UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM
For
the quarterly period ended:
OR
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) |
(IRS Employer Identification No.) |
| (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
|
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 (Section 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or 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 the 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
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As of May 12, 2023, there were shares outstanding of Registrant’s Common Stock (par value $0.01 per share).
ENVERIC BIOSCIENCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
FORM 10-Q
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ENVERIC BIOSCIENCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
| March 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | |||||||
| (unaudited) | ||||||||
| ASSETS | ||||||||
| Current assets: | ||||||||
| Cash | $ | $ | ||||||
| Prepaid expenses and other current assets | ||||||||
| Total current assets | ||||||||
| Other assets: | ||||||||
| Property and equipment, net | ||||||||
| Right-of-use operating lease asset | ||||||||
| Intangible assets, net | ||||||||
| Total other assets | ||||||||
| Total assets | $ | $ | ||||||
| LIABILITIES, MEZZANINE EQUITY, AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY | ||||||||
| Current liabilities: | ||||||||
| Accounts payable | $ | $ | ||||||
| Accrued liabilities | ||||||||
| Current portion of right-of-use operating lease obligation | ||||||||
| Investment option liability | ||||||||
| Warrant liability | ||||||||
| Derivative liability | ||||||||
| Total current liabilities | $ | $ | ||||||
| Commitments and contingencies (Note 8) | ||||||||
| Mezzanine equity | ||||||||
| Series C redeemable preferred stock, $ par value, shares authorized, and shares issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 | ||||||||
| Redeemable non-controlling interest | ||||||||
| Total mezzanine equity | ||||||||
| Shareholders’ equity | ||||||||
| Preferred stock, $ par value, shares authorized; Series B preferred stock, $ par value, shares authorized, shares issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 | ||||||||
| Common stock, $ par value, shares authorized, shares issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 | ||||||||
| Additional paid-in capital | ||||||||
| Accumulated deficit | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Accumulated other comprehensive loss | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Total shareholders’ equity | ||||||||
| Total liabilities, mezzanine equity, and shareholders’ equity | $ | $ | ||||||
See the accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
| 1 |
ENVERIC BIOSCIENCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
| For the Three Months Ended March 31, | ||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||
| Operating expenses | ||||||||
| General and administrative | $ | $ | ||||||
| Research and development | ||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | ||||||||
| Total operating expenses | ||||||||
| Loss from operations | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Other income (expense) | ||||||||
| Change in fair value of warrant liabilities | ||||||||
| Change in fair value of investment option liability | ||||||||
| Change in fair value of derivative liability | ||||||||
| Interest expense | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Total other income | ||||||||
| Net loss | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Less preferred dividends attributable to non-controlling interest | ||||||||
| Less deemed dividends attributable to accretion of embedded derivative at redemption value | ||||||||
| Net loss attributable to shareholders | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Other comprehensive loss | ||||||||
| Foreign currency translation | ||||||||
| Comprehensive loss | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | ||
| Net loss per share - basic and diluted | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | ||
| Weighted average shares outstanding, basic and diluted | ||||||||
See the accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
| 2 |
ENVERIC BIOSCIENCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN MEZZANINE EQUITY AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
| Redeemable Non-controlling Interest | Total Mezzanine | Common Stock | Additional Paid-In | Accumulated | Accumulated Other Comprehensive | Total Shareholders’ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Shares | Amount | Equity | Shares | Amount | Capital | Deficit | Loss | Equity | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at January 1, 2023 | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Preferred dividends attributable to redeemable non-controlling interest | — | — | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Accretion of embedded derivative to redemption value | — | — | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign exchange translation gain | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net loss | — | — | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at March 31, 2023 | $ | $ | $ | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Common Stock | Additional Paid-In | Accumulated | Accumulated Other Comprehensive | Total Shareholders’ | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Shares | Amount | Capital | Deficit | Income (Loss) | Equity | |||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at January 1, 2022 | $ | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | $ | |||||||||||||||
| February 2022 registered direct offering | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Conversion of RSUs into common shares | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign exchange translation gain | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net loss | — | ( | ) | ( | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at March 31, 2022 | $ | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||
See the accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
| 3 |
ENVERIC BIOSCIENCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
| For the Three Months Ended March 31, | ||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||
| Cash Flows From Operating Activities: | ||||||||
| Net loss | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | ||
| Adjustments to reconcile net loss to cash used in operating activities | ||||||||
| Change in fair value of warrant liability | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Change in fair value of investment option liability | ( | ) | ||||||
| Change in fair value of derivative liability | ( | ) | ||||||
| Stock-based compensation | ||||||||
| Amortization of right-of-use asset | ||||||||
| Amortization of intangible assets | ||||||||
| Depreciation expense | ||||||||
| Change in operating assets and liabilities: | ||||||||
| Prepaid expenses and other current assets | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | ||||||||
| Right-of-use operating lease liability | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Net cash used in operating activities | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Cash Flows From Investing Activities: | ||||||||
| Purchases of property and equipment | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Net cash used in investing activities | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Cash Flows From Financing Activities: | ||||||||
| Proceeds from sale of common stock, warrants, and investment options, net of offering costs | ||||||||
| Net cash provided by financing activities | ||||||||
| Effect of foreign exchange rate on cash | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Net (decrease) increase in cash | ( | ) | ||||||
| Cash at beginning of period | ||||||||
| Cash at end of period | $ | $ | ||||||
| Supplemental disclosure of cash and non-cash transactions: | ||||||||
| Cash paid for interest | $ | $ | ||||||
| Income taxes paid | $ | $ | ||||||
| Warrants issued in conjunction with common stock issuance | $ | $ | ||||||
| Preferred dividends attributable to redeemable non-controlling interest | $ | $ | ||||||
| Accretion of embedded derivative to redemption value | $ | $ | ||||||
See the accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
| 4 |
ENVERIC BIOSCIENCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 1. BUSINESS AND LIQUIDITY AND OTHER UNCERTAINTIES
Nature of Operations
Enveric Biosciences, Inc. (“Enveric Biosciences, Inc.” “Enveric” or the “Company”) is a pharmaceutical company developing innovative, evidence-based cannabinoid medicines. The head office of the Company is located in Naples, Florida. The Company has the following wholly owned subsidiaries: Jay Pharma Inc. (“Jay Pharma”), 1306432 B.C. Ltd. (“HoldCo”), MagicMed Industries, Inc. (“MagicMed”), Enveric Canada, and Enveric Therapeutics, Pty. Ltd. (“Enveric Therapeutics”). The Company has an Amalgamation Agreement (“Amalgamation Agreement”) and tender agreement (“Tender Agreement”) with Jay Pharma, which was entered into in prior years.
MagicMed Industries develops and commercializes psychedelic-derived pharmaceutical candidates. MagicMed’s psychedelic derivatives library, the Psybrary™, is an essential building block from which the industry can develop new patented products. The initial focus of the Psybrary™ is on psilocybin and DMT derivatives, and it is then expected to be expanded to other psychedelics.
Following the Company’s amalgamation with MagicMed completed in September 2021 (the “Amalgamation”), the Company has continued to pursue the development of MagicMed’s proprietary psychedelic derivatives library, the Psybrary™ which the Company believes will help to identify and develop the right drug candidates needed to address mental health challenges, including cancer-related distress. The Company synthesizes novel versions of classic psychedelics, such as psilocybin, N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT), mescaline and MDMA, using a mixture of chemistry and synthetic biology, resulting in the expansion of the Psybrary™, which includes 15 patent families with over a million potential variations and hundreds of synthesized molecules. Within the Psybrary™ the Company has three different types of molecules, Generation 1 (classic psychedelics), Generation 2 (pro-drugs), and Generation 3 (new chemical entities). The Company is working to add novel psychedelic molecular compounds and derivatives (“Psychedelic Derivatives”) on a regular basis through its work at Enveric Labs in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, where the Company has a team of PhD scientists with expertise in synthetic biology and chemistry. To date the Company has created over 500 molecules that are housed in the Psybrary.
The Company screens newly synthesized molecules in the Psybrary™ through PsyAI™, a proprietary artificial intelligence (AI) tool. Leveraging AI systems is expected to reduce the time and cost of pre-clinical, clinical, and commercial development. The Company believes it streamlines pharmaceutical design by predicting ideal binding structures of molecules, manufacturing capabilities, and pharmacological effects to help determine ideal drug candidates, tailored to each indication. Each of these molecules that the Company believes are patentable can then be further screened to see how changes to its makeup alter its effects in order to synthesize additional new molecules. New compounds of sufficient purity are undergoing pharmacological screening, including non-clinical (receptors/cell lines), preclinical (animal), and ultimately clinical (human) evaluations. The Company intends to utilize the Psybrary™ and the AI tool to categorize and characterize the Psybrary™ substituents to focus on bringing more psychedelics-inspired molecules from discovery to the clinical phase.
Akos Spin-Off
On
May 11, 2022, the Company announced plans to transfer and spin-off its cannabinoid clinical development pipeline assets to Akos
Biosciences, Inc. (formerly known as Acanna Therapeutics, Inc.), a majority-owned subsidiary of the Company (hereafter referred to
as “Akos”), which was incorporated on April 13, 2022, by way of dividend to Enveric shareholders (the
“Spin-Off”). The Spin-Off was subject to various conditions, including Akos meeting the qualifications for listing
on the Nasdaq Stock Market, and if successful, would result in two standalone public companies. The new company resulting from the
Spin-Off will be referred to as Akos. As of May 5, 2023, since the Spin-Off has not occurred, the holders of the Akos Series A
Preferred Stock have the right, but not the obligation, to cause Akos to purchase all or a portion of the Akos Series A Preferred
Stock. As of May 12, 2023, the holders of the Akos Series A Preferred Stock have exercised this right to force redemption of all of the Akos Series A Preferred Stock for $ per share, plus accrued but unpaid dividends
of approximately $
Reverse Stock Split
On
July 14, 2022, the Company effected a
Australian Subsidiary
On March 21, 2023, the Company established Enveric Therapeutics, an Australia-based subsidiary, to support the Company’s plans to advance its EVM201 Series towards the clinic. Enveric Therapeutics will oversee the Company’s preclinical, clinical, and regulatory activities in Australia, including ongoing interactions with the local Human Research Ethics Committees (HREC) and the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), Australia’s regulatory authority.
Going Concern, Liquidity and Other Uncertainties
The
Company has incurred a loss since inception resulting in an accumulated deficit of $
In
assessing the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern, the Company monitors and analyzes its cash and its ability to generate
sufficient cash flow in the future to support its operating and capital expenditure commitments. At March 31, 2023, the Company had cash
of $
The Company’s material cash requirements consist of working capital to fund capital expenditures incurred at their research facility in Calgary and their operations, which consist primarily of, without limitation, employee related expenses, product development activities conducted by third parties, research materials and lab supplies, facility related expenses including rent and maintenance, costs associated with preclinical studies, patent related costs, costs of regulatory and public company compliance, insurance costs, audit costs, consultants and legal fees. Additionally, the Company currently utilizes third-party contract CROs to assist with clinical development activities. If the Company obtains regulatory approval for any of their product candidates, they expect to incur significant expenses to engage third-party contract CMOs to carry out their clinical manufacturing activities as they do not yet have a commercial organization, and incur significant expenses related to developing their internal commercialization capability to support product sales, marketing and distribution. The Company’s current working capital resources are not sufficient to fund these material cash requirements for the next twelve months.
| 5 |
ENVERIC BIOSCIENCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
As a result of these factors, management has concluded that there is substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern for a period of one year after the date of the financial statements are issued. The Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
In May 2023, the Company
entered into a cost reduction plan, including a reduction in force of approximately
Inflation Risks
The Company considers the current inflationary trend existing in the North American economic environment reasonably likely to have a material unfavorable impact on results of continuing operations. Higher rates of price inflation, as compared to recent prior levels of price inflation, have caused a general increase in the cost of labor and materials. In addition, there is an increased risk of the Company experiencing labor shortages due to a potential inability to attract and retain human resources due to increased labor costs resulting from the current inflationary environment.
NOTE 2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of Presentation and Principal of Consolidation
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial information and Article 8 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all the information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements. Management’s opinion is that all adjustments (consisting of normal accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2023, are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2023. These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2022, and related notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on March 31, 2023.
The Company’s significant accounting policies and recent accounting standards are summarized in Note 2 of the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2022. There were no significant changes to these accounting policies during the three months ended March 31, 2023.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and expenses during the periods reported. By their nature, these estimates are subject to measurement uncertainty and the effects on the financial statements of changes in such estimates in future periods could be significant. Significant areas requiring management’s estimates and assumptions include determining the fair value of transactions involving common stock and the valuation of stock-based compensation, accruals associated with third party providers supporting research and development efforts, and estimated fair values of long lived assets used to record impairment charges related to intangible assets. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Foreign Currency Translation
From inception through March 31, 2023, the reporting currency of the Company was the United States dollar while the functional currency of certain of the Company’s subsidiaries were the Canadian dollar and Australian dollar. For the reporting periods ended March 31, 2023 and March 31, 2022, the Company engaged in a number of transactions denominated in Canadian dollars and Australian dollars. As a result, the Company is subject to exposure from changes in the exchange rates of the Canadian dollar and Australian dollar against the U.S. dollar.
The Company translates the assets and liabilities of its Canadian subsidiaries and Australian subsidiary into the U.S. dollar at the exchange rate in effect on the balance sheet date. Revenues and expenses are translated at the average exchange rate in effect during each monthly period. Unrealized translation gains and losses are recorded as foreign currency translation gain (loss), which is included in the condensed consolidated statements of shareholders’ equity as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).
| 6 |
ENVERIC BIOSCIENCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The Company has not entered into any financial derivative instruments that expose it to material market risk, including any instruments designed to hedge the impact of foreign currency exposures. The Company may, however, hedge such exposure to foreign currency exchange fluctuations in the future.
Adjustments that arise from exchange rate changes on transactions denominated in a currency other than the local currency are included in other comprehensive income (loss) in the condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) as incurred.
Concentration of Credit Risk
Financial
instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist of cash accounts in a financial
institution, which at times, may exceed the federal depository insurance coverage of $
Warrant Liability and Investment Options
The Company evaluates all of its financial instruments, including issued stock purchase warrants and investment options, to determine if such instruments are derivatives or contain features that qualify as embedded derivatives, pursuant to ASC 480 “Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity” (“ASC 480”) and FASB ASC Topic 815, “Derivatives and Hedging” (“ASC 815”). The Company accounts for warrants and investment options for shares of the Company’s common stock that are not indexed to its own stock as derivative liabilities at fair value on the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets. The Company accounts for common stock warrants and investment options with put options as liabilities under ASC 480. Such warrants and investment options are subject to remeasurement at each unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet date and any change in fair value is recognized as a component of other expense on the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations. The Company will continue to adjust the liability for changes in fair value until the earlier of the exercise or expiration of such common stock warrants and investment options. At that time, the portion of the warrant liability and investment options related to such common stock warrants will be reclassified to additional paid-in capital.
Derivative Liability
The Company evaluates its financial instruments to determine if such instruments are derivatives or contain features that qualify as embedded derivatives in accordance with ASC 815. For derivative financial instruments that are accounted for as assets or liabilities, the derivative instrument is initially recorded at its fair value on the grant date and is then re-valued at each reporting date, with changes in the fair value reported in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations. The classification of derivative instruments, including whether such instruments should be recorded as assets or liabilities or as equity, is evaluated at the end of each reporting period. Derivative liabilities are classified in the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets as current or non-current based on whether or not net-cash settlement or conversion of the instrument could be required within 12 months of the balance sheet date.
Income Taxes
The Company files U.S. federal and state returns. The Company’s foreign subsidiary also files a local tax return in their local jurisdiction. From a U.S. federal, state, and Canadian perspective, the years that remain open to examination are consistent with each jurisdiction’s statute of limitations.
| 7 |
ENVERIC BIOSCIENCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Basic net loss per share is computed by dividing net loss by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share is computed using the weighted average number of common shares and, if dilutive, potential common shares outstanding during the period. Potential common shares consist of the incremental common shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options and warrants (using the treasury stock method). The computation of basic net loss per share for the three months ended March 31, 2023, and 2022 excludes potentially dilutive securities. The computations of net loss per share for each period presented is the same for both basic and fully diluted. In accordance with ASC 260 “Earnings per Share” (“ASC 260”), penny warrants were included in the calculation of weighted average shares outstanding for the purposes of calculating basic and diluted earnings per share.
| For the three months ended March 31, | ||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||
| Warrants to purchase shares of common stock | ||||||||
| Restricted stock units - vested and unissued | ||||||||
| Restricted stock units – unvested | ||||||||
| Restricted stock awards - vested and unissued | ||||||||
| Restricted stock awards – unvested | ||||||||
| Investment options to purchase shares of common stock | ||||||||
| Options to purchase shares of common stock | ||||||||
| Total potentially dilutive securities | ||||||||
Fair Value Measurements
Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. To increase the comparability of fair value measures, the following hierarchy prioritizes the inputs to valuation methodologies used to measure fair value:
Level 1 - Valuations based on quoted prices for identical assets and liabilities in active markets.
Level 2 - Valuations based on observable inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1, such as quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in markets that are not active, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data.
Level 3 - Valuations based on unobservable inputs reflecting our own assumptions, consistent with reasonably available assumptions made by other market participants. These valuations require significant judgment.
For certain financial instruments, including cash and accounts payable, the carrying amounts approximate their fair values as of March 31, 2023, and December 31, 2022 because of their short-term nature.
| 8 |
ENVERIC BIOSCIENCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The following table provides the financial liabilities measured on a recurring basis and reported at fair value on the balance sheet as of March 31, 2023, and December 31, 2022, and indicates the fair value of the valuation inputs the Company utilized to determine such fair value of warrant liabilities, derivative liability, and investment options:
| Level | March 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||
| Warrant liabilities - January 2021 Warrants | 3 | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Warrant liabilities - February 2021 Warrants | 3 | |||||||||||
| Warrant liabilities - February 2022 Warrants | 3 | |||||||||||
| Fair value of warrant liability | $ | $ | ||||||||||
| Level | March 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||
| Derivative liability - May 2022 | 3 | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Fair value of derivative liability | $ | $ | ||||||||||
| Level | March 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||
| Wainwright investment options | 3 | $ | $ | |||||||||
| RD investment options | 3 | |||||||||||
| PIPE investment options | 3 | |||||||||||
| Fair value of investment option liability | $ | $ | ||||||||||
The warrant liabilities, derivative liability, and investment options are all classified as Level 3, for which there is no current market for these securities such as the determination of fair value requires significant judgment or estimation. Changes in fair value measurement categorized within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy are analyzed each period based on changes in estimates or assumptions and recorded as appropriate.
| 9 |
ENVERIC BIOSCIENCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Subsequent measurement
The following table presents the changes in fair value of the warrant liabilities, derivative liability, and investment options that are classified as Level 3:
Total Warrant Liabilities | ||||
| Fair value as of December 31, 2022 | $ | |||
| Change in fair value | ( | ) | ||
| Fair value as of March 31, 2023 | $ | |||
Total Derivative Liability | ||||
| Fair value as of December 31, 2022 | $ | |||
| Change in fair value | ( | ) | ||
| Fair value of derivative liability as of March 31, 2023 | $ | |||
Total Investment Option Liability | ||||
| Fair value as of December 31, 2022 | $ | |||
| Change in fair value | ( | ) | ||
| Fair value of investment option liability as of March 31, 2023 | $ | |||
| 10 |
ENVERIC BIOSCIENCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The key inputs into the Black Scholes valuation model for the Level 3 valuations of the warrant liabilities as of March 31, 2023 are below:
January 2021 Warrants | February 2021 Warrants | February 2022 Warrants | February 2022 Post-Modification Warrants | |||||||||||||
| Term (years) | ||||||||||||||||
| Stock price | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
| Exercise price | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
| Dividend yield | % | % | % | % | ||||||||||||
| Expected volatility | % | % | % | % | ||||||||||||
| Risk free interest rate | % | % | % | % | ||||||||||||
| Number of warrants | ||||||||||||||||
| Value (per share) | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
The key inputs into the Weighted Expected Return valuation model for the Level 3 valuations of the derivative liability as of March 31, 2023, are below:
May 2022 Derivative Liability | ||||
| Principal | $ | |||
| Dividend rate | % | |||
| Market rate | % | |||
The key inputs into the Black Scholes valuation model for the Level 3 valuations of the investment options as of March 31, 2023 are below:
Wainwright Options | RD Options | PIPE Options | ||||||||||
| Term (years) | ||||||||||||
| Stock price | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Exercise price | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Dividend yield | % | % | % | |||||||||
| Expected volatility | % | % | % | |||||||||
| Risk free interest rate | % | % | % | |||||||||
| Number of investment options | ||||||||||||
| Value (per share) | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||
Redeemable Non-controlling Interest
In connection with the issuance of Akos Series A Preferred Stock, the Akos Purchase Agreement and certificate of designation contain a put right guaranteed by the Company as defined in Note 7. Applicable accounting guidance requires an equity instrument that is redeemable for cash or other assets to be classified outside of permanent equity if it is redeemable (a) at a fixed or determinable price on a fixed or determinable date, (b) at the option of the holder, or (c) upon the occurrence of an event that is not solely within the control of the issuer. As a result of this feature, the Company recorded the non-controlling interests as redeemable non-controlling interests and classified them in mezzanine equity within its unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet initially at its acquisition-date estimated redemption value or fair value. In addition, the Company has elected to recognize changes in the redemption value immediately as they occur and adjust the carrying amount of the instrument by accreting the embedded derivative at each reporting period over 12 months.
| 11 |
ENVERIC BIOSCIENCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Segment Reporting
The Company determines its reporting units in accordance with FASB ASC 280, “Segment Reporting” (“ASC 280”). The Company evaluates a reporting unit by first identifying its operating segments under ASC 280. The Company then evaluates each operating segment to determine if it includes one or more components that constitute a business. If there are components within an operating segment that meet the definition of a business, the Company evaluates those components to determine if they must be aggregated into one or more reporting units. If applicable, when determining if it is appropriate to aggregate different operating segments, the Company determines if the segments are economically similar and, if so, the operating segments are aggregated. The Company has multiple operations related to psychedelics and cannabinoids. Both of these operations exist under one reporting unit: Enveric. The Company has one operating segment and reporting unit. The Company is organized and operated as one business. Management reviews its business as a single operating segment, using financial and other information rendered meaningful only by the fact that such information is presented and reviewed in the aggregate.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In August 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-06, Debt—Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20) and Derivatives and Hedging—Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity (Subtopic 815-40) (“ASU 2020-06”) to simplify certain financial instruments. ASU 2020-06 eliminates the current models that require separation of beneficial conversion and cash conversion features from convertible instruments and simplifies the derivative scope exception guidance pertaining to equity classification of contracts in an entity’s own equity. The new standard also introduces additional disclosures for convertible debt and freestanding instruments that are indexed to and settled in an entity’s own equity. ASU 2020-06 amends the diluted earnings per share guidance, including the requirement to use the if-converted method for all convertible instruments. ASU 2020-06 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and should be applied on a full or modified retrospective basis. Early adoption is permitted, but no earlier than fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company adopted ASU 2020-06 effective January 1, 2023, and has determined that the adoption of this guidance had no impact on its condensed consolidated financial statements.
NOTE 3. INTANGIBLE ASSETS
As of March 31, 2023, the Company’s intangible assets consisted of:
| Definite lived intangible assets | ||||
| Balance at December 31, 2022 | $ | |||
| Amortization | ( | ) | ||
| Balance at March 31, 2023 | $ | |||
For
identified definite lived intangible assets, there was
| 12 |
ENVERIC BIOSCIENCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 4. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Property and equipment consists of the following assets which are located in Calgary, Canada and placed in service by Enveric Biosciences Canada, Inc (“EBCI”), with all amounts translated into U.S. dollars:
| March 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | |||||||
| Lab equipment | $ | $ | ||||||
| Computer equipment and leasehold improvements | ||||||||
| Less: Accumulated depreciation | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation | $ | $ | ||||||
Depreciation
expense was $
NOTE 5. ACCRUED LIABILITIES
As of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the accrued liabilities of the Company consisted of the following:
| March 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | |||||||
| Product development | $ | $ | ||||||
| Accrued salaries and wages | ||||||||
| Professional fees | ||||||||
| Accrued franchise taxes | ||||||||
| Patent costs | ||||||||
| Total accrued expenses | $ | $ | ||||||
NOTE 6. SHARE CAPITAL AND OTHER EQUITY INSTRUMENTS
Authorized Capital
Common Stock Activity
On February 15, 2022, the Company
completed a public offering of shares of Common Stock and warrants to purchase up to
| 13 |
ENVERIC BIOSCIENCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
On
July 22, 2022, the Company entered into a securities purchase agreement (the “Registered Direct Securities Purchase Agreement”)
with an institutional investor for the purchase and sale of shares of the Company’s common stock, pre-funded
warrants to purchase up to
Concurrently
with the RD Offering, the Company entered into a securities purchase agreement (the “PIPE Securities Purchase Agreement”)
with institutional investors for the purchase and sale of shares of common stock, pre-funded warrants to
purchase up to
The
RD offering and PIPE Offering closed on July 26, 2022, with aggregate gross proceeds of approximately $
Stock Options
Amendment to 2020 Long-Term Incentive Plan
On May 3, 2022, our Board adopted the First Amendment (the “Plan Amendment”) to the Enveric Biosciences, Inc. 2020 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “Incentive Plan”) to
| 14 |
ENVERIC BIOSCIENCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
| Number of Shares | Weighted Average Exercise Price | Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value | Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (years) | Aggregate Intrinsic Value | ||||||||||||||||
| Outstanding at December 31, 2022 | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||
| Forfeited | ( | ) | $ | $ | — | — | ||||||||||||||
| Outstanding at March 31, 2023 | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||
| Exercisable at March 31, 2023 | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||
The Company’s stock based compensation expense, recorded within general and administrative expense in the condensed consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive loss, related to stock options for the three months ended March 31, 2023, and 2022 was $ and $, respectively. As of March 31, 2023, the Company had $ in unamortized stock option expense, which will be recognized over a weighted average period of years.
Restricted Stock Awards
For the three months ended March 31, 2023, and 2022, the Company recorded $and $, respectively, in stock-based compensation expense within general and administrative expense, related to restricted stock awards. As of March 31, 2023, there were no unamortized stock-based compensation costs related to restricted share awards. There are vested and unissued shares of restricted stock awards as of March 31, 2023.
| 15 |
ENVERIC BIOSCIENCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Issuance of Restricted Stock Units
The Company’s activity in restricted stock units was as follows for the three months ended March 31, 2023:
| Number of shares | Weighted average fair value | |||||||
| Non-vested at December 31, 2022 | $ | |||||||
| Granted | $ | |||||||
| Vested | ( | ) | $ | |||||
| Non-vested at March 31, 2023 | $ | |||||||
For the three months ended March 31, 2023, and 2022, the Company recorded $ and $ respectively, in stock-based compensation expense related to restricted stock units, which is a component of both general and administrative and research and development expenses in the condensed consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive loss.
As of March 31, 2023, the Company had unamortized stock-based compensation costs related to restricted stock units of $ which will be recognized over a weighted average period of years and unamortized stock-based costs related to restricted stock units which will be recognized upon achievement of specified milestones.
As of March 31, 2023, restricted stock units are vested without shares of common stock being issued, with of these shares due as of March 31, 2023.
| Three Months Ended March 31, | ||||||||
| Stock-based compensation for RSUs | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||
| General and administrative | $ | $ | ||||||
| Research and development | ||||||||
| Total | $ | $ | ||||||
Warrants
The following table summarizes information about shares issuable under warrants outstanding on March 31, 2023:
| Warrant shares outstanding | Weighted average exercise price | Weighted average remaining life | Intrinsic value | |||||||||||||
| Outstanding at December 31, 2022 | $ | 3.6 | $ | 5,514 | ||||||||||||
| Outstanding at March 31, 2023 | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
| Exercisable at March 31, 2023 | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
The warrants assumed pursuant to the acquisition of MagicMed contain certain down round features, which were not triggered by the February 2022 and July 2022 public offerings, that would require adjustment to the exercise price upon certain events when the offering price is less than the stated exercise price.
Preferred Investment Options
The following table summarizes information about investment options outstanding on March 31, 2023:
| Investment options outstanding | Weighted average exercise price | Weighted average remaining life | Intrinsic value | |||||||||||||
| Outstanding at December 31, 2022 | $ | 5.1 | — | |||||||||||||
| Outstanding at March 31, 2023 | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
| Exercisable at March 31, 2023 | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
| 16 |
ENVERIC BIOSCIENCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 7. REDEEMABLE NON-CONTROLLING INTEREST
Spin-Off and Related Private Placement
In
connection with the planned Spin-Off, on May 5, 2022, Akos and the Company entered into the Akos Purchase Agreement with the Akos
Investor, pursuant to which Akos agreed to sell up to an aggregate of
shares of Akos Series A Preferred Stock, at price of $
per share, and Akos Warrants to purchase shares of Akos’ common stock, par value $
per share (the “Akos Common Stock”), for an aggregate purchase price of up to $
Terms of Akos Series A Preferred Stock
Under
the Certificate of the Designations, Preferences, and Rights of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock of Akos (the “Akos Series A
Preferred Certificate of Designations”), on or immediately prior to the completion of the spin-off of Akos into an independent,
separately traded public company listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market, the outstanding Akos Series A Preferred Stock will be automatically
converted into a number of shares of Akos Common Stock equal to
The Akos Series A Preferred Certificate of Designations provides that upon the earlier of (i) the one-year anniversary of May 5, 2022, and only in the event that the Spin-Off has not occurred; or (ii) such time that Akos and the Company have abandoned the Spin-Off or the Company is no longer pursuing the Spin-Off in good faith, the holders of the Akos Series A Preferred Stock shall have the right (the “Put Right”), but not the obligation, to cause Akos to purchase all or a portion of the Akos Series A Preferred Stock for a purchase price equal to $ per share, subject to certain adjustments as set forth in the Akos Series A Preferred Certificate of Designations (the “Stated Value”), plus all the accrued but unpaid dividends per share. In addition, after the one-year anniversary of May 5, 2022, and only in the event that the Spin-Off has not occurred and Akos is not in material default of any of the transaction documents, Akos may, at its option, at any time and from time to time, redeem the outstanding shares of Akos Series A Preferred Stock, in whole or in part, for a purchase price equal to the aggregate Stated Value of the shares of Akos Series A Preferred Stock being redeemed and the accrued and unpaid dividends on such shares. Pursuant to the Akos Purchase Agreement, the Company has guaranteed the payment of the purchase price for the shares purchased under the Put Right.
The Akos Series A Preferred Certificate of Designations contains limitations that prevent the holder thereof from acquiring shares of Akos Common Stock upon conversion of the Akos Series A Preferred Stock that would result in the number of shares of Akos Common Stock beneficially owned by such holder and its affiliates exceeding 9.99% of the total number of shares of Akos Common Stock outstanding immediately after giving effect to the conversion (the “Beneficial Ownership Limitation”), except that upon notice from the holder to Akos, the holder may increase or decrease the limit of the amount of ownership of outstanding shares of Akos Common Stock after converting the holder’s shares of Akos Series A Preferred Stock, provided that any change in the Beneficial Ownership Limitation shall not be effective until 61 days following notice to Akos.
As of May 12, 2023, pursuant
to the Akos Series A Preferred Certificate of Designations, the holders of the Akos Series A Preferred Stock have exercised this right
to force redemption of all of the Akos Series A Preferred Stock for $ per share, plus accrued but unpaid dividends of approximately
$
| 17 |
ENVERIC BIOSCIENCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Accounting for Akos Series A Preferred Stock
Since the shares of Akos Series A Preferred Stock are redeemable at the option of the holder and the redemption is not solely in the control of the Company, the shares of Akos Series A Preferred Stock are accounted for as a redeemable non-controlling interest and classified within mezzanine equity in the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets. The redeemable non-controlling interest was initially measured at fair value. Dividends on the shares of Akos Series A Preferred Stock are recognized as preferred dividends attributable to redeemable non-controlling interest in the Company’s condensed consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive loss.
The table below presents the reconciliation of changes in redeemable non-controlling interest:
| Reconciliation of changes in redeemable non-controlling interest | ||||
| Balance at December 31, 2022 | $ | |||
| Preferred dividends attributable to redeemable non-controlling interest | ||||
| Accretion of embedded derivative and transaction costs associated with Series A Preferred Stock to redemption value | ||||
| Balance at March 31, 2023 | $ | |||
As
of March 31, 2023, the redemption value of the redeemable non-controlling interest is $
NOTE 8. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
The Company is periodically involved in legal proceedings, legal actions and claims arising in the normal course of business. Management believes that the outcome of such legal proceedings, legal actions and claims will not have a significant adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
Australian Subsidiary
On March 23, 2023, the Company issued a press release announcing the selection of Australian CRO, Avance Clinical,
in preparation for Phase 1 Study of EB-373, the Company’s lead candidate targeting the treatment of anxiety disorders. Under the agreement, Avance Clinical will manage the Phase 1 clinical
trial of EB-373 in coordination with the Company’s newly established Australian subsidiary, Enveric Therapeutics Pty, Ltd. The Phase
1 clinical trial is designed as a multi-cohort, dose-ascending study to measure the safety and tolerability of EB-373. EB-373, a next-generation
proprietary psilocin prodrug, has been recognized as a New Chemical Entity (NCE) by Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration
(TGA) and is currently in preclinical development targeting the treatment of anxiety disorder. The total cost of the Avance Clinical contract
is approximately
Development and Clinical Supply Agreement
On February 22, 2021, the Company entered into a Development and Clinical Supply Agreement (the “PureForm Agreement”) with PureForm Global, Inc. (“PureForm”), pursuant to which PureForm will be the exclusive provider of synthetic cannabidiol (“API”) for the Company’s development plans for cancer treatment and supportive care. Under the terms of the PureForm Agreement, PureForm has granted the Company the exclusive right to purchase API and related product for cancer treatment and supportive care during the term of the Agreement (contingent upon an initial minimum order of 1 kilogram during the first thirty (30) days from the effective date) and has agreed to manufacture, package and test the API and related product in accordance with specifications established by the parties. All inventions that are developed jointly by the parties in the course of performing activities under the PureForm Agreement will be owned jointly by the parties in accordance with applicable law; however, if the Company funds additional research and development efforts by PureForm, the parties may enter into a further agreement whereby PureForm would assign any resulting inventions or technical information to the Company.
The initial term of the PureForm Agreement is three (3) years commencing on the effective date of the PureForm Agreement, subject to extension by mutual agreement of the parties. The PureForm Agreement may be terminated by either party upon thirty (30) days written notice of an uncured material breach or immediately in the event of bankruptcy or insolvency. The PureForm Agreement contains, among other provisions, representation and warranties, indemnification obligations and confidentiality provisions in favor of each party that are customary for an agreement of this nature.
The Company has met the minimum purchase requirement of 1 kilogram during the first thirty days of the PureForm Agreement’s effectiveness.
Purchase agreement with Prof. Zvi Vogel and Dr. Ilana Nathan
On
December 26, 2017, Jay Pharma entered into a purchase agreement with Prof. Zvi Vogel and Dr. Ilana Nathan (the “Vogel-Nathan Purchase
Agreement”), pursuant to which Jay Pharma was assigned ownership rights to certain patents, which were filed and unissued as of
the date of the Vogel-Nathan Purchase Agreement. The Vogel-Nathan Purchase Agreement includes a commitment to pay a one-time milestone
totaling $
| 18 |
ENVERIC BIOSCIENCES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Other Consulting and Vendor Agreements
The
Company has entered into a number of agreements and work orders for future consulting, clinical trial support, and testing services,
with terms ranging between 1 and 21 months. These agreements, in aggregate, commit the Company to approximately $
NOTE 9. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
In
May 2023, pursuant to the Akos Series A Preferred Certificate of Designations, the holders of the Akos Series A Preferred Stock
exercised the Put Right requiring Akos to force redemption of all of the Akos Series A Preferred Stock for $
per share, plus accrued but unpaid dividends of approximately $
The Company, Akos, and the Akos Investor intend to terminate the Akos Purchase Agreement in connection with the planned Spin-Off and that certain registration rights agreement in connection with the Akos Private Placement.
In May 2023, the Company
entered into a cost reduction plan, including a reduction in force of approximately
| 19 |
Item 2. Management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations
The information set forth below should be read in conjunction with the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Unless stated otherwise, references in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q to “us,” “we,” “our,” or our “Company” and similar terms refer to Enveric Biosciences, Inc., a Delaware corporation.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This quarterly report on Form 10-Q (this “Form 10-Q”) contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of forward-looking terms such as “anticipates,” “assumes,” “believes,” “can,” “could,” “estimates,” “expects,” “forecasts,” “guides,” “intends,” “is confident that,” “may,” “plans,” “seeks,” “projects,” “targets,” and “would” or the negative of such terms or other variations on such terms or comparable terminology. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, future financial and operating results, the company’s plans, objectives, expectations and intentions and other statements that are not historical facts. We have based these forward-looking statements largely on our current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that we believe may affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this Form 10-Q and are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially from our historical experience and our present expectations, or projections described under the sections in this Form 10-Q entitled “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.” These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to:
| ● | our dependence on the success of our prospective product candidates, which are in the early stages of development and may not reach a particular stage in development, receive regulatory approval, or be successfully commercialized; | |
| ● | potential difficulties that may delay, suspend, or scale back our efforts to advance additional early research programs through preclinical development and investigational new drug (“IND”) application filings and into clinical development; | |
| ● | the risk that the cost savings, synergies and growth from our combination with MagicMed Industries Inc. and the successful use of the rights and technologies acquired in the combination may not be fully realized or may take longer to realize than expected; | |
| ● | the impact of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) on our business, including our current plans for product development, as well as any currently ongoing preclinical studies and clinical trials and any future studies or other development or commercialization activities; |
| 20 |
| ● | the limited study on the effects of medical cannabinoids and psychedelics, and the chance that future clinical research studies may lead to conclusions that dispute or conflict with our understanding and belief regarding the medical benefits, viability, safety, efficacy, dosing, and social acceptance of cannabinoids or psychedelics; | |
| ● | the expensive, time-consuming, and uncertain nature of clinical trials, which are susceptible to change, delays, termination, and differing interpretations; | |
| ● | the ability to establish that potential products are efficacious or safe in preclinical or clinical trials; | |
| ● | the fact that our current and future preclinical and clinical studies may be conducted outside the United States, and the United States Food and Drug Administration may not accept data from such studies to support any new drug applications we may submit after completing the applicable developmental and regulatory prerequisites; | |
| ● | our ability to effectively and efficiently build, maintain and legally protect our molecular derivatives library so that it can be an essential building block from which those in the biotech industry can develop new patented products; | |
| ● | our ability to establish or maintain collaborations on the development of therapeutic candidates; | |
| ● | our ability to obtain appropriate or necessary governmental approvals to market potential products; | |
| ● | our ability to manufacture product candidates on a commercial scale or in collaborations with third parties; | |
| ● | our significant and increasing liquidity needs and potential requirements for additional funding; | |
| ● | our ability to obtain future funding for developing products and working capital and to obtain such funding on commercially reasonable terms; | |
| ● | legislative changes related to and affecting the healthcare system, including, without limitation, changes and proposed changes to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (“PPACA”); | |
| ● | the intense competition we face, often from companies with greater resources and experience than us; | |
| ● | our ability to retain key executives and scientists; | |
| ● | the ability to secure and enforce legal rights related to our products, including intellectual property rights and patent protection; | |
| ● | political, economic, and military instability in Israel which may impede our development programs; | |
| ● | our ability to successfully spin off our cannabinoid assets; and | |
| ● | our success at managing the risks involved in the foregoing | |
| ● | the risk of loss in excess of insurance limitations on funds help in U.S Banking Institutions |
For a more detailed discussion of these and other factors that may affect our business and that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those projected in these forward-looking statements, see the risk factors and uncertainties set forth in Part II, Item 1A of this Form 10-Q and Part I, Item 1A of the annual report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 31, 2023. Any one or more of these uncertainties, risks and other influences could materially affect our results of operations and whether forward-looking statements made by us ultimately prove to be accurate. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether from new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.
Business Overview
We are a biotechnology company dedicated to the development of novel small-molecule therapeutics for the treatment of anxiety, depression, and addiction disorders. We seek to improve the lives of patients suffering from cancer, initially by developing palliative and supportive care products for people suffering from certain side effects of cancer and cancer treatment such as pain or skin irritation. We currently intend to offer such palliative and supportive care products in the United States, following approval through established regulatory pathways.
Psychedelics
Following our amalgamation with MagicMed completed in September 2021 (the “Amalgamation”), we have continued to pursue the development of MagicMed’s proprietary psychedelic derivatives library, the Psybrary™ which we believe will help us to identify and develop the right drug candidates needed to address mental health challenges, including cancer-related distress. We synthesize novel versions of classic psychedelics, such as psilocybin, N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT), mescaline and MDMA, using a mixture of chemistry and synthetic biology, resulting in the expansion of the Psybrary™, which includes 15 patent families with over a million potential variations and hundreds of synthesized molecules. Within the Psybrary™ we have three different types of molecules, Generation 1 (classic psychedelics), Generation 2 (pro-drugs), and Generation 3 (new chemical entities). The Company is working to add novel psychedelic molecular compounds and derivatives (“Psychedelic Derivatives”) on a regular basis through our work at Enveric Labs in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, where we have a team of PhD scientists with expertise in synthetic biology and chemistry. To date we have created over 500 molecules that are housed in the Psybrary.
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We screen newly synthesized molecules in the Psybrary™ through PsyAI™, a proprietary artificial intelligence (AI) tool. Leveraging AI systems is expected to reduce the time and cost of pre-clinical, clinical, and commercial development. We believe it streamlines pharmaceutical design by predicting ideal binding structures of molecules, manufacturing capabilities, and pharmacological effects to help determine ideal drug candidates, tailored to each indication. Each of these molecules that we believe are patentable can then be further screened to see how changes to its makeup alter its effects in order to synthesize additional new molecules. New compounds of sufficient purity are undergoing pharmacological screening, including non-clinical (receptors/cell lines), preclinical (animal), and ultimately clinical (human) evaluations. We intend to utilize our Psybrary™ and the AI tool to categorize and characterize the Psybrary™ substituents to focus on bringing more psychedelics-inspired molecules from discovery to the clinical phase.
Cannabinoids
We aim to advance a pipeline of novel cannabinoid combination therapies for the side effects of cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
We intend to bring together leading oncology clinicians, researchers, academic and industry partners to develop both external proprietary products and a robust internal pipeline of product candidates aimed at improving quality of life and outcomes for cancer patients. We intend to evaluate options to out-license our proprietary technology as it moves along the regulatory pathway.
In developing our product candidates, we intend to focus on cannabinoids derived from non-hemp botanical sources, and synthetic materials containing no tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in order to comply with U.S. federal regulations. Of the potential cannabinoids to be used in therapeutic formulations, THC, which is responsible for the psychoactive properties of marijuana, can result in undesirable mood effects. Selected cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabigerol (CBG) candidates, on the other hand, have amounts of THC well below 0.1% and are not psychotropic and therefore more attractive candidates for translation into therapeutic practice. Drugs with less than 0.1% THC have a history, when approved as drugs by FDA, of being able to be rescheduled by DEA from Schedule I to Schedule V, as in the case of Epidiolex and Marinol. In the future, we may utilize cannabinoids that are derived from cannabis plants, which may contain higher amounts of THC; however, we only intend to do so in jurisdictions where THC is legal. However, synthetic THC is a Schedule I controlled substance; so, the use of any APIs (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients) containing synthetic THC (or naturally derived THC in concentrations greater than 0.3%) may increase regulatory scrutiny and require additional expenses and authorizations. All current and future product candidates that we are developing or may develop will be tested for safety and efficacy under an IND application and subject to the Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) pre-market approval process for new drugs
While we continue to pursue the development of our cannabinoid-based product candidates, our principal focus is on the development of psychedelic-based treatments.
On May 11, 2022, the Company announced plans to transfer and spin-off its cannabinoid clinical development pipeline assets (the “Spin-Off”) to Akos Biosciences, Inc. (formerly known as Acanna Therapeutics, Inc.), a majority owned subsidiary of the Company (“Akos”). In connection with the Spin-Off, the Company would transfer its cannabinoid clinical development pipeline assets to Akos, while retaining its psychedelics clinical development pipeline assets. The Spin-Off was subject to various conditions, including Akos meeting the qualifications for listing on the Nasdaq Stock Market, and if successful, would result in two standalone public companies. The new company resulting from the Spin-Off will be referred to as Akos. As of May 5, 2023, since the Spin-Off has not occurred, the holders of the Akos Series A Preferred Stock have the right, but not the obligation, to cause Akos to purchase all or a portion of the Akos Series A Preferred Stock. As of May 12, 2023, the holders of the Akos Series A Preferred Stock have exercised this right to force redemption of all of the Akos Series A Preferred Stock for $1,000 per share, plus accrued but unpaid dividends of approximately $50,000 for a total of approximately $1,050,000. The Company has 20 days following the receipt of the Put Exercise Notice (the “Put Exercise Notice”) to make the payment.
Recent Developments
Australian Subsidiary
On March 21, 2023, the Company established Enveric Therapeutics, Pty. Ltd. (“Enveric Therapeutics”), an Australia-based subsidiary, to support the Company’s plans to advance its EVM201 Series towards the clinic. Enveric Therapeutics will oversee the Company’s preclinical, clinical, and regulatory activities in Australia, including ongoing interactions with the local Human Research Ethics Committees (HREC) and the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), Australia’s regulatory authority.
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On March 23, 2023, the Company issued a press release announcing the selection of Australian CRO, Avance Clinical, in preparation for Phase 1 Study of EB-373, the Company’s lead candidate targeting the treatment of anxiety disorders. Under the agreement, Avance Clinical will manage the Phase 1 clinical trial of EB-373 in coordination with the Company’s newly established Australian subsidiary, Enveric Therapeutics Pty, Ltd. The Phase 1 clinical trial is designed as a multi-cohort, dose-ascending study to measure the safety and tolerability of EB-373. EB-373, a next-generation proprietary psilocin prodrug, has been recognized as a New Chemical Entity (NCE) by Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and is currently in preclinical development targeting the treatment of anxiety disorder. The total cost of the Avance Clinical contract is approximately 3,000,000 AUD, which translates to approximately $2,000,000 as of March 31, 2023.
Reduction in Force
In May 2023, the Company entered into a cost reduction plan, including a reduction in force of approximately 35% of its full-time employees. Additionally, contracts with seven consultants that were focused on the Akos cannabinoid spin-out will be terminated. The Company expects to record a charge of approximately $500,000 in severance and benefits. The Company expects the charges will be recognized primarily in the second quarter of 2023, with the majority of such charges anticipated to be paid by the end of the second quarter of 2023. The estimated costs that the Company expects to incur in connection with the cost reduction plan are subject to a number of assumptions, and actual results may differ significantly from these estimates. The Company may also incur additional costs not currently contemplated due to events that may occur as a result of, or that are associated with, the cost reduction plan. The reduction in force may take longer than anticipated and the reduction in force may have an adverse impact on the Company’s performance. The plan includes a focus on progressing the Company’s existing non-cannabinoid pipeline while reducing the rate of spend and managing cash flow. The Company expects to substantially complete the reduction in force by the end of the second quarter of 2023.
Results of Operations
| For the Three Months Ended March 31, | ||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||
| Operating expenses | ||||||||
| General and administrative | 2,784,191 | $ | 2,767,866 | |||||
| Research and development | 1,990,001 | 1,958,714 | ||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 86,486 | 69,265 | ||||||
| Total operating expenses | 4,860,678 | 4,795,845 | ||||||
| Loss from operations | (4,860,678 | ) | (4,795,845 | ) | ||||
| Other income (expense) | ||||||||
| Change in fair value of warrant liabilities | 50,657 | 275,969 | ||||||
| Change in fair value of investment option liability | 119,505 | — | ||||||
| Change in fair value of derivative liability | 13,000 | — | ||||||
| Interest expense | (11 | ) | (4,138 | ) | ||||
| Total other income | 183,151 | 271,831 | ||||||
| Net loss | $ | (4,677,527 | ) | (4,524,014 | ) | |||
General and Administrative Expenses
Our general and administrative expenses increased to $2,784,191 for the three months ended March 31, 2023 from $2,767,866 for the three months ended March 31, 2022, an increase of $16,325, or 1%. This change was primarily driven by an increase of $301,934 in accounting fees, an increase of $296,736 in consulting fees, and an increase of $44,477 in audit fees, offset by a decrease of $264,350 in director and officer insurance, a decrease of $238,174 in salaries and wages, and a decrease of $106,503 in stock-based compensation during the three months ended March 31, 2023 as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2022.
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Research and Development Expenses
Our research and development expense for the three months ended March 31, 2023 was $1,990,001 as compared to $1,958,714 for the three months ended March 31, 2022 with an increase of $31,287, or approximately 2%. This change was primarily driven by an increase of $268,033 in salaries and wages, offset by a decrease of $100,000 in patent costs and a decrease of $128,515 in stock-based compensation during the three months ended March 31, 2023 as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2022.
Depreciation and Amortization Expense
Depreciation and amortization expense for the three months ended March 31, 2023 was $86,486 as compared to $69,265 for the three months ended March 31, 2022, with an increase of $17,221, or approximately 25%. This increase is due to a significant number of fixed asset additions during the three months ended March 31, 2022 which only incurred partial depreciation, compared to a full three months’ of depreciation during the three months ended March 31, 2023.
Change in Fair Value of Warrant Liabilities
Change in fair value of warrant liabilities for the three months ended March 31, 2023 resulted in income of $50,657 as compared to $275,969 for the three months ended March 31, 2022. The change in fair value of warrant liabilities is significantly influenced by the change in the closing price of Common Stock at the end of each period, as compared to the closing price of Common Stock at the beginning of each period with a strong inverse relationship between changes in fair value of warrant liabilities and the trading price of Common Stock. The Company’s stock price was $1.66 as of March 31, 2023, $2.08 as of December 31, 2022, $15.62 as of March 31, 2022 and $46.50 as of December 31, 2021. The stock price of the Company decreased approximately 20% during the three months ended March 31, 2023 compared to a decrease of approximately 66% during the three months ended March 31, 2022. The significant percentage change in the Company’s stock price during the three months ended March 31, 2023 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2022, resulted in the decrease to the change in fair value of warrant liabilities.
Change in Fair Value of Investment Option Liability
Change in fair value of investment option liability for the three months ended March 31, 2023 resulted in income of $119,505. The Company did not have any outstanding investment option liabilities during the three months ended March 31, 2022. The change in fair value is due to the significant decrease in the Company’s stock price for the three months ended March 31, 2023. The Company’s stock price was $2.08 on December 31, 2022 and $1.66 on March 31, 2023, a decrease of approximately 20% during that time.
Change in Fair Value of Derivative Liability
The Company’s change in fair value of derivative liability decreased by $13,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2023, due primarily to the decreased probability of occurrence of the Akos spin-off as of March 31, 2023 as compared to December 31, 2022.
Going Concern, Liquidity and Capital Resources
The Company has incurred a loss since inception resulting in an accumulated deficit of $83,885,313 as of March 31, 2023 and further losses are anticipated in the development of its business. Further, the Company has operating cash outflows of $5,137,009 for the year ended March 31, 2023. For the three months ended March 31, 2023, the Company had a loss from operations of $4,860,678. Since inception, being a research and development company, the Company has not yet generated revenue and the Company has incurred continuing losses from its operations. The Company’s operations have been funded principally through the issuance of debt and equity. These factors raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern for a period of one year from the issuance of these financial statements.
In assessing the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern, the Company monitors and analyzes its cash and its ability to generate sufficient cash flow in the future to support its operating and capital expenditure commitments. At March 31, 2023, the Company had cash of $12,561,813 and working capital of $10,400,754. The Company’s current cash on hand is not sufficient enough to satisfy its operating cash needs for the 12 months from the filing of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. These conditions raise substantial doubt regarding the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern for a period of one year after the date the financial statements are issued. Management’s plan to alleviate the conditions that raise substantial doubt include reducing the Company’s rate of spend, managing its cash flow, advancing its programs, and raising additional working capital through public or private equity or debt financings or other sources, which may include collaborations with third parties as well as disciplined cash spending, to increase the Company’s cash runway. Adequate additional financing may not be available to us on acceptable terms, or at all. Should the Company be unable to raise sufficient additional capital, the Company may be required to undertake cost-cutting measures including delaying or discontinuing certain operating activities.
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As a result of these factors, management has concluded that there is substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern for a period of one year after the date of the financial statements are issued. The Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
In May 2023, the Company entered into a cost reduction plan, including a reduction in force of approximately 35% of its full-time employees. Additionally, contracts with seven consultants that were focused on the Akos cannabinoid spin-out will be terminated. The Company expects to record a charge of approximately $500,000 in severance and benefits. The Company expects the charges will be recognized primarily in the second quarter of 2023, with the majority of such charges anticipated to be paid by the end of the second quarter of 2023. The estimated costs that the Company expects to incur in connection with the cost reduction plan are subject to a number of assumptions, and actual results may differ significantly from these estimates. The Company may also incur additional costs not currently contemplated due to events that may occur as a result of, or that are associated with, the cost reduction plan. The reduction in force may take longer than anticipated and the reduction in force may have an adverse impact on the Company’s performance. The plan includes a focus on progressing the Company’s existing non-cannabinoid pipeline while reducing the rate of spend and managing cash flow. The Company expects to substantially complete the reduction in force by the end of the second quarter of 2023.
Cash Flows
Since inception, we have primarily used our available cash to fund our product development and operations expenditures.
Cash Flows for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2023 and 2022
The following table sets forth a summary of cash flows for the years presented:
| For the Three Months Ended March 31, | ||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||
| Net cash used in operating activities | $ | (5,137,009 | ) | $ | (4,548,941 | ) | ||
| Net cash used in investing activities | (5,169 | ) | (505,507 | ) | ||||
| Net cash provided by financing activities | — | 9,397,884 | ||||||
| Effect of foreign exchange rate on cash | (19,893 | ) | (4,900 | ) | ||||
| Net (decrease) increase in cash | $ | (5,162,071 | ) | $ | 4,338,536 | |||
Operating Activities
Net cash used in operating activities was $5,137,009 during the three months ended March 31, 2023, which consisted primarily of a net loss adjusted for non-cash items of $4,214,521 and an increase in prepaid expenses of $1,549,354, partially offset by an increase in accounts payable and accrued liabilities of $653,712.
Net cash used in operating activities was $4,548,941 during the three months ended March 31, 2022, which consisted primarily of a net loss of $4,524,014, increase in prepaid expenses and other current assets of $588,975, and a change in fair value of warrant liabilities of $275,969 offset by stock-based compensation of $768,619.
Investing Activities
Net cash used in investing activities was $5,169 during the three months ended March 31, 2023, which consisted of the purchase of property and equipment.
Net cash used in investing activities was $505,507 during the three months ended March 31, 2022, which consisted of the purchase of property and equipment.
Financing Activities
Net cash provided by financing activities was $0 during the three months ended March 31, 2023.
Net cash provided by financing activities was $9,397,884 during the three months ended March 31, 2022, which consisted of $9,397,884 in proceeds from the sale of common stock and warrants.
Critical Accounting Policies and Significant Judgments and Estimates
The Company’s accounting policies are fundamental to understanding its management’s discussion and analysis. The Company’s significant accounting policies are presented in Note 2 to its financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2022, and included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 31, 2023. The Company’s financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial information. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and notes required by U.S. GAAP. However, in the opinion of the management of the Company, all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position and operating results have been included in the Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
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Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
From inception through March 31, 2023, the Company’s reporting currency is the United States dollar while the functional currency of certain of the Company’s subsidiaries were the Canadian dollar and Australian dollar. For the reporting periods ended March 31, 2023 and March 31, 2022, the Company engaged in a number of transactions denominated in Canadian dollars and Australian dollars. As a result, the Company is subject to exposure from changes in the exchange rates of the Canadian dollar and Australian dollar against the U.S. dollar.
The Company has not entered into any financial derivative instruments that expose it to material market risk, including any instruments designed to hedge the impact of foreign currency exposures. The Company may, however, hedge such exposure to foreign currency exchange fluctuations in the future.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
We maintain disclosure controls and procedures designed to ensure that the information we are required to disclose in reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified under the rules and forms of the SEC. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures. A material weakness is a deficiency, or combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of our annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. The matters that management identified in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, filed on March 31, 2023, continued to exist and were still considered material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting at March 31, 2023.
As required by paragraph (b) of Rules 13a-15 and 15d-15 under the Exchange Act, our Chief Executive Officer (our principal executive) and Chief Financial Officer (our principal financial officer and principal accounting officer) carried out an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of March 31, 2023. Based on this evaluation, and in light of the material weaknesses found in our internal controls over financial reporting, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in paragraph (e) of Rules 13a-15 and 15d-15 under the Exchange Act) were not effective as of March 31, 2023.
Management’s Remediation Plan
As previously discussed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, filed on March 31, 2023, management had concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was not effective as of December 31, 2022, because management identified inadequate segregation of duties to ensure the processing, review, and authorization of all transactions, including non-routine transactions resulting in deficiencies, which, in aggregate, amounted to a material weakness in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
As of March 31, 2023, there were control deficiencies that constituted a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting. Management has taken, and is taking steps to strengthen our internal control over financial reporting: we have conducted evaluation of the material weakness to determine the appropriate remedy and have established procedures for documenting disclosures and disclosure controls.
While we have taken certain actions to address the material weaknesses identified, additional measures may be necessary as we work to improve the overall effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Other than the changes discussed above in the Remediation Plan, there have been no other changes in our internal controls over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) and 15d-(f) of the Exchange Act) that occurred during quarter ending March 31, 2023, 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
The Company is periodically involved in legal proceedings, legal actions and claims arising in the ordinary course of business. Other than as described below, we do not have any pending litigation that, separately or in the aggregate, would, in the opinion of management, have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
Factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those in this Quarterly Report are any of the risks described below and in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K as filed with the SEC on March 31, 2023. Any of these factors could result in a significant or material adverse effect on our results of operations of financial condition. Additional risk factors not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also impair our business or results of operations.
The following discussion of risk factors contains forward-looking statements. These risk factors may be important to understanding other statements in this Form 10-Q. The following information should be read in conjunction with the condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes in Part I, Item 1, “Financial Statements” and Part I, Item 2, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of this Form 10-Q.
We may not realize the benefits we expect from our cost reduction plan or, as a result of the reduction in force, we may not be successful in attracting, motivating and retaining highly qualified personnel in the future.
In May 2023, the Company entered into a cost reduction plan, including a reduction in force of approximately 35% of its full-time employees. Additionally, contracts with seven consultants that were focused on the Akos cannabinoid spin-out will be terminated. The Company expects to record a charge of approximately $500,000 in severance and benefits. The Company expects the charges will be recognized primarily in the second quarter of 2023, with the majority of such charges anticipated to be paid by the end of the second quarter of 2023. The Company may not realize, in full or in part, the anticipated benefits and savings from its cost reduction plan, and it cannot guarantee that it will not have to undertake additional reductions in force or restructuring activities in the future. Furthermore, the cost reduction plan may be disruptive to the Company’s operations. For example, the cost reduction plan could yield unanticipated consequences, such as attrition beyond planned staff reductions, increased difficulties in the Company’s day-to-day operations and reduced employee morale.
The reduction in force could also harm the Company’s ability to attract, motivate and retain qualified personnel who are critical to its business in the future. Recruiting and retaining qualified employees, consultants and advisors for the Company’s business is and will continue to be critical to its success. Competition for skilled personnel is intense and the turnover rate can be high. Any failure to attract or retain qualified personnel could prevent the Company from successfully developing the Company’s product candidates in the future.
Our reprioritization and the associated headcount reduction may not result in anticipated savings, could result in total costs and expenses that are greater than expected and could disrupt our business.
The Company may incur additional expenses not currently contemplated due to events associated with the reduction in force entered into by the Company in May 2023, for example, the reduction in force may have a future impact on other areas of the Company’s liabilities and obligations. The Company may not realize, in full or in part, the anticipated benefits and savings from the reduction in force due to unforeseen difficulties, delays or unexpected costs. If the Company is unable to realize the expected operational efficiencies and cost savings from the reduction in force, the Company’s operating results and financial condition would be adversely affected. In addition, the Company may need to undertake restructuring activities or workforce reductions in the future. Furthermore, the Company’s initiatives to re-balance its cost structure, including the reduction in force, may be disruptive to the Company’s operations. If employees who were not affected by the reduction in force seek alternative employment, this could result in the Company seeking contractor support at unplanned additional expense or harm its productivity. Any disruption in the Company’s business as a result of the reduction in force could prevent the Company from successfully developing the Company’s product candidates in the future.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
None.
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities
None.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
Not applicable.
Item 5. Other Information
In May 2023, pursuant to the Akos Series A Preferred Certificate of Designations, the holders of the Akos Series A Preferred Stock (the “Akos Investor”) exercised the Put Right requiring Akos to force redemption of all of the Akos Series A Preferred Stock for $1,000 per share, plus accrued but unpaid dividends of approximately $50,000 for a total of approximately $1,050,000. The Company has 20 days following the receipt of the Put Exercise Notice to make the payment. In connection with the exercise of the Put Right, the Company, Akos, and the Akos Investor intend to terminate the Akos Purchase Agreement in connection with the planned Spin-Off and that certain registration rights agreement in connection with the Akos Private Placement. The Company has delivered that certain Termination of Prior Agreements and Mutual Release, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit 10.2 to this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and is incorporated herein by reference, as notice of termination to Akos and the Akos Investor on May 12, 2023.
In May 2023, the Company entered into a cost reduction plan, including a reduction in force of approximately 35% of its full-time employees. Additionally, contracts with seven consultants that were focused on the Akos cannabinoid spin-out will be terminated. The Company expects to record a charge of approximately $500,000 in severance and benefits. The Company expects the charges will be recognized primarily in the second quarter of 2023, with the majority of such charges anticipated to be paid by the end of the second quarter of 2023. The estimated costs that the Company expects to incur in connection with the cost reduction plan are subject to a number of assumptions, and actual results may differ significantly from these estimates. The Company may also incur additional costs not currently contemplated due to events that may occur as a result of, or that are associated with, the cost reduction plan. The reduction in force may take longer than anticipated and the reduction in force may have an adverse impact on the Company’s performance. The plan includes a focus on progressing the Company’s existing non-cannabinoid pipeline while reducing the rate of spend and managing cash flow. The Company expects to substantially complete the reduction in force by the end of the second quarter of 2023.
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INDEX TO EXHIBITS
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| * | Filed herewith. |
| ** | Furnished herewith. |
| *** | Certain confidential portions of this Exhibit were omitted by means of marking such portions with brackets (“[***]”) because the identified confidential portions (i) are not material and (ii) would be competitively harmful if publicly disclosed. |
| # | Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement. |
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
| ENVERIC BIOSCIENCES, INC | ||
| May 15, 2023 | By: | /s/ Dr. Joseph Tucker |
| Dr. Joseph Tucker | ||
| Chief Executive Officer | ||
| (Principal Executive Officer) |
| May 15, 2023 | By: | /s/ Kevin Coveney |
| Kevin Coveney | ||
| Chief Financial Officer | ||
| (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) |
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