UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM
(Mark One)
For the quarterly period ended:
For the transition period from _____to _____
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| incorporation or organization) | Identification No.) |
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1-
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| Title of Each Class | Trading Symbol | Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered | ||
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 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.
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| ☒ | Accelerated filer | ☐ | ||
| Non-accelerated filer | ☐ | Smaller reporting company | ||
| Emerging growth company |
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
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PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Anavex Life Sciences Corp.
Condensed Interim Consolidated Financial Statements
March 31, 2023
(Unaudited)
3
Anavex Life Sciences Corp.
Condensed Interim Consolidated Balance Sheets
As at March 31, 2023 and September 30, 2022
(Unaudited)
| March 31, | September 30, | |||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||
| Assets | ||||||||
| Current | ||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | $ | ||||||
| Incentive and tax receivables | ||||||||
| Prepaid expenses and other current assets | ||||||||
| Total Assets | $ | $ | ||||||
| Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity | ||||||||
| Current Liabilities | ||||||||
| Accounts payable | $ | $ | ||||||
| Accrued liabilities - Note 4 | ||||||||
| Deferred grant income - Note 3 | ||||||||
| Total Liabilities | ||||||||
| Commitments and Contingencies - Note 6 | ||||||||
| Capital stock | ||||||||
| Authorized: | ||||||||
| preferred stock, par value $ per share | ||||||||
| per share | ||||||||
| Issued and outstanding: | ||||||||
| common shares (September 30, 2022 -) | ||||||||
| Additional paid-in capital | ||||||||
| Accumulated deficit | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Total Stockholders' Equity | ||||||||
| Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity | $ | $ | ||||||
See Accompanying Notes to Condensed Interim Consolidated Financial Statements
4
Anavex Life Sciences Corp.
Condensed Interim Consolidated Statements of Operations
For the three and six months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022
(Unaudited)
| Three months ended March 31, | Six months ended March 31, | |||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||
| Operating expenses | ||||||||||||||||
| General and administrative | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
| Research and development | ||||||||||||||||
| Total operating expenses | ||||||||||||||||
| Operating loss | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||
| Other income (expenses) | ||||||||||||||||
| Grant income | ||||||||||||||||
| Research and development incentive income | ||||||||||||||||
| Interest income, net | ||||||||||||||||
| Other financing expense | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||
| Foreign exchange (loss) gain | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||
| Total other income, net | ||||||||||||||||
| Net loss before provision for income taxes | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||
| Income tax expense, current | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||
| Net loss and comprehensive loss | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | ||||
| Net Loss per share | ||||||||||||||||
| Basic and diluted | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | ||||
| Weighted average number of shares outstanding | ||||||||||||||||
| Basic and diluted | ||||||||||||||||
See Accompanying Notes to Condensed Interim Consolidated Financial Statements
5
Anavex Life Sciences Corp.
Condensed Interim Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity
For the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022
| Common Stock | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Shares | Par Value | Additional Paid-in Capital | Share proceeds Receivable | Accumulated Deficit | Total | |||||||||||||||||||
| Balance, January 1, 2023 | $ | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | ||||||||||||||||||
| Shares issued under 2023 purchase agreement | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Initial Commitment shares | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Purchase shares | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commitment shares | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Shares issued upon exercise of stock options | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Share based compensation | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net loss | — | ( | ) | ( | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Balance, March 31, 2023 | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | |||||||||||||||||
| Balance, January 1, 2022 | $ | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | ||||||||||||||||||
| Shares issued upon exercise of stock options | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Shares issued under Sales Agreement | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Less: share issue costs | — | ( | ) | ( | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Stock based compensation | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net loss | — | ( | ) | ( | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Balance, March 31, 2022 | $ | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | $ | |||||||||||||||
See Accompanying Notes to Condensed Interim Consolidated Financial Statements
6
Anavex Life Sciences Corp.
Condensed Interim Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity
For the six months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022
(Unaudited)
| Common Stock | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Shares | Par Value | Additional Paid-in Capital | Share proceeds Receivable | Accumulated Deficit | Total | |||||||||||||||||||
| Balance, October 1, 2022 | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | |||||||||||||||||
| Shares issued under 2023 purchase agreement | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Initial Commitment shares | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Purchase shares | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commitment shares | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Shares issued upon exercise of stock options | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Share based compensation | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net loss | — | ( | ) | ( | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Balance, March 31, 2023 | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | |||||||||||||||||
| Balance, October 1, 2021 | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | |||||||||||||||||
| Shares issued under Sales Agreement | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Less: share issue costs | — | ( | ) | ( | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Shares issued upon exercise of stock options | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock based compensation | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net loss | — | ( | ) | ( | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Balance, March 31, 2022 | $ | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | $ | |||||||||||||||
See Accompanying Notes to Condensed Interim Consolidated Financial Statements
7
Anavex Life Sciences Corp.
Condensed Interim Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
For the six months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022
(Unaudited)
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||
| Cash Flows used in Operating Activities | ||||||||
| Net loss | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | ||
| Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operations: | ||||||||
| Non-cash financing related charges | ||||||||
| Stock-based compensation | ||||||||
| Changes in working capital balances related to operations: | ||||||||
| Incentive and tax receivables | ( | ) | ||||||
| Prepaid expenses and deposits | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Accounts payable | ( | ) | ||||||
| Accrued liabilities | ( | ) | ||||||
| Deferred grant income | ||||||||
| Net cash used in operating activities | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Cash Flows provided by Financing Activities | ||||||||
| Issuance of common shares | ||||||||
| Share issue costs | ( | ) | ||||||
| Proceeds from exercise of stock options | ||||||||
| Net cash provided by financing activities | ||||||||
| Increase in cash and cash equivalents during the period | ||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period | ||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents, end of period | $ | $ | ||||||
| Supplemental Cash Flow Information | ||||||||
| Cash paid for state and local minimum income taxes | $ | $ | ||||||
See Accompanying Notes to Condensed Interim Consolidated Financial Statements
8
Anavex Life Sciences Corp.
Notes to the Condensed Interim Consolidated Financial Statements
March 31, 2023
(Unaudited)
Note 1 Business Description
Business
Anavex Life Sciences Corp. (“Anavex” or the “Company”) is a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company engaged in the development of differentiated therapeutics by applying precision medicine to central nervous system (“CNS”) diseases with high unmet need. Anavex analyzes genomic data from clinical trials to identify biomarkers, which are used in the analysis of its clinical trials for the treatment of neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental diseases.
The Company’s lead compound ANAVEX®2-73 is being developed to treat Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and potentially other central nervous system diseases, including rare diseases, such as Rett syndrome, a rare severe neurological monogenic disorder caused by mutations in the X-linked gene, methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (“MECP2”), and Fragile X syndrome.
Note 2 Basis of Presentation
Basis of Presentation
These accompanying unaudited condensed interim consolidated financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim reporting. Accordingly, certain information and note disclosures normally included in the annual financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. In the opinion of management, the disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not misleading.
These accompanying unaudited condensed interim consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments, which in the opinion of management are necessary for fair presentation of the information contained herein. The consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2022 was derived from the audited annual financial statements but does not include all disclosures required by U.S. GAAP. The accompanying unaudited condensed interim consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2022 filed with the SEC on November 28, 2022. The Company follows the same accounting policies in the preparation of interim reports.
Operating results for the three and six months ended March 31, 2023 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending September 30, 2023.
Liquidity
All of the Company’s potential drug compounds are in the clinical development stage and the Company cannot be certain that its research and development efforts will be successful or, if successful, that its potential drug compounds will ever be approved for sales to pharmaceutical companies or generate commercial revenues. To date, we have not generated any revenues from our operations. The Company expects the business to continue to experience negative cash flows from operations for the foreseeable future and cannot predict when, if ever, our business might become profitable.
9
Anavex Life Sciences Corp.
Notes to the Condensed Interim Consolidated Financial Statements
March 31, 2023
(Unaudited)
Management believes that the current working capital position will be sufficient to meet the Company’s working capital requirements beyond the next 12 months after the date that these condensed interim consolidated financial statements are issued. The process of drug development can be costly, and the timing and outcomes of clinical trials are uncertain. The assumptions upon which the Company has based its estimates are routinely evaluated and may be subject to change. The actual amount of the Company’s expenditures will vary depending upon a number of factors including but not limited to the design, timing and duration of future clinical trials, the progress of the Company’s research and development programs and the level of financial resources available. The Company has the ability to adjust its operating plan spending levels based on the timing of future clinical trials.
Other than our rights related to the Sales Agreement and the Purchase Agreement (as defined below in Note 5), there can be no assurance that additional financing will be available to us when needed or, if available, that it can be obtained on commercially reasonable terms. If the Company is not able to obtain the additional financing on a timely basis, if and when it is needed, it will be forced to delay or scale down some or all of its research and development activities.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses in the reporting period. The Company regularly evaluates estimates and assumptions related to accounting for research and development costs, incentive income receivable, valuation and recoverability of deferred tax assets, stock-based compensation, and loss contingencies. The Company bases its estimates and assumptions on current facts, historical experience, and various other factors that it believes to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities and the accrual of costs and expenses that are not readily apparent from other sources. The actual results experienced by the Company may differ materially and adversely from the Company’s estimates. To the extent there are material differences between the estimates and the actual results, future results of operations will be affected.
Principles of Consolidation
These consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Anavex Life Sciences Corp. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Anavex Australia Pty Limited (“Anavex Australia”), a company incorporated under the laws of Australia, Anavex Germany GmbH, a company incorporated under the laws of Germany, and Anavex Canada Ltd., a company incorporated under the laws of the Province of Ontario, Canada. All inter-company transactions and balances have been eliminated.
10
Anavex Life Sciences Corp.
Notes to the Condensed Interim Consolidated Financial Statements
March 31, 2023
(Unaudited)
Fair Value Measurements
The fair value hierarchy under GAAP is based on three levels of inputs, of which the first two are considered observable and the last unobservable, that may be used to measure fair value which are the following:
Level 1 - quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;
Level 2 - observable inputs other than Level 1, quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in markets that are not active, and model-derived prices whose inputs are observable or whose significant value drivers are observable; and
Level 3 - assets and liabilities whose significant value drivers are unobservable by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities.
At March 31, 2023 and September 30, 2022, the Company did not have any Level 3 assets or liabilities.
Basic income/(loss) per common share is computed by dividing net income/(loss) available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted income/(loss) per common share is computed by dividing net income/(loss) available to common stockholders by the sum of (1) the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period, (2) the dilutive effect of the assumed exercise of options and warrants using the treasury stock method and (3) the dilutive effect of other potentially dilutive securities. For purposes of the diluted net loss per share calculation, options and warrants are potentially dilutive securities and are excluded from the calculation of diluted net loss per share because their effect would be anti-dilutive.
As of March 31, 2023 loss per share excludes (March 31, 2022: ) potentially dilutive common shares related to outstanding options and warrants, as their effect was anti-dilutive.
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
In November 2021, the FASB issued ASU 2021-10, “Government Assistance (Topic 832): Disclosures by Business Entities about Government Assistance” (“ASU 2021-10”). ASU 2021-10 increases the disclosure requirements for annual reporting periods relating to material government assistance transactions on the entity’s financial statements and any significant terms and conditions of the agreements including commitments and contingencies. The new standard was effective for the Company on October 1, 2022 but only impacts annual financial statement footnote disclosures. The adoption of ASU 2021-10 is expected to impact the disclosures related to the research and development incentive income that the Company receives from the Australian Tax Office (“ATO”) for its clinical trials in Australia.
Note 3 Other Income
Grant Income
As of March 31, 2023, the
Company had received $
11
Anavex Life Sciences Corp.
Notes to the Condensed Interim Consolidated Financial Statements
March 31, 2023
(Unaudited)
The grant income was recorded
to deferred grant income when received and is being amortized to grant income as the related research and development expenditures are
incurred. During the three and six months ended March 31, 2023, the Company recognized $
Research and development incentive income
Research and development incentive income represents the income earned by Anavex Australia, of the Australian research and development tax incentive credit (the “Tax Incentive Credit”).
During the three and six
months ended March 31, 2023, the Company recorded research and development incentive income of $
The Company evaluates its eligibility under the tax incentive program as of each balance sheet date based on the most current and relevant data available. Although the Company believes that it complies with all the relevant conditions of the program, the Company may be subject to pre-issue review or audit by the ATO, and the ATO may have different interpretations of certain eligibility requirements. Currently, the Company’s tax incentive claims from 2018 to 2022 are open to potential review or audit by the ATO.
Note 4 Accrued Liabilities
The principal components of accrued liabilities consist of:
| March 31, | September 30, | |||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||
| Accrued clinical site and patient visits costs | $ | $ | ||||||
| Accrued compensation and benefits | ||||||||
| Fixed contract accruals | ||||||||
| Milestone based contract accruals | ||||||||
| All other accrued liabilities | ||||||||
| Total accrued liabilities | ||||||||
Note 5 Equity Offerings
Common Stock
Common shares are voting and are entitled to dividends as declared at the discretion of the Board of Directors (the “Board”).
Preferred Stock
The Company’s Board has the authority to issue preferred stock in one or more series and to fix the rights, preferences, privileges, restrictions and the number of shares constituting any series of the designation of the series.
12
Anavex Life Sciences Corp.
Notes to the Condensed Interim Consolidated Financial Statements
March 31, 2023
(Unaudited)
Sales Agreement
The Company entered into a Controlled Equity Offering Sales Agreement on July 6, 2018, which was amended and restated on May 1, 2020 (the “Sales Agreement”) with Cantor Fitzgerald & Co. and SVB Leerink LLC (together the “Sales Agents”), pursuant to which the Company may offer and sell shares of common stock registered under an effective registration statement from time to time through the Sales Agents (the “Offering”).
Upon delivery of a placement notice based on the Company’s instructions and subject to the terms and conditions of the Sales Agreement, the Sales Agents may sell the Shares by methods deemed to be an “at the market offering” offering, in negotiated transactions at market prices prevailing at the time of sale or at prices related to such prevailing market prices, or by any other method permitted by law, including negotiated transactions, subject to the prior written consent of the Company. The Company is not obligated to make any sales of Shares under the Sales Agreement. The Company or Sales Agents may suspend or terminate the offering of Shares upon notice to the other party, subject to certain conditions. The Sales Agents will act as agent on a commercially reasonable efforts basis consistent with their normal trading and sales practices and applicable state and federal law, rules and regulations and the rules of Nasdaq.
The Company has agreed to pay the Sales Agents commissions
for their services of up to
Purchase Agreement
On February 3, 2023, the Company entered into a $150,000,000 purchase agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) with Lincoln Park Capital Fund, LLC (“Lincoln Park”), pursuant to which the Company has the right to sell and issue to Lincoln Park, and Lincoln Park is obligated to purchase, up to $ in value of its shares of common stock from time to time over a three-year period until February 3, 2026.
In consideration for entering into the Purchase Agreement,
the Company issued to Lincoln Park shares of common stock as a commitment fee (the “initial commitment shares”) and
agreed to issue up to an additional shares pro rata, when and if, Lincoln Park purchased, at the Company’s discretion, the
$
During the six months ended March 31, 2023, the Company
issued to Lincoln Park an aggregate of (2022: ) shares of common stock under the 2023 Purchase Agreement, including
(2022: ) shares of common stock for an aggregate purchase price of $
At March 31, 2023, an amount of $
13
Anavex Life Sciences Corp.
Notes to the Condensed Interim Consolidated Financial Statements
March 31, 2023
(Unaudited)
Note 6 Commitments and Contingencies
Leases
During the three
and six months ended March 31, 2023, the Company incurred office lease expense of $
Employee 401(k) Benefit Plan
The Company has
a defined-contribution savings plan under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. The plan covers all United States based employees.
United States based employees eligible to participate in the plan may contribute up to the current statutory limits under the Internal
Revenue Service regulations. The 401(k) plan permits the Company to make additional matching contributions on behalf of contributing employees.
During the three and six months ended March 31, 2023, the Company made $
Litigation
The Company is subject to claims and legal proceedings that arise in the ordinary course of business. Such matters are inherently uncertain, and there can be no guarantee that the outcome of any such matter will be decided favorably to the Company or that the resolution of any such matter will not have a material adverse effect upon the Company’s consolidated financial statements. The Company does not believe that any of such pending claims and legal proceedings will have a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial statements.
Share Purchase Warrants
At March 31, 2023 and September 30, 2022, the Company
had
| Number | Exercise Price | Expiry Date | ||||||
| $ | ||||||||
| $ | ||||||||
Stock–based Compensation Plan
2015 Stock Option Plan
On September 18, 2015, the Company’s Board approved a 2015 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “2015 Plan”), which provided for the grant of stock options and restricted stock awards to directors, officers, employees and consultants of the Company.
The maximum number of our common shares reserved for issue under the plan was shares, subject to adjustment in the event of a change of the Company’s capitalization.
14
Anavex Life Sciences Corp.
Notes to the Condensed Interim Consolidated Financial Statements
March 31, 2023
(Unaudited)
2019 Stock Option Plan
On January 15, 2019, the Board approved the 2019 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “2019 Plan”), which provides for the grant of stock options and restricted stock awards to directors, officers, employees, consultants and advisors of the Company.
The maximum number of our common shares reserved for issue under the plan was shares, subject to adjustment in the event of a change of the Company’s capitalization.
During the year ended September 30, 2022, options previously available under the 2019 Plan and the 2015 Plan became available under the 2022 Plan (as defined below).
2022 Stock Option Plan
On March 25, 2022, the Board approved the 2022 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “2022 Plan”). The 2022 Plan was approved by stockholders on May 24, 2022. Under the terms of the 2022 Plan, additional shares of Common Stock will be available for issuance under the plan. Any awards outstanding under a previous stock option plan will remain subject to and be paid under such plan, and any shares subject to outstanding awards under a previous plan that subsequently cease to be subject to such awards (other than by reason of settlement of the awards in shares) will automatically become available for issuance under the 2022 Plan.
The 2022 Plan provides that it may be administered
by the Board, or the Board may delegate such responsibility to a committee. The exercise price will be determined by the Board at the
time of grant and shall be at least equal to the fair market value on such date. If the grantee is a 10% stockholder on the grant date,
then the exercise price shall not be less than 110% of fair market value of the Company’s shares of common stock on the grant date.
Stock options may be granted under the 2022 Plan for an exercise period of up to ten years from the date of grant of the option or such
lesser periods as may be determined by the Board, subject to earlier termination in accordance with the terms of the 2022 Plan. As at
March 31, 2023,
A summary of the status of Company’s outstanding stock options is presented below:
| Number of Shares | Weighted Average Exercise Price ($) |
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value ($) |
Aggregate intrinsic value ($) |
|||||||||||||||
| Outstanding, September 30, 2021 | — | |||||||||||||||||
| Granted | — | |||||||||||||||||
| Forfeited | ( | ) | — | |||||||||||||||
| Exercised | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||
| Outstanding, September 30, 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Granted | — | |||||||||||||||||
| Exercised | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||
| Forfeited | ( | ) | — | |||||||||||||||
| Outstanding, March 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Exercisable, March 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||
The following summarizes information about stock options at March 31, 2023 by a range of exercise prices:
| Range of exercises prices | Number of Outstanding | Weighted average remaining contractual Me | Weighted average | Number of vested | Weighted average | |||||||||||||||||||||
| From | To | options | (in years) | exercise price | options | exercise price | ||||||||||||||||||||
| $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
15
Anavex Life Sciences Corp.
Notes to the Condensed Interim Consolidated Financial Statements
March 31, 2023
(Unaudited)
The weighted average grant date fair value of options vested during the six months ended March 31, 2023 was $ (2022: $). At March 31, 2023, the weighted average contractual life of options outstanding was years (September 30, 2022: years) and for options exercisable was years (September 30, 2022: years).
The aggregate intrinsic value is calculated as the difference between the exercise price of the underlying awards and the quoted market price of the Company’s stock for the options that were in-the-money at March 31, 2023.
During the three and six months ended March 31, 2023, the Company recognized stock-based compensation expense of $ and $ (2022: $ and $), respectively, in connection with the issuance and vesting of stock options and warrants in exchange for services. These amounts have been included in general and administrative expenses and research and development expenses on the Company’s statement of operations as follows:
| Three months ended March 31, | Six months end March 31, | |||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||
| General and administrative | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
| Research and development | ||||||||||||||||
| Total stock-based compensation | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
An amount of approximately $ in stock-based compensation is expected to be recorded over the remaining term of such options through fiscal 2026.
The fair value of each option award granted during the three and six months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022 is estimated on the date of grant using the Black Scholes option pricing model based on the following weighted average assumptions:
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||
| Risk-free interest rate | % | % | ||||||
| Expected life of options (years) | ||||||||
| Annualized volatility | % | % | ||||||
| Dividend rate | % | % | ||||||
The fair value of stock compensation charges recognized during the three and six months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022 was determined with reference to the quoted market price of the Company’s shares on the grant date.
16
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.
Forward-Looking Statements
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q includes forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical facts contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, including statements regarding our anticipated future clinical and regulatory milestone events, future financial position, business strategy and plans and objectives of management for future operations, are forward-looking statements. The words “believe,” “may,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “expect” “should,” “forecast,” “potential,” “predict”, “could,” “would,” “will,” “suggest,” “plan” and similar expressions, as they relate to us, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements regarding:
| ● | volatility in our stock price and in the markets in general; | |
| ● | our ability to successfully conduct preclinical studies and clinical trials for our product candidates; | |
| ● | our ability to raise additional capital on favorable terms and the impact of such activities on our stockholders and stock price; | |
| ● | the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak and its effect on us; | |
| ● | our ability to generate any revenue or to continue as a going concern; | |
| ● | our ability to execute our research and development plan on time and on budget; | |
| ● | our products candidates’ ability to demonstrate efficacy or an acceptable safety profile; | |
| ● | our ability to obtain the support of qualified scientific collaborators; | |
| ● | our ability, whether alone or with commercial partners, to successfully commercialize any of our product candidates that may be approved for sale; | |
| ● | our ability to identify and obtain additional product candidates; | |
| ● | our reliance on third parties in non-clinical studies and clinical trials; | |
| ● | our ability to defend against product liability claims; | |
| ● | our ability to safeguard against security breaches; | |
| ● | our ability to obtain and maintain sufficient intellectual property protection for our product candidates; | |
| ● | our ability to comply with our intellectual property licensing agreements; | |
| ● | our ability to defend against claims of intellectual property infringement; | |
| ● | our ability to comply with the maintenance requirements of the government patent agencies; | |
| ● | our ability to protect our intellectual property rights throughout the world; | |
| ● | competition; | |
| ● | the anticipated start dates, durations and completion dates of our ongoing and future clinical trials; | |
| ● | the anticipated designs of our future clinical trials; | |
| ● | our ability to attract and retain qualified employees; | |
| ● | the impact of Fast Track designation on receipt of actual FDA approval; | |
| ● | our anticipated future regulatory submissions and our ability to receive regulatory approvals to develop and market our product candidates, including any orphan drug or Fast Track designations; and | |
| ● | our anticipated future cash position and ability to obtain funding for our operations. |
We have based these forward-looking statements largely on our current expectations and projections about future events, including the responses we expect from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, (“FDA”), and other regulatory authorities and financial trends that we believe may affect our financial condition, results of operations, business strategy, preclinical studies and clinical trials, and financial needs. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions including without limitation the risks described in “Risk Factors” in Part I, Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 28, 2022. These risks are not exhaustive. Other sections of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q include additional factors which could adversely impact our business and financial performance. Moreover, we operate in a very competitive and rapidly changing environment. New risk factors emerge from time to time and it is not possible for our management to predict all risk factors, nor can we assess the impact of all factors on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. You should not rely upon forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. We cannot assure you that the events and circumstances reflected in the forward-looking statements will be achieved or occur and actual results could differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Except as required by applicable laws including the securities laws of the United States, we assume no obligation to update or supplement forward-looking statements.
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As used in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, the terms “we,” “us,” “our,” “Company”, and “Anavex” mean Anavex Life Sciences Corp., unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.
Our Current Business
Anavex Life Sciences Corp. is a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company engaged in the development of differentiated therapeutics by applying precision medicine to central nervous system (“CNS”) diseases with high unmet need. We analyze genomic data from clinical trials to identify biomarkers, which we use in the analysis of our clinical trials.
Our lead product candidate, ANAVEX®2-73, is being developed to treat Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and potentially other central nervous system diseases, including rare diseases, such as Rett syndrome, a rare severe neurological monogenic disorder caused by mutations in the X-linked gene, methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (“MECP2”).
We currently have two core programs and two seed programs. Our core programs are at various stages of clinical and preclinical development, in neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental diseases.
The following table summarizes key information about our programs:
* = Orphan Drug Designation by the FDA; Dashed lines indicate planned clinical trials to-date
Anavex has a portfolio of compounds varying in sigma-1 receptor (SIGMAR1) binding activities. The SIGMAR1 gene encodes the SIGMAR1 protein, which is an intracellular chaperone protein with important roles in cellular communication. SIGMAR1 is also involved in transcriptional regulation at the nuclear envelope and restores homeostasis and stimulates recovery of cell function when activated. In order to validate the ability of our compounds to activate quantitatively the SIGMAR1, we performed, in collaboration with Stanford University, a quantitative Positron Emission Tomography (PET) imaging scan in mice, which demonstrated a dose-dependent ANAVEX®2-73 target engagement or receptor occupancy with SIGMAR1 in the brain.
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Source: Reyes S et al., Sci Rep. 2021 Aug 25; 11(1):17150
Cellular Homeostasis
Many diseases are possibly directly caused by chronic homeostatic imbalances or cellular stress of brain cells. In pediatric diseases, such as Rett syndrome or infantile spasms, the chronic cellular stress is possibly caused by the presence of a constant genetic mutation. In neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, chronic cellular stress is possibly caused by age-correlated buildup of cellular insult and hence chronic cellular stress. Specifically, defects in homeostasis of protein or ribonucleic acid (“RNA”) lead to the death of neurons and dysfunction of the nervous system. The spreading of protein aggregates resulting in a proteinopathy, a characteristic found in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases that results from disorders of protein synthesis, trafficking, folding, processing or degradation in cells. The clearance of macromolecules in the brain is particularly susceptible to imbalances that result in aggregation and degeneration in nerve cells. For example, Alzheimer’s disease pathology is characterized by the presence of amyloid plaques, and neurofibrillary tangles, which are aggregates of hyperphosphorylated Tau protein that are a marker of other diseases known as tauopathies as well as inflammation of microglia. With the SIGMAR1 activation through SIGMAR1 agonists like ANAVEX®2-73, our approach is to restore cellular balance (i.e. homeostasis). Therapies that correct defects in cellular homeostasis might have the potential to halt or delay neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disease progression.
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ANAVEX®2-73-specific Biomarkers
As part of some of our clinical trials, we have incorporated a genomic analysis to better understand potential populations for whom our clinical programs might benefit. In our clinical trials, a full genomic analysis of Alzheimer’s disease patients treated with ANAVEX®2-73 has helped us identify actionable genetic variants. A significant impact of the genomic biomarkers SIGMAR1, the direct target of ANAVEX®2-73 and COMT, a gene involved in memory function, on the drug response level was identified, leading to an early ANAVEX®2-73-specific biomarker hypothesis. We believe that excluding patients with SIGMAR1 identified biomarker variant (approximately 10%-20% of the population) in prospective studies would identify approximately 80%-90% patients that would display clinically significant improved functional and cognitive scores. The consistency between the identified DNA and RNA data related to ANAVEX®2-73, which are considered independent of Alzheimer’s disease pathology, as well as multiple endpoints and time-points, provides support for the potential precision medicine clinical development of ANAVEX®2-73 by using genetic biomarkers identified within the trial population itself to target patients who are most likely to respond to ANAVEX®2-73 treatment. We may in the future utilize such an approach in Alzheimer’s disease as well as indications like Parkinson’s disease dementia or Rett syndrome in which ANAVEX®2-73 is currently being studied.
Clinical Trials Overview
Alzheimer’s Disease
In November 2016, we completed a Phase 2a clinical trial, consisting of Part A and Part B, which lasted a total of 57 weeks, for ANAVEX®2-73 in mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s patients. This open-label randomized trial in Australia met both primary and secondary endpoints and was designed to assess the safety and exploratory efficacy of ANAVEX®2-73 in 32 patients. ANAVEX®2-73 targets sigma-1 and muscarinic receptors, which have been shown in preclinical studies to reduce stress levels in the brain believed to restore cellular homeostasis and to reverse the pathological hallmarks observed in Alzheimer’s disease. In October 2017, we presented positive pharmacokinetic (“PK”) and pharmacodynamic (“PD”) data from the Phase 2a clinical trial, which established a concentration-effect relationship between ANAVEX®2-73 and trial measurements. These measures obtained from all patients who participated in the entire 57 weeks include exploratory cognitive and functional scores as well as biomarker signals of brain activity. Additionally, the clinical trial appeared to show that ANAVEX®2-73 activity was enhanced by its active metabolite (ANAVEX19-144), which also targets the SIGMAR1 receptor and has a half-life approximately twice as long as the parent molecule.
Two consecutive trial extensions for the Phase 2a trial have allowed participants who completed the 52-week Part B of the trial to continue taking ANAVEX®2-73, providing an opportunity to gather extended safety data for a cumulative time period of five years. In August 2020, patients completing these Phase 2a trial extensions were granted continued access to treatment with ANAVEX®2-73 through the Australian Government Department of Health – Therapeutic Goods Administration’s compassionate use Special Access Scheme.
A larger Phase 2b/3 double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of ANAVEX®2-73 in Alzheimer’s disease commenced in August 2018. The Phase 2b/3 trial enrolled 509 patients, which were treated with a convenient once-daily oral formulation of ANAVEX®2-73 for 48 weeks, randomized 1:1:1 to two different ANAVEX®2-73 doses or placebo. The trial took place at 52 sites across North America, Europe and Australia. Primary and secondary endpoints to assess safety and both cognitive and functional efficacy, were measured through the Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale – Cognitive Subscale test (“ADAS-Cog”), Alzheimer’s Disease Cooperative Study – Activities of Daily Living (“ADCS-ADL”) and Clinical Dementia Rating – Sum of Boxes for cognition and function (“CDR-SB”). In addition to the primary endpoints, the ANAVEX®2-73 Phase 2b/3 trial design incorporated pre-specified statistical analyses related to potential genomic precision medicine biomarkers previously identified in the ANAVEX®2-73 Phase 2a clinical trial. The trial was completed in mid-2022 and, in December 2022, the Company presented positive topline results from the Phase 2b/3 clinical trial.
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ANAVEX®2-73 met the co-primary endpoints ADAS-Cog and ADCS-ADL and key secondary endpoint CDR-SB. ANAVEX®2-73 treatment slowed decline of cognition and function in patients with early Alzheimer’s disease over 48 weeks. Patients treated with ANAVEX®2-73 had 1.84 times higher odds, or likelihood, to improve cognitively compared to placebo, with a ADAS-Cog score threshold change of -0.5 points or better [Odds Ratio = 1.84 (p = 0.015)]. At clinically significant levels of improvement in function (ADCS-ADL score threshold change of +3.5 points or better), patients treated with ANAVEX®2-73 had 2.67 times higher odds, or likelihood, to improve function compared to placebo [Odds Ratio = 2.67 (p = 0.0255)]. Additionally, treatment with ANAVEX®2-73 reduced cognitive decline at end of treatment, measured with the ADAS-Cog, as compared to placebo, by 45%, representing a treatment difference in mean score change of -1.85 points (p=0.033). Compared to placebo, ANAVEX®2-73 reduced clinical decline of cognition and function by 27% with mean score difference of -0.42 points (p=0.040) as measured by the CDR-SB. ANAVEX®2-73 was generally safe and well tolerated. All statistical analyses were performed by outside consultancy companies.
In October 2019, we initiated a long-term open label extension study of ANAVEX®2-73, entitled the ATTENTION-AD trial, for patients who have completed the 48-week Phase 2b/3 placebo-controlled trial referenced above. This trial extension for an additional two years, which is currently ongoing, gives patients the opportunity to continue their treatment.
Rett Syndrome
In February 2016, we presented positive preclinical data for ANAVEX®2-73 in Rett syndrome, a rare neurodevelopmental disease. The data demonstrated dose related and significant improvements in an array of behavioral and gait paradigms in a mouse model with an MECP2-null mutation that causes neurological symptoms that mimic Rett syndrome. The study was funded by the International Rett Syndrome Foundation (“Rettsyndrome.org”). In January 2017, we were awarded a financial grant from Rettsyndrome.org of a minimum of $0.6 million to cover some of the costs of a multicenter Phase 2 clinical trial of ANAVEX®2-73 for the treatment of Rett syndrome. This award was received in quarterly instalments which commenced during fiscal 2018.
In March 2019, we commenced the first Phase 2 clinical trial in a planned Rett syndrome program of ANAVEX®2-73 for the treatment of Rett syndrome. The clinical trials are being conducted in a range of patient age demographics and geographic regions, utilizing an oral liquid once-daily formulation of ANAVEX®2-73.
The first Phase 2 trial, (ANAVEX®2-73-RS-001), which took place in the United States, was completed in December 2020. This trial was a randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled safety, tolerability, PK and efficacy trial of oral liquid ANAVEX®2-73 formulation in 25 adult female patients with Rett syndrome over a 7-week treatment period including ANAVEX®2-73-specific genomic precision medicine biomarkers. The primary endpoint of the trial was safety. The dosing of 5 mg ANAVEX®2-73 was well-tolerated and demonstrated dose-proportional PK. All secondary efficacy endpoints of the trial showed statistically significant and clinically meaningful response in the Rett Syndrome Behaviour Questionnaire (“RSBQ”) response, when compared to placebo, in the intent to treat (“ITT”) cohort (all participants, p = 0.011). 66.7% of ANAVEX®2-73 treated subjects showed a statistically significant improvement in RSBQ response as compared to 10% of the subjects on placebo in the ITT cohort (all participants, p = 0.011). ANAVEX®2-73 treatment resulted in a sustained improvement in Clinical Global Impression Improvement (CGI-I) response throughout the 7-week clinical trial, when compared to placebo in the ITT cohort (all participants, p = 0.014). Consistent with previous ANAVEX®2-73 clinical trials, patients carrying the common form of the SIGMAR1 gene treated with ANAVEX®2-73 experienced stronger improvements in the prespecified efficacy endpoints.
The second, international trial of ANAVEX®2-73 for the treatment of Rett syndrome, called the AVATAR trial, commenced in June 2019. This trial took place in Australia and the United Kingdom using a higher dose than the U.S. based Phase 2 trial for Rett syndrome. The trial was a Phase 3 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of ANAVEX®2-73 in 33 adult patients over a 7-week treatment period including ANAVEX®2-73 specific precision medicine biomarkers. Based upon the input from the successful U.S. Phase 2 Rett syndrome trial (ANAVEX®2-73-RS-001), we updated the endpoints for the AVATAR trial (ANAVEX®2-73-RS-002) to appropriately assess the clinically meaningful outcome following International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) guidelines. These updates were approved by the respective regulatory authorities in the U.K. and in Australia, respectively, where the AVATAR trial was conducted.
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The data from the AVATAR trial was released in February 2022. The clinical trial met all primary and secondary efficacy and safety endpoints, with consistent improvements in primary efficacy endpoint, RSBQ response (p = 0.037), and secondary efficacy endpoints, ADAMS (p = 0.010) and CGI-I (p = 0.037) response. Efficacy endpoints demonstrated statistically significant and clinically meaningful reductions in Rett syndrome symptoms. Convenient once daily oral liquid doses of up to 30 mg of ANAVEX®2-73 were also well tolerated with good medication compliance. All patients who participated in the trial were eligible to receive ANAVEX®2-73 under a voluntary open label extension protocol.
In July 2020, we commenced the third trial of ANAVEX®2-73 for the treatment of Rett syndrome, called the EXCELLENCE trial. This Phase 2/3 trial in pediatric patients with Rett syndrome includes trial sites in Australia, the United Kingdom and Canada, and will evaluate the safety and efficacy of ANAVEX®2-73 in approximately 84 pediatric patients, aged 5 to 18, over a 12-week treatment period incorporating ANAVEX®2-73 specific precision medicine biomarkers. This trial completed enrollment in February 2023, exceeding the original enrollment target and topline results are expected in the second half of 2023. All patients who participate in the trial will be eligible to receive ANAVEX®2-73 under a voluntary open label extension protocol, which is currently ongoing.
Parkinson’s Disease
In September 2016, we presented positive preclinical data for ANAVEX®2-73 in an animal model of Parkinson’s disease, which demonstrated significant improvements on behavioral, histopathological, and neuroinflammatory endpoints. The study was funded by the Michael J. Fox Foundation. Additional data announced in October 2017 indicated that ANAVEX®2-73 induced robust neurorestoration in experimental Parkinsonism. We believe the encouraging results we have gathered in this preclinical model, coupled with the favorable profile of this product candidate in the Alzheimer’s disease trial, support the notion that ANAVEX®2-73 has the potential to treat Parkinson’s disease dementia.
In October 2020, we completed a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled proof-of-concept Phase 2 trial with ANAVEX®2-73 in Parkinson’s disease dementia in Spain and Australia, to study the effect of the compound on both the cognitive and motor impairment of Parkinson’s disease. The Phase 2 trial enrolled approximately 132 patients for 14 weeks, randomized 1:1:1 to two different ANAVEX®2-73 doses, 30 mg and 50 mg, or placebo. The ANAVEX®2-73 Phase 2 Parkinson’s disease dementia trial design incorporated genomic precision medicine biomarkers identified in the ANAVEX®2-73 Phase 2a Alzheimer’s disease trial.
The trial demonstrated that ANAVEX®2-73 was safe and well tolerated in oral doses up to 50 mg once daily. The results showed clinically meaningful, dose-dependent, and statistically significant improvements in the Cognitive Drug Research (“CDR”) computerized assessment system analysis. Treatment with ANAVEX®2-73 also resulted in clinically meaningful improvements as measured by the global composite score of Parkinson’s disease symptom severity, MDS-Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (“MDS-UPDRS”) total score on top of standard of care including dopaminergic therapy, levodopa and other anti-PD medications after 14 weeks of treatment, suggesting ANAVEX®2-73’s potential capability of slowing and reversing symptoms that progress in Parkinson’s disease. In addition, the trial confirmed the precision medicine approach of targeting SIGMAR1 as a genetic biomarker in response to ANAVEX®2-73 may result in improved clinical outcomes.
A 48-week Open Label Extension (“OLE”) ANAVEX2-73-PDD-EP-001 Phase 2 trial was offered to participants after completion of the double-blind placebo-controlled ANAVEX2-73-PDD-001 Phase 2 trial discussed above. The OLE trial assessed safety, tolerability and efficacy, measuring among others, MDS-Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale Parts I, II, III, REM Sleep Behavior Disorder Screening Questionnaire (RBDSQ), Clinical Global Impression – Improvement (CGI-I), as well as cognitive efficacy endpoint Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) over a 48-week period.
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In March 2023, we reported the preliminary ANAVEX2-73-PDD-EP-001 OLE trial data, which demonstrated longitudinal beneficial effects of ANAVEX®2-73 on the prespecified primary and secondary objectives. Preliminary analysis reveals that ANAVEX®2-73 (blarcamesine) was found to be generally safe and well tolerated; and safety findings in this trial were consistent with the known safety profile of ANAVEX®2-73. In respect to efficacy, across all efficacy endpoints, patients performed better while on ANAVEX®2-73. While all patients were on drug holiday due to COVID-19 between the DB EOT and the OLE Baseline, the respective efficacy endpoints, including the MDS-UPDRS Part II + III and CGI-I, measured at the end of trial of the double-blind study (DB EOT) and the OLE Baseline, were worsening, as expected in a progressive disease like Parkinson’s. However, when patients resumed daily oral ANAVEX®2-73 treatment, a consistent improvement was observed during the extension phase from OLE Baseline through OLE Week 24, and OLE Week 48, respectively. These results are consistent with the pattern observed for all efficacy measures in the extension phase. The two endpoints, MDS-UPDRS Part II + III and CGI-I measured in this study are the planned primary and key secondary endpoints in our forthcoming pivotal 6-month Parkinson’s disease study.
In January 2021, we were awarded a research grant of $1.0 million from The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research to develop ANAVEX®2-73 for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. The award will explore utilization of PET imaging biomarkers to enable measurement of target engagement and pathway activation of the SIGMAR1 with clinically relevant doses including in people with Parkinson’s disease.
Frontotemporal Dementia
In July 2020, we commenced the First-in-Human Phase 1 clinical trial of ANAVEX®3-71. ANAVEX®3-71 was previously granted orphan drug designation for the treatment of Frontotemporal Dementia (“FTD”) by the FDA. ANAVEX®3-71 is an orally administered small molecule targeting sigma-1 and M1 muscarinic receptors that is designed to be beneficial for neurodegenerative diseases. In preclinical studies, ANAVEX®3-71 demonstrated disease-modifying activity against the major hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease in transgenic (3xTg-AD) mice, including cognitive deficits, amyloid and tau pathologies, as well as beneficial effects on mitochondrial dysfunction and neuroinflammation.
The Phase 1 clinical trial was a prospective double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial in Australia. A total of 36 healthy male and female subjects were included. Single escalating doses of ANAVEX®3-71 were administered in order to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and PK of ANAVEX®3-71 and the effects of food and gender on its PK in healthy volunteers.
The trial met its primary and secondary endpoints of safety, with no serious adverse events (“SAEs”) or dose-limiting toxicities observed. ANAVEX®3-71 was well tolerated in all cohorts receiving ANAVEX®3-71 in single doses ranging from 5 mg to 200 mg daily with no SAEs and no significant lab abnormalities in any subject. In the trial, ANAVEX®3-71 exhibited linear PK. Its pharmacokinetics was also dose proportional for doses up to 160 mg. Gender had no effect on the PK of the drug and food had no effect on the bioavailability of ANAVEX®3-71. The trial also met the secondary objective of characterizing the effect of ANAVEX®3-71 on electrocardiogram (“ECG”) parameters. There were no clinically significant ECG parameters throughout the trial. Participant QTcF measures were normal across all dose groups with no difference between ANAVEX®3-71 and placebo.
Based on these results, and ANAVEX®3-71’s pre-clinical profile, we intend to advance ANAVEX®3-71 into a biomarker-driven clinical development dementia program for the treatment of schizophrenia, FTD and Alzheimer’s disease, evaluating longitudinal effect of treatment with ANAVEX®3-71. We believe the results of these clinical trials and preclinical study could serve as a basis for advancing into respective registration trials in the U.S.
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Our Pipeline
Our research and development pipeline includes ANAVEX®2-73 currently in three different clinical trial indications, and several other compounds in different stages of clinical and pre-clinical development.
Our proprietary SIGMACEPTOR™ Discovery Platform produced small molecule drug candidates with unique modes of action, based on our understanding of sigma receptors. Sigma receptors may be targets for therapeutics to combat many human diseases, both of neurodegenerative nature, including Alzheimer’s disease, as well as of neurodevelopmental nature, like Rett syndrome. When bound by the appropriate ligands, sigma receptors influence the functioning of multiple biochemical signals that are involved in the pathogenesis (origin or development) of disease. Multiple viruses including SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) induce cellular stress by intrinsic mitochondrial apoptosis and other related cellular processes, in order to ensure survival and replication. Hence, it is possible that SIGMAR1 could play a role in modulating the cellular response to viral infection and ameliorate pathogenesis.
Compounds that have been subjects of our research include the following:
ANAVEX®2-73 (blarcamesine)
We believe ANAVEX®2-73 may offer a disease-modifying approach in neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental diseases by activation of SIGMAR1. ANAVEX®2-73 is being developed in an oral liquid once-daily formulation for rare diseases such as Rett syndrome as well as an oral once-daily capsule formulation for diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease.
In Rett syndrome, administration of ANAVEX®2-73 in liquid form resulted in both significant and dose related improvements in an array of behavioral paradigms in the MECP2 HET Rett syndrome disease model. In addition, in a further experiment sponsored by Rettsyndrome.org, ANAVEX®2-73 was evaluated in automatic visual response and respiration tests in 7-month old mice, an age at which advanced pathology is evident. Vehicle-treated MECP2 mice demonstrated fewer automatic visual responses than wild-type mice. Treatment with ANAVEX®2-73 for four weeks significantly increased the automatic visual response in the MECP2 Rett syndrome disease mice. Additionally, chronic oral dosing daily for 6.5 weeks of ANAVEX®2-73 starting at ~5.5 weeks of age was conducted in the MECP2 HET Rett syndrome disease mouse model assessed the different aspects of muscular coordination, balance, motor learning and muscular strengths, some of the core deficits observed in Rett syndrome. Administration of ANAVEX®2-73 resulted in both significant and dose related improvements in an array of these behavioral paradigms in the MECP2 HET Rett syndrome disease model.
In May 2016 and June 2016, the FDA granted Orphan Drug Designation to ANAVEX®2-73 for the treatment of Rett syndrome and infantile spasms, respectively. In November 2019, the FDA granted to ANAVEX®2-73 the Rare Pediatric Disease (RPD) designation for the treatment of Rett syndrome. The RPD designation is intended to encourage the development of treatments for rare pediatric diseases.
Further, in February 2020, the FDA granted Fast Track designation for the ANAVEX®2-73 clinical development program for the treatment of Rett syndrome. The FDA Fast Track program is designed to facilitate and expedite the development and review of new drugs to address unmet medical needs in the treatment of serious and life-threatening conditions.
For Parkinson’s disease, data demonstrates significant improvements and restoration of function in a disease modifying animal model of Parkinson’s disease. Significant improvements were seen on all measures tested: behavioral, histopathological, and neuroinflammatory endpoints. In October 2020, we completed a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled proof-of-concept Phase 2 trial with ANAVEX®2-73 in Parkinson’s disease dementia, to study the effect of the compound on both the cognitive and motor impairment of Parkinson’s disease. The Phase 2 trial enrolled approximately 132 patients for 14 weeks, randomized 1:1:1 to two different ANAVEX®2-73 doses, 30mg and 50mg, or placebo. The ANAVEX®2-73 Phase 2 Parkinson’s disease dementia trial design incorporated genomic precision medicine biomarkers identified in the ANAVEX®2-73 Phase 2a Alzheimer’s disease trial.
The trial demonstrated that ANAVEX®2-73 was safe and well tolerated in oral doses up to 50mg once daily. The results showed clinically meaningful, dose-dependent, and statistically significant improvements in the CDR computerized assessment system analysis. We anticipate conducting further clinical trials of ANAVEX®2-73 in Parkinson’s disease dementia after submitting the results of the trial to the FDA to obtain regulatory guidance.
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In Alzheimer’s disease animal models, ANAVEX®2-73 has shown pharmacological, histological and behavioral evidence as a potential neuroprotective, anti-amnesic, anti-convulsive and anti-depressive therapeutic agent, due to its potent affinity to SIGMAR1 and moderate affinities to M1-4 type muscarinic receptors. In addition, ANAVEX®2-73 has shown a potential dual mechanism which may impact amyloid, tau pathology and inflammation. In a transgenic Alzheimer’s disease animal model Tg2576, ANAVEX®2-73 induced a statistically significant neuroprotective effect against the development of oxidative stress in the mouse brain, as well as significantly increased the expression of functional and synaptic plasticity markers that is apparently amyloid-beta independent. It also statistically alleviated the learning and memory deficits developed over time in the animals, regardless of sex, both in terms of spatial working memory and long-term spatial reference memory.
Based on the results of pre-clinical testing, we initiated and completed a Phase 1 single ascending dose (SAD) clinical trial of ANAVEX®2-73. In this Phase 1 SAD trial, the maximum tolerated single dose was defined per protocol as 55-60 mg. This dose is above the equivalent dose shown to have positive effects in mouse models of Alzheimer’s disease. There were no significant changes in laboratory or ECG parameters. ANAVEX®2-73 was well tolerated below the 55-60 mg dose with only mild adverse events in some subjects. Observed adverse events at doses above the maximum tolerated single dose included headache and dizziness, which were moderate in severity and reversible. These side effects are often seen with drugs that target CNS conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease.
In November 2016, we completed a Phase 2a clinical trial for ANAVEX®2-73, for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. The open-label randomized trial was designed to assess the safety and exploratory efficacy of ANAVEX®2-73 in 32 patients with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s disease. The Phase 2a trial met both primary and secondary objectives of the trial.
In July 2018, we presented the results of a genomic DNA and RNA evaluation of the participants in the Phase 2a clinical trial. More than 33,000 genes were analyzed using unbiased, data driven, machine learning, artificial intelligence (AI) system for analyzing DNA and RNA data in patients treated with ANAVEX®2-73. The analysis identified genetic variants that impacted response to ANAVEX®2-73, among them variants related to the SIGMAR1, the target for ANAVEX®2-73. Results showed that trial participants with the common SIGMAR1 wild type gene variant, which is estimated to be about 80% of the population worldwide, demonstrated improved cognitive (MMSE) and functional (ADCS-ADL) scores. The results from this evaluation supported the continued evaluation of genomic information in subsequent clinical trials, since these signatures can now be applied to neurological indications tested in future clinical trials with ANAVEX®2-73 including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease dementia and Rett syndrome.
ANAVEX®2-73 data met prerequisite information in order to progress into a Phase 2b/3 placebo-controlled trial. On July 2, 2018, the Human Research Ethics Committee in Australia approved the initiation of our Phase 2b/3, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled 48-week safety and efficacy trial of ANAVEX®2-73 for the treatment of early Alzheimer’s disease. Clinical trial sites in Canada, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Germany were also added. This Phase 2b/3 trial design incorporates inclusion of genomic precision medicine biomarkers identified in the ANAVEX®2-73 Phase 2a trial.
The trial completed and, in December 2022, the Company presented positive topline results from the Phase 2b/3 clinical trial. ANAVEX®2-73 met the co-primary endpoints ADAS-Cog and ADCS-ADL and key secondary endpoint CDR-SB as further described above under Clinical Trials Overview – Alzheimer’s Disease.
We believe preclinical data from our studies also supports further research into the use of ANAVEX®2-73 as a potential platform drug for other neurodegenerative diseases beyond Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease or Rett syndrome, more specifically, epilepsy, infantile spasms, Fragile X syndrome, Angelman syndrome, multiple sclerosis, and, more recently, tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC). ANAVEX®2-73 demonstrated significant improvements in all of these indications in the respective preclinical animal models.
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In a preclinical study sponsored by the Foundation for Angelman Syndrome, ANAVEX®2-73 was assessed in a mouse model for the development of audiogenic seizures. The results indicated that ANAVEX®2-73 administration significantly reduced audiogenic-induced seizures in mice. In a study sponsored by FRAXA Research Foundation regarding Fragile X syndrome, data demonstrated that ANAVEX®2-73 restored hippocampal brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression to normal levels. BDNF under-expression has been observed in many neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative pathologies. BDNF signaling promotes maturation of both excitatory and inhibitory synapses. ANAVEX®2-73 normalization of BDNF expression could be a contributing factor for the positive preclinical data observed in both neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders like Angelman and Fragile X syndromes.
In addition, preclinical data to-date also indicates that ANAVEX®2-73 has the potential to demonstrate protective effects of mitochondrial enzyme complexes during pathological conditions, which, if impaired, may play a role in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental diseases.
In addition, preclinical data on ANAVEX®2-73 related to multiple sclerosis indicates that ANAVEX®2-73 may promote remyelination in multiple sclerosis disease. Further, our data also demonstrates that ANAVEX®2-73 has the potential to provide protection for oligodendrocytes (“OL’s”) and oligodendrocyte precursor cells (“OPC’s”), as well as central nervous system neurons in addition to helping repair by increasing OPC proliferation and maturation in tissue culture.
In March 2018, we presented preclinical data of ANAVEX®2-73 in a genetic mouse model of tuberous sclerosis complex (“TSC”). TSC is a rare genetic disorder characterized by the growth of numerous benign tumors in many parts of the body with a high incidence of seizures. The preclinical data demonstrated that treatment with ANAVEX®2-73 significantly increased survival and reduced seizures in those mice.
ANAVEX®3-71
ANAVEX®3-71 is a clinical drug candidate with a novel mechanism of action via SIGMAR1 activation and M1 muscarinic allosteric modulation, which has been shown to enhance neuroprotection and cognition in Alzheimer’s disease models. ANAVEX®3-71 is a CNS-penetrable potential disease modifying treatment for cognitive impairments. We believe it is effective in very small doses against the major Alzheimer’s hallmarks in transgenic (3xTg-AD) mice, including cognitive deficits, amyloid and tau pathologies, and also has beneficial effects on inflammation and mitochondrial dysfunctions. ANAVEX®3-71 indicates extensive therapeutic advantages in Alzheimer’s and other protein-aggregation-related diseases given its ability to enhance neuroprotection and cognition via SIGMAR1 activation and M1 muscarinic allosteric modulation.
A preclinical study examined the response of ANAVEX®3-71 in aged transgenic animal models and showed a significant reduction in the rate of cognitive deficit, amyloid beta pathology and inflammation with the administration of ANAVEX®3-71. In April 2016, the FDA granted Orphan Drug Designation to ANAVEX®3-71 for the treatment of FTD.
During pathological conditions ANAVEX®3-71 demonstrated the formation of new synapses between neurons (synaptogenesis) without causing an abnormal increase in the number of astrocytes. In neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, synaptogenesis is believed to be impaired. Additional preclinical data presented also indicates that in addition to reducing oxidative stress, ANAVEX®3-71 has the potential to demonstrate protective effects of mitochondrial enzyme complexes during pathological conditions, which, if impaired, are believed to play a role in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental diseases.
In July 2020, we commenced the first Phase 1 clinical trial of ANAVEX®3-71. The trial took place in Australia and was a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, Phase 1 trial to evaluate safety and tolerability, and PK of oral escalating doses of ANAVEX®3-71 including effects of food and gender in healthy volunteers. The trial met its primary and secondary endpoints of safety, respectively, with no serious adverse events (SAEs) or dose-limiting toxicities observed, as more fully described above under Clinical Trials Overview – Frontotemporal Dementia.
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Based on these results, and ANAVEX®3-71 pre-clinical profile, the Company intends to advance ANAVEX®3-71 into a biomarker-driven clinical development dementia program for the treatment of schizophrenia, FTD and Alzheimer’s disease, evaluating longitudinal effect of treatment with ANAVEX®3-71. We believe the results of this clinical trial and preclinical study could serve as a basis for advancing into respective registration trials in the U.S.
ANAVEX®1-41
ANAVEX®1-41 is a sigma-1 agonist. Pre-clinical tests revealed significant neuroprotective benefits (i.e., protects nerve cells from degeneration or death) through the modulation of endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondrial and oxidative stress, which damages and impairs cell viability. In addition, in animal models, ANAVEX®1-41 prevented the expression of caspase-3, an enzyme that plays a key role in apoptosis (programmed cell death) and loss of cells in the hippocampus, the part of the brain that regulates learning, emotion and memory. These activities involve both muscarinic and SIGMAR1 systems through a novel mechanism of action.
Preclinical data presented also indicates that ANAVEX®1-41 has the potential to demonstrate protective effects of mitochondrial enzyme complexes during pathological conditions, which, if impaired, are believed to play a role in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental diseases.
ANAVEX®1066
ANAVEX®1066, a mixed sigma-1/sigma-2 ligand, is designed for the potential treatment of neuropathic and visceral pain. ANAVEX®1066 was tested in two preclinical models of neuropathic and visceral pain that have been extensively validated in rats. In the chronic constriction injury model of neuropathic pain, a single oral administration of ANAVEX®1066 dose-dependently restored the nociceptive threshold in the affected paw to normal levels while leaving the contralateral healthy paw unchanged. Efficacy was rapid and remained significant for two hours. In a model of visceral pain, chronic colonic hypersensitivity was induced by injection of an inflammatory agent directly into the colon and a single oral administration of ANAVEX®1066 returned the nociceptive threshold to control levels in a dose-dependent manner. Companion studies in rats demonstrated the lack of any effects on normal gastrointestinal transit with ANAVEX®1066 and a favorable safety profile in a battery of behavioral measures.
ANAVEX®1037
ANAVEX®1037 is designed for the treatment of prostate and pancreatic cancer. It is a low molecular weight, synthetic compound exhibiting high affinity for SIGMAR1 at nanomolar levels and moderate affinity for sigma-2 receptors and sodium channels at micromolar levels. In advanced pre-clinical studies, this compound revealed antitumor potential. It has also been shown to selectively kill human cancer cells without affecting normal/healthy cells and also to significantly suppress tumor growth in immune-deficient mice models. Scientific publications highlight the possibility that these ligands may stop tumor growth and induce selective cell death in various tumor cell lines. Sigma receptors are highly expressed in different tumor cell types. Binding by appropriate sigma-1 and/or sigma-2 ligands can induce selective apoptosis. In addition, through tumor cell membrane reorganization and interactions with ion channels, we believe our drug candidates may play an important role in inhibiting the processes of metastasis (spreading of cancer cells from the original site to other parts of the body), angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels) and tumor cell proliferation.
ANAVEX®1037 is currently in the pre-clinical and clinical testing stages of development, and there is no guarantee that the activity demonstrated in pre-clinical models will be shown in human testing.
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We continue to identify and initiate discussions with potential strategic and commercial partners to most effectively advance our programs and increase stockholder value. Further, we may acquire or develop new intellectual property and assign, license, or otherwise transfer our intellectual property to further our goals.
Our Target Indications
We are developing compounds with potential application to two broad categories and several specific indications, including:
Central Nervous System Diseases
| ● | Alzheimer’s disease – In 2023, an estimated 6.7 million Americans age 65 and older are suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. The Alzheimer’s Association® estimates that the annual number of new cases of Alzheimer’s and other dementias is projected to double by 2050. Medications on the market today treat only the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease and do not have the ability to stop its onset or its progression. We believe that there is an urgent and unmet need for both a disease modifying cure for Alzheimer’s disease as well as for better symptomatic treatments. |
| ● | Parkinson’s disease – Parkinson’s disease is a progressive disease of the nervous system marked by tremors, muscular rigidity, and slow, imprecise movement. It is associated with degeneration of the basal ganglia of the brain and a deficiency of the neurotransmitter dopamine. Parkinson’s disease currently is estimated to afflict more than 10 million people worldwide, typically middle-aged and elderly people. The Parkinson’s disease market is expected to reach $11.5 billion by 2029, according to GlobalData. |
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Rett syndrome – Rett syndrome is a rare X-linked genetic neurological and developmental disorder that affects the way the brain develops, including protein transcription, which is altered and as a result leads to severe disruptions in neuronal homeostasis. It is considered a rare, progressive neurodevelopmental disorder and is caused by a single mutation in the MECP2 gene. Because males have a different chromosome combination from females, boys who have the genetic MECP2 mutation are affected in devastating ways. Most of them die before birth or in early infancy. For females who survive infancy, Rett syndrome leads to severe impairments, affecting nearly every aspect of the child’s life; severe mental retardation, their ability to speak, walk and eat, sleeping problems, seizures and even the ability to breathe easily. Rett syndrome affects approximately 1 in every 10,000-15,000 females.
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| · | Fragile X – Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most prevalent genetic form of intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorder, primarily affecting boys. As with most neurodevelopmental disorders, FXS is considered a condition of synaptic development and function. The disease has a range of clinical presentations depending on the specific genetic changes associated with an “expansion” of the FMR1 gene. The disease is characterized by deficits in long-term potentiation and homeostatic plasticity. FXS has been detected in all populations and ethnic groups. Researchers do not know the exact number for how many Americans could have full mutation FXS. Studies estimate that the disease affects approximately 1:4,000 males and 1:6,000-8,000 females. Worldwide, more than 1,400,000 people could be affected by FXS. |
| ● | Depression – Depression is a major cause of morbidity worldwide according to the World Health Organization. The global antidepressant drug market is projected to reach $21 Billion by 2030 according to Allied Market Research. Pharmaceutical treatment for depression has been historically dominated by blockbuster brands. However, the dominance of the leading brands is waning, largely due to an increase in the number of approvals for antidepressant drugs. |
| ● | Epilepsy – Epilepsy is a common chronic neurological disorder characterized by recurrent unprovoked seizures. These seizures are transient signs and/or symptoms of abnormal, excessive or synchronous neuronal activity in the brain. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2015 epilepsy affected 3.4 million Americans. Today, epilepsy is often controlled, but not cured, with medication that is categorized as older traditional anti-epileptic drugs and second generation anti-epileptic drugs. Because epilepsy afflicts sufferers in different ways, there is a need for drugs used in combination with both traditional anti-epileptic drugs and second generation anti-epileptic drugs. |
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| ● | Neuropathic Pain – We define neuralgia, or neuropathic pain, as pain that is not related to activation of pain receptor cells in any part of the body. Neuralgia is more difficult to treat than some other types of pain because it does not respond well to normal pain medications. Special medications have become more specific to neuralgia and typically fall under the category of membrane stabilizing drugs or antidepressants. |
Cancer
| ● | Malignant Melanoma – Predominantly a skin cancer, malignant melanoma can also occur in melanocytes found in the bowel and the eye. Malignant melanoma accounts for a large majority of skin cancer deaths. The treatment includes surgical removal of the tumor, adjuvant treatment, chemo and immunotherapy, or radiation therapy. According to iHealthcareAnalyst, Inc. the worldwide malignant melanoma market is expected to grow to $7.5 billion by 2029. |
| ● | Prostate Cancer – Specific to men, prostate cancer is a form of cancer that develops in the prostate, a gland in the male reproductive system. Cancer cells may metastasize from the prostate to other parts of the body, particularly the bones and lymph nodes. Drug therapeutics for prostate cancer are expected to increase to nearly $10.1 billion by the end of 2030 according to Market Research Future. |
| ● | Pancreatic Cancer – Pancreatic cancer is a malignant neoplasm of the pancreas. In the United States, approximately 62,000 new cases of pancreatic cancer will be diagnosed this year and approximately 50,000 patients will die as a result of their cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. Sales predictions by Market Data Forecast predict that the market for the global pharmaceutical treatment of pancreatic cancer will increase to $3.73 billion by 2027. |
Patents, Trademarks and Intellectual Property
We hold ownership or exclusive rights to eighteen U.S. patents, twenty-one U.S. patent applications, and various PCT or ex-U.S. patent applications relating to our drug candidates, methods associated therewith, and to our research programs.
We own one issued U.S. patent entitled “ANAVEX®2-73 and certain anticholinesterase inhibitors composition and method for neuroprotection” claims a composition of matter of ANAVEX®2-73 directed to a novel and synergistic neuroprotective compound combined with donepezil and other cholinesterase inhibitors. This patent is expected to expire in June 2034, absent any patent term extension for regulatory delays. We own one issued U.S. patent entitled “A2-73 crystalline polymorph compositions of matter and methods of use thereof”. It claims crystals of A2-73 freebase or its fumarate salt, dosage forms and pharmaceutical formulations. This patent is expected to expire in July 2039, absent any patent term extension for regulatory delays. We own three issued U.S. patents each with claims directed to crystalline forms of ANAVEX®2-73. The first of these three patents claims crystalline forms of ANAVEX®2-73, dosage forms and compositions containing crystalline ANAVEX®2-73, and methods of treatment for Alzheimer’s disease using them. This patent is expected to expire in July 2036, absent any patent term extension for regulatory delays. The second of these three patents claims pharmaceutical compositions containing a crystalline form of ANAVEX®2-73, and methods of treatment for Alzheimer’s disease using the compositions. This patent is expected to expire in June 2037, absent any patent term extension for regulatory delays. The third of these three patents claims pharmaceutical compositions containing a crystalline form of ANAVEX®2-73, and methods of treatment for Alzheimer’s disease using the compositions. This patent is expected to expire in June 2037, absent any patent term extension for regulatory delays. We also own two issued U.S. patents for seizure treatment. The first of these two patents claims methods and dosage forms for treating seizures, the dosage forms containing a low-dose anti-epilepsy drug combined with either: (i) ANAVEX®2-73 and its active metabolite ANAVEX®19-144;
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or (ii) ANAVEX®19-144. The second of these two patents further claims a combination seizure treatment involving administration of an anti-epilepsy drug combined with (i) ANAVEX®19-144, or (ii) ANAVEX 19-144® and ANAVEX 2-73®. Both patents are expected to expire in October 2035, absent any patent term extension for regulatory delays. We also own three issued U.S. patents with claims directed to treating neurodevelopmental disorders. These patents claim methods for treating a neurodevelopmental disorder, multiple sclerosis, or their related biochemical and functional abnormalities by administering ANAVEX®2-73, ANAVEX®19-144, and/or ANAVEX®1-41 (another sigma receptor ligand similar to ANAVEX®2-73), or compositions thereof. All three patents are expected to expire in January 2037, absent any patent term extension for regulatory delays. In addition, we own one issued U.S. Patent with claims directed to methods of treating melanoma with a compound related to ANAVEX®2-73. This patent is expected to expire in February 2030, absent any patent term extension for regulatory delays. We also own an issued U.S. patent that claims crystalline forms of ANAVEX®19-144, dosage forms and compositions containing the crystalline forms of ANAVEX®19-144, and methods of treatment for Alzheimer’s disease. This patent is expected to expire in July 2036, absent any patent term extension for regulatory delays. Further, we own one issued U.S. Patent with claims directed to methods of treating cardiac dysfunction with ANAVEX®2-73. This patent is expected to expire in July 2038, absent any patent term extension for regulatory delays. Additionally, we own one issued U.S. Patent with claims directed to methods of treating insomnia or anxiety with ANAVEX®2-73, ANAVEX®19-144, and/or ANAVEX®1-41. This patent is expected to expire in September 2038, absent any patent term extension for regulatory delays.
We also own two issued U.S. patents related to ANAVEX®1066. The first of these two patents claims methods for treating or preventing pain using (+) ANAVEX®1066 isomer. The second patent claims methods for treating or preventing pain using (-) ANAVEX®1066 isomer. Both patents are expected to expire in November 2036, absent any patent term extension for regulatory delays.
For ANAVEX®2-73, ANAVEX®19-144, ANAVEX®1-41, and ANAVEX®1066, we also have granted or pending applications in Australia, Canada, China, Europe, Japan, and Hong Kong, which are expected to expire after 2035.
With regard to ANAVEX®3-71, we own exclusive rights to two issued U.S. patents with claims respectively directed to the ANAVEX®3-71 compound and methods of treating various diseases including Alzheimer’s with the same. These patents are expected to expire in April 2030, and January 2030, respectively, absent any patent term extension for regulatory delays. We also own exclusive rights to related patents or applications that are granted or pending in Australia, Canada, China, Europe, Japan, Korea, New Zealand, Russia, and South Africa, which are expected to expire in January 2030.
We also own other patent applications directed to enantiomers, crystals, formulations, uses, and patient selection methods that may provide additional protection for one or more of our product candidates.
We regard patents and other intellectual property rights as corporate assets. Accordingly, we attempt to optimize the value of intellectual property in developing our business strategy including the selective development, protection, and exploitation of our intellectual property rights. In addition to filings made with intellectual property authorities, we protect our intellectual property and confidential information by means of carefully considered processes of communication and the sharing of information, and by the use of confidentiality and non-disclosure agreements and provisions for the same in contractor’s agreements. While no agreement offers absolute protection, such agreements provide some form of recourse in the event of disclosure, or anticipated disclosure.
Our intellectual property position, like that of many biomedical companies, is uncertain and involves complex legal and technical questions for which important legal principles are unresolved. For more information regarding challenges to our existing or future patents, see “Risk Factors” in Part I, Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 28, 2022.
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Financial Overview
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our condensed interim consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto contained elsewhere in this report. Past operating results are not necessarily indicative of results that may occur in future periods. The discussion contains forward-looking statements, which involve a number of risks and uncertainties. See “Forward Looking Statements” included elsewhere in this report.
We are in the development stage and have not earned any revenue since our inception in 2004. We do not anticipate earning any revenues until we can establish an alliance with other companies to develop, co-develop, license, acquire or market our products.
Our operating costs consist primarily of research and development activities including the cost of clinical trials and clinical supplies as well as clinical drug manufacturing and formulation. Research and development expenses also include personnel related costs such as salaries and wages, and third-party contract research organization (CRO) expenses in support of these clinical trials. Personnel costs include salaries and wages, benefits, and non-cash stock-based compensation charges associated with options and other equity awards granted to employees and consultants who are directly engaged in support of our research and development activities.
General and administrative expenses consist of personnel costs, expenses for outside professional services and expenses associated with operating as a public company. Personnel costs consist of salaries and wages, benefits and stock-based compensation for general and administrative personnel. Outside professional services and public company expenses include expenses related to compliance and reporting, additional insurance expenses, audit and SOX compliance, expenses associated with patent research, applications and filings, investor and stockholder relations activities and other administrative expenses and professional services.
Comparison of the three and six months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022
Operating Expenses
Total operating expenses for the quarter ended March 31, 2023 were $14.2 million, compared to $11.5 million for the comparable quarter ended March 31, 2022. Total operating expenses for the six months ended March 31, 2023 were $29.6 million, compared to $23.2 million for the comparable six month period ended March 31, 2022.
Our research and development expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2023 were $11.3 million, as compared to $8.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022. The increase in research and development expenses is primarily related to (i) an increase in personnel costs of $0.5 million as a result of the expansion of our team engaged in research and development activities, (ii) an increase of approximately $1.0 million over the comparable period, relating to the manufacture of additional clinical trial supply for ANAVEX®2-73 and ANAVEX®2-73 manufacturing development activities, (iii) an increase of approximately $0.40 million over the comparable period relating to the manufacture and associated Phase 1 activities for ANAVEX®3-71 tablets and (iv) an increase in clinical site costs associated with expanded enrollment in our EXCELLENCE trial.
Our research and development expenses for the six months ended March 31, 2023 were $23.4 million, as compared to $17.3 million for the six months ended March 31, 2022. The increase in research and development expenses is primarily related to (i) an increase in personnel costs of $1.2 million and an increase in stock-based compensation expense of $1.2 million as a result of the expansion of our team engaged in research and development activities, (ii) an increase of approximately $2.1 million over the comparable period, relating to manufacturing activities for both our ANAVEX®2-73 and ANAVEX®3-71 programs and (iii) an increase in costs associated with expanded enrollment in our EXCELLENCE trial.
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The following table summarizes our research and development expenses for the three and six months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022 (in thousands):
| Three months ended March 31, | Six months ended March 31, | |||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||
| Cost of external service providers | $ | 6,165 | $ | 3,823 | $ | 12,219 | $ | 8,081 | ||||||||
| Personnel costs | 2,407 | 1,908 | 4,788 | 3,557 | ||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation | 2,713 | 2,862 | 6,317 | 5,099 | ||||||||||||
| License fees | — | — | — | 500 | ||||||||||||
| Other common costs | 22 | 12 | 50 | 24 | ||||||||||||
| Total research and development costs | $ | 11,307 | $ | 8,605 | $ | 23,374 | $ | 17,261 | ||||||||
During the three and six months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, external service providers cost by product candidate was as follows (in thousands):
| Three months ended March 31, | Six months ended March 31, | |||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||
| ANAVEX®2-73 | $ | 5,510 | $ | 3,135 | $ | 10,750 | $ | 7,043 | ||||||||
| ANAVEX®3-71 | 528 | 590 | 1,240 | 914 | ||||||||||||
| All other product candidates | 3 | 58 | 3 | 60 | ||||||||||||
| Other external service provider costs | 124 | 40 | 226 | 64 | ||||||||||||
| Total external service provider costs | $ | 6,165 | $ | 3,823 | $ | 12,219 | $ | 8,081 | ||||||||
General and administrative expenses were $2.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2023, as compared to $2.9 million for the same quarter of fiscal 2022. General and administrative expenses were consistent between both periods.
General and administrative expenses were $6.2 million for the six months ended March 31, 2023, as compared to $6.0 million for the same six-month period of fiscal 2022, an increase of $0.2 million mostly relating to an increase in professional and IP related costs.
During the first half of fiscal 2023, we utilized cash and cash equivalents of $14.3 million to fund our operations, compared to $13.1 million during the same period of fiscal 2022. Our cash position was $153.5 million at March 31, 2023 compared to $149.2 million at our fiscal year ended September 30, 2022.
We expect to continue an increase in our research and development expenditures as we advance our ANAVEX®2-73 clinical trials, including planned advancement of ANAVEX®2-73 for Parkinson’s disease program, planned initiation of a Fragile X clinical program, ongoing extension trials of our current clinical programs, continued advancement of our other pipeline compounds such as ANAVEX®3-71, and as we continue to add additional staffing to manage and support these clinical initiatives.
Other income (net)
The net amount of other income for the three months ended March 31, 2023 was $1.1 million as compared to $1.1 million for the comparable three months ended March 31, 2022. An increase in interest income on excess cash invested was offset by a one time financing expense of $964,344 associated with entering into the 2023 Purchase Agreement (as described below).
The net amount of other income for the six months ended March 31, 2023 was $3.5 million as compared to $2.0 million for the comparable six-months ended March 31, 2022. The increase in other income for the quarter is primarily related to an increase in return on excess cash invested in cash equivalents.
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Net loss
Net loss for the three months ended March 31, 2023, was $13.1 million, or $0.17 per share, as compared to $10.4 million, or $0.14 per share in the comparative quarter of fiscal 2022. The increase in net loss for the quarter is primarily related to increased research and development fees as discussed above.
Net loss for the six months ended March 31, 2023, was $26.1 million, or $0.33 per share, as compared to $21.3 million, or $0.28 per share in the comparative period of fiscal 2022. The increase in net loss for the six-month period is primarily related to increased research and development fees as discussed above.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Working Capital
| March 31, 2023 | September 30, 2022 | |||||||
| Current Assets | $ | 159,186,397 | $ | 152,704,603 | ||||
| Current Liabilities | 14,021,343 | 10,213,561 | ||||||
| Working Capital | $ | 145,165,054 | $ | 142,491,042 | ||||
At March 31, 2023, we had current assets of $159.2 million, an increase of $6.5 million from September 30, 2022. The increase in current assets primarily relates to an increase in cash and cash equivalents of $4.3 million mainly due to $18.0 million in net proceeds received from issuance of common shares under the 2023 Purchase Agreement, described below, offset by cash used in operations of $14.3 million.
At March 31, 2023, we had current liabilities of $14.0 million, an increase of $3.8 million from September 30, 2022. A portion of this increase relates to an increase in deferred grant income of $0.5 million relating to amounts received during the quarter for a research grant awarded by the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. Other increases in current liabilities relate to amounts owed at period end for manufacturing activities and programs and laboratory and analysis work relating to the ANAVEX®2-73 Phase 2b/3 clinical trial in Alzheimer’s disease.
We intend to continue to use our capital resources to advance our clinical trials for ANAVEX®2-73 and ANAVEX®3-71, and to perform work necessary to prepare for future development of our pipeline compounds.
Cash Flows
The following table summarizes cash flows during the six months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022:
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||
| Net cash flows used in operating activities | $ | (14,282,836 | ) | $ | (13,140,439 | ) | ||
| Net cash flows from financing activities | 18,591,937 | 14,375,250 | ||||||
| Increase in cash and cash equivalents | $ | 4,309,101 | $ | 1,234,811 | ||||
Cash flow used in operating activities
Net cash used in operating activities for the six months ended March 31, 2023 was $14.3 million, compared to $13.1 million during the comparable period ended March 31, 2022. The principal reason for this increase in net cash used in operating activities in the current period is due to the increase in net loss over the comparable quarter.
Cash flow provided by financing activities
Cash provided by financing activities for the six months ended March 31, 2023 was $18.6 million, mainly attributable to the issuance of common shares under the 2023 Purchase Agreement, described below, while cash provided by financing activities for the six months ended March 31, 2022 was $14.4 million, primarily attributable to the sale of common shares at various market prices under the Sales Agreement, described below.
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Other Financings
Purchase Agreement
On February 3, 2023, the Company entered into a $150,000,000 purchase agreement (the “2023 Purchase Agreement”) with Lincoln Park Capital Fund, LLC (“Lincoln Park”), pursuant to which the Company has the right to sell and issue to Lincoln Park, and Lincoln Park is obligated to purchase, up to $150,000,000 in value of its shares of common stock from time to time over a three-year period until February 3, 2026.
On any business day and subject to certain customary conditions, the Company may direct LPC to purchase up to 200,000 shares of Common Stock (such purchases, “Regular Purchases”). The amount of a Regular Purchase may increase under certain circumstances based on the market price of the Common Stock; provided, however, that LPC’s committed obligation under any Regular Purchase shall not exceed $4,000,000. The purchase price of shares of Common Stock will be based on the then prevailing market prices of such shares at the time of sales as described in the Purchase Agreement. There are no limits on the price per share that LPC may pay to purchase Common Stock under the Purchase Agreement. In addition, if the Company has directed LPC to purchase the full amount of Common Stock available as a Regular Purchase on a given day, it may direct LPC to purchase additional amounts as “accelerated purchases” and “additional accelerated purchases” as set forth in the Purchase Agreement.
The Purchase Agreement limits the Company’s sale shares of Common Stock to LPC to 15,606,426 shares of Common Stock, representing 19.99% of the shares of the Common Stock outstanding on the date of the Purchase Agreement unless (i) shareholder approval is obtained to issue more than such amount or (ii) the average price of all applicable sales of Common Stock to LPC under the Purchase Agreement equals or exceeds the lower of (A) the closing price of the Common Stock on the Nasdaq Capital Market immediately preceding the Execution Date or (B) the average of the closing price of the Common Stock on the Nasdaq Capital Market for the five Business Days immediately preceding the Execution Date.
The Purchase Agreement also prohibits the Company from directing LPC to purchase any shares of Common Stock if those shares, when aggregated with all other shares of Common Stock then beneficially owned by Lincoln Park and its affiliates, would result in LPC and its affiliates having beneficial ownership, at any single point in time, of more than 4.99% of the then total outstanding shares of Common Stock, as calculated pursuant to Section 13(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and Rule 13d-3 thereunder.
In consideration for entering into the 2023 Purchase Agreement, the Company issued to Lincoln Park 75,000 shares of common stock as a commitment fee (the “initial commitment shares”) during the six months ended March 31, 2023 and agreed to issue up to 75,000 shares pro rata, when and if, Lincoln Park purchased, at the Company’s discretion, the $150,000,000 aggregate commitment.
During the six months ended March 31, 2023, the Company issued to Lincoln Park an aggregate of 2,159,080 (2022: Nil) shares of common stock under the 2023 Purchase Agreement, including 2,075,000 (2022: Nil) shares of common stock for an aggregate purchase price of $18.2 million (2022: $Nil) and 9,080 (2022: Nil) commitment shares.
As of March 31, 2023, an amount of $131.8 million in shares of our common stock remain available for purchase by Lincoln Park under the Purchase Agreement.
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Controlled Equity Offering Sales Agreement
On May 1, 2020, we entered into an Amended and Restated Sales Agreement (the “Sales Agreement”) with Cantor Fitzgerald & Co. and SVB Leerink LLC (the “Sales Agents”), pursuant to which we may offer and sell shares of common stock registered under an effective registration statement from time to time through the Sales Agents (the “At-the-Market Offering”).
Upon delivery of a placement notice based on our instructions and subject to the terms and conditions of the Sales Agreement, the Sales Agents may sell shares of common stock by methods deemed to be an “at the market offering”, in negotiated transactions at market prices prevailing at the time of sale or at prices related to such prevailing market prices, or by any other method permitted by law, including negotiated transactions, subject to our prior written consent. We are not obligated to make any sales of shares under the Sales Agreement. We or the Sales Agents may suspend or terminate the At-the-Market Offering upon notice to the other party, subject to certain conditions. The Sales Agents will act as agents on a commercially reasonable efforts basis consistent with their normal trading and sales practices, applicable state and federal law, and rules and regulations and the rules of Nasdaq.
We have agreed to pay the Sales Agents’ commissions for their services of 3.0% of the gross proceeds from the sale of shares of common stock pursuant to the Sales Agreement. We have also agreed to provide the Sales Agents with customary indemnification and contribution rights.
No shares were sold during the six months ended March 31, 2023 under the Sales Agreement.
During the six months ended March 31, 2022, 1,066,389 shares were sold under the Sales Agreement for gross proceeds of $14.8 million (net proceeds of $14.3 million after deducting commissions and offering expenses).
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We have no off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources that are material to our stockholders.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
We prepare our condensed interim consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and make estimates and assumptions that affect our reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses, and the related disclosures of contingent liabilities. We base our estimates on historical experience and other assumptions that we believe are reasonable in the circumstances. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
There have been no significant changes in the critical accounting policies and estimates described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2022, as filed with the SEC on November 28, 2022.
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
Please refer to Note 2 “Recent Accounting Pronouncements” in notes to our Condensed Interim Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-Q.
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISKS.
Not applicable
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
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We maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to provide reasonable assurance that material information required to be disclosed in our periodic reports filed under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and to provide reasonable assurance that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, our chief executive officer and our principal financial officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
We carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rule 13a 15(e) under the Exchange Act, as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Based on this evaluation, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of March 31, 2023.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
During the quarter ended March 31, 2023, there were no changes to our internal control over financial reporting identified in management’s evaluation pursuant to Rules 13a 15(d) or 15d 15 (d) of the Exchange Act that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting.
PART II – OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
We know of no material pending legal proceedings, other than ordinary routine litigation incidental to our business, to which our Company or our subsidiaries are a party or of which any of their property is subject. There are no proceedings in which any of our directors, officers or affiliates, or any registered or beneficial stockholder holding more than 5% of our shares, is an adverse party or has a material interest adverse to our or our subsidiaries’ interest.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
There have been no material changes to the risk factors discussed in “Risk Factors” in Part I, Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2022, filed with the SEC on November 28, 2022.
ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
During the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, we have not sold any equity securities that were not registered under the Securities Act of 1933 that were not previously reported in a Current Report on Form 8-K.
ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
None
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.
ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION
None
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ITEM 6. EXHIBIT
* Filed herewith.
** Furnished herewith.
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| SIGNATURES |
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
ANAVEX LIFE SCIENCES CORP.
| /s/Christopher Missling, PhD | |
| Christopher Missling, PhD | |
| Chief Executive Officer | |
| (Principal Executive Officer) | |
| Date: May 9, 2023 |
| /s/Sandra Boenisch | |
| Sandra Boenisch, CPA, CGA | |
| Principal Financial Officer | |
| (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) | |
| Date: May 9, 2023 |
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