The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations This discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results may differ materially from those discussed in forward-looking statements. Factors that might cause a difference include, but are not limited to, those discussed above under "Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements," and in Item 1A. Risk factors in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year endedDecember 31, 2021 .
Strategic and Clinical Overview
OnSeptember 19, 2022 ,Celsion Corporation announced a corporate name change toImunon, Inc. , reflecting the evolution of the Company's business focus and its commitment to developing cutting-edge immunotherapies and next-generation vaccines to treat cancer and infectious diseases. The Company's common stock will continue to trade on theNasdaq Stock Market under the new ticker symbol "IMNN" effective as of the opening of trading onSeptember 21, 2022 . The Company has filed an amendment to its Articles of Incorporation to effect the new corporate name.Imunon, Inc. ("Imunon" and the "Company") is a fully integrated, clinical stage biotechnology company focused on advancing a portfolio of innovative treatments that harness the body's natural mechanisms to generate safe, effective, and durable responses across a broad array of human diseases, constituting a differentiating approach from conventional therapies.Imunon has two platform technologies: Our TheraPlas® platform for the development of immunotherapies and other anti-cancer nucleic acid-based therapies, and our PLACCINE platform for the development of nucleic acid vaccines for infectious diseases and cancer. The Company's lead clinical program, GEN-1, is a DNA-based immunotherapy for the localized treatment of advanced ovarian cancer currently in Phase II development. GEN-1 works by instructing the body to produce safe and durable levels of powerful cancer fighting molecules, such as interleukin-12 and interferon gamma, at the tumor site. Additionally, the Company is conducting preclinical proof-of-concept studies on a nucleic acid vaccine candidate targeting SARS-CoV-2 virus in order to validate its PLACCINE platform.Imunon's platform technologies are based on the delivery of nucleic acids with novel synthetic delivery systems that are independent of viral vectors or devices. We will continue to leverage these platforms and to advance the technological frontier of plasmid DNA to better serve patients with difficult to treat conditions. IMMUNO-ONCOLOGY Program OnJune 20, 2014 , the Company completed the acquisition of substantially all of the assets ofEGEN , a private company located inHuntsville, Alabama . Pursuant to the Asset Purchase Agreement,CLSN Laboratories acquired all ofEGEN's right, title and interest in substantially all of the assets ofEGEN , including cash and cash equivalents, patents, trademarks and other intellectual property rights, clinical data, certain contracts, licenses and permits, equipment, furniture, office equipment, furnishings, supplies and other tangible personal property. A key asset acquired fromEGEN was the TheraPlas technology platform. The first drug candidate developed from this technology platform is GEN-1.
THERAPLAS Technology Platform TheraPlas is a technology platform for the delivery of DNA and mRNA therapeutics via synthetic non-viral carriers and is capable of providing cell transfection for double-stranded DNA plasmids and large therapeutic RNA segments such as mRNA. There are two components of the TheraPlas system, a plasmid DNA or mRNA payload encoding a therapeutic protein, and a delivery system. The delivery system is designed to protect the DNA/mRNA from degradation and promote trafficking into cells and through intracellular compartments. We designed the delivery system of TheraPlas by chemically modifying the low molecular weight polymer to improve its gene transfer activity without increasing toxicity. We believe that TheraPlas may be a viable alternative to current approaches to gene delivery due to several distinguishing characteristics, including enhanced molecular versatility that allows for complex modifications to potentially improve activity and safety. The design of the TheraPlas delivery system is based on molecular functionalization of polyethyleneimine ("PEI"), a cationic delivery polymer with a distinct ability to escape from the endosomes due to heavy protonation. The transfection activity and toxicity of PEI is tightly coupled to its molecular weight; therefore, the clinical application of PEI is limited. We have used molecular functionalization strategies to improve the activity of low molecular weight PEIs without augmenting their cytotoxicity. In one instance, chemical conjugation of a low molecular weight branched BPEI1800 with cholesterol and polyethylene glycol ("PEG") to form PEG-PEI-Cholesterol ("PPC") dramatically improved the transfection activity of BPEI1800 following in vivo delivery. Together, the cholesterol and PEG modifications produced approximately 20-fold enhancement in transfection activity. Biodistribution studies following intraperitoneal or subcutaneous administration of DNA/PPC nanocomplexes showed DNA delivery localized primarily at the injection site with only small amount escaping into the systemic circulation. PPC is the delivery component of our lead TheraPlas product, GEN-1, which is in clinical development for the treatment of ovarian cancer. The PPC manufacturing process has been scaled up from bench scale (1-2 g) to 0.6Kg, and several current Good Manufacturing Practice ("cGMP") lots have been produced with reproducible quality. 23 We believe that TheraPlas has emerged as a viable alternative to current approaches due to several distinguishing characteristics such as strong molecular versatility that may allow for complex modifications to potentially improve activity and safety with little difficulty. The biocompatibility of these polymers reduces the risk of adverse immune response, thus allowing for repeated administration. Compared to naked DNA or cationic lipids, TheraPlas is generally safer, more efficient, and cost effective. We believe that these advantages place the Company in a strong position to capitalize on this technology platform. Ovarian Cancer Overview
Ovarian cancer is the most lethal of gynecological malignancies among women with an overall five-year survival rate of 50%. This poor outcome is due in part to the lack of effective prevention and early detection strategies. There were approximately 20,000 new cases of ovarian cancer in theU.S. in 2021 with an estimated 13,000 deaths. Mortality rates for ovarian cancer declined very little in the last forty years due to the unavailability of detection tests and improved treatments. Most women with ovarian cancer are not diagnosed until Stages III or IV, when the disease has spread outside the pelvis to the abdomen and areas beyond causing swelling and pain. The five-year survival rates for Stages III and IV are 39% and 17%, respectively. First-line chemotherapy regimens are typically platinum-based combination therapies. Although this first line of treatment has an approximate 80% response rate, 55% to 75% of women will develop recurrent ovarian cancer within two years and ultimately will not respond to platinum therapy. Patients whose cancer recurs or progresses after initially responding to surgery and first-line chemotherapy have been divided into one of the two groups based on the time from completion of platinum therapy to disease recurrence or progression. This time period is referred to as platinum-free interval. The platinum-sensitive group has a platinum-free interval of longer than six months. This group generally responds to additional treatment with platinum-based therapies. The platinum-resistant group has a platinum-free interval of shorter than six months and is resistant to additional platinum-based treatments. Pegylated liposomal doxorubicin, topotecan, and Avastin are the only approved second-line therapies for platinum-resistant ovarian cancer. The overall response rate for these therapies is 10% to 20% with median overall survival ("OS") of eleven to twelve months. Immunotherapy is an attractive novel approach for the treatment of ovarian cancer particularly since ovarian cancers are considered immunogenic tumors. IL-12 is one of the most active cytokines for the induction of potent anti-cancer immunity acting through the induction of T-lymphocyte and natural killer cell proliferation. The precedence for a therapeutic role of IL-12 in ovarian cancer is based on epidemiologic and preclinical data. GEN-1 Immunotherapy
GEN-1 is a DNA-based immunotherapeutic product candidate for the localized treatment of ovarian cancer by intraperitoneally administering an Interleukin-12 ("IL-12") plasmid formulated with our proprietary TheraPlas delivery system. In this DNA-based approach, the immunotherapy is combined with a standard chemotherapy drug, which can potentially achieve better clinical outcomes than with chemotherapy alone. We believe that increases in IL-12 concentrations at tumor sites for several days after a single administration could create a potent immune environment against tumor activity and that a direct killing of the tumor with concomitant use of cytotoxic chemotherapy could result in a more robust and durable antitumor response than chemotherapy alone. We believe the rationale for local therapy with GEN-1 is based on the following:
? Loco-regional production of the potent cytokine IL-12 avoids toxicities and
poor pharmacokinetics associated with systemic delivery of recombinant IL-12;
? Persistent local delivery of IL-12 lasts up to one week and dosing can be
repeated; and ? Local therapy is ideal for long-term maintenance therapy.
OVATION I Study. InFebruary 2015 , we announced that theU.S. Food and Drug Administration ("FDA") accepted, without objection, the Phase I dose-escalation clinical trial of GEN-1 in combination with the standard of care in neoadjuvant ovarian cancer (the "OVATION I Study"). The OVATION I Study was designed to:
(i) identify a safe, tolerable, and therapeutically active dose of GEN-1 by
recruiting and maximizing an immune response; (ii) enroll three to six patients per dose level and evaluate safety and efficacy; and (iii) attempt to define an optimal dose for a follow-on Phase I/II study. 24
In addition, the OVATION I Study established a unique opportunity to assess how cytokine-based compounds such as GEN-1, directly affect ovarian cancer cells and the tumor microenvironment in newly diagnosed ovarian cancer patients. The study was designed to characterize the nature of the immune response triggered by GEN-1 at various levels of the patients' immune system, including:
? Infiltration of cancer fighting T-cell lymphocytes into primary tumor and
tumor microenvironment including peritoneal cavity, which is the primary site
of metastasis of ovarian cancer;
? Changes in local and systemic levels of immuno-stimulatory and
immunosuppressive cytokines associated with tumor suppression and growth,
respectively; and ? Expression profile of a comprehensive panel of immune related genes in pre-treatment and GEN-1-treated tumor tissue. We initiated the OVATION I Study at four clinical sites at theUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham ,Oklahoma University Medical Center ,Washington University in St. Louis , and theMedical College of Wisconsin . During 2016 and 2017, we announced data from the first fourteen patients in the OVATION I Study. OnOctober 3, 2017 , we announced positive clinical data from the first fourteen patientswho completed treatment in the OVATION I Study. GEN-1 plus standard chemotherapy produced no dose limiting toxicities and positive dose dependent efficacy signals which correlate well with positive surgical outcomes as summarized below:
? Of the fourteen patients treated in the entire study, two patients
demonstrated a complete response, ten patients demonstrated a partial response
and two patients demonstrated stable disease, as measured by RECIST criteria.
This translates to a 100% disease control rate and an 86% objective response
rate ("ORR"). Of the five patients treated in the highest dose cohort, there
was a 100% ORR with one complete response and four partial responses;
? Fourteen patients had successful resections of their tumors, with nine
patients (64%) having a complete tumor resection ("R0"), which indicates a
microscopically margin-negative resection in which no gross or microscopic
tumor remains in the tumor bed. Seven out of eight (88%) patients in the
highest two dose cohorts experienced a R0 surgical resection. All five patients treated at the highest dose cohort experienced a R0 surgical resection; and
? All patients experienced a clinically significant decrease in their CA-125
protein levels as of their most recent study visit. CA-125 is used to monitor
certain cancers during and after treatment. CA-125 is present in greater
concentrations in ovarian cancer cells than in other cells. Key translational research findings from all evaluable patients are consistent with the earlier reports from partial analysis of the data and are summarized below:
? The intraperitoneal treatment of GEN-1 in conjunction with NACT resulted in
dose dependent increases in IL-12 and Interferon-gamma ("IFN-?") levels that
were predominantly in the peritoneal fluid compartment with little to no
changes observed in the patients' systemic circulation. These and other
post-treatment changes including decreases in VEGF levels in peritoneal fluid
are consistent with an IL-12 based immune mechanism;
? Consistent with the previous partial reports, the effects observed in the IHC
analysis were pronounced decreases in the density of immunosuppressive T-cell
signals (Foxp3, PD-1, PDL-1, IDO-1) and increases in CD8+ cells in the tumor
microenvironment; ? The ratio of CD8+ cells to immunosuppressive cells was increased in approximately 75% of patients suggesting an overall shift in the tumor
microenvironment from immunosuppressive to pro-immune stimulatory following
treatment with GEN-1. An increase in CD8+ to immunosuppressive T-cell
populations is a leading indicator and believed to be a good predictor of
improved OS; and
? Analysis of peritoneal fluid by cell sorting, not reported before, shows a
treatment-related decrease in the percentage of immunosuppressive T-cell
(Foxp3+), which is consistent with the reduction of Foxp3+ T-cells in the
primary tumor tissue, and a shift in tumor naïve CD8+ cell population to more
efficient tumor killing memory effector CD8+ cells. 25
OnMarch 26, 2020 , the Company announced withMedidata , a Dassault Systèmes company, that examining matched patient data provided byMedidata in a synthetic control arm ("SCA") with results from the Company's completed Phase Ib dose-escalating OVATION I Study showed positive results in progression-free survival ("PFS"). The hazard ratio ("HR") was 0.53 in the ITT group, showing strong signals of efficacy. The Company believes these data may warrant consideration of strategies to accelerate the clinical development program for GEN-1 in newly diagnosed, advanced ovarian cancer patients by the FDA. In itsMarch 2019 discussion with the Company, the FDA noted that preliminary findings from the Phase Ib OVATION I Study were exciting but lacked a control group to evaluate GEN-1's independent impact on impressive tumor response, surgical results and PFS. The FDA encouraged the Company to continue its GEN-1 development program and consult with FDA with new findings that may have a bearing on designations such as Fast Track and Breakthrough Therapy. SCAs have the potential to revolutionize clinical trials in certain oncology indications and some other diseases where a randomized control is not ethical or practical. SCAs are formed by carefully selecting control patients from historical clinical trials to match the demographic and disease characteristics of the patients treated with the new investigational product. SCAs have been shown to mimic the results of traditional randomized controls so that the treatment effects of an investigational product can be visible by comparison to the SCA. SCAs can help advance the scientific validity of single arm trials, and in certain indications, reduce time and cost, and expose fewer patients to placebos or existing standard-of-care treatments that might not be effective for them. OnJuly 29, 2021 , the Company announced final progression free survival ("PFS") results from the OVATION I Study published in theJournal of Clinical Cancer Research . Median PFS in patients treated per protocol (n=14) was 21 months and was 18.4 months for the intent-to-treat ("ITT") population (n=18) for all dose cohorts, including three patientswho dropped out of the study after 13 days or less, and two patientswho did not receive full NAC and GEN-1 cycles. Under the current standard of care, in women with Stage III/IV ovarian cancer undergoing NAC, their disease progresses within about 12 months on average. The results from the OVATION I Study support continued evaluation of GEN-1 based on promising tumor response, as reported in the PFS data, and the ability for surgeons to completely remove visible tumor at interval debulking surgery. GEN-1 was well tolerated, and no dose-limiting toxicities were detected. Intraperitoneal administration of GEN-1 was feasible with broad patient acceptance. OVATION 2 Study. The Company held an Advisory Board Meeting onSeptember 27, 2017 with the clinical investigators and scientific experts including those fromRoswell Park Cancer Institute ,Vanderbilt University Medical School , andM.D. Anderson Cancer Center to review and finalize clinical, translational research and safety data from the OVATION I Study to determine the next steps forward for our GEN-1 immunotherapy program. OnNovember 13, 2017 , the Company filed its Phase I/II clinical trial protocol with the FDA for GEN-1 for the localized treatment of ovarian cancer. The protocol is designed with a single dose escalation phase to 100 mg/m² to identify a safe and tolerable dose of GEN-1 while maximizing an immune response. The Phase I portion of the study will be followed by a continuation at the selected dose in approximately 110 patients randomized Phase II study. In the OVATION 2 Study, patients in the GEN-1 treatment arm will receive GEN-1 plus chemotherapy pre- and post-interval debulking surgery ("IDS"). The OVATION 2 Study will include up to 110 patients with Stage III/IV ovarian cancer, with 12 to 15 patients in the Phase I portion and up to 95 patients in Phase II. The study is powered to show a 33% improvement in the primary endpoint, PFS, when comparing GEN-1 with neoadjuvant + adjuvant chemotherapy versus neoadjuvant + adjuvant chemotherapy alone. The PFS primary analysis will be conducted after at least 80 events have been observed or after all patients have been followed for at least 16 months, whichever is later. InMarch 2020 , the Company announced encouraging initial clinical data from the first 15 patients enrolled in the Phase I portion of the OVATION 2 Study for patients newly diagnosed with Stage III and IV ovarian cancer. The OVATION 2 Study combines GEN-1, the Company's IL-12 gene-mediated immunotherapy, with standard-of-care neoadjuvant chemotherapy ("NACT"). Following NACT, patients undergo interval debulking surgery (IDS), followed by three additional cycles of chemotherapy.
GEN-1 plus standard NACT produced positive dose-dependent efficacy results, with no dose-limiting toxicities, which correlates well with successful surgical outcomes as summarized below:
? Of the 15 patients treated in the Phase I portion of the OVATION 2 Study, nine
patients were treated with GEN-1 at a dose of 100 mg/m² plus NACT and six
patients were treated with NACT only. All 15 patients had successful
resections of their tumors, with eight out of nine patients (88%) in the GEN-1
treatment arm having an R0 resection, which indicates a microscopically
margin-negative complete resection in which no gross or microscopic tumor
remains in the tumor bed. Only three out of six patients (50%) in the NACT
only treatment arm had a R0 resection. 26
? When combining these results with the surgical resection rates observed in the
Company's prior Phase Ib dose-escalation trial (the "OVATION 1 Study"), a
population of patients with inclusion criteria identical to the OVATION 2
Study, the data reflect the strong dose-dependent efficacy of adding GEN-1 to
the current standard of care NACT: % of Patients R0 Resections 0, 36, 47 mg/m² of GEN-1 plus NACT N =12 42 % 61, 79, 100 mg/m² of GEN-1 plus NACT N = 17 82 %
? The ORR as measured by Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors ("RECIST")
criteria for the 0, 36, 47 mg/m² dose GEN-1 patients were comparable, as
expected, to the higher (61, 79, 100 mg/m²) dose GEN-1 patients, with both
groups demonstrating an approximate 80% ORR.
OnMarch 23, 2020 , the Company announced that theEuropean Medicines Agency (the "EMA") Committee for Orphan Medicinal Products ("COMP") has recommended that GEN-1 be designated as an orphan medicinal product for the treatment of ovarian cancer. GEN-1 is an IL-12 DNA plasmid vector encased in a non-viral nanoparticle delivery system, which enables cell transfection followed by persistent, local secretion of the IL-12 protein. GEN-1 previously received orphan designation from the FDA. InFebruary 2021 , the Company announced that it has received Fast Track designation from the FDA for GEN-1, its DNA-mediated IL-12 immunotherapy currently in Phase II development for the treatment of advanced ovarian cancer and also provided an update on the OVATION 2 Study. The Company reported that approximately one-third, or 34 patients, of the anticipated 110 patients had been enrolled into the OVATION 2 Study, of which 20 are in the treatment arm and 14 are in the control. Of the 34 patients enrolled in the trial, 27 patients have had their interval debulking surgery with the following results:
? 80% of patients treated with GEN-1 had a R0 resection, which indicates a
microscopically margin-negative complete resection in which no gross or
microscopic tumor remains in the tumor bed.
? 58% of patients in the control arm had an R0 resection.
? This interim data represents a 38% improvement in R0 resection rates for GEN-1
patients compared with control arm patients and is consistent with the
reported improvement in resection scores noted in the encouraging Phase I
OVATION I Study, the manuscript of which has been submitted for peer review
publication. InJune 2022 , the Company announced that following a pre-planned interim safety review of 87 as treated patients (46 patients in the experimental arm and 41 patients in the control arm) randomized in the OVATION 2 Study, the Data Safety Monitoring Board ("DSMB") unanimously recommended that the OVATION 2 Study continue treating patients with the dose of 100 mg/m2. The DSMB also determined that safety is satisfactory with an acceptable risk/benefit, and that patients tolerate GEN-1 during a course of treatment that lasts up to six months. No dose-limiting toxicities were reported. Interim clinical data from patientswho have undergone interval debulking surgery showed that the GEN-1 treatment arm is continuing to show improvement in R0 surgical resection rates and CRS 3 chemotherapy response scores over the control arm. A complete tumor resection (R0) is a microscopically margin-negative resection in which no gross or microscopic tumor remains in the tumor bed. The chemotherapy response score is a three-tier standardized scoring system for histological tumor regression into complete/near complete (CRS 3), partial (CRS 2) and no/minimal (CRS 1) response based on omental examination.
In
PLACCINE DNA VACCINE TECHNOLOGY PLATFORM
InJanuary 2021 , the Company announced the filing of a provisionalU.S. patent application for a novel DNA-based, investigational vaccine for preventing or treating infections from a broad range of infectious agents including the coronavirus disease using its PLACCINE DNA vaccine technology platform ("PLACCINE"). The provisional patent covers a family of novel composition of multi-cistronic vectors and polymeric nanoparticles that comprise the PLACCINE DNA vaccine platform technology for preventing or treating infectious agents that have the potential for global pandemics, including the SARS-CoV-2 virus and its variations, using the Company's TheraPlas platform technology. 27
The Company's PLACCINE DNA vaccine technology platform is characterized by a single multi-cistronic DNA plasmid vector expressing multiple pathogen antigens delivered with a synthetic delivery system. We believe it is adaptable to creating vaccines for a multitude of pathogens, including emerging pathogens leading to pandemics as well as infectious diseases that have yet to be effectively addressed with current vaccine technologies. This flexible vaccine platform is well supported by an established supply chain to produce any plasmid vector and its assembly into a respective vaccine formulation. PLACCINE is an extension of the Company's synthetic, non-viral TheraPlas delivery technology currently in a Phase II trial for the treatment of late-stage ovarian cancer with GEN-1. The Company's proprietary multifunctional DNA vaccine technology concept is built on the flexible PLACCINE technology platform that is amenable to rapidly responding to the SARS-CoV-2 virus, as well as possible future mutations of SARS-CoV-2, other future pandemics, emerging bioterrorism threats, and novel infectious diseases. The Company's extensive experience with TheraPlas suggests that the PLACCINE-based nanoparticles are stable at storage temperatures of 4oC to 25oC, making vaccines developed on this platform easily suitable for broad world-wide distribution. The Company's vaccine approach is designed to optimize the quality of the immune response dictating the efficiency of pathogen clearance and patient recovery. The Company has taken a multivalent approach in an effort to generate an even more robust immune response that not only results in a strong neutralizing antibody response, but also a more robust and durable T-cell response. Delivered with the Company's synthetic polymeric system, the proprietary DNA plasmid is protected from degradation and its cellular uptake is facilitated. COVID-19 Vaccine Overview
Emerging data from the recent literature indicates that the quality of the immune response as opposed to its absolute magnitude is what dictates SARS-CoV-2 viral clearance and recovery and that an ineffective or non-neutralizing enhanced antibody response might actually exacerbate disease. The first-generation COVID-19 vaccines were developed for rapid production and deployment and were not optimized for generating cellular responses that result in effective viral clearance. Though early data has indicated some of these vaccines to be over 95% effective, these first-generation vaccines were primarily designed to generate a strong antibody response and, while they have been shown to provide prophylactic protection against disease, the durability of this protection is currently unclear. The vast majority of these vaccines have been specifically developed to target the SARS-CoV-2 Spike (S) protein (antigen), though it is known that restricting a vaccine to a sole viral antigen creates selection pressure that can serve to facilitate the emergence of viral resistance. Indeed, even prior to full vaccine rollout, it has been observed that the S protein is a locus for rapid evolutionary and functional change as evidenced by the D614G, Y453F, 501Y.V2, and VUI-202012/01 mutations/deletions. This propensity for mutation of the S protein leads to future risk of efficacy reduction over time as these mutations accumulate.
Our Next Generation Vaccine Initiative
The Company's vaccine candidate comprises a single plasmid vector containing the DNA sequence encoding multiple SARS-CoV-2 antigens. Delivery will be evaluated intramuscularly, intradermally, or subcutaneously with a non-viral synthetic DNA delivery carrier that facilitates vector delivery into the cells of the injected tissue and has potential immune adjuvant properties. Unique designs and formulations of the Company's vaccine candidates may offer several potential key advantages. The synthetic polymeric DNA carrier is an important component of the vaccine composition as it has the potential to facilitate the vaccine immunogenicity by improving vector delivery and, due to potential adjuvant properties, attract professional immune cells to the site of vaccine delivery. Future vaccine technology will need to address viral mutations and the challenges of efficient manufacturing, distribution, and storage. We believe an adaptation of our TheraPlas technology, PLACCINE, has the potential to meet these challenges. Our approach is described in our provisional patent filing and is summarized as a DNA vaccine technology platform characterized by a single plasmid DNA with multiple coding regions. The plasmid vector is designed to express multiple pathogen antigens. It is delivered via a synthetic delivery system and has the potential to be easily modified to create vaccines against a multitude of infectious diseases, addressing:
? Viral Mutations: PLACCINE may offer broad-spectrum and mutational resistance
(variants) by targeting multiple antigens on a single plasmid vector.
? Durable Efficacy: PLACCINE delivers a DNA plasmid-based antigen that could
result in durable antigen exposure and a robust vaccine response to viral
antigens.
? Storage & Distribution: PLACCINE allows for stability that is compatible with
manageable vaccine storage and distribution.
? Simple Dosing & Administration: PLACCINE is a synthetic delivery system that
should require a simple injection that does not require viruses or special
equipment to deliver its payload. 28
We are conducting preliminary research associated with our recently announced proprietary DNA vaccine platform provisional patent filing. At the same time, we are redoubling our efforts and R&D resources in our immuno-oncology and next generation vaccine program. OnSeptember 2, 2021 , the Company announced results from preclinical in vivo studies showing production of antibodies and cytotoxic T-cell response specific to the spike antigen of SARS-CoV-2 when immunizing BALB/c mice with the Company's next-generation PLACCINE DNA vaccine platform. Moreover, the antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 spike antigen prevented the infection of cultured cells in a viral neutralization assay. The production of antibodies predicts the ability of PLACCINE to protect against SARS-CoV-2 exposure, and the elicitation of cytotoxic T-cell response shows the vaccine's potential to eradicate cells infected with SARS-CoV-2. These findings demonstrate the potential immunogenicity of the Company's PLACCINE DNA vaccine, which is intended to provide broad-spectrum protection and resistance against variants by incorporating multiple viral antigens, to improve vaccine stability at storage temperatures of 4o C and above, and to facilitate cheaper and easier manufacturing. OnJanuary 31, 2022 , the Company announced it had engaged BIOQUAL, Inc., a preclinical testing contract research organization, to conduct a non-human primate ("NHP") challenge study with the Company's DNA-based approach for a SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. The NHP pilot study follows the generation of encouraging mouse data and will evaluate the Company's lead vaccine formulations for safety, immunogenicity, and protection against SARS-CoV-2. In completed preclinical studies, the Company demonstrated safe and efficient immune responses including IgG response, neutralizing antibodies and T-cell responses that parallel the activity of commercial vaccines following intramuscular ("IM") administration of novel vaccine compositions expressing a single viral antigen. In addition, vector development has shown promise of neutralizing activity against a range of SARS-CoV-2 variants. The Company's novel DNA-based vaccines have been based on a simple intramuscular injection that does not require viral encapsulation or special equipment for administration. InApril 2022 , the Company presented its PLACCINE platform technology at the 2022World Vaccine Congress . In an oral presentation during a Session on Cancer and Immunotherapy, Dr.Khursheed Anwer , the Company's Chief Science Officer, highlighted the Company's technology platform in his presentation entitled: "Novel DNA Approaches for Cancer Immunotherapies and Multivalent Infectious Disease Vaccines." PLACCINE is demonstrating the potential to be a powerful platform that provides for rapid design capability for targeting two or more different variants of a single virus in one vaccine. There is a clear public health need for vaccines today that address more than one strain of viruses, like COVID-19, which have fast evolving variant capability to offer the widest possible protection. Murine model data has thus far been encouraging and suggests that the Company's approach provides not only flexibility, but also the potential for efficacy comparable to benchmark COVID-19 commercial vaccines with durability to protect for more than 6 months. InSeptember 2022 , the Company provided an update on the progress made in the development of a DNA-based vaccine using its PLACCINE platform technology. The Company reported evidence of IgG, neutralizing antibody, and T-cell responses to its SARS-CoV-2 PLACCINE vaccines in normal mice. In this murine model, the Company's multivalent PLACCINE vaccine targeted against two different variants showed to be immunogenic as determined by the levels of IgG, neutralizing antibodies, and T-cell responses. Additionally, our multivalent vaccine was equally effective against two different variants of the COVID-19 virus while the commercial mRNA vaccine appeared to have lost some activity against the newer variant. The murine model data has thus far been encouraging and suggests that the Company's approach provides not only flexibility, but also the potential for efficacy comparable to benchmark COVID-19 commercial vaccines with durability to protect expected to be greater than 6 months. Final data from its now completed proof-of-concept mouse challenge study confirmed that a PLACCINE DNA-based vaccine can produce robust levels of IgG, neutralizing antibodies, and T-cell responses. The data demonstrates the ability of the Company's PLACCINE vaccine to protect a SARS-CoV-2 mouse model in a live viral challenge. In the study, mice were vaccinated with a PLACCINE vaccine expressing the SARS-CoV-2 spike antigen from the D614G variant or the Delta variant, or a combination vaccine expressing both the D614G and Delta spike variants. The vaccination was administered by intramuscular injection on Day 0 and Day 14, followed by challenge with live SARS-CoV-2 virus on Day 42. All three vaccines, including the single and dual antigen vaccines, were found to be safe and elicited IgG responses and inhibited the viral load by 90-95%. The dual antigen vaccine was equally effective against both variants of the SARS CoV-2 virus. 29 InOctober 2022 , the Company reported partial results from an ongoing non-human primate study designed to examine the immunogenicity of its proprietary PLACCINE vaccine which supports PLACCINE as a viable alternative to mRNA vaccines. The study examined a single plasmid DNA vector containing the SARS-CoV-2 Alpha variant spike antigen formulated with a synthetic DNA delivery system and administered by intramuscular injection. In the study, Cynomolgus monkeys were vaccinated with the PLACCINE vaccine or a commercial mRNA vaccine on Day 1, 28 and 84. Analysis of blood samples for IgG and neutralizing antibodies showed evidence of immunogenicity both in PLACCINE and mRNA vaccinated subjects. Analysis of bronchoalveolar lavage for viral load by quantitative PCR showed viral clearance by >90% of the non-vaccinated controls. Viral clearance from nasal swab followed a similar pattern in a majority of vaccinated animals and a similar clearance profile was observed when viral load was analyzed by the tissue culture infectious dose method. Importantly, in a head-to-head comparison the protection efficiency as measured by viral clearance following challenge with the SARS-CoV-2 virus was similar between PLACCINE and a commercial mRNA vaccine. In an ongoing stability study, the physio-chemical properties and immunogenicity of PLACCINE vaccine did not change during storage at 4° C for up to three months.
THERMODOX® - DIRECTED CHEMOTHERAPY
Liposomes are manufactured submicroscopic vesicles consisting of a discrete aqueous central compartment surrounded by a membrane bilayer composed of naturally occurring lipids. Conventional liposomes have been designed and manufactured to carry drugs and increase residence time, thus allowing the drugs to remain in the bloodstream for extended periods of time before they are removed from the body. However, the current existing liposomal formulations of cancer drugs and liposomal cancer drugs under development do not provide for the immediate release of the drug and the direct targeting of organ specific tumors, two important characteristics that are required for improving the efficacy of cancer drugs such as doxorubicin. A team of research scientists atDuke University developed a heat-sensitive liposome that rapidly changes its structure when heated to a threshold minimum temperature of 39.5º to 42º Celsius. Heating creates channels in the liposome bilayer that allow an encapsulated drug to rapidly disperse into the surrounding tissue. This novel, heat-activated liposomal technology is differentiated from other liposomes through its unique low heat-activated release of encapsulated chemotherapeutic agents. We are able to use several available focused-heat technologies, such as radiofrequency ablation ("RFA"), microwave energy and high intensity focused ultrasound ("HIFU"), to activate the release of drugs from our novel heat sensitive liposomes. OPTIMA Study The OPTIMA Study represents an evaluation of ThermoDox® in combination with a first line therapy, RFA, for newly diagnosed, intermediate stage HCC patients. The OPTIMA Study was designed to enroll up to 550 patients globally at approximately 65 clinical sites in theU.S. ,Canada ,European Union ("EU"),China and other countries in theAsia-Pacific region and will evaluate ThermoDox® in combination with standardized RFA, which will require a minimum of 45 minutes across all investigators and clinical sites for treating lesions three to seven centimeters, versus standardized RFA alone. The primary endpoint for the OPTIMA Study is OS, and the secondary endpoints are progression free survival and safety. The statistical plan calls for two interim efficacy analyses by an independent Data Monitoring Committee ("DMC"). InAugust 2018 , the Company announced that the OPTIMA Study was fully enrolled. OnAugust 5, 2019 , the Company announced that the prescribed number of OS events had been reached for the first prespecified interim analysis of the OPTIMA Phase III Study. Following preparation of the data, the first interim analysis was conducted by the DMC. The DMC's pre-planned interim efficacy review followed 128 patient events, or deaths, which occurred inAugust 2019 . OnNovember 4, 2019 , the Company announced that the DMC unanimously recommended the OPTIMA Study continue according to protocol. The recommendation was based on a review of blinded safety and data integrity from 556 patients enrolled in the OPTIMA Study. Data presented demonstrated that PFS and OS data appeared to be tracking with patient data observed at a similar point in the Company's subgroup of patients followed prospectively in the earlier Phase III HEAT Study, upon which the OPTIMA Study was based. OnApril 15, 2020 , the Company announced that the prescribed minimum number of events of 158 patient deaths had been reached for the second pre-specified interim analysis of the OPTIMA Phase III Study. The hazard ratio for success at 158 deaths is 0.70, which represents a 30% reduction in the risk of death compared with RFA alone. OnJuly 13, 2020 , the Company announced that it has received a recommendation from the DMC to consider stopping the global OPTIMA Study. The recommendation was made following the second pre-planned interim safety and efficacy analysis by the DMC onJuly 9, 2020 . The DMC analysis found that the pre-specified boundary for stopping the trial for futility of 0.900 was crossed with an actual value of 0.903. However, the 2-sided p-value of 0.524 for this analysis provides uncertainty, subsequently, the DMC left the final decision of whether or not to stop the OPTIMA Study to the Company. There were no safety concerns noted during the interim analysis. The Company followed the advice of the DMC considered its options either to stop the study or continue to follow patients after a thorough review of the data, and an evaluation of our probability of success. 30 OnAugust 4, 2020 , the Company issued a press release announcing it would continue following patients for OS, noting that the unexpected and marginally crossed futility boundary, suggested by the Kaplan-Meier analysis at the second interim analysis onJuly 9, 2020 , may be associated with a data maturity issue. OnOctober 12, 2020 , the Company provided an update on the ongoing data analysis from its Phase III OPTIMA Study with ThermoDox® as well as growing interest among clinical investigators in conducting studies with ThermoDox® as a monotherapy or in combination with other therapies. OnFebruary 11, 2021 , the Company provided a final update on the Phase III OPTIMA Study and the decision to stop following patients in the Study. Independent analyses conducted by a global biometrics contract research organization and theNIH , did not find any evidence of significance or factors that would justify continuing to follow patients for OS. Therefore, the Company notified all clinical sites to discontinue following patients. The OPTIMA Study database of 556 patients is now be frozen at 185 patient deaths. While the analyses did identify certain patient subgroups that appear to have had a clinical benefit, the Company concluded that it would not be in its best interest to pursue these retrospective findings as the regulatory hurdles supporting further discussion will be significant.
Investigator-Sponsored Studies with ThermoDox®
The Company continues working closely and supporting investigations by others to evaluate the use of ThermoDox for the treatment of various cancer. Following inquiries from theNIH , we renewed ourCooperative Research and Development Agreement ("CRADA") with the Institute at a nominal cost, one goal of which is to pursue their interest in a study of ThermoDox® to treat patients with bladder cancer. Importantly, the Company is developing a business model to support these investigator-sponsored studies in a manner that will not interfere with its current focus on our GEN-1 program and vaccine development initiative. Business Plan Since inception, the Company has incurred substantial operating losses, principally from expenses associated with the Company's research and development programs, clinical trials conducted in connection with the Company's product candidates, and applications and submissions to theU.S. Food and Drug Administration . The Company has not generated significant revenue and has incurred significant net losses in each year since our inception. As ofSeptember 30, 2022 , the Company has incurred approximately$355 million of cumulative net losses. As ofSeptember 30, 2022 , the Company had$43.4 million in cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, interest receivable and restricted cash. The Company has substantial future capital requirements to continue its research and development activities and advance its product candidates through various development stages. The Company believes these expenditures are essential for the commercialization of its technologies. The Company expects its operating losses to continue for the foreseeable future as it continues its product development efforts, and when it undertakes marketing and sales activities. The Company's ability to achieve profitability is dependent upon its ability to obtain governmental approvals, manufacture, and market and sell its new product candidates. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to commercialize its technology successfully or that profitability will ever be achieved. The operating results of the Company have fluctuated significantly in the past. InJanuary 2020 , theWorld Health Organization declared an outbreak of coronavirus, COVID-19, to be a "Public Health Emergency of International Concern," and theU.S. Department of Health and Human Services declared a public health emergency to aid theU.S. healthcare community in responding to COVID-19. This virus continues to evolve and may have an adverse effect on our operations and product development timelines. Uncertainty with respect to the economic impacts of the pandemic has introduced significant volatility in the financial markets. While the extent to which COVID-19 impacts the Company's future results will depend on future developments, the pandemic and associated economic impacts could result in a material impact to the Company's future financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. The Company's ability to raise additional capital may be adversely impacted by potential worsening global economic conditions and the recent disruptions to, and volatility in, financial markets in theU.S. and worldwide resulting from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the geopolitical turmoil caused by the war inUkraine . These disruptions may have a negative impact on the Company's clinical trials process and enrollment of patients. The ongoing geopolitical turmoil caused by the war inUkraine has contributed to highly volatile financial markets which may impact our ability to access the capital markets and rising levels of inflation which may impact our expenditures and supply chain. The Company continues to monitor its operating activities in light of these events, and it is reasonably possible that these events could have a negative effect on the Company's financial condition and results of operations. The specific impact, if any, is not readily determinable as of the date of the Financial
Statements. 31 The actual amount of funds the Company will need to operate is subject to many factors, some of which are beyond the Company's control. These factors include the following: ? the progress of research activities; ? the number and scope of research programs; ? the progress of preclinical and clinical development activities;
? the progress of the development efforts of parties with whom the Company has
entered into research and development agreements;
? the costs associated with additional clinical trials of product candidates;
? the ability to maintain current research and development licensing
arrangements and to establish new research and development and licensing
arrangements; ? the ability to achieve milestones under licensing arrangements; ? the costs involved in prosecuting and enforcing patent claims and other intellectual property rights; and ? the costs and timing of regulatory approvals. Since 2018, the Company has annually submitted applications to sell a portion of the Company'sState of New Jersey net operating losses as part of the Technology Business Tax Certificate Program sponsored byThe New Jersey Economic Development Authority . Under the program, emerging biotechnology companies with unused New Jersey NOLs and unused research and development credits are allowed to sell these benefits to otherNew Jersey -based companies. In 2018 and 2019, the Company sold cumulative New Jersey NOLs from 2011 to 2018 totaling$13 million and received net proceeds of$12.2 million . As part of the Technology Business Tax Certificate Program, the Company sold$1.5 million and$2.0 million of its New Jersey NOLs in 2021 and 2020, respectively. The sale of these net operating losses resulted in net proceeds to the Company of approximately$1.4 million in 2021 and$1.9 million in 2020. During 2021, theNew Jersey State Legislature increased the maximum lifetime benefit per company from$15 million to$20 million , which will allow the Company to participate in this funding program in future years for up to an additional$3.5 million in net operating losses under this maximum lifetime benefit. InJune 2022 , the Company filed an application withThe New Jersey Economic Development Authority to sell$1.7 million of its New Jersey NOL's for the tax year 2021 which is expected to generate net proceeds to the Company of approximately$1.6 million . InJune 2018 , the Company entered into a Credit Agreement with Horizon Technology Finance Corporation ("Horizon") that provided$10 million in capital (the "Horizon Credit Agreement"). The obligations under the Horizon Credit Agreement are secured by a first-priority security interest in substantially all assets of the Company other than intellectual property assets. Payments under the loan agreement are interest only (calculated based on one-month LIBOR plus 7.625%) for the first 24 months throughJuly 2020 , followed by a 21-month amortization period of principal and interest starting onAugust 1, 2020 , and ending through the scheduled maturity date onApril 1, 2023 . OnAugust 28, 2020 , in connection with an Amendment to the Horizon Credit Agreement, the Company repaid$5 million of the$10 million loan and$0.2 million in related end of term charges, and the remaining$5 million in obligations were restructured. As more fully discussed in Note 10 to the Financial Statements, inJune 2021 , the Company entered into a$10 million loan facility withSilicon Valley Bank ("SVB"). The Company immediately used$6 million from this facility to retire all outstanding indebtedness with Horizon and deposited$6 million with SVB as restricted cash as discussed in more detail in Note 4. The remaining$4 million under the SVB loan facility ("SVB Loan Facility") will be available to be drawn down up to 12 months after closing. Payments under the loan agreement are interest only for the first 24 months after loan closing, followed by a 24-month amortization period of principal and interest through the scheduled maturity date. With$43.4 million in cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, interest receivable and restricted cash, coupled with approximately$3.5 million of future planned sales of the Company'sState of New Jersey net operating losses, the Company believes it has sufficient capital resources to fund its operations into 2025. The Company has based its estimates on assumptions that may prove to be wrong. The Company may need to obtain additional funds sooner or in greater amounts than it currently anticipates. Potential sources of financing include strategic relationships, public or private sales of the Company's shares or debt, the sale of the Company's New Jersey NOLs and other sources. If the Company raises funds by selling additional shares of common stock or other securities convertible into common stock, the ownership interest of existing stockholders may be diluted. 32 Financing Overview
Equity, Debt and Other Forms of Financing
OnMarch 19, 2021 , the Company filed with theSEC a new$100 million shelf registration statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-254515) (the "2021 Registration Statement") that allows the Company to issue any combination of common stock, preferred stock or warrants to purchase common stock or preferred stock. This shelf registration was declared effective onMarch 30, 2021 . During 2021 and 2022 through the date of this Quarterly Report filed on Form 10-Q, we issued a total of 4.5 million shares of common stock as discussed below for an aggregate$65.6 million in gross proceeds.
? On
with JonesTrading, pursuant to which the Company may offer and sell, from time
to time, through JonesTrading shares of Common Stock having an aggregate
offering price of up to
million shares under the Capital on Demand Agreement, receiving approximately
? On
(the "
pursuant to which the Company agreed to issue and sell, in a registered direct
offering (the "
the Company's common stock at an offering price of
proceeds of approximately
Placement Agents (as defined below) fee and offering expenses. The closing of
the
with A.G.P./
Capital Markets, the "
Company agreed to pay the
of the aggregate gross proceeds raised from the sale of the securities sold in
the
certain of their expenses in an amount not to exceed
? On
(the "
pursuant to which the Company agreed to issue and sell, in a registered direct
offering (the "
Company's common stock, at an offering price of
proceeds of approximately
agents fee and offering expenses. The shares were offered by the Company
pursuant to the 2021 Registration Statement. The closing of the offering
occurred on
In connection with the
placement agent agreement with AGP, as lead placement agent (together with
division of
"
the
aggregate gross proceeds raised from the sale of the securities sold in the
offering and reimburse the Placement Agents for certain of their expenses in
an amount not to exceed
? On
Agreement with several institutional investors, pursuant to which the Company
agreed to issue and sell, in the Preferred Offerings, (i) 50,000 shares of
Series A Preferred Stock, and (ii) 50,000 shares of Series B Preferred Stock,
in each case at an offering price of
original issue discount to the stated value of
proceeds of each Preferred Offering of
million in the aggregate for the Preferred Offerings, before the deduction of
the Placement Agent's (as defined below) fee and offering expenses. The shares
of Series A Preferred Stock had a stated value of
convertible, at a conversion price of
of common stock (subject in certain circumstances to adjustments). The shares
of Series B Preferred Stock had a stated value of
convertible, at a conversion price of
of common stock (subject in certain circumstances to adjustments). The closing
of the Preferred Offerings occurred on
The Company held a special meeting of stockholders to consider an amendment
(the "Amendment") to the Company's Certificate of Incorporation, as amended,
to effect a reverse stock split of the outstanding shares of common stock
("Common Stock") by a ratio to be determined by the Board of Directors of the
Company (the "Reverse Stock Split"). The investors have agreed in the Purchase
Agreement to not transfer, offer, sell, contract to sell, hypothecate, pledge
or otherwise dispose of the shares of the Preferred Stock until the Reverse
Stock Split, to vote the shares of the Series A Preferred Stock purchased in
the Preferred Offerings in favor of such Amendment and to vote the shares of
the Series B Preferred Stock purchased in the Preferred Offerings in a manner
that "mirrors" the proportions on which the shares of Common Stock (excluding
any shares of Common Stock that are not voted) and Series A Preferred Stock
are voted on the Reverse Stock Split and the Amendment. 33 The holders of Preferred Stock were entitled to dividends, on an as-if
converted basis, equal to dividends actually paid, if any, on shares of Common
Stock. The Preferred Stock was convertible into shares of Common Stock at a
rate of
for the Series B Preferred Stock, subject to adjustment. The Preferred Stock
was convertible at the option of the holder at any time after the Company had
received stockholder approval for the Reverse Stock Split and filed the
requisite Amendment with the
effectuate the Reverse Stock Split (the "Reverse Stock Split Date"), subject
to beneficial ownership limitations set forth in the applicable Certificate of
Designation. In addition, on or after the Reverse Stock Split Date, and
subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, the Company had the right
to cause the holders of the Preferred Stock to convert their shares of Preferred Stock, subject to such beneficial ownership limitations. Each holder of the Preferred Stock had the right to cause the Company to
redeem all or part of their shares of the Preferred Stock from the earlier of
receipt of stockholder approval of the Reverse Stock Split or of 90 days
following the original issue date until 120 days following the original issue
date, the "Redemption Date," in cash at a redemption price equal to 105% of
the stated value plus an amount equal to accumulated but unpaid dividends, if
any, on such shares (whether or not earned or declared, but excluding interest
on such dividends) up to, but excluding, the Redemption Date. In connection
with the Preferred Offerings, the Company entered into a placement agent
agreement (the "Placement Agent Agreement") with AGP in which the Company paid
expenses related to the Preferred Stock offering.
On
the
A Preferred Stock and all of its 50,000 shares of outstanding Series B
Preferred Stock. As a result, all shares of the Preferred Stock have been
retired and are no longer outstanding and the Company's only class of
outstanding stock is its common stock.
The Series A Preferred Stock and Series B Preferred Stock were recorded as a
liability on the condensed consolidated balance sheet during the first quarter
of 2022 until the preferred shares were redeemed during the same quarter. The
Company recognized
during the first quarter of 2022, which was composed of: (a)
difference between the redemption price for the preferred shares and the net
proceeds received from the issuance of the preferred shares, (b)
paid to AGP as a placement agent fee and reimbursement for certain expenses,
and (c) $441,567 in legal fees recognized in the first quarter that were
attributed to the preferred shares.
? On
(the "
pursuant to which the Company agreed to issue and sell, in a registered direct
offering (the "
Company's common stock at an offering price of
proceeds of
Agent (as defined below) fees and offering expenses. The closing of the April
2022 Offering occurred on
In connection with the
placement agent agreement with A.G.P./
2022 Placement Agent") pursuant to which the Company agreed to pay the April
2022 Placement Agent a cash fee equal to 6.5% of the aggregate gross proceeds
raised from the sale of the securities sold in the
reimburse the
amount not to exceed$50,000 .
Significant Accounting Policies
Our significant accounting policies are more fully described in Note 1 to our consolidated financial statements included in our 2021 Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year endedDecember 31, 2021 filed with theSEC onMarch 31, 2022 . See Note 3 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. As a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company, our business, and our ability to execute our strategy to achieve our corporate goals are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties. Material risks and uncertainties relating to our business and our industry are described in "Item 1A. Risk Factors" under "Part II: Other Information" included herein. 34
FINANCIAL REVIEW FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED
Results of Operations
For the three months ended
With$43.4 million in cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, interest receivable and restricted cash, coupled with approximately$3.5 million of future planned sales of the Company'sState of New Jersey net operating losses, the Company believes it has sufficient capital resources to fund its operations into 2025. For the Three Months EndedSeptember 30 , (In thousands)
Change Increase (Decrease)
2022 2021 Licensing Revenue:$ 125 $ 125 $ - - % Operating Expenses: Clinical Research 982 1,036 (54 ) (5.2 )% Chemistry, Manufacturing and Controls (CMC) 1427 1,432 (5 ) (0.3 )% Research and development expenses 2,409 2,468 (59 ) (2.4 )% General and administrative expenses 3,891 2,719 1,172 43.1 % Total operating expenses 6,300 5,187
1,113 21.5 % Loss from operations$ (6,175 ) $ (5,062 ) $ 1,113 22.0 % Licensing Revenue InJanuary 2013 , we entered into a technology development contract with Hisun, pursuant to which Hisun paid us a non-refundable technology transfer fee of$5.0 million to support our development of ThermoDox® in theChina territory. The$5.0 million received as a non-refundable payment from Hisun in the first quarter 2013 has been recorded to deferred revenue and will be amortized over the ten-year term of the agreement; therefore, we recorded deferred revenue of$125,000 in each of the third quarters of 2022 and 2021.
Research and Development Expenses
Research and development ("R&D") expenses were$2.4 million in the third quarter of 2022 compared to$2.5 million in same period of 2021. Costs associated with the OVATION 2 Study were$0.4 million in the third quarter of 2022 compared to$0.2 million in the same period of 2021. Costs associated with the OPTIMA Study were$0.1 million in the third quarter of 2022 compared to$0.2 million in the same period of 2021. InJuly 2020 , the Company unblinded the OPTIMA Study at the recommendation of the DMC to halt the study due to futility. Other clinical and regulatory costs were$0.5 million the third quarter of 2022 compared to$0.7 million in the same period of 2021. R&D costs associated with the development of GEN-1 to support the OVATION 2 Study as well as development of the PLACCINE DNA vaccine technology platform increased to$1.1 million in the third quarter of 2022 compared to$1.1 million in the same period of 2021. CMC costs increased to$0.3 million in the third quarter of 2022 compared to$0.3 million in the same period of 2021.
General and Administrative Expenses
General and administrative expenses were
Impairment of IPR&D Liability Due to the continuing deterioration of public capital markets in the biotech industry and its impact on market capitalization rates in this sector, IPR&D related to the ovarian cancer indication was reviewed for impairment during the third quarter of 2022. Based on the Company's analysis of the IPR&D, the Company has concluded that it is not more than likely that the asset had been impaired as ofSeptember 30, 2022 . As such, no impairment charges for IPR&D related to the ovarian cancer indication were recorded during the third quarter of 2022. 35
Change in Earn-out Milestone Liability
As ofSeptember 30, 2022 andJune 30, 2022 , the Company fair valued the earn-out milestone liability at$5.4 million with no change recorded to the fair value of the earn-out milestone during the third quarter of 2022.
Investment income and interest expense
The Company recognized interest expense of$0.1 million in the third quarter of 2022 compared to$0.1 million in the same period of 2021. As more fully discussed in Note 10, inJune 2021 , the Company entered into a$10 million loan facility withSilicon Valley Bank . The Company immediately used$6 million from this facility to retire all outstanding indebtedness with Horizon Technology Finance Corporation. In connection with this Horizon Technology Financing Facility, the Company incurred$0.2 million in interest expense in the third quarter of 2021. In connection with the termination of the Horizon Technology Financing Facility in the second quarter of 2021, the Company paid early termination and end of term charges to Horizon and recognized$0.2 million
as a loss on debt extinguishment.
Investment income from its short-term investments was insignificant in the third quarter of 2021 and 2022.
FINANCIAL REVIEW FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED
Results of Operations For the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2022 , our net loss was$22.7 million compared to a net loss of$16.5 million for the same nine-month period of 2021. For the Nine Months EndedSeptember 30 , (In thousands)
Change Increase (Decrease)
2022 2021 Licensing Revenue:$ 375 $ 375 $ - - % Operating Expenses: Clinical Research 3,808 3,400 408 12.0 % Chemistry, Manufacturing and Controls (CMC) 4,922 4,233 689 16.3 % Research and development expenses 8,730 7,633 1,097 14.4 % General and administrative expenses 9,640 8,258 1,382 16.7 % Total operating expenses 18,370 15,891
2,479 15.6 % Loss from operations$ (17,995 ) $ (15,516 ) $ 2,479 16.0 % Licensing Revenue InJanuary 2013 , we entered into a technology development contract with Hisun, pursuant to which Hisun paid us a non-refundable technology transfer fee of$5.0 million to support our development of ThermoDox® in theChina territory. The$5.0 million received as a non-refundable payment from Hisun in the first quarter 2013 has been recorded to deferred revenue and will be amortized over the ten-year term of the agreement; therefore, we recorded deferred revenue of$375,000 in the first nine months of 2022 and 2021.
Research and Development Expenses
Research and development ("R&D") expenses were$8.7 million in the first nine months of 2022 compared$7.6 million in same period of 2021. Costs associated with the OVATION 2 Study were$1.2 million in the first nine months of 2022 compared to$1.0 million in the same period of 2021. Costs associated with the OPTIMA Study were$1.0 million in the first nine months of 2022 compared to$0.6 million in the same period of 2021. InJuly 2020 , the Company unblinded the OPTIMA Study at the recommendation of the DMC to halt the study due to futility. Other clinical and regulatory costs were$1.6 million the first nine months of 2022 compared to$1.8 million in the same period of 2021. R&D costs associated with the development of GEN-1 to support the OVATION 2 Study as well as development of the PLACCINE DNA vaccine technology platform increased to$4.1 million in the first nine months of 2022 compared to$3.1 million in the same period of 2021. CMC costs decreased to$0.8 million in the first nine months of 2022 compared to$1.1 million in the same period of 2021. 36
General and Administrative Expenses
General and administrative expenses were$9.6 million in the first nine months of 2022 compared to$8.3 million in the same period of 2021. The increase was primarily attributable to costs associated with higher professional fees partially offset by lower stock compensation costs. Impairment of IPR&D Liability Due to the continuing deterioration of public capital markets in the biotech industry and its impact on market capitalization rates in this sector, IPR&D related to the ovarian cancer indication was reviewed for impairment during the first nine months of 2022. Based on the Company's analysis of the IPR&D, the Company has concluded that it is not more than likely that the asset had been impaired as ofSeptember 30, 2022 . As such, no impairment charges for IPR&D related to the ovarian cancer indication were recorded during the first nine months of 2022.
Change in Earn-out Milestone Liability
As of
Investment income and interest expense
The Company recognized interest expense of$4.9 million in the first nine months of 2022. As more fully discussed in Notes 10 and 11 of the financial statements, the Company expensed$0.3 million in interest due to theSilicon Valley Bank loan facility and$4.6 million in interest attributed to the Series A Preferred Stock and Series B Preferred Stock during the first quarter of 2022. As more fully discussed in Note 10, inJune 2021 , the Company entered into a$10 million loan facility withSilicon Valley Bank . The Company immediately used$6 million from this facility to retire all outstanding indebtedness with Horizon Technology Finance Corporation. In connection with this Horizon Technology Financing Facility, the Company incurred$0.5 million in interest expense in the first nine months of 2021. In connection with the termination of the Horizon Technology Financing Facility in the second quarter of 2021, the Company paid early termination and end of term charges to Horizon and recognized$0.2 million as a loss on debt extinguishment.
Investment income from its short-term investments was insignificant in the first nine months of 2021 and 2022.
FINANCIAL CONDITION, LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Since inception we have incurred significant losses and negative cash flows from operations. We have financed our operations primarily through the net proceeds from the sales of equity, credit facilities and amounts received under our product licensing agreement withYakult and our technology development agreement with Hisun. The process of developing ThermoDox®, GEN-1 and other product candidates and technologies requires significant research and development work and clinical trial studies, as well as significant manufacturing and process development efforts. We expect these activities, together with our general and administrative expenses to result in significant operating losses for the foreseeable future. Our expenses have significantly and regularly exceeded our revenue, and we had an accumulated deficit of$355 million as of September
30, 2022. AtSeptember 30, 2022 , we had total current assets of$40.2 million and current liabilities of$8.5 million , resulting in net working capital of$31.7 million . AtSeptember 30, 2022 , we had cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, interest receivable on short term investments and money market investments ($6.0 million of which is included in other assets) of$43.4 million . AtDecember 31, 2021 we had total current assets of$51.9 million and current liabilities of$6.8 million , resulting in net working capital of$45.1 million . We have substantial future capital requirements to continue our research and development activities and advance our product candidates through various development stages. The Company believes these expenditures are essential for the commercialization of its technologies. Net cash used in operating activities for the first nine months of 2022 was$18.1 million . Net cash provided by investing activities was$19.1 million during the first nine months of 2022. Cash provided by financing activities during the first nine months of 2022 totaled$6.3 million . With$43.4 million in cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, interest receivable and restricted cash, coupled with approximately$3.5 million of future planned sales of the Company'sState of New Jersey net operating losses, the Company believes it has sufficient capital resources to fund its operations into 2025. 37 We expect to seek additional capital through further public or private equity offerings, debt financing, additional strategic alliance and licensing arrangements, collaborative arrangements, potential sales of our net operating losses, or some combination of these financing alternatives. If we raise additional funds through the issuance of equity securities, the percentage ownership of our stockholders could be significantly diluted, and the newly issued equity securities may have rights, preferences, or privileges senior to those of the holders of our common stock. If we raise funds through the issuance of debt securities, those securities may have rights, preferences, and privileges senior to those of our common stock. If we seek strategic alliances, licenses, or other alternative arrangements, such as arrangements with collaborative partners or others, we may need to relinquish rights to certain of our existing or future technologies, product candidates, or products we would otherwise seek to develop or commercialize on our own, or to license the rights to our technologies, product candidates, or products on terms that are not favorable to us. The overall status of the economic climate could also result in the terms of any equity offering, debt financing, or alliance, license, or other arrangement being even less favorable to us and our stockholders than if the overall economic climate were stronger. We also will continue to look for government sponsored research collaborations and grants to help offset future anticipated losses from operations and, to a lesser extent, interest income. If adequate funds are not available through either the capital markets, strategic alliances, collaborators, or sales of our net operating losses, we may be required to delay or, reduce the scope of, or terminate our research, development, clinical programs, manufacturing, or commercialization efforts, or effect additional changes to our facilities or personnel, or obtain funds through other arrangements that may require us to relinquish some of our assets or rights to certain of our existing or future technologies, product candidates, or products on terms not favorable to us.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Contractual Obligations
None.
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