Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3)

Registration No. 333-250899

 

Prospectus Supplement No. 1 Dated May 14, 2021

(To Prospectus Dated December 15, 2020, As Amended by Preliminary Prospectus Amendment No. 1 Dated April 15, 2021)

 

ABVC BioPharma, Inc.

4,575,923 shares of Common Stock

 

This Prospectus Supplement No. 1 (the “Prospectus Supplement”) updates and supplements the prospectus of ABVC BioPharma, Inc., a Nevada corporation (the “Company,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) dated December 15, 2020, as updated and amended by Preliminary Prospectus Amendment No. 1 dated April 15, 2021 (collectively, the “Prospectus”), with the following attached document which we filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission:

 

A.  Our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities Exchange Commission on May 10, 2021.

 

This Prospectus Supplement should be read in conjunction with the Prospectus, which is required to be delivered with this Prospectus Supplement.  This Prospectus Supplement updates, amends and supplements the information included in the Prospectus. If there is any inconsistency between the information in the Prospectus and this Prospectus Supplement, you should rely on the information in this Prospectus Supplement.

 

This Prospectus Supplement is not complete without, and may not be delivered or utilized except in connection with, the Prospectus, including any amendments or supplements to it.

 

The purchase of the securities offered through the Prospectus involves a high degree of risk. Before making any investment in our common stock and/or warrants, you should carefully consider the risk factors section beginning on page 11 of the Prospectus.

 

You should rely only on the information contained in the Prospectus, as supplemented or amended by this Prospectus Supplement and any other prospectus supplement or amendment thereto. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with different information.

 

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed upon the adequacy or accuracy of the Prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

 

The date of this Prospectus Supplement is May 14, 2021

 

 

 

 

Index to Filings

 

  Annex
The Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities Exchange Commission on May 10, 2021 A

 

 

 

 

  

Annex A 

 

 

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2021

 

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the transition period from ____________ to ____________

 

Commission file number 333-91436

 

ABVC BioPharma, Inc.

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Nevada   26-0014658

State or jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization

 

IRS Employer

Identification Number

 

44370 Old Warm Springs Blvd.

Fremont, CA 94538

Tel: (510) 668-0881

(Address and telephone number of principal executive offices)

 

American BriVision (Holding) Corporation

(Former name, if changed since last report)

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of each class   Trading Symbol(s)   Name of each exchange
on which registered
None   N/A   N/A

 

Indicate by check mark whether the issuer (1) filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act during the past 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the last 90 days. Yes  No 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes  No 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large accelerated filer Accelerated filer
Non-accelerated filer Smaller reporting company
  Emerging growth company

 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes  No 

 

As of May 10, 2021, there were 24,420,526 shares of common stock, par value per share $0.001, issued and outstanding.

 

 

 

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION 1
     
Item 1. Financial Statements (Unaudited) 1
  Unaudited Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 1
  Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 2
  Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 3
  Unaudited Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity (Deficit) for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 4
  Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements 5
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 41
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 63
Item 4. Controls and Procedures 63
     
PART II OTHER INFORMATION 64
     
Item 1. Legal Proceedings 64
Item 1A. Risk Factors 64
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds 64
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities 64
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures 64
Item 5. Other Information 64
Item 6. Exhibits 65
Signatures 67

 

i

 

 

CAUTIONARY NOTE ON FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (this “Report”) contains “forward-looking statements” which discuss matters that are not historical facts. Because they discuss future events or conditions, forward-looking statements may include words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “intend,” “could,” “should,” “would,” “may,” “seek,” “plan,” “might,” “will,” “expect,” “predict,” “project,” “forecast,” “potential,” “continue” and negatives thereof or similar expressions. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, are based on various underlying assumptions and current expectations about the future and are not guarantees. Such statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, level of activity, performance or achievement to be materially different from the results of operations or plans expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. We cannot predict all of the risks and uncertainties. Accordingly, such information should not be regarded as representations that the results or conditions described in such statements or that our objectives and plans will be achieved and we do not assume any responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of any of these forward-looking statements.

 

These forward-looking statements represent our intentions, plans, expectations, assumptions and beliefs about future events and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors. Many of those factors are outside of our control and could cause actual results to differ materially from the results expressed or implied by those forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences in results and outcomes include, without limitation, those specifically addressed under the headings “Risks Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in our annual report on Form 10-K and its amendment filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC” OR “Commission”); in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in this Report, and information contained in other reports that we file with the SEC. In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the events described in the forward-looking statements might not occur or might occur to a different extent or at a different time than we have described. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this Report. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements concerning other matters addressed in this Report and attributable to us or any person acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements contained or referred to in this Report.

 

There are important factors that could cause actual results to vary materially from those described in this report as anticipated, estimated or expected, including, but not limited to: the effects of the COVID-19 outbreak, including on the demand for our products; the duration of the COVID-19 outbreak and severity of such outbreak in regions where we operate; the pace of recovery following the COVID-19 outbreak; our ability to implement cost containment and business recovery strategies; the adverse effects of the COVID-19 outbreak on our business or the market price of our ordinary shares; competition in the industry in which we operate and the impact of such competition on pricing, revenues and margins, volatility in the securities market due to the general economic downturn; SEC regulations which affect trading in the securities of “penny stocks,” and other risks and uncertainties. Except as required by law, we assume no obligation to update any forward-looking statements publicly, or to update the reasons actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in any forward- looking statements, even if new information becomes available in the future. Depending on the market for our stock and other conditional tests, a specific safe harbor under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 may be available. Notwithstanding the above, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) expressly state that the safe harbor for forward-looking statements does not apply to companies that issue penny stock. Because we may from time to time be considered to be an issuer of penny stock, the safe harbor for forward-looking statements may not apply to us at certain times.

 

As used in this Report, the terms “we”, “us”, “our”, and “our Company” and “the Company” refer to ABVC BioPharma, Inc. and its subsidiaries, unless otherwise indicated.

 

ii

 

 

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION 

 

Item 1. Financial Statements.

 

ABVC BIOPHARMA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

    March 31,
2021
    December 31,
2020
 
    (Unaudited)        
ASSETS            
Current Assets            
Cash and cash equivalents   $ 2,615,073     $ 4,273,208  
Restricted cash and cash equivalents     718,163       728,163  
Accounts receivable, net     392,532       159,712  
Accounts receivable - related parties, net     145,075       143,435  
Due from related parties     702,889       696,255  
Inventory, net     -       -  
Prepaid expense and other current assets     631,721       172,193  
Total Current Assets     5,205,453       6,172,966  
                 
Property and equipment, net     504,952       514,834  
Operating lease right-of-use assets     1,714,740       1,772,747  
Goodwill, net     -       -  
Long-term investments     1,126,884       1,190,727  
Deferred tax assets     1,815,755       1,790,597  
Prepaid expenses – noncurrent     117,639       119,315  
Security deposits     40,639       45,519  
Total Assets   $ 10,526,062     $ 11,606,705  
                 
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY                
Current Liabilities                
Accounts payable   $ 10,334     $ 23,044  
Short-term bank loans     1,615,250       1,629,000  
Short-term loan     100,000       100,000  
Notes payable     105,300       106,800  
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities     2,135,912       2,118,854  
Advance from customers     12,070       12,070  
Operating lease liabilities – current portion     331,179       316,178  
Other payable     44,103       -  
Due to related parties     312,152       288,445  
Convertible notes payable - related parties, current portion     -       250,000  
Total Current Liabilities     4,666,300       4,844,391  
Paycheck Protection Program loan payable     236,498       124,400  
Tenant security deposit     11,080       19,280  
Operating lease liability – noncurrent portion     1,383,560       1,456,567  
Convertible notes payable – noncurrent portion     2,500,000       2,500,000  
Total Liabilities     8,797,438       8,944,638  
                 
Equity                
Preferred stock, $0.001 par value, 20,000,000 authorized, nil shares issued and outstanding     -       -  
Common stock, $0.001 par value, 100,000,000 authorized, 24,420,526 and 24,420,526 shares issued and outstanding     24,420       24,420  
Additional paid-in capital     40,751,807       40,751,807  
Stock subscription receivable     (2,934,620 )     (3,160,360 )
Accumulated deficit     (26,770,892 )     (25,642,387 )
Accumulated other comprehensive income     601,000       564,860  
Treasury stock     (9,100,000 )     (9,100,000 )
Total Stockholders’ Equity     2,571,715       3,438,340
Noncontrolling interest     (843,091 )     (776,273 )
Total Equity     1,728,624       2,662,067  
                 
Total Liabilities and Equity   $ 10,526,062     $ 11,606,705  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

1

 

 

ABVC BIOPHARMA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2021 AND 2020

(UNAUDITED)

 

    March 31,
2021
    March 31,
2020
 
             
Revenues   $ 263,150     $ 78,786  
                 
Cost of revenues     1,245       3,959  
                 
Gross profit     261,905       74,827  
                 
Operating expenses                
Selling, general and administrative expenses     1,167,595       1,152,889  
Research and development expenses     121,315       92,790  
Stock-based compensation     225,740       525  
Total operating expenses     1,514,650       1,246,204  
                 
Loss from operations     (1,252,745 )     (1,171,377 )
                 
Other income (expense)                
Interest income     52,529       10,720  
Interest expense     (130,229 )     (131,517 )
Rental income     4,867       5,231  
Rental income – related parties     1,600       1,200  
Gain/Loss on foreign exchange changes     951       2  
Gain/Loss on investment in equity securities     (47,791 )     (70,411 )
Other income (expense)     71       6,322  
Government grant income     124,400       -  
Total other income (expenses)     6,398       (178,453 )
                 
Loss before provision income tax     (1,246,347 )     (1,349,830 )
                 
Provision for income tax     (51,024 )     (40,568 )
                 
Net loss     (1,195,323 )     (1,309,262 )
                 
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests     (66,818 )     (61,724 )
                 
Net loss attributed to ABVC and subsidiaries     (1,128,505 )     (1,247,538 )
Foreign currency translation adjustment     36,140       (6,451 )
Comprehensive loss   $ (1,092,365 )   $ (1,253,989 )
                 
Net loss per share:                
Basic and diluted   $ (0.05 )   $ (0.06 )
                 
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:                
Basic and diluted     24,420,526       19,484,542  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

2

 

 

ABVC BIOPHARMA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS 

FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2021 AND 2020

(UNAUDITED)

 

    2021     2020  
             
Cash flows from operating activities            
Net loss   $ (1,195,323 )   $ (1,309,262 )
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:                
Depreciation     2,928       11,174  
Stock based compensation for nonemployees     225,740       525  
Gain/Loss on investment in equity securities     47,791       70,411  
Government grant income     (124,400 )     -  
Other non-cash income and expenses     -       (2,333 )
Deferred tax     (51,024 )     (40,568 )
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:                
Decrease (increase) in accounts receivable     (238,484 )     52,950  
Decrease (increase) in prepaid expenses and deposits     (187,723 )     27,834  
Decrease (increase) in due from related parties     (18,229 )     (7,536 )
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable     (12,710 )     (3,632 )
Increase (decrease) in accrued expenses and other current liabilities     136,519       500,743  
Increase (decrease) in due to related parties     1,841       68,750  
Net cash used in operating activities     (1,413,074 )     (630,944 )
                 
Cash flows from investing activities                
Prepayment for equity investment     (281,952 )     -  
Net cash used in investing activities     (281,952 )     -  
                 
Cash flows from financing activities                
Issuance of common stock     40,448       267,740  
Proceeds from short-term borrowing from third parties     -       280,940  
Repayment of convertible notes     (250,000 )     -  
Proceeds from long-term loans     236,498       -  
Borrowings from related parties     15,280       71,688  
Repayment of long-term bank loans     -       (9,981 )
Net cash provided by financing activities     42,226       610,387  
                 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash     (15,335 )     (93 )
                 
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash     (1,668,135 )     (20,650 )
                 
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash                
Beginning     5,001,371       160,443  
Ending   $ 3,333,236     $ 139,793  
                 
Supplemental disclosure of cash flows                
Cash paid during the year for:                
Interest expense paid   $ 21,666     $ 10,446  
Income taxes paid   $ -     $ -  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

3

 

 

ABVC BIOPHARMA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT)

FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2021 AND 2020

(UNAUDITED)

 

    Common Stock     Stock     Additional                 Treasury Stock     Non     Stockholders’  
    Number of
shares
    Amounts    

Subscription

Receivable

    Paid-in
Capital
    Accumulated
Deficit
    Comprehensive
Income
    Number of
shares
    Amounts     controlling
Interest
    Equity
(Deficit)
 
Balance at December 31, 2019     19,478,168     $ 19,478     $ (4,063,320 )   $ 28,180,348     $ (15,851,223 )   $ 663,753       (275,347 )   $ (9,100,000 )   $ 26,147     $ (124,817 )
Issuance of common shares     10,000       10       225,740       41,989       -       -               -       -       267,739  
Stock based compensation     -       -       -       525               -               -       -       525  
Net loss for the period     -       -       -       -       (1,247,538 )     -               -       (61,724 )     (1,309,262
Cumulative transaction adjustments     -       -       -       -       -       (6,451 )     -       -       -       (6,451 )
Balance at March 31, 2020     19,488,168     $ 19,488     $ (3,837,580 )   $ 28,222,862     $ (17,098,761 )   $ 657,302       (275,347 )   $ (9,100,000 )   $ (35,577 )   $ (1,172,266 )

 

    Common Stock     Stock     Additional                 Treasury Stock     Non     Stockholders’  
    Number of
shares
    Amounts    

Subscription

Receivable

    Paid-in
Capital
    Accumulated
Deficit
    Comprehensive
Income
    Number of
shares
    Amounts     controlling
Interest
    Equity
(Deficit)
 
Balance at December 31, 2020     24,420,526     $ 24,420     $ (3,160,360 )   $ 40,751,807     $ (25,642,387 )   $ 564,860       (275,347 )   $ (9,100,000 )   $ (776,273 )   $ 2,662,067  
Stock based compensation     -       -       225,740       -       -       -       -       -       -       225,740  
Net loss for the period     -       -       -       -       (1,128,505 )     -       -               (66,818 )     (1,195,323 )
Cumulative transaction adjustments     -       -       -       -       -       36,140       -       -       -       36,140  
Balance at March 31, 2021     24,420,526     $ 24,420     $ (2,934,620 )   $ 40,751,807     $ (26,770,892 )   $ 601,000       (275,347 )   $ (9,100,000 )   $ (843,091 )   $ 1,728,624  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

4

 

 

ABVC BIOPHARMA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(UNAUDITED)

 

1. ORGANIZATION AND DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS

 

ABVC BioPharma, Inc. (the “Company”), formerly known as American BriVision (Holding) Corporation, a Nevada corporation, through the Company’s operating entity, American BriVision Corporation (“BriVision”), which was incorporated in July 2015 in the State of Delaware, engages in biotechnology to fulfill unmet medical needs and focuses on the development of new drugs and medical devices derived from plants.  BriVision develops its pipeline by carefully tracking new medical discoveries or medical device technologies in research institutions in the Asia-Pacific region. Pre-clinical, disease animal model and Phase I safety studies are examined closely by the Company to identify drugs that BriVision believes demonstrate efficacy and safety. Once a drug appears to be a good candidate for development and ultimately commercialization, BriVision licenses the drug or medical device from the original researchers and begins to introduce the drugs clinical plan to highly respected principal investigators in the United States, Australia and Taiwan to conduct a Phase II clinical trial. At present, clinical trials for the Company’s drugs and medical devices are being conducted at such world-famous institutions as Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (“MSKCC”) and MD Anderson Cancer Center. BriVision had no predecessor operations prior to its formation on July 21, 2015.

 

Name Change

 

The Company’s shareholders approved an amendment to the Company’s Articles of Incorporation to change the Company’s corporate name from American BriVision (Holding) Corporation to ABVC BioPharma, Inc. and approved and adopted the Certificate of Amendment to affect same at the 2020 annual meeting of shareholders (the “Annual Meeting”). The name change amendment to the Company’s Articles of Incorporation was filed with Nevada’s Secretary of State and became effective on March 8, 2021 and FINRA processed our request to change our name on April 30, 2021, which became effective as of May 3, 2021.

 

The Company’s stock symbol remains ABVC.

 

Reverse Merger

 

On February 8, 2016, a Share Exchange Agreement (the “Share Exchange Agreement”) was entered into by and among the Company, BriVision, and Euro-Asia Investment & Finance Corp. Limited, a company incorporated under the laws of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China (“Euro-Asia”), being the owners of record of 164,387,376 (52,336,000 pre-stock split) shares of Common Stock of the Company, and the owners of record of all of the issued share capital of BriVision (the “BriVision Stock”).

 

Pursuant to the Share Exchange Agreement, upon surrender by the BriVision Shareholders and the cancellation by BriVision of the certificates evidencing the BriVision Stock as registered in the name of each BriVision Shareholder, and pursuant to the registration of the Company in the register of members maintained by BriVision as the new holder of the BriVision Stock and the issuance of the certificates evidencing the aforementioned registration of the BriVision Stock in the name of the Company, the Company issued 166,273,921 (52,936,583 pre-stock split) shares (the “Acquisition Stock”) (subject to adjustment for fractionalized shares as set forth below) of the Company’s Common Stock to the BriVision Shareholders (or their designees), and 163,159,952 (51,945,225 pre-stock split) shares of the Company’s Common Stock owned by Euro-Asia were cancelled and retired to treasury. The Acquisition Stock collectively represented 79.70% of the issued and outstanding Common Stock of the Company immediately after the Closing, in exchange for the BriVision Stock, representing 100% of the issued share capital of BriVision in a reverse merger (the “Merger”).

 

Pursuant to the Merger, all of the issued and outstanding common shares of BriVision were converted, at an exchange ratio of 0.2536-for-1, into an aggregate of 166,273,921 (52,936,583pre-stock split) common shares of the Company and BriVision had become a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company. The holders of Company’s Common Stock as of immediately prior to the Merger held an aggregate of 205,519,223(65,431,144 pre-stock split) shares of Company’s Common Stock. Because of the exchange of the BriVision Stock for the Acquisition Stock (the “Share Exchange”), BriVision had become a wholly owned subsidiary (the “Subsidiary”) of the Company and there was a change of control of the Company following the closing. There were no warrants, options or other equity instruments issued in connection with the share exchange agreement.

 

Upon the consummation of the Share Exchange, BriVision became a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company.

 

Following the Share Exchange, the Company has abandoned prior business plan and is now pursuing BriVision’s historically proposed businesses, which focus on the development of new drugs and innovative medical devices to fulfill unmet medical needs. The business model of the Company is to integrate research achievements from world-famous institutions, conduct clinical trials of translational medicine for Proof of Concept (“POC”), out-license to international pharmaceutical companies, and explore global markets.

 

5

 

 

Accounting Treatment of the Reverse Merger

 

For financial reporting purposes, the Share Exchange represents a “reverse merger” rather than a business combination and BriVision is deemed the accounting acquirer in the transaction. The Share Exchange is being accounted for as a reverse-merger and recapitalization. BriVision is the acquirer for financial reporting purposes and the Company is the acquired company. Consequently, the assets and liabilities and the operations reflected in the historical financial statements prior to the Share Exchange will be those of BriVision and recorded at the historical cost basis of BriVision. In addition, the consolidated financial statements after completion of the Share Exchange will include the assets and liabilities of the Company and BriVision, and the historical operations of BriVision and operations of the Combined Company from the closing date of the Share Exchange.

 

Merger

 

On February 8, 2019, the Company, BioLite Holding, Inc. (“BioLite”), BioKey, Inc. (“BioKey”), BioLite Acquisition Corp., a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of Parent (“Merger Sub 1”), and BioKey Acquisition Corp., a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of Parent (“Merger Sub 2”) (collectively referred to as the “Parties”) completed the business combination pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”) dated as of January 31, 2018 where ABVC acquired BioLite and BioKey via issuing additional Common Stock of ABVC to the shareholders of BioLite and BioKey.

 

Pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement, BioLite and BioKey became two wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company on February 8, 2019. ABVC issued an aggregate of 104,558,777 shares (prior to the reverse stock split in 2019) to the shareholders of both BioLite and BioKey under a registration statement on Form S-4 (file number 333-226285), which became effective by operation of law on or about February 5, 2019.

 

BioLite Holding, Inc. (the “BioLite Holding”) was incorporated under the laws of the State of Nevada on July 27, 2016. BioLite BVI, Inc. (the “BioLite BVI”), a wholly owned subsidiary of BioLite Holding, was incorporated in the British Virgin Islands on September 13, 2016. BioLite Holding and BioLite BVI are holding companies and have not carried out substantive business operations of their own.

 

BioLite, Inc., (the “BioLite Taiwan”) was incorporated on February 13, 2006 under the laws of Taiwan. BioLite is in the business of developing and commercialization of new botanical drugs with application in central nervous system, autoimmunity, inflammation, hematology, and oncology. In addition, BioLite Taiwan distributes dietary supplements made from extracts of Chinese herbs and Maitake mushroom.

 

In January 2017, BioLite Holding, BioLite BVI, BioLite Taiwan, and certain shareholders of BioLite Taiwan entered into a share purchase / exchange agreement (the “BioLite Share Purchase / Exchange Agreement”). Pursuant to the BioLite Share Purchase / Exchange Agreement, the shareholder participants to the BioLite Share Purchase / Exchange Agreement have sold their equity in BioLite Taiwan and were using the proceeds from such sales to purchase shares of Common Stock of BioLite Holding at the same price per share, resulting in their owning the same number of shares of Common Stock as they owned in the BioLite Taiwan. Upon closing of the Share Purchase/ Exchange Agreement in August 2017, BioLite Holding ultimately owns via BioLite BVI approximately 73% of BioLite Taiwan. The other shareholders who did not enter this Share Purchase/ Exchange Agreement retain their equity ownership in BioLite Taiwan.

 

BioKey, Inc. was incorporated on August 9, 2000 in the State of California. BioKey provides a wide range of services, including, API characterization, pre-formulation studies, formulation development, analytical method development, stability studies, IND/NDA/ANDA/510K submissions, and manufacturing clinical trial materials (Phase I through phase III) and commercial manufacturing. It also licenses out its technologies and initiates joint research and development processes with other biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and nutraceutical companies.

  

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Accounting Treatment of the Merger

 

The Company adopted ASC 805, “Business Combination” to record the merger transactions of BioKey. Since the Company and BioLite Holding are the entities under Dr. Tsung-Shann Jiang’s common control, the transaction is accounted for as a restructuring transaction. All the assets and liabilities of BioLite Holding, BioLite BVI, and BioLite Taiwan were transferred to the Company at their respective carrying amounts on the closing date of the Merger. The Company has recast prior period financial statements to reflect the conveyance of BioLite Holding’s common shares as if the restructuring transaction had occurred as of the earliest date of the financial statements. All material intercompany accounts, transactions, and profits have been eliminated in consolidation. The nature of and effects on earnings per share (EPS) of nonrecurring intra-entity transactions involving long-term assets and liabilities is not required to be eliminated and EPS amounts have been recast to include the earnings (or losses) of the transferred net assets.

 

2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

Basis of Presentation

 

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (the “U.S. GAAP”). All significant intercompany transactions and account balances have been eliminated.

 

This basis of accounting involves the application of accrual accounting and consequently, revenues and gains are recognized when earned, and expenses and losses are recognized when incurred. The Company’s financial statements are expressed in U.S. dollars.

 

Fiscal Year 

 

The Company changed its fiscal year from the period beginning on October 1st and ending on September 30th to the period beginning on January 1st and ending on December 31st, beginning January 1, 2018. All references herein to a fiscal year prior to December 31, 2017 refer to the twelve months ended September 30th of such year. 

 

Use of Estimates

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the amount of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ materially from those results.

 

Inventory

 

Inventory consists of raw materials, work-in-process, finished goods, and merchandise. Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market and valued on a moving weighted average cost basis. Market is determined based on net realizable value. The Company periodically reviews the age and turnover of its inventory to determine whether any inventory has become obsolete or has declined in value, and incurs a charge to operations for known and anticipated inventory obsolescence.

 

Reclassifications

 

Certain classifications have been made to the prior year financial statements to conform to the current year presentation. The reclassification had no impact on previously reported net loss or accumulated deficit.

 

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Forward Stock Split

 

On March 21, 2016, the Board of Directors of the Company approved an amendment to Articles of Incorporation to effect a forward split at a ratio of 1 to 3.141 and increase the number of our authorized shares of Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share, to 360,000,000, which was effective on April 8, 2016.

 

Stock Reverse Split

 

On March 12, 2019, the Board of Directors of the Company by unanimous written consent in lieu of a meeting approved to i) effect a stock reverse split at the ratio of 1-for-18 (the “Reverse Split”) of both the authorized common stock of the Company (the “Common Stock”) and the issued and outstanding Common Stock and ii) to amend the articles of incorporation of the Company to reflect the Reverse Split. The Board approved and authorized the Reverse Split without obtaining approval of the Company’s shareholders pursuant to Section 78.207 of Nevada Revised Statutes. On May 3, 2019, the Company filed a certificate of amendment to the Company’s articles of incorporation (the “Amendment”) to effect the Reverse Split with the Secretary of State of Nevada. The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) informed the Company that the Reverse Split was effective on May 8, 2019. All shares and related financial information in this Form 10-K reflect this 1-for-18 reverse stock split. 

 

Fair Value Measurements

 

FASB ASC 820, “Fair Value Measurements” defines fair value for certain financial and nonfinancial assets and liabilities that are recorded at fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. It requires that an entity measure its financial instruments to base fair value on exit price, maximize the use of observable units and minimize the use of unobservable inputs to determine the exit price. It establishes a hierarchy which prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. This hierarchy increases the consistency and comparability of fair value measurements and related disclosures by maximizing the use of observable inputs and minimizing the use of unobservable inputs by requiring that observable inputs be used when available. Observable inputs are inputs that reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the assets or liabilities based on market data obtained from sources independent of the Company. Unobservable inputs are inputs that reflect the Company’s own assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on the best information available in the circumstances. The hierarchy prioritizes the inputs into three broad levels based on the reliability of the inputs as follows:

 

  Level 1 - Inputs are quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access at the measurement date. Valuation of these instruments does not require a high degree of judgment as the valuations are based on quoted prices in active markets that are readily and regularly available.
     
  Level 2 - Inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are either directly or indirectly observable as of the measurement date, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.
     
  Level 3 - Valuations based on inputs that are unobservable and not corroborated by market data. The fair value for such assets and liabilities is generally determined using pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies, or similar techniques that incorporate the assumptions a market participant would use in pricing the asset or liability.

 

The carrying values of certain assets and liabilities of the Company, such as cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts receivable, due from related parties, inventory, prepaid expenses and other current assets, accounts payable, accrued liabilities, and due to related parties approximate fair value due to their relatively short maturities. The carrying value of the Company’s short-term bank loan, convertible notes payable, and accrued interest approximates their fair value as the terms of the borrowing are consistent with current market rates and the duration to maturity is short. The carrying value of the Company’s long-term bank loan approximates fair value because the interest rates approximate market rates that the Company could obtain for debt with similar terms and maturities.

 

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Cash and Cash Equivalents 

 

The Company considers highly liquid investments with maturities of three months or less, when purchased, to be cash equivalents. As of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the Company’s cash and cash equivalents amounted $2,615,073 and $4,273,208, respectively. Some of the Company’s cash deposits are held in financial institutions located in Taiwan where there is currently regulation mandated on obligatory insurance of bank accounts. The Company believes this financial institution is of high credit quality.

 

Restricted Cash Equivalents 

 

Restricted cash equivalents primarily consist of cash held in a reserve bank account in Taiwan. As of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the Company’s restricted cash equivalents amounted $718,163 and $728,163, respectively. 

 

Concentration of Credit Risk

 

The Company’s financial instruments that are exposed to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents. The Company places its cash and temporary cash investments in high quality credit institutions, but these investments may be in excess of Taiwan Central Deposit Insurance Corporation and the U.S. Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation’s insurance limits. The Company does not enter into financial instruments for hedging, trading or speculative purposes.

 

Revenue Recognition

 

During the fiscal year 2018, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”), Topic 606 (ASC 606), Revenue from Contracts with Customers, using the modified retrospective method to all contracts that were not completed as of January 1, 2018, and applying the new revenue standard as an adjustment to the opening balance of accumulated deficit at the beginning of 2018 for the cumulative effect. The results for the Company’s reporting periods beginning on and after January 1, 2018 are presented under ASC 606, while prior period amounts are not adjusted and continue to be reported under the accounting standards in effect for the prior period. Based on the Company’s review of existing collaborative agreements as of January 1, 2018, the Company concluded that the adoption of the new guidance did not have a significant change on the Company’s revenue during all periods presented.

 

Pursuant to ASC 606, the Company recognizes revenue when its customer obtains control of promised goods or services, in an amount that reflects the consideration that the Company expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. To determine revenue recognition for arrangements that the Company determines is within the scope of ASC 606, the Company performs the following five steps: (i) identify the contract(s) with a customer; (ii) identify the performance obligations in the contract; (iii) determine the transaction price; (iv) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; and (v) recognize revenue when (or as) the Company satisfies a performance obligation. The Company only applies the five-step model to contracts when it is probable that the Company will collect the consideration the Company is entitled to in exchange for the goods or services the Company transfers to the customers. At inception of the contract, once the contract is determined to be within the scope of ASC 606, the Company assesses the goods or services promised within each contract, determines those that are performance obligations, and assesses whether each promised good or service is distinct. The Company then recognizes as revenue the amount of the transaction price that is allocated to the respective performance obligation when (or as) the performance obligation is satisfied.

 

The following are examples of when the Company recognizes revenue based on the types of payments the Company receives.

 

Collaborative Revenues — The Company recognizes collaborative revenues generated through collaborative research, development and/or commercialization agreements. The terms of these agreements typically include payment to the Company related to one or more of the following: non-refundable upfront license fees, development and commercial milestones, partial or complete reimbursement of research and development costs, and royalties on net sales of licensed products. Each type of payments results in collaborative revenues except for revenues from royalties on net sales of licensed products, which are classified as royalty revenues. To date, the Company has not received any royalty revenues. Revenue is recognized upon satisfaction of a performance obligation by transferring control of a good or service to the collaboration partners.

 

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As part of the accounting for these arrangements, the Company applies judgment to determine whether the performance obligations are distinct, and develop assumptions in determining the stand-alone selling price for each distinct performance obligation identified in the collaboration agreements. To determine the stand-alone selling price, the Company relies on assumptions which may include forecasted revenues, development timelines, reimbursement rates for R&D personnel costs, discount rates and probabilities of technical and regulatory success.

 

The Company had multiple deliverables under the collaborative agreements, including deliverables relating to grants of technology licenses, regulatory and clinical development, and marketing activities. Estimation of the performance periods of the Company’s deliverables requires the use of management’s judgment. Significant factors considered in management’s evaluation of the estimated performance periods include, but are not limited to, the Company’s experience in conducting clinical development, regulatory and manufacturing activities. The Company reviews the estimated duration of its performance periods under its collaborative agreements on an annually basis, and makes any appropriate adjustments on a prospective basis. Future changes in estimates of the performance period under its collaborative agreements could impact the timing of future revenue recognition.

 

(i) Non-refundable upfront payments

 

If a license to the Company’s intellectual property is determined to be distinct from the other performance obligations identified in an arrangement, the Company recognizes revenue from the related non-refundable upfront payments based on the relative standalone selling price prescribed to the license compared to the total selling price of the arrangement. The revenue is recognized when the license is transferred to the collaboration partners and the collaboration partners are able to use and benefit from the license. To date, the receipt of non-refundable upfront fees was solely for the compensation of past research efforts and contributions made by the Company before the collaborative agreements entered into and it does not relate to any future obligations and commitments made between the Company and the collaboration partners in the collaborative agreements.

 

(ii) Milestone payments

 

The Company is eligible to receive milestone payments under the collaborative agreement with collaboration partners based on achievement of specified development, regulatory and commercial events. Management evaluated the nature of the events triggering these contingent payments, and concluded that these events fall into two categories: (a) events which involve the performance of the Company’s obligations under the collaborative agreement with collaboration partners, and (b) events which do not involve the performance of the Company’s obligations under the collaborative agreement with collaboration partners.

 

The former category of milestone payments consists of those triggered by development and regulatory activities in the territories specified in the collaborative agreements. Management concluded that each of these payments constitute substantive milestone payments. This conclusion was based primarily on the facts that (i) each triggering event represents a specific outcome that can be achieved only through successful performance by the Company of one or more of its deliverables, (ii) achievement of each triggering event was subject to inherent risk and uncertainty and would result in additional payments becoming due to the Company, (iii) each of the milestone payments is non-refundable, (iv) substantial effort is required to complete each milestone, (v) the amount of each milestone payment is reasonable in relation to the value created in achieving the milestone, (vi) a substantial amount of time is expected to pass between the upfront payment and the potential milestone payments, and (vii) the milestone payments relate solely to past performance. Based on the foregoing, the Company recognizes any revenue from these milestone payments in the period in which the underlying triggering event occurs.

  

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(iii) Multiple Element Arrangements

 

The Company evaluates multiple element arrangements to determine (1) the deliverables included in the arrangement and (2) whether the individual deliverables represent separate units of accounting or whether they must be accounted for as a combined unit of accounting. This evaluation involves subjective determinations and requires management to make judgments about the individual deliverables and whether such deliverables are separate from other aspects of the contractual relationship. Deliverables are considered separate units of accounting provided that: (i) the delivered item(s) has value to the customer on a standalone basis and (ii) if the arrangement includes a general right of return relative to the delivered item(s), delivery or performance of the undelivered item(s) is considered probable and substantially within its control. In assessing whether an item under a collaboration has standalone value, the Company considers factors such as the research, manufacturing, and commercialization capabilities of the collaboration partner and the availability of the associated expertise in the general marketplace. The Company also considers whether its collaboration partners can use the other deliverable(s) for their intended purpose without the receipt of the remaining element(s), whether the value of the deliverable is dependent on the undelivered item(s), and whether there are other vendors that can provide the undelivered element(s).

 

The Company recognizes arrangement consideration allocated to each unit of accounting when all of the revenue recognition criteria in ASC 606 are satisfied for that particular unit of accounting. In the event that a deliverable does not represent a separate unit of accounting, the Company recognizes revenue from the combined unit of accounting over the Company’s contractual or estimated performance period for the undelivered elements, which is typically the term of the Company’s research and development obligations. If there is no discernible pattern of performance or objectively measurable performance measures do not exist, then the Company recognizes revenue under the arrangement on a straight-line basis over the period the Company is expected to complete its performance obligations. Conversely, if the pattern of performance in which the service is provided to the customer can be determined and objectively measurable performance measures exist, then the Company recognizes revenue under the arrangement using the proportional performance method. Revenue recognized is limited to the lesser of the cumulative amount of payments received or the cumulative amount of revenue earned, as determined using the straight-line method or proportional performance method, as applicable, as of the period ending date.

 

At the inception of an arrangement that includes milestone payments, the Company evaluates whether each milestone is substantive and at risk to both parties on the basis of the contingent nature of the milestone. This evaluation includes an assessment of whether: (1) the consideration is commensurate with either the Company’s performance to achieve the milestone or the enhancement of the value of the delivered item(s) as a result of a specific outcome resulting from its performance to achieve the milestone, (2) the consideration relates solely to past performance and (3) the consideration is reasonable relative to all of the deliverables and payment terms within the arrangement. The Company evaluates factors such as the scientific, clinical, regulatory, commercial, and other risks that must be overcome to achieve the particular milestone and the level of effort and investment required to achieve the particular milestone in making this assessment. There is considerable judgment involved in determining whether a milestone satisfies all of the criteria required to conclude that a milestone is substantive. Milestones that are not considered substantive are recognized as earned if there are no remaining performance obligations or over the remaining period of performance, assuming all other revenue recognition criteria are met.

 

(iv) Royalties and Profit Sharing Payments

 

Under the collaborative agreement with the collaboration partners, the Company is entitled to receive royalties on sales of products, which is at certain percentage of the net sales. The Company recognizes revenue from these events based on the revenue recognition criteria set forth in ASC 606. Based on those criteria, the Company considers these payments to be contingent revenues, and recognizes them as revenue in the period in which the applicable contingency is resolved.

 

Revenues Derived from Research and Development Activities Services — Revenues related to research and development and regulatory activities are recognized when the related services or activities are performed, in accordance with the contract terms. The Company typically has only one performance obligation at the inception of a contract, which is to perform research and development services. The Company may also provide its customers with an option to request that the Company provides additional goods or services in the future, such as active pharmaceutical ingredient, API, or IND/NDA/ANDA/510K submissions. The Company evaluates whether these options are material rights at the inception of the contract. If the Company determines an option is a material right, the Company will consider the option a separate performance obligation.

 

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If the Company is entitled to reimbursement from its customers for specified research and development expenses, the Company accounts for the related services that it provides as separate performance obligations if it determines that these services represent a material right. The Company also determines whether the reimbursement of research and development expenses should be accounted for as revenues or an offset to research and development expenses in accordance with provisions of gross or net revenue presentation. The Company recognizes the corresponding revenues or records the corresponding offset to research and development expenses as it satisfies the related performance obligations.

 

The Company then determines the transaction price by reviewing the amount of consideration the Company is eligible to earn under the contracts, including any variable consideration. Under the outstanding contracts, consideration typically includes fixed consideration and variable consideration in the form of potential milestone payments. At the start of an agreement, the Company’s transaction price usually consists of the payments made to or by the Company based on the number of full-time equivalent researchers assigned to the project and the related research and development expenses incurred. The Company does not typically include any payments that the Company may receive in the future in its initial transaction price because the payments are not probable. The Company would reassess the total transaction price at each reporting period to determine if the Company should include additional payments in the transaction price.

 

The Company receives payments from its customers based on billing schedules established in each contract. Upfront payments and fees may be recorded as advance from customers upon receipt or when due, and may require deferral of revenue recognition to a future period until the Company performs its obligations under these arrangements. Amounts are recorded as accounts receivable when the right of the Company to consideration is unconditional. The Company does not assess whether a contract has a significant financing component if the expectation at contract inception is such that the period between payment by the customers and the transfer of the promised goods or services to the customers will be one year or less.

 

Property and Equipment

 

Property and equipment is carried at cost net of accumulated depreciation. Repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred. Expenditures that improve the functionality of the related asset or extend the useful life are capitalized. When property and equipment is retired or otherwise disposed of, the related gain or loss is included in operating income. Leasehold improvements are depreciated on the straight-line method over the shorter of the remaining lease term or estimated useful life of the asset. Depreciation is calculated on the straight-line method, including property and equipment under capital leases, generally based on the following useful lives:

 

    Estimated Life
in Years
Buildings and leasehold improvements   5 ~ 50
Machinery and equipment   5 ~ 10
Office equipment   3 ~ 6

 

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

 

The Company has adopted Accounting Standards Codification subtopic 360-10, Property, Plant and Equipment (“ASC 360-10”). ASC 360-10 requires that long-lived assets and certain identifiable intangibles held and used by the Company be reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. The Company evaluates its long-lived assets for impairment annually or more often if events and circumstances warrant. Events relating to recoverability may include significant unfavorable changes in business conditions, recurring losses, or a forecasted inability to achieve break-even operating results over an extended period. Should impairment in value be indicated, the carrying value of intangible assets will be adjusted, based on estimates of future discounted cash flows resulting from the use and ultimate disposition of the asset. ASC 360-10 also requires assets to be disposed of be reported at the lower of the carrying amount or the fair value less costs to sell.

 

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Long-term Equity Investment 

 

The Company acquires the equity investments to promote business and strategic objectives. The Company accounts for non-marketable equity and other equity investments for which the Company does not have control over the investees as:

 

  Equity method investments when the Company has the ability to exercise significant influence, but not control, over the investee. Its proportionate share of the income or loss is recognized monthly and is recorded in gains (losses) on equity investments.

 

  Non-marketable cost method investments when the equity method does not apply.

 

Significant judgment is required to identify whether an impairment exists in the valuation of the Company’s non-marketable equity investments, and therefore the Company considers this a critical accounting estimate. Its yearly analysis considers both qualitative and quantitative factors that may have a significant impact on the investee’s fair value. Qualitative analysis of its investments involves understanding the financial performance and near-term prospects of the investee, changes in general market conditions in the investee’s industry or geographic area, and the management and governance structure of the investee. Quantitative assessments of the fair value of its investments are developed using the market and income approaches. The market approach includes the use of comparable financial metrics of private and public companies and recent financing rounds. The income approach includes the use of a discounted cash flow model, which requires significant estimates regarding the investees’ revenue, costs, and discount rates. The Company’s assessment of these factors in determining whether an impairment exists could change in the future due to new developments or changes in applied assumptions.

 

Other-Than-Temporary Impairment

 

The Company’s long-term equity investments are subject to a periodic impairment review. Impairments affect earnings as follows:

 

  Marketable equity securities include the consideration of general market conditions, the duration and extent to which the fair value is below cost, and our ability and intent to hold the investment for a sufficient period of time to allow for recovery of value in the foreseeable future. The Company also considers specific adverse conditions related to the financial health of, and the business outlook for, the investee, which may include industry and sector performance, changes in technology, operational and financing cash flow factors, and changes in the investee’s credit rating. The Company records other-than-temporary impairments on marketable equity securities and marketable equity method investments in gains (losses) on equity investments.

 

  Non-marketable equity investments based on the Company’s assessment of the severity and duration of the impairment, and qualitative and quantitative analysis of the operating performance of the investee; adverse changes in market conditions and the regulatory or economic environment; changes in operating structure or management of the investee; additional funding requirements; and the investee’s ability to remain in business. A series of operating losses of an investee or other factors may indicate that a decrease in value of the investment has occurred that is other than temporary and that shall be recognized even though the decrease in value is in excess of what would otherwise be recognized by application of the equity method. A loss in value of an investment that is other than a temporary decline shall be recognized. Evidence of a loss in value might include, but would not necessarily be limited to, absence of an ability to recover the carrying amount of the investment or inability of the investee to sustain an earnings capacity that would justify the carrying amount of the investment. The Company records other-than-temporary impairments for non-marketable cost method investments and equity method investments in gains (losses) on equity investments. Other-than-temporary impairments of equity investments were $0 and $0 for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

 

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Goodwill

 

The Company evaluates goodwill for impairment annually or more frequently when an event occurs or circumstances change that indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. In testing goodwill for impairment, the Company may elect to utilize a qualitative assessment to evaluate whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If the qualitative assessment indicates that goodwill impairment is more likely than not, the Company performs a two-step impairment test. The Company tests goodwill for impairment under the two-step impairment test by first comparing the book value of net assets to the fair value of the reporting units. If the fair value is determined to be less than the book value or qualitative factors indicate that it is more likely than not that goodwill is impaired, a second step is performed to compute the amount of impairment as the difference between the estimated fair value of goodwill and the carrying value. The Company estimates the fair value of the reporting units using discounted cash flows. Forecasts of future cash flows are based on our best estimate of future net sales and operating expenses, based primarily on expected category expansion, pricing, market segment share, and general economic conditions.

 

The Company completed the required testing of goodwill for impairment as of March 31, 2021, and determined that goodwill was impaired because of the current financial condition of the Company and the Company’s inability to generate future operating income without substantial sales volume increases, which are highly uncertain. Furthermore, the Company anticipates future cash flows indicate that the recoverability of goodwill is not reasonably assured.

 

Research and Development Expenses

 

The Company accounts for the cost of using licensing rights in research and development cost according to ASC Topic 730-10-25-1. This guidance provides that absent alternative future uses the acquisition of product rights to be used in research and development activities must be charged to research and development expenses when incurred.

 

For CDMO business unit, the Company accounts for R&D costs in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 730, Research and Development (“ASC 730”). Research and development expenses are charged to expense as incurred unless there is an alternative future use in other research and development projects or otherwise. Research and development expenses are comprised of costs incurred in performing research and development activities, including personnel-related costs, facilities-related overhead, and outside contracted services including clinical trial costs, manufacturing and process development costs for both clinical and preclinical materials, research costs, and other consulting services. Non-refundable advance payment for goods and services that will be used in future research and development activities are expensed when the activity has been performed or when the goods have been received rather than when the payment is made. In instances where the Company enters into agreements with third parties to provide research and development services, costs are expensed as services are performed.

 

Post-retirement and post-employment benefits

 

The Company’s subsidiaries in Taiwan adopted the government mandated defined contribution plan pursuant to the Labor Pension Act (the “Act”) in Taiwan. Such labor regulations require that the rate of contribution made by an employer to the Labor Pension Fund per month shall not be less than 6% of the worker’s monthly salaries. Pursuant to the Act, the Company makes monthly contribution equal to 6% of employees’ salaries to the employees’ pension fund. The Company has no legal obligation for the benefits beyond the contributions made. The total amounts for such employee benefits, which were expensed as incurred, were $2,503 and $3,598 for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Other than the above, the Company does not provide any other post-retirement or post-employment benefits.

 

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Stock-based Compensation

 

The Company measures expense associated with all employee stock-based compensation awards using a fair value method and recognizes such expense in the consolidated financial statements on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718 “Compensation-Stock Compensation”. Total employee stock-based compensation expenses were $0 and $0 for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

 

The Company accounted for stock-based compensation to non-employees in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718 “Compensation-Stock Compensation” and FASB ASC Topic 505-50 “Equity-Based Payments to Non-Employees” which requires that the cost of services received from non-employees is measured at fair value at the earlier of the performance commitment date or the date service is completed and recognized over the period the service is provided. Total non-employee stock-based compensation expenses were $225,740 and $525 for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

 

Beneficial Conversion Feature

 

From time to time, the Company may issue convertible notes that may contain an imbedded beneficial conversion feature. A beneficial conversion feature exists on the date a convertible note is issued when the fair value of the underlying common stock to which the note is convertible into is in excess of the remaining unallocated proceeds of the note after first considering the allocation of a portion of the note proceeds to the fair value of the warrants, if related warrants have been granted. The intrinsic value of the beneficial conversion feature is recorded as a debt discount with a corresponding amount to additional paid in capital. The debt discount is amortized to interest expense over the life of the note using the effective interest method.

 

Income Taxes

 

The Company accounts for income taxes using the asset and liability approach which allows the recognition and measurement of deferred tax assets to be based upon the likelihood of realization of tax benefits in future years. Under the asset and liability approach, deferred taxes are provided for 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. A valuation allowance is provided for deferred tax assets if it is more likely than not these items will expire before the Company is able to realize their benefits, or future deductibility is uncertain.

 

Under ASC 740, a tax position is recognized as a benefit only if it is “more likely than not” that the tax position would be sustained in a tax examination, with a tax examination being presumed to occur. The evaluation of a tax position is a two-step process. The first step is to determine whether it is more-likely-than-not that a tax position will be sustained upon examination, including the resolution of any related appeals or litigations based on the technical merits of that position. The second step is to measure a tax position that meets the more-likely-than-not threshold to determine the amount of benefits recognized in the financial statements. A tax position is measured at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. Tax positions that previously failed to meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold should be recognized in the first subsequent period in which the threshold is met. Previously recognized tax positions that no longer meet the more-likely-than-not criteria should be de-recognized in the first subsequent financial reporting period in which the threshold is no longer satisfied. Penalties and interest incurred related to underpayment of income tax are classified as income tax expense in the year incurred. No significant penalty or interest relating to income taxes has been incurred for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020. GAAP also provides guidance on de-recognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosures and transition.

 

On December 22, 2017, the SEC issued Staff Accounting Bulletin (“SAB 118”), which provides guidance on accounting for tax effects of the Tax Act. SAB 118 provides a measurement period that should not extend beyond one year from the Tax Act enactment date for companies to complete the accounting under ASC 740. In accordance with SAB 118, a company must reflect the income tax effects of those aspects of the Act for which the accounting under ASC 740 is complete. To the extent that a company’s accounting for certain income tax effects of the Tax Act is incomplete but it is able to determine a reasonable estimate, it must record a provisional estimate to be included in the financial statements. If a company cannot determine a provisional estimate to be included in the financial statements, it should continue to apply ASC 740 on the basis of the provision of the tax laws that were in effect immediately before the enactment of the Tax Act. While the Company is able to make reasonable estimates of the impact of the reduction in corporate rate and the deemed repatriation transition tax, the final impact of the Tax Act may differ from these estimates, due to, among other things, changes in our interpretations and assumptions, additional guidance that may be issued by the I.R.S., and actions the Company may take. The Company is continuing to gather additional information to determine the final impact.

 

15

 

 

Valuation of Deferred Tax Assets

 

A valuation allowance is recorded to reduce the Company’s deferred tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized. In assessing the need for the valuation allowance, management considers, among other things, projections of future taxable income and ongoing prudent and feasible tax planning strategies. If the Company determines that sufficient negative evidence exists, then it will consider recording a valuation allowance against a portion or all of the deferred tax assets in that jurisdiction. If, after recording a valuation allowance, the Company’s projections of future taxable income and other positive evidence considered in evaluating the need for a valuation allowance prove, with the benefit of hindsight, to be inaccurate, it could prove to be more difficult to support the realization of its deferred tax assets. As a result, an additional valuation allowance could be required, which would have an adverse impact on its effective income tax rate and results. Conversely, if, after recording a valuation allowance, the Company determines that sufficient positive evidence exists in the jurisdiction in which the valuation allowance was recorded, it may reverse a portion or all of the valuation allowance in that jurisdiction. In such situations, the adjustment made to the deferred tax asset would have a favorable impact on its effective income tax rate and results in the period such determination was made.

 

Loss Per Share of Common Stock

 

The Company calculates net loss per share in accordance with ASC Topic 260, “Earnings per Share”. Basic loss per share is computed by dividing the net loss by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted loss per share is computed similar to basic loss per share except that the denominator is increased to include the number of additional common shares that would have been outstanding if the potential common stock equivalents had been issued and if the additional common shares were dilutive. Diluted earnings per share excludes all dilutive potential shares if their effect is anti-dilutive.

 

Commitments and Contingencies

 

The Company has adopted ASC Topic 450 “Contingencies” subtopic 20, in determining its accruals and disclosures with respect to loss contingencies. Accordingly, estimated losses from loss contingencies are accrued by a charge to income when information available before financial statements are issued or are available to be issued indicates that it is probable that an assets had been impaired or a liability had been incurred at the date of the financial statements and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. Legal expenses associated with the contingency are expensed as incurred. If a loss contingency is not probable or reasonably estimable, disclosure of the loss contingency is made in the financial statements when it is at least reasonably possible that a material loss could be incurred.

 

Foreign-currency Transactions

 

For the Company’s subsidiaries in Taiwan, the foreign-currency transactions are recorded in New Taiwan dollars (“NTD”) at the rates of exchange in effect when the transactions occur. Gains or losses resulting from the application of different foreign exchange rates when cash in foreign currency is converted into New Taiwan dollars, or when foreign-currency receivables or payables are settled, are credited or charged to income in the year of conversion or settlement. On the balance sheet dates, the balances of foreign-currency assets and liabilities are restated at the prevailing exchange rates and the resulting differences are charged to current income except for those foreign currencies denominated investments in shares of stock where such differences are accounted for as translation adjustments under the Statements of Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit).

 

16

 

 

Translation Adjustment

 

The accounts of the Company’s subsidiaries in Taiwan were maintained, and their financial statements were expressed, in New Taiwan Dollar (“NT$”). Such financial statements were translated into U.S. Dollars (“$” or “USD”) in accordance ASC 830, “Foreign Currency Matters”, with the NT$ as the functional currency. According to the Statement, all assets and liabilities are translated at the current exchange rate, stockholder’s deficit are translated at the historical rates and income statement items are translated at an average exchange rate for the period. The resulting translation adjustments are reported under other comprehensive income (loss) as a component of stockholders’ equity (deficit).

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes, as part of its overall simplification initiative to reduce costs and complexity of applying accounting standards while maintaining or improving the usefulness of the information provided to users of financial statements. The FASB’s amendments primarily impact ASC 740, Income Taxes, and may impact both interim and annual reporting periods. ASU 2019-12 will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020, and interim periods within those fiscal years and early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting ASU 2019-12.

 

In August 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-06, Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20) and Derivatives and Hedging- Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity (Subtopic 815-40), to reduce the complexity associated with applying U.S. GAAP principles for certain financial instruments with characteristics of liabilities and equity. The amendments in this ASU reduce the number of accounting models for convertible instruments and expand the existing disclosure requirements over earnings per share as it relates to convertible instruments. This ASU will be effective for the fiscal year beginning January 1, 2022 and interim periods therein. Early adoption is permitted, but no earlier than fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020. The amendments may be adopted through either a modified retrospective method, or a fully retrospective method. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting ASU 2020-06.

 

3. COLLABORATIVE AGREEMENTS

 

Collaborative agreements with BHK

 

(i) On February 24, 2015, BioLite Taiwan and BioHopeKing Corporation (the “BHK”) entered into a co-development agreement, (the “BHK Co-Development Agreement”), pursuant to which it is collaborative with BHK to develop and commercialize BLI-1401-2 (Botanical Drug) Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) Combination Therapy (BLI-1401-2 Products) in Asian countries excluding Japan for all related intellectual property rights, and has developed it for medicinal use in collaboration with outside researchers. The development costs shall be shared 50/50 between BHK and the Company. The BHK Co-Development Agreement will remain in effect for fifteen years from the date of first commercial sale of the Product in in Asia excluding Japan.

 

On July 27, 2016, BioLite Taiwan and BHK agreed to amend the payment terms of the milestone payment in an aggregate amount of $10 million based on the following schedule:

 

  Upon the signing of the BHK Co-Development Agreement: $1 million, or 10% of total payment

 

  Upon the first Investigational New Drug (IND) submission and BioLite Taiwan will deliver all data to BHK according to FDA Reviewing requirement: $1 million, or 10% of total payment

 

  At the completion of first phase II clinical trial: $1 million, or 10% of total payment

 

  At the initiation of phase III of clinical trial research: $3 million, or 30% of total payment

 

  Upon the New Drug Application (NDA) submission: $4 million, or 40% of total payment

 

17

 

 

In December 2015, BHK has paid a non-refundable upfront cash payment of $1 million, or 10% of $10,000,000, upon the signing of BHK Co-Development Agreement. The Company concluded that the deliverables are considered separate units of accounting as the delivered items have value to the customer on a standalone basis and recognized this cash receipt as collaboration revenue when all research, technical, and development data was delivered to BHK in 2015. The receipt is for the compensation of past research efforts and contributions made by BioLite Taiwan before this collaborative agreement was signed and it does not relate to any future commitments made by BioLite Taiwan and BHK in this collaborative agreement. In August 2016, the Company has received the second milestone payment of NT$31,649,000, approximately equivalent to $1 million, and recognized collaboration revenue for the year ended December 31, 2016. As of the date of this report, the Company has not completed the first phase II clinical trial.

 

In addition to the milestone payments, BioLite Taiwan is entitled to receive royalty on 12% of BHK’s net sales related to BLI-1401-2 Products. As of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the Company has not earned the royalty under the BHK Co-Development Agreement.

 

(ii) On December 9, 2015, BioLite Taiwan entered into another two collaborative agreements (the “BHK Collaborative Agreements”), pursuant to which it is collaborative with BHK to co-develop and commercialize BLI-1005 for “Targeting Major Depressive Disorder” (BLI-1005 Products) and BLI-1006 for “Targeting Inflammatory Bowel Disease” (BLI-1006 Products) in Asia excluding Japan for all related intellectual property rights, and has developed it for medicinal use in collaboration with outside researchers. The development costs shall be shared 50/50 between BHK and the Company. The BHK Co-Development Agreement will remain in effect for fifteen years from the date of first commercial sale of the Product in in Asia excluding Japan.

 

In 2015, the Company recognized the cash receipt in a total of NT$50 million, approximately equivalent to $1.6 million, as collaboration revenue when all research, technical, and development data was delivered to BHK. The Company concluded that the deliverables are considered separate units of accounting as the delivered items have value to the customer on a standalone basis and recognized this payment as collaboration revenue when all research, technical, data and development data was delivered to BHK. The cash receipt is for the compensation of past research efforts and contributions made by BioLite Taiwan before this BHK Collaborative Agreements was signed and it does not relate to any future commitments made by BioLite Taiwan and BHK in this BHK Collaborative Agreements.

 

In addition to the total of NT$50 million, approximately equivalent to $1.60 million, BioLite Taiwan is entitled to receive 50% of the future net licensing income or net sales profit. As of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the Company has not earned the royalty under the BHK Collaborative Agreements.

 

Co-Development agreement with Rgene Corporation, a related party

 

On May 26, 2017, BriVision entered into a co-development agreement (the “Co-Dev Agreement”) with Rgene Corporation (the “Rgene”), a related party under common control by controlling beneficiary shareholder of YuanGene Corporation and the Company (See Note 12). Pursuant to Co-Dev Agreement, BriVision and Rgene agreed to co-develop and commercialize ABV-1507 HER2/neu Positive Breast Cancer Combination Therapy, ABV-1511 Pancreatic Cancer Combination Therapy and ABV-1527 Ovary Cancer Combination Therapy. Under the terms of the Co-Dev Agreement, Rgene is required to pay the Company $3,000,000 in cash or stock of Rgene with equivalent value by August 15, 2017. The payment is for the compensation of BriVision’s past research efforts and contributions made by BriVision before the Co-Dev Agreement was signed and it does not relate to any future commitments made by BriVision and Rgene in this Co-Dev Agreement. In addition to $3,000,000, the Company is entitled to receive 50% of the future net licensing income or net sales profit earned by Rgene, if any, and any development costs shall be equally shared by both BriVision and Rgene.

 

18

 

 

On June 1, 2017, the Company has delivered all research, technical, data and development data to Rgene. Since both Rgene and the Company are related parties and under common control by a controlling beneficiary shareholder of YuanGene Corporation and the Company, the Company has recorded the full amount of $3,000,000 in connection with the Co-Dev Agreement as additional paid-in capital during the year ended December 31, 2017. During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company has received $450,000 in cash. On December 24, 2018, the Company received the remaining balance of $2,550,000 in the form of newly issued shares of Rgene’s Common Stock, at the price of NT$50 (approximately equivalent to $1.60 per share), for an aggregate number of 1,530,000 shares, which accounted for equity method long-term investment as of December 31, 2018. During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company has recognized investment loss of $549. On December 31, 2018, the Company determined to fully write off this investment based on the Company’s assessment of the severity and duration of the impairment, and qualitative and quantitative analysis of the operating performance of the investee, adverse changes in market conditions and the regulatory or economic environment, changes in operating structure of Rgene, additional funding requirements, and Rgene’s ability to remain in business. All projects that have been initiated will be managed and supported by the Company and Rgene.

 

The Company and Rgene signed an amendment to the Co-Dev Agreement on November 10, 2020, pursuant to which both parties agreed to delete AB-1507 HER2/neu Positive Breast Cancer Combination Therapy and AB 1527 Ovary Cancer Combination Therapy and add ABV-1519 EGFR Positive Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Combination Therapy and ABV-1526 Large Intestine / Colon / Rectal Cancer Combination Therapy to the products to be co-developed and commercialized. Other provisions of the Co-Dev Agreement remain in full force and effect.

 

Collaborative agreement with BioFirst Corporation, a related party

 

On July 24, 2017, BriVision entered into a collaborative agreement (the “BioFirst Collaborative Agreement”) with BioFirst Corporation (“BioFirst”), pursuant to which BioFirst granted the Company the global licensing right for medical use of the product (the “Product”): BFC-1401 Vitreous Substitute for Vitrectomy. BioFirst is a related party to the Company because a controlling beneficiary shareholder of YuanGene Corporation and the Company is one of the directors and Common Stock shareholders of BioFirst (See Note 12).

 

Pursuant to the BioFirst Collaborative Agreement, the Company will co-develop and commercialize the Product with BioFirst and pay BioFirst in a total amount of $3,000,000 in cash or stock of the Company before December 31, 2018. The amount of $3,000,000 is in connection with the compensation for BioFirst’s past research efforts and contributions made by BioFirst before the BioFirst Collaborative Agreement was signed and it does not relate to any future commitments made by BioFirst and BriVision in this BioFirst Collaborative Agreement. In addition, the Company is entitled to receive 50% of the future net licensing income or net sales profit, if any, and any development cost shall be equally shared by both BriVision and BioFirst.

 

On September 25, 2017, BioFirst has delivered all research, technical, data and development data to BriVision. The Company determined to fully expense the entire amount of $3,000,000 since currently the related licensing rights do not have alternative future uses. According to ASC 730-10-25-1, absent alternative future uses the acquisition of product rights to be used in research and development activities must be charged to research and development expenses immediately. Hence, the entire amount of $3,000,000 is fully expensed as research and development expense during the year ended December 31, 2017.

 

On June 30, 2019, BriVision entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) with BioFirst Corporation (“BioFirst”). Pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, the Company issued 428,571 shares of the Company’s common stock (the “Shares”) to BioFirst in consideration for $3,000,000 owed by the Company to BioFirst (the “Total Payment”) in connection with a certain collaborative agreement between the Company and BioFirst dated July 24, 2017 (the “Collaborative Agreement”). Pursuant to the Collaborative Agreement, BioFirst granted the Company the global licensing right to co-develop BFC-1401 or ABV-1701 Vitreous Substitute for Vitrectomy for medical purposes in consideration for the Total Payment.

 

On August 5, 2019, BriVision entered into a second Stock Purchase Agreement (“Purchase Agreement 2”) with BioFirst Corporation (“BioFirst”). Pursuant to Purchase Agreement 2, the Company issued 414,702 shares of the Company’s common stock (the “Shares”) to BioFirst in consideration for $2,902,911 owed by the Company to BioFirst (the “Total Payment”) in connection with a loan provided to BriVision from BioFirst.

 

19

 

 

4. INVENTORY

 

Inventory consists of the following:

 

    March 31,
2021
    December 31,
2020
 
    (Unaudited)        
Finished goods   $ 99,549     $ 100,967  
Work-in-process     21,729       22,038  
Raw materials     60,851       61,718  
Allowance for inventory valuation and obsolescence loss     (182,129 )     (184,723 )
Inventory, net   $ -     $ -  

 

5. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

 

Property and equipment as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 are summarized as follows:

 

    March 31,
2021
    December 31,
2020
 
    (Unaudited)        
Land   $ 390,088     $ 395,645  
Buildings and leasehold improvements     2,231,712       2,233,573  
Machinery and equipment     992,882       994,544  
Office equipment     187,181       189,760  
      3,801,863       3,813,522  
Less: accumulated depreciation     (3,296,911 )     (3,298,688 )
Property and equipment, net   $ 504,952     $ 514,834  

  

Depreciation expenses were $2,928 and $11,174 for three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

 

6. LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS

  

(1) The ownership percentages of each investee are listed as follows:

 

    Ownership percentage      
    March 31,     December 31,     Accounting
Name of related party   2021     2020     treatments
Braingenesis Biotechnology Co., Ltd.     0.17 %     0.17 %   Cost Method
Genepharm Biotech Corporation     0.70 %     0.70 %   Cost Method
BioHopeKing Corporation     5.90 %     5.90 %   Cost Method
BioFirst Corporation     15.99 %     15.99 %   Equity Method
Rgene Corporation     31.62 %     31.62 %   Equity Method

 

(2) The extent the investee relies on the company for its business are summarized as follows:

 

20

 

 

Name of related party   The extent the investee relies on the Company for its business  
Braingenesis Biotechnology Co., Ltd.   No specific business relationship
Genepharm Biotech Corporation   No specific business relationship
BioHopeKing Corporation   Collaborating with the Company to develop and commercialize drugs
BioFirst Corporation   Loaned from the investee and provides research and development support service
Rgene Corporation   Collaborating with the Company to develop and commercialize drugs

  

(3) Long-term investment mainly consists of the following:

 

    March 31,
2021
    December 31,
2020
 
             
Non-marketable Cost Method Investments, net            
Braingenesis Biotechnology Co., Ltd.   $ 7,742     $ 7,853  
Genepharm Biotech Corporation     23,638       23,974  
BioHopeKing Corporation     878,056       890,564  
Sub total     909,436       922,391  
Equity Method Investments, net                
BioFirst Corporation     217,448       268,336  
Rgene Corporation     -       -  
Total   $ 1,126,884     $ 1,190,727  

 

(a) BioFirst Corporation (the “BioFirst”):

 

The Company holds an equity interest in BioFirst Corporation, accounting for its equity interest using the equity method to accounts for its equity investment as prescribed in ASC 323, Investments—Equity Method and Joint Ventures (“ASC 323”). Equity method adjustments include the Company’s proportionate share of investee’s income or loss and other adjustments required by the equity method. As of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the Company owns 15.99% and 15.99% common stock shares of BioFirst, respectively. During the three months ended March 31, 2021, the Company made prepayment for equity investment in BioFirst to purchase additional 132,000 shares issued by BioFirst in the aggregate amount of $281,952.

  

Summarized financial information for the Company’s equity method investee, BioFirst, is as follows: 

 

Balance Sheet

 

    March 31,
2021
    December 31,
2020
 
             
Current Assets   $ 1,216,963     $ 1,299,822  
Non-current Assets     2,633,925       2,540,041  
Current Liabilities     1,959,919       1,986,340  
Non-current Liabilities     76,082       73,197  
Stockholders’ Equity     1,814,887       1,780,326  

        

Statement of operation

 

    Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
    2021     2020  
       
Net sales   $ 12,239     $ 12,110  
Gross profit     7,080       1,578  
Net loss     (220,855 )     (325,652 )
Share of losses from investments accounted for using the equity method     (47,791 )     (70,411 )

 

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(b) Rgene Corporation (the “Rgene”)

 

Both Rgene and the Company are under common control by Dr. Tsung-Shann Jiang, the CEO and chairman of the BioLite Inc. Since Dr. Tsung-Shann Jiang is able to exercise significant influence, but not control, over the Rgene, the Company determined to use the equity method to accounts for its equity investment as prescribed in ASC 323, Investments—Equity Method and Joint Ventures (“ASC 323”). Equity method adjustments include the Company’s proportionate share of investee’s income or loss and other adjustments required by the equity method. As of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the Company owns 31.62% and 31.62% Common Stock shares of Rgene, respectively.

  

Summarized financial information for the Company’s equity method investee, Rgene, is as follows:

 

Balance Sheets

 

    March 31,
2021
    December 31,
2020
 
             
Current Assets   $ 107,682     $ 123,958  
Noncurrent Assets     395,665       412,342  
Current Liabilities     1,451,387       1,392,756  
Noncurrent Liabilities     28,877       38,953  
Shareholders’ Deficit     (976,917 )     (895,409 )

 

Statement of operations

 

    Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
    2021     2020  
       
Net sales   $ -     $ -  
Gross Profit     -       -  
Net loss     (95,395 )     (21,889 )
Share of loss from investments accounted for using the equity method     -       -  

 

(4) Disposition of long-term investment

 

During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company sold 218,000 shares of common stock of BioHopeKing Corporation at price of NT$24, equivalent $0.85, to several individuals, and the percentage of ownership decreased to 5.90% as of December 31, 2020. As a result of the transactions, the Company recognized investment loss of $40,589 and impairment loss of $961,217 for the same period. As of March 31. 2021, there is no disposition of long-term investment.

 

(5) Losses on Equity Investments

 

The components of losses on equity investments for each period were as follows:

 

    Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
    2021     2020  
             
Share of equity method investee losses   $ (47,791 )   $ (70,411 )

 

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7. CONVERTIBLE NOTES PAYABLE

 

On May 9, 2018, the Company issued an eighteen-month term unsecured convertible promissory note (the “Yu and Wei Note”) in an aggregate principal amount of $300,000 to Guoliang Yu and Yingfei Wei Family Trust (the “Yu and Wei”), pursuant to which the Company received $300,000. The Yu and Wei Note bears interest at 8% per annum. The Company shall pay to the Yu and Wei an amount in cash representing all outstanding principal and accrued and unpaid interest on the Eighteenth (18) month anniversary of the issuance date of the Yu and Wei Note, which is on November 8, 2019. In the event that the Company raises gross proceeds from the sale of its common stock of at least $5,000,000 (an “Equity Offering”) then within five days of the closing for such offering, the Company must repay the outstanding amount of this Yu and Wei Note. At any time from the date hereof until this Yu and Wei Note has been satisfied, the Yu and Wei may convert the unpaid and outstanding principal plus any accrued and unpaid interest and or default interest, if any, into shares of the Company’s common stock at a conversion price (the “Conversion Price”) equal to the lower of (i) $2.00 per share (the “Fixed Conversion Price”), subject to adjustment or (ii) 80% of the per share offering price (the “Alternative Conversion Price”) of any completed equity offering of the Company in an amount exceeding $500,000 that occurs when any part of the Yu and Wei Note is outstanding, subject to adjustments set forth in the Yu and Wei Note. In accordance with FASB ASC 470-20, the Company recognized none of the intrinsic value of embedded beneficial conversion feature present in the Yu and Wei Note. On January 21, 2020, Yu and Wei entered into a new agreement that the new Note bears interest at 20% per annum. The Company shall pay to the Yu and Wei an amount in cash representing all outstanding principal and accrued and unpaid interest on the Twelve (12) month anniversary of the issuance date of the new “Yu and Wei” Note, which is on January 20, 2021. On April 5, 2020, the Company entered into an exchange agreement with “Yu and Wei”. The aggregate principal amount plus accrued interest expenses were $354,722, and the Company agreed to issue to the Holders an aggregate of 192,784 shares of the Company’s common stock, and warrants to purchase 192,784 shares of the Company’s common stock. As of March 31, 2021, these common shares have been issued.

 

On June 27, 2018, the Company issued an eighteen-month term unsecured convertible promissory note (the “Keypoint Note”) in the aggregate principal amount of $250,000 to Keypoint Technology Ltd. (“Keypoint”), a related party, pursuant to which the Company received $250,000. The Keypoint Note bears interest at 8% per annum. The Company shall pay to the Keypoint an amount in cash representing all outstanding principal and accrued and unpaid interest on the Eighteenth (18) month anniversary of the issuance date of the Keypoint Note, which is on December 26, 2019. In the event that the Company raises gross proceeds from the sale of its common stock of at least $5,000,000 (an “Equity Offering”) then within five days of the closing for such offering, the Company must repay the outstanding amount of this Keypoint Note. At any time from the date hereof until this Keypoint Note has been satisfied, Keypoint may convert the unpaid and outstanding principal plus any accrued and unpaid interest and or default interest, if any, into shares of the Company’s common stock at a conversion price (the “Conversion Price”) equal to the lower of (i) $2.00 per share (the “Fixed Conversion Price”), subject to adjustment or (ii) 80% of the per share offering price (the “Alternative Conversion Price”) of any completed equity offering of the Company in an amount exceeding $500,000 that occurs when any part of the Keypoint Note is outstanding, subject to adjustments set forth in the Keypoint Note. In accordance with FASB ASC 470-20, the Company recognized none of the intrinsic value of embedded beneficial conversion feature present in the Keypoint Note. On January 21, 2020, Keypoint entered into a new agreement that the new Note bears interest at 20% per annum. The Company shall pay to the Keypoint an amount in cash representing all outstanding principal and accrued and unpaid interest on the Twelve (12) month anniversary of the issuance date of the new “Keypoint” Note, which is on January 20, 2021. On April 5, 2020, the Company entered into an exchange agreement with “Keypoint”. The aggregate principal amount plus accrued interest expenses were $292,826, and the Company agreed to issue to the Holders an aggregate of 159,145 shares of the Company’s common stock, and warrants to purchase 159,145 shares of the Company’s common stock. As of March 31, 2021, these common shares have been issued.

 

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On August 25, 2018, the Company issued an eighteen-month term unsecured convertible promissory notes (the “Odaira Note”) in the aggregate principal amount of $250,000 to Yoshinobu Odaira. (“Odaira”), pursuant to which the Company received $250,000. The Odaira Note bears interest at 8% per annum. The Company shall pay to the Odaira an amount in cash representing all outstanding principal and accrued and unpaid interest on the Eighteenth (18) month anniversary of the issuance date of the Odaira Note, which is on February 24, 2020. In the event that the Company raises gross proceeds from the sale of its common stock of at least $5,000,000 (an “Equity Offering”) then within five days of the closing for such offering, the Company must repay the outstanding amount of this Odaira Note. At any time from the date hereof until this Odaira Note has been satisfied, Odaira may convert the unpaid and outstanding principal plus any accrued and unpaid interest and or default interest, if any, into shares of the Company’s common stock at a conversion price (the “Conversion Price”) equal to the lower of (i) $2.00 per share (the “Fixed Conversion Price”), subject to adjustment or (ii) 80% of the per share offering price (the “Alternative Conversion Price”) of any completed equity offering of the Company in an amount exceeding $500,000 that occurs when any part of the Odaira Note is outstanding, subject to adjustments set forth in the Odaira Note. In accordance with FASB ASC 470-20, the Company recognized none of the intrinsic value of embedded beneficial conversion feature present in the Odaira Note. On January 21, 2020, Odaira entered into a new agreement that the new Note bears interest at 20% per annum. The Company shall pay to the Odaira an amount in cash representing all outstanding principal and accrued and unpaid interest on the Twelve (12) month anniversary of the issuance date of the new “Odaira” Note, which is on January 20, 2021. On April 5, 2020, the Company entered into an exchange agreement with “Odaira”. The aggregate principal amount plus accrued interest expenses were $284,036, and the Company agreed to issue to the Holders an aggregate of 154,368 shares of the Company’s common stock, and warrants to purchase 154,368 shares of the Company’s common stock. As of March 31, 2021, these common shares have been issued.

 

On May 30 and July 10, 2019, the Company issued two (2) twelve-month term unsecured convertible promissory notes (the “KSL Note”) in an aggregate principal amount of $250,000 to Kuo Sheng Lung (the “KSL”), pursuant to which the Company received $160,000 and $90,000, respectively. The KSL Note bears interest at 20% per annum. The Company shall pay to KSL an amount in cash representing all outstanding principal and accrued and unpaid interest on the Twelve (12) month anniversary of the issuance date of the KSL Note, which is on May 29, 2020 and July 9, 2020. At any time from the issuance date until the KSL Note has been satisfied, the KSL may convert the unpaid and outstanding principal plus any accrued and unpaid interest and or default interest, if any, into shares of the Company’s common stock at a conversion price (the “Conversion Price”) equal to the lower of (i) $0.50 per share (the “Fixed Conversion Price”), subject to adjustment, or (ii) 70% of the per share offering price (the “Alternative Conversion Price”) of the completed public equity offering of the Company in an amount exceeding $10,000,000 as stated on the registration statement on a Form S-1 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 14, 2018 (the “Public Offering”), as amended from time to time. In accordance with FASB ASC 470-20, the Company recognized none of the intrinsic value of the embedded beneficial conversion feature present in the KSL Note. On May 13, 2020, the Company received an acknowledgement letter from KSL that they will not claim the repayment of loan for 12 months. On November 9, 2020, the Company entered into an agreement with “KSL”. The aggregate principal amount plus accrued interest expenses are $270,272, and KSL agreed to use the full amount to purchase certain securities pursuant to a securities purchase agreement; KSL agreed to purchase and the Company agreed to issue 120,121 shares of the Company’s common stock and warrants for a purchase price of $270,272. As of March 31, 2021, the Company issued to the Holders an aggregate of 120,121 shares of the Company’s common stock.

 

On July 10, 2019, the Company issued a twelve-month term unsecured convertible promissory note (the “NEA Note”) in an aggregate principal amount of $250,000 to New Eastern Asia (the “NEA”), a related party, pursuant to which the Company received $250,000 on July 10, 2019. The NEA Note bears interest at 20% per annum. The Company shall pay to the NEA an amount in cash representing all outstanding principal and accrued and unpaid interest on the Twelve (12) month anniversary of the issuance date of the NEA Note, which is on July 9, 2020. At any time from the date hereof until this NEA Note has been satisfied, the NEA may convert the unpaid and outstanding principal plus any accrued and unpaid interest and or default interest, if any, into shares of the Company’s common stock at a conversion price (the “Conversion Price”) equal to the lower of (i) $.50 per share (the “Fixed Conversion Price”), subject to adjustment, or (ii) 70% of the per share offering price (the “Alternative Conversion Price”) of the completed public equity offering of the Company in an amount exceeding $10,000,000 as stated on the registration statement on a Form S-1 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 14, 2018 (the “Public Offering”), as amended from time to time. In accordance with FASB ASC 470-20, the Company recognized none of the intrinsic value of embedded beneficial conversion feature present in the NEA Note. As of March 31, 2021, the Company paid off the convertible promissory note of $306,667, including principal and accrued and unpaid interest expense.

 

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On August 28, 2019, the Company issued a twelve-month term unsecured convertible promissory note (the “KLS Note”) in an aggregate principal amount of $200,000 to Kuo Li Shen (the “KLS”), pursuant to which the Company received $200,000 on August 28, 2019. The KLS Note bears interest at 20% per annum. The Company shall pay to the KLS an amount in cash representing all outstanding principal and accrued and unpaid interest on the Twelve (12) month anniversary of the issuance date of the KLS Note, which is on August 27, 2020. At any time from the date hereof until this KLS Note has been satisfied, the KLS may convert the unpaid and outstanding principal plus any accrued and unpaid interest and or default interest, if any, into shares of the Company’s common stock at a conversion price (the “Conversion Price”) equal to the lower of (i) $.50 per share (the “Fixed Conversion Price”), subject to adjustment, or (ii) 70% of the per share offering price (the “Alternative Conversion Price”) of the completed public equity offering of the Company in an amount exceeding $10,000,000 as stated on the registration statement on a Form S-1 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 14, 2018 (the “Public Offering”), as amended from time to time. In accordance with FASB ASC 470-20, the Company recognized none of the intrinsic value of embedded beneficial conversion feature present in the KLS Note. On April 20, 2020, the Company entered into an exchange agreement with KLS. The aggregate principal amount plus accrued interest expenses were $225,222, and the Company agreed to issue to the Holders an aggregate of 126,530 shares of the Company’s common stock, and warrants to purchase 126,530 shares of common stock. As of March 31, 2021, these common shares have been issued.

 

On September 4, 2019, the Company issued 3 twelve-month term unsecured convertible promissory note (the “C.L.L. Note”) in an aggregate principal amount of $257,500 to Chang Ping Shan, Lin Shan Tyan, and Liu Ching Hsuan (together the “C.L.L.”), pursuant to which the Company received $257,500 on September 4, 2019. Chang Ping Shan and Liu Ching Hsuan are related parties to the Company. The C.L.L. Note bears interest at 20% per annum. The Company shall pay to the C.L.L. an amount in cash representing all outstanding principal and accrued and unpaid interest on the Twelve (12) month anniversary of the issuance date of the C.L.L. Note, which is on September 3, 2020. At any time from the date hereof until this C.L.L. Note has been satisfied, the C.L.L. may convert the unpaid and outstanding principal plus any accrued and unpaid interest and or default interest, if any, into shares of the Company’s common stock at a conversion price (the “Conversion Price”) equal to the lower of (i) $.50 per share (the “Fixed Conversion Price”), subject to adjustment, or (ii) 70% of the per share offering price (the “Alternative Conversion Price”) of the completed public equity offering of the Company in an amount exceeding $10,000,000 as stated on the registration statement on a Form S-1 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 14, 2018 (the “Public Offering”), as amended from time to time. In accordance with FASB ASC 470-20, the Company recognized none of the intrinsic value of embedded beneficial conversion feature present in the C.L.L. Note. On April 20, 2020, the Company entered into an exchange agreement with C.L.L.. The aggregate principal amount plus accrued interest expenses were $289,974, and the Company agreed to issue to the Holders an aggregate of 162,908 shares of the Company’s common stock, and warrants to purchase 162,908 shares of common stock. As of March 31, 2021, these common shares have been issued.

 

On October 29, 2019, the Company issued a twelve-month term unsecured convertible promissory note (the “Lee Note”) in an aggregate principal amount of $250,000 to Hwalin Lee (the “Lee”), a related party, pursuant to which the Company received $250,000 on October 29, 2019. The Lee Note bears interest at 20% per annum. The Company shall pay to the Lee an amount in cash representing all outstanding principal and accrued and unpaid interest on the Twelve (12) month anniversary of the issuance date of the Lee Note, which is on October 28, 2020. At any time from the date hereof until this Lee Note has been satisfied, the Lee may convert the unpaid and outstanding principal plus any accrued and unpaid interest and or default interest, if any, into shares of the Company’s common stock at a conversion price (the “Conversion Price”) equal to the lower of (i) $.50 per share (the “Fixed Conversion Price”), subject to adjustment, or (ii) 70% of the per share offering price (the “Alternative Conversion Price”) of the completed public equity offering of the Company in an amount exceeding $10,000,000 as stated on the registration statement on a Form S-1 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 14, 2018 (the “Public Offering”), as amended from time to time. In accordance with FASB ASC 470-20, the Company recognized none of the intrinsic value of embedded beneficial conversion feature present in the Lee Note. As of March 31, 2021, the Company paid off the convertible promissory note of $311,233, including principal and accrued and unpaid interest expense. 

 

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On October 23, 2020, the Company entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement (the “October SPA”) with one accredited investor. Pursuant to the October SPA, the Company sold and issued a convertible promissory note (the “October Note”) in the principal amount of $2,500,000 to the investor and received the payment from such investor on October 30, 2020. The October Note was issued on October 23, 2020 and the maturity date of the October Note is the twenty-four (24) month anniversary from the issuance date (the “Maturity Date”). Upon the Maturity Date, the Company shall pay to the holder, in cash, an amount representing all outstanding principal amount and accrued and unpaid interest under the October Note. The October Note bears an interest rate of ten percent (10%) per annum and may be convertible into shares of the Company’s common stock at a fixed conversion price of $2.25 per share. The holder of the October Note may elect to convert part or all of the outstanding balance of the October Note from the issuance date until the Maturity Date. The Company may prepay the outstanding amount at any time, in whole or in part, without any penalty.

 

As of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the aggregate carrying values of the convertible debentures were $2,500,000 and $2,750,000, respectively; and accrued convertible interest was $110,215 and $104,551, respectively.

 

Total interest expenses in connection with the above convertible note payable were $66,897 and $95,214 for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

 

8. BANK LOANS

 

(1) Short-term bank loan consists of the following:

 

    March 31,     December 31,  
    2021     2020  
Cathay United Bank   $ 263,250     $ 267,000  
CTBC Bank     702,000       712,000  
Cathay Bank     650,000       650,000  
Total   $ 1,615,250     $ 1,629,000  

 

Cathay United Bank

 

On June 28, 2016, BioLite Taiwan and Cathay United Bank entered into a one-year bank loan agreement (the “Cathay United Loan Agreement”) in an amount of NT$7,500,000, equivalent to $263,250. The term started June 28, 2016 with maturity date at June 28, 2017. The loan balance bears interest at a floating rate of prime rate plus 1.15%. The prime rate is based on term deposit saving interest rate of Cathay United Bank. On September 6, 2017, BioLite Taiwan extended the Cathay United Loan Agreement for one year, which was due on September 6, 2018, with the principal amount of NT$7,500,000, equivalent to $263,250. On October 1, 2018, BioLite Taiwan extended the Cathay United Loan Agreement with the same principal amount of NT$7,500,000, equivalent to $263,250 for one year, which was due on September 6, 2019. On September 6, 2019, BioLite Taiwan extended the Cathay United Loan Agreement with the same principal amount of NT$7,500,000, equivalent to $263,250 for one year, which is due on September 6, 2020. On September 6, 2020, BioLite Taiwan extended the Cathay United Loan Agreement with the same principal amount of NT$7,500,000, equivalent to $263,250 for one year, which is due on September 6, 2021. As of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the effective interest rates per annum was 2.1%. The loan is collateralized by the building and improvement of BioLite Taiwan, and is also personal guaranteed by the Company’s chairman.

 

Interest expenses were $1,383 and $1,378 for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

 

CTBC Bank 

 

On June 12, 2017 and July 19, 2017, BioLite Taiwan and CTBC Bank entered into short-term saving secured bank loan agreements (the “CTBC Loan Agreements”) in an amount of NT$10,000,000, equivalent to $351,000, and NT$10,000,000, equivalent to $351,000, respectively. Both two loans with the same maturity date at January 19, 2018. In February 2018, BioLite Taiwan combined two loans and extended the loan contract with CTBC for one year. On January 18, 2019, BioLite Taiwan and CTBC Bank agreed to extend the loan with a new maturity date, which was July 18, 2019. On July 18, 2019, BioLite Taiwan extended the CTBC Loan Agreement with the same principal amount of NT$20,000,000, equivalent to $702,000 for six months, which is due on January 17, 2020. On January 19, 2020, BioLite Taiwan extended the CTBC Loan Agreement with the same principal amount of NT$20,000,000, equivalent to $702,000 for six months, which is due on July 19, 2020. On July 17, 2020, BioLite Taiwan extended the CTBC Loan Agreement with the same principal amount of NT$20,000,000, equivalent to $702,000 for six months, which is due on January 15, 2021. On January 15, 2021, BioLite Taiwan extended the CTBC Loan Agreement with the same principal amount of NT$20,000,000, equivalent to $702,000 for six months, which is due on July 15, 2021. The loan balances bear interest at a fixed rate of 1.68% per annum. The loan is secured by the money deposited in a savings account with the CTBC Bank. This loan was also personal guaranteed by the Company’s chairman and BioFirst. During the year ended December 31, 2020, BioLite Taiwan has opened a TCD account with CTBC bank to guarantee the loan going forward.

 

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Interest expenses were $2,949 and $2,755 for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

  

Cathay Bank 

 

On January 21, 2019, the Company received a loan in the amount of $500,000 from Cathay Bank (the “Bank”) pursuant to a business loan agreement (the “Loan Agreement”) entered by and between the Company and Bank on January 8, 2019 and a promissory note (the “Note”) executed by the Company on the same day. The Loan Agreement provides for a revolving line of credit in the principal amount of $1,000,000 with a maturity date (the “Maturity Date”) of January 1, 2020. The Note executed in connection with the Loan Agreement bears an interest rate (the “Regular Interest Rate”) equal to the sum of one percent (1%) and the prime rate as published in the Wall Street Journal (the “Index”) and the accrued interest shall become payable each month from February 1, 2019. Pursuant to the Note, the Company shall pay the entire outstanding principal plus accrued unpaid interest on the Maturity Date and may prepay portion or all of the Note before the Maturity Date without penalty. If the Company defaults on the Note, the default interest rate shall become five percent (5%) plus the Regular Interest Rate.

 

In connection with the Note and Loan Agreement, on January 8, 2019, each of Dr. Tsung Shann Jiang and Dr. George Lee, executed a commercial guaranty (the “Guaranty”) to guaranty the loans for the Company pursuant to the Loan Agreement and Note, severally and individually, in the amount not exceeding $500,000 each until the entire Note plus interest are fully paid and satisfied. Dr. Tsung Shann Jiang is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of BioLite Holding, Inc. and Dr. George Lee serves as the Chairman of the board of directors of BioKey, Inc, which became a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company effective by operation of law on or about February 5, 2019. On December 29, 2020, the Company entered into a new loan extension agreement and assignment of deposit account with the Bank, which allowed Dr. Tsung Shann Jiang and Dr. George Lee to be removed as guarantees from the list of Guaranty.

 

In addition, on January 8, 2019, each of the Company and BioKey, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, signed a commercial security agreement (the “Security Agreement”) to secure the loans under the Loan Agreement and the Note. Pursuant to the Security Agreements, each of the Company and BioKey (each, a “Grantor”, and collectively, the “Grantors”) granted security interest in the collaterals as defined therein, comprised of almost all of the assets of each Grantor, to secure such loans for the benefit of the Bank. On March 31, 2020, the Company extended the Loan Agreement with the same term for seven months, which is due on October 31, 2020. On April 8, 2020 and October 3, 2020, the Company repaid an aggregated principal amount of $350,000. On December 3, 2020, The Company renewed the Loan Agreement with the principal amount of $650,000 for ten months, which is due on October 31, 2021. The outstanding loan balance was $650,000 as of March 31, 2021.

 

Interest expenses were $3,927 and $13,740 for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

 

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9. PAYCHECK PROTECTION PROGRAM LOAN PAYABLE 

 

On April 14, 2020, the Company received a loan in the amount of $124,400 under the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) administered by the United States Small Business Administration (the “SBA”) from East West Bank. According to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “Cares Act”), PPP loan provides for forgiveness of up to the full principal amount and accrued interest if the funds are used for payroll costs, interest on mortgages, rent, and utilities. However, at least 60% of the forgiven amount must have been used for payroll.

 

The loan was granted pursuant to a promissory note dated April 14, 2020 issued by the Company, which matures on April 13, 2022 and bears interest at a rate of 1.00% per annum. The Company will pay the principal in one payment of all outstanding principal plus all accrued unpaid interest on that date that is two years after the date of the promissory note. In addition, the Company will pay regular monthly payments in an amount equal to one month’s accrued interest commencing on the date that is seven months after the date of the promissory note, with all subsequent interest payments to be due on the same day of each month after that. No collateral or personal guarantees are required.

 

On January 29, 2021, the entity of BioKey received a loan in the amount of $132,331 under the Paycheck Protection Program administered by the United States Small Business Administration from East West Bank. According to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “Cares Act”), PPP loan provides for forgiveness of up to the full principal amount and accrued interest if the funds are used for payroll costs, interest on mortgages, rent, and utilities. However, at least 60% of the forgiven amount must have been used for payroll. The loan was granted pursuant to a promissory note dated January 27, 2021 issued by the Company, which matures on January 28, 2026 and bears interest at a rate of 1.00% per annum. The Company will pay the principal in one payment of all outstanding principal plus all accrued unpaid interest on that date that is five years after the date of the promissory note. In addition, the Company will start the application with the US Government regarding the loan forgiveness program as soon as the US Government allows. No collateral or personal guarantees are required. 

 

On February 7, 2021, the entity of ABVC received a loan in the amount of $104,167 under the Paycheck Protection Program administered by the United States Small Business Administration from Cathay Bank. According to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “Cares Act”), PPP loan provides for forgiveness of up to the full principal amount and accrued interest if the funds are used for payroll costs, interest on mortgages, rent, and utilities. However, at least 60% of the forgiven amount must have been used for payroll. The loan was granted pursuant to a promissory note dated February 7, 2021 issued by the Company, which matures on February 6, 2026 and bears interest at a rate of 1.00% per annum. The Company will pay the principal in one payment of all outstanding principal plus all accrued unpaid interest on that date that is five years after the date of the promissory note. In addition, the Company will start the application with the US Government regarding the loan forgiveness program as soon as the US Government allows. No collateral or personal guarantees are required.

 

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PPP loan Forgiveness 

 

On February 27, 2021, the Company submitted all required to East West Bank for the application of forgiveness. During 2021, the PPP loan from East West Bank of $124,400 was waived by the SBA as a gesture of supporting the operation of the Company. The Company recorded the forgiveness of the PPP loan as government grant income during the three months ended March 31, 2021.

 

10. NOTES PAYABLE

 

In January, 2019, BioLite Taiwan entered an unsecured loan agreement with one individual bearing interest at fixed rates at 12% per annum of NT$3,000,000, equivalent to $105,300, for working capital purpose. As of the date of this report, BioLite Taiwan is still in discussion with the individual with respect to the terms of the unsecured loans. As of March 31, 2021 and 2020, the balance due to this individual amounted to $105,300 and $106,800, respectively. Interest expense was $3,204 and $2,988 for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

 

11. SHORT-TERM LOAN

 

On February 18, 2020, the Company entered an unsecured loan agreement with a third-party in the amount of $100,000. This loan bears the interest rate of 1.5% per annum and will be matured on August 17, 2020. On August 18, 2020, the Company extended the contract for six months under the same term. Accrued interest expense was $375 and $1,302 as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively.

 

12. RELATED PARTIES TRANSACTIONS 

 

The related parties of the company with whom transactions are reported in these financial statements are as follows:

 

Name of entity or Individual   Relationship with the Company and its subsidiaries
BioFirst Corporation (the “BioFirst”)   Entity controlled by controlling beneficiary shareholder of YuanGene
BioFirst (Australia) Pty Ltd. (the “BioFirst (Australia)”)   100% owned by BioFirst; Entity controlled by controlling beneficiary shareholder of YuanGene
Rgene Corporation (the “Rgene”)   Shareholder of the Company; entity controlled by controlling beneficiary shareholder of YuanGene
YuanGene Corporation (the “YuanGene”)   Controlling beneficiary shareholder of the Company
AsiaGene Corporation (the “AsiaGene”)   Shareholder; entity controlled by controlling beneficiary shareholder of YuanGene
Eugene Jiang   Former President and Chairman
Keypoint Technology Ltd. (the “Keypoint’)   The Chairman of Keypoint is Eugene Jiang’s mother.
Lion Arts Promotion Inc. (the “Lion Arts”)   Shareholder of the Company
Yoshinobu Odaira (the “Odaira”)   Director of the Company
GenePharm Inc. (the “GenePharm”)   Dr. George Lee, Board Director of Biokey, is the Chairman of GenePharm.
Euro-Asia Investment & Finance Corp Ltd. (the “Euro-Asia”)   Shareholder of the Company
LBG USA, Inc. (the “LBG USA”)   100% owned by BioFirst; Entity controlled by controlling beneficiary shareholder of YuanGene
LionGene Corporation (the “LionGene”)   Shareholder of the Company; Entity controlled by controlling beneficiary shareholder of YuanGene
Kimho Consultants Co., Ltd. (the “Kimho”)   Shareholder of the Company
  Mr. Tsung-Shann Jiang, the controlling beneficiary shareholder of the Company and Rgene, the Chairman and CEO of the BioLite Holding Inc. and BioLite Inc. and the President and a member of board of directors of BioFirst
 
Ms. Shu-Ling Jiang, Mr. Tsung-Shann Jiang’s wife, is the Chairman of Keypoint; and a member of board of directors of BioLite Inc.
 
Mr. Eugene Jiang is Mr. and Ms. Jiang’s son. Mr. Eugene Jiang is the chairman, and majority shareholder of the Company and a member of board of directors of BioLite Inc.
 
Mr. Chang-Jen Jiang is Mr. Tsung-Shann Jiang’s sibling and the director of the Company.
 
Ms. Mei-Ling Jiang is Ms. Shu-Ling Jiang’s sibling.
Amkey Ventures, LLC (“Amkey”)   An entity controlled by Dr. George Lee, who serves as one of the board directors of BioKey, Inc
BioLite Japan   Entity controlled by controlling beneficiary shareholder of ABVC

 

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Accounts receivable - related parties

 

Accounts receivable due from related parties consisted of the following as of the periods indicated:

 

    March 31,     December 31,  
    2021     2020  
GenePharm Inc.   $ 142,225     $ 142,225  
Amkey     2,850       1,210  
Total   $ 145,075     $ 143,435  

 

Due from related parties

 

Amount due from related parties consisted of the following as of the periods indicated:

 

    March 31,     December 31,  
    2021     2020  
Rgene   $ 43,266     $ 42,911  
AsiaGene     4,287       4,241  
BioFirst (Australia)     379,110       373,235  
BioHopeKing Corporation     121,848       123,583  
LBG USA     675       675  
BioLite Japan     150,000       150,000  
Keypoint     1,610       1,610  
The Jiangs     2,093       -  
Total   $ 702,889     $ 696,255  

 

(1) As of March 31, 2021, and December 31, 2020, the Company has advanced an aggregate amount of $43,266 and $42,911 to Rgene for working capital purpose. Under the terms of the loan agreement, the loan bears interest at 1% per month (or equivalent to 12% per annum) and the maturity date was December 31, 2020. As of March 31, 2021, and December 31, 2020, the outstanding loan balance was $31,239 and $31,684; and accrued interest was $12,027 and $11,227, respectively.

 

(2) On May 27, 2019, the Company entered into loan agreements with AsiaGene for NT $100,000, equivalent to $3,510, to meet its working capital needs.  Under the terms of the loan agreement, the loan bears interest at 1% per month (or equivalent to 12% per annum) and the loan maturity date was December 31, 2020. As of March 31, 2021, and December 31, 2020, the outstanding loan balance was $3,510 and $3,560, and accrued interest was $777 and $681, respectively.

 

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(3) On May 11, 2018, the Company and BioFirst (Australia) entered into a loan agreement for a total amount of $40,000 to meet its working capital needs. The advances bear 0% interest rate and are due on demand prior to June 30, 2020. Afterwards, all outstanding load will bear interest rate at 12% per annum. On July 1, 2020, the Company entered into a loan agreement with BioFirst (Australia) for $321,487 to properly record R&D cost and tax refund allocation based on co-development contract executed on July 24, 2017. The loan will be matured on June 30, 2021 with an interest rate of 12% per annum. As of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the aggregate amount of outstanding loan and accrued interest was $379,110 and $373,235, respectively.

  

(4) On February 24, 2015, BioLite Taiwan and BioHopeKing Corporation (the “BHK”) entered into a co-development agreement, (the “BHK Co-Development Agreement”, see Note 3). The development costs shall be shared 50/50 between BHK and the Company. Under the term of the agreement, BioLite issued relevant development cost to BHK. As of March 31, 2021 and 2020, due from BHK was $121,848 and $123,583, respectively. 

 

(5) On February 27, 2019, the Company has advanced funds to LBG USA for working capital purpose. The advances bear 0% interest rate and are due on demand. As of March 31, 2021 and 2020, the outstanding advance balances was $675 and $675, respectively.

  

(6) On May 8, 2020, the Company and Lucidaim entered into a Letter of Intent (LOI) in regard to a potential joint venture of BioLite Japan. Based on the LOI, each party will advance an aggregated amount of $150,000 to meet BioLite Japan’s working capital needs, which the Company advanced an amount of $150,000 and the advance bear 0% interest rate. As of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the outstanding advance balances was $150,000 and $150,000, respectively.
   
(7) On October 31, 2020, the Company has advanced an aggregate amount of $1,610 to Keypoint for working capital purpose. Under the terms of the loan agreement, the loan bears interest at 6.5% per annum and the loan will be matured on October 30, 2021. As of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the outstanding loan balance was $1,610.

 

(8) In January 2021, the Company has advanced funds to the Jiangs. The advances bear 0% interest rate and are due on demand. As of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the outstanding advance balances was $2,093 and $0, respectively

 

Due to related parties

 

Amount due to related parties consisted of the following as of the periods indicated:

 

    March 31,     December 31,  
    2021     2020  
BioFirst Corporation   $ 23,647     $ 23,647  
AsiaGene     24,017       -  
YuanGene     9,205       9,205  
The Jiangs     18,750       16,627  
Due to shareholders     163,566       166,261  
Due to employee     72,967       72,704  
Total   $ 312,152     $ 288,445  

 

(1) Since 2019, BioFirst has advanced funds to the Company for working capital purpose. The advances bear interest 1% per month (or equivalent to 12% per annum). As of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the aggregate amount of outstanding balance and accrued interest is $23,647 and $23,647, respectively.

 

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(2)

As of March 31, 2021, and December 31, 2020, AsiaGene has advanced the Company an aggregate amount of $24,017 and $0, respectively for working capital purpose. This advance bears 0% interest rate and is due on demand.

  

(3)

As of March 31, 2021, and December 31, 2020, YuanGene has advanced the Company an aggregate amount of $9,205 for working capital purpose. This advance bears 0% interest rate and is due on demand.

 

(4)

Since 2019, the Jiangs advanced funds to the Company for working capital purpose. As of March 31, 2021, and December 31, 2020, the outstanding balance due to the Jiangs amounted to $18,750 and $16,627, respectively. These loans bear interest rate of 0% to 1% per month, and are due on demand.

 

(5) Since 2018, the Company’s shareholders have advanced funds to the Company for working capital purpose. The advances bear interest rate from 12% to 13.6224% per annum. As of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the outstanding principal and accrued interest was $163,566 and $166,261, respectively. Interest expenses in connection with these loans were $5,298 and $5,269 for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. 

 

(6) Commencing January, 2020, the Company had advances from one employee for working capital purpose. The outstanding balance including accrued interest due to this employee amounted to $72,967 and $72,704 as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. This loan bears interest rate of 1.5% per annum, and is due on demand.

 

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13. EQUITY

  

On February 8, 2016, a Share Exchange Agreement (“Share Exchange Agreement”) was entered into by and among the Company, BriVision, Euro-Asia Investment & Finance Corp. Limited, a company incorporated under the laws of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of People’s Republic of China (“Euro-Asia”), being the owners of record of 164,387,376 (52,336,000 pre-stock split) shares of Common Stock of the Company, and the owners of record of all of the issued share capital of BriVision (the “BriVision Stock”). Pursuant to the Share Exchange Agreement, upon surrender by the BriVision Shareholders and the cancellation by BriVision of the certificates evidencing the BriVision Stock as registered in the name of each BriVision Shareholder, and pursuant to the registration of the Company in the register of members maintained by BriVision as the new holder of the BriVision Stock and the issuance of the certificates evidencing the aforementioned registration of the BriVision Stock in the name of the Company, the Company should issue 166,273,921(52,936,583 pre-stock split) shares (the “Acquisition Stock”) (subject to adjustment for fractionalized shares as set forth below) of the Company’s Common Stock to the BriVision Shareholders (or their designees), and 163,159,952 (51,945,225 pre-stock split) shares of the Company’s Common Stock owned by Euro-Asia should be cancelled and retired to treasury. The Acquisition Stock collectively should represent 79.70% of the issued and outstanding Common Stock of the Company immediately after the Closing, in exchange for the BriVision Stock, representing 100% of the issued share capital of BriVision in a reverse merger, or the Merger. Pursuant to the Merger, all of the issued and outstanding shares of BriVision’s Common Stock were converted, at an exchange ratio of 0.2536-for-1, into an aggregate of 166,273,921(52,936,583 pre-stock split) shares of Company’s Common Stock and BriVision became a wholly owned subsidiary, of the Company. The holders of Company’s Common Stock as of immediately prior to the Merger held an aggregate of 205,519,223 (65,431,144 pre-stock split) shares of Company’s Common Stock, Because of the exchange of the BriVision Stock for the Acquisition Stock (the “Share Exchange”), BriVision became a wholly owned subsidiary (the “Subsidiary”) of the Company and there was a change of control of the Company following the closing.  There were no warrants, options or other equity instruments issued in connection with the share exchange agreement.

 

On February 17, 2016, pursuant to the 2016 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2016 Plan”), 157,050 (50,000 pre-stock split) shares were granted to the employees.

 

On March 21, 2016, the Board of Directors of the Company approved an amendment to Articles of Incorporation to effect a forward split at a ratio of 1 to 3:141 (the “Forward Stock Split”) and increase the number of our authorized shares of Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share, to 360,000,000, which was effective on April 8, 2016.

 

On May 6, 2016, the Company and BioLite Taiwan agreed to amend the BioLite Collaborative Agreement, through entry into the Milestone Payment Agreement, whereby the Company has agreed to issue shares of Common Stock of the Company, at the price of $1.60 per share, for an aggregate number of 562,500 shares, as part of the Company’s first installation of payment pursuant to the Milestone Payment. The shares issuance was completed in June 2016. On August 26, 2016, the Company issued 1,468,750 shares (“Shares”) of the Company’s Common Stock, par value $0.001 (the “Offering”) to BioLite Taiwan pursuant to a certain Stock Purchase Agreement dated August 26, 2016 (the “SPA”). The Shares are exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), pursuant to Regulation S of the Securities Act promulgated thereunder. The purchase price per share of the Offering is $1.60. The net proceeds to the Company from the Offering are approximately $2,350,000. Pursuant to the BioLite Collaborative Agreement, BriVision should pay a total of $100,000,000 in cash or stock of the Company with equivalent value according to the milestone achieved. The agreement requires that 6.5% of total payment, $6,500,000 shall be made upon the first IND submission which was submitted in March 2016. In February 2017, the Company remitted this amount to BioLite with $650,000 in cash and $5,850,000 in the form of newly issued shares of the Company’s Common Stock, at the price of $2.0 per share, for an aggregate number of 2,925,000 shares. Upon the consummation of the restructuring transaction between the Company and BioLite on February 8, 2019, the Company’s Common Stock held by BioLite Taiwan was accounted for treasury stocks in the statement of equity (deficit). On February 8, 2019, after the Merger, the Company issued 74,997,546 shares to the shareholders of BioLite and 29,561,231 shares to the shareholders of BioKey.

 

On May 3, 2019, the Company filed a Certificate of Amendment with the Secretary of State of Nevada, which was effective May 8, 2019 upon its receipt of the written notice from Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”). Pursuant to the Certificate of Amendment, the Company effectuated a 1-for-18 reverse stock split of its issued and outstanding shares of common stock, $0.001 par value, whereby 318,485,252 outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock were exchanged for 17,693,625 shares of the Company’s Common Stock. All shares and related financial information in this Form 10-K reflect this 1-for-18 reverse stock split.

 

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On October 1, 2016, the Company entered into a consulting agreement with Kazunori Kameyama (“Kameyama”) for the provision of services related to the clinical trials and other administrative work, public relation work, capital raising, trip coordination, In consideration for providing such services, the Company agreed to indemnify the consultant in an amount of $150 per hour in cash up to $3,000 per month, and issue to Kameyama the Company’s Common Stock at $1.00 per share for any amount exceeding $3,000. The Company’s stocks shall be calculated and issued in December every year. On November 21, 2020, the Company entered into an agreement with Kameyama, pursuant to which the Company granted and issued 24,694 stock options to Kameyama related to unpaid consulting fees of $49,388 (see Note 14).

 

During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company entered into service agreements with Euro-Asia Investment & Finance Corp Ltd. (a related party), Ever Adventure inv. (Formosa) Consultant Co., Ltd., New Eastern Asia (a related party), and Kimho Consultants Co., Ltd. (a related party) for the maintenance of the listing in the U.S. stock exchange market, investor relations, and business development. Pursuant to the agreements, the Company issued 644,972 shares of the Company’s common stock for the consulting service from July 2019 to July 2024 for the service fee of $4,514,800 in aggregate, and recorded as stock subscription receivable. As of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, stock subscription receivable was $2,934,620 and $3,160,360, respectively.

 

On July 24, 2017, BriVision entered into a collaborative agreement (the “BioFirst Collaborative Agreement”) with BioFirst (See Note 3). On September 25, 2017, BioFirst has delivered all research, technical, data and development data to BriVision, and the Company has recorded the full amount of $3,000,000 due to BioFirst. On June 30, 2019, the Company entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement with BioFirst, pursuant to which the Company agreed to issue 428,571 shares of the Company’s common stock to BioFirst in consideration for $3,000,000 owed by the Company to BioFirst. These common shares were issued during the year ended December 31, 2019.

  

In August, 2019, the Company entered into several Conversion Agreements to all creditors that are listed under below table of “due to related parties” in consideration for a total of $4,872,340 owed by the Company to various creditors based on outstanding loan agreements. Under the Conversion Agreements, creditor agrees to convert the amount of debt into the Company’s common stock at a price of $7.00 per share.

 

    Amount of
Debt
Converted
    Number of
Shares
Issued
 
             
Lion Arts Promotion Inc   $ 97,864       13,981  
LionGene Corporation     428,099       61,157  
BioFirst Corporation     2,902,911       414,702  
AsiaGene Corporation     160,000       22,858  
YuanGene Corporation     92,690       13,242  
The Jiangs     1,190,776       170,111  
Total   $ 4,872,340       696,051  

 

On March 12, 2020, the board of directors of the Company approved and adopted an amendment to the Company’s Articles of Incorporation, to increase the authorized shares of its common stock, par value $0.001 per share, from 20,000,000 to 100,000,000 shares.

 

On July 8, 2020, the Company entered an agreement with View Trade Securities Inc. (“ViewTrade”) to engage ViewTrade as the placement agent and the Company’s advisor with respect to its ongoing capital events. Pursuant to the agreement, the Company agreed to pay View Trade 60,000 restricted common shares of the Company and 60,000 warrants to purchase common shares of the Company at an exercise price of $6 per share for a period of 5 years with cashless exercise provision. As of December 31, 2020, the Company has issued 60,000 shares of common stock to ViewTrade for the consulting fee with an estimated value of $135,000. The warrants were never issued and the parties mutually agreed to terminate the agreement on November 19, 2020. As a termination fee, the Company agreed to issue ViewTrade 50,000 restricted common shares of the Company.

 

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Also on November 19, 2020, the Company and ViewTrade agreed to a new Advisory agreement under which ViewTrade was engaged to provide advisory services only. In addition to a retainer fee, the Company agreed to issue 200,000 warrants, with an exercise price of $2.25, an industry standard cashless exercise provision, and a term of 5 years from November 19, 2020.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company entered into a consulting agreement with a service provider for consulting and advisory services, pursuant to which the Company agreed to pay the service fee by issuing 50,000 shares of unrestricted common shares, valued at the closing price of $2.9 per share on the grant date. As of December 31, 2020, these shares have been issued.   

 

During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company received aggregated capital contributions of $7,615,331 in cash from 45 investors through private placements of the sale of the Company’s common stock for the purchase price of $2.25 per share and a free warrant attached with each common stock purchased. As of March 31, 2021, 3,384,615 shares of the Company’s common stock have been issued.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company entered into consulting agreements with four service providers for consulting and advisory services, pursuant to which the Company agreed to pay the service fee by issuing 521,887 shares of unrestricted common shares, valued at the closing price from $2 to $3.68 per share on the grant date. As of March 31, 2021, these shares have been issued.

 

As of March 31, 2021, the Company issued aggregated common shares of 915,856  to six previous note holders, who had converted their outstanding principals and accrued and unpaid interests, including the debt conversion to the following:

 

  a. Keypoint converted the aggregated amount of $292,826 at the conversion price of $1.84 on April 5, 2020, in exchange for 159,145 shares of the Company’s common stock, and warrants to purchase 159,145 shares of the Company’s common stock.

 

  b. Odaira converted the aggregated amount of $284,036 at the conversion price of $1.84 on April 5, 2020, in exchange for 154,368 shares of the Company’s common stock, and warrants to purchase 154,368 shares of the Company’s common stock.

 

  c. C.L.L. converted the aggregated amount of $289,974 at the conversion price of $1.78 on April 20, 2020, in exchange for 162,908 shares of the Company’s common stock, and warrants to purchase 162,908 shares of the Company’s common stock.

 

  d. KLS converted the aggregated amount of $225,222 at the conversion price of $1.78 on April 20, 2020, in exchange for 126,530 shares of the Company’s common stock, and warrants to purchase 126,530 shares of the Company’s common stock.

 

  e. Yu and Wei converted the aggregated amount of $354,722 at the conversion price of $1.84 on April 5, 2020, in exchange for 192,784 shares of the Company’s common stock, and warrants to purchase 192,784 shares of the Company’s common stock.

 

  f. KSL converted the aggregated amount of $270,272 at the conversion price of $2.25 on November 9, 2020, in exchange for 120,121 shares of the Company’s common stock, and warrants to purchase 120,121 shares of the Company’s common stock.

  

See Note 7 for more details in connection with the above debt conversion.  

 

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14. STOCK OPTIONS

 

On October 30, 2020, the Company issued an aggregate of 545,182 shares of common stock in lieu of unpaid salaries of certain employees and unpaid consulting fees under the 2016 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended, at a conversion price of $2 per share; the total amount of converted salaries and consulting fees was $1,090,361. On November 21, 2020, the Company has entered into acknowledgement agreements and stock option purchase agreements with these employees and consultant; pursuant to which the Company granted stock options to purchase 545,182 shares of the Company’s common stock in lieu of common stock. The options were vested at the grant date and become exercisable for 10 years from the grant date.

 

Options issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2020, and their activities during the year then ended are as follows:

 

                Weighted-        
          Weighted-     Average        
        Average     Contractual        
    Number of     Exercise     Life     Aggregate  
    Underlying
Shares
    Price
Per Share
    Remaining
in Years
    Intrinsic
Value
 
Outstanding as of January 1, 2020           -     $ -             $          
Granted     545,182       2.00       9.89       616,056  
Forfeited     -       -                  
Outstanding as of December 31, 2020     545,182       2.00       9.89     $ 616,056  
Exercisable as of December 31, 2020     545,182       2.00       9.89     $ 616,056  
Vested and expected to vest     545,182     $ 2.00       9.89     $ 616,056  

 

The fair value of stock options granted for the year ended December 31, 2020 was calculated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model applying the following assumptions:

 

    Year ended  
    December 31,
2020
 
       
Risk free interest rate     0.38 %
Expected term (in years)     5.00  
Dividend yield     0 %
Expected volatility     89.01 %

 

The weighted average grant date fair value of options granted during 2020 was $3.13. There are 2,812,949 options available for grant under the 2016 Equity Incentive Plan as of December 31, 2020. Compensation costs associated with the Company’s stock options are recognized, based on the grant-date fair values of these options over vesting period. Accordingly, the Company recognized stock-based compensation expense of $0 and $0 for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. As of March 31, 2021, there were no unvested options.

 

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15. LOSS PER SHARE

 

Basic loss per share is computed by dividing net loss by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the year. Diluted loss per share is computed by dividing net loss by the weighted-average number of common shares and dilutive potential common shares outstanding during the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020.

 

    For the Three Months Ended  
    March 31,
2021
    March 31,
2020
 
Numerator:            
Net loss attributable to ABVC’s common stockholders   $ (1,128,505 )   $ (1,247,538 )
                 
Denominator:                
Weighted-average shares outstanding:                
Weighted-average shares outstanding - Basic     24,420,526       19,484,542  
Stock options              
Weighted-average shares outstanding - Diluted     24,420,526       19,484,542  
                 
Loss per share                
-Basic   $ (0.05 )   $ (0.06 )
-Diluted   $ (0.05 )   $ (0.06 )

 

Diluted loss per share takes into account the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue Common Stock were exercised and converted into Common Stock.

  

16. LEASE

 

The Company adopted FASB Accounting Standards Codification, Topic 842, Leases (“ASC 842”) using the modified retrospective approach, electing the practical expedient that allows the Company not to restate its comparative periods prior to the adoption of the standard on January 1, 2019.

 

The Company applied the following practical expedients in the transition to the new standard and allowed under ASC 842:

 

  Reassessment of expired or existing contracts: The Company elected not to reassess, at the application date, whether any expired or existing contracts contained leases, the lease classification for any expired or existing leases, and the accounting for initial direct costs for any existing leases.

 

  Use of hindsight: The Company elected to use hindsight in determining the lease term (that is, when considering options to extend or terminate the lease and to purchase the underlying asset) and in assessing impairment of right-to-use assets.

 

  Reassessment of existing or expired land easements: The Company elected not to evaluate existing or expired land easements that were not previously accounted for as leases under ASC 840, as allowed under the transition practical expedient. Going forward, new or modified land easements will be evaluated under ASU No. 2016-02.

 

  Separation of lease and non- lease components: Lease agreements that contain both lease and non-lease components are generally accounted for separately.

 

  Short-term lease recognition exemption: The Company also elected the short-term lease recognition exemption and will not recognize ROU assets or lease liabilities for leases with a term less than 12 months.

 

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The new leasing standard requires recognition of leases on the consolidated balance sheets as right-of-use (“ROU”) assets and lease liabilities. ROU assets represent the Company’s right to use underlying assets for the lease terms and lease liabilities represent the Company’s obligation to make lease payments arising from the leases. Operating lease ROU assets and operating lease liabilities are recognized based on the present value and future minimum lease payments over the lease term at commencement date. The Company’s future minimum based payments used to determine the Company’s lease liabilities mainly include minimum based rent payments. As most of Company’s leases do not provide an implicit rate, the Company uses its estimated incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments.

 

The Company recognized lease liabilities, with corresponding ROU assets, based on the present value of unpaid lease payments for existing operating leases longer than twelve months. The ROU assets were adjusted per ASC 842 transition guidance for existing lease-related balances of accrued and prepaid rent, unamortized lease incentives provided by lessors, and restructuring liabilities. Operating lease cost is recognized as a single lease cost on a straight-line basis over the lease term and is recorded in Selling, general and administrative expenses. Variable lease payments for common area maintenance, property taxes and other operating expenses are recognized as expense in the period when the changes in facts and circumstances on which the variable lease payments are based occur.

 

The Company has no finance leases. The Company’s leases primarily include various office and laboratory spaces, copy machine, and vehicles under various operating lease arrangements. The Company’s operating leases have remaining lease terms of up to approximately five years.

 

    March 31,
2021
    December 31,
2020
 
ASSETS            
Operating lease right-of-use assets   $ 1,714,740     $ 1,772,747  
LIABILITIES                
Operating lease liabilities (current)     331,179       316,178  
Operating lease liabilities (noncurrent)     1,383,560       1,456,567  

 

Supplemental Information

 

The following provides details of the Company’s lease expenses:

 

    Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
    2021     2020  
Operating lease expenses   $

78,847

    $ 77,527  

 

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Other information related to leases is presented below:

 

    Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
    2021     2020  
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of operating lease liabilities   $

78,847

    $ 77,527  

 

    March 31,
2021
    December 31,
2020
 
Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term:            
Operating leases      3.58 years        3.08 years  
                 
Weighted Average Discount Rate:                
Operating leases     1.45 %     0.55 %

 

The minimum future annual payments under non-cancellable leases during the next five years and thereafter, at rates now in force, are as follows:

 

    Operating leases  
2021(excluding three months ended March 31, 2021)   $ 253,618  
2022     352,248  
2023     359,591  
2024     374,584  
2025     338,676  
Thereafter     56,916  
Total future minimum lease payments, undiscounted     1,735,633  
Less: Imputed interest     20,893  
Present value of future minimum lease payments   $ 1,714,740  

 

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17. BUSINESS COMBINATION

 

On February 8, 2019, the Company consummated the Merger transactions of BioLite and BioKey (See Note 1). Pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement, BioLite and BioKey became two wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company on February 8, 2019. The Company adopted ASC 805, “Business Combination” to record the merger transactions of BioKey. The acquisition was accounted for as a business combination under the purchase method of accounting. BioKey’s results of operations were included in the Company’s results beginning February 8, 2019. The purchase price has been allocated to the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed based on their fair value at the acquisition date as summarized in the following:

 

Purchase consideration:      
Common Stock (*)   $ 44,341,847  
Allocation of the purchase price:        
Cash and cash equivalents   $ 531,147  
Accounts receivable, net     188,550  
Property and equipment, net     56,075  
Operating lease right-of-use assets     485,684  
Security deposits     10,440  
Total assets acquired     1,271,896  
Accounts payable     (56,204 )
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities     (251,335 )
Operating lease liability     (267,256 )
Tenant security deposit     (2,880 )
Total liabilities assumed     (577,675 )
Total net assets acquired     694,221  
Goodwill as a result of the Merger   $ 43,647,626  

 

  * 29,561,231 shares (1,642,291 after stock reverse split) of common stock of the Company was issued to BioKey in connection with the Merger. Those shares were valued at $1.50 per share, based on the bid-and-ask share price of common stock of the Company on the final day of trading, February 8, 2019.

 

On February 8, 2019, the Company has recorded a 100% goodwill write-down of $43,647,626. Goodwill was determined to have been impaired because of the current financial condition of the Company and the Company’s inability to generate future operating income without substantial sales volume increases, which are highly uncertain. Furthermore, the Company’s anticipated future cash flows indicate that the recoverability of goodwill is not reasonably assured. The goodwill write-down was reflected as a decrease in additional paid-in capital in the statement of equity upon the consummation of the Merger.

  

18. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS  

  

The Company has evaluated subsequent events through the date which the financial statements were available to be issued. All subsequent events requiring recognition as of March 31, 2021 have been incorporated into these financial statements and there are no subsequent events that require disclosure in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 855, “Subsequent Events.”  

  

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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

The following discussion and analysis should be read together with our financial statements and the related notes appearing elsewhere in this prospectus. This discussion contains forward-looking statements reflecting our current expectations that involve risks and uncertainties. See “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements and Industry Data” for a discussion of the uncertainties, risks and assumptions associated with these statements. Actual results and the timing of events could differ materially from those discussed in our forward-looking statements as a result of many factors, including those set forth under “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this prospectus.

 

Overview

 

From its inception, the Company has not generated substantial revenue from its medical device and new drug development. For the three months ended March 31, 2021, the Company generated $263,150 in revenue, mainly from the sale of Contract Development & Manufacturing Organization (“CDMO”) services.

 

Business Overview

 

The Company operates through American BriVision Corporation (“BriVision”), which was incorporated in July 2015 in the State of Delaware, is a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company focused on development of new drugs and medical devices, all of which are derived from plants.

 

Medicines derived from plants have a long history of relieving or preventing many diseases and, typically, have exhibited fewer side effects than drugs developed from animals or chemical ingredients. Perhaps the most famous example is aspirin, which evolved from a compound found in the bark and leaves of the willow tree and was later marketed by Bayer starting in 1899. Aspirin has very few serious side effects and has proven to be one of the most successful drugs in medical history. Some 50 years later, scientists identified anticancer compounds in the rosy periwinkle, which Eli Lilly subsequently produced for the treatment of leukemia and Hodgkins disease. Other well-known examples of successful botanical drugs include the cancer-fighting Taxol, isolated from the Pacific yew tree.

 

The Company develops its pipeline by carefully tracking new medical discoveries or medical device technologies in research institutions in the Asia-Pacific region. Pre-clinical, disease animal model and Phase I safety studies are examined closely by the Company’s scientists and other specialists known to the Company to identify drugs that it believes demonstrate efficacy and safety based on the Company’s internal qualifications. Once a drug is shown to be a good candidate for further development and ultimately commercialization, BriVision licenses the drug or medical device from the original researchers and begins to introduce the drugs clinical plan to highly respected principal investigators in the United States, Australia and Taiwan. In almost all cases, we have found that research institutions in each of those countries are eager to work with the Company to move forward with Phase II clinical trials.

 

Currently, institutions that have or are now conducting phase II clinical trials in partnership with ABVC include:

 

  Drug: ABV-1504, Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), Phase II completed. NCE drug Principal Investigators: Charles DeBattista M.D. and Alan F. Schatzberg, MD, Stanford University Medical Center, Cheng-Ta Li, MD, Ph.D – Taipei Veterans General Hospital

 

  Drug: ABV-1505, Adult Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Phase II Part 1 completed. NCE drug Principal Investigators: Keith McBurnett, Ph.D. and Linda Pfiffner, Ph.D., University of California San Francisco (UCSF), School of Medicine

 

  Drug: ABV-1601, Major Depression in Cancer Patients, Phase I/II, NCE drug Principal Investigator: Scott Irwin, MD, Ph.D. – Cedars Sinai Medical Center (CSMC)

 

  Drug: ABV-1703, Advanced Inoperable or Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer, Phase II, NCE drug Principal Investigator: Andrew E. Hendifar, MD – Cedars Sinai Medical Center (CSMC)

 

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The following trials are expected to begin in  the second or third quarter of 2021:

 

  Medical Device: ABV-1701, Vitargus® in vitrectomy surgery, Pivotal Study in Australia, Principal Investigator: Andrew Chang, MD, Ph.D., Sydney Eye Hospital, Australia

 

  Drug: ABV-1501, A Phase I/II, Open Label Study to Evaluate the Safety and Efficacy of BLEX 404 Oral Liquid Combined with Docetaxel Monotherapy in Patients with Stage IV or Recurrent Breast Cancer Patients

 

Upon successful completion of the Phase II trial, the Company will seek a partner – a large pharmaceutical company – to complete a Phase III study, submit the New Drug Application (NDA), and commercialize the drug upon approval by the FDA and Taiwan FDAs. The Company expects to seek its first commercialization partner in 2021 for Vitargus, its vitreous substitute that helps to maintain a round shape and retinal location during vitrectomy surgery.

 

Another part of the Company’s business is conducted by BioKey, a wholly owned subsidiary, that is engaged in a wide range of services, including, API characterization, pre-formulation studies, formulation development, analytical method development, stability studies, IND/NDA/ANDA/510K submissions, and manufacturing clinical trial materials (phase I through phase III) and commercial manufacturing.

 

On February 8, 2019, the Company, BioLite Holding, Inc. (“BioLite”), BioKey, Inc. (“BioKey”), BioLite Acquisition Corp., a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company and BioKey Acquisition Corp., a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company completed the business combination pursuant to that certain Agreement and Plan of Merger dated January 31, 2018, pursuant to which the Company acquired BioLite and BioKey via issuing shares of the Company’s Common Stock to the shareholders of BioLite and BioKey. As a result, BioLite and BioKey became two wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company on February 8, 2019. The Company issued an aggregate of 104,558,777 shares of Common Stock (prior to the reverse stock split in 2019) to the shareholders of both BioLite and BioKey under a registration statement on Form S-4 (file number 333-226285), which became effective by operation of law on or about February 5, 2019.

 

BioLite was incorporated under the laws of the State of Nevada on July 27, 2016, with 500,000,000 shares authorized, par value $0.0001. BioLite’s key subsidiaries include BioLite BVI, Inc. (“BioLite BVI”) that was incorporated in the British Virgin Islands on September 13, 2016 and BioLite, Inc. (“BioLite Taiwan”), a Taiwanese corporation that was founded in February 2006. BioLite Taiwan has been in the business of developing new drugs for over ten years.

 

BioLite and BioLite BVI are holding companies and have not carried out substantive business operations of their own.

 

In January 2017, BioLite, BioLite BVI, BioLite Taiwan, and certain shareholders of BioLite Taiwan entered into a share purchase / exchange agreement (the “BioLite Share Purchase / Exchange Agreement”). Pursuant to the BioLite Share Purchase / Exchange Agreement, the shareholder participants to the BioLite Share Purchase / Exchange Agreement sold their equity in BioLite Taiwan and used the proceeds from such sales to purchase shares of Common Stock of BioLite at the same price per share, resulting in their owning the same number of shares of Common Stock as they owned in BioLite Taiwan. Upon closing of the Share Purchase/ Exchange Agreement in August 2017, BioLite owns, via BioLite BVI, approximately 73% of BioLite Taiwan. The other shareholders who did not enter this Share Purchase/ Exchange Agreement retain their equity ownership in BioLite Taiwan.

 

BioKey was incorporated on August 9, 2000 in the State of California. It is engaged primarily in research and development, manufacturing, and distribution of generic drugs and nutraceuticals with strategic partners. BioKey provides a wide range of services, including, API characterization, pre-formulation studies, formulation development, analytical method development, stability studies, IND/NDA/ANDA/510K submissions, and manufacturing clinical trial materials (phase 1 through phase 3) and commercial manufacturing. It also licenses out its technologies and initiates joint research and development processes with other biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and nutraceutical companies.

 

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Common Stock Reverse Split

 

On March 12, 2019, the Board by unanimous written consent in lieu of a meeting approved to i) effect a stock reverse split at the ratio of 1-for-18 (the “Reverse Split”) of both the authorized common stock of the Company and the issued and outstanding common stock and ii) to amend the articles of incorporation of the Company to reflect the Reverse Split. The Board approved and authorized the Reverse Split without obtaining approval of the Company’s shareholders pursuant to Section 78.207 of Nevada Revised Statutes.

 

On May 3, 2019, the Company filed a certificate of amendment to the Company’s articles of incorporation (the “Amendment”) to effect the Reverse Split with the Secretary of State of the State of Nevada. The Reverse Split took effect on May 8, 2019.

 

Series A Convertible Preferred Stock

 

On June 28, 2019, the Company filed a certificate of designation (the “Series A COD”) of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock (the “Series A Stock”) with the Secretary of the State of Nevada.

 

Pursuant to the Series A COD, the Company designated 3,500,000 shares of preferred stock as Series A Stock, par value of $0.001 per share. Subject to the laws of Nevada, the Company will pay cumulative dividends on the Series A Stock on each anniversary from the date of original issue for a period of four calendar years. The Series A Stock will rank senior to the outstanding common stock of the Company, par value $0.001 (the “Common Stock”) with respect to dividend rights, rights upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up in the amount of accrued but unpaid dividend. Holders of the Series A Stock will have the same voting rights as the Company’s Common Stock holders. Each share of Series A Stock is initially convertible at any time at the option of the holder into one share of Common Stock and automatically converts into one share of Common Stock on the four-year anniversary of its issuance.

 

As of March 31, 2021, no Series A Convertible Preferred Stock has been issued by the Company.

 

Increasing the Authorized Shares

 

On March 12, 2020, our board of directors approved and adopted an amendment to the Company’s Articles of Incorporation, to increase the authorized shares of the common stock, par value $0.001 per share, from 20,000,000 to 100,000,000, such that, after including the previously authorized 20,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.001 per share, the aggregate number of shares of stock that the Company has authority to issue is 120,000,000 shares. The amendment became effective on April 2, 2020.

 

Financings

 

Financing in November 2020

 

On November 11, 2020, we conducted a closing with regard to certain securities purchase agreements (the “SPAs”) dated October 23, 2020, separately with two non-U.S. investors (the “Investors”). Each of the Investors agreed to purchase and the Company agreed to sell to each of the Investors 1,111,112 shares of the Company’s Common Stock, and warrants (the “November Warrants”) to purchase 1,111,112 shares of Common Stock, for a purchase price of $2,500,000. The November Warrants are exercisable upon issuance and will expire three years from the date of issuance. The initial exercise price of the November Warrants is $6.00, subject to stock, splits, stock dividend and other similar events. In addition, when the closing price of the Common Stock equals or exceeds $9.00 per share for twenty Trading Days (as defined in the SPAs) during any thirty-day period, the Company shall have the right to require the Investors to exercise all or any portion of the November Warrants for a cash exercise. The aggregate net proceeds were $5,000,000. The Company and the Investors further agreed to amend the terms of the SPA to permit the closing of the offering to occur on a rolling basis.

 

The Company paid the following fees to a FINRA member firm in connection with such offering: (i) a cash success fee of $175,000 and (ii) warrants to purchase a number of shares of Common Stock equal to 7% of the number of shares of Common Stock sold in the Offering, at an exercise price per share equal to $6.00 subject to adjustment (the “Comp Warrants”). The Comp Warrants are exercisable on a cashless basis, at the holder’s discretion.

 

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Financing in October 2020

 

On October 23, 2020, we entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement (the “October SPA”) with one accredited investor. Pursuant to the October SPA, the Company sold and issued a convertible promissory note (the “October Note”) in the principal amount of $2,500,000 to the investor and received the payment from such investor on October 30, 2020.

 

The October Note was issued on October 23, 2020 and the maturity date of the October Note is the twenty-four (24) month anniversary from the issuance date (the “Maturity Date”). Upon the Maturity Date, the Company shall pay to the holder, in cash, an amount representing all outstanding principal amount and accrued and unpaid interest under the October Note. The October Note bears an interest rate of ten percent (10%) per annum and may be convertible into shares of the Company’s common stock at a fixed conversion price of $2.25 per share. The holder of the October Note may elect to convert part or all of the outstanding balance of the October Note from the issuance date until the Maturity Date. The Company may prepay the outstanding amount at any time, in whole or in part, without any penalty.

 

In connection with the October Note and pursuant to the terms of an agreement entered into between the Company and a FINRA member firm, such firm shall receive (i) a cash success fee of $78,750 and (ii) upon conversion of the October Note, warrants equal to 7.0% of the number of shares of Common Stock received by the investor at the time of conversion (“Note Warrants”). The warrants are exercisable on a cashless basis, at the holder’s discretion.

 

The issuance and sale of the Common Stock, the Investor Warrants, Comp Warrants, Note Warrants and the shares of Common Stock underlying the Investor Warrants, the Comp Warrants and the October Note were made in reliance on an exemption from registration contained in either Regulation D or Regulation S of the Securities Act.

 

Financing in May 2020

 

In May 2020, the Company received capital contributions of approximately $1,602,040 in cash from 40 investors through private placements with the term of $2.25 per share and a free warrant attaches with each Common stock that was purchased. The exercise price of the warrant will be at $6.00 with a mandatory exercise price of $9.00.

 

Pursuant to the terms of an agreement entered into between the Company and a FINRA member firm, such firm shall receive (i) a cash success fee of $60,831.65 (ii) a warrant to purchase 37,852 shares of Common Stock with an exercise price of $2.25 per share, and (iii) a warrant to purchase 37,852 shares of Common Stock with an exercise price of $6.00 per share.

 

Financing in April 2020

 

On January 21, 2020, the Company entered into three note agreements with existing note investors who executed the agreements in 2018. These three investors are Guoliang Yu and Yingfei Wei Family Trust, Keypoint Technology Ltd., and Yoshinobu Odaira. The new agreements bear the same term as other notes investors who executed the contract in 2019. On April 5, 2020, the Company entered into exchange agreements with such note holders. Pursuant to the exchange agreements, the Holders agreed to deliver the Notes to the Company for cancellation, of which the aggregate principal amount plus accrued interest expenses are $931,584, and the Company agreed to issue to the Holders an aggregate of 506,297 shares of the Company’s common stock and warrants to purchase 506,297 shares of the Company’s common stock.

 

On August 28, 2019 and September 4, 2019, the Company issued convertible promissory notes in the aggregate principal amount plus accrued interest expenses are $515,196 to Kuo, Li Shen, Chang, Ping Shan, Lin, Shan Tyan, and Liu, Ching Hsuan. On April 20, 2020, the Company entered into separate exchange agreements with each note holder. Pursuant to the exchange agreements, the note holders agreed to cancel the notes and the Company agreed to issue to the holders an aggregate of 289,438 shares of the Company’s common stock and warrants to purchase 289,438 shares of the Company’s common stock.

 

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Recent PPP Loan

 

On April 14, 2020, the Company received a loan in the amount of $124,400 under the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) administered by the United States Small Business Administration (the “SBA”) from East West Bank. According to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “Cares Act”), PPP loan provides for forgiveness of up to the full principal amount and accrued interest if the funds are used for payroll costs, interest on mortgages, rent, and utilities. However, at least 60% of the forgiven amount must have been used for payroll. The loan was granted pursuant to a promissory note dated April 14, 2020 issued by the Company, which matures on April 13, 2022 and bears interest at a rate of 1.00% per annum. The Company will pay the principal in one payment of all outstanding principal plus all accrued unpaid interest on that date that is two years after the date of the promissory note. On October 23, ABVC BioPharma, Inc.(the “Company”) has started the application with the US Government regarding the loan forgiveness program.

 

On January 29, 2021, BioKey received a loan in the amount of $132,331 under the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) administered by the United States Small Business Administration (the “SBA”) from East West Bank. According to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “Cares Act”), PPP loan provides for forgiveness of up to the full principal amount and accrued interest if the funds are used for payroll costs, interest on mortgages, rent, and utilities. However, at least 60% of the forgiven amount must have been used for payroll. The loan was granted pursuant to a promissory note dated January 27, 2021 issued by the Company, which matures on January 28, 2026 and bears interest at a rate of 1.00% per annum. The Company will pay the principal in one payment of all outstanding principal plus all accrued unpaid interest on that date that is five years after the date of the promissory note. In addition, the Company will start the application with the US Government regarding the loan forgiveness program as soon as the US Government allows. No collateral or personal guarantees are required.

 

On February 7, 2021, the Company received a loan in the amount of $104,167 under the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) administered by the United States Small Business Administration (the “SBA”) from Cathay Bank. According to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “Cares Act”), PPP loan provides for forgiveness of up to the full principal amount and accrued interest if the funds are used for payroll costs, interest on mortgages, rent, and utilities. However, at least 60% of the forgiven amount must have been used for payroll. The loan was granted pursuant to a promissory note dated February 7, 2021 issued by the Company, which matures on February 6, 2026 and bears interest at a rate of 1.00% per annum. The Company will pay the principal in one payment of all outstanding principal plus all accrued unpaid interest on that date that is five years after the date of the promissory note. In addition, the Company will start the application with the US Government regarding the loan forgiveness program as soon as the US Government allows. No collateral or personal guarantees are required.

 

Recent Research Results 

 

On May 23, 2019, the Company announced its internal Phase II clinical study results of ABV-1504 for Major Depression Disorder (“MDD”). The clinical study results showed that PDC-1421, the active pharmaceutical ingredient of ABV-1504, met the pre-specified primary endpoint of the Phase II clinical trial and significantly improved the symptoms of MDD.

 

The Phase II clinical study was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multi-center trial, in which 60 adult patients with confirmed moderate to severe MDD were treated with PDC-1421 in either low dose (380 mg) or high dose (2 x 380 mg) compared with placebo administration, three times a day for six weeks. PDC-1421 high dose (2 x 380 mg) met the pre-specified primary endpoint by demonstrating a highly significant 13.2-point reduction in the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) total score by Intention-To-Treat (ITT) analysis, averaged over the 6-week treatment period (overall treatment effect) from baseline, as compared to 9.2-point reduction of the placebo group. By Per-Protocol (PP) analysis, PDC-1421 showed a dose dependent efficacy toward MDD in which high dose (2 x 380 mg) gave 13.4-point reduction in MADRS total score from baseline and low dose (380 mg) gave 10.4-point reduction as compared to a 8.6-point in the placebo group. The Company has decided to use the high dose formula in the Phase III clinical trial of ABV-1504.

 

On September 9, 2020, the Company issued a full clinical study report (CSR) of Vitargus® First-in-Human Phase I Clinical TrialThe safety and preliminary efficacy findings from this study, combined with the unique properties of Vitargus® (BFC-1401), are supportive of further development for its use during vitrectomy surgery in patients requiring vitreous replacement.

 

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The study was an open label, Phase I study undertaken at a single study center in Sydney, Australia. A total of 11 participants were enrolled for the study in which each participant had been diagnosed with either (1) a complex or rhegmatogenous retinal detachment or chronic retinal detachment with failure of gas or silicone oil treatment or (2) a vitreous hemorrhage that requires vitrectomy surgery. The study found that Vitargus® was well-tolerated as a vitreous substitute without any apparent toxicity to ocular tissues. Further, there was no indication of an increased overall safety risk with Vitargus®.

 

On November 9, 2020 the Company issued a full clinical study report (CSR) of its ABV-1505 Phase II Part I clinical trial conducted at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) for the treatment of Adult Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The Phase II Part I clinical study for treating ADHD found that the active ingredient of ABV-1505, PDC-1421, was safe, well tolerated and efficacious during its treatment and the follow-up period with six adult patients. For the primary endpoints, the percentages of improvement in Adult Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Rating Scale-Investigator Rated-IV (ADHD-RS-IV) score from baseline to 8 weeks treatment were 83.3% (N=5) in the Intention-To-Treat (ITT) population and 80.0% (N=4) in the Per-Protocol (PP) population. Both low and high doses of PDC-1421 Capsule met the primary end points by passing the required 40% population in ADHD-RS-IV test scores. Overall, the results from this study, which demonstrate the therapeutic value of PDC-1421, support further clinical development of ABV-1505 for the treatment of adult ADHD.

 

On November 4, 2020, the Company executed an amendment to its collaboration agreement with BioFirst to add BFC-1403 Intraocular Irrigation Solution and BFC-1404 Corneal Storage Solution to our agreement. BFC-1404 is utilized during a corneal transplant procedure to replace a damaged or diseased cornea while BFC-1403 has broader utilization during a variety of ocular procedures.

 

Initially the Company will focus on BFC-1404, a solution utilized to store a donor cornea prior to either penetrating keratoplasty (full thickness cornea transplant) or endothelial keratoplasty (back layer cornea transplant). Designated ABV-2002 under the Company’s product identification system, the solution is comprised of a specific poly amino acid that protects ocular tissue from damage caused by external osmolarity exposure during pre-surgery storage. The specific polymer in ABV 2002 can adjust osmolarity to maintain a range of 330 to 390 mOsM thereby permitting hydration within the corneal stroma during the storage period. Stromal hydration results in (a) maintaining acceptable corneal transparency and (b) prevents donor cornea swelling. ABV-2002 also contains an abundant phenolic phytochemical found in plant cell walls that provides antioxidant antibacterial properties and neuroprotection.

 

Early testing by BioFirst indicates that ABV-2002 may be more effective for protecting the cornea and retina during long-term storage than other storage media available today and can be manufactured at lower cost. Categorized as a Class I Medical Device which has the lowest risk to patients, the Company intends to submit a Premarket Notification 510(K) submission to the FDA before the end of 2021 to demonstrate the device is at least as safe and effective as current products on the market.

 

Strategy

 

Key elements of our business strategy include:

 

  Advancing to the pivotal trial phase of ABV-1701 Vitargus for the treatments of Retinal Detachment or Vitreous Hemorrhage, which we expect to generate revenues in the future.

 

  Focusing on licensing ABV-1504 for the treatment of major depressive disorder, MDD, after the successful completion of its Phase II clinical trials.

 

  Completing Phase II, Part 2 clinical trial for ABV-1505 for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, ADHD.

 

  Out licensing drug candidates and medical device candidates to major pharmaceutical companies for phase III and pivotal clinical trials, as applicable, and further marketing if approved by the FDA.

 

We plan to augment our core research and development capability and assets by conducting Phase I and II clinical trials for investigational new drugs and medical devices in the fields of CNS, Hematology/Oncology and Ophthalmology.

 

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Our management team has extensive experiences across a wide range of new drug and medical device development and we have in-licensed new drug and medical device candidates from large research institutes and universities in both the U.S. and Taiwan. Through an assertive product development approach, we expect that we will build a substantial portfolio of Oncology/ Hematology, CNS and Ophthalmology products. We primarily focus on Phase I and II research of new drug candidates and out license the post-Phase-II products to pharmaceutical companies; we do not expect to devote substantial efforts and resources to building the disease-specific distribution channels.

 

Business Objectives

 

The Company is operating its core business based on collaborative activities that can generate current and future revenues through research, development and/or commercialization joint venture agreements. The terms of these agreements typically include payment to the Company related to one or more of the following:

 

  nonrefundable upfront license fees,

 

  development and commercial milestones,

 

  partial or complete reimbursement of research and development costs and

 

  royalties on net sales of licensed products.

 

Each type of payments results in revenue except for revenue from royalties on net sales of licensed products, which are classified as royalty revenues. To date, we have not received any royalty revenues. Revenue is recognized upon satisfaction of a performance obligation by transferring control of a good or service to the joint venture partner.

 

As part of the accounting for these arrangements, the Company applies judgment to determine whether the performance obligations are distinct and develop assumptions in determining the stand-alone selling price for each distinct performance obligation identified in the collaboration agreements. To determine the stand-alone selling price, the Company relies on assumptions which may include forecasted revenues, development timelines, reimbursement rates for R&D personnel costs, discount rates and probabilities of technical and regulatory success.

 

The Company had multiple deliverables under the collaborative agreements, including deliverables relating to grants of technology licenses, regulatory and clinical development, and marketing activities. Estimation of the performance periods of the Company’s deliverables requires the use of management’s judgment. Significant factors considered in management’s evaluation of the estimated performance periods include, but are not limited to, the Company’s experience in conducting clinical development, regulatory and manufacturing activities. The Company reviews the estimated duration of its performance periods under its collaborative agreements on an annually basis, and makes any appropriate adjustments on a prospective basis. Future changes in estimates of the performance period under its collaborative agreements could impact the timing of future revenue recognition.

 

(i) Nonrefundable upfront payments

 

If a license to the Company’s intellectual property is determined to be distinct from the other performance obligations identified in an arrangement, the Company recognizes revenue from the related nonrefundable upfront payments based on the relative standalone selling price prescribed to the license compared to the total selling price of the arrangement. The revenue is recognized when the license is transferred to the collaboration partners and the collaboration partners are able to use and benefit from the license. To date, the receipt of nonrefundable upfront fees was solely for the compensation of past research efforts and contributions made by the Company before the collaborative agreements entered into and it does not relate to any future obligations and commitments made between the Company and the collaboration partners in the collaborative agreements.

 

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(ii) Milestone payments

 

The Company is eligible to receive milestone payments under the collaborative agreement with collaboration partners based on achievement of specified development, regulatory and commercial events. Management evaluated the nature of the events triggering these contingent payments, and concluded that these events fall into two categories: (a) events which involve the performance of the Company’s obligations under the collaborative agreement with collaboration partners, and (b) events which do not involve the performance of the Company’s obligations under the collaborative agreement with collaboration partners.

 

The former category of milestone payments consists of those triggered by development and regulatory activities in the territories specified in the collaborative agreements. Management concluded that each of these payments constitute substantive milestone payments. This conclusion was based primarily on the facts that (i) each triggering event represents a specific outcome that can be achieved only through successful performance by the Company of one or more of its deliverables, (ii) achievement of each triggering event was subject to inherent risk and uncertainty and would result in additional payments becoming due to the Company, (iii) each of the milestone payments is nonrefundable, (iv) substantial effort is required to complete each milestone, (v) the amount of each milestone payment is reasonable in relation to the value created in achieving the milestone, (vi) a substantial amount of time is expected to pass between the upfront payment and the potential milestone payments, and (vii) the milestone payments relate solely to past performance. Based on the foregoing, the Company recognizes any revenue from these milestone payments in the period in which the underlying triggering event occurs.

 

(iii) Multiple Element Arrangements

 

The Company evaluates multiple element arrangements to determine (1) the deliverables included in the arrangement and (2) whether the individual deliverables represent separate units of accounting or whether they must be accounted for as a combined unit of accounting. This evaluation involves subjective determinations and requires management to make judgments about the individual deliverables and whether such deliverables are separate from other aspects of the contractual relationship. Deliverables are considered separate units of accounting provided that: (i) the delivered item(s) has value to the customer on a standalone basis and (ii) if the arrangement includes a general right of return relative to the delivered item(s), delivery or performance of the undelivered item(s) is considered probable and substantially within its control. In assessing whether an item under a collaboration has standalone value, the Company considers factors such as the research, manufacturing, and commercialization capabilities of the collaboration partner and the availability of the associated expertise in the general marketplace. The Company also considers whether its collaboration partners can use the other deliverable(s) for their intended purpose without the receipt of the remaining element(s), whether the value of the deliverable is dependent on the undelivered item(s), and whether there are other vendors that can provide the undelivered element(s).

 

The Company recognizes arrangement consideration allocated to each unit of accounting when all of the revenue recognition criteria in ASC 606 are satisfied for that particular unit of accounting. In the event that a deliverable does not represent a separate unit of accounting, the Company recognizes revenue from the combined unit of accounting over the Company’s contractual or estimated performance period for the undelivered elements, which is typically the term of the Company’s research and development obligations. If there is no discernible pattern of performance or objectively measurable performance measures do not exist, then the Company recognizes revenue under the arrangement on a straight-line basis over the period the Company is expected to complete its performance obligations. Conversely, if the pattern of performance in which the service is provided to the customer can be determined and objectively measurable performance measures exist, then the Company recognizes revenue under the arrangement using the proportional performance method. Revenue recognized is limited to the lesser of the cumulative amount of payments received or the cumulative amount of revenue earned, as determined using the straight-line method or proportional performance method, as applicable, as of the period ending date.

 

At the inception of an arrangement that includes milestone payments, the Company evaluates whether each milestone is substantive and at risk to both parties on the basis of the contingent nature of the milestone. This evaluation includes an assessment of whether: (1) the consideration is commensurate with either the Company’s performance to achieve the milestone or the enhancement of the value of the delivered item(s) as a result of a specific outcome resulting from its performance to achieve the milestone, (2) the consideration relates solely to past performance and (3) the consideration is reasonable relative to all of the deliverables and payment terms within the arrangement. The Company evaluates factors such as the scientific, clinical, regulatory, commercial, and other risks that must be overcome to achieve the particular milestone and the level of effort and investment required to achieve the particular milestone in making this assessment. There is considerable judgment involved in determining whether a milestone satisfies all of the criteria required to conclude that a milestone is substantive. Milestones that are not considered substantive are recognized as earned if there are no remaining performance obligations or over the remaining period of performance, assuming all other revenue recognition criteria are met.

 

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(iv) Royalties and Profit Sharing Payments

 

Under the collaborative agreement with the collaboration partners, the Company is entitled to receive royalties on sales of products, which is at certain percentage of the net sales. The Company recognizes revenue from these events based on the revenue recognition criteria set forth in ASC 606. Based on those criteria, the Company considers these payments to be contingent revenues, and recognizes them as revenue in the period in which the applicable contingency is resolved.

 

Revenues Derived from Research and Development Activities Services — Revenues related to research and development and regulatory activities are recognized when the related services or activities are performed, in accordance with the contract terms. The Company typically has only one performance obligation at the inception of a contract, which is to perform research and development services. The Company may also provide its customers with an option to request that the Company provides additional goods or services in the future, such as active pharmaceutical ingredient, API, or IND/NDA/ANDA/510K submissions. The Company evaluates whether these options are material rights at the inception of the contract. If the Company determines an option is a material right, the Company will consider the option a separate performance obligation.

 

If the Company is entitled to reimbursement from its customers for specified research and development expenses, the Company accounts for the related services that it provides as separate performance obligations if it determines that these services represent a material right. The Company also determines whether the reimbursement of research and development expenses should be accounted for as revenues or an offset to research and development expenses in accordance with provisions of gross or net revenue presentation. The Company recognizes the corresponding revenues or records the corresponding offset to research and development expenses as it satisfies the related performance obligations.

 

The Company then determines the transaction price by reviewing the amount of consideration the Company is eligible to earn under the contracts, including any variable consideration. Under the outstanding contracts, consideration typically includes fixed consideration and variable consideration in the form of potential milestone payments. At the start of an agreement, the Company’s transaction price usually consists of the payments made to or by the Company based on the number of full-time equivalent researchers assigned to the project and the related research and development expenses incurred. The Company does not typically include any payments that the Company may receive in the future in its initial transaction price because the payments are not probable. The Company would reassess the total transaction price at each reporting period to determine if the Company should include additional payments in the transaction price.

 

The Company receives payments from its customers based on billing schedules established in each contract. Upfront payments and fees may be recorded as advance from customers upon receipt or when due, and may require deferral of revenue recognition to a future period until the Company performs its obligations under these arrangements. Amounts are recorded as accounts receivable when the right of the Company to consideration is unconditional. The Company does not assess whether a contract has a significant financing component if the expectation at contract inception is such that the period between payment by the customers and the transfer of the promised goods or services to the customers will be one year or less.

 

Examples of collaborative agreements the Company has entered into are as follows:

 

Collaborative agreements with BHK

 

(i) In February and December of 2015, BioLite, Inc. entered into a total of three joint venture agreements with BioHopeKing to jointly develop ABV-1501 for Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC), ABV-1504 for MDD and ABV-1505 for ADHD. The agreements granted marketing rights to BioHopeKing for certain Asian countries in return for a series of milestone payments totaling $10 million in cash and equity of BioHopeKing or equity securities owned by BioHopeKing.

 

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The milestone payments are determined by a schedule of BioLite development achievements as shown below:

 

Milestone   Payment
Execution of BHK Co-Development Agreement   $ 1,000,000  
Investigational New Drug (IND) Submission   $ 1,000,000  
Phase II Clinical Trial Complete   $ 1,000,000  
Initiation of Phase III Clinical Trial   $ 3,000,000  
New Drug Application (NDA) Submission   $ 4,000,000  
Total   $ 10,000,000  

 

(ii) In December of 2015, BHK paid the initial cash payment of $1 million upon the execution of the BHK Agreement. The Company concluded that certain deliverables are considered separate units of accounting as the delivered items have value to the customer on a standalone basis and recognized this cash payment as collaboration revenue when all research, technical, and development data was delivered to BHK in 2015. The payment included compensation for past research efforts and contributions made by BioLite Taiwan before the BHK agreement was signed and does not relate to any future commitments made by BioLite Taiwan and BHK in the BHK Agreement.

 

(iii) In August 2016, the Company received the second milestone payment of $1 million, and recognized collaboration revenue for the year ended December 31, 2016. As of March 31, 2021, the Company had not completed the first phase II clinical trial.

 

(iv) In addition to the milestone payments, BioLite Taiwan is entitled to receive a royalty equal to 12% of BHK’s net sales related to ABV-1501, ABV-1504 and ABV-1505 Products. As of March 31, 2021, the Company has not earned royalties under the BHK Co-Development Agreement.

 

(v) The BHK Co-Development Agreement will remain in effect for fifteen years from the date of first commercial sale of the Product in in Asia excluding Japan.

 

Co-Development agreement with Rgene Corporation, a related party

 

On May 26, 2017, BriVision entered into a co-development agreement (the “Rgene Agreement”) with Rgene Corporation (the “Rgene”), a related party under common control by the controlling beneficiary shareholder of YuanGene Corporation and the Company (See Note 12). Pursuant to the Rgene Agreement, BriVision and Rgene agreed to co-develop and commercialize ABV-1507 HER2/neu Positive Breast Cancer Combination Therapy, ABV-1703 Pancreatic Cancer Combination Therapy and ABV-1527 Ovary Cancer Combination Therapy. Under the terms of the Rgene Agreement, Rgene is required to pay the Company $3,000,000 in cash or stock of Rgene with equivalent value by August 15, 2017 as compensation of BriVision’s past research efforts and contributions made by BriVision before the Rgene Agreement was executed. The payment does not relate to any future milestones attained by BriVision. In addition to $3,000,000, the Company is entitled to receive 50% of the future net licensing income or net sales profit earned by Rgene. All development costs shall be equally shared by both BriVision and Rgene.

 

On June 1, 2017, the Company delivered all research, technical data and development data to Rgene pursuant to the Rgene Agreement in return for a cash payment of $450,000 and 1,530,000 common shares of Rgene stock valued at $2,550,000, which in 2018 was accounted for using the equity method long-term investment. On December 31, 2018, the Company determined to fully write off this investment based on the Company’s assessment of the severity and duration of the impairment, and qualitative and quantitative analysis of the operating performance of the investee, adverse changes in market conditions, the regulatory or economic environment, changes in operating structure of Rgene, additional funding requirements and Rgene’s ability to remain in business. All research projects that were initiated will be managed and funded equally by the Company and Rgene.

 

The Company and Rgene signed an amendment to the Rgene Agreement on November 10, 2020, pursuant to which both parties agreed to delete AB-1507 HER2/neu Positive Breast Cancer Combination Therapy and AB-1527 Ovary Cancer Combination Therapy and add ABV-1519 EGFR Positive Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Combination Therapy and ABV-1526 Large Intestine / Colon / Rectal Cancer Combination Therapy to the products to be co-developed and commercialized. Other provisions of the Rgene Agreement remain in full force and effect.

 

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Collaborative agreement with BioFirst Corporation, a related party

 

On July 24, 2017, BriVision entered into a collaborative agreement (the “BioFirst Agreement”) with BioFirst Corporation, a corporation incorporated under the laws of Taiwan (“BioFirst”), pursuant to which BioFirst granted the Company global licensing rights to medical use of ABV-1701 Vitreous Substitute for Vitrectomy. BioFirst is a related party to the Company because a controlling beneficiary shareholder of YuanGene Corporation and the Company is a Director and shareholders of BioFirst (See Note 12).

 

Pursuant to the BioFirst Agreement, the Company and BioFirst will co-develop and commercialize BFC-1401. The Company will pay BioFirst a total amount of $3,000,000 in cash or stock of the Company before September 30, 2018 as payment in full for BioFirst’s past research efforts and contributions made by BioFirst before the BioFirst Agreement was executed. The Company is entitled to receive 50% of any future net licensing revenue or net profit associated with Vitargus. All development cost will be equally shared by both BriVision and BioFirst.

 

On September 25, 2017, BioFirst delivered all research, technical, data and development data to BriVision. For the year ended September 30, 2017, the Company determined to fully expense the entire amount of $3,000,000 since the related licensing rights do not have alternative future uses. According to ASC 730-10-25-1, absent alternative future uses the acquisition of product rights to be used in research and development activities must be charged to research and development expenses immediately. Hence, the entire amount of $3,000,000 is fully expensed as research and development expense during the year ended September 30, 2017.

 

On June 30, 2019, BriVision entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) with BioFirst. Pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, the Company issued 428,571 shares of the Company’s common stock to BioFirst as payment for $3,000,000 owed by the Company to BioFirst in connection with the BioFirst Agreement.

 

On August 5, 2019, BriVision entered into a second Stock Purchase Agreement with BioFirst whereby the Company issued 414,702 shares of the Company’s common stock to BioFirst as repayment in full for a loan in the amount of $2,902,911 provided to BriVision from BioFirst.

 

On November 4, 2020, the Company executed an amendment to the BioFirst Agreement with BioFirst to add ABV-2001 Intraocular Irrigation Solution and ABV-2002 Corneal Storage Solution to the agreement. ABV-2002 is utilized during a corneal transplant procedure to replace a damaged or diseased cornea while ABV-2001 has broader utilization during a variety of ocular procedures.

 

Initially the Company will focus on ABV-2002, a solution utilized to store a donor cornea prior to either penetrating keratoplasty (full thickness cornea transplant) or endothelial keratoplasty (back layer cornea transplant). ABV-2002 is a solution comprised of a specific poly amino acid that protects ocular tissue from damage caused by external osmolarity exposure during pre-surgery storage. The specific polymer in ABV-2002 can adjust osmolarity to maintain a range of 330 to 390 mOsM thereby permitting hydration within the corneal stroma during the storage period. Stromal hydration results in (a) maintaining acceptable corneal transparency and (b) prevents donor cornea swelling. ABV-2002 also contains an abundant phenolic phytochemical found in plant cell walls that provides antioxidant antibacterial properties and neuroprotection.

 

Early testing by BioFirst indicates that ABV-2002 may be more effective for protecting the cornea and retina during long-term storage than other storage media available today and can be manufactured at lower cost. Categorized as a lower risk Class I Medical Device, the Company intends to submit a Premarket Notification 510(K) submission to the FDA before the end of 2021 to demonstrate the device is at least as safe and effective as current products on the market.

 

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BioKey Revenues

 

In addition to collaborative agreements, ABVC earns revenue through its wholly owned BioKey subsidiary which provides a wide range of Contract Development & Manufacturing Organization (“CDMO”) services including API characterization, pre-formulation studies, formulation development, analytical method development, stability studies, IND/NDA/ANDA/510K submissions, and manufacturing clinical trial materials (from Phase I through Phase III) and commercial manufacturing of pharmaceutical products.

 

In addition, BioKey provides a variety of regulatory services tailored to the needs of its customers, which include proofreading and regulatory review of submission documents related to formulation development, clinical trials, marketed products, generics, nutraceuticals and OTC products and training presentations. In addition to supporting ABVC’s new drug development, BioKey submits INDs, NDAs, ANDAs, and DMFs to the FDA, on ABVC’s behalf in compliance with new electronic submission guidelines of the FDA.

 

Impact of COVID-19 Outbreak

 

On January 30, 2020, the World Health Organization declared the coronavirus outbreak a “Public Health Emergency of International Concern” and on March 10, 2020, declared it to be a pandemic. Actions taken around the world to help mitigate the spread of the coronavirus include restrictions on travel, and quarantines in certain areas, and forced closures for certain types of public places and businesses. The coronavirus and actions taken to mitigate it have had and are expected to continue to have an adverse impact on the economies and financial markets of many countries, including the geographical area in which the Company operates. While the closures and limitations on movement, domestically and internationally, are expected to be temporary, if the outbreak continues on its current trajectory the duration of the supply chain disruption could reduce the availability, or result in delays, of materials or supplies to and from the Company, which in turn could materially interrupt the Company’s business operations. Given the speed and frequency of the continuously evolving developments with respect to this pandemic, the Company cannot reasonably estimate the magnitude of the impact to its consolidated results of operations. We have taken every precaution possible to ensure the safety of our employees.

 

Due to the COVID-19, our revenue for the first half of fiscal 2020 was significantly impacted. As we have not seen a stronger signal to indicate that overall global economic will be back to normal in the third quarter, our business’s overall revenue stream may be impacted further until the restrictions of COVID-19 can be released, then the company can start operating normally. The global pandemic of COVID-19 continues to evolve rapidly, and we will continue to monitor the situation closely, including its potential effect on our plans and timelines.

 

Additionally, it is reasonably possible that estimates made in the financial statements have been, or will be, materially and adversely impacted in the near term as a result of these conditions, including losses on inventory; impairment losses related to goodwill and other long-lived assets and current obligations.

 

Summary of Critical Accounting Policies

 

Basis of Presentation

 

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (the “U.S. GAAP”). All significant intercompany transactions and account balances have been eliminated.

 

This basis of accounting involves the application of accrual accounting and consequently, revenues and gains are recognized when earned, and expenses and losses are recognized when incurred. The Company’s financial statements are expressed in U.S. dollars.

 

Fiscal Year

 

The Company changed its fiscal year from the period beginning on October 1st and ending on September 30th to the period beginning on January 1st and ending on December 31st, beginning January 1, 2018. All references herein to a fiscal year prior to December 31, 2017 refer to the twelve months ended September 30th of such year.

 

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Use of Estimates

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the amount of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ materially from those results.

 

Inventory

 

Inventory consists of raw materials, work-in-process, finished goods, and merchandise. Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market and valued on a moving weighted average cost basis. Market is determined based on net realizable value. The Company periodically reviews the age and turnover of its inventory to determine whether any inventory has become obsolete or has declined in value, and incurs a charge to operations for known and anticipated inventory obsolescence.

 

Reclassifications

 

Certain classifications have been made to the prior year financial statements to conform to the current year presentation. The reclassification had no impact on previously reported net loss or accumulated deficit.

 

Forward Stock Split

 

On March 21, 2016, the Board of Directors of the Company approved an amendment to Articles of Incorporation to effect a forward split at a ratio of 1 to 3.141 and increase the number of our authorized shares of Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share, to 360,000,000, which was effective on April 8, 2016.

 

Stock Reverse Split

 

On March 12, 2019, the Board of Directors of the Company by unanimous written consent in lieu of a meeting approved to i) effect a stock reverse split at the ratio of 1-for-18 (the “Reverse Split”) of both the authorized common stock of the Company (the “Common Stock”) and the issued and outstanding Common Stock and ii) to amend the articles of incorporation of the Company to reflect the Reverse Split. The Board approved and authorized the Reverse Split without obtaining approval of the Company’s shareholders pursuant to Section 78.207 of Nevada Revised Statutes. On May 3, 2019, the Company filed a certificate of amendment to the Company’s articles of incorporation (the “Amendment”) to effect the Reverse Split with the Secretary of State of Nevada. The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) informed the Company that the Reverse Split was effective on May 8, 2019. All shares and related financial information in this Form 10-Q reflect this 1-for-18 reverse stock split.

 

Fair Value Measurements

 

FASB ASC 820, “Fair Value Measurements” defines fair value for certain financial and nonfinancial assets and liabilities that are recorded at fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. It requires that an entity measure its financial instruments to base fair value on exit price, maximize the use of observable units and minimize the use of unobservable inputs to determine the exit price. It establishes a hierarchy which prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. This hierarchy increases the consistency and comparability of fair value measurements and related disclosures by maximizing the use of observable inputs and minimizing the use of unobservable inputs by requiring that observable inputs be used when available. Observable inputs are inputs that reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the assets or liabilities based on market data obtained from sources independent of the Company. Unobservable inputs are inputs that reflect the Company’s own assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on the best information available in the circumstances. The hierarchy prioritizes the inputs into three broad levels based on the reliability of the inputs as follows:

 

  Level 1 - Inputs are quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access at the measurement date. Valuation of these instruments does not require a high degree of judgment as the valuations are based on quoted prices in active markets that are readily and regularly available.

 

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  Level 2 - Inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are either directly or indirectly observable as of the measurement date, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.

 

  Level 3 - Valuations based on inputs that are unobservable and not corroborated by market data. The fair value for such assets and liabilities is generally determined using pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies, or similar techniques that incorporate the assumptions a market participant would use in pricing the asset or liability.

 

The carrying values of certain assets and liabilities of the Company, such as cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts receivable, due from related parties, inventory, prepaid expenses and other current assets, accounts payable, accrued liabilities, and due to related parties approximate fair value due to their relatively short maturities. The carrying value of the Company’s short-term bank loan, convertible notes payable, and accrued interest approximates their fair value as the terms of the borrowing are consistent with current market rates and the duration to maturity is short. The carrying value of the Company’s long-term bank loan approximates fair value because the interest rates approximate market rates that the Company could obtain for debt with similar terms and maturities.

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

The Company considers highly liquid investments with maturities of three months or less, when purchased, to be cash equivalents. As of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the Company’s cash and cash equivalents amounted $2,615,073 and $4,273,208, respectively. Some of the Company’s cash deposits are held in financial institutions located in Taiwan where there is currently regulation mandated on obligatory insurance of bank accounts. The Company believes this financial institution is of high credit quality.

  

Restricted Cash Equivalents

 

Restricted cash equivalents primarily consist of cash held in a reserve bank account in Taiwan. As of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the Company’s restricted cash equivalents amounted $718,163 and $728,163, respectively.

 

Concentration of Credit Risk

 

The Company’s financial instruments that are exposed to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents. The Company places its cash and temporary cash investments in high quality credit institutions, but these investments may be in excess of Taiwan Central Deposit Insurance Corporation and the U.S. Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation’s insurance limits. The Company does not enter into financial instruments for hedging, trading or speculative purposes.

 

Revenue Recognition

 

During the fiscal year 2018, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”), Topic 606 (ASC 606), Revenue from Contracts with Customers, using the modified retrospective method to all contracts that were not completed as of January 1, 2018, and applying the new revenue standard as an adjustment to the opening balance of accumulated deficit at the beginning of 2018 for the cumulative effect. The results for the Company’s reporting periods beginning on and after January 1, 2018 are presented under ASC 606, while prior period amounts are not adjusted and continue to be reported under the accounting standards in effect for the prior period. Based on the Company’s review of existing collaborative agreements as of January 1, 2018, the Company concluded that the adoption of the new guidance did not have a significant change on the Company’s revenue during all periods presented.

 

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Pursuant to ASC 606, the Company recognizes revenue when its customer obtains control of promised goods or services, in an amount that reflects the consideration that the Company expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. To determine revenue recognition for arrangements that the Company determines is within the scope of ASC 606, the Company performs the following five steps: (i) identify the contract(s) with a customer; (ii) identify the performance obligations in the contract; (iii) determine the transaction price; (iv) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; and (v) recognize revenue when (or as) the Company satisfies a performance obligation. The Company only applies the five-step model to contracts when it is probable that the Company will collect the consideration the Company is entitled to in exchange for the goods or services the Company transfers to the customers. At inception of the contract, once the contract is determined to be within the scope of ASC 606, the Company assesses the goods or services promised within each contract, determines those that are performance obligations, and assesses whether each promised good or service is distinct. The Company then recognizes as revenue the amount of the transaction price that is allocated to the respective performance obligation when (or as) the performance obligation is satisfied.

 

Property and Equipment

 

Property and equipment is carried at cost net of accumulated depreciation. Repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred. Expenditures that improve the functionality of the related asset or extend the useful life are capitalized. When property and equipment is retired or otherwise disposed of, the related gain or loss is included in operating income. Leasehold improvements are depreciated on the straight-line method over the shorter of the remaining lease term or estimated useful life of the asset. Depreciation is calculated on the straight-line method, including property and equipment under capital leases, generally based on the following useful lives:

 

    Estimated Life
in Years
 
Buildings and leasehold improvements   5 ~ 50  
Machinery and equipment   5 ~ 10  
Office equipment   3 ~ 6  

 

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

 

The Company has adopted Accounting Standards Codification subtopic 360-10, Property, Plant and Equipment (“ASC 360-10”). ASC 360-10 requires that long-lived assets and certain identifiable intangibles held and used by the Company be reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. The Company evaluates its long-lived assets for impairment annually or more often if events and circumstances warrant. Events relating to recoverability may include significant unfavorable changes in business conditions, recurring losses, or a forecasted inability to achieve break-even operating results over an extended period. Should impairment in value be indicated, the carrying value of intangible assets will be adjusted, based on estimates of future discounted cash flows resulting from the use and ultimate disposition of the asset. ASC 360-10 also requires assets to be disposed of be reported at the lower of the carrying amount or the fair value less costs to sell.

 

Long-term Equity Investment

 

The Company acquires the equity investments to promote business and strategic objectives. The Company accounts for non-marketable equity and other equity investments for which the Company does not have control over the investees as:

 

  Equity method investments when the Company has the ability to exercise significant influence, but not control, over the investee. Its proportionate share of the income or loss is recognized monthly and is recorded in gains (losses) on equity investments.

 

  Non-marketable cost method investments when the equity method does not apply.

 

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Significant judgment is required to identify whether an impairment exists in the valuation of the Company’s non-marketable equity investments, and therefore the Company considers this a critical accounting estimate. Its yearly analysis considers both qualitative and quantitative factors that may have a significant impact on the investee’s fair value. Qualitative analysis of its investments involves understanding the financial performance and near-term prospects of the investee, changes in general market conditions in the investee’s industry or geographic area, and the management and governance structure of the investee. Quantitative assessments of the fair value of its investments are developed using the market and income approaches. The market approach includes the use of comparable financial metrics of private and public companies and recent financing rounds. The income approach includes the use of a discounted cash flow model, which requires significant estimates regarding the investees’ revenue, costs, and discount rates. The Company’s assessment of these factors in determining whether an impairment exists could change in the future due to new developments or changes in applied assumptions.

 

Other-Than-Temporary Impairment

 

The Company’s long-term equity investments are subject to a periodic impairment review. Impairments affect earnings as follows:

 

  Marketable equity securities include the consideration of general market conditions, the duration and extent to which the fair value is below cost, and our ability and intent to hold the investment for a sufficient period of time to allow for recovery of value in the foreseeable future. The Company also considers specific adverse conditions related to the financial health of, and the business outlook for, the investee, which may include industry and sector performance, changes in technology, operational and financing cash flow factors, and changes in the investee’s credit rating. The Company records other-than-temporary impairments on marketable equity securities and marketable equity method investments in gains (losses) on equity investments.

 

  Non-marketable equity investments based on the Company’s assessment of the severity and duration of the impairment, and qualitative and quantitative analysis of the operating performance of the investee; adverse changes in market conditions and the regulatory or economic environment; changes in operating structure or management of the investee; additional funding requirements; and the investee’s ability to remain in business. A series of operating losses of an investee or other factors may indicate that a decrease in value of the investment has occurred that is other than temporary and that shall be recognized even though the decrease in value is in excess of what would otherwise be recognized by application of the equity method. A loss in value of an investment that is other than a temporary decline shall be recognized. Evidence of a loss in value might include, but would not necessarily be limited to, absence of an ability to recover the carrying amount of the investment or inability of the investee to sustain an earnings capacity that would justify the carrying amount of the investment. The Company records other-than-temporary impairments for non-marketable cost method investments and equity method investments in gains (losses) on equity investments. Other-than-temporary impairments of equity investments were $0 and $0 for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

 

Goodwill

 

The Company evaluates goodwill for impairment annually or more frequently when an event occurs or circumstances change that indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. In testing goodwill for impairment, the Company may elect to utilize a qualitative assessment to evaluate whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If the qualitative assessment indicates that goodwill impairment is more likely than not, the Company performs a two-step impairment test. The Company tests goodwill for impairment under the two-step impairment test by first comparing the book value of net assets to the fair value of the reporting units. If the fair value is determined to be less than the book value or qualitative factors indicate that it is more likely than not that goodwill is impaired, a second step is performed to compute the amount of impairment as the difference between the estimated fair value of goodwill and the carrying value. The Company estimates the fair value of the reporting units using discounted cash flows. Forecasts of future cash flows are based on our best estimate of future net sales and operating expenses, based primarily on expected category expansion, pricing, market segment share, and general economic conditions.

 

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The Company completed the required testing of goodwill for impairment as of March 31, 2021, and determined that goodwill was impaired because of the current financial condition of the Company and the Company’s inability to generate future operating income without substantial sales volume increases, which are highly uncertain. Furthermore, the Company anticipates future cash flows indicate that the recoverability of goodwill is not reasonably assured.

 

Research and Development Expenses

 

The Company accounts for the cost of using licensing rights in research and development cost according to ASC Topic 730-10-25-1. This guidance provides that absent alternative future uses the acquisition of product rights to be used in research and development activities must be charged to research and development expenses when incurred.

 

For CDMO business unit, the Company accounts for R&D costs in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 730, Research and Development (“ASC 730”). Research and development expenses are charged to expense as incurred unless there is an alternative future use in other research and development projects or otherwise. Research and development expenses are comprised of costs incurred in performing research and development activities, including personnel-related costs, facilities-related overhead, and outside contracted services including clinical trial costs, manufacturing and process development costs for both clinical and preclinical materials, research costs, and other consulting services. Non-refundable advance payment for goods and services that will be used in future research and development activities are expensed when the activity has been performed or when the goods have been received rather than when the payment is made. In instances where the Company enters into agreements with third parties to provide research and development services, costs are expensed as services are performed.

 

Post-retirement and post-employment benefits

 

The Company’s subsidiaries in Taiwan adopted the government mandated defined contribution plan pursuant to the Labor Pension Act (the “Act”) in Taiwan. Such labor regulations require that the rate of contribution made by an employer to the Labor Pension Fund per month shall not be less than 6% of the worker’s monthly salaries. Pursuant to the Act, the Company makes monthly contribution equal to 6% of employees’ salaries to the employees’ pension fund. The Company has no legal obligation for the benefits beyond the contributions made. The total amounts for such employee benefits, which were expensed as incurred, were $2,503 and $3,598 for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Other than the above, the Company does not provide any other post-retirement or post-employment benefits.

 

Stock-based Compensation

 

The Company measures expense associated with all employee stock-based compensation awards using a fair value method and recognizes such expense in the consolidated financial statements on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718 “Compensation-Stock Compensation”. Total employee stock-based compensation expenses were $0 and $0 for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

 

The Company accounted for stock-based compensation to non-employees in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718 “Compensation-Stock Compensation” and FASB ASC Topic 505-50 “Equity-Based Payments to Non-Employees” which requires that the cost of services received from non-employees is measured at fair value at the earlier of the performance commitment date or the date service is completed and recognized over the period the service is provided. Total non-employee stock-based compensation expenses were $225,740 and $525 for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

 

Beneficial Conversion Feature

 

From time to time, the Company may issue convertible notes that may contain an imbedded beneficial conversion feature. A beneficial conversion feature exists on the date a convertible note is issued when the fair value of the underlying common stock to which the note is convertible into is in excess of the remaining unallocated proceeds of the note after first considering the allocation of a portion of the note proceeds to the fair value of the warrants, if related warrants have been granted. The intrinsic value of the beneficial conversion feature is recorded as a debt discount with a corresponding amount to additional paid in capital. The debt discount is amortized to interest expense over the life of the note using the effective interest method.

 

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Income Taxes

 

The Company accounts for income taxes using the asset and liability approach which allows the recognition and measurement of deferred tax assets to be based upon the likelihood of realization of tax benefits in future years. Under the asset and liability approach, deferred taxes are provided for 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. A valuation allowance is provided for deferred tax assets if it is more likely than not these items will expire before the Company is able to realize their benefits, or future deductibility is uncertain.

 

Under ASC 740, a tax position is recognized as a benefit only if it is “more likely than not” that the tax position would be sustained in a tax examination, with a tax examination being presumed to occur. The evaluation of a tax position is a two-step process. The first step is to determine whether it is more-likely-than-not that a tax position will be sustained upon examination, including the resolution of any related appeals or litigations based on the technical merits of that position. The second step is to measure a tax position that meets the more-likely-than-not threshold to determine the amount of benefits recognized in the financial statements. A tax position is measured at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. Tax positions that previously failed to meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold should be recognized in the first subsequent period in which the threshold is met. Previously recognized tax positions that no longer meet the more-likely-than-not criteria should be de-recognized in the first subsequent financial reporting period in which the threshold is no longer satisfied. Penalties and interest incurred related to underpayment of income tax are classified as income tax expense in the year incurred. No significant penalty or interest relating to income taxes has been incurred for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020. GAAP  also provides guidance on de-recognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosures and transition.

 

On December 22, 2017, the SEC issued Staff Accounting Bulletin (“SAB 118”), which provides guidance on accounting for tax effects of the Tax Act. SAB 118 provides a measurement period that should not extend beyond one year from the Tax Act enactment date for companies to complete the accounting under ASC 740. In accordance with SAB 118, a company must reflect the income tax effects of those aspects of the Act for which the accounting under ASC 740 is complete. To the extent that a company’s accounting for certain income tax effects of the Tax Act is incomplete but it is able to determine a reasonable estimate, it must record a provisional estimate to be included in the financial statements. If a company cannot determine a provisional estimate to be included in the financial statements, it should continue to apply ASC 740 on the basis of the provision of the tax laws that were in effect immediately before the enactment of the Tax Act. While the Company is able to make reasonable estimates of the impact of the reduction in corporate rate and the deemed repatriation transition tax, the final impact of the Tax Act may differ from these estimates, due to, among other things, changes in our interpretations and assumptions, additional guidance that may be issued by the I.R.S., and actions the Company may take. The Company is continuing to gather additional information to determine the final impact.

 

Valuation of Deferred Tax Assets

 

A valuation allowance is recorded to reduce the Company’s deferred tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized. In assessing the need for the valuation allowance, management considers, among other things, projections of future taxable income and ongoing prudent and feasible tax planning strategies. If the Company determines that sufficient negative evidence exists, then it will consider recording a valuation allowance against a portion or all of the deferred tax assets in that jurisdiction. If, after recording a valuation allowance, the Company’s projections of future taxable income and other positive evidence considered in evaluating the need for a valuation allowance prove, with the benefit of hindsight, to be inaccurate, it could prove to be more difficult to support the realization of its deferred tax assets. As a result, an additional valuation allowance could be required, which would have an adverse impact on its effective income tax rate and results. Conversely, if, after recording a valuation allowance, the Company determines that sufficient positive evidence exists in the jurisdiction in which the valuation allowance was recorded, it may reverse a portion or all of the valuation allowance in that jurisdiction. In such situations, the adjustment made to the deferred tax asset would have a favorable impact on its effective income tax rate and results in the period such determination was made.

 

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Loss Per Share of Common Stock

 

The Company calculates net loss per share in accordance with ASC Topic 260, “Earnings per Share”. Basic loss per share is computed by dividing the net loss by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted loss per share is computed similar to basic loss per share except that the denominator is increased to include the number of additional common shares that would have been outstanding if the potential common stock equivalents had been issued and if the additional common shares were dilutive. Diluted earnings per share excludes all dilutive potential shares if their effect is anti-dilutive.

 

Commitments and Contingencies

 

The Company has adopted ASC Topic 450 “Contingencies” subtopic 20, in determining its accruals and disclosures with respect to loss contingencies. Accordingly, estimated losses from loss contingencies are accrued by a charge to income when information available before financial statements are issued or are available to be issued indicates that it is probable that an assets had been impaired or a liability had been incurred at the date of the financial statements and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. Legal expenses associated with the contingency are expensed as incurred. If a loss contingency is not probable or reasonably estimable, disclosure of the loss contingency is made in the financial statements when it is at least reasonably possible that a material loss could be incurred.

 

Foreign-currency Transactions

 

For the Company’s subsidiaries in Taiwan, the foreign-currency transactions are recorded in New Taiwan dollars (“NTD”) at the rates of exchange in effect when the transactions occur. Gains or losses resulting from the application of different foreign exchange rates when cash in foreign currency is converted into New Taiwan dollars, or when foreign-currency receivables or payables are settled, are credited or charged to income in the year of conversion or settlement. On the balance sheet dates, the balances of foreign-currency assets and liabilities are restated at the prevailing exchange rates and the resulting differences are charged to current income except for those foreign currencies denominated investments in shares of stock where such differences are accounted for as translation adjustments under the Statements of Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit).

 

Translation Adjustment

 

The accounts of the Company’s subsidiaries in Taiwan were maintained, and their financial statements were expressed, in New Taiwan Dollar (“NT$”). Such financial statements were translated into U.S. Dollars (“$” or “USD”) in accordance ASC 830, “Foreign Currency Matters”, with the NT$ as the functional currency. According to the Statement, all assets and liabilities are translated at the current exchange rate, shareholder’s deficit are translated at the historical rates and income statement items are translated at an average exchange rate for the period. The resulting translation adjustments are reported under other comprehensive income (loss) as a component of shareholders’ equity (deficit).

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes, as part of its overall simplification initiative to reduce costs and complexity of applying accounting standards while maintaining or improving the usefulness of the information provided to users of financial statements. The FASB’s amendments primarily impact ASC 740, Income Taxes, and may impact both interim and annual reporting periods. ASU 2019-12 will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020, and interim periods within those fiscal years and early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting ASU 2019-12.

 

In August 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-06, Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20) and Derivatives and Hedging- Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity (Subtopic 815-40), to reduce the complexity associated with applying U.S. GAAP principles for certain financial instruments with characteristics of liabilities and equity. The amendments in this ASU reduce the number of accounting models for convertible instruments and expand the existing disclosure requirements over earnings per share as it relates to convertible instruments. This ASU will be effective for the fiscal year beginning January 1, 2022 and interim periods therein. Early adoption is permitted, but no earlier than fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020. The amendments may be adopted through either a modified retrospective method, or a fully retrospective method. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting ASU 2020-06.

 

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Estimates and Assumptions

 

In preparing our consolidated financial statements, we use estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts and disclosures. Our estimates are often based on complex judgments, probabilities and assumptions that we believe to be reasonable, but that are inherently uncertain and unpredictable. We are also subject to other risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ from estimated amounts.

 

Results of Operations — Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 Compared to Three Months Ended March 31, 2020.

 

The following table presents, for the three months indicated, our consolidated statements of operations information.

 

    March 31,
2021
    March 31,
2020
 
             
Revenues   $ 263,150     $ 78,786  
                 
Cost of revenues     1,245       3,959  
                 
Gross profit     261,905       74,827  
                 
Operating expenses                
Selling, general and administrative expenses     1,167,595       1,152,889  
Research and development expenses     121,315       92,790  
Stock-based compensation     225,740       525  
Total operating expenses     1,514,650       1,246,204  
                 
Loss from operations     (1,252,745 )     (1,171,377 )
                 
Other income (expense)                
Interest income     52,529       10,720  
Interest expense     (130,229 )     (131,517 )
Rent income     4,867       5,231  
Rent income – related parties     1,600       1,200  
Gain/Loss on foreign exchange changes     951       2  
Gain/Loss on investment in equity securities     (47,791 )     (70,411 )
Other income (expense)     71       6,322  
Government grant income     124,400       -  
Total other income (expenses)     6,398       (178,453 )
                 
Loss before provision income tax     (1,246,347 )     (1,349,830 )
                 
Provision for income tax     (51,024 )     (40,568 )
                 
Net loss     (1,195,323 )     (1,309,262 )
                 
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests     (66,818 )     (61,724 )
                 
Net loss attributed to ABVC and subsidiaries     (1,128,505 )     (1,247,538 )
Foreign currency translation adjustment     36,140       (6,451 )
Comprehensive Loss   $ (1,092,365 )   $ (1,253,989 )
                 
Net loss per share:                
Basic and diluted   $ (0.05 )   $ (0.06 )
                 
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:                
Basic and diluted     24,420,526       19,484,542  

 

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Revenues. We generated $263,150 and $78,786 in revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively; and incurred $1,245 and $3,959 in cost of sales for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The increase in revenues was mainly due to the recovery from the impact of COVID-19 onto our CDMO business sector.   

  

Operating Expenses.  Our operating expenses have increased by $268,446, or 22%, to $1,514,650 for the three months ended March 31, 2021 from $1,246,204 for the three months ended March 31, 2020. Such increase in operating expenses was mainly due to the increase in selling, general and administrative expenses and research and development expenses.

 

Our selling, general and administrative expenses and stock-based compensation increased by $239,921, or 21%, mainly due to the increase in company’s marketing and up-list related expenses.

 

Our research and development expenses increased by $28,525 or approximately 31% primarily because of new service agreements signed with vendors during the three months ended March 31, 2021.

 

Other Income (Expense). Our other income was $6,398 for the three months ended March 31, 2021 as compared to other expense $178,453 for the three months ended March 31, 2020. The change was principally caused by the increase in government grant income of $124,400 during the quarter, due to the grant of the PPP loan, as well as increase in interest income and decreasing loss on investment in equity securities.

 

Interest income was $52,529 for the three months ended March 31, 2021 as compared to $10,720 for the three months ended March 31, 2020. The increase of $41,809, or approximately 390%, was primarily due to the interest income for various related-party loans.

 

Loss on investment in equity securities was $47,791 for the three months ended March 31, 2021 as compared to $70,411 for the three months ended March 31, 2020. The decrease of $22,620, or approximately 32%, was primarily due to the loss on investment in BioFirst. 

 

Other income and government grant income totaled $124,471 for the three months ended March 31, 2021 as compared to $6,322 for the three months ended March 31, 2020. The increase of $118,149, or approximately 1,869%, was primarily due to the grant of the PPP loans.  

 

Net Loss. As a result of the above factors, our net loss was $1,195,323 for the three months ended March 31, 2021 compared to $1,309,262 for the three months ended March 31, 2020, representing a decrease of $113,939, or 9%.

 

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Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Working Capital

 

    As of 
March 31,
2021
    As of
December 31,
2020
 
    (Unaudited)        
Current Assets   $ 5,205,453     $ 6,172,966  
Current Liabilities   $ 4,666,300     $ 4,844,391  
Working Capital (deficit)   $ 539,153     $ 1,328,575  

 

Cash Flow from Operating Activities

 

During the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, the net cash used in operating activities were $1,413,074 and $630,944, respectively. The increase in the amount used in operating activities of $782,130 was primarily due to the increased accounts receivables, prepaid expenses and deposits, and accrued expenses and other current liabilities, partially offset by the decrease in net loss during the three months ended March 31, 2021.

 

Cash Flow from Investing Activities

 

During the three months ended March 31, 2021, the net cash used in investing activities was $281,952, compared to the net cash used in investing activities was $0 for the three months ended March 31, 2020. The increase was due to the prepayment for equity investment during the first quarter of 2021.

 

Cash Flow from Financing Activities

 

During the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, the net cash provided by financing activities were $42,226 and $610,387, respectively. The decrease in net cash provided by financing activities were primarily due to proceeds from long-term loan and issuance of common stock for cash, partially offset by the repayment of convertible notes during the three months ended March 31, 2021.

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

As of March 31, 2021, we did not have any off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures, or capital resources that is material to investors.

  

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ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.

 

As a smaller reporting company, we are not required to provide the information required by this item.

 

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.

 

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

We maintain disclosure controls and procedures designed to provide reasonable assurance that material information required to be disclosed by us in the reports we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that the information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. We performed an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report.

 

Based on their evaluation, our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective as of March 31, 2021. 

 

We do not expect that our disclosure controls and procedures will prevent all errors and all instances of fraud. Disclosure controls and procedures, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the disclosure controls and procedures are met. Further, the design of disclosure controls and procedures must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits must be considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations in all disclosure controls and procedures, no evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures can provide absolute assurance that we have detected all our control deficiencies and instances of fraud, if any. The design of disclosure controls and procedures is also based partly on certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions.

 

Management Plan to Remediate Material Weaknesses 

 

We expect to implement the following measures in 2021 to continue to remediate the material weaknesses identified:

 

  To continue providing applicable training for our financial and accounting staff to enhance their understanding of U.S. GAAP and internal control over financial reporting.

 

  To expand involvement of qualified external consultants to supervise and review our financial reporting process.

 

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting 

 

There have been no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting that occurred during our last fiscal quarter to which this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q relates that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect our internal controls over financial reporting.

  

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PART II. - OTHER INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.

 

From time to time ABVC and its Subsidiaries may become involved in legal proceedings and claims, or be threatened with other legal actions and claims, arising in the ordinary course of business relating to its intellectual property, product liability, regulatory compliance and/or marketing and advertising of its products. As of the date of this report, ABVC and its Subsidiaries were not involved or threatened with any legal actions and regulatory proceedings.

 

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS.

 

We are a smaller reporting company as defined by Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and, as such, are not required to provide the information under this item.

 

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS.

 

There were no sales of  equity securities during the three months ended March 31, 2021.

 

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES.

 

None.

 

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES.

 

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION.

 

On April 21, 2021 we terminated our service agreement with Olde Monmouth Stock Transfer Co., Inc to serve as our transfer agent and appointed Vstock Transfer, LLC to serve as our new transfer agent. Vstock’s address is 18 Lafayette Place, Woodmere, NY 11598, phone number (212) 828 – 8436.

 

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ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

 

The following exhibits are filed herewith:

 

Exhibit No.   Description
2.1   Share Exchange Agreement, dated February 8, 2016 (1)
3.1   Articles of Incorporation of the Company (2)
3.2   Bylaws of the Company (3)
3.3   Certificate of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation filed on March 21, 2016 (4)
3.4   Certificate of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation filed on December 21, 2016 (5)
3.5   Certificate of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation filed on March 30, 2020 (6)
3.6   Certificate of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation filed on February 17, 2021 +
4.1   Form of Warrant (7)
10.1   Collaboration Agreement dated December 29, 2015 (8)
10.2   Collaborative Agreement and Milestone Payment Agreement dated June 9, 2016 (9)
10.3   Employment Agreement with Kira Huang (10)
10.4   Addendum to the Collaboration Agreement dated January 12, 2017 (11)
10.5   Collaboration Agreement with BioFirst dated July 24, 2017 (12)
10.6   Co-Deve Agreement with Rgene dated May 26, 2017 (13)
10.7   Employment Agreement with Dr. Howard Doong (14)
10.8   Employment Agreement with Dr. Chi-Hsin Richard King (15)
10.9   Employment Agreement with Chihliang An (25)
10.10   Business Loan Agreement entered by and between Cathay Bank and American BriVision (Holding) Corporation (16)
10.11   Promissory Note entered by American BriVision (Holding) Corporation (17)
10.12   Form of Commercial Security Agreement (18)
10.13   Form of Exchange Agreement entered into by and between the Company and non-US person (19)
10.14   Form of Exchange Agreement entered into by and between the Company and non-US person (20)
10.15   Form of Securities Purchase Agreement entered into by and between the Company and U.S. investors (21)
10.16   Form of Securities Purchase Agreement entered into by and between the Company and non-U.S. investors (22)
10.17   Amended and Restated Amercian BriVision (Holding) Corporation 2016 Equity Incentive (26)
31.1   Certifications pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.*+
31.2   Certifications pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.*+
32.1   Certifications pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.+
32.2   Certifications pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.+
     
101.INS   XBRL Instance Document+
     
101.SCH   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document+
     
101.CAL   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document+
     
101.DEF   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document+
     
101.LAB   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document+
     
101.PRE   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document+

 

* In accordance with SEC Release 33-8238, Exhibits 32.1 and 32.2 are being furnished and not filed.

 

+ Filed herewith

 

(1) Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on February 16, 2016.

  

(2) Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.01 to the Company’s Form SB-2 filed on June 28, 2002

 

(3) Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.02 to the Company’s Form SB-2, filed on June 28, 2002

 

(4) Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on March 28, 2016.

 

(5) Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.4 to the Company’s Form S-1, filed on September 13, 2016.

 

(6) Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K, filed on April 7, 2020

 

(7) Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on April 24, 2020

 

(8) Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on February 16, 2016.

  

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(9) Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on June 9, 2016.

 

(10) Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed on January 12, 2017.

 

(11) Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on February 22, 2017.

 

(12) Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on July 24, 2017.

 

(13) Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on May 30, 2017.

 

(14) Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on September 20, 2017.

 

(15) Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on September 20, 2017.

 

(16) Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on February 1, 2019.

 

(17) Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on February 1, 2019.

 

(18) Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on February 1, 2019.

 

(19) Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on April 24, 2020.

  

(20) Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed April 14, 2020.

  

(21) Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.15 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed May 15, 2020.

 

(22) Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.16 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed May 15, 2020

  

(23) Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 14.1 to the Company’s Amendment No.1 to Form S-1, filed on November 14, 2016.

  

(24) Incorporated by reference to 21.1 to the Company’s Form S-1, filed on September 13, 2016.

 

(25) Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed May 15, 2020.
   
(26) Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.17 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed March 16, 2021.

  

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SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

  ABVC BioPharma, Inc.
     
Dated: May 10, 2021 By: /s/ Howard Doong
    Howard Doong
    Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
     
  ABVC BioPharma, Inc.
     
Dated: May 10, 2021 By: /s/ Chihliang An
    Chihliang An
    Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)

 

 

67