Back to GetFilings.com

Table of Contents

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

FORM 10-K

Commission File Number 001-15823

VIRAGEN, INC.

865 SW 78^th Avenue, Suite 100, Plantation, Florida 33324
(Address of principal executive offices)

(954) 233-8746
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
None

     Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. [X]

     Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).

     The aggregate market value, as of September 19, 2003, of the registrant’s common stock held by non-affiliates based on the closing price on the American Stock Exchange was approximately $92,082,000.

     As of September 19, 2003, there were 284,332,580 shares of the issuer’s common stock outstanding, par value $0.01.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Risk Factors included in our Prospectus, File No. 333-107176, filed on August 1, 2003, incorporated by reference into Part II Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

Table of Contents

VIRAGEN, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

INDEX TO ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
Year Ended June 30, 2003

2

Table of Contents

PART I

Item 1. Business

Introduction

          Viragen, Inc. (which may be referred to as we, us or our) is a Delaware corporation organized in 1980. We are a biopharmaceutical company engaged in the research, development, manufacture and sale of a natural human alpha interferon product indicated for treatment of a broad range of viral and malignant diseases. We are also developing innovative technologies aimed at improving the manufacturing processes used to manufacture certain medical therapies. Specifically, we are primarily focused on three fields of research and development:

	•		human leukocyte derived interferon — natural alpha interferon derived from human white blood cells for the treatment of a wide range of viral and malignant diseases.
	•		avian transgenics technologies — designed to produce protein-based drugs inside the egg whites of transgenic developed chickens.
	•		oncological therapies — therapeutic proteins for the treatment of targeted cancers.

          We operate through:

	•		Viragen, Inc.—parent company;
	•		ViraGenics, Inc.—100% owned by Viragen, Inc.;
	•		Viragen International, Inc. (formerly Viragen (Europe) Ltd.) – majority owned by Viragen, Inc.;
	•		Viragen (Scotland) Ltd.—100% owned by Viragen International, Inc.; and
	•		ViraNative AB—100% owned by Viragen International, Inc.

          You can learn more about us by visiting our web site at www.viragen.com. The information on our website is neither incorporated into, nor a part of, this report.

Recent Developments

Interferon

          In May 2003, we filed a patent application with the British Patent Office covering the use of natural human leukocyte-derived alpha interferon for the treatment and prevention of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). A second patent application also related to the treatment of SARS was filed in August 2003, including the results from in-vitro testing performed at the Genome Institute of Singapore (GIS).

          In May 2003, Mexican regulatory authorities approved an application filed by Viragen’s distributor, Laboratorios Pisa, a leading Mexican pharmaceutical company, to expand the uses of Multiferon^TM. This broadened approval extended use of the product to include the treatment of patients afflicted with any and all diseases in which patients show an initial response to recombinant (synthetic) alpha interferon followed by treatment failure, possibly due to the formation of neutralizing antibodies. Multiferon is primarily being marketed in Mexico for the treatment of hepatitis C and certain cancers.

Operations

Interferon

          We produce a natural human alpha interferon product under the tradename of Multiferon from human white blood cells, also known as leukocytes. Natural interferon-alpha is one of the body’s most important natural defense mechanisms to foreign substances like viruses, but it also stimulates and modulates the human immune system. In addition, interferon inhibits the growth of various viruses including those associated with diseases like hepatitis, some types of cancer, multiple sclerosis, and SARS.

3

Table of Contents

          On September 28, 2001, Viragen International, Inc., our majority owned subsidiary, acquired all of the outstanding shares of BioNative AB, a privately-held biotechnology company located in Umeå, Sweden. BioNative manufactured a natural human alpha interferon product called Interferon Alfanative^®. Subsequent to the acquisition, BioNative was renamed ViraNative and Interferon Alfanative was further developed into Multiferon. Multiferon is approved in Sweden and Mexico for the treatment of chronic myelogenous leukemia, hairy cell leukemia and for the treatment of any and all diseases for which recombinant interferon therapy failed or the patient was unable to tolerate the regimen. The product is also approved for sale for the treatment of chronic myelogenous leukemia and hairy cell leukemia in the Czech Republic, Egypt, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Myanmar and Thailand. However, as our natural human alpha interferon is not approved for sale in the United States or other European Union countries, we currently have limited product sales. We have not sought the approval of our natural human alpha interferon product from the United States Food and Drug Administration or its European Union counterparts, except Sweden.

          During our first fiscal quarter of 2002, we suspended our clinical trials of Omniferon^TM, our previous generation human leukocyte interferon. Omniferon was a leukocyte-derived natural human alpha interferon that we were progressing in clinical trials in Europe for the treatment of hepatitis C. While Omniferon’s clinical trials were ongoing, Viragen’s majority owned subsidiary (Viragen International) acquired ViraNative, which manufactured and marketed Interferon Alfanative, also a natural human alpha interferon product. Interferon Alfanative was further along in the regulatory process and had secured limited approvals in certain countries. It was determined that Viragen’s goal to commercialize a natural human interferon could be more quickly achieved by combining the best elements of both natural interferon programs which resulted in Multiferon. Accordingly, Viragen’s Omniferon program was terminated and we focused our attention on the commercialization of Multiferon.

          We will require significant additional financing to continue conducting and complete additional clinical trials for the purpose of obtaining European Union and/or U.S. Food and Drug Administration approvals of any product. While we are currently compiling additional data from a completed clinical trial for melanoma conducted in Germany, we are not currently conducting clinical trials. Even if we are able to secure necessary funding, clinical testing toward European Union and/or U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval is an expensive and complex process that is expected to take many years to complete, with no assurance that regulatory approvals for new therapies or new countries will eventually be obtained.

Avian Transgenics

          We have an ongoing avian transgenic research and development project in collaboration with the Roslin Institute of Scotland. We believe that once fully developed, this technology will be used to create chickens which produce eggs containing targeted new drugs in the egg white to treat many serious diseases, including cancer. We believe this technology promises a faster and cost effective method of production for many promising biopharmaceutical products. Also, this technology will be capable of producing the larger quantities of protein-based drugs required for clinical and commercial applications.

          Viragen believes that the chicken may serve as the ideal protein production vehicle. Avian Transgenic Production, based upon transgenic chickens, is expected to offer significant economic and technological advantages over traditional methods of protein production including: ease of scale-up; low capital risk; deferred capital investment; fast drug evaluation and development; and competitive costs.

          The reduced capital outlay and cost effectiveness of therapeutic production is the greatest incentive for the use of transgenic hens in drug production. Chickens have one of the lowest founder animal development costs of any transgenic system. The founder hen is bred or cloned to produce a transgenic flock. A large number of birds can be produced very quickly and cheaply compared to other methods. Chickens can lay 250 eggs per year with each egg conservatively projected to be capable of containing yields of up to 100 mg of the target drug per egg. This speed and productivity, on a per egg basis, means that a relatively large amount of protein could be generated quickly.

          Other key advantages include the relative ease of scale-up, time to production and glycosylation (the sugar structure of a protein which is critical to its function). It is believed that chickens yield a more similar glycosylation pattern to humans than other transgenic systems such as with mammals or plants. This means that chicken proteins have similar sugars as humans. This is believed to offer distinct clinical advantages for patients who develop neutralizing and binding antibodies to foreign sugar antigens on transgenic proteins which, in turn, may negate some or all of the beneficial effect of the protein drug in the patient.

4

Table of Contents

Oncology Therapies

          Viragen believes that no single approach or method is likely to treat all cancers effectively. We have approached the treatment of targeted cancers from several directions which we believe will increase our likelihood of clinical success.

          In collaboration with the University of Miami’s Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center we are researching and developing a specific anti-cancer technology. The joint project is designed to develop a novel form of an immune enhancing drug that has shown promise by inhibiting tumor growth in rats for a broad range of cancers. The drug is a novel 11 amino acid peptide called IEP 11, which was derived from a tumor transmembrane glycoprotein. It possesses anti-cancer vaccine properties both prophylactically and therapeutically.

          In collaboration with the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, we have initiated research on monoclonal antibodies targeting ganglioside GD3 for the treatment of melanoma and possibly certain other cancers. Monoclonal antibodies are laboratory-produced, highly specialized therapeutic proteins that can locate and bind to cancer cells wherever they are in the body. Many monoclonal antibodies are used in cancer detection or therapy.

          In collaboration with the UK’s Cancer Research Campaign Technology, we are developing monoclonal antibodies to block the protective effect of the protein CD55 on the surface of tumor cells. The protein CD55 is one of a number of proteins which protect normal healthy cells from being destroyed by the complement system. The problem arises when cancer cells also express this control protein to camouflage themselves from the immune system at levels up to 100 fold greater than normal. We are developing an antibody to remove this protection from tumor cells for the treatment of colorectal, breast, ovarian and certain bone cancers. Based on ongoing laboratory results, and our recent cost cutting program, further development of this project has been put on hold.

Distribution Agreements and Strategic Alliances

Interferon

          In May 2003, we entered into an exclusive distribution agreement with Arriani Pharmaceuticals S.A. to distribute Multiferon in Greece and designated Balkan countries. The agreement provides that Arriani Pharmaceuticals, headquartered in Athens, Greece, shall take all measures necessary to achieve regulatory approvals for Multiferon in Greece, Cyprus and Slovenia following our receipt of the Mutual Recognition Procedure (MRP) approval in the European Union, as well as to obtain and maintain the appropriate regulatory approvals in Bulgaria and Croatia. We have not yet commenced the MRP registration process. MRP approval for Cyprus and Slovenia is subject to their pending acceptance into the EU. Multiferon is expected to be available under a named patient sales program in Greece by the end of 2003. A named patient is a particular patient being treated by a doctor, for whom that doctor has issued a prescription for a drug not currently licensed.

          In May 2003, we entered into a distribution agreement with CJ Pharma, the U.S. Pharmaceutical Division of CJ Corporation, and their CJ Hong Kong Ltd. subsidiary, as exclusive distributors of our natural human alpha interferon in Hong Kong. Our natural human alpha interferon is currently approved in Hong Kong as a second-line therapy for the treatment of patients with hairy cell leukemia or chronic myelogenous leukemia who did not respond to recombinant (synthetic) interferon regimens. In June 2003, CJ Hong Kong initiated an update of the registration in that country to include the expanded indication for any and all patients showing an initial response to recombinant interferon therapy followed by failure.

          In March 2003, the South African regulatory authorities approved an application filed by Viragen’s distribution partner in that country, Key Oncologics Ltd. Viragen has granted Key Oncologics the exclusive rights to distribute Multiferon in South Africa and an initial product order has been delivered. The South African regulatory approval allows for the treatment of patients with hairy cell leukemia and chronic myelogenous leukemia who did not respond to recombinant (synthetic) interferon regimens. Additional applications have been filed to broaden the product’s approved indications to include the treatment of certain viral and malignant diseases including hepatitis C and cancer.

5

Table of Contents

          In January 2003, we renewed and extended our agreement with Laboratorios Pisa, a leading Mexican pharmaceutical company. The new agreement, extended by ten years, provides Laboratorios Pisa with the exclusive rights to distribute Multiferon in Mexico.

          In September 2002, negotiations were finalized to appoint Harvester Trading Co., a leading healthcare distributor in Taiwan, Republic of China, as our exclusive distributor for Multiferon in that country, following the termination of an agreement with Tradeway Incorporated. The initial term of the distribution agreement is five years, with an initial three year renewal term, and two additional three year renewal terms, unless six months’ written notice of termination is provided by either party prior to the end of the initial term or a renewal term. During the initial five-year term, Harvester has agreed to purchase a minimum of $4 million worth of product. Under this agreement, Harvester is responsible for obtaining all regulatory approvals for the sale of Multiferon in Taiwan. In connection with the regulatory approval process, Harvester is required, at its expense, to initiate a local bridging clinical trial of Multiferon which, if successful, will be used to support licensure. The bridging clinical trial will be initiated when the Taiwanese regulatory authorities review the initial documentation submitted by Harvester in March 2003. In the meantime, a pre-license sales program commenced in February 2003 with patients still being enrolled for the program. The trial is planned to be conducted according to our standard protocol with 40 patients suffering from Hepatitis C who have failed previous recombinant interferon therapies.

          In September 2002, we entered into an exclusive agreement with Drogsan Healthcare Ltd. to exclusively distribute Multiferon in Turkey following the notification from MetDem, our prior distributor, of their intent to exit the healthcare market. Drogsan Healthcare is a leading pharmaceutical company in Turkey, with experience in the distribution of pharmaceutical products. Regulatory documentations to start the registration approval process have been provided to Drogsan Healthcare and the agreement provides that Drogsan will obtain and maintain the appropriate regulatory approval in Turkey, including responsibility for all associated costs.

          In April 2002, we signed an exclusive supply and distribution agreement with AGC, a Pakistan-based, multinational conglomerate. This agreement supersedes the original agreement signed with AGC in November 1998. The agreement provides for the purchase and distribution of Multiferon. AGC’s designated territories include: India, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Yemen, Oman, UAE, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Brunei, and other Middle Eastern countries. Regulatory documentation has been sent to Pakistan, Oman and UAE.

          Under the AGC agreement, AGC is responsible for clinical and regulatory costs to obtain approvals for commercialization of the product in their designated territories. AGC is also responsible for all subsequent sales, marketing and distribution activities. AGC is required to build, own and operate, at their expense, a pharmaceutical distribution facility in a mutually agreeable location within the territories. AGC has informed us that they initially intend to focus on distribution for the treatment of hepatitis B and C. These diseases are at epidemic proportions in the designated territories. In light of the current political climate, this agreement may be modified or substantially changed in accordance with any new laws, rules or regulations.

          AGC must purchase a minimum of $20 million of product over five years increasing from $2 million the first year to $3 million the second year and $5 million for three years. The purchase minimums become binding on AGC if and when AGC receives the required regulatory approvals for product commercialization in all of the above territories, and we receive the regulatory approvals to export our product to AGC’s territories.

          AGC has agreed to provide us with its projected annual requirements to be updated quarterly. Projected requirements in excess of agreed purchase minimums are binding on AGC. The purchase minimums, if contractually triggered, will be secured by a $1 million irrevocable revolving letter of credit. AGC, Viragen International and Viragen have agreed that if and when we obtain regulatory approval for commercialization of the product in the United States and/or Europe, all parties will negotiate in good faith an amendment to the agreement which could modify the purchase minimums and selling price.

          Other countries where Multiferon marketing programs are active and/or under negotiation to start in the near future include: Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines, Spain, Brazil and other Latin American countries.

6

Table of Contents

Avian Transgenics

          On November 15, 2000, Viragen entered into a development, license and collaboration agreement with Roslin Institute (Edinburgh). The agreement provides for joint continued development of transgenics technology in chickens. The technology will be used to create chickens which produce eggs containing targeted new drugs in the egg white to treat many serious diseases, including cancer. We believe this technology promises a much faster and cost effective method of production for many promising biopharmaceutical products. Also, this technology will be capable of producing the larger quantities of protein-based drugs required for clinical and commercial applications.

          On May 14, 2001, we entered into an option agreement with Geron Corporation. This agreement provides Viragen the option to enter into a license agreement with Geron, during the three-year option period ending May 14, 2004. The license, if entered into, would be for rights to certain nuclear transfer and transgenesis technology owned by Geron. Though September 2003, we have not as yet exercised our option on the Geron technology.

          In March 2003, we entered into an agreement with Oxford BioMedica plc to obtain rights to a technology that may prove key in our collaboration with Roslin Institute to develop avian transgenic technology as a novel platform for the efficient, cost-effective manufacturing of protein drugs. The agreement, which was extended for an additional six month period in September 2003, provides Viragen with an option to acquire an exclusive worldwide license for proprietary gene transfer vectors, biotechnology tools designed to transfer genes into cells at high efficiency. Initial studies evaluating a novel use for these vectors, which transfer genes for therapeutic proteins into developing chicken embryos, have yielded successful and consistent results. However, it should be noted that additional work is necessary to be able to express the targeted proteins in the egg whites of transgenic chickens in sufficient quantities to make the process commercially viable. This work is currently underway at the Roslin Institute and our own research facility in Scotland.

Oncological Therapies

          In July 2002, Viragen entered into an agreement with the University of Miami’s Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center to develop anti-cancer technology. The joint project is designed to develop a novel form of an immune enhancing drug that has shown promise by inhibiting tumor growth in rats for a broad range of cancers. This drug is a novel 11 amino acid peptide called IEP 11, which was derived from a tumor transmembrane glycoprotein. It possesses anti-cancer vaccine properties both prophylactically and therapeutically. Additionally, the agreement provides Viragen with an option to acquire an exclusive worldwide license in order to commercialize the technology. The University of Miami has filed United States and foreign patent applications relative to this technology.

          In September 2000, we obtained an exclusive worldwide license from the U.S. National Institute of Health (NIH) to use and further develop a monoclonal antibody potentially useful in immune modulation. The antibody or antibody fragment recognizes the Notch-1 protein. The Notch-1 protein is over-expressed in certain tumors including cervical, breast and lung cancers. This project centers on the development of a drug that may be used in adjuvant therapy. During fiscal 2003, we suspended research and related expenditures on this project to explore scientific issues related to the license from the NIH. Subsequent to our fiscal year end, we terminated this license.

          In July 2000, Viragen entered into an agreement with the United Kingdom’s Cancer Research Campaign Trust and the University of Nottingham to develop an antibody therapy for the treatment of several indications including breast, ovarian and colorectal cancers. The development was carried out in collaboration with the Cancer Research Campaign’s Department of Clinical Oncology at the University of Nottingham in England. The initial term of this agreement has expired. We are currently in discussions with the Cancer Research Campaign Trust regarding a new agreement centered on continued development of the antibodies.

7

Table of Contents

          In December 1999, through Viragen (Scotland) Ltd., we entered into a collaborative agreement with the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York City. The agreement is for the development of a human monoclonal antibody targeting ganglioside GD3, which may be used alone or in combination with our Multiferon product, for the treatment of melanoma, a potentially fatal skin cancer. This technology could also prove useful in the treatment of certain other cancers. In February 2002, the agreement was extended to February 2005. Based on ongoing laboratory results, and our recent cost cutting program, further development of this project has been put on hold.

The Interferon Industry

          Prior to 1985, natural interferon was the only type of interferon available. Research institutions and other biomedical companies, including Viragen, Inc., were working to solve the problem of the high cost related to the industrial-scale production of natural interferon. In 1985, Hoffmann-La Roche, Inc. and Schering-Plough Corporation, two major pharmaceutical companies, successfully developed synthetic interferon using recombinant DNA technology. These companies subsequently received U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval to produce and market their recombinant alpha interferon products for numerous indications.

          After the emergence of recombinant or synthetic alpha interferon, the medical community’s interest in natural interferon diminished. This was due primarily to the limited availability and higher cost of production of natural interferon. Most clinical studies thereafter utilized a synthetic product.

          Hoffmann-La Roche, Inc., which produces Roferon^® and Pegasys^®, and Schering-Plough Corporation, which produces Intron A^® and Peg-Intron^®, continue to actively market their products for a wide range of indications and promote the therapeutic benefits of their synthetic interferon products. In 1993, Chiron Corp. received U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval of BetaSeron^TM, its recombinant beta interferon, for the treatment of relapsing/remitting multiple sclerosis. In 1996, Biogen, Inc. received U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval for Avonex^®, its recombinant beta interferon, for relapsing/remitting multiple sclerosis. In 1997, Teva Pharmaceuticals received U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval of its peptide chemical compound, Copaxone^®, for relapsing/remitting multiple sclerosis. Infergen^®, which is licensed by InterMune from Amgen, is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of hepatitis C.

          The current worldwide market for interferon, which is dominated by the recombinant interferons, is estimated to be approximately $3 billion. Pegylated versions of the drug have been produced to offer patients the convenience of a weekly dosage, instead of three times a week, thus improving their tolerability to treatment. Pegylation is a process which helps prevent the interferon form being destroyed by the immune system. As a result, the interferon lasts longer in the body.

Our Natural Interferon Product

          We derive our natural human alpha interferon from human white blood cells also known as leukocytes. Natural interferon is one of the body’s natural defensive responses to foreign substances like viruses. It is so named because it “interferes” with viral growth. Natural interferons are naturally-produced proteins that induce anti-viral, anti-tumor and immunomodulatory responses within the body. Clinical studies indicate that interferons may also inhibit malignant cell and tumor growth without affecting normal cell activity.

          There are two industrial sources of interferon for medical use. They are differentiated primarily by their source products, methods of manufacture and resulting composition. The first, the type we produce, is a natural multi-subtype human leukocyte-derived alpha interferon. This is produced by incubated human white blood cells, induced by a virus that is not normally pathogenic in humans, to produce natural interferon as a normal mechanism of defense. Natural interferon is then purified to produce a highly concentrated product for clinical use. The second type of interferon is recombinant or synthetic interferon (alpha or beta). This is a genetically engineered interferon. Generally, it is produced from a single human gene in bacterial cells by recombinant DNA techniques.

8

Table of Contents

          Approximately 90% of the interferon market is dominated by recombinant products. This is mainly due to the high cost and complexity of producing natural interferon. We believe that production methods we have developed, as well as enhanced methods currently under development, will continue to reduce our costs of production and, ultimately, the market price of natural human leukocyte derived interferon to patients. However, we cannot assure you that any new manufacturing technology will achieve the level of manufacturing proficiency and product improvement hoped for.

          We believe that there are certain advantages to the natural interferon products, especially in terms of tolerability and increased efficacy. Clinical studies indicate that there may be significant therapeutic differences between the use of natural interferon and synthetic interferon. We believe that treatment with synthetic interferon may cause an immunological response through the production by the human immune system of neutralizing and/or binding antibodies. These antibodies reduce the effectiveness of the treatment or may cause adverse side effects and treatment failure. Published clinical literature suggests that the production of neutralizing and/or binding antibodies may be essentially non-existent in patients treated with natural interferon. Furthermore, primarily due to biological differences, the side effects of treatment with natural interferon may be milder than those caused by a recombinant or synthetic interferon. In addition, patients who are non-responsive or have experienced adverse side effects to recombinant interferon have shown a response when treated by natural interferon.

Applications of Interferon

          Interferon is a naturally occurring protein which serves to enhance the body’s immune response to viral infections. It has been clinically proven that interferons can arrest the progress of many viral based infections, reducing adverse symptoms and disease related complications. In addition, it is believed that the multi-subtype nature of natural interferons may provide significant advantages over single subtype recombinant forms.

Hepatitis C

          The hepatitis C virus is a major worldwide cause of acute and chronic hepatitis. Hepatitis C affects an estimated 4 million Americans and 5 million Europeans. Approximately 30,000 new cases of hepatitis C are diagnosed each year in the U.S. and it is responsible for an estimated 8,000 deaths annually. Hepatitis C is currently a leading cause of liver transplantation in the United States. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved certain synthetic interferon products for the treatment of hepatitis C including:

	•		Hoffmann-La Roche’s Roferon® and Pegasys®
	•		Hoffmann-La Roche’s Pegasys® used in combination with Copegus, Roche’s ribavirin
	•		Schering-Plough’s Intron A® and Peg-Intron® used in conjunction with Rebetol®
	•		Intermune’s Infergen®.

          Synthetic interferon has proven to be effective in the treatment of some cases of hepatitis C. Based on clinical experience, we believe that our natural interferon product may also prove effective in the treatment of hepatitis C. However, prior to approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, extensive clinical trials costing many million dollars would be required. These studies could take several years to complete. A U.S. based manufacturing facility would also be required.

          Following our acquisition of ViraNative in September 2001, we terminated our clinical trials in the EU for hepatitis C with our Omniferon product. This decision reflected our intention to focus our scientific and financial resources on our Multiferon product. Local Phase III/IV clinical trials are expected to be required to register the drug in various foreign countries. The costs of these clinical studies are expected to be underwritten by the local exclusive distributors.

9

Table of Contents

Melanoma

          Melanoma is a type of cancer which originates in the melanocytes, the cells responsible for pigmentation of the skin. Over 30,000 cases per year are diagnosed in the United States alone. Melanoma has one of the fastest growing occurrence rates, increasing at a rate in excess of 4% per year. Lifetime risk of developing melanoma in an average American is currently about one in 75 and it is the most commonly occurring cancer in women between the ages of 25 and 29. Melanoma is second only to breast cancer in women ages 30 to 34.

          We conducted a Phase II/III clinical trial in Germany with Interferon Alfanative for the adjuvant treatment of malignant melanoma, which indicated promising results. The study involved 152 patients with malignant melanoma in 20 centers, who were randomized to receive either Interferon Alfanative after dacarbazine or no adjuvant therapy.

          The results obtained in this study showed that adjuvant treatment with low doses of our product, preceded by dacarbazine, significantly increases relapse-free survival in high-risk resected cutaneous melanoma patients. The results suggest a survival benefit which is at least similar to that obtained with a high-dose recombinant interferon regimen. Two findings in the study suggest that adjuvant treatment chosen in this study will have a long-term beneficial effect on overall survival. First, the proportion of patients who were alive without distant metastases was significantly higher in the treated patients than in the untreated patients. Second, patients who had withdrawn from the observation group (and received other types of treatment) retrospectively were found to have had a higher mortality rate than those who had been subject to regular follow up. A major advantage of the type of adjuvant therapy used in this study is its relative lack of toxicity.

Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia

          Chronic myelogenous leukemia is one of a group of diseases called myeloproliferative disorders. It is usually recognized by a distinctive cytogenetic abnormality, known as the Philadelphia chromosome. The current treatment for chronic myelogenous leukemia is high dose chemotherapy with bone marrow transplantation. Interferon therapy has emerged as a possible effective initial treatment in this disease. This type of therapy affects both the presence of leukemia cells and the number of bone marrow cells having the Philadelphia chromosome.

Hairy Cell Leukemia

          Hairy cell leukemia (HCL) is a disease in which a type of white blood cell called the lymphocyte, present in the blood and bone marrow, becomes malignant and proliferates. It is called hairy cell leukemia because the cells have tiny hair-like projections when viewed under the microscope. Hairy cell leukemia is a rare cancer. There are approximately 600 new cases diagnosed every year in the United States, making up about 2% of the adult cases of leukemia each year.

          We are approved in Sweden to manufacture and distribute Multiferon for the treatment of patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia and hairy cell leukemia, who did not respond to treatment with recombinant interferon.

Multiple Sclerosis

          Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, often disabling disease of the central nervous system. This disease often attacks young adults. It is estimated that there are approximately 350,000 patients in the U.S. and a similar number in Europe.

          Multiple sclerosis has been an important potential market for recombinant interferon beta preparations and this is a growing segment worldwide, valued at almost $2 billion in 2001. Natural interferon alpha has shown beneficial effects in multiple sclerosis. Clinical studies have shown that neutralizing antibodies to interferon alpha and interferon beta are not cross reactive in MS patients, which means that Multiferon could be of therapeutic benefit to overcome relapse due to antibody formation in MS patients treated with a recombinant interferon beta preparation.

10

Table of Contents

          No application has been submitted in the U.K., U.S., or any other country for the treatment of multiple sclerosis utilizing Multiferon. Completion of clinical trials for multiple sclerosis, if commenced, is expected to take several years and require significant additional funding.

Potential Applications of Interferon

SARS

          Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is a viral respiratory illness caused by a coronavirus, called SARS-associated coronavirus (SARS-CoV). SARS was first reported in Asia in February 2003. Over the next few months, the illness spread to more than two dozen countries in North America, South America, Europe, and Asia. While the immediate threat of SARS has been largely contained, many international health officials are predicting that additional global outbreaks will recur, possibly at epidemic or pandemic scales, especially during the winter months when viruses can thrive in lower temperatures.

          According to the World Health Organization, as of August 7, 2003, a cumulative total of 8,422 probable SARS cases with 916 deaths have been reported from 32 countries with the highest concentrations reported in China, Hong Kong and Taiwan. Currently, there is no effective treatment for SARS and global health agencies are seeking to evaluate potential treatment strategies.

          In September 2003, we reported positive results from in vitro studies that evaluated the use of our natural human alpha interferon, Multiferon, for the treatment of SARS. These preliminary studies, conducted by researchers at the Genome Institute of Singapore (GIS), appear to confirm that the natural, human leukocyte-derived alpha interferon is a prime candidate for the treatment of SARS. The preliminary Viragen/GIS studies demonstrated a clear anti-viral response when Multiferon was added to SARS-infected cells. The effect on the infected cells was tested using standard methodology to determine the change in the Cytopathic Effect (the destruction of cells infected by a virus) and in the reduction of viral plaques (areas of cells destroyed by a virus). The results showed a clear reduction in the viral effects as the Multiferon concentration was increased.

Bio-Defense

          We have provided samples of Multiferon internationally for evaluation for potential bio-defense applications.

Research and Development

          The entire process of research, development and the approval by any governmental regulatory agency including the European Union and/or U.S. Food Drug Administration of a new biopharmaceutical drug takes many years. It also requires substantial funding and clinical support.

          We conducted a Phase II/III clinical trial in Germany with Interferon Alfanative for the adjuvant treatment of malignant melanoma, which indicated promising results. The study involved 152 patients with malignant melanoma in 20 centers, who were randomized to receive either Interferon Alfanative with dacarbazine or no adjuvant therapy. The results obtained in this study showed that adjuvant treatment with low doses of our product, preceded by dacarbazine, significantly increases relapse-free survival in high-risk resected cutaneous melanoma patients. The results suggest a survival benefit which is at least similar to that obtained with a high-dose recombinant interferon regimen. In September 2003, a follow-up to all patients involved in this trial was initiated and it is expected to be completed by the end of the year. Results from this follow-up are intended to further validate the results of the Phase II/III clinical trial.

          A named-patient basis program with children suffering from hepatitis C is planned in Germany as soon as all approvals are in place. The objective of this program is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Multiferon in the treatment of children with hepatitis C.

11

Table of Contents

          We have a number of ongoing process development activities geared towards optimizing the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of our natural interferon manufacturing process. These include investigations into alternative sources of the raw material from which the product is manufactured, optimization of the purification process, formulation and sustained release studies. We are also researching the precise mechanisms of action of our natural interferon product, the advantages of the multi-subtype nature and the reasons for the superior tolerability. Efforts are also geared toward expanding the scope of our natural interferon product by investigating alternative disease indications such as the treatment and prevention of SARS and other serious life-threatening viral diseases.

          Research and development costs totaled approximately $3,207,000, $4,932,000, and $7,088,000, for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively.

Intellectual Property

          We believe our natural human alpha interferon production techniques are unique and are capable of yielding a superior quality product and will allow us to offer the drug at a price competitive with the recombinant interferons.

          In May 2003, we filed a patent application with the British Patent Office covering the use of natural human leukocyte-derived alpha interferon for the treatment and prevention of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). A second patent application also related to the treatment of SARS was filed in August 2003, including the results from in-vitro testing performed at the Genome Institute of Singapore (GIS).

          In August 2000, the World Intellectual Property Organization published our international patent application related to methods of isolating highly purified natural type 1 interferons. Based on this international application, Viragen was granted an additional patent (#6,433,144 B1) from the United States Patent & Trademark Office in August 2000 for a process relating to the manufacture of human natural alpha interferon from human white blood cells. This invention also relates to methods for isolating highly-purified mixtures of natural type I interferons from white blood cells and also to highly-purified mixtures of natural type I interferons which resemble natural type I interferon in that it includes 9 subtypes and specifically protects certain novel purification steps in it manufacture that increases purity to 95-98%.

          In February 2002, Viragen was granted a patent (#6,350,589 B1) from the United States Patent & Trademark Office for a process relating to the manufacture of human natural alpha interferon from human white blood cells. The patent, “Compositions of Highly-Purified Natural Mixtures of Type 1 Interferon Derived from Leukocytes and Methods” relates to methods for isolating highly-purified mixtures of natural type I interferons from white blood cells and also to highly-purified mixtures of natural type I interferons which resemble natural type I interferon in that it includes 9 subtypes.

          ViraNative has filed 4 patents relating to human leukocyte interferon and related production processes. Viragen also submitted several foreign patent applications relating to natural interferon for topical use. Several of these patents have been granted. During fiscal 1999, a Japanese company challenged Viragen’s patent issued in Japan for the topical use of interferon. This patent was successfully defended. The patents related to topical use have recently been abandoned due to the unlikely commercial benefits of the technology.

          United States and foreign patents have been issued to others for genetically engineered and human-derived interferons. In the event of valid claims, we may have to negotiate license agreements with patent holders to use some processes and products. We believe that we do not infringe upon any current patent. We have not received any communications or had any conversations with the owners of related patents that may potentially make claims or who have threatened to make a claim that our patents infringe their patents.

          Someone can challenge the validity and enforceability of a patent by litigation after its issuance. If the outcome is against the owner of the patent, other parties may be free to use the subject matter of the patent. Protection provided by foreign patents may be different than in the United States. The actual protection we receive from a foreign patent may

12

Table of Contents

vary from one country to another. Protection realized may also depend on the type of patent, scope of coverage granted and the legal remedies available in each country. We cannot assure you that any future patents will offer substantial protection or commercial benefit to us.

Regulation

          Our activities, products and processes are subject to substantial government regulation within the United States, the European Union (EU) and other foreign jurisdictions. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, foreign jurisdictions and state and local agencies regulate the manufacturing, advertising, labeling and sale of biologic substances and pharmaceutical products. Regulatory authorities have stringent mandatory procedures and standards, which apply to the clinical testing, manufacture and marketing of any biologic products, including ours. Regulatory approvals for commercialization of any new product take significant time and capital, since it involves extensive testing procedures and lengthy clinical trials. These trials involve the measurement of product safety and efficacy under specific protocols. The process of obtaining approvals requires extensive prior animal testing to demonstrate product safety. Human tests are then performed to show and to document findings as to safety and effectiveness. Data is then gathered and evaluated, followed by the submission of all information and data to the regulatory authorities. This process takes many years and substantial funding. Contents of labeling and packaging are also highly controlled by health authorities.

          Extension of the number of licenses held in the EU can be achieved for products like Multiferon through the Mutual Recognition Procedure. This process makes it possible to hold marketing authorizations in all 16 Member States. Mutual Recognition is administered by and between the competent authorities of the member states where marketing authorizations are sought. Subject to the successful completion of clinical trials, we believe this is the regulatory route that would be used to secure regulatory approval in the EU. Product pricing and reimbursement guidelines are dictated by the individual EU member states and are subject to change.

          In Europe and the United States, human clinical trial programs generally involve a three-phase process. Typically, Phase I trials are conducted in healthy volunteers to determine any early side effects and the pattern of drug distribution and metabolism. Phase II trials are conducted in groups of patients afflicted with the target disease to provide preliminary data on the effectiveness and safety of a new drug product. If Phase II evaluations indicate potential effectiveness with an acceptable safety profile, Phase III trials are performed. Phase III is performed to demonstrate clinical effectiveness and safety within an expanded patient population from multiple clinical study sites. Regulatory authorities may also require Phase IV studies to track patients after a product is approved for commercial sale.

          American pharmaceutical manufacturers who sell outside of the United States are also subject to U.S. Food and Drug Administration jurisdiction. Semi-finished drugs may be shipped, under controlled circumstances, for further processing, packaging, labeling and distribution to third parties in approved foreign countries. This controlled distribution is also subject to the laws that apply in the importing countries. For Viragen to conduct this type of sale, we must comply with all U.S. Food and Drug Administration rules and regulations.

          It is possible that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or foreign regulatory authorities, could modify or expand their approval criteria or reporting requirements. These changes could significantly increase the time and expense to develop a new product and bring that product to market.

          In January 2002, the Medical Products Agency (MPA) in Sweden approved an extended indication for Multiferon, to include second-line treatment for any and all those patients failing previous interferon therapies, probably due to neutralizing antibodies. This approval broadens the use of the product for all indications of the recombinant interferons, where patients have not responded or have had breakthrough response and later relapsed. Main indications include hepatitis B and C, malignant melanoma, hairy cell leukemia, myelogenous leukemia, multiple sclerosis and other types of cancer.

13

Table of Contents

Supply Agreements

          In July 1995, Viragen (Scotland) entered into a license and manufacturing agreement with the Common Services Agency of Scotland to secure a sufficient source of needed raw materials. We also wanted their expertise in the area of blood-derived products and the regulatory approval process. The agency is an adjunct of the Scottish Government which acts on behalf of the National Health Service in Scotland and the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service.

          During fiscal year 1998, we were notified that, due to concerns over the possible presence of Mad Cow disease in the UK blood supply, human leukocytes collected in Scotland would not be approved for use in our clinical trials or potential commercial production. This prohibition is still in place and will remain until the European regulatory authorities are satisfied that the risk of contamination has been minimized or eliminated. Due to this situation, we have been using leukocytes collected in Germany under a contractual arrangement between ViraNative and the German Red Cross.

          In February 2001, we entered into a new agreement with the Common Services Agency of Scotland. This agreement replaced the July 1995 license and manufacturing agreement. Under the terms of the new agreement, the Common Services Agency, acting through the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service, agreed to supply specific manufacturing and quality control and assurance services. The agreement provides for a pre-negotiated pricing structure for all services. Any or all services may be terminated with three months notice by either party except for dispensing, capping, coding and inspection which requires six months notice.

          In the event the restrictions on the UK blood supply are removed, the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service has agreed to supply us exclusively with all available white cells collected by them at their cost. We have agreed to pay them $11,000 per year for this provision. We have the exclusive access to these white cells for the longer of seven years or the duration of our commitment to provide them with a portion of our Scottish-based production.

          In March 1998, Viragen (Germany) GmbH entered into a contractual agreement with the German Red Cross. Under this agreement, Viragen (Germany) GmbH has preferential access to up to 1,000,000 leukocyte donations per year. We agreed to provide the German Red Cross a percentage of sales and priority distribution of product using leukocytes provided under this agreement. Leukocytes provided from the German Red Cross are approved for use in our Swedish and Scottish facilities. We are not currently ordering or receiving leukocytes under this agreement.

          ViraNative also has separate supply agreements with the German Red Cross which were already in place at the time of our acquisition of ViraNative. Our facility in Sweden continues to receive leukocytes as necessary under these agreements.

Competition

          Competition in the research, development and production of interferon and other immunological products is intense and growing. Our competition includes many major, well-established and well-financed pharmaceutical and commercial entities, as well as major educational and scientific institutions. Many researchers, some of whom have substantial private and government funding, are involved with interferon production, including production of interferon through synthetic DNA technology. A number of large companies, including Hoffmann-La Roche, Inc., Schering-Plough Corporation, Biogen, Inc., Chiron Corp., Berlex Laboratories and Ares-Serono are producing, selling and conducting clinical trials with their recombinant interferons (alpha and beta) and other immunological products in the areas of cancer and viral infections, including hepatitis C. Alfa Wassermann, formerly one of our customers, is presently producing a low purified natural alpha interferon product with distribution primarily in Italy.

          We believe that competition is also based on production ability, technological superiority and administrative and regulatory expertise in obtaining governmental approvals for testing, manufacturing and marketing of the product.

14

Table of Contents

          The timing of the entry of a new pharmaceutical product into the market is an important factor in determining that product’s eventual success. Early marketing has advantages in gaining product acceptance and market share. Our ability to develop products, complete clinical studies and obtain governmental approvals in the past had been hampered by a lack of adequate capital. We are not presently a competitive factor in the biopharmaceutical industry.

Employees

          As of September 19, 2003, we have 62 employees. Of these, 45 are research and development, manufacturing and quality assurance/quality control personnel. The remaining 17 employees are management, regulatory and/or administrative personnel. Our domestic and Scottish-based employees are not represented by any collective bargaining agreements. The majority of our Swedish-based employees are members of a Swedish union representing scientific personnel. We have never experienced a work stoppage. We believe our relations with our employees to be good.

Item 2. Properties

          In November 1996, Viragen entered into a ten year lease for 14,800 square feet in Plantation, Florida. This location contains our domestic administrative, international marketing and executive offices. The lease contains an option for up to two additional five-year terms. Current monthly rental on the property, including common area maintenance charges and applicable taxes, is approximately $27,300. We have recently entered into discussions with our landlord to sub-lease to third parties approximately one-half of our Florida facility. Our administrative offices are located at 865 SW 78th Avenue, Suite 100, Plantation, Florida 33324; phone (954) 233-8746.

          In November 1996, Viragen (Scotland) executed a five year lease, subsequently modified for additional space, for a newly constructed laboratory and manufacturing facility located in Pentlands Science Park near Edinburgh, Scotland. The facility consists of approximately 17,000 square feet with base monthly rental payments of approximately $29,000 plus common area and maintenance charges. The lease further provides for up to four five year extensions at our option. In October 2001, we exercised our first option to extend the lease through October 2006. In March 2002 and September 2003, we signed sub-lease agreements, sub-leasing a portion of our space to third parties, with initial terms of one year, thereafter renewable on a monthly basis. The area covered in these sub-lease agreements totals approximately 4,000 square feet generating monthly sub-lease rent of approximately $7,000.

          Through ViraNative, we lease approximately 25,500 square feet of laboratory, production and office facilities in Umea, Sweden. This space is covered by two separate leases. The initial term of these leases has expired and these leases were renewed in January 2003 through December 2006 at a total lease cost of approximately $27,000 per month. Our Multiferon product is manufactured in this facility.

          ViraNative also owns a 21,500 square foot building in Umea, Sweden, which is currently under renovation. This building was purchased prior to our acquisition of ViraNative to provide expanded production capacity and is intended to eventually house all of ViraNatives’ research, production and administrative facilities. In September 2003, ViraNative entered into agreements to renovate a portion of this facility at a cost of approximately $1.2 million. This facility carries a 25 year mortgage held by a Swedish bank for approximately $680,000.

          We believe our properties are in good condition, well-maintained and generally suitable and adequate to carry on our business. We also believe that we maintain sufficient insurance coverage on all of our real and personal property.

15

Table of Contents

Item 3. Legal Proceedings

          In February 2002, the Company filed suit against a former director to collect a promissory note and related accrued interest then in default (Viragen, Inc. vs. William B. Saeger- Circuit Court of the 11^th Judicial Circuit, Miami-Dade County, Case No: 02-03618-CA-08). The principal and related interest due had been fully reserved in the Company’s financial records in fiscal year 1998. In February 2002 subsequent to the date we filed suit, Mr. Saeger filed a Petition for Bankruptcy in the United States Bankruptcy Court of the Southern District of Florida (Case No: 02-11757 BKC RAM) at which time the Company’s suit was stayed pending adjudication of the bankruptcy proceedings.

          In October 2002, Mr. Saeger withdrew his petition for bankruptcy which was granted. Following the action in October 2002, the Company filed its motion for Summary Final Judgment claiming damages of $100,000 in principal, $46,750 in related accrued interest plus attorneys’ fees and costs and expenses of collection. In May 2003 we entered into a settlement agreement with Mr. Saeger providing for nominal monthly payments until May 2005 at which time a final balloon payment of $135,609 becomes due and payable.

          In January 2003, legal counsel for the Company was informally approached by an attorney representing a shareholder or shareholders considering a possible action against the Company. To the best of our knowledge, the action, if filed, would allege that the Company’s disclosures surrounding its October 2001 contract with Tradeway Incorporated were false and misleading. The Company believes that its disclosures related to the now terminated Supply and Distribution Agreement, clearly reflected the contractual relationship between the parties and were not misleading. Further, while no litigation has commenced in this matter, the Company believes any such action would be without merit and would also be vigorously defended. Through the date of issuance of this report, we had not been contacted further regarding this matter.

          On August 15, 2002, we were named as a defendant in a lawsuit filed by Medicore, Inc. in Circuit Court, Broward County, Florida (Medicore, Inc. vs. Viragen, Inc., Case No. 02-0147812). Medicore, our former parent, alleged breach of contract in relation to royalties due from present and future sales of our natural interferon product.

          Viragen and Medicore, Inc. entered into a royalty agreement with respect to interferon, transfer factor and products using interferon and transfer factor in November 1986. The amended agreement was subsequently amended in November 1989 and May 1993. The amended agreement provides for a maximum cap on royalties to be paid to Medicore of $2,400,000. It includes a schedule of royalty payments of:

	•		5% of the first $7,000,000 of sales,
	•		4% of the next $10,000,000, and
	•		3% of the next $55,000,000

          These royalties are to be paid until the total of $2,400,000 is achieved. The amended agreement also states that royalties of approximately $108,000 previously accrued by Viragen are to be included in the final payment. From May 1993 through September 2001, we paid royalties under this amended agreement totaling approximately $70,000.

          Viragen answered the complaint, denying that Medicore was entitled to any royalties. In March 2003, in response to a motion for partial summary judgment on liability, the Court entered an order adverse to Viragen granting partial summary judgment as to liability. Viragen agreed to mediation and a settlement was reached in July 2003. In the settlement, Viragen agreed to pay royalties to Medicore based on the sale of our natural human alpha interferon on a quarterly basis starting in October 2003 in accordance with the terms of the amended agreement. Also, as part of the settlement, Viragen agreed to pay royalties to Medicore based on our natural interferon sales from October 1, 2001 through June 30, 2003 as follows: $30,000 by August 1, 2003; $30,000 plus 5% interest by August 1, 2004; and $30,000 plus 5% interest by August 1, 2005. The first payment of $30,000 was made on July 28, 2003.

          In January 2001, Viragen and its co-plaintiffs the Roslin Institute and Dr. Helen Sang filed suit against AviGenics, Inc. in the Superior Court of California for San Mateo County (Case No.: 415458). The lawsuit was brought in response to allegations by AviGenics that a restrictive covenant contained in a consulting agreement between AviGenics and Dr. Sang, who works at the Roslin Institute, precluded her and Roslin from doing business with Viragen.

16

Table of Contents

          In its lawsuit, Viragen sought a judicial declaration that (i) Dr. Sang’s restrictive covenant was void and unenforceable, (ii) Viragen, Roslin and Dr. Sang had the right to do business together, and (iii) no trade secret information belonging to AviGenics was implicated by Viragen’s business relationship with the Roslin Institute and Dr. Sang. The lawsuit also sought damages against AviGenics for tortuously interfering in Viragen’s business relationship with the Roslin Institute and Dr. Sang and for attempting to enforce an invalid restrictive covenant. By order dated March 30, 2001 this lawsuit was dismissed on forum non convenience grounds.

          In March 2001, AviGenics, Inc. filed suit against Viragen and its co-defendants Roslin Institute and Dr. Helen Sang in the Superior Court of Athens-Clarke County, Georgia (Case No.: SU-01-CV-0468-S). In its amended complaint, AviGenics alleged that Viragen and its co-defendants breached contractual duties of confidentiality, conspired to and did misappropriate AviGenics’ relationships with Dr. Sang and Roslin.

          Viragen believed the AviGenic’s lawsuit to be entirely without substantive merit, and Viragen possessed valid and significant legal defenses to AviGenic’s claims. In July 2002, the litigation was resolved with all parties dropping their claims against each other. Viragen is continuing its contractual relationship with both the Roslin Institute and Dr. Sang in the continuing development of transgenics technology. No accrual for loss had been recorded in this matter.

          In October 1997, Viragen, the company’s former president and Cytoferon Corp., a former affiliate of the president, were named as defendants in a civil action brought in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida (Walter L. Smith v Cytoferon Corp. et al; Case No: 97-3187-CIV-MARCUS). The plaintiff is a former Viragen stockholder and investor in Cytoferon Corp. The suit alleged the defendants violated federal and state securities laws, federal and state RICO statutes, fraud, conspiracy, breach of fiduciary duties and breach of contract. The plaintiff was seeking an unspecified monetary judgment and the delivery of 441,368 shares of common stock. Viragen filed a motion to dismiss denying the allegations and requesting reimbursement of its costs.

          In November 1997, the plaintiff filed a notice of voluntary dismissal with the federal court concurrently notifying Viragen of his intent to refile a complaint in circuit court in the state of Florida. In December 1998, the U.S. District Court awarded us reimbursement of attorneys’ fees and expenses under Rule 11 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act. We recovered $31,000 during fiscal 2000.

          In November 1997, the plaintiff filed a complaint in the Circuit Court of the 11th Judicial Circuit for Miami-Dade County, Florida (Case No: 97-25587 CA30) naming the same defendants. The suit alleges breach of contract, fraud, violation of Florida’s RICO statute and breach of fiduciary duties. It sought an unspecified monetary judgment and specific performance delivery of 441,368 shares of Viragen common stock. The plaintiff claimed that he was entitled to additional shares of common stock under a consulting agreement. He also claimed that Viragen’s former president breached his fiduciary duty to Cytoferon Corp. by not achieving sufficient financing for Viragen, which would have entitled Cytoferon Corp. to additional shares. He also claimed misrepresentations in connection with the previous Cytoferon financings.

          In March 1998, the Circuit Court granted Viragen’s motion to dismiss the complaint. Subsequently, the plaintiff filed an amended complaint alleging breach of contract, fraud, violation of Florida’s RICO Act and breach of fiduciary duties and seeking an unspecified monetary judgment and specific performance delivery of 441,368 shares of Viragen common stock. In April 1998, Viragen filed a motion to dismiss plaintiff’s amended complaint which was denied by the court.

          In August 2000, counsel for plaintiff indicated that they desired to withdraw as counsel. In January 2001, the Circuit Court ruled in favor of Viragen on all counts related to the Circuit Court Case (No.: 97-25587 CA30). No further claims against Viragen are pending in this matter. In July 2002, the Circuit Court ruled in favor of Mr. Smith and Cytoferon and all counts against these defendants were dismissed. Following this ruling, we filed for recovery of related litigation costs in these matters. In April 2003, we were notified that the plaintiff and their counsel were appealing the award of approximately $210,000 in legal fees. We intend to vigorously pursue the recovery of these fees

17

Table of Contents

          In February 2001, Viragen filed a lawsuit, (Viragen, Inc. v. Walter Larry Smith, W. Richard Leuck, Roland St. Louis, Jr., Esq., Juan C. Martinez, Esq., St. Louis, Guerra, Auslander, P.A. and John Does Nos. 1-10, Case No. 01-3842 CA 01) in a malicious prosecution and conspiracy action against the above mentioned parties in a attempt to recapture the losses incurred by Viragen, Inc. as a result of having to disclose the lawsuit Walter L. Smith v. Gerald Smith, Cytoferon Corp., Viragen, Inc. and John Does Nos. 1-10, Case No. 97-25587 CA (30) (“Smith Litigation”) as well as the attorneys’ fees and costs expended by Viragen, Inc. in defending this action. The Smith Litigation wrongfully alleged that Viragen, Inc. engaged in, among other things, fraud and RICO violations during the course of a 1992 stock offering done by Cytoferon, Corp. In the Smith Litigation, the Court granted final summary judgment in favor of Viragen, Inc., specifically finding that there was no evidence connecting Viragen, Inc. in any way to the allegations made against it in the complaint in that action.

          Due to the insolvency of the insurance carrier of certain defendants in this case, all related hearings in this matter have been postponed. Viragen intends to vigorously pursue its claims in this matter.

18

Table of Contents

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

          We held a special meeting of stockholders in Plantation, Florida on June 25, 2003. Shareholders voted:

	1.		To authorize and approve an amendment to our Certificate of Incorporation increasing the number of authorized shares of common stock from 250 million to 700 million;
	2.		To authorize the possible issuance of more than 19.9% of our common stock in a financing transaction pursuant to which Viragen received gross proceeds of $2,476,050 through the sale of its convertible debentures, common stock and common stock purchase warrants to 5 institutional investors;
	3.		To authorize the possible issuance of more than 19.9% of our common stock in a financing transaction pursuant to which Viragen received gross proceeds of $3,758,132 through the sale of its convertible debentures and common stock purchase warrants to 4 institutional investors; and
	4.		To authorize the possible issuance of more than 19.9% of our common stock in a financing transaction pursuant to which Viragen has the right to require an investor to purchase up to $12,000,000 in shares of Viragen common stock.

     With a majority (92%) of the outstanding shares voting either by proxy or in person, the stockholders approved the proposals with the following votes:

19

Table of Contents

PART II

Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters

          Viragen’s common stock traded on the over-the-counter bulletin board from June 29, 1999 through April 16, 2000, under the symbol “VRGN.” Our common stock began trading on the American Stock Exchange on April 17, 2000, under the symbol “VRA.” The following table lists the high and low closing quotations for our common stock since July 1, 2001.

          The above quotations represent prices between dealers, and do not include retail mark-ups, markdowns or commissions. These quotations may not necessarily represent actual transactions.

          As of September 19, 2003, we had approximately 2,700 stockholders of record. On September 19, 2003, the closing price of the common stock was $0.33 per share.

          We have never paid any dividends on our common stock. We do not anticipate paying any cash dividends in the foreseeable future because:

	•		we have experienced losses since inception,
	•		we have significant capital requirements in the future, and
	•		we presently intend to retain future earnings, if any, to finance the expansion of our business.
	Future dividend policy will depend on:

	•		our earnings, if any,
	•		capital requirements,
	•		expansion plans,
	•		legal or contractual limitations,
	•		financial condition, and
	•		other relevant factors.

20

Table of Contents

Item 6. Selected Consolidated Financial Data

          The following selected financial data should be read together with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto and other financial information included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The consolidated statements of operations data set forth below of Viragen for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2003, 2002 and 2001 and the consolidated balance sheet data as of June 30, 2003 and 2002 have been derived from Viragen’s audited consolidated financial statements which are included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The consolidated statement of operations data set forth below for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2000 and 1999 and the consolidated balance sheet data as of June 30, 2001, 2000 and 1999 have been derived from Viragen’s audited consolidated financial statements which are not included in this Annual