Filed
pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3)
File
Nos. 333-133043
333-129744
Prospectus
Supplement No. 2
(To
Prospectus dated March 28, 2007)
NOVELOS
THERAPEUTICS, INC.
34,285,449
shares of common stock
This
prospectus supplement supplements the Prospectus dated March 28, 2007, relating
to the resale of 34,285,449 shares of our common stock. This prospectus
supplement should be read in conjunction with the Prospectus.
Quarterly
Report on Form 10-QSB
On
May 8,
2007, we filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission our Quarterly Report
on Form 10-QSB for the quarter ended March 30, 2007. The text of the Form 10-QSB
is attached hereto.
Agreement
to Exchange and Consent
On
May 1,
2007, we entered into an Agreement to Exchange and Consent with the holders
of
our Series A preferred stock whereby the holders of our existing Series A
preferred stock agreed to exchange their 3,264 shares of Series A preferred
stock for 272 shares of a new Series C convertible preferred stock. The purpose
of the exchange was to facilitate a subordination of the Series A preferred
stock to a new series of preferred stock, designated as Series B preferred
stock, which was issued and sold in a transaction described in the attached
Form
10-QSB. The Series C preferred stock is convertible at $1.00 per share into
3,264,000 shares of common stock. Pursuant to the Agreement to Exchange and
Consent the holders of the new Series C preferred stock retained registration
and related rights substantially identical to the rights that they had as
holders of the Series A preferred stock.
As
a
result of the exchange, the common stock being offered pursuant to this prospectus,
previously issuable upon conversion of the Series A preferred stock, is now
issuable upon conversion of the Series C preferred stock. Any references to
Series A preferred stock in the prospectus, to the extent necessary, shall
be
deemed to be references to Series C preferred stock. The exchange of Series
A
preferred stock for Series C preferred stock was completed on May 2, 2007 when
the Series C certificate of designations was filed with the Delaware Secretary
of State. The terms of the Agreement to Exchange and Consent and the rights
and
preferences of the Series C preferred stock are described in Note 9 to the
attached Form 10-QSB for the quarter ended March 31, 2007.
Investing
in our common stock involves a high degree of risk.
See
Risk Factors beginning on page 7 of the Prospectus.
Neither
the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission
has
approved or disapproved of these securities or passed on the adequacy or
accuracy of this prospectus supplement. Any representation to the contrary
is a
criminal offense.
The
date
of this prospectus supplement is May 9, 2007
U.S.
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington,
D.C. 20549
FORM
10-QSB
[mark
one]
x
|
QUARTERLY
REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF
1934
|
|
For
the quarterly period ended: March 31,
2007
|
o
|
TRANSITION
REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF
1934
|
|
For
the transition period from ______________ to
______________
|
Commission
File Number 333-119366
NOVELOS
THERAPEUTICS, INC.
(Exact
name of small business issuer as specified in its charter)
DELAWARE
|
|
04-3321804
|
(State
or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
|
|
(IRS
Employer Identification
No.)
|
One
Gateway Center, Suite 504, Newton, Massachusetts 02458
(Address
of principal executive offices)
(617)
244-1616
(Issuer’s
telephone number, including area code)
(Former
name, former address, if changed since last report)
Check
whether the issuer (1) filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13
or
15(d) of the Exchange Act during the past 12 months (or for such shorter period
that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject
to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x
No
o
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule
12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o
No x
Number
of
shares outstanding of the issuer’s common stock as of the latest practicable
date: 39,235,272 shares
of
common stock, $.00001 par value per share, as of May 1, 2007.
Transitional
Small Business Disclosure Format (check one): Yes o No
x
NOVELOS
THERAPEUTICS, INC.
10-QSB
INDEX
PART
I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Item
1.
|
|
Financial
Statements
|
|
3
|
Item
2.
|
|
Management’s
Discussion and Analysis or Plan of Operation
|
|
14
|
Item
3.
|
|
Controls
and Procedures
|
|
25
|
|
|
|
|
|
PART
II. OTHER INFORMATION
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Item
1.
|
|
Legal
Proceedings
|
|
26
|
Item
2.
|
|
Unregistered
Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
|
|
26
|
Item
3.
|
|
Defaults
Upon Senior Securities
|
|
26
|
Item
4.
|
|
Submission
of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
|
|
26
|
Item
5.
|
|
Other
Information
|
|
26
|
Item
6.
|
|
Exhibits
|
|
26
|
PART
I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item
1. Financial
Statements
NOVELOS
THERAPEUTICS, INC.
BALANCE
SHEETS
|
|
March
31,
2007 (unaudited)
|
|
December
31,
2006 (audited)
|
|
ASSETS
|
|
|
|
|
|
CURRENT
ASSETS:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash
and equivalents
|
|
$
|
7,772,195
|
|
$
|
9,938,428
|
|
Restricted
cash
|
|
|
1,607,711
|
|
|
1,655,251
|
|
Prepaid
expenses and other current assets
|
|
|
193,255
|
|
|
294,995
|
|
Deferred
financing costs
|
|
|
25,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
Total
current assets
|
|
|
9,598,161
|
|
|
11,888,674
|
|
FIXED
ASSETS, NET
|
|
|
23,659
|
|
|
23,810
|
|
DEPOSITS
|
|
|
10,875
|
|
|
10,875
|
|
TOTAL
ASSETS
|
|
$
|
9,632,695
|
|
$
|
11,923,359
|
|
LIABILITIES
AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CURRENT
LIABILITIES:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts
payable and accrued liabilities
|
|
$
|
1,245,141
|
|
$
|
1,088,041
|
|
Accrued
compensation
|
|
|
62,024
|
|
|
225,384
|
|
Total
current liabilities
|
|
|
1,307,165
|
|
|
1,313,425
|
|
COMMITMENTS
AND CONTINGENCIES
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
STOCKHOLDERS’
EQUITY:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Preferred
Stock, $0.00001 par value; 7,000 shares authorized: Series A 8% cumulative
convertible preferred stock; 3,264 shares issued and outstanding
(liquidation preference $3,264,000)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Common
stock, $0.00001 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized; 39,235,272
shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2007 and December 31,
2006
|
|
|
392
|
|
|
392
|
|
Additional
paid-in capital
|
|
|
34,391,420
|
|
|
34,294,154
|
|
Accumulated
deficit
|
|
|
(26,066,282
|
)
|
|
(23,684,612
|
)
|
Total
stockholders’ equity
|
|
|
8,325,530
|
|
|
10,609,934
|
|
TOTAL
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
|
|
$
|
9,632,695
|
|
$
|
11,923,359
|
|
See
notes to financial statements.
NOVELOS
THERAPEUTICS, INC.
STATEMENTS
OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited)
|
|
Three
Months Ended March 31,
|
|
|
|
2007
|
|
2006
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
COSTS
AND EXPENSES:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Research
and development
|
|
$
|
1,909,407
|
|
$
|
663,311
|
|
General
and administrative
|
|
|
607,722
|
|
|
771,497
|
|
Total
costs and expenses
|
|
|
2,517,129
|
|
|
1,434,808
|
|
OTHER
INCOME:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest
income
|
|
|
133,959
|
|
|
80,722
|
|
Miscellaneous
|
|
|
1,500
|
|
|
—
|
|
Total
other income
|
|
|
135,459
|
|
|
80,722
|
|
NET
LOSS
|
|
|
(2,381,670
|
)
|
|
(1,354,086
|
)
|
PREFERRED
STOCK DIVIDEND
|
|
|
(65,280
|
)
|
|
(64,000
|
)
|
NET
LOSS ATTRIBUTABLE TO COMMON STOCKHOLDERS
|
|
$
|
(2,446,950
|
)
|
$
|
(1,418,086
|
)
|
BASIC
AND DILUTED NET LOSS ATTRIBUTABLE TO COMMON STOCKHOLDERS PER COMMON
SHARE
|
|
$
|
(0.06
|
)
|
$
|
(0.05
|
)
|
SHARES
USED IN COMPUTING BASIC AND DILUTED
NET LOSS ATTRIBUTABLE TO COMMON
STOCKHOLDERS PER COMMON SHARE
|
|
|
39,235,272
|
|
|
30,927,952
|
|
See
notes to financial statements.
NOVELOS
THERAPEUTICS, INC.
STATEMENTS
OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
|
|
Three
Months Ended March 31,
|
|
|
|
2007
|
|
2006
|
|
CASH
FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
loss
|
|
$
|
(2,381,670
|
)
|
$
|
(1,354,086
|
)
|
Adjustments
to reconcile net loss to cash used in operating
activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation
and amortization
|
|
|
3,878
|
|
|
2,178
|
|
Stock-based
compensation
|
|
|
162,546
|
|
|
227,517
|
|
Increase
(decrease) in:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Prepaid
expenses and other current assets
|
|
|
101,740
|
|
|
114,762
|
|
Accounts
payable and accrued liabilities
|
|
|
157,100
|
|
|
258,443
|
|
Accrued
compensation
|
|
|
(163,360
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
Cash
used in operating activities
|
|
|
(2,119,766
|
)
|
|
(751,186
|
)
|
CASH
FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Purchases
of property and equipment
|
|
|
(3,727
|
)
|
|
(2,190
|
)
|
Change
in restricted cash
|
|
|
47,540
|
|
|
(1,201
|
)
|
Deferred
financing costs
|
|
|
(25,000
|
)
|
|
24,612
|
|
Cash
provided by investing activities
|
|
|
18,813
|
|
|
21,221
|
|
CASH
FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Proceeds
from issuance of common stock, net
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
13,888,940
|
|
Dividends
paid to preferred stockholders
|
|
|
(65,280
|
)
|
|
(64,000
|
)
|
Proceeds
from exercise of stock option
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
750
|
|
Cash
provided by (used in) financing activities
|
|
|
(65,280
|
)
|
|
13,825,690
|
|
INCREASE
(DECREASE) IN CASH AND EQUIVALENTS
|
|
|
(2,166,233
|
)
|
|
13,095,725
|
|
CASH
AND EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF YEAR
|
|
|
9,938,428
|
|
|
4,267,115
|
|
CASH
AND EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD
|
|
$
|
7,772,195
|
|
$
|
17,362,840
|
|
SUPPLEMENTAL
DISCLOSURE OF NON-CASH ACTIVITIES
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common
stock issued for services
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
125,750
|
|
See
notes to financial statements.
Novelos
Therapeutics, Inc.
Notes
to Financial Statements
1.
BASIS OF PRESENTATION
The
accompanying unaudited financial statements of Novelos Therapeutics, Inc.
(“Novelos” or the “Company”) have been prepared in accordance with accounting
principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) for interim
financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-QSB and Item 310
of
Regulation S-B. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and
footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion
of
management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered
necessary for the fair presentation of these financial statements have been
included. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP
requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts
reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Interim results
are
not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for other quarterly periods
or for the entire year ending December 31, 2007. These unaudited financial
statements should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements
and related notes thereto included in the Company’s latest annual report for the
year ended December 31, 2006 on Form 10-KSB, which was filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on March 21, 2007.
Cash
-
Restricted cash consists of approximately $58,000 of cash placed in escrow
as
contractually required under an employment agreement with an officer and
approximately $1,550,000 of cash pledged as security on a letter of credit
agreement with a bank. See Note 8.
Comprehensive
Income (Loss) -
The
Company had no components of comprehensive income (loss) other than the net
loss
in all periods presented.
Reclassifications
-
Certain
amounts in prior periods have been reclassified to conform to the current period
presentation.
2.
REVERSE MERGER AND REORGANIZATION
During
May and June 2005, the Company completed a two-step reverse merger
with Common Horizons, Inc. (“Common Horizons”), a Nevada-based developer of web
portals, and its wholly owned subsidiary Nove Acquisition, Inc. Following the
reverse merger Novelos became the surviving corporation. Following these
transactions, Novelos shareholders owned approximately 83% of the combined
company on a fully diluted basis after giving effect to the transactions. The
business of Common Horizons, which was insignificant, was abandoned and the
business of Novelos was adopted. The transaction was therefore treated as a
reverse acquisition recapitalization with Novelos as the acquiring party and
Common Horizons as the acquired party for accounting purposes.
3.
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
2005
PIPE
- From
May 27, 2005 through August 9, 2005, the Company completed a private offering
of
securities structured as a “PIPE” (Private Investment in Public Equity), exempt
from registration under the Securities Act of 1933, in which it sold to
accredited investors 4,000,000 shares of common stock and issued 2,000,000
common stock warrants (initially exercisable at $2.25 per share) for net cash
proceeds of approximately $3,715,000 (net of cash issuance costs of
approximately $735,000) and conversion of debt and accrued interest of $550,000.
In connection with the private placement, the Company also issued 125,000 shares
of common stock to placement agents with a value of approximately $156,000
and
issued 340,000 common stock warrants to placement agents and finders at an
initial exercise price of $2.00 per share. Pursuant to anti-dilution provisions,
the number of warrants issued to investors, placement agents and finders was
subsequently increased to 3,139,312 and the exercise price of the warrants
was
reduced to $1.65 per share as a result of the Series A Preferred financing
described below. The 2006 PIPE transaction in March 2006 described below
resulted in a further adjustment to the warrants, increasing the number of
warrants to 3,836,967 and reducing the exercise price of the warrants to $1.35
per share.
Series
A Preferred
-- On
September 30, 2005 and October 3, 2005, the Company sold, in a private
placement, a total of 3,200 shares of its Series A 8% Cumulative Convertible
Preferred Stock (Series A Preferred) and 969,696 common stock warrants for
net
proceeds of $2,864,000, net of issuance costs of $336,000. The preferred shares
were originally convertible at a price of $1.65 per common share into 1,939,393
shares of common stock and the warrants were exercisable at $2.00 per share.
See
Note 9 regarding an exchange of all the outstanding shares of Series A Preferred
Stock for shares of a new Series C convertible preferred stock.
The
Series A Preferred stockholders do not have voting rights. The holders of a
majority of the Series A Preferred stock nominated Michael J. Doyle to the
Company’s board of directors. The preferred stock has an annual dividend rate of
8%, payable quarterly in cash or additional shares of preferred stock. This
dividend rate increases to 20% annually on the second anniversary of issuance
or
upon the occurrence of certain events of default. The Series A Preferred
stockholders have a preference in liquidation equal to the face value of the
outstanding shares plus any accrued but any unpaid dividends. If there are
insufficient assets to permit payment in full, the Company’s assets will be
distributed to the Series A Preferred stockholders on a pro rata basis.
The
Series A Preferred stock and warrants have anti-dilution provisions that provide
for adjustments to the conversion or exercise price, as applicable, upon the
occurrence of certain events. Pursuant to these anti-dilution provisions, both
the conversion price of the preferred stock and the exercise price of the
warrants were subsequently adjusted to $1.35 per share on March 7, 2006 in
connection with the 2006 PIPE transaction described below and the preferred
stock then outstanding became convertible into 2,417,774 shares of common stock.
2006
PIPE
- On
March 7, 2006, the Company completed a private offering of securities structured
as a PIPE, exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933, in which
it sold to accredited investors 11,154,073 shares of common stock at $1.35
per
share and warrants to purchase 8,365,542 shares of its common stock exercisable
at $2.50 per share for net cash proceeds of approximately $13,847,000 (net
of
issuance costs of approximately $1,211,000, including placement agent fees
of
approximately $1,054,000). In connection with the private placement, the Company
issued 669,244 common stock warrants (exercisable at $2.50 per share) to the
placement agents.
Common
Stock Warrants — The
following table summarizes information with regard to outstanding warrants
issued in connection with equity and debt financings as of March 31,
2007:
Offering
|
|
Outstanding
(as
adjusted)
|
|
Exercise
Price
(as
adjusted)
|
|
Expiration
Date
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2005
Bridge Loans
|
|
|
720,000
|
|
$
|
0.625
|
|
|
April
1, 2010
|
|
2005
PIPE:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investors
|
|
|
3,333,275
|
|
$
|
1.35
|
|
|
August
9, 2008
|
|
Placement
agents and finders
|
|
|
503,692
|
|
$
|
1.35
|
|
|
August
9, 2010
|
|
Series
A Preferred:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investors
- September 30, 2005 closing
|
|
|
909,090
|
|
$
|
1.35
|
|
|
September
30, 2010
|
|
Investors
- October 3, 2005 closing
|
|
|
60,606
|
|
$
|
1.35
|
|
|
October
3, 2010
|
|
2006
PIPE:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investors
|
|
|
8,365,542
|
|
$
|
2.50
|
|
|
March
7, 2011
|
|
Placement
agents
|
|
|
669,244
|
|
$
|
2.50
|
|
|
March
7, 2011
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
14,561,449
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
On
April
1, 2005, in connection with the issuance of $450,000 bridge notes payable,
the
Company issued warrants to purchase 720,000 shares of Novelos stock at $0.625
per share that expire in 5 years.
No
warrants have been exercised as of March 31, 2007.
The
sale
of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock, described in Note 9, resulted in
adjustments to certain warrant exercise prices and amounts. See Note 9 for
a
summary of those adjustments.
Registration
Rights - The
shares of common stock sold in the 2005 PIPE and the 2006 PIPE and the shares
of
common stock issuable upon conversion of the preferred stock and exercise of
outstanding warrants have been registered for resale with the Securities and
Exchange Commission. Pursuant to the registration rights associated with the
financings, if the Company fails to maintain the effectiveness of the
registration statements for the periods specified in the agreements, the Company
may become obligated to pay liquidated damages to the selling stockholders.
The
Company believes that an investor claim for liquidated damages relating to
these
registration rights is not probable and therefore has not accrued for such
a
contingency at March 31, 2007.
Reserved
Shares —
At
March 31, 2007 the following shares were reserved for future issuance upon
exercise of stock options or warrants or conversion of preferred stock:
2000
Stock Option Plan
|
|
|
73,873
|
|
2006
Stock Incentive Plan
|
|
|
5,000,000
|
|
Options
issued outside of formalized plans
|
|
|
2,578,778
|
|
Warrants
|
|
|
14,561,449
|
|
Preferred
stock (1)
|
|
|
4,231,104
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
shares reserved for future issuance
|
|
|
26,445,204
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1)
The
amount of reserved shares includes shares reserved in excess of the number
currently exercisable or convertible in accordance with the related financing
agreement.
4.
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
The
Company accounts for stock-based compensation in accordance with the provisions
of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) 123R Share-Based
Payment
(SFAS
123R), using the modified-prospective-transition method. SFAS 123R requires
all
share-based payments to employees, including grants of employee stock options,
to be recognized in the financial statements based on their fair values. SFAS
123R did not change the accounting guidance for share-based payments granted
to
non-employees provided in SFAS No. 123,
Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation (SFAS
123), as originally issued and Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) No. 96-18,
Accounting
for Equity Instruments That Are Issued to Other Than Employees for Acquiring,
or
in Conjunction with Selling, Goods or Services.
EITF
96-18 requires that companies recognize compensation expense based on the
estimated fair value of options granted to non-employees over their vesting
period, which is generally the period during which services are rendered by
such
non-employees. Under
the
modified-prospective-transition method, compensation cost recognized for all
periods presented includes: (a) compensation cost for all stock-based payments
granted, but not yet vested as of January 1, 2006, based on the grant-date
fair
value estimated in accordance with the original provisions of SFAS 123, and
(b)
compensation cost for all stock-based payments granted subsequent to January
1,
2006, based on the grant-date fair value estimated in accordance with the
provisions of SFAS 123R.
The
following table summarizes amounts charged to expense for stock-based
compensation related to employee and director stock option grants and
stock-based compensation recorded in connection with stock options and
restricted stock awards granted to non-employee consultants:
|
|
Three
Months Ended
March
31,
|
|
|
|
2007
|
|
2006
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Employee
and director stock option grants:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Research
and development
|
|
$
|
63,066
|
|
$
|
45,615
|
|
General
and administrative
|
|
|
41,642
|
|
|
15,110
|
|
|
|
|
104,708
|
|
|
60,725
|
|
Non-employee
consultants stock option grants and restricted stock
awards:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Research
and development
|
|
|
17,858
|
|
|
—
|
|
General
and administrative
|
|
|
39,980
|
|
|
166,792
|
|
|
|
|
57,838
|
|
|
166,792
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
stock-based compensation
|
|
$
|
162,546
|
|
$
|
227,517
|
|
Determining
Fair Value
The
following table summarizes weighted-average values and assumptions used for
options granted to employees, directors and consultants in the periods
indicated:
|
|
Three
Months Ended March
31, 2007
|
|
|
|
|
|
Volatility
|
|
|
80
|
%
|
Weighted-average
volatility
|
|
|
80
|
%
|
Risk-free
interest rate
|
|
|
4.66
|
%
|
Expected
life (years)
|
|
|
5
|
|
Dividend
|
|
|
0
|
|
Weighted-average
exercise price
|
|
$
|
0.89
|
|
Weighted-average
grant-date fair value
|
|
$
|
0.60
|
|
There
were no option grants in the three months ended March 31, 2006.
Stock
Option Activity
A
summary
of stock option activity under the 2000 Plan, the 2006 Plan and outside of
any
formalized plan is as follows:
|
|
Options
Outstanding
|
|
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
|
|
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contracted
Term in
Years
|
|
Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
|
|
Outstanding
at January 1, 2007
|
|
|
3,492,651
|
|
$
|
0.70
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Options
granted
|
|
|
120,000
|
|
$
|
0.89
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Outstanding
at March 31, 2007
|
|
|
3,612,651
|
|
$
|
0.71
|
|
|
8.2
|
|
$
|
2,593,113
|
|
Exercisable
at March 31, 2007
|
|
|
2,466,817
|
|
$
|
0.52
|
|
|
7.7
|
|
$
|
2,301,079
|
|
The
aggregate intrinsic value of options outstanding is calculated based on the
positive difference between the closing market price of the Company’s common
stock at the end of the respective period and the exercise price of the
underlying options.
As
of
March 31, 2007, there was approximately $654,000 of total unrecognized
compensation cost related to unvested share-based compensation arrangements.
Of
this total amount, 53%, 30% and 17% are expected to be recognized during 2007,
2008 and 2009, respectively. The Company expects 1,145,834 in unvested options
to vest in the future. The weighted-average grant-date fair value of vested
and
unvested options outstanding at March 31, 2007 was $0.29 and $0.68,
respectively.
5.
NET LOSS PER SHARE
Basic
net
loss per share is computed by dividing net loss attributable to common
stockholders by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock
outstanding during the period. Diluted net loss per share is computed by
dividing net loss attributable to common stockholders by the weighted-average
number of shares of common stock and the dilutive potential common stock
equivalents then outstanding. Potential common stock equivalents consist of
stock options, warrants and convertible preferred stock. Since the Company
has a
net loss for all periods presented, the inclusion of stock options and warrants
in the computation would be antidilutive. Accordingly, basic and diluted net
loss per share are the same.
The
following potentially dilutive securities have been excluded from the
computation of diluted net loss per share since their inclusion would be
antidilutive:
|
|
Three
Months Ended
March
31,
|
|
|
|
2007
|
|
2006
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stock
options
|
|
|
3,612,651
|
|
|
2,652,651
|
|
Warrants
|
|
|
14,561,449
|
|
|
14,561,449
|
|
Conversion
of preferred stock
|
|
|
2,417,774
|
|
|
2,417,774
|
|
6.
INCOME TAXES
The
Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with SFAS No. 109, Accounting
for Income Taxes (SFAS
109). Under SFAS 109, deferred tax assets or liabilities are computed based
on
the difference between the financial-statement and income-tax basis of assets
and liabilities, and net operating loss carryforwards, using the enacted tax
rates. Deferred income tax expense or benefit is based on changes in the asset
or liability from period to period. The Company did not record a provision
for
federal, state or foreign income taxes for the three months ended March 31,
2007
and 2006, respectively, because the Company has experienced losses since
inception. The Company has not recorded a benefit for deferred tax assets as
their realizability is uncertain.
7.
NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
In
February 2007, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued SFAS
No.
159, The
Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities - Including
an
Amendment to FASB Statement No. 115 (SFAS
159). SFAS 159 permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments
and certain other items at fair value. SFAS 159 is effective for financial
statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. Earlier
adoption is permitted as of the beginning of a fiscal year that begins on or
before November 15, 2007, provided that the entity also elects to apply the
provisions of SFAS 157. The Company is currently evaluating the effect of this
standard on its future reported financial position and results of operations.
In
September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, Fair
Value Measurements (SFAS
157), to define fair value, establish a framework for measuring fair value
in
generally accepted accounting principles and expand disclosures about fair-value
measurements. SFAS 157 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal
years beginning after November 15, 2007 and interim periods within those fiscal
years, with earlier application allowed. The Company is currently evaluating
the
effect of this standard on its future reported financial position and results
of
operations.
In
February 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 155, Accounting
for Certain Hybrid Financial Instruments—an
amendment of FASB Statements No. 133 and 140 (SFAS
155), to simplify and make more consistent the accounting for certain financial
instruments. SFAS 155 amends SFAS No. 133, Accounting
for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities,
to
permit fair-value remeasurement for any hybrid financial instrument with an
embedded derivative that otherwise would require bifurcation, provided that
the
whole instrument is accounted for on a fair-value basis. SFAS 155 amends SFAS
No. 140, Accounting
for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets,
to
allow a qualifying special-purpose entity to hold a derivative financial
instrument that pertains to a beneficial interest other than another derivative
financial instrument. SFAS 155 applies to all financial instruments acquired
or
issued after the beginning of an entity's first fiscal year that begins after
September 15, 2006, with earlier application allowed. This standard had no
effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations in the three
months ended March 31, 2007.
8.
COMMITMENTS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The
Company is obligated to ZAO BAM under a royalty and technology transfer
agreement. Mark Balazovsky, a director of the Company until November 2006,
is
the majority shareholder of ZAO BAM. Pursuant to the royalty and technology
transfer agreement between the Company and ZAO BAM, the Company is required
to
make royalty payments of 1.2% of net sales of oxidized glutathione-based
products. The Company is also required to pay ZAO BAM $2 million for each new
oxidized glutathione-based drug within eighteen months following FDA approval
of
such drug.
The
Company has also agreed to pay ZAO BAM 12% of all license revenues, as defined,
in excess of the Company’s expenditures associated therewith, including but not
limited to, preclinical and clinical studies, testing, FDA and other regulatory
agency submission and approval costs, general and administrative costs, and
patent expenses, provided that such payment be no less than 3% of all license
revenues.
As
a
result of the assignment to Novelos of the exclusive worldwide intellectual
property and marketing rights of oxidized glutathione (excluding Russia
and the other states of the former Soviet Union), Novelos is obligated to the
Oxford Group, Ltd. for future royalties. The
Company’s Chairman of the Board of Directors is president of Oxford Group, Ltd.
Pursuant to the agreement, as revised May 26, 2005, Novelos is required to
pay
Oxford Group, Ltd. a royalty in the amount of 0.8% of the Company’s net sales of
oxidized glutathione-based products.
In
July,
2006, the Company entered into a contract with a supplier of pharmaceutical
products that will provide chemotherapy drugs to be used in connection with
Phase 3 clinical trial activities outside of the United States. Pursuant to
the
contract, the Company was obligated to purchase a minimum of approximately
$2,600,000 of chemotherapy drugs at specified intervals through March 2008.
During 2006, the Company purchased approximately $1,300,000 under the contract
and as of March 31, 2007, approximately $1,300,000 is remaining under that
commitment. In connection with that agreement, the Company was required to
enter
into a standby letter of credit arrangement with a bank, expiring in August
2007. The balance on the standby letter of credit at March 31, 2007 equals
the
remaining purchase commitment of $1,300,000. In connection with the letter
of
credit, the Company has pledged cash of approximately $1,600,000 to the bank
as
collateral on the letter of credit. The pledged cash is included in restricted
cash at March 31, 2007.
9.
SUBSEQUENT EVENT
Securities
Purchase Agreement
On
May 2,
2007, pursuant to a securities purchase agreement with accredited investors
dated April 12, 2007 (the “Purchase Agreement”), as amended May 2, 2007, the
Company sold 300 shares of a newly created series of preferred stock, designated
“Series B Convertible Preferred Stock”, with a stated value of $50,000 per share
(the “Series B Preferred Stock”) and issued warrants to purchase 7,500,000
shares of common stock for an aggregate purchase price of $15,000,000.
Series
B Preferred Stock
The
shares of Series B Preferred Stock issued to investors are convertible into
shares of common stock at $1.00 per share at any time after issuance at the
option of the holder. If there is an effective registration statement covering
the shares of common stock underlying the Series B Preferred Stock and the
volume-weighted average price (“VWAP”), as defined in the Series B Certificate
of Designations, of the Company’s common stock exceeds $2.00 for 20 consecutive
trading days, then the outstanding Series B Preferred Stock will automatically
convert into common stock at the conversion price then in effect. The conversion
price is subject to adjustment for stock dividends, stock splits or similar
capital reorganizations. The Series B Preferred Stock has an annual dividend
rate of 9%, payable semi-annually on September 30 and March 31. Such dividends
may be paid in cash or in registered shares of the Company’s common stock at the
Company’s option.
For
as
long as any shares of Series B Preferred Stock remain outstanding, the Company
is prohibited from (i) paying dividends to common stockholders, (ii) amending
the Company’s certificate of incorporation (except to increase the number of
shares of authorized common stock to 150,000,000), (iii) issuing any equity
security or any security convertible into or exercisable for any equity security
at a price of $1.00 or less or with rights senior to the Series B Preferred
Stock (except for certain exempted issuances), (iv) increasing the number of
shares of Series B Preferred Stock or issuing any additional shares of Series
B
Preferred Stock other than the 400 shares designated in the Series B Certificate
of Designations, (v) selling or otherwise disposing of all or substantially
all
of the Company’s assets or intellectual property or entering into a merger or
consolidation with another company unless Novelos is the surviving corporation,
the Series B Preferred Stock remains outstanding and there are no changes to
the
rights and preferences of the Series B Preferred Stock, (vi) redeeming or
repurchasing any capital stock other than Series B Preferred Stock, (vii)
incurring any new debt for borrowed money and (viii) changing the number of
the
Company’s directors.
Common-Stock
Purchase Warrants
The
common-stock purchase warrants issued to investors are exercisable for an
aggregate of 7,500,000 shares of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price
of $1.25 per share and expire in May 2012. If after the first anniversary of
the
date of issuance of the warrant there is no effective registration statement
registering, or no current prospectus available for, the resale of the shares
issuable upon the exercise of the warrants, the holder may conduct a cashless
exercise whereby the holder may elect to pay the exercise price by having the
Company withhold, upon exercise, shares having a fair market value equal to
the
applicable aggregate exercise price. The warrant exercise price and/or number
of
warrants is subject to adjustment for stock dividends, stock splits or similar
capital reorganizations so that the rights of the warrant holders after such
event will be equivalent to the rights of warrant holders prior to such event.
If there is an effective registration statement covering the shares underlying
the warrants and the VWAP, as defined in the warrant, of the Company’s common
stock exceeds $2.25 for 20 consecutive trading days, then on the 31st
day
following the end of such period any remaining warrants for which a notice
of
exercise was not delivered shall no longer be exercisable and shall be converted
into a right to receive $.01 per share.
Registration
Rights Agreement
The
Company and the investors have entered into a registration rights agreement
which requires the Company to file with the SEC no later than 30 days following
the closing of the transaction, a registration statement covering the resale
of
a number of shares of common stock equal to 100% of the shares issuable upon
conversion of the preferred stock and exercise of the warrants as of the date
of
filing of the registration statement. The registration statement covering these
shares must be declared effective by the SEC no later than 90 days following
the
closing (or in the event there is a review, no later than 120 days from the
closing). The Company is required to use its best efforts to keep the
registration statement continuously effective under the Securities Act until
the
earlier of the date when all the registrable securities covered by the
registration statement have been sold or the second anniversary of the closing.
In the event the Company fails to file the registration statement or it is
not
declared effective within the timeframes specified by the Registration Rights
Agreement, the Company is required to pay to the Investors liquidated damages
equal to 1.5% per month (pro-rated on a daily basis for any period of less
than
a full month) of the aggregate purchase price of the preferred stock and
warrants until the Company files the delinquent registration statement or the
registration statement is declared effective, as applicable. The Company is
allowed to suspend the use of the registration statement for not more than
15
consecutive days or for a total of not more than 30 days in any 12-month period
without incurring liability for the liquidated damages in certain
circumstances.
Placement
Agent Agreement
Upon
the
closing of the preferred stock and warrant financing the Company paid a cash
placement agent fee to Rodman & Renshaw LLC (“Rodman”) and Rodman’s subagent
totaling $1,050,000 and issued Rodman and the subagent warrants to purchase
a
total of 900,000 shares of common stock with the same terms as the warrants
issued to the investors.
The
Company has agreed to indemnify Rodman from claims arising in relation to the
services it provided to the Company in connection with this
agreement.
Agreement
to Exchange and Consent
As
a
condition to closing the preferred stock and warrant financing, the holders
of
the existing Series A preferred stock have exchanged their 3,264 shares of
Series A preferred stock for 272 shares of a new Series C convertible preferred
stock, which are subordinated to the Series B preferred stock as set forth
in
the Series C Certificate of Designations. The Series C preferred stock is
convertible at $1.00 per share into 3,264,000 shares of common stock. As part
of
the exchange, the Company issued to the holders of the Series A preferred stock
warrants to purchase 1,333,333 shares of common stock expiring on May 2, 2012
at
a price of $1.25 per share and paid them a cash allowance to defray expenses
totaling $40,000 and an amount equal to unpaid dividends accumulated through
the
date of the exchange. Pursuant to the exchange agreement the holders of the
new
Series C preferred stock retained registration and related rights substantially
identical to the rights that they had as holders of the Series A preferred
stock.
The
Series C Preferred Stock has an annual dividend rate of 8% until October 1,
2008
and thereafter has an annual dividend rate of 20%. The dividends are payable
quarterly commencing on June 30, 2007. Such dividends shall only be paid after
all outstanding dividends on the Series B Preferred Stock (with respect to
the
current fiscal year and all prior fiscal years) shall have been paid to the
holders of the Series B Preferred Stock. The conversion price is subject to
adjustment for stock dividends, stock splits or similar capital
reorganizations.
The
following events, if not cured in the applicable time period, are events of
default under the Series C Certificate of Designations and cause the dividend
rate to increase to 20%: (i) failure to timely pay any dividend payment or
the
failure to timely pay any other sum of money due to the Holder, (ii) any breach
of any material covenant, term or condition of the Subscription Agreement or
the
Series C Certificate of Designations, (iii) any material representation or
warranty of the Company made in the Subscription Agreement, or in any agreement,
statement or certificate given in writing pursuant thereto shall prove to have
been false or misleading at the time when made, (iv) an assignment of a
substantial part of the Company’s property or business for the benefit of
creditors, (v) the entry of any money judgment, confession of judgment, writ
or
similar process against the Company or its property or other assets for more
than $100,000 that is not vacated, satisfied, bonded or stayed within 45 days,
(vi) the institution of bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or liquidation
proceedings or other proceedings for relief under any bankruptcy law or any
law
for the relief of debtors against the Company which is not dismissed within
45
days, (vii) an order entered by a court of competent jurisdiction, or by the
SEC, or by the National Association of Securities Dealers, preventing purchase
and sale transactions in the Company’s Common Stock for a period of five or more
consecutive trading days, (viii) failure to deliver to the Holder Common Stock
or a replacement Preferred Stock certificate within ten (10) business days
of
the required delivery date, (ix) the occurrence and continuation of a
Non-Registration Event as described in Section 11.4 of the Subscription
Agreement for a period of forty-five (45) days, (x) delisting of the Common
Stock from the OTC Bulletin Board (“OTCBB”) or such other principal market or
exchange on which the Common Stock is listed for trading, if the Common Stock
is
not quoted or listed on such market or exchange, or quoted on the automated
quotation system of a national securities association or listed on a national
securities exchange, within ten (10) trading days after such delisting, (xi)
failure to reserve the amount of Common Stock required to be reserved pursuant
to Section 4(h) of the Certificate of Designations, (xii) a default by the
Company of a material term, covenant, warranty or undertaking of any other
agreement to which the Company and Holder are parties, or the occurrence of
a
material event of default under any such other agreement, in each case, which
is
not cured after any required notice and/or cure period, and (xiii) the
occurrence of a Change in Control (as defined in the Series C Certificate of
Designations).
Board
and Observer Rights
Pursuant
to the Purchase Agreement, from and after the closing of the sale of the Series
B Preferred Stock, Xmark Opportunity Fund, Ltd. and its affiliates (the “Xmark
Entities”), will have the right to designate one member to the Company’s Board
of Directors. This right shall last until such time as the Xmark Entities no
longer hold
at
least one-third of the Series B Preferred Stock issued to them at closing.
In
addition, the Xmark Entities and Caduceus Capital Master Fund Limited and its
affiliates (together with the Xmark Entities, the “Lead Investors”) will have
the right to designate one observer to attend all meetings of the Company’s
Board of Directors, committees thereof and access to all information made
available to members of the Board. This right shall last until such time as
the
Lead Investors no longer hold
at
least one-third of the Series B Preferred Stock issued to them. Pursuant to
the
Agreement to Exchange and Consent described above, the holders of the new Series
C preferred stock gave up the right to nominate one person to the Company’s
Board of Directors, which right they previously held as holders of Series A
preferred stock.
Anti-Dilution
Adjustments
Pursuant
to anti-dilution provisions associated with existing warrant agreements, the
sale of Series B Preferred Stock resulted in adjustments to the amount and/or
exercise price of certain warrants. The following table summarizes the
anti-dilution adjustments to warrants that were outstanding prior to the
financing:
|
|
Prior
to Series B Financing
|
|
Following
Series B Financing
|
|
Offering
|
|
Number
Outstanding
|
|
Exercise
Price
|
|
Number
Outstanding
|
|
Exercise
Price
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2005
Bridge Loans
|
|
|
720,000
|
|
$
|
0.625
|
|
|
720,000
|
|
$
|
0.625
|
|
2005
PIPE:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investors
|
|
|
3,333,275
|
|
$
|
1.35
|
|
|
4,500,000
|
|
$
|
1.00
|
|
Placement
agents and finders
|
|
|
503,692
|
|
$
|
1.35
|
|
|
680,000
|
|
$
|
1.00
|
|
Series
A Preferred (1) :
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investors
- September 30, 2005 closing
|
|
|
909,090
|
|
$
|
1.35
|
|
|
909,090
|
|
$
|
1.00
|
|
Investors
- October 3, 2005 closing
|
|
|
60,606
|
|
$
|
1.35
|
|
|
60,606
|
|
$
|
1.00
|
|
2006
PIPE :
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investors
|
|
|
8,365,542
|
|
$
|
2.50
|
|
|
9,509,275
|
|
$
|
2.20
|
|
Placement
agents
|
|
|
669,244
|
|
$
|
2.50
|
|
|
760,743
|
|
$
|
2.20
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
14,561,449
|
|
|
|
|
|
17,139,714
|
|
|
|
|
(1) Following
the Series B Financing, the shares of Series A Preferred Stock are now shares
of
Series C Preferred Stock.
Item
2. Management’s
Discussion and Analysis or Plan of Operation
Forward-Looking
Statements
This
quarterly report on Form 10-QSB includes forward-looking statements within
the
meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended,
which
we refer to as the Exchange Act. For this purpose, any statements contained
herein regarding our strategy, future operations, financial position, future
revenues, projected costs, prospects, plans and objectives of management, other
than statements of historical facts, are forward-looking statements. The words
“anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “may,” “plans,”
“projects,” “will,” “would” and similar expressions are intended to identify
forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain
these identifying words. We cannot guarantee that we actually will achieve
the
plans, intentions or expectations disclosed in our forward-looking statements.
There are a number of important factors that could cause actual results or
events to differ materially from those disclosed in the forward-looking
statements we make. These important factors include our “critical accounting
estimates” and the risk factors set forth below under the caption “Factors That
May Affect Future Results.” Although we may elect to update forward-looking
statements in the future, we specifically disclaim any obligation to do so,
even
if our estimates change, and readers should not rely on those forward-looking
statements as representing our views as of any date subsequent to the date
of
this quarterly report.
Overview
We
are a
biopharmaceutical company, established in 1996, commercializing oxidized
glutathione-based compounds for the treatment of cancer and hepatitis.
NOV-002,
our lead compound currently in Phase 3 development for non-small cell lung
cancer (NSCLC), acts as a chemoprotectant and an immunomodulator. In May 2006,
we finalized a Special Protocol Assessment (SPA) with the FDA for a single
pivotal Phase 3 trial in advanced NSCLC in combination with first-line
chemotherapy, and received Fast Track designation in August 2006. The primary
endpoint of this trial is improvement in median overall survival. Patient
enrollment commenced in November 2006 and is ongoing. NOV-002 is also in Phase
2
development for chemotherapy-resistant ovarian cancer and early-stage breast
cancer and, in addition, is being developed for treatment of acute radiation
injury.
NOV-205,
our second compound, acts as a hepatoprotective agent with immunomodulating
and
anti-inflammatory properties. Our Investigational New Drug Application for
NOV-205 as monotherapy for chronic hepatitis C has been accepted by the FDA,
and
a U.S. Phase 1b clinical trial in patients who previously failed treatment
with
pegylated interferon plus ribavirin is ongoing.
Both
compounds have completed clinical trials in humans and have been approved for
use in Russia where they were originally developed. We own all intellectual
property rights worldwide (excluding Russia and other states of the former
Soviet Union) related to compounds based on oxidized glutathione, including
NOV-002 and NOV-205. Our patent portfolio includes four U.S. issued patents
(plus one notice of allowance), two European issued patents and one Japanese
issued patent.
Plan
of Operation
Our
plan
of operation for the next twelve months is to continue the clinical development
of our two product candidates. We expect our principal expenditures during
those
12 months to include the costs associated with clinical trials. We will continue
to maintain a low number of permanent employees and utilize senior advisors,
consultants, contract research and manufacturing organizations and third parties
to perform certain aspects of product development, including clinical and
non-clinical development, manufacturing and, in some cases, regulatory and
quality assurance functions. As discussed in Note 9, on May 2, 2007 we completed
a private placement of our Series B Preferred Stock and warrants with
anticipated net proceeds of approximately $13,600,000 (net of estimated issuance
costs). Based on our current and anticipated spending, we expect that we will
be
able to fund these activities with existing working capital into the middle
of
2008.
Capital
Structure and Financings
In
2005
following the settlement of certain of our indebtedness, we completed a two-step
reverse merger with Common
Horizons, Inc. (“Common Horizons”), a Nevada-based developer of web portals, and
its wholly owned subsidiary Nove Acquisition, Inc. After the completion of
the
reverse merger Novelos became the surviving corporation, the business of Common
Horizons, which was insignificant, was abandoned and the business of
Novelos was adopted. The transaction was therefore treated as a reverse
acquisition recapitalization with Novelos as the acquiring party and Common
Horizons as the acquired party for accounting purposes.
During
2005 and 2006 we completed various private placements of securities. In May
through August of 2005 we sold an aggregate of 4,000,000 shares of common stock
and warrants to purchase 2,000,000 shares of common stock for net cash proceeds
of $3,715,000 and the conversion of $550,000 of convertible debt and accrued
interest. In
September and October 2005, we sold in a private placement 3,200 shares of
Series A preferred stock and warrants to purchase 969,696 shares of common
stock
for aggregate net proceeds of $2,864,000. The preferred stock was initially
convertible into 1,939,393 shares of common stock, and is currently convertible
into 2,370,370, shares of common stock due to certain adjustments to the
conversion price. On
March
7, 2006, we sold 11,154,073 shares of our common stock and warrants to purchase
8,365,542 shares of our common stock for net proceeds of $13,847,000.
On May 2, 2007, we sold 300 shares of our Series B preferred stock and warrants
to purchase 7,500,000 shares of our common stock for net proceeds of
approximately $13,600,000 (net of estimated issuance costs) and
the
holders of the existing Series A preferred stock exchanged their 3,264 shares
of
Series A preferred stock for 272 shares of a new Series C convertible preferred
stock.
Results
of Operations
Research
and development expense.
Research
and development expense consists of costs incurred in identifying, developing
and testing product candidates, which primarily consist of salaries and related
expenses for personnel, fees paid to professional service providers for
independent monitoring and analysis of our clinical trials, costs of contract
research and manufacturing and costs to secure intellectual property. We are
currently developing two proprietary compounds, NOV-002 and NOV-205. To date,
most of our research and development costs have been associated with our NOV-002
compound.
General
and administrative expense.
General
and administrative expense consists primarily of salaries and other related
costs for personnel in executive, finance and administrative functions. Other
costs include facility costs, insurance, costs for public and investor
relations, directors’ fees and professional fees for legal and accounting
services.
Three
Months Ended March 31, 2007 and 2006
Research
and Development.
Research
and development expense for the three months ended March 31, 2007 was $1,909,000
compared to $663,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2006. The $1,246,000,
or 188%, increase in research and development expense was due to increased
funding of our clinical, contract manufacturing and non-clinical activities.
The
overall increase resulted principally from expanded activities relating to
our
pivotal Phase 3 clinical trial of NOV-002 for non-small cell lung cancer. The
increase includes $813,000 in additional contract research and consulting
services, $194,000 in clinical site expenses, an increase of $176,000 in drug
manufacturing costs and an increase of $28,000 related to overhead costs such
as
travel and related expenses. Additionally, stock compensation expense increased
$35,000 during the first quarter of 2007 as compared to the first quarter of
2006, principally resulting from additional option grants during 2006. During
the next twelve months,
we
expect research and development spending to continue to increase as our clinical
trials progress.
General
and Administrative.
General
and administrative expense for the three months ended March 31, 2007 was
$608,000 compared to $771,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2006. The
$163,000, or 21%, decrease in general and administrative expense was primarily
due to two factors. First, investor relations costs decreased $156,000
principally from a decrease in restricted stock awards to consultants. Second,
consulting fees for accounting and business development services decreased
by
$63,000 as we increased our use of internal resources to perform those
functions. These decreases were partly offset by a $25,000 increase in stock
compensation associated with new option grants during 2006 to employees,
directors and consultants and a $31,000 increase in travel and overhead costs.
Interest
Income.
Interest
income for the three months ended March 31, 2007 was $134,000 compared to
$81,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2006. The increase in interest
income during 2007 related to higher average cash balances in 2007 as a result
of the remaining net proceeds from the financings described in Note 3 being
placed in interest-bearing accounts.
Liquidity
and Capital Resources
We
have
financed our operations since inception through the sale of equity securities
and the issuance of debt (which was subsequently paid off or converted into
equity). As of March 31, 2007, we had $9,380,000 in cash and equivalents,
including $1,608,000 of restricted cash that is reserved for research and
development activities.
During
the three months ended March 31, 2007, cash of approximately $2,120,000 was
used
in operations, primarily due to a net loss of $2,382,000 and net payment of
accrued compensation of $163,000, offset by non-cash stock-based compensation
expense of $162,000, depreciation and amortization of $4,000, a decrease in
prepaid expenses of $102,000 and an increase in accounts payable and accrued
expenses of $157,000. During the three months ended March 31, 2007, cash of
approximately $19,000 was provided by investing activities resulting from the
release of restrictions on $48,000 of cash that had been previously restricted,
offset by payments of $25,000 for financing costs and to purchase $4,000 of
fixed assets.
During
the three months ended March 31, 2007, cash of approximately $65,000 was used
in
financing activities resulting from the payment of cash dividends on the Series
A cumulative convertible preferred stock.
As
discussed in Note 9, on May 2, 2007 we completed a private placement of our
Series B Preferred Stock and warrants with anticipated net proceeds of
approximately $13,600,000 (net of estimated issuance costs). Based on our
current and anticipated spending, we believe that our
available cash and equivalents, including the net proceeds from the Series
B
financing, will be sufficient to meet our working capital requirements,
including operating losses and capital expenditure requirements, into the middle
of 2008,
assuming that our business plan is implemented successfully.
We
believe, however, that we will need to raise additional capital in order to
complete the pivotal Phase 3 clinical trial for NOV-002 and other research
and
development activities. Furthermore, we may license or acquire other compounds
that will require capital for development. We may seek additional funding
through collaborative arrangements and public or private financings. Additional
funding may not be available to us on acceptable terms or at all. In
addition, the terms of any financing may adversely affect the holdings or the
rights of our stockholders. For example, if we raise additional funds by issuing
equity securities, further dilution to our existing stockholders may result.
If
we are unable to obtain funding on a timely basis, we may be required to
significantly curtail one or more of our research or development programs.
We
also could be required to seek funds through arrangements with collaborators
or
others that may require us to relinquish rights to some of our technologies,
product candidates, or products which we would otherwise pursue on our own.
Even
if
we are able to raise additional funds in a timely manner, our future capital
requirements may vary from what we expect and will depend on many factors,
including the following:
· |
the
resources required to successfully complete our clinical trials;
|
· |
the
time and costs involved in obtaining regulatory approvals;
|
· |
continued
progress in our research and development programs, as well as the
magnitude of these programs;
|
· |
the
cost of manufacturing activities;
|
· |
the
costs involved in preparing, filing, prosecuting, maintaining, and
enforcing patent claims;
|
· |
the
timing, receipt, and amount of milestone and other payments, if any,
from
collaborators; and
|
· |
fluctuations
in foreign exchange rates.
|
Commitments
In
July
2006, we entered into a contract with a supplier of pharmaceutical products
that
will provide chemotherapy drugs to be used in connection with Phase 3 clinical
trial activities in certain locations outside of the United States. Payments
under the contract will be made in Euros and will be funded with available
working capital. The minimum commitment under the contract is approximately
as
follows as of March 31, 2007:
|
|
Payments
Due by Period
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
0-12
Months
|
|
1
- 3 Years
|
|
3
- 5 Years
|
|
After
5 Years
|
|
Chemotherapy
purchase commitment
|
|
$
|
1,300,000
|
|
$
|
1,200,000
|
|
$
|
100,000
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
Factors
Affecting Future Performance
We
may have difficulty raising needed capital because of our limited operating
history and our business risks.
We
currently generate no revenue from our proposed products or otherwise. We do
not
know when this will change. We have expended and will continue to expend
substantial funds in the research, development and clinical and pre-clinical
testing of our drug compounds. We will require additional funds to conduct
research and development, establish and conduct clinical and pre-clinical
trials, establish commercial-scale manufacturing arrangements and provide for
the marketing and distribution of our products. Additional funds may not be
available on acceptable terms, if at all. If adequate funding is not available
to us, we may have to delay, reduce the scope of or eliminate one or more of
our
research or development programs or product launches or marketing efforts,
which
may materially harm our business, financial condition and results of
operations.
Our
long-term capital requirements are expected to depend on many factors,
including:
· |
the
number of potential products and technologies in
development;
|
· |
continued
progress and cost of our research and development
programs;
|
· |
progress
with pre-clinical studies and clinical
trials;
|
· |
the
time and costs involved in obtaining regulatory
clearance;
|
· |
costs
involved in preparing, filing, prosecuting, maintaining and enforcing
patent claims;
|
· |
costs
of developing sales, marketing and distribution channels and our
ability
to sell our drugs;
|
· |
costs
involved in establishing manufacturing capabilities for clinical
trial and
commercial quantities of our drugs;
|
· |
competing
technological and market
developments;
|
· |
market
acceptance of our products;
|
· |
costs
for recruiting and retaining management, employees and consultants;
|
· |
costs
for training physicians;
|
· |
our
status as a bulletin-board listed company and the prospects for our
stock
to be listed on a national exchange;
and
|
· |
uncertainty
and economic instability resulting from terrorist acts and other
acts of
violence or war.
|
We
may
consume available resources more rapidly than currently anticipated, resulting
in the need for additional funding. We may seek to raise any necessary
additional funds through the issuance of warrants, equity or debt financings
or
executing collaborative arrangements with corporate partners or other sources,
which may be dilutive to existing stockholders or otherwise have a material
effect on our current or future business prospects. In addition, in the event
that additional funds are obtained through arrangements with collaborative
partners or other sources, we may have to relinquish economic and/or proprietary
rights to some of our technologies or products under development that we would
otherwise seek to develop or commercialize by ourselves. If adequate funds
are
not available, we may be required to significantly reduce or refocus our
development efforts with regard to our drug compounds. Currently, we believe
that we have available cash sufficient to meet our working capital requirements
into the middle of 2008, assuming our expense levels do not exceed our current
plan. If we do not generate revenues or raise additional capital, we will not
be
able to sustain our operations at existing levels beyond that date or earlier
if
expense levels increase.
The
failure to complete development of our therapeutic technology, obtain government
approvals, including required U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approvals,
or to comply with ongoing governmental regulations could prevent, delay or
limit
introduction or sale of proposed products and result in failure to achieve
revenues or maintain our ongoing business.
Our
research and development activities and the manufacture and marketing of our
intended products are subject to extensive regulation for safety, efficacy
and
quality by numerous government authorities in the United States and abroad.
Before receiving FDA clearance to market our proposed products, we will have
to
demonstrate that our products are safe and effective on the patient population
and for the diseases that are to be treated. Clinical trials, manufacturing
and
marketing of drugs are subject to the rigorous testing and approval process
of
the FDA and equivalent foreign regulatory authorities. The Federal Food, Drug
and Cosmetic Act and other federal, state and foreign statutes and regulations
govern and influence the testing, manufacturing, labeling, advertising,
distribution and promotion of drugs and medical devices. As a result, clinical
trials and regulatory approval can take many years to accomplish and require
the
expenditure of substantial financial, managerial and other
resources.
In
order
to be commercially viable, we must successfully research, develop, obtain
regulatory approval for, manufacture, introduce, market and distribute our
technologies. For each drug utilizing oxidized glutathione-based compounds,
including NOV-002 and NOV-205, we must successfully meet a number of critical
developmental milestones including:
· |
demonstrating
benefit from delivery of each specific drug for specific medical
indications;
|
· |
demonstrating
through pre-clinical and clinical trials that each drug is safe and
effective; and
|
· |
demonstrating
that we have established a viable Good Manufacturing Process capable
of
potential scale-up.
|
The
timeframe necessary to achieve these developmental milestones may be long and
uncertain, and we may not successfully complete these milestones for any of
our
intended products in development.
In
addition to the risks previously discussed, our technology is subject to
additional developmental risks that include the following:
· |
uncertainties
arising from the rapidly growing scientific aspects of drug therapies
and
potential treatments;
|
· |
uncertainties
arising as a result of the broad array of alternative potential treatments
related to cancer, hepatitis and other diseases;
and
|
· |
anticipated
expense and time believed to be associated with the development and
regulatory approval of treatments for cancer, hepatitis and other
diseases.
|
In
order
to conduct the clinical trials that are necessary to obtain approval by the
FDA
to market a product, it is necessary to receive clearance from the FDA to
conduct such clinical trials. The FDA can halt clinical trials at any time
for
safety reasons or because we or our clinical investigators do not follow the
FDA’s requirements for conducting clinical trials. If we are unable to receive
clearance to conduct clinical trials or the trials are halted by the FDA, we
would not be able to achieve any revenue from such product, as it is illegal
to
sell any drug for human consumption in the U.S. without FDA approval.
Data
obtained from clinical trials is susceptible to varying interpretations, which
could delay, limit or prevent regulatory clearances.
Data
already obtained, or in the future obtained, from pre-clinical studies and
clinical trials does not necessarily predict the results that will be obtained
from later pre-clinical studies and clinical trials. Moreover, pre-clinical
and
clinical data are susceptible to varying interpretations, which could delay,
limit or prevent regulatory approval. A number of companies in the
pharmaceutical industry have suffered significant setbacks in advanced clinical
trials, even after promising results in earlier trials. The failure to
adequately demonstrate the safety and effectiveness of an intended product
under
development could delay or prevent regulatory clearance of the potential drug,
resulting in delays to commercialization, and could materially harm our
business. Our clinical trials may not demonstrate sufficient levels of safety
and efficacy necessary to obtain the requisite regulatory approvals for our
drugs, and our proposed drugs may not be approved for marketing.
We
may
encounter delays or rejections based on additional government regulation from
future legislation or administrative action or changes in FDA policy during
the
period of development, clinical trials and FDA regulatory review. We may
encounter similar delays in foreign countries. Sales of our products outside
the
U.S. would be subject to foreign regulatory approvals that vary from country
to
country. The time required to obtain approvals from foreign countries may be
shorter or longer than that required for FDA approval, and requirements for
foreign licensing may differ from FDA requirements. We may be unable to obtain
requisite approvals from the FDA and foreign regulatory authorities, and even
if
obtained, such approvals may not be on a timely basis, or they may not cover
the
uses that we request.
Even
if
we do ultimately receive FDA approval for any of our products, it will be
subject to extensive ongoing regulation. This includes regulations governing
manufacturing, labeling, packaging, testing, dispensing, prescription and
procurement quotas, record keeping, reporting, handling, shipment and disposal
of any such drug. Failure to obtain and maintain required registrations or
comply with any applicable regulations could further delay or preclude us from
developing and commercializing our drugs and subject us to enforcement
action.
Our
drugs or technology may not gain FDA approval in clinical trials or be effective
as a therapeutic agent, which could affect our future profitability and
prospects.
In
order
to obtain regulatory approvals, we must demonstrate that each drug is safe
and
effective for use in humans and functions as a therapeutic against the effects
of a disease or other physiological response. To date, studies conducted in
Russia involving our NOV-002 and NOV-205 products have shown what we believe
to
be promising results. In fact, NOV-002 has been approved for use in Russia
for
general medicinal use as an immunostimulant in combination with chemotherapy
and
antimicrobial therapy, and specifically for indications such as tuberculosis
and
psoriasis. NOV-205 has been approved in Russia as a monotherapy agent for the
treatment of hepatitis B and C. Russian regulatory approval is not equivalent
to
FDA approval. Pivotal Phase 3 studies with a large number of patients, typically
required for FDA approval, were not conducted for NOV-002 and NOV-205 in Russia.
Further, all of our Russian clinical studies were completed prior to 2000 and
may not have been conducted in accordance with current guidelines either in
Russia or the United States.
A
U.S.-based Phase 1/2 clinical study involving 44 non-small cell lung cancer
patients provided what we believe to be a favorable outcome. As a result, we
have enrolled the first patient in the Phase 3 study of NOV-002 for non-small
cell lung cancer in November 2006 and are continuing to enroll patients. We
enrolled the first patient in the Phase 2 clinical study for NOV-002 for
chemotherapy-resistant ovarian cancer in July 2006 and anticipate completing
that study in 2007. We enrolled the first patient in the Phase 1b clinical
study
for NOV-205 for chronic hepatitis C in September 2006 and we anticipate
completing that study in 2007. There can be no assurance that we can demonstrate
that these products are safe or effective in advanced clinical trials. We are
also not able to give assurances that the results of the tests already conducted
can be repeated or that further testing will support our applications for
regulatory approval. As a result, our drug and technology research program
may
be curtailed, redirected or eliminated at any time.
There
is no guarantee that we will ever generate substantial revenue or become
profitable even if one or more of our drugs are approved for
commercialization.
We
expect
to incur increasing operating losses over the next several years as we incur
increasing costs for research and development and clinical trials. Our ability
to generate revenue and achieve profitability depends on our ability, alone
or
with others, to complete the development of our proposed products, obtain the
required regulatory approvals and manufacture, market and sell our proposed
products. Development is costly and requires significant investment. In
addition, if we choose to license or obtain the assignment of rights to
additional drugs, the license fees for such drugs may increase our
costs.
To
date,
we have not generated any revenue from the commercial sale of our proposed
products or any drugs and do not expect to receive such revenue in the near
future. Our primary activity to date has been research and development. A
substantial portion of the research results and observations on which we rely
were performed by third parties at those parties’ sole or shared cost and
expense. We cannot be certain as to when or whether to anticipate
commercializing and marketing our proposed products in development, and do
not
expect to generate sufficient revenues from proposed product sales to cover
our
expenses or achieve profitability in the near future.
We
rely solely on research and manufacturing facilities at various universities,
hospitals, contract research organizations and contract manufacturers for all
of
our research, development, and manufacturing, which could be materially delayed
should we lose access to those facilities.
At
the
present time, we have no research, development or manufacturing facilities
of
our own. We are entirely dependent on contracting with third parties to use
their facilities to conduct research, development and manufacturing. Our
inability to have the facilities to conduct research, development and
manufacturing may delay or impair our ability to gain FDA approval and
commercialization of our drug delivery technology and products.
We
currently maintain a good working relationship with such contractors. Should
the
situation change and we are required to relocate these activities on short
notice, we do not currently have an alternate facility where we could relocate
our research, development and/or manufacturing activities. The cost and time
to
establish or locate an alternate research, development and/or manufacturing
facility to develop our technology would be substantial and would delay gaining
FDA approval and commercializing our products.
We
are dependent on our collaborative agreements for the development of our
technologies and business development, which exposes us to the risk of reliance
on the viability of third parties.
In
conducting our research, development and manufacturing activities, we rely
and
expect to continue to rely on numerous collaborative agreements with
universities, hospitals, governmental agencies, charitable foundations,
manufacturers and others. The loss of or failure to perform under any of these
arrangements, by any of these entities, may substantially disrupt or delay
our
research, development and manufacturing activities including our anticipated
clinical trials.
We
may
rely on third-party contract research organizations, service providers and
suppliers to support development and clinical testing of our products. Failure
of any of these contractors to provide the required services in a timely manner
or on reasonable commercial terms could materially delay the development and
approval of our products, increase our expenses and materially harm our
business, financial condition and results of operations.
We
are exposed to product, clinical and preclinical liability risks that could
create a substantial financial burden should we be sued.
Our
business exposes us to potential product liability and other liability risks
that are inherent in the testing, manufacturing and marketing of pharmaceutical
products. We cannot assure that such potential claims will not be asserted
against us. In addition, the use in our clinical trials of pharmaceutical
products that we may develop and then subsequently sell or our potential
collaborators may develop and then subsequently sell may cause us to bear a
portion of or all product liability risks. A successful liability claim or
series of claims brought against us could have a material adverse effect on
our
business, financial condition and results of operations.
Although
we have not received any product liability claims to date, we have an insurance
policy of $5,000,000 per occurrence and $5,000,000 in the aggregate to cover
such claims should they arise. There can be no assurance that material claims
will not arise in the future or that our insurance will be adequate to cover
all
situations. Moreover, there can be no assurance that such insurance, or
additional insurance, if required, will be available in the future or, if
available, will be available on commercially reasonable terms. Any product
liability claim, if successful, could have a material adverse effect on our
business, financial condition and results of operations. Furthermore, our
current and potential partners with whom we have collaborative agreements or
our
future licensees may not be willing to indemnify us against these types of
liabilities and may not themselves be sufficiently insured or have a net worth
sufficient to satisfy any product liability claims. Claims or losses in excess
of any product liability insurance coverage that may be obtained by us could
have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results
of operations.
Acceptance
of our products in the marketplace is uncertain and failure to achieve market
acceptance will prevent or delay our ability to generate
revenues.
Our
future financial performance will depend, at least in part, on the introduction
and customer acceptance of our proposed products. Even if approved for marketing
by the necessary regulatory authorities, our products may not achieve market
acceptance. The degree of market acceptance will depend on a number of factors
including:
· |
the
receipt of regulatory clearance of marketing claims for the uses
that we
are developing;
|
· |
the
establishment and demonstration of the advantages, safety and efficacy
of
our technologies;
|
· |
pricing
and reimbursement policies of government and third-party payers such
as
insurance companies, health maintenance organizations and other health
plan administrators;
|
· |
our
ability to attract corporate partners, including pharmaceutical companies,
to assist in commercializing our intended products;
and
|
· |
our
ability to market our products.
|
Physicians,
patients, payers or the medical community in general may be unwilling to accept,
utilize or recommend any of our products. If we are unable to obtain regulatory
approval or commercialize and market our proposed products when planned, we
may
not achieve any market acceptance or generate revenue.
We
may face litigation from third parties who claim that our products infringe
on
their intellectual property rights, particularly because there is often
substantial uncertainty about the validity and breadth of medical
patents.
We
may be
exposed to future litigation by third parties based on claims that our
technologies, products or activities infringe on the intellectual property
rights of others or that we have misappropriated the trade secrets of others.
This risk is exacerbated by the fact that the validity and breadth of claims
covered in medical technology patents and the breadth and scope of trade-secret
protection involve complex legal and factual questions for which important
legal
principles are unresolved. Any litigation or claims against us, whether or
not
valid, could result in substantial costs, could place a significant strain
on
our financial and managerial resources and could harm our reputation. Most
of
our license agreements would likely require that we pay the costs associated
with defending this type of litigation. In addition, intellectual property
litigation or claims could force us to do one or more of the
following:
· |
cease
selling, incorporating or using any of our technologies and/or products
that incorporate the challenged intellectual property, which would
adversely affect our future
revenue;
|
· |
obtain
a license from the holder of the infringed intellectual property
right,
which license may be costly or may not be available on reasonable
terms,
if at all; or
|
· |
redesign
our products, which would be costly and
time-consuming.
|
If
we are unable to adequately protect or enforce our rights to intellectual
property or secure rights to third-party patents, we may lose valuable rights,
experience reduced market share, assuming any, or incur costly litigation to
protect such rights.
Our
ability to obtain licenses to patents, maintain trade secret protection and
operate without infringing the proprietary rights of others will be important
to
our commercializing any products under development. Therefore, any disruption
in
access to the technology could substantially delay the development of our
technology.
The
patent positions of biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, including us,
that involve licensing agreements, are frequently uncertain and involve complex
legal and factual questions. In addition, the coverage claimed in a patent
application can be significantly reduced before the patent is issued or in
subsequent legal proceedings. Consequently, our patent applications and any
issued and licensed patents may not provide protection against competitive
technologies or may be held invalid if challenged or circumvented. Our
competitors may also independently develop products similar to ours or design
around or otherwise circumvent patents issued or licensed to us. In addition,
the laws of some foreign countries may not protect our proprietary rights to
the
same extent as U.S. law.
We
also
rely upon trade secrets, technical know-how and continuing technological
innovation to develop and maintain our competitive position. We generally
require our employees, consultants, advisors and collaborators to execute
appropriate confidentiality and assignment-of-inventions agreements. Our
competitors may independently develop substantially equivalent proprietary
information and techniques, reverse engineer our information and techniques,
or
otherwise gain access to our proprietary technology. We may be unable to
meaningfully protect our rights in trade secrets, technical know-how and other
non-patented technology.
Although
our trade secrets and technical know-how are important, our continued access
to
the patents is a significant factor in the development and commercialization
of
our products. Aside from the general body of scientific knowledge from other
drug delivery processes and technology, these patents, to the best of our
knowledge and based on our current scientific data, are the only intellectual
property necessary to develop our products, including NOV-002 and NOV-205.
We do
not believe that we are or will be violating any patents in developing our
technology.
We
may
have to resort to litigation to protect our rights for certain intellectual
property, or to determine their scope, validity or enforceability. Enforcing
or
defending our rights is expensive, could cause diversion of our resources and
may not prove successful. Any failure to enforce or protect our rights could
cause us to lose the ability to exclude others from using our technology to
develop or sell competing products.
We
have limited manufacturing experience and, if our products are approved, we
may
not be able to manufacture sufficient quantities at an acceptable cost, or
may
be subject to risk that contract manufacturers could experience shut-downs
or
delays.
We
remain
in the research and development and clinical and pre-clinical trial phase of
product commercialization. Accordingly, if our products are approved for
commercial sale, we will need to establish the capability to commercially
manufacture our products in accordance with FDA and other regulatory
requirements. We have limited experience in establishing, supervising and
conducting commercial manufacturing. If we fail to adequately establish,
supervise and conduct all aspects of the manufacturing processes, we may not
be
able to commercialize our products.
We
presently plan to rely on third-party contractors to manufacture our products.
This may expose us to the risk of not being able to directly oversee the
production and quality of the manufacturing process. Furthermore, these
contractors, whether foreign or domestic, may experience regulatory compliance
difficulties, mechanical shutdowns, employee strikes or other unforeseeable
acts
that may delay production.
Due
to our limited marketing, sales and distribution experience, we may be
unsuccessful in our efforts to sell our products, enter into relationships
with
third parties or develop a direct sales organization.
We
have
not yet had to establish marketing, sales or distribution capabilities for
our
proposed products. Until such time as our products are further along in the
regulatory process, we will not devote any meaningful time and resources to
this
effort. At the appropriate time, we intend to enter into agreements with third
parties to sell our products or we may develop our own sales and marketing
force. We may be unable to establish or maintain third-party relationships
on a
commercially reasonable basis, if at all. In addition, these third parties
may
have similar or more established relationships with our
competitors.
If
we do
not enter into relationships with third parties for the sale and marketing
of
our products, we will need to develop our own sales and marketing capabilities.
We have limited experience in developing, training or managing a sales force.
If
we choose to establish a direct sales force, we may incur substantial additional
expenses in developing, training and managing such an organization. We may
be
unable to build a sales force on a cost-effective basis or at all. Any such
direct marketing and sales efforts may prove to be unsuccessful. In addition,
we
will compete with many other companies that currently have extensive marketing
and sales operations. Our marketing and sales efforts may be unable to compete
against these other companies. We may be unable to establish a sufficient sales
and marketing organization on a timely basis, if at all.
We
may be
unable to engage qualified distributors. Even if engaged, these distributors
may:
· |
fail
to satisfy financial or contractual obligations to
us;
|
· |
fail
to adequately market our products;
|
· |
cease
operations with little or no notice;
or
|
· |
offer,
design, manufacture or promote competing
products.
|
If
we
fail to develop sales, marketing and distribution channels, we would experience
delays in product sales and incur increased costs, which would harm our
financial results.
If
we are unable to convince physicians as to the benefits of our intended
products, we may incur delays or additional expense in our attempt to establish
market acceptance.
Achieving
broad use of our products may require physicians to be informed regarding these
products and their intended benefits. The time and cost of such an educational
process may be substantial. Inability to successfully carry out this physician
education process may adversely affect market acceptance of our products. We
may
be unable to timely educate physicians regarding our intended products in
sufficient numbers to achieve our marketing plans or to achieve product
acceptance. Any delay in physician education may materially delay or reduce
demand for our products. In addition, we may expend significant funds towards
physician education before any acceptance or demand for our products is created,
if at all.
Fluctuations
in foreign exchange rates could increase costs to complete international
clinical trial activities.
We
have
initiated a portion of our clinical trial activities in Europe. Significant
depreciation in the value of the U.S. Dollar against principally the Euro could
adversely affect our ability to complete the trials, particularly if we are
unable to redirect funding or raise additional funds. Since the timing and
amount of foreign-denominated payments are uncertain and dependent on a number
of factors, it is difficult to cost-effectively hedge the potential exposure.
Therefore, to date, we have not entered into any foreign currency hedges to
mitigate the potential exposure.
The
market for our products is rapidly changing and competitive, and new
therapeutics, new drugs and new treatments that may be developed by others
could
impair our ability to maintain and grow our business and remain
competitive.
The
pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries are subject to rapid and substantial
technological change. Developments by others may render our technologies and
intended products noncompetitive or obsolete, or we may be unable to keep pace
with technological developments or other market factors. Technological
competition from pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, universities,
governmental entities and others diversifying into the field is intense and
is
expected to increase. Many of these entities have significantly greater research
and development capabilities and budgets than we do, as well as substantially
more marketing, manufacturing, financial and managerial resources. These
entities represent significant competition for us. Acquisitions of, or
investments in, competing pharmaceutical or biotechnology companies by large
corporations could increase such competitors’ financial, marketing,
manufacturing and other resources.
We
are an
early-stage enterprise that operates with limited day-to-day business
management, operating as a vehicle to hold certain technology for possible
future exploration, and have been and will continue to be engaged in the
development of new drugs and therapeutic technologies. As a result, our
resources are limited and we may experience management, operational or technical
challenges inherent in such activities and novel technologies. Competitors
have
developed or are in the process of developing technologies that are, or in
the
future may be, the basis for competition. Some of these technologies may have
an
entirely different approach or means of accomplishing similar therapeutic
effects compared to our technology. Our competitors may develop drugs and drug
delivery technologies that are more effective than our intended products and,
therefore, present a serious competitive threat to us.
The
potential widespread acceptance of therapies that are alternatives to ours
may
limit market acceptance of our products even if commercialized. Many of our
targeted diseases and conditions can also be treated by other medication or
drug
delivery technologies. These treatments may be widely accepted in medical
communities and have a longer history of use. The established use of these
competitive drugs may limit the potential for our technologies and products
to
receive widespread acceptance if commercialized.
If
users of our products are unable to obtain adequate reimbursement from
third-party payers, or if new restrictive legislation is adopted, market
acceptance of our products may be limited and we may not achieve anticipated
revenues.
The
continuing efforts of government and insurance companies, health maintenance
organizations and other payers of healthcare costs to contain or reduce costs
of
health care may affect our future revenues and profitability, and the future
revenues and profitability of our potential customers, suppliers and
collaborative partners and the availability of capital. For example, in certain
foreign markets, pricing or profitability of prescription pharmaceuticals is
subject to government control. In the United States, given recent federal and
state government initiatives directed at lowering the total cost of health
care,
the U.S. Congress and state legislatures will likely continue to focus on
healthcare reform, the cost of prescription pharmaceuticals and on the reform
of
the Medicare and Medicaid systems. While we cannot predict whether any such
legislative or regulatory proposals will be adopted, the announcement or
adoption of such proposals could materially harm our business, financial
condition and results of operations.
Our
ability to commercialize our products will depend in part on the extent to
which
appropriate reimbursement levels for the cost of our products and related
treatment are obtained by governmental authorities, private health insurers
and
other organizations, such as health maintenance organizations (HMO’s).
Third-party payers are increasingly challenging the prices charged for medical
drugs and services. Also, the trend toward managed health care in the United
States and the concurrent growth of organizations such as HMO’s that could
control or significantly influence the purchase of healthcare services and
drugs, as well as legislative proposals to reform health care or reduce
government insurance programs, may all result in lower prices for or rejection
of our drugs. The cost containment measures that healthcare payers and providers
are instituting and the effect of any healthcare reform could materially harm
our ability to operate profitably.
We
depend on key personnel who may terminate their employment with us at any time,
and we would need to hire additional qualified personnel.
Our
success will depend to a significant degree upon the continued services of
key
management and advisors to us. There can be no assurance that these individuals
will continue to provide service to us. In addition, our success will depend
on
our ability to attract and retain other highly skilled personnel. We may be
unable to recruit such personnel on a timely basis, if at all. Our management
and other employees may voluntarily terminate their employment with us at any
time. The loss of services of key personnel, or the inability to attract and
retain additional qualified personnel, could result in delays in development
or
approval of our products, loss of sales and diversion of management resources.
Compliance
with changing corporate governance and public disclosure regulations may result
in additional expense.
Keeping
abreast of, and in compliance with, changing laws, regulations and standards
relating to corporate governance, public disclosure and internal controls,
including the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, new SEC regulations and, in the event
we seek and are approved for listing on a registered national securities
exchange, the stock exchange rules will require an increased amount of
management attention and external resources. We intend to continue to invest
all
reasonably necessary resources to comply with evolving standards, which may
result in increased general and administrative expense and a diversion of
management time and attention from revenue-generating activities to compliance
activities. Beginning with our annual report for the fiscal year ending December
31, 2007 we will be required to include a report of our management on internal
control over financial reporting. Further, in our annual report for the fiscal
year ending December 31, 2008 we will be required to include an attestation
report of our independent registered public accounting firm on internal control
over financial reporting.
Our
executive officers, directors and principal stockholders have substantial
holdings, which could delay or prevent a change in corporate control favored
by
our other stockholders.
Our
directors, officers and 5% stockholders beneficially own, in the aggregate,
approximately 17% of our outstanding voting stock. The interests of our current
officers and directors may differ from the interests of other stockholders.
Further, our current officers and directors may have the ability to
significantly affect the outcome of all corporate actions requiring stockholder
approval, including the following actions:
· |
the
election of directors;
|
· |
the
amendment of charter documents;
|
· |
issuance
of blank-check preferred or convertible stock, notes or instruments
of
indebtedness which may have conversion, liquidation and similar features,
or effecting other financing arrangements;
or
|
· |
the
approval of certain mergers and other significant corporate transactions,
including a sale of substantially all of our assets, or merger with
a
publicly-traded shell or other company.
|
Our
common stock could be further diluted as the result of the issuance of
additional shares of common stock, convertible securities, warrants or
options.
In
the
past, we have issued common stock, convertible securities, such as our Series
A
cumulative convertible preferred stock, and warrants in order to raise money.
We
have also issued options and warrants as compensation for services and incentive
compensation for our employees and directors. We have a substantial number
of
shares of common stock reserved for issuance upon the conversion and exercise
of
these securities. Our issuance of additional common stock, convertible
securities, options and warrants could affect the rights of our stockholders,
and could reduce the market price of our common stock.
The
use of the prospectus included in the Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the
Registration Statement on Form SB-2 (previously declared effective on April
3,
2006) and the prospectus included in the Registration Statement on Form SB-2
(previously declared effective on April 19, 2006) were suspended on October
24,
2006.
On
October 24, 2006, we filed a Current Report on Form 8-K which described an
error
in the financial statements and related notes to financial statements for the
quarter ended September 30, 2005 and the year ended December 31, 2005 relating
to the accounting and disclosure of the beneficial conversion feature of the
Company’s Series A 8% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock. On November 1,
2006 we filed amendments to the Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the year ended
December 31, 2005 and the Quarterly Report on Form 10-QSB for the quarter ended
September 30, 2005. Following the filing of the Form 8-K on October 24, 2006,
we
advised the selling stockholders named in two registration statements related
to
the resale of securities purchased in private placement transactions in 2005
and
2006 that the use of the respective prospectuses had been suspended. The
registration statements were amended through the filing of a combined
registration statement that was filed on November 17, 2006 and became effective
on November 21, 2006. Pursuant to the registration rights associated with the
private placement of securities that occurred from May through August of 2005,
we exceeded the allowable grace period for suspension of use of an effective
prospectus. As a result, we may become obligated to these selling stockholders
in the event that any remaining holders submit a claim for liquidated damages.
As of March 31, 2007, we have concluded that it is not probable that we will
incur any liability associated with the suspension of the prospectus.
Item
3. Controls
and Procedures
Evaluation
of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Our
management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief
Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and
procedures as of March 31, 2007. Disclosure controls and procedures, as defined
in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
are
controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required
to
be disclosed in our reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is
recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified
in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms and that such
information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our
principal executive and financial officers, to allow timely decisions regarding
required disclosures.
Based
on
the evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of March 31, 2007,
our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer concluded that,
as
of such date, our disclosure controls and procedures were operating effectively.
Change
in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
The
Company’s management, in connection with its evaluation of internal controls
(with the participation of the Company’s principal executive officer and
principal financial officer), did not identify any change in internal control
over the financial reporting process that occurred during the Company’s first
fiscal quarter of 2007 that would have materially affected, or would have been
reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over
financial reporting.
Limitations
on Effectiveness of Controls
In
designing and evaluating our disclosure controls and procedures, our management
recognizes that any system of controls, however well designed and operated,
can
provide only reasonable, and not absolute, assurance that the objectives
of the
system are met. In addition, the design of any control system is based in
part
on certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events. Because of
these
and other inherent limitations of control systems, there can be no assurance
that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential
future conditions, regardless of how remote.
PART
II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item
1. Legal
Proceedings
None.
Item
2. Unregistered
Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
None.
Item
3. Defaults
Upon Senior Securities
None.
Item
4. Submission
of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
None.
Item
5. Other
Information
On
May 2,
2007, pursuant to a securities purchase agreement with accredited investors
dated April 12, 2007, as amended May 2, 2007, the Company sold 300 shares of
a
newly created series of preferred stock, designated “Series B Convertible
Preferred Stock”, with a stated value of $50,000 per share and issued warrants
to purchase 7,500,000 shares of common stock for an aggregate purchase price
of
$15,000,000. As a condition to closing this financing, the holders of the
existing Series A preferred stock exchanged their 3,264 shares of Series A
preferred stock for 272 shares of a new Series C convertible preferred stock,
which are subordinated to the Series B preferred stock as set forth in the
Series C Certificate of Designations. See Note 9 for a complete description
of
this financing and the exchange transaction.
Item
6. Exhibits
Exhibit
No.
|
|
Description
|
|
Filed
with this Form 10-QSB
|
|
Incorporated
by Reference
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Form
|
|
Filing
Date
|
|
Exhibit
No.
|
2.1
|
|
Agreement
and plan of merger among Common Horizons, Inc., Nove Acquisition,
Inc. and
Novelos Therapeutics, Inc. dated May 26, 2005
|
|
|
|
8-K
|
|
June
2, 2005
|
|
99.2
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.2
|
|
Agreement
and plan of merger between Common Horizons and Novelos Therapeutics,
Inc.
dated June 7, 2005
|
|
|
|
10-QSB
|
|
August
15, 2005
|
|
2.2
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3.1
|
|
Certificate
of Incorporation
|
|
|
|
8-K
|
|
June
17, 2005
|
|
1
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3.2
|
|
Certificate
of Designations of Series B convertible preferred stock
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3.3
|
|
Certificate
of Designations of Series C cumulative convertible preferred
stock
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3.4
|
|
By-Laws
|
|
|
|
8-K
|
|
June
17, 2005
|
|
2
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4.1
|
|
Form
of Common Stock Purchase Warrant dated May 2, 2007 issued pursuant
to the
Securities Purchase Agreement dated April 12, 2007
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4.2
|
|
Form
of Common Stock Purchase Warrant dated May 2, 2007 issued pursuant
to the
Agreement to Exchange and Consent dated May 2, 2007
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.1
|
|
Securities
Purchase Agreement dated April 12, 2007
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.2
|
|
Letter
Amendment dated May 2, 2007 to the Securities Purchase Agreement
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.3
|
|
Registration
Rights Agreement dated May 2, 2007
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.4
|
|
Placement
Agent Agreement with Rodman & Renshaw, LLC dated February 12,
2007
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.5
|
|
Agreement
to Exchange and Consent dated May 1, 2007
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
31.1
|
|
Certification
of the chief executive officer pursuant to Section 302 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
31.2
|
|
Certification
of the chief financial officer pursuant to Section 302 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
32.1
|
|
Certificate
pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 of the chief executive officer
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
32.2
|
|
Certificate
pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 of the chief financial
officer
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SIGNATURES
In
accordance with the requirements of the Exchange Act, the registrant caused
this
report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly
authorized.
|
|
|
|
NOVELOS THERAPEUTICS,
INC. |
|
|
|
Date:
May 8, 2007 |
By: |
/s/ Harry
S.
Palmin |
|
Harry
S. Palmin
President,
Chief Executive Officer
|
|
|