BIONOVO INC - FORM 10-Q/A - December 10, 2010

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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q/A

(Amendment 1)

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

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2010

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

For the transition period from to

Commission File No. 1-33498

BIONOVO, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


Delaware		20-5526892
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)		(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

5858 Horton Street, Suite 400, Emeryville, California 94608		(510) 601-2000
(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)		(Telephone Number)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes ¨ No ¨

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act of 1934). Yes ¨ No x

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.


Class		Outstanding at November 8, 2010
Common shares US$.0001 par value		24,530,112

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Bionovo, Inc. (the “Company”) is filing this Amendment to its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2010, originally filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 12, 2010 (the “Form 10-Q”), to correct an error in the reported number of authorized shares of capital stock of the Company in the Financial Statements, the Notes to the Financial Statements and the Management’s Discussion and Analysis section of the Form 10-Q. The correct number of authorized shares of capital stock as of September 30, 2010 should have been 350,000,000, of which 340,000,000 are common stock and 10,000,000 are preferred stock.

In addition, as required by Rule 12b-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, new certifications by our principal executive officer and principal financial officer are being filed as exhibits to the Form 10-Q.

Except as described above, no other changes have been made to the Form 10-Q, and this Amendment does not modify or update the disclosures or financial statements in the Form 10-Q or otherwise reflect any events occurring after the original filing of the Form 10-Q. As a result, this Amendment should be read in conjunction with the Form 10-Q.

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited)

Bionovo, Inc.

(A Development Stage Company)

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(in thousands, except share amounts)


	September 30, 2010			December 31, 2009
	(unaudited)			(Note 1)
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	3,113		$	2,799
Short-term investments		—			13,135
Receivables		69			251
Prepaid expenses		1,133			214
Other current assets		232			161

Total current assets		4,547			16,560
Property and equipment, net		7,121			6,197
Patent pending, net		1,187			822
Other assets		1,184			570

Total assets	$	14,039		$	24,149

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	386		$	311
Accrued compensation and benefits		344			367
Current portion of capital lease obligations		1,123			476
Current portion of notes payable		54			59
Other current liabilities		1,194			823

Total current liabilities		3,101			2,036
Non-current portion of capital lease obligations		1,019			96
Non-current portion of notes payable		83			121

Total liabilities		4,203			2,253


Commitments and contingencies

Shareholders’ equity: (1)
Preferred stock, $0.0001 par value; 10,000,000 shares authorized; none issued and outstanding		—			—
Common stock $0.0001 par value, 340,000,000 shares authorized, 21,802,842 and 21,503,738 shares outstanding at September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively		2			2
Additional paid-in capital		79,056			77,713
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		—			(5	)
Accumulated deficit		(69,222	)		(55,814	)

Total shareholders’ equity		9,836			21,896

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	14,039		$	24,149

(1)	The shares outstanding reflect the results of a 1-for-5 reverse stock split on August 31, 2010 (see Note 1).

See accompanying notes to these condensed consolidated financial statements

Bionovo, Inc.

(A Development Stage Company)

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

(unaudited, in thousands, except per share amounts)


	Three months ended September 30,						Nine Months ended September 30,						Accumulated from February 1, 2002 (Date of inception) to September 30,
	2010			2009			2010			2009			2010
Revenues	$	68		$	155		$	82		$	162		$	1,262


Operating expenses:
Research and development		3,673			2,938			10,807			9,493			50,513
General and administrative		987			926			2,627			3,110			20,229
Merger cost		—			—			—			—			1,964

Total operating expenses		4,660			3,864			13,434			12,603			72,706


Loss from operations		(4,592	)		(3,709	)		(13,352	)		(12,441	)		(71,444	)

Change in fair value of warrant liability		—			—			—			—			831
Interest income		2			5			16			75			2,090
Interest expense		(9	)		(22	)		(33	)		(77	)		(493	)
Other expense		(28	)		—			(39	)		(86	)		(206	)

Net loss	$	(4,627	)	$	(3,726	)	$	(13,408	)	$	(12,529	)	$	(69,222	)

Basic and diluted net loss per common share	$	(0.21	)	$	(0.24	)	$	(0.62	)	$	(0.82	)	$	(6.58	)


Shares used in computing basic and diluted net loss per share		21,785			15,287			21,607			15,278			10,517

See accompanying notes to these condensed consolidated financial statements

Bionovo, Inc.

(A Development Stage Company)

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(unaudited, in thousands)


	Nine Months Ended September 30,						Accumulated from February 1, 2002 (Date of inception) to September 30,
	2010			2009			2010
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net loss	$	(13,408	)	$	(12,529	)	$	(69,222	)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization		1,203			1,181			4,884
Stock-based compensation expense		743			682			5,211
Amortization and accretion of investments		128			34			269
Non-cash compensation for warrants issued		—			—			1,964
Amortization of note discount		—			—			139
Amortization of deferred stock compensation		—			—			16
Change in fair value of warrrant liability		—			—			(831	)
Loss on disposal of property and equipment		35			86			148
Noncash adjustment to available-for-sale securities		2			(1	)		1
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Receivables		182			70			(69	)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		(390	)		154			(765	)
Other assets		(615	)		(73	)		(1,153	)
Accounts payable		75			(115	)		386
Accrued compensation and benefits		(23	)		(50	)		344
Other accrued liabilities		371			171			1,194

Net cash used in operating activities		(11,697	)		(10,390	)		(57,484	)

Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures		(1,170	)		(188	)		(7,766	)
Proceeds from sale-leaseback transaction		1,205			—			1,205
Acquisition of intangible assets		(420	)		(242	)		(1,386	)
Purchases of available-for-sale securities		(920	)		—			(41,692	)
Proceeds from sales and maturities of investments		13,930			10,235			41,424

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities		12,625			9,805			(8,215	)

Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of common stock and warrants, net		—			—			67,085
Payments under capital lease obligations		(569	)		(543	)		(3,067	)
Payments under notes payable		(45	)		(10	)		(69	)
Proceeds from exercise of warrants and options		—			120			5,000
Proceeds from convertible notes payable		—			—			(50	)
Payments for financing costs for convertible notes		—			—			(87	)

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities		(614	)		(433	)		68,812

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		314			(1,018	)		3,113
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period		2,799			3,270			—

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period	$	3,113		$	2,252		$	3,113

See accompanying notes to these condensed consolidated financial statements

Bionovo, Inc.

(A Development Stage Company)

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

1. BUSINESS AND ORGANIZATION

Formation of the Company

The Company’s history began in February 2002 as a private company operating in California. Now Bionovo, Inc. is incorporated in the state of Delaware and was made public through a reverse merger transaction between Bionovo Biopharmaceuticals, Inc.¹ and Lighten Up Enterprises International, Inc.² on April 6, 2005. Immediately following the reverse merger, the Company operated as Lighten Up Enterprises International, Inc. until June 29, 2005 when the Company assumed the name, Bionovo, Inc.

Reverse Merger

On April 6, 2005, Lighten Up Enterprises International, Inc. acquired all the outstanding shares of Bionovo Biopharmaceuticals, Inc. in exchange for 8,422,490 restricted shares of its common stock in a reverse triangular merger. The acquisition was accounted for as a reverse merger in which Bionovo Biopharmaceuticals, Inc. was deemed to be the accounting acquirer. Accordingly, the historical financial information presented herein is that of Bionovo Biopharmaceuticals, Inc. (as adjusted for any difference in the par value of each entity’s stock with an offset to capital in excess of par value). Financial information subsequent to the reverse merger is that of the merged entity, Bionovo, Inc.

Reverse Stock Split

On August 27, 2010, we filed a Certificate of Amendment to our Certificate of Incorporation with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware to effect a reverse split of our issued and outstanding common stock at a ratio of one-for-five. The reverse stock split was effective at the close of business on August 31, 2010. All fractional shares created by the reverse stock split were rounded up to the nearest whole share. All historical share and per share amounts have been adjusted to reflect the reverse stock split.

Going Concern & Liquidity

The Company has sustained recurring losses and negative cash flows from operations. At September 30, 2010, the Company had an accumulated deficit of $69.2 million, working capital of $1.4 million and shareholders’ equity of $9.8 million. Over the past years, the Company has been funded through a combination of private equity, government grants, debt, lease financing and public offerings. As of September 30, 2010, the Company had $3.1 million in cash and cash equivalents and $0 in short-term investments.

The Company has experienced and continues to experience operating losses and negative cash flows from operations, as well as an ongoing requirement for substantial additional capital investment. The Company will need to raise substantial additional capital before the end of 2010 and is currently pursuing a variety of funding options, including government grants, partnering/co-investment, venture debt and equity offerings. There can be no assurance as to the availability or terms upon which such financing and capital might be available. If the Company is not successful in its efforts to raise additional funds by the end of 2010, the Company will be required to delay, reduce the scope of, or eliminate one or more of its development programs and may be required to discontinue operations. The Company does not expect that its cash and cash equivalents will be sufficient to fund its operating and capital needs for the next six months following September 30, 2010.

¹	Bionovo Biopharmaceuticals, Inc. was originally formed as “Bionovo, Inc.” and began operations in the state of California in February 2002. In March of 2004, it reincorporated in the state of Delaware and in June of 2005 changed its name from Bionovo, Inc. to Bionovo Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

²	Lighten Up Enterprises International, Inc. was incorporated in Nevada in January of 1998.

Bionovo, Inc

(A Development Stage Company)

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) – (continued)

The accompanying financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis, which contemplates the realization of assets and the satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business. The accompanying financial statements do not include any adjustments relating to the recoverability of assets and classification of liabilities that might be necessary should the Company be unable to continue as a going concern.

On July 6, 2010, Bionovo, Inc. entered into a common stock purchase agreement (“Purchase Agreement”) with Aspire Capital Fund, LLC, an Illinois limited liability company (“Aspire Capital”), which provides that, upon the terms and subject to the conditions and limitations set forth therein Aspire Capital is committed to purchase up to an aggregate of $15.0 million of Bionovo, Inc.’s shares of common stock over the two-year term of the Purchase Agreement, based on certain terms and conditions set forth in the Purchase Agreement, including a minimum purchase price of $1.98 per share. As of September 30, 2010, there have been no sales of common stock to Aspire Capital under the Purchase Agreement.

On October 6, 2010, the Company completed a registered direct offering through the sale of common stock and warrants. The Company sold a total of 2,727,270 shares of common stock, at a price of $1.10 per share and issued 2,045,451 warrants to purchase shares of common stock. The warrants will be exercisable six months after issuance at $1.64 per share and will expire five years from the date of issuance. The shares of common stock and warrants are immediately separable and will be issued separately. The raise produced $3.0 million in gross proceeds and approximately $2.5 million after placement agent fees, legal and other costs associated with the transaction. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the sale of the securities primarily for general corporate purposes, including clinical trial, research and development, general and administrative and manufacturing expenses.

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles for complete annual financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2010 or for any other future period.

The condensed consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2009 has been derived from the audited consolidated financial statements at that date but does not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Bionovo, Inc. Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009.

In the opinion of management, the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, which are necessary to present fairly the Company’s consolidated financial position as of September 30, 2010, the consolidated results of the Company’s operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 and inception to date from February 1, 2002 to September 30, 2010, and the Company’s cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 and inception to date from February 1, 2002 to September 30, 2010.

Bionovo, Inc

(A Development Stage Company)

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) – (continued)

2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of Consolidation

In fiscal year 2009, the Company discontinued operations of its wholly owned subsidiary. The operations of the Company’s subsidiary were insignificant to the company as a whole and the discontinuance did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements. For years prior to 2010, the consolidated financial statements included the accounts of Bionovo, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiary. The operations were treated as one operating segment and all inter-company balances and transactions were eliminated.

Use of Estimates and Reclassifications

The preparation of these consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, expenses and related disclosures. The Company bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other market specific and other relevant assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ significantly from these estimates.

Certain reclassifications of prior period amounts have been made to our consolidated financial statements to conform to the current period presentation, including a reclassification of approximately $9,000 between common stock and additional paid-in capital in the accompanying Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2009 in order to adjust for the effect of our reverse stock split effective August 31, 2010.

We consider the following accounting policies related to revenue recognition, clinical trial accruals, share-based compensation, income tax and research and development expenses to be the most critical accounting policies, because they require us to make estimates, assumptions and judgments about matters that are inherently uncertain.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue is generated from collaborative research and development arrangements, technology licenses, and government grants. Revenue is recognized when the four basic criteria of revenue recognition are met: (i) a contractual agreement exists; (ii) transfer of technology (intellectual property) has been completed or services have been rendered; (iii) the fee is fixed or determinable, and (iv) collectibility is reasonably assured.

Revenue from technology licenses or other payments under collaborative agreements where the Company has a continuing obligation to perform is recognized as revenue over the expected period of the continuing performance obligation. Revenue on government contracts is recognized on a qualified cost reimbursement basis.

In the third quarter of 2010, the National Institutes of Health awarded the Company a grant for approximately $174,000 for one year. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, $68,000 in related revenue was recognized under the grant.

Research and Development

Research and development expenses include internal and external costs. Internal costs include salaries and employment related expenses and allocated facility costs. External expenses consist of costs associated with outsourced clinical research organization activities, sponsored research studies, product registration, and investigator sponsored trials. All such costs are charged to expense as incurred.

Bionovo, Inc

(A Development Stage Company)

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) – (continued)

Development Stage Company

The Company has not generated any significant revenue since inception. The accompanying financial statements have, therefore, been prepared using the accounting formats prescribed for a development stage enterprise (“DSE”). Although the Company has recognized some nominal amount of revenue, the Company still believes it is devoting substantially all its efforts on developing the business and therefore, qualifies as a DSE.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

There have been no recent accounting pronouncements issued applicable to Bionovo, Inc. other than those disclosed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009.

3. SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION

The following table shows supplemental cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 and inception to date from February 1, 2002 through September 30, 2010 (in thousands).


	Nine Months Ended September 30,				Accumulated from February 1, 2002 (Date of inception) to September 30,
	2010		2009		2010
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Interest paid	$	35	$	70	$	480
Income taxes paid	$	1	$	2	$	14

Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing and financing
Non-cash warrant expense for warrants issued	$	—	$	—	$	1,964
Adjustment in warrant liability	$	—	$	—	$	7,030
Conversion of notes payable to common stock	$	—	$	—	$	450
Assets acquired under capital lease	$	2,139	$	40	$	5,209
Assets acquired under notes payable	$	—	$	204	$	204
Issuance of common stock for services	$	600	$	—	$	765
Conversion of accrued interest payable	$	—	$	—	$	12
Issuance of common stock with reverse merger	$	—	$	—	$	4

4. CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND INVESTMENTS

As part of our cash management program, the Company maintains a portfolio of marketable investment securities. The securities are investment grade and generally mature within one year and may include tax exempt securities and certificates of deposit. The fair value of substantially all securities is determined by quoted market prices. The estimated fair value of securities for which there are no quoted market prices is based on similar types of securities that are traded in the market. The Company maintains its cash in bank accounts, which at times may exceed federally insured limits. The Company has not experienced any losses on such accounts. The Company considers all highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less at the time of purchase to be cash equivalents.

Bionovo, Inc

(A Development Stage Company)

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) – (continued)

The following is a summary of cash, cash equivalents, and available-for-sale securities at September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009 (in thousands):


	September 30, 2010
	Cost Basis		Unrealized Losses			Estimated Fair Value
Cash and cash equivalents:
Cash	$	699	$	—		$	699
Money market funds		2,149		—			2,149
US govt. agency obligations		265		—			265

Total cash and cash equivalents	$	3,113	$	—		$	3,113


	December 31, 2009
	Cost Basis		Unrealized Losses			Estimated Fair Value
Cash and cash equivalents:
Cash	$	124	$	—		$	124
Money market funds		1,073		—			1,073
Corporate notes		1,602		—			1,602

Total cash and cash equivalents	$	2,799	$	—		$	2,799


Available-for-sale investments:
US govt. agency obligations	$	7,812	$	(5	)	$	7,807
Corporate notes		5,328		—			5,328

Total available-for-sale investments	$	13,140	$	(5	)	$	13,135

There were no realized or unrealized gains or losses on the sale of available-for-sale securities for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 or September 30, 2009. As of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, unrealized losses of approximately $0 and $5,000 were included in accumulated other comprehensive loss in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets.

Fair Value Hierarchy

U.S. GAAP establishes a fair value hierarchy which has three levels based on the reliability of the inputs used to determine the fair value. These levels include: Level 1, defined as inputs such as unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities; Level 2, defined as inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are either directly or indirectly observable; and Level 3, defined as unobservable inputs for use when little or no market data exists, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions.

Bionovo, Inc

(A Development Stage Company)

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) – (continued)

The following table represents the Company’s fair value hierarchy for its financial assets (cash equivalents and investments) measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009 (in thousands):


			Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
			Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets		Significant Other Observable Inputs
	Total		(Level 1)		(Level 2)
September 30, 2010
Money market funds	$	2,149	$	2,149	$	—
US government agency obligations		265		—		265

Total	$	2,414	$	2,149	$	265


	Total		(Level 1)		(Level 2)
December 31, 2009
Money market funds	$	1,073	$	1,073	$	—
US government agencies		7,807		—		7,807
US corporate debt		6,930		—		6,930

Total	$	15,810	$	1,073	$	14,737

5. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

Property and equipment are recorded at cost. Expenditures for major additions and improvements are capitalized, and minor replacements, maintenance, and repairs are charged to expense as incurred. When property and equipment are retired or otherwise disposed of, the cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and any resulting gain or loss is included in the results of operations for the respective period. Depreciation is provided over the estimated useful lives of the related assets using the straight-line method for financial statement purposes. The Company uses other depreciation methods for tax purposes where appropriate. The estimated useful lives for significant property and equipment categories are as follows:


Office and Laboratory equipment		3 to 5 years
Computer equipment and software		3 years
Leasehold improvements		Term of lease agreement

The following is a summary of property and equipment at cost less accumulated depreciation as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009 (in thousands):


	September 30, 2010			December 31, 2009
Office and lab equipment	$	7,980		$	5,967
Leasehold improvements		3,359			3,359
Computer equipment and software		288			266

		11,627			9,592
Less: accumulated depreciation		(4,506	)		(3,395	)

Property and equipment, net	$	7,121		$	6,197

Leasehold improvements include $0.2 million in gross assets acquired under two notes payable with the lessor of the Company’s headquarters (see Note 7, “Notes Payable” for further details). Office and lab equipment include gross assets acquired under capital leases of approximately $3.1 million as September 30, 2010 and $1.6 million on December 31, 2009. On July 30, 2010, the Company completed a sale-leaseback transaction with Tetra Financial Group (“Tetra”) for

Bionovo, Inc

(A Development Stage Company)

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) – (continued)

laboratory equipment. Under the terms of the sale-leaseback agreement, the Company sold equipment with an original purchase price of approximately $1.3 million to Tetra for approximately $1.2 million. Tetra also funded an additional $0.1 million in equipment costs. Including sales tax, the total of the equipment leased from Tetra by the Company is $1.4 million for a two-year term with quarterly payments of approximately $191,000. A deposit of 50% of the total purchase price was held by Tetra as a security deposit and is refundable to the Company periodically throughout the lease term. The lease was accounted for as a capital lease in accordance with ASC Topic 840-40, “Sale-Leaseback Transactions”.

On September 16, 2010, the Company entered into a lease transaction with De Lage Landen for approximately $0.7 million in laboratory equipment. The lease provides for monthly payments of approximately $23,000 for a period of 24 months and required a down payment of approximately $177,000. The lease is accounted for as a capital lease transaction.

Amortization of assets under capital leases is included in depreciation expense. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 the Company recorded depreciation expense of approximately $0.4 million and $1.1 million, respectively. For the same periods of 2009, the Company recorded depreciation expense of approximately $0.4 million and $1.1 million, respectively.

Intangible assets - Patent Costs

Intangible assets consist of patent licensing costs incurred to date. The Company is amortizing the patent cost incurred to date, over a 15 year period. If the patents are not awarded, the costs related to those patents will be expensed in the period that determination is made. As of September 30, 2010, the Company had capitalized $1.3 million in patent licensing costs. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 the Company recorded amortization expense of approximately $21,000 and $58,000, respectively. For the same periods of 2009, the Company recorded amortization expense of approximately $15,000 and $38,000, respectively.

6. OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES

Other current liabilities include the following as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009 (in thousands):


	September 30, 2010		December 31, 2009
Accrued clinical trial expenses	$	7	$	12
Accrued consulting fees		163		29
Accrued legal fees		232		191
Accrued accounting fees		79		114
Accrued contract testing		81		26
Deferred rent		390		286
Other current liabilities		242		165

Total other current liabilities	$	1,194	$	823

Bionovo, Inc

(A Development Stage Company)

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) – (continued)

7. NOTES PAYABLE

In January of 2009, the Company relocated to its new headquarters. Related to the relocation, the Company financed leasehold improvements under a two notes payable with the lessor of the building. The first note of $100,000 bears interest at 9.5% and is payable in monthly payments of interest and principal amounting to approximately $1,000 beginning May 1, 2009 and continuing over the remaining lease term with a due date of December 31, 2018. The second note of $104,000 bears interest at 9.5% and is payable in 24 monthly payments of interest and principal amounting to approximately $5,000 beginning August 1, 2009. The future minimum payments as of September 30, 2010 are as follows (in thousands):


	Notes Payable
2010 (1)	$	18
2011		49
2012		16
2013		16
2014		16
Thereafter		64

Total minimum payments	$	179
Less: Amount representing interest		(42	)

Present value of minimum payments	$	137
Less: Current portion		(54	)

Long-term portion of notes payable	$	83

(1)	For the Three Months ending December 31, 2010

8. BASIC AND DILUTED LOSS PER SHARE

Basic net loss per common share is based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net loss per common share is based on the weighted average number of common shares and other dilutive securities outstanding during the period, provided that including these dilutive securities does not increase the net loss per share.

Potentially dilutive securities are excluded from the calculation of earnings per share if their inclusion is antidilutive. The effect of the options and warrants was antidilutive for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009. The following table shows the total outstanding securities considered antidilutive and therefore, excluded from the computation of diluted net loss per share (in thousands):


	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2010		2009		2010		2009
Options to purchase common stock		1,162		1,014		1,162		1,014
Options to purchase common stock - outside plan		21		21		21		21
Warrants to purchase common stock		8,383		2,049		8,383		2,049

Total		9,566		3,084		9,566		3,084

Bionovo, Inc

(A Development Stage Company)

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) – (continued)

9. COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

Comprehensive loss includes net loss and other comprehensive income, which for us is primarily comprised of unrealized holding gains or losses on our available-for-sale securities that are excluded from the statement of operations in computing net loss and reported separately in shareholders’ equity (deficit). Comprehensive loss and its components are as follows (in thousands):


	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2010			2009			2010			2009
Net loss	$	(4,627	)	$	(3,726	)	$	(13,408	)	$	(12,529	)
Changes in unrealized gains (losses) on securities available-for-sale		—			(2	)		5			(24	)

Comprehensive loss	$	(4,627	)	$	(3,728	)	$	(13,403	)	$	(12,553	)

10. SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY AND SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION

Increase in Authorized Shares

On July 7, 2010, the Company executed an amendment to its Certificate of Incorporation increasing the authorized shares to 350,000,000, of which 340,000,000 are common stock and 10,000,000 are preferred stock. The increase was approved by the shareholders at the Company’s Annual 2010 Shareholder Meeting. The voting results of the meeting were reported on the Company’s Form 8-K filed on May 5, 2010.

Employee Stock Option Plan

In 2005, the board of directors adopted the Stock Incentive Plan, as amended, of Bionovo Biopharmaceuticals and authorized 699,358 shares of common stock for issuance under the Plan. In May 2006 and June 2008, shareholders approved increases of 600,000 additional shares for the option plan resulting in a total of 1,899,358 shares reserved for issuance under the plan.

The Company generally grants stock options to employees and directors at exercise prices equal to the fair market value of the Company’s stock at the dates of grant. Stock options are typically granted throughout the year and generally vest four years thereafter and expire five years from the date of the award, unless otherwise specified. The Company recognizes compensation expense for the fair value of the stock options over the requisite service period for each stock option award.

The following table shows total share-based compensation expense included in the condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 (in thousands).


	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2010		2009		2010		2009
Research and development	$	82	$	138	$	298	$	362
General and administrative		120		123		445		320

Total share-based compensation expense	$	202	$	261	$	743	$	682

There was no capitalized share-based compensation cost as of September 30, 2010 and there were no recognized tax benefits during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009.

Bionovo, Inc

(A Development Stage Company)

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) – (continued)

To estimate the value of an award, the Company uses the Black-Scholes option pricing model. This model requires inputs such as expected life, expected volatility and risk-free interest rate. The forfeiture rate also impacts the amount of aggregate compensation. These inputs are subjective and generally require significant analysis and judgment to develop. While estimates of expected life, volatility and forfeiture rate are derived primarily from the Company’s historical data, the risk-free rate is based on the yield available on U.S. Treasury constant maturity rates with similar terms to the expected term of the stock option awards.

The fair value of share-based awards was estimated using the Black-Scholes model with the following weighted-average assumptions for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009:


	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2010			2009			2010			2009
Dividend yield		0	%		0	%		0	%		0	%
Expected volatility		134.2	%		140.1	%		148.0	%		126.9	%
Risk-free interest rate		1.18	%		1.48	%		1.44	%		1.42	%
Expected life		3.66 years			3.75 years			2.75 years			3.75 years

Share option activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 was as follows:


	Options (in thousands)			Weighted Average Exercise Price		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years)		Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in thousands)
Options outstanding at December 31, 2009		1,022		$	8.36
Granted		184			2.85
Exercised		—			—
Forfeited or canceled		(35	)		5.51
Expired		(9	)		13.52

Options outstanding at September 30, 2010		1,162		$	7.53		3.36	$	38

Options exercisable at September 30, 2010		958		$	7.38		3.21	$	30

Options exercisable and options expected to vest at September 30, 2010		1,148		$	7.59		3.35	$	37

Bionovo, Inc

(A Development Stage Company)

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) – (continued)

Unvested share activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 was as follows:


	Unvested Number of Options			Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Unvested balance at December 31, 2009		319		$	6.26
Granted		184			2.22
Vested		(278	)		4.47
Forfeited		(21	)		4.65

Unvested balance at September 30, 2010		204			5.22

As of September 30, 2010, the Company had approximately 0.6 million common shares reserved for future grant under its share option plan and there were no shares exercised during the first nine months of 2010.

At September 30, 2010, there was $0.7 million of unrecognized share-based compensation expense related to unvested share options with a weighted average remaining recognition period of 1.2 years.

Restricted Stock

On March 11, 2010, the Company granted 20,000 shares of restricted stock to Lytham Partners, LLC as partial consideration for investor relations services provided to Bionovo, Inc. The shares were issued from the Company’s Stock Incentive Plan and are restricted for 1 year from the date of grant. The restricted stock was recorded based on the grant date fair value of $52,000 and the full amount is included in general and administrative stock compensation in the first quarter of 2010.

Shares issued to Aspire Capital

In consideration for entering into the purchase agreement with Aspire Capital, the Company issued to Aspire Capital 279,070 shares as a commitment fee with an assigned value of $2.15 per share (as adjusted for the Company’s reverse stock split effective August 31, 2010). The commitment fee was valued at $600,000 and has been capitalized as prepaid financing costs as of September 30, 2010. Aspire is required to refund the commitment fee in cash or shares proportionately based on the unfunded portion of the agreement upon termination of the agreement. The capitalized costs will be offset against any future proceeds proportionately based on the total amount funded under the agreement.

11. STOCK WARRANTS

The Company has issued warrants to investors as part of its overall financing strategy. There were no warrants issued for the nine months ended September 30, 2010. During the second quarter of 2010, approximately 0.2 million warrants from the April 2005 private placement and 0.1 million warrants from the May 2005 private placement expired.

As of September 30, 2010, there were 8.3 million warrants to purchase Bionovo shares outstanding with a weighted average price of $6.28, a weighted average remaining life of 3.45 years and an aggregate exercise price of $52.7 million.

The estimated fair value of the warrants was calculated using the Black-Scholes valuation model. The following assumptions were used: (i) no expected dividends, (ii) risk free interest rates of 2.2% - 4.0%, (iii) expected volatility of 90% - 187%, and (iv) expected life in the stated life of the warrant. The fair value of the warrants ranged from $0.50 to $4.45. The fair value of warrants granted is included in additional paid-in capital along with the proceeds from issuance of common stock.

Bionovo, Inc

(A Development Stage Company)

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) – (continued)

The following table summarizes information about all callable warrants outstanding as of September 30, 2010:


Issue Date	Expiration Date		Number Outstanding		Weighted Average Exercise Price		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (years)
January 2007		January 2012		718	$	10.62		1.30
October 2007		October 2012		1,491	$	12.50		2.09
October 2009		October 2014		6,174	$	4.28		4.02

				8,383

12. LEASES, COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

The Company leases certain office and laboratory equipment under agreements that are classified as capital leases. The cost of equipment under capital leases is included in the Balance Sheets as property and equipment and was $3.1 million at September 30, 2010 and $1.6 million as of December 31, 2009. Amortization of assets under capital leases is included in depreciation expense and accumulated amortization at September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009 was $0.9 million and $0.7 million, respectively.

The Company leases its laboratory and office facilities for various terms under long-term, non-cancelable operating lease agreements. The leases expire at various dates through 2019. The leases provide for increases in future minimum annual rental payments and the agreements generally require the Company to pay executory costs (real estate taxes, insurance, and repairs), which are approximately $44,000 per month. Operating lease expense totaled approximately $0.5 million and $1.6 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 and the corresponding periods of 2009.

Future minimum lease payments under non-cancelable capital and operating leases are as follows:


	Capital Leases			Operating Leases
2010 (1)	$	346		$	485
2011		1,138			1,901
2012		791			1,924
2013		—			1,982
2014		—			2,041
Thereafter		—			8,795

Total minimum lease payments	$	2,275		$	17,128

Less: Amount representing interest		(133	)

Present value of minimum lease payments	$	2,142
Less: Current portion		(1,123	)

Obligations under capital lease, net of current portion	$	1,019

(1)	For the Three Months ending December 31, 2010

13. INCOME TAX

We do not have any unrecognized tax benefits and do not have any accrued interest or penalties associated with any unrecognized tax benefits, nor was any interest expense recognized for the period ended September 30, 2010. As of September 30, 2010, we had recorded a full valuation reserve for all of our recognized tax benefits.

Bionovo, Inc

(A Development Stage Company)

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) – (continued)

The U.S. Tax Code limits the annual use of net operating loss and tax credit carry forwards in certain situations where changes occur in stock ownership of a company. We have not performed an ownership analysis but it is possible that there has been a change in ownership. In the event we have a change in ownership, as defined, the annual utilization of such carry forwards could be limited and our loss and credit carry forwards may expire unused. Our net operating losses and tax credit carry forwards are more fully described in our 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

We file income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various state and foreign jurisdictions. We are subject to U.S. federal or state income tax examinations by tax authorities for all years in which we reported net operating losses that are being carried forward for tax purposes. We do not believe there will be any material changes in our tax positions over the next 12 months.

14. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

The Company has evaluated subsequent events through the time of filing of these financial statements with the SEC, and noted the following:

Registered Direct Offering

On October 6, 2010, the Company completed a registered direct offering through the sale of common stock and warrants. The Company sold a total of 2,727,270 shares of common stock, at a price of $1.10 per share and issued 2,045,451 warrants to purchase shares of common stock. The warrants are exercisable six months after issuance at $1.64 per share and expire five years from the date of issuance. William Blair and Company served as the exclusive placement agent for this transaction which produced $3.0 million in gross proceeds and approximately $2.5 million after placement agent fees, legal and other costs associated with the transaction. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the sale of the securities primarily for general corporate purposes, including clinical trial, research and development, general and administrative and manufacturing expenses.

QTDP Grant

On November 2, 2010, Bionovo received notification from the Internal Revenue Service that two of its projects, Menerba and Bezielle, were approved for funding at the maximum level under the Qualifying Therapeutic Discovery Project Credit (“QTDP”) program. The amount granted to the Company under the program is approximately $489,000.

ITEM 2.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements located in this Quarterly Report and in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009 and other documents filed by us from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Statements made in this Item other than statements of historical fact, including statements about us and our subsidiaries and our respective clinical trials, research programs, product pipeline, current and potential corporate partnerships, licenses and intellectual property, the adequacy of capital reserves and anticipated operating results and cash expenditures, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“the Exchange Act”). As such, they are subject to a number of uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the statements made, including risks associated with the success of research and product development programs, the issuance and validity of patents, the development and protection of proprietary technologies, the ability to raise capital, operating expense levels and the ability to establish and retain corporate partnerships. We do not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements.

Overview

Our history began in February 2002 as a private company operating in California. Now Bionovo, Inc. is incorporated in the state of Delaware and became public through a reverse merger transaction between Bionovo Biopharmaceuticals, Inc. and Lighten Up Enterprises International, Inc. on April 6, 2005. Immediately following the reverse merger, the Company operated as Lighten Up Enterprises International, Inc. until June 29, 2005 when the Company assumed the name, Bionovo, Inc.

Business

We are a clinical stage drug discovery and development company focusing on women’s health and cancer, two large markets with significant unmet needs. Building on our understanding of the biology of menopause and cancer, we design new drugs derived from botanical sources which have novel mechanisms of action. Based on the results of our clinical trials and preclinical studies to date, we believe that we have discovered new classes of drug candidates with the potential to be leaders in their markets.

Our lead drug candidate, Menerba (formerly MF-101), represents a new class of receptor sub-type selective estrogen receptor modulator (“SERM”), for the treatment of vasomotor symptoms of menopause, or “hot flashes.” We have designed Menerba to selectively modulate estrogen receptor beta (“ERß”) and to provide a safe and effective alternative to existing Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) approved therapies that pose a significant risk to women for developing breast cancer, stroke, cardiovascular disease, blood clots and other serious diseases. In preclinical studies, Menerba does not lead to tumor formation in either breast or uterine tissues and it does not increase the risk for clotting. This activity, if confirmed in clinical testing, would differentiate Menerba from some existing therapies and other therapies in clinical development. We announced results in 2007 of our completed, multicenter, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled Phase 2 trial, involving 217 women, which showed the higher of two Menerba doses tested was well tolerated and resulted in a statistically significant reduction of hot flashes after 12 weeks of treatment. In addition, treatment with the higher dose of Menerba led to a statistically significant reduction in nighttime awakenings when compared to placebo, which represents superior efficacy to existing non-hormonal therapies. We are seeking FDA approval to conduct further clinical testing at multiple clinical sites in the U.S. We believe that Menerba’s novel mechanism of action could lead to a more favorable safety profile than currently approved hormone therapies (“HT”) and other therapies under development and testing.

We are also developing Bezielle (previously referred to as “BZL101”), an oral anticancer agent for advanced breast cancer. Unlike most other anticancer drugs and drug candidates, which try to control cancer through genomic and proteomic signaling pathways, Bezielle is designed to take advantage of the unique metabolism of cancer cells. Bezielle inhibits glycolysis, a metabolic pathway on which cancer cells rely. Glycolysis inhibition leads to DNA damage and death of cancer cells without harm to normal cells. We believe that Bezielle may have a preferential effect on hormone-independent cancers, a subset with few treatment options. To date, 48 women with metastatic breast cancer have been treated with Bezielle in two separate Phase 1 clinical trials. As predicted by the mechanism of action, Bezielle had very limited toxicities with an extremely favorable tolerability profile. Moreover, Bezielle showed encouraging clinical activity among a cohort of women with metastatic breast cancer who had been heavily pretreated with other regimens. A Phase 2 trial has been approved by the FDA and the internal review boards at several prestigious breast cancer clinical sites in the U.S. Bionovo is awaiting funding to commence this open-label, non-randomized trial in 80 women diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer who have failed no more than two prior chemotherapy regimens. We plan to evaluate Bezielle for the treatment of other forms of cancer, including pancreatic cancer and adjuvant use in breast cancer.

We have a diverse pipeline of additional preclinical drug candidates in both women’s health and cancer, including our second women’s health drug candidate, Seala (formerly referred to as “VG101”), for the treatment of postmenopausal vulvar and vaginal atrophy, or “vaginal dryness”.

We have identified or begun preclinical work on other drug candidates for a variety of indications within women’s health and cancer. We have internally discovered and developed all of our drug candidates using our proprietary biological and chemical techniques.

Our drug development process targets herbs and other botanical sources, used in Traditional Chinese Medicine, believed to produce biologically active compounds. We apply our clinical knowledge, experience with natural compounds and knowledge of proper scientific screening tools to isolate and purify botanical compounds and extracts for pharmaceutical development. In June 2004, the FDA released a document to provide drug developers with guidance on the approval for botanical drugs. This guidance states that applicants may submit reduced documentation of nonclinical (preclinical) safety to support an investigational new drug application for initial clinical studies of botanicals. The first botanical extract drug developed pursuant to these guidelines was approved by the FDA in October 2006. To date, all of our drug candidates are derived from botanical extracts and are being developed in accordance with this FDA guidance. In addition, we have identified the active chemical components underpinning the mechanism of action for our novel drugs, and in some cases, we have developed synthetic methods of production.

We expect to continue to incur significant operating losses for the foreseeable future, and do not expect to generate profits until and unless our drug candidates have been approved and are being marketed with commercial partners. As of September 30, 2010, we had an accumulated deficit of $69.2 million. Historically we have funded our operations primarily through private placements and public offerings of our capital stock, equipment lease financings, license fees and interest earned on investments.

We will need to raise and are pursuing additional funds through grants, strategic collaborations, public or private equity or debt financing, or other funding sources. This funding may not be available on acceptable terms, or at all, and may be dilutive to shareholder interests.

Development Stage Company

We have not generated any significant revenue since inception. The accompanying financial statements have, therefore, been prepared using the accounting formats prescribed for a development stage enterprise (“DSE”). Although the Company has recognized some nominal amount of revenue, the Company still believes it is devoting, substantially, all its efforts on developing the business and, therefore, still qualifies as a DSE.

The Company is primarily engaged in the development of pharmaceuticals, derived from botanical sources, to treat cancer and women’s health. The initial focus of the Company’s research and development efforts will be the generation of products for the treatment of breast and other cancers, and to alleviate the symptoms of menopause. The production and marketing of the Company’s products and its ongoing research and development activities are and will continue to be subject to extensive regulation by numerous governmental authorities in the United States. Prior to marketing in the United States, any drug developed by the Company must undergo rigorous preclinical and clinical testing and an extensive regulatory approval process implemented by the FDA under the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act. The Company has limited experience in conducting and managing the preclinical and clinical testing necessary to obtain regulatory approval. There can be no assurance that the Company will not encounter problems in clinical trials that will cause the Company or the FDA to delay or suspend clinical trials.

The Company’s success will depend in part on its ability to obtain patents and product license rights, maintain trade secrets, and operate without infringing on the proprietary rights of others, both in the United States and other countries. There can be no assurance that patents issued to the Company will not be challenged, invalidated, or circumvented, or that the rights granted thereunder will provide proprietary protection or competitive advantage resulting in the Company’s transition from Development Stage Enterprise reporting.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The accompanying discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations is based upon our financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The preparation of these financial statements requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities and expenses, and related disclosures. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate these estimates, including those related to clinical trial accruals, income taxes (including the valuation allowance for deferred tax assets), restructuring costs and share-based compensation. Estimates are based on historical experience, information received from third parties and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results could therefore differ materially from those estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

Revenue Recognition

Our revenues are derived from collaborative research and development arrangements, technology licenses, and government grants.

Revenue is recognized when the four basic criteria of revenue recognition are met: (i) a contractual agreement exists; (ii) transfer of technology has been completed or services have been rendered; (iii) the fee is fixed or determinable, and (iv) collectability is reasonably assured.

Revenue from technology licenses or other payments under collaborative agreements where we have a continuing obligation to perform is recognized as revenue over the expected period of the continuing performance obligation. Revenue on government contracts is recognized on a qualified cost reimbursement basis.

Accruals

As part of the process of preparing financial statements, we are required to estimate accrued expenses. This process involves communicating with our applicable personnel to identify services that have been performed on our behalf and estimating the level of service performed and the associated cost incurred for the service when we have not yet been invoiced or otherwise notified of actual cost. The majority of our service providers invoice us monthly in arrears for services performed. We make estimates of our accrued expenses as of each balance sheet date in our financial statements based on facts and circumstances known to us. We periodically confirm the accuracy of our estimates with selected service providers and make adjustments, if necessary. Examples of estimated accrued expenses include:

•

fees paid to contract research organizations in connection with preclinical and toxicology studies and clinical trials;

•

fees paid to investigative sites in connection with clinical trials;

•

fees paid to contract manufacturers in connection with the production of clinical trial materials; and

•

professional service fees.

We base our expenses related to clinical trials on our estimates of the services received and efforts expended pursuant to contracts with multiple research institutions and clinical research organizations that conduct and manage clinical trials on our behalf. The financial terms of these agreements are subject to negotiation, vary from contract to contract and may result in uneven payment flows. Payments under some of these contracts depend on factors such as the successful enrollment of patients and the completion of clinical trial milestones. In accruing service fees, we estimate the time period over which services will be performed and the level of effort to be expended in each period. If we do not identify costs that we have begun to incur or if we underestimate or overestimate the level of services performed or the costs of these services, our actual expenses could differ from our estimates.

Share-Based Compensation

Share-based compensation granted to employees and consultants is recorded based on the fair value at the time of grant. The fair value of stock options and warrants is calculated using the Black-Scholes pricing method on the date of grant. This option valuation model requires input of highly subjective assumptions. Because employee stock options have characteristics significantly different from those of traded options, and because changes in the subjective input assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimate, in our management’s opinion, the existing model does not necessarily provide a reliable single measure of fair value of our employee stock options.

Income Tax

We file income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and the California state jurisdiction. To date, we have not been audited by the Internal Revenue Service or any state income tax jurisdiction. Our policy is to recognize interest and penalties related to the underpayment of income taxes as a component of income tax expense. As of September 30, 2010, there have been no interest or penalties charged to us in relation to the underpayment of income taxes.

We generated net losses since inception through the year ended December 31, 2009, and accordingly did not record a provision for federal income taxes. Deferred tax assets of $21.8 million as of December 31, 2009 were primarily comprised of federal and state tax net operating loss, or NOL, carryforwards. Due to uncertainties surrounding our ability to continue to generate future taxable income to realize these tax assets, a full valuation allowance has been established to offset our deferred tax assets. Additionally, the future utilization of our NOL carry-forwards to offset future taxable income may be subject to an annual limitation as a result of ownership changes that may have occurred previously or that could occur in the future. We have not yet determined whether such an ownership change has occurred. If necessary, the deferred tax assets will be reduced by any carryforwards that expire prior to utilization as a result of such limitations, with a corresponding reduction of the valuation allowance.

Research and Development Activities

Research and development costs are charged to expense when incurred. The major components of research and development costs include clinical manufacturing costs, pre-clinical and clinical trial expenses, consulting and other third-party costs, salaries and employee benefits, share-based compensation expense, supplies and materials, and facilities costs.

Our cost accruals for clinical trials are based on estimates of the services received and efforts expended pursuant to contracts with numerous clinical trial sites and clinical research organizations. In the normal course of business we contract with third parties to perform various clinical trial activities in the on-going development of potential products. The financial terms of these agreements are subject to negotiation and variation from contract to contract and may result in uneven payment flows. Payments under the contracts depend on factors such as the achievement of certain events, the successful enrollment of patients, and the completion of portions of the clinical trial or similar conditions. The objective of our accrual policy is to match the recording of expenses in our financial statements to the actual services received and efforts expended. As such, expense accruals related to clinical trials are recognized based on our estimate of the degree of completion of the event or events specified in the specific clinical study or trial contract. We monitor service provider activities to the extent possible; however, if we underestimate activity levels associated with various studies at a given point in time, we could record significant research and development expenses in future periods.

During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, we incurred research and development expenses of $3.7 million and $10.8 million, respectively. We expect that research and development expenses will continue to increase as we continue our development of Menerba, Bezielle and other drug candidates.

Most of our product development programs are at an early stage. Accordingly, the successful development of our product candidates is highly uncertain and may not result in approved products. Completion dates and completion costs can vary significantly for each product candidate and are difficult to predict. Product candidates that may appear promising at early stages of development may not reach the market for a number of reasons.

Product candidates may be found ineffective or cause harmful side effects during clinical trials, may take longer to progress through clinical trials than anticipated, may fail to receive necessary regulatory approvals and may prove impracticable to manufacture in commercial quantities at a reasonable cost and with acceptable quality. The lengthy process of seeking FDA approvals requires the expenditure of substantial resources. Any failure by us to obtain, or any delay in obtaining regulatory approvals could adversely affect our product development efforts. Because of these risks and uncertainties, we cannot predict when or whether we will successfully complete the development of our product candidates or the ultimate product development cost or whether we will obtain any approval required by the FDA on a timely basis, if at all.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

There have been no recent accounting pronouncements issued that are applicable to us other that those included with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009.

Results of Operations

Revenues


	Three Months Ended September 30,				Change in %			Nine Months Ended September 30,				Change in %
	2010		2009		Change in %			2010		2009		Change in %
	(1,000’s)		(1,000’s)					(1,000’s)		(1,000’s)
NIH grants	$	68	$	116		-41	%	$	68	$	116		-41	%
Service revenue		—		39		-100	%		14		46		-70	%

	$	68	$	155				$	82	$	162

In the third quarter of 2010, the National Institutes of Health (“NIH”) awarded the Company a grant for approximately $174,000 for one year, of which we recognized $68,000 in revenue during the three months ended September 30, 2010. Revenue of $155,000 for the same period of 2009 was comprised of $116,000 under an expired NIH grant and $39,000 for research services provided to one client. The $82,000 in revenue recognized during the nine months ended September 30, 2010 included the $68,000 in NIH grant revenue combined with $14,000 for research services. The same period of 2009 included $116,000 in NIH grant revenue under the expired grant combined with $46,000 in research services.

Research and Development Expenses


	Three Months Ended September 30,				Change in %			Nine Months Ended September 30,				Change in %
	2010		2009		Change in %			2010		2009		Change in %
	(1,000’s)		(1,000’s)					(1,000’s)		(1,000’s)
Research and development expenses	$	3,673	$	2,938		25	%	$	10,807	$	9,493		14	%

Research and development (“R&D”) expenses reflect costs for the development of drugs and include salaries, contractor and consultant fees and other support costs, including employee stock-based compensation expense. The increases of 25% and 14%, respectively, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 and September 30, 2009 represent our continued allocation of resources to support the Menerba project.

General and Administrative Expenses


	Three Months Ended September 30,				Change in %			Nine Months Ended September 30,				Change in %
	2010		2009		Change in %			2010		2009		Change in %
	(1,000’s)		(1,000’s)					(1,000’s)		(1,000’s)
General and administrative expense	$	987	$	926		7	%	$	2,627	$	3,110		-16	%

General and administrative (“G&A”) expense includes personnel costs for finance, administration, information systems, marketing, professional fees as well as facilities expenses. We do not currently have any dedicated sales support or marketing personnel. Marketing and communications expenses include public relations related to our drug development and clinical trials, participation in conventions and tradeshows, and website related expenses. The increase in G&A expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2010 compared to the same period of 2009 is due to expensable legal costs associated with the closing of our common stock purchase agreement with Aspire Capital. The decrease in G&A expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 compared with the same period of 2009 is due to approximately $0.2 million in employee-related costs due to our headcount reductions in 2009 and approximately $0.2 million reduction in legal costs primarily due to the resolution of a legal matter in 2009 as disclosed on our 2009 Form 10-K.

Interest Income, Interest Expense and Other Expense


	Three Months Ended September 30,						Change in %			Nine Months Ended September 30,						Change in %
	2010			2009			Change in %			2010			2009			Change in %
	(1,000’s)			(1,000’s)						(1,000’s)			(1,000’s)
Interest income	$	2		$	5			-60	%	$	16		$	75			-79	%
Interest expense		(9	)		(22	)		-59	%		(33	)		(77	)		-57	%
Other expense		(28	)		—			0	%		(39	)		(86	)		-55	%

Total	$	(35	)	$	(17	)		106	%	$	(56	)	$	(88	)		-36	%

Interest income is derived from cash balances and short term investments. Interest expense includes interest expense from lease agreements for laboratory equipment and two notes payable to finance $0.2 million of leasehold improvements made in 2009. The decreases in interest expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 as compared with the same periods of 2009 is due to old capital leases expiring during 2010. We expect interest expense to increase in future periods due to the addition of new capital leases during the third quarter of 2010. The increase in other expense for the three months ended September 30, 2010 is due to the loss on disposal associated with our sale-leaseback transaction. The decrease in other expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 compared with the nine months ended September 30, 2009 is due primarily to approximately $85,000 in loss on fixed asset disposal associated with the move to our new offices in the first quarter of 2009.

Income Taxes

We anticipate losses for the current fiscal year and no income tax provision for the current quarter has been provided. In addition, we have substantial net operating loss carry forwards available to offset future taxable income, if any, for federal and state income tax purposes. Our ability to utilize our net operating losses may be limited due to changes in our ownership as defined by Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Since our inception, we have incurred losses, and we have relied primarily on leasing, public and private financing to fund our operations.

As of September 30, 2010 we had cash, equivalents and short term investments of $3.1 million compared to $15.9 million at December 31, 2009. This decrease in cash, cash equivalents and short term investments for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 is due to net cash used in operating activities of $11.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and $2.2 million in expenditures for capital assets, patent costs and payments on our capital lease and notes payable obligations, partially offset by $1.2 million in proceeds from our sale-leaseback transaction.

Net cash provided by investing activities was $12.6 million in the first nine months of 2010 compared to net cash provided by investing activities of $9.8 million during the same period in 2009. Cash provided by net short-term investment activities was $13.0 million in the first nine months of 2010 compared to cash provided by net short-term investment activities of $10.2 million during the same period in 2009 due to the use of proceeds from short-term investments to fund operations in both periods. Expenditures for capital assets were $1.2 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2010 compared with $0.2 million for the same period of 2009. The increase in spending on capital assets in 2010 was due to laboratory equipment purchases to support our Menerba manufacturing process development efforts. Expenditures for legal and other costs associated with pending patent application increased by $178,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 compared with the same period of 2009 due to the increase in new patent applications filed with the US Patent office. In addition to the equipment purchases noted above, we also obtained approximately $2.1 million in laboratory equipment through two capital lease transactions during the third quarter of 2010. One of the leases was a sale-leaseback transaction that resulted in proceeds of approximately $1.2 million.

Net cash used by financing activities of $0.6 million and $0.4 million for the first nine months of 2010 and 2009, respectively was due to payments on our capital lease and notes payable obligations of $0.6 million and $0.5 million, respectively and was generally consistent over both periods. In addition, in 2009 we received $0.1 million from the exercise of warrants.

As of September 30, 2010, we had an accumulated deficit of $69.2 million, working capital of $1.4 million and shareholders’ equity of $9.8 million. We will need to raise substantial additional capital before the end of 2010 and are currently pursuing a variety of funding options, including government grants, partnering/co-investment, venture debt and equity offerings. There can be no assurance as to the availability or terms upon which such financing and capital might be available. If we are not successful in our efforts to raise additional funds by the end of 2010, we will be required to delay, reduce the scope of, or eliminate one or more of our development programs and may be required to discontinue operations.

On July 6, 2010, we entered into a common stock purchase agreement (“Purchase Agreement”) with Aspire Capital Fund, LLC, an Illinois limited liability company, which provides that, upon the terms and subject to the conditions and limitations set forth therein Aspire Capital is committed to purchase up to an aggregate of $15.0 million of our shares of common stock over the term of the Purchase Agreement. As of September 30, 2010, there have been no sales of common stock to Aspire Capital under the Purchase Agreement.

On October 6, 2010, we completed a registered direct offering through the sale of common stock and warrants. We sold a total of 2,727,270 shares of common stock, at a price of $1.10 per share and issued 2,045,451 warrants to purchase shares of common stock. The warrants are exercisable six months after issuance at $1.64 per share and will expire five years from the date of issuance. The shares of common stock and warrants are immediately separable and will be issued separately. The raise produced $3.0 million in gross proceeds and approximately $2.5 million after placement agent fees, legal and other costs associated with the transaction.

Increase in Authorized Shares

On July 7, 2010, the Company executed an amendment to its Certificate of Incorporation increasing the authorized shares to 350,000,000, of which 340,000,000 are common stock and 10,000,000 are preferred stock. The increase was approved by the shareholders at the Company’s May 3, 2010 Shareholder Meeting. The voting results of the meeting were reported on the Company’s Form 8-K filed May 5, 2010.

Commitments and Contingencies

Our contractual obligations and future minimum lease payments that are non-cancelable at September 30, 2010 are disclosed in the following table (in thousands).


	Total		2010		2011		2012		2013		2014		2015 and beyond
Operating lease obligations	$	17,128	$	485	$	1,901	$	1,924	$	1,982	$	2,041	$	8,795
Notes payable		179		18		49		16		16		16		64
Capital lease obligations		2,275		346		1,138		791		—		—		—

Total contractual commitments	$	19,582	$	849	$	3,088	$	2,731	$	1,998	$	2,057	$	8,859

Off-Balance Sheet Financings and Liabilities

Other than contractual obligations incurred in the normal course of business, we do not have any off-balance sheet financing arrangements or liabilities, guarantee contracts, retained or contingent interests in transferred assets or any obligation arising out of a material variable interest in an unconsolidated entity.

Subsequent Events

On November 2, 2010, we received notification from the Internal Revenue Service that two of our projects, Menerba and Bezielle, were approved for funding at the maximum level under the Qualifying Therapeutic Discovery Project Credit (“QTDP”) program. The amount granted to us under the program is approximately $489,000.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized on the 10th day of December 2010.


BIONOVO, INC.

By:		/s/ Isaac Cohen
		Isaac Cohen
		Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

By:		/s/ Thomas Chesterman
		Thomas Chesterman
		Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

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