e10vq
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
QUARTERLY REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
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For the quarter ended: March 31, 2009
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Commission File Number: 0-19871 |
STEMCELLS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
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DELAWARE
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94-3078125 |
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(State or other jurisdiction of
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(I.R.S. Employer |
incorporation or organization)
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identification No) |
3155 PORTER DRIVE
PALO ALTO, CA 94304
(Address of principal executive offices including zip code)
(650) 475-3100
(Registrants telephone number, including area code)
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 twelve months (or
for such shorter periods that the registrant was required to file such reports) and (2) has been
subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes þ No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its
corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted
pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months
(or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes
o No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer,
a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.
See the definitions of large
accelerated filer, accelerated filer and smaller reporting company in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
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Large accelerated filer
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Accelerated filer
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Non-accelerated filer o
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company) |
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Smaller reporting company o |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of
the Exchange Act). Yes o No þ
At April 30, 2009, there were 103,198,126 shares of Common Stock, $.01 par value, issued and
outstanding.
STEMCELLS, INC.
INDEX
NOTE REGARDING REFERENCES TO US AND OUR COMMON STOCK
Throughout this Form 10-Q, the words we, us, our, and StemCells refer to StemCells, Inc.,
including our directly and indirectly wholly-owned subsidiaries (i) StemCells California, Inc.,
which is the owner or licensee of most of our intellectual property; (ii) StemCells Property
Holding LLC; and since April 1, 2009, (iii) Stem Cell Sciences Holdings Ltd; Stem Cell Sciences
(UK) Ltd; and Stem Cell Sciences (Australia) Pty Ltd. Common stock refers to the common stock,
$.01 par value, of StemCells, Inc.
2
PART IFINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
STEMCELLS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(unaudited)
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March 31, 2009 |
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December 31, 2008 |
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ASSETS |
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Current assets: |
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Cash and cash equivalents |
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$ |
34,057,052 |
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$ |
30,042,986 |
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Marketable securities, current |
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1,017,193 |
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4,181,592 |
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Other receivables |
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113,184 |
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164,204 |
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Notes receivable |
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709,076 |
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298,032 |
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Prepaid assets |
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395,006 |
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645,242 |
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Total current assets |
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36,291,511 |
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35,332,056 |
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Property, plant and equipment, net |
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3,185,590 |
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3,173,468 |
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Other assets, non-current |
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2,073,258 |
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2,079,278 |
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Intangible assets, net |
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612,505 |
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645,538 |
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Total assets |
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$ |
42,162,864 |
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$ |
41,230,340 |
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LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY |
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Current liabilities: |
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Accounts payable |
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$ |
951,317 |
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$ |
1,078,123 |
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Accrued expenses and other liabilities |
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2,207,228 |
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2,261,245 |
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Accrued wind-down expenses, current |
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1,495,638 |
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1,420,378 |
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Deferred revenue, current |
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33,753 |
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43,909 |
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Capital lease obligation, current |
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65,728 |
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18,739 |
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Deferred rent, current |
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360,858 |
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346,930 |
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Bond payable, current |
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151,667 |
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149,167 |
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Total current liabilities |
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5,266,189 |
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5,318,491 |
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Capital lease obligation, non-current |
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100,198 |
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6,529 |
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Bond payable, non-current |
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821,250 |
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860,000 |
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Fair value of warrant liability |
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11,195,379 |
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8,439,931 |
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Deposits and other long-term liabilities |
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466,211 |
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466,211 |
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Accrued wind-down expenses, non-current |
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3,840,900 |
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4,092,939 |
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Deferred rent, non-current |
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90,215 |
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Deferred revenue, non-current |
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142,833 |
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147,039 |
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Total liabilities |
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21,832,960 |
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19,421,355 |
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Commitments and contingencies (Note 6)
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Stockholders equity: |
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Common stock, $.01 par value; 250,000,000 shares authorized; issued
and outstanding 98,855,041 at March 31, 2009 and 94,945,603 at
December 31, 2008 |
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988,550 |
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949,455 |
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Additional paid-in capital |
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287,581,696 |
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279,868,802 |
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Accumulated deficit |
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(268,283,078 |
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(259,001,524 |
) |
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) |
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42,736 |
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(7,748 |
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Total stockholders equity |
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20,329,904 |
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21,808,985 |
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Total liabilities and stockholders equity |
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$ |
42,162,864 |
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$ |
41,230,340 |
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See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
3
STEMCELLS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(unaudited)
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Three months ended |
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March 31, |
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2009 |
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2008 |
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Revenue: |
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Revenue from licensing agreements and grants |
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$ |
56,603 |
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$ |
17,350 |
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Operating expenses: |
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Research and development |
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4,235,788 |
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4,499,751 |
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General and administrative |
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2,538,913 |
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2,254,203 |
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Wind-down expenses |
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205,436 |
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160,250 |
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Total operating expenses |
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6,980,137 |
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6,914,204 |
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Loss from operations |
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(6,923,534 |
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(6,896,854 |
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Other income (expense): |
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Realized gain on sale of marketable securities |
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397,866 |
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Change in fair value of warrant liability |
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(2,755,448 |
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Interest income |
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41,947 |
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383,665 |
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Interest expense |
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(28,175 |
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(28,191 |
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Other expense |
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(14,210 |
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(3,609 |
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Total other income (expense), net |
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(2,358,020 |
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351,865 |
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Net loss |
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$ |
(9,281,554 |
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$ |
(6,544,989 |
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Basic and diluted net loss per share |
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$ |
(0.10 |
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$ |
(0.08 |
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Shares used to compute basic and diluted loss per share |
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96,048,288 |
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80,703,962 |
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See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
4
STEMCELLS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(unaudited)
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Three months ended |
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March 31, |
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2009 |
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2008 |
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Cash flows from operating activities: |
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Net loss |
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$ |
(9,281,554 |
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$ |
(6,544,989 |
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Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities: |
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Depreciation and amortization |
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298,347 |
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302,647 |
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Stock-based compensation |
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981,015 |
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1,011,359 |
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Gain on sale of marketable securities |
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(397,868 |
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Change in fair value of warrant liability |
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2,755,448 |
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Changes in operating assets and liabilities: |
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Accrued interest and other receivables |
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54,976 |
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25,687 |
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Prepaid and other assets, current |
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250,236 |
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223,181 |
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Other assets, non-current |
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6,020 |
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(49,232 |
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Accounts payable and accrued expenses |
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(180,823 |
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(1,962,174 |
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Accrued wind-down expenses |
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(176,779 |
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(221,950 |
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Deferred revenue |
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(14,362 |
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(14,363 |
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Deferred rent |
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(76,287 |
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(61,532 |
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Net cash used in operating activities |
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(5,781,631 |
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(7,291,366 |
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Cash flows from investing activities: |
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Proceeds from the sale of marketable securities |
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3,612,750 |
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10,237,748 |
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Advances under note receivable |
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(415,000 |
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Purchases of property, plant and equipment |
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(277,436 |
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(58,427 |
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Net cash provided by investing activities |
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2,920,314 |
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10,179,321 |
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Cash flows from financing activities: |
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Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net |
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6,744,958 |
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Proceeds from the exercise of stock options |
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75,064 |
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Proceeds from the exercise of warrants |
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331,501 |
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Payments related to net share issuance of stock based awards |
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(380,548 |
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Proceeds from (repayment of) capital lease obligations |
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140,658 |
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(4,274 |
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Repayment of debt obligations |
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(36,250 |
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(32,499 |
) |
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Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities |
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6,875,383 |
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(36,773 |
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Increase in cash and cash equivalents |
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4,014,066 |
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2,851,182 |
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Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period |
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30,042,986 |
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9,759,169 |
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Cash and cash equivalents, end of period |
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$ |
34,057,052 |
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$ |
12,610,351 |
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Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information: |
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Interest paid |
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$ |
28,175 |
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$ |
28,191 |
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See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
5
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
March 31, 2009 and 2008
Note 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Nature of Business
StemCells, Inc., a Delaware corporation, is a biopharmaceutical company that operates in one
segment, the development of novel cell-based therapeutics designed to treat human diseases and
disorders.
The accompanying financial data as of and for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and 2008
has been prepared by us, without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and
Exchange Commission (SEC). Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in
financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the
United States (US GAAP) have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. The
December 31, 2008 condensed consolidated balance sheet was derived from audited financial
statements, but does not include all disclosures required by US GAAP. However, we believe that the
disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. These condensed
consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial
statements and the notes thereto, included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year
ended December 31, 2008.
We have incurred significant operating losses since inception. We expect to incur additional operating losses over the foreseeable future. We have very
limited liquidity and capital resources and must obtain significant additional capital and other
resources in order to sustain our product development efforts, to provide funding for the
acquisition of technologies, businesses and intellectual property rights, preclinical and clinical
testing of our anticipated products, pursuit of regulatory approvals, acquisition of capital
equipment, laboratory and office facilities, establishment of production capabilities, general and
administrative expenses and other working capital requirements. We rely on our cash reserves,
proceeds from equity and debt offerings, proceeds from the transfer or sale of intellectual
property rights, equipment, facilities or investments, government grants and funding from
collaborative arrangements, to fund our operations. If we exhaust our cash reserves and are unable
to obtain adequate financing, we may be unable to meet our operating obligations and we may be
required to initiate bankruptcy proceedings. The financial statements do not include any
adjustments to reflect the possible future effects on the recoverability and classification of
assets or the amounts and classification of liabilities that may result from the outcome of this
uncertainty.
Principles of Consolidation
The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of StemCells, Inc., and
our wholly-owned subsidiaries, StemCells California, Inc. and StemCells Property Holding LLC. All
material intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with US GAAP requires management to make
judgments, assumptions and estimates that affect the amounts reported in our condensed consolidated
financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ materially from those
estimates.
Significant estimates include the following:
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The grant date fair value of stock-based awards recognized as compensation expense in
accordance with the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 123
(Revised 2004) Share Based Payment (SFAS 123R) (see Note 4, Stock Based Compensation). |
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Accrued wind-down expenses (see Note 5, Wind-Down Expenses). |
6
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The fair value of warrants recorded as a liability in accordance with Emerging Issues Task
Force (EITF) Issue No. 00-19, Accounting for Derivative Financial Instruments Indexed to and
Potentially Settled in a Companys Own Stock (EITF 00-19). The warrants were issued as part
of our November 2008 financing (see Note 7, Warrant Liability). |
Financial Instruments
Cash and Cash Equivalents
We consider money market accounts and investments with a maturity of 90 days or less from the
date of purchase to be cash equivalents.
Marketable Securities
Our existing marketable debt and equity securities are designated as available-for-sale
securities. These securities are carried at fair value (see Note 2, Financial Instruments), with
the unrealized gains and losses reported as a component of stockholders equity. The balance sheet
classification of our marketable debt securities as current or non-current is based on their
maturity dates. Investments with remaining maturities of 365 days or less not classified as cash
equivalents are classified as Marketable securities, current. Investments with remaining
maturities greater than 365 days are classified as Marketable securities, non-current. Management
determines the appropriate designation of its investments in marketable debt and equity securities
at the time of purchase and reevaluates such designation as of each balance sheet date. The cost of
securities sold is based upon the specific identification method.
If the estimated fair value of a security is below its carrying value, we evaluate whether we
have the intent and ability to retain our investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for
any anticipated recovery to the cost of the investment, and whether evidence indicating that the
cost of the investment is recoverable within a reasonable period of time outweighs evidence to the
contrary. Other-than-temporary declines in estimated fair value of all marketable securities are
charged to Other income (expense), net. No such impairment was recognized during the three months
ended March 31, 2009 or 2008.
Other Receivables
Our receivables generally consist of interest income on our financial instruments, revenue
from licensing agreements, and rent from our sub-lease tenants.
Revenue Recognition
We currently recognize revenue resulting from the licensing and use of our technology and
intellectual property. Such licensing agreements may contain multiple elements, such as upfront
fees, payments related to the achievement of particular milestones and royalties. Revenue from
upfront fees for licensing agreements that contain multiple elements are generally deferred and
recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the agreement. Fees associated with
substantive at risk performance-based milestones are recognized as revenue upon completion of the
scientific or regulatory event specified in the agreement, and royalties received are recognized as
earned. Revenue from collaborative agreements and grants are recognized as earned upon either the
incurring of reimbursable expenses directly related to the particular research plan or the
completion of certain development milestones as defined within the terms of the relevant
collaborative agreement or grant.
Stock-Based Compensation
We account for stock-based payment awards to employees in accordance with SFAS 123R. The
compensation expense we record for these awards is based on their grant date fair value as
calculated and amortized over their vesting period. See Note 4, Stock-Based Compensation for
further information.
We account for stock-based awards granted to non-employees in accordance with SFAS 123 and
EITF 96-18, Accounting For Equity Instruments That Are Issued To Other Than Employees For
Acquiring, Or In Conjunction With Selling, Goods Or Services, and accordingly, expense the
estimated fair value of such options as calculated using the Black-Scholes-Merton (Black-Scholes)
model. The estimated fair value is re-measured at each reporting date and is amortized over the
remaining vesting period.
7
Net Loss per Share
Basic net loss per share is computed by dividing net loss by the weighted-average number of
shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted net loss per share is computed based
on the weighted-average number of shares of common stock and other dilutive securities. To the
extent these securities are anti-dilutive, they are excluded from the calculation of diluted
earnings per share.
The following is a reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of the basic and diluted
earnings per share computations:
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Three months ended March 31, |
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2009 |
|
2008 |
Net loss |
|
$ |
(9,281,554 |
) |
|
$ |
(6,544,989 |
) |
Weighted average shares outstanding used to compute basic and diluted net loss per share |
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96,048,288 |
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|
80,703,962 |
|
Basic and diluted net loss per share |
|
$ |
(0.10 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.08 |
) |
The following outstanding potentially dilutive common stock equivalents were excluded from the
computation of diluted net loss per share because the effect would have been anti-dilutive as of
March 31:
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2009 |
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2008 |
Options |
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8,355,287 |
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8,798,903 |
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Restricted stock units |
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1,350,000 |
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1,650,000 |
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Warrants |
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11,425,354 |
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1,255,000 |
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Total |
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21,130,641 |
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11,703,903 |
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Comprehensive Loss
Comprehensive loss is comprised of net losses and other comprehensive loss or income (or OCL).
OCL includes certain changes in stockholders equity that are excluded from net losses.
Specifically, we include in OCL changes in unrealized gains and losses on our marketable
securities. Accumulated other comprehensive income was $42,736 as of March 31, 2009 and accumulated
other comprehensive loss was $7,748 as of December 31, 2008.
The activity in OCL was as follows:
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Three months ended March 31, |
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|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
Net loss |
|
$ |
(9,281,554 |
) |
|
$ |
(6,544,989 |
) |
Net change in unrealized gains and
losses on marketable securities |
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|
50,484 |
|
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|
(862,494 |
) |
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Comprehensive loss |
|
$ |
(9,231,070 |
) |
|
$ |
(7,407,483 |
) |
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|
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In April 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued the following new
accounting standards:
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|
FASB Staff Position No. 107-1 (FSP 107-1) and Accounting Principles Board (APB)
Opinion No. 28-1 (APB 28-1), Interim Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial
Instruments, which amends FASB Statement No. 107, Disclosures about Fair Value of
Financial Instruments (SFAS 107) and APB Opinion No. 28, Interim Financial Reporting (APB
28), to require disclosures about the fair value of financial instruments for interim as
well as in annual financial statements. FSP 107-1 and APB 28-1 will be effective for
interim reporting periods ending after June 15, 2009. We do not expect the adoption of
this accounting standard to have a material impact on our consolidated financial
statements. |
|
|
|
|
FASB Staff Position No. FAS 157-4, Determining Fair Value When the Volume and Level of
Activity for the Asset or Liability Have Significantly Decreased and Identifying
Transactions That Are Not Orderly (FSP 157-4). FSP 157-4 |
8
|
|
|
provides additional guidance for estimating fair value in accordance with SFAS No. 157,
Fair Value Measurements, when the volume and level of activity for the asset or liability
have significantly decreased. FSP 157-4 will be applied prospectively and will be
effective for interim and annual reporting periods ending after June 15, 2009. We do not
expect the adoption of FSP 157-4 to have a material impact on our consolidated financial
statements. |
|
|
|
|
FASB Staff Position No. 115-2, (FSP 115-2) and FASB Staff Position No. 124-2
(FSP124-2), Recognition and Presentation of Other-Than-Temporary Impairments, which
amends the other-than-temporary impairment guidance for debt and equity securities. FSP
115-2 and FSP 124-2 shall be effective for interim and annual reporting periods ending
after June 15, 2009. We do not expect the adoption of FSP 115-2 and FSP 124-2 to have a
material impact on our consolidated financial statements. |
|
|
|
|
FASB Staff Position No. FAS 141(R)-1, Accounting for Assets Acquired and Liabilities
Assumed in a Business Combination That Arise from Contingencies (FSP 141 (R)-1). FSP 141
(R)1 amends and clarifies FASB statement No. 141 (R), Business Combinations (SFAS 141
(R)), to address issues related to the recognition and measurement of assets and
liabilities arising from contingencies in a business combination. Assets and liabilities
assumed in a business combination that arise from contingencies should be recognized at
fair value on the acquisition date if fair value can be reasonably estimated during the
measurement period. If fair value cannot be reasonably estimated, companies should
typically account for the acquired contingencies using existing guidance. We adopted
SFAS 141(R) and FSP 141(R)-1 on January 1, 2009. We expect SFAS 141(R) and FSP 141(R) -1
will have an impact on our consolidated financial statements; however, the nature and
magnitude of the impact will depend upon the nature, terms and size of the acquisition we
consummate after the effective date. |
In April 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position No. 142-3, Determination of the Useful Life
of Intangible Assets (FSP 142-3). FSP 142-3 amends the factors that must be considered in
developing renewal or extension assumptions used to determine the useful life over which to
amortize the cost of a recognized intangible asset under SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other
Intangible Assets (SFAS 142). FSP 142-3 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15,
2008. The adoption of FSP142-3 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial
statements.
Note 2. Financial Instruments
The following table summarizes the fair value of our cash, cash equivalents and
available-for-sale marketable securities held in our current investment portfolio:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross |
|
|
Gross |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amortized |
|
|
Unrealized |
|
|
Unrealized |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost |
|
|
Gains |
|
|
(Losses) |
|
|
Fair Value |
|
March 31, 2009 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash |
|
$ |
707,537 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
707,537 |
|
Cash equivalents (money market accounts) |
|
|
33,349,515 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
33,349,515 |
|
Marketable debt securities, current (maturity within 1 year) |
|
|
900,000 |
|
|
|
4 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
900,004 |
|
Marketable equity securities, current |
|
|
74,457 |
|
|
|
42,732 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
117,189 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities |
|
$ |
35,031,509 |
|
|
$ |
42,736 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
35,074,245 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, 2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash |
|
$ |
243,883 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
243,883 |
|
Cash equivalents (money market accounts) |
|
|
29,799,103 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
29,799,103 |
|
Marketable debt securities, current (maturity within 1 year) |
|
|
4,002,537 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(7,748 |
) |
|
|
3,994,789 |
|
Marketable equity securities, current |
|
|
186,803 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
186,803 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities |
|
$ |
34,232,326 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
(7,748 |
) |
|
$ |
34,224,578 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross unrealized gains and losses on cash equivalents were not material at March 31, 2009 and
December 31, 2008. At March 31, 2009, our investment in marketable debt securities were in money
market accounts composed primarily of US Treasury securities and repurchase agreements that are
backed by US Treasury securities.
Our investment in marketable equity securities consists of ordinary shares of ReNeuron Group
Plc (ReNeuron), a publicly listed UK corporation. In July 2005, we entered into an agreement with
ReNeuron. As part of the agreement, we granted ReNeuron a license
9
that allows ReNeuron to exploit their c-mycER conditionally immortalized adult human neural
stem cell technology for therapy and other purposes. We received shares of ReNeuron common stock,
as well as a cross-license to the exclusive use of ReNeurons technology for certain diseases and
conditions, including lysosomal storage diseases, spinal cord injury, cerebral palsy, and multiple
sclerosis. The agreement also provides for full settlement of any potential claims that either we
or ReNeuron might have had against the other in connection with any putative infringement of
certain of each partys patent rights prior to the effective date of the agreement. In July and
August 2005, we received approximately 8,836,000 ordinary shares of ReNeuron common stock, net of
approximately 104,000 shares that were transferred to NeuroSpheres, and subsequently, as a result
of certain anti-dilution provisions in the agreement, we received approximately 1,261,000 more
shares, net of approximately 18,000 shares that were transferred to NeuroSpheres. In February 2007,
we sold 5,275,000 shares for net proceeds of approximately $3,075,000. We recognized approximately
$716,000 as realized gain from this transaction. At December 31, 2008, we owned 4,821,924 shares
of ReNeuron with a carrying and fair market value of approximately $187,000. In the first quarter
of 2009, we sold in aggregate 2,900,000 shares of ReNeuron and received net proceeds of
approximately $510,000 for a realized gain of approximately $398,000. As of March 31, 2009, we owned
1,921,424 shares of ReNeuron with a carrying and fair market value of approximately $117,000.
Changes in the market value of our ReNeuron shares as a result of changes in market price per
share or the exchange rate between the US dollar and the British pound are accounted for under
other comprehensive income (loss) if deemed temporary and are not recorded as other income
(expense), net until the shares are disposed of and a gain or loss realized. If the fair value of
a security is below its carrying value, we evaluate whether we have the intent and ability to
retain our investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery to the
cost of the investment, and whether evidence indicating that the cost of the investment is
recoverable within a reasonable period of time outweighs evidence to the contrary.
Other-than-temporary declines in estimated fair value of all marketable securities are charged to
other income (expense), net. For the three months ended March 31, 2009, we recorded an
unrealized gain of approximately $43,000.
Notes Receivable
In December 2008 and March 2009, we made two secured loans to Stem Cell Sciences Plc (SCS) in connection with our
acquisition negotiations with SCS. The loans accrued interest at 8% per annum and were repayable
six months after the initial funding. At March 31, 2009, the principal and accrued interest for
these two loans together totaled approximately $709,000. On April 1, 2009, we closed the
acquisition of substantially all of the operating assets and liabilities of SCS, and in connection
with that transaction, we waived the obligation of SCS to repay the principal and accrued interest
of these two loans.
Note 3. Fair Value Measurement
Effective January 1, 2008, we adopted SFAS 157. The adoption of SFAS 157 did not have a
material impact on our financial statements. SFAS 157 clarifies that 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 a liability. As a basis for considering such assumptions, SFAS 157 establishes
a three-tier value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in the valuation methodologies in
measuring fair value:
Level 1 Observable inputs that reflect quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or
liabilities in active markets.
Level 2 Directly or indirectly observable inputs other than in Level 1, that include quoted
prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets or quoted prices for identical or
similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active.
Level 3 Unobservable inputs which are supported by little or no market activity that
reflects the reporting entitys own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants
would use in pricing the asset or liability
The fair value hierarchy also requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and
minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value.
In accordance with SFAS 157, we measure our financial assets and liabilities at fair value.
Our cash equivalents and marketable securities are classified within Level 1 or Level 2. This is
because our cash equivalents and marketable securities are valued primarily
10
using quoted market prices or alternative pricing sources and models utilizing market
observable inputs. We currently do not have any Level 3 financial assets or liabilities.
The following table presents financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fair Value Measurement |
|
|
|
|
|
|
at Reporting Date Using |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Quoted Prices |
|
|
Significant |
|
|
|
|
|
|
in Active Markets |
|
|
Other |
|
|
|
|
|
|
for |
|
|
Observable |
|
|
As of |
|
|
|
Identical Assets |
|
|
Inputs |
|
|
March 31, |
|
|
|
(Level 1) |
|
|
(Level 2) |
|
|
2009 |
|
Assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash Equivalents: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Money market funds |
|
$ |
2,860,546 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
2,860,546 |
|
U.S. Treasury securities |
|
|
30,488,969 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
30,488,969 |
|
Marketable Securities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity securities |
|
|
117,189 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
117,189 |
|
Corporate bonds |
|
|
|
|
|
|
900,004 |
|
|
|
900,004 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total assets |
|
$ |
33,466,704 |
|
|
$ |
900,004 |
|
|
$ |
34,366,708 |
|
Liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bond payable |
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
972,917 |
|
|
$ |
972,917 |
|
Note 4. Stock-Based Compensation
We currently grant stock-based awards under three equity incentive plans. We had 19,025,067
shares authorized to be granted under the three plans as of March 31, 2009. Under these plans we
may grant incentive stock options, nonqualified stock options, stock appreciation rights,
restricted stock, restricted stock units, and performance-based shares to our employees, directors
and consultants, at prices determined by our Board of Directors. Incentive stock options may only
be granted to employees under these plans with a grant price not less than the fair market value on
the date of grant.
Our compensation expense for stock options and restricted stock units issued from our equity
incentive plans for the three months ended March 31 was as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three months ended March 31, |
|
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
Research and development expense |
|
$ |
489,139 |
|
|
$ |
480,349 |
|
General and administrative expense |
|
|
461,268 |
|
|
|
490,578 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total employee stock-based compensation expense and effect on net loss |
|
$ |
950,407 |
|
|
$ |
970,927 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Effect on basic and diluted net loss per common share |
|
$ |
(0.01 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.01 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of March 31, 2009, we have approximately $4,841,000 of total unrecognized compensation
expense related to unvested awards granted under our various stock-based plans that we expect to
recognize over a weighted-average vesting period of 1.9 years.
Incentive Stock Options
Generally, stock options granted to employees have a maximum term of ten years, and vest over
a four year period from the date of grant; 25% vest at the end of one year, and 75% vest monthly
over the remaining three-year service period. We may grant options with different vesting terms
from time to time. Upon employee termination of service, any unexercised vested option will be
forfeited three months following termination or the expiration of the option, whichever is earlier.
Unvested options are forfeited on termination.
11
A summary of our stock option activity for the three months ended March 31, 2009 is as
follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted-average |
|
|
|
Number of options |
|
|
exercise
price ($) |
|
Balance at December 31, 2008 |
|
|
8,340,530 |
|
|
|
2.32 |
|
Granted |
|
|
102,500 |
|
|
|
1.72 |
|
Exercised |
|
|
(35,500 |
) |
|
|
1.21 |
|
Cancelled |
|
|
(52,243 |
) |
|
|
2.03 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Outstanding options at March 31, 2009 |
|
|
8,355,287 |
|
|
|
2.32 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The estimated weighted-average fair value of options granted in the three months ended March
31, 2009 and 2008 was approximately $1.40 and $1.48 per share respectively. The fair value of
options granted is estimated as of the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model,
which requires certain assumptions as of the date of grant. The weighted-average assumptions used
as of March 31, 2009 and 2008 were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31, |
|
|
2009 |
|
2008 |
Expected life (years)(1) |
|
|
7.62 |
|
|
|
6.22 |
|
Risk-free interest rate(2) |
|
|
2.41 |
% |
|
|
2.80 |
% |
Expected volatility(3) |
|
|
96.45 |
% |
|
|
74.75 |
% |
Expected dividend yield(4) |
|
|
0 |
% |
|
|
0 |
% |
|
|
|
(1) |
|
The expected term represents the period during which our stock-based awards are expected to
be outstanding. We estimated this amount based on historical experience of similar awards,
giving consideration to the contractual terms of the awards, vesting requirements, and
expectation of future employee behavior, including post-vesting terminations. |
|
(2) |
|
The risk-free interest rate is based on U.S. Treasury debt securities with maturities close
to the expected term of the option as of the date of grant. |
|
(3) |
|
Expected volatility is based on historical volatility over the most recent historical period
equal to the length of the expected term of the option as of the date of grant. |
|
(4) |
|
We have not historically issued any dividends, and we do not expect to in the foreseeable
future. |
At the end of each reporting period we estimate forfeiture rates based on our historical
experience within separate groups of employees and adjust the stock-based compensation expense
accordingly.
A summary of changes in unvested options for the three months ended March 31, 2009 is as
follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted-average grant |
|
|
Number of options |
|
date fair value ($) |
Unvested options at December 31, 2008 |
|
|
2,614,089 |
|
|
|
1.85 |
|
Granted |
|
|
102,500 |
|
|
|
1.40 |
|
Vested |
|
|
(343,985 |
) |
|
|
2.08 |
|
Cancelled |
|
|
(52,243 |
) |
|
|
1.63 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unvested options at March 31, 2009 |
|
|
2,320,361 |
|
|
|
1.80 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The estimated fair value of shares vested were approximately $715,000 in the three months
ended March 31, 2009.
12
Restricted Stock Units
We have granted restricted stock units (RSUs) to certain employees which entitle the holders
to receive shares of our common stock upon vesting of the RSUs. The fair value of restricted stock
units granted are based upon the market price of the underlying common stock as if it were vested
and issued on the date of grant.
A summary of our restricted stock unit activity for the three months ended March 31, 2009 is
as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted-average grant |
|
|
Number of RSUs |
|
date fair value ($) |
Balance at December 31, 2008 (1) |
|
|
1,650,000 |
|
|
|
1.26 |
|
Granted (2) |
|
|
250,000 |
|
|
|
1.50 |
|
Vested and converted to common shares |
|
|
(550,000 |
) |
|
|
1.26 |
|
Cancelled |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance unvested at March 31, 2009 |
|
|
1,350,000 |
|
|
|
1.30 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
These restricted stock units vest and convert into shares of our common stock over a three
year period from the date of grant: one-third of the award will vest on each grant date
anniversary over the following three years. |
|
(2) |
|
These restricted stock units will vest and convert into shares of our common stock subject
to attainment of certain performance criteria and will be forfeited if not met by March 31,
2011. |
Stock Appreciation Rights
In July 2006, we granted cash-settled Stock Appreciation Rights (SARs) to certain employees
that give the holder the right, upon exercise, to the difference between the price per share of our
common stock at the time of exercise and the exercise price of the SARs. The SARs have a maximum
term of ten years with an exercise price of $2.00, which is equal to the market price of our common
stock at the date of grant. The SARs vest 25% on the first anniversary of the grant date and 75%
vest monthly over the remaining three-year service period. Compensation expense is based on the
fair value of SARs which is calculated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The
stock-based compensation expense and liability are re-measured at each reporting date through the
date of settlement.
A summary of the changes in SARs for the three months ended March 31, 2009 is as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of SARs |
Outstanding at December 31, 2008 |
|
|
1,430,849 |
|
Granted |
|
|
|
|
Exercised |
|
|
|
|
Forfeited and expired |
|
|
|
|
Outstanding SARs at March 31, 2009 |
|
|
1,430,849 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
SARs exercisable at March 31, 2009 |
|
|
953,893 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the three months ended March 31, 2009, we re-measured the compensation expense and
liability related to the SARs and recorded compensation expense of approximately $242,000. For the
same period in 2008, due to forfeitures and a decrease in our common stock price, the re-measured
fair value, reduced compensation expense by approximately $42,000.
At March 31, 2009, approximately $359,000 of unrecognized compensation expense related to SARs
is expected to be recognized over a weighted average vesting period of approximately 1.0 year. The
resulting effect on net loss and net loss per share attributable to common stockholders is not
likely to be representative of the effects in future periods, due to changes in the fair value
calculation which is dependent on the stock price, volatility, interest and forfeiture rates,
additional grants and subsequent periods of vesting.
Note 5. Wind-Down Expenses
In October 1999, we relocated to California from Rhode Island and established a wind down
reserve for the estimated lease payments and operating costs of the scientific and administrative
facility in Rhode Island. Even though we intend to dispose of the facility at the earliest possible
time, we cannot determine with certainty a fixed date by which such disposal will occur. In light
of this uncertainty, we periodically re-evaluate and adjust the reserve. We consider various
factors such as our lease payments through to the
13
end of the lease, operating expenses, the current real estate market in Rhode Island, and
estimated subtenant income based on actual and projected occupancy.
The summary of the changes to our wind-down reserve as of March 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008
were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
January to |
|
|
January to |
|
|
|
March 31, |
|
|
December 31, |
|
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
Accrued wind-down reserve at beginning of period |
|
$ |
4,448,000 |
|
|
$ |
4,875,000 |
|
Less actual expenses recorded against estimated reserve during the period |
|
|
(331,000 |
) |
|
|
(1,293,000 |
) |
Additional expense recorded to revise estimated reserve at period-end |
|
|
206,000 |
|
|
|
866,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revised reserve at period-end |
|
|
4,323,000 |
|
|
|
4,448,000 |
|
Add deferred rent at period-end |
|
|
1,014,000 |
|
|
|
1,065,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total accrued wind-down expenses at period-end (current and non current) |
|
$ |
5,337,000 |
|
|
$ |
5,513,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accrued wind-down expenses, current |
|
$ |
1,496,000 |
|
|
$ |
1,420,000 |
|
Accrued wind-down expenses, non-current |
|
|
3,841,000 |
|
|
|
4,093,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total accrued wind-down expenses |
|
$ |
5,337,000 |
|
|
$ |
5,513,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
14
Note 6. Commitments and Contingencies
Leases
Capital leases
We entered into direct financing transactions with the State of Rhode Island and received
proceeds from the issuance of industrial revenue bonds totaling $5,000,000 to finance the
construction of our pilot manufacturing facility in Rhode Island. The related lease agreements are
structured such that lease payments fully fund all semiannual interest payments and annual
principal payments through maturity in August 2014. The interest rate for the remaining bond series
is 9.5%. The bond contains certain restrictive covenants which limit, among other things, the
payment of cash dividends and the sale of the related assets. The outstanding principal was
approximately $973,000 at March 31, 2009 and $1,009,000 at December 31, 2008.
Operating leases
We entered into a fifteen-year lease agreement for a scientific and administrative facility in
Rhode Island in connection with a sale and leaseback arrangement in 1997. The lease term expires
June 30, 2013. The lease contains escalating rent payments, which we recognize on a straight-line
basis. Deferred rent expense for this facility was approximately $1,014,000 at March 31, 2009 and
$1,065,000 at December 31, 2008, and is included as part of the wind-down accrual on the
accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet.
We entered into and amended a lease agreement for an approximately 68,000 square foot facility
located at the Stanford Research Park in Palo Alto, California. The facility includes space for
animals, laboratories, offices, and a GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) suite. GMP facilities can
be used to manufacture materials for clinical trials. The lease term expires March 31, 2010. Under
the term of the agreement we were required to provide a letter of credit for a total of
approximately $778,000, which serves as a security deposit for the duration of the lease term. The
letter of credit issued by our financial institution is collateralized by a certificate of deposit
for the same amount, which is reflected as restricted cash in other assets, non-current on our
condensed consolidated balance sheets. The lease contains escalating rent payments, which we
recognize as operating lease expense on a straight-line basis. Deferred rent was approximately
$361,000 as of March 31, 2009 and $437,000 as of December 31, 2008, and is reflected as deferred
rent on our condensed consolidated balance sheet. As of March 31, 2009, we had a space-sharing
agreement covering approximately 10,451 square feet of this facility under which, we receive base
payments plus a proportionate share of the operating expenses based on square footage over the term
of the agreement.
Contingencies
In July 2006, we filed suit against Neuralstem, Inc. in the Federal District Court for the
District of Maryland, alleging that Neuralstems activities violate claims in four of the patents
we exclusively licensed from NeuroSpheres. Neuralstem has filed a motion for dismissal or summary
judgment in the alternative, citing Title 35, Section 271(e)(1) of the United States Code, which
says that it is not an act of patent infringement to make, use or sell a patented invention solely
for uses reasonably related to the development and submission of information to the FDA.
Neuralstem argues that because it does not have any therapeutic products on the market yet, the
activities complained of fall within the protection of Section 271(e)(1) that is, basically,
that the suit is premature. This issue will be decided after discovery is complete. Subsequent to
filing its motion to dismiss, in December 2006, Neuralstem petitioned the U.S. Patent and Trademark
Office (PTO) to reexamine two of the patents in our infringement action against Neuralstem, namely
U.S. Patent No. 6,294,346 (claiming the use of human neural stem cells for drug screening) and U.S.
Patent No. 7,101,709 (claiming the use of human neural stem cells for screening biological agents).
In April 2007, Neuralstem petitioned the PTO to reexamine the remaining two patents in the suit,
namely U.S. Patent No. 5,851,832 (claiming methods for proliferating human neural stem cells) and
U.S. Patent No. 6,497,872 (claiming methods for transplanting human neural stem cells). These
requests were granted by the PTO and, in June 2007, the parties voluntarily agreed to stay the
pending litigation while the PTO considers these reexamination requests. In October 2007,
Neuralstem petitioned the PTO to reexamine a fifth patent, namely U.S. Patent No. 6,103,530, which
claims a culture medium for proliferating mammalian neural stem cells. In April 2008, the PTO
upheld the 832 and 872 patents, as amended, and issued Notices of Intent to Issue an Ex Parte
Reexamination Certificate for both. In August 2008, the PTO upheld the 530 patent, as amended, and
issued a Notice of Intent to Issue an Ex Parte Reexamination Certificate. The remaining two patents
are still under review by the PTO.
15
In May 2008, we filed a second patent infringement suit against Neuralstem and its two
founders, Karl Johe and Richard Garr. In this suit, which we filed in the Federal District Court
for the Northern District of California, we allege that Neuralstems activities infringe claims in
two patents we exclusively license from NeuroSpheres, specifically U.S. Patent No. 7,361,505
(claiming composition of matter of human neural stem cells derived from any source material) and
U.S. Patent No. 7,115,418 (claiming methods for proliferating human neural stem cells). In
addition, we allege various state law causes of action against Neuralstem arising out of its
repeated derogatory statements to the public about our patent portfolio. Also in May 2008,
Neuralstem filed suit against us and NeuroSpheres in the Federal District Court for the District of
Maryland seeking a declaratory judgment that the 505 and 418 patents are either invalid or are
not infringed by Neuralstem and that Neuralstem has not violated California state law. In August
2008, the California court transferred our lawsuit against Neuralstem to Maryland for resolution on
the merits. We anticipate that the Maryland District Court will consolidate these actions in some
manner prior to trial.
Indemnification Agreement
In July 2008, we amended our 1997 and 2000 license agreements with NeuroSpheres. NeuroSpheres
is the holder of certain patents exclusively licensed by us, including the six patents that are the
basis of our patent infringement suits against Neuralstem. As part of the amendment, we agreed to
pay all reasonable litigation costs, expenses and attorneys fees incurred by NeuroSpheres in the
declaratory judgment suit between us and Neuralstem. In return, we are entitled to off-set all
litigation costs incurred in that suit against amounts that would otherwise be owed under the
license agreements, such as annual maintenance fees, milestones and royalty payments. At this time,
we cannot estimate the likely total costs of our pending litigation with Neuralstem, given the
unpredictable nature of such proceedings, or the total amount we may ultimately owe under the
NeuroSpheres license agreements. However, the ability to apply the offsets will run for the entire
term of each license agreement. For these reasons, we have chosen to approximate the potential
value of the offset receivable by assuming that all litigation charges actually incurred in the
declaratory judgment action as of March 31, 2009, will ultimately be offset against royalties owed.
Management will reevaluate this assumption on a quarterly basis based on actual costs and other
relevant factors.
Note 7. Warrant Liability
In November 2008, we sold 13,793,104 units to institutional investors at a price of $1.45 per
unit, for gross proceeds of $20,000,000. The units, each of which consisted of one share of common
stock and a warrant to purchase 0.75 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $2.30 per
share, were offered as a registered direct offering under an effective shelf registration statement
previously filed with and declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission. We received
total proceeds, net of offering expenses and placement agency fees, of approximately $18,637,000.
We recorded the fair value of the warrants to purchase 10,344,828 shares of our common stock as a
liability. The fair value of the warrant liability is revalued at the end of each reporting period,
with the change in fair value of the warrant liability recorded as a gain or loss in our
Consolidated Statement of Operations. We used the Black-Scholes option pricing model to estimate
the fair value of these warrants. In using this model, we make certain assumptions about risk-free
interest rates, dividend yields, volatility and expected term of the warrants. Risk-free interest
rates are derived from the yield on U.S. Treasury debt securities. Dividend yields are based on our
historical dividend payments, which have been zero to date. Volatility is derived from the
historical volatility of our common stock as traded on Nasdaq. The expected term of the warrants is
based on the time to expiration of the warrants from the date of measurement.
The assumptions used for the Black-Scholes option pricing model at March 31, 2009 are as
follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Expected life (years) |
|
|
5.12 |
|
|
Risk-free interest rate |
|
|
1.90 |
% |
|
Expected volatility |
|
|
88.7 |
% |
|
Expected dividend yield |
|
|
0 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
At December 31, |
|
|
Change in |
|
|
|
At March 31, 2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
Fair Value |
|
Fair value of warrant liability |
|
$ |
11,195,379 |
|
|
$ |
8,439,931 |
|
|
$ |
2,755,448 |
|
The fair value of the warrants will continue to be classified as a liability until such time
as the warrants are exercised, expire or an amendment of the warrant agreement renders these
warrants to be no longer classified as a liability.
16
Note 8. Common Stock
Major transactions involving our common stock for the three-month period ended March 31, 2009
include the following:
|
|
|
In February 2009, warrants issued as part of a June 2004 financing arrangement were
exercised to purchase an aggregate of 174,474 shares of common stock at $1.90 per share. We
issued 174,474 shares of common stock and received proceeds of approximately $332,000. |
|
|
|
|
In the first quarter of 2009, we sold in aggregate 3,325,000 shares of common stock
at an
average price of $2.10 per share for gross proceeds of approximately $6,999,000.
These shares were sold
pursuant to the sales agreement we entered into with Cantor Fitzgerald & Co. (Cantor),
who is
paid compensation equal to 5.0% of the gross proceeds. |
Note 9. Subsequent Events
On April 1, 2009, we closed the acquisition of substantially all of the operating assets and
liabilities of SCS. As consideration for the operating assets acquired and liabilities assumed, we
issued 2,650,000 shares of common stock to SCS and waived certain commitments of SCS to repay loan
principal and accrued interest of approximately $709,000 owed to us.
In the second quarter of 2009, we sold 4,162,400 shares of common stock at an average price of
$1.75 per share for gross proceeds of approximately $7,284,000. These shares were sold pursuant to
the sales agreement we have with Cantor, who is paid compensation equal to 5.0% of the gross
proceeds.
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
This report contains forward looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the
Securities Act and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act that involve substantial risks and
uncertainties. Such statements include, without limitation, all statements as to expectation or
belief and statements as to our future results of operations; the progress of our research, product
development and clinical programs; the need for, and timing of, additional capital and capital
expenditures; partnering prospects; costs of manufacture of products; the protection of, and the
need for, additional intellectual property rights; effects of regulations; the need for additional
facilities; and potential market opportunities. Our actual results may vary materially from those
contained in such forward-looking statements because of risks to which we are subject, including
uncertainty as to whether the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or other regulatory
authorities will permit us to proceed with clinical testing of proposed products despite the novel
and unproven nature of our technologies; the risk that one or more of our clinical trials or
studies could be substantially delayed beyond their expected dates or cause us to incur substantial
unanticipated costs; uncertainties in our ability to obtain the capital resources needed to
continue our current research and development operations and to conduct the research, preclinical
development and clinical trials necessary for regulatory approvals; the uncertainty regarding our
ability to obtain a corporate partner or partners, if needed, to support the development and
commercialization of our potential cell-based therapeutics products; the uncertainty regarding the
outcome of our Phase I clinical trial in NCL and any other clinical trials or studies we may
conduct in the future; the uncertainty regarding the validity and enforceability of our issued
patents; the risk that we may not be able to manufacture additional master and working cell banks
when needed; the uncertainty whether any products that may be generated in our cell-based
therapeutics programs will prove clinically safe and effective; the uncertainty whether we will
achieve revenue from product sales or become profitable; uncertainties regarding our obligations
with respect to our former encapsulated cell therapy facilities in Rhode Island; obsolescence of
our technologies; competition from third parties; intellectual property rights of third parties;
litigation risks; and other risks to which we are subject. All forward-looking statements
attributable to us or to persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by
the cautionary statements and risk factors set forth in Risk Factors in Part II, Item 1A of this
report and Part I, Item 1A included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2008
17
Overview
The Company
Our research and development (R&D) programs are primarily focused on identifying and
developing potential cell-based therapeutics which can either restore or support organ function. In
particular, since we relocated our corporate headquarters and research laboratories to California
in 1999, our R&D efforts have been directed at refining our methods for identifying, isolating,
culturing, and purifying the human neural stem cell and human liver engrafting cells (hLEC) and
developing these as potential cell-based therapeutics for the central nervous system (CNS) and the
liver, respectively. In our CNS Program, our HuCNS-SC® product candidate (purified human
neural stem cells) is in clinical development for two indications. In January 2009, we completed a
six patient Phase I clinical trial to evaluate the safety and preliminary efficacy of HuCNS-SC
cells as a treatment for infantile and late infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (NCL), two
forms of a group of disorders often referred to as Batten disease. In December 2008, the FDA
approved our IND to initiate a Phase I clinical trial of HuCNS-SC cells in a second indication,
Pelizeaus-Merzbacher Disease (PMD), a fatal myelination disorder in the brain. We expect the PMD
trial to begin enrolling patients in 2009 and that the trial will take 12-18 months to complete. In
addition, our HuCNS-SC cells are in preclinical development for spinal cord injury and retinal
disorders. In our Liver Program, we are in preclinical development with our human liver engrafting
cells and we plan to seek the necessary approvals to initiate a clinical experiment to evaluate
hLEC as a potential cellular therapy, with the initial indication likely to be liver-based
metabolic disorders. For a brief description of our significant therapeutic research and
development programs see Overview Research and Development Programs in the Business Section of
Part I, Item 1 included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31,
2008. We have also conducted research on several other cell types and in other areas, which could
lead to other possible product candidates, process improvements or further research activities.
On April 1, 2009, we acquired substantially all of the operating assets and liabilities of
Stem Cell Sciences Plc (SCS). The acquired business includes proprietary cell technologies
relating to embryonic stem cells, induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells, and tissue-derived (adult)
stem cells; expertise and infrastructure for providing cell-based assays for drug discovery; a
media formulation and reagent business; and an intellectual property portfolio with claims relevant
to cell processing, reprogramming and manipulation, as well as to gene targeting and insertion.
This acquisition positions us to pursue applications of our cell technologies to develop
cell-based research tools, which we believe represent nearer-term commercial opportunities. See
Note 9, Subsequent Events.
We have not derived any revenue or cash flows from the sale or commercialization of any
products except for license revenue for certain of our patented cells and media for use in
research. The SCS business we acquired has also derived revenue from sales and royalties on sales
of media, services provided on a contract basis, and licenses of intellectual property, but such
revenue has been limited and there can be no assurance that these revenues will increase. As a
result, we have incurred annual operating losses since inception and expect to incur substantial
operating losses in the future. Therefore, we are dependent upon external financing from equity and
debt offerings and revenue from collaborative research arrangements with corporate sponsors to
finance our operations. We have no such collaborative research arrangements at this time and there
can be no assurance that such financing or partnering revenue will be available when needed or on
terms acceptable to us.
Before we can derive revenue or cash inflows from the commercialization of any of our
therapeutic product candidates, we will need to: (i) conduct substantial in vitro testing and
characterization of our proprietary cell types, (ii) undertake preclinical and clinical testing for
specific disease indications; (iii) develop, validate and scale-up manufacturing processes to
produce these cell-based therapeutics, and (iv) pursue required regulatory approvals. These steps
are risky, expensive and time consuming.
Overall, we expect our R&D expenses to be substantial and to increase for the foreseeable
future as we continue the development and clinical investigation of our current and future
therapeutic product candidates. In addition, we expect our expenses and expenditures to increase
as a result of our acquisition of the SCS business and as we begin to develop non-therapeutic
applications of our cell technologies. However, expenditures on R&D programs are subject to many
uncertainties, including whether we develop our product candidates with a partner or independently.
We cannot forecast with any degree of certainty which of our product candidates or technologies
will be subject to future collaboration, when such collaboration agreements will be secured, if at
all, and to what degree such arrangements would affect our development plans and capital
requirements. In addition, there are numerous factors associated with the successful
commercialization of any of our cell-based products, including future regulatory requirements and
legal restrictions on the procurement of human tissue for medical research, many of which cannot be
determined with accuracy at this time given the stage of our development and the novel nature of
stem cell technologies. The regulatory pathways, both in the United States and internationally, are
complex and fluid given the novel and, in general, clinically unproven nature of stem cell
technologies. At this time, due to such uncertainties and inherent risks, we cannot estimate in a
meaningful way the duration of, or the costs to complete, our R&D programs or whether, when or to
what extent we will generate revenues or cash inflows from the commercialization and sale of any of
our therapeutic product candidates or any non-therapeutic applications of our cell technologies.
While we are currently focused on advancing each of our product development programs, our future
R&D expenses will depend on the determinations we
18
make as to the scientific and clinical prospects of each product candidate, as well as our
ongoing assessment of the regulatory requirements and each product candidates commercial
potential.
There can be no assurance that we will be able to develop any product successfully, or that we
will be able to recover our development costs, whether upon commercialization of a developed
product or otherwise. We cannot provide assurance that any of these programs will result in
products that can be marketed or marketed profitably. If certain of our development-stage programs
do not result in commercially viable products, our results of operations could be materially
adversely affected.
Significant Events
In January 2009, we completed the six-patient Phase I clinical trial of our HuCNS-SC product
candidate as a treatment for infantile and late infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (NCL).
In May 2009 we terminated an agreement to purchase a building in
Sunnyvale, California which we had
entered into with North Pastoria Sunnyvale, LLC in March 2009. Our obligation to purchase the building was subject to
due diligence
and other pre-closing conditions, and we decided not to purchase the building.
In April 2009, we announced that a major international pharmaceutical company acquired a
non-exclusive license to our Internal Ribosome Entry Site (IRES) technology, which we acquired as
part of the SCS transaction. The IRES technology enables researchers to genetically modify any
mammalian cell and to monitor the activity of a particular gene of interest without blocking the
normal function of the gene. The IRES technology is particularly important for evaluating the
success of gene knock-outs or knock-ins in stem cells, as well as for the successful creation of
transgenic mouse and rat disease models.
In May 2009, our collaborators at Oregon Health & Science University Casey Eye Institute
presented data showing that human central nervous system stem cells, when transplanted in an animal
model of retinal degeneration, engraft long-term and can protect the retina from progressive
degeneration. Retinal degeneration leads to loss of vision in diseases such as age-related macular
degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa. The human neural stem cells used in the study were supplied
by us and were selected, purified and grown as neurospheres using our proprietary methods.
Critical Accounting Policies and the Use of Estimates
The accompanying discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations
are based on our condensed consolidated financial statements and the related disclosures, which
have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United
States. The preparation of these condensed consolidated financial statements requires management to
make estimates, assumptions, and judgments that affect the reported amounts in our condensed
consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. These estimates form the basis for making
judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities. We base our estimates and judgments
on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under
the circumstances, and we have established internal controls related to the preparation of these
estimates. Actual results and the timing of the results could differ materially from these
estimates.
Stock-Based Compensation
Effective January 1, 2006, we adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards 123 (revised
2004), Share-Based Payment, (SFAS 123R). SFAS 123R requires us to recognize expense related to the
fair value of our stock-based payment awards, including employee stock options. Under the
provisions of SFAS 123R, employee stock-based payment is estimated at the date of grant based on
the awards fair value using the Black-Scholes-Merton (Black-Scholes) option-pricing model and is
recognized as expense ratably over the requisite service period. The Black-Scholes option-pricing
model requires the use of certain assumptions, the most significant of which are our estimates of
the expected volatility of the market price of our stock and the expected term of the award. Our
estimate of the expected volatility is based on historical volatility. The expected term represents
the period during which our stock-based awards are expected to be outstanding. From January 1, 2006
to December 31, 2007, and in accordance with Staff Accounting Bulletin 107, Share-Based Payment
(SAB 107), the expected term was equal to the average of the contractual life of the stock option
and its vesting period as of the date of grant (the simplified method). In December 2007, the SEC
issued Staff Accounting Bulletin 110, Share-Based Payment (SAB 110), extending the availability of
SAB 107 beyond its original deadline of December 31, 2007. The extension is available for companies
under specified conditions that include a lack of sufficient historical exercise data related to
their
19
stock-based awards. Effective January 1, 2008, in accordance with SAB 110, we no longer use
the simplified method and estimate the expected term based on historical experience of similar
awards, giving consideration to the contractual terms of the awards, vesting requirements, and
expectation of future employee behavior, including post-vesting terminations. The change of method
in estimating the expected term did not have a material impact on our condensed consolidated
financial statements.
As required under SFAS 123R, we review our valuation assumptions at each grant date and, as a
result, our assumptions in future periods may change. As of March 31, 2009, total compensation cost
related to unvested stock-based awards not yet recognized was approximately $4,841,000, which is
expected to be recognized as expense over a weighted-average period of 1.9 years. See also Note 4,
Stock-Based Compensation, in the notes to condensed consolidated financial statements of Part I,
Item 1 of this Form 10-Q for further information.
Wind-down expenses
In connection with exiting our research and manufacturing operations in Lincoln, Rhode Island,
and the relocation of our corporate headquarters and remaining research laboratories to California
in October 1999, we provided a reserve for our estimate of the exit cost obligation in accordance
with EITF 94-3, Liability Recognition for Certain Employee Termination Benefits and Other Costs to
Exit an Activity (Including Certain Costs Incurred in a Restructuring). The reserve reflects
estimates of the ongoing costs of our former scientific and administrative facility in Lincoln,
which we hold on a lease that terminates on June 30, 2013. We are seeking to sublease, assign,
sell, or otherwise divest ourselves of our interest in the facility at the earliest possible time,
but we cannot determine with certainty a fixed date by which such events will occur, if at all.
In determining the facility exit cost reserve amount, we are required to consider our lease
payments through to the end of the lease term and estimate other relevant factors such as facility
operating expenses, real estate market conditions in Rhode Island for similar facilities, occupancy
rates, and sublease rental rates projected over the course of the leasehold. We re-evaluate the
estimate each quarter, taking account of changes, if any, in each underlying factor. The process is
inherently subjective because it involves projections over time from the date of the estimate
through the end of the lease and it is not possible to determine any of the factors, except the
lease payments, with certainty over that period.
Management forms its best estimate on a quarterly basis, after considering actual sublease
activity, reports from our broker/realtor about current and predicted real estate market conditions
in Rhode Island, the likelihood of new subleases in the foreseeable future for the specific
facility and significant changes in the actual or projected operating expenses of the property. We
discount the projected net outflow over the term of the leasehold to arrive at the present value,
and adjust the reserve to that figure. The estimated vacancy rate for the facility is an important
assumption in determining the reserve because changes in this assumption have the greatest effect
on estimated sublease income. In addition, the vacancy rate estimate is the variable most subject
to change, while at the same time it involves the greatest judgment and uncertainty due to the
absence of highly predictive information concerning the future of the local economy and future
demand for specialized laboratory and office space in that area. The average vacancy rate of the
facility over the last six years (2003 through 2008) was approximately 74%, varying from 66% to
89%. As of March 31, 2009, based on current information available to management, the vacancy rate
is projected to be approximately 78% for 2009 and approximately 70% from 2010 through the end of
the lease. These estimates are based on actual occupancy as of March 31, 2009, predicted lead time
for acquiring new subtenants, historical vacancy rates for the area, and assessments by our
broker/realtor of future real estate market conditions. If the assumed vacancy rate from 2010 to
the end of the lease had been 5% higher or lower at March 31, 2009, then the reserve would have
increased or decreased by approximately $168,000. Similarly, a 5% increase or decrease in the
operating expenses for the facility from 2010 on would have increased or decreased the reserve by
approximately $90,000, and a 5% increase or decrease in the assumed average rental charge per
square foot would have increased or decreased the reserve by approximately $50,000. Management does
not wait for specific events to change its estimate, but instead uses its best efforts to
anticipate them on a quarterly basis. See Note 5 Wind-down expenses, in the notes to condensed
consolidated financial statements of Part I, Item 1 of this Form 10-Q for further information
Results of Operations
Our results of operations have varied significantly from year to year and quarter to quarter
and may vary significantly in the future due to the occurrence of material recurring and
nonrecurring events, including without limitation the receipt and payment of recurring and
nonrecurring licensing payments, the initiation or termination of research collaborations and
development programs for both therapeutic products andcell-based research tools, unpredictable or
unanticipated manufacturing and supply costs, unanticipated
20
capital expenditures necessary to support our business, expenses arising out of the
integration of the acquired SCS business, developments in on-going patent protection and
litigation, the on-going expenses to lease and maintain our Rhode Island facilities, and the
increasing costs associated with operating our California facility.
Revenue
Revenue totaled approximately $57,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and $17,000
for the three months ended March 31, 2008.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
Change in 2009 versus 2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
% |
|
Revenue: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Licensing agreements and grants |
|
$ |
56,603 |
|
|
$ |
17,350 |
|
|
$ |
39,253 |
|
|
|
226 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The increase in licensing and grant revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2009 as
compared to the same period in 2008, was primarily attributable to a $305,000 grant we were awarded
from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases to research and develop a
potential cell-based therapeutic for liver disease. The grant was awarded in October 2008 and we
recognized approximately $31,000 as grant revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2009. The
award is a Phase I grant under the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program of the
National Institutes of Health. Should the objectives of the research funded by this grant be met,
we anticipate applying for Phase II and additional funding under the SBIR Program. The remaining
revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2009 and the revenue for the three months ended March
31, 2008 consist of licensing fees from existing licensing agreements.
21
Operating Expenses
Operating expenses totaled approximately $6,980,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2009
and $6,914,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2008.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
Change in 2009 versus 2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
% |
|
Operating expenses: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Research and development |
|
$ |
4,235,788 |
|
|
$ |
4,499,751 |
|
|
$ |
(263,963 |
) |
|
|
(6 |
)% |
General and administrative |
|
|
2,538,913 |
|
|
|
2,254,203 |
|
|
|
284,710 |
|
|
|
13 |
% |
Wind-down expenses |
|
|
205,436 |
|
|
|
160,250 |
|
|
|
45,186 |
|
|
|
28 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating expenses |
|
$ |
6,980,137 |
|
|
$ |
6,914,204 |
|
|
$ |
65,933 |
|
|
|
1 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Research and Development Expenses
Our research and development (R&D) expenses consist primarily of salaries and related
personnel expenses, costs associated with clinical trials and regulatory submissions; costs
associated with preclinical activities such as toxicology studies; costs associated with cell
processing and process development; certain patent-related costs such as licensing; facilities-
related costs such as depreciation; lab equipment and supplies. Clinical trial expenses include
payments to vendors such as clinical research organizations, contract manufacturers, clinical trial
sites, laboratories for testing clinical samples and consultants. Cumulative R&D costs incurred
since we refocused our activities on developing cell-based therapeutics (fiscal years 2000 through
the three months ended March 31, 2009) were approximately $97 million. Over this period, the
majority of these cumulative costs were related to: (i) characterization of our proprietary
HuCNS-SC cell, (ii) expenditures for toxicology and other preclinical studies, preparation and
submission of applications to regulatory agencies to conduct clinical trials and obtaining
regulatory clearance to initiate such trials, all with respect to our HuCNS-SC cells, (iii)
preclinical studies and development of our human liver engrafting cells; and (iv) costs associated
with cell processing and process development.
We use and manage our R&D resources, including our employees and facilities, across various
projects rather than on a project-by-project basis for the following reasons. The allocations of
time and resources change as the needs and priorities of individual projects and programs change,
and many of our researchers are assigned to more than one project at any given time. Furthermore,
we are exploring multiple possible uses for each of our proprietary cell types, so much of our R&D
effort is complementary to and supportive of each of these projects. Lastly, much of our R&D effort
is focused on manufacturing processes, which can result in process improvements useful across cell
types. We also use external service providers to assist in the conduct of our clinical trials, to
manufacture certain of our product candidates and to provide various other R&D related products and
services. Many of these costs and expenses are complementary to and supportive of each of our
programs. Because we do not have a development collaborator for any of our product programs, we are
currently responsible for all costs incurred with respect to our product candidates.
R&D expense totaled approximately $4,236,000 in the first three months of 2009, as compared to
$4,500,000 for the same period in 2008. The decrease of approximately $264,000, or 6%, from 2008 to
2009 was primarily attributable to a decrease in expenses for external services, including expenses
related to manufacturing and testing of our cells and for our six-patient Phase I clinical trial
for NCL, which was completed in January 2009.
At March 31, 2009, we had 43 full-time employees working in research and development and
laboratory support services as compared to 47 at March 31, 2008.
General and Administrative Expenses
General and administrative (G&A) expenses totaled approximately $2,539,000 in the first three
months of 2009, compared with $2,254,000 for the same period in 2008. The increase of approximately
$285,000, or 13%, from 2008 to 2009 was primarily attributable to an increase in external services
of approximately $209,000. This increase was mainly due to approximately $544,000 in professional
fees incurred in the SCS assets acquisition, which was partially offset by lower expenses for other
legal and other external services of approximately $335,000. The increase in G&A expenses was also
due to an increase of approximately $111,000 in stock based compensation expense. These increased
expenses, were partially offset by a decrease in other operating expenses of approximately $35,000.
22
Wind-down Expenses
In 1999, in connection with exiting our former research facility in Rhode Island, we created a
reserve for the estimated lease payments and operating expenses related to it. The reserve has been
re-evaluated and adjusted based on assumptions relevant to real estate market conditions and the
estimated time until we could either fully sublease, assign or sell our remaining interests in the
property. The reserve was approximately $5,513,000 at December 31, 2008. For the three-month period
ending March 31, 2009, payments net of subtenant income of approximately $331,000 were recorded
against this reserve. At March 31, 2009, we re-evaluated the estimate and adjusted the reserve to
approximately $5,337,000 by recording in aggregate, additional wind-down expenses of approximately
$206,000. For the same period in 2008, we recorded against this reserve, actual expenses of
approximately $331,000 and at March 31, 2008 after re-evaluating the estimate, an additional
$160,000 to adjust the reserve. Expenses for this facility will fluctuate based on changes in
tenant occupancy rates and other operating expenses related to the lease. Even though it is our
intent to sublease, assign, sell, or otherwise divest ourselves of our interests in the facility at
the earliest possible time, we cannot determine with certainty a fixed date by which such events
will occur. In light of this uncertainty, based on estimates, we will periodically re-evaluate and
adjust the reserve, as necessary. See Note 4 Wind-down expenses, in the Notes to condensed
consolidated financial statements of Part I, Item 1 of this Form 10-Q for further information.
Other Income (Expense)
Other expense totaled approximately $2,358,000 in the three months ended March 31, 2009,
compared with other income of $352,000 for the same period in 2008.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2009 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
Change in 2009 versus 2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
% |
|
Other income (expense): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gain on sale of marketable securities |
|
$ |
397,866 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
397,866 |
|
|
|
* |
|
Change in fair value of warrant liability |
|
|
(2,755,448 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2,755,448 |
) |
|
|
* |
|
Interest income |
|
|
41,947 |
|
|
|
383,665 |
|
|
|
(341,718 |
) |
|
|
(89 |
)% |
Interest expense |
|
|
(28,175 |
) |
|
|
(28,191 |
) |
|
|
16 |
|
|
|
* |
|
Other expense, net |
|
|
(14,210 |
) |
|
|
(3,609 |
) |
|
|
(10,601 |
) |
|
|
294 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total other income (expense) |
|
$ |
(2,358,020 |
) |
|
$ |
351,865 |
|
|
$ |
(2,709,885 |
) |
|
|
* |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
* |
|
Calculation is not meaningful. |
Gain on Sale of Marketable Equity Securities
In the first quarter of 2009, we sold in aggregate 2,900,000 shares of ReNeuron and received
proceeds of approximately $510,000. We recognized a realized gain of approximately $398,000 for the
quarter. We owned 1,921,424 ordinary shares of ReNeuron at March 31, 2009.
Change in fair value of warrant liability
In connection with our financing in November 2008, we issued warrants to purchase in aggregate 10,344,828 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $2.30 per
share and recorded the fair value of these warrants as a liability. The fair value of the warrant liability is revalued at the end of each
reporting period, with the change in fair value of the warrant liability recorded as a gain or loss
in our Consolidated Statement of Operations. We used the Black-Scholes option pricing model to
estimate the fair value of these warrants and in using this model, we make certain assumptions about
risk-free interest rates, dividend yields, volatility and expected term of the warrants. See Note
7 Warrant Liability in the Notes to condensed consolidated financial statements of Part I, Item 1
of this Form 10-Q for further information.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
At March 31, |
|
At December 31, |
|
Change in |
|
|
2009 |
|
2008 |
|
Fair Value |
Fair value of warrant liability |
|
$ |
11,195,379 |
|
|
$ |
8,439,931 |
|
|
$ |
2,755,448 |
|
23
Interest Income
Interest income totaled approximately $42,000 in the first three months of 2009 and $384,000
for the same period in 2008. Interest income in 2009 was lower compared to 2008 primarily as a
result of lower average yield on investment balances.
Interest Expense
Interest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2009 was approximately $28,000, the same
as in the first three months in 2008. Interest expense is for outstanding debt and capital lease
balances. See Note 6 Commitment and Contingencies, in the notes to condensed consolidated
financial statements of Part I, Item 1 of this Form 10-Q for further information.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Since our inception, we have financed our operations through the sale of common and preferred
stock, the issuance of long-term debt and capitalized lease obligations, revenue from collaborative
agreements, research grants, license fees, and interest income.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31, |
|
December 31, |
|
Change |
|
|
2009 |
|
2008 |
|
$ |
|
% |
Cash, cash equivalents and marketable debt securities |
|
$ |
34,957,056 |
|
|
$ |
34,037,775 |
|
|
$ |
919,281 |
|
|
|
3 |
% |
In summary, our cash flows were:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Change in |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2009 |
|
|
Three months ended March 31, |
|
Versus 2008 |
|
|
2009 |
|
2008 |
|
$ |
|
% |
Net cash used in operating activities |
|
$ |
(5,781,631 |
) |
|
$ |
(7,291,366 |
) |
|
$ |
1,509,735 |
|
|
|
(21 |
)% |
Net cash provided by investing activities |
|
$ |
2,920,314 |
|
|
$ |
10,179,321 |
|
|
$ |
(7,259,007 |
) |
|
|
(71 |
)% |
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities |
|
$ |
6,875,383 |
|
|
$ |
(36,773 |
) |
|
$ |
6,912,156 |
|
|
|
* |
% |
|
|
|
* |
|
Calculation is not meaningful. |
Net Cash Used in Operating Activities
Net cash used in operating activities in the first three months of 2009 was approximately
$5,782,000, 21% lower than the $7,291,000 used in the first three months of 2008. Cash used in
operating activities is primarily driven by our net loss but operating cash flows differ from net
loss due to non-cash charges or differences in the timing of cash flows. The decrease in cash used
in operating activities in 2009 as compared to 2008 was primarily attributable to the timing of
cash payments and receipts for various operating assets and liabilities such as accounts payable,
accrued expenses, and accounts receivable.
Net Cash Provided by Investing Activities
The decrease of approximately $7,259,000 from 2008 to 2009 for net cash provided by investing
activities, was primarily attributable to a higher number of marketable debt securities maturing in
the first three months of 2008 as compared to the similar period in 2009.
Net Cash (Used in) Provided by Financing Activities
The increase from 2008 to 2009 of approximately $6,912,000 for net cash (used in) provided by
financing activities was primarily attributable to net proceeds of approximately $6,645,000 from
the sale of approximately 3,325,000 shares of common stock at an
24
average price of $2.10 per share in the three months ended March 31, 2009. These shares were
sold under our sales agreement with Cantor Fitzgerald & Co. (Cantor).
Listed below are key financing transactions entered into by us in the last three years:
|
|
|
Through May 5, 2009, we have sold a total of 9,500,000 shares of common stock under our
sales agreement with Cantor. These shares were sold at an average price of $2.07 per share
for gross proceeds of approximately $19,674,000. We entered into this sales agreement in
December 2006 and filed a Prospectus Supplement announcing the agreement. Under the terms
of the agreement, up to 10,000,000 shares may be sold from time to time under a shelf
registration statement and Cantor is paid compensation equal to 5.0% of the gross proceeds. |
|
|
|
|
In November 2008, we sold 13,793,104 units to institutional investors at a price of $1.45
per unit, for gross proceeds of $20,000,000. The units, each of which consisted of one share
of common stock and a warrant to purchase 0.75 shares of common stock at an exercise price
of $2.30 per share, were offered as a registered direct offering under an effective shelf
registration statement previously filed with and declared effective by the Securities and
Exchange Commission. We received total proceeds net of offering expenses and placement
agency fees of approximately $18,637,000. |
|
|
|
|
In April 2007, a warrant issued as part of our June 2004 financing was exercised to
purchase an aggregate of 575,658 shares of our common stock at $1.90 per share. We issued
575,658 shares of our common stock and received proceeds of approximately $1,094,000. |
|
|
|
|
In April 2006, we sold 11,750,820 shares of our common stock to institutional investors
at a price of $3.05 per share, for gross proceeds of approximately $35,840,000. The shares
were offered as a registered direct offering under an effective shelf registration statement
previously filed with and declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission. We
received total proceeds, net of offering expenses and placement agency fees, of
approximately $33,422,000. No warrants were issued as part of this financing transaction. |
|
|
|
|
In March 2006, a warrant issued as part of our June 2004 financing was exercised to
purchase an aggregate of 526,400 shares of our common stock at $1.89 per share. We issued
526,400 shares of our common stock and received proceeds of approximately $995,000. |
We have incurred significant operating losses and negative cash flows since inception. We have
not achieved profitability and may not be able to realize sufficient revenue to achieve or sustain
profitability in the future. We do not expect to be profitable in the next several years, but
rather expect to incur additional operating losses. We have limited liquidity and capital resources
and must obtain significant additional capital resources in order to sustain our product
development efforts, for acquisition of technologies and intellectual property rights, for
preclinical and clinical testing of our anticipated products, pursuit of regulatory approvals,
acquisition of capital equipment, laboratory and office facilities, establishment of production
capabilities, for general and administrative expenses and other working capital requirements. We
rely on cash balances and proceeds from equity and debt offerings, proceeds from the transfer or
sale of our intellectual property rights, equipment, facilities or investments, and government
grants and funding from collaborative arrangements, if obtainable, to fund our operations.
We intend to pursue opportunities to obtain additional financing in the future through equity
and debt financings, grants and collaborative research arrangements. On June 25, 2008 we filed with
the SEC a universal shelf registration statement, declared effective July 18, 2008, which permits
us to issue up to $100 million worth of registered debt and equity securities. Under this effective
shelf registration, we have the flexibility to issue registered securities, from time to time, in
one or more separate offerings or other transactions with the size, price and terms to be
determined at the time of issuance. Registered securities issued using this shelf may be used to
raise additional capital to fund our working capital and other corporate needs, for future
acquisitions of assets, programs or businesses, and for other corporate purposes. As of May 5,
2009, we had approximately $65 million under our universal shelf registration statement available
for issuing debt or equity securities; approximately $24 million of this $65 million has been
reserved for the potential exercise of the warrants issued in connection with our November 2008
financing.
The source, timing and availability of any future financing will depend principally upon
market conditions, interest rates and, more specifically, on our progress in our exploratory,
preclinical and future clinical development programs. Funding may not be available when needed
at all, or on terms acceptable to us. Lack of necessary funds may require us, among other things,
to delay, scale back or eliminate some or all of our research and product development programs,
planned clinical trials, and/or our capital expenditures or
25
to license our potential products or technologies to third parties. In addition, the decline
in economic activity, together with the deterioration of the credit and capital markets, could have
an adverse impact on potential sources of future financing
Commitments
See Note 6, Commitments and Contingencies in the notes to condensed consolidated financial
statements of Part I, Item 1 of this Form 10-Q for further information.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We have certain contractual arrangements that create potential risk for us and are not
recognized in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Discussed below are those off-balance sheet
arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a material current or future effect on our
financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenue or expenses, results of operations,
liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources.
Operating Leases
We lease various real properties under operating leases that generally require us to pay
taxes, insurance, maintenance, and minimum lease payments. Some of our leases have options to
renew.
We entered into and amended a lease agreement for an approximately 68,000 square foot facility
located at the Stanford Research Park in Palo Alto, California. At March 31, 2009, we had a
space-sharing agreement covering approximately 10,451 square feet of this facility. We receive base
payments plus a proportionate share of the operating expenses based on square footage over the term
of the agreement. We expect to receive, in aggregate, approximately $457,000 as part of the
space-sharing agreement for the remainder of 2009. As a result of the above transactions, our
estimated net cash outlay for rent will be approximately $2,400,000 for the remainder of 2009.
We continue to have outstanding obligations in regard to our former facilities in Lincoln,
Rhode Island. In 1997, we had entered into a fifteen-year lease for a scientific and administrative
facility in a sale and leaseback arrangement. The lease includes escalating rent payments. We
expect to pay approximately $878,000 in operating lease payments and estimated operating expenses
of approximately $458,000, before receipt of sub-tenant income, for the remainder of 2009. We
expect to receive, in aggregate, approximately $130,000 in sub-tenant rent and operating expense
for the remainder of 2009. As a result of the above transactions, our estimated cash outlay net of
sub-tenant rent for the facility will be approximately $1,206,000 for the remainder of 2009.
With the exception of leases discussed above, we have not entered into any off balance sheet
financial arrangements and have not established any special purpose entities. We have not
guaranteed any debts or commitments of other entities or entered into any options on non-financial
assets.
Contractual Obligations
During the first three months of 2009, we believe that there have been no significant changes
in our payments due under contractual obligations, as disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K
for the year ended December 31, 2008.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In April 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued the following new
accounting standards:
|
|
|
FASB Staff Position No. 107-1 (FSP 107-1) and Accounting Principles Board (APB)
Opinion No. 28-1 (APB 28-1), Interim Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial
Instruments, which amends FASB Statement No. 107, Disclosures about Fair Value of
Financial Instruments (SFAS 107) and APB Opinion No. 28, Interim Financial Reporting (APB
28), to require disclosures about the fair value of financial instruments for interim as
well as in annual financial statements. FSP 107-1 and APB 28-1 will be effective for
interim reporting periods ending after June 15, 2009. We do not expect the adoption of
this accounting standard will not have a material impact on our consolidated financial
statements. |
26
|
|
|
FASB Staff Position No. FAS 157-4, Determining Fair Value When the Volume and Level of
Activity for the Asset or Liability Have Significantly Decreased and Identifying
Transactions That Are Not Orderly (FSP 157-4). FSP 157-4 provides additional guidance
for estimating fair value in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards
No. 157, Fair Value Measurements, when the volume and level of activity for the asset or
liability have significantly decreased. FSP 157-4 will be applied prospectively and will
be effective for interim and annual reporting periods ending after June 15, 2009. We do
not expect the adoption of FSP 157-4 to have a significant impact on our consolidated
financial statements |
|
|
|
|
FASB Staff Position No. 115-2, (FSP 115-2) and FASB Staff Position No. 124-2
(FSP124-2), Recognition and Presentation of Other-Than-Temporary Impairments, which
amends the other-than-temporary impairment guidance for debt and equity securities. FSP
115-2 and FSP 124-2 shall be effective for interim and annual reporting periods ending
after June 15, 2009. We do not expect the adoption of FSP 115-2 and FSP 124-2 to have a
significant impact on our consolidated financial statements. |
|
|
|
|
FASB Staff Position No. FAS 141(R)-1, Accounting for Assets Acquired and Liabilities
Assumed in a Business Combination That Arise from Contingencies (FSP 141 (R)-1). FSP 141
(R)1 amends and clarifies FASB statement No. 141 (R), Business Combinations (SFAS 141
(R), to address issues related to the recognition and measurement of assets and
liabilities arising from contingencies in a business combination. Assets and liabilities
assumed in a business combination that arise from contingencies should be recognized at
fair value on the acquisition date if fair value can be reasonably estimated during the
measurement period. If fair value cannot be reasonably estimated, companies should
typically account for the acquired contingencies using existing guidance. We adopted
SFAS 141(R) and FSP 141(R)-1 on January 1, 2009. We expect SFAS 141(R) and FSP 141(R) -1
will have an impact on our consolidated financial statements; however, the nature and
magnitude of the impact will depend upon the nature, terms and size of the acquisition we
consummate after the effective date. |
In April 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position No. 142-3, Determination of the Useful Life
of Intangible Assets (FSP 142-3). FSP 142-3 amends the factors that must be considered in
developing renewal or extension assumptions used to determine the useful life over which to
amortize the cost of a recognized intangible asset under SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other
Intangible Assets (SFAS 142). FSP 142-3 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15,
2008. The adoption of FSP142-3 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial
statements.
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Our market risks at March 31, 2009 have not changed materially from those discussed in Item 7A
of our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 on file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange
Commission.
See also Note 2, Financial Assets, in the notes to condensed consolidated financial
statements in Part I, Item 1 of this Form 10-Q.
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
In response to the requirement of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as of the end of the period
covered by this report, our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, along with other
members of management, reviewed the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure
controls and procedures. Such controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information
required to be disclosed in the Companys Exchange Act reports is recorded, processed, summarized
and reported within the time periods specified in the SECs rules and forms, and that such
information is accumulated and communicated to management, including the chief executive officer
and the chief financial officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required
disclosure. Based on this evaluation, the chief executive officer and chief financial officer have
concluded that the Companys disclosure controls and procedures are effective.
During the most recent quarter, there were no changes in internal controls over financial
reporting that occurred during the period covered by this report that have materially affected, or
are reasonably likely to materially affect, these controls of the Company.
27
PART IIOTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
In July 2006, we filed suit against Neuralstem, Inc., in the Federal District Court for the
District of Maryland, alleging that Neuralstems activities violate claims in four of the patents
we exclusively licensed from NeuroSpheres. Neuralstem has filed a motion for dismissal or summary
judgment in the alternative, citing Title 35, Section 271(e)(1) of the United States Code, which
says that it is not an act of patent infringement to make, use or sell a patented invention solely
for uses reasonably related to the development and submission of information to the FDA.
Neuralstem argues that because it does not have any therapeutic products on the market yet, the
activities complained of fall within the protection of Section 271(e)(1) that is, basically,
that the suit is premature. This issue will be decided after discovery is complete. Subsequent to
filing its motion to dismiss, in December 2006, Neuralstem petitioned the U.S. Patent and Trademark
Office (PTO) to reexamine two of the patents in our infringement action against Neuralstem, namely
U.S. Patent No. 6,294,346 (claiming the use of human neural stem cells for drug screening) and U.S.
Patent No. 7,101,709 (claiming the use of human neural stem cells for screening biological agents).
In April 2007, Neuralstem petitioned the PTO to reexamine the remaining two patents in the suit,
namely U.S. Patent No. 5,851,832 (claiming methods for proliferating human neural stem cells) and
U.S. Patent No. 6,497,872 (claiming methods for transplanting human neural stem cells). These
requests were granted by the PTO and, in June 2007, the parties voluntarily agreed to stay the
pending litigation while the PTO considers these reexamination requests. In October 2007,
Neuralstem petitioned the PTO to reexamine a fifth patent, namely U.S. Patent No. 6,103,530, which
claims a culture medium for proliferating mammalian neural stem cells. In April 2008, the PTO
upheld the 832 and 872 patents, as amended, and issued Notices of Intent to Issue an Ex Parte
Reexamination Certificate for both. In August 2008, the PTO upheld the 530 patent, as amended, and
issued a Notice of Intent to Issue an Ex Parte Reexamination Certificate. The remaining two patents
are still under review by the PTO.
In May 2008, we filed a second patent infringement suit against Neuralstem and its two
founders, Karl Johe and Richard Garr. In this suit, which we filed in the Federal District Court
for the Northern District of California, we allege that Neuralstems activities infringe claims in
two patents we exclusively license from NeuroSpheres, specifically U.S. Patent No. 7,361,505
(claiming composition of matter of human neural stem cells derived from any source material) and
U.S. Patent No. 7,115,418 (claiming methods for proliferating human neural stem cells). In
addition, we allege various state law causes of action against Neuralstem arising out of its
repeated derogatory statements to the public about our patent portfolio. Also in May 2008,
Neuralstem filed suit against us and NeuroSpheres in the Federal District Court for the District of
Maryland seeking a declaratory judgment that the 505 and 418 patents are either invalid or are
not infringed by Neuralstem and that Neuralstem has not violated California state law. In August
2008, the California court transferred our lawsuit against Neuralstem to Maryland for resolution on
the merits. We anticipate that the Maryland District Court will consolidate these actions in some
manner prior to trial.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
This quarterly report on Form 10-Q contains forward looking statements that involve risks and
uncertainties. Our business, operating results, financial performance, and share price may be
materially adversely affected by a number of factors, including but not limited to the following
risk factors, any one of which could cause actual results to vary materially from anticipated
results or from those expressed in any forward-looking statements made by us in this quarterly
report on Form 10-Q or in other reports, press releases or other statements issued from time to
time. Additional factors that may cause such a difference are set forth elsewhere in this quarterly
report on Form 10-Q
Risks Related to our Business
Any adverse development relating to our HuCNS-SC product candidate, such as a significant clinical
trial failure, could substantially depress our stock price and prevent us from raising additional
capital.
At present our ability to progress as a company is significantly dependent on a single
therapeutic product candidate, our HuCNS-SC cells (purified human neural stem cells), and on early
stage clinical trials. Any clinical, regulatory or other development that significantly delays or
prevents us from completing any of our trials, any material safety issue or adverse side effect to
any study participant in any of these trials, or the failure of these trials to show the results
expected would likely depress our stock price significantly and could prevent us from raising the
substantial additional capital we will need to further develop our cellular technologies. Moreover,
any material adverse occurrence in our first clinical trials could substantially impair our ability
to initiate clinical trials to test our HuCNS-SC cells in other potential indications. This, in
turn, could adversely impact our ability to raise
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additional capital and pursue our planned research and development efforts in our CNS and
liver therapeutic programs and in our programs to develop
non-therapeutic applications for our cell
technologies.
We have limited capital resources and we may not obtain the significant additional capital needed
to sustain our research and development efforts.
We have limited liquidity and capital resources and must obtain significant additional capital
resources in order to sustain our product development efforts, acquire businesses, technologies and
intellectual property rights which may be important to our business, continue preclinical and
clinical testing of our investigative products, pursue regulatory approvals, acquire capital
equipment, laboratory and office facilities, establish production capabilities, maintain and
enforce our intellectual property portfolio, and support our general and administrative expenses
and other working capital requirements. In addition, we will require additional capital resources
to continue to develop and grow our operations related to developing cell-based research tools and
any other non-therapeutic applications of our cell technologies. We rely on cash reserves and
proceeds from equity and debt offerings, proceeds from the transfer, license, lease, or sale of our
intellectual property rights, equipment, facilities, or investments, and government grants and
funding from collaborative arrangements, if obtainable, to fund our operations.
We intend to pursue opportunities for additional fundraising in the future through equity or
debt financings, licensing of our intellectual property, corporate alliances or combinations,
grants or collaborative research arrangements, or any combination of these. However, external
financing in the current financial environment may be particularly difficult, and the source,
timing and availability of any future fundraising will depend principally upon market conditions,
interest rates and, more specifically, on progress in our research, preclinical and clinical
development programs and the advancement of our programs to develop non-therapeutic applications of
our cell technologies. Funding may not be available when needed at all or on terms acceptable to
us. While we actively manage our programs and resources in order to conserve cash between
fundraising opportunities, our existing capital resources may not be sufficient to fund our
operations beyond the next twelve months. If we exhaust our cash reserves and are unable to realize
adequate additional fundraising, we may be unable to meet operating obligations and be required to
initiate bankruptcy proceedings or delay, scale back or eliminate some or all of our research and
product development programs.
Our product development programs are based on novel technologies and are inherently risky.
We are subject to the risks of failure inherent in the development of products based on new
technologies. The novel nature of these therapies creates significant challenges in regard to
product development and optimization, manufacturing, government regulation, third party
reimbursement, and market acceptance. For example, the pathway to regulatory approval for
cell-based therapies, including our product candidates, may be more complex and lengthy than the
pathway for conventional drugs. Our programs to develop cell-based research tools are also focused
on cell technologies and products supporting cellular research, all of which are novel to some
degree. Like biological products in general, stem cell technologies, including non-therapeutic
applications, are challenging to manufacture and control. These challenges may prevent us from
developing and commercializing products on a timely or profitable basis or at all.
Our technology is at an early stage of discovery and development, and we may fail to develop any
commercially acceptable or profitable products.
We have incurred significant operating losses and negative cash flows since inception. We have
not achieved profitability and may not be able to realize sufficient revenue to achieve or sustain
profitability in the future. We have yet to develop any products that have been approved for
marketing, and we do not expect to become profitable within the next several years, but rather
expect to incur additional and increasing operating losses. Before commercializing any medical
product, we will need to obtain regulatory approval from the FDA or from equivalent foreign
agencies after conducting extensive preclinical studies and clinical trials that demonstrate that
the product candidate is safe and effective. Except for the NCL trial we completed at Oregon Health
& Science University (OHSU), we have had no experience conducting human clinical trials. We expect
that none of our cell-based therapeutic product candidates will be commercially available for
several years, if at all.
While the FDA has approved our IND to initiate a Phase I clinical trial for PMD, there can be
no assurance that this clinical trial will be initiated, be completed or result in a successful
outcome.
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There can be no assurance that our Phase I clinical trial of our proprietary HuCNS-SC product
candidate in NCL will result in a successful outcome. We may elect to delay or discontinue other
studies or clinical trials based on unfavorable results. Any product developed from, or based on,
cellular technologies may fail to:
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survive and persist in the desired location; |
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provide the intended therapeutic benefit; |
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engraft into existing tissue in the desired manner; or |
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achieve therapeutic benefits equal to, or better than, the standard of treatment at the
time of testing. |
In addition, our planned therapeutic products may cause unanticipated or undesirable side
effects. Results of preclinical research in animals may not be indicative of future clinical
results in humans.
Ultimately if regulatory authorities do not approve our products or if we fail to maintain
regulatory compliance, we would be unable to commercialize our therapeutic products, and our
business and results of operations would be harmed. Even if we do succeed in developing products,
we will face many potential obstacles such as the need to develop or obtain manufacturing,
marketing and distribution capabilities. Furthermore, because transplantation of cells is a new
form of therapy, the marketplace may not accept any products we may develop.
Moreover, because our cell-based therapeutic products will be derived from tissue of
individuals other than the patient (that is, they will be non-self or allogeneic transplant
products), patients will likely require the use of immunosuppressive drugs. While immunosuppression
is now standard in connection with allogeneic transplants of various kinds, such as heart or liver
transplants, long-term maintenance on immunosuppressive drugs can result in complications such as
infection, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and renal dysfunction. An immunosuppression regimen was
used with our therapeutic product candidate in our Phase I clinical trial for NCL, and is included
in the proposed trial protocol for our planned PMD trial.
As for our cell-based research tools, our products are still largely under development or
newly marketed. Sales of SC Proven media by our SCS subsidiaries have been limited, and there can
be no assurance that these sales will increase. Competitive products exist and market acceptance
of our products is uncertain.
Our success will depend in large part on our ability to develop and commercialize products that
treat diseases other than neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (Batten disease) and Pelizeaus-Merzbacher
Disease (PMD).
Although we have initially focused on evaluating our neural stem cell product for the
treatment of infantile and late infantile NCL (Batten disease) and for Pelizeaus-Merzbacher
Disease, these diseases are rare and the markets for treating these diseases are small.
Accordingly, even if we obtain marketing approval for our HuCNS-SC product candidate for infantile
and late infantile NCL or for PMD, in order to achieve profitability, we will likely need to obtain
approval to treat additional diseases that present more significant market opportunities.
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Acquisitions of companies, businesses or technologies may substantially dilute our stockholders
and increase our operating losses.
We may make acquisitions of businesses, technologies or intellectual property rights or
otherwise modify our business model in ways we believe to be necessary, useful or complementary to
our current product development efforts and cell-based therapeutics business. For example, on April
1, 2009 we acquired the operating assets and liabilities of SCS. Any such acquisition or change in
business activities may require assimilation of the operations, products or product candidates and
personnel of the acquired business and the training and integration of its employees, and could
substantially increase our operating costs, without any offsetting increase in revenue.
Acquisitions may not provide the intended technological, scientific or business benefits and could
disrupt our operations and divert our limited resources and managements attention from our current
operations, which could harm our existing product development efforts. We would likely issue equity
securities to pay for any other future acquisitions. The issuance of equity securities for an
acquisition could be substantially dilutive to our stockholders. In addition, our results of
operations may suffer because of acquisition-related costs or the post-acquisition costs of funding
the development of an acquired technology or product candidates or operation of the acquired
business, or due to amortization or impairment costs for acquired goodwill and other intangible
assets. Any investment made in, or funds advanced to, a potential acquisition target could also
significantly adversely affect our results of operation and could further reduce our limited
capital resources. Any acquisition or action taken in anticipation of a potential acquisition or
other change in business activities could substantially depress the price of our stock.
Costs and disruptions from the integration and management of the acquired SCS business may impair
our business.
On April 1, 2009, we acquired the operating assets and liabilities of SCS, including its
former subsidiaries in England and Australia. To realize the anticipated benefits of this
acquisition, we must successfully combine and integrate the separate organizations and operations
of the two companies. The combination of two independent companies is frequently a complex, costly
and time-consuming process. Therefore we expect to devote a significant amount of our managements
time and attention to integrating the operations of the two companies. We may have difficulty
maintaining employee morale and retaining key employees, consultants and collaborators as we take
steps to integrate the cultures of the two organizations. We may also encounter incompatible
methods, practices or policies or unanticipated difficulties integrating information technology,
communications and other systems used by the two companies. Managing the integration of the
acquired SCS business into our consolidated operations may also entail numerous operational, legal
and financial risks and uncertainties, including:
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incurrence or assumption of material liabilities, including unanticipated ones; |
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assumption of pre-existing contractual obligations and obligations owed by the acquired
SCS business to customers and research collaborators, which may not be profitable to our
business or deemed consistent with our development plans; |
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diversion of resources and management attention from our existing businesses and
technologies; |
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inability to retain key employees of any acquired businesses or hire enough qualified
personnel to staff any new or expanded operations; |
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impairment or loss of relationships with key customers or
collaborators; and |
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exposure to new and unanticipated federal, state, local, and foreign legal requirements,
which may impact our research and development programs on a consolidated basis. |
Our failure to address these risks and uncertainties successfully in the future could harm our
business and prevent our achievement of anticipated growth, which could have an adverse effect on
our financial condition and results of operations.
We have payment obligations resulting from real property owned or leased by us in Rhode Island,
which diverts funding from our research and development activities.
Prior to our reorganization in 1999 and the consolidation of our business in California, we
carried out our former encapsulated cell therapy programs in Lincoln, Rhode Island, where we also
had our administrative offices. Although we have vacated the Rhode Island facilities, we remain
obligated to make lease payments and payments for operating costs for our former science and
administrative facility, which we have leased through June 30, 2013. These costs, before sub-tenant
rental income, amounted to approximately $1,825,000 in 2008; our rent payments will increase over
the term of the lease, and our operating costs may increase as well. In addition to these costs of
our former science and administrative facility, we are obligated to make debt service payments and
payments for operating costs of approximately $440,000 per year for our former encapsulated cell
therapy pilot manufacturing facility, which we
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own. We have currently subleased a portion of the science and administrative facility, and we
are seeking to sublease the remaining portion, but we cannot be sure that we will be able to keep
any part of the facility subleased for the duration of our obligation. We are currently seeking to
sublease the pilot manufacturing facility, but may not be able to sublease or sell the facility in
the future. These continuing costs significantly reduce our cash resources and adversely affect our
ability to fund further development of our cellular technologies. In addition, changes in real
estate market conditions and assumptions regarding the length of time it may take us to either
fully sublease, assign or sell our remaining interest in the our former research facility in Rhode
Island may have a significant impact on and cause large variations in our quarter to quarter
results of operations. In 1999, in connection with exiting our former research facility in Rhode
Island, we created a reserve for the estimated lease payments and operating expenses related to it.
The reserve is periodically re-evaluated and adjusted based on assumptions relevant to real estate
market conditions and the estimated time until we can either, fully sublease, assign or sell our
remaining interests in the property. At March 31, 2009 , the reserve was $5,337,000. For the year
2008, we incurred $1,293,000 in operating expenses net of sub-tenant income for this facility.
Expenses for this facility will fluctuate based on changes in tenant occupancy rates and other
operating expenses related to the lease. Even though it is our intent to sublease, assign, sell, or
otherwise divest ourselves of our interests in the facility at the earliest possible time, we
cannot determine with certainty a fixed date by which such events will occur. In light of this
uncertainty, based on estimates, we will periodically re-evaluate and adjust the reserve, as
necessary, and we may make significant adverse adjustments to the reserve in the future.
We may be unable to obtain partners to support our cell-based product development efforts when
needed to commercialize our technologies.
Equity and debt financings alone may not be sufficient to fund the cost of developing our
cellular technologies, and we may need to rely on partnering or other arrangements to provide
financial support for our cell-based discovery and development efforts. In addition, in order to
successfully develop and commercialize our technologies, we may need to enter into various
arrangements with corporate sponsors, pharmaceutical companies, universities, research groups, and
others. While we have engaged, and expect to continue to engage, in discussions regarding such
arrangements, we have not reached any agreement, and we may fail to obtain any such agreement on
terms acceptable to us. Even if we enter into such arrangements, we may not be able to satisfy our
obligations under them or renew or replace them after their original terms expire. Furthermore,
these arrangements may require us to grant rights to third parties, such as exclusive marketing
rights to one or more products, may require us to issue securities to our collaborators and may
contain other terms that are burdensome to us or result in a decrease in our stock price.
If we are unable to protect our patents and proprietary rights, our business, financial condition
and results of operations may be materially harmed.
We either own or exclusively license a number of patents and pending patent applications
related to various stem and progenitor cells, including human neural stem cell cultures, as well as
methods of deriving and using them. The process of obtaining patent protection for products such as
those we propose to develop is highly uncertain and involves complex and continually evolving
factual and legal questions. The governmental authorities that consider patent applications can
deny or significantly reduce the patent coverage requested in an application either before or after
issuing the patent. For example, under the procedures of the European Patent Office, third parties
may oppose our issued European patents during the relevant opposition period. These proceedings and
oppositions could result in substantial uncertainties and cost for us, even if the eventual outcome
is favorable to us, and the outcome might not be favorable to us. In the United States, third
parties may seek to invalidate or render unenforceable issued patents through a U.S. PTO
reexamination process or through the courts; currently two of our patents are the subject of a
reexamination proceeding and six of our patents are the subject of litigation. In addition, changes
to the laws protecting intellectual property rights could adversely impact the perceived or actual
value of our Company. Consequently, we do not know whether any of our pending applications will
result in the issuance of patents, whether any of our issued patents will be invalidated or
restricted, whether any existing or future patents will provide sufficient protection or
significant commercial advantage, or whether others will circumvent these patents, whether or not
lawfully. In addition, our patents may not afford us adequate protection from competing products.
Moreover, because patents issue for a limited term, our patents may expire before we can
commercialize a product covered by the issued patent claims or before we can utilize the patents
profitably. Some of our most important patents begin to expire in 2015.
If we learn of third parties who infringe our patent rights, we may decide to initiate legal
proceedings to enforce these rights. Patent litigation, including the pending litigation to which
we are a party, is inherently unpredictable and highly risky and may result in unanticipated
challenges to the validity or enforceability of our intellectual property, antitrust claims or
other claims against us, which could result in the loss of these intellectual property rights.
Litigation proceedings can be very time-consuming for management
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and are also very costly and the parties we bring actions against may have significantly
greater financial resources than our own. We may not prevail in these proceedings and if we do not
prevail we could be liable for damages as well as the costs and attorney fees of our opponents.
Proprietary trade secrets and unpatented know-how are also important to our research and
development activities. We cannot be certain that others will not independently develop the same or
similar technologies on their own or gain access to our trade secrets or disclose such technology
or that we will be able to meaningfully protect our trade secrets and unpatented know-how. We
require our employees, consultants and significant scientific collaborators and sponsored
researchers to execute confidentiality agreements upon the commencement of an employment or
consulting relationship with us. These agreements may, however, fail to provide meaningful
protection or adequate remedies for us in the event of unauthorized use, transfer or disclosure of
such information or technology.
If we are unable to obtain necessary licenses to third-party patents and other rights, we may not
be able to commercially develop our expected products.
A number of pharmaceutical, biotechnology and other companies, universities and research
institutions have filed patent applications or have received patents relating to cell therapy, stem
and progenitor cells and other technologies potentially relevant to, or necessary for, both our
expected products and for the commercialization of cell-based research tools.. We cannot predict
which, if any, of these applications will issue as patents or how many of these issued patents will
be found valid and enforceable. There may also be existing issued patents which we are currently
unaware of which would be infringed by the commercialization of one or more of our product
candidates. If so, we may be prevented from commercializing these products unless the third party
is willing to grant a license to us. We may be unable to obtain licenses to the relevant patents at
a reasonable cost, if at all, and may also be unable to develop or obtain alternative
non-infringing technology. If we are unable to obtain such licenses or develop non-infringing
technology at a reasonable cost, our business could be significantly harmed. Also, any infringement
lawsuits commenced against us may result in significant costs, divert our managements attention
and result in an award against us for substantial damages, or potentially prevent us from
continuing certain operations.
We are aware of intellectual property rights held by third parties that relate to products or
technologies we are developing. For example, some aspects of our cell-based therapeutic product
candidates involve the use of growth factors, antibodies and other reagents that may, in certain
cases, be the subject of third party rights. In addition, some of our non-therapeutic applications
include the use of embryonic stem cell and iPS technologies, which may be the subject of other
third party rights. Before we commercialize any product using these growth factors, cells,
antibodies or reagents, we may need to obtain license rights from third parties or use alternative
growth factors, cells, antibodies and reagents that are not then the subject of third party patent
rights. We believe that the commercialization of our products as currently planned will not
infringe these third party rights, or, alternatively, that we will be able to obtain necessary
licenses or otherwise use alternative non-infringing technology. However, third parties may
nonetheless bring suit against us claiming infringement. If we are unable to prove that our
technology does not infringe their patents, or if we are unable to obtain necessary licenses or
otherwise use alternative non-infringing technology, we may not be able to commercialize any
products.
We have obtained rights from companies, universities and research institutions to
technologies, processes and compounds that we believe may be important to the development of our
products. These licensors, however, may cancel our licenses or convert them to non-exclusive
licenses if we fail to use the relevant technology or otherwise breach these agreements. Loss of
these licenses could expose us to the risk that our technology infringes the rights of third
parties. We can give no assurance that any of these licenses will provide effective protection
against our competitors.
We compete with companies that have significant advantages over us.
The market for therapeutic products to treat diseases of, or injuries to, the central nervous
system (CNS) is large and competition is intense. The majority of the products currently on the
market or in development are small molecule pharmaceutical compounds, and many pharmaceutical
companies have made significant commitments to the CNS field. We believe cellular therapies, if
proven safe and effective, will have unique properties that will make them desirable over small
molecule drugs, none of which currently replace damaged tissue. However, any cell-based therapeutic
to treat diseases of, or injuries to, the CNS is likely to face intense competition from the small
molecule sector, biologics, as well as medical devices. We expect to compete with a host of
companies, some of which are privately owned and some of which have resources far greater than
ours.
In the liver field, there are no broad-based therapies for the treatment of liver disease at
present. The primary therapy is liver transplantation, which is limited by the availability of
matched donor organs. Liver-assist devices, when and if they become available,
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could also be used to help patients while they await suitably matched organs for
transplantation. Liver transplantation may remain the standard of care even if we successfully
develop a cellular therapy. In addition, new therapies may become available before we successfully
develop a cell-based therapy for liver disease.
In the cell-based tools market, there are a number of companies already supplying cells,
media, reagents, and other research tools to both for-profit and non-profit researchers. Many of
these suppliers have far greater resources than we do, including greater manufacturing capacity and
experience, substantial capital resources, a dedicated sales and marketing force, and well
established sales channels and customer relationships. If we are unable to develop a unique or
competitive product offering, we may not be able to generate sufficient revenues to offset the
costs of developing these non-therapeutic applications for our technologies.
Development of our technologies is subject to, and restricted by, extensive government regulation,
which could impede our business.
Our research and development efforts, as well as any ongoing or future clinical trials, and
the manufacturing and marketing of any products we may develop, will be subject to, and restricted
by, extensive regulation by governmental authorities in the United States and other countries. The
process of obtaining FDA and other necessary regulatory approvals is lengthy, expensive and
uncertain. FDA and other legal and regulatory requirements applicable to the development and
manufacture of the cells and cell lines required for our preclinical and clinical products could
substantially delay or prevent us from producing the cells needed to initiate additional clinical
trials. We or our collaborators may fail to obtain the necessary approvals to commence or continue
clinical testing or to manufacture or market our potential products in reasonable time frames, if
at all. In addition, the U.S. Congress and other legislative bodies may enact regulatory reforms or
restrictions on the development of new therapies that could adversely affect the regulatory
environment in which we operate or the development of any products we may develop.
We base our research and development on the use of human stem and progenitor cells obtained
from human tissue, including fetal tissue. The U.S. federal and state governments and other
jurisdictions impose restrictions on the acquisition and use of fetal tissue, including those
incorporated in federal Good Tissue Practice, or GTP, regulations. These regulatory and other
constraints could prevent us from obtaining cells and other components of our products in the
quantity or quality needed for their development or commercialization, including the
commercialization of certain cell-based research tools. These restrictions change from time to time
and may become more onerous. Additionally, we may not be able to identify or develop reliable
sources for the cells necessary for our potential products that is, sources that follow all
state and federal laws and guidelines for cell procurement. Certain components used to manufacture
our stem and progenitor cell-based therapeutic product candidates will need to be manufactured in
compliance with the FDAs Good Manufacturing Practices, or GMP. Accordingly, at least for our
therapeutic programs, we will need to enter into supply agreements with companies that manufacture
these components to GMP standards.
Noncompliance with applicable requirements both before and after approval, if any, can subject
us, our third party suppliers and manufacturers, and our other collaborators to administrative and
judicial sanctions, such as, among other things, warning letters, fines and other monetary
payments, recall or seizure of products, criminal proceedings, suspension or withdrawal of
regulatory approvals, interruption or cessation of clinical trials, total or partial suspension of
production or distribution, injunctions, limitations on or the elimination of claims we can make
for our products, and refusal of the government to enter into supply contracts or fund research, or
delay in approving or refusal to approve new drug applications.
We are dependent on the services of key personnel.
We are highly dependent on the principal members of our management and scientific staff and
some of our outside consultants, including the members of our scientific advisory board, our chief
executive officer, our vice presidents, and the heads of key departments or functions within the
company. Although we have entered into employment agreements with some of these individuals, they
may terminate their agreements at any time. In addition, our operations are dependent upon our
ability to attract and retain additional qualified scientific and management personnel. We may not
be able to attract and retain the personnel we need on acceptable terms given the competition for
experienced personnel among pharmaceutical, biotechnology and health care companies, universities
and research institutions.
Our activities involve hazardous materials and experimental animal testing; improper handling of
these animals and materials by our employees or agents could expose us to significant legal and
financial penalties.
Our research and development activities involve the controlled use of test animals as well as
hazardous chemicals and potentially hazardous biological materials such as human tissue. Their use
subjects us to environmental and safety laws and regulations such as
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those governing laboratory procedures, exposure to blood-borne pathogens, use of laboratory
animals, and the handling of biohazardous materials. Compliance with current or future laws and
regulations may be expensive and the cost of compliance could adversely affect us.
Although we believe that our safety procedures for using, handling, storing, and disposing of
hazardous and potentially hazardous materials comply with the standards prescribed by applicable
federal, state and local regulations, the risk of accidental contamination or injury from these
materials cannot be eliminated. In the event of such an accident or of any violation of these or
future laws and regulations, the applicable federal, state, or local authorities could curtail our
use of these materials; we could be liable for any civil damages that result, the cost of which
could be substantial; and we could be subjected to substantial fines or penalties. In addition, any
failure by us to control the use, disposal, removal, or storage, or to adequately restrict the
discharge, or to assist in the cleanup, of hazardous chemicals or hazardous, infectious or toxic
substances could subject us to significant liability. Any such liability could exceed our resources
and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of
operations. Moreover, an accident could damage our research and manufacturing facilities and
operations and result in serious adverse effects on our business.
The development, manufacturing and commercialization of cell-based therapeutic products expose us
to product liability claims, which could lead to substantial liability.
By developing and, ultimately, commercializing medical products, we are exposed to the risk of
product liability claims. Product liability claims against us could result in substantial
litigation costs and damage awards against us. We have obtained liability insurance that covers our
clinical trials, and we will need to increase our insurance coverage if and when we begin
commercializing products. We may not be able to obtain insurance on acceptable terms, if at all,
and the policy limits on our insurance policies may be insufficient to cover our liability.
The manufacture of cell-based products is novel, highly regulated, critical to our business, and
dependent upon specialized key materials.
The proliferation and manufacture of cell-based products are complicated and difficult
processes, dependent upon substantial know-how and subject to the need for continual process
improvements to be competitive. Our manufacturing experience is limited and the technologies are
comparatively new. In addition, our ability to scale-up manufacturing to satisfy the various
requirements of our planned clinical trials, such as GTP, GMP and release testing requirements, is
unproven and uncertain. Manufacturing disruptions may occur and despite efforts to regulate and
control all aspects of manufacturing, the potential for human or system failure remains.
Manufacturing irregularities or lapses in quality control could have a serious adverse effect on
our reputation and business, which could cause a significant loss of stockholder value. Many of the
materials that we use to prepare our cell-based products are highly specialized, complex and
available from only a limited number of suppliers or derived from a biological origin. At present,
some of our material requirements are single sourced, and the loss of one or more of these sources
may adversely affect our business if we are unable to obtain alternatives or alternative sources at
all or upon terms that are acceptable to us.
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Because health care insurers and other organizations may not pay for our products or may impose
limits on reimbursements, our ability to become profitable could be adversely affected.
In both domestic and foreign markets, sales of potential therapeutic products are likely to
depend in part upon the availability and amounts of reimbursement from third-party health care
payor organizations, including government agencies, private health care insurers and other health
care payors, such as health maintenance organizations and self-insured employee plans. There is
considerable pressure to reduce the cost of therapeutic products. Government and other third party
payors are increasingly attempting to contain health care costs by limiting both coverage and the
level of reimbursement for new therapeutic products and by refusing, in some cases, to provide any
coverage for uses of approved products for disease indications for which the FDA or other relevant
authority has not granted marketing approval. Moreover, in some cases, government and other third
party payors have refused to provide reimbursement for uses of approved products for disease
indications for which the FDA or other relevant authority has granted marketing approval.
Significant uncertainty exists as to the reimbursement status of newly approved health care
products or novel therapies such as ours. Even if we obtain regulatory approval to market our
products, we can give no assurance that reimbursement will be provided by such payors at all or
without substantial delay or, if such reimbursement is provided, that the approved reimbursement
amounts will be sufficient to enable us to sell products we develop on a profitable basis. Changes
in reimbursement policies could also adversely affect the willingness of pharmaceutical companies
to collaborate with us on the development of our cellular technologies. In certain foreign markets,
pricing or profitability of prescription pharmaceuticals is subject to government control. We also
expect that there will continue to be a number of federal and state proposals to implement
government control over health care costs. Efforts to change regulatory and reimbursement standards
are likely to continue in future legislative sessions. We do not know what legislative proposals
federal or state governments will adopt or what actions federal, state or private payors for health
care goods and services may take in response to such proposals or legislation. We cannot predict
the effect of government control and health care reimbursement practices on our business.
Ethical and other concerns surrounding the use of stem or progenitor-based cell therapy may
negatively affect regulatory approval or public perception of our product candidates, which could
reduce demand for our products or depress our stock price.
The use of stem cells for research and therapy has been the subject of debate regarding
related ethical, legal and social issues. Although these concerns have mainly been directed to the
use of embryonic stem cells, which we presently are not developing as potential therapeutic product
candidates, the distinction between embryonic and non-embryonic stem cells is frequently
overlooked. Moreover, our use of human stem or progenitor cells from fetal sources might raise
these or similar concerns. Negative public attitudes toward stem cell therapy could result in
greater governmental regulation of stem cell therapies, which could harm our business. For example,
concerns regarding such possible regulation could impact our ability to attract collaborators and
investors. Also, existing regulatory constraints on the use of embryonic stem cells may in the
future be extended to use of fetal stem cells, and these constraints might prohibit or restrict us
from conducting research or from commercializing products. Existing and potential U.S. government
regulation of embryonic tissue may lead researchers to leave the field of stem cell research or the
country altogether, in order to assure that their careers will not be impeded by restrictions on
their work. Similarly, these factors may induce graduate students to choose other fields less
vulnerable to changes in regulatory oversight, thus exacerbating the risk that we may not be able
to attract and retain the scientific personnel we need in face of the competition among
pharmaceutical, biotechnology and health care companies, universities and research institutions for
what may become a shrinking class of qualified individuals.
Restrictions on the use of human embryonic stem cells, including public and political
opposition to the use of these cells, could harm our business.
Some of our research includes testing cells derived from embryonic tissue. While we are not
developing human embryonic stem cells as potential therapeutic products, legal restrictions on the
use of human embryonic stem cells could impede our ability to develop worthwhile non-therapeutic
products for research. In addition, the use of these cells could give rise to ethical and social
commentary adverse to us, which could harm the market price of our common stock. Additional
government-imposed restrictions on the use of embryos or human embryonic stem cells in research and
development could also cause an adverse effect on us by harming our ability to establish important
partnerships or collaborations, delaying or preventing the development of certain non-therapeutic
products, and causing a decrease in the price of our stock or by otherwise making it more difficult
for us to raise additional capital. These risks could have unanticipated adverse consequences on
our business, including on both our therapeutic and non-therapeutic programs.
Our corporate documents and Delaware law contain provisions that could make it difficult for us to
be acquired in a transaction that might be beneficial to our stockholders.
Our board of directors has the authority to issue shares of preferred stock and to fix the
rights, preferences, privileges, and restrictions of these shares without stockholder approval.
These provisions in our corporate documents, along with certain provisions under Delaware law, may
make it more difficult for a third party to acquire us or discourage a third party from attempting
to acquire us, even if the acquisition might be beneficial to our stockholders.
36
Risks Related to the Securities Market
Our stock price has been, and will likely continue to be, highly volatile, which may negatively
affect our ability to obtain additional financing in the future.
The market price per share of our common stock has been and is likely to continue to be highly
volatile due to the risks and uncertainties described in this section of this Annual Report on Form
10-K, as well as other factors, including:
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our ability to develop and test our technologies; |
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our ability to patent or obtain licenses to necessary technologies; |
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conditions and publicity regarding the industry in which we operate, as well as the
specific areas our product candidates seek to address; |
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competition in our industry; |
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economic and other external factors or other disasters or crises; |
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price and volume fluctuations in the stock market at large that are unrelated to our
operating performance; and |
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comments by securities analysts, or our failure to meet market expectations. |
Over the two-year period ended March 31, 2009, the trading price of our common stock as
reported on the Nasdaq Global Market ranged from a high of $3.09 to a low of $0.66 per share. As a
result of this volatility, an investment in our stock is subject to substantial risk. Furthermore,
the volatility of our stock price could negatively impact our ability to raise capital or acquire
businesses or technologies.
We are contractually obligated to issue shares in the future, diluting the interest of current
stockholders.
As of March 31, 2009, there were outstanding warrants to purchase 11,425,354 shares of our
common stock, at a weighted average exercise price of $2.26 per share, outstanding options to
purchase 8,355,287 shares of our common stock, at a weighted average exercise price of $2.32 per
share, and outstanding restricted stock units for 1,350,000 shares of our common stock. Moreover,
we expect to issue additional options to purchase shares of our common stock to compensate
employees, consultants and directors, and may issue additional shares to raise capital, to acquire
other companies or technologies, to pay for services, or for other corporate purposes. Any such
issuances will have the effect of diluting the interest of current stockholders.
ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
None.
ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
None.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
None.
ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION
In May 2009, we terminated an agreement to purchase a building in Sunnyvale, California which
we had entered into with North Pastoria Sunnyvale, LLC in
March 2009. Our obligation to purchase the building was subject to
due diligence and other pre-closing conditions, and we decided not to
purchase the building.
37
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS
Exhibit 31.1 Certification of Martin McGlynn under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Exhibit 31.2 Certification of Rodney K. B. Young under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of
2002
Exhibit 32.1 Certification of Martin McGlynn Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, As Adopted
Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Exhibit 32.2 Certification of Rodney K. B. Young Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, As Adopted
Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
38
SIGNATURE
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.
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STEMCELLS, INC.
(name of Registrant)
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May 7, 2009 |
/s/ Rodney K. B. Young
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Rodney K. B. Young |
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Chief Financial Officer |
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39
Exhibit Index
Exhibit 31.1 Certification of Martin McGlynn under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Exhibit 31.2 Certification of Rodney K. B. Young under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of
2002
Exhibit 32.1 Certification of Martin McGlynn Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, As Adopted
Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Exhibit 32.2 Certification of Rodney K. B. Young Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, As Adopted
Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
40
exv31w1
Exhibit 31.1
CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
UNDER SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT
I, Martin McGlynn, certify that:
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(1) |
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I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of StemCells, Inc.; |
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(2) |
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Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact
or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the
circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the
period covered by this report; |
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(3) |
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Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included
in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of
operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this
quarterly report; |
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(4) |
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The registrants other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and
maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e)
and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act
Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have: |
(a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls
and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information
relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by
others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being
prepared;
(b) designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal
control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable
assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial
statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
(c) evaluated the effectiveness of the registrants disclosure controls and procedures
and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure
controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such
evaluation; and
(d) disclosed in this report any change in the registrants internal control over
financial reporting that occurred during the registrants most recent fiscal quarter (the
registrants fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially
affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrants internal control
over financial reporting; and
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(5) |
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The registrants other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent
evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrants auditors and the
audit committee of the registrants board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent
functions): |
(a) all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of
internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the
registrants ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
(b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who
have a significant role in the registrants internal control over financial reporting.
Date:
May 7, 2009
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/s/ Martin McGlynn
Martin McGlynn
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President and Chief Executive Officer |
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exv31w2
Exhibit 31.2
CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
UNDER SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT
I, Rodney K. B. Young, certify that:
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(1) |
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I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of StemCells, Inc.; |
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(2) |
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Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact
or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the
circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the
period covered by this report; |
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(3) |
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Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included
in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of
operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this
quarterly report; |
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(4) |
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The registrants other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and
maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e)
and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act
Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have: |
(a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls
and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information
relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by
others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being
prepared;
(b) designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal
control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable
assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial
statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
(c) evaluated the effectiveness of the registrants disclosure controls and procedures
and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure
controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such
evaluation; and
(d) disclosed in this report any change in the registrants internal control over
financial reporting that occurred during the registrants most recent fiscal quarter (the
registrants fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially
affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrants internal control
over financial reporting; and
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(5) |
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The registrants other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent
evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrants auditors and the
audit committee of the registrants board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent
functions): |
(a) all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of
internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the
registrants ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
(b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who
have a significant role in the registrants internal control over financial reporting.
Date:
May 7, 2009
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/s/ Rodney K. B. Young
Rodney K. B. Young
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Chief Financial Officer |
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exv32w1
Exhibit 32.1
Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, As Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
In connection with the StemCells, Inc. (the Company) quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the period
ending March 31, 2009 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the
Report), I, Martin McGlynn, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify
pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of
2002, that, to the best of my knowledge:
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(1) |
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The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and |
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(2) |
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The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the
financial condition and results of operations of the Company. |
A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to StemCells,
Inc. and will be retained by StemCells, Inc. and furnished to the Securities and Exchange
Commission or its staff upon request.
Date:
May 7, 2009
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/s/ Martin McGlynn
Martin McGlynn
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President and Chief Executive Officer |
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exv32w2
Exhibit 32.2
Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, As Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
In connection with the StemCells, Inc. (the Company) quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the period
ending March 31, 2009 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the
Report), I, Rodney K. B. Young, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify pursuant to 18
U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to
the best of my knowledge:
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(1) |
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The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and |
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(2) |
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The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the
financial condition and results of operations of the Company. |
A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to StemCells,
Inc. and will be retained by StemCells, Inc. and furnished to the Securities and Exchange
Commission or its staff upon request.
Date:
May 7, 2009
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/s/ Rodney K. B. Young
Rodney K. B. Young
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Chief Financial Officer |
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