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EX-31.2 - CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO RULE 13A-14(A)/15D-14(A) CERTIFICATIONS SECTION 302 OF - AzurRx BioPharma, Inc.ex31-2.htm
EX-32.1 - CERTIFICATE PURSUANT TO SECTION 18 U.S.C. PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANE - AzurRx BioPharma, Inc.ex32-1.htm
EX-31.1 - CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO RULE 13A-14(A)/15D-14(A) CERTIFICATIONS SECTION 302 OF - AzurRx BioPharma, Inc.ex31-1.htm

 

 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
[X] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2020
 
OR
 
[  ] TRANSITION REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OF 15(d) OF THE EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
From the transition period from               to              
 
Commission File Number 001-37853
 
AZURRX BIOPHARMA, INC.
(Exact name of small business issuer as specified in its charter)
 
Delaware
 
46-4993860
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
 
(IRS Employer Identification No.)
 
760 Parkside Avenue
Downstate Biotechnology Incubator, Suite 304
Brooklyn, New York 11226
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(646) 699-7855
(Issuer’s 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 every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (Sec.232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).  Yes [X]    No [  ]
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
 
Large accelerated filer
[   ]
Accelerated filer
[   ]
Non-accelerated filer
[X] 
Smaller reporting company
[X]
 
Emerging growth company 
[X]
 
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. [    ]
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes [   ]    No [X]
 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
 
Title of each class
Trading Symbol(s)
Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share
AZRX
Nasdaq Capital Market
 
As of August 12, 2020, there were 28,502,850 shares of the registrant’s common stock, $0.0001 par value, (“common stock”) issued and outstanding.
  
 
 

 
 
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
 
 
 
 
PART I
 
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
ITEM  1.   CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
In our opinion, the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly our financial position, results of operations, and cash flows for the interim periods presented. We have condensed such financial statements in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Therefore, such financial statements do not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. In preparing these consolidated financial statements, the Company has evaluated events and transactions for potential recognition or disclosure through the date the consolidated financial statements were issued by filing with the SEC.
 
These financial statements should be read in conjunction with our audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2019 included in our Annual Report filed on Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on March 30, 2020.
 
The results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020.
 
  
 
 
 
AZURRX BIOPHARMA, INC.
Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited)
 
 
 
June 30,
 
 
December 31,
 
 
 
2020
 
 
2019
 
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash
 $984,950 
 $175,796 
Other receivables
  102,601 
  2,637,303 
Prepaid expenses
  321,299 
  595,187 
Deferring offering costs
  192,071 
  - 
Total Current Assets
  1,600,921 
  3,408,286 
 
    
    
Property, equipment, and leasehold improvements, net
  62,054 
  77,391 
 
    
    
Other Assets:
    
    
 Patents, net
  3,143,310 
  3,407,084 
 Goodwill
  1,889,879 
  1,886,686 
 Operating lease right-of-use assets
  129,553 
  82,386 
 Deposits
  36,071 
  41,047 
Total Other Assets
  5,198,813 
  5,417,203 
Total Assets
 $6,861,788 
 $8,902,880 
 
    
    
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
    
    
 
    
    
Current Liabilities:
    
    
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
 $1,314,281 
 $1,754,682 
Accounts payable and accrued expenses - related party
  396,853 
  533,428 
Note payable
  112,609 
  444,364 
Convertible debt
  5,285,340 
  1,076,938 
Other current liabilities
  506,526 
  476,224 
Total Current Liabilities
  7,615,609 
  4,285,636 
 
    
    
Other liabilities
  43,629 
  - 
Total Liabilities
  7,659,238 
  4,285,636 
 
    
    
Stockholders' Equity:
    
    
Common stock - Par value $0.0001 per share; 150,000,000 shares authorized; 28,502,850 and 26,800,519 shares issued and outstanding at June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively.
  2,850 
  2,680 
Additional paid-in capital
  73,124,380 
  68,575,851 
Accumulated deficit
  (72,651,900)
  (62,694,732)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
  (1,272,780)
  (1,266,555)
Total Stockholders' Equity
  (797,450)
  4,617,244 
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
 $6,861,788 
 $8,902,880 
 
 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements
 
 
 
AZURRX BIOPHARMA, INC.
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss (unaudited)
 
 
 
Three Months
 
 
Three Months
 
 
Six Months
 
 
Six Months
 
 
 
Ended
 
 
Ended
 
 
Ended
 
 
Ended
 
 
 
06/30/20
 
 
06/30/19
 
 
06/30/20
 
 
06/30/19
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Research and development expenses
 $1,089,177 
 $2,875,851 
 $2,642,537 
 $6,172,146 
General and administrative expenses
  1,304,527 
  2,056,340 
  2,679,618 
  3,363,688 
 
    
    
    
    
Loss from operations
  (2,393,704)
  (4,932,191)
  (5,322,155)
  (9,535,834)
 
    
    
    
    
Other:
    
    
    
    
   Interest expense
  (2,302,174)
  (110,646)
  (4,635,013)
  (167,757)
Total other
  (2,302,174)
  (110,646)
  (4,635,013)
  (167,757)
 
    
    
    
    
Loss before income taxes
  (4,695,878)
  (5,042,837)
  (9,957,168)
  (9,703,591)
 
    
    
    
    
Income taxes
  - 
  - 
  - 
  - 
 
    
    
    
    
Net loss
  (4,695,878)
  (5,042,837)
  (9,957,168)
  (9,703,591)
 
    
    
    
    
Other comprehensive loss:
    
    
    
    
  Foreign currency translation adjustment
  (163,719)
  26,488 
  (6,225)
  (68,793)
Total comprehensive loss
 $(4,859,597)
 $(5,016,349)
 $(9,963,393)
 $(9,772,384)
 
    
    
    
    
Basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding
  28,016,478 
  20,479,917 
  27,479,140 
  19,107,534 
 
    
    
    
    
Loss per share - basic and diluted
 $(0.17)
 $(0.25)
 $(0.36)
 $(0.51)
 
 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements
 
 
 
AZURRX BIOPHARMA, INC.
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity (unaudited)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accumulated
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Additional
 
 
 
 
 
Other
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Common Stock
 
 
Paid In
 
 
Accumulated
 
  Comprehensive 
 
 
 
 
Shares
 
 
Amount
 
 
Capital
 
 
Deficit
 
 
Loss
 
 
Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance, January 1, 2019
  17,704,925 
 $1,771 
 $53,139,259 
 $(47,517,046)
 $(1,150,112)
 $4,473,872 
 
    
    
    
    
    
    
Common stock issued from public offering
  2,522,097 
  252 
  5,023,704 
    
    
  5,023,956 
Common stock issued to consultants
  40,481 
  4 
  89,996 
    
    
  90,000 
Common stock issued for warrant exercises
  775,931 
  77 
  1,740,882 
    
    
  1,740,959 
Stock-based compensation
    
    
  511,335 
    
    
  511,335 
Restricted stock granted to employees/directors
  60,000 
  6 
  493,448 
    
    
  493,454 
Convertible debt converted into common stock
    
    
  325,320 
    
    
  325,320 
Warrant modification
    
    
  61,590 
    
    
  61,590 
Foreign currency translation adjustment
    
    
    
    
  (68,793)
  (68,793)
Net loss
    
    
    
  (9,703,591)
    
  (9,703,591)
Balance, June 30, 2019
  21,103,434 
 $2,110 
 $61,385,534 
 $(57,220,637)
 $(1,218,905)
 $2,948,102 
 
    
    
    
    
    
    
 
    
    
    
    
    
    
Balance, January 1, 2020
  26,800,519 
 $2,680 
 $68,575,851 
 $(62,694,732)
 $(1,266,555)
 $4,617,244 
 
    
    
    
    
    
    
Common stock issued to settle accounts payable
  105,937 
  11 
  131,126 
    
    
  131,137 
Common stock issued to consultants
  101,195 
  10 
  87,095 
    
    
  87,105 
Common stock issued to Lincoln Park for Equity Purchase agreement
  1,495,199 
  149 
  988,199 
    
    
  988,348 
 
Warrants issued in association with convertible debt issuances
 
  1,252,558 
    
    
  1,252,558 
 
Beneficial conversion feature on convertible debt issuances
 
    
  1,838,422 
    
    
  1,838,422 
Stock-based compensation
    
    
  251,129 
    
    
  251,129 
Foreign currency translation adjustment
    
    
    
    
  (6,225)
  (6,225)
Net loss
    
    
    
  (9,957,168)
    
  (9,957,168)
Balance, June 30, 2020
  28,502,850 
 $2,850 
 $73,124,380 
 $(72,651,900)
 $(1,272,780)
 $(797,450)
 
 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements
 
 
 
AZURRX BIOPHARMA, INC.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited)
 
 
 
Six Months
 
 
Six Months
 
 
 
Ended
 
 
Ended
 
 
 
06/30/20
 
 
06/30/19
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Net loss
 $(9,957,168)
 $(9,703,591)
   Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in
    
    
   operating activities:
    
    
         Depreciation
  18,368 
  34,041 
         Amortization
  263,774 
  693,176 
         Non-cash lease expense
  (6,065)
    
         Common stock issued to settle accounts payable
  131,137 
  - 
         Stock-based compensation
  230,126 
  511,335 
         Restricted stock granted to employees/directors
  21,003 
  493,454 
         Common stock granted to consultants
  87,105 
  90,000 
         Accreted interest on convertible debt
  319,196 
  74,521 
         Accretion of debt discount
  4,203,182 
  87,959 
     Changes in assets and liabilities:
    
    
         Accounts receivables
  (36,033)
  - 
         Other receivables
  2,548,659 
  (193,152)
         Prepaid expenses
  274,019 
  312,672 
         Right of use assets
  (108,447)
  (240,993)
         Deposits
  5,000 
  (4,125)
         Accounts payable and accrued expenses
  (571,728)
  940,347 
         Deferred offering costs
  (192,071)
  - 
         Other liabilities
  135,210 
  250,579 
Net cash used in operating activities
  (2,634,733)
  (6,653,777)
 
    
    
Cash flows from investing activities:
    
    
     Purchase of property and equipment
  (2,808)
  (13,337)
Net cash used in investing activities
  (2,808)
  (13,337)
 
    
    
Cash flows from financing activities:
    
    
     Proceeds from issuance of notes payable, net
  179,418 
  - 
     Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net
  988,348 
  5,023,956 
     Proceeds from issuance of convertible debt, net
  3,227,002 
  2,000,000 
     Received from stockholder in relation to warrant modification
  - 
  61,590 
     Repayments of convertible debt
  (450,000)
    
     Repayments of note payable
  (511,173)
  (190,318)
Net cash provided by financing activities
  3,433,595 
  6,895,228 
 
    
    
Increase in cash
  796,054 
  228,114 
 
    
    
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
  13,100 
  (31,770)
 
    
    
Cash, beginning balance
  175,796 
  1,114,343 
 
    
    
Cash, ending balance
 $984,950 
 $1,310,687 
 
    
    
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
    
    
     Cash paid for interest
 $104,153 
 $5,277 
 
    
    
     Cash paid for income taxes
 $- 
 $- 
 
    
    
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
    
    
 
    
    
 
    
    
   Common stock issued for patents purchased from Mayoly
 $- 
 $1,740,959 
 
    
    
   Warrant modification related to convertible debt issuance
 $- 
 $325,320 
 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements
 
 
 
Note 1 - The Company and Basis of Presentation
 
Description of Business
 
AzurRx BioPharma, Inc. (“AzurRx” or “Parent”) was incorporated on January 30, 2014 in the State of Delaware. In June 2014, AzurRx acquired 100% of the issued and outstanding capital stock of AzurRx SAS (formerly “ProteaBio Europe SAS”), a company incorporated in October 2008 under the laws of France. AzurRx and its wholly-owned subsidiary, AzurRx SAS (“ABS”), are collectively referred to as the “Company.”
 
The Company is engaged in the research and development of non-systemic biologics for the treatment of patients with gastrointestinal disorders. Non-systemic biologics are non-absorbable drugs that act locally, i.e. the intestinal lumen, skin or mucosa, without reaching an individual’s systemic circulation.
 
The Company is currently focused on developing its lead drug candidate, MS1819, a yeast derived recombinant lipase for the treatment of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (“EPI”) associated with cystic fibrosis (“CF”) and chronic pancreatitis (“CP”). MS1819, supplied as an oral non-systemic biologic capsule, is derived from the Yarrowia lipolytica yeast lipase and breaks up fat molecules in the digestive tract of EPI patients so that they can be absorbed as nutrients. Unlike the standard of care, the MS1819 synthetic lipase does not contain any animal products.
 
The Company is currently conducting two Phase 2 clinical trials of MS1819: the OPTION 2 monotherapy trial in the U.S. and Europe, and the Combination therapy trial in Europe, consisting of MS1819 in conjunction with porcine-derived pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy, the current standard of care.
 
Recent Developments
 
Series B Private Placement and Exchange
 
On July 16, 2020 (the “Series B Closing Date”), the Company consummated a private placement offering (the “Series B Private Placement”) whereby the Company entered into a Convertible Preferred Stock and Warrant Securities Purchase Agreement (the “Series B Purchase Agreement”) with certain accredited and institutional investors (the “Series B Investors”). Pursuant to the Series B Purchase Agreement, the Company issued an aggregate of 2,912.583124 shares of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Series B Preferred Stock”), at a price of $7,700.00 per share, initially convertible into an aggregate of 29,125,833 shares of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Common Stock”) at $0.77 per share, together with warrants (the “Series B Warrants”) to purchase an aggregate of 14,562,957 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $0.85 per share. The amount of the Series B Warrants is equal to 50% of the shares of Common Stock into which the Series B Preferred Stock is initially convertible.
 
In connection with the Private Placement, an aggregate of 1,975.578900 shares of Series B Preferred Stock initially convertible into 19,755,795 shares of Common Stock and related 7,379,790 Series B Warrants were issued for cash consideration, resulting in aggregate gross proceeds of approximately $15.2 million and aggregate net proceeds to the Company of approximately $13.5 million after deducting placement agent compensation and expenses.
 
In addition, the balance of an aggregate of 937.004221 shares of Series B Preferred Stock initially convertible into 9,370,039 shares of Common Stock and related Series B Warrants to purchase 4,685,040 shares of Common Stock was issued to certain Series B Investors (the “Exchange Investors”) in exchange for consideration consisting of approximately $6.9 million aggregate outstanding principal amount, together with accrued and unpaid interest thereon through the Series B Closing Date of approximately $0.3 million, of certain Senior Convertible Promissory Notes (the “Promissory Notes”) issued between December 20, 2019 and January 9, 2020 (the “Exchange”), pursuant to an Exchange Addendum (the “Exchange Addendum”) executed by the Company and the Exchange Investors. As additional consideration to the Exchange Investors, the Company also issued certain additional warrants (the “Exchange Warrants”) to purchase an aggregate of 1,772,972 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $0.85 per share. The amount of the Exchange Warrants is equal to 25% of the shares of Common Stock into which such Promissory Notes were originally convertible upon the initial issuance thereof.
 
Pursuant to the Series B Private Placement and the Series B Purchase Agreement, for purposes of complying with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c) and 5635(d), the Company is required to hold a meeting of its stockholders not later than 60 days following the Series B Closing Date to seek approval (the “Stockholder Approval”) for, among other things, the issuance of shares of Common Stock upon (i) full conversion of the Series B Preferred Stock; and (ii) full exercise of the Series B Warrants and the Exchange Warrants. In the event the Stockholder Approval is not received on or prior to the 90th day following the Series B Closing Date, subject to extension upon the prior written approval of the holders of at least a majority of the Series B Preferred Stock then outstanding, the Company is required to repurchase all of the then outstanding shares of Series B Preferred Stock at a price equal to 150% of the stated value thereof plus accrued and unpaid dividends thereon, in cash.
 
 
The Company prepaid the outstanding balance of $25,000 aggregate principal amount of Promissory Notes, together with accrued and unpaid interest thereon through such prepayment date, held by a partial non-participating holder in the Exchange, following which no Promissory Notes remained outstanding.
 
As of June 30, 2020, the Company incurred $192,071 of deferred offering costs in connection with the Series B Private Placement.
 
In connection with the Series B Private Placement, the Company paid the placement agent 9.0% of the gross cash proceeds received by the Company from investors introduced by the placement agent and 4.0% of the gross cash proceeds received by the Company for all other investors, or approximately $1.3 million. The Company also paid the placement agent a non-accountable cash fee equal to 1.0% of the gross cash proceeds and a cash financial advisory fee equal to 3.0% of the outstanding principal balance of the Promissory Notes that were submitted in the Exchange, or approximately $0.3 million in additional cash fees in the aggregate. In addition, the Company issued to the placement agent warrants to purchase up to 1,377,458 shares of Common Stock (the “July Placement Agent Warrants”). The July Placement Agent Warrants have substantially the same terms as the Series B Warrants, except the July Placement Agent Warrants have an exercise price of $1.06 per share, are not callable, provide for cashless exercise and are not exercisable until the earlier of stockholder approval of the Series B Private Placement and the date that is six months following the issuance thereof.
 
Notice of Delisting or Failure to Satisfy a Continued Listing Rule or Standard
 
On May 27, 2020, in connection with discussions with the Listing Qualifications Department (the “Staff”) of The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (“Nasdaq”) regarding compliance with Listing Rule 5635, the Company determined that its prior issuance of a Promissory Note (the “Borkowski Note”) in the principal amount of $100,000, issued on December 20, 2019 to Edward J. Borkowski, chairman of the Company’s board of directors (the “Board”) was inadvertently not in compliance with Listing Rule 5635(c). To remediate this non-compliance, on June 1, 2020, the Company and Mr. Borkowski promptly entered into an amendment (the “Note Amendment”) to the Borkowski Note to increase the conversion price to $1.07 per share from $0.97 per share. Accordingly, the non-compliance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c) was remediated, and the Company regained compliance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c) with respect to the Borkowski Note.
 
On June 11, 2020, the Company received a letter (the “June Letter”) from the Staff providing notice that the Staff determined the Company had failed to comply with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c) and Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(d).
 
Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(d) requires shareholder approval for certain transactions, other than public offerings, involving the issuance of 20% or more of the total pre-transaction shares outstanding at less than the applicable Minimum Price (as defined in Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(d)(1)(A)). The Staff’s determination under Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(d) related to the issuance by the Company, in certain closings of a private offering between December 24, 2019 and January 9, 2020 (the “Below Market Closings”), of an aggregate of $4,600,900 principal amount of Convertible Notes, convertible into 4,743,214 shares of Common Stock, at a conversion price of $0.97 per share, and warrants (the “Warrants”) to purchase up to 2,371,617 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $1.07 per share. Unlike the warrants issued in the December 20, 2019 closing, all of the Warrants issued in the subsequent Below Market Closings included a provision prohibiting exercise until six months following their issuance date.
 
As determined by the Company in the course of its discussions with Nasdaq, the conversion price of the Convertible Notes and, for certain Below Market Closings, the exercise price of the Warrants was less than the applicable Minimum Price as of the applicable closing date. As a result, as required to be calculated under Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(d), the aggregate potential issuance of Common Stock in the Below Market Closings inadvertently exceeded 20% of the total pre-transaction shares outstanding.
 
As described in the June Letter, the Staff determined that it is appropriate for these purposes to aggregate shares potentially issuable in the Below Market Closings with shares potentially issuable under the equity line of credit purchase agreement (the “Equity Line Agreement”), dated November 13, 2019, with Lincoln Park Capital Fund, LLC (“Lincoln Park”). Pursuant to the Equity Line Agreement, Lincoln Park has committed to purchase up to 19.9% of the total pre-transaction shares outstanding at potentially less than the applicable Minimum Price as of the time of its entry into the Equity Line Agreement. The Staff has determined that aggregation is appropriate because the Below Market Closings and the entry into the Equity Line Agreement occurred within a three-month period of each other, and because the proceeds from each were contemplated to be used for general corporate purposes.
 
 
Accordingly, the Staff determined, shareholder approval was required to be obtained but was not obtained under Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(d), for both the Below Market Closings and the Equity Line Agreement. The June Letter also addressed the Company's failure to comply with Listing Rule 5635(c), which had already been remediated pursuant to the Note Amendment.
 
Under Nasdaq Listing Rule 5810(c)(2)(C), the Company had 45 calendar days from June 11, 2020, or through Monday, July 27, 2020, to submit to Nasdaq a plan to regain compliance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(d).
 
On July 23, 2020, the Company received a letter (the “July Letter”) from the Staff providing notice that the Staff determined the Company has regained compliance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(d), as a result of its recently completed Exchange of Convertible Notes for Series B Convertible Preferred Stock and related warrants in the Series B Private Placement. As a result of the Exchange, the Company reduced the number of shares issuable at below the Minimum Price to less than 20% of the total shares outstanding as of the applicable time of the prior transactions. Accordingly, the non-compliance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(d) was remediated, and the Staff determined that the matter is now closed.
 
As part of its remediation discussions with the Staff, the Company has clarified that, as of July 23, 2020, it may not issue more than 2,118,389 additional shares of Common Stock pursuant to its Equity Line Agreement with Lincoln Park without first obtaining stockholder approval, unless the average price of all applicable sales thereunder exceeds $0.70 per share calculated by reference to the “Minimum Price” under Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(d).
 
Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation
 
The accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). In our opinion, the accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements include all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments, which are necessary to present fairly our financial position, results of operations, and cash flows. The consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2019, has been derived from audited financial statements of that date. The unaudited interim consolidated results of operations are not necessarily indicative of the results that may occur for the full fiscal year. Certain information and footnote disclosure normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP have been omitted pursuant to instructions, rules, and regulations prescribed by the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The Company believes that the disclosures provided herein are adequate to make the information presented not misleading when these unaudited interim consolidated financial statements are read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and notes previously distributed in our Annual Report Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, filed with the SEC on March 30, 2020.
 
The unaudited interim consolidated financial statements include the accounts of AzurRx and its wholly-owned subsidiary, AzurRx SAS. Intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated upon consolidation.
 
Going Concern Uncertainty
 
The accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements have been prepared as if the Company will continue as a going concern. The Company has incurred significant operating losses and negative cash flows from operations since inception, had negative working capital at June 30, 2020 of approximately $6.0 million, and had an accumulated deficit of approximately $72.7 million at June 30, 2020. Subsequent to June 30, 2020, the Company raised aggregate gross proceeds of approximately $15.2 million and aggregate net proceeds of approximately $13.5 million in the Series B Private Placement. The Company is dependent on obtaining, and continues to pursue, additional working capital funding from the sale of securities and debt in order to continue to execute its development plan and continue operations. Without adequate working capital, the Company may not be able to meet its obligations and continue as a going concern. These conditions raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
 
Our primary sources of liquidity come from capital raises through additional equity and/or debt financings. This may be impacted by the novel coronavirus ("COVID-19") pandemic, which is evolving and could negatively impact our ability to raise additional capital in the future.
 
Note 2 - Significant Accounting Policies and Recent Accounting Pronouncements
 
Use of Estimates
 
The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements are prepared in conformity with U.S. GAAP and include certain estimates and assumptions which affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements (including goodwill, intangible assets and contingent consideration), and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period, including contingencies. Accordingly, actual results may differ from those estimates.
 
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents
 
The Company considers all highly liquid investments with maturities of three months or less from date of purchase to be cash equivalents. All cash balances were highly liquid at June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively.
 
Concentrations of Credit Risk
 
Financial instruments that potentially expose the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist of cash. The Company primarily maintains its cash balances with financial institutions in federally insured accounts in the U.S. The Company may from time to time have cash in banks in excess of FDIC insurance limits. At June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the Company had $0 and $0, respectively, in one account in the U.S. in excess of these limits. The Company has not experienced any losses to date resulting from this practice. The Company mitigates its risk by maintaining the majority of its cash and cash equivalents with high quality financial institutions.
 
The Company also has exposure to foreign currency risk as its subsidiary in France has a functional currency in Euros.
 
Debt Instruments
 
Detachable warrants issued in conjunction with debt are measured at their relative fair value, if they are determined to be equity instrument, or their fair value, if they are determined to be liability instruments, and recorded as a debt discount.  Conversion features that are in the money at the commitment date constitute a beneficial conversion feature that is measured at its intrinsic value and recognized as debt discount. Debt discount is amortized as interest expense over the maturity period of the debt using the effective interest method. Contingent beneficial conversion features are recognized when the contingency has been resolved.
 
Debt Issuance Costs
 
Debt issuance costs are recorded as a direct reduction of the carrying amount of the related debt. Debt issuance costs are amortized over the maturity period of the related debt instrument using the effective interest method.
 
Equity-Based Payments to Non-Employees
 
Equity-based payments to non-employees are measured at fair value on the grant date per ASU No. 2018-07, Improvements to Nonemployee Share-Based Payment Accounting.
 
Fair Value Measurements
 
The Company follows Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 820-10, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (“ASC 820”), which among other things, defines fair value, establishes a consistent framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosure for each major asset and liability category measured at fair value on either a recurring or nonrecurring basis. Fair value is an exit price, representing the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. As such, fair value is a market-based measurement that should be determined based on assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability.
 
As a basis for considering such assumptions, a three-tier fair value hierarchy has been established, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value as follows:
 
Level 1: Observable inputs such as quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;
 
Level 2: Inputs, other than the quoted prices in active markets, that are observable either directly or indirectly; and
 
Level 3: Unobservable inputs in which there is little or no market data, which require the reporting entity to develop its own assumptions, which reflect those that a market participant would use.
 
In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, an instrument’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the overall fair value measurement. The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment and considers factors specific to the financial instrument.
 
The Company recognizes transfers between levels as if the transfers occurred on the last day of the reporting period.
 
 
Foreign Currency Translation
 
For foreign subsidiaries with operations denominated in a foreign currency, assets and liabilities are translated to U.S. dollars, which is the functional currency, at period end exchange rates. Income and expense items are translated at average rates of exchange prevailing during the periods presented. Gains and losses from translation adjustments are accumulated in a separate component of stockholders’ equity.
 
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
 
Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price of the acquired business over the fair value of amounts assigned to assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are reviewed for impairment annually or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate impairment may be present. Any excess in carrying value over the estimated fair value is charged to results of operations. The Company has not recognized any impairment charges through June 30, 2020.
 
Intangible assets subject to amortization consist of in process research and development, license agreements, and patents reported at the fair value at date of the acquisition less accumulated amortization. Amortization expense is provided using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets as follows:
 
Patents                                                           7.2 years
In Process Research & Development            12 years
License Agreements                                        5 years
 
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
 
The Company periodically evaluates its long-lived assets for potential impairment in accordance with ASC Topic 360, Property, Plant and Equipment (“ASC 360”). Potential impairment is assessed when there is evidence that events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recovered. Recoverability of these assets is assessed based on undiscounted expected future cash flows from the assets, considering a number of factors, including past operating results, budgets and economic projections, market trends and product development cycles. If impairments are identified, assets are written down to their estimated fair value. The Company has not recognized any impairment charges through June 30, 2020.
 
Income Taxes
Income taxes are recorded in accordance with ASC 740, Accounting for Income Taxes (“ASC 740”), which provides for deferred taxes using an asset and liability approach. The Company recognizes deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the financial statements or tax returns. The Company determines its deferred tax assets and liabilities based on differences between financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities, which are measured using the enacted tax rates and laws that will be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse. Valuation allowances are provided if, based upon the weight of available evidence, it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.
 
The Company accounts for uncertain tax positions in accordance with the provisions of ASC 740. When uncertain tax positions exist, the Company recognizes the tax benefit of tax positions to the extent that the benefit will more likely than not be realized. The determination as to whether the tax benefit will more likely than not be realized is based upon the technical merits of the tax position as well as consideration of the available facts and circumstances. At June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the Company does not have any significant uncertain tax positions. All tax years are still open for audit.
 
Leases
 
Effective January 1, 2019, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2016-02, “Leases.” This ASU requires substantially all leases be recorded on the balance sheet as right of use assets and lease obligations. The Company adopted the ASU using a modified retrospective adoption method at January 1, 2019, as outlined in ASU No. 2018-11, “Leases - Targeted Improvements.” Under this method of adoption, there is no impact to the comparative condensed consolidated statements of operations and condensed consolidated balance sheets. The Company determined that there was no cumulative-effect adjustment to beginning retained earnings on the consolidated balance sheet. In addition, the Company elected the package of practical expedients permitted under the transition guidance within the new standard, which among other things, allowed carryforward of historical lease classifications. Adoption of this standard did not materially impact the Company’s results of operations and had no impact on the consolidated statements of cash flows.
 
 
-10-
 
Research and Development
 
Research and development (“R&D”) costs are charged to operations when incurred and are included in operating expense. R&D costs consist principally of compensation of employees and consultants that perform the Company’s research activities, the fees paid to maintain the Company’s licenses, and the payments to third parties for manufacturing drug supply and clinical trials, laboratory and other supply expenses and amortization of intangible assets.
 
Stock-Based Compensation
 
The Board and stockholders have adopted and approved the Amended and Restated 2014 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan which took effect on May 12, 2014. The Company accounts for its stock-based compensation awards to employees and Board members in accordance with ASC Topic 718, Compensation—Stock Compensation (“ASC 718”). ASC 718 requires all stock-based payments to employees and Board members, including grants of employee stock options, to be recognized in the statements of operations by measuring the fair value of the award on the date of grant and recognizing this fair value as stock-based compensation using a straight-line method over the requisite service period, generally the vesting period.
 
For awards with performance conditions that affect their vesting, such as the occurrence of certain transactions or the achievement of certain operating or financial milestones, recognition of fair value of the award occurs when vesting becomes probable.
 
The Company estimates the grant date fair value of stock option awards using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The use of the Black-Scholes option-pricing model requires management to make assumptions with respect to the expected term of the option, the expected volatility of the Common Stock consistent with the expected life of the option, risk-free interest rates and expected dividend yields of the Common Stock.
 
Sublicense Agreement
 
As more fully discussed in Note 14, the Company entered into a sublicense agreement with TransChem, Inc. (“TransChem”), pursuant to which TransChem granted the Company an exclusive license to certain patents and patent applications. Any payments made to TransChem in connection with this sublicense agreement are recorded as R&D expense.
 
Subsequent Events
 
The Company considered events or transactions occurring after the balance sheet date but prior to the date the consolidated financial statements are available to be issued for potential recognition or disclosure in its consolidated financial statements.
 
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
 
In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other, Simplifying the Accounting for Goodwill Impairment. ASU 2017-04 removes Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test, which requires a hypothetical purchase price allocation. A goodwill impairment will now be the amount by which a reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill. All other goodwill impairment guidance will remain largely unchanged. Entities will continue to have the option to perform a qualitative assessment to determine if a quantitative impairment test is necessary. This new guidance will be applied prospectively and is effective for annual or any interim goodwill impairment tests in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. This ASU, which the Company adopted as of January 1, 2020, did not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
 
Note 3 - Fair Value Disclosures
 
Fair value is the price that would be received from the sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability assuming an orderly transaction in the most advantageous market at the measurement date. U.S. GAAP establishes a hierarchical disclosure framework that prioritizes and ranks the level of observability of inputs used in measuring fair value.
 
 
-11-
 
The fair value of the Company's financial instruments are as follows:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fair Value Measured a
Reporting Date Using
 
 
 
 
 
 
Carrying Amount
 
 
Level 1
 
 
Level 2
 
 
Level 3
 
 
Fair Value
 
At June 30, 2020:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash
 $984,950 
 $- 
 $984,950 
 $- 
 $984,950 
Other receivables
 $102,601 
 $- 
 $- 
 $102,601 
 $102,601 
Note payable
 $112,609 
 $- 
 $- 
 $112,609 
 $112,609 
Convertible debt
 $5,285,340 
 $- 
 $- 
 $5,285,340 
 $5,285,340 
 
    
    
    
    
    
At December 31, 2019:
    
    
    
    
    
Cash
 $175,796 
 $- 
 $175,796 
 $- 
 $175,796 
Other receivables
 $2,637,303 
 $- 
 $- 
 $2,637,303 
 $2,637,303 
Note payable
 $444,364 
 $- 
 $- 
 $444,364 
 $444,364 
Convertible debt
 $1,076,938 
 $- 
 $- 
 $1,076,938 
 $1,076,938 
 
At June 30, 2020, the fair value of other receivables approximates carrying value as these consist primarily of French R&D tax credits and accounts receivable that are normally received the following year.
 
At December 31, 2019, the fair value of other receivables approximates carrying value as these consist primarily of French R&D tax credits that are normally received the following year.
 
The fair value of the note payable in connection with the financing of directors and officer’s liability insurance approximates carrying value due to the terms of such instruments and applicable interest rates.
 
The convertible debt is based on its fair value less unamortized debt discount plus accrued interest through the date of reporting (see Note 9).
 
Note 4 - Other Receivables
 
Other receivables consisted of the following:
 
 
June 30,
 
 
December 31,
 
 
 
2020
 
 
2019
 
R&D tax credits
 $8,252 
 $2,566,281 
Accounts receivable
  36,764 
  - 
Other
  57,585 
  71,022 
Total other receivables
 $102,601 
 $2,637,303 
 
At June 30, 2020, the R&D tax credits were comprised of a portion of the 2019 refundable tax credits for research conducted in France.
 
At December 31, 2019, the R&D tax credits were comprised of the 2017, 2018, and 2019 refundable tax credits for research conducted in France. In the six months ended June 30, 2020, the Company received both the 2017 and 2018 and partial 2019 refundable tax credits totaling approximately $2,289,096. At December 31, 2019, Other consisted of amounts due from U.S. R&D tax credits.
 
 
-12-
 
Note 5 - Property, Equipment and Leasehold Improvements
 
Property, equipment and leasehold improvements consisted of the following:
 
 
 
 
 
June 30,
 
 
December 31,
 
 
 
2020
 
 
2019
 
Laboratory equipment
 $193,661 
 $193,661 
Computer equipment
  77,850 
  74,836 
Office equipment
  36,703 
  36,703 
Leasehold improvements
  29,163 
  35,711 
Total property, plant and equipment
  337,377 
  340,911 
Less accumulated depreciation
  (275,323)
  (263,520)
Property, plant and equipment, net
 $62,054 
 $77,391 
 
Depreciation expense for the three months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019 was $8,708 and $16,927, respectively. Depreciation expense for the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019 was $18,369 and $34,041, respectively.
 
For the three months ended June 30, 2020, $4,720 of depreciation is included in R&D expense and $3,988 of depreciation is included in G&A expense. For the six months ended June 30, 2020, $9,491 of depreciation is included in R&D expense and $8,877 of depreciation is included in G&A expense.
 
For the three months ended June 30, 2019, $11,751 of depreciation has been reclassified to R&D expense and $5,176 of depreciation remains in G&A expense. For the six months ended June 30, 2019, $23,846 of depreciation is included in R&D expense and $10,195 of depreciation is included in G&A expense.
 
Note 6 - Intangible Assets and Goodwill
 
Patents
 
Pursuant to the Mayoly APA entered into on March 27, 2019, in which the Company purchased all rights, title and interest in and to MS1819 (see Note 14), the Company recorded Patents in the amount of $3,802,745 as follows:
 
Common stock issued at signing to Mayoly
 $1,740,959 
Due to Mayoly at 12/31/19 - €400,000
  449,280 
Due to Mayoly at 12/31/20 - €350,000
  393,120 
Assumed Mayoly liabilities and forgiveness of Mayoly debt
  1,219,386 
 
 $3,802,745 
 
Intangible assets are as follows:
 
 
 
June 30,
 
 
December 31,
 
 
 
2020
 
 
2019
 
Patents
 $3,802,745 
 $3,802,745 
Less accumulated amortization
  (659,435)
  (395,661)
Patents, net
 $3,143,310 
 $3,407,084 
 
Amortization expense for the three months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019 was $131,887 and $(131,887), respectively. Amortization expense for the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019 was $263,774 and $693,176, respectively.
 
Amortization expense for the three and six months ended March 31, 2019 included $384,234, and $384,234, respectively, from In process research and development and License agreements written off as a result of the Mayoly APA.
 
As of June 30, 2020, amortization expense related to patents is expected to be as follows for the next five years (2020 through 2025):
 
2020 (balance of year)
 $263,774 
2021
  527,548 
2022
  527,548 
2023
  527,548 
2024
  527,548 
2025
  527,548 
 
 
 
-13-
 
Goodwill is as follows:
 
 
 
Goodwill
 
Balance at January 1, 2019
 $1,924,830 
Foreign currency translation
  (38,144)
Balance at December 31, 2019
  1,886,686 
Foreign currency translation
  (3,193)
Balance at June 30, 2020
 $1,889,879 
 
Note 7 - Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses
 
Accounts payable and accrued expenses consisted of the following:
 
 
 
June 30,
 
 
December 31,
 
 
 
2020
 
 
2019
 
Trade payables
 $1,200,341 
 $1,683,505 
Accrued expenses
  113,935 
  71,177 
Total accounts payable and accrued expenses
 $1,314,281 
 $1,754,682 
 
At June 30, 2020, and December 31, 2019, trade payables included $358,400, and $358,400, respectively, due to related parties (See Note 18).
 
Note 8 - Notes Payable
 
Directors and Officer’s Liability Insurance
 
On December 5, 2019, the Company entered into a 9-month financing agreement for its directors and officer’s liability insurance in the amount of $498,783 that bears interest at an annual rate of 5.461%. Monthly payments, including principal and interest, are $56,689 per month. The balance due under this financing agreement at June 30, 2020 was $112,609.
 
CARES ACT PPP Loan
 
In April 2020, the Company applied for and received a CARES Act Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) loan of $179,418 through the Small Business Administration (SBA). In May 2020, the Company returned the loan of $179,418 after analysis of the updated guidance from the U.S. Department of Treasury and the SBA regarding the eligibility of such loans.
 
Note 9 – Convertible Notes
 
ADEC Notes
 
On February 14, 2019, the Company entered into a Note Purchase Agreement (the “ADEC NPA”) with ADEC Private Equity Investments, LLC (“ADEC”), pursuant to which the Company issued to ADEC two Senior Convertible Notes (“Note A” and “Note B,” respectively, each an “ADEC Note,” and together, the “ADEC Notes”), in the principal amount of $1,000,000 per ADEC Note, resulting in gross proceeds to the Company of $2,000,000 (the “ADEC Note Offering”). ADEC is controlled by a significant stockholder of the Company.
 
 
-14-
 
The ADEC Notes accrued interest at a rate of 10% per annum; provided, however, that in the event the Company should elect to repay the full balance due under the terms of both ADEC Notes prior to December 31, 2019, then the interest rate would be reduced to 6% per annum. Interest would be payable at the time all outstanding principal amounts owed under each ADEC Note were repaid. The ADEC Notes were scheduled to mature on the earlier to occur of (i) the tenth business day following the receipt by ABS of certain tax credits that the Company expects to receive prior to July 2019 in the case of Note A (the “2019 Tax Credit”) and July 2020 in the case of Note B (the “2020 Tax Credit”), respectively, or (ii) December 31, 2019 in the case of Note A and December 31, 2020 in the Case of Note B (the “Maturity Dates”). As a condition to entering into the ADEC NPA, ABS and ADEC also entered into a Pledge Agreement, pursuant to which ABS agreed to pledge an interest in each of the 2019 Tax Credit and 2020 Tax Credit to ADEC in order to guarantee payment of all amounts due under the terms of the ADEC Notes.
 
Each of the ADEC Notes was convertible, at ADEC’s option, into shares of Common Stock, at a conversion price equal to $2.50 per share; provided, however, that pursuant to the term of the ADEC Notes, ADEC could not convert all or a portion of the ADEC Notes if such conversion would result in the significant stockholder and/or entities affiliated with him beneficially owning in excess of 19.99% of the shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding immediately after giving effect to the issuance of the shares issuable upon conversion of the ADEC Notes (the “ADEC Note Conversion Shares”).
 
As additional consideration for entering into the ADEC NPA, the Company entered into a warrant amendment agreement, whereby the Company agreed to reduce the exercise price of 1,009,565 outstanding warrants previously issued by the Company to ADEC and its affiliates (the “ADEC Warrants”) to $1.50 per share (the “ADEC Warrant Amendment”). The ADEC Warrant Amendment did not alter any other terms of the ADEC Warrants. The ADEC Warrant Amendment resulted in a debt discount of $325,320 that was accreted to additional interest expense over the lives of the ADEC Notes.
 
In December 2019, the Company repaid $1,550,000 principal amount of the ADEC Notes and on January 2, 2020 repaid the remaining principal balance of $450,000 plus outstanding accrued interest of $104,153. As of June 30, 2020, no ADEC Notes were outstanding.
 
Senior Convertible Promissory Note Offering
 
On December 20, 2019, the Company began an offering of (i) Senior Convertible Promissory Notes (each a “Promissory Note,” and together, the “Promissory Notes”) in the principal amount of up to $8.0 million to certain accredited investors (the “Note Investors”), and (ii) warrants (“Note Warrants”) to purchase shares of Common Stock, each pursuant to Note Purchase Agreements entered into by and between the Company and each of the Note Investors (the “Promissory NPAs”) (the “Promissory Note Offering”).
 
In December 2019, the Company issued Promissory Notes to the Note Investors in the aggregate principal amount of $3,386,300. The Promissory Notes were scheduled to mature on September 20, 2020, accrue interest at a rate of 9% per annum, and were convertible, at the sole option of the holder, into shares of Common Stock (the “Promissory Note Conversion Shares”) at a price of $0.97 per share (the “Conversion Option”). The Promissory Notes could be prepaid by the Company at any time prior to the maturity date in cash without penalty or premium (the “Prepayment Option”).
 
On January 2, 2020, January 3, 2020, and January 9, 2020, the Company issued Promissory Notes to the Note Investors in the aggregate principal amount of $3,517,700.
 
As additional consideration for the execution of the Promissory NPA, each Note Investor also received Note Warrants to purchase that number of shares of Common Stock equal to one-half (50%) of the Promissory Note Conversion Shares issuable upon conversion of the Promissory Notes (the “Note Warrant Shares”). The Note Warrants have an exercise price of $1.07 per share and expire five years from the date of issuance. In addition, all of the Note Warrants, other than those issued in the December 20, 2019 closing (covering an aggregate of 2,374,345 shares of Common Stock) contain a provision prohibiting exercise until the expiration of six months from the date of issuance. The Company and each Note Investor executed a Registration Rights Agreement (the “RRA”), pursuant to which the Company agreed to file a registration statement. The Company filed a registration statement with the SEC on February 7, 2020 covering the Promissory Note Conversion Shares and Note Warrant Shares, but that registration statement has not yet been declared effective. On July 27, 2020, the Company filed a separate registration statement in connection with the Series B Private Placement and the Exchange described in Note 1 above, which also covers the Promissory Note Conversion Shares and the Note Warrant Shares. That registration statement is anticipated to be declared effective following the approval of certain stockholder proposals relating to the Series B Private Placement and Exchange at the 2020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which is currently scheduled to occur on September 11, 2020.
 
 
-15-
 
In connection with the four closings in December 2019 of the Promissory Note Offering, the Company paid aggregate placement agent fees of $338,630, which fees were based on (i) 9% of the aggregate principal amount of the Promissory Notes issued to the Note Investors introduced by the placement agent, and (ii) a non-accountable expense allowance of 1% of the gross proceeds from the Promissory Note Offering. In addition, the placement agent was issued warrants, containing substantially the same terms and conditions as the Note Warrants, to purchase an aggregate of 244,372 shares of Common Stock (the “January Placement Agent Warrants”), representing 7% of the Promissory Note Conversion Shares issuable upon conversion of the Promissory Notes issued to the Note Investors. The January Placement Agent Warrants expire five years from the date of issuance. The January Placement Agent Warrants in connection with the December 2019 closings have an exercise price of $1.21 per share.
 
In connection with the three closings in January 2020 of the Promissory Note Offering, the Company paid aggregate placement agent fees of $276,770, which fees were based on (i) 9% of the aggregate principal amount of the Promissory Notes issued to the Note Investors introduced by the placement agent, and (ii) a non-accountable expense allowance of 1% of the gross proceeds from the Promissory Note Offering. In addition, the placement agent was issued January Placement Agent Warrants, to purchase an aggregate of 199,732 shares of Common Stock. 41,495 of these January Placement Agent Warrants have an exercise price of $1.21 per share and 158,237 of these January Placement Agent Warrants have an exercise price of $1.42 per share.
 
The Company determined the Prepayment Option feature represents a contingent call option. The Company evaluated the Prepayment Option in accordance with ASC 815-15-25. The Company determined that the Prepayment Option feature is clearly and closely related to the debt host instrument and is not an embedded derivative requiring bifurcation. Additionally, the Company determined the Conversion Option represents an embedded call option. The Company evaluated the Conversion Option in accordance with ASC 815-15-25. The Company determined that the Conversion Option feature meets the scope exception from ASC 815 and is not an embedded derivative requiring bifurcation.
 
The Company evaluated the Promissory Notes for a beneficial conversion feature in accordance with ASC 470-20. The Company determined that at each commitment date the effective conversion price was below the closing stock price (market value), and the Convertible Notes contained a beneficial conversion feature.
 
Pursuant to the December 2019 closings of the Promissory Note Offering, the principal amount of $3,386,300 was first allocated based on the relative fair value of the Promissory Notes and the Note Warrants. The fair value of the Note Warrants amounted to $912,648. Then the beneficial conversion feature was calculated, which amounted to $1,359,284. The Company incurred debt issuance costs of $588,017 related to the offering. The initial carrying value of the Promissory Notes issued amounted to $526,351.
 
Pursuant to the January 2020 closings of the Promissory Note Offering, the principal amount of $3,517,700 was first allocated based on the relative fair value of the Promissory Notes and the Note Warrants. The fair value of the Note Warrants amounted to $2,439,272. Then the beneficial conversion feature was calculated, which amounted to $1,838,422. The Company incurred debt issuance costs of $472,326 related to the offering. The initial carrying value of the Promissory Notes issued amounted to $128,524.
 
On June 1, 2020, the Company entered into an amendment to a certain Promissory Note in the principal amount of $100,000 issued on December 20, 2019 to Edward J. Borkowski, the chairman of the Board, to increase the Conversion Price to $1.07 per share (the “Note Amendment”). The Company evaluated the Note Amendment transaction in accordance with ASC 470-50 and determined the Note Amendment did not constitute a substantive modification of the Promissory Note and that the transaction should be accounted for as a debt modification with no accounting treatment required.
 
During the three months ended June 30, 2020, the Company recognized $2,299,011 of interest expense related to these Promissory Notes, including amortization of debt discount related to the value of the Note Warrants of $683,437, amortization of the beneficial conversion feature of $1,100,843, amortization of debt discount related to debt issuance costs of $359,817, and accrued interest expense of $154,914.
 
During the six months ended June 30, 2020, the Company recognized $4,508,174 of interest expense related to these Promissory Notes, including amortization of debt discount related to the value of the Note Warrants of $1,341,563, amortization of the beneficial conversion feature of $2,154,209, amortization of debt discount related to debt issuance costs of $707,411, and accrued interest expense of $304,992.
 
Subsequent to June 30, 2020, in connection with the Series B Private Placement (See Note 1), 937.004177 shares of Series B Preferred Stock and Series B Warrants to purchase 4,684,991 shares of Common Stock were issued to certain holders of the Promissory Notes in exchange for such Promissory Notes for consideration of approximately $7.2 million aggregate outstanding principal amount, together with accrued and unpaid interest thereon through the date of the Series B Private Placement of $0.3 million. The Company prepaid the outstanding balance of $25,000 aggregate principal amount of Promissory Notes, together with accrued and unpaid interest thereon through the prepayment date, held by those holders who did not participate in the Exchange. Following these transactions, no Promissory Notes remain outstanding.
 
 
 
-16-
 
Convertible Debt consisted of:
 
 
 
Total
 
 
Promissory Notes
 
 
ADEC Notes
 
 
Total
 
 
 
June 30,
 
 
June 30,
 
 
June 30,
 
 
December 31,
 
 
 
2020
 
 
2020
 
 
2020
 
 
2019
 
Convertible debt
 $6,904,000 
 $6,904,000 
 $- 
 $3,836,300 
Unamortized debt discount - revalued warrants
  - 
  - 
  - 
  (118,356)
Unamortized debt discount - warrants
  (615,844)
  (615,844)
  - 
  (878,979)
Unamortized debt discount - BCF
  (991,968)
  (991,968)
  - 
  (1,307,755)
Unamortized debt discount - debt issuance costs
  (324,231)
  (324,231)
  - 
  (566,815)
Accrued interest
  313,382 
  313,382 
  - 
  112,543 
Total convertible debt
 $5,285,340 
 $5,285,340 
 $- 
 $1,076,938 
 
Note 10 – Other Liabilities
 
Other liabilities consisted of the following:
 
 
 
June 30,
 
 
December 31,
 
Current
 
2020
 
 
2019
 
Due to Mayoly
 $393,635 
 $392,989 
Lease liabilities
  87,194 
  83,235 
Other liabilities
  25,697 
  - 
 
 $506,526 
 $476,224 
 
    
    
 
 
 
June 30,
 
 
December 31,
 
Long-term
 
2020
 
 
2019
 
Lease liabilities
  43,629 
  - 
 
 $43,629 
 $- 
 
Note 11 – Equity
 
Our certificate of incorporation, as amended and restated on December 20, 2019 (the “Charter”) authorizes the issuance of up to 150,000,000 shares of Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share, and 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.0001 per share.
 
On December 19, 2019, the Company held its Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “2019 Annual Meeting”), whereby, the shareholders approved, among others, amending the Company’s Charter to authorize the Board to effect a reverse stock split of both the issued and outstanding and authorized shares of Common Stock, at a specific ratio, ranging from one-for-two (1:2) to one-for-five (1:5), any time prior to the one-year anniversary date of the 2019 Annual Meeting, with the exact ratio to be determined by the Board (the “Reverse Split”). As of June 30, 2020, the Board had not elected to effect a Reverse Split.
 
Common Stock
 
The Company had 28,502,850 and 26,800,519 shares of its Common Stock issued and outstanding at June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively.
 
Each holder of Common Stock is entitled to one vote for each share of Common Stock held on all matters submitted to a vote of the stockholders. Our Charter and Amended and Restated Bylaws (the “Bylaws”) do not provide for cumulative voting rights.
 
 
-17-
 
In addition, the holders of our Common Stock will be entitled to receive ratably such dividends, if any, as may be declared by the Board out of legally available funds; however, the current policy of our Board is to retain earnings, if any, for operations and growth. Upon liquidation, dissolution or winding-up, the holders of our Common Stock will be entitled to share ratably in all assets that are legally available for distribution.
 
Holders of our Common Stock have no preemptive, conversion or subscription rights, and there are no redemption or sinking fund provisions applicable to the Common Stock. The rights, preferences and privileges of the holders of Common Stock are subject to, and may be adversely affected by, the rights of the holders of shares of any series of our preferred stock that we may designate and issue in the future.
 
Preferred Stock
 
We have 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.0001 per share, authorized and available for issuance in one or more series. The Board is authorized to divide the preferred stock into any number of series, fix the designation and number of each such series, and determine or change the designation, relative rights, preferences, and limitations of any series of preferred stock. The Board of may increase or decrease the number of shares initially fixed for any series, but no decrease may reduce the number below the shares then outstanding and duly reserved for issuance.
 
As of June 30, 2020, no series of preferred stock were issued and outstanding.
 
On July 16, 2020, we authorized 5,194.805195 shares as Series B Preferred Stock and issued 2,912.583005 shares of Series B Preferred Stock (See Note 1), with 2,282.222190 shares of Series B Preferred Stock remaining authorized but unissued. Following such transactions, we currently have 2,912.583005 shares of preferred stock issued and outstanding with 9,997,087.416995 shares of preferred stock remaining authorized but unissued.
 
2014 Equity Incentive Plan
 
The Company’s Board and stockholders adopted and approved the Amended and Restated 2014 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan (the “2014 Plan”), which took effect on May 12, 2014. The 2014 Plan allows for the issuance of securities, including stock options to employees, Board members and consultants. The number of shares of Common Stock reserved for issuance under the 2014 Plan shall not exceed ten percent (10%) of the issued and outstanding shares of Common Stock on an as converted basis (the “As Converted Shares”) on a rolling basis. For calculation purposes, the As Converted Shares shall include all shares of Common Stock and all shares of Common Stock issuable upon the conversion of outstanding preferred stock and other convertible securities but shall not include any shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of options, or other convertible securities issued pursuant to the 2014 Plan. The number of authorized shares of Common Stock reserved for issuance under the 2014 Plan shall automatically be increased concurrently with the Company’s issuance of fully paid and non- assessable shares of As Converted Shares. Shares shall be deemed to have been issued under the 2014 Plan solely to the extent actually issued and delivered pursuant to an award.
 
The Company issued an aggregate of 795,006 and 0 stock options, during the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, under the 2014 Plan (see Note 13). As of June 30, 2020, there were an aggregate of 4,367,806 total shares available under the 2014 Plan, of which 2,272,506 are issued and outstanding, 387,000 shares are reserved subject to issuance of restricted stock and RSUs and 1,708,300 shares are available for potential issuances. The Company may issue securities outside of the 2014 Plan.
 
Equity Line with Lincoln Park
 
On November 13, 2019, the Company entered into a purchase agreement (the “Equity Line Agreement”), together with a registration rights agreement (the “Lincoln Park Registration Rights Agreement”), with Lincoln Park. Under the terms of the Equity Line Agreement, Lincoln Park has committed to purchase up to $15,000,000 of our Common Stock (the “Equity Line”). Upon execution of the Equity Line Agreement, the Company issued Lincoln Park 487,168 shares of Common Stock (the “Commitment Shares”) as a fee for its commitment to purchase shares of our Common Stock under the Equity Line Agreement. The remaining shares of our Common Stock that may be issued under the Equity Line Agreement may be sold by the Company to Lincoln Park at our discretion from time-to-time over a 30-month period commencing after the satisfaction of certain conditions set forth in the Equity Line Agreement, subject to the continued effectiveness of a registration statement covering such shares of Common Stock sold to Lincoln Park by the Company. The registration statement was filed with the SEC on December 31, 2019 and was declared effective on January 14, 2020.
 
 
-18-
 
Under the Equity Line Agreement, on any business day over the term of the Equity Line Agreement, the Company has the right, in its sole discretion, to present Lincoln Park with a purchase notice (each, a “Purchase Notice”) directing Lincoln Park to purchase up to 150,000 shares of Common Stock per business day (the “Regular Purchase”). In each case, Lincoln Park’s maximum commitment in any single Regular Purchase may not exceed $1,000,000. The Equity Line Agreement provides for a purchase price per Purchase Share (the “Purchase Price”) equal to the lesser of:
 
 the lowest sale price of Common Stock on the purchase date; and;
 
 
 the average of the three lowest closing sale prices for the Common Stock during the ten consecutive business days ending on the business day immediately preceding the purchase date of such shares;
 
In addition, on any date on which the Company submits a Purchase Notice to Lincoln Park, the Company also has the right, in its sole discretion, to present Lincoln Park with an accelerated purchase notice (each, an “Accelerated Purchase Notice”) directing Lincoln Park to purchase an amount of stock (the “Accelerated Purchase”) equal to up to the lesser of (i) three times the number of shares purchased pursuant to such Regular Purchase; and (ii) 30% of the aggregate shares of Common Stock traded during all or, if certain trading volume or market price thresholds specified in the Equity Line Agreement are crossed on the applicable Accelerated Purchase date, the portion of the normal trading hours on the applicable Accelerated Purchase date prior to such time that any one of such thresholds is crossed (such period of time on the applicable Accelerated Purchase Date, the “Accelerated Purchase Measurement Period”), provided that Lincoln Park will not be required to buy shares pursuant to an Accelerated Purchase Notice that was received by Lincoln Park on any business day on which the last closing trade price of Common Stock on the Nasdaq Capital Market (or alternative national exchange) is below $0.25 per share. The purchase price per share for each such Accelerated Purchase will be equal to the lesser of:
 
 97% of the volume weighted average price of the Company’s common stock during the applicable Accelerated Purchase Measurement Period on the applicable Accelerated Purchase date; and
 
 
 the closing sale price of Common Stock on the applicable Accelerated Purchase Date.
 
The Company may also direct Lincoln Park on any business day on which an Accelerated Purchase has been completed and all of the shares to be purchased thereunder have been properly delivered to Lincoln Park in accordance with the Equity Line Agreement, to purchase an amount of stock (the “Additional Accelerated Purchase”) equal to up to the lesser of (i) three times the number of shares purchased pursuant to such Regular Purchase; and (ii) 30% of the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock traded during a certain portion of the normal trading hours on the applicable Additional Accelerated Purchase date as determined in accordance with the Purchase Agreement (such period of time on the applicable Additional Accelerated Purchase date, the “Additional Accelerated Purchase Measurement Period”), provided that the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the business day immediately preceding such business day is not below $0.25 per share. Additional Accelerated Purchases will be equal to the lower of:
 
 97% of the volume weighted average price of the Company’s common stock during the applicable Additional Accelerated Purchase Measurement Period on the applicable Additional Accelerated Purchase date; and
 
 
 the closing sale price of Common Stock on the applicable Additional Accelerated Purchase.
 
During the six months ended June 30, 2020, the Company issued an aggregate of 1,495,199 shares of Common Stock in connection with the Equity Line Agreement, resulting in net proceeds to the Company of approximately $988,348. Pursuant to the terms of the Equity Line Agreement, without first obtaining stockholder approval, the aggregate number of shares that the Company is permitted to sell to Lincoln Park thereunder, when aggregated with certain other private offerings of Common Stock, as applicable, may not exceed 19.99% of the Common Stock outstanding immediately prior to the execution of the Equity Line Agreement on November 13, 2019, unless the average price of all applicable sales thereunder exceeds $0.70 per share calculated by reference to the “Minimum Price” under Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(d). As part of its discussions with the Staff of Nasdaq relating to certainremediation actions described in Note 1, the Company has clarified that, as of July 23, 2020, 2,118,389 additional shares of Common Stock remained available to be sold below such thresholds.
 
Common Stock Issuances
 
During the three months ended June 30, 2020, the Company did not issue any shares of its Common Stock to consultants or outside Board members.
 
During the six months ended June 30, 2020, the Company issued an aggregate of 101,195 shares of its Common Stock to consultants with a total grant date fair value of approximately $87,105 for services provided, that was recorded was recorded as stock-based compensation, included as part of general and administrative expense.
 
 
-19-
 
During the six months ended June 30, 2020, the Company issued an aggregate of 105,937 shares of its Common Stock to outside Board members as payment of Board fees with an aggregate grant date fair value of approximately $131,137 that was recorded as stock-based compensation, included as part of general and administrative expense. The aggregate effective settlement price was $1.24 per share, and each individual stock issuance was based on the closing stock price of the Common Stock on the initial date the payable was accrued.
 
During the three and six months ended June 30, 2019, the Company issued 13,379 and 40,481 shares of Common Stock, respectively, to an investor relations consultant as payment of $30,000 and $90,000, respectively, of accounts payable.
 
During the three and six months ended June 30, 2019, the Company issued an aggregate of 30,000 and 60,000 shares of its Common Stock, respectively, to outside Board members as payment of Board fees with an aggregate grant date fair value of approximately $51,000 and $123,000, respectively that was recorded as stock-based compensation, included as part of general and administrative expense.
 
During the period from April 6, 2020 through May 22, 2020, the Company sold an aggregate of 1,345,199 shares of Common Stock pursuant to the Equity Line, from which the Company derived approximately $869,000 in net proceeds. The sales of these shares were exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, in reliance upon Section 4(a)(2) (or Regulation D promulgated thereunder).
 
Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units
 
Restricted stock refers to shares of Common Stock subject to vesting based on certain service, performance, and market conditions. Restricted stock unit awards (“RSUs”) refer to an award under the 2014 Plan, which constitutes a promise to grant shares of Common Stock at the end of a specified restriction period.
 
During the three months ended June 30, 2020, an aggregate of 2,917 unvested restricted shares of Common Stock, subject to service conditions, vested with a total grant date fair value of approximately $10,500 and was recorded as stock-based compensation, included as part of general and administrative expense.
 
During the six months ended June 30, 2020, an aggregate of 8,334 unvested restricted shares of Common Stock, subject to service conditions, vested with a total grant date fair value of approximately $30,008 and was recorded as stock-based compensation, included as part of general and administrative expense.
 
During the three and six months ended June 30, 2020, an aggregate of 4,000 unvested restricted shares of Common Stock were forfeited.
 
During the three months ended June 30, 2019, an aggregate of 47,084 unvested restricted shares of Common Stock vested with a total grant date fair value of approximately $146,169. 33,334 of these restricted shares with a total grant date fair value of approximately $101,335 vested during the three months ended June 30, 2019 due to the Company achieving certain clinical milestones. 13,750 of these restricted shares with a total grant date fair value of approximately $44,834 vested during the three months ended June 30, 2019 due to the satisfacation of service conditions.
 
During the six months ended June 30, 2019, an aggregate of 119,667 unvested restricted shares of Common Stock vested with a total grant date fair value of approximately $369,854. 92,167 of these restricted shares with a total grant date fair value of approximately $280,188 vested during the six months ended June 30, 2019 due to the Company achieving certain clinical milestones. 27,500 of these restricted shares with a total grant date fair value of approximately $89,666 vested during the six months ended June 30, 2019 due to the satisfaction of service conditions.
 
As of June 30, 2020, the Company had unrecognized restricted common stock expense of approximately $399,531. Approximately $6,281 of this unrecognized expense will be recognized over the average remaining vesting term of 0.15 years. Approximately $196,625 of this unrecognized expense vests upon the first commercial sale in the United States of MS1819 and approximately $196,625 of this unrecognized expense vests upon the total market capitalization of the Company exceeding $1.0 billion for 20 consecutive trading days. These milestones were not considered probable at June 30, 2020.
 
As of June 30, 2019, the Company had unrecognized restricted common stock expense of approximately $292,359 that will be recognized over the average remaining vesting term of 1.80 years.
 
Note 12 – Warrants
 
For the six months ended June 30, 2020, in connection with the January 2020 closings of the Promissory Note Offering, the Company issued Note Warrants to investors to purchase an aggregate of 1,813,257 shares of Common Stock with the issuance of the Promissory Notes as referenced in Note 9. These Note Warrants were issued between January 2, 2020 and January 9, 2020, are exercisable commencing six (6) months following the issuance date at $1.07 per share and expire five years from issuance. The total grant date fair value of these warrants was determined to be approximately $1,574,886, as calculated using the Black-Scholes model, and were recorded as a debt discount based on their relative fair value.
 
 
-20-
 
For the six months ended June 30, 2020, in connection with the January 2020 closings of the Promissory Note Offering, the Company issued placement agent warrants to purchase an aggregate of 199,732 shares of Common Stock. These placement agent warrants were issued between January 2, 2020 and January 9, 2020, vested immediately, and expire five years from issuance. 41,495 of these Placement Agent Warrants are exercisable at $1.21 per share and 158,237 are exercisable at $1.42 per share. The total grant date fair value of these placement agent warrants was determined to be approximately $174,130, as calculated using the Black-Scholes model, and was charged to debt discount that will be amortized over the life of the debt.
 
During the six months ended June 30, 2020, warrants to purchase an aggregate of 30,096 shares of Common Stock expired with exercise prices ranging between $4.76 and $7.37 per share.
 
Warrant transactions for the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019 were as follows:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Exercise
 
 
 Weighted
 
 
 
 
 
 
Price Per
 
 
Average
 
 
 
Warrants
 
 
Share
 
 
Exercise Price
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Warrants outstanding and exercisable at January 1, 2019
  3,112,715 
 $2.55 - 7.37 
 $4.83 
 
    
    
    
Granted during the period
  75,663 
 $2.55 – 2.82 
 $2.68 
Expired during the period
  - 
  - 
  - 
Exercised during the period
  - 
  - 
  - 
Warrants outstanding and exercisable at June 30, 2019
  3,188,378 
 $1.50 - 7.37 
 $3.51 
 
    
    
    
 
    
    
    
Warrants outstanding and exercisable at January 1, 2020
  5,378,288 
 $1.07 - 7.37 
 $2.53 
 
    
    
    
Granted during the period
  2,012,989 
 $1.07 - 1.42 
 $1.10 
Expired during the period
  (30,096)
 $4.76 - 7.37 
 $4.92 
Exercised during the period
  - 
  - 
  - 
Warrants outstanding and exercisable at June 30, 2020
  7,361,181 
 $1.07 - 7.37 
 $2.13 
 
 
 
 
 
Number of
 
 
Weighted Average
 
Weighted
 
 
 
 
Shares Under
 
 
Remaining Contract
 
Average
 
Exercise Price
 
 
Warrants
 
 
Life in Years
 
Exercise Price
 $1.07 - $1.99 
  4,202,899 
  4.48 
 
 $2.00 - $2.99 
  1,292,813 
  1.74 
 
 $3.00 - $3.99 
  623,787 
  3.20 
 
 $4.00 - $4.99 
  214,256 
  4.09 
 
 $5.00 - $5.99 
  551,835 
  5.47 
 
 $6.00 - $6.99 
  416,657 
  5.92 
 
 $7.00 - $7.37 
  58,934 
  3.33 
 
 
Total
 
  7,361,181 
  3.28 
$2.13
 
The weighted average fair value of warrants granted during the six months ended June 30, 2020 was $1.10 per share. The fair value was estimated on the grant dates using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions:
 
 
 
June 30,
 
 
 
2020
 
Expected life (in years)
  5 
Volatility
  81.9%
Risk-free interest rate
  1.64%
Dividend yield
  -%
 
 
-21-
 
Note 13 - Stock Options
 
Under the 2014 Plan, the fair value of options granted is estimated on the grant date using the Black-Scholes option valuation model. This valuation model for stock-based compensation expense requires the Company to make assumptions and judgments about the variables used in the calculation, including the expected term (weighted-average period of time that the options granted are expected to be outstanding), the volatility of the common stock price and the assumed risk-free interest rate. The Company recognizes stock-based compensation expense for only those shares expected to vest over the requisite service period of the award. No compensation cost is recorded for options that do not vest and the compensation cost from vested options, whether forfeited or not, is not reversed.
 
During the three months ended June 30, 2020, the Company issued stock options to purchase an aggregate of 460,000 shares of Common Stock with a strike price of $0.97 per share and a term of ten years to its non-executive directors. These options had a total grant date fair value of approximately $210,284, as calculated using the Black-Scholes model.
 
During the six months ended June 30, 2020, the Company issued additional stock options to purchase an aggregate of 335,006 shares of Common Stock with a strike price of $1.03 per share and a term of ten years to its chief financial officer that vest quarterly over three years. These options had a total grant date fair value of approximately $281,405, as calculated using the Black-Scholes model.
 
During the three months ended June 30, 2020, stock options to purchase an aggregate of 185,000 shares of Common Stock were cancelled with strike prices ranging between $0.97 and $3.60 per share.
 
During the six months ended June 30, 2020, stock options to purchase an aggregate of 200,000 shares of Common Stock were cancelled with strike prices ranging between $0.97 and $3.60 per share.
 
During the three months ended June 30, 2020, stock options to purchase an aggregate of 257,917 shares of Common Stock, subject to service conditions, vested with a total grant date fair value of approximately $146,026 and were recorded as stock-based compensation, and included as part of general and administrative expense.
 
During the six months ended June 30, 2020, stock options to purchase an aggregate of 315,834 shares of Common Stock, subject to service conditions, vested with a total grant date fair value of approximately $200,977 and were recorded as stock-based compensation, and included as part of general and administrative expense.
 
During the three and six months ended June 30, 2020, stock options to purchase an aggregate of 50,000 shares of Common Stock, subject to performance conditions vesting, vested with a total grant date fair value of approximately $20,150 and were recorded as stock-based compensation, and included as part of general and administrative expense due to the Company determining the probability of initiating the Option 2 Clinical Trial was greater than 75% at June 30, 2020.
 
During the three and six months ended June 30, 2019, stock options to purchase an aggregate of 893,500 shares of Common Stock were granted with an exercise price of $1.75 and a term of five years. During the three months ended June 30, 2019, no options vested. During the six months ended June 30, 2019, stock options to purchase an aggregate 244,500 shares of Common Stock vested with a total grant date fair value of approximately $511,335. stock options to purchase an aggregate 242,000 shares of Common Stock with a total grant date fair value of approximately $501,666 vested due to the Company achieving certain clinical milestones.
 
The fair values were estimated on the grant dates using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions:
 
 
June 30,
 
 
 
2020
 
Expected life (in years)
  10 
Volatility
  84.5%
Risk-free interest rate
  0.70- 0.76%
Dividend yield
  -%
 
The expected term of the options is based on expected future employee exercise behavior. Volatility is based on the historical volatility of the Company’s Common Stock if available or of several public entities that are similar to the Company. The Company bases volatility this way because it may not have sufficient historical transactions in its own shares on which to solely base expected volatility. The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury rates at the date of grant with maturity dates approximately equal to the expected term at the grant date. The Company has not historically declared any dividends and does not expect to in the future.
 
 
-22-
 
During the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, stock option activity under the 2014 Plan was as follows:
 
 
 
Number
 
 
Average
 
 
Remaining Contract
 
 
Intrinsic
 
 
 
of Shares
 
 
Exercise Price
 
 
Life in Years
 
 
Value
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Stock options outstanding at January 1, 2019
  994,000 
 $3.58 
  5.42 
 $- 
 
    
    
    
    
Granted during the period
  - 
  - 
    
    
Expired during the period
  - 
  - 
    
    
Canceled during the period
  - 
  - 
    
    
Exercised during the period
  - 
  - 
    
    
Stock options outstanding at June 30, 2019
  994,000 
 $3.58 
  5.17 
 $- 
 
    
    
    
    
Exercisable at June 30, 2019
  749,500 
 $3.74 
  5.71 
 $- 
 
    
    
    
    
Non-vested stock options outstanding at January 1, 2019
  244,500 
 $3.05 
  4.53 
 $- 
 
    
    
    
    
Granted during the period
  - 
  - 
    
    
Vested during the period
  (244,500)
 $3.05 
  4.53 
    
Expired during the period
  - 
  - 
    
    
Canceled during the period
  - 
  - 
    
    
Exercised during the period
  - 
  - 
    
    
Non-vested stock options outstanding at June 30, 2019
  - 
 $- 
  - 
 $- 
 
Stock options outstanding at January 1, 2020
  1,677,5000 
 $2.17 
  5.37 
 $- 
 
    
    
    
    
Granted during the period
  795,006 
 $1.00 
  10.00 
 $- 
Expired during the period
  - 
  - 
    
    
Canceled during the period
  (200,000)
 $2.10 
  3.28 
 $- 
Exercised during the period
  - 
  - 
    
    
Stock options outstanding at June 30, 2020
  2,272,506 
 $1.86 
  6.52 
 $- 
 
    
    
    
    
Exercisable at June 30, 2020
  1,084,834 
 $2.59 
  5.60 
 $- 
 
Non-vested stock options outstanding at January 1, 2020
  883,500 
 $1.33 
  6.26 
 $- 
 
    
    
    
    
Granted during the period
  795,006 
 $1.03 
  10.00 
 $- 
Vested during the period
  (365,834)
 $2.59 
  6.88 
 $- 
Expired during the period
  - 
  - 
  - 
    
Canceled during the period
  (125,000)
 $2.10 
  2.82 
 $- 
Exercised during the period
  - 
  - 
  - 
    
Non-vested stock options outstanding at June 30, 2020
  1,187,672 
 $1.20 
  7.36 
 $- 
 
As of June 30, 2020, the Company had unrecognized stock-based compensation expense of approximately $908,911. Approximately $326,736 of this unrecognized expense will be recognized over the average remaining vesting term of the options of 9.62 years. Approximately $440,213 of this unrecognized expense will vest upon enrollment completion of the next MS1819 Phase II clinical trial in the U.S. for CF (the OPTION 2 Trial). Approximately $41,213 of this unrecognized expense will vest upon enrollment completion of the ongoing Combination Trial in Europe. Approximately $20,150 of this unrecognized expense will vest upon trial completion of the next MS1819 Phase II clinical trial in the U.S. for CF (the OPTION 2 Trial). Approximately $40,300 of this unrecognized expense vests upon the Company initiating a Phase III clinical trial in the U.S. for MS1819. Approximately $40,300 of this unrecognized expense vests upon initiating a U.S. Phase I clinical trial for any product other than MS1819. The Company will recognize the expense related to these milestones when the milestones become probable.
 
 
 
-23-
 
Note 14 - Agreements
 
Mayoly Agreement
 
On March 27, 2019, the Company and Laboratories Mayoly Spinder (“Mayoly”) entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement (the “Mayoly APA”), pursuant to which the Company purchased all rights, title and interest in and to MS1819. Upon execution of the Mayoly APA, the Joint Development and License Agreement (the “JDLA”) previously executed by AzurRx SAS and Mayoly was terminated. In addition, the Company granted to Mayoly an exclusive, royalty-bearing right to revenue received from commercialization of MS1819 within certain territories.
 
During the three and six months ended June 30, 2019, the Company charged $0 and $403,020, respectively, to Mayoly under the JDLA that was in effect during both periods.
 
TransChem Sublicense
 
On August 7, 2017, the Company and TransChem entered into the TransChem Sublicense Agreement pursuant to which TransChem granted to us an exclusive license to certain patents (the “TransChem Licensed Patents”) relating to H. pylori 5’methylthioadenosine nucleosidase inhibitors. We may terminate the Sublicense Agreement and the licenses granted therein for any reason and without further liability on 60 days’ notice. Unless terminated earlier, the Sublicense Agreement will expire upon the expiration of the last Licensed Patents. Upon execution, we paid an upfront fee to TransChem and agreed to reimburse TransChem for certain expenses previously incurred in connection with the preparation, filing, and maintenance of the Licensed Patents. We also agreed to pay TransChem certain future periodic sublicense maintenance fees, which fees may be credited against future royalties. We may also be required to pay TransChem additional payments and royalties in the event certain performance-based milestones and commercial sales involving the Licensed Patents are achieved. The TransChem Licensed Patents will allow us to develop compounds for treating gastrointestinal, lung and other infections that are specific to individual bacterial species. H. pylori bacterial infections are a major cause of chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, gastric cancer and other diseases.
 
On March 11, 2020, the Company provided TransChem with sixty (60) days prior written notice of its intent to terminate the TransChem Sublicense Agreement.
 
No payments were made under this Sublicense Agreement during in the three and six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
 
Employment Agreements
 
James Sapirstein
 
Effective October 8, 2019, the Company entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Sapirstein to serve as its President and Chief Executive Officer for a term of three years, subject to further renewal upon agreement of the parties. The employment agreement with Mr. Sapirstein provides for a base salary of $450,000 per year. In addition to the base salary, Mr. Sapirstein is eligible to receive (i) a cash bonus of up to 40% of his base salary on an annual basis, based on certain milestones that are yet to be determined; (ii) 1% of net fees received by the Company upon entering into license agreements with any third-party with respect to any product current in development or upon the sale of all or substantially all assets of the Company; (iii) an award grant of 200,000 restricted stock units (“RSUs”) which are scheduled to vest as follows (a) 100,000 shares upon the first commercial sale of MS1819 in the U.S. and (b) 100,000 shares upon the total market capitalization of the Company exceeding $1.0 billion for 20 consecutive trading days; (iv) a grant of 300,000 10-year stock options to purchase shares of common stock with an exercise price equal to $0.56 per share, which are scheduled to vest as follows (a) 50,000 shares upon the Company initiating its next Phase II clinical trial in the U.S. for MS1819, (b) 50,000 shares upon the Company completing its next or subsequent Phase II clinical trial in the U.S. for MS1819, (c) 100,000 shares upon the Company initiating a Phase III clinical trial in the U.S. for MS1819, and (d) 100,000 shares upon the Company initiating a Phase I clinical trial in the U.S. for any product other than MS1819. Mr. Sapirstein is entitled to receive 20 days of paid vacation, participate in full employee health benefits and receive reimbursement for all reasonable expenses incurred in connection with his services to the Company.
 
In the event that Mr. Sapirstein’s employment is terminated by the Company for Cause, as defined in his employment agreement, or by Mr. Sapirstein voluntarily, then he will not be entitled to receive any payments beyond amounts already earned, and any unvested equity awards will terminate. In the event that Mr. Sapirstein’s employment is terminated as a result of an Involuntary Termination Other than for Cause, as defined in his employment agreement, Mr. Sapirstein will be entitled to receive the following compensation: (i) severance in the form of continuation of his salary (at the base salary rate in effect at the time of termination, but prior to any reduction triggering Good Reason (as such term is defined in Mr. Sapirstein’s employment agreement) for a period of twelve months following the termination date; (ii) payment of Mr. Sapirstein’s premiums to cover COBRA for a period of twelve months following the termination date; and (iii) a prorated annual bonus.
 
 
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Daniel Schneiderman
 
Effective January 2, 2020, the Company entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Schneiderman to serve as the Company’s Chief Financial Officer for a term of three years, subject to further renewal upon agreement of the parties. The employment agreement with Mr. Schneiderman provides for a base salary of $285,000 per year. In addition to the base salary, Mr. Schneiderman is eligible to receive (a) an annual milestone cash bonus based on certain milestones that will be established by the Company’s Board or the Compensation Committee, and (b) a grant of stock options to purchase 335,006 shares of common stock with an exercise price of $1.03 per share, which shall vest in three equal portions on each anniversary date of the execution of Mr. Schneiderman’s employment agreement, commencing on January 2, 2021, the first anniversary date of the agreement. Mr. Schneiderman is entitled to receive 20 days of paid vacation, participate in full employee health benefits and receive reimbursement for all reasonable expenses incurred in connection with his service to the Company. The Company may terminate Mr. Schneiderman’s employment agreement at any time, with or without Cause, as such term is defined in his employment agreement.
 
In the event that Mr. Schneiderman’s employment is terminated by the Company for Cause, as defined in Mr. Schneiderman’s employment agreement, or by Mr. Schneiderman voluntarily, then he will not be entitled to receive any payments beyond amounts already earned, and any unvested equity awards will terminate. If the Company terminates his employment agreement without Cause, not in connection with a Change of Control, as such term is defined in Mr. Schneiderman’s employment agreement, he will be entitled to (i) all salary owed through the date of termination; (ii) any unpaid annual milestone bonus; (iii) severance in the form of continuation of his salary for the greater of a period of six months following the termination date or the remaining term of the employment agreement; (iv) payment of premiums to cover COBRA for a period of six months following the termination date; (v) a prorated annual bonus equal to the target annual milestone bonus, if any, for the year of termination multiplied by the formula set forth in the agreement. If the Company terminates Mr. Schneiderman’s employment agreement without Cause, in connection with a Change of Control, he will be entitled to the above and immediate accelerated vesting of any unvested options or other unvested awards.
 
Dr. James E. Pennington
 
Effective May 28, 2018, the Company entered into an employment agreement with Dr. Pennington to serve as its Chief Medical Officer. The employment agreement with Dr. Pennington provides for a base annual salary of $250,000. In addition to his salary, Dr. Pennington is eligible to receive an annual milestone bonus, awarded at the sole discretion of the Board based on his attainment of certain financial, clinical development, and/or business milestones established annually by the Board or Compensation Committee. The Company may terminate Dr. Pennington’s employment agreement at any time, with or without Cause, as such term is defined in Dr. Pennington’s employment agreement. In the event of termination by the Company other than for Cause, Dr. Pennington is entitled to three months’ severance payable over such period. In the event of termination by the Company other than for Cause in connection with a Change of Control as such term is defined in Dr. Pennington’s employment agreement, Dr. Pennington will receive six months’ severance payable over such period.
 
Note 15 - Leases
 
The Company adopted ASU 2016-02, Leases, as of January 1, 2019, using the modified retrospective approach. Prior year financial statements were not recast under the new standard.
 
The Company leases its office and research facilities under operating leases which are subject to various rent provisions and escalation clauses.
 
On April 1, 2020, the Company entered into a two-year lease extension (amendment) to is Hayward, CA office. The Company determined that the lease modification did not grant an additional right of use and concluded that the modification was not a separate new lease, but rather that it should reassess and remeasure the entire modified lease on the effective date of the modification. The Company accounted for the lease amendment prospectively.
 
The Company’s leases expire at various dates through 2022. The escalation clauses are indeterminable and considered not material and have been excluded from minimum future annual rental payments.
 
Lease expense amounted to $40,066 and $50,655, respectively, in the three months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019.
 
Lease expense amounted to $77,081 and $101,666, respectively, in the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019.
 
 
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The weighted-average remaining lease term and weighted-average discount rate under operating leases at June 30, 2020 are:
 
 
 
June 30,
 
 
 
2020
 
Lease term and discount rate
 
 
 
Weighted-average remaining lease term
 
 1.21 years
 
Weighted-average discount rate
  6.0%
 
Maturities of operating lease liabilities at June 30, 2020 are as follows:
 
2020
 $59,847 
2021
  55,420 
2022
  23,375 
Total lease payments
  138,642 
Less imputed interest
  (7,819)
Present value of lease liabilities
 $130,823 
 
Note 16 - Income Taxes
 
The Company is subject to taxation at the federal level in both the United States and France and at the state level in the United States. At June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the Company had no tax provision for either jurisdiction.
 
At June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the Company had gross deferred tax assets of approximately $16,817,000 and $16,372,000, respectively. As the Company cannot determine that it is more likely than not that the Company will realize the benefit of the deferred tax asset, a valuation allowance of approximately $16,817,000 and $16,372,000, respectively, has been established at June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019. The change in the valuation allowance in the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019 was $445,000 and $2,010,000, respectively.
 
At June 30, 2020, the Company has gross net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforwards for U.S. federal and state income tax purposes of approximately $33,031,000 and $24,527,000, respectively. The Company’s ability to use its NOL carryforwards may be limited if it experiences an “ownership change” as defined in Section 382 (“Section 382”) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. An ownership change generally occurs if certain stockholders increase their aggregate percentage ownership of a corporation’s stock by more than 50 percentage points over their lowest percentage ownership at any time during the testing period, which is generally the three-year period preceding any potential ownership change.
 
At June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the Company had approximately $21,001,000 and $19,475,000, respectively, in net operating losses which it can carryforward indefinitely to offset against future French income.
 
At June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the Company had taken no uncertain tax positions that would require disclosure under ASC 740, Accounting for Income Taxes.
 
Note 17 - Net Loss per Common Share
 
Basic net loss per share is computed by dividing net loss available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share reflect, in periods in which they have a dilutive effect, the impact of common shares issuable upon exercise of stock options and warrants and conversion of convertible debt that are not deemed to be anti-dilutive. The dilutive effect of the outstanding stock options and warrants is computed using the treasury stock method.
 
At June 30, 2020, diluted net loss per share did not include the effect of 7,427,032 shares of Common Stock issuable upon the conversion of convertible debt, 7,361,181 shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of outstanding warrants, 387,000 shares of Common Stock pursuant to unearned and unissued restricted stock and RSUs, and 2,272,506 shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of outstanding options as their effect would be antidilutive during the periods prior to conversion.
 
At June 30, 2019, diluted net loss per share did not include the effect of 3,188,378 shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of outstanding warrants, 416,000 shares of restricted Common Stock not yet issued, and 1,887,500 shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of outstanding options as their effect would be antidilutive during the periods prior to conversion.
 
 
 
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Note 18 - Related Party Transactions
 
Johan (Thijs) Spoor
 
During the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company employed the services of JIST Consulting (“JIST”), a company controlled by Johan (Thijs) Spoor, the Company’s former Chief Executive Officer and President, as a consultant for business strategy, financial modeling, and fundraising. Included in accounts payable at December 31, 2019 and 2018, is $348,400 and $478,400, respectively, for JIST relating to Mr. Spoor’s services. Mr. Spoor received no other compensation from the Company other than as specified in his employment agreement. On October 8, 2019, Mr. Spoor resigned as Chief Executive Officer and President of the Company. In addition, Mr. Spoor resigned as a member of the Board on April 29, 2020.
 
On June 29, 2019, the Company accrued an incentive bonus in the amount of $255,000 payable to Mr. Spoor. Subsequent to Mr. Spoor’s resignation, the Compensation Committee reviewed the accrued bonus and determined that such amount was not owed by the Company, which determination is being challenged by Mr. Spoor. As a result of management’s determination, the Company reversed the accrual in the quarter ended December 31, 2019.
 
All unvested shares of restricted stock and stock options subject to time and other performance-based vesting conditions have been forfeited in connection with Mr. Spoor's resignation as the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer.  Mr. Spoor also declined the right to receive 241,667 earned, but unissued shares of restricted stock on April 29, 2020 in connection with his resignation from the Board.
 
As of June 30, 2020, management was negotiating with Mr. Spoor regarding the amounts, if any, that should be paid to Mr. Spoor relating to payments due to JIST, any bonus payable, as well as the equity awards due to Mr. Spoor. Subsequent to June 30, 2020, the parties entered into a settlement and release agreement (See Note 19).
 
Maged Shenouda
 
From October 1, 2016 until his appointment as the Company’s Chief Financial Officer on September 25, 2017, the Company employed the services of Maged Shenouda as a financial consultant. Included in accounts payable at June 30, 2020 and 2019 is $10,000 and $50,000, respectively, for Mr. Shenouda’s services. On November 1, 2019, Mr. Shenouda submitted his resignation as Chief Financial Officer of the Company, effective November 30, 2019.
 
On June 29, 2019, the Company accrued an incentive bonus in the amount of $100,000 payable to Mr. Shenouda. Subsequent to Mr. Shenouda’s resignation, the Compensation Committee reviewed the accrued bonus and determined that such amount should not be paid, and the Company reversed the accrual in the quarter ended December 31, 2019.
Subsequent to June 30, 2020, the parties entered into a settlement and release agreement (See Note 19).
 
Note 19 – Subsequent Events
 
See Note 1 for a discussion of the Series B Private Placement and the Exchange, which was consummated on July 16, 2020.
 
Settlement with former Officers
 
On July 9, 2020, the Company and Johan (Thijs) Spoor, its former Chief Executive Officer, entered into a settlement and general release (the “Settlement and Release”), effective July 9, 2020 (the “Settlement Date”), of certain claims relating to Mr. Spoor's separation from the Company on October 8, 2019. The warrants are immediately exercisable, have an exercise price equal to $1.00 per share, a five-year term and may be exercised pursuant to a cashless exercise provision commencing six months from the issuance date.
 
In connection with the Settlement and Release, on July 14, 2020 we granted Mr. Spoor warrants to purchase an aggregate of 150,000 shares of Common Stock. In addition, Mr. Spoor legally released all claims to a discretionary bonus in the amount of $255,000, which was originally accrued by the Company in June 2019 but was subsequently reversed during the quarter ended December 31, 2019, legally released all claims to $348,400 due to JIST Consulting, a company controlled by Mr. Spoor, that is reflected in the Company's accounts payable as of June 30, 2020 and the Company also paid Mr. Spoor's legal expenses in the amount of $51,200.
 
On July 2, 2020, the Company and Maged Shenouda, its former Chief Financial Officer also entered into a settlement and general release (the “Shenouda Settlement and Release”), of certain claims relating to Mr. Shenouda’s s separation from the Company effective November 30, 2019. In connection with the Shenouda Settlement and Release, the Company paid a total of $15,000 to Mr. Shenouda, which amount includes $10,000 of accounts payable of the Company due to Mr. Shenouda for services provided, that is reflected in the Company's accounts payable as of June 30, 202, and Mr. Shenouda legally released all claims to a discretionary bonus in the amount of $100,000 originally accrued by the Company in June 2019, but was subsequently reversed during the quarter ended December 31, 2019.
.
 
 
 
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Amendment to Incentive Plan
 
On July 16, 2020, the Board approved an amendment to the 2014 Plan. The amendment eliminates individual grant limits under the 2014 Plan that were intended to comply with the exemption for “performance-based compensation” under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code, which section has been repealed.
 
Option Grants
 
On July 16, 2020, the Board authorized the grant of stock options covering a total of 2,040,000 shares of Common Stock under the 2014 Plan to certain employees, officers and directors. Such options each have an exercise price of $0.85 per share, the closing market price of the Common Stock on their date of grant. James Sapirstein, Chief Executive Officer, received options to purchase up to 1,200,000 shares of the Common Stock, 600,000 of which will vest in equal monthly installments over a term of three years commencing on the one month anniversary of the issuance date, and 600,000 of which will vest upon the achievement of certain strategic milestones specified by the Compensation Committee of the Board. Daniel Schneiderman, Chief Financial Officer, received options to purchase up to 250,000 shares of Common Stock and James E. Pennington, Chief Medical Officer, received options to purchase up to 300,000 shares of Common Stock, each vesting in equal monthly installments over a term of three years commencing on the one month anniversary of the issuance date.
 
In addition, on July 16, 2020, the Board also approved an amended and restated option grant to Daniel Schneiderman, amending and restating a grant previously made on January 2, 2020, to reduce the amount of shares issuable upon exercise of such option to be the maximum number of shares Mr. Schneiderman was eligible to receive under the Incentive Plan on the original grant date (or 300,000 shares), due to the Incentive Plan provisions relating to the Section 162(m) limitations described above. The Board also approved the issuance of a replacement option covering the balance of shares intended to be issued at that time (or 35,006 shares). The amended and restated option has an exercise price of $1.03, the closing market price of Common Stock on January 2, 2020, which was the date of its original grant, and the replacement option has an exercise price of $0.85, the closing market price of the Common Stock on its date of grant. Both the amended and restated option and the replacement option vest over a term of three years, in 36 equal monthly installments on each monthly anniversary of January 2, 2020.
 
Amendments to Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws
 
On August 5, 2020, the Board approved and adopted amended and restated Bylaws (the “2020 Amended and Restated Bylaws”) which became effective immediately upon the Board’s approval. The Amended and Restated Bylaws restate the Company’s prior bylaws in their entirety to, among other things: (i) establish advance notice and other procedures for the presentation of stockholder proposals, including stockholder nominations of directors, at stockholder meetings; (ii) establish procedures to allow for reasonable postponements and adjournments of stockholder meetings in the circumstances set forth therein; (iii) update the voting requirements for any proposal presented at stockholder meetings, other than the election of directors, to reflect a majority of votes cast in favor of or against the proposal; (iv) designate the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware, subject to certain exceptions, to be the sole and exclusive forum for certain specified actions, including derivative actions or proceedings brought on behalf of the Company or actions asserting a claim breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any current or former director, officer, other employee or stockholder of the Company; and (v) designate the federal district courts of the United States to be the exclusive forum for the resolution of any complaint asserting a cause of action arising under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
 
 
 
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ITEM 2.   MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
References in this report to “AzurRx,” “Company,” “we,” “us,” “our,” or similar references mean AzurRx BioPharma, Inc. and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis. References to “AzurRx BioPharma” refer to AzurRx BioPharma, Inc. on an unconsolidated basis. References to “AzurRx SAS” refer to AzurRx BioPharma’s wholly owned subsidiary through which we conduct our European operations. References to the “SEC” refer to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
 
Forward-Looking Statements
 
You should read the following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the related notes included elsewhere in this interim report. Our consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The following discussion and analysis contains 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, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), including, without limitation, statements regarding our expectations, beliefs, intentions or future strategies that are signified by the words “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “believe,” or similar language. Our business and financial performance are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties. Actual results, performance or achievements of the company and its clinical trials  may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including whether the Company’s cash resources will be sufficient to fund its continuing operations for the periods and/or trials anticipated; whether results obtained in preclinical and nonclinical studies and clinical trials will be indicative of results obtained in future clinical trials; whether preliminary or interim results from a clinical trial such as the interim results presented will be indicative of the final results of the trial; whether the Company’s product candidates will advance through the clinical trial process on a timely basis, or at all; whether the results of such trials will warrant submission for approval from the United States Food and Drug Administration or equivalent foreign regulatory agencies; whether the Company’s product candidates will receive approval from regulatory agencies on a timely basis or at all; whether, if product candidates obtain approval, they will be successfully distributed and marketed; whether the coronavirus pandemic will have an impact on the timing of our clinical development, clinical supply and our operations; and other factors discussed in the “Risk Factors” section of the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2019, and risks described in other filings that the Company may make with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statements contained in this report speak only as of the date hereof, and the Company specifically disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether because of new information, future events or otherwise.
 
Overview
 
AzurRx BioPharma, Inc. (“AzurRx” or “Parent”) was incorporated on January 30, 2014 in the State of Delaware. In June 2014, AzurRx acquired 100% of the issued and outstanding capital stock of AzurRx SAS (formerly “ProteaBio Europe SAS”), a company incorporated in October 2008 under the laws of France. AzurRx and its wholly-owned subsidiary, AzurRx SAS (“ABS”), are collectively referred to as the “Company.”
 
The Company is engaged in the research and development of non-systemic biologics for the treatment of patients with gastrointestinal disorders. Non-systemic biologics are non-absorbable drugs that act locally, i.e. the intestinal lumen, skin or mucosa, without reaching an individual’s systemic circulation. The Company is currently focused on developing its lead drug candidate, MS1819.
 
MS1819
 
MS1819 is a yeast derived recombinant lipase for the treatment of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (“EPI”) associated with cystic fibrosis (“CF”) and chronic pancreatitis (“CP”). MS1819, supplied as an oral non-systemic biologic capsule, is derived from the Yarrowia lipolytica yeast lipase and breaks up fat molecules in the digestive tract of EPI patients so that they can be absorbed as nutrients. Unlike the standard of care, the MS1819 synthetic lipase does not contain any animal products.
 
EPI is a condition characterized by deficiency of the exocrine pancreatic enzymes, resulting in a patient’s inability to digest food properly, or maldigestion. The deficiency in this enzyme can be responsible for greasy diarrhea, fecal urge and weight loss. There are more than 30,000 patients with EPI caused by CF according to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation approximately and approximately 90,000 patients in the U.S. with EPI caused by CP according to the National Pancreas Foundation. Patients are currently treated with porcine pancreatic enzyme replacement pills.
 
 
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Ongoing Clinical Studies
 
MS1819 – Phase 2b OPTION 2 Cystic Fibrosis Monotherapy Study
 
On October 17, 2019, the Company announced that the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Data Safety Monitoring Board (the “CFF DSMB”) completed its review of the Company’s final results of the OPTION Cross-Over Study and has found no safety concerns for MS1819, and that the CFF DSMB supports the Company’s plan to proceed to a higher 4.4 gram dose of MS1819 with enteric capsules in the multi-center dose escalation Phase 2b OPTION clinical trial (the “OPTION 2 Trial”). In December 2019, the Company submitted the clinical trial protocol to the existing IND at the FDA. The clinical trial protocol has been reviewed by the FDA with no comments. In April 2020, the Company received approval to conduct the OPTION 2 Trial in Therapeutics Development Network (TDN) clinical sites in the U.S. as well as Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval to commence the OPTION 2 Trial.
 
The OPTION 2 Trial is designed to investigate the safety, tolerability and efficacy of MS1819 (2.2 gram and 4.4 gram doses in enteric capsules) in a head-to-head manner versus the current standard of care, porcine pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) pills. The OPTION 2 Trial will be an open-label, crossover study, conducted in 15 sites in the U.S. and Europe. A total of 30 CF patients 18 years or older will be enrolled.  MS1819 will be administered in enteric capsules to provide gastric protection and allow optimal delivery of enzyme to the duodenum.  Patients will first be randomized into two cohorts: to either the MS1819 arm, where they receive a 2.2 gram daily oral dose of MS1819 for three weeks; or to the PERT arm, where they receive their pre-study dose of PERT pills for three weeks. After three weeks, stools will be collected for analysis of coefficient of fat absorption (CFA). Patients will then be crossed over for another three weeks of the alternative treatment. After three weeks of cross-over therapy, stools will again be collected for analysis of CFA. A parallel group of patients will be randomized and studied in the same fashion, using a 4.4 gram daily dose of MS1819. All patients will be followed for an additional two weeks after completing both crossover treatments for post study safety observation. Patients will be assessed using descriptive methods for efficacy, comparing CFA between MS1819 and PERT arms, and for safety.
 
On July 22, 2020, the Company announced that it initiated the OPTION 2 Trial in July 2020 with the first patient screened and three clinical trial sites activated in the U.S. The initiation of the OPTION 2 Trial Topline data is anticipated in the first quarter of 2021; however, this timeline may be further delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
 
MS1819 – Phase 2 Combination Therapy Study
 
In addition to the monotherapy studies, the Company launched a Phase 2 multi-center clinical trial (the “Combination Trial”) in Europe to investigate MS1819 in combination with PERT, for CF patients who suffer from severe EPI but continue to experience clinical symptoms of fat malabsorption despite taking the maximum daily dose of PERTs. The Combination Trial is designed to investigate the safety, tolerability and efficacy of escalating doses of MS1819 (700 mg, 1120 mg and 2240 mg per day, respectively), in conjunction with a stable dose of PERTs, in order to increase CFA and relieve abdominal symptoms in uncontrolled CF patients. A combination therapy of PERT and MS1819 has the potential to: (i) correct macronutrient and micronutrient maldigestion; (ii) eliminate abdominal symptoms attributable to maldigestion; and (iii) sustain optimal nutritional status on a normal diet in CF patients with severe EPI.
 
On October 15, 2019, the Company announced that it dosed the first patients in its Combination Trial in Hungary. Planned enrollment is expected to include approximately 24 CF patients with severe EPI, at clinical trial sites in Hungary and additional countries in Europe including Spain and possibly Turkey. Topline data is currently expected in the first half of 2021; however, this timeline may be further delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
 
On August 11, 2020, the Company announced positive interim data on the first five patients in the Combination Trial. The primary efficacy endpoint was met, with CFAs greater than 80% for all patients across all visits. For secondary efficacy endpoints, the Company observed that stool weight decreased, the number of stools per day decreased, steatorrhea improved, and body weight increased. Additionally, no serious adverse events were reported.
 
Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
We have experienced net losses and negative cash flows from operations since our inception. As of June 30, 2020, we had cash of approximately $984,950 and had sustained cumulative losses attributable to common stockholders of approximately $72.7 million. Subsequent to June 30, 2020, we have raised aggregate gross proceeds of approximately $15.2 million and aggregate net proceeds of approximately $13.5 million in the Series B Private Placement and eliminated approximately 6.9 million of Convertible Notes in the Exchange (see Note 19). We have not yet achieved profitability and anticipate that we will continue to incur net losses for the foreseeable future. We expect that our expenses will continue to grow and, as a result, we will need to generate significant product revenues to achieve profitability. We may never achieve profitability. As such, we are dependent on obtaining, and are continuing to pursue, the necessary funding from outside sources, including obtaining additional funding from the sale of securities in order to continue our operations. Without adequate funding, we may not be able to meet our obligations. These conditions raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern.
 
 
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Our primary sources of liquidity come from capital raises through additional equity and/or debt financings. This may be impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, which is evolving and could negatively impact our ability to raise additional capital in the future.
 
We have funded our operations to date primarily through the issuance of debt and convertible debt securities, as well as the issuance of Common Stock in various public offerings and private placement transactions. We expect to incur substantial expenditures in the foreseeable future for the development of MS1819 and any other product candidates. We will require additional financing to develop, prepare regulatory filings and obtain regulatory approvals, fund operating losses, and, if deemed appropriate, establish manufacturing, sales and marketing capabilities.
  
Between December 20, 2019 and January 9, 2020, we issued Promissory Notes to certain investors in the aggregate principal amount of $6,904,000. Each Promissory Note matures on September 20, 2020, accrues interest at a rate of 9% per annum, and is convertible, at the option of the holder, into shares of Common Stock at a price of $0.97 per share (the “Promissory Note Conversion Shares”). As additional consideration for the purchase of the Promissory Notes, each Investor also received Common Stock purchase warrants (the “Note Warrants”) to purchase that number of shares of Common Stock equal to one-half of the Promissory Note Conversion Shares issuable upon conversion of the Promissory Notes. The Note Warrants have an exercise price of $1.07 per share and expire five years from the date of issuance.
 
During the six months ended June 30, 2020, the Company issued an aggregate of 1,495,199 shares of Common Stock in connection with the Equity Line Purchase Agreement, resulting in gross proceeds to the Company of approximately $988,348.
 
As described in Note 1 in the accompanying financial statements, on July 16, 2020, the Company consummated the Series B Private Placement whereby the Company entered into the Series B Purchase Agreement with certain accredited and institutional investors, resulting in aggregate gross proceeds of approximately $15.2 million and aggregate net proceeds to the Company of approximately $13.5 million, after deducting placement agent compensation and expenses. Pursuant to the Series B Purchase Agreement, the Company issued an aggregate of 2,912.583124 shares of Series B Preferred Stock at a price of $7,700.00 per share, initially convertible into an aggregate of 29,125,833 shares of Common Stock at $0.77 per share, together with Series B Warrants to purchase an aggregate of 14,562,957 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $0.85 per share. In connection with the Series B Private Placement, an aggregate of 1,975.578900 shares of Series B Preferred Stock initially convertible into 19,755,795 shares of Common Stock and related 7,379,790 Series B Warrants were issued for cash consideration. In addition, the balance of an aggregate of 937.004221 shares of Series B Preferred Stock initially convertible into 9,370,039 shares of Common Stock and related Series B Warrants to purchase 4,685,040 shares of Common Stock was issued to certain investors in exchange for consideration consisting of approximately $6.9 million aggregate outstanding principal amount, together with accrued and unpaid interest thereon of approximately $0.3 million, of Promissory Notes. As additional consideration, the Company also issued certain additional warrants to purchase an aggregate of 1,772,972 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $0.85 per share. The Company prepaid the outstanding balance of $25,000 aggregate principal amount of Promissory Notes, together with accrued and unpaid interest thereon through the prepayment date, held by those holders who did not participate in the Exchange. Following the consummation of the Series B Private Placement and the Exchange, the Company no longer has any convertible debt outstanding.
 
We expect to incur substantial expenditures in the foreseeable future for the development of MS1819 and our other product candidates. We will require additional financing to develop our product candidates, run clinical trials, prepare regulatory filings and obtain regulatory approvals, fund operating losses, and, if deemed appropriate, establish manufacturing, sales and marketing capabilities. Our current financial condition raises substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. Our failure to raise capital as and when needed would have a material adverse impact on our financial condition, our ability to meet our obligations, and our ability to pursue our business strategies. We will seek funds through additional equity and/or debt financings, collaborative or other arrangements with corporate sources, or through other sources of financing.
 
Although we are primarily focused on the development of MS1819, we are also opportunely focused on expanding our product pipeline through collaborations, and also through acquisitions of products and companies. We are continually evaluating potential asset acquisitions and business combinations. To finance such acquisitions, we might raise additional equity capital, incur additional debt, or both.
 
Continued Nasdaq Listing
 
On March 23, 2020, the Company received a letter from the Listing Qualifications Staff of The Nasdaq Stock Market, LLC ("Nasdaq") indicating that, based upon the closing bid price of the Company's Common Stock for the last 30 consecutive business days, the Company is not currently in compliance with the requirement to maintain a minimum bid price of $1.00 per share for continued listing on the Nasdaq Capital Market, as set forth in Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(a)(2) (the "Notice").
 
 
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The Notice has no immediate effect on the continued listing status of the Company's Common Stock on the Nasdaq Capital Market, and, therefore, the Company's listing remains fully effective.
 
The Company will continue to monitor the closing bid price of its Common Stock and seek to regain compliance with all applicable Nasdaq requirements within the allotted compliance periods. To regain compliance, the closing bid price of the Company's Common Stock must be at least $1.00 per share for 10 consecutive business days at some point during the period of 180 calendar days from the date of the Notice, or until December 3, 2020, due to certain COVID-19 related relief from price-based continued listing requirements issued by Nasdaq on April 16, 2020. If the Company does not regain compliance with the minimum bid price requirement by December 3, 2020, Nasdaq may grant the Company a second period of 180 calendar days to regain compliance. To qualify for this additional compliance period, the Company would be required to meet the continued listing requirement for market value of publicly held shares and all other initial listing standards for the Nasdaq Capital Market, other than the minimum bid price requirement. In addition, the Company would also be required to notify Nasdaq of its intent to cure the minimum bid price deficiency. If the Company does not regain compliance within the allotted compliance periods, including any extensions that may be granted by Nasdaq, Nasdaq will provide notice that the Company's Common Stock will be subject to delisting. The Company would then be entitled to appeal that determination to a Nasdaq hearings panel. There can be no assurance that the Company will regain compliance with the minimum bid price requirement during the 180-day compliance period, secure a second period of 180 days to regain compliance, or maintain compliance with the other Nasdaq listing requirements.
 
In addition, as described in Note 1 in the accompanying financial statements, on June 11, 2020, the Company received a separate letter from the Staff regarding certain other compliance issues under Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635. On July 23, 2020, the Company received an updated letter describing the Staff’s determination that the Company had regained compliance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635, as a result of the recent completion of its Series B Private Placement and Exchange and certain other remediation actions taken by the Company. The Company is still seeking to regain compliance with the minimum bid price requirement, under Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(a)(2), as indicated above.
 
Cash Flows for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 and 2019
 
Net cash used in operating activities for the six months ended June 30, 2020 was $2,634,733, which primarily reflected our net loss of $9,957,168 plus adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities of depreciation and amortization expense of $282,142, non-cash stock-based compensation of $230,126, non-cash restricted stock granted to employees and directors of $21,003, non-cash Common Stock granted to settle accounts payable of $131,137, non-cash Common Stock granted to consultants of $87,105, non-cash accretion of debt discount of $4,203,182, non-cash interest on convertible debt of $319,196, and non-cash lease expense of $6,065. Changes in assets and liabilities are due to a decrease in other receivables of $2,548,659 due primarily to the payments of French R&D tax credits, a decrease in prepaid expenses of $274,019 due primarily to the expensing of prepaid insurance, a decrease in other liabilities of $135,210, and a decrease in deposits from the return of a refundable deposit of $5,000, offset by an increase in accounts payable and accrued expense of $571,728, an increase in deferred offering costs in connection with the Series B Private Placement of $192,071, an increase in right-of-use assets in connection the lease extension and an increase in accounts receivable of $36,003.
 
Net cash used in operating activities for the six months ended June 30, 2019 was $6,653,777, which primarily reflected our net loss of $9,703,991 plus adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities of depreciation and amortization expense of $727,217, non-cash stock-based compensation of $511,335 due primarily to achievement of certain performance-based milestones associated with previously issued equity awards, non-cash restricted stock granted to employees/directors of $493,454 due primarily to reaching certain performance-based milestones, non-cash restricted stock granted to a consultant in payment of accounts payable for $90,000, accrued interest on convertible debt of $74,521, and non-cash debt discount - warrants on convertible debt of $87,959. Changes in assets and liabilities are due to an increase in other receivables of $193,152, a decrease in prepaid expenses of $312,672 due primarily to the expensing of prepaid insurance, an increase in right of use assets of $240,993 due to the adoption of new lease accounting standards, an increase in deposits of $4,125, an increase in accounts payable and accrued expenses of $940,347 due primarily to increases in expenses as detailed below and an increase in other liabilities of $250,579 due to the adoption of new lease accounting standards.
 
Net cash used in investing activities for the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, was $2,808, which consisted of the purchase of property and equipment.
 
Net cash used in investing activities for the six months ended June 30, 2019 was $13,337, which consisted of the purchase of property and equipment.
 
 
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Net cash provided by financing activities for the six months ended June 30, 2020 was $3,433,595, compared to $6,895,228 for the six months ended June 30, 2019, resulting in a decrease of $3,461,633.
 
Net cash provided by financing activities for the six months ended June 30, 2020 consisted of $3,227,002 from the from the issuance of the convertible debt in the Promissory Note Offering, $988,348 from the proceeds of the Equity Line, and $179,418 from the issuance of a note payable in connection with the PPP loan, offset by repayments of convertible debt of $450,000 plus accrued interest of $104,153 related to the ADEC Notes and repayment of a notes payable of $511,173, which included the repayment of the PPP loan.
 
Net cash provided by financing activities for the six months ended June 30, 2019 was $6,895,228, which consisted of $5,023,956 from the sale of Common Stock offered in our April and May 2019 Public Offerings, $2,000,00 from the issuance of the Notes to ADEC, and $61,590 received from a stockholder in relation to a warrant modification offset by repayment of a note payable of $190,318. 
 
Consolidated Results of Operations for the Three Months Ended June 30, 2020 and 2019 
 
Revenues.  We have not yet achieved revenue-generating status from any of our product candidates. Since inception, we have devoted substantially all of our time and efforts to developing MS1819. As a result, we did not have any revenue during the three months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
 
Research and Development Expense. R&D expense was $1,089,176 for the three months ended June 30, 2020, as compared to $2,875,851 for the three months ended June 30, 2019. This represents a decrease of $1,786,675 or approximately 62.1% for the three months ended June 30, 2020 as compared to the three months ended June 30, 2019. Stock-based compensation for employees, depreciation and amortization was $0, $4,720 and $131,887, respectively, for the three months ended June 30, 2020, as compared to $0, $5,197 and $138,982, respectively for the three months ended June 30, 2019. Excluding non-cash expenses, total cash R&D expense decreased by $1,779,104, or approximately 65.1% to $952,568 for the three months ended June 30, 2020, from $2,731,672 for the three months ended June 30, 2019.
 
The decrease in R&D cash spending was primarily due to decreased clinical trial costs of $1,501,019 related to reduced clinical trial activity in connection with recruitment delays in the Combination Study due to COVID-19 as compared to the prior period when we were conducting the OPTION Trial, and decreased personnel costs of $54,921. We expect cash R&D expense to increase during the second half of the year as compared to the first half of the year as we advance both the Phase 2 OPTION2 Trial and the Phase 2 Combination Study and increase CMC activities in connection with the continued development of MS1819.
 
General and Administrative Expense. G&A expense was $1,304,528 for the three months ended June 30, 2020, as, as compared to $2,056,340 for the for the three months ended June 30, 2019. This represents a decrease of $751,812, or approximately 36.6% for the three months ended June 30, 2020 as compared to the three months ended June 30, 2019. Stock-based compensation for employees, depreciation, amortization and loss on asset disposal was $176,676, $3,987, $0 and $2,498, respectively, for the three months ended June 30, 2020, as compared to $197,169, $0, $0, and $0, respectively for the three months ended June 30, 2019. Excluding non-cash expenses, total cash G&A expense decreased by $737,803, or approximately 39.7% to $1,121,368 for the three months ended June 30, 2020, from $1,859,171 for the three months ended June 30, 2019.
 
The decrease in G&A cash spending was primarily due to the elimination of bonuses of $629,300 as compared to the prior period, cutbacks in public company and corporate communications expense, including investor and public relations of $151,005, directors fees of $35,000, and travel and entertainment expenses of $74,836, offset by increased insurance of $68,339, increases in legal expenses of $50,765, and increased information technology expenses of $22,899.
 
We expect cash G&A expense to increase during the remainder of this fiscal year as management instituted cost cutting measures primarily related to public company and corporate communications, including investor relations, the termination of the TransChem Sublicense Agreement and related intellectual property legal expenses and one-time and transaction-related costs are expected to be offset by increases to D&O and corporate insurance, legal expenses, outside consulting fees related to business development efforts, information technology security expenses and costs in connection with our annual shareholder meeting.
 
Other Expense. Interest expense for the three months ended June 30, 2020 was $2,302,174 as compared to $110,646 for the three months ended June 30, 2019. The increased interest expense is due to amortization of debt discount and accrued interest related to the convertible debt issued in between December 2019 and January 2020, which was not present in the prior period.
 
Net Loss. As a result of the factors above, our net loss decreased by $346,959 to $4,695,877 for the three months ended June 30, 2020 as compared to $5,042,837 for the three months ended June 30, 2019.
 
 
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Consolidated Results of Operations for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 and 2019 
 
Revenues.  We have not yet achieved revenue-generating status from any of our product candidates. Since inception, we have devoted substantially all of our time and efforts to developing MS1819. As a result, we did not have any revenue during the three months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
 
Research and Development Expense. R&D expense was $2,642,536 for the six months ended June 30, 2020, as compared to $6,172,147 for the six months ended June 30, 2019. This represents a decrease of $3,525,127, or approximately 57.1% for the six months ended June 30, 2020 as compared to the six months ended June 30, 2019. Stock-based compensation for employees, depreciation and amortization was $9,000, $9,491, and $263,774, respectively, for the six months ended June 30, 2020, as compared to $361,739, $31,882 and $131,887, respectively for the six months ended June 30, 2019. Excluding non-cash expenses, total cash R&D expense decreased by $3,281,885, or approximately 58.1% to $2,360,270 for the six months ended June 30, 2020, from $5,646,639 for the six months ended June 30, 2019.
 
The decrease in R&D cash spending was primarily due to decreased clinical trial costs of $2,622,917 related to reduced clinical trial activity in connection with recruitment delays in the Combination Study due to COVID-19 as compared to the prior period, decreased personnel costs of $295,903, and decreased consulting expenses of $140,381. We expect cash R&D expense to increase during the second half of the year as compared to the first half of the year as we advance both the Phase 2 OPTION2 Trial and the Phase 2 Combination Study and increase CMC activities in connection with the continued development of MS1819.
 
General and Administrative Expense. G&A expense was $2,679,618 for the six months ended June 30, 2020, as, as compared to $3,363,688 for the for the six months ended June 30, 2019. This represents a decrease of $680,070, or approximately 20.3% for the six months ended June 30, 2020 as compared to the six months ended June 30, 2019. Stock-based compensation for employees and consultants, depreciation and loss on asset disposal was $329,234, $8,877, and $1,998 respectively, for the six months ended June 30, 2020, as compared to $643,050, $0 and $0, respectively for the six months ended June 30, 2019. Excluding non-cash expenses, total cash G&A expense decreased by $381,128, or approximately 14.0% to $2,339,510 for the six months ended June 30, 2020, from $2,720,638 for the six months ended June 30, 2019.
 
The decrease in G&A cash spending was primarily due to the elimination of bonuses of $410,300 as compared to the prior period, cutbacks in public company and corporate communications expense, including investor and public relations of $132,276, directors fees of $70,000, legal expenses of $40,222, and travel and entertainment expenses of $35,657, offset by increases in consulting expenses of $161,224, increased insurance of $134,022, and increased information technology expenses of $46,750.
 
We expect cash G&A expense to increase during the remainder of this fiscal year as management instituted cost cutting measures primarily related to public company and corporate communications, including investor relations, the termination of the TransChem Sublicense Agreement and related intellectual property legal expenses and one-time and transaction-related costs are expected to be offset by increases to D&O and corporate insurance, legal expenses, outside consulting fees related to business development efforts, information technology security expenses and costs in connection with our annual shareholder meeting.
 
Other Expense. Interest expense for the six months ended June 30, 2020 was $4,635,013 as compared to $167,757 for the six months ended June 30, 2019. The increased interest expense is due to amortization of debt discount and accrued interest related to the convertible debt issued in between December 2019 and January 2020, which was not present in the prior period.
 
Net Loss. As a result of the factors above, our net loss increased by $258,237 to $9,957,168 for the six months ended June 30, 2020 as compared to $9,703,591 for the six months ended June 30, 2019.
 
ITEM 3.  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISKS 
 
Not applicable.
 
ITEM 4.  CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
 
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
 
As required by Rule 13a-15(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, (the “Exchange Act”) our Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and our Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”) conducted an evaluation as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act. Based on that evaluation, our CEO and our CFO each concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act, (i) is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and forms and (ii) is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our CEO and our CFO, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
 
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
 
There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting identified in management’s evaluation pursuant to Rules 13a-15(d) or 15d-15(d) of the Exchange Act during the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
 
 
 
 
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PART II
 
OTHER INFORMATION
 
ITEM  1.     LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 
None.
 
ITEM  1A.  RISK FACTORS
 
Our results of operations and financial condition are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for our fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, filed on March 30, 2020. You should carefully consider these risk factors in conjunction with the other information contained in this Quarterly Report. Should any of these risks materialize, our business, financial condition and future prospects could be negatively impacted. As of August 14, 2020, there have been no material changes to the disclosures made in the above referenced Form 10-K, except as set forth below:
 
A pandemic, epidemic, or outbreak of an infectious disease, such as COVID-19, or coronavirus, may materially and adversely affect our business and our financial results.
 
The spread of COVID-19 has affected segments of the global economy and may affect our operations, including the potential interruption of our clinical trial activities and our supply chain. The continued spread of COVID-19 may result in a period of business disruption, including delays in our clinical trials or delays or disruptions in our supply chain. In addition, there could be a potential effect of COVID-19 to the business at FDA or other health authorities, which could result in delays of reviews and approvals, including with respect to our drug candidates.
 
The continued spread of COVID-19 globally could adversely affect our clinical trial operations in the United States and Europe, including our ability to recruit and retain patients and principal investigators and site staff who, as healthcare providers, may have heightened exposure to COVID-19 if an outbreak occurs in their geography. We have already experienced certain delays of our clinical trials and may experience further delays as the pandemic continues. In March and April of 2020, shutdowns in Europe hindered recruitment for certain clinical trials, due to (among other factors) travel restrictions, home confinement and diversions of resources by hospitals and other healthcare professionals away from normal operations and toward the COVID-19 response. Potential enrollees for our clinical trials are among patient populations that are more likely to be considered to be at high-risk for a severe illness from a COVID-19 infection, which may affect their willingness to participate. Further, some patients may be unable to comply with clinical trial protocols if quarantines or travel restrictions impede patient movement or interrupt healthcare services, or if the patients become infected with COVID-19 themselves. While we have sufficient supply of our product on hand to meet any needs for our ongoing clinical trials through completion, disruptions in national or international shipments and deliveries could impede our ability to distribute product to trial sites in a timely manner. Any of the foregoing factors could delay our ability to conduct clinical trials or release clinical trial results. COVID-19 may also affect employees of third-party CROs located in affected geographies that we rely upon to carry out our clinical trials, which could result in inefficiencies due to reductions in staff and disruptions to work environments.
 
The spread of COVID-19, or another infectious disease, could also negatively affect the operations at our third-party manufacturers, which could result in delays or disruptions in the supply of our product candidates. In addition, we have taken temporary precautionary measures intended to help minimize the risk of the virus to our employees, including temporarily requiring all employees to work remotely, suspending all non-essential travel worldwide for our employees, and discouraging employee attendance at industry events and in-person work-related meetings, which could negatively affect our business.
 
We cannot presently predict the scope and severity of any potential business shutdowns or disruptions. If we or any of the third parties with whom we engage, however, were to experience shutdowns or other business disruptions, our ability to conduct our business in the manner and on the timelines presently planned could be materially and negatively affected, which could have a material adverse impact on our business and our results of operation and financial condition.
 
In addition, the global spread of COVID-19 has created significant volatility and uncertainty in global financial markets and may materially affect us economically and such conditions continue to persist. While the potential economic impact brought by, and the duration of, COVID-19 may be difficult to assess or predict, a widespread pandemic could result in significant disruption of global financial markets, reducing our ability to access capital, which could in the future negatively affect our liquidity. A recession or market correction resulting from the spread of COVID-19 could materially affect our business and the value of our common stock.
 
Our failure to maintain compliance with Nasdaq’s continued listing requirements could result in the delisting of our common stock.
 
Our common stock is currently listed on The Nasdaq Capital Market. In order to maintain this listing, we must satisfy minimum financial and other requirements. On March 23, 2020, we received a notification letter from Nasdaq’s Listing Qualifications Department indicating that we are not in compliance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(a)(2), because the minimum bid price of our common stock on the Nasdaq Capital Market has closed below $1.00 per share for 30 consecutive business days. In accordance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5810(c)(3)(A), we have 180 calendar days the date of the Notice to regain compliance with the minimum bid requirement. On April 16, 2020, Nasdaq announced it was providing temporary relief from continued listing bid price requirements through June 30, 2020. As such, the compliance period for us will expire on December 3, 2020, and not September 21, 2020, as previously announced. To regain compliance, the closing bid price of our common stock must meet or exceed $1.00 per share for at least ten consecutive business days before December 3, 2020.  If we do not regain compliance during this cure period, we expect that Nasdaq will provide written notification to us that our common stock will be delisted. At that time, we may appeal Nasdaq’s delisting determination to a Nasdaq hearing panel.
 
 
 
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While we intend to engage in efforts to regain compliance, and thus maintain our listing, there can be no assurance that we will be able to regain compliance during the applicable time periods set forth above. If we fail to continue to meet all applicable Nasdaq Capital Market requirements in the future and Nasdaq determines to delist our common stock, the delisting could substantially decrease trading in our common stock; adversely affect the market liquidity of our common stock as a result of the loss of market efficiencies associated with Nasdaq and the loss of federal preemption of state securities laws; adversely affect our ability to obtain financing on acceptable terms, if at all; and may result in the potential loss of confidence by investors, suppliers, customers, and employees and fewer business development opportunities. Additionally, the market price of our common stock may decline further and shareholders may lose some or all of their investment.
 
We currently have Series B Preferred Stock outstanding and our certificate of incorporation authorizes our Board to create new series of preferred stock without further approval by our stockholders, which could adversely affect the rights of the holders of our common stock.
 
Our Board has the authority to fix and determine the relative rights and preferences of preferred stock. Our Board also has the authority to issue preferred stock without further stockholder approval.
 
We currently have 2,912.583005 shares of Series B Preferred Stock outstanding, which is convertible at the holder’s option at any time into shares of common stock at a conversion rate equal to the quotient of (i) the $7,700 stated value (the “Series B Stated Value”) divided by (ii) the initial conversion price of $0.77, subject to certain adjustments. The Series B Preferred Stock Certificate of Designations provides for the payment of cash dividends on the Series B Preferred Stock at a rate of 9.00% per annum, provided that we may pay dividends in-kind through the issuance of additional shares to holders of the Series B Preferred Stock.
 
Our Series B Preferred Stock gives its holders the preferred right to our assets upon liquidation and the right to receive dividend payments before dividends are distributed to the holders of common stock, among other things. In addition, in the event we effect any issuance of common stock or common stock equivalents for cash consideration, or a combination of units thereof, the holders of the Series B Preferred Stock have the right, subject to certain exceptions, at their option, to exchange (in lieu of cash subscription payments) all or some of the Series B Preferred Stock then held (with a value per share of the Series B Preferred Stock equal to the Series B Stated Value plus accrued and unpaid dividends thereon) for any securities or units issued in such issuance on a dollar-for-dollar basis. The holders of the Series B Preferred Stock, voting as a separate class, also have customary consent rights with respect to certain corporate actions, including the issuance of an increased number of shares of Series B Preferred Stock, the establishment of any capital stock ranking senior to or on parity the Series B Preferred Stock as to dividends or upon liquidation and certain changes to our Charter or Bylaws including other actions. Our obligations to the holders of the Series B Preferred Stock could limit out ability to obtain additional financing or increase our borrowing costs, which could have an adverse effect on our financial condition and hinder the accomplishment of our corporate goals.
 
In addition to the Series B Preferred Stock, our Board could authorize the issuance of additional series of preferred stock with such rights preferential to the rights of our common stock, including the issuance of a series of preferred stock that has greater voting power than our common stock or that is convertible into our common stock, which could decrease the relative voting power of our common stock or result in dilution to our existing stockholders.
 
The holders of the Series B Preferred Stock are entitled to have their shares of Series B Preferred Stock redeemed at a substantial premium in the event that certain stockholder approvals relating to the Series B Private Placement and the Exchange are not obtained at our 2020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders
 
In the event stockholder approval of the Series B Private Placement is not received by October 14, 2020, subject to extension upon the prior written approval of the holders of at least a majority of the Series B Preferred Stock then outstanding, we will be required to repurchase all of the then outstanding shares of Series B Preferred Stock at a price in cash equal to 150% of the then applicable liquidation preference, or approximately $34.4 million, which is equal to the Series B Stated Value plus anticipated accrued and unpaid dividends thereon through such repurchase date, if not extended. In addition, all holders of Series B Warrants and Exchange Warrants will be required to surrender such securities to us for cancellation. As a result, in the event that certain stockholder approvals relating to the Series B Private Placement and the Exchange are not obtained at our 2020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, these repurchase obligations could severely impair our liquidity and could severely reduce or eliminate any amount of cash flows available for working capital and other general corporate purposes. Under any such circumstances, we would likely be required to enter into additional financing arrangements upon substantially disadvantageous terms, in an attempt to meet these substantial repurchase obligations, or potentially to enter into bankruptcy proceedings.
 
ITEM 2.     UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
 
During the period from April 6, 2020 through May 22, 2020, the Company sold an aggregate of 1,345,199 shares of Common Stock pursuant to the Equity Line, from which the Company derived approximately $869,000 in net proceeds. The sales of these shares under the Equity Line Agreement was exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, in reliance upon Section 4(a)(2) (or Regulation D promulgated thereunder). 
 
ITEM 3.     DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
 
None.
 
ITEM 4.    MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
 
Not applicable.
 
ITEM 5.    OTHER INFORMATION
 
None. 
 
ITEM 6.    EXHIBITS
 
 
(b)
Exhibits
 
Exhibit No.
 
Description
 
Certification of the Principal Executive Officer, pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
Certification of the Principal Financial Officer, pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
Certification of the Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
 
 
 
 
101.INS
 
XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema
101.CAL
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase
101.DEF
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase
101.LAB
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase
101.PRE
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase
 
 
 
 
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SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
 
 
AZURRX BIOPHARMA, INC.
 
 
 
 
 
 
By
/s/ James Sapirstein
 
 
 
James Sapirstein
President, Chief Executive Officer and Director
(Principal Executive Officer)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
By
/s/ Daniel Schneiderman
 Date: August 14, 2020
 
 
Daniel Schneiderman
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
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