(Name, Telephone, E-mail and/or Facsimile number
and Address of Company Contact Person)
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b)
of the Act:
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g)
of the Act: None
Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to
Section 15(d) of the Act: None
Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer’s
classes of capital or common stock as of the close of the period covered by the annual report.
3,342,393 Ordinary Shares, par value NIS 0.05 per share
as of December 31, 2017
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a well-known seasoned
issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check
mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
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
and posted on its corporate Website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405
of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant
was required to submit and post such files).
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated
filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or an emerging growth company. See definition of “large accelerated
filer, “accelerated filer,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
If an emerging growth company that prepares its financial statements
in accordance with U.S. GAAP, indicate by checkmark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for
complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.
Indicate by check mark which basis of accounting the registrant
has used to prepare the financial statements included in this filing:
If this is an annual report, indicate by check mark whether the
registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
We are a clinical stage orphan disease-focused
biotechnology company committed to developing meaningful therapies for patients with rare and ultra-rare genetic diseases. Currently
our focus is on trehalose, a therapeutic platform that offers potential solutions for several diseases that share a common pathophysiological
mechanism, which are the functional changes that accompany a particular syndrome or disease. Since our inception in 2012, our work
with trehalose has centered around oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy, or OPMD, and Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 3, or SCA3.
On June 5, 2017, we announced our
engagement with JSB-Partners, L.P., or JSB Partners, a global life sciences advisor, to assist us in executing our business
development objectives, which include selecting potential development and commercial partners for our investigational
proprietary intravenous (IV) form of trehalose 90 mg/mL solution (trehalose), which has been studied in humans with OPMD and
SCA3 and mergers and acquisitions, or M&A, opportunities. Among other transaction structures, we are simultaneously
exploring the possibility of a merger or sale of the entire company or a controlling interest in the company, as well as a
sale or licensing of our product candidate followed either by the distribution of any proceeds to our shareholders or an
unrelated merger of the company with an operating company that would seek to benefit from the company’s then status as
a “shell” company listed for trading on Nasdaq (reverse IPO). We have cut our expenses and terminated almost all
of our employees and are now dedicating all of our resources to support the process led by JSB-Partners. Accordingly, we are
not currently actively pursuing our core business focus as described in the preceding paragraph.
Unless otherwise indicated, all references
to the “Company,” “we,” “our” “us” and “Bioblast” refer to Bioblast
Pharma Ltd. and its wholly owned subsidiary, Bio Blast Pharma, Inc., a Delaware corporation. References to “U.S. dollars”
and “$” are to the currency of the United States of America, and references to “NIS” are to New Israeli
Shekels. References to “Ordinary Shares” are to our Ordinary Shares, par value of NIS 0.05 per share. All references
to Ordinary Share amounts have been retroactively restated to reflect the 1:5 reverse shares split that took effect on September
25, 2017.
In this annual report, the term “Trehalose
IV” refers to trehalose 90mg/mL intravenous solution, our current product candidate.
We do not endorse or adopt any third-party
research or forecast firms’ statements or reports referred to in this annual report and assume no responsibility for the
contents or opinions represented in such statements or reports, nor for the updating of any information contained therein.
This annual report contains express or implied
“forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and other U.S.
Federal securities laws. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to:
In some cases, forward-looking statements are
identified by terminology such as “may,” “will,” “could,” “should,” “expects,”
“plans,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “intends,” “estimates,” “predicts,”
“potential,” or “continue” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. Such forward-looking
statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or performance to differ
materially from those projected. These statements are only current predictions and are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties,
and other factors that may cause our or our industry’s actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to
be materially different from those anticipated by the forward-looking statements. In addition, historic results of scientific research
and clinical and preclinical trials do not guarantee that the conclusions of future research or trials would not suggest different
conclusions or that historic results referred to in this annual report would not be interpreted differently in light of additional
research, clinical and preclinical trials results. The forward-looking statements contained in this annual report are subject to
risks and uncertainties, including those discussed under Item 3.D. - “Risk Factors” and in our other filings with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements,
which speak only as of the date hereof. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are
reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements. Except as required by law, we
not intend to (and expressly disclaim any such obligation to) update or revise any of the forward-looking statements, whether as
a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date of this annual report.
|
ITEM
1.
|
IDENTITY
OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISERS
|
Not applicable.
|
ITEM
2.
|
OFFER
STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE
|
Not applicable.
|
3.A.
|
Selected
financial data
|
Our historical financial statements are prepared
in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States and are presented in U.S. dollars. The following
summary consolidated financial data for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 and as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 are
derived from, and should be read in conjunction with, the audited consolidated financial statements, and notes thereto, appearing
elsewhere in this annual report. The summary consolidated financial for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 and as of December
31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 have been derived from audited financial statements not included in this annual report.
The information presented below is qualified
by the more detailed historical financial statements set forth in this annual report, and should be read in conjunction with those
financial statements, the notes thereto and the discussion under Item 5 - “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects.”
Statement of Operations Data - Year Ended December 31
U.S. dollars in thousands, except share and per share data
|
|
2017
|
|
|
2016
|
|
|
2015
|
|
|
2014
|
|
|
2013
|
|
Research and development
|
|
$
|
2,517
|
|
|
$
|
8,881
|
|
|
$
|
7,694
|
|
|
$
|
4,441
|
|
|
$
|
732
|
|
Pre-commercialization
|
|
|
479
|
|
|
|
1,085
|
|
|
|
829
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
General and administrative
|
|
|
2,959
|
|
|
|
5,900
|
|
|
|
6,953
|
|
|
|
2,639
|
|
|
|
416
|
|
Total operating expenses
|
|
|
5,955
|
|
|
|
15,866
|
|
|
|
15,476
|
|
|
|
7,080
|
|
|
|
1,148
|
|
Loss from operations
|
|
|
(5,955
|
)
|
|
|
(15,866
|
)
|
|
|
(15,476
|
)
|
|
|
(7,080
|
)
|
|
|
(1,148
|
)
|
Financial income, net
|
|
|
38
|
|
|
|
60
|
|
|
|
135
|
|
|
|
58
|
|
|
|
3
|
|
Loss before taxes on income
|
|
|
(5,917
|
)
|
|
|
(15,806
|
)
|
|
|
(15,341
|
)
|
|
|
(7,022
|
)
|
|
|
(1,145
|
)
|
Taxes on income
|
|
|
(28
|
)
|
|
|
(216
|
)
|
|
|
(24
|
)
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Deemed dividend
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
(26
|
)
|
Net loss
|
|
$
|
(5,945
|
)
|
|
$
|
(16,022
|
)
|
|
$
|
(15,365
|
)
|
|
$
|
(7,022
|
)
|
|
$
|
(1,171
|
)
|
Net loss attributable to Ordinary shareholders
|
|
$
|
(5,945
|
)
|
|
$
|
(16,022
|
)
|
|
$
|
(15,365
|
)
|
|
$
|
(7,022
|
)
|
|
$
|
(1,171
|
)
|
Net loss per share attributable to Ordinary shareholders - basic and diluted
|
|
$
|
(1.79
|
)
|
|
$
|
(5.03
|
)
|
|
$
|
(5.40
|
)
|
|
$
|
(2.85
|
)
|
|
$
|
(0.70
|
)
|
Weighted average number of Ordinary Shares outstanding - basic and diluted
|
|
|
3,313,635
|
|
|
|
3,188,433
|
|
|
|
2,846,096
|
|
|
|
2,451,920
|
|
|
|
1,684,604
|
|
Balance Sheet Data - December 31,
U.S. dollars in thousands
|
|
2017
|
|
|
2016
|
|
|
2015
|
|
|
2014
|
|
|
2013
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
|
$
|
3,526
|
|
|
$
|
6,871
|
|
|
$
|
7,286
|
|
|
$
|
10,583
|
|
|
$
|
270
|
|
Short-term bank deposits
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
3,007
|
|
|
|
12,046
|
|
|
|
22,028
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Current Assets
|
|
|
3,622
|
|
|
|
10,541
|
|
|
|
20,392
|
|
|
|
32,885
|
|
|
|
299
|
|
Total assets
|
|
|
3,622
|
|
|
|
10,630
|
|
|
|
20,516
|
|
|
|
32,954
|
|
|
|
306
|
|
Current liabilities
|
|
|
460
|
|
|
|
1,931
|
|
|
|
2,514
|
|
|
|
2,280
|
|
|
|
131
|
|
Long-term liabilities
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
70
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Total Liabilities
|
|
|
460
|
|
|
|
1,931
|
|
|
|
2,584
|
|
|
|
2,280
|
|
|
|
131
|
|
Accumulated deficit
|
|
|
(45,754
|
)
|
|
|
(39,809
|
)
|
|
|
(23,787
|
)
|
|
|
(8,422
|
)
|
|
|
(1,400
|
)
|
Shareholders’ equity
|
|
|
3,162
|
|
|
|
8,699
|
|
|
|
17,932
|
|
|
|
30,674
|
|
|
|
175
|
|
|
3.B.
|
Capitalization
and indebtedness
|
Not applicable.
|
3.C.
|
Reasons
for the offer and use of proceeds
|
Not applicable.
Investing in our Ordinary
Shares involves a high degree of risk. You should carefully consider the risks described below before investing in our Ordinary
Shares.
Our business, operating results and financial
condition could be seriously harmed due to any of the following risks, among others. If we do not successfully address
the risks to which we are subject, we could experience a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial
condition and our share price may decline. We cannot assure you that we will successfully address any of these risks.
Risks Related to Our Financial Position and
Capital Resources
We
are currently seeking business development and M&A opportunities. There is intense competition for businesses/products suitable
for a transaction of the type we are contemplating.
There is currently a very competitive market
for business opportunities, which could reduce the likelihood of consummating a successful transaction for acquisition of a business
or technology. We anticipate that we will be a small participant in the pharmaceuticals M&A or joint ventures market with,
or in the acquisition of, small private entities. A large number of established and well-financed entities, including small public
companies, venture capital firms, and special purpose acquisition companies are active in M&A of companies that may be desirable
target candidates for us. We have significantly less financial resources, technical expertise and managerial capabilities than
many of these entities, and we may be unable to effectively compete with such entities in identifying possible business opportunities
and successfully completing a transaction. These and other competitive factors may reduce the likelihood of our identifying and
consummating a successful transaction.
We
may not be able to enter into a transaction of the type contemplated and if we complete such a transaction, we may need to raise
additional capital.
Even if we identify a successful
target for a transaction, there can be no assurance that we (or the entity with which we combine) will be able to complete
any such transaction. If we are not able to complete such a transaction, for whatever reason, we might not be able to
continue as a going concern. If we cannot continue as a going concern, our investors may lose almost all or their entire
investment. In the event that we complete such a transaction, we may need to raise substantial additional capital. In such
event, we may need to rely on external sources of financing to meet any capital requirements and to obtain such funding
through the debt and equity markets. We cannot provide any assurances regarding the availability of any such additional
funding and, if available, regarding the terms thereof. If we fail to obtain such necessary funding, any such transaction may
not be successful.
Potential
acquisitions of or investments in companies or technologies may negatively impact our financial condition and may not yield the
expected returns.
Even if we are able to make an acquisition
or investment on reasonable terms, we have no prior experience in successfully completing acquisitions, and we could experience
difficulties combining the two companies and/or in retaining and motivating key personnel from these businesses. We may also incur
unanticipated liabilities. We cannot be certain that our actual cash requirements resulting from an acquisition, business combination
or investment will not be greater than anticipated. Furthermore, there can be no assurance that we will be able to realize the
anticipated benefits or synergies of any such acquisition, combination or investment. In that regard, we note that should we combine
with, or invest in, any entity that is in the developmental stage, such as we were when we first went public, the ultimate success
of such business will depend, in large part, on the combined company’s ability to be successful with clinical trials and
in obtaining any required regulatory approvals.
Our
Board of Directors has sole discretion to identify and evaluate transaction candidates and in some cases to complete such transactions
without approval of our shareholders.
We are not obligated to follow any particular
operating, financial, geographic or other criteria in evaluating candidates for a potential transaction. We will choose a technology
or business that we believe will provide an opportunity for our shareholders potentially to receive long-term financial returns
if the transaction is successful and our board will determine the purchase price and other terms and conditions of such transaction.
Accordingly, there can be no assurance that any such transaction would be subject to shareholder review or approval. As a general
matter, under Israeli law, there is no requirement for us to have an acquisition approved by our shareholders. Furthermore, under
the Nasdaq Listing Rules, our status as a foreign private issuer enables us to take advantage of certain exemptions regarding Nasdaq
Listing Rules, such as the Nasdaq shareholder approval requirement for an acquisition in which we would issue more than 20% of
our existing share capital.
Raising additional capital, or issuance of our Ordinary Shares
as consideration in a merger or acquisition transaction would cause dilution to our existing shareholders, and may restrict our
operations or require us to relinquish rights.
We have in the past and may continue to seek
additional capital through a combination of private and public equity offerings, debt financings and collaborations and strategic
and licensing arrangements. We may also in the future issue substantial number of our Ordinary Shares as consideration in connection
with merger and acquisition transactions. To the extent that we raise additional capital through the sale of equity or convertible
notes securities, or the issuance of securities as part of a merger and acquisition transaction your ownership interest will be
diluted, and the terms may include liquidation or other preferences that adversely affect your rights as a shareholder. Debt financing,
if available, would result in increased fixed payment obligations and may involve agreements that include covenants limiting or
restricting our ability to take specific actions such as incurring debt, making capital expenditures or declaring dividends. If
we raise additional funds through collaboration, strategic alliance and licensing arrangements with third parties, we may have
to relinquish valuable rights to our technologies, future revenue streams or product candidates, or grant licenses on terms that
are not favorable to us.
We are a development-stage company and have a limited operating
history on which to assess our business, we have incurred significant losses since our inception, and anticipate that we will continue
to incur significant losses for the foreseeable future.
We are a development-stage biotechnological
company with a limited operating history. We have incurred net losses since our inception in January 2012, including a net loss
of $5.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. As of December 31, 2017, we had an accumulated deficit of $45.8 million.
Until we began our strategic process with JSB-Partners,
we had devoted substantially all of our financial resources to identify, acquire, license, and develop our current product candidate,
including conducting nonclinical and clinical trials and providing general and administrative support for these operations. To
date, we have financed our operations primarily through the sale of equity securities. The amount of our future net losses will
depend, in part, on the rate of our future expenditures. Biotechnological product development is a highly speculative undertaking
and involves a substantial degree of risk. We are in Phase 2 development of Trehalose IV, which is the only product candidate that
we have pursued. It may be several years, if ever, before we have this product candidate and/or any future product candidates that
we may pursue approved for commercialization. Even if we obtain regulatory approval to market a product candidate, our future revenue
will depend upon the size of any markets in which our product candidates may receive approval, and our ability to achieve sufficient
market acceptance, pricing, reimbursement from third-party payers, and adequate market share for our current or future product
candidates in those markets.
We have incurred continuing losses, and depend
on outside financing resources to continue our activities. On August 5, 2014, we completed a successful initial public offering
that raised net proceeds of approximately $31.4 million, and in March 2016 we completed a net $6.1 million registered direct offering
of our Ordinary Shares and a private placement of warrants to purchase additional Ordinary Shares. In the opinion of our management
and based on our current plans and search for
business development and M&A opportunities
,
our balances of cash and cash equivalents including short-term bank deposits will enable us to fund our activities at least until
after the end of the third quarter of 2018. However, the actual amount of cash we will need to fund our operations is subject to
many factors, including, but not limited to, the timing, design and execution of the clinical trials of our existing drug candidate,
any future projects which may be in-licensed or any other business development activities. For example, changing circumstances
and/or acquisition of new technologies may cause us to consume capital significantly faster than management currently anticipates
and we may need to spend more money than currently expected because of, among others, circumstances beyond our control. Should
we be unable to obtain additional funding required, we may reduce our activities until we have sufficient funds to continue.
We expect to continue to incur significant
expenses and increasing operating losses for the foreseeable future. We anticipate that our expenses will increase substantially
if and as we:
|
·
|
continue
our research and nonclinical and clinical development of our product candidate and any future products candidates that we may
pursue;
|
|
·
|
expand
the scope of our clinical trials for our sole product candidate;
|
|
·
|
change
or add additional manufacturers or suppliers;
|
|
·
|
seek
regulatory and marketing approvals for our current and any future product candidates that successfully complete clinical trials;
|
|
·
|
establish
a sales, marketing, and distribution infrastructure to commercialize Trehalose IV and/or any products for which we may obtain
marketing approval;
|
|
·
|
seek
to identify, assess, acquire, license, and/or develop other future product candidates;
|
|
·
|
make
milestone or other payments under any license agreements;
|
|
·
|
seek
to maintain, protect, and expand our intellectual property portfolio;
|
|
·
|
seek
to attract and retain skilled personnel; and
|
|
·
|
create
additional infrastructure to support our operations as a public company and our product development and planned future commercialization
efforts.
|
Further, the net losses we incur may fluctuate
significantly from quarter to quarter and year to year, such that a period-to-period comparison of our results of operations may
not be a good indication of our future performance.
The report of our independent registered public accounting
firm contains an explanatory paragraph regarding substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern.
The report of our independent registered public
accounting firm on our audited financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2017 contains an explanatory paragraph
expressing substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. Our financial statements do not include any adjustments
that might result from the outcome of the uncertainty regarding our ability to continue as a going concern. This going concern
opinion could materially limit our ability to raise additional funds through the issuance of equity or debt securities or otherwise.
Further reports on our financial statements may include an explanatory paragraph with respect to our ability to continue as a going
concern. If we cannot continue as a going concern, our investors may lose their entire investment.
We have not generated any revenue from any commercial products
and may never be profitable.
Our ability to become profitable depends upon
our ability to generate revenue. Unless and until marketing approval is obtained from either the FDA (to market and sell Trehalose
IV in the United States), the European Medicines Agency, or EMA, (to market and sell Trehalose IV in the European Union), or any
comparable foreign agency for Trehalose IV or any future product candidates we may develop, we may not be able to generate any
revenue or attain profitability. In addition, our ability to generate profits after any regulatory approval of our current or future
product candidates is subject to our ability to contract for the manufacture of commercial quantities of our product candidates
at acceptable cost levels and establish sales and marketing capabilities or identify and enter into one or more strategic collaborations
to effectively market and sell any approved product candidates.
Even if Trehalose IV or any future product
candidate is approved for commercial sale, any approved therapeutic may not gain market acceptance or achieve commercial success,
and such commercialization could come with significant costs. If we are unable to generate product revenues, we will not become
profitable and may be unable to continue operations without continued funding.
We have a limited operating history and no history of commercializing
drugs, which may make it difficult for you to evaluate the success of our business to date and to assess our future viability.
We commenced operations in 2012, and our operations
to date have been largely focused on raising capital and developing Trehalose IV, including undertaking nonclinical studies and
conducting clinical trials. Trehalose IV is the only product candidate that we are currently pursing. We have not yet demonstrated
our ability to successfully complete additional later-stage clinical trials, obtain FDA or other regulatory approvals, manufacture
a commercial-scale drug or arrange for a third party to do so on our behalf, or conduct sales and marketing activities necessary
for successful commercialization.
Consequently, we may encounter unforeseen expenses,
difficulties, complications, delays and other known or unknown factors in achieving our business objectives. We will need to transition
at some point from a company with a development focus to a company capable of supporting commercial activities. We may not be successful
in such a transition.
Risks Related to Development, Regulatory
Approval and Commercialization of Trehalose IV and any Future Product Candidates
If we do not pursue an M&A transaction, or other business
development opportunities, we will be entirely dependent on the success of Trehalose IV, which is in the early stages of clinical
development. We cannot give any assurance that Trehalose IV or any future product candidate will receive regulatory approval, which
is necessary before they can be commercialized.
We are a biotechnology company with no products
approved by regulatory authorities or available for commercial sale, and have never submitted a product for approval to the FDA
or comparable foreign regulatory authorities. Our future success is dependent on our ability to successfully develop, obtain regulatory
approval for, and then successfully commercialize Trehalose IV.
In the past we focused, and we expect in the
future to focus our business on the development of Trehalose IV, which is in the early stages of development. Trehalose IV will
require additional non-clinical and clinical development, management of nonclinical, clinical, and manufacturing activities, regulatory
approval, obtaining adequate manufacturing supply, building of a commercial organization, and significant marketing efforts before
we generate any revenue from product sales. We completed two Phase 2a clinical trials of Trehalose IV in two indications. We are
not permitted to market or promote any of our current or any future product candidates before we receive regulatory approval from
the FDA or comparable foreign regulatory authorities, and we may never receive such regulatory approval for any of our product
candidates, including Trehalose IV. We may also receive regulatory approval in some jurisdictions, but not others. We cannot be
certain that Trehalose IV will be successful in clinical trials or receive regulatory approval. Further, Trehalose IV may not receive
regulatory approval, even if it is successful in clinical trials. If we do not receive regulatory approvals for any product candidates
we attempt to develop, we are not likely to be able to continue our operations.
In the future, we generally plan to seek regulatory
approval to commercialize Trehalose IV in the United States, Canada, the European Union, and in additional foreign countries where
we have commercial rights. To obtain regulatory approval in other countries, we must comply with numerous and varying regulatory
requirements of such other countries regarding safety, efficacy, chemistry, manufacturing and controls, clinical trials, commercial
sales, pricing, and distribution of the product candidates we may attempt to commercialize. Even if we are successful in obtaining
approval in one jurisdiction, we cannot ensure that we will obtain approval in any other jurisdictions, and as such our revenues
and results of operations could be negatively affected.
The drug development and regulatory approval processes of
the FDA and comparable foreign regulatory authorities are comprehensive and therefore are likely to be lengthy and expensive. If
we are ultimately unable to obtain regulatory approval for our current or future product candidates, our business will be substantially
harmed.
The time required to obtain approval by the
FDA and comparable foreign regulatory authorities is expensive, typically takes many years following the commencement of early
stage clinical trials, and depends upon numerous factors. We have not obtained regulatory approval for our sole product candidate.
In addition, even if we obtain regulatory approvals,
the timing or scope of any approvals may prohibit or reduce our ability to commercialize Trehalose IV successfully. For example,
if the approval process takes too long, we may miss market opportunities and give other companies the ability to develop competing
products or establish market dominance. Any regulatory approval we ultimately obtain may be limited or subject to restrictions
or post-approval commitments that render Trehalose IV not commercially viable. Further, regulatory authorities may approve Trehalose
IV for fewer or more limited indications than we request, may limit approved usage to narrower patient populations, may grant approval
contingent on the performance of costly post- marketing clinical trials, or may approve Trehalose IV with a label that does not
include the labeling claims necessary or desirable for the successful commercialization of that indication. Any of the foregoing
scenarios could harm the commercial prospects for Trehalose IV and our business.
Delays in the initiation of the planned Phase
2b clinical trial of Trehalose IV in OPMD and the clinical trials for other indications, or any future clinical trials we intend
to conduct for other product candidates we may develop, or negative findings in those trials, could significantly affect our product
development costs or our ability to commercialize Trehalose IV. We do not know whether future trials will begin or whether all
of our planned clinical trials, will be completed on schedule, if at all, or will be successful. Product development costs for
Trehalose IV for OPMD or any other future indications we may pursue or for product candidates we may develop in the future will
increase if we have delays in testing or approval, if we need to perform more or larger clinical studies than planned or if we
have delays in adding new clinical trial sites.
The success of Trehalose IV and/or any other
future product candidates that we may pursue, will depend on the receipt and maintenance of regulatory approval and the issuance
and maintenance of such approvals is uncertain and subject to a number of risks, including the following:
|
·
|
the
FDA or comparable foreign regulatory authorities, institutional review boards, or IRBs, or ethics committees may disagree with
the design or conduct of our clinical trials and suspend or terminate the trials;
|
|
·
|
we
may not be able to provide acceptable evidence of Trehalose IV’s safety and efficacy;
|
|
·
|
the
results of our clinical trials may not meet the level of statistical or clinical significance required by the FDA or comparable
foreign regulatory authorities for marketing approval;
|
|
·
|
patients
in our clinical trials may suffer adverse effects for reasons that may or may not be related to Trehalose IV and would raise concerns
regarding safety;
|
|
·
|
the
population studied in any clinical program may not be sufficiently broad or representative to assure safety or efficacy in the
full population for which we seek approval;
|
|
·
|
the
data collected from clinical trials may not be sufficient to obtain regulatory approval in the United States or elsewhere;
|
|
·
|
the
FDA or comparable foreign regulatory authorities may find, during an inspection at clinical sites, serious violations that jeopardize
patient safety and rights and either stop or disregard the results of the study;
|
|
·
|
the
FDA or comparable foreign regulatory authorities may identify deficiencies with the manufacturing processes or facilities of third-party
manufacturers with which we contract for clinical and commercial supplies and/or may suspend or withdraw approval of our products;
|
|
·
|
the
approval policies or regulations of the FDA or comparable foreign regulatory authorities may significantly change in a manner
rendering our clinical data insufficient for approval;
|
|
·
|
we
may need to repeat trials if previous and future research activities are no longer acceptable by the FDA and other comparable
regulatory agencies to support regulatory approval;
|
|
·
|
the
FDA or comparable foreign regulatory authorities have substantial discretion in the approval process and may refuse to accept
any application or may decide that our data are insufficient for approval and require additional clinical trials, or nonclinical
or other studies; and
|
|
·
|
even
if we obtain marketing approval in one or more countries, future safety or other issues could result in the suspension or withdrawal
of regulatory approval in such countries.
|
These factors that can cause, or lead to, termination
or suspension of, or a delay in the commencement or completion of clinical trials may also ultimately lead to the denial or even
withdrawal of regulatory approval of Trehalose IV for OPMD, SCA3 and any other indication.
We have no experience in filing the applications
necessary to gain regulatory approvals and have relied before and expect to continue to rely on consultants and third-party contract
research organizations, or CROs, with expertise in this area to assist us in this process. Securing FDA and other comparable regulatory
approval requires the submission of extensive nonclinical and clinical data, information about product manufacturing processes
and inspection of facilities and supporting information to the FDA for each therapeutic indication to establish a product candidate’s
safety and efficacy for each indication and manufacturing quality.
In addition, regulatory approval obtained in
one jurisdiction does not necessarily mean that a product candidate will receive regulatory approval in all jurisdictions in which
we may seek approval, but the failure to obtain approval in one jurisdiction may negatively impact our ability to seek approval
in a different jurisdiction. The inability to meet the continuously evolving regulatory standards for approval may result in our
failing to obtain regulatory approval to market our current product candidate or any other one we may develop in the future, which
would significantly harm our business, results of operations, and prospects.
Positive results of clinical trials may be different from
results of other clinical trials, and positive data from open-label clinical trials might not be replicated in subsequent open-label
(open versus blinded) or placebo-controlled (controlled versus non-controlled) clinical trials.
Failure can occur at any time during the clinical
trial process. The results of nonclinical trials and early clinical trials of any product candidate we may develop may not be predictive
of the results of later-stage clinical trials. Product candidates that have shown promising results in early-stage clinical trials
may still suffer significant setbacks in subsequent clinical trials. There is a high failure rate for drugs proceeding through
clinical trials, and product candidates in later stages of clinical trials may fail to show the desired safety and efficacy traits
despite having progressed through nonclinical trials and initial clinical trials. A number of companies in the biotechnological
industry have suffered significant setbacks in advanced clinical trials due to lack of efficacy or adverse safety profiles, notwithstanding
promising results in earlier trials. Moreover, nonclinical and clinical data are often susceptible to varying interpretations and
analyses. We do not know whether any Phase 2, Phase 3, or other clinical trials we may conduct will demonstrate consistent or adequate
efficacy and safety sufficient to obtain regulatory approval to market our drug candidates.
On March 16, 2016, we reported the final results
from our open
-
label HOPEMD Phase 2a clinical trial, on October 24, 2016 we reported the final results of a double-blind
placebo-controlled pharmacokinetic study of Trehalose IV in healthy volunteers, and on September 12, 2016 we reported the results
of the extension portion of HOPEMD Phase 2a trial. This trial relates to the treatment of patients suffering from OPMD, with our
lead product candidate, Trehalose IV. These final results may not necessarily predict results from future trials. Results in our
open
-
label HOPEMD Phase 2a clinical trial might not be repeated in later trials or may not be statistically significant,
because, among other things, early stage trials are often conducted in smaller groups of patients than later trials, and without
the same trial design features, such as randomized controls and blinding. If the results are not replicated in future trials or
are not statistically significant, we might not be able to rationalize continued development of the product candidate, or substantiate
our request to obtain approval from applicable regulatory authorities at a future time.
Changes in regulatory requirements and guidance may also occur
and we may need to amend clinical trial protocols submitted to applicable regulatory authorities to reflect these changes. Amendments
may require us to resubmit clinical trial protocols to IRBs or ethics committees for re-examination, which may impact the costs,
timing or successful completion of a clinical trial.
The FDA’s and other regulatory authorities’
policies may change, and additional government regulations may be enacted that could prevent, limit or delay regulatory approval
of Trehalose IV and/or any future product candidates we may develop. We cannot predict the likelihood, nature or extent of government
regulation that may arise from future legislation or administrative action, either in the United States or abroad. If we are slow
or unable to adapt to changes in existing requirements or the adoption of new requirements or policies, or if we are not able to
maintain regulatory compliance, clinical trials may be adversely effected, terminated, or disregarded. Additionally, we may lose
any marketing approval that we may have obtained, and we may not achieve or sustain profitability, which would harm our business,
prospects, financial condition and results of operations.
In the event that the FDA’s and/or other regulatory
authorities’ policies change, we could be forced to conduct additional pre-clinical, clinical trials or other studies with respect
to Trehalose IV or any future product candidates we may develop beyond those that we currently contemplate. Regardless of past
results, if we are unable to successfully complete the additional requirements required by regulatory changes, we may be delayed
in obtaining regulatory approval of Trehalose IV and any future product candidates we may develop, we may not be able to obtain
regulatory approval at all or we may obtain approval of indications that are not as broad as intended. Moreover, due to potential
regulatory changes, our product development costs may also increase if we experience delays in the additional testing or approvals
required. As a result, we may not have sufficient funding to complete the testing and approval process for Trehalose IV or any
future product candidates we may develop. Significant clinical trial delays could allow our competitors to bring products to market
before we do and impair our ability to commercialize our products if and when approved. If any of this occurs, our business would
be harmed.
In addition, approval policies, regulations,
or the type and amount of clinical data necessary to gain approval may change during the course of a product candidate’s
clinical development and may vary among jurisdictions, which may require significant financial resources and may cause delays in
the approval or the decision not to approve an application.
We may find it difficult to enroll patients in our clinical
trials, in particular with respect to Trehalose IV and/or any future product candidates that we may pursue, which could delay or
prevent clinical trials of Trehalose IV and any future product candidates we may develop and potentially harm our business.
Identifying and approving patients (those with
required or desired characteristics to achieve diversity in a trial) to participate in clinical trials of Trehalose IV and any
future product candidates we may develop in the future is critical to our success. When we initiate our clinical trials, the timing
thereof will depend on the speed at which we can recruit patients to participate in testing Trehalose IV and any future product
candidates we may develop as well as completion of required follow-up periods. If patients are unable or unwilling to participate
in our clinical trials for any reason, the timeline for recruiting patients, conducting studies and obtaining regulatory approval
of Trehalose IV and any future product candidates we may develop may be delayed. These delays could result in increased costs,
delays in advancing Trehalose IV or any of our future product candidates, delays in testing the safety and effectiveness of our
product candidates or termination of the clinical trials altogether, any of which would have an adverse effect on our business.
In particular, the conditions for which we
currently plan to evaluate Trehalose IV are orphan diseases, which consist of limited patient populations from which to draw for
clinical trials. Patient enrollment is affected by factors including:
|
·
|
severity
of the disease under investigation;
|
|
·
|
design
of the clinical trial protocol;
|
|
·
|
perceived
risks and benefits of the product candidate under trial;
|
|
·
|
proximity
and availability of clinical trial sites for prospective patients;
|
|
·
|
availability
of competing therapies and clinical trials;
|
|
·
|
efforts
to facilitate timely enrollment of patients in clinical trials; and
|
|
·
|
our
ability to monitor patients adequately during and after treatment.
|
We could encounter delays in recruitment for
clinical trials if physicians and healthcare providers encounter unresolved ethical issues associated with enrolling patients in
clinical trials of Trehalose IV and any future product candidates we may develop. We may not be able to initiate or continue clinical
trials if we cannot enroll a sufficient number of eligible patients to participate in the clinical trials. Our ability to successfully
initiate, enroll and complete a clinical trial in any foreign country is subject to numerous risks unique to conducting business
in foreign countries, including:
|
·
|
difficulty
in establishing or managing relationships with CROs and physicians;
|
|
·
|
different
requirements and standards for conducting clinical trials;
|
|
·
|
our
inability to locate qualified local consultants, physicians and partners; and
|
|
·
|
the
potential burden of complying with a variety of foreign laws, medical standards and regulatory requirements, including the regulation
of pharmaceutical and biotechnology products and treatments.
|
Trehalose IV and/or any future product candidates that we
may pursue may cause undesirable side effects or have other properties that could delay or prevent their regulatory approval, limit
the commercial profile of an approved label, or result in significant negative consequences following marketing approval, if any.
Undesirable side effects caused by Trehalose
IV, our only current product candidate, could cause us or regulatory authorities to interrupt, delay, or halt clinical trials and
could result in a more restrictive label or the delay or denial of regulatory approval by the FDA or other comparable foreign authorities.
Patients enrolled in our trials of Trehalose IV for OPMD and other indications, may suffer side effects associated with the use
of our Trehalose IV. Results of our trials could reveal a high and unacceptable severity and prevalence of side effects. In such
an event, our trials could be suspended or terminated, and the FDA or comparable foreign regulatory authorities could order us
to cease further development of or deny or withdraw approval of our product candidates for any or all targeted indications.
Any drug-related side effects could affect
patient recruitment, the ability of enrolled patients to complete the trial, and/or result in potential product liability claims.
Additionally, if Trehalose IV or any other
product candidate we may choose to develop receives marketing approval, and we or others later identify undesirable side effects
caused by such products (even when used or tested for other indications, patient populations or other countries), or if a patient
suffers a serious complication, including death, with respect to one of our products, a number of potentially significant negative
consequences could result, including but not limited to:
|
·
|
regulatory
authorities may withdraw approvals of such product;
|
|
·
|
regulatory
authorities may require additional warnings on the label;
|
|
·
|
we
may be required to create a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy, or REMS, plan, which could include a medication guide outlining
the risks of such side effects for distribution to patients, a communication plan for healthcare providers, and/or other elements
to assure safe use;
|
|
·
|
we
could be sued and held liable for harm caused to patients; and
|
|
·
|
our
reputation may suffer.
|
Any of these events could prevent us from achieving
or maintaining market acceptance of the particular product candidate, if approved, and could significantly harm our business, results
of operations, and prospects.
Even if we receive regulatory approval of Trehalose IV, we
may still face future development and regulatory challenges that could inhibit or preclude our ability to commercialize Trehalose
IV for any indication.
If we continue to develop Trehalose IV and
it is approved, they will be subject to ongoing regulatory requirements for manufacturing and quality, labeling, packaging, storage,
advertising, promotion, sampling, record-keeping, conduct of post-marketing trials, and submission of safety, efficacy, and other
post-market information, including both federal and state requirements in the United States and in other foreign jurisdictions.
In addition, manufacturers, manufacturers’ facilities, shippers and distributors are required to comply with extensive FDA
and other international regulatory regulations, including ensuring that quality control and manufacturing procedures conform to
current Good Manufacturing Practices, or cGMP. As such, we and our contract manufacturers will be subject to continual review and
inspections to assess compliance with cGMP and adherence to commitments made in any approved New Drug Application, or NDA, Marketing
Authorization Application, or MAA. Accordingly, we and others with whom we work must continue to expend time, money, and effort
in all areas of regulatory compliance, including manufacturing, production, shipping storage and quality control.
Any regulatory approvals that we receive for
Trehalose IV may be subject to limitations on the approved indicated uses for which the product may be marketed or to the conditions
of approval, or contain requirements for potentially costly post-marketing testing, including Phase 4 clinical trials, and surveillance
to monitor the safety and efficacy of the product candidate, including pharmacovigilance data collection. We will also be required
to routinely report adverse reactions and production problems, if any, to the FDA and other international regulatory agencies,
and to comply with requirements concerning advertising and promotion for our products. The FDA or comparable foreign regulatory
authorities could require a special warning on the label, such as a Black Box Warning, which could significantly affect marketing
and promotional efforts. Promotional communications with respect to prescription drugs are subject to a variety of legal and regulatory
restrictions and must be consistent with the information in the product’s approved label. As such, we may not promote Trehalose
IV and/or any future product candidates that we may pursue for indications or uses for which they do not have regulatory approval.
The holder of an approved NDA, MAA or BLA must also submit new or supplemental applications and variations and obtain FDA and other
regulatory authority approval for certain changes to product labeling or manufacturing processes. We could also be asked to conduct
post-marketing clinical trials to verify the safety and efficacy of our products in general or in specific patient subsets. If
original marketing approval were to be obtained for our products via the accelerated or conditional approval pathways, we could
be required to conduct a post-marketing confirmatory clinical trial. A post-marketing trial that fails to confirm the clinical
benefit or failure to complete such a trial could result in the withdrawal of marketing approval and, thus, cessation of marketing
and sales of the product.
If we or a regulatory agency discovers previously
unknown problems such as adverse events of unanticipated severity or frequency, or problems with the facility where the product
is manufactured, or disagrees with the promotion, marketing or labeling of a product, such regulatory agency may impose restrictions
on that product or us. If we fail to comply with applicable regulatory requirements, a regulatory agency or enforcement authority
may, among other actions:
|
·
|
issue
FDA Form 483 or Warning Letters, which may be made public, or similar letters by other regulatory authorities;
|
|
·
|
publish information on the FDA or other authorities homepage;
|
|
·
|
impose civil or criminal penalties;
|
|
·
|
impose an Import Alert or detention;
|
|
·
|
suspend or withdraw regulatory approval;
|
|
·
|
suspend any of our ongoing clinical trials;
|
|
·
|
refuse to approve pending applications or supplements to approved applications submitted by us;
|
|
·
|
seek an injunction or impose other restrictions on our operations, including closing our contract manufacturers’ facilities; or
|
|
·
|
seize or detain products, or require corrective action, such as a product recall.
|
Any government investigation of alleged violations
of law could require us to expend significant time and resources in response, and could generate negative publicity. Any failure
by us or our partners to comply with ongoing regulatory requirements may significantly and adversely affect our ability to commercialize
and generate revenue from our products. If regulatory sanctions are applied or if regulatory approval is withdrawn, the value of
our company and our operating results will be adversely affected.
We may face substantial competition from other companies with
considerable resources that may already have products available in the market, and they or others may also discover, develop or
commercialize additional products before or more successfully than we do.
Our industry is highly competitive and subject
to rapid and significant technological change as researchers learn more about diseases and develop new technologies and treatments.
Our potential competitors include primarily large pharmaceutical, biotechnology and specialty pharmaceutical companies. In attempting
to achieve the widespread commercialization of Trehalose IV, we will face competition from established drug companies or generic
versions of these products. Key competitive factors affecting the commercial success of Trehalose IV and any other product candidates
we may develop are likely to be efficacy, safety and tolerability profile, reliability, convenience of administration, price and
reimbursement and effectiveness of our promotional activities. Competition could also force us to lower prices or could result
in reduced sales with other, more well-known or effective products or by selling their product at a lower price.
Our existing or potential competitors may have
substantially greater financial, technical and human resources than we do and significantly greater experience in the discovery
and development of current or future product candidates we may develop, obtaining FDA and other regulatory approvals of products
and the commercialization of those products. These companies may also have long-established relationships within the medical and
patient community, including patients, physicians, nurses and commercial third-party payors and government payors. Our ability
to compete successfully will depend largely on our ability to:
|
·
|
discover and develop product candidates that are competitive with or superior to other products in the market;
|
|
·
|
obtain required regulatory approvals;
|
|
·
|
be free of material capital commitments and limitations;
|
|
·
|
adequately communicate the benefits of Trehalose IV, if approved;
|
|
·
|
attract and retain qualified personnel;
|
|
·
|
obtain and maintain patent and/or other proprietary protection for Trehalose IV and any future product candidates that we may develop; and
|
|
·
|
in certain geographies, obtain collaboration arrangements to commercialize Trehalose IV and any future product candidates we may develop.
|
Mergers and acquisitions in the pharmaceutical
and biotechnology industries may result in even more resources being concentrated among a small number of our competitors. Accordingly,
our competitors may be more successful than we may be in obtaining FDA or other regulatory agency approvals of drugs and achieving
widespread market acceptance. Our competitors’ drugs may be more effective, or more effectively marketed and sold, than any
drug we may commercialize and may render Trehalose IV or any future product candidates we may develop obsolete or non-competitive
before we can recover the expenses of developing and commercializing Trehalose IV or any future product candidates we may develop.
In addition, if one or more clinical trials
are delayed, not only could our competitors be able to bring products to market before we do, and significantly reduce the commercial
viability of Trehalose IV, but any trial delays could also shorten any periods during which our products have patent protection.
Such delays may allow our competitors to bring products to market before we do, which could impair our ability to obtain orphan
exclusivity and to successfully commercialize our current or future product candidates and may harm our business and results of
operations.
We anticipate that we will face intense and
increasing competition as new drugs enter the market and more advanced technologies become available. If we are unable to compete
effectively, our opportunity to generate revenue from the sale of Trehalose IV or any future product candidates we may develop,
if approved, could be impaired.
The number of patients suffering from OPMD and SCA3 is small
and has yet to be established with precision. Our assumptions and estimates regarding prevalence may be wrong. If our Trehalose
IV product candidate is approved for sale, and the actual number of patients in the applicable market is smaller than we estimate,
our revenue could be adversely affected, possibly materially.
We target indications that are rare or ultra-rare
diseases. Based on our own market research, in the United States and Canada there are approximately 4,300 patients with OPMD, our
target indication. Similarly, there are a small number of individuals with SCA3, also known as Machado Joseph disease. However,
there is no guarantee that these estimates are correct. The ultimate number of patients with OPMD and SCA3, in particular the number
of patients for whom our Trehalose IV solution, if approved, is approved for use, could actually be significantly fewer than these
estimates.
If the total addressable market for our products
is smaller than we estimate, our revenue could be adversely affected, possibly materially.
Even if we receive regulatory approval of Trehalose IV, it
may not achieve an adequate level of government price authorization or acceptance by physicians, patients and third-party payors
and government payors, and we may not generate sufficient revenue or be able to achieve or sustain profitability.
Even if we receive regulatory approvals of
Trehalose IV, its commercial success will depend in large part on the willingness of private and government payers to reimburse
for its use at an appropriate price and for physicians to prescribe Trehalose IV to their patients. In order to achieve an acceptable
level of prescriptions for Trehalose IV, we must be able to meet the needs of payors, the medical community and patients with respect
to cost, efficacy, safety and other factors, including, but not limited to the following:
|
·
|
the efficacy of the product as demonstrated in clinical trials and potential advantages over competing treatments;
|
|
·
|
the prevalence and severity of any side effects, including any limitations or warnings contained in a product’s approved labeling;
|
|
·
|
the clinical indications for which approval is granted;
|
|
·
|
relative convenience and ease of administration;
|
|
·
|
the cost of treatment, particularly in relation to competing treatments;
|
|
·
|
the willingness of the target patient population to try new therapies and of physicians to prescribe these therapies;
|
|
·
|
the strength of marketing and distribution support and timing of market introduction of competitive products;
|
|
·
|
publicity concerning our products or competing products and treatments; and
|
|
·
|
sufficient price approval and third-party insurance reimbursement to generate sufficient revenue and achieve or sustain profitability.
|
Even if Trehalose IV is approved, it may not
achieve an adequate level of acceptance by physicians, healthcare payors and patients, and we may not generate sufficient revenue
or be able to achieve or sustain profitability. Our efforts to educate the medical community, patients, governments and private
payors on the benefits of Trehalose IV to achieve an adequate level of their acceptance may require significant resources and may
never be successful.
The manufacture and packaging of our current and any future
product candidates that we may pursue are subject to FDA requirements and those of similar foreign regulatory bodies. If we or
our third-party manufacturers fail to satisfy these requirements, our product development and commercialization efforts may be
harmed.
The manufacture and packaging of pharmaceutical
products, such as trehalose dyhidrate, our active pharmaceutical ingredient, or API, and our Trehalose IV solution, if approved,
are regulated by the FDA and similar foreign regulatory bodies and must be conducted in accordance with the FDA’s cGMP and
comparable requirements of foreign regulatory bodies. In order to comply with these requirements, we may be required to perform
additional development work, including, but not limited to changes or additions to the manufacturing process and increased quality
controls. Failure by us or our third-party manufacturers to comply with applicable regulations or requirements could result in
sanctions being imposed on us, including fines, injunctions, civil penalties, failure of regulatory authorities to grant marketing
approval of our products, delays, suspension or withdrawal of approvals, seizures or voluntary recalls of product, operating restrictions
and criminal prosecutions, any of which could harm our business.
Should Trehalose IV solution or any future
product that we may pursue be approved to market in the United States, post approval changes in the manufacturing process or procedure
may require FDA review and approval. Changes include, but are not limited to, changes in the location where the product is manufactured,
the manufacturing process, or the identity of a third-party manufacturer. The FDA ensures that the change does not compromise the
quality of the product. Any new facility is subject to an inspection by the FDA and would require us to demonstrate product comparability
to the FDA. There are comparable foreign requirements. This review may be costly and time consuming and could delay or prevent
the launch of a product. Moreover, the cost of manufacturing may be too high to sustain profitability or conduct clinical and nonclinical
trials.
In order to obtain approval of our Trehalose
IV and/or any future product candidates that we may pursue, we will be required to complete a process validation which is defined
as the collection and evaluation of data, from the process design stage through commercial production, which establishes scientific
evidence that a process is capable of consistently delivering quality product. Process validation involves a series of activities
taking place over the lifecycle of the product and process. If the FDA does not consider the result of the process validation or
required testing to be satisfactory, regulatory approval and/or commercial supply after launch may be delayed. The FDA and similar
foreign regulatory bodies may also implement new requirements, or change their interpretation and enforcement of existing requirements,
for manufacture, packaging or testing of products at any time. If we are unable to comply, we may be subject to regulatory, civil
actions or penalties which could harm our business.
Our relationships with patients, physicians, third-party payors
and others will be subject to applicable state and federal anti-kickback, fraud and abuse and other healthcare laws and regulations,
which could expose us to criminal sanctions, civil penalties, contractual damages, reputational harm and diminished profits and
future earnings.
Healthcare providers, physicians, and others
will play a primary role in the recommendation and prescription of Trehalose IV and any future product candidates we may develop
for which we obtain regulatory approval. Our operations may expose us to broadly applicable federal and state fraud and abuse,
patient privacy, and other healthcare laws and regulations that may affect our business or financial arrangements and relationships
through which we would market, sell and distribute our products. Restrictions under applicable federal and state healthcare laws
and regulations that may affect our operations and expose us to areas of risk include the following:
|
·
|
the federal Anti-Kickback Statute, which prohibits, among other things, persons and entities from knowingly and willfully soliciting, offering, receiving or paying remuneration, directly or indirectly, in cash or in kind, to induce or reward, or in return for, either the referral of an individual, or the purchase, order or recommendation of, any good, item, or service, for which payment may be made in whole or in part, under a federal healthcare program, such as Medicare and Medicaid;
|
|
·
|
federal civil and criminal false claims laws and civil monetary penalty laws, including the False Claims Act, which impose criminal and civil penalties, including through civil whistleblower or qui tam actions, against individuals or entities for knowingly presenting, or causing to be presented, to the federal government, including the Medicare and Medicaid programs, claims for payment that are false or fraudulent or making a false statement to avoid, decrease or conceal an obligation to pay money to the federal government;
|
|
·
|
the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, or HIPAA, which imposes criminal and civil liability for knowingly and willfully executing, or attempting to execute, a scheme to defraud any healthcare benefit program or obtain, by means of false or fraudulent pretenses, representations, or promises, any of the money or property owned by, or under the custody or control of, any healthcare benefit program, and for knowingly and willfully falsifying, concealing or covering up a material fact or making any materially false statements in connection with the delivery of or payment for healthcare benefits, items or services;
|
|
·
|
HIPAA, as amended by the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act, of 2009, and their implementing regulations, which also impose obligations and requirements on healthcare providers, health plans, and healthcare clearinghouses as well as their respective business associates that perform services for them that involve the use or disclosure of individually identifiable health information, including mandatory contractual terms, with respect to safeguarding the privacy, security and transmission of certain individually identifiable health information;
|
|
·
|
the federal transparency requirements under the Affordable Care Act, or the ACA, including the provision commonly referred to as the Physician Payments Sunshine Act, which requires certain manufacturers of drugs, devices, biologics and medical supplies that are reimbursable under Medicare, Medicaid or Children’s Health Insurance Program to report annually to Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, or CMS, information related to payments and other transfers of value to physicians and teaching hospitals, and ownership and investment interests held by physicians and their immediate family members;
|
|
·
|
analogous state and foreign laws and regulations, such as state anti-kickback and false claims laws, which may be broader in scope and apply to referrals and items or services reimbursed both governmental and by non-governmental third-party payors, including private insurers; some state laws which require pharmaceutical companies to comply with the pharmaceutical industry’s voluntary compliance guidelines and the relevant compliance guidance promulgated by the federal government and may require drug manufacturers to report information to the state related to payments and other transfers of value to physicians and other healthcare providers, price disclosures, or marketing expenditures; and state and foreign laws which govern the privacy and security of health information in specified circumstances, many of which differ from each other in significant ways and often are not preempted by federal law, thus complicating compliance efforts; and
|
|
·
|
the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, or FCPA, which prohibits companies from making improper payments to foreign government officials and other persons for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business.
|
Because of the breadth of these laws and the
narrowness of the statutory exceptions and safe harbors available, it is possible that some of our business activities could be
subject to challenge under one or more of such laws. In addition, recent health care reform legislation has strengthened these
laws. For example, the Affordable Care Act, among other things, amends the intent requirement of the federal anti-kickback and
criminal healthcare fraud statutes. A person or entity no longer needs to have actual knowledge of this statute or specific intent
to violate it. Moreover, the Affordable Care Act provides that the government may assert that a claim including items or services
resulting from a violation of the federal Anti-Kickback Statute constitutes a false or fraudulent claim for purposes of the False
Claims Act.
Efforts to ensure that our business arrangements
with third parties are compliant with applicable healthcare laws and regulations will involve the expenditure of appropriate, and
possibly significant, resources. In addition, and with respect to dealings with governmental regulatory agencies, we cannot assure
that our employees or independent contractors will not engage in prohibited conduct under the FCPA. If our operations are found
to be in violation of any current or future statutes, regulations or case law involving applicable fraud and abuse or other healthcare
laws and regulations, we may be subject to significant civil, criminal and administrative penalties, damages, fines, disgorgement,
imprisonment, exclusion from government funded healthcare programs, such as Medicare and Medicaid, contractual damages, reputational
harm, diminished profits and future earnings, and the curtailment or restructuring of our operations, which could adversely affect
our ability to operate our business and our results of operations. If any physicians or other healthcare providers or entities
with whom we expect to do business are found to not be in compliance with applicable laws, they may be subject to criminal, civil
or administrative sanctions, including exclusions from government funded healthcare programs, which could adversely affect our
ability to operate our business and our results of operations.
Unless we pursue an M&A transaction or other business
development opportunities, the long-term growth of our business will depend on our efforts to leverage Trehalose IV to be used
in other indications, which may require substantial financial resources and may ultimately be unsuccessful.
The long-term growth of our business will depend
upon our ability to utilize our proprietary Trehalose IV as a platform to be used in other indications, aside from SCA3 and OPMD,
which is something that we may never achieve or ever receive regulatory approval for. Research programs to identify new target
indications for Trehalose IV require substantial technical, financial and human resources whether or not we ultimately identify
any such applicable indication.
There are a number of FDA, EMA and other health
authority requirements that we must satisfy before we can commence a clinical trial of Trehalose IV in other indications. If we
are able to identify additional potential new indications, satisfaction of these regulatory requirements will entail substantial
time, effort and financial resources. Any time, effort and financial resources we expend on development of other indications may
impair our ability to continue development and commercialization of Trehalose IV for the treatment of OPMD and SCA3. As a result
of such impairments, we may never commence clinical trials of such development programs despite expending significant resources
in pursuit of their development. If we do commence clinical trials of other indications, these product candidates may never demonstrate
sufficient safety and efficacy to be approved by the FDA or other regulatory authorities. If any of these events occur, we may
be forced to abandon our development efforts for such program or programs, which could harm our business.
We may be unable to obtain orphan drug designation or exclusivity
for the use of Trehalose IV for other indications. Even if we obtain orphan drug designation, we may not be able to capitalize
on its benefits.
Our Trehalose IV solution has been granted
orphan designation in the United States and the European Union for the treatment of OPMD and SCA3. Regulatory authorities in some
jurisdictions, including the United States and the European Union, may designate drugs for relatively small patient populations
as orphan drugs. Under the Orphan Drug Act of 1983, or the Orphan Drug Act, the FDA may designate a product candidate as an orphan
drug if it is intended to treat a rare disease or condition, which is generally defined as having a patient population of fewer
than 200,000 individuals diagnosed annually in the United States. In the European Union, the European Commission, after reviewing
the opinion of the EMA’s Committee for Orphan Medicinal Products, or COMP, grants orphan drug designation to promote the
development of products that are intended for the diagnosis, prevention or treatment of a life-threatening or chronically debilitating
condition affecting not more than five in 10,000 persons in the European Union. In the Health Canada proposal, a rare disease is
described as a life-threatening, seriously debilitating, or serious chronic condition that only affects a very small number of
patients, typically less than five in 10,000 persons.
Additionally, orphan drug designation is granted
for products intended for the diagnosis, prevention or treatment of a life-threatening, seriously debilitating or serious and chronic
condition when, without incentives, it is unlikely that sales of the drug would be sufficient to justify the necessary investment
in developing the product candidate. Even if we request orphan drug designation for any future product candidates or other indications
we may develop, there can be no assurances that the FDA or the European Commission will grant any of these product candidates such
designation. Additionally, the orphan drug designation by the FDA of our current or any future product candidates we may develop
as an orphan drug does not guarantee that the FDA will accelerate regulatory review of or ultimately approve that product candidate.
Generally, if a product candidate with an orphan
drug designation subsequently receives the first marketing approval of the indication for which it has such designation, the product
is entitled to a period of marketing exclusivity, which precludes the EMA or the FDA from approving another marketing application
for the same drug and indication for that time period, except in limited circumstances. The applicable period is seven years in
the United States and 10 years in Europe. The European exclusivity period can be reduced to six years if a product no longer meets
the criteria for orphan drug designation or if the product is sufficiently profitable so that market exclusivity is no longer justified.
Orphan drug exclusivity may be lost if the FDA or EMA determines that the request for designation was materially defective or if
the manufacturer is unable to assure sufficient quantity of the product to meet the needs of patients with the rare disease or
condition.
Because the extent and scope of patent protection
for our products may in some cases be limited, orphan drug designation is especially important for our products for which orphan
drug designation may be available. For Trehalose IV, we plan to rely on the exclusivity period under the Orphan Drug Act to maintain
a competitive position. If we do not obtain orphan drug exclusivity for Trehalose IV or any therapeutic candidate designated as
an orphan drug but does not have broad patent protection, our competitors may then sell the same drug to treat the same condition
sooner than if we had obtained orphan drug exclusivity and our revenue will be reduced.
Even though, we may have obtained orphan drug
designation for Trehalose IV in the United States for the treatment of OPMD and SCA3, we may not successfully obtain orphan drug
exclusivity. Any such exclusivity that we do obtain may not effectively protect the product candidate from competition because
different drugs can be approved for the same condition and the same drugs can be approved for different indications and might then
be used off-label in our approved indication. In the United States, even after an orphan drug is approved, the FDA can subsequently
approve another drug for the same condition if the FDA concludes that the later drug is clinically superior in that it is shown
to be safer, more effective or makes a major contribution to patient care. In addition, if our current or any future product candidate
we may develop receives an orphan drug designation is approved for a particular indication or use within the rare disease or condition,
the FDA may later approve the same drug for additional indications or uses within that rare disease or condition that are not protected
by our exclusive approval. As a result, if our product is approved and receives orphan drug status, the FDA can still approve other
drugs for use in treating the same indication or disease covered by our product, which could create a more competitive market for
us.
We currently have no sales organization and a limited pre-commercial/marketing
organization. If we are unable to establish sales and marketing capabilities or enter into agreements with third parties to market
and sell our products that may be approved or cleared for marketing in the future, we may be unable to generate any revenue.
We currently do not have any products that
are approved or cleared for marketing. In the event that Trehalose IV and/or any therapeutic candidate that we may pursue is approved
or cleared for marketing, we may still be unable to generate revenue. Although our management has experience with selling other
similar products in the past while employed at other companies, we as a company have no experience selling and marketing our current
product candidate and we currently have no sales organization and limited pre-commercial/marketing organization. To successfully
commercialize any products that may result from our development programs, we will need to develop these capabilities, either on
our own or with others. If our current product candidate or any future product candidates receive regulatory approval, we intend
to establish a sales and marketing organization with technical expertise and supporting distribution capabilities to commercialize
our product candidates in major markets, which will be expensive, difficult, and time consuming. Any failure or delay in the development
of our internal sales, marketing, and distribution capabilities would adversely impact the commercialization of our products. We
would need to invest resources in this prior to regulatory approval, which may prove to be a waste if such approval cannot be obtained.
Further, given our lack of prior experience
in marketing and selling biotechnological products, our initial estimate of the size of the required sales force may be materially
inadequate when compared to the size of the sales force actually required to effectively commercialize our current and/or future
product candidates. As such, we may be required to hire substantially more sales representatives to adequately support the commercialization
of our current and/or future product candidates or we may incur excess costs as a result of hiring more sales representatives than
necessary. With respect to certain geographical markets, we may enter into collaborations with other entities to utilize their
local marketing and distribution capabilities, but we may be unable to enter into such agreements on favorable terms, if at all.
If our future collaborators do not commit sufficient resources to commercialize our future products, if any, and we are unable
to develop the necessary marketing capabilities on our own, we will be unable to generate sufficient product revenue to sustain
our business. We may be competing with companies that currently have extensive and well-funded marketing and sales operations.
Without an internal team or the support of a third party to perform marketing and sales functions, we may be unable to compete
successfully against these more established companies.
While orphan drug products are typically sold at a high price
relative to other medications, the market may not be receptive to high pricing of our products.
We currently have one product candidate and
may develop additional product candidates to treat rare and ultra-rare diseases, a space where medications are usually sold at
high prices compared with other medications. However, even if regulatory authorities approve any product candidates that we may
develop, the market may not be receptive to, and it may be difficult for us to achieve, a per-patient per-year price high enough
to allow us to realize a return on our investment.
The insurance coverage and reimbursement status of newly-approved
products is uncertain. If we are able to obtain regulatory approval for our product candidates, failure to obtain or maintain adequate
coverage and reimbursement for new or current products could limit our ability to market those products and decrease our ability
to generate revenue.
Our target patient populations are small, and
accordingly the pricing, coverage, and reimbursement of our current and/or future product candidates, if approved, must be adequate
to support our commercial infrastructure. Our per-patient prices must be sufficient to recover our development and manufacturing
costs and potentially achieve profitability. Accordingly, the availability and adequacy of coverage and reimbursement by governmental
and private payers are essential for most patients to be able to afford potentially expensive treatments such as ours, assuming
we are able to obtain regulatory approval for our products. If we are able to obtain regulatory approval, sales of our product
candidates will depend substantially, both domestically and abroad, on the extent to which the costs of our product candidates
will be paid for by health maintenance, managed care, pharmacy benefit, and similar healthcare management organizations, or reimbursed
by government authorities, private health insurers, and other third-party payers. If coverage and reimbursement are not available,
or are available only in limited levels, we may not be able to successfully commercialize our product candidates. Even if coverage
is provided, the approved reimbursement amount may not be high enough to allow us to establish or maintain pricing sufficient to
realize a return on our investment.
There is significant uncertainty related to
the insurance coverage and reimbursement of newly approved products. The process for determining whether a third-party payor will
provide coverage for a product may be separate from the process for setting the reimbursement rate that the payor will pay for
the product. Moreover, a payor’s decision to provide coverage for a product does not imply that an adequate reimbursement
rate will be approved. Third-party payors are increasingly challenging the price and examining the medical necessity and cost-effectiveness
of medical products and services, in addition to their safety and efficacy. In order to obtain coverage and reimbursement for any
product that might obtain regulatory approval, we may need to provide supporting scientific, clinical and cost-effectiveness data
relating to such product, which may be costly and difficult to obtain. Further, in the U.S., the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid
Services, or CMS, and other third-party payors, frequently change product descriptors, coverage policies, product and service codes,
payment methodologies and reimbursement rates. Private payers tend to follow the coverage reimbursement policies and payment limitations
established by CMS to a substantial degree. It is difficult to predict what CMS or any other third-party payor will decide with
respect to reimbursement for products such as ours, assuming we are able to obtain regulatory approval for our products, and any
such policies or payment limitations may be subject to change in the future.
Outside the United States, international operations
are generally subject to extensive governmental price controls and other market regulations, and we believe the increasing emphasis
on cost-containment initiatives in Europe, Canada, and other countries has and will continue to put pressure on the pricing and
usage of any product candidate we attempt to commercialize. In many countries, the prices of medical products are subject to varying
price control mechanisms as part of national health systems. In general, the prices of medicines under such systems are substantially
lower than in the United States. Other countries allow companies to fix their own prices for medicinal products, but monitor and
control company profits. Additional foreign price controls or other changes in pricing regulation could restrict the amount that
we are able to charge for any product candidate that we may develop. Accordingly, in markets outside the United States, the reimbursement
for our products may be reduced compared with the United States and may be insufficient to generate commercially reasonable revenue
and profits.
Moreover, increasing efforts by government
bodies and third-party payers in the United States and abroad to cap or reduce healthcare costs may cause both coverage and the
level of reimbursement for newly approved products to be limited and, as a result, we may not obtain adequate payment or coverage
for our current or any future product candidates. We expect to experience pricing pressures in connection with the sale of our
current product candidate or any future product candidates, if we obtain regulatory approval, due to the trend toward managed healthcare,
the increasing influence of health maintenance organizations, and additional legislative changes. In the U.S., changes in federal
healthcare policy and reforms aimed at lowering healthcare costs were enacted through the Affordable Care Act in 2010 and some
provisions are still being implemented. Some reforms and cost containment measures could result in reduced reimbursement rates
for our product candidates, which would adversely affect our business strategy, operations and financial results. The downward
pressure on healthcare costs in general, particularly prescription drugs and surgical procedures and other treatments, has become
very intense. As a result, increasingly high barriers are being erected to the entry of new products.
Changes to healthcare and FDA laws, regulations and policies
may have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.
United States
In the United States, there have been and continue
to be a number of legislative initiatives to contain healthcare costs and to modify the regulation of drug and biologic products.
For example, the Affordable Care Act, as amended, substantially changed the way health care is financed by both governmental and
private insurers, and significantly impacts the U.S. pharmaceutical industry. The Affordable Care Act, among other things, subjects
biologic products to potential competition by lower-cost biosimilars, addresses a new methodology by which rebates owed by manufacturers
under the Medicaid Drug Rebate Program are calculated for drugs that are inhaled, infused, instilled, implanted or injected, increases
the minimum Medicaid rebates owed by manufacturers under the Medicaid Drug Rebate Program and extends the rebate program to individuals
enrolled in Medicaid managed care organizations, and establishes annual fees and taxes on manufacturers of certain branded prescription
drugs. Implementation of the Affordable Care Act remains ongoing, and there remains uncertainty as to how the law’s various
provisions will ultimately affect the industry and whether the law will remain in place.
Other legislative changes have been adopted
in the United States, including the Cures Act and the Budget Control Act of 2011, or the Budget Act, signed into law in 2011. The
Cures Act introduced a wide range of reforms and the Budget Act, among other things, required reductions in federal spending, which
eventually triggered Medicare sequestration—the requirement to reduce Medicare payments to providers up to 2% per fiscal
year. In 2013, the 2% Medicare payment reductions were applied to fee-for-service claims with dates of service or dates of discharge
on or after April 1, 2013. Sequestration was initially set to expire in fiscal year 2021 but has been extended to 2025.
We expect that additional state and federal
healthcare reform measures and regulations could be adopted in the future, including proposals to reduce the exclusivity protections
provided to already approved biological products and to provide biosimilar and interchangeable biologic products an easier path
to approval. Any of these measures and regulations could limit the amounts that federal and state governments will pay for healthcare
products and services, result in reduced demand for our product candidates or additional pricing pressures and affect our product
development, testing, marketing approvals and post-market activities.
European Union
In the EU, the European Commission has adopted
detailed rules for the safety features appearing on the packaging of medicinal products for human use. The regulations set forth
the rules for the features appearing on the packaging of these medicinal products, including, among other things, the characteristics
and technical specifications of the unique identifier that enables the authenticity of medicinal products to be verified and individual
packs to be identified, the modalities for the verification of the safety features, and the list of medicinal products and product
categories subject and not subject to prescription which shall not bear and bear (respectively) safety features.
The European Commission has also launched
a series of public consultations that are aimed at the adoption of notices and guidelines which will serve the interpretation of
currently applicable regulations and directives. For example, between August 2015 and December 2016, the European Commission
launched public consultations which concerned good manufacturing practices, clinical trials for human medicinal products, and orphan
medicinal products. The purpose of the consultation on orphan medicinal products (which will be replaced with a Notice) is
to streamline the regulatory framework and to adapt the applicable regulations to technical progress. The consultation focuses
on a variety of elements of Regulation (EC) No 141/2000, which include the encouragement of development of orphan medicinal products
for communicable diseases and the simplification of the procedure for the reassessment of orphan criteria when two authorization
application procedures are pending in parallel for two orphan medicinal products. If we are not able to adhere to the rules and
guidelines of the European Commission and other EU regulatory bodies, our business might sustain adverse effects.
We may not be able to maintain our current product liability
coverage, and, even if we do, our coverage may not be adequate to cover any or all liabilities that we may incur, which could decrease
our cash and harm our business.
We currently have $10 million in product liability
insurance coverage in the aggregate, which may not be adequate to cover any or all liabilities that we may incur. Insurance coverage
is increasingly expensive. We may not be able to maintain insurance coverage at a reasonable cost or in an amount adequate to satisfy
any liability that may arise. We intend to expand our product liability insurance coverage to include the sale of commercial products
if we obtain marketing approval of Trehalose IV and any future product candidates we may develop, but we may be unable to obtain
commercially reasonable product liability insurance for these product candidates, if approved for marketing. Large judgments have
been awarded in class action lawsuits based on drugs that had unanticipated side effects. A successful product liability claim
or series of claims brought against us, particularly if judgments exceed our insurance coverage, could decrease our cash and harm
our business, and in the extreme case, cause us to shut down. In addition, we may not be able to maintain sufficient insurance
coverage at an acceptable cost or otherwise to protect against potential product liability claims, which could prevent or inhibit
the commercial production and sale of our products.
Additionally, if any claims are brought against
us, even if we are fully covered by insurance, we may suffer harm such as adverse publicity. We also could suffer diversion of
attention of technical and management personnel and incur substantial costs in resolving disputes, including litigation, with our
insurance provider regarding coverage.
Risks Related to our Reliance on Third Parties
We will rely in the future on third parties to conduct our
nonclinical studies, clinical trials, drug product manufacturing and other research and development activities. If these third
parties do not appropriately carry out their contractual duties, fail to conduct high-quality studies or meet expected deadlines,
regulatory approval and commercialization of Trehalose IV or any future candidates we may develop could be delayed or not obtained
at all.
We do not have the ability to conduct all of
our clinical trials independently. We relied in the past and plan to rely on third parties, including clinical investigators, third-party
CROs, labs and consultants, to monitor, manage and protect sensitive data for, and execute our ongoing nonclinical and planned
clinical programs for Trehalose IV and other potential product candidates. We currently have only two employees, and will need
to hire additional employees in order to identify and monitor our third-party providers. Nevertheless, as we did in the past, we
plan to be responsible for ensuring that each of our nonclinical studies and clinical trials are conducted, not only in accordance
with contractual obligations, but also in accordance with the applicable protocol and legal, regulatory and scientific requirements
and standards, including, for example, Good Laboratory Practices, the Animal Welfare Act and Good Clinical Practices, or GCPs.
In addition, we rely on their policies and standard operating procedures. In addition, we may be responsible for maintaining compliance
with applicable federal and state regulations that impose requirements related to privacy and security of health information, including
those promulgated pursuant to HIPAA. Our reliance on third parties does not relieve us of our regulatory responsibilities. Regulatory
authorities enforce GCPs and other standards through periodic inspections of trial sponsors, principal investigators and trial
sites. If we or any of these third parties fail to comply with applicable GCPs and other standards, the clinical data generated
in our clinical trials may be deemed unreliable and the relevant regulatory authorities may require us to perform additional clinical
trials in support of our regulatory approval applications. We cannot assure you that upon inspection by a given regulatory authority,
such regulatory authority will determine that any of our clinical trials comply with GCP requirements and other standards. Failure
to comply with these regulations may require us to repeat nonclinical studies and clinical trials, which would delay the regulatory
approval process. If the quality or accuracy of the data they obtain is compromised due to the failure to adhere to our protocols,
regulatory requirements or for other reasons, our nonclinical studies and clinical trials may be extended, delayed or terminated
and we may not be able to obtain regulatory approval of or successfully commercialize Trehalose IV and any future product candidates
we may develop. Additionally, we must ensure that our contracts with third parties are at an affordable price. As a result, our
results of operations and the commercial prospects for our current and/or future product candidates could be harmed, our costs
could increase and our ability to generate revenues could be delayed. To the extent we are unable to identify and successfully
manage the performance of third-party service providers in the future, our business may be adversely affected.
We will rely completely on third parties to manufacture Trehalose
IV. Our business could be harmed if those third parties fail to provide us with sufficient quantities of Trehalose IV, or fail
to do so at acceptable quality levels.
We did not have in the past, nor do we plan
to acquire, the infrastructure or internal capability to manufacture our nonclinical and clinical drug supplies for use in the
conduct of our nonclinical and clinical trials, and we lack the resources and the capability to manufacture Trehalose IV on a clinical
or, if approved, commercial scale. In specific instances we may rely on a single provider or manufacturer for a product candidate.
For example, the raw materials used to manufacture our Trehalose IV solution product candidate are acquired from a single third
party drug products supplier. Additionally, our Trehalose IV solution is manufactured by a single third party manufacturer. There
are a limited number of suppliers for raw materials that are used to manufacture trehalose, and there may be a need to identify
alternate suppliers to prevent a possible disruption of the manufacture of the materials necessary to produce any product candidate
we are developing for our clinical trials, and, if approved, ultimately for commercial sale. Any significant delay or discontinuity
in the supply of a product candidate, or the raw material components thereof, for an ongoing clinical trial due to the need to
replace a third-party manufacturer could considerably delay completion of our clinical trials.
In the event that the FDA believes that Trehalose
IV and/or any future therapeutic candidate that we may develop in the future, is approvable, our contract manufacturers would be
audited by the FDA before approving our NDA. We will rely on our contract manufacturing partners for compliance with cGMPs for
manufacture of both API and finished drug products. These cGMP regulations and other relevant standards cover all aspects of the
manufacturing, testing, quality control and record keeping relating to Trehalose IV. If our contract manufacturers cannot successfully
manufacture material that conforms to our specifications and the strict regulatory requirements of the FDA or others, we will not
be able to secure and/or maintain regulatory approval of our product candidate being manufactured at their manufacturing facilities
or have sufficient quantities to meet market demands. If the FDA or a comparable foreign regulatory authority finds deficiencies
at these facilities, we may need to find alternative manufacturing facilities, which would significantly impact our ability to
develop, obtain regulatory approval of or market Trehalose IV, if approved.
If, for any reason, these third parties are
unable or unwilling to perform, we may not be able to terminate our agreements with them, and we may not be able to locate alternative
manufacturers or formulators or enter into favorable agreements with them and we cannot be certain that any such third parties
will have the manufacturing capacity to meet future requirements. If these manufacturers or any alternate manufacturer of finished
drug product experiences any significant difficulties in its respective manufacturing processes for our API or finished Trehalose
IV product or should cease doing business with us, we could experience significant interruptions in the supply of Trehalose IV
or may not be able to create a supply of Trehalose IV at all. Our inability to coordinate the efforts of our third-party manufacturing
partners, or the lack of capacity available at our third-party manufacturing partners, could impair our ability to supply Trehalose
IV at required levels. Due to the significant regulatory requirements that we would need to satisfy in order to qualify a new bulk
or finished product manufacturer, if we face these or other difficulties with our current manufacturing partners, we could experience
significant interruptions in the supply of Trehalose IV if we decided to transfer the manufacture of Trehalose IV to one or more
alternative manufacturers in an effort to deal with the difficulties.
In the event that Trehalose IV and/or any future
product candidates that we may pursue is approved or cleared for marketing, manufacturers may not have the experience or ability
manufacture those products at commercial levels. We may run into technical or scientific issues related to manufacturing or development
that we may be unable to resolve in a timely manner or with available funds.
If the manufacturing costs of Trehalose IV
remain at current levels, these costs may significantly impact our operating results. In order to reduce costs, we may need to
develop and implement process improvements. However, in order to do so, we will need, from time to time, to notify or make submissions
with regulatory authorities, and the improvements may be subject to approval by such regulatory authorities. We cannot be sure
that we will receive these necessary approvals or that these approvals will be granted in a timely fashion. We also cannot guarantee
that we will be able to enhance and optimize output in our commercial manufacturing process, as any deviations from normal manufacturing
processes, for Trehalose IV and any other product candidate we may develop, could result in reduced production yields, product
defects, and other supply disruptions. If we cannot enhance and optimize output, we may not be able to reduce our costs over time.
Risks Related to Our Intellectual Property
If we are unable to obtain and maintain effective patent and
other intellectual property rights for our product candidates or any future product candidates, we may not be able to compete effectively
in our markets.
We rely upon a combination of patents, trade
secret protection, and confidentiality agreements to protect the intellectual property related to our technologies and product
candidates. Our success depends in large part on our and our licensors’ ability to obtain and maintain patent and other intellectual
property protection in the United States and in other countries around the world with respect to our proprietary technology and
products.
We have sought to protect our proprietary position
by filing patent applications in the United States and abroad related to our novel technologies, methods of treatments, formulations
and products that are important to our business. This process is expensive, time consuming and inherently uncertain. We may not
be able to file and prosecute all necessary or desirable patent applications at a reasonable cost or in a timely manner. It is
also possible that we will fail to identify patentable aspects of our research and development output before it is too late to
obtain patent protection. It is also possible that some of our filed applications may not result in issued patents.
There is no assurance that all potentially
relevant prior art relating to our patents and patent applications has been found, which can invalidate a patent or prevent a patent
from issuing from a pending patent application. Publications of discoveries in the scientific literature often lag behind the actual
discoveries, and patent applications in the United States and other jurisdictions are typically not published until 18 months after
filing, or are published in a foreign language or in some cases not at all. We therefore cannot be certain that we or our licensors
were the first to make the invention claimed in our owned and licensed patents or pending applications, or that we or any of our
licensors were the first to file for patent protection of such inventions before any prior publication. Even if patents do successfully
issue, and even if such patents cover our product candidates, third parties may challenge their validity, enforceability, or scope,
which may result in such patents being narrowed, found unenforceable or invalidated. Furthermore, even if they are unchallenged,
our patents and patent applications may not adequately protect our intellectual property, provide exclusivity for our product candidates,
or prevent others from designing around our claims.
If we cannot obtain and maintain effective
patent rights for our product candidates, we may not be able to compete effectively and our business and results of operations
could be harmed.
Patent policy and rule changes could increase the uncertainties
and costs surrounding the prosecution of our patent applications and the value, enforcement or defense of our issued patents.
Changes in either the patent laws or interpretation
of the patent laws in the United States and other countries may diminish the value of our patents or narrow the scope of our patent
protection. The United States has recently enacted and is currently implementing wide-ranging patent reform legislation. Recent
U.S. Supreme Court rulings have narrowed the scope of patent protection available in certain circumstances and weakened the rights
of patent owners in certain situations. In addition to increasing uncertainty with regard to our ability to obtain patents in the
future, this combination of events has created uncertainty with respect to the value of patents, once obtained. Depending on future
actions by the U.S. Congress, the federal courts and the USPTO, the laws and regulations governing patents could change in unpredictable
ways that would weaken our ability to obtain new patents or to enforce our existing patents and patents that we might obtain in
the future. The laws and courts of foreign countries also may not protect our rights to the same extent as the laws and courts
of the United States.
If we are unable to maintain effective proprietary rights
for our product candidate or any future product candidates, we may not be able to compete effectively in our markets.
In addition to the protection afforded by patents,
we rely on trade secret protection and confidentiality agreements to protect proprietary know-how that is not patentable or that
we elect not to patent, processes for which patents are difficult to obtain or to enforce and any other elements of our product
candidate discovery and development processes that involve proprietary know-how, information or technology that is not covered
by patents. Trade secrets, however, can be difficult to protect. We seek to protect our proprietary technology and processes, in
part, by entering into confidentiality agreements with our employees, consultants, scientific advisors, and contractors. We also
seek to preserve the integrity and confidentiality of our data and trade secrets by maintaining physical security of our premises
and physical and electronic security of our information technology systems. While we have confidence in these individuals, organizations
and systems, agreements or security measures may be breached, and we may not have adequate remedies for any breach. In addition,
our trade secrets may otherwise become known or be independently discovered by competitors. There are different laws of varying
scope and strength that protect trade secrets in every state of the U.S., as well as foreign countries, and depending on what acts
occur where, or what law applies to a given situation, the trade secret may not be recognized as a trade secret, many not fall
under a confidentiality agreement, or may be found insufficient by a court ruling on such a dispute over trade secrets or other
proprietary information.
Although we expect all of our employees and
consultants to assign their inventions to us, and all of our employees, consultants, advisors, and any third parties who have access
to our proprietary know-how, information, or technology to enter into confidentiality agreements, we cannot provide any assurances
that our trade secrets and other confidential proprietary information will not be disclosed or that competitors will not otherwise
gain access to our trade secrets or independently develop substantially equivalent information and techniques. Misappropriation
or unauthorized disclosure of our trade secrets could impair our competitive position and may have a material adverse effect on
our business. Additionally, if the steps taken to maintain our trade secrets are deemed inadequate, we may have insufficient recourse
against third parties for misappropriating the trade secret.
We may not be successful in obtaining or maintaining necessary
rights to our product candidate through acquisitions and in-licenses.
While we currently have three issued patents
and other pending patent applications, our programs may require the use of intellectual proprietary rights held by third parties.
Accordingly, the growth of our business may depend in part on our ability to acquire, in-license, maintain or use these proprietary
rights. In addition, our current and/or future product candidates may require specific formulations to work effectively and efficiently
and the rights to these formulations may be held by others. We may be unable to acquire or in-license any compositions, methods
of use, processes, or other third-party intellectual property rights from third parties that we identify as necessary for our current
and/or future product candidates. The licensing and acquisition of third-party intellectual property rights is a competitive area,
and a number of more established companies are also pursuing strategies to license or acquire third-party intellectual property
rights that we may consider attractive. These established companies may have a competitive advantage over us due to their size,
cash resources, and greater clinical development and commercialization capabilities.
If we are unable to successfully obtain rights
to required third-party intellectual property rights, we may have to abandon development of that program and our business and financial
condition could suffer.
We may be involved in lawsuits to protect or enforce our patents
or confidential information, which could be expensive, time consuming, and unsuccessful.
Competitors may infringe our patents or the
patents of our licensors, or misappropriate our confidential information. If we or one of our licensing partners were to initiate
legal proceedings against a third party to enforce a patent or confidential information covering or related to a product candidate
we develop, the defendant could counterclaim that the patent covering our product candidate is invalid and/or unenforceable or
that the confidential information is not confidential or otherwise not protectable. In patent litigation in the United States,
defendant counterclaims alleging invalidity and/or unenforceability are commonplace. Grounds for a validity challenge could be
an alleged failure to meet any of several statutory requirements, including lack of novelty, obviousness, or non-enablement. Grounds
for an unenforceability assertion could be an allegation that someone connected with prosecution of the patent withheld relevant
information from the USPTO, or made a misleading statement, during prosecution. The outcome following legal assertions of invalidity
and unenforceability is unpredictable.
Interference or other post-grant proceedings
provoked by third parties or brought by us or declared by the USPTO may be necessary to determine the priority or patentability
of inventions with respect to our patents or patent applications or those of our licensors. An unfavorable outcome could require
us to cease using the related technology or to attempt to license rights to it from the prevailing party, or might eliminate the
key claim coverage of a product, process, or proposed technology. Depending on the proceeding, our business could be harmed if
the prevailing party does not offer us a license on commercially reasonable terms. Our defense of litigation, or interference or
other post-grant proceedings may fail and, even if successful, may result in substantial costs and distract our management and
other employees. In addition, the uncertainties associated with litigation and post-grant proceedings at the PTO or equivalent
patent office in any other jurisdiction could have a material adverse effect on our ability to raise the funds necessary to continue
our clinical trials, continue our research programs, license necessary technology from third parties, or enter into development
partnerships that would help us bring our current and/or future product candidates to market.
Furthermore, because of the substantial amount
of discovery required in connection with any type of intellectual property litigation or even the more limited discovery in a post-grant
proceeding, there is a risk that some of our confidential information could be compromised by disclosure during this type of litigation
or proceeding. There could also be public announcements of the results of hearings, motions, or other interim proceedings or developments.
If securities analysts or investors perceive these results to be negative, it could have a material adverse effect on the price
of our Ordinary Shares.
We may be subject to claims that our employees, consultants,
or independent contractors have wrongfully used or disclosed confidential information of third parties or that our employees have
wrongfully used or disclosed alleged trade secrets of their former employers.
In the past we employed, and we plan to employ
in the future individuals who were previously employed at universities or other biotechnology or pharmaceutical companies, including
our competitors or potential competitors. Although we try to ensure that our employees, consultants, and independent contractors
do not use the proprietary information or know-how of others in their work for us, we may be subject to claims that we or our employees,
consultants, or independent contractors have inadvertently or otherwise used or disclosed intellectual property, including trade
secrets or other proprietary information, of any of our employee’s former employer or other third parties. Litigation may
be necessary to defend against these claims. If we fail in defending any such claims, in addition to paying monetary damages or
be subjected to a court order, we may lose valuable intellectual property rights or personnel, which could adversely impact our
business. Even if we are successful in defending against such claims, litigation could result in substantial costs and be a distraction
to management and other employees.
We may be subject to claims challenging the inventorship or
ownership of our patents and other intellectual property.
We may be subject to claims that former employees,
collaborators or other third parties have an interest in our patents or other intellectual property as an inventor or co-inventor,
or that such third party owns the patent or intellectual property rights. For example, we may have inventorship or ownership disputes
arise from conflicting obligations of consultants or others who are involved in developing our current or any future product candidates.
Litigation may be necessary to defend against these and other claims challenging inventorship or ownership. If we fail in defending
any such claims, in addition to paying monetary damages, we may lose valuable intellectual property rights, such as exclusive ownership
of, or right to use, valuable intellectual property. Such an outcome could have a material adverse effect on our business. Even
if we are successful in defending against such claims, litigation or patent office proceedings could result in substantial costs
and be a distraction to management and other employees. Therefore, we may receive less revenue from future products if such claims
are successful which in turn could impact our future profitability.
We may not be able to protect our intellectual property rights
throughout the world.
Competitors may use our technologies in jurisdictions
where we have not obtained patent protection to develop their own products and may also export otherwise infringing products to
territories where we have patent protection, but enforcement is not as strong as that in the United States. These products may
compete with our products, and our patents or other intellectual property rights may not be effective or sufficient to prevent
them from competing.
Many companies have encountered significant
problems in protecting, enforcing, and defending intellectual property rights in foreign jurisdictions. The legal systems of certain
countries, particularly certain developing countries, do not favor the enforcement of patents, trade secrets, and other intellectual
property protection, particularly those relating to biotechnology products, which could make it difficult for us to stop the infringement
of our patents or marketing of competing products in violation of our proprietary rights generally. Proceedings to enforce our
patent rights in foreign jurisdictions, whether or not successful, could result in substantial costs and divert our efforts and
attention from other aspects of our business, could put our patents at risk of being invalidated or interpreted narrowly and our
patent applications at risk of not issuing and could provoke third parties to assert claims against us. We may not prevail in any
lawsuits or post-grant proceedings that we initiate and the damages or other remedies awarded to us if we prevail, if any, may
not be commercially meaningful. Accordingly, our efforts to enforce our intellectual property rights around the world may be inadequate
to obtain a significant commercial advantage from the intellectual property that we develop or license.
Our reliance on third parties requires us to share our trade
secrets, which increases the possibility that a competitor will discover them or that our trade secrets will be misappropriated
or disclosed.
Because we will rely on third parties to develop
and manufacture our current product candidate, we must, at times, share trade secrets with them. We seek to protect our proprietary
technology in part by entering into confidentiality agreements and, if applicable, material transfer agreements, collaborative
research agreements, consulting agreements, or other similar agreements with our collaborators, advisors, employees, and consultants
prior to beginning research or disclosing proprietary information. These agreements typically limit the rights of the third parties
to use or disclose our confidential information, such as trade secrets. Despite the contractual provisions employed when working
with third parties, the need to share trade secrets and other confidential information increases the risk that such trade secrets
become known by our competitors, are inadvertently incorporated into the technology of others, or are disclosed or used in violation
of these agreements. Given that our proprietary position is based, in part, on our know-how and trade secrets, a competitor’s
discovery of our trade secrets or other unauthorized use or disclosure would impair our competitive position and may have a material
adverse effect on our business.
Risks Related to Our Business Operations
Our future success depends in part on our ability to retain
our executive officers and management level employees and to attract, retain, and motivate other qualified personnel.
Our ability to compete in the highly competitive
pharmaceuticals industry depends in large part upon our ability to attract and retain highly qualified managerial, pre-commercial,
scientific and medical personnel. We are highly dependent on our management personnel. In order to induce valuable employees to
remain with us, we have provided employees with stock options that vest over time. The value to employees of stock options that
vest over time is significantly affected by movements in our stock price that we cannot control and, together with our other compensation
programs and benefits, may at any time be insufficient to counteract more lucrative offers from other companies.
We are highly dependent on Fredric Price, our
Executive Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer and Dr. Warren Wasiewski, our Chief Medical Officer and Vice President
of Research and Development. These executives have significant management and research and development, regulatory industry and/or
corporate finance experience. The loss of either of these executive would impair our ability to identify, develop and market new
products and conduct successful operations.
Our business and operations would
suffer in the event of computer system failures, cyber-attacks on our systems or deficiency in our cyber security measures.
Despite the implementation of security
measures, our internal computer systems, and those of third parties on which we rely, are vulnerable to damage from computer viruses,
unauthorized access, malware, natural disasters, fire, terrorism, war and telecommunication, electrical failures, cyber-attacks
or cyber-intrusions over the Internet, attachments to emails, persons inside our organization, or persons with access to systems
inside our organization. The risk of a security breach or disruption, particularly through cyber-attacks or cyber intrusion, including
by computer hackers, foreign governments, and cyber terrorists, has generally increased as the number, intensity and sophistication
of attempted attacks and intrusions from around the world have increased. To the extent that any disruption or security breach
results in a loss of or damage to our data or applications, or inappropriate disclosure of confidential or proprietary information,
we could incur liability due to lost revenues resulting from the unauthorized use or theft of sensitive business information, remediation
costs, and litigation risks including potential regulatory action by governmental authorities. In addition, any such disruption,
security breach or other incident could delay the further development of our future product candidates due to theft or corruption
of our proprietary data or other loss of information. Our business and operations could also be harmed by any reputational damage
with customers, investors or third parties with whom we work, and our competitive position could be adversely impacted.
If our development and commercialization plans
and strategies develop, we expect to need additional managerial, operational, sales, marketing, financial, legal, research, and
other resources. Our management may need to divert a disproportionate amount of its attention away from our day-to-day activities
and devote a substantial amount of time to managing these growth activities. Our growth could require significant capital expenditures
and may divert financial resources from other projects, such as the development of additional product candidates.
In addition, failure to succeed in nonclinical
or clinical trials may make it more challenging to recruit and retain qualified personnel. The inability to recruit and retain
qualified personnel, or the loss of the services of these executives without proper replacement, may impede the progress of our
overall growth.
If this were to occur, our expenses could increase more than expected, our ability to generate
and/or grow revenue could be reduced and we could face challenges in implementing our business strategy. No recruitment is anticipated
while the Company is engaged with JSB-Partners to affect a business transaction.
Our employees, independent contractors, consultants, commercial
partners, principal investigators, CROs and vendors may engage in misconduct or other improper activities, including noncompliance
with regulatory standards and requirements, which could cause significant liability for us and harm our reputation.
We are exposed to the risk that our employees,
independent contractors, consultants, commercial partners, principal investigators, CROs and vendors may engage in fraudulent conduct
or other misconduct, including intentional failures to comply with FDA regulations or similar regulations of comparable foreign
regulatory authorities, to provide accurate information to the FDA or comparable foreign regulatory authorities, to comply with
regulations pertaining to clinical trials, to comply with manufacturing standards we have established, to comply with federal and
state healthcare fraud and abuse laws and regulations and similar laws and regulations established and enforced by comparable foreign
regulatory authorities, and to report financial information or data accurately or disclose unauthorized activities to us. The misconduct
of our employees and contractors could also involve the improper use of information obtained in the course of clinical trials and
other research and development activities, which could result in regulatory sanctions and serious harm to our reputation. In connection
with our initial public offering, we implemented a code of conduct and ethics for our directors, officers and employees, but it
is not always possible to identify and deter such misconduct, and the precautions we take to detect and prevent this activity may
not be effective in controlling unknown or unmanaged risks or losses or in protecting us from governmental investigations or other
actions or lawsuits stemming from a failure to be in compliance with such laws or regulations. If any such actions are instituted
against us, and we are not successful in defending ourselves or asserting our rights, those actions could have a significant impact
on our business and results of operations, including the imposition of significant fines or other sanctions.
We incur significant costs as a result of operating as a public
company, and our management is required to devote substantial time to new compliance initiatives.
As a public company, we incur significant legal,
accounting, and other expenses. In addition, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection
Act, as well as rules subsequently implemented by the SEC and the Nasdaq Stock Market, or Nasdaq, have imposed various requirements
on public companies. New laws and regulations as well as changes to existing laws and regulations affecting public companies, including
the provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, and changes in required accounting practices and rules adopted by the SEC and by Nasdaq,
would likely result in increased costs to us as we respond to their requirements.
Emerging growth companies may implement some
of these requirements over a longer period and up to five years from the date of their initial public offering. We are taking advantage
of this legislation but cannot guarantee that we will not be required to implement these requirements sooner than budgeted or planned
and thereby incur unexpected expenses. Shareholder activism, the current political environment, and the current high level of government
intervention and regulatory reform may lead to substantial new regulations and disclosure obligations, which may lead to additional
compliance costs and impact the manner in which we operate our business in ways we cannot currently anticipate. Our management
and other personnel will need to devote a substantial amount of time to these compliance initiatives. Moreover, these rules and
regulations have increased our legal and financial compliance costs and will make some activities more time consuming and costly.
For example, these rules and regulations make it more difficult and more expensive for us to obtain director and officer liability
insurance and we may be required to incur substantial costs to maintain our current levels of such coverage.
The Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires, among other
things, that we maintain effective internal control over financial reporting and disclosure controls and procedures. In particular,
pursuant to Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, we are required to perform system and process evaluation and testing of our
internal control over financial reporting to allow management to report on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial
reporting. Our testing may reveal deficiencies in our internal control over financial reporting that are deemed to be material
weaknesses. Our compliance with the SEC’s rules requires that we incur substantial accounting expense and expend significant
management efforts. Per Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, we are required to disclose if we maintain effective disclosure
controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting. Nevertheless, for so long as we remain an emerging growth
company, as defined in the JOBS Act, we are not required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404 of
the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.
Our internal control over financial reporting
will not prevent or detect all errors and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only
reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the control system’s objectives will be met. Because of the inherent limitations
in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that misstatements due to error or fraud will
not occur or that all control issues and instances of fraud will be detected. Moreover, if we are not able to comply with the SEC’s
requirements in a timely manner or if we identify or our independent registered public accounting firm identifies deficiencies
in our internal control over financial reporting that are deemed to be material weaknesses, we may not be able to produce timely
and accurate financial statements. As a result we would be required to place additional financial and management resources on solving
the issue. Moreover, if any of the aforementioned were to occur, the market price of our Ordinary Shares could decline and we could
be subject to sanctions or investigations by the stock exchange on which our Ordinary Shares is listed, the SEC or other regulatory
authorities.
Compliance with changing European privacy
laws could require us to incur significant costs or experience significant business disruption and failure to so comply could result
in an adverse impact on our business.
In Europe, Directive 95/46/EC of the European
Parliament and of the Council of 24 October 1995 on the protection of individuals with regard to the processing of personal data
and on the free movement of such data, or the Directive, has required European Union member states to implement data protection
laws to meet the strict privacy requirements of the Directive. Among other requirements, the Directive regulates transfers of personally
identifiable data that is subject to the Directive, or Personal Data, to countries such as the United States, that have not been
found to provide adequate protection to such Personal Data. We have not in the past and cannot in the future rely upon adherence
to the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Safe Harbor Privacy Principles and compliance with the U.S.-EU and U.S.-Swiss Safe Harbor
Frameworks as agreed to and set forth by the U.S. Department of Commerce, and the European Union and Switzerland, which established
a means for legitimating the transfer of Personal Data by data controllers in the European Economic Area, or the EEA, to the United
States. As a result of the October 6, 2015 European Union Court of Justice, or ECJ, opinion in Case C-362/14 (Schrems v. Data Protection
Commissioner) regarding the adequacy of the U.S.-EU Safe Harbor Framework, the U.S. – EU Safe Harbor Framework is no longer
deemed to be a valid method of compliance with requirements set forth in the Directive (and member states’ implementations
thereof) regarding the transfer of Personal Data outside of the EEA. In addition, in May 2016, the European Union adopted the General
Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”) that will impose more stringent data protection requirements and will provide for
greater penalties for noncompliance beginning in May 2018.
Recently, it was announced that negotiators
from Europe and the United States reached political agreement on a successor to the Safe Harbor framework that will be referred
to as the EU-US Privacy Shield. However, we cannot predict when all of the details regarding the Privacy Shield program will be
finalized and a procedure is introduced to allow interested companies to participate in the program. While the details regarding
the Privacy Shield program continue to be finalized, we will continue to face uncertainty as to whether our efforts to comply with
our obligations under European privacy laws will be sufficient. If we are investigated by a European data protection authority,
we may face fines and other penalties. Any such investigation or charges by European data protection authorities could have a negative
effect on our existing business and on our ability to attract and retain new customers. We may be unsuccessful in establishing
conforming means of transferring data from the EEA, including due to ongoing legislative activity, which may vary the current data
protection landscape.
The Directive may be replaced in time with
the pending European General Data Protection Regulation, which may impose additional obligations and risk upon our business and
which may increase substantially the penalties to which we could be subject in the event of any non-compliance. We may incur substantial
expense in complying with the new obligations to be imposed by the European General Data Protection Regulation and we may be required
to make significant changes in our operations, all of which may adversely affect our business.
If we fail to comply with environmental, health and safety
laws and regulations, we could become subject to fines or penalties or incur costs that could have a material adverse effect on
the success of our business.
Our research and development activities and
our third-party manufacturers’ and suppliers’ activities will involve the controlled storage, use, and disposal of
hazardous materials, including the components of our product candidate and other hazardous compounds. We and our manufacturers
and suppliers are subject to laws and regulations governing the use, manufacture, storage, handling, and disposal of these hazardous
materials. In some cases, these hazardous materials and various wastes resulting from their use are stored at our and our manufacturers’
facilities pending their use and disposal. We cannot eliminate the risk of contamination, which could cause an interruption of
our commercialization efforts, research and development efforts and business operations, environmental damage resulting in costly
clean-up and liabilities under applicable laws and regulations governing the use, storage, handling, and disposal of these materials
and specified waste products. Although we believe that the safety procedures utilized by our third-party manufacturers for handling
and disposing of these materials generally comply with the standards prescribed by these laws and regulations, we cannot guarantee
that this is the case or eliminate the risk of accidental contamination or injury from these materials. In such an event, we may
be held liable for any resulting damages, such liability could exceed our resources and state or federal or other applicable authorities
may curtail our use of certain materials and/or interrupt our business operations. Furthermore, environmental laws and regulations
are complex, change frequently, and have tended to become more stringent. We cannot predict the impact of such changes and cannot
be certain of our future compliance. We do not currently carry biological or hazardous waste insurance coverage.
Security breaches and other disruptions could compromise our
information and expose us to liability, which would cause our business and reputation to suffer.
We collect and store sensitive data, including
intellectual property, our proprietary business information and that of our manufacturers, business partners, healthcare professionals
and patients. This includes, where required or permitted by applicable laws, personally identifiable information. The secure maintenance
of this information is critical to our operations and business strategy. Despite our security measures, our information technology
and infrastructure may be vulnerable to attacks by hackers or breached due to employee error, malfeasance or other disruptions.
Any such breach could compromise our networks and the information stored there could be accessed, publicly disclosed, lost or stolen.
Any such access, disclosure or other loss of information could result in legal claims or proceedings, liability under laws that
protect the privacy of personal information, disrupt our operations, and damage our reputation which could adversely affect our
business.
Exchange rate fluctuations between the U.S. dollar and non-U.S.
currencies may negatively affect our results of operations.
The U.S. dollar is our functional and reporting
currency; however, a portion of our operations are currently conducted in Israel and a portion of the Israeli expenses are currently
paid or denominated in NIS. We also contract with CROs internationally, primarily for the execution of clinical trials and manufacturing
activities. A portion of these transactions are settled in Euros or Great British Pounds, or GBPs. As a result, we are exposed
to the risk that the NIS, Euro or GBP may appreciate relative to the U.S. dollar, or, if the NIS, Euro or GBP instead devalue relative
to the U.S. dollar, that the relative inflation rate may exceed such rate of devaluation, or that the timing of such devaluation
may lag behind the relative inflation. In any such event, the U.S. dollar cost of our operations in Israel and transactions with
certain CROs and other third parties would increase and our U.S. dollar-denominated results of operations would be adversely affected.
To date, we have not engaged in hedging transactions. In the future, we may enter into currency hedging transactions to decrease
the risk of financial exposure from fluctuations in the exchange rates of our principal operating currencies. These measures, however,
may not adequately protect us from the material adverse effects of such fluctuations. If the U.S. dollar cost of our operations
increases, our U.S. dollar-measured results of operations will be adversely affected. See Item 5 - “Operating and Financial
Review and Prospects - Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk.”
Risks Related to the Ownership of Our Ordinary
Shares
Nasdaq has stock market listing standards
for share prices and market capitalization, and failure to comply with the standards might result in our Ordinary Shares being
de-listed from the Nasdaq Capital Market.
On March 10, 2017, we announced
that the Nasdaq Listing Qualifications Department notified us that we were subject to potential delisting from the Nasdaq Global
Market because our stockholders’ equity did not satisfy the Nasdaq Global Market continued listing requirements as set forth
in Nasdaq Stock Market Rule 5450(b)(1)(A), which requires a minimum of $10,000,000 in stockholders’ equity. The notification
provided us until April 20, 2017 to submit to Nasdaq a plan to regain compliance with the aforementioned Nasdaq rule.
On April 17, 2017, we timely notified the Nasdaq
Listing Qualifications Department of our intention to transfer the listing of our Ordinary Shares to the Nasdaq Capital Market,
which requires a minimum of $2,500,000 in stockholders’ equity for continued listing.
On the same date, April
17, 2017, we announced that we received an additional notice from the Nasdaq Listing Qualifications Department advising us that
we were not in compliance with Nasdaq’s requirement that listed securities maintain a minimum bid price of $1.00 per share
as set forth in the Nasdaq Stock Market Rule 5450(a)(1). This requirement applied irrespective of our transfer of Ordinary Shares
from Nasdaq’s Global Market to Nasdaq’s Capital Market. We were afforded a 180 day period, until October 9, 2017, to
regain compliance with the $1.00 minimum bid price requirement.
On September 25, 2017,
we announced the effectiveness of a five to one reverse split of our share capital, as approved by our shareholders at an Extraordinary
General Meeting on September 18, 2017. The reverse split was intended to increase the per-share trading price of our Ordinary Shares
in order to satisfy the $1.00 minimum bid price requirement for continued listing on the Nasdaq Capital Market, and we actually
regained such compliance.
While our Ordinary Shares
are not subject to delisting from the Nasdaq Capital Market at the moment, there remains a constant risk of future delisting for
the above and additional reasons. If this were to occur the price of our Ordinary Shares may decrease further and our ability to
secure additional financing through the issuance and sale of equity could be adversely affected. In addition, upon such
delisting and if we were not able to list our Ordinary Shares on another recognized stock exchange, our Ordinary Shares would be
considered a “penny stock.” Broker-dealers desiring to make transactions in penny stocks have to comply with the SEC’s
penny stock rules. These requirements would also likely adversely affect the trading activity in the secondary market for our Ordinary
Shares.
Our directors, executive officers and principal shareholders
exercise significant control over our company, which will limit your ability to influence corporate matters.
Our executive officers, directors and principal
shareholders beneficially own approximately 54.4% of our Ordinary Shares. As a result, these shareholders, if they act together,
will be able to influence our management and affairs and all matters requiring stockholder approval, including the election of
directors and approval of significant corporate transactions.
In addition, this concentration of ownership
may delay or prevent a change in control of our company and make some future transactions more difficult or impossible without
the support of these shareholders. The interests of these shareholders may not coincide with our interests or the interests of
other shareholders.
We will likely be characterized as a “passive foreign
investment company” for U.S. tax purposes, which could cause adverse U.S. income tax consequences to U.S. holders of our
Ordinary Shares.
If we were to be characterized as a passive
foreign investment company, or PFIC, under the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or the Code, in any taxable year
during which a U.S. taxpayer owns Ordinary Shares, such U.S. holder could be liable for additional taxes and interest charges upon
certain distributions by us and any gain recognized on a sale, exchange or other disposition, including a pledge, of the Ordinary
Shares, whether or not we continue to be a PFIC. Based on the nature of our business, the projected composition of our income and
the projected composition and estimated fair market values of our assets, we believe that we likely will be deemed a PFIC. In addition,
we may have been a PFIC in prior years and may be a PFIC in the future. Were we to be classified as a PFIC, a U.S. investor may
be able to mitigate some of the adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences with respect to owning the Ordinary Shares for our
taxable year ended December 31, 2016, provided that such U.S. investor is eligible to make, and successfully makes, a “mark-to-market”
election. U.S. investors could also mitigate some of the adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences of us being classified as
a PFIC by making a “qualified electing fund”, or QEF, election, provided that we provide the information necessary
for a U.S. investor to make such an election. We intend to make available to U.S. investors upon request the information necessary
for U.S. holders to make qualified electing fund elections. U.S. Holders are strongly urged to consult their tax advisors about
the PFIC rules, including tax return filing requirements and the eligibility, manner, and consequences to them of making a QEF
or mark-to-market election with respect to our Ordinary Shares in the event we that qualify as a PFIC. For more information see
Item 10.E - “Taxation - U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences.”
We do not know whether a market for our Ordinary Shares will
be sustained or what the market price of our Ordinary Shares will be and as a result it may be difficult for you to sell your shares.
On August 5, 2014, we completed an initial
public offering of 3,200,000 Ordinary Shares at a price to the public of $11.00 per share. In March 2016, we completed the sale
of 2,161,290 Ordinary Shares in a registered direct offering at a price of $3.10 per share, which included a private placement
of warrants to purchase additional Ordinary Shares. Although our Ordinary Shares were quoted on the Nasdaq Global Market, and then
on the Nasdaq Capital Market, an active trading market for our Ordinary Shares may not be sustained. It may be difficult for you
to sell your Ordinary Shares at all or without depressing the market price for the Ordinary Shares. As a result of these and other
factors, you may not be able to sell your Ordinary Shares at or above the price you paid for such shares or at all. In addition, the
trading price of our Ordinary Shares is likely to be volatile.
We have registered for offer and sale of the
Ordinary Shares that are reserved for issuance pursuant to outstanding options, and intend to similarly register addition Ordinary
Shares in the future. Shares covered by such registration statements upon the exercise of stock options generally will be eligible
for sale in the public market, except that affiliates continue to be subject to volume limitations and other requirements of Rule
144 under the Securities Act. The issuance or sale of such shares could depress the market price of our Ordinary Shares.
In addition, the stock market in general, and Nasdaq in particular,
as well as biotechnology companies, have experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations that have often been unrelated or disproportionate
to the operating performance of small companies. Broad market and industry factors may negatively affect the market price of our
Ordinary Shares, regardless of our actual operating performance. Further, a systemic decline in the financial markets and related
factors beyond our control may cause our share price to decline rapidly and unexpectedly.
We may be subject to securities litigation, which is expensive
and could divert management attention.
The market price of our securities may be volatile,
and in the past companies that have experienced volatility in the market price of their stock have been subject to securities class
action litigation. We may be the target of this type of litigation in the future. Litigation of this type could result in substantial
costs and diversion of management’s attention and resources, which could seriously hurt our business. Any adverse determination
in litigation could also subject us to significant liabilities. While we currently have directors’ and officers’ insurance, there
is no guarantee that the current policy will be maintained, or whether it will be sufficient to cover the costs of potential litigation.
Sales of a substantial number of our Ordinary Shares in the
public market by our existing shareholders could cause our share price to fall.
Sales of substantial amounts of our Ordinary
Shares in the public market, or the perception that these sales may occur, could materially and adversely affect the price of our
securities and could impair our ability to raise capital through the sale of additional equity securities. Our Ordinary Shares
are freely tradable, without restriction, in the public market.
If securities or industry analysts do not publish or cease
publishing research or reports about us, our business or our market, or if they adversely change their recommendations or publish
negative reports regarding our business or our Ordinary Shares, our share price and trading volume could decline.
The trading market for our Ordinary Shares
is and will be influenced by the research and reports that industry or securities analysts may publish about us, our business,
our market or our competitors. We do not have any control over these analysts and we cannot provide any assurance that analysts
will cover us or provide favorable coverage. If any of the analysts who may cover us adversely change their recommendation regarding
our Ordinary Shares, or provide more favorable relative recommendations about our competitors, our share price would likely decline.
If any analyst who may cover us were to cease coverage of our company or fail to regularly publish reports on us, we could lose
visibility in the financial markets, which in turn could cause our share price or trading volume to decline.
We have never paid cash dividends on our capital stock and
we do not anticipate paying any dividends in the foreseeable future. Consequently, any gains from an investment in our Ordinary
Shares will likely depend on whether the price of our Ordinary Shares increases, which may not occur.
We have not paid cash dividends on any of our
classes of capital stock to date and we currently intend to retain our future earnings, if any, to fund the development and growth
of our business. In addition, the Israeli Companies Law 5759-1999, or the Companies Law, imposes restrictions on our ability to
declare and pay dividends. As a result, capital appreciation, if any, of our Ordinary Shares will be your sole source of gain for
the foreseeable future. Consequently, in the foreseeable future, you will likely only experience a gain from your investment in
our Ordinary Shares if the price of our Ordinary Shares increases beyond the price in which you originally acquired the Ordinary
Shares.
The JOBS Act and our status as a foreign private issuer will
allow us to postpone the date by which we must comply with some of the laws and regulations intended to protect investors and to
reduce the amount of information we provide in our reports filed with the SEC, which could undermine investor confidence in our
company and adversely affect the market price of our Ordinary Shares.
For so long as we remain an “emerging
growth company” as defined in the JOBS Act, we intend to take advantage of certain exemptions from various requirements that
are applicable to public companies that are not emerging growth companies including:
|
·
|
the provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act requiring that our independent registered public accounting firm provide an attestation report on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting;
|
|
·
|
Section 107 of the JOBS Act, which provides that an emerging growth company may take advantage of the extended transition period provided in Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act, for complying with new or revised accounting standards. This means that an emerging growth company may delay the adoption of certain accounting standards until those standards would otherwise apply to private companies. We have elected to delay such adoption of new or revised accounting standards. As a result, our financial statements may not be comparable to companies that comply with the public company effective date; and
|
|
·
|
any rules that may be adopted by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board requiring mandatory audit firm rotation or a supplement to the auditor’s report on the financial statements.
|
We intend to take advantage of these exemptions
until we are no longer an emerging growth company. We will remain an emerging growth company until the earlier of (1) the last
day of the fiscal year (a) following the fifth anniversary of our initial public offering which occurred in 2014, (b) in which
we have total annual gross revenue of at least $1.07 billion, or (c) in which we are deemed to be a large accelerated filer, which
means the market value of our Ordinary Shares that is held by non-affiliates exceeds $700 million as of the prior June 30th, and
(2) the date on which we have issued more than $1 billion in non-convertible debt during the prior three-year period.
Our status as a foreign private issuer also
exempts us from compliance with certain laws and SEC regulations and certain regulations of Nasdaq, including the proxy rules,
the short-swing profits recapture rules, and certain governance requirements such as independent director oversight of the nomination
of directors and executive compensation. Also, although the Companies Law requires us to disclose the annual compensation of our
five most highly compensated senior officers and directors on an individual basis (rather than on an aggregate basis, as was formerly
permitted under the Companies Law for Israeli public companies listed overseas, such as in the United States, prior to a recent
amendment), this disclosure is not as extensive as that required of a U.S. domestic issuer. For example, it currently appears as
if the disclosure required under Israeli law would be limited to compensation paid in the immediately preceding year without any
requirement to disclose option exercises and vested stock options, pension benefits or potential payments upon termination or change
of control.
We cannot predict if investors will find our
Ordinary Shares less attractive because we may rely on these exemptions. If some investors find our Ordinary Shares less attractive
as a result, there may be a less active trading market for our Ordinary Shares, and our share price may be more volatile and may
decline.
Risks Related to Israeli Law and Our Operations
in Israel
While our senior management team is in
the United States, a number of our current directors and future employees may be located in Israel and, therefore, our results
may be adversely affected by political, economic and military instability in Israel.
Our business headquarters and a number of our
directors as well as potential future employees are or will be located in Israel. Similarly, we are incorporated under Israeli
law and we may, at a future time, opt to rent office space in Israel. Accordingly, security, political and economic conditions
in the Middle East in general, and in Israel in particular, may directly affect our business.
Over the past several decades, a number of
armed conflicts have taken place between Israel and its Arab neighbors and a state of hostility, varying in degree and intensity,
has led to security and economic problems for Israel. From time to time since late 2000, there has also been a high level of violence
between Israel and the Palestinians. In addition, since 2010 political uprisings and conflicts in various countries in the Middle
East, including Egypt and Syria, are affecting the political stability of those countries. Any armed conflicts or political instability
in the region, including acts of terrorism or any other hostilities involving or threatening Israel, could affect business conditions
and could make it more difficult for us to conduct our operations in Israel, which could increase our costs and adversely affect
our financial results.
Further, in the past, the State of Israel and
Israeli companies have been subjected to economic boycotts. Several countries still restrict business with the State of Israel
and with Israeli companies. These restrictive laws and policies may have an adverse impact on our operating results, financial
conditions or the expansion of our business.
We may become subject to claims for remuneration or royalties
for assigned service invention rights by our employees, which could result in litigation and harm our business.
A significant portion of our intellectual property
has been developed by our employees in the course of their employment for us. Under the Israeli Patent Law, 5727-1967, or the Patent
Law, and recent decisions by the Israeli Supreme Court and the Israeli Compensation and Royalties Committee, a body constituted
under the Patent Law, Israeli employees may be entitled to remuneration for intellectual property that they develop for us unless
they explicitly waive any such rights. Although we do not currently have any Israeli employees, to the extent we enter into agreements
with our future employees pursuant to which they agree that any inventions created in the scope of their employment or engagement
are owned exclusively by us (as we did in the past), we may face claims demanding remuneration. As a consequence of such claims,
we could be required to pay additional remuneration or royalties to our current and former employees, or be forced to litigate
such claims, which could negatively affect our business.
Under current Israeli law, we may not be able to enforce our
Israeli employees’ covenants not to compete and therefore may be unable to prevent our competitors from benefiting from the
expertise of some of our former employees.
In the past we entered, and we plan in the
future to enter into non-competition agreements with our key employees, in most cases within the framework of their employment
agreements. These agreements prohibit our key employees, if they cease working for us, from competing directly with us or working
for our competitors for a limited period. Under applicable Israeli law, we may be unable to enforce these agreements or any part
thereof against our Israeli employees. If we cannot enforce our non- competition agreements against our Israeli employees, then
we may be unable to prevent our competitors from benefiting from the expertise of these former employees, which could impair our
business, results of operations and ability to capitalize on our proprietary information.
Provisions of Israeli law and our amended and restated articles
of association may delay, prevent or otherwise impede a merger with, or an acquisition of, our company, which could prevent a change
of control, even when the terms of such a transaction are favorable to us and our shareholders.
As a company incorporated under the law of
the State of Israel, we are subject to Israeli corporate law. Israeli corporate law regulates mergers, requires tender offers for
acquisitions of shares above specified thresholds, requires special approvals for transactions involving directors, officers or
significant shareholders and regulates other matters that may be relevant to such types of transactions. For example, a merger
may not be consummated unless at least 50 days have passed from the date on which a merger proposal is filed by each merging company
with the Israel Registrar of Companies and at least 30 days have passed from the date on which the shareholders of both merging
companies have approved the merger. In addition, a majority of each class of securities of the target company must approve a merger.
Moreover, a tender offer for all of a company’s issued and outstanding shares can only be completed if the acquirer receives
positive responses from the holders of at least 95% of the issued share capital. Completion of the tender offer also requires approval
of and a majority of the offerees that do not have a personal interest in the tender offer approves the tender offer, unless, following
consummation of the tender offer, the acquirer would hold at least 98% of the company’s outstanding shares. Furthermore,
the shareholders, including those who indicated their acceptance of the tender offer, may, at any time within six months following
the completion of the tender offer, claim that the consideration for the acquisition of the shares does not reflect their fair
market value, and petition an Israeli court to alter the consideration for the acquisition, unless accordingly, other than those
who indicated their acceptance of the tender offer in case the acquirer stipulated in its tender offer that a shareholder that
accepts the offer may not seek such appraisal rights., and the acquirer or the company published all required information with
respect to the tender offer prior to the tender offer’s response date. See Item 10.B - “Articles of Associations -
Acquisitions under Israeli Law” for additional information.
Furthermore, Israeli tax considerations
may make potential transactions unappealing to us or to our shareholders whose country of residence does not have a tax treaty
with Israel exempting such shareholders from Israeli tax. See Item 10.E - “Taxation - Israeli Tax Considerations” for
additional information.
Our amended and restated articles of association
also contain provisions that could delay or prevent changes in control or changes in our management without the consent of our
Board of Directors. These provisions include the following:
|
·
|
no
cumulative voting in the election of directors, which limits the ability of minority shareholders to elect director candidates;
and
|
|
·
|
the
right of our Board of Directors to elect a director to fill a vacancy created by the expansion of the Board of Directors or the
resignation, death or removal of a director, which may prevent shareholders from being able to fill vacancies on our Board of
Directors.
|
It may be difficult to enforce a judgment of a United
States court against us, to assert United States securities laws claims in Israel or to serve process on our officers and directors
that reside outside of the United States.
We were incorporated in Israel. Several
of our directors reside outside of the United States, and most of our assets and the assets of these persons are located outside
of the United States. Therefore, a judgment obtained against us, or any of these persons, including a judgment based on the civil
liability provisions of the U.S. federal securities laws, may not be collectible in the United States and may not necessarily be
enforced by an Israeli court. It also may be difficult for you to affect service of process on these persons in the United States
or to assert U.S. securities law claims in original actions instituted in Israel. Additionally, it may be difficult for an investor,
or any other person or entity, to initiate an action with respect to United States securities laws in Israel. Israeli courts may
refuse to hear a claim based on an alleged violation of United States securities laws reasoning that Israel is not the most appropriate
forum in which to bring such a claim. In addition, even if an Israeli court agrees to hear a claim, it may determine that Israeli
law and not United States law is applicable to the claim. If United States law is found to be applicable, the content of applicable
United States law must be proven as a fact by expert witnesses, which can be a time consuming and costly process. Certain matters
of procedure will also be governed by Israeli law. There is little binding case law in Israel that addresses the matters described
above. As a result of the difficulty associated with enforcing a judgment against us in Israel, you may not be able to collect
any damages awarded by either a United States or foreign court.
Your rights and responsibilities as a shareholder will
be governed by Israeli law which differs in some material respects from the rights and responsibilities of shareholders of U.S.
companies.
The rights and responsibilities of the
holders of our Ordinary Shares are governed by our amended and restated articles of association and by Israeli law. These rights
and responsibilities differ in some material respects from the rights and responsibilities of shareholders in typical U.S.-based
corporations. In particular, a shareholder of an Israeli company has certain duties to act in good faith and fairness toward the
Company and other shareholders, and to refrain from abusing its power in us. See Item 16G. - “Corporate Governance - Approval
of Related Party Transactions under Israeli Law” for additional information. There is limited case law available to assist
us in understanding the nature of this duty or the implications of these provisions. These provisions may be interpreted to impose
additional obligations on holders of our Ordinary Shares that are not typically imposed on shareholders of U.S. corporations.
Our operations may be disrupted as a result of the obligation
of management or key personnel to perform military service.
While we do not currently have employees
in Israel, any future employees and consultants in Israel, that may include members of our senior management, may be obligated
to perform one month, and in some cases longer periods, of military reserve duty until they reach the age of 40 (or older, for
citizens who hold certain positions in the Israeli armed forces reserves) and, in the event of a military conflict or emergency
circumstances, may be called to immediate and unlimited active duty. In the event of severe unrest or other conflict, individuals
could be required to serve in the military for extended periods of time. In response to increases in terrorist activity, there
have been periods of significant call-ups of military reservists. It is possible that there will be similar large-scale military
reserve duty call-ups in the future. Our operations could be disrupted by the absence of a significant number of our officers,
directors, employees and consultants related to military service. Such disruption could materially adversely affect our business
and operations.
ITEM 4.
|
INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY
|
|
4.A.
|
History
and development
|
We are an Israeli corporation with our
principal executive office located in Tel-Aviv, Israel, and were incorporated on January 22, 2012. Our legal and commercial name
is Bioblast Pharma Ltd. Our principal executive offices are located at PO Box 318, Tel-Aviv, Israel 6100201, and our telephone
number is: +972-3-5736632. Our wholly owned U.S. subsidiary, Bio Blast Pharma, Inc., incorporated in Delaware, has been appointed
our agent in the United States and its registered address is 1811 Silverside Road, Wilmington, Delaware 19810. Our website address
is https://bioblastpharma.com/. The information contained on, or that can be accessed through, our website is not part of this
annual report. We have included our website address herein solely as an inactive textual reference.
We are an “emerging growth company,”
as defined in Section 2(a) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act, as modified by the JOBS Act. As such,
we are eligible to, and intend to, take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements applicable to other
public companies that are not “emerging growth companies” such as the exemption from compliance with the auditor attestation
requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. We could remain an “emerging growth company” for up
to five years from the date of our initial public offering in July 2014, or until the earliest of (a) the last day of the first
fiscal year in which our annual gross revenue exceeds $1.07 billion, (b) the date that we become a “large accelerated filer”
as defined in Rule 12b-2 under the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act, which would occur if
the market value of our securities held by non-affiliates exceeds $700 million as of the last business day of our most recently
completed second fiscal quarter, or (c) the date on which we have issued more than $1 billion in nonconvertible debt during the
preceding three-year period.
Our capital expenditures for 2017, 2016
and 2015 amounted to $2,000, $18,000 and $48,000, respectively. These expenditures were primarily for computers, electrical equipment,
office furniture and leasehold improvements. We expect to finance future expenditures primarily from available cash resources.
Who We Are
We are a clinical stage orphan disease-focused
biotechnology company committed to developing meaningful therapies for patients with rare and ultra-rare genetic diseases. Currently
our focus is on trehalose, a therapeutic platform that offers potential solutions for several diseases that share a common pathophysiological
mechanism, which are the functional changes that accompany a particular syndrome or disease. Since our inception in 2012, our work
with trehalose has centered around OPMD and SCA3.
On June 5, 2017, we announced our engagement
with JSB-Partners, a global life sciences advisor, to assist us in executing our business development objectives, which include
selecting potential development and commercial partners for our investigational proprietary intravenous (IV) form of trehalose
90 mg/mL solution (trehalose), which has been studied in humans with OPMD and SCA3 and M&A opportunities. Among other transaction structures, we are simultaneously exploring the possibility of a merger or sale
of the entire company or a controlling interest in the company, as well as a sale or licensing of our product candidate followed
either by the distribution of any proceeds to our shareholders or an unrelated merger of the company with an operating company
that would seek to benefit from the company’s then status as a “shell” company listed for trading on Nasdaq (reverse
IPO). We have cut our expenses
and terminated almost all of our employees and are now dedicating all of our resources to support the process led by JSB-Partners.
Accordingly, we are not currently actively pursuing our core business focus as described in the preceding paragraph.
We intend to address diseases with severe
and debilitating manifestations, where the unmet medical need is clear, the biological mechanism of action is understood, and for
which there is no satisfactory treatment.
Trehalose IV Solution
Trehalose is a protein stabilizer and an
autophagy enhancer that activates lysosomal pathways. We have developed a proprietary high dose, trehalose 90mg/mL intravenous,
or Trehalose IV, solution that allows trehalose to reach target organs and facilitate tissue penetration to the brain and muscles.
Mutant unstable cellular proteins are the cause of several protein aggregation genetic diseases known as PolyA/PolyQ diseases,
including OPMD, where mutant protein aggregates in muscle, and in SCA3 where mutant protein aggregates in the brain. These pathological
proteins aggregate within cells and cell nuclei eventually leading to cell death. Data from the literature and from our nonclinical
studies in both cell and animal models of disease indicate that trehalose may have the potential to prevent mutant protein aggregation
and to enhance autophagy in human diseases, by stabilizing proteins, reducing the formation of protein aggregates, and promoting
clearance of abnormal proteins or other storage materials thereby preventing cell death.
Summary of our Clinical Trials to Date
In March 2016, we reported final results
of our HOPEMD Phase 2a open-label study in which 25 patients with OPMD were treated with our Trehalose IV solution for 24 weeks
using a weekly dose of 27 grams. Our Trehalose IV solution was observed to be generally safe and well tolerated, with no drug-related
serious adverse events, and while not powered for efficacy, the study produced early efficacy signals. These efficacy signals related
to the main symptoms of OPMD, such as dysphagia (difficulty in swallowing), and muscle weakness. At the conclusion of the 24-week
trial, patients were allowed to continue treatment for another 12 months. 22 patients of the original HOPEMD trial enrolled in
this extension study (16 of whom continued to receive our Trehalose IV solution while six were in the non-treatment group), in
which our Trehalose IV solution was observed to be generally safe and well tolerated. Patients who remained on our Trehalose IV
solution remained stable with improved dysphagia and patients withdrawn from treatment had worsening of their dysphagia. In October
2016, we reported the results of a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial assessing the pharmacokinetics of trehalose
in 24 healthy volunteers (randomized 3:1 trehalose to placebo) to establish safety and tolerability of escalating doses of trehalose
and to determine the Maximum Tolerated Dose (MTD), or maximum feasible dose, and assess pharmacokinetics of escalating doses of
trehalose. Our Trehalose IV solution was observed to be generally safe and well tolerated at twice the 27 grams dose used in the
HOPEMD clinical trial. The MTD was 54 grams administered by IV over 60 minutes. In January 2017, we reported the results of a Phase
2a open-label study of 14 SCA3 patients for a six-month period; eight patients received a dose of 13.5 grams and six patients received
a dose of 27 grams of our Trehalose IV solution on a weekly basis. (The study began with 15 patients; however, one patient withdrew
after three weeks and prior to any efficacy assessment). Weekly Trehalose IV infusions of both doses were generally safe and well
tolerated. There were no changes in any safety laboratory parameters with treatment. Patients remained stable with no change on
the Scale for Assessment and Rating of Ataxia, or SARA, score – a well-accepted clinical tool for measuring the effect of
the disease – over the six-month period. Five patients received treatment for as long as 12 months and continued to remain
stable on the SARA scale.
SARA is a clinical scale that assesses
a range of different impairments in cerebellar ataxia. The scale is made up of eight measurements related to gait, stance, sitting,
speech, finger-chase test, nose-finger test, fast alternating movements and heel-shin test. A higher score indicates a more symptomatic
patient. A recently published long term natural history study in patients with SCA3 showed an average annual increase of 1.56 points
on the SARA scale score, denoting the disease progression.
At the present time, no developmental activity
with trehalose is being pursued as the Company investigates various strategic business alternatives.
Our Long Term Approach
Our long term plan is to develop (by ourselves
or with strategic partners) our Trehalose IV solution as a first-in-class therapy for orphan-designated genetic diseases with high
unmet needs where the mechanism of action involves prevention of protein aggregation, activation of autophagy or lysosomal pathways,
and where there is involvement of the brain and/or muscle. We focus on diseases where there is proof of concept for trehalose in
disease models.
The patients we seek to treat have diseases
with limited or no treatment options, and their lives and well-being are highly dependent upon on the development of new therapies.
The main components of our business strategy include the following:
|
·
|
Focus
on rare and ultra-rare diseases with significant unmet medical need
. There are numerous rare and ultra-rare metabolic genetic
diseases that currently have no approved drug therapy. Some such diseases have drugs currently in development. Patients suffering
from these diseases often have a high unmet medical need with significant morbidity and/or mortality. We plan to focus on developing
and commercializing therapies for multiple indications with our intended focus on genetic diseases with high unmet needs characterized
by protein aggregation or abnormal storage of metabolites, including neuromuscular diseases and lysosomal storage diseases with
a neurologic or muscle involvement;
|
|
·
|
Focus
on diseases and therapies with clear mechanisms of action
. We plan to focus on diseases that have biology and root causes
that are well understood. We believe that developing drugs that directly impact known disease pathways will increase the probability
of success of our development programs;
|
|
·
|
Develop
and selectively commercialize our Trehalose IV solution for multiple indication
s. Development of multiple programs based on
one compound has the potential to generate development and commercial efficiencies as well as multiple market opportunities and
reduced risk; and
|
|
·
|
Focus
on excellent and efficient clinical and regulatory execution
. We believe that building a successful and sustainable rare
disease-focused company requires very specific expertise in the areas of patient identification, clinical trial design and conduct,
and regulatory strategy. We plan to assemble a team with both a successful track record in managing global clinical development
activities in an efficient manner, and with multinational experience in obtaining regulatory approvals for rare disease products.
|
Drug Candidate - Overview and Development Plan
Our strategy will be to either retain global
commercialization rights to our product to maximize long-term value or to build our own commercial organization in the United States,
which we believe would be of modest size due to the relatively small number of specialists who treat patients with rare and ultra-rare
diseases, and we are actively considering partnership arrangements that may accelerate product development and facilitate access
to international market opportunities.
The diseases which we plan to address have
severe consequences on patients’ health, quality of life and potential life expectancy. In addition, these diseases create
significant burdens on patients’ families and caretakers as well as on public health resources. In all diseases we are addressing,
patients either cannot be offered an alternative therapy or the current solutions are inadequate to alter the course of the disease.
We believe that prompt and efficient drug development can be of substantial benefit to the patients who are suffering from these
incurable diseases. We have assembled an experienced team of employees, consultants, service providers and a Board of Directors
with extensive drug development and commercialization capabilities, particularly in the orphan drug area.
Trehalose
Trehalose is naturally-occurring and is
well known for its protein-stabilizing properties, and recently, for its autophagy enhancing properties and effect on activation
of lysosomal pathways. When orally administered, trehalose is metabolized at the epithelial brush border of the intestine into
two D-glucose molecules. Less than 0.5% of ingested trehalose is absorbed into the blood stream where it is further metabolized
by the liver and kidney. To achieve therapeutic amounts of trehalose in the muscle cells, it is necessary to circumvent the massive
metabolism in the gastrointestinal tract.
Our proprietary IV solution of Trehalose
IV has been designed to circumvent the breakdown of trehalose in the gastrointestinal tract and to enable therapeutic doses of
trehalose to reach target organ muscle and brain tissues.
We have shown in a nonclinical study that
trehalose administered via an IV is able to penetrate muscle and remain measurable in the muscle tissue for 48 hours. In a separate
study trehalose administered via an IV was shown to penetrate the brain where it remained measurable for 24 hours.
Trehalose is a low molecular weight disaccharide
(0.342 kilodaltons), which is a chemical molecule comprised of two sugar components that can prevent the folding of proteins and
that buffer abnormal protein aggregation, thus protecting against pathological processes in cells. Trehalose has been shown to
prevent pathological aggregation of proteins within cells in several diseases associated with abnormal cellular-protein aggregation
as well as acting as an autophagy enhancer. Autophagy is the basic catabolic mechanism that involves cell-based degradation of
unnecessary or dysfunctional cellular components. Autophagy in healthy adults, or if regulated in those with abnormalities, ensures
degradation and recycling of cellular components. Trehalose effectively reduced the aggregation and toxicity of mutant PABPN1 proteins
in OPMD cell models. Furthermore, treatment of an OPMD in a mouse model with trehalose resulted in the attenuation of muscle weakness,
decreased aggregate formation and a reduced number of TUNEL-positive nuclei in skeletal muscle fibers.
Trehalose IV Solution for the Treatment of OPMD
Trehalose IV solution is our proprietary
drug candidate for the treatment of OPMD, an ultra-rare, inherited myopathy. OPMD is a muscle disease caused by a primary defect
in muscle cells as a result of aggregation of a protein called PABPN1. Overall worldwide prevalence of OPMD is estimated at 1:100,000.
Characteristically to genetic diseases with autosomal inheritance, there are documented clusters of higher prevalence. For example,
in people of French Canadian origin residing in Quebec, Canada, among Hispanics in Northern New Mexico, USA, and Bukhara Jews in
Israel. The prevalence data collected suggest that the prevalence is approximately 1:1,000 patients among French Canadian, approximately
12:100,000 patients among Hispanics of Northern New Mexico, and approximately 1:600 patients among Bukhara Jews in Israel. We estimate
that there are about 4,300 patients in the United States and Canada and overall about 12,000 patients around the world.
OPMD is characterized by progressive muscle
weakness that leads to development of symptoms including ptosis (dropping of eyelids), dysphagia (difficulty in swallowing) and
proximal muscle weakness. As the dysphagia becomes more severe, patients may suffer from repeated incidents of aspiration pneumonia,
may become malnourished (cachexia), and may develop tongue atrophy and speech difficulties (dysphonia). OPMD is caused by a genetic
mutation responsible for the creation of a mutant protein (PABPN1) with an expanded polyalanine domain that aggregates within patient
muscle cells. OPMD is one of a larger group of diseases called tri-nucleotide repeat diseases that are associated with the presence
of an abnormal cellular protein that aggregates in the cells, eventually causing cell death. In OPMD, the mutant protein PABPN1
was found to be correlated with disease severity in animal models and was identified within the typical cellular protein aggregates-the
intranuclear inclusion body (INI) that is the diagnostic hallmark of the disease.
There is no drug therapy or, to our knowledge,
potential cure for OPMD. Current therapeutic strategies are confined to interventions and surgical procedures that have limited
efficacy and may need to be repeated while the progressive loss of muscle contractility continues relentlessly.
The HOPEMD Phase 2a open-label clinical
study was conducted at two centers - Montreal Neurological Institute at McGill University in Montreal, Canada,
and Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center in Jerusalem, Israel. The primary objective was to assess the safety and
tolerability of our Trehalose IV solution in patients suffering from OPMD. Although not powered for efficacy, secondary endpoints
were included to explore if our Trehalose IV solution could improve or prevent worsening of OPMD disease markers, notably those
related to dysphagia (difficulty in swallowing) and upper and lower muscle weakness. A total of 25 patients were enrolled, with
11 patients in Canada and 14 patients in Israel. All 25 patients received our Trehalose IV solution weekly, for 24 weeks.
Our Trehalose IV solution was observed
to be generally safe and well-tolerated with no drug-related serious adverse events. There were no significant changes in lab safety
data including chemistry, hematology, and electrocardiography tests. There was one death due to aspiration pneumonia that was not
considered drug-related but instead was related to the underlying disease. No patients chose to discontinue the study for reasons
related to safety or side effects. Additionally, improvements versus baseline were observed in a number of secondary efficacy endpoints
related to dysphagia and muscle strength and function as detailed below.
The dysphagia (swallowing difficulties)
endpoints were the timed cold water drinking test (80mL) for all sites, the nectar (80mL) and honey (80mL) timed drinking tests
at the Canadian site and the Penetration Aspiration Score as measured by video fluoroscopy (VFS-PAS), a radiographic technique
to determine the severity of swallowing difficulties and risk of aspiration. The swallowing quality of life questionnaire (SWAL-QOL),
specifically developed for patients suffering from swallowing problems, was employed to assess the degree to which patients felt
that their swallowing capability improved with treatment.
In a post-hoc analysis there was a 40.2%
reduction in the median individual drinking time (n=23) and in the nectar and honey timed drinking tests, there was a 46.5% and
61.7% reduction, respectively, in the median drinking times (n=11). Patients in the Israeli arm of the trial did not get tested
for nectar or honey timed drinking tests. Out of the 11 patients in Canada whose scores were evaluated in the per protocol analysis
of the VFS-PAS, six patients improved (54.5%), two patients showed stabilization (18.2%), and three patients deteriorated (27.2%).
Deviations from protocol and deficient radiological procedures lead to exclusion of the VFS-PAS tests from the Israel cohort from
the final analysis. With respect to the SWAL-QOL questionnaire, there was a 12.4% (n=24) mean improvement versus baseline with
the mean total symptom severity score increasing from 43.2 to 48.7.
In the muscle strength tests, as measured
quantitatively by a digital hand-held dynamometer, there was a mean increase in lower body muscle strength compared to baseline
in knee extension of 15.0% (n=22) and foot dorsiflexion of 22.4% (n=22). Hip flexion did not materially change (1.3% deterioration,
n=21). For the upper extremity strength tests, arm (bicep) flexion increased on average 17.9% (n=22), and shoulder abduction increased
by 11.4% (n=22). In the muscle function tests, the 30 second arm-lift test showed an average of 16.0% increase in the number of
completed tasks (n=20 right arm -21 left arm) at 24 weeks of treatment versus baseline while the 30 second sit-to-stand test showed
a 16.6% increase (n=21). The standard 4-stair climbing test did not materially change (1.5% deterioration, n=21).
At the conclusion of the 24-week trial,
22 patients (13 in Israel and 9 in Canada) elected to continue treatment for another 12 months; 16 of whom continued to receive
Trehalose IV while six were in the non-treatment group. There were three main objectives for this extension study: (i) to determine
the long-term effect of trehalose on disease progression as assessed by the changes in the disease markers; (ii) to determine the
long-term effect of trehalose on disease progression as assessed by the changes in the patient’s swallowing quality of life;
and (iii) to determine the long-term safety and tolerability of repeated IV administration of trehalose 30 grams in OPMD patients.
The results from the extension study indicated
that trehalose was generally safe and well tolerated. There were no clinically significant changes in safety labs. There was one
serious adverse event, unrelated to drug treatment, renal colic; and there were no infusion reactions or adverse events leading
to discontinuation. Patients who remained on treatment (n=16) continued to benefit as demonstrated by a continued improvement in
the cold water drinking test times. Patient who were removed from treatment (n=6) had an increase in their cold water drinking
times over the one year period. Thus, the treatment effects of trehalose persisted over the year of continued treatment, but were
lost for those who came off treatment. At the conclusion of the 12-month extension study, 10 patients in Israel rolled into a 52-week
compassionate use study, and nine patients in Canada were rolled into a subsequent 52-week extension study. These studies were
initiated in September 2016. All 19 patients participating in these studies receive a weekly dose of 27 grams of our Trehalose
IV solution.
Trehalose IV Solution for the Treatment of SCA3
SCA3, also known as Machado Joseph disease,
a dominantly inherited ataxia, is the most common of the cerebellar ataxias, and is one of a group of genetic diseases that are
characterized by memory deficits, spasticity, difficulty with speech and swallowing, weakness in arms and other muscular disorders.
The prevalence of SCA3 is conservatively estimated at approximately 3-4 cases per 100,000 people in North America and Europe. The
prevalence of the disease is highest among people of Portuguese/Azorean descent. For example, among immigrants of Portuguese ancestry
in New England, the prevalence is approximately one in 4,000, and the highest prevalence in the world, about one in 140, occurs
on the small Azorean island of Flores. There is no medical treatment for SCA3 and current approaches are focused on alleviating
disease symptoms and supportive care.
In most individuals with SCA3, symptoms
typically begin in the third to fifth decade of life but can start as early as young childhood or as late as 70 years of age. Eventually
SCA3 leads to paralysis, and severe cases can lead to an early death in the fourth decade of life. SCA3 is incurable, and there
is currently no approved treatment for the disease. Natural history studies indicate that death occurs, on average, 21 years
after diagnosis. SCA3 is caused by a mutation in the DNA that leads to the creation of a pathological protein called ataxin
3. In affected patients, ataxin 3 is unstable, aggregates within the cells, and eventually leads to cell death.
Multiple reported studies in cell models
have shown that trehalose, both as an anti-mutant protein aggregation agent and as an autophagy enhancer, is able to reduce protein
aggregates and improve cell survival in several spinocerebellar ataxias including SCA3 cells. We have conducted animal studies
in two disease models of SCA3, demonstrating that treatment with trehalose reduced the level of the pathological protein in nerve
cells and reduced the disease symptoms. In 2015, we announced positive
in vivo
proof of concept results for our Trehalose
IV solution for SCA3 in these two different mouse models.
During 2015 and 2016, we conducted a 24-week
Phase 2a open-label study (that also included a six-month follow-up period) investigating Trehalose IV in patients with SCA3. The
objectives of the study were to establish safety and tolerability of two doses of Trehalose IV as well as to assess an effect of
the drug on reducing the rate of clinical decline in this progressively disabling disease. The Phase 2a open-label study evaluated
14 SCA3 patients over 24 weeks; eight patients received a dose of 13.5 grams of Trehalose IV, and six patients received a dose
of 27 grams, both on a weekly basis. (The study began with 15 patients; however, one patient withdrew after three weeks prior to
any efficacy assessment). Investigators and patients were blinded to the dose administered.
The study had several key findings, including
(i) weekly trehalose infusions of both doses were generally safe and well tolerated (there were no changes in any safety laboratory
parameters with treatment), (ii) patients remained stable with no change on the SARA score – over the 24 week treatment and
(iii) five patients received treatment for as long as 12 months and continued to remain stable on the SARA scale.
Trehalose IV Solution Safety and Dosing
During 2016, we conducted a randomized
double-blind placebo-controlled single ascending dose pharmacokinetic (PK) study of Trehalose IV in 24 healthy volunteers separated
to three groups of eight patients each. In each group, six patients received trehalose and two patients received a placebo. The
first group received 27 grams of IV trehalose as a one hour infusion. The second group was then dosed with 54 grams, and the third
group was then dosed with 81 grams. The primary objective of the study was to establish safety and tolerability of escalating doses
of trehalose. The secondary objectives were to determine the Maximum Tolerated Dose (MTD) and pharmacokinetics of escalating doses
of trehalose. The key findings of the study were: (i) the MTD was determined to be 54 grams administered IV over 60 minutes, which
is twice the level of drug that has been given to patients in our OPMD and SCA3 Phase 2a studies, (ii) 54 grams of trehalose administered
over one hour was generally safe and well tolerated with no changes in any safety parameters, (iii) the PK of trehalose was linear;
i.e. doubling the dose, doubled the exposure, (iv) the half-life of trehalose was approximately 1.5 hours and did not change when
the dose was increased, (v) there was no effect on serum glucose levels during or following the infusion, and (vi) the rate of
trehalose clearance from the blood was directly related to the patient’s weight; i.e., the greater the weight the faster
the clearance of drug.
Peak serum concentration increased with
increasing doses from 27 grams to 81 grams. The mean elimination half-life (t½) ranged from 1.41 hours to 1.59 hours and
was consistent as the dose increased. In the 81-gram dose cohort, one subject out of six subjects who received trehalose had an
increase in liver enzymes that resolved without treatment; thus no higher doses of trehalose were administered, thereby establishing
the MTD for trehalose as 54 grams. There was a positive relationship between clearance of trehalose from the blood and body weight
over a range of 50 kilograms (kg) to 100kg. This finding suggested that clearance is related to body size and thus, weight-based
dosing, i.e. g/kg, would be more appropriate to achieve consistent exposure across a range of body weights in future studies.
Overview of Clinical and Nonclinical Study Results
The most common adverse event in the HOPEMD
Phase 2a study in patients with OPMD, as well as in the Phase 2a study in patients with SCA3, was transient and benign glucosuria,
lasting for a few hours after infusion of trehalose. Glucosuria is the result of the metabolism of trehalose by the enzyme trehalase
into two glucose molecules and subsequent excretion in the urine. The following table summarizes the dosing of Trehalose IV solutions
administered during completed clinical studies:
Study
|
|
Design
|
|
Length
|
|
Dosing
|
|
Dose
|
|
Subjects
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Single Ascending Dose
|
|
DB Placebo Controlled
|
|
8 Days
|
|
1 dose
|
|
27,54,81 g
|
|
24
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
OPMD Phase 2a
|
|
Open Label
|
|
6 months
|
|
Weekly
|
|
27 g
|
|
25
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
OPMD Extension
|
|
Open Label/Withdrawal
|
|
12 Months
|
|
Weekly
|
|
27 g
|
|
22
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SCA3 Phase 2a
|
|
Open Label
|
|
6 Months
|
|
Weekly
|
|
13.5 or 27 g
|
|
14
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SCA3 Extension
|
|
Open Label
|
|
6 Months
|
|
Weekly
|
|
13.5 or 27 g
|
|
14
|
A total of 58 people were exposed to trehalose:
25 patients with OPMD, 15 patients with SCA3 and 18 healthy subjects, with some patients having been on the drug for more than
18 months. These patients and healthy volunteers have received a total of more than 2,200 doses of Trehalose IV, representing a
total of more than 56,000 grams. Overall, trehalose has been well tolerated in all 58 people, with no infusion reactions being
reported and no safety signals identified. No adverse event has led to discontinuation of the study drug, or drug related death.
Nonclinical toxicology studies have shown
that trehalose is generally safe and well tolerated, is not genotoxic, and there is no CYP450 inhibition in drug-drug interaction
analysis. Such nonclinical toxicology studies included two short-term 3-months studies in dogs and rats using a dose of 3.6 g/kg
which were completed, and two chronic toxicity studies. Chronic toxicology studies were performed at a dose range of 2.7 g/kg through
10.8 g/kg and include a 6-months rat study (in which the in-life phase was terminated at 5 months due to catheter complications)
and an on-going 9-month dog study for which the 6-months interim report had no negative findings. The six-month rat study report
showed that there was no systemic toxicity, at any dose studied, of trehalose. However, there was increased incidence of procedural-related
(indwelling catheters) complications with increasing doses of trehalose, thus suggesting that trehalose infusion may exacerbate
this procedure-related event. Indwelling catheters have not been used and are not permitted in the clinical trials of trehalose.
Trehalose IV 90mg/mL Solution Next Steps
During 2016, we initiated a prospective
natural history of disease study for OPMD conducted at the Sherbrooke University in Canada. As part of the study, retrospective
data from more than 300 patients was reviewed and a longitudinal data collection will begin in 2017, to document the natural progression
of the disease over time including, age of onset, age at diagnosis, mutation size and symptoms. Based on preliminary analysis of
retrospective data collected, 96.6% of patients in the cohort experienced dysphagia as one of their symptoms.
In the future, subject to regulatory approval,
we or a strategic partner anticipate initiating a multicenter 24 week, double-blind placebo-controlled Phase 2b trial with our
Trehalose IV solution in OPMD. The plan is to enroll 48 patients and randomize them in a 1:1 ratio. The study is designed to assess
safety and tolerability as well as explore whether our Trehalose IV solution could improve or prevent worsening of OPMD disease
markers.
Based on the mechanism of action of trehalose
and nonclinical and clinical findings, we believe that this drug platform has the potential to treat several PolyA/PolyQ diseases,
protein aggregation diseases, lysosomal storage diseases and certain hepatic diseases.
Competition
The commercialization of new drugs is competitive,
and we may face worldwide competition from individual investigators, major pharmaceutical companies, specialty pharmaceutical companies,
biotechnology companies and ultimately biosimilar and generic companies. Our competitors may develop or market therapies that are
more effective, safer, or less costly than any that may be commercialized by us, or may obtain regulatory approval for their therapies
more rapidly than we may obtain approval for ours. Many of our competitors have substantially greater financial, technical and
human resources than we have. Additional mergers and acquisitions in the pharmaceutical industry may result in even more resources
being concentrated in our competitors. Competition may increase further as a result of advances made in the commercial applicability
of technologies and greater availability of capital for investment in these fields. Our success will be based in part on our ability
to build and actively manage a portfolio of indication-specific trehalose products that addresses unmet medical needs and creates
value in patient therapy.
Trehalose IV Solution Competition
Although we are not aware of any other
products currently in clinical development for the treatment of OPMD, it is possible that competitors may produce, develop and
commercialize therapeutics, or utilize other approaches, such as gene therapy, to treat OPMD. Benitec Pharma is in the nonclinical
testing phase with a gene silencing program. University Hospital, Caen is testing an autologous transplantation of myoblasts for
treatment of ptosis related to OPMD. Hopitaux de Paris, Association Francaise contre les Myopathies (AFM) is testing autologous
transplantation of myoblasts for the treatment of dysphagia related to OPMD.
With respect to our programs in our Trehalose
IV solution for SCA3, Biohaven Pharmaceutical is developing a new chemical entity, BHV-4157, for SCA3 which is in a Phase 2b/3
clinical trial. Steminent Biotherapeutics is developing a stem cell based therapy (allogeneic adipose derived mesenchymal stem
cells) in a Phase 2 clinical trial. It is possible that other competitors may produce, develop and commercialize therapeutics,
or utilize other approaches such as gene therapy, to treat SCA3. In the last few years several academic research initiatives were
conducted to explore the efficacy of approved drugs such as lithium, varenicline (Chantix ®), riluzol and dalfampridine.
Although only insignificant amounts of
trehalose can be absorbed through an oral administration, it is possible that other companies or individuals may attempt to
use food-grade trehalose taken orally as a substitute for a drug, and others may attempt to sell the product via a nutraceutical
or food pathway. We believe that if our patent applications are approved, we will be well protected in our intellectual property
from the use of trehalose as an IV product.
Terminated License Agreements
In 2011, we entered into a Research and
Exclusive License Agreement with Yissum Research Development Company of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem Ltd., and another with
Hadasit Medical Research Services and Development Ltd. whereby we obtained exclusive licenses to a mitochondrial protein replacement
platform which included two patent families. In addition, on January 1, 2014, we entered into an Exclusive License Agreement with
Ramot at Tel Aviv University Ltd. for the use, development and commercialization of a read-through. Both agreements were terminated
during September and November 2016, respectively, and we surrendered all rights and titles to these platforms and related data.
Pursuant to the mutual termination agreement with Ramot at Tel Aviv University Ltd., and under certain conditions, although unlikely,
we may be entitled to future royalty payments.
Intellectual Property and Patents and Proprietary Rights
The proprietary nature of, and protection
for, our current and/or any future product candidates, processes and know-how are important to our business as is our ability to
operate without infringing on the proprietary rights of others, and to prevent others from infringing our proprietary rights. We
seek patent protection in the United States and internationally for our current and any future product candidates we may develop
and other technology. Our policy is to patent or in-license the technology, inventions and improvements that we consider important
to the development of our business. In addition to patent protection, we intend to use other means to protect our proprietary rights,
including pursuing marketing or data exclusivity periods, orphan drug status, and similar rights that are available under regulatory
provisions in certain countries, including the United States, Europe, Japan, and China. See “U.S. Government Regulation - Orphan
Designation and Exclusivity,” “U.S. Government Regulation - Pediatric Studies and Exclusivity,” “U.S.
Government Regulation - Patent Term Restoration,” “U.S. Government Regulation - Biosimilars and
Exclusivity,” “U.S. Government Regulation - Abbreviated New Drug Applications for Generic Drugs,” “U.S.
Government Regulation - Hatch-Waxman Patent Certification and the 30-Month Stay,” and “European Union/Rest
of World Government Regulation - Orphan Designation and Exclusivity” below for additional information. We
also rely on trade secrets, know-how and continuing innovation to develop and maintain our competitive position. We cannot be certain
that patents will be granted with respect to any of our pending patent applications or with respect to any patent applications
filed by us in the future, nor can we be sure that any of our existing patents or any patents granted to us in the future will
be commercially useful or sufficient in protecting our technology. We seek regulatory approval for our products in disease
areas with high unmet medical need, great market potential and where we have a proprietary position through patents covering various
aspects of our products, such as composition, dosage, formulation, use and manufacturing process, among others. Our success depends
on an intellectual property portfolio that supports our future revenue streams and erects barriers to our competitors. We are maintaining
and building our patent portfolio through filing new patent applications, prosecuting existing applications and licensing and acquiring
new patents and patent applications.
Despite these measures, any of our intellectual
property and proprietary rights could be challenged, invalidated, circumvented, infringed, found unenforceable, or misappropriated,
or such intellectual property and proprietary rights may not be sufficient to permit us to take advantage of current market trends
or otherwise to provide competitive advantages. For more information, see Item 3.D - “Risk Factors - Risks Related to our
Intellectual Property.” With respect to any patents that may issue in the United States and Europe, we may also be entitled
to obtain a patent term extension and/or patent term adjustment to extend or adjust the patent expiration date. For example, in
the United States, we can apply for a patent term extension of up to five years for one of the patents covering a product once
the product is approved by the FDA. The exact duration of the extension depends on the time we spend in clinical trials as well
as getting an NDA from the FDA.
Trehalose IV solution
We have three U.S. issued patents relating
to methods of administering IV trehalose for the treatment of OPMD (US 9,084,720), SCA3 (US 9,125,924) and Huntington’s disease
(US 9,572,825). In addition, we have filed 12 patent applications that are pending in the United States and around the world that
relate to the use of parenteral trehalose for the treatment of protein aggregation diseases. The patent applications are directed
to a novel therapeutic regime using parenteral administration of trehalose, thereby achieving higher bioavailability and therapeutic
efficacy in the treatment of myopathic and neurodegenerative diseases associated with abnormal protein aggregation, specifically
polyalanine (PolyA) or polyglutamine (PolyQ) expansion protein and tauopathies disorders such as OPMD, SCA, spino bulbar muscular
atrophy, Huntington’s disease and other diseases. Of those patent applications, one pending patent application in the United
States relates to deuterated forms of trehalose.
The expiring patent terms for such patents
and, if issued, pending patent applications in the United States would be 2034 if all fees are timely paid, with possible patent
term extension. We intend to pursue marketing and orphan drug exclusivity periods that are available to us under regulatory provisions
in certain countries.
In addition, we have received orphan drug
designation for the use of trehalose in OPMD and SCA3 patients, in the United States and in the E.U., which if approved will provide
seven and ten years, respectively, of data exclusivity for the product.
Trademarks
We have filed with the USPTO an intent
to use application for the trademark BIOBLAST in association with prescription pharmaceutical preparations for the treatment of
rare and ultra-rare (orphan) diseases.
Other
We rely upon unpatented trade secrets,
know-how and continuing technological innovation to develop and maintain our competitive position. We seek to protect our ownership
of know-how and trade secrets through an active program of legal mechanisms including assignments, confidentiality agreements,
material transfer agreements, research collaborations and licenses.
Manufacturing
We plan to contract in the future with
third parties for the manufacturing and testing of our Trehalose IV solution for nonclinical and clinical trials and intend to
do so in the future. We do not own or operate manufacturing facilities for the production of clinical quantities of our product
candidate. We currently have no plans to build our own clinical or commercial scale manufacturing capabilities, though we may decide
to build a capable facility in the future.
The drug substance for our Trehalose IV
solution is purchased from a third-party supplier and the drug product for our Trehalose IV solution is manufactured by a third-party
manufacturer.
To date, our third-party manufacturers
have met our manufacturing requirements. Although we have not yet engaged our third-party manufacturers in long-term commercial
supply agreements, we expect third-party manufacturers to be capable of providing sufficient quantities of our product candidate
to meet anticipated full scale commercial demands. In addition to third parties with whom we currently work, we believe that there
are alternate sources of supply that can satisfy our clinical and commercial requirements, although we cannot be certain that identifying
and establishing relationships with such sources, if necessary, would not result in significant delay or material additional costs.
Sales and Marketing
We may build the commercial infrastructure
in the United States to effectively support the commercialization of our current or any future product candidates, if and when
we believe a regulatory approval of the first of such a product candidate in that particular geographic market appears imminent.
The commercial infrastructure for orphan products typically consists of a targeted, specialty sales force that calls on a limited
and focused group of physicians supported by sales management, medical liaisons, internal sales support, an internal marketing
group and distribution support. One challenge unique to commercializing therapies for rare diseases is the difficulty in identifying
eligible patients due to the very small and sometimes heterogeneous disease populations. Our management team is experienced in
maximizing patient identification for both clinical development and commercialization purposes in rare diseases.
Additional capabilities important to the
orphan marketplace include the management of key accounts such as managed care organizations, group-purchasing organizations, specialty
pharmacies and government accounts. To develop the appropriate commercial infrastructure, we will have to invest significant amounts
of financial and management resources, some of which will be committed prior to any confirmation that our current or any future
product candidates will be approved.
Outside of the United States, where appropriate,
we may elect in the future to utilize strategic partners, distributors, or contract sales forces to assist in the commercialization
of our products. In certain instances, we may consider building our own commercial infrastructure.
Government Regulation
Clinical trials, the drug approval process
and the marketing of drugs are intensively regulated in the United States and in all other major foreign countries. Governmental
authorities in the United States (including federal, state and local authorities) and in other countries, extensively regulate,
among other things, the manufacturing, research and clinical development, marketing, labeling and packaging, storage, distribution,
post-approval monitoring and reporting, advertising and promotion, pricing and export and import of pharmaceutical products, such
as those we are developing. The process for obtaining regulatory approvals and the subsequent compliance with appropriate federal,
state, local and foreign statutes and regulations require the expenditure of substantial time and financial resources.
U.S. Government Regulation
In the United States, the FDA regulates
drugs under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, or FDCA, and related regulations, and the Public Health Service Act, or PHSA
and its implementing regulations. FDA approval is required before any new drug candidate or dosage form, including a new use of
a previously approved drug, can be marketed in the United States. We intend to submit an NDA in the United States. Failure to comply
with the applicable United States regulatory requirements at any time during the product development process, approval process
or after approval may subject an applicant to administrative or judicial sanctions. These sanctions could include the imposition
by the FDA or an IRB of a clinical hold on trials, the FDA’s refusal to approve pending applications or supplements, license
suspension or revocation, withdrawal of an approval, warning letters, product recalls, product seizures, total or partial suspension
of production or distribution, other corrective action, injunctions, fines, civil penalties or criminal prosecution. Any agency
or judicial enforcement action could have a material adverse effect on us.
The FDA and foreign regulatory authorities
impose substantial requirements upon the clinical development, manufacture and marketing of pharmaceutical products. These agencies
and other federal, state and local entities regulate research and development activities and the testing, manufacture, quality
control, safety, effectiveness, labeling, storage, distribution, record keeping, approval, advertising and promotion of our products.
The FDA’s policies may change and
additional government regulations may be enacted that could prevent or delay regulatory approval of our platforms and candidate
products or any future product candidates or approval of new disease indications or label changes. We cannot predict the likelihood,
nature or extent of adverse governmental regulation that might arise from future legislative or administrative action, either in
the United States or abroad.
Marketing Approval
The process required by the FDA before
a product candidate may be marketed in the United States generally involves the following:
|
·
|
completion
of extensive nonclinical laboratory tests and nonclinical animal studies, all performed in accordance with cGMP and current Good
Laboratory Practices, or cGLP, guidance and regulations;
|
|
·
|
submission
to the FDA of an investigational new drug, or IND, application which must become effective before human clinical trials may begin
and must be updated annually;
|
|
·
|
approval
by an IRB or ethics committee representing each clinical site before each clinical trial may be initiated;
|
|
·
|
performance
of adequate and well-controlled human clinical trials to establish the safety and efficacy of the product candidate for each proposed
indication;
|
|
·
|
preparation
of and submission to the FDA an NDA after completion of all clinical trials;
|
|
·
|
potential
review of the product application by an FDA Advisory Committee, where appropriate and if applicable;
|
|
·
|
a
determination by the FDA within 60 days of its receipt of an NDA to file the application for review;
|
|
·
|
satisfactory
completion of FDA pre-approval inspection of the manufacturing facilities where the proposed product is produced to assess compliance
with cGMP; and
|
|
·
|
FDA
review and approval of an NDA prior to any commercial marketing or sale of the drug in the United States.
|
The testing and approval process requires
substantial time and financial resources and we cannot be certain that any approvals for our candidate products will be granted
on a timely basis, if at all.
An IND is a request for authorization from
the FDA to administer an investigational new drug product to humans. The central focus of an IND submission is on the general investigational
plan and the protocol(s) for human studies. The IND also includes results of
in vitro
and
in vivo
studies and animal
testing results assessing the toxicology, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamic characteristics of the product; chemistry, manufacturing
and controls information; and any available human data or literature to support the use of the investigational new drug. An IND
must become effective before human clinical trials may begin. An IND will automatically become effective 30 days after receipt
by the FDA, unless before that time the FDA raises concerns or questions related to the proposed clinical trials. In such a case,
the IND may be placed on clinical hold and the IND sponsor and the FDA must resolve any outstanding concerns or questions before
clinical trials can begin. Accordingly, submission of an IND may or may not result in the FDA allowing clinical trials to commence.
We will need to successfully complete clinical
trials in order to be in a position to submit an NDA to the FDA. Our planned future clinical trials for our candidate products
may not begin or be completed on schedule, if at all. Clinical trials can be delayed for a variety of reasons, including:
|
·
|
not
obtaining regulatory approval to commence a trial;
|
|
·
|
not
reaching agreement with third-party clinical trial sites and their subsequent performance in conducting accurate and reliable
studies on a timely basis;
|
|
·
|
not
obtaining IRB approval to conduct a trial at a prospective site;
|
|
·
|
recruiting
an insufficient number of patients to participate in a trial;
|
|
·
|
inadequate
supply of the drug; and
|
|
·
|
clinical
adverse finding(s) during the trial itself.
|
We must reach agreement with the FDA on
the proposed protocols for our future clinical trials in the United States. A separate submission apart from an IND application
must be made for each clinical trial to be conducted during product development. Further, an independent IRB for each site proposed
to conduct the clinical trial must review and approve the plan for any clinical trial before it commences at that site. Informed
consent must also be obtained from each trial subject. Regulatory authorities, an IRB or the sponsor, may suspend or terminate
a clinical trial at any time on various grounds, including a finding that the participants are being exposed to an unacceptable
health risk.
Clinical trials
Clinical trials involve the administration
of the product candidate to human subjects under the supervision of qualified investigators in accordance with current good clinical
practices, or cGCP, which include the requirement that all research subjects provide their informed consent for their participation
in any clinical trial. Clinical trials are conducted under protocols detailing, among other things, the objectives of the trial,
the parameters to be used in monitoring safety and the efficacy criteria to be evaluated. A protocol for each clinical trial and
any subsequent protocol amendments must be submitted to the FDA as part of the IND. Additionally, approval must also be obtained
from each clinical trial site’s IRB before the studies may be initiated and the IRB must monitor the trial until completed.
There are also requirements governing the reporting of ongoing clinical trials and clinical trial results to public registries.
Our objective is to conduct clinical trials
for our candidate products and, if those trials are successful, seek marketing approval from the FDA and other worldwide regulatory
bodies.
For purposes of NDA approval, human clinical
trials are typically conducted in phases that may overlap.
|
·
|
Phase
1
. The drug is initially introduced into healthy human subjects and tested for safety, dosage tolerance, absorption,
metabolism, distribution and excretion. In the case of some products for severe or life-threatening diseases, especially when
the product may be too inherently toxic to ethically administer to healthy volunteers, the initial human testing is often conducted
in patients;
|
|
·
|
Phase
2
. This phase involves trials in a limited patient population to identify possible adverse effects and safety
risks, to preliminarily evaluate the efficacy of the product for specific targeted diseases and to determine dosage tolerance
and optimal dosage;
|
|
·
|
Phase
3
. This phase involves trials undertaken to further evaluate dosage, clinical efficacy and safety in an expanded
patient population, often at geographically dispersed clinical trial sites. These trials are intended to establish the overall
benefit/risk profile of the product and provide an adequate basis for product labeling; and
|
|
·
|
Phase
4
. In some cases, the FDA may condition approval of an NDA for a product candidate on the sponsor’s agreement
to conduct additional clinical trials after approval. In other cases, a sponsor may voluntarily conduct additional clinical trials
after approval to gain more information about the drug. Such post-approval studies are typically referred to as Phase 4 clinical
trials.
|
A pivotal trial is a clinical trial that
adequately meets regulatory agency requirements for the evaluation of a drug candidate’s efficacy and safety such that it
can be used to justify the approval of the product. Generally, pivotal trials are Phase 3 trials, but the FDA may accept results
from Phase 2 trials if the trial design provides a well-controlled and reliable assessment of clinical benefit, particularly in
situations where there is an unmet medical need and the results are sufficiently robust.
The FDA, the IRB, or the clinical trial
sponsor may suspend or terminate a clinical trial at any time on various grounds, including a finding that the research subjects
are being exposed to an unacceptable health risk.
Additionally, some clinical trials are
overseen by an independent group of qualified experts organized by the clinical trial sponsor, known as a Data Safety Monitoring
Board or Committee. This group provides oversight and assessment of designated milestones based on access to certain data during
the conduct of the trial. We may also suspend or terminate a clinical trial based on evolving business objectives and/or competitive
climate.
All of these trials must be conducted in
accordance with GCP requirements in order for the data to be considered reliable for regulatory purposes.
The clinical trial process can take three
to ten years or more to complete and there can be no assurance that the data collected will support FDA approval or licensure of
the product. Government regulation may delay or prevent marketing of a product candidate or new drugs for a considerable period
of time and impose costly procedures upon our activities. We cannot be certain that the FDA or any other regulatory agency will
grant approvals for a product candidate on a timely basis, if at all. Success in early stage clinical trials does not ensure success
in later stage clinical trials. Data obtained from clinical activities is not always conclusive and may be susceptible to varying
interpretations, which could delay, limit or prevent regulatory approval.
The NDA Approval Process
Assuming successful completion of all required
testing in accordance with all applicable regulatory requirements, detailed investigational new drug product information is submitted
to the FDA in the form of an NDA requesting approval to market the product for one or more indications. Under federal law, the
submission of most NDAs is subject to an application user fee. For the FDA’s fiscal year 2017, the application user fee with
clinical data was $2,038,100, and the sponsor of an approved NDA is also subject to annual product and establishment user fees.
For the FDA’s fiscal year 2017, these fees were set at $97,750 per product and $512,200 per establishment. These fees are
typically increased annually. Applications for orphan drug products are exempted from the NDA user fees and may be exempted from
product and establishment user fees, unless the application includes an indication for other than a rare disease or condition.
An NDA must include all relevant data available
from pertinent nonclinical and clinical trials, regardless of the results or findings, together with detailed information relating
to the product’s chemistry, manufacturing, controls and proposed labeling, among other things. Data is generated from company-sponsored
clinical trials intended to test the safety and effectiveness of a use of a product, or in certain instances, from other sources,
including trials initiated by investigators. To support marketing approval, the data submitted must be sufficient in quality and
quantity to establish the safety and effectiveness of the investigational new drug product to the satisfaction of the FDA.
The FDA will initially review the NDA for
completeness before it accepts it for filing. The FDA has 60 days from receipt of an NDA to determine whether the application will
be accepted for filing based on the agency’s threshold determination that the application is sufficiently complete to permit
substantive review. After the NDA submission is accepted for filing, the FDA reviews the NDA to determine, among other things,
whether the proposed product is safe and effective for its intended use, and whether the product is being manufactured in accordance
with cGMP to assure and preserve the product’s identity, strength, quality and purity. The FDA may refer applications for
novel drug products or drug products that present difficult questions of safety or efficacy to an Advisory Committee, typically
a panel that includes independent clinicians and other experts, for review, evaluation and a recommendation as to whether the application
should be approved and, if so, under what conditions. The FDA is not bound by the recommendations of an Advisory Committee, but
it considers such recommendations carefully when making decisions.
Upon the request of an applicant, the FDA
may grant a Priority Review designation to a product, which sets the target date for FDA action on the application at six months,
rather than the standard ten months. Priority review is given where preliminary assessments indicates that a product, if approved,
has the potential to provide a significant improvement compared to marketed products or offers a therapy where no satisfactory
alternative therapy exists. Priority Review designation does not alter the scientific/medical standard for approval or the quality
of evidence necessary to support approval.
The FDA is required to complete its review
in a certain amount of time, for which the user fees are paid to help with the costs of the evaluation. However, FDA and the sponsor
can agree to extend this review time. After the FDA completes its review of an NDA, it will communicate to the sponsor that the
drug will either be approved, or it will issue a Complete Response Letter to communicate that the NDA will not be approved in its
current form and inform the sponsor of changes that must be made or additional clinical, nonclinical or manufacturing data that
must be received before the application can be approved, with no implication regarding the ultimate approvability of the application.
Before approving an NDA, the FDA will typically
inspect the facilities at which the drug substance or drug product is manufactured. The FDA will not approve the product unless
it determines that the manufacturing processes and facilities are in compliance with cGMP requirements and adequate to assure consistent
production of the product within required specifications.
Additionally, before approving an NDA,
the FDA may inspect one or more clinical sites to assure compliance with GCPs. If the FDA determines the application, manufacturing
process or manufacturing facilities are not acceptable, it typically will outline the deficiencies and often will request additional
testing or information. This may significantly delay further review of the application. If the FDA finds that a clinical site did
not conduct the clinical trial in accordance with GCP, the FDA may determine the data generated by the clinical site should be
excluded from the primary efficacy analyses provided in the NDA. Additionally, notwithstanding the submission of any requested
additional information, the FDA ultimately may decide that the application does not satisfy the regulatory criteria for approval.
The testing and approval process for a
drug requires substantial time, effort and financial resources and this process may take several years to complete. Data obtained
from clinical activities are not always conclusive and may be susceptible to varying interpretations, which could delay, limit
or prevent regulatory approval. The FDA may not grant approval on a timely basis, or at all. We may encounter difficulties or unanticipated
costs in our efforts to secure necessary governmental approvals, which could delay or preclude us from marketing our products.
The FDA may require, or companies may pursue,
additional clinical trials after a product is approved. These so-called Phase 4 trials may be made a condition to be satisfied
for continuing drug approval. The results of Phase 4 trials can confirm the effectiveness of a product candidate and can provide
important safety information. In addition, the FDA now has express statutory authority to require sponsors to conduct post-market
trials to specifically address safety issues identified by the agency.
Any approvals that we may ultimately receive
could be withdrawn if required post-marketing trials or analyses do not meet the FDA requirements, which could materially harm
the commercial prospects for our candidate products.
The FDA also has authority to require a
Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy, or REMS, from sponsors to ensure that the benefits of a drug or biological product outweigh
its risks. A sponsor may also propose a REMS as part of the NDA submission. The need for a REMS is determined as part of the review
of the NDA. Based on statutory standards, elements of a REMS may include “Dear Doctor” letters, a Medication Guide,
more elaborate targeted educational programs and in some cases restrictions on distribution. These elements are negotiated as part
of the NDA approval, and in some cases if consensus is not obtained until after the Prescription Drug User Fee Act review cycle,
the approval date may be delayed. Once adopted, REMS are subject to periodic assessment and modification.
Even if a product candidate receives regulatory
approval, the approval may be limited to specific disease states, patient populations and dosages, or might contain significant
limitations on use in the form of warnings, precautions or contraindications, including Black Box Warnings, or in the form of risk
management plans, restrictions on distribution, or post-marketing trial requirements. Further, even after regulatory approval is
obtained, later discovery of previously unknown problems with a product may result in restrictions on the product or complete withdrawal
of the product from the market. Delay in obtaining, or failure to obtain, regulatory approval for our candidate products, or obtaining
approval but for significantly limited use, would harm our business. In addition, we cannot predict what adverse governmental regulations
may arise from future U.S. or foreign governmental action.
FDA Post-Approval Requirements
Drugs manufactured or distributed pursuant
to FDA approvals are subject to pervasive and continuing regulation by the FDA, including, among other things, requirements relating
to recordkeeping, periodic reporting, product sampling and distribution, advertising and promotion and reporting of adverse experiences
with the product. After approval, changes to the approved product or the addition of new indications or other labeling claims are
subject to prior FDA review and approval. There also are continuing, annual user fee requirements for any marketed products and
the establishments at which such products are manufactured, as well as new application fees for supplemental applications with
clinical data.
Drug sponsors and their manufacturers are
subject to periodic unannounced inspections by the FDA and state agencies for compliance with cGMP requirements. Changes to the
manufacturing process are strictly regulated, and, depending on the significance of the change, may require prior FDA approval
before being implemented. FDA regulations also require investigation and correction of any deviations from cGMP and impose reporting
and documentation requirements upon us and any third-party manufacturers that we may decide to use. Accordingly, manufacturers
must continue to expend time, money and effort in the area of production and quality control to maintain compliance with cGMP and
other aspects of regulatory compliance.
We rely, and expect to continue to rely,
on third parties for the production of clinical quantities of our current product candidate, and expect to rely in the future on
third parties for the production of commercial quantities. Future FDA and state inspections may identify compliance issues at our
facilities or at the facilities of our contract manufacturers that may disrupt production or distribution, or require substantial
resources to correct. In addition, discovery of previously unknown problems with a product or the failure to comply with applicable
requirements may result in restrictions on a product, manufacturer or holder of an approved NDA, including withdrawal or recall
of the product from the market or other voluntary, FDA-initiated or judicial action that could delay or prohibit further marketing.
Also, new government requirements, including those resulting from new legislation, may be established, or the FDA’s policies
may change, which could delay or prevent regulatory approval of our products under development.
The FDA may withdraw approval if compliance
with regulatory requirements and standards is not maintained or if problems occur after the product reaches the market. Later discovery
of previously unknown problems with a product, including adverse events of unanticipated severity or frequency, or with manufacturing
processes, or failure to comply with regulatory requirements, may result in revisions to the approved labeling to add new safety
information; imposition of a requirement to conduct post-market trials or clinical trials to assess new safety risks; or imposition
of distribution restrictions or other restrictions under a REMS program. Other potential consequences include, but not limited
to the following:
|
·
|
restrictions
on the marketing or manufacturing of the product, complete withdrawal of the product from the market or product recalls;
|
|
·
|
fines,
warning letters or holds on post-approval clinical trials;
|
|
·
|
refusal
of the FDA to approve pending NDAs or supplements to approved NDAs, or suspension or revocation of product license approvals;
|
|
·
|
injunctions
or the imposition of civil or criminal penalties; or
|
|
·
|
product
seizure or detention, or refusal to permit the import or export of products.
|
The FDA strictly regulates marketing, labeling,
advertising, and promotion of products that are placed on the market. Drugs may be promoted only for the approved indications and
in accordance with the provisions of the approved label. The FDA and other agencies actively enforce the laws and regulations prohibiting
the promotion of off-label uses, and a company that is found to have improperly promoted off-label uses may be subject to significant
enforcement and product liability exposure.
Orphan Drug Designation and Exclusivity
The FDA may grant orphan drug designation
to drugs intended to treat a rare disease or condition that affects fewer than 200,000 individuals in the United States, or if
it affects more than 200,000 individuals in the United States, there is no reasonable expectation that the cost of developing and
making the drug for this type of disease or condition will be recovered from sales in the United States.
Orphan drug designation entitles a party
to financial incentives such as opportunities for grant funding towards clinical trial costs, tax advantages, and user-fee waivers.
In addition, if a product receives FDA approval for the indication for which it has orphan designation, the product is entitled
to orphan drug exclusivity, which means the FDA may not approve any other application to market the same drug for the same indication
for a period of seven years, except in limited circumstances, such as a showing of clinical superiority over the product with orphan
exclusivity. Orphan drug designation does not affect the regulatory review standards or shorten the review period. Designation
does not imply FDA approval, and it is possible a company may, in certain cases, lose designation before a product’s approval
and, thus, may not obtain orphan drug exclusivity.
European Union/Rest of World Government Regulation
In addition to regulations in the United
States, we will be subject to a variety of regulations in other jurisdictions governing, among other things, clinical trials and
any commercial sales and distribution of our products.
Whether or not we obtain FDA approval for
a product, we must obtain the requisite approvals from regulatory authorities in foreign countries prior to the commencement of
clinical trials or marketing of the product in those countries. Certain countries outside of the United States have a similar process
that requires the submission of a clinical trial application much like the IND prior to the commencement of human clinical trials.
In the European Union, for example, a clinical trial application, or CTA, must be submitted for each clinical protocol to each
country’s national health authority and an independent ethics committee, much like the FDA and IRB, respectively. Once the
CTA is accepted in accordance with a country’s requirements, the clinical trial may proceed.
The requirements and process governing
the conduct of clinical trials vary from country to country. In all cases, the clinical trials are conducted in accordance with
cGCP, the applicable regulatory requirements, and the ethical principles that have their origin in the Declaration of Helsinki.
To obtain regulatory approval of an investigational
medicinal product under European Union regulatory systems, we must submit a marketing authorization application. The content of
the NDA or BLA filed in the United States is similar to that required in the European Union, with the exception of, among other
things, country and EU-specific document requirements.
For other countries outside of the European
Union, such as countries in Eastern Europe, Latin America or Asia, the requirements governing product licensing, pricing, and reimbursement
vary from country to country.
Countries that are part of the European
Union, as well as countries outside of the European Union, have their own governing bodies, requirements, and processes with respect
to the approval of pharmaceutical products. If we fail to comply with applicable foreign regulatory requirements, we may be subject
to, among other things, fines, suspension or withdrawal of regulatory approvals, product recalls, seizure of products, operating
restrictions and criminal prosecution.
Authorization Procedures in the European Union
Medicines can be authorized in the European
Union by using either the centralized authorization procedure or national authorization procedures (Decentralized or Mutual recognition
or national procedures).
|
·
|
Centralized
procedure.
The European Commission implemented the centralized procedure for the approval of human medicines to
facilitate marketing authorizations that are valid throughout the EEA which is comprised of the 28 member states of the European
Union plus Norway, Iceland, and Lichtenstein. This procedure results in a single marketing authorization issued by the European
Commission that is valid across the EEA. The centralized procedure is compulsory for human medicines that are: derived from biotechnology
processes, such as genetic engineering, contain a new active substance indicated for the treatment of certain diseases, such as
HIV/AIDS, cancer, diabetes, neurodegenerative disorders or autoimmune diseases and other immune dysfunctions, and officially designated
orphan medicines.
|
For medicines that do not fall within these categories,
an applicant has the option of submitting an application for a centralized marketing authorization to the EMA following a favorable
eligibility request by the EMA, as long as the medicine concerned is a significant therapeutic, scientific or technical innovation,
or if its authorization would be in the interest of public health.
|
·
|
National
authorization procedures
. There are also two other possible routes to authorize medicinal products in several
European Union countries, which are available for investigational medicinal products that fall outside the scope of the centralized
procedure:
|
Decentralized procedure
. Using the
decentralized procedure, an applicant may apply for simultaneous authorization in more than one European Union country of medicinal
products that have not yet been authorized in any European Union country and that do not fall within the mandatory scope of the
centralized procedure.
Mutual recognition procedure.
In
the mutual recognition procedure, a medicine is first authorized in one European Union Member State, in accordance with the procedure
laid down in the EU directive 2001/83 as amended and implemented into national legislation. Following this, further marketing authorizations
can be sought from other European Union countries in a procedure whereby the countries concerned agree to recognize the validity
of the original, national marketing authorization.
In some cases, a Pediatric Investigation
Plan, or PIP, and/or a request for waiver or deferral, is required for submission prior to submitting a marketing authorization
application. A PIP describes, among other things, proposed pediatric trials and their timing relative to clinical trials in adults.
New Chemical Entity Exclusivity
In the European Union, new chemical entities,
sometimes referred to as new active substances or new molecular entities, as well as submissions following Article 8.3 of Directive
2001/83 as amended, qualify for eight years of data exclusivity upon marketing authorization and an additional two years of market
exclusivity. This data exclusivity, if granted, prevents regulatory authorities in the European Union from referencing the innovator’s
data to assess a generic (abbreviated) application for eight years, after which generic marketing authorization can be submitted,
and the innovator’s data may be referenced, the product may be approved but must not be launched prior to the end of the
10 years data exclusivity period. The overall ten-year period will be extended by one year if, during the first eight years of
those ten years, the marketing authorization holder obtains an authorization for one or more new therapeutic indications which,
during the scientific evaluation prior to their authorization, is held to bring a significant clinical benefit, in comparison with
existing therapies, or by six months if there is a pediatric development in accordance with a PIP has been performed.
Orphan Drug Designation and
Exclusivity
In the European Union, the EMA’s
COMP grants orphan drug designation to promote the development of products that are intended for the diagnosis, prevention or treatment
of life-threatening or chronically debilitating conditions affecting not more than five in 10,000 persons in the European Union
and for which no satisfactory method of diagnosis, prevention, or treatment has been authorized (or the product would be a significant
benefit to those affected, i.e. where a prior approval was granted). Additionally, designation is granted for products intended
for the diagnosis, prevention, or treatment of a life-threatening, seriously debilitating or serious and chronic condition and
when, without incentives, it is unlikely that sales of the drug in the European Union would be sufficient to justify the necessary
investment in developing the medicinal product.
In the European Union, orphan drug designation
entitles a party to financial incentives such as reduction of fees or fee waivers and 10 years of market exclusivity is granted
following medicinal product approval. This period may be reduced to six years if the orphan drug designation criteria are no longer
met, including where it is shown that the product is sufficiently profitable not to justify maintenance of market exclusivity.
This period can be prolonged to 12 years in case a pediatric development has been performed following an agreed PIP.
Orphan drug designation must be requested
and granted before submitting an application for marketing approval. Orphan drug designation does not convey any advantage in,
or shorten the duration of, the regulatory review and approval process.
Exceptional Circumstances/Conditional
Approval
Orphan drugs or drugs with unmet medical
needs may be eligible for European Union approval under exceptional circumstances or with conditional approval. Approval under
exceptional circumstances is applicable to all applications including orphan products and is used when an applicant is unable to
provide comprehensive data on the efficacy and safety under normal conditions of use because the indication for which the product
is intended is encountered so rarely that the applicant cannot reasonably be expected to provide comprehensive evidence, when the
present state of scientific knowledge does not allow comprehensive information to be provided, or when it is medically unethical
to collect such information. Conditional marketing authorization is applicable to orphan medicinal products, medicinal products
for seriously debilitating or life-threatening diseases, or medicinal products to be used in emergency situations in response to
recognized public threats. Conditional marketing authorization can be granted on the basis of less complete data than is normally
required in order to meet unmet medical needs and in the interest of public health, provided the risk-benefit balance is positive,
it is likely that the applicant will be able to provide the comprehensive clinical data after approval, and unmet medical needs
will be fulfilled. Conditional marketing authorization is subject to certain specific obligations to be reviewed annually. The
initial approval needs to be renewed annually. This renewal is controlled by the CHMP and, if not granted, may lead to cessation
of the marketing authorization at the end of this particular year
.
Accelerated Review
Under the Centralized Procedure in the
European Union, the maximum timeframe for the evaluation of a marketing authorization application is 210 days (excluding clock
stops, when additional written or oral information is to be provided by the applicant in response to questions asked by the EMA’s
Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use, or CHMP). Accelerated evaluation might be granted by the CHMP in exceptional cases,
when a medicinal product is expected to be of a major public health interest, particularly from the point of view of therapeutic
innovation. In this circumstance, EMA ensures that the opinion of the CHMP is given within 150 days, excluding clock stops.
Drug Application Process in Canada
In Canada, the
Food and Drugs Act
governs which drugs can be manufactured, marketed and sold in the country. It also establishes approval processes and sets standards
for the manufacture, testing, packaging and labelling of regulated products. Applications for approval to market drugs and related
products in Canada are reviewed by the Health Products and Food Branch, or HPFB, of Health Canada.
New Drug Approval Process
In the case of new drugs, the HPFB will
review preclinical test results indicating that the substance produces the desired result and is not toxic, before authorizing
clinical trials in Canada. When the clinical trial studies (the application process is detailed below) prove that the drug has
potential therapeutic value that outweighs the risks associated with its use, the sponsor may file a New Drug Submission, or NDS,
with HPFB.
An NDS consists of data and material on
the safety, effectiveness and quality of the drug, as well as the results of the preclinical and clinical studies, whether done
in Canada or elsewhere, and information that the sponsor proposes to provide to health care practitioners and consumers, such as
details regarding the production of the drug, packaging and labelling, and information regarding therapeutic claims and side effects.
If the HPFB concludes that the benefits
outweigh the risks and that the risks can be mitigated, the drug is issued a Notice of Compliance, as well as a Drug Identification
Number which permits the sponsor to market the drug in Canada and indicates the drug’s official approval in Canada.
Clinical Trial Application Process
In Canada, clinical trial sponsors must
submit a clinical trial application, or CTA, to Health Canada for authorization to sell or import a drug for the purpose of a clinical
trial. A CTA must be filed prior to the initiation of the trial, and approval from both Health Canada and the clinical
site(s) Research Ethics Board(s) must be obtained prior to the initiation of the trial. During the 30-day review of Health Canada,
a ‘No Objection Letter’ is issued to the sponsor company if the application is deemed acceptable. All clinical testing
is subject to rigorous regulatory requirements, including the requirement to follow good clinical practices, obtain study subjects
informed consent, and obtain institutional review board or independent ethics committee approval.
Orphan Drugs in Canada
Canada does not have specific legislation
regarding orphan drug development and approval. Health Canada is developing an orphan drug regulatory framework that seeks to encourage
the development of orphan drugs and increase the availability of these products on the Canadian market. In this regard, the
Office
of Legislative and Regulatory Modernization, Policy, Planning and International Affairs Directorate, Health Products and Food Branch
published the
Initial Draft Discussion Document for A Canadian Orphan Drug Regulatory Framework
.
Health Canada’s draft definition of
the term “orphan drug” is to mean a drug that meets the following criteria:
|
a.
|
the
drug is intended for the diagnosis, treatment, mitigation or prevention of a life-threatening, seriously debilitating, or serious
and chronic disease or condition affecting not more than five (5) in ten thousand (10,000) persons in Canada; and
|
|
b.
|
the
drug is not currently authorized by the Minister of Health or if currently authorized, it will provide a potentially substantial
benefit for the patient distinguishable from the existing therapy.
|
In the absence of an orphan drug regulatory
framework in Canada, Canadians have been able to access some orphan drugs, also known as Drugs for Rare Diseases, through Health
Canada’s Special Access Program, clinical trials or as new drugs that have received their Notice of Compliance under Part
C, Division 8 of the
Food and Drug Regulations
.
Pharmaceutical Coverage, Pricing and Reimbursement
Significant uncertainty exists as to the
coverage and reimbursement status of any drug products for which we may obtain regulatory approval. In the United States and markets
in other countries, sales of any products for which we receive regulatory approval for commercial sale will depend in part on the
availability of coverage and reimbursement from third-party payers. Third-party payers include government authorities, managed
care providers, private health insurers and other organizations. If we obtain regulatory approval for our products, third-party
payers may not provide coverage for our products, or may limit coverage to specific drug products on an approved list, or formulary,
which might not include all of the FDA-approved drugs for a particular indication. Moreover, a payer’s decision to provide
coverage for a drug product does not imply that an adequate reimbursement rate will be approved. Adequate third-party reimbursement
may not be available to enable us to maintain price levels sufficient to realize an appropriate return on our investment in product
development.
Third-party payers are increasingly challenging
the price and examining the medical necessity and cost-effectiveness of medical products and services, in addition to their safety
and efficacy. To obtain coverage and reimbursement for any product that receives regulatory approval for commercial sale, we may
need to provide supporting scientific, clinical and cost-effectiveness data, which may be difficult and costly to obtain. Our current
or any future product candidates may not be considered medically necessary or cost-effective. If third-party payers do not consider
a product to be cost-effective compared to other available therapies, they may not cover the product after approval as a benefit
under their plans or, if they do, the level of payment may not be sufficient to allow us to sell our products at a profit.
The U.S. government, state legislatures
and foreign governments have shown significant interest in implementing cost containment programs to limit the growth of health
care costs, including price controls, reporting requirements, restrictions on reimbursement and requirements for substitution of
generic products for branded prescription drugs. By way of example, the ACA contains provisions that may reduce the profitability
of drug products, including, for example, increased rebates for drugs sold to Medicaid programs, extension of Medicaid rebates
to Medicaid managed care plans, mandatory discounts for certain Medicare Part D beneficiaries and annual fees based on pharmaceutical
companies’ share of sales to federal health care programs. Adoption of additional government controls and measures, and tightening
of restrictive policies in jurisdictions with existing controls and measures, could limit payments for pharmaceuticals.
In the U.S., judicial challenges as well
as legislative initiatives to modify, limit, or repeal the ACA have been initiated and continue, including a recent Executive Order
signed by the U.S. President directing executive departments and federal agencies to waive, defer, grant exemptions from, or delay
the implementation of provisions of the ACA that would impose a fiscal or regulatory burden on individuals and certain entities
to the maximum extent permitted by law. The extent to which any repeal or replacement of elements of the ACA, or other legislation,
would affect our ability to obtain regulatory approval for the sale of Trehalose IV, or the prices and net revenues from its sale
is unknown at the time of this filing and represent an additional uncertainty.
In the European Union, governments influence
the price of pharmaceutical products through their pricing and reimbursement rules, legislation and control of national health
care systems that fund a large part of the cost of those products to consumers. Some jurisdictions operate positive and negative
list systems under which products may only be marketed once a reimbursement price has been agreed to by the government. To obtain
reimbursement or pricing approval, some of these countries may require the completion of clinical trials that compare the cost-effectiveness
of a particular product candidate to currently available therapies. Other member states allow companies to fix their own prices
for medicines, but monitor and control company profits. The downward pressure on health care costs in general, particularly prescription
drugs, has become very intense. As a result, increasingly high barriers are being erected to the entry of new products. In addition,
in some countries, cross-border imports from low-priced markets exert a commercial pressure on pricing within a country.
In Canada, the federal government, provinces
and territories provide coverage to about one third of residents through publicly financed programs. Both the federal and provincial
governments play a role in regulating drug prices and reimbursement. The prices of patented drugs are regulated at the federal
level by the Patented Medicine Prices Review Board, which ensures that prices are not excessive. Also, drugs must be approved at
the provincial level in order to be covered under provincial health insurance systems. Once Health Canada has approved a drug for
use, the country’s public drug plans must decide if the drug will be eligible for public reimbursement. The Canadian Agency
for Drugs and Technologies in Health (CADTH), an independent non-profit agency has a mandate to provide advice and evidence-based
information about the effectiveness of drugs and other health technologies to Canadian health care decision makers. CADTH implements
a Common Drug Review (CDR) process to provide formulary recommendations for all provinces except Quebec. Through the CDR process,
CADTH conducts evaluations of the clinical, economic, and patient evidence on drugs, and uses this evaluation to provide reimbursement
recommendations and advice to Canada’s federal, provincial, and territorial public drug plans, with the exception of Quebec.
About two-thirds of Canada’s residents are covered for prescription drugs by private insurance. Private plans establish their
own lists of covered drugs.
The marketability of any products for which
we receive regulatory approval for commercial sale may suffer if governmental and other third-party payers fail to provide adequate
coverage and reimbursement. In addition, there is an increasing emphasis on cost containment measures in the United States and
other countries, which we expect will continue to increase the pressure on pharmaceutical pricing. Coverage policies and third-party
reimbursement rates may change at any time. Even if favorable coverage and reimbursement status is attained for one or more products
for which we receive regulatory approval, less favorable coverage policies and reimbursement rates may be implemented in the future.
Other Healthcare Laws and Compliance Requirements
If we obtain regulatory approval for our
current or any future product candidates, we may be subject to various federal and state laws targeting fraud and abuse in the
healthcare industry. These laws may impact, among other things, our proposed sales, marketing and education programs. In addition,
we may be subject to patient privacy regulation by both the federal government and the states in which we conduct our business.
The laws that may affect our ability to operate include:
|
·
|
the
federal Anti-Kickback Statute, which prohibits, among other things, persons from knowingly and willfully soliciting, receiving,
offering or paying remuneration, directly or indirectly, to induce or reward, or in return for, the referral of an individual,
or the purchase, order or recommendation of any good, item or service reimbursable under a federal healthcare program, such as
Medicare and Medicaid;
|
|
·
|
federal
civil and criminal false claims laws and civil monetary penalty laws, including the False Claims Act, which prohibit, among other
things, individuals or entities from knowingly presenting, or causing to be presented, claims for payment from the federal government,
including Medicare, Medicaid, or other third-party payers, that are false or fraudulent;
|
|
·
|
HIPAA,
which imposes criminal and civil liability for knowingly and willfully executing, or attempting to execute, a scheme to defraud
any healthcare benefit program or obtain, by means of false or fraudulent pretenses, representations, or promises, any of the
money or property owned by, or under the custody or control of, any healthcare benefit program, and for knowingly and willfully
falsifying, concealing or covering up a material fact or making any materially false statements in connection with the delivery
of or payment for healthcare benefits, items or services;
|
|
·
|
the
federal transparency laws, including the physician sunshine provisions of the Affordable Care Act, that requires certain drug
manufacturers to disclose certain payments and other transfers of value provided to physicians and teaching hospitals, and ownership
and investment interests held by physicians and their family members;
|
|
·
|
HIPAA,
as amended by HITECH, and its implementing regulations, which imposes certain requirements relating to the privacy and security
of individually identifiable health information;
|
|
·
|
state
law equivalents of each of the above federal laws, such as anti-kickback and false claims laws which may apply to items or services
reimbursed by any third-party payer, including commercial insurers, and state laws governing the privacy and security of health
information in certain circumstances, many of which differ from each other in significant ways and may not have the same effect,
thus complicating compliance efforts; and
|
|
·
|
the
FCPA, which prohibits companies from making improper payments to foreign government officials and other persons for the purpose
of obtaining or retaining business.
|
The ACA broadened the reach of the fraud
and abuse laws by, among other things, amending the intent requirement of the federal Anti-Kickback Statute and the applicable
criminal healthcare fraud statutes contained within 42 U.S.C. §1320a-7b. Pursuant to the statutory amendment, a person or
entity no longer needs to have actual knowledge of this statute or specific intent to violate it in order to have committed a violation.
In addition, the Affordable Care Act provides that the government may assert that a claim including items or services resulting
from a violation of the federal Anti-Kickback Statute constitutes a false or fraudulent claim for purposes of the civil False Claims
Act (discussed below) or the civil monetary penalties statute. Many states have adopted laws similar to the federal Anti-Kickback
Statute, some of which apply to the referral of patients for healthcare items or services reimbursed by any source, not only federal
healthcare programs such as the Medicare and Medicaid programs.
Safeguards we implement to prohibit improper
payments or offers of payments by our employees, consultants, and others may be ineffective, and violations of the fraud and abuse
laws, the FCPA and similar laws may result in severe criminal or civil sanctions, or other liabilities or proceedings against us,
any of which would likely harm our reputation, business, financial condition and result of operations.
If our operations are found to be in violation
of any of the laws described above or any other governmental regulations that apply to us, we may be subject to penalties, including
civil and criminal penalties, exclusion from participation in government healthcare programs, such as Medicare and Medicaid, imprisonment,
damages, fines, disgorgement, contractual remedies, reputational harm, diminished profits and future earnings, and the curtailment
or restructuring of our operations, any of which could adversely affect our ability to operate our business and our results of
operations.
Labeling, Marketing and Promotion
The FDA closely regulates the labeling,
marketing and promotion of drugs. While doctors are free to prescribe any drug approved by the FDA for any use, a company can only
make claims relating to safety and efficacy of a drug that are consistent with FDA approval, and the company is allowed to actively
market a drug only for the particular use and treatment approved by the FDA. In addition, any claims we make for our products in
advertising or promotion must be appropriately balanced with important safety information and otherwise be adequately substantiated.
Failure to comply with these requirements can result in adverse publicity, enforcement letters, such as publicly-posted warning
letters, corrective advertising, injunctions and potential civil and criminal penalties. Government regulators recently have increased
their scrutiny of the promotion and marketing of drugs. These federal enforcement actions can also potentially lead to state actions
and product liability claims, as well as competitor challenges of deceptive advertising.
Anti-Kickback Statute, False Claims Act, and Other Laws
In the United States, the research, manufacturing,
distribution, sale and promotion of drug products and medical devices are potentially subject to regulation by various federal,
state and local authorities in addition to the FDA, including the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, other divisions
of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (e.g., the Office of Inspector General), the U.S. Department of Justice, state
Attorneys General, and other federal, state and local government agencies. For example, sales, marketing and scientific/educational
grant programs must comply with, among others, the federal Anti-Kickback Statute, the federal False Claims Act, privacy and security
regulations promulgated under HIPAA, and similar state laws, as applicable. All of these activities are also potentially subject
to federal and state consumer protection and unfair competition laws.
The federal Anti-Kickback Statute makes
it illegal for any person, including a prescription drug manufacturer (or a party acting on its behalf) to knowingly and willfully
solicit, receive, offer, or pay any remuneration that is intended to induce or reward referrals, or the purchase, order, or prescription
of a particular drug or other item or service, for which payment may be made under a federal healthcare program, such as Medicare
or Medicaid.
The federal False Claims Act prohibits
anyone from knowingly presenting, or causing to be presented, for payment to the government, claims for items or services, including
drugs that are false or fraudulent, such as claims for items or services not provided as claimed, or claims for medically unnecessary
items or services.
There are also an increasing number of
state laws that require manufacturers to make reports to states on pricing and marketing information. Many of these laws contain
ambiguities as to what is required to comply with the laws. In addition, a similar federal requirement requires manufacturers to
track and report to the federal government certain payments made to physicians and certain teaching hospitals made in the previous
calendar year. These laws may affect our sales, marketing, and other promotional activities by imposing administrative and compliance
burdens on us, and additional laws and regulations may be enacted in the future that expand our compliance obligations even further.
In addition, given the lack of clarity with respect to these laws and their implementation, our reporting actions could be subject
to the penalty provisions of the pertinent state, and federal authorities.
Other Regulations
We are also subject to numerous federal,
state and local laws relating to such matters as safe working conditions, manufacturing practices, environmental protection, fire
hazard control, and disposal of hazardous or potentially hazardous substances. We may incur significant costs to comply with such
laws and regulations now or in the future.
Israel
Clinical Testing in Israel
In order to conduct clinical testing on
humans in the State of Israel, special authorization must first be obtained from the ethics committee and general manager of the
institution in which the clinical trials are scheduled to be conducted, as required under the Guidelines for Clinical Trials in
Human Subjects implemented pursuant to the Israeli Public Health Regulations (Clinical Trials in Human Subjects), as amended from
time to time, and other applicable legislation. These regulations require authorization by the institutional ethics committee and
general manager as well as from the Israeli Ministry of Health, except in certain circumstances, and in the case of genetic trials,
special fertility trials and complex clinical trials, an additional authorization of the Ministry of Health’s overseeing
ethics committee. The institutional ethics committee must, among other things, evaluate the anticipated benefits that are likely
to be derived from the project to determine if it justifies the risks and inconvenience to be inflicted on the human subjects,
and the committee must ensure that adequate protection exists for the rights and safety of the participants as well as the accuracy
of the information gathered in the course of the clinical testing. Since we perform a portion of the clinical trials on certain
of our therapeutic candidates in Israel, we are required to obtain authorization from the ethics committee and general manager
of each institution in which we intend to conduct our clinical trials, and in most cases, from the Israeli Ministry of Health.
|
4.C.
|
Organizational
structure
|
Our sole wholly owned subsidiary is Bio
Blast Pharma, Inc., which was incorporated in the state of Delaware.
|
4.D.
|
Property,
plants and equipment
|
During 2017, we vacated our headquarters
in Tel Aviv, Israel and we currently do not lease any office space for our operations. In the event that we will resume our product
candidate development program we plan to lease appropriate space for our operations.
ITEM 4A.
|
UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
|
None.
ITEM 5.
|
OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS
|
Introduction
We are a clinical stage orphan disease-focused
biotechnology company committed to developing meaningful therapies for patients with rare and ultra-rare genetic diseases. Currently
our focus is on trehalose, a therapeutic platform that offers potential solutions for several diseases that share a common pathophysiological
mechanism, which are the functional changes that accompany a particular syndrome or disease. Since our inception in 2012, our work
with trehalose has centered around OPMD and SCA3.
On June 5, 2017, we announced our engagement
with JSB-Partners, a global life sciences advisor, to assist us in executing our business development objectives, which include
selecting potential development and commercial partners for our investigational proprietary intravenous (IV) form of trehalose
90 mg/mL solution (trehalose), which has been studied in humans with OPMD and SCA3 and M&A opportunities. Among other transaction structures, we are simultaneously exploring the possibility of a merger or sale
of the entire company or a controlling interest in the company, as well as a sale or licensing of our product candidate followed
either by the distribution of any proceeds to our shareholders or an unrelated merger of the company with an operating company
that would seek to benefit from the company’s then status as a “shell” company listed for trading on Nasdaq (reverse
IPO). We have cut our expenses
and terminated almost all of our employees and are now dedicating all of our resources to support the process led by JSB-Partners.
Accordingly, we are not currently actively pursuing our core business focus as described in the preceding paragraph.
To date, we have not generated revenue
from the sale of any product, and we do not expect to generate significant revenue unless and until we obtain marketing approval
of, and commercialize our product candidate. As of December 31, 2017, we had an accumulated deficit of $45.8 million. Our financing
activities are described below under “Liquidity and Capital Resources”. Assuming that we will resume the development
of our product candidates, we expect to incur significant expenses and operating losses for at least the next several years. These
losses, combined with prior losses will continue to have an adverse effect on our cash resources, shareholders’ deficit and
working capital. As a result of these expected losses and negative cash flows from operations, along with our current cash position,
we only have sufficient resources to fund operations at least until the end of end of 2018. Therefore, there is substantial doubt
about our ability to continue as a going concern.
If we obtain regulatory approval for our
product candidate and any future product candidates we may develop, we may incur significant sales, marketing, in-licensing and
outsourced manufacturing expenses, as well as continued research and development expenses. In addition, we expect our research
and development expenses to significantly increase if we proceed with an additional Phase 2b clinical trial of Trehalose IV for
treatment of OPMD patients and other planned clinical trials of our Trehalose IV solution for treatments of other indications,
and as we develop additional product candidates for our drug pipeline. Because of the numerous risks and uncertainties associated
with developing and commercializing pharmaceutical products, we are unable to predict the extent of any future losses or when we
will become profitable, if at all.
Until such time, if ever, as we can generate
substantial product revenues, we expect to finance our cash needs through a combination of equity offerings and debt financings,
as well as license and collaboration agreements with potential partners. We may be unable to raise capital when needed or on attractive
terms, or to enter into collaboration agreements, which could force us to delay, limit, reduce or terminate our product development
or future commercialization efforts. We will need to generate significant revenues to achieve profitability, which we may not be
able to achieve.
Financial Overview
Research and Development
Research and development expenses consist
of expenses incurred in performing research and development activities, including compensation and benefits (which includes share
based compensation for research and development employees), an allocation of facilities expenses, overhead expenses, nonclinical
pharmacology and toxicology studies, manufacturing process-development, clinical trial and related clinical manufacturing expenses,
fees paid to CROs, investigative sites, and other external expenses. In the early phases of development, our research and development
costs include expanding our product platform as well as early development of specific product candidates. If we expand the clinical
development of our Trehalose IV solution, we expect the amount of research and development spending to continue to grow. The majority
of our research and development expenses have been spent on the development of our Trehalose IV solution.
We expense research and development costs
as incurred. Generally speaking, conducting a significant amount of research and development is central to our business model that
we plan to execute in the future. Product candidates in advanced stages of clinical development generally have higher development
costs than those in earlier stages of clinical development, primarily due to the increased size and duration of advanced stage
clinical trials. If and when we resume the development of our product candidates, we plan to increase our research and development
expenses, which will be required to obtain regulatory approval for our Trehalose IV solution in the United States and rest of the
world as well as to expand the indications for our Trehalose IV solution, and to further advance our nonclinical and earlier stage
research and development projects into clinical stages. The successful development of our Trehalose IV solution for treatment of
OPMD patients and other indications is highly uncertain. At this time, we cannot reasonably estimate the nature, timing or costs
of the efforts that will be necessary to complete the remainder of the development of our Trehalose IV solution, or the period,
if any, in which material net cash inflows from this product candidates may commence. Clinical development timelines, the probability
of success and development costs can differ materially from expectations. For example, if the FDA or another regulatory authority
were to require us to conduct clinical trials beyond those which we currently anticipate will be required for the completion of
clinical development of a product candidate or if we experience significant delays in any of our clinical trials, we could be required
to expend significant additional financial resources and time on the completion of clinical development.
Pre-commercialization
Pre-commercialization expenses consist
primarily of professional fees related to preparation for, and if approved, the eventual commercialization of our Trehalose IV
solution, including compensation and benefits (which includes share-based compensation), fees paid to third parties for market
research activities and commercialization planning activities, and allocation of facilities expenses and overhead expenses. We
anticipate that if and when we resume executing on the existing development programs these expenses will materially increase as
we accelerate our preparation for commercialization and, if it is approved, start to market our Trehalose IV solution and as we
explore new collaborations to develop and commercialize our Trehalose IV solution and other products.
General and Administrative
General and administrative expenses consist
primarily of salaries and related benefits, including share-based compensation, related to our executive, finance, business development,
and support functions. Other general and administrative expenses include facility-related costs not otherwise allocated to research
and development expenses, travel expenses for our general and administrative personnel and professional fees for auditing, tax,
as well as corporate and intellectual property legal services. We anticipate that if and when we resume executing on our development
programs, our general and administrative expenses will increase, reflecting an expanding infrastructure and increased professional
fees associated with being a public company and potentially as a commercial-stage company.
Finance Income, Net
Finance income, net consists mainly of
interest income on bank deposits offset by bank fees and exchange rate fluctuations.
Provision for Income Taxes
We are subject to Israeli income taxes
for earnings generated in Israel and for federal and state income taxes for earnings of our wholly-owned U.S. subsidiary generated
in the United States. Our consolidated tax expense is affected by the mix of our taxable income (loss) in the Israel and the United
States permanent items, discrete items, and unrecognized tax benefits. We file Israeli income tax returns, U.S. federal and various
U.S. states returns. The associated tax filings remain subject to examination by applicable tax authorities for a certain length
of time following the tax year to which those filings relate. As of December 31, 2017, in Israel and the United States, some, or
all of the tax years since inception (2012 in Israel, and 2015 in the United States) remain subject to examination by the applicable
taxing authorities.
Results of Operations
C
omparison for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016
The following tables set forth, for the
periods indicated, our results of operations and the change between the specified periods expressed as a percent increase or decrease:
Research and Development Expenses
|
|
2017
|
|
|
2016
|
|
|
$ change
|
|
|
% change
|
|
|
|
U.S. dollars in thousands, except percentages
|
|
Research and development
|
|
|
2,517
|
|
|
|
8,881
|
|
|
|
(6,364
|
)
|
|
|
(72
|
)%
|
For the year ended December 31, 2017, our
total research and development expenses decreased by approximately $6.4 million, or 72%, compared to the prior year. The decrease
was due to reduced clinical trial related activities, specifically with respect to our planned Phase 2b clinical trial of trehalose
90mg/mL IV solution for treatment of OPMD patients and due to reduced preclinical activity during 2017.
Pre-Commercialization Expenses
|
|
2017
|
|
|
2016
|
|
|
$ change
|
|
|
% change
|
|
|
|
U.S. dollars in thousands, except percentages
|
|
Pre-commercialization
|
|
|
479
|
|
|
|
1,085
|
|
|
|
(606
|
)
|
|
|
(56
|
)%
|
For the year ended December 31, 2017, our
pre-commercialization expenses decreased by $0.6 million, or 56 %, compared to the prior year. The decrease was primarily due to
a halt in market research activities during the second quarter of 2017. In addition, we did not incur any related salary cost during
the second half of 2017.
General and Administrative Expenses
|
|
2017
|
|
|
2016
|
|
|
$ change
|
|
|
% change
|
|
|
|
U.S. dollars in thousands, except percentages
|
|
General and administrative
|
|
|
2,959
|
|
|
|
5,900
|
|
|
|
(2,941
|
)
|
|
|
(50
|
)%
|
For the year ended December 31, 2017, our
general and administrative expenses decreased by approximately $2.9 million, or 50%, compared to the prior year due to our decision
to downsize corporate overhead by reducing the number of employees of our wholly-owned U.S. subsidiary and closing of U.S. offices.
The general and administrative costs during 2016 included termination related payments to departing employees. Such termination
related payments were offset by reversal of previously recognized share-based compensation due to forfeiture of options previously
granted to departing employees.
Finance Income, Net
Our finance income, net totaled $38,000
for the year ended December 31, 2017 and was $60,000 for the year ended December 31, 2016. The decrease was primarily due to the
reduction of our outstanding balance of cash equivalents and short-term bank deposits on which we generate interest income.
Provision for Income Taxes
Our total tax provision was $28,000 for
the year ended December 31, 2017, representing an effective tax rate of approximately (0.5%), as compared to a tax provision of
$216,000 for the year ended December 31, 2016, representing an effective tax rate of approximately (1.4%).
Our deferred tax assets at December 31,
2017 and 2016 were $0 and $5,000, respectively. Deferred tax assets were reported net of valuation allowances of approximately
$9.08 million and $7.64 million at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, primarily as a result of the recording of a full valuation
allowance against net operating loss, or NOL, carryforwards, as we believe it is more likely than not that we will not be able
to generate sufficient future taxable income to absorb them. On December 31, 2017, we had Israeli NOL carryforwards of approximately
$37 million. The Israeli NOL carryforwards do not expire.
Our effective tax rate differs from the
statutory rate each year primarily due to a full valuation allowance maintained against deferred tax assets.
Comparison for the Years Ended December 31, 2016
and 2015
The following tables set forth, for the
periods indicated, our results of operations and the change between the specified periods expressed as a percent increase or decrease:
Research and Development Expenses
|
|
2016
|
|
|
2015
|
|
|
$ change
|
|
|
% change
|
|
|
|
U.S. dollars in thousands
|
|
Research and development
|
|
$
|
8,881
|
|
|
$
|
7,694
|
|
|
$
|
1,187
|
|
|
|
15
|
%
|
For the year ended December 31, 2016, our
total research and development expenses increased by approximately $1.19 million, or 15%, compared to the prior year. The increase
was primarily due to increased salaries and related expenses including share-based compensation expenses, as well as initiation
activities with respect to our planned Phase 2b clinical trial of our Trehalose IV solution for treatment of OPMD patients.
Pre-Commercialization Expenses
|
|
2016
|
|
|
2015
|
|
|
$ change
|
|
|
% change
|
|
|
|
U.S. dollars in thousands
|
|
Pre-commercialization
|
|
$
|
1,085
|
|
|
$
|
829
|
|
|
$
|
256
|
|
|
|
31
|
%
|
For the year ended December 31, 2016, our
pre-commercialization expenses increased by $256,000, or 31%, compared to the prior year. The increase was primarily due to increased
market research activities directed at assessing the commercial opportunity presented by our Trehalose IV solution for treatment
of OPMD and SCA3 patients which were offset by reversal of previously recognized share-based compensation due to forfeiture of
options previously granted to departing employees.
General and Administrative Expenses
|
|
2016
|
|
|
2015
|
|
|
$ change
|
|
|
% change
|
|
|
|
U.S. dollars in thousands
|
|
General and administrative
|
|
$
|
5,900
|
|
|
$
|
6,953
|
|
|
$
|
(1,053
|
)
|
|
|
(15
|
)%
|
For the year ended December 31, 2016, our
general and administrative expenses decreased by approximately $1.05 million, or 15%, compared to the prior year. The decrease
was primarily due to our decision to downsize corporate overhead by reducing the number of employees of our wholly-owned U.S. subsidiary
and closing of U.S. offices. The general and administrative costs during 2016 included termination related payments to departing
employees. Such termination related payments were offset by reversal of previously recognized share-based compensation due to forfeiture
of options previously granted to departing employees.
Finance Income, net
Our finance income, net totaled $60,000
for the year ended December 31, 2016, and was $135,000 for the year ended December 31, 2015. The decrease was primarily due to
the reduction of our outstanding balance of cash equivalents and short-term bank deposits on which we generate interest income.
Provision for Income Taxes
Our total tax provision was $216,000 for
the year ended December 31, 2016, representing an effective tax rate of (1.37%), as compared to a tax provision of $24,000 for
the year ended December 31, 2015, representing an effective tax rate of (0.16%).
Our deferred tax assets
at December 31, 2016 and 2015 were $5,000 and $0, respectively. Deferred tax assets were reported net of valuation allowances of
approximately $7.64 million and $5.77 million at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, primarily as a result of the recording
of a full valuation allowance against NOL carryforwards, as we believe it is more likely than not that we will not be able to generate
sufficient future taxable income to absorb them. On December 31, 2016, we had Israeli NOL carryforwards of approximately $24.72
million. The Israeli NOL carryforwards do not expire.
Our effective tax rate differs from the
statutory rate each year primarily due to a full valuation allowance maintained against deferred tax assets.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Since our inception and through December
31, 2017, we had raised an aggregate of approximately $44.2 million to fund our operations, of which approximately $37.5 million
is from issuing our Ordinary Shares in our initial public offering and follow-on offerings, and approximately $6.7 million from
the issuance of securities in private offerings.
At December 31, 2017, our cash, cash equivalents
and short-term bank deposits were $3.5 million, compared to approximately $9.9 million at December 31, 2016. Our cash and cash
equivalents are highly liquid investments with maturities of 90 days or less at the date of purchase, and are stated at fair
value. We did not hold any marketable securities nor any mortgage asset-backed or auction-rate securities in our investment portfolio
as of December 31, 2017. Our U.S. subsidiary held $72,000 in cash as of December 31, 2017. All of our cash is available for corporate
use.
Plan of Operations and Future Funding Requirements
Generally, our primary uses of capital
are, and we expect will continue to be, further development and the seeking of regulatory approval of our Trehalose IV solution.
These costs will include clinical trial costs, manufacturing and process development costs, compensation and related expenses,
third-party clinical and nonclinical research and development services, laboratory and related supplies, legal and other regulatory
expenses, and other general operating costs. However, in recent months, and continuing until we complete an M&A transaction
or other business opportunities, we expect that our resources will be dedicated to identifying and promoting such transaction or
opportunities, and, accordingly, we have reduced to a minimum other activities.
We expect that our cash and cash equivalents
and short-term deposits as of December 31, 2017 will fund our operating expenses and capital expenditure requirements, based on
our current plan as outlined above, at least until the end of the third quarter of 2018. Additional funding beyond our existing
cash resources will be required to resume our clinical development plans. Should we be unable to obtain the additional funding
required to resume our clinical activity, we may reduce those activities until we have sufficient resources to do so. In addition,
we expect that we will require substantial additional capital to obtain regulatory approval for, and to commercialize, our Trehalose
IV solution. Furthermore, our operating plans may change as a result of many factors that may currently be unknown to us, and we
may need to seek additional funds sooner than planned. Our future capital requirements will depend on many factors, including:
|
·
|
continuing
our research and nonclinical and clinical development of our product candidate;
|
|
·
|
expanding
the scope of our current clinical trials for our product candidate;
|
|
·
|
change
or addition of additional manufacturers or suppliers;
|
|
·
|
seeking
regulatory and marketing approvals for our product candidate that successfully complete clinical trials;
|
|
·
|
establishing
a sales, marketing, and distribution infrastructure to commercialize any products for which we may obtain marketing approval;
|
|
·
|
seeking
to identify, assess, acquire, license, and/or develop other product candidates;
|
|
·
|
milestone
or other payments under any license agreements;
|
|
·
|
maintaining,
protecting, and expanding our intellectual property portfolio;
|
|
·
|
seeking
to attract and retain skilled personnel; and
|
|
·
|
creating
additional infrastructure to support our operations as a public company and our product development and planned future commercialization
efforts.
|
Until such time, if ever, as we can generate
substantial product sales, we expect to finance our cash needs through a combination of equity offerings, debt financings and license
and collaboration arrangements. To the extent that we raise additional capital through future issuance of equity or debt, the ownership
interest of our shareholders will be diluted, and the terms of these securities may include liquidation or other preferences that
adversely affect the rights of our existing ordinary shareholders. If we raise additional funds through collaboration arrangements,
we may have to relinquish valuable rights to our technologies, future revenue streams or drug candidates on terms that may not
be favorable to us. If we are unable to raise additional funds through equity or debt financings when needed, we may be required
to delay, limit, reduce or terminate our product development or future commercialization efforts or grant rights to develop and
market our current and any future product candidates that we would otherwise prefer to develop and market ourselves. This may raise
substantial doubts about our ability to continue as a going concern.
Cash Flow
The following is a summary of cash flows
for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016:
|
|
2017
|
|
|
2016
|
|
|
|
U.S. dollars in thousands
|
|
Operating activities
|
|
$
|
(6,352
|
)
|
|
$
|
(15,486
|
)
|
Investing activities
|
|
|
3,007
|
|
|
|
8,982
|
|
Financing activities
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
6,089
|
|
Operating Activities
For the year ended December 31, 2017, net cash used in operating
activities was approximately $6.4 million and primarily consisted of $5.9 million in net loss, adjusted for non-cash items of $(0.5)
(primarily share-based compensation expenses), and changes in operating assets and liabilities of $0.9 million. Net cash used in
operating activities was approximately $15.5 million during the year ended December 31, 2016, and primarily consisted of approximately
$16.0 million in net loss, adjusted for non-cash items of approximately $777,000 (primarily share-based compensation expenses),
and partially offset by changes in operating assets and liabilities of $241,000. The decrease in net cash used of approximately
$9.1 million was driven by a reduction of activities related to clinical studies of trehalose 90mg/mL IV solution in OPMD and a
decrease in compensation and related personnel expenses, professional services and pre-commercial work related to the trehalose
90mg/mL IV solution.
Investing Activities
For the year ended December 31, 2017, net
cash provided by investing activities was approximately $3.0 million, compared to cash provided by investing activities of approximately
$9.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. The majority of cash provided by investing activities in both years is attributable
to withdrawal of short-term bank deposits that matured during both years.
Financing Activities
For the year ended December 31, 2017, net
cash provided by financing activities was $0, compared to cash provided by financing activities of approximately $6.1 million for
the year ended December 31, 2016 which consisted of net proceeds from a public offering of Ordinary Shares and warrants.
We have an effective Form F-3
registration statement, filed under the Securities Act with the SEC using a “shelf” registration process. Under
this shelf registration process, and subject to certain limitations, we may, from time to time, sell our Ordinary Shares in
one or more offerings up to a total dollar amount of $100 million. In March 2016, we issued 432,258 Ordinary Shares in a
registered direct offering with gross proceeds of approximately $6.70 million. Since the aggregate market value of our
Ordinary Shares held by non-affiliates is less than $75 million, we are limited to selling Ordinary Shares under such
“shelf” registration statement during any 12 month period that have an aggregate value that is no more than
one-third of the aggregate market value of our Ordinary Shares held by non-affiliates.
Critical Accounting Policies and Use of Estimates
Our management’s discussion and analysis
of financial condition and results of operations is based on our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in
accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of these consolidated financial
statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, and expenses,
and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of and during the reporting periods. These items are monitored and analyzed
by us for changes in facts and circumstances, and material changes in these estimates could occur in the future. We base our estimates
on historical experience and on various other factors that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which
form the basis for making judgments about the carrying value of assets and liabilities and the reported amount of expenses that
are not readily apparent from other sources. Changes in estimates are reflected in reported results for the period in which they
become known. Actual results may differ materially from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
While our significant accounting policies
are described in more detail in the notes to our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this annual report, we
believe that the following accounting policies are critical to the process of making significant judgments and estimates in the
preparation of our consolidated financial statements and understanding and evaluating our reported financial results.
Share-based Compensation
We issue share-based awards to employees
and nonemployees generally in the form of options. We account for our share-based awards in accordance with Financial Accounting
Standards Board, or FASB, Accounting Standards Codification, or ASC, Topic 718,
Compensation—Stock Compensation
, or
ASC 718. ASC 718 requires all share-based payments to employees, including grants of employee options and modifications to existing
options, to be recognized in the consolidated statements of operations based on their fair values on the date of grant or date
of modification. We account for share-based awards to nonemployees in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 505-50,
Equity-Based
Payments to Non-Employees
, which requires the fair value of the nonemployee awards to be remeasured as the award vests. For
employee stock-based awards with only service conditions, we recognize compensation using the graded vesting attribution approach
over the requisite service period, which is usually the vesting period of the award.
For modification of share-based compensation
awards, we record the incremental fair value of the modified awards as compensation on the date of modification for vested awards,
or over the remaining vesting period for unvested awards. The incremental compensation is the excess of the fair value of the modified
awards on the date of modification over the fair value of the original awards immediately before the modification.
Compensation expense related to our share-based
awards is subject to a number of estimates including volatility and the underlying fair value of our Ordinary Shares, as well as
the estimated life of the awards. Since our initial public offering in July 2014, share option value has been determined based
on the trading price of our Ordinary Shares. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, we recognized share-based compensation expenses
of $408,000 and $700,000, respectively.
Income Taxes
The consolidated financial statements presented
elsewhere in this annual report reflect provisions for Israeli, federal and state income taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities
represent future tax consequences of temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and the tax basis of
assets and liabilities and for loss carryforwards using enacted tax rates expected to be in effect in the years in which the differences
reverse. A valuation allowance is recorded when it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not
be realized. We cannot be certain that future Israeli taxable income will be sufficient to realize our deferred tax assets and,
accordingly, a full valuation allowance has been provided against our Israeli net deferred tax assets.
We evaluate the tax positions we have taken
when preparing our Israeli, federal and state income tax returns, and determine whether it is more likely than not that a tax position
will be sustained upon examination. If it is not more likely than not that a position will be sustained, none of the benefit attributable
to the position is recognized. The tax benefit to be recognized for any tax position that meets the more-likely-than-not recognition
threshold is calculated as the largest amount that is more than 50% likely of being realized upon resolution of the contingency.
As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, we have provided a liability of $24,000 and $24,000, respectively.
JOBS Act
Section 107 of the JOBS Act provides
that an “emerging growth company” can take advantage of an extended transition period for complying with new or revised
accounting standards. Thus, an emerging growth company can delay the adoption of certain accounting standards until those standards
would otherwise apply to private companies. We are electing to delay such adoption of new or revised accounting standards. As a
result, our financial statements may not be comparable to companies that comply with the public company effective date.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk
In the ordinary course of our operations,
we are exposed to certain market risks, primarily changes in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates.
The market risk inherent in our financial
instruments and in our financial position represents the potential loss arising from adverse changes in interest rates. As of December
31, 2017, we had approximately $3.5 million in cash and cash equivalents and short-term bank deposits, consisting of cash in checking
accounts and deposits at Israeli and U.S. banking institutions. Our primary exposure to market risk is interest rate sensitivity,
which is affected by changes in the general level of Israeli and U.S. interest rates. Given the current low rates of interest we
receive, we do not believe will be adversely affected if such rates are reduced. As of December 31, 2017, we had no outstanding
borrowings, and as such, we are not exposed to interest rate risks associated with credit facilities or other debt.
We are subject to currency risk for balances
held, or denominated, in currencies other than U.S. dollars. We work to maintain all balances in U.S. dollars until payment in
other currencies is required. In addition, portions of our expenses are denominated in each of NIS, Euro and GBP. For instance,
in 2017, approximately 10% of our expenses were denominated in NIS. Changes of 5% and 10% in the U.S. dollar / NIS exchange rate
will increase/decrease our operating expenses by approximately 0.5% and 1%, respectively. However, these historical figures may
not be indicative of future exposure, as the percentage of our NIS denominated expenses may change in the future.
We do not hedge our foreign currency exchange
risk.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We did not have during the periods presented,
and we do not currently have, any off-balance sheet arrangements, as defined in the rules and regulations of the SEC.
Contractual Obligations
The following table summarizes our contractual
obligations at December 31, 2017:
|
|
|
|
|
Less than 1
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
More than 5
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
Year
|
|
|
1-3 years
|
|
|
3-5 years
|
|
|
years
|
|
|
|
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)
|
|
Operating leases Motor vehicles (1):
|
|
$
|
3
|
|
|
$
|
3
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
Total:
|
|
$
|
3
|
|
|
$
|
3
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
(1) Represents future minimum lease payments under non-cancelable
operating leases in effect as of December 31, 2017.
The table excludes potential payments we
may be required to make under existing agreements with suppliers and service providers as the timing of when these payments will
actually be made is uncertain and the payments are contingent upon the initiation and completion of future activities.
ITEM 6.
|
DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES
|
|
6.A.
|
Directors
and executive officers
|
The following table sets forth information
regarding our executive officers, key employees and directors as of April 20, 2018:
Name
|
|
Age
|
|
Position
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fredric D. Price
|
|
72
|
|
Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors, Chief Executive Officer
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dr. Warren Wasiewski
|
|
65
|
|
Chief Medical Officer, Vice President of Research and Development
|
|
|
|
|
|
Michael Burshtine
(1)(2)(3)
|
|
54
|
|
Director
|
|
|
|
|
|
Thomas I.H. Dubin
(1)(3)
|
|
56
|
|
Director
|
|
|
|
|
|
Robert Friedman
(1)(2)(3)
|
|
62
|
|
Director
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dr. Marlene Haffner
(2)(3)
|
|
77
|
|
Director
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dr. Dalia Megiddo
|
|
66
|
|
Director
|
|
(1)
|
Member of our Audit Committee.
|
|
(2)
|
Member of our Compensation Committee.
|
|
(3)
|
Indicates independent director under Nasdaq rules.
|
Fredric D. Price
has been our Chief Executive Officer since July 2016, and has served as Executive Chairman of our Board of Directors since April
2014, having served as our Chairman of the Board of Directors from April 2012 until April 2014. Since 2013, Mr. Price has served
as a member of the Advisory Board of FDNA Inc. From 2013 until 2014, he was Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors and from
2008 to 2013 Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer of Chiasma, Inc. From 2004 to 2008, Mr. Price was Chairman
of the Board of Directors of Omrix Biopharmaceuticals, Inc., from 2006 to 2012 a member of the Board of Directors of Enobia Pharma
Corp., from 2007 to 2010 a member of the Board of Directors of Pharmasset Inc., from 2007 to 2011 Executive Chairman of the Board
of Directors of Peptimmune, Inc., from 2004 to 2005 Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors of Zymenex A/S, from 2000 to 2004
Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer of BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc., and from 1994 to 2000 Chief Executive
Officer and a member of the Board of Directors of Applied Microbiology Inc. As Chairman and/or Chief Executive Officer, he has
raised more than $700 million in a variety of securities transactions, led a total of 22 M&A and licensing transactions, built
FDA approved facilities and had drugs approved in the United States as well as in international markets. His earlier experience
includes having been Vice President of Finance and administration and Chief Financial Officer of Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.,
the founder of the strategy consulting firm RxFDP, and Vice President of Pfizer, Inc. with both line and staff responsibilities.
Mr. Price is a co-inventor of 17 issued U.S. patents. He received a B.A. from Dartmouth College and an M.B.A. from the Wharton
School of the University of Pennsylvania.
Dr. Warren Wasiewski
has been our
Chief Medical Officer and Vice President of Research and Development since November 2015. Dr. Wasiewski is a board certified pediatric
neurologist with twenty-two years of clinical experience in pediatric neurology and fifteen years of experience in the pharmaceutical
industry. From 2014 to 2015, Dr. Wasiewski was Chief Medical Officer and Executive Vice President of Clinical Development for Neurotrope
BioScience, Inc. Prior to this, from 2012 to 2014, he was Vice President of Clinical Development for Neurology at Alexion Pharmaceuticals,
Inc. (Nasdaq: ALXN), an S&P 500 biopharmaceuticals company that discovers, develops, and commercializes medicines for patients
with ultra-rare, life-threatening disorders. From 2001 to 2006 he was the Senior Medical Director for AstraZeneca plc (LON: AZN)
in Neurology. In 2012, Dr. Wasiewski was an Associate Professor of Pediatrics and Neurology at Penn State Children’s Hospital
where he had previously served from 1987 to 1991 as an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics. In 1991, he founded Child Neurology Associates
PC in Lancaster PA and was appointed Chair of Pediatrics at Lancaster General Hospital. Dr. Wasiewski has a B.A. from Rutgers College,
an M.S. from State University of New York Downstate Medical Center, and an M.D. from State University of New York, at Buffalo.
Dr. Wasiewski is member of the medical honor society, Alpha Omega Alpha and Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Michael Burshtine
has been a director
since October 30, 2014. Mr. Burshtine is currently serving as co-Chief Executive Officer at Adhestick Innovations Ltd., a chemical
company specializing in the development, manufacturing and marketing of adhesion polymers formulations. Mr. Burshtine served as
the president and Chief Executive Officer of Flight Medical Innovations Ltd., a med-tech company specializing in the development,
manufacturing and marketing of portable ventilators, between 2009 and May 2014. Prior to that, between 2007 and 2009, he served
as President and Chief Executive Officer of Recoly N.V., a bio-med company engaged in the research, development and commercialization
of drug enhancement technologies. From 2004 to 2007, he served as the Chief Financial Officer of Omrix Biopharmaceuticals Inc.,
a public biotechnology company that develops, manufactures and commercializes plasma derivative products. Mr. Burshtine has been
a certified CPA since 1994 and was a senior partner at Kesselman & Kesselman PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) auditing firm, until
2004. He holds an M.B.A. and a B.A. in economics and accounting, both from Tel Aviv University. Mr. Burshtine serves on our Audit
Committee and our Compensation Committee.
Thomas I.H. Dubin
has been a director
since September 2015. Mr. Dubin is an attorney and has over twenty years of senior leadership experience in the pharmaceutical
and biotechnology industries. From January 2014 through November 2014, Mr. Dubin served as an advisor to the Chief Executive Officer
of Infinity Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Nasdaq: INFI). From 2008 through 2013, he was Senior Vice President and Chief Legal Officer,
and from 2001 through 2008 he was Vice President and General Counsel, of Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq:ALXN). Prior
to Alexion, from 1992 to 2000, Mr. Dubin served in senior positions at ChiRex, Inc. (Nasdaq:CHRX) and at Warner-Lambert
Company (NYSE:WLA) prior to its sale to Pfizer, Inc. Mr. Dubin began his career as an attorney with Cravath, Swaine & Moore
LLP in New York City. He is a Trustee of the American Jewish World Service, and a Member of Launchpad Venture Group. Mr. Dubin
received his J.D. from New York University School of Law, and his B.A. from Amherst College, cum laude.
Robert Friedman
has been a director
since October 2016. Mr. Friedman has had a long career in life sciences management consulting that began with The Wilkerson Group
in 1987 and has included IBM Corporation, Easton Associates, LLC, where he was a co-founder, and Navigant Consulting, Inc.
He has advised companies both large and small in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, medical devices and diagnostics. Mr. Friedman’s
areas of expertise include corporate and product strategy development and execution, pre-commercial planning, and due diligence.
In addition to his experience as a consultant, Mr. Friedman spent five years as an equity analyst for several investment banks
including Lehman Brothers, Paine Webber and Hanover Securities, where he covered universes of both large- and small-cap biotech
companies. Mr. Friedman began his career as an Associate at Steinberg & Lyman, a venture capital fund dedicated to creating
new biopharmaceutical firms. There, he was instrumental in founding Genetic Therapy, Inc., the first gene therapy company,
which was sold to Novartis. Mr. Friedman holds an MBA in Marketing and Finance from the Johnson Graduate School of Management,
Cornell University, and a BA in Biology from Yeshiva University.
Dr. Marlene Haffner
has been a director
since July 1, 2013. From 1986 until 2007, Dr. Haffner served as the Director of the Office of Orphan Products Development (OOPD)
of the FDA. As OOPD Director she was responsible for the leadership and management of the FDA orphan products development program,
the first Orphan Products program in the world. After leaving the FDA, and from 2007 until 2009, she served as Executive Director,
Global Regulatory Policy and Intelligence at Amgen, Inc., and since 2009 has held the position of Chief Executive Officer at Orphan
Solutions and Haffner Associates, LLC, services companies for the orphan drug industry. In addition to her consulting activities,
Dr. Haffner is Adjunct Professor, Department of Preventive Medicine and Biometrics and Clinical Professor at the Department of
Medicine of the F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences in Bethesda, Maryland.
For 36 years she served in the United States Public Health Service beginning her career with the Indian Health Service in Gallup,
New Mexico prior to moving to the FDA. Dr. Haffner received her M.D. from the George Washington University School of
Medicine where she then interned in Internal Medicine. She received further training in internal medicine, dermatology and hematology
at the Presbyterian Hospital, New York and at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York. She received an M.P.H. from the
Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health. During her public health career, she rose to the rank of Rear Admiral
in the United States Public Health Service.
Dr. Dalia Megiddo
has been
a director since our inception. From our inception until February 2015, Dr. Megiddo was our Chief Executive Officer, from January
2015 to November 2015, she was our Chief Development Officer and from November 2015 to December 2016, she was a special advisor
to our Chief Executive Officer. Dr. Megiddo co-founded Alcobra Ltd. (Nasdaq: ADHD), a company primarily focused on the development
and commercialization of a drug to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in February 2008, and became a Director at that
time. She is an entrepreneur and a medical doctor in family medicine. Since 2000, she has been a manager of InnoMed Ventures LP,
an Israeli venture capital fund focused on life sciences. From 2006 to 2010, she was also a manager of 7 Health Ventures Ltd.,
an Israeli venture capital fund. She is also the founder of a number of life science companies. Dr. Megiddo received her M.D. degree
from Hebrew University Hadassah Medical School and holds a specialist degree in Family Medicine, and also holds an M.B.A. from
the Kellogg-Recanati School of Business.
There are no arrangements or understandings
with major shareholders, customers, suppliers or others pursuant to which any of our directors or members of senior management
were selected as such. In addition, there are no family relationships among our executive officers and directors.
The table below reflects the compensation
granted to our five most highly compensated officers during or with respect to the year ended December 31, 2017. All amounts reported
in the table reflect the cost to the Company, in U.S. Dollars, as recognized in our financial statements for the year ended December
31, 2017. Amounts paid in NIS are translated into U.S. dollars at the rate of NIS 3.560 = U.S.$1.00, based on the average representative
rate of exchange between the NIS and the U.S. dollar as reported by the Bank of Israel in the year ended December 31, 2017.
|
|
|
|
|
Share-Based
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name and Position
|
|
Salary/Fees
(1)
|
|
|
Compensation
(2)
|
|
|
Bonus/Severance
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fredric D. Price,
Chairman of the Board of Directors, Chief Executive Officer
(3)
|
|
$
|
400,000
|
|
|
$
|
144,841
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
544,841
|
|
Dr. Warren Wasiewski,
Chief Medical Officer, Vice President of Research and Development
(4)
|
|
$
|
320.000
|
|
|
$
|
305,039
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
625,040
|
|
Chaime Orlev,
former Chief Financial Officer
(5)
|
|
$
|
218,785
|
|
|
$
|
17,499
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
236,283
|
|
Dana Gelbaum,
former Chief Commercial Officer
(6)
|
|
$
|
90,530
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
(7)
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
90,530
|
|
Dr. Dalia Megiddo,
Director
|
|
$
|
50,000
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
(1)
|
Represents salaries, related compensation expenses, employer’s costs and fees.
|
|
(2)
|
Amounts reflect the grant date fair value of option awards granted or modified during the year ended December 31, 2017, in accordance with ASC 718. Such grant date fair value does not take into account any estimated forfeitures related to service-vesting conditions. For information regarding assumptions underlying the valuation of equity awards, see Note 10 to our financial statements and the discussion under Item 5 - “Operating And Financial Review And Prospects - Critical Accounting Policies and Use of Estimates - Share-based Compensation” included elsewhere in this annual report. These amounts do not correspond to the actual value that may be recognized by the respective executive officers upon vesting of applicable awards.
|
|
(3)
|
Mr. Price has been our Chief Executive Officer since July 2016 and Chairman of the Board of Directors, since April 2012.
|
|
(4)
|
Dr. Wasiewski has been our Chief Medical Officer, Vice President of Research and Development since November 2015.
|
|
(5)
|
Mr. Orlev’s employment with the Company terminated in November 2017.
|
|
(6)
|
Ms. Gelbaum’s employment with the Company terminated in July 2017.
|
|
(7)
|
Based on ASC 718, the Company recorded an income
of $11,173 due to a reversal of expense upon forfeiture of Ms. Gelbaum, non-vesting options.
|
The aggregate amount of compensation paid
or accrued to all of our directors and executive officers as a group with respect to the year ended December 31, 2017 was
approximately $1,280,507. Such amount is inclusive of the grant date fair value of option awards granted or modified during the
year ended December 31, 2017 in the amount of $1,522,617. The amount does not include business travel, relocation, professional
and business association due and expenses.
Employment Agreements with Executive
Officers
We have entered into written employment
or service agreements with all of our executive officers. Each of these agreements contains provisions regarding non-competition,
confidentiality of information and ownership of inventions. The non-competition provision applies for a period that is generally
12 months following termination of employment. The enforceability of covenants not to compete in Israel and the United States is
subject to limitations. In addition, we are required to provide notice prior to terminating the employment of our executive officers,
other than in the case of a termination for cause. For further information, see Item 3.D - “Risk Factors - Risks Related
to Israeli Law and Our Operations in Israel.”
Directors’ Service Contracts
Other than with respect to our directors
that are also executive officers, we do not have written agreements with any director providing for benefits upon the termination
of his or her service to us. We have service contracts or employment agreements with our directors, Fredric Price and Dr.
Dalia Megiddo. All of the foregoing service contracts have been approved by our shareholders.
Under the Companies Law, a Compensation
Policy must be approved by the Board of Directors, after considering the recommendations of the Compensation Committee. The Compensation
Policy must also be approved by a majority of the company’s shareholders, provided that (i) such majority includes at
least a majority of the shareholders who are not controlling shareholders and who do not have a personal interest in the matter,
present and voting (abstentions are disregarded), or (ii) the non-controlling shareholders and shareholders who do not have
a personal interest in the matter who were present and voted against the policy hold two percent or less of the voting power of
the company. The Compensation Policy must be approved by the Board of Directors and the shareholders every three years. If the
Compensation Policy is not approved by the shareholders, the Compensation Committee and the Board of Directors may nonetheless
approve the policy, following further discussion of the matter and for specified reasons. Our Board of Directors approved our Compensation
Policy on March 30, 2015, and our shareholders approved it on May 5, 2015. See Item 6.C - “Board Practices - Board Committees
- Compensation Committee.”
Under Amendment 20 of the Companies Law,
the “Terms of Office and Employment” of office holders require the approval of the Compensation Committee and the Board
of Directors. The Terms of Office and Employment of directors and the Chief Executive Officer must also be approved by shareholders.
Changes to existing Terms of Office and
Employment of office holders (other than directors) can be made with the approval of the Compensation Committee only, if the committee
determines that the change is not substantially different from the existing terms.
Under certain circumstances, the compensation
committee and the Board of Directors may approve an arrangement that deviates from the Compensation Policy, provided that such
arrangement is approved by the special majority of the company’s shareholders mentioned above. Such shareholder approval
will also be required with respect to determining the Terms of Office and Employment of a director or the Chief Executive Officer
during the transition period until the company adopts a Compensation Policy. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a company may be exempted
from receiving shareholder approval with respect to the Terms of Office and Employment of a candidate for Chief Executive Officer
if such candidate meets certain independence criteria, the terms are in line with the Compensation Policy and the Compensation
Committee has determined for specified reasons that shareholder approval would prevent the engagement.
Board Practices
Board of Directors
Under the Companies Law, our Board of Directors
is vested with the power to set corporate policy and oversee over our business. Our Board of Directors may exercise all powers
and may take all actions that are not specifically granted to our shareholders or to management. Our executive officers are responsible
for our day-to-day management and have individual responsibilities established by our Board of Directors. Our Chief Executive Officer
is appointed by, and serves at the discretion of, our Board of Directors, subject to the employment agreement that we have entered
into with him. All other executive officers are appointed by our Chief Executive Officer, and are subject to the terms of any applicable
employment agreements that we may enter into with them.
Under our amended and restated articles
of association, our Board of Directors must consist of at least five and not more than eleven directors. Our Board of Directors
currently consists of seven directors. We have only one class of directors.
Our directors are each elected at the annual
general meeting of our shareholders and serve until the next annual general meeting. Such election is subject to the selection,
or recommendation for the Board of Director’s selection, by a majority of independent directors. Directors may nevertheless be
removed prior to the end of their term by the majority of our shareholders at a general meeting of our shareholders or upon the
occurrence of certain events, all in accordance with the Companies Law and our amended and restated articles of association.
In addition, our amended and restated articles
of association allow our Board of Directors to appoint directors, to fill vacancies on our Board of Directors, for a term of office
equal to the remaining period of the term of office of the directors whose offices have been vacated, or appoint new additions
to the Board of Directors up to the maximum number of directors.
Under the Companies Law, nominations for
directors may be made by any shareholder holding at least one percent of our outstanding voting power. However, any such shareholder
may make such a nomination only if a written notice of such shareholder’s intent to make such nomination has been given to
our Board of Directors. Any such notice must include certain information which is required under the Companies Law to provide to
our shareholders, the consent of the proposed director nominee(s) to serve as our director(s) if elected and a declaration signed
by the nominee(s) declaring that there is no limitation under the Companies Law preventing their election and that all of the information
that is required under the Companies Law to be provided to us in connection with such election has been provided.
External Directors
Under the Companies Law, except as provided
below, companies incorporated under the laws of the State of Israel that are publicly traded, including Israeli companies with
shares listed on the Nasdaq, are required to appoint at least two external directors who meet the qualification requirements set
forth in the Companies Law. The definitions of an external director under the Companies Law and independent director under the
Listing Rules of Nasdaq are similar such that it would generally be expected that our two external directors will also comply with
the independence requirement under the Listing Rules of Nasdaq.
Pursuant to the Companies Law, the Board
of Directors of a company such as the Company is not required to have external directors if: (i) the company does not have a controlling
shareholder (as such term is defined in the Companies Law); (ii) a majority of the directors serving on the Board of Directors
are “independent,” as defined under Nasdaq Listing Rule 5605(a)(2); and (iii) the company follows Nasdaq Rule 5605(e)(1),
which requires that the nomination of directors be made, or recommended to the Board of Directors, by a Nominating Committee of
the Board of Directors consisting solely of independent directors, or by a majority of independent directors. The Company meets
all these requirements. On June 28, 2016, our Board of Directors resolved to adopt the corporate governance exemption set forth
above, and accordingly we no longer have external directors as members of our Board of Directors.
Leadership Structure of the Board
In accordance with the Companies Law and
our amended and restated articles of association, our Board of Directors is required to appoint one of its members to serve as
Chairman of the Board of Directors. Our Board of Directors has appointed Mr. Fredric Price who is also serving as our Chief Executive
Officer) to serve as Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors. Under the Companies Law, the Chief Executive Officer of a public
company may not serve as the Chairperson of the board of such company unless approved by the Company’s shareholders, which
approval lapses after three years. On August 9, 2016, our shareholders approved that our Executive Chairperson may also serve as
our Chief Executive Officer.
Role of Board in Risk Oversight Process
Risk assessment and oversight are an integral
part of our governance and management processes. Our Board of Directors encourages management to promote a culture that incorporates
risk management into our corporate strategy and day-to-day business operations. Management discusses strategic and operational
risks at regular management meetings, and conducts specific strategic planning and review sessions during the year that include
a focused discussion and analysis of the risks facing us. Throughout the year, senior management reviews these risks with the Board
of Directors at regular board meetings as part of management presentations that focus on particular business functions, operations
or strategies and presents the steps taken by management to mitigate or eliminate such risks.
Board Committees
Audit Committee
Under the Companies Law, the Board of Directors
of a public company must appoint an audit committee.
Our Audit Committee provides assistance
to our Board of Directors in fulfilling its legal and fiduciary obligations in matters involving our accounting, auditing, financial
reporting, internal control and legal compliance functions by pre-approving the services performed by our independent accountants
and reviewing their reports regarding our accounting practices and systems of internal control over financial reporting. Our Audit
Committee also oversees the audit efforts of our independent accountants and takes those actions that it deems necessary to satisfy
itself that the accountants are independent of management.
Under the Companies Law, our Audit Committee
is responsible for:
|
·
|
determining whether there are deficiencies in the business management practices of our Company, and making recommendations to the Board of Directors to improve such practices;
|
|
·
|
determining whether to approve certain related party transactions (including transactions in which an office holder has a personal interest and whether such transaction is extraordinary or material under the Companies Law) (see Item 16G. - “Corporate Governance - Approval of Related Party Transactions under Israeli law”);
|
|
·
|
examining our internal controls and internal auditor’s performance, including whether the internal auditor has sufficient resources and tools to dispose of its responsibilities;
|
|
·
|
examining the scope of our auditor’s work and compensation and submitting a recommendation with respect thereto to our Board of Directors or shareholders, depending on which of them is considering the appointment of our auditor;
|
|
·
|
establishing procedures for the handling of employees’ complaints as to the management of our business and the protection to be provided to such employees;
|
|
·
|
determining whether certain acts of an office holder not in accordance with his or her fiduciary duty owed to the Company are extraordinary or material and to approve such acts and certain related party transactions (including transactions in which an office holder has a personal interest) and whether such transaction is extraordinary or material under the Companies Law (see Item 16G. - “Corporate Governance - Approval of Related Party Transactions under Israeli Law”);
|
|
·
|
deciding whether to approve and to establish the approval process (including by tender or other competitive proceedings) for certain transactions with a controlling shareholder or in which a controlling shareholder has a personal interest; and
|
|
·
|
determining the process of approving of transactions that are not negligible, including determining the types of transactions that will be subject to the approval of the Audit Committee.
|
Audit Committee - Charter
Our Board of Directors has adopted an Audit
Committee charter setting forth the responsibilities of the Audit Committee consistent with the rules of the SEC and the Listing
Rules of Nasdaq, and to the requirements under the Companies Law, as described below. The Audit Committee Charter is posted on
our website.
Nasdaq requirements
Under the Listing Rules of Nasdaq, we are
required to maintain an Audit Committee consisting of at least three independent directors, all of whom are financially literate
and one of whom has accounting or related financial management expertise.
Our Audit Committee consists of Mr. Michael
Burshtine, who serves as the chairperson, Mr. Thomas Dubin and Mr. Robert Friedman. Our Board of Directors has determined that
Mr. Burshtine is an audit committee financial expert as defined by the SEC rules and has the requisite financial experience as
defined by the Listing Rules of Nasdaq. All of the members of our Audit Committee meet the requirements for financial literacy
under the applicable Listing Rules of Nasdaq.
Each member of the Audit Committee is required
to be “independent” as such term is defined in Rule 10A-3(b)(1) under the Exchange Act.
Compensation Committee
Under the Companies Law, the Board of Directors
of a public company must appoint a Compensation Committee.
Under the Listing Rules of Nasdaq, we are
required to maintain a Compensation Committee consisting entirely of independent directors (or the determination of such compensation
solely by the independent members of our Board of Directors).
Our Compensation Committee consists of
Mr. Robert Friedman, who serves as the chairperson, Mr. Michael Burshtine and Dr. Marlene Haffner.
Under the Companies Law, our Compensation
Committee is responsible for (i) proposing an office holder compensation policy to the Board of Directors, (ii) proposing necessary
revisions to the compensation policy and examining its implementation, (iii) determining whether to approve transactions with respect
to the terms of office and employment of office holders and (iv) determining, in accordance with our office holder compensation
policy, whether to exempt an engagement with an unaffiliated nominee for the position of Chief Executive Officer from requiring
shareholders’ approval. Under the regulations promulgated under the Companies Law, certain exemptions and reliefs with respect
to the Compensation Committee are granted to companies whose securities are traded outside of Israel. We may use these exemptions
and reliefs after the listing of our Ordinary Shares on the Nasdaq.
The Companies Law provides that our compensation
policy must serve as the basis for the decisions concerning the financial terms of employment or engagement of executives and directors,
including exculpation, insurance, indemnification or any monetary payment or obligation of payment in respect of employment or
engagement. The compensation policy must be approved (or reapproved) not longer than every three years, and relate to certain factors,
including advancement of the company’s objective, business plan and its long term strategy and creation of appropriate incentives
for office holders. It must also consider, among other things, the company’s risk management, size and nature of its operations.
The compensation policy must furthermore consider the following additional factors:
|
·
|
the knowledge, skills, expertise and accomplishments of the relevant office holder;
|
|
·
|
the office holder’s roles and responsibilities and prior compensation agreements with him or her;
|
|
·
|
the relationship between the terms offered and the average compensation of the other employees of the company, including those employed through manpower companies;
|
|
·
|
the impact of disparities in salary upon work relationships in the company;
|
|
·
|
the possibility of reducing variable compensation at the discretion of the Board of Directors or the possibility of setting a limit on the exercise value of non-cash variable equity-based compensation; and
|
|
·
|
as to severance compensation, the period of service of the office holder, the terms of his or her compensation during such service period, the company’s performance during that period of service, the person’s contributions towards the company’s achievement of its goals and the maximization of its profits and the circumstances under which the person is leaving the company.
|
The compensation policy must also include
the following principles:
|
·
|
the link between variable compensation and long-term performance and measurable criteria;
|
|
·
|
the relationship between variable and fixed compensation, and the ceiling for the value of variable compensation;
|
|
·
|
the conditions under which a director or executive would be required to repay compensation paid to him or her if it was later shown that the data upon which such compensation was based was inaccurate and was required to be restated in the company’s financial statements;
|
|
·
|
the minimum holding or vesting period for variable, equity-based compensation; and
|
|
·
|
maximum limits for severance compensation.
|
Our compensation policy, consistent with
the foregoing Companies Law requirements, was adopted by our shareholders on May 5, 2015
.
Compensation Committee - Charter
Our Board of Directors has adopted a Compensation
Committee Charter setting forth the responsibilities of the Compensation Committee consistent with the Listing Rules of Nasdaq
and the requirements under the Companies Law, as described above. The Compensation Committee Charter requires that our Compensation
Committee be comprised of at least three members. The Compensation Committee Charter is posted on our website.
Nominating Committee
Our Board of Directors does not have an
independent Nominating Committee. As indicated above, the election of members of our Board of Directors is subject to the selection,
or recommendation for the Board of Director’s selection, by a majority of our independent directors.
Internal auditor
Under the Companies Law, the Board of Directors
of an Israeli public company must appoint an internal auditor recommended by the audit committee and nominated by the Board of
Directors. An internal auditor may not be:
|
·
|
a person (or a relative of a person) who holds more than 5% of the Company’s outstanding shares or voting rights;
|
|
·
|
a person (or a relative of a person) who has the power to appoint a director or the general manager of the company;
|
|
·
|
an office holder (including a director) of the company (or a relative thereof); or
|
|
·
|
a member of the company’s independent accounting firm, or anyone on his or her behalf.
|
The role of the internal auditor is to
examine, among other things, our compliance with applicable law and orderly business procedures.
As of April 20, 2018, we had two employees,
our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Medical Officer. We also engage a consultant to perform the functions of our principal
financial officer. We believe that we maintain good relations with our employees.
2013 Incentive Option Plan
We maintain one equity incentive plan - our
2013 Incentive Option Plan, or our 2013 Plan. As of April 20, 2018, there were a
total of 661,164 options to purchase Ordinary Shares under our 2013 Plan, of which 325,353 options to purchase Ordinary Shares
were issued and outstanding and 343,841 remained available for future issuance. A total of 234,969 options to purchase Ordinary
Shares were vested as of that date, with a weighted average exercise price of $13.44 per share.
Our 2013 Plan, which was adopted by our
Board of Directors on November 13, 2013, and amended most recently on March 28, 2016, provides for the grant of options to our
and our affiliates’ respective directors, employees, office holders, service providers and consultants.
The 2013 Plan is administered by our Board
of Directors, which shall determine, subject to Israeli law, the grantees of awards and various terms of the grant. The 2013 Plan
provides for granting options in compliance with Section 102 of the Israeli Income Tax Ordinance, 1961, or the Ordinance.
Options granted under the 2013 Plan to
Israeli employees have been granted under the capital gains track of Section 102 of the Ordinance. Section 102 of the Ordinance
allows employees, directors and officers, who are not controlling shareholders, to receive favorable tax treatment for compensation
in the form of shares or options. Our Israeli non-employee service providers and controlling shareholders may only be granted options
under Section 3(i) of the Ordinance, which does not provide for similar tax benefits. Section 102 of the Ordinance includes two
alternatives for tax treatment involving the issuance of options or shares to a trustee for the benefit of the grantees and also
includes an additional alternative for the issuance of options or shares directly to the grantee (without a trustee). Section 102(b)(2)
of the Ordinance, the most favorable tax treatment for grantees, permits the issuance to a trustee under the “capital gains
track.” However, under this track we are not allowed to deduct an expense with respect to the issuance of the options or
shares. In order to comply with the terms of the capital gains track, all options granted under the 2013 Plan pursuant and subject
to the provisions of Section 102 of the Ordinance, as well as the Ordinary Shares issued upon exercise of these options and other
shares received subsequently following any realization of rights with respect to such options, such as share dividends and share
splits, must be granted to a trustee for the benefit of the relevant employee, director or officer and should be held by the trustee
for at least two years after the date of the grant.
Options granted under the 2013 Plan will
generally vest over four years commencing on the date of grant such that 25% vest after one year and an additional 6.25% vest at
the end of each subsequent three-month period thereafter for 36 months. Options that are not exercised within ten years from the
grant date expire, unless otherwise determined by the Board of Directors or its designated committee, as applicable. In case of
termination for reasons of disability or death, the grantee or his legal successor may exercise options that have vested prior
to termination within a period of six months from the date of disability or death. If we terminate a grantee’s employment
or service for cause, all of the grantee’s vested and unvested options will expire on the date of termination. If a grantee’s
employment or service is terminated for any other reason, the grantee may exercise his or her vested options within 90 days of
the date of termination. Any expired or unvested options return to the pool for reissuance.
In the event of a merger or consolidation
of our company subsequent to which we shall no longer exist as a legal entity, or a sale of all, or substantially all, of our shares
or assets or other transaction having a similar effect on us, then any outstanding option shall be assumed, or an equivalent option
shall be substituted, by such successor corporation or an affiliate thereof or, in case the successor corporation refuses to assume
or substitute the option, our Board of Directors or its designated committee may (a) provide the grantee with the opportunity to
exercise the option as to all or part of the shares, vested or otherwise, and (b) specify a period of time, no less than 7 days,
following which all outstanding options shall terminate.
See also Item 7.A below.
ITEM 7.
|
MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
|
The following table sets forth information
relating to the beneficial ownership of our Ordinary Shares as of April 20, 2018 by:
each person, or group of affiliated persons, known by us to beneficially own more than 5% of our outstanding Ordinary Shares; each
of our directors; each of our named executive officers; and all directors and executive officers as a group.
The number of shares beneficially owned
by each entity, person, director or executive officer is determined in accordance with the rules of the SEC, and the information
is not necessarily indicative of beneficial ownership for any other purpose. Under such rules, beneficial ownership includes any
shares over which the individual has sole or shared voting power or investment power as well as any shares that the individual
has the right to acquire within 60 days of April 20, 2018 through the exercise of any stock options or other rights. Except as otherwise
indicated, and subject to applicable community property laws, the persons named in the table have sole voting and investment power
with respect to all Ordinary Shares held by that person.
Ordinary Shares that a person has the right
to acquire within 60 days of April 20, 2018 are deemed outstanding for purposes of computing the percentage ownership of the person
holding such rights, but are not deemed outstanding for purposes of computing the percentage ownership of any other person, except
with respect to the percentage ownership of all directors and executive officers as a group. Unless otherwise indicated below,
the address for each beneficial owner listed is c/o Bioblast Pharma Ltd., PO Box 318, Tel-Aviv, Israel 6100201.
We are not owned or controlled, directly
or indirectly, by another corporation or by any foreign government. We are not aware of any arrangement that may, at a subsequent
date, result in a change of control of our company.
|
|
Number of
|
|
|
Percentage of
|
|
|
|
shares
|
|
|
shares
|
|
|
|
beneficially
owned
|
|
|
beneficially
owned
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Holders of more than 5% of our voting securities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Udi Gilboa
(1)
|
|
|
468,700
|
|
|
|
14.0
|
%
|
Dr. Dalia Megiddo
|
|
|
662,285
|
|
|
|
19.7
|
%
|
Pontifax Funds
(2)
|
|
|
508,427
|
|
|
|
15.1
|
%
|
Fredric D. Price
(3)
|
|
|
210,257
|
|
|
|
6.0
|
%
|
Directors and executive officers who are not 5% holders:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dr. Warren Wasiewski
(4)
|
|
|
48,028
|
|
|
|
1.4
|
%
|
Michael Burshtine
(5)
|
|
|
2,625
|
|
|
|
*
|
|
Thomas I.H. Dubin
(6)
|
|
|
2,625
|
|
|
|
*
|
|
Robert Friedman
(7)
|
|
|
2,250
|
|
|
|
*
|
|
Dr. Marlene Haffner
(8)
|
|
|
19,341
|
|
|
|
*
|
|
All directors and executive officers as a group (8 persons)
(9)
|
|
|
1,455,838
|
|
|
|
41.1
|
%
|
(1)
|
Based solely on a Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC on February 14, 2018, and which reflects holdings as of December 31, 2017.
|
|
|
(2)
|
Comprised of 344,820 ordinary shares owned by Pontifax Israel
III L.P., 160,982 ordinary shares owned by Pontifax Cayman III L.P. and options to purchase 2,625 ordinary shares exercisable within
60 days of December 31, 2017, owned by Pontifax Israel III L.P. and by Pontifax Cayman III L.P. Pontifax Management Fund III L.P.
is the general partner of Pontifax Israel III L.P. and Pontifax Cayman III L.P. Pontifax Management III G.P. (2011) Ltd. is the
general partner of Pontifax Management Fund III L.P. Ran Nussbaum is a director of Pontifax Management III G.P. (2011) Ltd.
|
(3)
|
Comprised of: (a) 90,257 Ordinary Shares; and (b) 120,000 options to purchase Ordinary Shares presently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days of April 20, 2018.
|
|
|
(4)
|
Comprised of 48,028 options to purchase Ordinary Shares presently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days of April 20, 2018.
|
|
|
(5)
|
Comprised of 2,625 options to purchase Ordinary Shares presently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days of April 20, 2018.
|
|
|
(6)
|
Comprised of 2,625 options to purchase Ordinary Shares presently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days of April 20, 2018.
|
|
|
(7)
|
Comprised of 2,250 options to purchase Ordinary Shares presently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days of April 20, 2018.
|
|
|
(8)
|
Comprised of: (a) 16,716 Ordinary Shares; and (b) 2,625 options
to purchase Ordinary Shares presently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days of April 20, 2018.
|
(9)
|
Comprised of: (a) 1,275,060 Ordinary Shares; and (b) 180,778 options to purchase Ordinary Shares presently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days of April 20, 2018.
|
Record
Holders
According
to our transfer agent, as of April 20, 2018, there were seven record holders of our Ordinary Shares, among whom are three U.S. holders
(including Cede & Co., the nominee of the Depositary Trust Company, holding 67% of our Ordinary Shares). The number of record
holders in the United States is not representative of the number of beneficial holders nor is it representative of where such beneficial
holders are resident since many of these Ordinary Shares are held by brokers or other nominees. None of our shareholders has different
voting rights from other shareholders.
The
Company is not controlled by another corporation, by any foreign government or by any natural or legal persons
7.B.
|
Related party transactions
|
Employment Agreements
We
have entered into written employment and service agreements with each of our executive officers. These agreements provide for notice
periods of varying duration for termination of the agreement by us or by the relevant executive officer, during which time the
executive officer will continue to receive base salary and benefits. We have also entered into customary non-competition, confidentiality
of information and ownership of inventions arrangements with our executive officers. However, the enforceability of the noncompetition
provisions may be limited under applicable law. We describe our service agreements with directors under Item 6.B. Compensation
above.
Options
Since our inception we have granted options
to purchase our Ordinary Shares to our officers and certain of our directors. Such option agreements may contain acceleration provisions
upon certain merger, acquisition, or change of control transactions. We describe our option plan under Item 6.E. Share Ownership
- “2013 Incentive Option Plan” above. If the relationship between us and an executive officer or a director is terminated,
except for cause (as defined in the various option plan agreements), options that are vested will generally remain exercisable
for ninety days after such termination.
Indemnification Agreements and Insurance Coverage
Our amended and restated articles of association
permit us to exculpate, indemnify and insure each of our directors and office holders to the fullest extent permitted by the Companies
Law. We have entered into indemnification agreements with each of our directors and other office holders, undertaking to indemnify
them to the fullest extent permitted by Israeli law. We have also obtained directors and officers insurance for each of our
officers and directors.
7.C.
|
Interests of experts and counsel
|
Not applicable.
ITEM 8.
|
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
|
8.A.
|
Financial statements and other financial information
|
See Item 18 - Financial Statements.
Legal Proceedings
From time to time, we are involved in various
routine legal proceedings incidental to the ordinary course of our business. We do not currently believe that the outcome of these
legal proceedings have had in the recent past, or will have (with respect to any pending proceedings), significant effects on our
financial position or profitability.
Dividends
We have never paid any cash dividends on
our Ordinary Shares and do not anticipate paying any cash dividends in the foreseeable future. Payment of cash dividends, if any,
in the future will be at the discretion of our Board of Directors and will depend on then-existing conditions, including our financial
condition, operating results, contractual restrictions, capital requirements, business prospects and other factors our Board of
Directors may deem relevant.
The Companies Law imposes further restrictions
on our ability to declare and pay dividends. See Item 10.B. -“Articles of Association - Rights, Preferences, Restrictions
of Shares and Shareholder Meetings - Dividend and Liquidation Rights” for additional information.
Payment of dividends may be subject to
Israeli withholding taxes. See Item 10.E. - “Taxation” below for additional information.
Except as disclosed elsewhere in this annual
report, there have been no other significant changes since December 31, 2017, until the date of the filing of this annual report.
ITEM 9.
|
THE OFFER AND LISTING
|
9.A.
|
Offer and listing details
|
Our
Ordinary Shares have been listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “ORPN” since April 27, 2017. Prior to
that date, our Ordinary Shares were listed on the Nasdaq Global Market since July 31, 2014. Our initial public offering was priced
at $11.00 per share on July 30, 2014. The following table sets forth for the periods indicated the high and low sales prices per
Ordinary Share as reported on the Nasdaq Global Market or Nasdaq Capital Market, as applicable.
|
|
Low
|
|
|
High
|
|
Annual information
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2014
|
|
$
|
22.50
|
|
|
$
|
55.00
|
|
2015
|
|
$
|
17.25
|
|
|
$
|
44.25
|
|
2016
|
|
$
|
4.60
|
|
|
$
|
39.75
|
|
2017
|
|
$
|
1.49
|
|
|
$
|
7.75
|
|
Quarterly information
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
First quarter 2016
|
|
$
|
11.50
|
|
|
$
|
39.75
|
|
Second quarter 2016
|
|
$
|
7.70
|
|
|
$
|
15.65
|
|
Third quarter 2016
|
|
$
|
7.50
|
|
|
$
|
10.20
|
|
Fourth quarter 2016
|
|
$
|
4.60
|
|
|
$
|
8.75
|
|
First quarter 2017
|
|
$
|
3.75
|
|
|
$
|
7.75
|
|
Second quarter 2017
|
|
$
|
2.05
|
|
|
$
|
4.09
|
|
Third quarter 2017
|
|
$
|
1.49
|
|
|
$
|
4.15
|
|
Fourth quarter 2017
|
|
$
|
1.81
|
|
|
$
|
3.98
|
|
Monthly information
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
October 2017
|
|
$
|
2.02
|
|
|
$
|
3.98
|
|
November 2017
|
|
$
|
1.82
|
|
|
$
|
3.06
|
|
December 2017
|
|
$
|
1.81
|
|
|
$
|
3.35
|
|
January 2018
|
|
$
|
2.19
|
|
|
$
|
5.99
|
|
February 2018
|
|
$
|
2.59
|
|
|
$
|
3.08
|
|
March 2018
|
|
$
|
1.87
|
|
|
$
|
3.31
|
|
April 2018*
|
|
$
|
1.86
|
|
|
$
|
2.29
|
|
* Updated through April 20, 2018
9.B.
|
Plan of distribution
|
Not applicable.
9.C.
|
Market for Ordinary Shares
|
Our Ordinary Shares have been quoted on
the Nasdaq Capital Market since April 27, 2017 and p
rior to that date, our Ordinary Shares
were listed on the Nasdaq Global Market since July 31, 2014, in both cases
under the symbol ORPN.
9.D.
|
Selling shareholders
|
Not applicable.
Not applicable.
9.F.
|
Expenses of the issue
|
Not applicable.
ITEM 10.
|
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
|
Not applicable.
10.B.
|
Articles of Association
|
Securities Register
We are registered with the Israeli Registrar
of Companies. Our registration number is 51-471648-9. Our amended and restated articles of association provide that we may engage
in any type of lawful business.
Board of Directors
The Companies Law requires that certain
transactions, actions and arrangements be approved as provided for in a company’s articles of association and in certain circumstances
by the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee, by the Board of Directors itself and by the shareholders. The vote required
by the Audit Committee, Compensation Committee and the Board of Directors for approval of such matters, in each case, is a majority
of the disinterested directors participating in a duly convened meeting. If, however, a majority of the members participating in
such meeting have a personal interest in the approval of such matter, then all directors may participate in the discussions and
the voting on approval thereof and in such case the matter shall be subject to further shareholder approval.
The Companies Law requires that an office
holder promptly disclose to the Board of Directors any personal interest that he or she may have concerning any existing or proposed
transaction with a company, as well as any substantial information or document with respect thereof. An interested office holder’s
disclosure must be made promptly and in any event no later than the first meeting of the Board of Directors at which the transaction
is considered. A personal interest includes an interest of any person in an act or transaction of a company, including a personal
interest of one’s relative or of a corporate body in which such person or a relative of such person is a 5% or greater shareholder,
director or general manager or in which he or she has the right to appoint at least one director or the general manager, but excluding
a personal interest stemming from one’s ownership of shares in the company. A personal interest furthermore includes the personal
interest of a person for whom the office holder holds a voting proxy or the interest of the office holder with respect to his or
her vote on behalf of the shareholder for whom he or she holds a proxy even if such shareholder itself has no personal interest
in the approval of the matter. An office holder is not, however, obliged to disclose a personal interest if it derives solely from
the personal interest of a relative of such office holder in a transaction that is not considered an extraordinary transaction.
Under the Companies Law, an extraordinary transaction is defined as any of the following:
|
·
|
a transaction other than in the ordinary course of business;
|
|
·
|
a transaction that is not on market terms; or
|
|
·
|
a transaction that may have a material impact on a company’s profitability, assets or liabilities.
|
If it is determined that an office holder
has a personal interest in a transaction, approval by the Board of Directors is required for the transaction, unless the company’s
articles of association provide for a different method of approval. Further, so long as an office holder has disclosed his or her
personal interest in a transaction, the Board of Directors may approve an action by the office holder that would otherwise be deemed
a breach of duty of loyalty. However, a company may not approve a transaction or action that is adverse to the company’s interest
or that is not performed by the office holder in good faith. Approval first by the company’s Audit Committee and subsequently by
the Board of Directors is required for an extraordinary transaction in which an office holder has a personal interest. Arrangements
regarding the compensation, indemnification or insurance of an office holder require the approval of the Compensation Committee,
Board of Directors and, in certain circumstances, the shareholders, in that order.
Pursuant to Israeli law, the disclosure
requirements regarding personal interests that apply to directors and executive officers also apply to a controlling shareholder
of a public company. In the context of a transaction involving a controlling shareholder or an officer who is a controlling shareholder
of the company, a controlling shareholder also includes any shareholder who holds 25% or more of the voting rights if no other
shareholder holds more than 50% of the voting rights. Two or more shareholders with a personal interest in the approval of the
same transaction are deemed to be a single shareholder and may be deemed a controlling shareholder for the purpose of approving
such transaction. Extraordinary transactions, including private placement transactions, with a controlling shareholder or in which
a controlling shareholder has a personal interest, and engagements with a controlling shareholder or his or her relative, directly
or indirectly, including through a corporation in his or her control, require the approval of the Audit Committee, the Board of
Directors and the shareholders of the company, in that order. In addition, the shareholder approval must fulfill one of the
following requirements:
|
·
|
a disinterested majority; or
|
|
·
|
the votes of shareholders who have no personal interest in the transaction and who are present and voting, in person, by proxy or by voting deed at the meeting, and who vote against the transaction may not represent more than two percent (2%) of the voting rights of the company.
|
To the extent that any such transaction
with a controlling shareholder is for a period extending beyond three years, approval is required once every three years, unless
the Audit Committee determines that the duration of the transaction is reasonable given the circumstances related thereto.
Arrangements regarding the terms of engagement
and compensation of a controlling shareholder who is an office holder, and the terms of employment of a controlling shareholder
who is an employee of the company, require the approval of the Compensation Committee, Board of Directors and, generally, the shareholders,
in that order.
Our amended and restated articles of association
provide that, all actions done bona fide at any meeting of the Board of Directors or by a committee thereof or by any person(s)
acting as director(s) will, notwithstanding that it may afterwards be discovered that there was some defect in the appointment
of the participants in such meeting or any of them or any person(s) acting as aforesaid, or that they or any of them were disqualified,
be as valid as if there were no such defector disqualification.
|
·
|
Pursuant to Israeli law, a director who has a personal interest in an extraordinary transaction which is brought for discussion before our Board of Directors or our Audit Committee shall neither vote in nor attend discussions concerning the approval of such transaction. If the director did vote or attend as aforesaid, the approval given to the aforesaid activity or arrangement will be invalid.
|
|
·
|
Our amended and restated articles of association provide that, subject to the Companies Law, our Board of Directors may delegate its authority, in whole or in part, to such committees of the Board of Directors as it deems appropriate, and it may from time to time revoke such delegation. To the extent permitted by the Companies Law, our Board of Directors may from time to time confer upon and delegate to a President, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer or other executive officer then holding office, such authorities and duties of the Board of Directors as it deems fit, and they may delegate such authorities and duties for such period and for such purposes and subject to such conditions and restrictions which they consider in our best interests, without waiving the authorities of the Board of Directors with respect thereto.
|
|
·
|
Arrangements regarding compensation of directors require the approval of the Compensation Committee, our Board of Directors and the shareholders.
|
Borrowing Powers
Pursuant to the Companies Law and our amended
and restated articles of association, our Board of Directors may exercise all powers and take all actions that are not required
under law or under our amended and restated articles of association to be exercised or taken by our shareholders or other corporate
bodies, including the power to borrow money for company purposes.
Rights, Preferences, Restrictions of Shares and Shareholders
Meetings
|
·
|
General. Our share capital is NIS 500,000, consisting of 10,000,000 Ordinary Shares, NIS 0.05 par value per share.
|
|
·
|
Voting. The Ordinary Shares do not have cumulative voting rights in the election of directors. As a result, the holders of Ordinary Shares that represent more than 50% of the voting power have the power to elect all the Directors.
|
|
·
|
Dividend and liquidation rights. Our Board of Directors may declare a dividend to be paid to the holders of our Ordinary Shares according to their rights and interests in our profits and may fix the record date for eligibility and the time for payment. The directors may from time to time pay to the shareholders on account of the next forthcoming dividend such interim dividends as, in their judgment, our position justifies. All dividends unclaimed for one year after having been declared may be invested or otherwise used by the directors for our benefit until claimed. No unpaid dividend or interest shall bear interest as against us. Our Board of Directors may determine that a dividend may be paid, wholly or partially, by the distribution of certain of our assets or by a distribution of paid up shares, debentures or debenture stock or any of our securities or of any other companies or in any one or more of such ways in the manner and to the extent permitted by the Companies Law.
|
|
·
|
Transfer of shares; record dates. Fully paid up Ordinary Shares may be freely transferred pursuant to our amended and restated articles of association unless such transfer is restricted or prohibited by another instrument or securities laws. Each shareholder who would be entitled to attend and vote at a General Meeting of shareholders is entitled to receive notice of any such meeting. For purposes of determining the shareholders entitled to notice and to vote at such meeting, the Board of Directors will fix a record date.
|
|
·
|
Voting; annual general and extraordinary meetings. Subject to any rights or restrictions for the time being attached to any class or classes of shares, each shareholder shall have one vote for each share of which he or she is the holder, whether on a show of hands or on a poll. Our amended and restated articles of association do not permit cumulative voting and it is not mandated by Israeli law. Votes may be given either personally or by proxy. A proxy need not be a shareholder. If any shareholder is without legal capacity, he may vote by means of a trustee or a legal custodian, who may vote either personally or by proxy. If two or more persons are jointly entitled to a share then, in voting upon any question, the vote of the senior person who tenders a vote, whether in person or by proxy, shall be accepted to the exclusion of the votes of the other registered holders of the share and, for this purpose seniority shall be determined by the order in which the names stand in the shareholder register.
|
|
·
|
Quorum for general meetings. The quorum required for our general meetings of shareholders consists of at least two shareholders present in person, by proxy or written ballot who holds or represent between them at least one-third of the total outstanding voting rights. A meeting adjourned for lack of a quorum is generally adjourned to the same day in the following week at the same time and place or to a later time/date if so specified in the summons or notice of the meeting. At the reconvened meeting, any two or more shareholders present in person or by proxy shall constitute a lawful quorum.
|
|
·
|
Notice of general meetings. Unless a longer period for notice is prescribed by the Companies Law, at least 10 days and not more than 60 days’ notice of any general meeting shall be given, specifying the place, the day and the hour of the meeting and, in the case of special business, the nature of such business, shall be given in the manner hereinafter mentioned, to such shareholders as are under the provisions of our amended and restated articles of association, entitled to receive notices from us. Only shareholders of record as reflected on our share register at the close of business on the date fixed by the Board of Directors as the record date determining the then shareholders who will be entitled to vote, shall be entitled to notice of, and to vote, in person or by proxy, at a general meeting and any postponement or adjournment thereof.
|
|
·
|
Annual; agenda; calling a general meeting. General Meetings are held at least once in every calendar year at such time (within a period of 15 months after the holding of the last preceding General Meeting), and at such time and place as may be determined by the Board of Directors. At a General Meeting, decisions shall be adopted only on matters that were specified on the agenda. The Board of Directors is obligated to call extraordinary general meeting of the shareholders upon a written request in accordance with the Companies Law. The Companies Law provides that an extraordinary general meeting of shareholder may be called by the Board of Directors or by a request of two directors or 25% of the directors in office, or by shareholders holding at least 5% of the issued share capital of the company and at least 1% of the voting rights, or of shareholders holding at least 5% of the voting rights of the company.
|
|
·
|
Majority vote. Except as otherwise provided in the amended and restated articles of association, any resolution at a General Meeting shall be deemed adopted if approved by the holders of a majority of our voting rights represented at the meeting in person or by proxy and voting thereon. In the case of an equality of votes, the chairman of the meeting shall not be entitled to a further vote.
|
|
·
|
Discrimination against shareholders. According to our amended and restated articles of association, there are no discriminating provisions against any existing or prospective holders of our shares as a result of a shareholder holding a substantial number of shares.
|
Modification of Class Rights
If, at any time, the share capital is divided
into different classes of shares, the rights attached to any class (unless otherwise provided by the terms of issuance of the shares
of that class) may be varied with the consent in writing of the holders of all the issued shares of that class, or with the sanction
of a majority vote at a meeting of the shareholders passed at a separate meeting of the holders of the shares of the class. The
provisions of our amended and restated articles of association relating to general meetings shall apply, mutatis mutandis, to every
such separate general meeting. Any holder of shares of the class present in person or by proxy may demand a secret poll.
Unless otherwise provided by the conditions
of issuance, the enlargement of an existing class of shares, or the issuance of additional shares thereof, shall not be deemed
to modify or abrogate the rights attached to the previously issued shares of such class or of any other class. These conditions
provide for the minimum shareholder approvals permitted by the Companies Law.
Restrictions on Shareholders Rights to Own Securities
Our amended and restated articles of association
and the laws of the State of Israel do not restrict in any way the ownership or voting or our shares by non-residents of Israel,
except with respect to subjects of countries which are in a state of war with Israel.
Acquisitions under Israeli Law
Full tender offer
A person wishing to acquire shares of an
Israeli public company and who would as a result hold over 90% of the target company’s issued and outstanding share capital
or of the issued and outstanding share capital of a certain class of shares is required by the Companies Law to make a tender offer
to all of the company’s shareholders for the purchase of all of the issued and outstanding shares of the company or of all
of the issued and outstanding shares of the same class.
If the shareholders who do not respond
to or accept the offer hold less than 5% of the issued and outstanding share capital of the company or of the applicable class
of the shares, and more than half of the shareholders who do not have a personal interest in the offer accept the offer, all of
the shares that the acquirer offered to purchase will be transferred to the acquirer by operation of law. However, a tender offer
will be accepted if the shareholders who do not accept it hold less than 2% of the issued and outstanding share capital of the
company or of the applicable class of the shares.
Upon a successful completion of such a
full tender offer, any shareholder that was an offeree in such tender offer, whether such shareholder accepted the tender offer
or not, may, within six months from the date of acceptance of the tender offer, petition the Israeli court to determine whether
the tender offer was for less than fair value and that the fair value should be paid as determined by the court. However, under
certain conditions, the offeror may determine in the terms of the tender offer that an offeree who accepted the offer will not
be entitled to petition the Israeli court as described above.
If the shareholders who did not respond
or accept the tender offer hold at least 5% of the issued and outstanding share capital of the company or of the applicable class,
the acquirer may not acquire shares of the company that will increase its holdings to more than 90% of the company’s issued
and outstanding share capital or of the applicable class from shareholders who accepted the tender offer.
Special tender offer
The Companies Law provides that an acquisition
of shares of an Israeli public company must be made by means of a special tender offer if as a result of the acquisition the purchaser
would become a holder of at least 25% of the voting rights in the company. This rule does not apply if there is already another
holder of at least 25% of the voting rights in the company.
Similarly, the Companies Law provides that
an acquisition of shares in a public company must be made by means of a special tender offer if as a result of the acquisition
the purchaser would become a holder of more than 45% of the voting rights in the company, if there is no other shareholder of the
company who holds more than 45% of the voting rights in the company.
These requirements do not apply if the
acquisition (i) occurs in the context of a private offering, on the condition that the shareholders meeting approved the acquisition
as a private offering whose purpose is to give the acquirer at least 25% of the voting rights in the company if there is no person
who holds at least 25% of the voting rights in the company, or as a private offering whose purpose is to give the acquirer 45%
of the voting rights in the company, if there is no person who holds 45% of the voting rights in the company; (ii) was from
a shareholder holding at least 25% of the voting rights in the company and resulted in the acquirer becoming a holder of at least
25% of the voting rights in the company; or (iii) was from a holder of more than 45% of the voting rights in the company and
resulted in the acquirer becoming a holder of more than 45% of the voting rights in the company.
The special tender offer may be consummated
only if (i) at least 5% of the voting power attached to the company’s outstanding shares will be acquired by the offeror
and (ii) the special tender offer is accepted by a majority of the votes of those offerees who gave notice of their position
in respect of the offer; in counting the votes of offerees, the votes of a holder of control in the offeror, a person who has personal
interest in acceptance of the special tender offer, a holder of at least 25% of the voting rights in the company, or any person
acting on their or on the offeror’s behalf, including their relatives or companies under their control, are not taken into
account.
In the event that a special tender offer
is made, a company’s Board of Directors is required to express its opinion on the advisability of the offer or shall abstain
from expressing any opinion if it is unable to do so, provided that it gives the reasons for its abstention.
An office holder in a target company who,
in his or her capacity as an office holder, performs an action the purpose of which is to cause the failure of an existing or foreseeable
special tender offer or is to impair the chances of its acceptance, is liable to the potential purchaser and shareholders for damages
resulting from his acts, unless such office holder acted in good faith and had reasonable grounds to believe he or she was acting
for the benefit of the company. However, office holders of the target company may negotiate with the potential purchaser in order
to improve the terms of the special tender offer, and may further negotiate with third parties in order to obtain a competing offer.
If a special tender offer was accepted
by a majority of the shareholders who announced their stand on such offer, then shareholders who did not respond to the special
offer or had objected to the special tender offer may accept the offer within four days of the last day set for the acceptance
of the offer.
In the event that a special tender offer
is accepted, then the purchaser or any person or entity controlling it and any corporation controlled by them shall refrain from
making a subsequent tender offer for the purchase of shares of the target company and may not execute a merger with the target
company for a period of one year from the date of the offer, unless the purchaser or such person or entity undertook to effect
such an offer or merger in the initial special tender offer.
Merger
The Companies Law permits merger transactions
if approved by each party’s Board of Directors and, unless certain requirements described under the Companies Law are met,
a majority of each party’s shareholders, by a majority of each party’s shares that are voted on the proposed merger
at a shareholders’ meeting.
The Board of Directors of a merging company
is required pursuant to the Companies Law to discuss and determine whether in its opinion there exists a reasonable concern that
as a result of a proposed merger, the surviving company will not be able to satisfy its obligations towards its creditors, taking
into account the financial condition of the merging companies. If the Board of Directors has determined that such a concern exists,
it may not approve a proposed merger. Following the approval of the Board of Directors of each of the merging companies, the Boards
of Directors must jointly prepare a merger proposal for submission to the Israeli Registrar of Companies.
For purposes of the shareholder vote, unless
a court rules otherwise, the merger will not be deemed approved if a majority of the shares voting at the shareholders meeting
(excluding abstentions) that are held by parties other than the other party to the merger, any person who holds 25% or more of
the means of control of the other party to the merger or any one on their behalf including their relatives or corporations controlled
by any of them, vote against the merger.
If the transaction would have been approved
but for the separate approval of each class of shares or the exclusion of the votes of certain shareholders as provided above,
a court may still rule that the company has approved the merger upon the request of holders of at least 25% of the voting rights
of a company, if the court holds that the merger is fair and reasonable, taking into account the appraisal of the merging companies’
value and the consideration offered to the shareholders.
Under the Companies Law, each merging company
must send a copy of the proposed merger plan to its secured creditors. Unsecured creditors are entitled to receive notice of the
merger, as provided by the regulations promulgated under the Companies Law. Upon the request of a creditor of either party to the
proposed merger, the court may delay or prevent the merger if it concludes that there exists a reasonable concern that, as a result
of the merger, the surviving company will be unable to satisfy the obligations of the target company. The court may also give instructions
in order to secure the rights of creditors.
In addition, a merger may not be completed
unless at least 50 days have passed from the date that a proposal for approval of the merger was filed with the Israeli Registrar
of Companies and 30 days from the date that shareholder approval of both merging companies was obtained.
Potential Issues that Could Delay a Merger
Certain provisions of Israeli corporate
and tax law may have the effect of delaying, preventing or making more difficult any merger or acquisition of us.
Requirement of Disclosure of Shareholder Ownership
There are no provisions of our amended
and restated articles of association governing the ownership threshold above which shareholder ownership must be disclosed. We
are subject, however, to U.S. securities rules that require beneficial owners of more than 5% of our Ordinary Shares to make certain
filings with the SEC.
Changes in Capital
Our amended and restated articles of association
do not impose any conditions governing changes in capital that are more stringent than required by the Companies Law.
For a description of the agreements related
to our directors and officers, see Item 6.B -“Compensation”.
There are currently no Israeli currency
control restrictions on payments of dividends or other distributions with respect to our Ordinary Shares or the proceeds from the
sale of our Ordinary Shares, except for the obligation of Israeli residents to file reports with the Bank of Israel regarding certain
transactions. However, legislation remains in effect pursuant to which currency controls can be imposed by administrative action
at any time.
Non-residents of Israel who purchase our
securities with non-Israeli currency will be able to repatriate dividends (if any), liquidation distributions and the proceeds
of any sale of such securities, into non-Israeli currencies at the rate of exchange prevailing at the time of repatriation, provided
that any applicable Israeli taxes have been paid (or withheld) on such amounts.
Neither our amended and restated articles
of association nor the laws of the State of Israel restrict in any way the ownership or voting of our Ordinary Shares by non-residents
of Israel, except with respect to citizens of countries that are in a state of war with Israel.
The following is a summary of the current
tax structure, which is applicable to companies in Israel, with special reference to its effect on us. The following also contains
a discussion of material Israeli and U.S. tax consequences to persons purchasing our Ordinary Shares and government programs from
which we and some of our group companies benefit. To the extent that the discussion is based on new tax legislation, which has
yet to be subject to judicial or administrative interpretation, there can be no assurance that the views expressed in the discussion
will accord with any such interpretation in the future. The discussion is not intended and should not be construed as legal or
professional tax advice and is not exhaustive of all possible tax considerations. An Israeli company that is subject to Israeli
taxes on the income of its non-Israeli subsidiaries will receive a credit for income taxes paid/withheld or that will be paid/withheld
by the subsidiary in its country of residence, according to the terms and conditions determined in the Israeli Tax Ordinance.
The following summary is included herein
as general information only and is not intended as a substitute for careful tax planning. Accordingly, each investor should consult
his or her own tax advisor as to the particular tax consequences to such investor of the purchase, ownership or sale of an ordinary
share, including the effect of applicable state, local, foreign or other tax laws and possible changes in tax laws.
Israeli Taxation Considerations
THE FOLLOWING IS A SUMMARY OF THE MATERIAL
ISRAELI INCOME TAX LAWS APPLICABLE TO US. THIS SECTION ALSO CONTAINS A DISCUSSION OF MATERIAL ISRAELI INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES CONCERNING
THE OWNERSHIP AND DISPOSITION OF OUR ORDINARY SHARES. THIS SUMMARY DOES NOT DISCUSS ALL THE ASPECTS OF ISRAELI INCOME TAX LAW THAT
MAY BE RELEVANT TO A PARTICULAR INVESTOR IN LIGHT OF HIS OR HER PERSONAL INVESTMENT CIRCUMSTANCES OR TO SOME TYPES OF INVESTORS
SUBJECT TO SPECIAL TREATMENT UNDER ISRAELI LAW. EXAMPLES OF THIS KIND OF INVESTOR INCLUDE RESIDENTS OF ISRAEL OR TRADERS IN SECURITIES
WHO ARE SUBJECT TO SPECIAL TAX REGIMES NOT COVERED IN THIS DISCUSSION. TO THE EXTENT THAT THE DISCUSSION IS BASED ON NEW TAX LEGISLATION
THAT HAS NOT YET BEEN SUBJECT TO JUDICIAL OR ADMINISTRATIVE INTERPRETATION, WE CANNOT ASSURE YOU THAT THE APPROPRIATE TAX AUTHORITIES
OR THE COURTS WILL ACCEPT THE VIEWS EXPRESSED IN THIS DISCUSSION. THIS SUMMARY IS BASED ON LAWS AND REGULATIONS IN EFFECT AS OF
THE DATE OF THIS ANNUAL REPORT AND DOES NOT TAKE INTO ACCOUNT POSSIBLE FUTURE AMENDMENTS WHICH MAY BE UNDER CONSIDERATION.
General corporate tax structure in Israel
As of January 1, 2016, Israeli resident
companies, such as us, were generally subject to corporate tax at the rate of 25%. As of January 1, 2017, the corporate tax rate
was reduced to 24% and as of January 1, 2018, the corporate tax rate is reduced to 23%. Between January 1, 2014 and December 31,
2015, the corporate tax rate was 26.5%.
Capital gains derived by an Israeli resident
company are generally subject to tax at the same rate as the corporate tax rate. Under Israeli tax legislation, a corporation will
be considered as an “Israeli Resident” if it meets one of the following: (a) it was incorporated in Israel; or (b)
its business is managed and controlled from Israel.
Taxation of our Israeli individual shareholders on receipt
of dividends
Israeli residents who are individuals are
generally subject to Israeli income tax for dividends paid on our Ordinary Shares (other than bonus shares or share dividends)
at a rate of 25%, or 30% if the recipient of such dividend is a “substantial shareholder” (as defined below) at the
time of distribution or at any time during the preceding 12-month period.
As of January 1, 2016, an additional income
tax at a rate of 2% will be imposed on high earners whose annual taxable income or gain exceeds NIS 803,520. As of January 1, 2017,
an additional income tax at a rate of 3% will be imposed on high earners whose annual taxable income or gain exceeds NIS 640,000.
As of January 1, 2018, an additional income tax at a rate of 3% will be imposed on high earners whose annual taxable income or
gain exceeds NIS 641,880.
A “substantial Shareholder”
is generally a person who alone, or together with his relative or another person who collaborates with him on a regular basis,
holds, directly or indirectly, at least 10% of any of the “means of control” of the corporation. “Means of control”
generally include the right to vote in a general meeting of shareholders, the right to receive profits, the right to nominate a
director or an officer, the right to receive assets upon liquidation (after settling the debts), or the right to instruct someone
who holds any of the aforesaid rights regarding the manner in which he or she is to exercise such right(s), and whether by virtue
of shares, rights to shares or other rights, or in any other manner, including by means of voting agreements or trusteeship agreements.
The term “Israeli Resident”
for Individuals is generally defined under Israeli Income Tax Ordinance [New Version], 1961, or the Israeli Tax Ordinance, as an
individual whose center of life is in Israel. According to the Israeli Tax Ordinance, in order to determine the center of life
of an individual, account will be taken of the individual’s family, economic and social connections, including: (a) the place
of the individual’s permanent home; (b) the place of residence of the individual and his family; (c) the place of the individual’s
regular or permanent place of business or the place of his permanent employment; (d) place of the individual’s active and
substantial economic interests; (e) place of the individual’s activities in organizations, associations and other institutions.
The center of life of an individual will be presumed to be in Israel if: (a) the individual was present in Israel for 183 days
or more in the tax year; or (b) the individual was present in Israel for 30 days or more in the tax year, and the total period
of the individual’s presence in Israel in that tax year and the two previous tax years is 425 days or more. The presumption
in this paragraph may be rebutted either by the individual or by the assessing officer.
Taxation of Israeli Resident Corporations on Receipt of Dividends
Israeli resident corporations are generally
exempt from Israeli corporate income tax with respect to dividends paid on our Ordinary Shares.
Capital Gains Taxes Applicable to Israeli Resident Shareholders
The income tax rate applicable to Real
Capital Gain derived by an Israeli individual from the sale of shares which had been purchased after January 1, 2012, whether listed
on a stock exchange or not, is 25%. However, if such shareholder is considered a “Substantial Shareholder” (as defined
above) at the time of sale or at any time during the preceding 12-month period, such gain will be taxed at the rate of 30%. As
of January 1, 2016, an additional tax at a rate of 2% will be imposed on high earners whose annual income or gains exceed NIS 803,520.
As of January 1, 2017, an additional income tax at a rate of 3% will be imposed on high earners whose annual taxable income or
gain exceeds NIS 640,000. As of January 1, 2018, an additional income tax at a rate of 3% will be imposed on high earners whose
annual taxable income or gain exceeds NIS 641,880.
Moreover, capital gains derived by a shareholder
who is a dealer or trader in securities, or to whom such income is otherwise taxable as ordinary business income, are taxed in
Israel at ordinary income rates (currently, up to 50% for individuals and As of January 1, 2016, 25% for Israeli resident corporations,
as of January 1, 2017, the corporate tax rate is reduced to 24% and as of January 1, 2018, the corporate tax rate is reduced to
23%).
Taxation of Non-Israeli Shareholders on Receipt of Dividends
Non-Israeli residents are generally subject
to Israeli income tax on the receipt of dividends paid on our Shares at the rate of 25% (or 30% for individuals, if such individual
is a “substantial shareholder” at the time receiving the dividend or on any date in the 12 months preceding such date),
which tax will be withheld at source, unless a tax certificate is obtained from the Israeli Tax Authority authorizing withholding-exempt
remittances or a reduced rate of tax pursuant to an applicable tax treaty.
A non-Israeli resident who receives dividends
from which tax was withheld is generally exempt from the duty to file tax returns in Israel in respect of such income.
For example, under the Convention Between
the Government of the United States of America and the Government of Israel with Respect to Taxes on Income, as amended, Israeli
withholding tax on dividends paid to a U.S. resident for treaty purposes may not, in general, exceed 25%, or 15% in the case of
dividends paid out of the profits of a Benefited Enterprise, subject to certain conditions. Where the recipient is a U.S. corporation
owning 10% or more of the outstanding shares of the voting stock of the paying corporation during the part of the paying corporation’s
taxable year which precedes the date of payment of the dividend and during the whole of its prior taxable year (if any) and not
more than 25% of the gross income of the paying corporation for such prior taxable year (if any) consists certain interest or dividends,
the Israeli tax withheld may not exceed 12.5%, subject to certain conditions.
Capital gains income taxes applicable to non-Israeli shareholders.
Non-Israeli resident shareholders are generally
exempt from Israeli capital gains tax on any gains derived from the sale, exchange or disposition of our Ordinary Shares, provided
that such gains were not derived from a permanent establishment or business activity of such shareholders in Israel and if additional
conditions are met. However, non-Israeli corporations’ shareholders will not be entitled to the foregoing exemptions if an
Israeli resident (i) has a controlling interest of more than 25% in such non-Israeli corporation or (ii) is the beneficiary of
or is entitled to 25% or more of the revenues or profits of such non-Israeli corporation, whether directly or indirectly.
Regardless of whether shareholders may
be liable for Israeli income tax on the sale of our Ordinary Shares, the payment of the consideration may be subject to withholding
of Israeli tax at the source. Accordingly, shareholders may be required to demonstrate that they are exempt from tax on their capital
gains in order to avoid withholding at source at the time of sale.
Estate and gift tax
Currently, Israeli law does not impose
estate or gift taxes.
United States Federal Income Tax Consequences
THE FOLLOWING SUMMARY IS INCLUDED HEREIN
FOR GENERAL INFORMATION AND IS NOT INTENDED TO BE, AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED TO BE, LEGAL OR TAX ADVICE. EACH U.S. HOLDER SHOULD
CONSULT WITH HIS OR HER OWN TAX ADVISOR AS TO THE PARTICULAR U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE PURCHASE, OWNERSHIP AND
SALE OF ORDINARY SHARES, INCLUDING THE EFFECTS OF APPLICABLE STATE, LOCAL, FOREIGN OR OTHER TAX LAWS AND POSSIBLE CHANGES IN THE
TAX LAWS.
U.S. Federal Income Taxation
On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and
Jobs Act of 2017, or TCJA, was signed into law making significant changes to U.S. income tax law, including a corporate tax rate
decrease from 35% to 21% effective for tax years beginning after December 31, 2017, the transition of U.S. international taxation
from a worldwide tax system to a territorial system, and a one-time transition tax on the mandatory deemed repatriation of cumulative
foreign earnings as of December 31, 2017.
We do not see a material direct impact on our financials
as of December 31, 2017.
Subject to the limitations described in
the next paragraph, the following discussion summarizes the material U.S. federal income tax consequences to a “U.S. Holder”
arising from the purchase, ownership and sale of the Ordinary Shares. For this purpose, a “U.S. Holder” is a holder
of Ordinary Shares that is: (1) an individual citizen or resident of the United States, including an alien individual who is a
lawful permanent resident of the United States or meets the substantial presence residency test under U.S. federal income tax laws;
(2) a corporation (or other entity treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes) or a partnership (other than
a partnership that is not treated as a U.S. person under any applicable U.S. Treasury Regulations) created or organized in or under
the laws of the United States or the District of Columbia or any political subdivision thereof; (3) an estate, the income of which
is subject to U.S. federal income tax regardless of source; (4) a trust if a court within the United States is able to exercise
primary supervision over the administration of the trust and one or more U.S. persons have authority to control all substantial
decisions of the trust; (5) a trust that has a valid election in effect to be treated as a U.S. person to the extent provided in
U.S. Treasury regulations; or (6) any person otherwise subject to U.S. federal income tax on a net income basis in respect of the
Ordinary Shares, if such status as a U.S. Holder is not overridden pursuant to the provisions of an applicable tax treaty.
This summary is for general information
purposes only and does not purport to be a comprehensive description of all of the U.S. federal income tax considerations that
may be relevant to a decision to purchase or hold our Ordinary Shares. This summary generally considers only U.S. Holders that
will own our Ordinary Shares as capital assets. Except as explicitly discussed below, this summary does not consider the U.S. federal
tax consequences to a person that is not a U.S. Holder, nor does it describe the rules applicable to determine a taxpayer’s status
as a U.S. Holder. This summary is based on the provisions of the Code, final, temporary and proposed U.S. Treasury Regulations
promulgated thereunder, administrative and judicial interpretations thereof, and the U.S./Israel Income Tax Treaty, all as in effect
as of the date hereof and all of which are subject to change, possibly on a retroactive basis, and all of which are open to differing
interpretations. We will not seek a ruling from the U.S. Internal Revenue Service, or the IRS, with regard to the U.S. federal
income tax treatment of an investment in our Ordinary Shares by U.S. Holders and, therefore, can provide no assurances that the
IRS will agree with the conclusions set forth below.
This discussion does not address all of
the aspects of U.S. federal income taxation that may be relevant to a particular shareholder based on such shareholder’s particular
circumstances and in particular does not discuss any estate, gift, generation-skipping, transfer, state, local or foreign tax considerations.
In addition, this discussion does not address the U.S. federal income tax treatment of a U.S. Holder who is: (1) a bank, life insurance
company, regulated investment company, or other financial institution or “financial services entity”; (2) a broker
or dealer in securities or foreign currency; (3) a person who acquired our Ordinary Shares in connection with employment or other
performance of services; (4) a U.S. Holder that is subject to the U.S. alternative minimum tax; (5) a U.S. Holder that holds our
Ordinary Shares as a hedge or as part of a hedging, straddle, conversion or constructive sale transaction or other risk-reduction
transaction for U.S. federal income tax purposes; (6) a tax-exempt entity; (7) real estate investment trusts; (8) a U.S. Holder
that expatriates out of the United States or a former long-term resident of the United States; or (9) a person having a functional
currency other than the U.S. dollar. This discussion does not address the U.S. federal income tax treatment of a U.S. Holder that
owns, directly or constructively, at any time, Ordinary Shares representing 10% or more of our voting power. Additionally, the
U.S. federal income tax treatment of persons who hold Ordinary Shares through a partnership or other pass-through entity are not
considered.
You are encouraged to consult your own
tax advisor with respect to the specific U.S. federal and state income tax consequences to you of purchasing, holding or disposing
of our Ordinary Shares, including the effects of applicable state, local, foreign or other tax laws and possible changes in the
tax laws.
Distributions on Ordinary Shares
Subject to the discussion under the heading
“Passive Foreign Investment Companies” below, a U.S. Holder, other than certain U.S. Holders that are U.S. corporations,
will be required to include in gross income as ordinary income the amount of any distribution paid on Ordinary Shares (including
the amount of any Israeli tax withheld on the date of the distribution), to the extent that such distribution does not exceed our
current and accumulated earnings and profits, as determined for U.S. federal income tax purposes. The amount of a distribution
that exceeds our earnings and profits will be treated first as a non-taxable return of capital, reducing the U.S. Holder’s
tax basis for the Ordinary Shares to the extent thereof, and then capital gain. Corporate holders generally will not be allowed
a deduction for dividends received. For noncorporate U.S. Holders, to the extent that their total adjusted income does not exceed
applicable thresholds, the maximum federal income tax rate for “qualified dividend income” and long-term capital gains
is generally 15%. For those noncorporate U.S. Holders whose total adjusted income exceeds such income thresholds, the maximum federal
income tax rate for “qualified dividend income” and long-term capital gains is generally 20%. For this purpose, “qualified
dividend income” means, inter alia, dividends received from a “qualified foreign corporation.” A “qualified
foreign corporation” is a corporation that is entitled to the benefits of a comprehensive tax treaty with the United States
which includes an exchange of information program. The IRS has stated that the Israel/U.S. Tax Treaty satisfies this requirement
and we believe we are eligible for the benefits of that treaty.
For U.S. Holders that are corporations,
the TCJA provides a 100% deduction for the foreign-source portion of dividends received from “specified 10-percent owned
foreign corporations” by U.S. corporate holders, subject to a one-year holding period. No foreign tax credit, including Israeli
withholding tax (or deduction for foreign taxes paid with respect to qualifying dividends) would be permitted for foreign taxes
paid or accrued with respect to a qualifying dividend. Deduction would be unavailable for “hybrid dividends.”
In addition, our dividends will be qualified
dividend income if our Ordinary Shares are readily tradable on Nasdaq or another established securities market in the United States.
Dividends will not qualify for the preferential rate if we are treated, in the year the dividend is paid or in the prior year,
as a PFIC. A U.S. Holder will not be entitled to the preferential rate: (1) if the U.S. Holder has not held our Ordinary Shares
or ADRs for at least 61 days of the 121 day period beginning on the date which is 60 days before the ex-dividend date, or (2) to
the extent the U.S. Holder is under an obligation to make related payments on substantially similar property. Any days during which
the U.S. Holder has diminished its risk of loss on our Ordinary Shares are not counted towards meeting the 61-day holding period.
Finally, U.S. Holders who elect to treat the dividend income as “investment income” pursuant to Code section 163(d)(4)
will not be eligible for the preferential rate of taxation.
The amount of a distribution with respect
to our Ordinary Shares will be measured by the amount of the fair market value of any property distributed, and for U.S. federal
income tax purposes, the amount of any Israeli taxes withheld therefrom. (See discussion above under Item 10.E - “Israeli
Tax Considerations - Taxation of Our Shareholders - Dividends.”) Cash distributions paid by us in NIS will be included in
the income of U.S. Holders at a U.S. dollar amount based upon the spot rate of exchange in effect on the date the dividend is includible
in the income of the U.S. Holder, and U.S. Holders will have a tax basis in such NIS for U.S. federal income tax purposes equal
to such U.S. dollar value. If the U.S. Holder subsequently converts the NIS, any subsequent gain or loss in respect of such NIS
arising from exchange rate fluctuations will be U.S. source ordinary exchange gain or loss.
Distributions paid by us will generally
be foreign source income for U.S. foreign tax credit purposes. Subject to the limitations set forth in the Code, U.S. Holders,
other than certain U.S. Holders that are corporations, may elect to claim a foreign tax credit against their U.S. income tax liability
for Israeli income tax withheld from distributions received in respect of the Ordinary Shares. In general, these rules limit the
amount allowable as a foreign tax credit in any year to the amount of regular U.S. tax for the year attributable to foreign source
taxable income. This limitation on the use of foreign tax credits generally will not apply to an electing individual U.S. Holder
whose creditable foreign taxes during the year do not exceed $300, or $600 for joint filers, if such individual’s gross income
for the taxable year from non-U.S. sources consists solely of certain passive income. A U.S. Holder will be denied a foreign tax
credit with respect to Israeli income tax withheld from dividends received with respect to the Ordinary Shares if such U.S. Holder
has not held the Ordinary Shares for at least 16 days out of the 31-day period beginning on the date that is 15 days before the
ex-dividend date or to the extent that such U.S. Holder is under an obligation to make certain related payments with respect to
substantially similar or related property. Any day during which a U.S. Holder has substantially diminished his or her risk of loss
with respect to the Ordinary Shares will not count toward meeting the 16-day holding period. A U.S. Holder will also be denied
a foreign tax credit if the U.S. Holder holds the Ordinary Shares in an arrangement in which the U.S. Holder’s reasonably
expected economic profit is insubstantial compared to the foreign taxes expected to be paid or accrued. The rules relating to the
determination of the U.S. foreign tax credit are complex, and U.S. Holders should consult with their own tax advisors to determine
whether, and to what extent, they are entitled to such credit. U.S. Holders that do not elect to claim a foreign tax credit may
instead claim a deduction for Israeli income taxes withheld, provided such U.S. Holders itemize their deductions.
Disposition of Shares
Except as provided under the PFIC rules
described below, upon the sale, exchange or other disposition of our Ordinary Shares, a U.S. Holder will recognize capital gain
or loss in an amount equal to the difference between such U.S. Holder’s tax basis in the sold Ordinary Shares and the amount realized
on the disposition of such Ordinary Shares (or its U.S. dollar equivalent determined by reference to the spot rate of exchange
on the date of disposition, if the amount realized is denominated in a foreign currency). The gain or loss realized on the sale
or exchange or other disposition of Ordinary Shares will be long-term capital gain or loss if the United States Holder has a holding
period of more than one year at the time of the disposition.
In general, gain realized by a U.S. Holder
on a sale, exchange or other disposition of Ordinary Shares will generally be treated as U.S. source income for U.S. foreign tax
credit purposes. A loss realized by a U.S. Holder on the sale, exchange or other disposition of Ordinary Shares is generally allocated
to U.S. source income. However, U.S. Treasury Regulations require such loss to be allocated to foreign source income to the extent
specified dividends were received by the taxpayer within the 24-month period preceding the date on which the taxpayer recognized
the loss. The deductibility of a loss realized on the sale, exchange or other disposition of Ordinary Shares is subject to limitations.
Tax on Net Investment Income
U.S. Holders who are individuals, estates
or trusts will generally be required to pay a 3.8% tax on their net investment income (including dividends on and gains from the
sale or other disposition of our Ordinary Shares), or in the case of estates and trusts on their net investment income that is
not distributed. In each case, the 3.8% Medicare tax applies only to the extent the U.S. Holder’s total adjusted income exceeds
applicable thresholds.
Passive Foreign Investment Companies.
Special U.S. federal income tax laws apply
to a U.S. Holder who owns shares of a corporation that was (at any time during the U.S. Holder’s holding period) a PFIC. We would
be treated as a PFIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes for any tax year if, in such tax year, either:
|
·
|
75% or more of our gross income (including our pro rata share of gross income for any company, U.S. or foreign, in which we are considered to own 25% or more of the shares by value), in a taxable year is passive, or the Income Test; or
|
|
·
|
At least 50% of our assets, averaged over the year and generally determined based upon value (including our pro rata share of the assets of any company in which we are considered to own 25% or more of the shares by value), in a taxable year are held for the production of, or produce, passive income, or the Asset Test.
|
For this purpose, passive income generally
consists of dividends, interest, rents, royalties, annuities and income from certain commodities transactions and from notional
principal contracts. Cash is treated as generating passive income.
If we are or become a PFIC, each U.S. Holder
who has not elected to treat us as a qualified electing fund by making a “QEF election”, or who has not elected to
mark the shares to market (as discussed below), would, upon receipt of certain distributions by us and upon disposition of our
Ordinary Shares at a gain, be liable to pay U.S. federal income tax at the then prevailing highest tax rates on ordinary income
plus interest on such tax, as if the distribution or gain had been recognized ratably over the taxpayer’s holding period
for the Ordinary Shares. In addition, when shares of a PFIC are acquired by reason of death from a decedent that was a U.S. Holder,
the tax basis of such shares would not receive a step-up to fair market value as of the date of the decedent’s death, but
instead would be equal to the decedent’s basis if lower, unless all gain were recognized by the decedent. Indirect investments
in a PFIC may also be subject to special U.S. federal income tax rules.
The PFIC taxation regime would not apply
to a U.S. Holder who makes a QEF election for all taxable years that such U.S. Holder has held the Ordinary Shares while we are
a PFIC, provided that we comply with specified reporting requirements. Instead, each U.S. Holder who has made such a QEF election
is required for each taxable year that we are a PFIC to include in income such U.S. Holder’s
pro rata
share of our
ordinary earnings as ordinary income and such U.S. Holder’s
pro rata
share of our net capital gains as long-term capital
gain, regardless of whether we make any distributions of such earnings or gain. In general, a QEF election is effective only if
we make available certain required information. The QEF election is made on a shareholder-by-shareholder basis and generally may
be revoked only with the consent of the IRS. U.S. Holders should consult with their own tax advisors regarding eligibility, manner
and advisability of making a QEF election if we are treated as a PFIC.
A U.S. Holder of PFIC shares which are
traded on qualifying public markets, including the Nasdaq, can elect to mark the shares to market annually, recognizing as ordinary
income or loss each year an amount equal to the difference as of the close of the taxable year between the fair market value of
the PFIC shares and the U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis in the PFIC shares. Losses are allowed only to the extent of net mark-to-market
gain previously included income by the U.S. Holder under the election for prior taxable years.
Based on the nature of our business, the
projected composition of our income and the projected composition and estimated fair market values of our assets, we likely will
be classified as a PFIC. In addition, we may have been a PFIC in prior years and may be a PFIC in the future. U.S. Holders who
hold Ordinary Shares during a period when we are a PFIC will be subject to the foregoing rules, even if we cease to be a PFIC,
subject to specified exceptions for U.S. Holders who made a QEF or mark-to-market election. U.S. Holders are strongly urged to
consult their tax advisors about the PFIC rules, including tax return filing requirements and the eligibility, manner, and consequences
to them of making a QEF or mark-to-market election with respect to our Ordinary Shares in the event we that qualify as a PFIC.
As with a QEF election, a mark-to-market election is made on a shareholder-by-shareholder basis, applies to all Ordinary Shares
held or subsequently acquired by an electing U.S. holder and can only be revoked with consent of the IRS (except to the extent
the Ordinary Shares no longer constitute “marketable stock”).
Information Reporting and Withholding
A U.S. Holder may be subject to backup
withholding (at a rate of 28%) with respect to cash dividends and proceeds from a disposition of Ordinary Shares. In general, back-up
withholding will apply only if a U.S. Holder fails to comply with specified identification procedures. Backup withholding will
not apply with respect to payments made to designated exempt recipients, such as corporations and tax-exempt organizations. Backup
withholding is not an additional tax and may be claimed as a credit against the U.S. federal income tax liability of a U.S. Holder,
provided that the required information is timely furnished to the IRS.
Foreign Asset Reporting
Certain U.S. Holders who are individuals
may be required to report information relating to an interest in the Ordinary Shares, subject to certain exceptions. U.S. Holders
are urged to consult their tax advisors regarding the application of these and other reporting requirements that may apply to their
ownership of Ordinary Shares.
Non-U.S. Holders of Ordinary Shares
Except as provided below, an individual,
corporation, estate or trust that is not a U.S. Holder generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income or withholding tax
on the payment of dividends on, and the proceeds from the disposition of, our Ordinary Shares.
A non-U.S. Holder may be subject to U.S.
federal income or withholding tax on a dividend paid on our Ordinary Shares or the proceeds from the disposition of our Ordinary
Shares if: (1) such item is effectively connected with the conduct by the non-U.S. Holder of a trade or business in the United
States or, in the case of a non-U.S. Holder that is a resident of a country which has an income tax treaty with the United States,
such item is attributable to a permanent establishment or, in the case of gain realized by an individual non-U.S. Holder, a fixed
place of business in the United States; (2) in the case of a disposition of our Ordinary Shares, the individual non-U.S. Holder
is present in the United States for 183 days or more in the taxable year of the sale and other specified conditions are met; (3)
the non-U.S. Holder is subject to U.S. federal income tax pursuant to the provisions of the U.S. tax law applicable to U.S. expatriates.
In general, non-U.S. Holders will not be
subject to backup withholding with respect to the payment of dividends on our Ordinary Shares if payment is made through a paying
agent, or office of a foreign broker outside the United States. However, if payment is made in the United States or by a U.S. related
person, non-U.S. Holders may be subject to backup withholding, unless the non-U.S. Holder provides on an applicable Form W-8 (or
a substantially similar form) a taxpayer identification number, certifies to its foreign status, or otherwise establishes an exemption.
A U.S. related person for these purposes is a person with one or more current relationships with the United States.
The amount of any backup withholding from
a payment to a non-U.S. Holder will be allowed as a credit against such holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability and may entitle
such holder to a refund, provided that the required information is timely furnished to the IRS.
10.F.
|
Dividends and paying agents
|
Not applicable.
10.G.
|
Statement by experts
|
Not applicable.
10.H.
|
Documents on display
|
We are subject to certain of the information
reporting requirements of the Exchange Act. As a foreign private issuer, we are exempt from the rules and regulations under the
Exchange Act prescribing the furnishing and content of proxy statements, and our officers, directors and principal shareholders
are exempt from the reporting and “short-swing” profit recovery provisions contained in Section 16 of the Exchange
Act, with respect to their purchase and sale of our Ordinary Shares. In addition, we are not required to file reports and financial
statements with the SEC as frequently or as promptly as U.S. companies whose securities are registered under the Exchange Act.
However, we are required to file with the SEC, within four months after the end of each fiscal year, an annual report on Form 20-F
containing financial statements audited by an independent accounting firm. We publish unaudited interim financial information after
the end of each quarter. We furnish this quarterly financial information to the SEC under cover of a Form 6-K.
You may read and copy any document we file
with the SEC at its public reference facilities at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, D.C. 20549. You may also obtain copies of the
documents at prescribed rates by writing to the Public Reference Section of the SEC at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, D.C. 20549.
The SEC also maintains a website that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding registrants
that file electronically with the SEC. The address of this website is http://www.sec.gov. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330
for further information on the operation of the public reference facilities.
10.I.
|
Subsidiary information
|
Not applicable.
ITEM 11.
|
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
|
For a discussion related
to our market risk, see Item 5 - “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects”.
ITEM 12.
|
DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES
|
We do not have any outstanding American
Depositary Shares or American Depositary Receipts.
PART TWO
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated
financial statements.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated
financial statements.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated
financial statements.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated
financial statements.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
|
U.S. dollar in thousands, except share and per share data
|
Bioblast Pharma Ltd. (the “Parent”)
was incorporated in Israel and commenced its operations on January 22, 2012. In January 2015, Bioblast Pharma Inc. was established
in the state of Delaware as a wholly owned subsidiary (the “Subsidiary”). The Parent and the Subsidiary (together the
“Company”) are a clinical-stage biotechnology company committed to developing clinically meaningful therapies for patients
with rare and ultra-rare genetic diseases. The Company focuses on trehalose, a therapeutic platform that potentially offers solutions
for several diseases that share a common pathophysiological mechanism, which are the functional changes that accompany a particular
syndrome or disease. The Company focuses on diseases with severe and debilitating manifestations, where the unmet medical need
is clear, the biological mechanism of action is understood, and for which there is no satisfactory treatment. Since inception in
2012, the Company has been engaged in the development of potential treatments using trehalose for two diseases, oculopharyngeal
muscular dystrophy (“OPMD”) and spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3; Machado Joseph disease). The Company’s ordinary
shares (“Ordinary shares”) are traded on the Nasdaq Capital Market.
The Company is currently developing trehalose,
which is the only product candidate that it currently pursues. There can be no assurance that the Company’s research and
development activities with respect to trehalose will be successfully completed, that adequate protection for the Company’s
intellectual property will be obtained, that trehalose or any other future products the Company may developed will obtain required
regulatory approval or that any approved products will be commercially viable. Even if the Company’s development efforts
are successful, it is uncertain when, if ever, the Company will generate significant product sales. The Company operates in an
environment of rapid technological change and substantial competition from pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies.
On August 4, 2017, the Company announced
a plan to devote all of its resources to exploring merger opportunities and selecting potential development and commercial partners
for its trehalose therapeutic platform. Accordingly the number of employees was reduced to three, including the Chief Executive
Officer, the Chief Medical Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, all of whom are assisting JSB-Partners, LP, which is the Company’s
exclusive advisor to find a third party for partnership or merger opportunities. In addition, a comprehensive review of operations
identified expenses that have been eliminated or cut back across-the-board. Effective as of August 31, 2017, as part of the continuing
effort to reduce expenditures, the Company announced that Colin Foster and Ralf Rosskamp, MD, submitted their resignations as members
of the Board of Directors and that the Company’s Chief Financial Officer transitioned to a part-time basis through November 30,
2017, after which his employment was terminated. In addition, the Company decided to terminate its current leases and to write
off its fixed assets (see Note 4).
The Company has not generated revenue from
the sale of any product and does not expect to generate significant revenue unless and until it obtains marketing approval, and
successfully commercializes its products. Since its inception, the Company has financed its operations through the issuance of
preferred shares, its initial public offering (the “IPO”) and a subsequent registered direct offering. The Company
recorded a net loss of $5,945 during the year ended December 31, 2017 and as of December 31, 2017, the Company had an accumulated
deficit of $45,754. As of December 31, 2017, the Company’s cash and cash equivalents were $3,526. Additional funding
beyond its existing cash resources will be required in order to cover the total cost of the Company’s planned Phase 2b study
in OPMD patients and the underlying expense of the Company’s operations while the study is ongoing. The Company plans to
continue to fund its losses from operations and capital funding needs through the issuance of equity and/or debt or through collaborations
or license agreements with other companies. Equity or debt financing may not be available on a timely basis on terms acceptable
to the Company, or at all. If the Company is not able to secure adequate additional funding, the Company may be forced to make
reductions in spending, extend payment terms with suppliers, liquidate assets where possible, or suspend or curtail planned programs.
Any of these actions could materially harm the Company’s business, results of operations and future prospects.
The Company’s ability to continue to operate
is dependent upon its ability to raise additional financing or to execute its plan for merger opportunities and selecting potential
development and commercial partners for its trehalose therapeutic platform . These factors raise substantial doubt about the Company’s
ability to continue as a going concern. The financial statements as of December 31, 2017, do not include any adjustments to reflect
the possible future effects on the recoverability and classification of assets or the amounts and classification of liabilities
that may result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
BIOBLAST PHARMA LTD. AND ITS SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
|
U.S. dollar in thousands, except share and per share data
|
|
2.
|
Summary of significant
accounting policies
|
Basis of presentation
The accompanying consolidated financial
statements are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (the “U.S.
GAAP”) and are stated in U.S. dollars. The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the basis of continuity
of operations, realization of assets and the satisfaction of liabilities in the ordinary course of business.
Use of estimates
The preparation of financial
statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported
in the financial statements and accompanying notes. The actual results may ultimately differ from these aforementioned estimates
and assumptions. The Company’s management believes that the estimates and assumptions used are reasonable and based upon information
available at the time they were made.
Principles of consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include
the accounts of Bioblast Pharma Ltd. and its Subsidiary. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated
in consolidation.
Financial statements in U.S. dollars
The Company finances its operation primarily
in U.S. dollars, and a significant part of the Company’s expenses are denominated and determined in U.S. dollars. The Company’s
management believes that the U.S dollar is the currency of the primary economic environment in which it operates and expects to
continue to operate in the foreseeable future. Thus, the functional currency of the Company is the U.S. dollar.
The Parent and the Subsidiary’s transactions
and balances denominated in U.S. dollars are presented at their original amounts. Non-dollar transactions and balances have been
remeasured to U.S. dollars in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 830, “Foreign Currency
Matters”, of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”). All transaction gains and losses from remeasurement
of monetary balance sheet items denominated in non-dollar currencies are reflected in the statements of operations as financial
income or expenses, as appropriate.
Cash equivalents
All highly liquid investments
that are readily convertible to cash, are not restricted to withdrawal or use, and of which included a period to maturity that
did not exceed three months at time of deposit, are considered cash equivalents.
Short-term bank deposits
Short-term bank deposits are deposits with
maturities of more than three months but less than one year. Short–term bank deposits are presented at their amortized cost,
including accrued interest, which approximates fair value. As of December 31, 2016, the Company’s bank deposits were
in U.S. dollars and bore interest at a rate of 1.25% per-annum.
Segment information
Operating segments are identified as components
of an enterprise about which separate discrete financial information is available for evaluation by the chief operating decision
maker, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, in making decisions regarding resource allocation and assessing performance.
The Company views its operations and manages its business in one operating segment.
Concentrations of credit risk
Financial instruments that potentially
subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash and cash equivalents and short-term bank deposits.
Cash and cash equivalents and short-term bank deposits are invested in major banks in Israel and the United States. Generally,
these deposits may be redeemed upon demand and therefore bear minimal risk. The Company has no off-balance-sheet concentration
of credit risk such as foreign exchange contracts, option contracts or other foreign hedging arrangements.
BIOBLAST PHARMA LTD. AND ITS SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
|
U.S. dollar in thousands, except share and per share data
|
Fair value of financial instruments
The Company has no financial instruments
that are measured at fair value. The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, short-term bank deposits, receivables and prepaid
expenses, trade payables and other accounts payable, approximate their fair value due to the short-term maturities of such instruments.
Property and equipment
Property and equipment are stated at cost,
net of accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the
assets at the following rates:
|
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
Computers and software
|
|
|
33
|
|
Electronic equipment
|
|
|
15
|
|
Office furniture and equipment
|
|
|
6
|
|
Leasehold improvements are depreciated
over the shorter of the estimated useful life or the lease period
.
Long-term assets
Long-term assets include long-term deposits
related to motor vehicles under operating leases, presented at their cost and deposits to secure credit line for the Company’s
employee’s credit cards. In accordance with FASB Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2015-17, long-term assets
also include deferred tax assets.
Impairment of long-lived assets
The Company reviews long-lived assets for
impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability
of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to the future undiscounted cash flows
expected to be generated by the assets. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured
by the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets. Assets to be disposed of are reported
at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell. In 2017 the Company decided to terminate its current leases
and to write down its fixed assets (see Note 4).
Contingent liabilities
In the normal course of business, the Company
is subject to proceedings, lawsuits, and other claims and assessments. The Company assesses the likelihood of any adverse judgments
or outcomes to these matters as well as potential ranges of probable losses. A determination of the amount of reserves required,
if any, for these contingencies is made after careful analysis of each individual issue. The required reserves may change in the
future due to new developments in each matter or changes in approach such as a change in settlement strategy in dealing with these
matters. The Company records charges for the losses it anticipates incurring in connection with litigation and claims against it
when it concludes a loss is probable and the Company can reasonably estimate these losses. During the years ended December 31,
2017, 2016, and 2015, the Company was not subject to any material litigation or claims and assessments.
Warrants
Warrants to purchase Ordinary shares issued
in connection with an offering of Ordinary shares are classified as a component of shareholders’ equity because they are free standing
financial instruments that are legally detachable, separately exercisable, do not embody an obligation for the Company to repurchase
its own shares, and permit the holders to receive a fixed number of Ordinary shares upon exercise. In addition, the Ordinary shares
warrants require physical settlement and do not provide any guarantee of value or return. Ordinary shares warrants are initially
recorded at their relative fair value and are not subsequently remeasured.
BIOBLAST PHARMA LTD. AND ITS SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
|
U.S. dollar in thousands, except share and per share data
|
Share-based compensation
The Company applies ASC 718 and ASC 505-50
“Equity Based Payments to Non-Employees” (“ASC 505-50”) with respect to options and warrants issued to non-employee
consultants. The Company accounts for all share-based compensation granted to employees and non-employees using a fair value method.
Share-based compensation is measured at the grant date fair value of employees’ and directors’ Ordinary share option
grants and is recognized over the requisite service period of the awards, usually the vesting period, on the graded vesting attribution
method. The expenses are adjusted for actual forfeitures on a quarterly basis. Share-based compensation awards to non-employees
are subject to revaluation over their vesting terms.
For modification of share compensation
awards, the Company records the incremental fair value of the modified award as share-based compensation on the date of modification
for vested awards or over the remaining vesting period for unvested awards. The incremental compensation is the excess of the fair
value of the modified award on the date of modification over the fair value of the original award immediately before the modification.
The Company recognizes, as expense, the
estimated fair value of all share-based payments to employees which is determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model
using the graded vesting attribution approach over the vesting period of the award. In periods that the Company grants Ordinary
share options, fair value assumptions are based on volatility, interest, dividend yield, and expected term over which the Ordinary
share options will be outstanding. The computation of expected volatility is based on an average historical share price volatility
based on an analysis of reported data for a peer group of comparable publicly traded companies, which were selected based upon
industry similarities. The interest rate for periods within the expected term of the award is based on the U.S. Treasury risk-free
interest rate in effect at the time of grant. The expected lives of the options were estimated using the simplified method.
Income
taxes
The consolidated financial statements reflect
provisions for Israeli, U.S. federal and state income taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities represent future tax consequences
of temporary differences between the consolidated financial statement carrying amounts and the tax basis of assets and liabilities
and for loss carryforwards using enacted tax rates expected to be in effect in the years in which the differences reverse. A valuation
allowance is recorded when it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.
The Company determines whether it is more
likely than not that a tax position will be sustained upon examination. If it is not more likely than not that a position will
be sustained, none of the benefit attributable to the position is recognized. The tax benefit to be recognized for any tax position
that meets the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold is calculated as the largest amount that is more than 50% likely of being
realized upon resolution of the contingency. The Company accounts for interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions
as part of its tax expenses.
Basic and diluted loss per share
The Company computes basic loss per share
attributable to Ordinary shareholders by dividing net loss attributable to Ordinary shareholders by the weighted average number
of Ordinary share outstanding for the period. The Company computes diluted loss per Ordinary share after giving consideration to
all potentially dilutive Ordinary shares, including Ordinary share options and warrants outstanding during the period except where
the effect of such non-participating securities would be antidilutive.
Since the Company reported net loss
attributable to Ordinary shareholders for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, basic and diluted net loss per
share attributable to Ordinary shareholders are the same as basic net loss per share attributable to Ordinary shareholders
for those periods. All Ordinary share warrants and Ordinary share options have been excluded from the computation of diluted
weighted-average shares outstanding because such securities would have an antidilutive impact due to net losses reported for
the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015.
Adoption of new standards
In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU No.
2015-17 related to balance sheet classification of deferred taxes. The new guidance requires that deferred tax assets and liabilities
to be classified as noncurrent in a classified statement of financial position.
BIOBLAST PHARMA LTD. AND ITS SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
|
U.S. dollar in thousands, except share and per share data
|
In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09,
Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting. The new guidance will require all implications on income tax caused by
awards to be recognized in the income statement when the awards vest or are settled. It will allow an employer to repurchase more
of an employee’s shares than it can today for tax withholding purposes without triggering liability accounting. It also will
allow an employer to make a policy election to account for forfeitures as they occur. The Company elected to adopt ASU 2016-09
in 2016.
In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-09,
“Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Scope of Modification Accounting.” ASU 2017-09 was issued to provide
clarity and reduce both (1) diversity in practice and (2) cost and complexity when applying the guidance provided in Topic 718
to a change in the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award. ASU 2017-09 provides guidance about which changes to the
terms or conditions of a share-based payment award require an entity to apply modification accounting under Topic 718. The amendments
provided in ASU 2017-09 are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2017.
Early adoption is permitted, including its adoption in any interim period. The amendments provided in ASU 2017-09 should be applied
prospectively to an award modified on or after the adoption date. The adoption of this ASU will not have a material effect on our
consolidated financial statements.
|
3.
|
Receivables and prepaid
expenses
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
|
2017
|
|
|
2016
|
|
|
|
U.S. dollars in thousands
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Government authorities
|
|
$
|
28
|
|
|
$
|
52
|
|
Prepaid expenses
|
|
|
68
|
|
|
|
611
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
96
|
|
|
$
|
663
|
|
|
4.
|
Property and equipment,
net
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
|
2017
|
|
|
2016
|
|
|
|
U.S. dollars in thousands
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Computers and software
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
50
|
|
Electronic equipment
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
20
|
|
Office furniture and equipment
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
39
|
|
Leasehold improvements
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
2
|
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
111
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated depreciation:
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
40
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciated cost
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
71
|
|
Depreciation expenses for the
years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 were $12, $25 and $17, respectively.
The Company terminated its lease
facilities, include the workforce and accordingly write off its property and equipment in the amount of $52, which was recorded
in the general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operation.
BIOBLAST PHARMA LTD. AND ITS SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
|
U.S. dollar in thousands, except share and per share data
|
|
5.
|
Other accounts payable
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
|
2017
|
|
|
2016
|
|
|
|
U.S. dollars in thousands
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Employees and payroll accruals
|
|
$
|
38
|
|
|
$
|
677
|
|
Accrued expenses
|
|
|
403
|
|
|
|
554
|
|
|
|
$
|
441
|
|
|
$
|
1,231
|
|
The Company entered into a research and
exclusive license agreement with Yissum Research Development Company of the Hebrew University in Jerusalem Ltd. (“Yissum”),
for the use, development and commercialization of TAT-MTS-Protein for protein replacement in mitochondrial diseases. The consideration
to Yissum was composed of a tiered low single digit royalty on net sales and a sublicense fee that will not exceed twenty (20)
percent of the sublicense consideration, however, if the sublicense arises from the sales of a product, the sublicense fee shall
not be less than a low single digit percent of the gross sales of such product. On September 30, 2016, the Company terminated the
license agreement with Yissum and surrendered all rights and titles to the licensed product and related data.
The Company entered into an exclusive license
agreement with Ramot at Tel Aviv University Ltd. (“Ramot”) for the use, development and commercialization of a read-through
platform. The consideration to Ramot was composed of a tiered low single digit royalty on net sales and a sublicense fee that in
the single digit percent range of payments or other consideration that the Company receives in connection with a sublicense. On
November 29, 2016, the Company executed a mutual termination agreement with Ramot pursuant to which it surrendered all rights and
titles to the platform and related data. In addition, pursuant to the mutual termination agreement and under certain conditions
the Company may be entitled to future royalty payments.
|
7.
|
Commitments and contingent
liabilities
|
The Parent entered into an operating lease
agreement for its facilities in Israel until June 2020, while maintaining the right to terminate the lease agreement under certain
conditions during its term. To secure its obligation under the lease agreement, the Parent provided bank guarantees in the amount
of $26. The lease expenses for those facilities for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 amounted to $65, $100, and
$104, respectively. On August 31, 2017, the Parent terminated the lease and vacated the facilities. The Company paid $16 as a penalty
for early termination and the bank guarantee was canceled.
The Subsidiary entered into short-term
operating lease agreements for office facilities in New Haven, CT and in Doylestown, PA. The combined lease expenses for those
facilities for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 amounted to $80 and $36, respectively. The Subsidiary terminated both
lease agreements during October 2016.
The Parent entered into an operating lease
agreement for certain vehicles provided to its employees until 2019. To secure its obligation under the lease agreement, the Parent
provided a cash deposit in the total amount of $3. The vehicles lease expenses for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and
2015 amounted to $47, $46 and $43, respectively.
In May 2017, the Company engaged JSB-Partners,
LP, which is the Company’s exclusive advisor for identifying a third party for partnership or merger opportunities. The Company
has agreed to pay a monthly retainer fee (during the term of the agreement). During 2017, the Company paid $160, providing that
such agreement terminates within one year unless mutually agreed to extend. In addition, the Company agreed to pay JSB-Partners,
LP, a percentage of the consideration of any transaction arising from this engagement.
BIOBLAST PHARMA LTD. AND ITS SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
|
U.S. dollar in thousands, except share data and per share data
|
On March 22, 2016, the Company completed
a registered direct offering of 432,258 Ordinary shares at a price of $15.50 per share for a total net consideration of $6,089,
after deducting underwriting commissions and other issuance expenses.
On September 18, 2017 the shareholders
of the Company approved a reverse split of the Company’s share capital at a ratio of five to one, so each five Ordinary shares,
par value NIS 0.01 per share, shall be consolidated into one Ordinary share, par value NIS 0.05. All references to Ordinary shares
amounts have been retroactively restated to reflect this reverse split.
The following Ordinary shares warrants
were issued by the Company:
|
|
Shares of
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ordinary Shares
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Underlying
|
|
|
Exercise Price
|
|
|
Issuance
|
|
Expiration
|
Issued in connection with:
|
|
Warrants
|
|
|
Per Share
|
|
|
Date
|
|
Date
|
Registered direct offering of Ordinary shares
|
|
|
216,129
|
|
|
$
|
22.50
|
|
|
March 22, 2016
|
|
September 22, 2021
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
216,129
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Ordinary shares warrants are exercisable
at any time following September 22, 2016 and through their expiration dates
In December 2013, the Company adopted
the 2013 Incentive Option Plan (the “2013 Plan”), which provided for the grant of incentive Ordinary share
options and nonqualified Ordinary share options to employees, directors, and non-employees of the Company. As of December 31,
2017, the 2013 Plan included a total of 669,194 options to purchase Ordinary shares. Option awards generally expire 10 years
from the grant date and generally vest over four years; however, vesting conditions can vary at the discretion of the
Company’s board of directors (the “Board”). As of December 31, 2017, 331,841 Ordinary shares were available
for future grants under the 2013 Plan.
The fair value of each Ordinary share option
issued was estimated at the date of grant using the following weighted-average assumptions:
|
|
Year ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
2017
|
|
|
2016
|
|
|
2015
|
|
Risk-free interest rate
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
1.2%-2.1%
|
|
|
|
1.3% -1.9%
|
|
Expected option term (years)
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
5.0-7.0
|
|
|
|
5.1-7.0
|
|
Expected price volatility
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
79.3%-90.6%
|
|
|
|
70.4%-83.7%
|
|
Dividend yield
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
0%
|
|
|
|
0%
|
|
BIOBLAST PHARMA LTD. AND ITS SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS
U.S. dollar in thousands, except share
data and per share data
A summary of option activity as of December
31, 2017, and the year then ended is presented below:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted-
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Average
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted-
|
|
|
Remaining
|
|
|
Aggregate
|
|
|
|
Number of
|
|
|
Average
|
|
|
Contractual
|
|
|
Intrinsic
|
|
|
|
Stock Options
|
|
|
Exercise Price
|
|
|
Term (Years)
|
|
|
Value
|
|
Outstanding, January 1, 2017
|
|
|
530,356
|
|
|
$
|
17.05
|
|
|
|
7.63
|
|
|
$
|
419,840
|
|
Exercised
|
|
|
(63,906
|
)
|
|
|
*) -
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forfeited/Expired
|
|
|
(193,005
|
)
|
|
$
|
29.30
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Outstanding, December 31, 2017
|
|
|
273,445
|
|
|
$
|
12.40
|
|
|
|
7.63
|
|
|
$
|
38,079
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exercisable, December 31, 2017
|
|
|
256,099
|
|
|
$
|
17.67
|
|
|
|
6.07
|
|
|
$
|
38,079
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Vested and expected to vest, December 31, 2017
|
|
|
273,445
|
|
|
$
|
12.40
|
|
|
|
7.63
|
|
|
$
|
38,079
|
|
*) Represents an amount lower than $1.
The weighted-average grant date per-share
fair value of Ordinary shares options granted 2016 and 2015 were $12.40, $1.56, and $4.16, respectively did not grant any options
in 2017. As of December 31, 2017, there was $424 of unrecognized compensation costs related to Ordinary share options, which
is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 0.93 years.
Share-based compensation expense is classified
in the consolidated statements of operations as follows:
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
|
2017
|
|
|
2016
|
|
|
2015
|
|
|
|
U.S. dollars in thousands
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Research and development expenses
|
|
$
|
198
|
|
|
$
|
531
|
|
|
$
|
381
|
|
Pre-commercialization expenses
|
|
|
(11
|
)
|
|
|
(147
|
)
|
|
|
159
|
|
General and administrative expenses
|
|
|
221
|
|
|
|
316
|
|
|
|
2,083
|
|
|
|
$
|
408
|
|
|
$
|
700
|
|
|
$
|
2,623
|
|
During 2016, and primarily as result of
the workforce reductions discussed in Note 13, 1,110,137 Ordinary share options were forfeited. As a result of said forfeitures
$1,424 of previously recognized share based compensation expenses were reversed, of which $130, $287 and $1,007, were recorded
in the research and development expenses, pre-commercialization expenses and general and administrative expenses, respectively.
During 2017, and primarily as a result
of the workforce reductions discussed in Note 13, 193,004 Ordinary share options were forfeited. As a result of said forfeitures,
$144 of previously recognized share based compensation expenses were reversed, of which $107, $11 and $26, were recorded in the
research and development expenses, pre-commercialization expenses and general and administrative expenses, respectively.
During 2017 and 2016, the Company modified the terms of certain
outstanding Ordinary shares options by extending exercisability of the options through the first anniversary of termination of
employment. In addition, during 2015, the Company modified terms of certain outstanding Ordinary shares options by (a) extending
exercisability of the options through the first anniversary of termination of employment, and (b) accelerating the vesting
of Ordinary shares options upon termination of employment. The incremental compensation expense, resulting from comparing the fair
value of Ordinary shares options immediately before and immediately after the modifications, for the year ended December 31,
2015 totaled $46 classified as general and administrative expense in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. There
was no incremental compensation related to the modifications in 2017 and 2016.
BIOBLAST PHARMA LTD. AND ITS SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
|
U.S. dollar in thousands, except share data and per share data
|
Loss before provision for income taxes
consists of the following:
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
|
2017
|
|
|
2016
|
|
|
2015
|
|
|
|
U.S. dollars in thousands
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Domestic (Israel)
|
|
$
|
5,582
|
|
|
$
|
15,765
|
|
|
$
|
13,388
|
|
Foreign (U.S.)
|
|
|
335
|
|
|
|
41
|
|
|
|
1,953
|
|
|
|
$
|
5,917
|
|
|
$
|
15,806
|
|
|
$
|
15,341
|
|
The components of income tax provision
consist of the following:
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
|
2017
|
|
|
2016
|
|
|
2015
|
|
|
|
U.S. dollars in thousands
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current Provision for income taxes:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Domestic (Israel)
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
5
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
Foreign (U.S.)
|
|
|
39
|
|
|
|
166
|
|
|
|
24
|
|
Total current provision for income taxes
|
|
$
|
39
|
|
|
$
|
171
|
|
|
$
|
24
|
|
Previous years adjustments – foreign
|
|
|
(16
|
)
|
|
|
50
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Deferred tax benefit – foreign
|
|
|
5
|
|
|
|
(5
|
)
|
|
|
-
|
|
Total provision for income tax
|
|
$
|
28
|
|
|
$
|
216
|
|
|
$
|
24
|
|
The main reconciling item between
the statutory tax rate of the Company and the effective tax rate are its losses in Israel, amounting to $ 5,582, $ 15,765 and $
13,338 for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively, for which valuation allowance was provided in each year
.
The Parent is taxed under the Israeli tax
law at the corporate tax rate of 24%, 25% and 26.5% for the years 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and its current corporate
tax rate was reduced to 23% effective as from January 1, 2018.
The Subsidiary is taxed under U.S. tax
law. The federal corporate tax rate (progressive) is up to 24% excluding state tax. State tax rates vary and are dependent on the
state in which the Subsidiary conducts its business.
Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax
effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the
amounts used for income tax purposes. Significant components of the Company’s deferred tax assets are as follows:
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
|
2017
|
|
|
2016
|
|
|
|
U.S. dollars in thousands
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating loss roll forward
|
|
$
|
8,459
|
|
|
$
|
5,685
|
|
Reserves and allowances
|
|
|
1,018
|
|
|
|
1,956
|
|
Net deferred tax asset before valuation allowance
|
|
|
9,477
|
|
|
|
7,641
|
|
Valuation allowance
|
|
|
(9,477
|
)
|
|
|
(7,636
|
)
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
5
|
|
BIOBLAST PHARMA LTD. AND ITS SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
|
U.S. dollar in thousands, except share data and per share data
|
When realization of a deferred tax asset
is more likely than not to occur, the benefit related to the deductible temporary differences attributable to operations is recognized
as a reduction of income tax expense. Valuation allowances are provided against deferred tax assets when, based on all available
evidence, it is considered more likely than not that some portion or all of the recorded deferred tax assets will not be realized
in future periods. The Company cannot be certain that future Israeli taxable income will be sufficient to realize its deferred
tax assets. Accordingly, a full valuation allowance has been provided against its Israeli net deferred tax assets. The Company
continues to monitor the need for a valuation allowance based on the profitability of its future operations.
Both the Parent and the Subsidiary have yet to receive a final
tax assessment in accordance with Israeli tax law
.
The Parent has accumulated losses for tax
purposes as of December 31, 2017, in the amount of $36,778, which may be carried forward and offset against taxable income
in the future for an indefinite period.
The Company files income tax returns in
Israel, in the United States and in various U.S. states. The associated tax filings remain subject to examination by applicable
tax authorities for a certain length of time following the tax year to which those filings relate. In Israel and the United States
all tax years since inception remain subject to examination by the applicable taxing authorities as of December 31, 2017.
As of December 31, 2017, the Company
provided a liability of $24, for uncertain tax positions related to various income tax matters from prior years, which was classified
as other long-term liabilities. These uncertain tax positions would affect the Company’s effective tax rate, if recognized.
The Company does not expect that the amounts of uncertain tax positions will change significantly within the next 12 months.
U.S. Tax Reform
The U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017
(“TCJA”) was approved by the U.S. Congress on December 20, 2017 and signed into law by U.S. President Donald J. Trump
on December 22, 2017. This legislation makes complex and significant changes to the U.S. Internal Revenue Code. Such changes include
a reduction in the corporate tax rate and limitations on certain corporate deductions and credits, among other changes. The
Tax
Reform will not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.
BIOBLAST PHARMA LTD. AND ITS SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
|
U.S. dollar in thousands, except share data and per share data
|
|
12.
|
Related party transactions
|
In July 2013, the Company entered into
a two-year services agreement with one of its shareholders (“Shareholder A”), to render consulting services in consideration
for a monthly fee of $1. The agreement expired in July 2015. Effective as of August 2014, Shareholder A received an annual compensation
of $25, for services rendered as a member of the Board. As of August 2016, the Company’s annual director’s fee was
increased to a total of $30 per year. In addition, in August 2016, the Company granted to a member of its Board, who is a principal
of Shareholder A, 30,000 options to purchase Ordinary shares at an exercise price of $8.10 per share. In January 2017, Shareholder
A resigned as a director of the Company and terminated the services agreement.
During December 2015, the Company paid
for administration support services provided during 2015 a $15 one-time fee to an employee of an entity owned by one of the Company’s
shareholders (“Shareholder A”), who was also a co-founder of the Company and a member of the Board. Also during 2015,
the Company paid $1 to a family member of Shareholder A in connection with services related leasehold improvements of the Parent’s
new offices. Such payment was recorded to leasehold improvement as part of property and equipment.
In August 2013, the Company entered in
to a consulting agreement with an entity owned by one of its shareholders (“Shareholder B”), who was also a co-founder
of the Company and a member of the Board. Pursuant to the agreement, Shareholder B was appointed as the Company’s chief financial
officer in consideration for a monthly fee of $6. In April 2014, the agreement was amended and restated to affect, upon the consumption
of the Company’s IPO (which took place in August 2014), an increase of the monthly fee to a total of $15 as well as a one-time
bonus payment to Shareholder B in the amount of $80. During 2015, the Company paid a subsequent one-time bonus to Shareholder B
in the amount of $70 in connection with services rendered. As of January 2016, following the appointment of a new chief financial
officer, the consulting agreement was amended and restated. Pursuant to such amendment, Shareholder B was appointed as a special
advisor to the chief executive officer with no change to his remuneration. In June 2016, the Company terminated the amended and
restated consulting agreement effective as of February 2017.
In August 2013, the Company entered in
to a consulting agreement with an entity owned by one of its shareholders (“Shareholder C”), who was also a co-founder
of the Company and a member of the Board. Pursuant to the agreement, Shareholder C was appointed as the Company’s chief
executive officer in consideration for a monthly fee of $15. In April 2014, the agreement was amended and restated to affect,
upon the consumption of the Company’s IPO (which took place in August 2014), an increase of the monthly fee to of $19, as
well as a one-time bonus payment in the amount of $90. As of January 2015, following the appointment of a new chief executive
officer, the consulting agreement was terminated and the Company’s shareholders approved the entry into an employment agreement,
pursuant to which Shareholder C was appointed as chief development officer of the Company, and was entitled to a gross annual
salary of $250. Such agreement was never executed. In November 2015, effective retrospectively as of January 2015, the consulting
agreement was amended and restated (and the employment agreement was terminated), pursuant to which Shareholder C was appointed
as a special advisor to the chief executive officer and was entitled to a monthly fee of $28. In June 2016, the Company terminated
the amended and restated consulting agreement effective December 2016. During 2017, the Company engaged with Shareholder C to
provide services relating to the Company’s intellectual property and relevant patent filings, in which Shareholder C reported
to the chief executive officer of the Company. Shareholder C has not received any remuneration for these services rendered, and
in November 2017 at the shareholders’ Annual General Meeting, the shareholders approved a one time payment of $50.
BIOBLAST PHARMA LTD. AND ITS SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
|
U.S. dollar in thousands, except share data and per share data
|
Balances with related parties:
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
|
2017
|
|
|
2016
|
|
|
|
U.S. dollars in thousands
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other accounts payables
|
|
$
|
50
|
|
|
$
|
1
|
|
Related parties’ expenses:
|
|
Year
Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
2017
|
|
|
2016
|
|
|
2015
|
|
|
|
U.S. dollars in thousands
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Research and development expense
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
318
|
|
|
$
|
312
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
General and administrative expense
|
|
$
|
79
|
|
|
$
|
207
|
|
|
$
|
196
|
|
|
13.
|
Employee benefits plan
|
Pursuant to the Israeli Severance Pay Law
1963 (the “Israeli Severance Pay Law”), Israeli employees are entitled to severance pay equal to one month’s
salary for each year of employment, or a portion thereof. The Israeli employees of the Company. agreed to the terms set forth under
Section 14 of the Israeli Severance Pay Law, according to which amounts deposited in severance pay funds by the Company shall be
the only severance payments released to the employee upon termination of employment, voluntarily or involuntarily. As a result,
no assets or liabilities are recorded in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, as the Company is legally released from
the obligation to employees once the deposit amount has been paid. Such payments are recorded as severance expenses.
The severance expenses for the years ended
December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 amounted to $36, $65, and $131, respectively.
Since 2015, the Company’s U.S. operations
maintain a retirement plan (the “U.S. Plan”) that qualifies as a deferred salary arrangement under Section 401(k)
of the Internal Revenue Code. Participants in the U.S. Plan may elect to defer a portion of their pre-tax earnings, up to the Internal
Revenue Service annual contribution limit. The Company matches 100% of each participant’s contributions up to 4%. Contributions
to the U.S. Plan are recorded during the year contributed as an expense in the consolidated statement of operations. Total employer
401(k) contributions for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 were $14, $42, $11, respectively.
Since 2015, the Company’s U.S. operations
maintain a retirement plan (the “U.S. Plan”) that qualifies as a deferred salary arrangement under Section 401(k)
of the Internal Revenue Code. Participants in the U.S. Plan may elect to defer a portion of their pre-tax earnings, up to the Internal
Revenue Service annual contribution limit. The Company matches 100% of each participant’s contributions up to 4%. Contributions
to the U.S. Plan are recorded during the year contributed as an expense in the consolidated statement of operations. Total employer
401(k) contributions for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 were $14, $42, $11, respectively.
BIOBLAST PHARMA LTD. AND ITS SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
|
U.S. dollar in thousands, except share and per share data
|
In June 2016, following a decision to downsize
the Company and focus on one product platform, the Subsidiary terminated the employment agreements of certain employees. These
employees were entitled to payments upon their involuntary termination. The employee termination process was completed by the end
of 2016. During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Subsidiary paid a total of $1,907, termination related payments to departing
employees, of which $145 and $1,762 were recorded as research and development and general and administrative expenses, respectively.
In addition, as of December 31, 2016, the Subsidiary accrued a total of $19 related to termination benefits of departing employees,
which was paid during 2017.
In July 2017, following a decision to downsize
the Company activities, the Subsidiary terminated the employment agreements of certain employees. One employee was entitled to
payments upon her involuntary termination. The employee termination process was completed by July 2017. During the year ended December
31, 2017, the Subsidiary paid a total of $53, termination related payments to departing employees, of which all was recorded as
research and development.
|
14.
|
Financial income, net
|
Financial income, net are as follows:
|
|
Year
Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
2017
|
|
|
2016
|
|
|
2015
|
|
|
|
U.S. dollars in thousands
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest income
|
|
$
|
39
|
|
|
$
|
90
|
|
|
$
|
186
|
|
Gain (loss) on foreign currency transactions, net
|
|
|
4
|
|
|
|
(22
|
)
|
|
|
(39
|
)
|
Other expenses
|
|
|
(5
|
)
|
|
|
(8
|
)
|
|
|
(12
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
$
|
38
|
|
|
$
|
60
|
|
|
$
|
135
|
|