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| PRTX.OB > SEC Filings for PRTX.OB > Form 10-Q on 15-Oct-2009 | All Recent SEC Filings |
15-Oct-2009
Quarterly Report
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the Company's unaudited financial statements and related notes included in Item 1, "Financial Statements," of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, as well as the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2009. This discussion, as well as the remainder of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, may contain forward-looking statements that are not historical facts and that are intended to be covered by the safe harbor for forward-looking statements provided by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "believe," "expect," "may," "will," "should," "intend," "anticipate" or the negative thereof or comparable terminology, and include discussions of matters such as anticipated financial performance, liquidity and capital resources, business prospects, technological developments, new and existing products, regulatory approvals and research and development activities. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expected. Please see the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2009 and other documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission for additional disclosures regarding potential risk factors that may cause the Company's actual results and experience to differ materially from those contained in such forward-looking statements.
Overview
As of the date of this Report, the Company has no employees and insufficient funds to cover future clinical trials and Chemistry, Manufacturing and Control or CMC related expenses. The Company has suspended or ceased all operations.
These matters raise substantial doubt about the ability of the Company to continue as a going concern.
We are a development stage company which has been engaged in developing a class of biopharmaceutical drugs for treating autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Our lead product, PRTX-100, has demonstrated effectiveness in pre-clinical studies in regulating the immune system with persisting effects. The effectiveness of PRTX-100 shown in pre-clinical studies using animal models may not be predictive of the results that we would see in future clinical trials. We currently have no product on the market. We initially targeted the autoimmune diseases idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, or ITP and rheumatoid arthritis, or RA.
Favorable pre-clinical safety and efficacy studies for our lead compound, PRTX-100, laid the foundation for the Investigational New Drug Application or IND, for treating RA. We submitted the IND to the United States Food and Drug Administration or FDA in March 2005 and later in March 2005 the FDA verbally disclosed to us that it had placed our IND on clinical hold, pending additional product characterization. In August 2005, we formally replied to the FDA and in September 2005, the FDA notified us that it had lifted the clinical hold on our IND and that our proposed study could proceed. We commenced with our first Phase I clinical trial in December 2005 and completed the Phase I clinical trial in March 2006. This Phase I clinical trial was performed in healthy volunteers, and was designed primarily to assess the safety and tolerability of PRTX-100. The basic safety data demonstrated that PRTX-100 was safe and well tolerated. There were no deaths or serious adverse events. The pharmacokinetic (PK) profile was favorable and the pre-clinical PK data were confirmed by the data in this Phase I clinical trial. In May 2007, we filed an amendment to the IND with the FDA. This amendment included the final Phase I safety study report, CMC update, and a protocol for another Phase I clinical trial.
RA is an autoimmune disease that causes the inflammation of the membrane lining multiple joints, resulting in pain, stiffness, warmth, redness and swelling. The inflamed joint lining, the synovium, can invade and damage bone and cartilage. Inflammatory cells release enzymes and cytokines that may damage bone and cartilage. The involved joint can lose its shape and alignment, resulting in pain and loss of movement. In July 2007, we commenced with an additional Phase I clinical trial designed to gain more detailed information on biomarkers, including gene expression profiling and platelet functional assessments which will allow for more optimized patient selection and targeting in the upcoming clinical trials. This second Phase I clinical trial extended the clinical investigation of PRTX-100 tolerability, PK, and pharmacodynamics, or PD, at higher dose ranges. Dosing was completed in July 2007 and final results indicated that the drug was safe and well tolerated. A Phase Ib randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multiple dose, dose escalation safety and tolerability study of PRTX-100 in combination with methotrexate in patients with active RA in South Africa has been approved.
ITP is an uncommon autoimmune bleeding disorder characterized by too few platelets in the blood. Affected individuals may have bruising, small purple marks on the skin called petechiae, bleeding from the gums after having dental work, nosebleeds or other bleeding that is hard to stop, and in women, heavy menstrual bleeding. Although bleeding in the brain is rare, it can be life threatening if it occurs. The affected individuals make antibodies against their own platelets leading to the platelets' destruction, which in turn leads to the abnormal bleeding. In ITP, we contracted Trident Clinical Research Pty Ltd, a leading Australian clinical research organization, to manage and monitor our first-in-patient ITP clinical trial. This clinical trial is designed to provide initial multiple dose safety and PK data as well as preliminary efficacy information. We have been approved for six sites in Australia and one in New Zealand, all regional referral centers for treatment of chronic ITP, to conduct a repeated dose study of PRTX-100 in chronic ITP patients. This clinical trial began enrolling patients in the second calendar quarter of 2008. In calendar 2008, we enrolled nine patients of which five completed the trial and final results indicated that the drug was safe and well tolerated, although no efficacy data was obtained. Subsequently, the Company obtained protocol approval to increase the dose range. While the Company was actively soliciting patients in calendar 2009 under this new protocol, no patients have been enrolled and none are currently being solicited as of the date of this Report.
As of the date of this Report, the Company has terminated further recruitment of patients for its ITP clinical trials pending the raising of additional funding, the retention of additional clinical personnel and an evaluation of the Company's clinical trial programs.
Our bioregulatory compounds are based on the principle of normalizing the activities of immune cells at a more basic level than traditional pharmaceutical agents, which act upon the end products of complex body functions. In autoimmune disease models, PRTX-100, which is a natural compound, has reversed the pathologic process resulting in a restoration and maintenance of normal healthy tissue. This biotechnology could be applied to a range of serious autoimmune diseases that affect millions of sufferers worldwide, such as pemphigus, systemic lupus erythematosus or lupus, psoriasis, inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, and multiple sclerosis. To date, however, we have not conducted any pre-clinical trials related to the treatment of these diseases and to do so would require substantial additional capital infusions.
Our business and laboratory operations were located in New Hope, Pennsylvania where we continue to maintain our lease. We previously outsourced all of our activities to contract organizations and facilities. For example, we previously refined the manufacturing process of PRTX-100 under Current Good Manufacturing Practice, or cGMP. With all of our operations suspended or ceased, the Company runs the risk of a significant delay in commencing future clinical trial programs due to the lack of adequate clinical trial material.
Our in-house research previously included demonstrating the efficacy of PRTX-100 in well established and characterized animal models of RA and other autoimmune diseases. For example, we have tested PRTX-100 in the murine collagen induced arthritis model, or CIA, which is considered to be a predictive efficacy model for RA in humans. This is the model that was used to test the efficacy of the FDA approved drug, etanercept, or EnbrelŪ. PRTX-100 has also demonstrated its efficacy in an animal model of systemic lupus erythematosus. Additionally, our laboratory personnel have developed a pre-clinical ITP model with data showing that PRTX-100 inhibits the phagocytosis (ingestion) of platelets in vitro. Platelet phagocytosis is the effector limb of ITP.
We have concluded eight private placements of our common stock, raising a total of $42.2 million in the aggregate and carrying us through basic research, pre-clinical and early stage clinical trials. The private placement in July 2006 raised approximately $15.2 million. We have completed two Phase I clinical trials, commenced with the Phase Ib clinical trial for ITP in Australia which as of the date of this Report has been terminated and previously commenced the planning process for a Phase Ib clinical trial for RA in South Africa, which planning process is currently suspended. Without adequate additional financing, however, the Company will be unable to restart and fund a continuance of the FDA approval process.
Critical Accounting Policies
Our financial statements are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Note 2 to the financial statements describes the significant accounting policies and methods used in the preparation of our financial statements.
We have identified the policies below as some of the more critical to our business and the understanding of our financial position and results of operations. These policies may involve a high degree of judgment and complexity in their application and represent the critical accounting policies used in the preparation of our financial statements. Although we believe our judgments and estimates are appropriate and correct, actual future results may differ from estimates. If different assumptions or conditions were to prevail, the results could be materially different from these reported results. The impact and any associated risks related to these policies on our business operations are discussed throughout this report where such policies affect our reported and expected financial results.
The preparation of our financial statements, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities and equity and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of expenses during the reporting period. These estimates have a material impact on our financial statements and are discussed in detail throughout this report.
As part of the process of preparing our financial statements, we are required to estimate income taxes in each of the jurisdictions in which we operate. This process involves estimating actual current tax expense together with assessing temporary differences resulting from differing treatment of items for tax and accounting purposes. These differences result in deferred tax assets and liabilities, which are included within the balance sheet. We must then assess the likelihood that our deferred tax assets will be recovered from future taxable income and to the extent we believe that recovery is not likely, we must establish a valuation allowance. In the event that we determine that we would be able to realize deferred tax assets in the future in excess of the net recorded amount, an adjustment to the deferred tax asset valuation allowance would increase income in the period such determination was made.
We account for our stock option grants under the provisions of SFAS No. 123R, Share-Based Payments ("SFAS 123R"). SFAS 123R requires the recognition of the fair value of share-based compensation in the statements of operations. The fair value of our stock option awards was estimated using a Black-Scholes option valuation model. This model requires the input of highly subjective assumptions and elections in adopting and implementing SFAS 123R, including expected stock price volatility and the estimated life of each award. The fair value of share-based awards is amortized over the vesting period of the award and we have elected to use the straight-line method for awards granted after the adoption of SFAS 123R. Prior to the adoption of SFAS 123R, we accounted for our stock option grants under the provisions of Accounting Principles Board ("APB") Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees ("APB25") and made pro forma footnote disclosures as required by SFAS No. 148, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation-Transition and Disclosure, which amends SFAS No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation.
Results of Operations
Research and Development Expenses - Research and Development expenses were $193,265 and $1,021,498 for the three months ended August 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively. The decrease of $828,233, or 81%, for the three month period was primarily the result of decreased employee compensation and share based compensation expense and a decrease in product manufacturing, formulation and packaging related costs as compared to the same period last year.
There are significant risks and uncertainties inherent in the preclinical and clinical studies associated with our research and development program. These studies may yield varying results that could delay, limit or prevent a program's advancement through the various stages of product development and significantly impact the costs to be incurred, and time involved, in bringing a program to completion. As a result, the costs to complete such programs, as well as the period in which net cash outflows from such programs are expected to be incurred, are not reasonably estimable.
Administrative Expenses - Administrative expenses were $146,190, and $631,831 for the three months ended August 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively. The decrease of $485,641, or 77%, for the three month period was due to decreased employee compensation and share based compensation expense as compared to the same periods last year.
Professional Fees - Professional expenses were $143,129, and $169,587, for the three months ended August 31, 2009 and 2008. The decrease of $26,458, or 16%, for the three month period was due to a decrease in legal, accounting, and consulting fees as compared to the same period last year.
Interest income - Interest income was $332, and $39,051, for the three months ended August 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively. The decrease of $38,719, or 99%, for the three month period was attributed to a decrease in interest bearing cash balances resulting from the use of cash in operations and lower interest rates as compared to the same periods last year.
Net Loss Outlook
We have not generated any product sales revenues, have incurred operating losses since inception and have not achieved profitable operations. Our deficit accumulated during the development stage through August 31, 2009 is $45,067,782, and we expect to continue to incur substantial losses in future periods if additional financing is obtained. We expect that if we obtain additional financing then our operating losses in future periods will be the result of continued research and development expenses relating to PRTX-100, as well as costs incurred in preparation for the potential commercialization of PRTX-100.
In addition to obtaining additional financing, we are highly dependent on the success of our research and development efforts and, ultimately, upon regulatory approval and market acceptance of our products under development, particularly our lead product candidate, PRTX-100. Even if we obtain additional financing, we may never receive regulatory approval for any of our product candidates, generate product sales revenues, achieve profitable operations or generate positive cash flows from operations, and even if profitable operations are achieved, they may not be sustained on a continuing basis.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Since 1999, we have incurred significant losses, and if we obtain additional financing to restart operations, we expect to experience operating losses and negative operating cash flow for the foreseeable future. Historically, our primary source of cash to meet short-term and long-term liquidity needs has been the sale of shares of our common stock. We have issued shares in private placements at a discount to the current market price.
On September 18, 2003, we raised $12,657,599 through the sale of 7,445,646 shares of our common stock at $1.70 per share, with warrants to purchase an additional 3,164,395 shares of our common stock, at an exercise price of $2.40 per share. These warrants expired on September 19, 2008. Net of transaction costs of $1,301,536, our proceeds were $11,356,063.
On May 25, 2005, we raised $5,057,885 through the sale of 2,593,788 shares of our common stock at $1.95 per share, with warrants to purchase an additional 920,121 shares of our common stock, at an exercise price of $2.25 per share. All of these warrants expire on May 25, 2010. Net of transaction costs of $206,717, our proceeds were $4,851,168.
On December 30, 2005, we raised $5,839,059 through the sale of 2,595,132 shares of our common stock at $2.25 per share, with warrants to purchase an additional 648,784 shares of our common stock, at an exercise price of $2.99 per share. We also issued warrants to purchase 227,074 shares of our common stock, at an exercise price of $2.99 per share, to the placement agent. All of these warrants expire on December 30, 2010. Net of transaction costs of approximately $328,118, our proceeds were $5,510,941.
In the fourth fiscal quarter of 2006, existing investors exercised 351,598 warrants which resulted in $786,538 in cash proceeds.
On July 7, 2006, we raised $14,217,660, net of transaction costs of $959,874, through the sale of 6,071,013 shares of our common stock at $2.50 per share, with warrants to purchase an additional 1,517,753 shares of our common stock, at an exercise price of $3.85 per share. We also issued warrants to purchase 531,214 shares of our common stock, at an exercise price of $3.85 per share, to the placement agent. All of these warrants expire on July 7, 2011.
In the first fiscal quarter of 2007, existing investors and option holders exercised 133,500 warrants and 6,000 options which resulted in $315,574 in cash proceeds.
To the extent any further warrants are exercised, we intend to use the proceeds for general working capital and corporate purposes. Currently, however, the exercise price of all of our outstanding warrants as disclosed above are significantly in excess of what our stock has been trading in calendar year 2009 as of the date of this Report.
Net Cash Used In Operating Activities and Operating Cash Flow Requirements Outlook
Our operating cash outflows for the three months ended August 31, 2009 and 2008 have resulted primarily from research and development expenditures associated for PRTX-100 and administrative purposes. If additional financing is obtained, we expect to continue to use cash resources to fund operating losses and expect to continue to incur operating losses in fiscal 2010 and beyond due to continuing research and development activities if our operations are restarted.
Net Cash Used In Investing Activities and Investing Requirements Outlook
We expect to continue to require investments in information technology and laboratory equipment to support our research and development activities. In August 2008, we sold laboratory equipment with net proceeds of $200,000.
Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities and Financing Requirements Outlook
We had no net cash inflows provided by financing activities for the three months ended August 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.
We may never receive regulatory approval for any of our product candidates, generate product sales revenues, achieve profitable operations or generate positive cash flows from operations, and even if profitable operations are achieved, these may not be sustained on a continuing basis. We have invested a significant portion of our time and financial resources since our inception in the development of PRTX-100, and our potential to achieve revenues from product sales in the foreseeable future is dependent largely upon obtaining regulatory approval for and successfully commercializing PRTX-100, especially in the United States. If we obtain additional financing, we expect to continue to use our new cash and investments resources to fund operating and investing activities.
As of August 31, 2009, we had cash and cash equivalents of $1,866,272 and net working capital of $818,285. We have suffered recurring losses from operations and negative cash flows from operating activities. If we had continued operations beyond the end of third calendar quarter, without additional funds from third party sources, we would not have been able to meet our financial obligations. Additional financing or potential sublicensing of PRTX-100 will be required in order to fund and restart our operations. As a result, our independent registered public accounting firm, Grant Thornton LLP, indicated in their report on our 2009 financial statements that there is substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern.
Off Balance Sheet Arrangements and Contractual Obligations
We have entered into the following contractual obligations:
· Employee Agreements-Officers. As previously disclosed in our Form 10-K filed on August 28, 2009, Messers. Kane and Rose voluntarily terminated their employment. Messers. Kane and Rose remain the CEO and CFO, respectively, of the Company. As of the date of this Report, while Mr. Rose has not accepted full time employment elsewhere, Mr. Kane is now currently also the Chairman and CEO of Patient Safety Technologies, Inc.
· Directors Agreements. To attract and retain qualified candidates to serve on the board of directors, we have previously entered into agreements with G. Kirk Raab, Chairman of the Board, Carleton A. Holstrom, Chairman of the Audit Committee, Eugene A. Bauer, MD, Peter G. Tombros, Frank M. Dougherty and Thomas P. Stagnaro under which Messrs. Raab, Holstrom, Dr. Bauer, Mr. Tombros, Mr. Dougherty and Mr. Stagnaro received aggregate annual cash payments aggregating $150,000, $20,000, $20,000, $20,000, $20,000 and $20,000 respectively, as directors' fees. Pursuant to a Cash Waiver & Option Termination Agreement dated April 10, 2009, each of the outside Directors of the Company, G. Kirk Raab, Carleton A. Holstrom, Eugene A. Bauer, MD, Peter G. Tombros, Frank M. Dougherty and Thomas P. Stagnaro who were entitled to a Director's cash fee agreed to waive all such accrued and unpaid Director cash fees and terminate any rights for further cash fees. For Mr. Raab, those cash fees ceased as of April 1, 2009. For the other Directors, those cash fees ceased as of February 1, 2009. In addition, each of these Directors agreed to terminate immediately all of their existing stock options in the Company (vested and unvested).
· Operating Lease - Office Space. We entered into a three-year operating lease in New Hope, PA for 3,795 square feet of office and laboratory space. The lease commenced on January 9, 2004, and was originally to expire on February 28, 2007. On November 18, 2005, we modified the existing lease which added an additional 2,147 square feet and extended the lease term to January 31, 2008 and on April 30, 2007, we modified the existing lease and extended the lease term to January 31, 2010.
· Operating Lease - Copier. We entered into a sixty-three month operating lease for a multi-function copier. The lease commenced on December 16, 2004 and will expire on March 16, 2010.
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