of our Common Stock in connection with the fundamental transaction, whether that consideration is in the form of cash, stock or any combination of cash and stock, or whether the holders of our Common Stock are given the choice to receive alternative forms of consideration in connection with the fundamental transaction.

Subject to applicable laws, a warrant may be transferred at the option of the holder upon surrender of the warrant to us together with the appropriate instruments of transfer.

No fractional shares of Common Stock will be issued upon the exercise of the warrants. Rather, the number of shares of Common Stock to be issued will, at our election, either be rounded up to the next whole share or we will pay a cash adjustment in respect of such final fraction in an amount equal to such fraction multiplied by the exercise price.

There is no established trading market for the warrants, and we do not expect an active trading market to develop. We do not intend to apply to list the warrants on any securities exchange or other trading market. Without a trading market, the liquidity of the warrants will be extremely limited.

Except as otherwise provided in the warrants or by virtue of the holder’s ownership of shares of our Common Stock, such holder of warrants does not have the rights or privileges of a holder of our Common Stock, including any voting rights, until such holder exercises such holder’s warrants. The warrants will provide that the holders of the warrants have the right to participate in distributions or dividends paid on our shares of Common Stock.

The warrant may be modified or amended or the provisions of the warrant waived with our and the holder’s written consent.

The following summary of certain terms and provisions of the pre-funded warrants that are being offered hereby is not complete and is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by, the provisions of the pre-funded warrant, the form of which will be filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. Prospective investors should carefully review the terms and provisions of the form of pre-funded warrant for a complete description of the terms and conditions of the pre-funded warrants.

Each pre-funded warrant offered hereby will have an initial exercise price per share of Common Stock equal to $0.0001. The pre-funded warrants will be immediately exercisable and will expire when exercised in full. The exercise price and number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise is subject to appropriate adjustment in the event of share dividends, share splits, reorganizations or similar events affecting our shares of Common Stock and the exercise price.

The pre-funded warrants will be exercisable, at the option of each holder, in whole or in part, by delivering to us a duly executed exercise notice accompanied by payment in full for the number of shares of Common Stock purchased upon such exercise (except in the case of a cashless exercise as discussed below). A holder (together with its affiliates) may not exercise any portion of the pre-funded warrant to the extent that the holder would own more than 4.99% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock immediately after exercise, except that upon at least 61 days’ prior notice from the holder to us, the holder may increase the amount of beneficial ownership of outstanding shares after exercising the holder’s pre-funded warrants up to 9.99% of the number of our shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately after giving effect to the exercise, as such percentage ownership is determined in accordance with the terms of the pre-funded warrants. Purchasers of pre-funded warrants in this offering may also elect prior to the issuance of the pre-funded warrants to have the initial exercise limitation set at 9.99% of our outstanding shares of Common Stock.

In lieu of making the cash payment otherwise contemplated to be made to us upon such exercise in payment of the aggregate exercise price, the holder may elect instead to receive upon such exercise (either in whole or in part) the net number of shares of Common Stock determined according to a formula set forth in the pre-funded warrants.

No fractional shares of Common Stock will be issued upon the exercise of the pre-funded warrants. Rather, at the Company’s election, the number of shares of Common Stock to be issued will be rounded up to the next whole share or the Company will pay a cash adjustment in an amount equal to such fraction multiplied by the exercise price.

Subject to applicable laws, a pre-funded warrant may be transferred at the option of the holder upon surrender of the pre-funded warrants to us together with the appropriate instruments of transfer.

There is no established trading market for the warrants, and we do not expect such a market to develop. We do not intend to apply to list the pre-funded warrants on any securities exchange or other nationally recognized trading system. Without an active trading market, the liquidity of the pre-funded warrants will be extremely limited.

Except as otherwise provided in the pre-funded warrants or by virtue of such holder’s ownership of shares of Common Stock, the holders of the pre-funded warrants do not have the rights or privileges of holders of our shares of Common Stock, including any voting rights, until they exercise their pre-funded warrants. The pre-funded warrants will provide that the holders of the pre-funded warrants have the right to participate in distributions or dividends paid on our shares of Common Stock.

In the event of a fundamental transaction, as described in the pre-funded warrants and generally including any reorganization, recapitalization or reclassification of our shares of Common Stock, the sale, transfer or other disposition of all or substantially all of our properties or assets, our consolidation or merger with or into another person, the acquisition of more than 50% of the voting power represented by our outstanding shares of capital stock, or any person or group becoming the beneficial owner of more than 50% of the voting power represented by our outstanding shares of capital stock, the holders of the pre-funded warrants will be entitled to receive upon exercise of the pre-funded warrants the kind and amount of securities, cash or other property that the holders would have received had they exercised the pre-funded warrants immediately prior to such fundamental transaction on a net exercise basis.

The validity of the securities offered hereby will be passed upon for us by Lowenstein Sandler LLP, New York, New York. The placement agents are being represented by Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP, Costa Mesa, California, in connection with this offering.

The financial statements of ZyVersa Therapeutics, Inc. at December 31, 2022 (Successor) and 2021 (Predecessor), and the period from December 13, 2022 through December 31, 2022 (Successor), for the period from January 1, 2022 through December 12, 2022 (Predecessor) and the year ended December 31, 2021, appearing in this Prospectus and Registration Statement Amendment have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, as set forth in their report thereon (which contains an explanatory paragraph describing conditions that raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern as described in Note 2 to the financial statements) appearing elsewhere herein, and are included in reliance upon such report given on the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

We file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. We have also filed a registration statement on Form S-1, including exhibits, under the Securities Act with respect to the securities offered by this prospectus. This prospectus is part of the registration statement, but does not contain all of the information included in the registration statement or the exhibits. Our SEC filings are available to the public on the Internet at a website maintained by the SEC located at http://www.sec.gov. Those filings are also available to the public on, or accessible through, our website under the heading “Financials and Filings” at http://www.zyversa.com. The information contained on, or otherwise accessible through, our website, however, is not, and should not be deemed to be, a part of this prospectus.

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of ZyVersa Therapeutics, Inc. (the Company) as of December 31, 2022 (Successor) and 2021 (Predecessor), the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in stockholders’ equity and cash flows for the period from December 13, 2022 through December 31, 2022 (Successor), the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in stockholders’ deficiency and cash flows for the period from January 1, 2022 through December 12, 2022 (Predecessor) and the year ended December 31, 2021, and the related notes(collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company at December 31, 2022 and 2021, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the period from December 13, 2022 through December 31, 2022 (Successor), the period from January 1, 2022 through December 12, 2022 (Predecessor) and the year ended December 31, 2021, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note 2 to the financial statements, the Company has suffered recurring losses from operations, has a working capital deficiency, and has stated that substantial doubt exists about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. Management’s evaluation of the events and conditions and management’s plans regarding these matters are also described in Note 2. The consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.

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.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed financial statements.

Note 1 – Business Organization, Nature of Operations and Risks and Uncertainties

Larkspur Health Acquisition Corp. (“Larkspur”), a blank-check special purpose acquisition company, was incorporated in Delaware on March 17, 2021. On December 12, 2022, Larkspur consummated the Business Combination (see Note 4 – Business Combination for additional details) with ZyVersa Therapeutics, Inc. (“Predecessor”) which was incorporated in the State of Florida on March 11, 2014 as Variant Pharmaceuticals, Inc. On the date of consummation of the Business Combination, Larkspur (“New Parent”) changed its name to ZyVersa Therapeutics, Inc. and the Predecessor changed its name to ZyVersa Therapeutics Operating, Inc. (the “Operating Company”) after merging with a subsidiary of the New Parent, with the Operating Company being the surviving entity, which resulted in it being incorporated in Delaware and it being a wholly-owned subsidiary of the New Parent (collectively the “Successor”). References to the “Company” or “ZyVersa” refer to the Successor for the Successor period from December 13, 2022 to December 31, 2022 and to the Predecessor for the Predecessor period from January 1, 2021 to December 12, 2022.

ZyVersa is a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company leveraging proprietary technologies to develop drugs for patients with chronic renal or inflammatory diseases with high unmet medical needs. Our mission is to develop drugs that optimize health outcomes and improve patients’ quality of life.

In early 2020, it became evident that there was a global outbreak of SARS-CoV-2, a novel strain of coronavirus that causes Coronavirus disease (COVID-19). At the onset, the Company experienced significant negative impacts on many aspects of its business. These effects included a delay in the launch of the VAR 200 Phase 2a trials as potential patient participants would not be willing to risk going into a facility for the trials. In addition, the private funding markets faltered, which deprived the Company of the necessary liquidity to fund the business. As a result, management implemented significant cost reduction measures to continue until economic conditions improved. The full extent of COVID-19’s future impact on the Company’s operations and financial condition remains uncertain. A prolonged COVID-19 outbreak could have a material adverse impact on the Company’s results of operations, financial condition and liquidity, including the timing and ability of the Company to progress its clinical development initiatives. The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.

On March 10, 2023, Silicon Valley Bank (“SVB”) was closed by the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation, and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) was appointed as receiver. Similarly, on March 12, 2023, Signature Bank and Silvergate Capital Corp. were each swept into receivership. A statement by the Department of the Treasury, the Federal Reserve and the FDIC stated that all depositors of SVB would have access to all of their money after only one business day of closure, including funds held in uninsured deposit accounts. The standard deposit insurance amount is up to $250,000 per depositor, per insured bank, for each account ownership category. Although we do not have any funds deposited with the aforementioned banks, we regularly maintain cash balances with other financial institutions in excess of the FDIC insurance limit. A failure of a depository institution to return deposits could impact access to our cash or cash equivalents and could adversely impact our operating liquidity and financial performance.

The Company has incurred losses each year since its inception and has a net working capital deficiency as of December 31, 2022. Based upon the cash on hand as of the date the financials were issued, the Company expects that the cash it currently has available will not fund its operations for 12 months from the issuance date of the financial statements. As a result, the Company will be required to raise additional funds through equity or debt financing, and there can be no assurance that it will be successful in securing additional capital. These conditions raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern for at least one year from the issuance date of these financial statements.

The Company has not yet achieved profitability and expects to continue to incur cash outflows from operations. It is expected that its research and development and general and administrative expenses will continue to increase and, as a result, the Company will eventually need to generate significant product revenues to achieve profitability.

The Company’s cash flow needs include the planned costs to operate its business, including amounts required to fund research and development, working capital, and capital expenditures. The Company’s future capital requirements and the adequacy of its available funds will depend on many factors, including the Company’s ability to successfully commercialize its products and services, competing technological and market developments, and the need to enter into collaborations with other companies or acquire other companies or technologies to enhance or complement our product and service offerings. We intend to raise additional capital in the future to fund operations. If the Company is unable to secure additional capital, it may be required to curtail its research and development initiatives and take additional measures to reduce costs in order to conserve its cash.

The accompanying financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”), which contemplate continuation of the Company as a going concern and the realization of assets and satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business. The financial statements do not include any adjustment that might become necessary should the Company be unable to continue as a going concern.

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been derived from the accounting records of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries. As a result of the Business Combination, for accounting purposes, Larkspur Health Acquisition Corp. was the acquirer and ZyVersa Therapeutics, Inc. was the acquiree and accounting predecessor. Therefore, the financial statement presentation includes the financial statements of the Predecessor for the periods prior to December 13, 2022 and the Successor for the periods including and after December 13, 2022, including the consolidation of ZyVersa Therapeutics Operating, Inc. All significant intercompany balances have been eliminated in the consolidated financial statements. The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“U.S. GAAP”) and pursuant to the accounting rules and regulations of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).

Preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates, judgments and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and the amounts disclosed in the related notes to the financial statements. The Company bases its estimates and judgments on historical experience and on various other assumptions that it believes are reasonable under the circumstances. The amounts of assets and liabilities reported in the Company’s balance sheets and the amounts of expenses reported for each of the periods presented are affected by estimates and assumptions, which are used for, but not limited to, fair value calculations for equity securities, derivative liabilities, share based compensation and acquired intangible assets, as well as establishment of valuation allowances for deferred tax assets. Certain of the Company’s estimates could be affected by external conditions, including those unique to the Company and general economic conditions. It is reasonably possible that actual results could differ from those estimates.

The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents in the financial statements. As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company had no cash equivalents.

The Company has cash deposits which, at times, may be in excess of Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) insurance limits. The Company has not experienced losses in such accounts and periodically evaluates the creditworthiness of its financial institutions. See Note 1 – Risks and Uncertainties.

Equipment is stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation, which is recorded commencing at the in-service date using the straight- line method at rates sufficient to charge the cost of depreciable assets to operations over their estimated useful lives, which is 5 years. As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, equipment consisted of $52,000 of medical equipment, placed in service on September 1, 2019, less accumulated depreciation of $34,667 and $24,267 as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. For the period from December 13, 2022 through December 31, 2022 the Successor recognized depreciation expense of $532. During the periods ended December 12, 2022 and December 31, 2021, the Predecessor recognized depreciation expense of $9,869 in each period, which was included in general and administrative expenses in the statements of operations.

Debt issuance costs, which primarily consist of direct, incremental professional fees incurred in connection with a debt financing, are reported as a direct deduction from the face amount of the notes payable and are amortized over the contractual term of the underlying notes payable using the effective interest method.

Level 1 — quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;

Level 2 — quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets or inputs that are observable; and

Level 3 — inputs that are unobservable (for example, cash flow modeling inputs based on assumptions).

The carrying amounts of the Company’s financial instruments, such as cash, accounts payable and investor deposits approximate fair values due to the short-term nature of these instruments.

See Note 8 – Derivative Liabilities for additional details regarding the valuation technique and assumptions used in valuing Level 3 inputs.

The Company utilizes a recognition threshold and measurement process for financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return.

See Note 3 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies – Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements for further details on the adoption of ASC 842.

Basic net loss per common share is computed by dividing net loss by the weighted average number of vested common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net income per common share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common and dilutive common-equivalent shares outstanding during each period.

The following table sets forth the outstanding potentially dilutive securities that have been excluded from the calculation of diluted net loss per share because to do so would be anti-dilutive:

The Company operates and manages its business as one reportable and operating segment. All assets and operations are in the U.S. The Company’s Chief Executive Officer, who is the chief operating decision maker, reviews financial information on an aggregate basis for purposes of allocating resources and evaluating financial performance.

Certain prior year balances have been reclassified in order to conform to current year presentation. These reclassifications had no effect on previously reported results of operations or loss per share.

On July 20, 2022, the Operating Company entered into a Business Combination Agreement, (the “Business Combination Agreement”), with Larkspur, Larkspur Merger Sub Inc. (“Merger Sub” a wholly owned subsidiary of Larkspur) and Stephen Glover, in his capacity as the representative of the shareholders of the Operating Company. Larkspur was a blank-check special purpose acquisition company (“SPAC”) that became a public company as a result of completing its initial public offering on December 23, 2021 and it was formed for the purpose of effecting a combination with a private company business that could benefit by gaining access to the capital that can be raised because its shares are publicly traded on Nasdaq.

On December 12, 2022, the Business Combination was consummated following a special meeting of stockholders on December 8, 2022, where the stockholders of Larkspur, considered and approved, among other matters, a proposal to adopt the Business Combination Agreement. Further information regarding the Business Combination is set forth in (i) the proxy statement / prospectus included in the registration statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-266838), as amended and supplemented, originally filed with the SEC on August 12, 2022 and declared effective by the SEC on November 14, 2022; and (ii) the Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on July 22, 2022.

The Company accounted for the Business Combination as a forward acquisition of the Operating Company as it was determined that the Operating Company was a variable interest entity as of the date of the Business Combination. The New Parent is the primary beneficiary as its ownership provides the power to direct the activities of the Operating Company and the obligation to absorb the losses and/or receive the benefits of the Operating Company.

The Business Combination was recorded using the acquisition method of accounting and the initial purchase price allocation was based on our preliminary assessment of the fair value of the purchase consideration and the fair value of the Operating Company’s tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition. The purchase price allocation is not complete due to the proximity of the acquisition date to calendar year end and will be refined during the permitted twelve-month measurement period.

The preliminary estimates of the acquisition-date fair value of the purchase consideration were estimated using a market approach with Level 1 inputs (observable inputs) in the case of the fair value of the Successor’s common stock and Level 3 inputs (unobservable inputs) in the case of the fair value attributed to the Successor warrants and options. The acquiror was obligated to replace the Operating Company’s existing warrants and options pursuant to the Business Combination Agreement. Accordingly, it was necessary to allocate the fair value of the replacement warrants and options between purchase consideration (the fair value attributable to pre-combination services) and compensation for post-combination services. The fair value of the replacement warrants and options attributable to post-combination services was $584,260 and $1,731,237, respectively.

The preliminary estimates of the acquisition-date fair value of the purchase consideration were as follows:

The preliminary acquisition-date fair values of the assets acquired were estimated by management, but will eventually be refined and, especially for the in-process research and development, will include estimates using an income approach. The excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair values of the identifiable net assets acquired was recorded as goodwill.

In-process research and development recorded for book purposes is considered an indefinite-lived intangible asset until the completion or the abandonment of the research and development efforts. Because the acquisition was structured as a stock sale, the in-process research and development and the goodwill is not expected to have any tax basis and isn’t expected to be deductible for tax purposes.

The Predecessor incurred approximately $2.1 million of transaction costs during the Predecessor period that ended on December 12, 2022 which were included within general and administrative expenses on the statement of operations.

Given the non-recurring nature of Larkspur’s activities as a SPAC, pro forma financial data combining the pre-Business Combination results of both Larkspur and the Operating Company would not be meaningful and have not been presented.

The Successor sold Series A Preferred Stock for net proceeds of $8,635,000 simultaneous with and contingent on the successful completion of the Business Combination. See Note 11 - Stockholders’ Permanent and Temporary Equity - Successor Series A Preferred Stock Financing for additional information.

On December 13, 2020, the Company and L&F entered into a promissory note agreement (“L&F Note Agreement”) whereby the Company agreed to accept a note receivable in the principal amount of $351,579 from L&F (“L&F Note”). The L&F Note bears interest at a rate of 1.17% per annum, payable annually, and matures on the earliest of (a) the date on which the Company demands payment of all amounts outstanding under the L&F Note following an event of default and (b) December 15, 2025. L&F is required to immediately prepay the L&F Note and all accrued and unpaid interest on the L&F Note with the following: (a) 100% of the proceeds of the second $500,000 of milestone payments paid by ZyVersa to L&F pursuant to the terms of the license agreement (See Note 10- Commitments and Contingencies), (b) 100% of the gross proceeds from the sale of common stock by L&F to ZyVersa pursuant to the terms of the Put Option (See Note 11 – Stockholders’ Permanent and Temporary Equity), (c) 100% of the gross proceeds in excess of $1.00 per share from the sale of ZyVersa common stock by L&F to any party other than ZyVersa and (d) proceeds received in connection with certain liquidation events as defined in the agreement. Commencing on December 13, 2021 and, so long as the principal amount of the L&F Note remains outstanding, on each December 13 through December 13, 2025, the Company will pay L&F an annual administrative fee equal to $6,000. The L&F Note was outstanding as of December 31, 2022 as the Company had not received payment from L&F of the amount due, nor had the Company made any required payments to L&F in connection with the license agreement described in Note 10 – Commitments and Contingencies, and such amount was recorded as a contra-liability against the milestone payments due to L&F in connection with the license agreement, which was included in accrued expenses and other current liabilities. In recording the L&F Note receivable as a contra-liability, the Company considered the commercial substance, the intent of the parties and the overall contractual agreements between ZyVersa and L&F Research, which afford both parties the legal right to set-off the milestone liability owed by the Company to L&F Research with the L&F Note receivable to the Company. The Company determined that the amounts could be offset in the balance sheet because i) the amounts owed by and to the Company are determinable, ii) the Company has a legal right to set off the milestone liability owed to L&F Research by the amount of the L&F Note due to the Company, iii) the Company intends to set off the L&F Note receivable against the milestone liability, and iv) the set off right is enforceable by law. See Note 13 – Subsequent Events for additional details regarding the L&F Note.

As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, accrued expenses and other current liabilities consisted of the following:

Between October 2019 and July 2020, the Company issued 24-month Unsecured Convertible Promissory Notes (“the Notes”) to investors and brokers in the aggregate principal amount of $3,961,000. Of the total, $25,000 of Notes were issued to a related party (a member of the Company management team). The Notes bear interest at a rate equal to 6% per annum and shall be due on the earlier of (i) twenty-four months following the initial closing, as defined; (ii) when, upon or after the occurrence of an event of default; or (iii) upon the occurrence of any change of control of the Company. In the event of the Company closing a Qualified Offering, defined as; (i) an initial public offering that results in gross proceeds of at least $20 million or becoming an entity whose shares of common stock are listed on a qualified exchange, (ii) a reverse merger with a publicly traded company, (iii) a Regulation A offering of the Company’s equity securities that results in gross proceeds of at least $20 million, or (iv) an offering of the Company’s equity securities resulting in gross proceeds of not less than $20 million, the principal and accrued interest due under the Notes shall automatically convert on the same terms and conditions received by the investors in such Qualified Offering. The automatic conversion price shall equal the lesser of (A) $3.25 per share or (B) 80% of the price per share of the (i) in the case of an Initial Public Offering (“IPO”) or Reg A Offering, the lowest price per share of the qualified offering securities issued, (ii) in the case of a reverse merger, the gross price per share of common stock payable to the Company’s stockholders, or (iii) in the case of a private placement, the price per share of the conversion shares (the “Redemption Feature Conversion Price”). The Company analyzed the embedded features of the Notes and determined that the Notes contained (i) an automatic conversion upon a Qualified Offering at a fixed price of $3.25 per share which did not contain a beneficial conversion feature, (ii) a redemption feature upon default which did not require bifurcation, (iii) a redemption feature upon a Qualified Offering at the Redemption Feature Conversion Price with an aggregate fair value of $373,000 which was bifurcated from the debt host and recorded with a credit to derivative liabilities and a debit to debt discount, and (iv) a put option triggered upon a change of control with a fair value of $64,342 which was bifurcated from the debt host and recorded with a credit to derivative liabilities and a debit to debt discount. The debt discount is being amortized over the term of the Notes using the effective interest method and the derivative liabilities are marked-to-market at each reporting date. See Note 8 – Derivative Liabilities for additional details.

During February and March 2021, the Company issued new Unsecured Convertible Promissory Notes (“2021 Notes”) with an aggregate principal balance of $5,230,000, of which $3,150,000 were issued to related parties of the Company (including members of the Company’s management team, a founder and a significant stockholder). The 2021 Notes bear interest at the rate of 6% per annum, compounded daily, and were due on December 31, 2021. In the Event the Company commences a debt financing after February 15, 2021 (the “Qualified Debt Financing”), the 2021 Notes shall automatically convert into a promissory note in the same form and with the same terms and conditions as those issued in the Qualified Debt Financing and in a principal amount equal to the then outstanding principal and accrued and unpaid interest under the 2021 Notes (the “Note Obligations”) . Upon the closing by the Company of a minimum of $500,000 equity financing after February 15, 2021 (the “Qualified Equity Financing”), the 2021 Notes shall automatically convert into the equity securities sold in a Qualified Equity Financing (the “Subsequent Round Securities”) at the same price and on the same terms and conditions received by any investor in such Qualified Equity Financing. The number of Subsequent Round Securities to be issued upon such conversion shall be equal to the quotient obtained by dividing (i) an amount equal to the Note Obligations outstanding on the closing of such Qualified Equity Financing by the lowest price per security at which the Subsequent Round Securities are sold in the Qualified Equity Financing (the “Conversion Price”). If at any time before the Qualified Equity Financing, a change of control occurs, an amount equal to the Note Obligations outstanding on the closing of such change of control shall automatically convert simultaneously with the closing of the change of control at the price of $3.25 per share. The Company analyzed the embedded features of the 2021 Notes and determined that the 2021 Notes contained (i) an automatic conversion upon a Qualified Debt Financing which did not require bifurcation, (ii) an automatic conversion upon a Qualified Equity Financing at a fixed price of $3.25 per share which did not require bifurcation, (iii) an automatic conversion upon a Change of Control at a fixed price of $3.25 per share which did not require bifurcation, and (iv) a redemption feature upon default which did not require bifurcation.

During January 2022, the Company and its convertible note holders agreed to extend the maturity of the Notes and the 2021 Notes to December 31, 2022. The extensions qualified as modifications because the terms were not substantially different. Accordingly, the extended notes were treated as a continuation of the original Notes and 2021 Notes.

The Company is required to pay a cash fee equal to 8% of the aggregate gross proceeds to the extent the placement agent first identified and brought to the Company any investor in the Notes financing. In connection with Notes financing, the Predecessor incurred an aggregate of $228,236 of placement agent and legal fees which were recorded as debt discount which are being amortized over the term of the Notes using the effective interest method.

For the period December 13, 2022 through December 31, 2022 the Successor recorded $0 amortization of debt discount related to the Notes. See Automatic Conversion below.

During the periods ended December 12, 2022 and December 31, 2021, the Predecessor recorded amortization of debt discount as interest expense in the statements of operations of $709,608 and $317,833, respectively, related to the Notes.

On July 8, 2022, as a result of an additional Predecessor Series A Preferred Stock financing (which resulted in a Qualified Equity Financing with cumulative gross proceeds that exceeded $500,000), the 2021 Notes consisting of $5,230,000 of principal and $428,888 of accrued interest, automatically converted into 1,802,193 shares of Predecessor Series A Preferred Stock, at an effective conversion price of $3.14 per share of Predecessor Series A Preferred Stock. See Note 11 – Stockholders’ Permanent and Temporary Equity – Predecessor Series A Preferred Stock Financing for additional details. Because the 2021 Notes converted pursuant to their original terms and the 2021 Notes didn’t include a share-settled redemption feature, the automatic conversion is accounted for via conversion accounting, wherein the carrying value of the principal and accrued interest of the 2021 Notes is derecognized and those aggregate amounts are allocated to common stock (par value) and additional paid-in-capital.

On December 12, 2022, the Company closed on the Business Combination (see Note 4 – Business Combination) which met the legal definition of a reverse merger with a publicly traded company (albeit for accounting purposes it was a forward merger). Accordingly, such Business Combination met the definition of a Qualified Offering and, as such, the $3,961,000 of Notes principal, $709,608 of related accrued interest and $1,167,601 of derivative liabilities, were automatically converted into 2,940,537 shares of Predecessor common stock, which in turn were exchanged for 583,831 shares of Successor common stock. The automatic conversion was pursuant to the share-settled redemption feature included in the original terms of the Notes which resulted in a conversion price of $1.58835 (80% of the $1.98542 fair value per share of the Predecessor common stock which was determined using the Business Combination exchange ratio of 5.037). The automatic conversion of convertible notes pursuant to a share-settled redemption feature is accounted for as an extinguishment, but this automatic conversion didn’t result in the recognition of an extinguishment loss because the redemption feature (derivative liability) was marked to the market on the date of the Business Combination (see Note 8 – Derivative Liabilities for additional information), prior to the derecognition of the carrying value of the Notes principal, accrued interest and derivative liability, and those aggregate amounts are allocated to common stock (par value) and additional paid-in-capital.

As of January 1, 2021, the Company had Level 3 derivative liabilities that were measured at fair value at issuance, related to the redemption features and put options of the Notes. See Note 7 - Convertible Notes Payable for additional details. The redemption features were valued using a combination of a discounted cash flow and a Black-Scholes valuation technique.

On December 12, 2022, upon the closing of the Business Combination (see Note 4 – Business Combination), the Notes automatically converted into 2,940,537 shares of Predecessor common stock at a conversion price of $1.58835 (80% of the $1.98542 fair value per share of the common stock payable to the Company’s stockholders at time of the Business Combination) for a fair value consideration of $5,838,209. By adjusting the redemption feature to its fair value on the Business Combination date, the income statement effect of the automatic conversion is to recognize a $186,401 change in fair value of derivative liabilities and no extinguishment gain or loss.

The following table sets forth a summary of the changes in the fair value of Level 3 derivative liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis:

There were no derivative liabilities as of December 31, 2022. For the derivative liability valuation, as of December 31, 2021, the significant unobservable inputs used in the discounted cash flow were a discount rate of 25%, the probability of a Qualified Offering occurring of 85% and the probability of a change of control occurring of 0%. For the valuations as of December 31, 2021, the Black-Scholes assumptions were as follows:

The provision for income taxes differs from the Federal statutory rate as follows:

On December 31, 2022, the Successor had approximately $27,515,427 Federal net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforwards and $20,567,703 of State NOLs and on December 12, 2022 and December 31, 2021, the Predecessor had approximately $27,385,445 and $20,446,200 Federal net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforwards and $20,458,902 and $14,644,000 of State NOLs, respectively, that may be available to offset future Federal and State taxable income. Such NOL carryforwards do not expire. However, their use to offset future taxable income may be subject to limitations under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code and similar state statutes as a result of ownership changes.

The Company has assessed the likelihood that deferred tax assets will be realized and considers all available positive and negative evidence, including the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, and tax planning strategies. A valuation allowance is established when it is “more likely than not” that all, or a portion of, deferred tax assets will not be realized. After the performance of such a review as of December 12, 2022 and December 31, 2021, management believed that uncertainty existed with respect to future realization of the Predecessor deferred tax assets and has, therefore, established full valuation allowances as of those dates. Thus, the Predecessor recorded an increase in the valuation allowance of $2,673,627 and $2,244,084 in connection with the tax provisions for the period from January 1, 2022 through December 12, 2022 and the year ended December 31, 2021, respectively.

As a result of the December 12, 2022 Business Combination and the availability of new deferred tax liabilities (a) the Predecessor released its $14,853,648 valuation allowance as part of the acquisition accounting. During the Successor period, the New Parent released its $558,581 valuation allowance as an income tax benefit, separate from the Business Combination.

Management has evaluated and concluded that there were no material uncertain tax positions requiring recognition in the Company’s financial statements as of December 31, 2022 and 2021. The Company does not expect any significant changes in its unrecognized tax benefits within twelve months of the reporting date.

No tax audits were commenced or were in process during the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 and no tax related interest or penalties were incurred during those years. The Company’s tax returns beginning with the year ended December 31, 2019 remain subject to examination.

In the normal course of business, the Company may be involved in legal proceedings, claims and assessments arising in the ordinary course of business. The Company records contingent liabilities resulting from such claims, if any, when a loss is assessed to be probable and the amount of the loss is reasonably estimable.

On December 15, 2015, the Company entered into a license agreement with L&F whereby L&F granted to ZyVersa an exclusive license for certain technology, based on the terms and conditions set forth in the agreement. The term of the license agreement shall commence on the effective date and, unless earlier terminated in accordance with the terms of the agreement, continue until the expiration of the last-to-expire of all royalty payment obligations of licensee.

The license agreement contains an up-front cash payment of $200,000 (paid and recognized as research and development expense in 2015), $21.5 million in aggregate milestone cash payments (the Company will recognize expense associated with the milestone cash payments when such milestones become probable of being achieved; $1,500,000 of expense was recognized during 2020 (of which, $500,000 was originally due and payable in 2021) related to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) acceptance of an investigational new drug application as well as commencement of Phase 2a clinical trials; the next milestone of $2,500,000 is earned upon a positive end of Phase 2 meeting with the FDA), royalties ranging from 5%-10% on sales of the product when it comes to market (the Company will recognize royalty expense if and when sales occur; none recognized to-date) and Predecessor warrants to purchase an aggregate of 878,947 shares of Predecessor common stock at an exercise price of $1.00 per share that were issued in 2015 with a grant date fair value of $766,384 that become exercisable for a period of five years from the date of achievement of specified milestones (a Predecessor warrant to purchase 351,579 shares of Predecessor common stock was exercisable upon its issuance in 2015 and, accordingly, the Company recognized its grant date fair value of $306,411 during 2015 as research and development expense with a corresponding credit to additional paid-in capital; the Company will recognize expense associated with the remaining warrants when it is probable that the associated performance conditions will be achieved; a Predecessor warrant to purchase 175,789 shares of Predecessor common stock became exercisable in January 2020 upon the FDA acceptance of an investigational new drug application for a compound or product, as defined, at which time the Company recognized expense equal to the grant date fair value of $153,324; Predecessor warrants to purchase 351,578 shares of Predecessor common stock were not exercisable as of December 31, 2022 as the milestones were not achieved). For the consideration above that has yet to have been expensed or paid, the Company will recognize associated expense when such items become both probable of being achieved and such value is estimable.

On January 9, 2020, an amendment was entered into for the license agreement that provided for the following amendments: (i) partially extended the timing of payment of $1,000,000 of milestone cash payments associated with the successful completion of Phase 1 clinical trials ($500,000 payable upon commencement of Phase 2a clinical trials (the “Phase 1/2 Milestone”) and $500,000 payable upon the one year anniversary of the Phase 1/2 Milestone (“First Anniversary Milestone”); and (ii) upon the condition that L&F exercises its warrant upon achievement of the Phase 1/2 Milestone, the $351,579 exercise price is to be withheld from the cash payment due to L&F in connection with the Phase ½ Milestone. See Note 4 – Note Receivable for further details around promissory note agreement entered into upon the exercise of warrants by L&F and Note 11 – Stockholders’ Equity – Put Option for discussion about the put option agreement entered into by the Company and L&F in connection with the L&F Note Agreement.

On March 7, 2022, the Company and L&F executed a Waiver Agreement that waives L&F’s right to terminate the license agreement or any other remedies, for non-payment of the $1,500,000 of milestone payments, until August 31, 2022. All other terms of the license agreement remain in effect.

On August 26, 2022, the Company and L&F executed a Waiver Agreement that waives L&F’s right to terminate the license agreement or any other remedies, for non-payment of the $1,500,000 of milestone payments, until January 3, 2023. All other terms of the license agreement remain in effect.

On December 23, 2022, the Company and L&F executed a Waiver Agreement that waives L&F’s right to terminate the license agreement or any other remedies, for non-payment of the $1,500,000 of milestone payments, until March 31, 2023. All other terms of the license agreement remain in effect.

See Note 13 – Subsequent Events for additional details regarding the L&F license agreement.

On April 18, 2019, the Company entered into a license agreement with InflamaCORE, LLC (“InflamaCORE”) whereby InflamaCORE agreed to grant the Predecessor an exclusive license to the InflamaCORE Program Technology. The term of the license agreement shall commence on the effective date and, unless earlier terminated in accordance with the terms of the agreement, continue until the expiration of the last-to-expire of all royalty payment obligations of licensee. In conjunction with this license agreement, InflamaCORE entered into an agreement with the University of Miami to aggregate all of the intellectual property and technology developed by InflamaCORE scientists, who are all employees of the University of Miami, under the InflamaCORE umbrella. The term of the agreement shall commence on the effective date and shall remain in effect until the later of (a) the date on which all issued patents and filed patent applications within the patent rights have expired or been abandoned and no royalties are due or (b) twenty (20) years, unless earlier terminated in accordance with the terms of the agreement. The two agreements were executed with the understanding that ZyVersa will further develop the intellectual property and technology under the license agreement.

In consideration for the license, the Predecessor agreed to pay an up-front fee to InflamaCORE in the amount of $346,321 to cover the patent cost reimbursement to the University of Miami. InflamaCORE is also entitled to six milestone payments totaling $22,500,000 (the first milestone payment of $200,000 is triggered by the submission of an investigational new drug application for the first indication of a therapeutic licensed product). ZyVersa is required to pay sales royalties to InflamaCORE between 5% and 10%, which expire upon the latest of: (a) expiration of the last-to-expire of a patent or (b) expiration of regulatory exclusivity, as defined in the agreement. ZyVersa is required to pay sales royalties to the University of Miami between 3% and 6%. Finally, InflamaCORE will receive five-year Predecessor warrants to purchase an aggregate of 1,000,000 shares of Predecessor common stock, of which, a Predecessor warrant to purchase 400,000 shares of Predecessor common stock, with an issue date fair value of $815,822, which was recorded as research and development expenses, was issued at the execution of the agreement at an exercise price of $2.30 per share and the remaining Predecessor warrants to purchase 600,000 shares of Predecessor common stock are to be issued at a price per share equal to the fair value of the Predecessor’s common stock at the time of issuance upon the satisfaction of certain milestones, unless the Company closes an initial public offering (“IPO”), defined as the initial public offering of the Predecessor’s Common Stock or other equity securities, at which point all warrants will be issued. If the Company completes its IPO within the three-year period immediately prior to the expiration date, the expiration date shall automatically be extended until the third anniversary of the effective date of the Company’s IPO. The Company determined that the Business Combination didn’t meet the definition of an IPO. The University of Miami also received 200,000 shares of Predecessor common stock, with a grant date fair value of $460,000, which was recorded as research and development expenses, under the agreement. As of December 31, 2022, the Successor did not pay or owe any royalties, the performance milestones associated with the cash payments and issuance of Successor warrants were not achieved and the Company did not accrue for any payments or issue the remaining Successor warrants associated with the license agreement.

On January 18, 2019, the Predecessor entered into a lease agreement for approximately 3,500 square feet of office space in Weston, Florida for a term of five years. Under the lease agreement, the annual base rent, which excludes the Predecessor’s share of taxes and operating costs, is approximately $89,000 for the first year and increases approximately 3% every year thereafter for a total base rent lease commitment of approximately $497,000.

The Successor recognized rent expense in connection with its operating leases for the period December 13, 2022 through December 31, 2022 of $7,795 and the Predecessor recognized $148,881 and $148,125 for the period ending December 12, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively.

See Note 3 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies – Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements for information related to the Company’s adoption of the new lease accounting standard and the recognition of a right-of-use asset and operating lease liability.

The Predecessor was authorized to issue 75,000,000 shares of Predecessor common stock, par value of $0.00001 per share, and 5,000,000 shares of Predecessor preferred stock, par value of $0.00001 per share. The holders of the Predecessor’s common stock were entitled to one vote per share.

The Successor is authorized to issue 110,000,000 shares of Successor common stock, par value of $0.0001 per share, and 1,000,000 shares of Successor preferred stock, par value $0.0001 per share. The holders of the Successor’s common stock are entitled to one vote per share.

The Predecessor was authorized to issue awards under its 2014 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2014 Plan”), as amended on October 9, 2018, February 2, 2019 and February 2, 2021. Under the 2014 Plan, 10,000,000 shares of Predecessor common stock of the Company are authorized for issuance as of December 31, 2021. The number of shares of common stock available for issuance under the 2014 Plan shall automatically increase on the first trading day of January each calendar year during the term of the 2014 Plan, beginning with calendar year 2019, by an amount equal to five percent (5%) of the total number of shares of common stock outstanding on the last trading day in December of the immediately preceding calendar year, but in no event shall any such annual increase exceed 100,000 shares of common stock. The 2014 Plan provides for the issuance of incentive stock options, non-statutory stock options, rights to purchase common stock, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock and restricted stock units to employees, directors and consultants of the Company and its affiliates. The 2014 Plan requires the exercise price of stock options to be not less than the fair value of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. As of December 31, 2022, there were 45,652 Predecessor shares available for future issuance under the 2014 Plan.

On December 12, 2022, in connection with the consummation of the Business Combination, the Predecessor approved the amendment to the 2014 Plan (the “2014 Plan Amendment”). The 2014 Plan Amendment provides, among other things, that upon consummation of the Business Combination, no further increases in the shares of common stock reserved and available for issuance under the 2014 Plan shall occur and no new awards shall be made under the 2014 Plan.

The Successor is authorized to issue awards under the 2022 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan (the “2022 Plan”). Under the 2022 Plan, 1,089,831 shares of Successor common stock of the Successor are authorized for issuance as of December 12, 2022. The number of shares of common stock available for issuance under the 2022 Plan shall automatically increase on the first trading day of January each calendar year during the term of the 2022 Plan, beginning with calendar year 2023, by an amount equal to four percent (4%) of the total number of shares of Successor common stock outstanding on the last trading day in December of the immediately preceding calendar year. The 2022 Plan provides for the issuance of incentive stock options, non-statutory stock options, rights to purchase common stock, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock and restricted stock units to employees, directors and consultants of the Company and its affiliates. The 2022 Plan requires the exercise price of stock options to be not less than the fair value of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. As of December 31, 2022, there were 1,089,831 Successor shares available for future issuance under the 2022 Plan.

On December 13, 2020 (the “Effective Date”), in connection with the L&F Note Agreement (see Note 5 – Note Receivable for details), the Predecessor and L&F entered into an agreement to provide L&F with a put option to cause the Company to purchase up to 331,331 shares of Predecessor common stock (“Put Shares”) at a price of $1.00 per share (“Put Option”). The put option expires at the earlier of (A) the date that the L&F Note is repaid in full; or (B) the fifth (5th) anniversary of the Effective Date. The parties agreed that, in the event of an exercise by L&F, in lieu of paying L&F for the Put Shares, the Company shall reduce the amount of the receivable then owed by L&F to the Company under the L&F Note Agreement. The Put Option was sold to L&F for total consideration of $331, which was recorded within additional paid-in capital.

On December 12, 2022, the Company closed on the Business Combination (see Note 4 – Business Combination) whereby the 331,331 shares of Predecessor common stock subject to the Put Option were exchanged for 65,783 shares of Successor common stock at a price of $5.04 per share. The put option has the practical effect of making the underlying shares of common stock redeemable. As a result, they are classified as temporary equity on the face of both the Successor and Predecessor balance sheets.

See Note 13 – Subsequent Events for additional details regarding the L&F Note and the Put Option.

On March 31, 2022, the Predecessor sold 133,541 shares of Series A Preferred Stock to investors at a price of $3.14 per share for net proceeds of $392,301, of which $100,000 was from related parties.

The Predecessor Series A Preferred Stock is convertible, at the option of the holder, at any time into shares of Predecessor common stock on a one-to-one basis, subject to standard antidilution adjustments. In addition, in the event of any non-exempt issuances by the Company for less than the in-force conversion price, the Predecessor Series A Preferred Stock conversion price shall be reduced on a weighted average basis. Each share of Predecessor Series A Preferred Stock shall automatically be converted into shares of Predecessor common stock at the then effective conversion price concurrently with (i) the closing of a Public Transaction or (ii) the date specified by written consent or agreement of the holders of a majority of the then outstanding shares of Predecessor Series A Preferred stock. A Public Transaction represents either (a) a firm commitment underwritten public offering; or (b) the closing of a transaction with a special purpose acquisition company (“SPAC”) listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market in which the Company would become a wholly owned subsidiary of the SPAC.

The Predecessor Series A Preferred stockholders shall vote together with the Predecessor common stockholders on an as-converted basis and dividends will only be paid on an as-converted basis when, and if paid to Predecessor common stockholders. In the event of any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Predecessor or upon a Deemed Liquidation Event, the Predecessor Series A Preferred stockholders will be entitled to be paid, out of the assets of the Predecessor available for distribution before any payments are made to Predecessor common stockholders, one times the original purchase price, plus declared and unpaid dividends on each share of Predecessor Series A Preferred Stock or, if greater, the amount that the Predecessor Series A Preferred Stock holders would receive on an as-converted basis. The balance of any proceeds shall be distributed pro rata to the Predecessor common stockholders. Deemed Liquidation Events include (a) a merger or consolidation in which the Predecessor or a subsidiary thereof is a constituent party which results in a change-of-control (a “Merger Event”); or (b) the sale, lease, transfer, exclusive license or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Predecessor (a “Disposition Event”).

The Predecessor Series A Preferred Stock is not mandatorily redeemable and therefore it is not subject to classification as a liability. The Predecessor determined that the Deemed Liquidation Events were within the control of the Predecessor and, therefore, the Predecessor Series A Preferred Stock should be classified as permanent equity. Specifically, Merger Events and Disposition Events require the approval of the board of directors pursuant to state law and the Predecessor preferred stockholders are unable to control the vote of the board of directors. The Predecessor determined that the embedded conversion options were clearly and closely related to the preferred stock host and, therefore, the embedded conversion options need not be bifurcated. However, if the conversion price is reset in connection with a subsequent issuance of securities, the Predecessor will need to assess the accounting for the price reset. Due to the Predecessor’s adoption of ASU 2020-06 on January 1, 2021, it wasn’t necessary to assess the embedded conversion options for a beneficial conversion feature.

On July 8, 2022, the Predecessor sold an additional 94,393 shares of Predecessor Series A Preferred Stock to investors at a price of $3.14 per share of Predecessor Series A Preferred Stock, generating $296,400 in gross proceeds. Placement agent fees of $21,200 were recorded as a reduction of additional paid-in capital.

On September 16, 2022, the Predecessor sold an additional 222,929 shares of Predecessor Series A Preferred Stock to investors at a price of $3.14 per share of Predecessor Series A Preferred Stock, generating $700,000 in gross proceeds. Placement agent fees of $16,000 were recorded as a reduction of additional paid-in-capital.

On December 6, 2022, the Predecessor sold an additional 174,776 shares of Predecessor Series A Preferred Stock to investors at a price of $3.14 per share of Predecessor Series A Preferred Stock, generating $548,805 in gross proceeds. Placement agent fees of $2,000 were recorded as a reduction of additional paid-in capital.

On May 10, 2022, the Predecessor obtained the requisite approvals to (a) amend the Predecessor Series A Preferred Stock Designation within the Predecessor’s Certificate of Incorporation to reduce the effective conversion price of the Predecessor Series A Preferred Stock from $3.14 per share of Predecessor common stock to $2.78 per share of Predecessor common stock; and (b) and added 100% warrant coverage, such that, for each share of Predecessor common stock issued at conversion, the holder will also receive a Predecessor warrant to purchase one share of Predecessor common stock. These Predecessor warrants are exercisable at an initial exercise price of $3.20 per share of Predecessor common stock (subject to reduction upon completion of a Public Transaction, if the deemed offering price is less than the current exercise price) and expire in five years (the “Predecessor Series A Warrants”) or upon an earlier change of control that doesn’t meet the definition of a Public Transaction. The Predecessor determined that (a) the Predecessor Series A Warrants qualified to be equity-classified upon issuance, without subsequent remeasurement and (b) the contingently issuable nature of the Predecessor Series A Warrants doesn’t alter the Predecessor’s conclusion that the embedded conversion options were clearly and closely related to the preferred stock host and, therefore, the embedded conversion options need not be bifurcated. The Predecessor also determined that the reduction of the Predecessor Series A Preferred Stock conversion price, combined with adding 100% warrant coverage at conversion, represented a significant change of the Predecessor Series A Preferred Stock terms requiring the application of extinguishment accounting. Accordingly, it was necessary to record the $331,200 incremental fair value of the amended Predecessor Series A Preferred Stock and the new Predecessor Series A Warrants (as compared to the carrying value of the Series A Preferred Stock) as a deemed dividend for the purpose of calculating loss per share.

On August 31, 2022, the Predecessor filed with the Florida Department of State a second amendment to the Predecessor Series A Preferred Stock Designation within the Predecessor’s Certificate of Incorporation, which reduced the conversion price of the Predecessor Series A Preferred Stock from $2.78 per share of Predecessor common stock and Predecessor Series A Warrant to $1.19 per share of Predecessor common stock and Predecessor Series A Warrant. In addition, the Predecessor reduced the exercise price of the Predecessor Series A Warrants issuable at conversion from $3.20 per share to $1.37 per share.

The Predecessor determined that the reduction of the Predecessor Series A Preferred Stock conversion price, combined with the revised terms associated with the Predecessor Series A Warrants (collectively the “Second Amendment Securities”) issuable at conversion, represented a significant change requiring the application of extinguishment accounting. Accordingly, it was necessary to record the $9,684,637 incremental fair value of the amended Predecessor Series A Preferred Stock and the amended Predecessor Series A Warrants (as compared to the carrying value of the Series A Preferred Stock and the pre-Second Amendment fair value of the Predecessor Series A Warrants) as a deemed dividend for the purpose of calculating loss per share.

The Company determined that the reduction of the Series A Preferred Stock conversion price, combined with the contingent issuance of the Series A Warrants or the change in the (collectively the “Amended Securities”), represented a significant change requiring the application of extinguishment accounting. Accordingly, it was necessary to record the $331,200 incremental value of the Amended Securities (as compared to the value of the original Series A Preferred Stock) as a deemed dividend for the purpose of calculating loss per share.

On December 12, 2022, in connection with the Business Combination, all outstanding 2,427,832 shares of Predecessor Series A Preferred Stock automatically converted into 6,406,210 shares of Predecessor common stock and five-year Predecessor Series A Warrants to purchase 6,406,210 shares of Predecessor common stock, which were then exchanged for 1,271,904 shares of Successor common stock and five-year warrants to purchase 1,271,904 shares of Successor common stock at an exercise price of $6.90 per share. The conversion of equity classified preferred stock that converts pursuant to the original terms of the preferred stock, results in the derecognition of the carrying value of the preferred stock and the allocation of that amount to common stock (par value) and additional paid-in-capital, without the recognition of a gain or loss.

In connection with the Business Combination, the Successor sold 8,635 shares of Series A Preferred Stock and five-year warrants to purchase 863,500 shares of Successor common stock at an exercise price of $11.50 per share (the “PIPE Warrants”), to certain purchasers at a price of $1,000 per share for net proceeds of $8,635,000 (the “PIPE” financing).

The Successor Series A Preferred Stock is convertible, at the option of the holder, at any time into a number of shares of Successor common stock equal to the face value divided by the conversion price then in effect (initially $10.00). In addition, for five years following the issuance of the Successor Series A Preferred Stock, the conversion price is automatically adjusted to the greater of (a) $2.00; and (b) the lowest price of any subsequent offerings of securities at a price less than the conversion price.

The conversion price also resets at both 90 days and 150 days following the effectiveness of the registration of the Successor Series A Preferred Stock (each a “Commencement Date”) to the greater of (a) $2.00; and (b) 85% of the lowest of the ten consecutive daily volume-weighted average prices commencing on, and including, each Commencement Date. As of the filing date, the Successor Series A Preferred Stock has not been registered and no conversion price reset has occurred.

The Successor Series A Preferred stockholders have no voting rights and dividends will only be paid on an as-converted basis when, and if paid to Successor common stockholders. In the event of any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Successor, each Successor Series A Preferred stockholder shall be entitled to be paid out of the assets of the Company legally available for distribution, the stated value of their holdings, plus any accrued and unpaid dividends. The balance of any proceeds shall be distributed to Successor Series A Preferred stockholders on an as-converted basis pari passu with Successor common stockholders.

The Successor Series A Preferred Stock is not redeemable at the election of the holder and, therefore, it is classified as permanent equity. However, subject to the holder’s right to elect to convert, the Company has the right to redeem the Successor Series A Preferred Stock anytime at 120% of the face value. The Successor determined that the embedded conversion options were clearly and closely related to the preferred stock host and, therefore, the embedded conversion options need not be bifurcated. However, if the conversion price is reset in connection with a subsequent issuance of securities, the Company will need to assess the accounting for the price reset. Due to the Successor’s adoption of ASU 2020-06 on January 1, 2021, it wasn’t necessary to assess the embedded conversion options for a beneficial conversion feature.

In connection with the Business Combination, the Successor issued 5,062 shares of Series B Preferred Stock to certain vendors that provided services to the Company at a price of $1,000 per share in exchange for the satisfaction of $5,062,000 of Company liabilities.

The Successor Series B Preferred Stock is convertible, at the option of the holder, at any time into a number of shares of Successor common stock equal to the face value divided by the conversion price then in effect (initially $10.00). In addition, for five years following the issuance of the Successor Series B Preferred Stock, the conversion price is automatically adjusted to the greater of (a) $7.00; and (b) the lowest price of any subsequent offerings of securities at a price less than the conversion price.

The conversion price also resets at 150 days following the effectiveness of the registration of the Successor Series B Preferred Stock (each a “Commencement Date”) to the greater of (a) $7.00; and (b) the lowest of the five consecutive daily volume-weighted average prices commencing on, and including, the Commencement Date. As of the filing date, the Successor Series B Preferred Stock has not been registered and no conversion price reset has occurred.

The Successor Series B Preferred stockholders have no voting rights and dividends will only be paid on an as-converted basis when, and if paid to Successor common stockholders. In the event of any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Successor each Successor Series B Preferred stockholder shall be entitled to be paid out of the assets of the Company legally available for distribution, the stated value of their holdings, plus any accrued and unpaid dividends. The balance of any proceeds shall be distributed to Successor Series B Preferred stockholders on an as-converted basis pari passu with Successor common stockholders.

The Successor Series B Preferred Stock is not redeemable and, therefore, it is classified as permanent equity. The Successor determined that the embedded conversion options were clearly and closely related to the preferred stock host and, therefore, the embedded conversion options need not be bifurcated. However, if the conversion price is reset in connection with a subsequent issuance of securities, the Successor will need to assess the accounting for the price reset. Due to the Successor’s adoption of ASU 2020-06 on January 1, 2021, it wasn’t necessary to assess the embedded conversion options for a beneficial conversion feature.

For the period December 13, 2022 through December 31, 2022, the Successor recorded stock-based compensation expense of $56,333 (of which, $7,808 was included in research and development and $48,525 was included in general and administrative expense) related to options issued to employees and consultants. For the period ended December 12, 2022, the Predecessor recorded stock-based compensation expense of $3,524,802 (of which, $673,160 was included in research and development and $2,851,642 was included in general and administrative expense) related to options issued to employees and consultants. As of December 31, 2022, there was $2,957,047 of unrecognized stock-based compensation expense, which the Company expects to recognize over a weighted average period of 1.6 years.

For the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company recorded stock-based compensation expense of $4,245,463 (of which, $944,525 was included in research and development and $3,300,938 was included in general and administrative expense) related to options issued to employees and consultants.

On December 12, 2022, the Company closed on the Business Combination (see Note 4 – Business Combination) whereby the 10,039,348 outstanding Predecessor options were exchanged for 1,993,235 outstanding Successor options. The number of Successor options issued to Predecessor option holders was determined by dividing the number of shares of Predecessor common stock issuable by an exchange ratio of 5.037. The exercise price of each of the Predecessor options was also multiplied by the exchange ratio.

In applying the Black-Scholes option pricing model to Predecessor stock options granted, the Company used the following assumptions:

During the period ended December 12, 2022, the fair value of the Predecessor’s common stock was determined using a market approach based on the status of the business combination agreement arm’s length discussions with the acquirer at each valuation date and which agreement was ultimately entered into on July 20, 2022 with a Company valuation of $85 million. The options granted during the period ended December 12, 2022 had a contractual term between seven and ten years and a requisite service period of zero to three years.

During the year ended December 31, 2021, the fair value of the Predecessor’s common stock was determined by management with the assistance of a third-party valuation specialist using an income approach. The options granted during the year ended December 31, 2021 had a contractual term of ten years and a requisite service period of zero to three years.

A summary of the option activity for the period December 13, 2022 through December 31, 2022 for the Successor and the period ended December 12, 2022 for the Predecessor is presented below:

The following table presents information related to stock options as of December 31, 2022:

A summary of the warrant activity for the period December 13, 2022 through December 31, 2022 for the Successor and the period ending December 12, 2022 for the Predecessor is presented below:

The following table presents information related to stock warrants as of December 31, 2022 for the Successor:

During the period December 13, 2022 through December 31, 2022, the Successor had no related party transactions.

During the periods ended December 12, 2022 and December 31, 2021, the Predecessor paid $0 and $50,000, respectively, in broker fees to an investment banker who is a part owner of the Company.

During the periods ended December 12, 2022 and 2021, the Company received $0 and $3,150,000, respectively, from members of the Company’s management team, a founder, and significant stockholder for the purchase of the 2021 Notes. See Note 7 – Convertible Notes Payable for further discussion on the 2021 Notes.

The Company has evaluated subsequent events through the date the financial statements were issued. Based upon the evaluation, the Company did not identify any recognized or non-recognized subsequent events that would have required adjustment or disclosure in the financial statements, except as discussed below.

On February 28, 2023, the Company and L&F executed an Amendment and Restatement Agreement that waives L&F’s right to terminate the license agreement or any other remedies, for non-payment of the $1,500,000 of milestone payments, until (a) March 31, 2023 as to $1,000,000 of such milestone payments (“Waiver A”) and (b) January 31, 2024 as to $500,000 milestone payments (‘Waiver B”). Waiver A is contingent upon (i) forgiveness by the Company of $351,579 in aggregate principal amount outstanding under the Note, and (ii) a cash payment by the Company to L&F in the amount of $648,421, on or before March 31, 2023. Waiver B is contingent upon a cash payment by the Company to L&F in the amount of $500,000 on or before the earlier of (x) January 31, 2024, and (y) ten business days from the date that the Company receives net proceeds of at least $30,000,000 from the issuance of new equity capital. All other terms of the License Agreement remain in effect.

On March 29, 2023, the Company paid the $648,421 of cash to L&F, thus meeting the conditions of Waiver A, which also has the effect of canceling the Note Receivable and the Put Option.

On January 27, 2023, the Company granted ten-year stock options to purchase 100,000 shares of Successor common stock to its newly appointed Chief Medical Officer and Senior Vice President of Medical Affairs as inducement for entering into employment with the Company in accordance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4) under the 2022 Plan. The stock options vest annually over three years and have an exercise price of $2.11 per share.

On March 10, 2023, the Company granted ten-year stock options to purchase 13,000 shares of Successor common stock to employees of the Company under the 2022 Plan. The stock options vest annually over three years and have an exercise price of $2.26 per share. Of the 13,000 shares, 5,000 shares were issued to the son of an Executive Officer of the Company.

On or about February 20, 2023, the Company failed to have the SEC declare a registration statement effective (the “Effectiveness Failure”) which covered the PIPE registrable securities within the time period prescribed by the PIPE Securities Purchase Agreement (the “SPA”). The SPA entitles the PIPE investors to receive Registration Delay Payments equal to 1.5% of each investor’s purchase price on the date of the Effectiveness Failure and every thirty days thereafter that the Effectiveness Failure persists. Failure to make the Registration Delay Payments on a timely basis results in the accrual of interest at the rate of 2.0% per month. As of the filing date, the Company expects to have to make two months of Registration Delay Payments (approximately $260,000 in the aggregate) prior to curing the Effectiveness Failure.

The following is a statement of estimated expenses payable by the registrant in connection with the offering described in this registration statement. All amounts are estimates except the SEC registration fee and the FINRA filing fee.

Subsection (a) of Section 145 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the “DGCL”) empowers a corporation to indemnify any person who was or is a party or who is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (other than an action by or in the right of the corporation) by reason of the fact that the person is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against expenses (including attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by the person in connection with such action, suit or proceeding if the person acted in good faith and in a manner the person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe the person’s conduct was unlawful.

Subsection (b) of Section 145 empowers a corporation to indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action or suit by or in the right of the corporation to procure a judgment in its favor by reason of the fact that the person acted in any of the capacities set forth above, 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, 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.

Section 145 further provides that to the extent a director or officer of a corporation has been successful on the merits or otherwise in the defense of any action, suit or proceeding referred to in subsections (a) and (b) of Section 145, 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; that indemnification provided for by Section 145 shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which the indemnified party may be entitled; and the indemnification provided for by Section 145 shall, unless otherwise provided when authorized or ratified, continue as to a person who has ceased to be a director, officer, employee or agent and shall inure to the benefit of such person’s heirs, executors and administrators. Section 145 also empowers the corporation to purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any person who is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise against any liability asserted against such person and incurred by such person in any such capacity, or arising out of his status as such, whether or not the corporation would have the power to indemnify such person against such liabilities under Section 145.

Section 102(b)(7) of the DGCL provides that a corporation’s certificate of incorporation may contain a provision eliminating or limiting the personal liability of a director to the corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director, provided that such provision shall not eliminate or limit the liability of a director (i) for any breach of the director’s duty of loyalty to the corporation or its stockholders, (ii) for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (iii) under Section 174 of the DGCL, or (iv) for any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit.

Additionally, our Charter limits the liability of our directors to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL, and our Bylaws provide that we will indemnify them to the fullest extent permitted by such law. We have entered into and expect to continue to enter into agreements to indemnify our directors, executive officers and other employees as determined by our board of directors. Under the terms of such indemnification agreements, we are required to indemnify each of our directors and officers, to the fullest extent permitted by the laws of the state of Delaware, if the basis of the indemnitee’s involvement was by reason of the fact that the indemnitee is or was our director or officer or was serving at our request in an official capacity for another entity. We must indemnify our officers and directors against all reasonable fees, expenses, charges and other costs of any type or nature whatsoever, including any and all expenses and obligations paid or incurred in connection with investigating, defending, being a witness in, participating in (including on appeal), or preparing to defend, be a witness or participate in any completed, actual, pending or threatened action, suit, claim or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, or establishing or enforcing a right to indemnification under the indemnification agreement. The indemnification agreements also require us, if so requested, to advance all fees, expenses and other costs that such director or officer incurred, provided that such person will return any such advance if it is ultimately determined that such person is not entitled to indemnification by us. Any claims for indemnification by our directors and officers may reduce our available funds to satisfy successful third-party claims against us and may reduce the amount of money available to us.

Since December 12, 2019, we have made sales of the following unregistered securities:

We issued the foregoing securities in transactions not involving an underwriter and not requiring registration under Section 5 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, in reliance on the exemption afforded by Section 4(a)(2) thereof.

The financial statements filed as part of this registration statement are listed in the index to the financial statements immediately preceding such financial statements, which index to the financial statements is incorporated herein by reference.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this registration statement on Form S-1 to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, in the city of Weston, State of Florida, on April 21, 2023.

	Page
ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS	ii
TRADEMARKS	iii
SELECTED DEFINITIONS	iv
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS	v
PROSPECTUS SUMMARY	1
THE OFFERING	5
RISK FACTORS	7
USE OF PROCEEDS	58
DILUTION	59
MARKET PRICE OF OUR COMMON STOCK AND DIVIDEND INFORMATION	60
BUSINESS	61
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS	96
MANAGEMENT	109
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION	115
BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP OF SECURITIES	129
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION (CONFLICTS OF INTEREST)	132
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PERSON TRANSACTIONS	135
DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK	142
DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES WE ARE OFFERING	151
LEGAL MATTERS	154
EXPERTS	155
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION	156
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS	F-1

Large accelerated filer	☐	Accelerated filer	☐
Non-accelerated filer	☒	Smaller reporting company	☒
		Emerging growth company	☒

	●	our ability to realize the anticipated benefits of the Business Combination;

	●	the costs associated with our business;

	●	our financial and business performance, including financial projections and business metrics;

	●	our ability to achieve and maintain profitability in the future

	●	our ability to effectively grow and expand operations;

	●	the risk of disruption to our current plans and operations;

	●	the potential for business or economic disruptions, including those caused by current and future pandemics, such as the COVID-19 pandemic;

	●	the ability to maintain the listing of our securities on Nasdaq, and the potential liquidity and trading of our securities;

	●	the ability to recognize the anticipated benefits of our business, which may be affected by, among other things, the ability to grow and manage our research and development and clinical activity, and retain key employees;

	●	the impact of changes to applicable laws or regulations;

	●	our future capital requirements and sources and uses of cash, including the ability to access sources of capital or raise financing in the future;

	●	the strength of our network, effectiveness of our technology, and quality of the offerings provided through our platform;

	●	the projected financial information, growth rate, strategies, and market opportunities for our business;

	●	our ability to maintain our existing license agreements and other collaborative arrangements;

	●	our ability to obtain and maintain regulatory approval for our product candidates, and any related restrictions and limitations of any approved products in the future;

	●	the success, cost and timing of our research and development strategies and activities;

	●	our ability to successfully launch our product candidates and be accepted by the market;

	●	the ability, assessment of and strategies to compete with our competitors;

	●	our ability to attract and retain talent and the effectiveness of our compensation strategies and leadership;

	●	our ability to maintain our licenses and operate in the heavily regulated pharmaceutical industries;

	●	the ability to prevent and guard against cybersecurity attacks;

	●	our reliance on third-party service providers for processing payments, web and mobile operating systems, software, background checks, and insurance policies;

	●	our ability to establish and maintain an effective system of internal controls over financial reporting;

	●	the outcome of any known and unknown litigation and regulatory proceedings, including the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances, including the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against us that could impact our business;

	●	our ability to maintain and protect our brand and intellectual property; and

	●	other factors detailed under the section entitled “Risk Factors.”

	●	the impact of our investments in product innovation and commercial growth;

	●	our ability to demonstrate the utility of our platform and their potential advantages over existing technologies to academic institutions, biopharmaceutical companies and the medical community;

	●	our ability, and that of our collaborators, to comply with FDA and other regulatory requirements; and

	●	the rate of development of our product candidates and reputation among academic institutions, key opinion leaders and advocacy groups.

	●	our ability to obtain additional funding to develop and commercialize our product candidates;

	●	any delays in regulatory review and approval for implementation of our development plans;

	●	delays in the commencement, enrollment and timing of clinical trials;

	●	the success of our preclinical and clinical trials through all phases of preclinical and clinical development;

	●	any delays in regulatory review and approval of our product candidates;

	●	our ability to obtain and maintain regulatory approval for our product candidates that we seek to develop in the United States and foreign jurisdictions;

	●	potential side effects of our product candidates that could delay or prevent commercialization, limit the indications for our product candidates, if approved, require the establishment of Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies (“REMS”), cause an approved drug to be taken off the market or subject us to fines and penalties and third-party claims;

	●	market acceptance of our product candidates, if approved for marketing;

	●	our dependence on third parties to manufacture and supply our product candidates;

	●	our dependence on clinical research organizations (“CROs”) to conduct our clinical trials;

	●	our dependence on contract manufacturing organizations (“CMOs”) to produce our products for clinical purposes and commercialization;

	●	our ability to establish or maintain collaborations, licensing or other arrangements;

	●	our ability to identify, acquire and incorporate other businesses, products and/or technologies;

	●	our ability to establish and maintain an effective sales and marketing infrastructure, either through the creation of a commercial infrastructure or through strategic collaborations;

	●	competition from existing products or new products that may emerge;

	●	the ability of patients or healthcare providers to obtain coverage of or sufficient reimbursement for our product candidates;

	●	our ability and our licensors’ abilities to successfully obtain, maintain, defend and enforce intellectual property rights important to our business;

	●	our ability to leverage our partners’ proprietary technology platform to discover and develop additional product candidates;

	●	our ability to attract and retain key personnel to manage our business effectively;

	●	our ability to manage an operational public company and continue to comply with the rules and requirements of the SEC, and the regulations promulgated thereunder, and Nasdaq’s listing requirements;

	●	our ability to build our finance infrastructure and improve our accounting systems and controls;

	●	potential product liability claims;

	●	potential liabilities associated with hazardous materials; and

	●	our ability to obtain and maintain adequate insurance policies.

	●	the initiation, progress, timing, costs and results of preclinical and clinical trials for our product candidates;

	●	whether the FDA requires that we perform additional studies for our product candidates that we seek to develop beyond those that we anticipate;

	●	the terms and timing of any future collaboration, licensing or other arrangements that we may establish;

	●	the outcome, timing and cost of regulatory approvals;

	●	the effect of competing technological and market developments;

	●	the cost and timing of establishing commercial-scale outsourced manufacturing capabilities;

	●	market acceptance of our product candidates if we receive regulatory approval;

	●	the cost of establishing sales, marketing and distribution capabilities for our product candidates, if we receive regulatory approval; and

	●	the extent to which we acquire, license or invest in businesses, products or technologies.

	●	the potential diversion of healthcare resources away from the conduct of clinical trials to focus on pandemic concerns, including the attention of physicians serving as our clinical trial investigators, hospitals serving as our clinical trial sites and hospital staff supporting the conduct of our prospective clinical trials;

	●	limitations on travel that could interrupt key trial and business activities, such as clinical trial site initiations and monitoring, domestic and international travel by employees, contractors or patients to clinical trial sites, including any government-imposed travel restrictions or quarantines that will impact the ability or willingness of patients, employees or contractors to travel to our clinical trial sites or secure visas or entry permissions, a loss of face-to-face meetings and other interactions with potential partners, any of which could delay or adversely impact the conduct or progress of our prospective clinical trials;

	●	the potential negative effect on the operations of our third-party manufacturers;

	●	interruption in global shipping, affecting the transport of raw materials for our products, clinical trial materials, such as patient samples, investigational drug product and conditioning drugs and other supplies used in our prospective clinical trials; and

	●	business disruptions caused by potential workplace, laboratory and office closures and an increased reliance on employees working from home, disruptions to or delays in ongoing laboratory experiments and operations, staffing shortages, travel limitations or mass transit disruptions, any of which could adversely impact our business operations or delay necessary interactions with local regulators, ethics committees and other important agencies and contractors.

	●	the ability to raise additional capital on acceptable terms, or at all;

	●	timely completion of our clinical trials, which may be significantly slower or cost more than we currently anticipate and will depend substantially upon the performance of third-party contractors;

	●	whether we are required by the FDA, or similar foreign regulatory agencies to conduct additional preclinical or clinical trials beyond those planned to support the approval and commercialization of our product candidates or any future product candidates;

	●	acceptance of our proposed indications and primary endpoint assessments relating to the proposed indications of our product candidates by the FDA and similar foreign regulatory authorities;

	●	our ability to demonstrate to the satisfaction of the FDA and similar foreign regulatory authorities, the safety and efficacy of our product candidates or any future product candidates;

	●	our ability to identify an active compound within the drug product that can be detected in a pharmacokinetics study;

	●	the prevalence, duration and severity of potential side effects experienced in connection with our product candidates or future approved products, if any;

	●	the timely receipt of necessary marketing approvals from the FDA and similar foreign regulatory authorities;

	●	achieving and maintaining, and, where applicable, ensuring that our third-party contractors achieve and maintain, compliance with our contractual obligations and with all regulatory requirements applicable to our product candidates or any future product candidates or approved products, if any;

	●	the ability of third parties with whom we contract to manufacture clinical trial and commercial supplies of our product candidates or any future product candidates, remain in good standing with regulatory agencies and develop, validate and maintain commercially viable manufacturing processes that are compliant with current good manufacturing practices, or cGMP, or good agricultural and collection practices, or GACP;

	●	a continued acceptable safety profile during preclinical and clinical development and following approval of our product candidates or any future product candidates;

	●	our ability to successfully commercialize our product candidates or any future product candidates in the United States and internationally, if approved for marketing, sale and distribution in such countries and territories, whether alone or in collaboration with others;

	●	acceptance by physicians, patients and payors of the benefits, safety and efficacy of our product candidates or any future product candidates, if approved, including relative to alternative and competing treatments;

	●	our ability to comply with numerous post-approval regulatory requirements;

	●	our and our partners’ ability to establish and enforce intellectual property rights in and to our product candidates or any future product candidates;

	●	our and our partners’ ability to avoid third-party patent interference or intellectual property infringement claims; and

	●	our ability to in-license or acquire additional product candidates or commercial-stage products that we believe we can successfully develop and commercialize.

	●	discovery of safety or tolerability concerns, such as serious or unexpected toxicities or side effects or exposure to otherwise unacceptable health risks, experienced by study participants or other safety issues;

	●	lack of effectiveness of any product candidate during clinical trials or the failure of our product candidates to meet specified endpoints;

	●	slower than expected rates of subject recruitment and enrollment rates or inability to enroll a sufficient number of patients in clinical trials resulting from numerous factors, including the prevalence of other companies’ clinical trials for their product candidates for the same indication, or clinical trials for indications for which patients do not as commonly seek treatment;

	●	delays or difficulties in our clinical trials due to quarantines or other restrictions resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic;

	●	difficulty in retaining subjects who have initiated a clinical trial but may withdraw at any time due to adverse side effects from the therapy, insufficient efficacy, fatigue with the clinical trial process or for any other reason;

	●	difficulty in obtaining IRB approval for studies to be conducted at each clinical trial site;

	●	delays in manufacturing or obtaining, or inability to manufacture or obtain, sufficient quantities of materials for use in clinical trials;

	●	inadequacy of or changes in our manufacturing process or the product formulation or method of delivery;

	●	changes in applicable laws, regulations and regulatory policies;

	●	delays or failure in reaching agreement on acceptable terms in clinical trial contracts or protocols with prospective contract research organizations (“CRO”), clinical trial sites and other third-party contractors;

	●	inability to add a sufficient number of clinical trial sites;

	●	uncertainty regarding proper formulation and dosing;

	●	failure by us, our employees, our CROs or their employees or other third-party contractors to comply with contractual and applicable regulatory requirements or to perform their services in a timely or acceptable manner;

	●	failure by us, our employees, our CROs or their employees or any partner with which we may collaborate or their employees to comply with applicable FDA or other regulatory requirements relating to the conduct of clinical trials or the handling, storage, security and recordkeeping for drug and biologic products;

	●	scheduling conflicts with participating clinicians and clinical institutions;

	●	failure to design appropriate clinical trial protocols;

	●	insufficient data to support regulatory approval;

	●	inability or unwillingness of medical investigators to follow our clinical protocols; or

	●	difficulty in maintaining contact with subjects during or after treatment, which may result in incomplete data.

	●	disagree with the design or implementation of one or more clinical trials;

	●	not deem a product candidate safe and effective for its proposed indication, or may deem a product candidate’s safety or other perceived risks to outweigh its clinical or other benefits;

	●	not find the data from preclinical studies and clinical trials sufficient to support approval, or the results of clinical trials may not meet the level of statistical or clinical significance required by the FDA or the applicable foreign regulatory body for approval;

	●	disagree with our interpretation of data from preclinical studies or clinical trials performed by us or third parties, or with the interpretation of any partner with which we may collaborate;

	●	determine the data collected from preclinical or clinical trials may not be sufficient to support the submission of an IND or NDA, or other applicable regulatory filing;

	●	require additional preclinical studies or clinical trials;

	●	identify deficiencies in the formulation, quality control, labeling or specifications of our current or future product candidates;

	●	require clinical trials in pediatric patients in order to establish pharmacokinetics or safety for this more drug-sensitive population;

	●	grant approval contingent on the performance of costly additional post-approval clinical trials;

	●	approve our current or any future product candidates for a more limited indication or a narrower patient population than we originally requested or with strong warnings that may affect marketability;

	●	not approve the labeling that we believe is necessary or desirable for the successful commercialization of our product candidates;

	●	not approve of the manufacturing processes, controls or facilities of third-party manufacturers or testing labs with which we contract;

	●	consider our products a device instead of a drug requiring a different approval process and manufacturing needs;

	●	consider one of our products a combination product instead of a singular drug requiring additional clinical trials or increased number of patients per study; or

	●	change our approval policies or adopt new regulations in a manner rendering our clinical data or regulatory filings insufficient for approval.

	●	the clinical indications for which the product is approved and patient demand for approved products that treat those indications;

	●	the effectiveness of our product as compared to other available therapies;

	●	the availability of coverage and adequate reimbursement from managed care plans and other healthcare payors for any of our product candidates that may be approved;

	●	the cost of treatment with our product candidates in relation to alternative treatments and willingness to pay for the product, if approved, on the part of patients;

	●	acceptance by physicians, major operators of clinics and patients of the product as a safe and effective treatment;

	●	physician and patient willingness to adopt a new therapy over other available therapies to treat approved indications;

	●	overcoming any biases physicians or patients may have toward particular therapies for the treatment of approved indications;

	●	proper training and administration of our product candidates by physicians and medical staff;

	●	patient satisfaction with the results and administration of our product candidates and overall treatment experience;

	●	the revenue and profitability that our product candidate may offer a physician as compared to alternative therapies;

	●	the prevalence and severity of side effects;

	●	limitations or warnings contained in the FDA-approved labeling for our product candidates;

	●	any FDA requirement to undertake a risk evaluation and mitigation strategy, or REMS;

	●	the effectiveness of our sales, marketing and distribution efforts;

	●	our ability to maintain sufficient quantities of supply to meet demand;

	●	adverse publicity about our product candidates or favorable publicity about competitive products; and

	●	potential product liability claims.

	●	impose restrictions on the marketing or manufacturing of the product, suspend or withdraw product approvals or revoke necessary licenses;

	●	mandate modifications to promotional materials or require us to provide corrective information to healthcare practitioners;

	●	require us or our partners to enter into a consent decree, which can include imposition of various fines, reimbursements for inspection costs, required due dates for specific actions and penalties for noncompliance;

	●	issue warning letters, show cause notices or untitled letters describing alleged violations, which may be publicly available;

	●	commence criminal investigations and prosecutions;

	●	impose injunctions, suspensions or revocations of necessary approvals or other licenses;

	●	impose other civil or criminal penalties;

	●	suspend any ongoing clinical trials;

	●	delay or refuse to approve pending applications or supplements to approved applications filed by us or our potential partners;

	●	refuse to permit drugs or precursor chemicals to be imported or exported to or from the United States;

	●	suspend or impose restrictions on operations, including costly new manufacturing requirements; or

	●	regulatory authorities may withdraw their approval of the product;

	●	regulatory authorities may require a recall of the product or we or our potential partners may voluntarily recall a product;

	●	regulatory authorities may require the addition of warnings or contraindications in the product labeling, narrowing of the indication in the product label or field alerts to physicians and pharmacies;

	●	we may be required to create a medication guide outlining the risks of such side effects for distribution to patients or institute a REMS;

	●	we may have limitations on how we promote the product;

	●	we may be required to change the way the product is administered or modify the product in some other way; the FDA or applicable foreign regulatory authority may require additional clinical trials or costly post-marketing testing and surveillance to monitor the safety or efficacy of the product;

	●	the FDA or applicable foreign regulatory authority may require additional clinical trials or costly post-marketing testing and surveillance to monitor the safety or efficacy of the product

	●	sales of the product may decrease significantly;

	●	we could be sued and held liable for harm caused to patients; and

	●	our brand and reputation may suffer.

	●	withdrawal of clinical trial participants;

	●	termination of clinical trial sites or entire trial programs;

	●	inability to gain regulatory approval of our product candidates;

	●	the inability to commercialize our product candidates;

	●	decreased demand for our product candidates;

	●	impairment of our business reputation;

	●	product recall or withdrawal from the market or labeling, marketing or promotional restrictions;

	●	substantial costs of any related litigation or similar disputes;

	●	distraction of management’s attention and other resources from our primary business;

	●	substantial monetary awards to patients or other claimants against us that may not be covered by insurance; or

	●	additional clinical trials to be conducted prior to obtaining approval;

	●	changes to manufacturing methods;

	●	recalls, replacements, or discontinuance of one or more of our products; and

	●	additional recordkeeping.

	●	the federal Anti-Kickback Statute, which prohibits, among other things, any person or entity from knowingly and willfully offering, soliciting, receiving or providing any remuneration (including any kickback, bribe or rebate), directly or indirectly, overtly or covertly, in cash or in kind, to induce either the referral of an individual or in return for the purchase, lease, or order of any good, facility item or service, for which payment may be made, in whole or in part, under federal healthcare programs such as the Medicare and Medicaid programs;

	●	federal civil and criminal false claims laws and civil monetary penalty laws, including, for example, the federal civil False Claims Act, which impose criminal and civil penalties, including civil whistleblower or qui tam actions, against individuals or entities for, among other things, knowingly presenting, or causing to be presented, to the federal government, including the Medicare and Medicaid programs, claims for payment that are false or fraudulent or making a false statement to avoid, decrease or conceal an obligation to pay money to the federal government;

	●	the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (“HIPAA”), which created new federal criminal statutes that prohibit knowingly and willfully executing, or attempting to execute, a scheme to defraud any healthcare benefit program or obtain, by means of false or fraudulent pretenses, representations or promises, any of the money or property owned by, or under the custody or control of, any healthcare benefit program, regardless of the payor (e.g., public or private), knowingly and willfully embezzling or stealing from a health care benefit program, willfully obstructing a criminal investigation of a health care offense and knowingly and willfully falsifying, concealing or covering up by any trick or device a material fact or making any materially false statements in connection with the delivery of, or payment for, healthcare benefits, items or services relating to healthcare matters;

	●	HIPAA, as amended by the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act, and their implementing regulations, which impose obligations on covered entities, including healthcare providers, health plans, and healthcare clearinghouses, as well as their respective business associates that create, receive, maintain or transmit individually identifiable health information for or on behalf of a covered entity, with respect to safeguarding the privacy, security and transmission of individually identifiable health information;

	●	the federal physician sunshine requirements under the Affordable Care Act, which require manufacturers of drugs, devices, biologics and medical supplies to report annually to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services information related to payments and other transfers of value provided to physicians and teaching hospitals, and ownership and investment interests held by physicians and their immediate family members; and

	●	state law equivalents of each of the above federal laws, such as anti-kickback and false claims laws, which may apply to items or services reimbursed by any third-party payor, including commercial insurers; state laws that require pharmaceutical companies to comply with the pharmaceutical industry’s voluntary compliance guidelines and the applicable compliance guidance promulgated by the federal government, or otherwise restrict payments that may be provided to healthcare providers and other potential referral sources; state laws that require drug manufacturers to report information related to payments and other transfers of value to healthcare providers or marketing expenditures; and state laws governing the privacy and security of health information in certain circumstances, many of which differ from each other in significant ways and may not have the same effect, thus complicating compliance efforts.

	●	our customers’ ability to obtain market access and appropriate reimbursement for our product candidates in foreign markets;

	●	our inability to directly control commercial activities because we are relying on third parties;

	●	the burden of complying with complex and changing foreign regulatory, tax, accounting and legal requirements;

	●	different medical practices and customs in foreign countries affecting acceptance in the marketplace

	●	import or export licensing requirements;

	●	longer accounts receivable collection times;

	●	longer lead times for shipping;

	●	language barriers for technical training;

	●	reduced protection of intellectual property rights in some foreign countries;

	●	foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations; and

	●	the interpretation of contractual provisions governed by foreign laws in the event of a contract dispute.

	●	fail to supply us with product on a timely basis or in the requested amount due to unexpected damage to or destruction of facilities or equipment or otherwise;

	●	fail to increase manufacturing capacity and produce drug product and components in larger quantities and at higher yields in a timely or cost-effective manner, or at all, to sufficiently meet our commercial needs;

	●	be unable to meet our production demands due to issues related to their reliance on sole-source suppliers and manufacturers;

	●	supply us with product that fails to meet regulatory requirements;

	●	become unavailable through business interruption or financial insolvency;

	●	lose regulatory status as an approved source;

	●	be unable or unwilling to renew current supply agreements when such agreements expire on a timely basis, on acceptable terms or at all; or

	●	discontinue production or manufacturing of necessary drug substances or products.

	●	collaborators may have significant discretion in determining the efforts and resources that they will apply to these collaborations;

	●	collaborators may not perform their obligations as expected;

	●	changes in the collaborators’ strategic focus or available funding, or external factors, such as an acquisition, may divert resources or create competing priorities;

	●	collaborators may delay discovery and preclinical development, provide insufficient funding for product development of targets selected by us, stop or abandon discovery and preclinical development for a product candidate, repeat or conduct new discovery and preclinical development for a product candidate;

	●	collaborators could independently develop, or develop with third parties, products that compete directly or indirectly with our products or product candidates if the collaborators believe that competitive products are more likely to be successfully developed than ours;

	●	product candidates discovered in collaboration with us may be viewed by our collaborators as competitive with their own product candidates or products, which may cause collaborators to cease to devote resources to the development of our product candidates;

	●	disagreements with collaborators, including disagreements over proprietary rights, contract interpretation or the preferred course of development, might cause delays or termination of the discovery, preclinical development or commercialization of product candidates, might lead to additional responsibilities for us with respect to product candidates, or might result in litigation or arbitration, any of which would be time-consuming and expensive;

	●	collaborators may not properly maintain or defend our intellectual property rights or intellectual property rights licensed to us or may use our proprietary information in such a way as to invite litigation that could jeopardize or invalidate our intellectual property or proprietary information or expose us to potential litigation;

	●	collaborators may infringe the intellectual property rights of third parties, which may expose us to litigation and potential liability; and

	●	collaborations may be terminated for the convenience of the collaborator and, if terminated, we could be required to raise additional capital to pursue further development or commercialization of the applicable product candidates.

	●	continue to improve our operational, financial, management and regulatory compliance controls and reporting systems and procedures;

	●	attract and retain sufficient numbers of talented employees;

	●	develop a marketing, sales and distribution capability;

	●	manage our commercialization activities for our product candidates effectively and in a cost-effective manner;

	●	establish and maintain relationships with development and commercialization partners;

	●	manage our preclinical and clinical trials effectively;

	●	manage our third-party supply and manufacturing operations effectively and in a cost-effective manner, while increasing production capabilities for our current product candidates to commercial levels; and

	●	manage our development efforts effectively while carrying out our contractual obligations to partners and other third parties.

	●	exposure to unknown liabilities;

	●	disruption of our business and diversion of our management’s time and attention in order to develop acquired products, product candidates or technologies;

	●	incurrence of substantial debt or dilutive issuances of equity securities to pay for acquisitions;

	●	substantial acquisition and integration costs;

	●	write-downs of assets or impairment charges;

	●	increased amortization expenses;

	●	difficulty and cost in combining the operations and personnel of any acquired businesses with our operations and personnel;

	●	impairment of relationships with key suppliers, partners or customers of any acquired businesses due to changes in management and ownership; and

	●	inability to retain our key employees or those of any acquired businesses.

	●	failure of our manufacturers to follow cGMP or GACP requirements or mishandling of product while in production or in preparation for transit;

	●	inability of our contract suppliers and manufacturers to efficiently and cost-effectively increase and maintain high yields and batch quality, consistency and stability;

	●	our inability to develop an FDA approved bioassay for release of any future product;

	●	difficulty in establishing optimal drug delivery substances and techniques, production and storage methods and packaging and shipment processes;

	●	transportation and import/export risk, particularly given the global nature of our supply chain;

	●	delays in analytical results or failure of analytical techniques that we depend on for quality control and release of any future product;

	●	natural disasters, pandemics, labor disputes, financial distress, lack of raw material supply, issues with facilities and equipment or other forms of disruption to business operations of our contract manufacturers and suppliers; and

	●	latent defects that may become apparent after the product has been released and which may result in recall and destruction of product.

	●	delays in the commencement, enrollment and the timing of clinical testing for our product candidates;

	●	the timing and success or failure of clinical trials for our product candidates or competing product candidates, or any other change in the competitive landscape of our industry, including consolidation among our competitors or partners;

	●	any delays in regulatory review and approval of product candidates in clinical development;

	●	the timing and cost of, and level of investment in, research and development activities relating to our product candidates, which may change from time to time;

	●	the cost of manufacturing our product candidates, which may vary depending on FDA guidelines and requirements, and the quantity of production;

	●	our ability to obtain additional funding to develop our product candidates;

	●	expenditures that we will or may incur to acquire or develop additional product candidates and technologies;

	●	the level of demand for our product candidates, should they receive approval, which may vary significantly;

	●	potential side effects of our product candidates that could delay or prevent commercialization or cause an approved drug to be taken off the market;

	●	the ability of patients or healthcare providers to obtain coverage of or sufficient reimbursement for our product candidates, if approved;

	●	our dependency on third-party manufacturers to supply or manufacture our product candidates;