UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D. C. 20549
FORM
(Mark One)
For
the quarterly period ended
For the transition period from to
Commission
file number:
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
| (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
| 94306 | ||
| (Address of principal executive offices) | (Zip Code) |
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
| Title of each class | Trading Symbol(s) | Name of each exchange on which registered | ||
| The (The NASDAQ Capital Market) | ||||
| The (The NASDAQ Capital Market) |
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.
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule
405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant
was required to submit such files).
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer”, “smaller reporting company”, and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
| Large accelerated filer | ☐ | 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. ☐
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No
As of May 15, 2024,
180 LIFE SCIENCES CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
FORM 10-Q
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2024
TABLE OF CONTENTS
i
PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
180 LIFE SCIENCES CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
| March 31, | December 31, | |||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | |||||||
| (unaudited) | ||||||||
| Assets | ||||||||
| Current Assets: | ||||||||
| Cash | $ | $ | ||||||
| Prepaid expenses and other current assets | ||||||||
| Total Current Assets | ||||||||
| Intangible assets, net | ||||||||
| Total Assets | $ | $ | ||||||
| Liabilities and Stockholders’ Deficit | ||||||||
| Current Liabilities: | ||||||||
| Accounts payable | $ | $ | ||||||
| Accounts payable – related parties | ||||||||
| Accrued expenses | ||||||||
| Accrued expenses - related parties | ||||||||
| Loans payable - current portion | ||||||||
| Derivative liabilities | ||||||||
| Total Current Liabilities | ||||||||
| Loans payable - noncurrent portion | ||||||||
| Deferred tax liability | ||||||||
| Total Liabilities | ||||||||
| Commitments and contingencies (Note 8) | ||||||||
| Stockholders’ Deficit: | ||||||||
| Preferred stock, $ | ||||||||
| Class C Preferred Stock; | ||||||||
| Class K Preferred Stock; | ||||||||
| Common stock, $ | ||||||||
| Additional paid-in capital | ||||||||
| Accumulated other comprehensive income | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Accumulated deficit | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Total Stockholders’ Deficit | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Deficit | $ | $ | ||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
1
180 LIFE SCIENCES CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
(unaudited)
| For the Three Months Ended | ||||||||
| March 31, | ||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | |||||||
| Operating Expenses: | ||||||||
| Research and development | $ | $ | ||||||
| Research and development - related parties | ||||||||
| General and administrative | ||||||||
| Total Operating Expenses | ||||||||
| Loss From Operations | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Other (Expense) Income: | ||||||||
| Other income | - | |||||||
| Interest expense | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Change in fair value of derivative liabilities | ( | ) | ||||||
| Total Other Income, Net | ||||||||
| Loss Before Income Taxes | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Income tax benefit | ||||||||
| Net Loss | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Other Comprehensive Income (Loss): | ||||||||
| Foreign currency translation adjustments | ||||||||
| Total Comprehensive Loss | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | ||
| Basic and Diluted Net Loss per Common Share | ||||||||
| Basic | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | ||
| Diluted | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | ||
| Weighted Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding: | ||||||||
| Basic | ||||||||
| Diluted | ||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
2
180 LIFE SCIENCES CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT
(unaudited)
| For The Three Months Ended March 31, 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Additional | Accumulated Other | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Common Stock | Paid-in | Comprehensive | Accumulated | Stockholders’ | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Shares | Amount | Capital | Income | Deficit | Deficit | |||||||||||||||||||
| Balance - January 1, 2024 | $ | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | |||||||||||||
| Shares issued from exercise of pre-funded warrants related to Amendment to August 2023 Offering | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Adjustment related to reverse stock split | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Comprehensive (loss) income: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net loss | - | ( | ) | ( | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance - March 31, 2024 | $ | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | |||||||||||||
| For The Three Months Ended March 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Additional | Accumulated Other | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Common Stock | Paid-in | Comprehensive | Accumulated | Stockholders’ | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Shares | Amount | Capital | Income | Deficit | Equity | |||||||||||||||||||
| Balance - January 1, 2023 | $ | | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | $ | ||||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Comprehensive (loss) income: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net loss | - | ( | ) | ( | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance - March 31, 2023 | $ | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | $ | |||||||||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
3
180 LIFE SCIENCES CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Expressed in US Dollars)
(unaudited)
| For the Three Months Ended March 31, | ||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | |||||||
| Cash Flows From Operating Activities | ||||||||
| Net (Loss) Income | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | ||
| Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities: | ||||||||
| Stock-based compensation: | ||||||||
| Shares issued for services | ||||||||
| Amortization of stock options and restricted stock units | ||||||||
| Amortization of intangibles | ||||||||
| Change in fair value of derivative liabilities | ( | ) | ||||||
| Changes in operating assets and liabilities: | ||||||||
| Prepaid expenses and other current assets | ||||||||
| Accounts payable | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Accounts payable – related parties | ( | ) | ||||||
| Accrued expenses | ( | ) | ||||||
| Accrued expenses – related parties | ||||||||
| Total adjustments | ||||||||
| Net Cash Used In Operating Activities | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Cash Flows From Financing Activities | ||||||||
| Proceeds from exercise of pre-funded warrants from the Amendment to August 2023 Offering | ||||||||
| Repayment of loans payable | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Net Cash Used In Financing Activities | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
4
180 LIFE SCIENCES CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS, continued
(Expressed in US Dollars)
(unaudited)
| Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash | ( | ) | ||||||
| Net Decrease In Cash | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Cash - Beginning of Period | ||||||||
| Cash - End of Period | $ | $ | ||||||
| Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information: | ||||||||
| Cash paid during the period for income taxes | $ | $ | ||||||
| Cash paid during the period for interest | $ | $ |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
5
180 LIFE SCIENCES CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(unaudited)
NOTE 1 - BUSINESS ORGANIZATION AND NATURE OF OPERATIONS
180 Life Sciences Corp., formerly known as KBL Merger Corp. IV (“180LS”, or together with its subsidiaries, the “Company”), was a blank check company organized under the laws of the State of Delaware on September 7, 2016. The Company was formed for the purpose of effecting a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, reorganization, or similar business combination with one or more businesses.
180 Life Corp. (“180”, f/k/a 180 Life Sciences Corp. and CannBioRx Life Sciences Corp.) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company and was incorporated in the State of Delaware on January 28, 2019. The Company is located in the United States (“U.S.”) and is a medical pharmaceutical company focused upon unmet medical needs in the areas of inflammatory diseases, fibrosis, and chronic pain by employing innovative research and, where appropriate, combination therapies, through 180’s three wholly-owned subsidiaries, 180 Therapeutics L.P. (“180 LP”), CannBioRex Pharmaceuticals Corp. (“CBR Pharma”), and Katexco Pharmaceuticals Corp. (“Katexco”). 180 LP, CBR Pharma and Katexco are together, the “180 Subsidiaries.” Katexco was incorporated on March 7, 2018 under the provisions of the British Corporation Act of British Columbia. Additionally, 180’s wholly-owned subsidiaries Katexco Callco, ULC, Katexco Purchaseco, ULC, CannBioRex Callco, ULC, and CannBioRex Purchaseco, ULC were formed in the Canadian Province of British Columbia on May 31, 2019 to facilitate the acquisition of Katexco, CBR Pharma and 180 LP. On July 1, 2021, the assets and liabilities of the Canadian companies (Katexco and CBR Pharma) were transferred to their respective subsidiaries, which are Katexco Pharmaceuticals Corp. (“Katexco U.S.”) and CannBioRex Pharma Limited (“CBR Pharma U.K.”).
The Company is a clinical stage biotechnology company focused on the development of therapeutics for unmet medical needs in chronic pain, inflammation, fibrosis, and other inflammatory diseases. We have three product development platforms:
| ● | fibrosis and anti-tumor necrosis factor (“TNF”); |
| ● | drugs which are derivatives of cannabidiol (“CBD”) or cannabigerol (“CBG”) analogues (“SCAs”); and |
| ● | alpha 7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (“α7nAChR”). |
Due to restrictions in the Company’s resources, the Company has slowed down research and development activities significantly in the SCA platform and the anti-TNF platform, and the Company has not made progress in the α7nAChR platform and has suspended further research and development activity in this program.
The Company is currently evaluating all options to monetize its existing assets, in addition to exploring other strategic alternatives to maximize value for its stockholders. Potential strategic alternatives that may be explored or evaluated by the Company as part of this process include, but are not limited to, an acquisition, merger, reverse merger, other business combination, sale of assets, licensing or other strategic transactions involving the Company.
NOTE 2 - GOING CONCERN AND MANAGEMENT’S PLANS
The Company has not generated any revenues and has incurred significant
losses since inception. As of March 31, 2024, the Company had an accumulated deficit of $
These condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis, which contemplates the realization of assets and the satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business. The condensed consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments to reflect the possible future effects on the recoverability and classification of assets or the amounts and classification of liabilities that may result from uncertainty related to our ability to continue as a going concern.
6
NOTE 3 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Significant Accounting Policies
There have been no material changes to the Company’s significant accounting policies as set forth in the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 under Note 3 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies.
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared on a going concern basis in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP) for interim financial reporting and as required by Regulation S-X, Rule 10-01. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (including those which are normal and recurring) considered necessary for a fair presentation of the interim financial information have been included. When preparing financial statements in conformity with GAAP, the Company must make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses and related disclosures at the date of the financial statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Additionally, operating results for the quarter ended March 31, 2024 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for any other interim period or for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2024. For further information, refer to the financial statements and footnotes included in the Company’s annual financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, which are included in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on March 25, 2024.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates, judgments, and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, together with amounts disclosed in the related notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements. The Company’s significant estimates and assumptions used in these condensed consolidated financial statements include, but are not limited to, the fair value of financial instruments, warrants, options, derivative liabilities and R&D tax credits and accruals. Certain of the Company’s estimates could be affected by external conditions, including those unique to the Company and general economic conditions. It is reasonably possible that these external factors could have an effect on the Company’s estimates and may cause actual results to differ from those estimates.
Foreign Currency Translation
The
Company’s reporting currency is the United States dollar. The functional currency of certain subsidiaries was the British Pound
(“GBP”) (
Comprehensive income is defined as the change in equity of an entity
from all sources other than investments by owners or distributions to owners and includes foreign currency translation adjustments as
described above. During the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company recorded other comprehensive income of $
Foreign
currency gains and losses resulting from transactions denominated in foreign currencies, including intercompany transactions, are included
in results of operations. The Company recognized ($
7
Intangible Assets
Intangible assets consist of licensed patents held by Katexco, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, as well as technology licenses acquired in connection with the July 2019, corporate restructuring completed between the Company and each of 180 LP, Katexco and CBR Pharma, pursuant to which each of 180 LP, Katexco and CBR Pharma became wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company (the “Reorganization”). Licensed patents are amortized over the remaining life of the patent. Technology licenses represent the fair value of licenses acquired for the development and commercialization of certain licenses and knowledge. The technology licenses are amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the underlying patents. It will be necessary to monitor and possibly adjust the useful lives of the licensed patents and technology licenses depending on the results of the Company’s research and development activities.
Net Loss Per Common Share
Basic net loss per common share is computed by dividing net loss by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net loss per common share is computed by dividing net loss by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding, plus the number of additional common shares that would have been outstanding if the common share equivalents had been issued (computed using the treasury stock or if converted method), if dilutive.
The following common share equivalents are excluded from the calculation of weighted average common shares outstanding, because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive:
Subsequent Events
The Company has evaluated events that have occurred after the balance sheet date but before these condensed consolidated financial statements were issued. Based upon that evaluation, the Company did not identify any recognized or non-recognized subsequent events that would have required adjustment or disclosure in the financial statements, except as disclosed in Note 11 - Subsequent Events.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
Management does not believe that any recently issued, but not yet effective, accounting pronouncements, if currently adopted, would have a material effect on the Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
8
NOTE 4 – PREPAID EXPENSES AND OTHER CURRENT ASSETS
| March 31, | December 31, | |||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | |||||||
| Insurance | $ | $ | ||||||
| Research and development expense tax credit receivable | ||||||||
| Professional fees | ||||||||
| Value-added tax receivable | ||||||||
| Taxes | ||||||||
| $ | $ | |||||||
NOTE 5 – ACCRUED EXPENSES
| March 31, | December 31, | |||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | |||||||
| Consulting fees | $ | $ | ||||||
| Professional fees | ||||||||
| Litigation accrual | ||||||||
| Employee and director compensation | ||||||||
| Research and development fees | ||||||||
| Interest | ||||||||
| Other | ||||||||
| $ | $ | |||||||
During the three months ended March 31, 2024, the Company had amounts
due to contractors related to certain R&D programs that were forgiven; as a result, the Company reduced its accounts payable and accrued
liabilities accounts by $
NOTE 6 - DERIVATIVE LIABILITIES
The following table sets
forth a summary of the changes in the fair value of derivative liabilities.
| Warrants(1) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Public | Private | |||||||||||||||||||
| SPAC | SPAC | PIPE | Other | Total | ||||||||||||||||
| Balance as of January 1, 2024 | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||
| Change in fair value of derivative liabilities | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance as of March 31, 2024 | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||
| (1) |
9
| March
31, 2024 | ||||
| Risk-free interest rate | % | |||
| Expected term in years | ||||
| Expected volatility | % | |||
| Expected dividends | % | |||
| December
31, 2023 | ||||
| Risk-free interest rate | % | |||
| Expected term in years | ||||
| Expected volatility | % | |||
| Expected dividends | % | |||
NOTE 7 - LOANS PAYABLE
Loans Payable
| Principal balance at December 31, 2023 | Principal repaid in cash | Effect of foreign exchange rates | Principal balance at March 31, 2024 | |||||||||||||
| Bounce Back Loan Scheme | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | $ | ||||||||
| First Insurance - 2023 | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||
| Other loans payable | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||
| Total loans payable | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | $ | ||||||||
| Less: loans payable – current portion | ||||||||||||||||
| Loans payable – noncurrent portion | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
For
the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company recognized interest expense associated with loans payable of $
10
NOTE 8 - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Litigation and Other Loss Contingencies
The Company records liabilities for loss contingencies arising from claims, assessments, litigation, fines, penalties and other sources when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. The Company has no liabilities recorded for loss contingencies as of March 31, 2024.
Legal Matters
Action Against Former Executive of KBL
On
September 1, 2021, the Company initiated legal action in the Chancery Court of Delaware against Dr. Marlene Krauss, the Company’s
former Chief Executive Officer and director (“Dr. Krauss”) and two of her affiliated companies, KBL IV Sponsor, LLC and KBL
Healthcare Management, Inc. (collectively, the “KBL Affiliates”) for, among other things, engaging in unauthorized monetary
transfers of the Company’s assets, non-disclosure of financial liabilities within the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements,
issuing shares of stock without proper authorization; and improperly allowing stockholder redemptions to take place. The Company’s
complaint alleges causes of action against Dr. Krauss and/or the KBL Affiliates for breach of fiduciary duties, ultra vires acts, unjust
enrichment, negligence and declaratory relief, and seeks compensatory damages in excess of $
On October 5, 2021, Dr. Krauss and the KBL Affiliates filed an Answer, Counterclaims and Third-Party Complaint (the “Krauss Counterclaims”) against the Company and twelve individuals who are, or were, directors and/or officers of the Company, i.e., Marc Feldmann, Lawrence Steinman, James N. Woody, Teresa DeLuca, Frank Knuettel II, Pamela Marrone, Lawrence Gold, Donald A. McGovern, Jr., Russell T. Ray, Richard W. Barker, Shoshana Shendelman and Ozan Pamir (collectively, the “Third-Party Defendants”). On October 27, 2021, the Company and Ozan Pamir filed an Answer to the Krauss Counterclaims, and all of the other Third-Party Defendants filed a Motion to Dismiss as to the Third-Party Complaint.
On
January 28, 2022, in lieu of filing an opposition to the Motion to Dismiss, Dr. Krauss and the KBL Affiliates filed a Motion for leave
to file amended counterclaims and third-party complaint, and to dismiss six of the current and former directors previously named, i.e.,
to dismiss Teresa DeLuca, Frank Knuettel II, Pamela Marrone, Russell T. Ray, Richard W. Barker and Shoshana Shendelman. The
Motion was granted by stipulation and, on February 24, 2022, Dr. Krauss filed an amended Answer, Counterclaims and Third-Party Complaint
(the “Amended Counterclaims”). In essence, the Amended Counterclaims allege (a) that the Company and the remaining
Third-Party Defendants breached fiduciary duties to Dr. Krauss by making alleged misstatements against Dr. Krauss in SEC filings and
failing to register her shares in the Company so that they could be traded, and (b) the Company breached contracts between the Company
and Dr. Krauss for registration of such shares, and also failed to pay to Dr. Krauss the amounts alleged to be owing under a promissory
note in the principal amount of $
On March 16, 2022, Donald A. McGovern, Jr. and Lawrence Gold filed a Motion to Dismiss the Amended Counterclaims against them, and the Company and the remaining Third-Party Defendants filed an Answer to the Amended Counterclaims denying the same. On April 19, 2022, Dr. Krauss stipulated to dismiss all of her counterclaims and allegations against both Donald A. McGovern, Jr. and Lawrence Gold, thereby mooting their Motion to Dismiss the Amended Counterclaims against them. The Company and the Third-Party Defendants intend to continue to vigorously defend against all of the Amended Counterclaims, however, there can be no assurance that they will be successful in the legal defense of such Amended Counterclaims. In April 2022, Donald A. McGovern, Jr. and Lawrence Gold were dismissed from the lawsuit as parties. Discovery has not yet commenced in the case. The Company and the Third-Party Defendants intend to continue to vigorously defend against all the Amended Counterclaims, however, there can be no assurance that they will be successful in the legal defense of such Amended Counterclaims.
11
Action Against the Company by Dr. Krauss
On August 19, 2021, Dr. Krauss initiated legal action in the Chancery Court of Delaware against the Company. The original Complaint sought expedited relief and made the following two claims: (1) it alleged that the Company is obligated to advance expenses including, attorney’s fees, to Dr. Krauss for the costs of defending against the SEC and certain Subpoenas served by the SEC on Dr. Krauss; and (2) it alleged that the Company is also required to reimburse Dr. Krauss for the costs of bringing this lawsuit against the Company. On or about September 3, 2021, Dr. Krauss filed an Amended and Supplemental Complaint (the “Amended Complaint”) in this action, which added the further claims that Dr. Krauss is also allegedly entitled to advancement by the Company of her expenses, including attorney’s fees, for the costs of defending against the Third-Party Complaint in the Tyche Capital LLC action referenced below, and the costs of defending against the Company’s own Complaint against Dr. Krauss as described above. On or about September 23, 2021, the Company filed its Answer to the Amended Complaint in which the Company denied each of Dr. Krauss’ claims and further raised numerous affirmative defenses with respect thereto.
On November 15, 2021, Dr. Krauss filed a Motion for Summary Adjudication as to certain of the issues in the case, which was opposed by the Company. A hearing on such Motion was held on December 7, 2021, and, on March 7, 2022, the Court issued a decision in the matter denying the Motion for Summary Adjudication in part and granting it in part. The Court then issued an Order implementing such a decision on March 29, 2022. The parties are now engaging in proceedings set forth in that implementing Order. The Court granted Dr. Krauss’s request for advancement of some of the legal fees which Dr. Krauss requested in her Motion, and the Company was required to pay a portion of those fees while it objects to the remaining portion of disputed fees.
On
October 10, 2022, Dr. Krauss filed an application to compel the Company to pay the full amount of fees requested by Dr. Krauss for May-July
2022, and to modify the Court’s Order. The Company filed its Opposition thereto. On January 18, 2023, Dr. Krauss filed a Second
Application to compel the Company to pay the full amount of fees requested by Dr. Krauss for August-October 2022, and to modify the Court’s
Order. The Company filed its Opposition thereto. On May 3, 2023, the Court issued an Order granting both of Dr. Krauss’s Applications
for payment of the full amount of requested attorney’s fees totaling $
Action Against Tyche Capital LLC
The
Company commenced and filed an action against defendant Tyche Capital LLC (“Tyche”) in the Supreme Court of New York, in
the County of New York, on April 15, 2021. In its Complaint, the Company alleged claims against Tyche arising out of Tyche’s
breach of its written contractual obligations to the Company as set forth in a “Guarantee and Commitment Agreement” dated
July 25, 2019, and a “Term Sheet for KBL Business Combination With CannBioRex” dated April 10, 2019 (collectively, the “Subject
Guarantee”). The Company alleges in its Complaint that, notwithstanding demand having been made on Tyche to perform its obligations
under the Subject Guarantee, Tyche has failed and refused to do so, and is currently in debt to the Company for such failure in the amount
of $
On or about May 17, 2021, Tyche responded to the Company’s Complaint by filing an Answer and Counterclaims against the Company alleging that it was the Company, rather than Tyche, that had breached the Subject Guarantee. Tyche also filed a Third-Party Complaint against six third-party defendants, including three members of the Company’s management, Sir Marc Feldmann, Dr. James Woody, and Ozan Pamir (collectively, the “Individual Company Defendants”), claiming that they allegedly breached fiduciary duties to Tyche with regards to the Subject Guarantee. In that regard, on June 25, 2021, each of the Individual Company Defendants filed a Motion to Dismiss Tyche’s Third-Party Complaint against them.
On November 23, 2021, the Court granted the Company’s request to issue an Order of attachment against all of Tyche’s shares of the Company’s stock that had been held in escrow. In so doing, the Court found that the Company had demonstrated a likelihood of success on the merits of the case based on the facts alleged in the Company’s Complaint.
12
On February 18, 2022, Tyche filed an Amended Answer, Counterclaims and Third-Party Complaint. On March 22, 2022, the Company and each of the Individual Company Defendants filed a Motion to Dismiss all of Tyche’s claims. A hearing on such Motion to Dismiss was held on August 25, 2022, and the Court granted the Motion to Dismiss entirely as to each of the Individual Company Defendants, and also as to three of the four Counterclaims brought against the Company, only leaving Tyche’s declaratory relief claim. On September 9, 2022, Tyche filed a Notice of Appeal as to the Court’s decision, which has not yet been briefed or adjudicated. On August 26, 2022, Tyche filed a Motion to vacate or modify the Company’s existing attachment Order against Tyche’s shares of the Company’s stock held in escrow. The Company has filed its Opposition thereto, and the Court summarily denied such Motion without hearing on January 3, 2023. Tyche subsequently filed a Notice of Appeal as to that denial and filed its Opening Brief on January 30, 2023. The Company filed its opposition brief on March 2, 2023, and the matter was taken under submission by the Appellate Court. On May 4, 2023, the Appellate Court issued its decision unanimously affirming the ruling of the lower Court in the Company’s favor.
On January 30, 2023, the Company filed a Notice of Motion for Summary Judgment and to Dismiss Affirmative Defenses against Tyche. Tyche filed opposition thereto, and hearings on the Company’s Motion were ultimately held on September 11 and 19, 2023. In its ruling, the Court granted the Company’s Motion, but referred the question as to the amount of the Company’s damages against Tyche to a special referee. The Court and the parties are now in the process of appointing the special referee so that a determination can be made as to the amount of the Company’s damages against Tyche. Tyche filed a Notice of Appeal as the Court’s summary judgment ruling on October 12, 2023. No briefing for the appeal has yet occurred. The Company intends to continue to vigorously pursue its claims against Tyche, and the Company and the Individual Company Defendants intend to continue to vigorously defend against all of Tyche’s claims should they be appealed; however, there can be no assurance that they will be successful in such endeavors.
Action Against Ronald Bauer & Samantha Bauer
The Company and two of its
wholly-owned subsidiaries, Katexco Pharmaceuticals Corp. and CannBioRex Pharmaceuticals Corp. (collectively, the “Company Plaintiffs”),
initiated legal action against Ronald Bauer and Samantha Bauer, as well as two of their companies, Theseus Capital Ltd. and Astatine
Capital Ltd. (collectively, the “Bauer Defendants”), in the Supreme Court of British Columbia on February 25, 2022. The Company
Plaintiffs are seeking damages against the Bauer Defendants for misappropriated funds and stock shares, unauthorized stock sales, and
improper travel expenses, in the combined sum of at least $
The Bauer Defendants filed a Response to the Civil Claim Complaint of the Company on May 6, 2022, in which the Bauer Defendants denied the Company’s claims and set forth their own version of the facts in the matter. Discovery has not yet commenced in the case. There can be no assurance that the Company Plaintiffs will be successful in this legal action.
Declaratory Relief Action Against the Company by AmTrust International
On June 29, 2022, AmTrust International Underwriters DAC (“AmTrust”), which was the premerger directors’ and officers’ insurance policy underwriter for KBL, filed a declaratory relief action against the Company in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California (the “Declaratory Relief Action”) seeking declaration of AmTrust’s obligations under the directors’ and officers’ insurance policy. In the Declaratory Relief Action, AmTrust is claiming that as a result of the merger the Company is no longer the insured under the subject insurance policy, notwithstanding the fact that the fees which the Company seeks to recover from AmTrust relate to matters occurring prior to the merger.
On
September 20, 2022, the Company filed its Answer and Counterclaims against AmTrust for bad faith breach of AmTrust’s insurance
coverage obligations to the Company under the subject directors’ and officers’ insurance policy, and seeking damages of at
least $
13
On November 22, 2022, the Company filed a Motion for Summary Adjudication against both AmTrust and Freedom. The Motion was fully briefed and a hearing was held on March 9, 2023. The standard to prevail on a Motion for Summary Adjudication in the Court is high to prevail and requires a judge to find that there are no disputed issues of fact so that they can rule on the issues as a matter of law. In this instance the judge found three major issues could be decided as a matter of law in the Company’s favor and that one issue, the Change in Control exclusion, requires further discovery.
On April 21, 2023, the Court issued an Order Granting in Part and Denying in Part the Company’s Motion for Partial Summary Judgment.
Specifically, the Court granted summary adjudication in favor of the Company on the following issues: (a) that the Company is, in fact, an insured under both the AmTrust and Freedom insurance policies; (b) that certain SEC subpoena related expenses for defendants Dr. Marlene Krauss, the Company’s former Chief Executive Officer and Director, and George Hornig, the former Chairman of the Board, are within the basic scope of coverage under both the AmTrust and Freedom insurance policies; and (c) that the Insured vs. Insured exclusion relied upon by AmTrust and Freedom is not applicable to bar any such coverage.
The Court also found that there were issues of disputed facts as to the Change in Control exclusion contained within the policies, which therefore precluded the Court from granting the remainder of the Company’s requests for summary adjudication as a matter of law. Accordingly, the Court, at this time, denied the Company’s further requests for summary adjudication and deemed that for the time being, the Change in Control issue is to be determined at the time of trial, in order to find that the policies (i) provide coverage for the fees which the Company has advanced and will advance to Dr. Marlene Krauss and George Hornig; (ii) that AmTrust has breached the policy; (iii) that AmTrust must pay such expenses of the Company; and that, once the AmTrust policy has been exhausted, (iv) Freedom will be obligated to pay such expenses of the Company pursuant to its policy.
On August 4, 2023, the Court granted the Company’s request to file a second motion for partial summary judgment in this case, this one being on the issue of whether AmTrust should be required to advance to the Company the defense costs being incurred by Dr. Marlene Krauss and George Hornig during the pendency of the case. The Motion for Partial Summary Judgment was fully briefed by the parties, and a hearing for such Motion was held on January 11, 2024. After the matter was taken under submission, on February 12, 2024, the Court granted the Company’s Motion for Partial Summary Judgment against both AmTrust and Freedom, and ordered as follows: (a) AmTrust is obligated under its insurance policy with the Company to advance to the Company all defense costs in excess of the deductible that the Company has advanced, or will advance, to Dr. Krauss and Mr. Hornig in connection with certain SEC Subpoenas, and (b) upon exhaustion of the AmTrust insurance policy, Freedom is obligated to do the same pursuant to its excess liability insurance policy with the Company. This Order applies throughout the interim of the case, but does not constitute a final judgment, and both the Company and the two insurers retain their rights to contest all applicable issues at trial, which is scheduled for May 12, 2025. A final judgment following trial could potentially confirm these obligations of the insurers or, alternatively, reverse and require the Company to repay all or portions of such advance payments. There is no assurance at this time as to what the final judgment may entail.
On April 16, 2024, AmTrust paid
the Company $
The parties have commenced written discovery proceedings against each other and anticipate that depositions will also occur. The Company intends to continue to vigorously pursue this matter in order to establish the Company’s entitlement to full and final payment by both AmTrust and Freedom of the subject advancement expenses of the Company. While the Company continues to believe it has a strong case against both AmTrust and Freedom, there can be no assurance that the Company will prevail in this action.
D&O Insurance Lawsuit
On February 12, 2024, the judge in the Company’s pending lawsuit in the U.S. District Court Northern District of California, San Jose Division, granted a Motion for Partial Summary Judgment against AmTrust International Underwriters DAC (“AmTrust”), which was the pre-merger directors’ and officers’ insurance policy underwriter for the Company and the Company’s excess insurance carrier, Freedom Specialty Insurance Company (“Freedom”), and ordered as follows: (a) AmTrust is obligated under its insurance policy with the Company to advance to the Company all defense costs in excess of the deductible that the Company has advanced or will advance to Dr. Marlene Krauss, the Company’s former Chief Executive Officer and Director, and George Hornig, the former Chairman of the Board of Directors, in connection with certain subpoenas issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission; and (b) upon exhaustion of the AmTrust insurance policy, Freedom is obligated to do the same pursuant to its excess liability insurance policy with the Company.
This Order applies until the final disposition of the case, but does not constitute a final judgment, and both the Company and the two insurers retain their rights to contest all applicable issues at trial, which is scheduled for May 12, 2025.
14
On April 16, 2024, AmTrust paid
the Company $
It is unclear whether the defendants will take steps to appeal this order, the outcome of any such appeal, the timing of our receipt of any further funds we may receive pursuant to the order related to reimbursement of amounts related to the SEC Subpoenas, if any, or such amounts that we may ultimately receive.
A final judgment following trial could potentially confirm these obligations of the insurers or, alternatively, reverse and require the Company to repay all or certain portions of such advance payments. There is no assurance at this time as to what the final judgment may entail.
Amendments to Compensation Agreements
On January 10, 2024, and effective on January 1, 2024, the Company entered into (a) a Fourth Amendment to Amended and Restated Employment Agreement with Dr. James Woody, the then CEO and Director of the Company; (b) a Fourth Amendment to Employment Agreement with Dr. Jonathan Rothbard, the Chief Science Officer (CSO) of the Company; (c) a Third Amendment to Consulting Agreement with Dr. Lawrence Steinman, the then Executive Chairman of the Company; and (d) a Second Amendment to Consulting Agreement with Prof. Sir Marc Feldmann, the former Executive Co-Chairman of the Company (collectively, the “Amendments”), which each amended the compensation agreements then in place with such individuals.
Pursuant
to the Amendments, each of Dr. Woody and Dr. Rothbard, effective as of January 1, 2024, agreed to a reduction of the base salaries set
forth in their respective amended employment agreements, by
Also
pursuant to the Amendments, each of Dr. Steinman and Sir Feldmann, effective as of January 1, 2024, agreed to a reduction of the base
salaries set forth in their respective consulting agreements, by
New Board Members Appointed
On
February 28, 2024, the Company’s Board of Directors appointed Blair Jordan as a member of the Board, and on March 7, 2024, the
Company’s Board of Directors appointed Omar Jimenez and Ryan L. Smith as members of the Board. At the same time, the Board set
the number of members of the Board at five members. The Board determined that Mr. Jordan, Mr. Jimenez and Mr. Smith were each independent
and not party to any material plan, contract or arrangement (whether or not written) with the Company. In connection with their appointments
to the Board and on February 24, 2024, March 4, 2024 and March 5, 2024, to be effective upon their appointments to the Board, the Company
entered into an agreement with Mr. Jordan, Mr. Jimenez and Mr. Smith, respectively, whereby each will be paid $
Resignation of Board Member
On March 7, 2024, Sir Marc Feldmann, Ph.D. provided notice to the Board of Directors of his resignation as a member of the Board of Directors, effective on the same date. Sir Feldmann’s resignation was not the result of any disagreement with the Company relating to the Company’s operations, policies or practices, or otherwise. Prior to his resignation, Sir Feldmann served as Co-Executive Chairman of the Company but did not serve on any committees of the Board of Directors. Sir Feldmann will continue to serve as an employee of one of the Company’s subsidiaries.
15
NOTE 9 – STOCKHOLDERS’ (DEFICIT) EQUITY
Reverse Stock Split during 2024
On February 16, 2024, at a
Special Meeting of the Stockholders of the Company, the stockholders of the Company approved an amendment to the Company’s Second
Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, to effect a reverse stock split of our issued and outstanding shares of
our common stock, par value $
In addition, the number of shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of stock options and other equity awards (including shares reserved for issuance under the Company’s equity compensation plans) were proportionately adjusted by the applicable administrator, using the 1-for-19 ratio, and rounded down to the nearest whole share. The conversion rates of the Company’s preferred stock (of which none are outstanding) were adjusted in a ratio of 1-for-19. The number of shares issuable upon exercise of the Company’s outstanding warrants to purchase shares of common stock outstanding were equitably adjusted pursuant to the terms of such securities in connection with the 1-for-19 Reverse Stock Split. In addition, the exercise price for each outstanding stock option and warrant were increased in inverse proportion to the 1-for-19 split ratio such that upon an exercise, the aggregate exercise price payable by the optionee or warrant holder to the Company for the shares subject to the option or warrant will remain approximately the same as the aggregate exercise price prior to the Reverse Stock Split, subject to the terms of such securities.
Further,
pursuant to the terms of the Company’s Class K Special Voting Shares (the “Voting Stock”), following the Effective
Time, the Voting Stock was convertible into a number of shares of common stock equal to, and votes a number of voting shares equal to,
The rights and privileges of the holders of shares of common stock are substantially unaffected by the Reverse Stock Split.
Granting of Extension to Regain Nasdaq Compliance
On September 7, 2023, the
Company received a letter from Nasdaq notifying the Company that it was not in compliance with the minimum stockholders’ equity
requirement for continued listing on the Nasdaq Capital Market. Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(b)(1) (the “Rule”) requires companies
listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market to maintain stockholders’ equity of at least $
The terms of the extension were as follows: on or before May 13, 2024,
the Company was required to complete certain transactions described in greater detail in the compliance plan, contemplated to result in
the Company increasing its stockholders’ equity to more than $
While the Company was able to undertake some of the transactions described in the compliance plan, it was unable to regain compliance with the Rule prior to the end of the plan period (May 13, 2024). As a result, on May 14, 2024, the Company received a delist determination letter from the Listing Qualifications department of The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (the “Staff”) advising the Company that the Staff had determined that the Company did not meet the terms of the extension. Specifically, the Company did not complete its proposed transactions and was unable to file a Current Report Form 8-K by the May 13, 2024 deadline previously required by the Staff, evidencing compliance with the Rule. As a result, unless the Company requests an appeal of the Staff’s determination, trading of the Company’s common stock will be suspended at the opening of business on May 23, 2024, and a Form 25-NSE will be filed with the SEC, which will remove the Company’s common stock and warrants from listing and registration on The Nasdaq Stock Market.
The Company intends to submit a hearing request to the Nasdaq Hearings Panel (the “Panel”), which request is expected to stay any delisting action by the Staff at least until the hearing process concludes and any extension granted by the Panel expires.
At the Panel hearing, the Company intends to present a plan to regain compliance with the minimum stockholders’ equity requirement. In the interim, the Company’s common stock will continue to trade on Nasdaq under the symbol “ATNF” at least pending the ultimate conclusion of the hearing process.
There can be no assurance that the Company’s plan will be accepted by the Panel or that, if it is, the Company will be able to regain compliance with the applicable Nasdaq listing requirements. If the Company’s common stock and warrants are delisted, it could be more difficult to buy or sell the Company’s common stock and warrants or to obtain accurate quotations, and the price of the Company’s common stock and warrants could suffer a material decline. Delisting could also impair the Company’s ability to raise capital and/or trigger defaults and penalties under outstanding agreements or securities of the Company.
16
The Company is continuing to work towards completing the necessary transactions in an effort to achieve compliance with the Rule.
Separately, on May 14, 2024, the Staff provided us notice of our non-compliance with the audit committee requirements for continued listing on The Nasdaq Capital Market set forth in Listing Rule 5605(c)(2), which requires that listed companies maintain an audit committee of at least three independent directors. Nasdaq provided the Company a cure period in order to regain compliance as follows: until the earlier of the Company’s next annual shareholders’ meeting or May 7, 2025; or if the next annual shareholders’ meeting is held before November 4, 2024, then the Company must evidence compliance no later than November 4, 2024. In the event the Company does not regain compliance by the applicable date above, Nasdaq rules require the Staff to provide written notification to the Company that its securities will be delisted. At that time, the Company may appeal the delisting determination to a Hearings Panel. The Company is currently seeking out qualified independent directors to serve on the Company’s audit committee and plans to regain compliance with Listing Rule 5605(c)(2) in the near future.
Nasdaq Compliance with Listing Rule 5550(a)(2) Regained
On
September 7, 2023, Nasdaq staff notified the Company that its common stock failed to maintain a minimum bid price of $
Amendment to August 2023 Offering
On August 9, 2023, the Company entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement
with an accredited investor (the “Purchaser”), in addition to certain purchasers who relied on the Company’s registration
statement filed with the SEC on July 25, 2023, which became effective on August 9, 2023, pursuant to which the Company agreed to sell
an aggregate of
On November 28, 2023, the
Company entered into an amendment to the August 2023 Offering (“Amendment to the August 2023 Offering”), whereby (i) the
Purchaser agreed to pay an additional $
Other than exercise price
and exercisability, the Additional Warrants have the same terms and conditions as the August 2023 Pre-funded Warrants and the August 2023
Common Warrants and, as such, were determined to be equity-classified because they met the limited exception in the case of a change-in-control.
Because the Additional Warrants are equity-classified, the placement agent fees and offering expenses will be accounted for as a reduction
of additional paid in capital. The Additional Warrants were not exercisable until the Company obtained stockholder approval with respect
to the issuance of the
In accordance with the Amendment to the August 2023 Offering, the Company
entered into a warrant amendment agreement to amend the following outstanding warrants held by the Purchaser: (i) warrants to purchase
up to
The Company accounted for the Amendment to the August 2023 Offering as a warrant modification, whereby the effect of the modification is measured as the difference in its relative fair value immediately before the modification and after the modification; and any increase to the relative fair value is recognized as an equity issuance cost.
17
To
assess for the change in relative fair value, the Company performed a Black Scholes Option Model calculation to quantify the fair value
of the common warrants under their original terms as of the modification date using the following assumptions for the July 2022, December
2022, April 2023 and August 2023 common warrants: a share price of $
During February and March
2024, all the additional
Second Amendment to the 2022 Omnibus Incentive Plan
On February 16, 2024, the
Company held a special meeting of its stockholders as of December 18, 2023 and approved the adoption of a Second Amendment to the 180
Life Sciences Corp. 2022 Omnibus Incentive Plan. Such amendment increased the maximum number of shares available to be issued under the
Plan from
Stock Options
| Weighted | ||||||||||||||||
| Weighted | Average | |||||||||||||||
| Average | Remaining | |||||||||||||||
| Number of | Exercise | Term | Intrinsic | |||||||||||||
| Options | Price | (Years) | Value | |||||||||||||
| Outstanding, January 1, 2024 | $ | |||||||||||||||
| Forfeited | ( | ) | - | |||||||||||||
| Outstanding, March 31, 2024 | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
| Exercisable, March 31, 2024 | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
| Stock Options Outstanding | Stock Options Exercisable | |||||||||||||
| Weighted | ||||||||||||||
| Average | ||||||||||||||
| Exercise | Number of | Remaining | Number of | |||||||||||
| Price | Shares | Life in Years | Shares | |||||||||||
| $ | ||||||||||||||
| $ | ||||||||||||||
| $ | ||||||||||||||
| $ | ||||||||||||||
The Company recognized stock-based
compensation expense of $
18
Warrants
| Number of Warrants | Weighted Average Exercise Price | Weighted Average Remaining Life in Years | Intrinsic Value | |||||||||||||
| Outstanding, January 1, 2024 | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
| Exercised | ( | ) | - | |||||||||||||
| Outstanding, March 31, 2024 | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
| Exercisable, March 31, 2024 | $ | |||||||||||||||
A summary of outstanding and exercisable warrants as of March 31, 2024 is presented below:
| Warrants Outstanding | Warrants Exercisable | |||||||||||||
| Weighted | ||||||||||||||
| Average | ||||||||||||||
| Exercise | Number of | Remaining | Number of | |||||||||||
| Price | Shares | Life in Years | Shares | |||||||||||
| $ | ||||||||||||||
| $ | ||||||||||||||
| $ | ||||||||||||||
| $ | ||||||||||||||
| $ | ||||||||||||||
| $ | ||||||||||||||
NOTE 10 - RELATED PARTIES
Accounts Payable – Related Parties
Accounts
payable - related parties were $
Accrued Expenses - Related Parties
Accrued
expenses - related parties were $
Research and Development Expenses - Related Parties
Research
and Development Expenses – Related Parties of $
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NOTE 11 - SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
Reimbursement from AmTrust
On April 16, 2024, AmTrust paid
the Company $
Shares issued to former Board Members
On
April 23, 2024, the Company issued
Woody Separation Agreement
On May 7, 2024, Dr. James N. Woody resigned as Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer), and as a member of the Board of Directors, of the Company effective the same date, and entered into a Separation and Release Agreement with the Company (the “Woody Separation Agreement”).
Under the Woody Separation Agreement, the Company (a) paid Dr. Woody
$
Under the Woody Separation
Agreement, Dr. Woody agreed to provide a customary general release to the Company, waived any severance pay that would have been due pursuant
to the terms of his employment agreement, agreed to the termination of his employment agreement, and also agreed to certain confidentiality,
non-disclosure, non-solicitation, non-disparagement, and cooperation covenants in favor of the Company. The
Rothbard Separation Agreement and Consulting Agreement
On May 7, 2024, Dr. Jonathan Rothbard resigned as Chief Scientific Officer of the Company effective the same date and entered into a Separation and Release Agreement with the Company (the “Rothbard Separation Agreement”).
Under the Rothbard Separation
Agreement, the Company agreed to pay Dr. Rothbard $
Effective on May 7, 2024,
the Company entered into a Consulting Agreement with Dr. Rothbard pursuant to which he agreed to provide general consulting services to
the Company for a term of six months, for $
Steinman Fourth Amendment to Consulting Agreement
On May 7, 2024, the Company
entered into a Fourth Amendment to Consulting Agreement with Dr. Lawrence Steinman, the then Executive Chairman of the Board (the “Fourth
Amendment”). Pursuant to the Fourth Amendment, Dr. Steinman waived and forgave all amounts accrued and owed to him under the
Consulting Agreement through such date, and agreed that compensation payable to him under the Consulting Agreement moving forward would
be $
20
Mr. Steinman also agreed to step down as Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors and will instead just serve as a regular member of the Board of Directors, provided that on May 7, 2024, Dr. Steinman was appointed as a member of the Strategy and Alternatives Committee of the Company.
Appointment of Interim Chief Executive Officer and Consulting Agreement
Also effective on May 7, 2024, the Board of Directors appointed Mr. Blair Jordan, a then member of the Board of Directors of the Company, as Interim Chief Executive Officer and Principal Executive Officer of the Company, to fill the vacancy left by Dr. Woody’s resignation. Upon such appointment, Mr. Jordan ceased being the Lead Independent director of the Company (which position is currently vacant), and ceased being a member of the Audit Committee, Compensation Committee, and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee of the Board of Directors.
On May 7, 2024,
the Company entered into an Executive Consulting Agreement with Mr. Jordan and Blair Jordan Strategy and Finance Consulting Inc. (an
entity owned by Mr. Jordan) (“Jordan Consulting” and the “Jordan Consulting Agreement”).
Pursuant to the Jordan Consulting Agreement, the Company agreed to engage Jordan Consulting to provide the services of Mr. Jordan to
the Company as Interim Chief Executive Officer of the Company. The Jordan Consulting Agreement has a term through April 30, 2025,
unless otherwise terminated pursuant to the terms of the agreement (discussed below) and provides for Mr. Jordan to act as Interim
Chief Executive Officer of the Company, and to be paid $
The Jordan Consulting Agreement
terminates automatically upon the completion of a Corporate Transaction (provided we pay the transaction bonus discussed above). We have
the right to terminate the Jordan Consulting Agreement at any time, provided that if we terminate the agreement after 60 days and prior
to completion of a Corporate Transaction, then we agreed to pay Jordan Consulting $
We are also able to terminate
the Jordan Consulting Agreement at any time, without notice upon: (a) the death or physical or mental incapacity of Mr. Jordan if as a
result of which Mr. Jordan is unable to perform services for a period in excess of 60 days; (b) in the event Mr. Jordan or a related party
to Mr. Jordan ceases to own or control
If the Company terminates the Jordan Consulting Agreement for just cause, we are required to pay Jordan Consulting any unpaid fees and/or unpaid and unreimbursed expenses accrued but unpaid prior to the effective termination date.
Non-Executive Director Compensation
Effective on May 7, 2024,
the Board of Directors set the compensation payable to non-executive members of the Board of Directors for services on the Board of Directors,
at (a) $
Indemnification Agreements
On May 7, 2024, the Company entered into Indemnity Agreements (each an “Indemnification Agreement”) with each of its then directors and officers other than Mr. Ozan Pamir, the Chief Financial Officer of the Company who was already party to an Indemnity Agreement with the Company (each an “Indemnitee”), to provide for indemnification to the officers and directors under Delaware law. Among other things, consistent with the Company’s Bylaws, each Indemnification Agreement generally requires that the Company (i) indemnify the Indemnitee from and against all expenses and liabilities with respect to proceedings to which Indemnitee may be subject by reason of the Indemnitee’s service to the Company to the fullest extent authorized or permitted by Delaware law and (ii) advance all expenses incurred by the Indemnitee in connection with the investigation, defense, settlement or appeal of any proceeding, and in connection with any proceeding to enforce the Indemnitee’s rights under the Indemnification Agreement. The Indemnification Agreement also establishes various related procedures and processes and generally requires the Company to maintain directors’ and officers’ liability insurance coverage.
21
ITEM 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (“Report”), including “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” contains forward-looking statements, within the federal securities laws, including the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, regarding future events and the future results of the Company that are based on current expectations, estimates, forecasts, and projections about the industry in which the Company operates and the beliefs and assumptions of the management of the Company. Words such as “expects,” “anticipates,” “targets,” “goals,” “projects,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “seeks,” “estimates,” variations of such words, and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are only predictions and are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual results may differ materially and adversely from those expressed in any forward-looking statements. Factors that might cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, those discussed elsewhere in this Report, including under “Risk Factors”, and in other reports the Company files with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), including the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, as filed with the SEC on March 25, 2024 (under the heading “Risk Factors” and in other parts of that report), and include, but are not limited to, statements about:
| ● | The need for additional funding, our ability to raise funding in the future, the terms of such funding, and dilution caused thereby; |
| ● | expectations for the clinical and preclinical development, manufacturing, regulatory approval, and commercialization of our product candidates; |
| ● | the uncertainties associated with the clinical development and regulatory approval of the Company’s drug candidates, including potential delays in the enrollment and completion of clinical trials, issues raised by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the U.K. Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA); |
| ● | regulatory developments in the United States and foreign countries; |
| ● | our success in retaining or recruiting, or changes required in, our officers, key employees or directors; |
| ● | current negative operating cash flows and our potential ability to obtain additional financing to advance our business and the terms of any further financing, which may be highly dilutive and may include onerous terms; |
| ● | the continued impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business operations and our research and development initiatives; |
| ● | the accuracy of our estimates regarding expenses, future revenues and capital requirements; |
| ● | the Company’s reliance on third parties to conduct its clinical trials, enroll patients, and manufacture its preclinical and clinical drug supplies; |
| ● | the ability to come to mutually agreeable terms with such third parties and partners, and the terms of such agreements, the terms of the Company’s current licensing agreements, and the termination rights associated therewith; |
| ● | estimates of patient populations for the Company’s planned products; |
| ● | unexpected adverse side effects or inadequate therapeutic efficacy of drug candidates that could limit approval and/or commercialization, or that could result in recalls or product liability claims; |
| ● | the Company’s ability to fully comply with numerous federal, state and local laws and regulatory requirements, as well as rules and regulations outside the United States, that apply to its product development activities; |
| ● | challenges and uncertainties inherent in product research and development, including the uncertainty of clinical success and of obtaining regulatory approvals; and uncertainty of commercial success; |
| ● | the ability of the Company to execute its plans to develop and market new drug products and the timing and costs of these development programs; |
| ● | changing rates of inflation and interest rates, and economic downturns, including potential recessions, as well as macroeconomic, geopolitical, health and industry trends, pandemics, acts of war (including the ongoing Ukraine/Russian conflict, and Israel/Hamas conflict) and other large-scale crises; |
| ● | estimates of the sufficiency of our existing capital resources combined with future anticipated cash flows to finance our operating requirements; |
| ● | our ability to maintain our listing of our common stock and public warrants on the Nasdaq Capital Market, including our current non-compliance with Nasdaq’s continued listing rules; and |
| ● | other risks and uncertainties, including those described under “Risk Factors”, below. |
22
All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of the filing of this Report. The reader should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Although we believe that our plans, intentions and expectations reflected in or suggested by the forward-looking statements we make in this Report are reasonable, we provide no assurance that these plans, intentions or expectations will be achieved. We disclose important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from our expectations under “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and elsewhere in this Report and our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023. These cautionary statements qualify all forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf. Except as required by law, we assume no obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements for any reason, even if new information becomes available in the future.
General Information
The following discussion is based upon our unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this Report, which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingencies. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. Factors that could cause or contribute to these differences include those discussed below and elsewhere in this Report, and in other reports we file with the SEC, and in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K. All references to years relate to the calendar year ended December 31st of the particular year.
This information should be read in conjunction with the interim unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, and the audited financial statements and notes thereto and “Part II. Other Information – Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”, contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 25, 2024 (the “Annual Report”).
Certain capitalized terms used below and otherwise defined below, have the meanings given to such terms in the footnotes to our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included above under “Part I – Financial Information” – “Item 1. Financial Statements”.
Please see the section entitled “Glossary” beginning on page ii of our Annual Report for a list of abbreviations and definitions commonly used in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry which are used throughout this Report.
Our logo and some of our trademarks and tradenames are used in this Report. This Report also includes trademarks, tradenames and service marks that are the property of others. Solely for convenience, trademarks, tradenames and service marks referred to in this Report may appear without the ®, ™ and SM symbols. References to our trademarks, tradenames and service marks are not intended to indicate in any way that we will not assert to the fullest extent under applicable law our rights or the rights of the applicable licensors if any, nor that respective owners to other intellectual property rights will not assert, to the fullest extent under applicable law, their rights thereto. We do not intend the use or display of other companies’ trademarks and trade names to imply a relationship with, or endorsement or sponsorship of us by, any other companies.
The market data and certain other statistical information used throughout this Report are based on independent industry publications, reports by market research firms or other independent sources that we believe to be reliable sources. Industry publications and third-party research, surveys and studies generally indicate that their information has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, although they do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of such information and have not commissioned any such information. We are responsible for all of the disclosures contained in this Report, and we believe these industry publications and third-party research, surveys and studies are reliable. While we are not aware of any misstatements regarding any third-party information presented in this Report, their estimates, in particular, as they relate to projections, involve numerous assumptions, are subject to risks and uncertainties, and are subject to change based on various factors, including those discussed under, and incorporated by reference in, the section entitled “Item 1A. Risk Factors” of this Report. These and other factors could cause our future performance to differ materially from our assumptions and estimates. Some market and other data included herein, as well as the data of competitors as they relate to the Company, is also based on our good faith estimates.
See also “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements”, above, which includes information on forward-looking statements used herein and other matters which are applicable to this Report, including, but not limited to this “Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”
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Unless the context requires otherwise, references to the “Company,” “we,” “us,” “our,” “180 Life”, “180LS” and “180 Life Sciences Corp.” refer specifically to 180 Life Sciences Corp. and its consolidated subsidiaries. References to “KBL” refer to the Company prior to the November 6, 2020 Business Combination.
In addition, unless the context otherwise requires and for the purposes of this Report only:
“CAD” refers to Canadian dollars;
“Exchange Act” refers to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended;
“£” or “GBP” refers to British pounds sterling;
“SEC” or the “Commission” refers to the United States Securities and Exchange Commission; and
“Securities Act” refers to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
Additional Information
We file annual, quarterly, and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. Our SEC filings are available to the public over the Internet at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov and are available for download, free of charge, soon after such reports are filed with or furnished to the SEC, on the “Investors”—“SEC Filings”—“All SEC Filings” page of our website at www.180lifesciences.com. Copies of documents filed by us with the SEC are also available from us without charge, upon oral or written request to our Secretary, who can be contacted at the address and telephone number set forth on the cover page of this Report. Our website address is www.180lifesciences.com/. The information on, or that may be accessed through, our website is not incorporated by reference into this Report and should not be considered a part of this Report.
Going Concern and Management Liquidity Plans
As of March 31, 2024, we had an accumulated deficit of $128,413,401 and a working capital deficit of $2,225,359, and for the quarter ended March 31, 2024, a net loss of $1,069,744 and cash used in operating activities of $1,033,417. The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming the Company will continue as a going concern. As we are not generating revenues, we need to raise a significant amount of capital in order to pay our debts and cover our operating costs. While the Company raised money in August 2021, July 2022, December 2022 and April 2023, August 2023 and November 2023 (see Note 2 – Going Concern and Management’s Plans), and on April 16, 2024, AmTrust paid the Company $2.27 million in reimbursement of fees which the Company had advanced to Dr. Marlene Krauss and George Hornig for indemnification as former officers and directors, of which the Company received $1.5 million after the payment of attorney’s fees. On May 9, 2024, AmTrust paid the Company $300,140 in reimbursement of fees which the Company had advanced to Dr. Marlene Krauss and George Hornig, of which the Company expects to receive $200,093 after the payment of attorney’s fees.
We expect to require additional funding in the future and there is no assurance that we will be able to raise additional needed capital or that such capital will be available under favorable terms. In the event that we do raise capital in the future, we anticipate it being from the sale of equity which may cause dilution to existing stockholders.
We are subject to all the substantial risks inherent in the development of a new business enterprise within an extremely competitive industry. Due to the absence of a long-standing operating history and the emerging nature of the markets in which we compete, we anticipate operating losses until we can successfully implement our business strategy, which includes all associated revenue streams. We may never achieve profitable operations or generate significant revenues.
We currently have a minimum monthly cash requirement of approximately $300,000, which is required to support the Company’s operations. We believe that in the aggregate, we will require significant additional capital funding to support and expand the research and development and marketing of our products, fund future clinical trials, repay debt obligations, provide capital expenditures for additional equipment and development costs, payment obligations, office space and systems for managing the business, and cover other operating costs until our planned revenue streams from products are fully-implemented and begin to offset our operating costs, if ever.
Since our inception, we have funded our operations with the proceeds from equity and debt financings. We have experienced liquidity issues due to, among other reasons, our limited ability to raise adequate capital on acceptable terms. We have historically relied upon the issuance of equity and promissory notes that are convertible into shares of our common stock to fund our operations and have devoted significant efforts to reduce that exposure. We anticipate that we will need to issue equity to fund our operations and repay our outstanding debt for the foreseeable future. If we are unable to achieve operational profitability or we are not successful in securing other forms of financing, we will have to evaluate alternative actions to reduce our operating expenses and conserve cash.
The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America on a going concern basis, which contemplates the realization of assets and the satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business. Accordingly, the condensed consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments relating to the recoverability of assets and classification of liabilities that might be necessary should the Company be unable to continue as a going concern. The condensed consolidated financial statements included in this report also include a going concern footnote.
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Additionally, wherever possible, our Board of Directors will attempt to use non-cash consideration to satisfy obligations. In many instances, we believe that the non-cash consideration will consist of restricted shares of our common stock, preferred stock or warrants to purchase shares of our common stock. Our Board of Directors has authority, without action or vote of the shareholders, but subject to Nasdaq rules and regulations (which generally require shareholder approval for any transactions which would result in the issuance of more than 20% of our then outstanding shares of common stock or voting rights representing over 20% of our then outstanding shares of stock, subject to certain exceptions), to issue all or part of the authorized but unissued shares of common stock, preferred stock or warrants to purchase such shares of common stock. In addition, we may attempt to raise capital by selling shares of our common stock, possibly at a discount to market in the future. These actions will result in dilution of the ownership interests of existing shareholders, may further dilute common stock book value, and that dilution may be material. Such issuances may also serve to enhance existing management’s ability to maintain control of us, because the shares may be issued to parties or entities committed to supporting existing management.
Organization of MD&A
Our Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (the “MD&A”) is provided in addition to the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements and notes to assist readers in understanding our results of operations, financial condition, and cash flows. MD&A is organized as follows:
| ● | Business Overview and Recent Events. A summary of the Company’s business and certain material recent events. |
| ● | Significant Financial Statement Components. A summary of the Company’s significant financial statement components. |
| ● | Results of Operations. An analysis of our financial results comparing the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023. |
| ● | Liquidity and Capital Resources. An analysis of changes in our balance sheets and cash flows and discussion of our financial condition. |
| ● | Critical Accounting Estimates. Accounting estimates that we believe are important to understanding the assumptions and judgments incorporated in our reported financial results and forecasts. |
Business Overview
This MD&A and the related financial statements for the quarters ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, primarily cover the operations of 180, which is a clinical stage biotechnology company headquartered in Palo Alto, California, focused on the development of therapeutics for unmet medical needs in chronic pain, inflammation, fibrosis and other inflammatory diseases. We have three product development platforms:
| ● | fibrosis and anti-tumor necrosis factor (“TNF”); |
| ● | drugs which are derivatives of cannabidiol (“CBD”) or cannabigerol (“CBG”) analogues (“SCAs”); and |
| ● | alpha 7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (“α7nAChR”). |
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Due to restrictions in the Company’s resources, the Company has slowed down research and development activities significantly in the SCA platform and the anti-TNF platform, and the Company has not made progress in the α7nAChR platform and has suspended further research and development activity in this program the meantime.
The Company is currently evaluating all options to monetize its existing assets, in addition to exploring other strategic alternatives to maximize value for its stockholders. Potential strategic alternatives that may be explored or evaluated by the Company as part of this process include, but are not limited to, an acquisition, merger, reverse merger, other business combination, sale of assets, licensing or other strategic transactions involving the Company.
Significant Financial Statement Components
Research and Development
To date, 180’s research and development expenses have related primarily to discovery efforts and preclinical and clinical development of its three product platforms: fibrosis and anti-TNF; drugs which are derivatives of CBD, and α7nAChR. Research and development expenses consist primarily of costs associated with those three product platforms, which include:
| ● | expenses incurred under agreements with 180’s collaboration partners and third-party contract organizations, investigative clinical trial sites that conduct research and development activities on its behalf, and consultants; |
| ● | costs related to production of clinical materials, including fees paid to contract manufacturers; |
| ● | laboratory and vendor expenses related to the execution of preclinical and clinical trials; |
| ● | employee-related expenses, which include salaries, benefits and stock-based compensation; and |
| ● | facilities and other expenses, which include expenses for rent and maintenance of facilities, depreciation and amortization expense and other supplies. |
We expense all research and development costs in the periods in which they are incurred. We accrue for costs incurred as services are provided by monitoring the status of each project and the invoices received from our external service providers. We adjust our accrual as actual costs become known. When contingent milestone payments are owed to third parties under research and development arrangements or license agreements, the milestone payment obligations are expensed when the milestone results are achieved.
Research and development activities are central to our business model. Product candidates in later stages of clinical development generally have higher development costs than those in earlier stages of clinical development, primarily due to the increased size and duration of later-stage clinical trials. We expect that research and development expenses will increase over the next several years as clinical programs progress and as we seek to initiate clinical trials of additional product candidates. It is also expected that increased research and development expenses will be incurred as additional product candidates are selectively identified and developed. However, it is difficult to determine with certainty the duration and completion costs of current or future preclinical programs and clinical trials of product candidates.
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The duration, costs and timing of clinical trials and development of product candidates will depend on a variety of factors that include, but are not limited to, the following:
| ● | per patient trial costs; |
| ● | the number of patients that participate in the trials; |
| ● | the number of sites included in the trials; |
| ● | the countries in which the trials are conducted; |
| ● | the length of time required to enroll eligible patients; |
| ● | the number of doses that patients receive; |
| ● | the drop-out or discontinuation rates of patients; |
| ● | potential additional safety monitoring or other studies requested by regulatory agencies; |
| ● | the impact of COVID-19 on our trials; |
| ● | the duration of patient follow-up; and |
| ● | the efficacy and safety profile of the product candidates. |
In addition, the probability of success for each product candidate will depend on numerous factors, including competition, manufacturing capability and commercial viability. We will determine which programs to pursue and fund in response to the scientific and clinical success of each product candidate, as well as an assessment of each product candidate’s commercial potential.
Because the product candidates are still in clinical and preclinical development and the outcome of these efforts is uncertain, we cannot estimate the actual amounts necessary to successfully complete the development and commercialization of product candidates or whether, or when, we may achieve profitability. Due to the early-stage nature of these programs, we do not track costs on a project-by-project basis. As these programs become more advanced, we intend to track the external and internal cost of each program.
General and Administrative
General and administrative expenses consist primarily of salaries and other staff-related costs, including stock-based compensation for shares of common stock issued and options granted to founders, directors and personnel in executive, commercial, finance, accounting, legal, investor relations, facilities, business development and human resources functions and include vesting conditions.
Other significant general and administrative costs include costs relating to facilities and overhead costs, legal fees relating to corporate and patent matters, litigation, SEC filings, insurance, investor relations costs, fees for accounting and consulting services, and other general and administrative costs. General and administrative costs are expensed as incurred, and we accrue amounts for services provided by third parties related to the above expenses by monitoring the status of services provided and receiving estimates from our service providers and adjusting our accruals as actual costs become known.
It is expected that the general and administrative expenses will increase over the next several years to support our continued research and development activities, manufacturing activities, potential commercialization of our product candidates and the increased costs of operating as a public company. These increases are anticipated to include increased costs related to the hiring of additional personnel, developing commercial infrastructure, fees to outside consultants, lawyers and accountants, and increased costs associated with being a public company, as well as expenses related to services associated with maintaining compliance with Nasdaq listing rules and SEC requirements, insurance and investor relations costs.
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Other Income
Other income primarily represents fees earned for research and development work performed for other companies, some of which are related parties.
Interest Expense
Interest expense consists primarily of interest expense related to debt instruments.
Change in Fair Value of Derivative Liabilities
Change in fair value of derivative liabilities represents the non-cash change in fair value of derivative liabilities during the reporting period. Losses resulting from changes in fair value of derivative liabilities during the three months ended March 31, 2024, were driven by increases in stock price during the periods, resulting in a higher fair value of the underlying liability.
CONSOLIDATED RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
For the Quarter Ended March 31, 2024 Compared to the Quarter Ended March 31, 2023
| For the Three Months Ended March 31, | ||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | |||||||
| Operating Expenses: | ||||||||
| Research and development expense | $ | 365,186 | $ | 578,309 | ||||
| Research and development - related parties | 170,542 | 216,684 | ||||||
| General and administrative | 1,556,740 | 4,008,852 | ||||||
| Total Operating Expenses | 2,092,468 | 4,803,845 | ||||||
| Loss From Operations | (2,092,468 | ) | (4,803,845 | ) | ||||
| Other (Expense) Income: | ||||||||
| Other income | 1,039,364 | - | ||||||
| Interest expense | (16,449 | ) | (11,556 | ) | ||||
| Change in fair value of derivative liabilities | (191 | ) | 53,323 | |||||
| Total other income, net | 1,022,724 | 41,767 | ||||||
| Loss Before Income Taxes | (1,069,744 | ) | (4,762,078 | ) | ||||
| Income tax benefit | - | - | ||||||
| Net Loss | $ | (1,069,744 | ) | $ | (4,762,078 | ) | ||
Research and Development
We incurred research and development expenses of $365,186 for the three months ended March 31, 2024, compared to expenses of $578,309 for the three months ended March 31, 2023, representing a decrease in expenses of $213,123 or 37%. The decrease in expense includes a) a reduction in expense of approximately $100,000 due to a change in a tax credit and b) a reduction in stock-based compensation of approximately $90,000.
Research and Development – Related Parties
We incurred research and development expenses – related parties of $170,542 for the three months ended March 31, 2024, compared to $216,684 for the three months ended March 31, 2023, representing a decrease of $46,142, or 23%. The decrease is attributable to an R&D tax credit provision adjustment.
General and Administrative
We incurred general and administrative expenses of $1,556,740 and $4,008,852 for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, representing a decrease of $2,452,112 or 61% for the 2024 period, compared to the 2023 period. The decrease resulted from reduced legal fees of approximately $1.3 million, reduced accounting and regulatory fees of approximately $450,000, reduced salaries expense of approximately $300,000 and a reduction in stock-based compensation expense of approximately $280,000.
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Other Income, Net
We incurred other income, net of $1,022,724 during the three months ended March 31, 2024, as compared to other income, net of $41,767 for the three months ended March 31, 2023, representing an increase in other income, net of $980,957 or 2,349%. The increase is attributable to amounts due to contractors related to certain R&D programs that were forgiven; as a result, the Company reduced its accounts payable and accrued liabilities accounts by $588,506 and $450,859, respectively, during the period and recorded the forgiven amounts as other income for a total of $1,039,364 (see Note 5).
Net Loss
We had a net loss of $1,069,744 for the three months ended March 31, 2024, compared to $4,762,078 for the three months ended March 31, 2023, representing a decrease in net loss of $3,692,334 or 78%, for the reasons discussed above.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
As of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, we had cash balances of $675,977 and $1,975,799, respectively, and working capital deficits of $2,225,359 and $1,422,710, respectively, largely due to a decrease in cash related to cash used in operations.
For the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, cash used in operating activities was $1,033,417 and $3,869,891, respectively. Our cash used in operations for the three months ended March 31, 2024 was primarily attributable to our net loss of $1,069,744, adjusted for non-cash expenses in the aggregate amount of $259,829, as well as $223,502 of net cash used to fund changes in the levels of operating assets and liabilities. Our cash used in operations for the three months ended March 31, 2023 was primarily attributable to our net loss of $4,762,078, adjusted for non-cash expenses in the aggregate amount of $525,870, as well as $366,317 of net cash provided to fund changes in the levels of operating assets and liabilities.
For the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, cash used in financing activities was $264,394 and $469,810, respectively. Cash used in financing activities during the three months ended March 31, 2024 was due to repayments of loans in the amount of $264,883, offset by proceeds of $489 from the exercise of pre-funded warrants related to the Amendment to the August 2023 Offering. Cash used in financing activities during the three months ended March 31, 2023 was due to repayments of loans in the amount of $469,810.
Our product candidates may never achieve commercialization and we anticipate that we will continue to incur losses for the foreseeable future. We expect that our research and development expenses, general and administrative expenses, and capital expenditures will continue to increase. As a result, until such time, if ever, as we are able to generate substantial product revenue, we expect to finance our cash needs through a combination of equity offerings, debt financings or other capital sources, including potentially collaborations, licenses and other similar arrangements, which may not be available on favorable terms, if at all. The sale of additional equity or debt securities, if accomplished, may result in dilution to our then stockholders. Our primary uses of capital are, and we expect will continue to be, compensation and related expenses, third-party clinical research and development services, license payments or milestone obligations that may arise, laboratory and related supplies, clinical costs, potential manufacturing costs, legal and other regulatory expenses and general overhead costs.
Our material cash requirements and time periods of such requirements from known contractual and other obligations include milestone and royalty payments related to license agreements with Oxford University and Yissum, payments related to the director and officer insurance, payments to consultants and payments related to outside consulting firms, such as legal counsel, auditors, accountants, etc. These cash requirements, in the aggregate, are expected to amount to approximately $4,100,000 for 2024 and $23,500,000 for the years 2025 through 2028.
Further, our operating plans may change, and we may need additional funds to meet operational needs and capital requirements for clinical trials and other research and development activities. We currently have no credit facility or committed sources of capital. Because of the numerous risks and uncertainties associated with the development and commercialization of our product candidates, we are unable to estimate the amounts of increased capital outlays and operating expenditures associated with our current and anticipated product development programs.
We have not yet achieved profitability and expect to continue to incur cash outflows from operations. It is expected that our research and development and general and administrative expenses will continue to increase and, as a result, we will eventually need to raise additional capital to fund our operations. If we are unable to obtain adequate funds on reasonable terms, we may be required to significantly curtail or discontinue operations or obtain funds by entering into financing agreements on unattractive terms. Our operating needs include the planned costs to operate our business, including amounts required to fund working capital and capital expenditures. As of March 31, 2024, the conditions outlined above indicated that there was a substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the financial statement issuance date. However, in July 2022, December 2022, April 2023, August 2023 and November 2023, the Company raised additional capital of approximately $6.0 million, $5.5 million, $2.7 million, $2.7 million and $0.8 million, respectively, on April 16, 2024, AmTrust paid the Company $2.27 million in reimbursement of fees which the Company had advanced to Dr. Marlene Krauss and George Hornig, of which the Company received $1.5 million after the payment of attorney’s fees, on May 9, 2024, AmTrust paid the Company $300,140 in reimbursement of fees which the Company had advanced to Dr. Marlene Krauss and George Hornig, of which the Company expects to receive $200,093 after the payment of attorney’s fees, and with current cash on hand of approximately $1.5 million as of May 13, 2024, the Company expects to be able to continue as a going concern through October 2024.
Our condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”), which contemplate continuation of the Company as a going concern and the realization of assets and satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business. The carrying amounts of assets and liabilities presented in the condensed consolidated financial statements do not necessarily purport to represent realizable or settlement values. The condensed consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustment that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
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Recent Financing Transactions
April 2023 Offering
On April 5, 2023, the Company entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement with certain purchasers, pursuant to which the Company agreed to sell an aggregate of 21,053 shares of common stock, pre-funded warrants to purchase up to an aggregate of 61,615 shares of common stock (“April 2023 Pre-Funded Warrants”), and common stock warrants to purchase up to an aggregate of 82,668 shares of common stock (the “April 2023 Common Warrants”), at a combined purchase price of $36.29 per share and warrant (the “April 2023 Offering”). Aggregate gross proceeds from the April 2023 Offering were $2,999,882. Net proceeds to the Company from the offering, after deducting the placement agent fees and other offering expenses payable by the Company, were approximately $2.7 million. The placement agent fees and offering expenses of approximately $300,000 were accounted for as a reduction of additional paid in capital. The April 2023 Offering closed on April 10, 2023.
August 2023 Offering
On August 9, 2023, the Company entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement with an accredited investor (the “Purchaser”), in addition to certain purchasers who relied on the Company’s registration statement filed with the SEC on July 25, 2023, which became effective on August 9, 2023, pursuant to which the Company agreed to sell an aggregate of 35,102 shares of common stock (the “August 2023 Shares”), pre-funded warrants to purchase up to an aggregate of 207,814 shares of common stock (“August 2023 Pre-Funded Warrants”), and common stock warrants to purchase up to an aggregate of 242,915 shares of common stock (the “August 2023 Common Warrants”), at a combined purchase price of $12.35 per share and warrant (the “August 2023 Offering”). Aggregate gross proceeds from the August 2023 Offering were $2,999,606. Net proceeds to the Company from the offering, after deducting the placement agent fees and other offering expenses payable by the Company, were approximately $2.7 million. The placement agent fees and offering expenses of approximately $300,000 were accounted for as a reduction of additional paid in capital. The August 2023 Offering closed on August 14, 2023.
Amendment to August 2023 Offering
On October 11, 2023, the Company received a letter from Nasdaq, stating that Nasdaq had determined that the Company failed to comply with Nasdaq’s shareholder approval requirements set forth in Listing Rule 5635(d), which requires prior shareholder approval for transactions, other than public offerings, involving the issuance of 20% or more of the pre-transaction shares outstanding at less than the Minimum Price. The letter from Nasdaq referred to the August 2023 Offering and requested the Company to submit a plan of compliance no later than November 27, 2023. On November 9, 2023, the Company submitted a plan of compliance to Nasdaq, and on November 14, 2023, Nasdaq provided a letter of extension to the Company.
Pursuant to the compliance plan submitted to Nasdaq, on November 28, 2023, the Company entered into an amendment to the August 2023 Offering (“Amendment to the August 2023 Offering”), whereby (i) the Purchaser agreed to pay an additional $830,769 in connection with the repricing of the August 2023 Shares and August 2023 Pre-Funded Warrants (the “Repricing Amount”), (ii) the Company agreed to issue to the Purchaser additional pre-funded warrants to purchase up to 257,205 shares of common stock, with an exercise price of $0.0019 per share (the “Additional Pre- Funded Warrants”), and warrants to purchase up to 477,058 shares of common stock, with an exercise price of $3.23 per share (the “Additional Common Warrants”, and collectively with the Additional Pre-Funded Warrants, the “Additional Warrants”), and (iii) the Company and the Purchaser agreed to enter into a warrant amendment agreement (as described below). Net proceeds to the Company from the repricing, after deducting the placement agent fees and other offering expenses payable by the Company, were approximately $0.8 million. The placement agent fees and offering expenses of approximately $60,000 were accounted for as a reduction of additional paid in capital. The Amendment to the August 2023 Offering closed on December 1, 2023.
In accordance with the Amendment to the August 2023 Offering, the Company entered into a warrant amendment agreement to amend the following outstanding warrants held by the Purchaser: (i) warrants to purchase up to 16,138 shares of common stock issued in July 2022; (ii) warrants to purchase up to 135,339 shares of common stock issued in December 2022; (iii) warrants to purchase up to 82,668 shares of common stock issued in April 2023; and (iv) warrants to purchase up to 242,915 shares of common stock issued in August 2023 (collectively, the “Existing Common Warrants”). Pursuant to the warrant amendment agreement, the Existing Common Warrants were not exercisable until the Company obtained stockholder approval for the issuance of up to 477,058 shares of common stock upon exercise of the Existing Common Warrants. The Existing Common Warrants have an exercise price equal to $3.23 per share, and the Existing Common Warrants will expire on the fifth anniversary of the stockholder approval date. The stockholder approval date occurred on February 16, 2024.
Critical Accounting Estimates
The Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles that are generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of these condensed consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of its assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses. The Company has identified certain estimates as critical to its business operations and the understanding of its past or present results of operations related to intangible assets. These estimates are considered critical because they had a material impact, or they have the potential to have a material impact, on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements and because they require management to make significant judgments, assumptions or estimates. The Company believes that the estimates, judgments and assumptions made when accounting for the items described below were reasonable, based on information available at the time they were made. However, actual results may differ from those estimates, and these differences may be material.
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Intangible Assets
Intangible assets consist of licensed patents held by Katexco Pharmaceuticals Corp. (“Katexco”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, as well as technology licenses acquired in connection with the July 2019, corporate restructuring completed between the Company and each of 180 Therapeutics L.P. (“180 LP”), Katexco and CannBioRex Pharmaceuticals Corp. (“CBR Pharma”), pursuant to which each of 180 LP, Katexco and CBR Pharma became wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company (the “Reorganization”). Licensed patents are amortized over the remaining life of the patent. Technology licenses represent the fair value of licenses acquired for the development and commercialization of certain licenses and knowledge. The technology licenses are amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the underlying patents. It will be necessary to monitor and possibly adjust the useful lives of the licensed patents and technology licenses depending on the results of the Company’s research and development activities.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
Management does not believe that any recently issued, but not yet effective, accounting pronouncements, if currently adopted, would have a material effect on the Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.
Pursuant to Item 305(e) of Regulation S-K (§ 229.305(e)), the Company is not required to provide the information required by this Item as it is a “smaller reporting company,” as defined by Rule 229.10(f)(1).
Item 4. Controls and Procedures.
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
We have established and maintain a system of disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed with the SEC pursuant to the Exchange Act, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the Commission and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer (CEO) (principal executive officer) and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) (principal financial and accounting officer), as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures.
The Company’s management evaluated, with the participation of our principal executive officer and principal financial and accounting officer, the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Exchange Act, as of the end of the period covered by this Report.
In designing and evaluating our disclosure controls and procedures, management recognizes that any disclosure controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives. In addition, the design of disclosure controls and procedures must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints and that management is required to apply its judgment in evaluating the benefits of possible controls and procedures relative to their costs.
Based on their evaluation, our principal executive officer and principal financial and accounting officer concluded that, as of March 31, 2024, our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective to provide assurance at a reasonable level that the information we are required to disclose in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial and accounting officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures as of March 31, 2024.
Management’s evaluation was based on the following material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting:
| ● | Ineffective controls: The Company’s review and control procedures did not operate at the appropriate level of precision to determine that reversals of year-end bonus accruals related to a discontinued R&D project should have been recorded as the forgiveness of a liability, and therefore an increase in Other Income on the income statement, as opposed to a reduction to R&D expense. |
A material weakness is a control deficiency or combination of control deficiencies, that results in more than a remote likelihood that a material misstatement of the annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. As a company with limited accounting resources, a significant amount of management’s time and attention has been and will be diverted from our business to ensure compliance with these regulatory requirements.
Our management plans to establish procedures to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting on an ongoing basis and is committed to taking further action and implementing necessary enhancements or improvements. Management expects to complete an assessment of the design and operating effectiveness of its internal controls over financial reporting during the second half of 2024. Projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
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Remediation Plan
Management continues to take steps to develop and enhance its internal controls over financial reporting, and has implemented the following controls to remediate the above material weakness:
| ● | Implement an added layer of technical review by the SEC Reporting Director for one time significant entries to ensure appropriate classification is assessed |
Management will consider the material weakness to be fully remediated once the controls have been operating effectively for sufficient contiguous reporting periods, and after Management has validated the effective operation of the controls through testing.
Inherent Limitations on Effectiveness of Controls and Procedures
In designing and evaluating our disclosure controls and procedures, management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the Company have been detected. The design of any system of controls also is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions. Over time, controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. Because of the inherent limitations in a cost-effective control system, misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the three months ended March 31, 2024 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
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PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings.
From time to time, we may be a party to litigation that arises in the ordinary course of our business. The impact and outcome of litigation, if any, is subject to inherent uncertainties, and an adverse result in these or other matters may arise from time to time that may harm our business. We believe the ultimate resolution of any such current proceeding will not have a material adverse effect on our continued financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
Such current litigation or other legal proceedings are described in, and incorporated by reference in, this “Item 1. Legal Proceedings” of this Form 10-Q from, “Part I – Item 1. Financial Statements” in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in “Note 8 – Commitments and Contingences”, under the heading Legal Matters. The Company believes that the resolution of currently pending matters will not individually or in the aggregate have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations. However, assessment of the current litigation or other legal claims could change in light of the discovery of facts not presently known to the Company or by judges, juries or other finders of fact, which are not in accord with management’s evaluation of the possible liability or outcome of such litigation or claims.
Additionally, the outcome of litigation is inherently uncertain. If one or more legal matters were resolved against the Company in a reporting period for amounts in excess of management’s expectations, the Company’s financial condition and operating results for that reporting period could be materially adversely affected.
Item 1A. Risk Factors.
There have been no material changes from the risk factors previously disclosed in Part I, Item 1A of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, as filed with the Commission on March 25, 2024, under the heading “Risk Factors”, which risk factors are incorporated by reference herein, except as discussed below, and investors should review the risks provided in the Form 10-K and below, prior to making an investment in the Company. The business, financial condition and operating results of the Company can be affected by a number of factors, whether currently known or unknown, including but not limited to those described in the Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, under “Risk Factors” and below, any one or more of which could, directly or indirectly, cause the Company’s actual financial condition and operating results to vary materially from past, or from anticipated future, financial condition and operating results. Any of these factors, in whole or in part, could materially and adversely affect the Company’s business, financial condition, operating results and stock price.
We are not in compliance with the continued listing standards of Nasdaq and Nasdaq has provided a delisting determination letter; we may not be able to comply with Nasdaq’s continued listing standards in the future, and as a result our common stock and Public Warrants may be delisted from Nasdaq.
Our common stock and Public Warrants trade on Nasdaq under the symbols “ATNF” and “ATNFW,” respectively. Notwithstanding such listing, there can be no assurance any broker will be interested in trading our securities. Therefore, it may be difficult to sell our securities publicly. There is also no guarantee that we will be able to maintain our listings on Nasdaq for any period of time by perpetually satisfying Nasdaq’s continued listing requirements.
We have previously been out of compliance with Nasdaq’s continued listing requirements due to our failure to maintain a minimum bid price of at least $1.00 per share for our common stock, which failure was remedied in March 2024.
Also, on October 11, 2023, the Company received written notice from Nasdaq notifying the Company that it was not in compliance with the shareholder approval requirements set forth in Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(d), which require prior shareholder approval for transactions, other than public offerings, involving the issuance of 20% or more of the pre-transaction shares outstanding at less than the applicable Minimum Price (as defined in Listing Rule 5635(d)(1)(A)), which non-compliance we remedied in December 2023.
Additionally, on November 15, 2023, the Company received a letter from Nasdaq notifying the Company that it was not in compliance with the minimum stockholders’ equity requirement for continued listing on the Nasdaq Capital Market. Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(b)(1) (the “Rule”) requires companies listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market to maintain stockholders’ equity of at least $2,500,000. In the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2023, the Company reported a stockholders’ deficit of ($149,327), which is below the minimum stockholders’ equity required for continued listing pursuant to the Rule. Additionally, the Company does not meet the alternative Nasdaq continued listing standards under Nasdaq Listing Rules and did not meet the minimum stockholders’ equity requirement as of December 31, 2023 or March 31, 2024.
Nasdaq provided the Company until January 2, 2024 to submit to Nasdaq a plan to regain compliance. We submitted the plan to regain compliance in a timely manner, and on January 11, 2024, Nasdaq advised the Company that it has determined to grant the Company an extension to regain compliance with the Rule.
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The terms of the extension were as follows: on or before May 13, 2024, the Company must have completed certain transactions described in greater detail in the compliance plan, contemplated to result in the Company increasing its stockholders’ equity to more than $2.5 million, and opt for one of the two following alternatives to evidence compliance with the Rule: Alternative 1: The Company must have furnished to the SEC and Nasdaq a publicly available report (e.g., a Form 8-K) including: 1. A disclosure of the Staff’s deficiency letter and the specific deficiency(ies) cited; 2. A description of the completed transaction or event that enabled the Company to satisfy the stockholders’ equity requirement for continued listing; and 3. An affirmative statement that, as of the date of the report, the Company believed it had regained compliance with the stockholders’ equity requirement based upon the specific transaction or event referenced in Step 2; or Alternative 2: The Company must furnish to the SEC and Nasdaq a publicly available report including: 1. Steps 1 & 2 set forth above; 2. A balance sheet no older than 60 days with pro forma adjustments for any significant transactions or event occurring on or before the report date; and 3. That the Company believes it satisfies the stockholders’ equity requirement as of the report date. The pro forma balance sheet must have evidenced compliance with the stockholders’ equity requirement.
Additionally, in either case the Company was required to disclose that Nasdaq will continue to monitor the Company’s ongoing compliance with the stockholders’ equity requirement and, if at the time of its next periodic report the Company does not evidence compliance, that it may be subject to delisting.
While the Company was able to undertake some of the transactions described in the compliance plan, it was unable to regain compliance with the Rule prior to the end of the plan period (May 13, 2024). As a result, on May 14, 2024, the Company received a delist determination letter from the Listing Qualifications department of The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (the “Staff”) advising the Company that the Staff had determined that the Company did not meet the terms of the extension. Specifically, the Company did not complete its proposed transactions and was unable to file a Current Report Form 8-K by the May 13, 2024 deadline previously required by the Staff, evidencing compliance with the Rule. As a result, unless the Company requests an appeal of the Staff’s determination, trading of the Company’s common stock will be suspended at the opening of business on May 23, 2024, and a Form 25-NSE will be filed with the SEC, which will remove the Company’s common stock and Public Warrants from listing and registration on The Nasdaq Stock Market.
The Company intends to submit a hearing request to the Nasdaq Hearings Panel (the “Panel”), which request is expected to stay any delisting action by the Staff at least until the hearing process concludes and any extension granted by the Panel expires.
At the Panel hearing, the Company intends to present a plan to regain compliance with the minimum stockholders’ equity requirement. In the interim, the Company’s common stock will continue to trade on Nasdaq under the symbol “ATNF” at least pending the ultimate conclusion of the hearing process.
There can be no assurance that the Company’s plan will be accepted by the Panel or that, if it is, the Company will be able to regain compliance with the applicable Nasdaq listing requirements. If the Company’s common stock and Public Warrants are delisted, it could be more difficult to buy or sell the Company’s common stock and Public Warrants or to obtain accurate quotations, and the price of the Company’s common stock and Public Warrants could suffer a material decline. Delisting could also impair the Company’s ability to raise capital and/or trigger defaults and penalties under outstanding agreements or securities of the Company.
The Company is continuing to work towards completing the necessary transactions in an effort to achieve compliance with the Rule and is currently evaluating various courses of action to regain compliance with the Rule. However, there can be no assurance that the Company will be able to complete the transactions necessary to regain compliance with the Rule.
Separately, on May 14, 2024, the Staff provided us notice of our non-compliance with the audit committee requirements for continued listing on The Nasdaq Capital Market set forth in Listing Rule 5605(c)(2), which requires that listed companies maintain an audit committee of at least three independent directors. Nasdaq provided the Company a cure period in order to regain compliance as follows: until the earlier of the Company’s next annual shareholders’ meeting or May 7, 2025; or if the next annual shareholders’ meeting is held before November 4, 2024, then the Company must evidence compliance no later than November 4, 2024. In the event the Company does not regain compliance by the applicable date above, Nasdaq rules require the Staff to provide written notification to the Company that its securities will be delisted. At that time, the Company may appeal the delisting determination to a Hearings Panel. The Company is currently seeking out qualified independent directors to serve on the Company’s audit committee and plans to regain compliance with Listing Rule 5605(c)(2) in the near future.
Among the conditions required for continued listing on The Nasdaq Capital Market, Nasdaq requires us to maintain at least $2.5 million in stockholders’ equity or $500,000 in net income over the prior two years or two of the prior three years. As of September 30, 2023, December 31, 2023 and March 31, 2024, our stockholders’ equity was below $2.5 million and we did not otherwise meet the net income requirements described above, and as such, we are not currently in compliance with Nasdaq’s continue listing standards relating to minimum stockholders’ equity. If we fail to timely remedy our compliance with such applicable requirement, our common stock and Public Warrants may be delisted.
Our failure to meet Nasdaq’s continued listing requirements for the reasons above, or any other reason, may result in our securities being delisted from Nasdaq.
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Additional conditions required for continued listing on Nasdaq include requiring that we have a majority of independent directors, a two-person compensation committee and a three-member audit committee (each consisting of all independent directors), which three-person audit committee requirement we do not currently meet. As a result, our common stock and Public Warrants may be delisted from Nasdaq.
Even if we demonstrate compliance with the requirements of Nasdaq, we will have to continue to meet other objective and subjective listing requirements to continue to be listed on The Nasdaq Capital Market. Delisting from The Nasdaq Capital Market could make trading our common stock and Public Warrants more difficult for investors, potentially leading to declines in our share price and liquidity. Without a Nasdaq Capital Market listing, stockholders may have a difficult time getting a quote for the sale or purchase of our common stock and Public Warrants, the sale or purchase of our common stock and Public Warrants would likely be made more difficult, and the trading volume and liquidity of our common stock and Public Warrants could decline. Delisting from The Nasdaq Capital Market could also result in negative publicity and could also make it more difficult for us to raise additional capital. The absence of such a listing may adversely affect the acceptance of our common stock as currency or the value accorded by other parties. Further, if we are delisted, we would also incur additional costs under state blue sky laws in connection with any sales of our securities. These requirements could severely limit the market liquidity of our common stock and Public Warrants and the ability of our stockholders and warrant holders to sell our common stock and Public Warrants in the secondary market. If our common stock and Public Warrants are delisted by Nasdaq, our common stock and Public Warrants may be eligible to trade on an over-the-counter quotation system, such as the OTCQB Market or the OTC Pink market, where an investor may find it more difficult to sell our common stock and Public Warrants or obtain accurate quotations as to the market value of our common stock and Public Warrants. In the event our common stock and Public Warrants are delisted from The Nasdaq Capital Market, we may not be able to list our common stock on another national securities exchange or obtain quotation on an over-the counter quotation system.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities
There have been no sales of unregistered securities during the quarter ended March 31, 2024, and for the period from April 1, 2024, to the filing date of this report which have not previously been reported in a Current Report on Form 8-K.
* * * * *
Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers
None.
Item 3. Defaults upon Senior Securities.
None.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.
Not applicable.
Item 5. Other Information.
| (c) | Rule
10b5-1 Trading Plans. Our directors and executive officers may from time to time enter into plans or other arrangements for the purchase
or sale of our shares that are intended to satisfy the affirmative defense conditions of Rule 10b5-1(c) or may represent a non-Rule 10b5-1
trading arrangement under the Exchange Act. During the quarter ended March 31, 2024, none of the Company’s directors or officers
(as defined in Rule 16a-1(f)) |
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Item 6. Exhibits.
| * | Filed herewith. |
| ** | Furnished herewith. |
| # | Indicates management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement. |
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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.
| 180 LIFE SCIENCES CORP. | ||
| Date: May 15, 2024 | By: | /s/ Blair Jordan |
| Blair Jordan Interim Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) | ||
| Date: May 15, 2024 | By: | /s/ Ozan Pamir |
| Ozan
Pamir Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) |
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