Amendment: SEC Form 10-Q/A filed by Conduit Pharmaceuticals Inc.
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM
(Mark One)
For the quarterly period ended
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As of May 15, 2024, there were shares of common stock, $0.0001 par value of the registrant issued and outstanding.
CONDUIT PHARMACEUTICALS INC.
Form 10-Q
Table of Contents
EXPLANATORY NOTE
On November 12, 2024, the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company, after discussions with the Company’s management and its independent registered public accounting firm, determined that the Company’s unaudited financial statements included in each of the Company’s Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the periods ending March 31, 2024 (the “Q1 2024 Form 10-Q”) and June 30, 2024 (the “Q2 2024 Form 10-Q”), together (the “Financial Statements” or “Affected Periods”), filed with the SEC on May 15, 2024, and August 12, 2024, respectively, as well as the relevant portions of any communication which describe or are based on the Financial Statements, should no longer be relied upon.
In connection with the preparation of the Company’s financial statements for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, the Company’s management determined that a reclassification was necessary in its previously issued unaudited financial statements, relating solely to the balance sheet, as of March 31, 2024. It was determined that the Company’s deferred commission payable, previously classified as a long term liability, should have been classified as a current liability in the March 31, 2024 condensed consolidated balance sheet. Such reclassification did not have any impact on the total liabilities owed by the Company as of March 31, 2024.
Items Amended in this Filing
This Form 10-Q/A amends and restates the following items included in the original form 10-Q as appropriate to reflect the Restatement and revision of the relevant periods:
| ● | Part I, Item 1-Financial Statements (Unaudited) |
The Company is including with this Form 10-Q/A currently dated certifications of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Interim Chief Financial Officer (Exhibits (Exhibits 31.1, 31.2, 32.1, and 32.2).
Except as discussed above and as further described in Note 2 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-Q/A, the Company has not modified or updated the disclosures presented in the original form 10-Q to reflect events that occurred at a later date or facts that subsequently became known to the Company. Accordingly, forward-looking statements included in this Amendment No.1 may represent management’s views as of the original form 10-Q and should not be assumed to be accurate as of any date thereafter. Disclosures not affected by the Restatement are unchanged and reflect the disclosures made at the time of the original filing. Accordingly, this amended form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with our filings with the SEC subsequent to the date on which we filed the original filing with the SEC.
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (this “Quarterly Report”) for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2024 contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. Instead, they are based only on our current beliefs, expectations, and assumptions regarding the future of our business, future plans and strategies, projections, anticipated events and trends, the economy, and other future conditions. This includes, without limitation, statements regarding the financial position and the plans and objectives of management for our future operations. Such statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. When used in this Quarterly Report, words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “strive,” “would” and similar expressions may identify forward-looking statements, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. Factors that could materially affect our business operations and financial performance and condition include, but are not limited to, those risks and uncertainties described herein under “Item 1A. Risk Factors,” those described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, under “Item 1A. Risk Factors,” filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). You are urged to consider these factors carefully in evaluating the forward-looking statements and are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements are based on information available to us as of the filing date of this Quarterly Report. Unless required by law, we do not intend to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect new information or future events or otherwise. You should, however, review the risk factors we describe in the reports we will file from time to time with the SEC after the date of this Quarterly Report.
This Quarterly Report may also contain market data related to our business and industry. These market data include projections that are based on a number of assumptions. If these assumptions turn out to be incorrect, actual results may differ from the projections based on these assumptions. As a result, our markets may not grow at the rates projected by these data, or at all. The failure of these markets to grow at these projected rates may harm our business, results of operations, financial condition, and the market price of our common stock.
PART I-FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements.
CONDUIT PHARMACEUTICALS INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
March 31, 2024 (unaudited) (As Restated) | December 31, 2023 (audited) | |||||||
| ASSETS | ||||||||
| Current assets | ||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | $ | ||||||
| Prepaid expenses and other current assets | ||||||||
| Total current assets | ||||||||
| Operating lease right-of-use assets, net | ||||||||
| Prepaid expenses and other long-term assets | ||||||||
| Total assets | $ | $ | ||||||
| LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT | ||||||||
| Current liabilities | ||||||||
| Accounts payable | $ | $ | ||||||
| Accrued expenses and other current liabilities | ||||||||
| Convertible promissory note payable | ||||||||
| Operating lease liability, current portion | ||||||||
| Notes payable | ||||||||
| Deferred commission payable | ||||||||
| Total current liabilities | ||||||||
| Derivative warrant liability | ||||||||
| Operating lease liability, non-current portion | ||||||||
| Deferred commission payable | ||||||||
| Total liabilities | ||||||||
| Stockholders’ deficit | ||||||||
| Common stock, par value $; shares authorized at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively, shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively | ||||||||
| Preferred stock, par value $; shares authorized at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023; shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 | ||||||||
| Additional paid-in capital | ||||||||
| Accumulated deficit | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Accumulated other comprehensive income | ||||||||
| Total stockholders’ deficit | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Total liabilities and stockholders’ deficit | $ | $ | ||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
| 1 |
CONDUIT PHARMACEUTICALS INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
(unaudited)
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
| Three Months ended March 31, | ||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | |||||||
| Operating expenses: | ||||||||
| Research and development expenses | $ | $ | ||||||
| General and administrative expenses | ||||||||
| Total operating expenses | ||||||||
| Operating loss | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Other income (expense): | ||||||||
| Other income (expense), net | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Interest income | ||||||||
| Interest expense | ( | ) | ||||||
| Total other (expense) income, net | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Net loss | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | ||
| Basic and diluted earnings/(net loss) per share | $ | ) | $ | ) | ||||
| Basic weighted-average common shares outstanding | ||||||||
| Diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding | ||||||||
| Comprehensive loss: | ||||||||
| Foreign currency translation adjustment | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Total comprehensive loss | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | ||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
| 2 |
CONDUIT PHARMACEUTICALS INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT
(unaudited)
(in thousands, except share amounts)
| Common stock | Additional paid-in | Accumulated | Accumulated other comprehensive | Total stockholders’ | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Shares | Amount | capital | deficit | income | deficit | |||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at January 1, 2024 | $ | | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | $ | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||
| Issuance of Warrants for lock-up | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation | - | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign currency translation adjustment | - | ( | ) | ( | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Net loss | - | ( | ) | ( | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at March 31, 2024 | $ | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | $ | ( | ) | |||||||||||||||
| Common stock | Additional paid-in | Accumulated | Accumulated other comprehensive | Total stockholders’ | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Shares | Amount | capital | deficit | income | deficit | |||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at January 1, 2023 | $ | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | | $ | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||
| Retroactive application of Merger | ( | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Reclassification of additional paid-in capital | - | ( | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Adjusted Balances, beginning of period | $ | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | $ | ( | ) | |||||||||||||||
| Foreign currency translation adjustment | - | ( | ) | ( | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Net loss | - | ( | ) | ( | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at March 31, 2023 | $ | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | $ | ( | ) | |||||||||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
| 3 |
CONDUIT PHARMACEUTICALS INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(unaudited)
(in thousands)
| Three Months ended March 31, | ||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | |||||||
| Cash flows used in operating activities: | ||||||||
| Net loss | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | ||
| Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities: | ||||||||
| Gain on change in fair value of Cizzle option | ( | ) | ||||||
| Change in reserve for related party uncollectible loan | ||||||||
| Loss on change in fair value of convertible notes payable | ||||||||
| Unrealized foreign exchange loss | ||||||||
| Issuance of warrants for lock-up | ||||||||
| Gain on change in fair value of warrants | ( | ) | ||||||
| Stock-based compensation expense | ||||||||
| Non-cash interest expense | ||||||||
| Operating lease obligations | ( | ) | ||||||
| Amortization of financed Directors and Officers insurance | ||||||||
| Changes in operating assets and liabilities: | ||||||||
| Prepaid expenses and other current assets | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Accounts payable | ( | ) | ||||||
| Accrued expenses and other liabilities | ( | ) | ||||||
| Net cash flows used in operating activities | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||
| Cash flows used in investing activities: | ||||||||
| Issuance of loan - related party | ( | ) | ||||||
| Net cash flows used in investing activities | ( | ) | ||||||
| Cash flows provided by financing activities: | ||||||||
| Proceeds from issuance of convertible notes payable, carried at fair value | ||||||||
| Proceeds from issuance of convertible promissory note payable, carried at cost | ||||||||
| Net cash flows provided by financing activities | ||||||||
| Net change in cash and cash equivalents before effect of exchange rate changes | ( | ) | ||||||
| Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents | ( | ) | ||||||
| Net change in cash | ( | ) | ||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period | ||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents at end of period | $ | $ | ||||||
| Supplemental cash flow information: | ||||||||
| Cash paid for interest | $ | $ | ||||||
| Non-cash investing and financing activities | ||||||||
| Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for operating lease liabilities | $ | $ | ||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
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CONDUIT PHARMACEUTICALS INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. Nature of the Business, Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Conduit Pharmaceuticals Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Conduit” or the “Company”), is a clinical-stage specialty biopharmaceutical company that was formed to facilitate the development and commercialization of clinical assets. The Company has developed a unique business model that allows it to act as a conduit to bring clinical assets from pharmaceutical companies and develop new treatments for patients. Our novel approach addresses unmet medical needs and lengthens the intellectual property for our existing assets through cutting-edge solid-form technology and then commercializing these products with life science companies.
The Company’s current development pipeline through a relationship with St George Steet Capital (“St George Street”), a related party (see Note 12), includes a glucokinase activator, which is Phase II ready in autoimmune diseases including uveitis, Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, preterm labor, and renal transplant rejection as well as the Company’s proprietary, patent pending, solid-form compound targeting a wide range of autoimmune diseases. The Company’s development pipeline also includes a potent, irreversible inhibitor of human Myeloperoxidase (MPO) that has the potential to treat idiopathic male infertility.
Merger Agreement
On September 22, 2023 (the “Closing Date”), a merger transaction between Conduit Pharmaceuticals Limited (“Old Conduit”), Murphy Canyon Acquisition Corp (“MURF”) and Conduit Merger Sub, Inc., a Cayman Islands exempted company and a wholly owned subsidiary of MURF (“Merger Sub”), was completed (the “Merger”, see Note 3) pursuant to the initial merger agreement dated November 8, 2022 and subsequent amendments to the merger agreement dated January 27, 2023 and May 11, 2023 (the “Merger Agreement”). Pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement, on the Closing Date, (i) Merger Sub merged with and into Old Conduit, with Old Conduit surviving the merger as a wholly-owned subsidiary of MURF, and (ii) MURF changed its name from Murphy Canyon Acquisition Corp. to Conduit Pharmaceuticals Inc. The common stock of the Company commenced trading on The Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol “CDT” on September 25, 2023, and the Company’s warrants commenced trading on The Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “CDTTW” on September 25, 2023.
The Merger was accounted for as a reverse recapitalization in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). Under the reverse recapitalization method, MURF was treated as the acquired company for financial reporting purposes, and the accounting acquirer was assumed to have issued shares of stock for the net assets of MURF, with no goodwill or other intangible assets recorded. This determination is primarily based on the following predominant factors: (i) post-closing, the Old Conduit stockholders have a majority of the voting power of the combined company and ability to elect the members of the combined company’s Board of Directors (“Board”); (ii) the on-going operations post-merger will comprise those of Old Conduit; and (iii) all of the senior management of the combined company, except for the Chief Financial Officer, will be members of the management of Old Conduit. As a result of the Merger, MURF was renamed “Conduit Pharmaceuticals Inc.” The boards of directors of MURF and Conduit each approved the Merger.
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared by the Company in accordance with U.S. GAAP as set forth by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) and pursuant to the rules and regulations of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). References to U.S. GAAP issued by the FASB in these notes to the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements are to the FASB Accounting Standards Codifications (“ASC”) and Accounting Standards Update (“ASUs”).
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The accompanying interim unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included in this quarterly report have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP and, in the opinion of the Company, contain all adjustments, consisting of only normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair statement of its financial position as of March 31, 2024, and its results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, and cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and March 31, 2023. The condensed consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2023, was derived from the audited annual financial statements but does not contain all of the footnote disclosures from the annual financial statements.
Principles of Consolidation
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries Conduit UK Management Ltd. (United Kingdom) and Conduit Pharmaceuticals, Ltd. (Cayman Islands). As used herein, references to the “Company” include references to Conduit Pharmaceuticals Inc. and its subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Liquidity and Going Concern
In
accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 205-40, Going Concern, the Company has evaluated whether there
are conditions and events, considered in the aggregate, that raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as
a going concern within one year after the date the financial statements are issued. Since its inception, the Company has generated significant
losses and as of March 31, 2024, the Company had an accumulated deficit of $
The
Company completed the Merger that also included a private placement of an aggregate amount of $
The Company’s expectation is to generate operating losses and negative operating cash flows in the future and will need additional funding to support its current business plan. Management’s plans to alleviate the conditions that raise substantial doubt include the pursuit of additional cash resources through public or private equity or debt financings. There is no assurance that such funding will be available when needed or on acceptable terms. If additional funding is not available when required, the Company would need to delay or curtail its operations and its research and development activities until such funding is received, all of which could have a material adverse effect on the Company and its financial condition.
These financial statements have been prepared assuming the Company will continue as a going concern and do not include adjustments to reflect the possible effects on the recoverability and classification of assets or the amounts and classification of liabilities that may result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
Other Risks and Uncertainties
The Company is subject to risks common to companies in the pharmaceutical industry including, but not limited to, uncertainties related to commercialization of competitor products, regulatory approvals, dependence on key products, dependence on key customers and suppliers, and protection of intellectual property rights. Clinical assets currently under development will require significant additional research and development efforts, including extensive preclinical and clinical testing and regulatory approval prior to commercialization. These efforts will require significant amounts of additional capital, adequate personnel, infrastructure, and extensive compliance and reporting capabilities. Even if the Company’s efforts are successful, it is uncertain when, if ever, the Company will realize significant revenue from royalties or product sales.
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The Company relies on agreements with related parties and third parties for the purpose of developing and licensing clinical assets from St George Street and, in turn, St George Street licenses such assets from AstraZeneca. See Note 12. If there is a breach or other termination of such agreements, there could be a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition, operating results, and prospects. In addition, the Company is not a party to the license agreements between St George Street and AstraZeneca. The termination of such third-party agreements could have a material impact on or materially disrupt operations. While the Company holds its own intellectual property outside of the scope of these agreements, termination of such agreements could adversely affect the business and ability to commercialize our clinical assets.
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash
and cash equivalents are primarily maintained with major financial institutions in the United Kingdom and Switzerland. The Company considers
cash equivalents to be short-term, highly liquid investments that (a) are readily convertible into known amounts of cash, (b) are traded
and held for cash management purposes, and (c) have original maturities of three months or less at the time of purchase. The Company’s
Switzerland bank accounts, which hold immaterial cash balances, are uninsured, and the Company’s U.K. bank account, with a balance
at March 31, 2024 of approximately £
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements as well as the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Estimates are based on several factors including the facts and circumstances available at the time the estimates are made, historical experience, risk of loss, general economic conditions and trends, and the assessment of the probable future outcome. Actual results could differ materially from such estimates. Estimates and assumptions are reviewed periodically by management and changes in estimates are made as management becomes aware of changes in circumstances surrounding the estimates. The effects of changes are reflected in the financial statements in the period that they are determined.
Fair Value Measurements
ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. Fair value is to be determined based on the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. In determining fair value, the Company used various valuation approaches. A fair value hierarchy has been established for inputs used in measuring fair value that maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs by requiring that the most observable inputs be used when available. Observable inputs are those that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on market data obtained from sources independent of the Company.
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Unobservable inputs reflect the Company’s assumption about the inputs that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on the best information available in the circumstances. The fair value hierarchy is categorized into three levels, based on the inputs, as follows:
| ● | Level 1-Valuations based on quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets. Since valuations are based on quoted prices that are readily and regularly available in an active market, valuation of these instruments does not entail a significant degree of judgment. | |
| ● | Level 2- Valuations based on observable inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1, such as quoted prices for either similar instruments in active markets, identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active, or model-derived valuations whose inputs or significant value drivers are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data. | |
| ● | Level 3-Valuations based on inputs that are unobservable. These valuations require significant judgment. |
The Company’s Level 1 assets consist of cash and cash equivalents in the accompanying balance sheets, convertible notes payable and the value of accrued expenses and other current liabilities approximate fair value due to the short-term nature of these assets and liabilities.
As of March 31, 2024, the Company has one financial liability, a warrant liability for which the fair value is determined based on Level 2 inputs as such inputs are valued based on observable inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1, such as quoted prices for either similar instrument in active markets. See Note 4 for further information on the Company’s financial liabilities carried at fair value.
Research and Development and Funding
Research and development expenses consist primarily of costs incurred in connection with the research and development of our clinical assets and programs. Funding expenses consist primarily of costs incurred in connection with the Company providing funding to St George Street to carry out its research and development activities. SGSC holds all licenses to conduct clinical research through third party pharmaceutical companies. The Company expenses research and development costs and intangible assets acquired that have no alternative future use as incurred. These expenses include:
| ● | expenses incurred under agreements with organizations that support the Company’s drug discovery and development activities; | |
| ● | expenses incurred in connection with the preclinical and clinical development of the Company’s clinical assets and programs, including under agreements with contract research organizations, or CROs; | |
| ● | costs related to contract manufacturing organizations, or CMOs, that are primarily engaged to provide drug substance and product for our clinical trials, research and development programs, as well as investigative sites and consultants that conduct the Company’s clinical trials, nonclinical studies and other scientific development services; | |
| ● | the costs of acquiring and manufacturing nonclinical and clinical trial materials, including manufacturing registration and validation batches; | |
| ● | employee-related expenses, including salaries, related benefits and equity-based compensation expense, for employees engaged in research and development functions; | |
| ● | costs related to compliance with quality and regulatory requirements; | |
| ● | payments made under third-party licensing agreements; and | |
| ● | direct and allocated costs related to facilities, information technology, personnel and other overhead. |
Advance payments that we make for goods or services to be received in the future for use in research and development activities are recorded as prepaid expenses. Such amounts are recognized as an expense as the goods are delivered or consumed or the related services are performed, or until it is no longer expected that the goods will be delivered, or the services rendered.
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General and Administrative Expenses
General and administrative expenses consist primarily of salaries and related costs for personnel in executive management, finance, corporate and business development, and administrative functions. General and administrative expenses also include legal fees relating to patent and corporate matters; professional fees for accounting, auditing, tax, and administrative consulting services; insurance costs; administrative travel expenses and other operating costs.
Income Taxes
ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes, sets forth standards for financial presentation and disclosure of income tax liabilities and expense. Interest and penalties recognized have been classified in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations and Comprehensive Loss as income taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for future tax consequences attributable to temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amount of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating losses carried forward. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations and Comprehensive Loss in the period that includes the enactment date. The measurement of deferred tax assets is reduced, if necessary, by a valuation allowance for any tax benefits of which future realization is uncertain.
In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, which introduces new income tax disclosure requirements. The standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024, with early adoption permitted. After reviewing the provisions of the new standard, the Company has determined that these changes will not materially affect our financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows as presented in our financial statements.
The Company calculates basic and diluted earnings/(net loss) per share under ASC Topic 260, Earnings Per Share. Basic earnings/(net loss) per share is computed by dividing the net income/(loss) by the number of weighted-average common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings/(net loss) is computed by adjusting net income/(loss) based on the impact of any dilutive instruments. Diluted earnings/(net loss) per share is computed by dividing the diluted net income/(loss) by the number of weighted-average common shares outstanding for the period including the effect, if dilutive, of any instruments that can be settled in common shares. When computing diluted net income/(loss) per share, the numerator is adjusted to eliminate the effects that have been recorded in net income/(loss) (net of tax, if any) attributable to any liability-classified dilutive instruments.
Warrants
The Company determines the accounting classification of warrants as either liability or equity by first assessing whether the Warrants meet liability classification in accordance with ASC 480, Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity (“ASC 480”). Under ASC 480, a financial instrument that embodies an unconditional obligation, or a financial instrument other than an outstanding share that embodies a conditional obligation, that the issuer must or may settle by issuing a variable number of its equity shares must be classified as a liability (or an asset in some circumstances) if, at inception, the monetary value of the obligation is based solely or predominantly on any one of the following: (a) a fixed monetary amount known at inception; (b) variations in something other than the fair value of the issuer’s equity shares; or (c) variations inversely related to changes in the fair value of the issuer’s equity shares. The Company determined that the warrants should not be classified as liabilities under ASC 480.
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If financial instruments, such as the warrants, are not required to be classified as liabilities under ASC 480, the Company assesses whether such instruments are indexed to the Company’s own stock under ASC 815-40. In order for an instrument to be considered indexed to an entity’s own stock, its settlement amount must always equal the difference between the following: (a) the fair value of a fixed number of the Company’s equity shares, and (b) a fixed monetary amount or a fixed amount of a debt instrument issued by the Company.
Equity classified warrants are recorded in stockholders’ deficit and liability classified warrants are recorded as liabilities within the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The liability classified warrants are remeasured each period with changes recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss.
Foreign Currency Translation
The Company translated the assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries from their respective functional currency, the British pound, to United States dollars at the appropriate spot rates as of the balance sheet date. Income and expenses of operations are translated to United States dollars using weighted average exchange rates during the year. The foreign subsidiaries use the local currency as their functional currency. The effects of foreign currency translation adjustments are included as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income in the accompanying consolidated statements of changes in stockholders’ deficit. Non-monetary items in the subsidiaries’ functional currency are re-measured into the reporting currency at the historical exchange rate (i.e., the rate of exchange at the date of the transaction).
2. Restatement and Revision of Previously Issued Financial Statements
Restatement of Previously Issued Financial Statements: March 31, 2024
In connection with the preparation of the Company’s financial statements for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, the Company’s management determined that a reclassification was necessary in its previously issued unaudited financial statements, relating solely to the balance sheet, as of March 31, 2024. It was determined that the Company’s deferred commission payable, previously classified as a long term liability, should have been classified as a current liability in the Company’s March 31, 2024 condensed consolidated balance sheet. Such reclassification did not have any impact on the total liabilities owed by the Company as of March 31, 2024. Management has evaluated this change and concluded it was material to the prior period. Therefore, the Company is restating the previously issued unaudited financial statements, and related notes thereto, as of March 31, 2024.
The impact of the errors described above on the condensed consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2024, is as follows:
| As of March 31, 2024 | ||||||||||||
| (Dollar amounts in thousands) | As Previously Reported | Adjustment | As Restated | |||||||||
| Condensed Consolidated Balance | ||||||||||||
| Current liabilities | ||||||||||||
| Deferred commission payable | ||||||||||||
| Total current liabilities | ||||||||||||
| Deferred commission payable | ( | ) | ||||||||||
| Total liabilities | ||||||||||||
Revision of Previously Issued Financials Statements: March 31, 2023
In connection with the preparation of the Company’s financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company’s management identified errors in its previously issued unaudited financial statements as of and for the three months ended March 31, 2023 with respect to how certain expenses relating to the Merger were previously expensed and that as part of the Company’s annual audit it was determined that such expenses should have been capitalized and subsequently recorded against equity and restated such quarterly period in the December 31, 2023 Form 10-K. The accounting for legal costs was deemed to be specific incremental costs directly attributable to the Merger and concurrent PIPE financing (See Note 3). Management has evaluated this correction to the accounting treatment of such costs, which overstated net loss, additional paid in capital, and accumulated deficit and understated prepaid expense, and concluded it was material to the prior quarterly periods, individually and in the aggregate.
| 10 |
| As of March 31, 2023 (Unaudited) | ||||||||||||
| As Previously Reported | Adjustment | As Revised | ||||||||||
| Balance Sheets (in thousands) | ||||||||||||
| Assets | ||||||||||||
| Current assets | ||||||||||||
| Prepaid expenses and other current assets | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Total current assets | ||||||||||||
| Total assets | ||||||||||||
| Stockholders’ deficit | ||||||||||||
| Accumulated deficit | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||
| Total shareholders’ deficit | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||
| Total liabilities and shareholders’ deficit | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||
| For the three months ended March 31, 2023 (Unaudited) | ||||||||||||
| As Previously Reported | Adjustment | As Revised | ||||||||||
| Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss (in thousands) | ||||||||||||
| Operating expenses: | ||||||||||||
| General and administrative expenses | $ | $ | ( | ) | $ | |||||||
| Total operating costs and expenses | ( | ) | ||||||||||
| Operating loss | ( | ) | ( | ) | ||||||||
| Net loss | $ | ( | ) | $ | $ | ( | ) | |||||
| Net loss per share attributable to ordinary shareholders – basic and diluted* | $ | ) | $ | $ | ) | |||||||
| Total Comprehensive Loss | $ | ( | ) | $ | $ | ( | ) | |||||
| * |
T
| As of March 31, 2023 (Unaudited) | ||||||||||||
| As Previously Reported | Adjustment | As Revised | ||||||||||
| Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Deficit (in thousands) | ||||||||||||
| Accumulated deficit | $ | ( | ) | $ | $ | ( | ) | |||||
| Total shareholders’ deficit | $ | ( | ) | $ | $ | ( | ) | |||||
| 11 |
| For the three months ended March 31, 2023 (Unaudited) | ||||||||||||
| As Previously Reported | Adjustment | As Revised | ||||||||||
| Statements of Cash Flows (in thousands) | ||||||||||||
| Cash flows from operating activities: | ||||||||||||
| Net loss | $ | ( | ) | ( | ) | |||||||
| Changes in operating assets and liabilities: | ||||||||||||
| Prepaid expenses and other current assets | $ | ( | ) | ( | ) | |||||||
3. Merger
As discussed in Note 1, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies,” on September 22, 2023, the Company and MURF completed the Merger. Upon the closing of the Merger, the following occurred:
| ● | Each share of Old Conduit common stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the closing of the Merger, which totaled shares, was exchanged for the right to receive shares of the Company’s Common Stock (“Common Stock”) resulting in the issuance of shares of Conduit Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Common Stock. | |
| ● | In addition to the shares issued to legacy Conduit shareholders noted above, an additional shares of Common Stock was issued to Conduit convertible note holders, resulting in a total of shares of Common Stock being issued to Conduit shareholders and holders of Conduit convertible notes payable. | |
| ● | In
connection with the Merger, share of MURF Class A common stock held by the MURF Sponsor was transferred to MURF Directors.
Each share was exchanged on a | |
| ● | Each share of MURF Class A common stock held by the MURF Sponsor prior to the closing of the Merger, which totaled shares, was exchanged for, on a one-for-one basis for shares of Common Stock. | |
| ● | Each share of MURF common stock subject to possible redemption that was not redeemed prior to the closing of the Merger, which totaled shares, was exchanged for, on a one-for-one basis for shares of Common Stock. | |
| ● | In connection with the Merger, shares of MURF Class B common stock held by the Sponsor was automatically converted into shares of MURF Class A common stock and then subsequently converted into shares of Common Stock on a one-for-one basis. |
| 12 |
| ● | In
connection with the Merger, A.G.P./Alliance Global Partners (“A.G.P.”), whom acted as a financial advisor to both MURF
and Conduit, was due to receive (i) a cash fee of $ | |
| ● | In
connection with the Merger, MURF entered into subscription agreements (the “Subscription Agreements”) with certain accredited
investors (the “PIPE Investors”) for an aggregate of units, with each
unit consisting of one share of Company common stock (the “PIPE Shares”), together with one warrant exercisable into
one share of Company common stock (the “PIPE Warrants”), at a purchase price of $ per unit, for an aggregate purchase
price of $ | |
| ● | The
proceeds received by the Company from the Merger and PIPE Financing, net of transaction costs, totaled $ |
The following table presents the total Common Stock outstanding immediately after the closing of the Merger:
| Number
of Shares | ||||
| Exchange of MURF common stock subject to possible redemption for Conduit Pharmaceuticals Inc. common stock | ||||
| Exchange of MURF Class A common stock held by MURF Directors for Conduit Pharmaceuticals Inc. common stock | ||||
| Exchange of MURF Class A common stock held by MURF Sponsor for Conduit Pharmaceuticals Inc. common stock | ||||
| Subtotal - Merger, net of redemptions | ||||
| Issuance of Conduit Pharmaceuticals Inc. common stock in connection with PIPE Financing | ||||
| Exchange of Conduit Pharmaceuticals Limited ordinary shares for Conduit Pharmaceuticals Inc. common stock on the Closing Date | ||||
| Issuance of Conduit Pharmaceuticals Inc. common stock to holders of Conduit Pharmaceuticals Limited convertible notes on the Closing Date | ||||
| Issuance of Conduit Pharmaceuticals Inc. common stock to an advisor for services directly related to the Merger | ||||
| Total - Conduit Pharmaceuticals Inc. common stock outstanding as a result of the Merger, PIPE Financing, exchange of Conduit Pharmaceuticals Limited shares for shares of Conduit Pharmaceuticals Inc., issuance of Conduit Pharmaceuticals Inc. common stock to holders of Conduit Pharmaceuticals Limited convertible notes, and advisors. | ||||
| 13 |
4. Fair Value
The following table presents as of March 31, 2024 the Company’s liabilities subject to measurement at fair value on a recurring basis (in thousands):
| Fair Value Measurements as of March 31, 2024 | ||||||||||||||||
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | |||||||||||||
| Liabilities: | ||||||||||||||||
| Derivative warrant Liability | ||||||||||||||||
| Total Liabilities | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
The following table presents as of December 31, 2023 the Company’s liabilities subject to measurement at fair value on a recurring basis (in thousands):
| Fair Value Measurements as of December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | |||||||||||||
| Liabilities: | ||||||||||||||||
| Derivative warrant liability | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
| Total Liabilities | $ | $ | $ | $ | ||||||||||||
The warrants issued to the PIPE Investor and an advisor in connection with the Merger are accounted for as liabilities in accordance with ASC 815-40 and are presented within Warrant liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. The measurements of the liability classified warrants are classified as Level 2 fair value measurements due to the use of an observable market quote for the Company’s publicly traded warrants, which are considered to be a similar asset in an active market.
The warrant liabilities are calculated by multiplying the quoted market price of the Company’s publicly traded warrants by the number of liability classified warrants.
During the period ended March 31, 2024, there were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2, nor into or out of Level 3.
5. Balance Sheet Details
Current assets consisted of the following as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 (in thousands):
| As of March 31, | As of December 31, | |||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | |||||||
| Prepaid directors and officers insurance | $ | $ | ||||||
| Prepaid Expenses | ||||||||
| Other Current Assets | ||||||||
| Total prepaid expenses and other current assets | $ | $ | ||||||
Accrued Expenses and other current liabilities consisted of the following as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 (in thousands):
| As of March 31, | As of December 31, | |||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | |||||||
| Accrued Professional Fees | $ | $ | ||||||
| Accrued Payroll | ||||||||
| Accrued Interest | ||||||||
| Accrued Expenses | ||||||||
| Total accrued expenses and other current liabilities | $ | $ | ||||||
| 14 |
6. Convertible Notes Payable
On
May 27, 2021, the Company approved a Master Convertible Loan Note Instrument (the “2021 Convertible Loan Note Instrument”),
permitting the Company to issue convertible notes in a maximum aggregate principal amount of up to $
On
November 1, 2022, the Company approved a master Convertible Loan Note Instrument (the “2022 Convertible Loan Note Instrument”),
permitting the Company to issue convertible notes payable for a maximum aggregate principal amount of up to $
During January and February 2023, under the terms of the 2022 Convertible Loan Note Instrument, the Company issued convertible notes payable with an aggregate principal amount of $ million (£ million) to non-related third parties.
As
discussed in Note 15, “Related Party Transactions,” during January and February 2023, under the terms of the 2022 Convertible
Loan Note Instrument, the Company issued convertible notes payable with an aggregate principal amount of $
The Company elected to fair value the convertible notes payable issued under the 2021 and 2022 Convertible Loan Note Instruments. At the end of each reporting period, the Company calculated the fair value of the convertible notes payable, and any changes in fair value are reported in other income (expense), net, in the current period’s unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations and Comprehensive Loss. There has been no change in fair value from a change in credit quality.
For
the three months ended March 31, 2023, the Company recorded a $
On September 22, 2023, as discussed in Note 3, “Merger,” the Company and MURF completed the Merger, at which point all outstanding convertible notes issued under the 2021 and 2022 Convertible Loan Instruments converted into shares of Common Stock.
Convertible Promissory Notes Payable
During
March 2023, the Company issued a convertible promissory note payable with an aggregate principal amount of $
7. Loans Payable
On
May 1, 2022, the Company entered into Loan Agreements (the “Loans”) with two lenders, totaling $
| 15 |
8. Deferred Commission Payable
As
discussed in Note 3, A.G.P was a financial advisor to both the MURF and Old Conduit in connection with the Merger transaction. Upon the
completion of the Merger, A.G.P.: (i) received a cash fee of $
On September 22, 2023, in connection with the Merger, the Company adopted the Conduit Pharmaceuticals Inc. 2023 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2023 Plan”). The 2023 Plan became effective upon the closing of the Merger. The 2023 Plan initially provides for the issuance of up to shares of Common Stock. Pursuant to the Plan Evergreen Provision, the number of shares of Common Stock available for issuance under the 2023 Plan was increased by shares of common stock effective January 1, 2024. The number of authorized shares will automatically increase on January 1, 2025 and continuing annually on each anniversary thereof through (and including) January 1, 2033, equal to the lesser of (i) % of the Shares outstanding on the last day of the immediately preceding fiscal year and (ii) such smaller number of Shares as determined by the Board or the Committee. The 2023 Plan allows for awards to be issued to employees and non-employee directors in the form of options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance stock units, dividend equivalents, other stock-based, or other cash-based awards. As of March 31, 2024, there were shares of Common Stock available for issuance under the 2023 Plan.
During the quarter ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, there was $ million and nil in stock-based compensation expense recognized within General and Administrative expenses on the consolidated statements of operations and Comprehensive Loss, respectively, related to the RSUs and Stock Options granted since the Merger.
Restricted Stock
In connection with the Merger, as discussed in Notes 1 and 3, and by Unanimous Written Consent of the Board of Directors, the Chief Financial Officer of Conduit Pharmaceuticals, Inc. was granted restricted stock units (“RSUs”) on December 1, 2023 at a weighted average grant date fair value of $. The RSUs vest in equal annual installments on the first three anniversaries of the closing of the Merger. No additional RSU’s were granted during the quarter ended March 31, 2024. RSUs were vested as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023.
As of March 31, 2024 there was $ million of total unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested restricted stock awards, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average vesting period of years.
| 16 |
Stock Options
The Company estimates the fair value of each option award on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The Company then recognizes the grant date fair value of each option as compensation expense ratably using the straight-line attribution method over the service period (generally the vesting period). The Black-Scholes model incorporates the following assumptions:
| ● | Expected volatility – the Company estimates the volatility of the share price of their peer companies at the date of grant using a “look-back” period which coincides with the expected term, defined below. The Company believes using a “look-back” period which coincides with the expected term is the most appropriate measure for determining expected volatility. | |
| ● | Expected term – the Company estimates the expected term using the “simplified” method outlined in SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 107, “Share-Based Payment.” | |
| ● | Risk-free interest rate – the Company estimates the risk- free interest rate using the U.S. Treasury Yield curve for periods equal to the expected term of the options in effect at the time of grant. | |
| ● | Dividends – the Company uses an expected dividend yield of zero because the Company has not declared nor paid a cash dividend, nor are there any plans to declare a dividend. |
The Company did not grant stock options during the three months ended March 31, 2024 or March 31, 2023.
The Company accounts for forfeitures as they occur, which may result in the reversal of compensation costs in subsequent periods as the forfeitures arise.
| Number of Options | Weighted Average Exercise Price | Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (years) | Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in thousands) | |||||||||||||
| Outstanding at December 31, 2023 | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
| Granted | $ | - | $ | - | ||||||||||||
| Cancelled/forfeited | $ | - | $ | - | ||||||||||||
| Exercised | $ | - | $ | - | ||||||||||||
| Outstanding at March 31, 2024 | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
| Exercisable | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
| Unvested | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
The aggregate intrinsic value of options is calculated as the difference between the exercise price of the underlying options and the fair value of the Company’s common stock for those options that had exercise prices lower than the fair value of the Company’s common stock. As of March 31, 2024, the total compensation cost related to non-vested option awards not yet recognized was $ million with a weighted average remaining vesting period of years.
10. Income Taxes
For
the three months ended March 31, 2024, and 2023, the Company’s effective tax rate was
| 17 |
| For the three months ended March 31, | ||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | |||||||
| Numerator: | ||||||||
| Net loss - basic | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | ||
| Less: Change in fair value and income impact of Cizzle option liability | ( | ) | ||||||
| Net loss - diluted | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | ||
| Denominator: | ||||||||
| Weighted average common stock outstanding, basic | ||||||||
| Add: Cizzle option liability shares | ||||||||
| Weighted average shares used in computing net loss per share - diluted | ||||||||
| Net loss per share attributable to common shareholders, basic | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | ||
| Net income loss per share attributable to common shareholders, diluted | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | ||
| As of March 31, | As of March 31, | |||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | |||||||
| Equity classified warrants | ||||||||
| Liability classified warrants | ||||||||
| Convertible notes payable | ||||||||
Stock options | ||||||||
| Convertible promissory notes payable | ||||||||
| Restricted stock units | ||||||||
| Antidilutive Securities | ||||||||
| 18 |
12. Related Party Transactions
Corvus Capital Limited
Corvus Capital Limited (“Corvus”) is a significant investor in the Company through subscribing to common shares prior to the closing of the Merger on September 22, 2023. As discussed in Note 3, the shares held by Corvus on the closing date of the Merger were exchanged for shares of Conduit Pharmaceuticals Inc. common stock. The Chief Executive Officer of Corvus is a member of Conduit’s board of directors. In conjunction with the execution of the PIPE Subscription Agreement, Corvus Capital and its affiliates entered into a participation and inducement agreement with the Private Placement Investor whereby Corvus agreed to provide certain payments and economic benefits to such investor in the event Corvus Capital sold or pledged in a debt transaction any of the shares it was receiving in the Business Combination. In certain circumstances, such investor may have a right to cause Corvus Capital to transfer certain of its shares to such investor.
For
the period ended March 31, 2024, the Company incurred travel expenses on behalf of the CEO of Corvus of approximately $
As of March 31,2024, and December 31, 2023, the Company did not owe the CEO of Corvus any director’s fees as the CEO of Corvus and the Company agreed to cease director’s fees to the CEO of Corvus effective at the closing of the Merger.
As
of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the Company paid fees to an employee of Corvus of approximately $
During
January and February 2023, under the terms of the 2022 Convertible Loan Note Instrument, the Company issued convertible notes payable
with an aggregate principal amount of $
| 19 |
St George Street Capital
St
George Street Capital is a significant investor in the Company through subscribing to
On March 26, 2021, the Company entered into the Exclusive Funding Agreement (“Funding Agreement”) with St George Street Capital. Under the agreement, the Company has the first exclusive right, but not the obligation, to provide or procure funding for the performance of a drug discovery and/or development project that St George Street wishes to undertake (each a “Project”) in consideration for a share of the Net Revenue, as defined in respect to each Project (each a “Project Option”). St George Street must notify the Company in writing of each Project St George Street wishes to undertake (each a “Project Notice”). Within 90 days of a Project Notice, the Company must notify St George Street in writing whether it wishes to exercise its exclusive right to provide all or some of the funding. Such notice exercising the Project Option will specify the source and amount of the required funding the Company will provide. In the event the Company exercises its Project Option, the parties shall come to agreement for the provision of funding for the Project (each a “Project Funding Agreement”). Within 30 days of the entry into any Project Funding Agreement, a joint commercialization committee will be established to oversee the Project. Upon the receipt of any Net Revenue, as defined, St George Street will first pay the expenses it has incurred, and the remaining Net Revenue will be shared between the parties according to the agreed percentage.
We and St George Street have entered into five project funding agreements, which are subject to the terms of the Global Funding Agreement, to develop certain clinical assets that have been licensed to St George Street by AstraZeneca. The project funding agreements relate to:
| ● | AZD1656 for use in renal transplant, | |
| ● | AZD1656 for use in pre-term labor, | |
| ● | AZD1656 for use in Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, | |
| ● | AZD1656 for use in uveitis, and | |
| ● | AZD5904 for use in idiopathic male infertility. |
At present, the Company has not determined whether to fund any of these projects, although its ability to choose to remains at the present time. Subject to the terms of the Global Funding Agreement, and project funding agreements, either we or St George Street may seek funding for projects from third parties.
Pursuant to its terms, the Global Funding Agreement remains effective in respect of each project until the expiration of the right of a party to receive a share of the Net Revenue (as defined in the Global Funding Agreement) pursuant to the Global Funding Agreement. Under certain circumstances, St George Street may terminate a project (i) in the event of a material or persistent breach of the Global Funding Agreement by us, subject to a cure period if the breach is capable of remedy, or (ii) in the event St George Street decides to cease development of a project. If an event of force majeure occurs and continues for a designated period of time, the innocent party may terminate the Global Funding Agreement after a notice period.
| 20 |
Either party may terminate a project if a voluntary arrangement is proposed or approved or an administration order is made, or a receiver or administrative receiver is appointed of any of the other party’s assets or undertakings or a winding-up resolution or petition is passed (otherwise than for the purpose of solvent reconstruction or amalgamation, in particular with respect to any reorganization of the structure of that party) or if any circumstances arise which entitle a court or a creditor to appoint a receiver, administrative receiver or administrator or make a winding-up order or similar or equivalent action is taken against or by that other party by reason of its insolvency or in consequence of debt. Generally, each project funding agreement may be terminated by us if at any time St George Street ceases the conduct of development or commercialization of the relevant products in accordance with the relevant development plan for a designated period of time, provided that the termination is only effective with respect to the specified project and the Global Funding Agreement continues in effect for all other projects. They may also be terminated by either party upon written notice to other party if the other party materially breaches the project funding agreement and does not fully cure the breach to the non-breaching party’s satisfaction within 90 days.
As of March 31, 2024, the Company has not recognized any net revenue from the Global Funding Agreement or project funding agreements.
Related Party Loan
On
August 20, 2022, the Company entered into a loan agreement with St George Street, with a total principal amount of $
13. Other Income (expense), net
The following table presents other income (expense), net, for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 (in thousands):
| For the three months ended March 31, | ||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | |||||||
| Other income: | ||||||||
| Change in fair value of Cizzle option | $ | $ | ||||||
| Gain on change in fair value of warrant | ||||||||
| Interest Income | ||||||||
| Total other income: | ||||||||
| Other expense: | ||||||||
| Change in fair value of convertible notes payable | ||||||||
| Interest Expense on Deferred Commission payable | ||||||||
| Interest expense on convertible promissory note payable | ||||||||
| Unrealized foreign currency transaction loss | ||||||||
| Issuance of Warrants for lock up | ||||||||
| Total other expense | ||||||||
| Total other expense, net | $ | ( | ) | $ | ( | ) | ||
14. Warrants
Upon the closing of the Merger, the Company assumed (i) the warrants initially included in the MURF units issued in MURF’s initial public offering (the “Publicly Traded Warrants”), and (ii) the warrants that were included in the private placement units issued to the Sponsor simultaneously with the closing of MURF’s initial public offering (the “Private Placement Warrants”). In connection with the Merger, the Company also issued warrants to the PIPE Investors (the “PIPE Warrants”) pursuant to the Subscription Agreements and to an advisor (the “A.G.P. Warrants,” and together with the PIPE Warrants, the “Liability Classified Warrants”) pursuant to the Company’s engagement agreement with the advisor.
The Company determined that the settlement amount of the Publicly Traded Warrants and the Private Placement Warrants would equal the difference between the fair value of a fixed number of shares and a fixed monetary amount (or a fixed amount of a debt instrument) and must be classified as equity, while the settlement amount of the Liability Classified Warrants would not equal the difference between the fair value of a fixed number of shares and a fixed monetary amount (or a fixed amount of a debt instrument) and must be classified as a liability.
| 21 |
On
March 20, 2024, the Company issued in a private placement common stock purchase warrants (the “Warrants”) to an unrelated
third party to purchase up to an aggregate
| March 20, 2024 | ||||
| Closing stock price | $ | |||
| Contractual exercise price | $ | |||
| Risk-free rate | % | |||
| Estimated volatility | % | |||
| Time period to expiration | Years | |||
Equity Classified Warrants
Pursuant
to MURF’s initial public offering, the Company sold
Simultaneously
with the closing of its initial public offering, MURF consummated the private sale to the Sponsor of
In connection with the closing of the Merger on September 22, 2023, the Equity Classified Warrants were amended to entitle each holder to purchase one share of the Company’s Common Stock.
The Equity Classified Warrants became exercisable 30 days after the Closing Date of the Merger. The Equity Classified Warrants will expire five years after the Closing Date of the Merger or earlier upon redemption or liquidation.
The Company will not be obligated to deliver any shares of Common Stock pursuant to the exercise of a Equity Classified Warrant and will have no obligation to settle such exercise unless a registration statement under the Securities Act with respect to the shares of Common Stock underlying the warrants is then effective and a prospectus relating thereto is current, subject to our satisfying our obligations described below with respect to registration. No Equity Classified Warrant will be exercisable and we will not be obligated to issue shares of Common Stock upon exercise unless the Common Stock issuable upon such exercise has been registered, qualified or deemed to be exempt under the securities laws of the state of residence of the registered holder of the Equity Classified Warrant. In the event that the conditions in the two immediately preceding sentences are not satisfied with respect to an Equity Classified Warrant, the holder of such warrant will not be entitled to exercise such warrant and such warrant may have no value and expire worthless. In no event will we be required to net cash settle any Equity Classified Warrant. In the event that a registration statement is not effective for the exercised Equity Classified Warrant, the purchaser of a unit containing such Equity Classified Warrant will have paid the full purchase price for the unit solely for the share of Common Stock underlying such unit.
Conduit
may call the Publicly Traded Warrants in whole and not in part, at a price of $
| ● | upon not less than 30 days’ prior written notice of redemption to each Publicly Traded Warrant holder; and | |
| ● | if, and only if, the reported last sale price of the Common Stock equals or exceeds $ per share (as adjusted for stock splits, stock dividends, reorganizations, recapitalizations and the like) for any 20 trading days within a 30-trading day period commencing once the Publicly Traded Warrants become exercisable and ending three business days before we send the notice of redemption to the warrant holders. |
If and when the Publicly Traded Warrants become redeemable by Conduit, Conduit may not exercise its redemption right if the issuance of shares of Common Stock upon exercise of the Publicly Traded Warrants is not exempt from registration or qualification under applicable state blue sky laws or Conduit are unable to effect such registration or qualification. Conduit will use its best efforts to register or qualify such shares of Common Stock under the blue sky laws of the state of residence in those states in which the Publicly Traded Warrants were offered by Conduit in the offering.
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If Conduit calls the Publicly Traded Warrants for redemption as described above, Conduit’s management will have the option to require any holder that wishes to exercise its Publicly Traded Warrant to do so on a “cashless basis.” In determining whether to require all holders to exercise their Publicly Traded Warrants on a “cashless basis,” Conduit’s management will consider, among other factors, Conduit’s cash position, the number of Publicly Traded Warrants that are outstanding and the dilutive effect on Conduit stockholders of issuing the maximum number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of our Publicly Traded Warrants. If Conduit’s management takes advantage of this option, all holders of Publicly Traded Warrants would pay the exercise price by surrendering their Publicly Traded Warrants for that number of shares of Common Stock equal to the quotient obtained by dividing (x) the product of the number of shares of Common Stock underlying the Publicly Traded Warrants, multiplied by the difference between the exercise price of the Publicly Traded Warrants and the “fair market value” (defined below) by (y) the fair market value. The “fair market value” for this purpose shall mean the average reported last sale price of the Common Stock for the 10 trading days ending on the third trading day prior to the date on which the notice of redemption is sent to the holders of Publicly Traded Warrants. If Conduit’s management takes advantage of this option, the notice of redemption will contain the information necessary to calculate the number of shares of Common Stock to be received upon exercise of the Publicly Traded Warrants, including the “fair market value” in such case. Requiring a cashless exercise in this manner will reduce the number of shares to be issued and thereby lessen the dilutive effect of a Publicly Traded Warrant redemption.
The Private Placement Warrants are identical to the Publicly Traded Warrants, except that such warrants will be exercisable for cash or on a cashless basis, at the holder’s option, and will not be redeemable by Conduit, in each case so long as they are still held by the Sponsor or its permitted transferees.
As
summarized above, the Company has the option to redeem all of the Publicly Traded Warrants at a cash price of $
Management assessed the Private Placement Warrants and determined that the warrants are considered to be indexed to the entity’s own stock and met all the criteria for permanent equity classification. As such, the Private Placement Warrants are also classified as permanent equity on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
The
Warrants issued in March 2024 are not exercisable until one year after their date of issuance. Each Warrant is exercisable into one
share of the Company’s common stock at a price per share of $
(as adjusted from time to time in accordance with the terms thereof) for a two-year period after the date of exercisability.
The issuance of the Warrants was made in reliance on the exemption from registration provided by Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and/or Regulation D promulgated thereunder.
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Liability Classified Warrants
As
discussed in Note 3, warrants were issued to the PIPE Investors as of the closing of the Merger pursuant to subscription agreements.
The warrants provide the PIPE Investors the right to purchase up to
The warrants issued to the PIPE Investors and the advisor (collectively the “Liability Classified Warrants”) contain materially the same terms and are exercisable for a period of five years, beginning on October 22, 2023.
The PIPE Warrants are exercisable for cash or on a cashless basis, at the holder’s option. The PIPE Warrants are not redeemable by the Company.
The
A.G.P. Warrants are exercisable for cash or on a cashless basis, at the holder’s option. The Company may call the A.G.P. Warrants
for redemption, in whole and not in part, at any time after the A.G.P. Warrants become exercisable and prior to their expiration, at
a price of $
| ● | upon not less than 30 days’ prior written notice of redemption to each warrant holder; |
| ● | if, and only if, the reported last sale price of the Common Stock equals or exceeds $ per share (as adjusted for stock splits, stock dividends, recapitalizations and other similar events) for any 20 trading days within a 30 trading day period commencing once the A.G.P. Warrants become exercisable and ending three business days before we send the notice of redemption to the warrant holders; and |
| ● | provided there is a current registration statement in effect with respect to the shares of Common Stock underlying the A.G.P. Warrants for each day in the 30 trading day period and continuing each thereafter until the redemption date. |
If the Company calls the A.G.P. Warrants for redemption as described above, our management will have the option to require any holder that wishes to exercise its A.G.P. Warrant to do so on a “cashless basis.” If our management takes advantage of this option, holders of A.G.P. Warrants would pay the exercise price by surrendering their A.G.P. Warrants for that number of shares of Common Stock as calculated pursuant to the A.G.P. Warrant. Requiring a cashless exercise in this manner will reduce the number of shares to be issued and thereby lessen the dilutive effect of an A.G.P. Warrant redemption.
The Liability Classified Warrants are classified as derivative liabilities because they do not meet the criteria in ASC 815-40 to be considered indexed to the entity’s own stock as the warrants could be settled for an amount that is not equal to the difference between the fair value of a fixed number of the entity’s shares and a fixed monetary amount. The Liability Classified Warrants are initially measured at fair value based on the price of the Publicly Traded Warrants and are remeasured at fair value at subsequent financial reporting period end dates and upon exercise (see Note 6 for additional information regarding fair value).
As
March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the consolidated balance sheets contained derivative warrant liabilities of $
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15. Commitments and Contingencies
Legal Proceedings
The Company is subject to certain claims and contingent liabilities that arise in the normal course of business. While we do not expect that the ultimate resolution of any of these pending actions will have a material effect on our consolidated results of operations, financial position or cash flows, litigation is subject to inherent uncertainties. As such, there can be no assurance that any pending legal action, which we currently believe to be immaterial, does not become material in the future.
In
August 2023, prior to the Business Combination, our now wholly-owned subsidiary, Conduit Pharmaceuticals Limited, received a letter from
Strand Hanson Limited (“Strand”) claiming it was owed advisory fees pursuant to a previously executed letter. Conduit rejected
and disputed the substance of the letter in full. Following such rejection, on September 7, 2023, Strand filed a claim in the Business
and Property Courts of England and Wales claiming it is entitled to be paid the sum of $
Leases
On
March 7, 2024, the Company entered into a lease agreement with respect to approximately
Indirect Investment Regarding AZD 1656
On
June 3, 2020, the Company entered into an agreement with SGSC for an indirect investment in AZD 1656. Under the terms of the agreement,
SGSC agreed to pay the Company a royalty of
16. Subsequent Events
In April 2024, the Company issued in a private placement common stock purchase warrants (the “Warrants”) to multiple parties to purchase up to an aggregate shares of the Company’s common stock, in exchange for entering into a lock-up, one (1) year for all Warrants, with respect to the shares of common stock held by such holder (the “Lock-Up Agreement”) and $ per warrant. of the total Warrants issued were issued to directors, related parties and management of the Company.
The Warrants are not exercisable until one year after their date of issuance. Each Warrant is exercisable into one share of the Company’s common stock at a price per share of $(as adjusted from time to time in accordance with the terms thereof) for a two-year period after the date of exercisability. There is no established public trading market for the Warrants.
The issuance of the Warrants was made in reliance on the exemption from registration provided by Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and/or Regulation D promulgated thereunder.
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Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and the related notes included under Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (this “Quarterly Report”) as well as the Company’s audited financial statements and notes thereto included in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 that was filed with the SEC on April 16, 2024. Certain information contained in the discussion and analysis set forth below includes forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. The following discussion contains forward-looking statements based upon current expectations that involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including those set forth under the section titled “Risk Factors” or in other parts of this Quarterly Report. Our historical results are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for any period in the future. Conduit Pharmaceuticals Limited entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”) with Murphy Canyon Acquisition Corp. (“MURF”) on November 8, 2022. The transaction contemplated by the terms of the Merger Agreement was completed on September 22, 2023, in conjunction with which MURF changed its name to Conduit Pharmaceuticals Inc. (hereafter referred to, collectively with is subsidiaries as “Conduit”, the “Company”, “we”, “us” or “our”, unless the context otherwise requires). All dollar amounts are expressed in thousands of United States dollars (“$”), unless otherwise indicated.
Overview
Conduit has developed a unique business model that allows it to act as a “conduit” to bring clinical assets from pharmaceutical companies and develop new treatments for patients. Our novel approach addresses unmet medical need and lengthens the intellectual property for our existing assets through cutting-edge solid-form technology and then commercialize these products with life science companies.
We are led by highly experienced pharma executives, Dr. Freda Lewis-Hall, former Chief Medical Officer of Pfizer Inc., the Chair of our Board of Directors, and Dr. David Tapolczay, former Chief Executive Officer of the United Kingdom-based medical research charity LifeArc, our Chief Executive Officer.
While simultaneously leveraging the capabilities of our Cambridge laboratory facility and highly experienced team of solid-form experts to extend or develop proprietary solid-form intellectual property for our existing and future clinical assets. Our own intellectual property portfolio comprises a 20-year patent pending solid-form compound, the AZD1656 Cocrystal (a HK-4 Glucokinase Activator), targeting a wide range of autoimmune diseases. Our pipeline research includes a number of compounds that serve as promising alternatives to existing clinical assets currently marketed and sold by large pharmaceutical companies, which we have identified as having an opportunity to develop further intellectual property positions through solid-form technology.
In connection with the funding and development of clinical assets, we evaluate and select the specific molecules to be developed and collaborate with external CROs and KOLs to run clinical trials that are managed, funded, and overseen by us. We intend to leverage our comprehensive clinical and scientific expertise in order to facilitate development of clinical assets through Phase II trials in an efficient manner by using CROs and third-party service providers. We will also collaborate closely with disease specific KOLs to collectively assess and determine the most appropriate indications for all our current and forthcoming assets.
We believe that successful Phase II trials of the clinical assets in our pipeline will increase the value of our assets. There is no assurance that any clinical trials on the assets owned or licensed by us will be successful, however, following a successful Phase II clinical trial, we would look to licensing opportunities with large biotech or pharmaceutical companies, typically for up-front milestone payments and royalty income streams for the life of the asset patent. We anticipate using any future royalty income stream to develop our asset portfolio in combination with other potential sources of financing, including debt or equity financing.
Outside of our proprietary owned patented clinical assets, we have an exclusive relationship and partnership with St George Street, a biomedical charity based in the United Kingdom. We have the option to fund 100% of the development of clinical assets that were initially licensed to St George Street by AstraZeneca. There may be additional opportunities for us to partner with St George Street to fund the development of additional clinical assets in the future, licensed from Astra Zeneca.
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AstraZeneca has conducted initial pre-clinical and, in some instances, clinical trials on these assets, but has decided to license them for further development.
In addition to our patent pending solid-form compound targeting a wide range of autoimmune diseases, two assets which were licensed from AstraZeneca to St George Street that is expected to be developed by us include AZD5904 (a Myeloperoxidase Inhibitor) targeting idiopathic male infertility and AZD1656 (a Glucokinase Activator) targeting autoimmune diseases or immunodeficient conditions including uveitis, premature labor, renal transplant rejection, and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
As the clinical assets have undergone initial pre-clinical and clinical testing conducted by AstraZeneca, we are able to use the safety data generated in these clinical trials to assess which clinical assets to further develop and for which indications.
Through this relationship, there are considerable APIs that were manufactured by AstraZeneca in conducting its clinical trials available. As a result, Conduit may not have to develop the APIs, which is often a time consuming and expensive process, and the APIs already produced were subject to rigorous quality control measures.
Furthermore, Conduit is well positioned, and intends, to pursue additional relationships and/or partnerships with third parties for the licensing of further assets which are currently deprioritized. We plan to focus our efforts on developing clinical assets to address diseases that impact a large population where there is no present treatment or the present treatment, carries significant unwanted side effects.
Key Component of Result of Operations
Operating Expenses
Research and Development Expenses
Research and development expenses consist primarily of costs incurred in connection with the research and development of our candidates and programs. We expense research and development costs and intangible assets acquired that have no alternative future use as incurred. These expenses include:
| ● | personnel-related expenses, including salaries, bonuses, benefits and stock-based compensation for employees engaged in research and development functions; | |
| ● | expenses incurred in connection with the clinical development and regulatory approval of our clinical assets, including under agreements with third parties, such as consultants, contractors and CROs; | |
| ● | license fees with no alternative use; and | |
| ● | other expenses related to research and development. |
We expense research and development costs as incurred. Advance payments that we make for goods or services to be received in the future for use in research and development activities are recorded as prepaid expenses. The prepaid amounts are expensed as the benefits are consumed.
We incurred approximately $128,000 on research and development activities during the three months ended March 31, 2024. There was no comparable research and development funding during the three months ended March 31, 2023. Our research and development activities have been wholly focused on developing co-crystals of AZD1656 to increase patent life. Some of this work was completed by third-party CROs but all intellectual property is retained by us. We currently have one pending international patent application and two pending national patent applications. The successful completion of clinical trials increases the value of clinical assets and may lead to the commercialization and/or licensing of such assets to other pharmaceutical companies. There is no assurance that any clinical trials on the assets owned or licensed by us will be successful.
General and Administrative Expenses
General and administrative expenses consist of salaries and other related costs, legal fees relating to intellectual property and corporate matters, professional fees for accounting, auditing, tax and consulting services, insurance costs, travel, and other operating costs.
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We anticipate that our general and administrative expenses will increase substantially for the foreseeable future as we increase our administrative headcount to operate as a public company and as we advance clinical assets through clinical development. We also will incur additional expenses as a result of operating as a public company, including expenses related to compliance with the rules and regulations of the SEC and the Nasdaq listing rules, additional insurance expenses, investor relations activities and other administrative and professional services. In addition, if regulatory approval is obtained for clinical assets, we expect to incur expenses associated with building a sales and marketing team.
Other Income (Expenses)
Other income (expenses), net
Other income (expense), net consists of change in the fair value of options, change in fair value of convertible notes, and expense incurred upon the issuance of warrants during the quarter. Other income (expense), net consists of change in the fair value of options, change in fair value of convertible notes, and expense incurred upon the issuance of warrants during the quarter.
Interest expense, net
Interest expense, net consists primarily of interest expense on convertible loan notes and promissory notes and interest expense on deferred commissions payable to an advisor for fees related to the Merger, as well as a small amount of interest income on cash and cash equivalents held by the Company.
Results of Operations
The following table set forth our results of operations for the periods indicated:
| Three Months ended March 31, | ||||||||
| (In thousands, except share and per share amounts) | 2024 | 2023 | ||||||
| Operating expenses: | ||||||||
| Research and development expenses | $ | 128 | $ | - | ||||
| General and administrative expenses | 2,827 | 1,515 | ||||||
| Total operating costs and expenses | 2,955 | 1,515 | ||||||
| Operating loss | (2,955 | ) | (1,515 | ) | ||||
| Other income (expenses): | ||||||||
| Other income (expense), net | (487 | ) | (157 | ) | ||||
| Interest Income | 9 | - | ||||||
| Interest expense, net | (119 | ) | - | |||||
| Total other (expense) income, net | (597 | ) | (157 | ) | ||||
| Net loss | $ | (3,552 | ) | $ | (1,672 | ) | ||
Comparison of the Three Months Ended March 31, 2024 and 2023
Research and Development Expenses
| Three Months ended March 31, | Change | |||||||||||||||
| (Dollar amounts in thousands) | 2024 | 2023 | Amount | % | ||||||||||||
| Research and development expenses | $ | 128 | $ | - | $ | 128 | 100 | % | ||||||||
Research and development expenses increased by $0.1 million, or 100%, for the three months ended March 31, 2024, as compared to nil for the three months ended March 31, 2023. The increase was primarily due to the development of certain co-crystals of AZD1656 (AZD1656 Co-Crystal PCT/IB2022/00075 - Patent Expires 02/09/2042) during the quarter ended March 31, 2024. We will seek to develop the AZD1656 Co-Crystal in psoriasis, Crohn’s disease, lupus, sarcoidosis, diabetic wound healing, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). There was no comparative activity during the three months ended March 31, 2023.
General and Administrative Expenses
| Three Months ended March 31, | Change | |||||||||||||||
| (Dollar amounts in thousands) | 2024 | 2023 | Amount | % | ||||||||||||
| General and administrative expenses | $ | 2,827 | $ | 1,515 | $ | 1,312 | 87 | % | ||||||||
General and administrative expenses increased by $1.3 million, or 87%, to $2.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024, as compared to $1.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2023. The increase was primarily driven by a $0.9 million increase in salaries and stock compensation expense and $0.5 million increase in insurance related the amortization of D&O insurance, partially offset by $0.2 million decrease in professional fees.
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Other Income (Expense), Net
| Three Months ended March 31, | Change | |||||||||||||||
| (Dollar amounts in thousands) | 2024 | 2023 | Amount | % | ||||||||||||
| Other income (expense), net | $ | (487 | ) | $ | (157 | ) | $ | 330 | 210 | % | ||||||
Other income (expense), net changed by $0.3 million, or 210%, to $0.5 million of expense for the three months ended March 31, 2024, as compared to $0.2 million of net expense for the three months ended March 31, 2023. The increase was primarily driven by an increase of $0.5 million related to the issuance of warrants during the three months ended March 31, 2024. The $0.2 million expense in for the three months ended March 31, 2023 was primarily driven by a $0.3 million change in fair value on the convertible notes payable, partially offset by a gain of $0.1 million on the change in fair value of the Cizzle option.
For further details refer to Note 13, “Other income (expense), net,” in the unaudited financial statements as of March 31, 2024 and March 31, 2023 included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report.
Interest Expense, Net
| Three Months ended March 31, | Change | |||||||||||||||
| (Dollar amounts in thousands) | 2024 | 2024 | Amount | % | ||||||||||||
| Interest expense, net | $ | (119 | ) | $ | - | $ | (119 | ) | -100 | % | ||||||
Interest expense was $0.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024 compared to nil for the three months ended March 31, 2023. The change was driven by $79 thousand of interest expense on the deferred commission payable to an advisor for fees related to the Merger and $40 thousand of interest expense for interest on convertible notes for the three months ended March 31, 2024.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Management assesses liquidity in terms of our ability to generate cash to fund operating, investing and financing activities. Since our inception, and in line with our growth strategy, we have prepared our financial statements assuming we will continue as a going concern. Since our inception, we have incurred net losses and experienced negative cash flows from operations. To date, our primary sources of capital have been through private placements of equity securities and convertible debt as well as PIPE financing as a result of the Merger. During the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, we had net losses of $3.6 million and $1.7 million, respectively. We expect to incur additional losses and higher operating expenses for the foreseeable future as we continue to invest in research and development programs. We have determined that additional financing will be required to fund our operations for the next 12 months and our ability to continue as a going concern is dependent upon obtaining additional capital and financing.
Sources and Uses of Liquidity
Our primary uses of cash are to fund our operations as we continue to grow our business. We will require a significant amount of cash for expenditures as we invest in ongoing research and development and business operations. Until such time as we can generate significant revenue from commercialization of our product, we expect to finance our cash needs for ongoing research and development and business operations through public or private equity or debt financings or other capital sources, including strategic partnerships. However, we may be unable to raise additional funds or enter into such other arrangements, when needed, on favorable terms or at all. To the extent that we raise additional capital through the sale of equity or convertible debt securities, the ownership interest of our stockholders will be, or could be, diluted, and the terms of these securities may include liquidation or other preferences that adversely affect the rights of our common stockholders. Debt financing and equity financing, if available, may involve agreements that include covenants limiting or restricting our ability to take specific actions, such as incurring additional debt, making capital expenditures or declaring dividends. If we are unable to raise additional funds through equity or debt financings when needed, we may be required to delay, limit, or substantially reduce research and development efforts. While the Company believes in the viability of its ability to raise additional funds, there can be no assurances to that effect. These matters raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern for a period of twelve months from the date the financial statements are issued. These financial statements have been prepared assuming the Company will continue as a going concern and do not include adjustments to reflect the possible effects on the recoverability and classification of assets or the amounts and classification of liabilities that may result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
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Cash Requirements
Our material cash requirements include the following contractual and other obligations.
Promissory Convertible Note
In March 2023, we issued an aggregate principal amount of $0.8 million convertible promissory note payable to an investor.
The promissory convertible note matures and is payable in full, 18 months from the date of the note. The note carries 20% interest and is payable every six months from the date of the note until the maturity date. The note is subject to conversion of Conduit’s common stock following the consummation of the Merger taking place prior to the maturity date of the promissory convertible note.
Loans Payable
In May 2022, we entered into two loan agreements, with an aggregate principal amount of $0.2 million, with two lenders.
The loans payable mature and is payable in full two years from the date of the agreement and bear no interest.
For additional information regarding our convertible promissory note, see Note 7 of the note to the unaudited financial statements.
Working Capital
We currently anticipate that cash required for working capital for the next 12 months is approximately $14.4 million, which includes deferred financing fees payable of $5.7 million, accrued expenses and other current liabilities of $0.9 million, a convertible promissory note, if not converted prior to maturity, of $0.8 million, income taxes payable of $0.1 million and a note payable of $0.2 million that matures within the next 12 months. We do not anticipate being able to fund required capital expenditures for the next 12 months with cash and cash equivalents on hand as we have a history of limited cash on hand. We have historically been able to access funds through the issuance of our convertible notes and believe we can continue to obtain funding through debt and equity financing agreements as needed to meet cash requirements for the next 12 months.
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Cash Flows
The following table set forth our cash flows for the period indicated (in thousands):
| Three Months ended March 31, | ||||||||
| 2024 | 2023 | |||||||
| Net cash (used in) provided by: | ||||||||
| Operating Activities | $ | (2,357 | ) | $ | (1,970 | ) | ||
| Investing Activities | - | (243 | ) | |||||
| Financing Activities | - | 2,220 | ||||||
| Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents | (27 | ) | 1 | |||||
| Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents | $ | (2,384 | ) | $ | 8 | |||
Cash Flows Used in Operating Activities
Net cash used in operating activities for the three months ended March 31, 2024, was $2.4 million, resulting primarily from a net loss of $3.6 million, adjusted for non-cash items including a $0.4 million of stock-based compensation, a $0.4 million of amortization expense, a $0.5 million expense on the issuance of warrants and a $0.1 million interest expense of the deferred commission payable. The $0.2 million cash outflow from operating assets and liabilities is primarily due to a $0.1 cash inflow from accrued expense and other current liabilities due to differences in the timing of disbursements and a $0.2 million cash outflow from prepaid expenses.
Net cash used in operating activities for the three months ended March 31, 2023, was $1.9 million, resulting primarily from a net loss of $1.7 million, adjusted for non-cash charges of $0.3 million for a loss on the change in fair value of convertible notes payable, a $0.2 million loss change in reserve on a related party loan, and a $0.1 million loss on the change in fair value of the Cizzle option. The $0.7 million cash outflow from operating assets and liabilities is primarily due to a $0.2 cash outflow from accrued expense and other current liabilities due to differences in the timing of disbursements and a $0.4 million cash outflow from prepaid expenses due to capitalized costs incurred in connection with the Company’s Merger.
Cash Flows (Used) Provided by Investing Activities
There was no cash flow from investing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2024.
Net cash used in investing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2023, was $0.3 million, resulting from the issuance of a loan to a related party.
Cash Flows Provided by Financing Activities
There was no cash flow from financing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2024.
Net cash provided by financing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2023, was $2.2 million, resulting from the issuance of a convertible note payable of $1.4 million, and $0.7 million from the issuance of a convertible promissory note payable.
Contractual Obligations and Other Commitments
As of March 31, 2024, we had no non-cancellable commitments for the purchase of clinical materials, contract manufacturing, maintenance and committed funding which we expect to pay within one year.
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Critical Accounting Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires us to make estimates, judgments and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the Consolidated Financial Statements. These estimates, judgments and assumptions are evaluated on an ongoing basis. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe are reasonable at that time, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ materially from those estimates. The accounting policies that reflect our more significant estimates, judgments and assumptions and which we believe are the most critical to aid in fully understanding and evaluating our reported financial results include the following:
Going Concern
The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared on a going concern basis of accounting, which contemplates continuity of operations, realization of assets and liabilities and commitments in the normal course of business. The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements do not reflect any adjustments that might result if we are unable to continue as a going concern. In connection with the preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and year ended December 31, 2023, we conducted an evaluation as to whether there were conditions and events, considered in the aggregate, which raised substantial doubt as to our ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the date of the issuance of such financial statements, and concluded that substantial doubt existed as to our ability to continue as a going concern as further discussed in Note 1 in the notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements of this Quarterly Report.
Under ASC 205-40, the receipt of potential funding from future partnerships, equity or debt issuances, potential achievement of milestones from customer agreements and reductions in workforce cannot be considered probable at this time because these plans are not entirely within our control and/or have not been approved by our board of directors as of the date of issuance of the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Our expectation to generate operating losses and negative operating cash flows in the future and the need for additional funding to support our planned operations, raise substantial doubt regarding our ability to continue as a going concern. Our plans to alleviate the conditions that raise substantial doubt include reduced spending, and the pursuit of additional capital. We have concluded the likelihood that our plan to successfully obtain sufficient funding from one or more of these sources, or adequately reduce expenditures, while possible, is less than probable. We believe that the accounting estimates described below involve a significant degree of judgment and complexity. Accordingly, we believe these are the most critical to aid in fully understanding and evaluating our financial condition and results of operations.
Fair Value Measurements
Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. Fair value is to be determined based on the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. In determining fair value, the Company used various valuation approaches. A fair value hierarchy has been established for inputs used in measuring fair value that maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs by requiring that the most observable inputs be used when available. Observable inputs are those that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on market data obtained from sources independent of the Company.
Unobservable inputs reflect the Company’s assumption about the inputs that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on the best information available in the circumstances. The fair value hierarchy is categorized into three levels, based on the inputs, as follows:
| ● | Level 1-Valuations based on quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets. Since valuations are based on quoted prices that are readily and regularly available in an active market, valuation of these instruments does not entail a significant degree of judgment. |
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| ● | Level 2- Valuations based on observable inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1, such as quoted prices for either similar instruments in active markets, identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active, or model-derived valuations whose inputs or significant value drivers are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data. | |
| ● | Level 3-Valuations based on inputs that are unobservable. These valuations require significant judgment. |
The Company’s Level 1 assets consist of cash and cash equivalents in the accompanying balance sheets and the value of accrued expenses and other current liabilities approximate fair value due to the short-term nature of these assets and liabilities.
As of March 31, 2024, the Company has one financial liability, a warrant liability for which the fair value is determined based on Level 2 inputs as such inputs are based on observable inputs other than quoted prices.
The warrant liability is valued using a Black-Scholes model, with the most judgmental non-observable input being the volatility measure. Changes in the assumptions around the volatility can cause significant changes in the estimated fair value of the warrant liability. See Note 4 for further information on the Company’s financial liabilities carried at fair value.
Emerging Growth Company Status and Smaller Reporting Company Status
The Company is an emerging growth company, as defined in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012 (the “JOBS Act”). Under the JOBS Act, emerging growth companies can delay adopting new or revised accounting standards issued subsequent to the enactment of the JOBS Act until such time as those standards apply to private companies. The Company has elected to use this extended transition period for complying with new or revised accounting standards that have different effective dates for public and private companies until the earlier of the date that: (i) is no longer an emerging growth company or (ii) affirmatively and irrevocably opts out of the extended transition period provided in the JOBS Act. As a result, these financial statements may not be comparable to companies that comply with the new or revised accounting pronouncements as of public company effective dates.
Upon closing of the Merger, the surviving company remained an emerging growth company, as defined by the Jumpstart Our Business Startups act of 2012, until the earliest of (i) the last day of the combined entity’s first fiscal year following the fifth anniversary of the completion of MURF’s initial public offering, (ii) the last day of the fiscal year in which the combined entity has total annual gross revenue of at least $1.235 billion, (iii) the last day of the fiscal year in which the combined entity is deemed to be a large accelerated filer, which means the market value of the combined entity’s common stock that is held by non-affiliates exceeds $700.0 million as of the prior December 31st or (iv) the date on which the combined entity has issued more than $1.0 billion in non-convertible debt securities during the prior three year period.
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In addition, Conduit is a smaller reporting company as defined in the Exchange Act. The Company may continue to be a smaller reporting company even after we are no longer an emerging growth company. We may take advantage of certain of the scaled disclosures available to smaller reporting companies and will be able to take advantage of these scaled disclosures for so long as (i) Conduit’s voting and non-voting common stock held by non-affiliates is less than $250.0 million measured on the last business day of our second fiscal quarter or (ii) Conduit’s annual revenue is less than $100.0 million during the most recently completed fiscal year and its voting and non-voting common stock held by non-affiliates is less than $700.0 million measured on the last business day of its second fiscal quarter.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.
As a smaller reporting company, we are not required to provide disclosure regarding quantitative and qualitative market risk.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures.
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in our Exchange Act reports is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Under the supervision and with the participation of our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2024 and for the comparison fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2023, as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act. Based on this evaluation, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that during the periods covered by this Quarterly Report, our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective, due to material weaknesses previously identified and not yet remediated as of the end of both such periods.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There have been no changes to in our internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) of the Exchange Act) during the most recent fiscal quarter.
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PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings.
Other than as set forth below, we are not currently party to or aware of being subject to any material legal proceedings. However, we may from time to time become a party to various legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of our business, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, or results of operations. Regardless of outcome, litigation could impact our business due to defense and settlement costs, diversion of management resources and other factors.
In August 2023, prior to the Merger, our now wholly-owned subsidiary, Conduit Pharmaceuticals Limited, received a letter from Strand claiming it was owed advisory fees pursuant to a previously executed letter. Conduit rejected and disputes the substance of the letter in full. Following such rejection, on September 7, 2023, Strand filed a claim in the Business and Property Courts of England and Wales claiming it is entitled to be paid the sum of $2 million and, as a result of the completion of the Merger, to be issued 6.5 million shares of common stock. We intend to vigorously defend against these claims. Regardless of its outcome, the litigation may impact our business due to, among other things, defense legal costs and the diversion of the attention of our management.
Item 1A. Risk Factors.
There are no material changes from the risk factors previously disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, filed with the SEC on April 16, 2024.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.
On March 20, 2024, the Company issued in a private placement common stock purchase warrants (the “Warrants”) to an unrelated third party to purchase up to an aggregate 260,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, in exchange for entering into a lock-up with respect to the shares of common stock held by such holder (the “Lock-Up Agreement”).
The Warrants are not exercisable until one year after their date of issuance. Each Warrant is exercisable into one share of the Company’s common stock at a price per share of $3.18 (as adjusted from time to time in accordance with the terms thereof) for a two-year period after the date of exercisability. There is no established public trading market for the Warrants. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Warrants shall vest, and not be subject to forfeiture, with respect to 25% of such Warrants commencing on the 90th day after the date of the Lock-Up Agreement and 25% on each subsequent 90-day anniversary, in each case vesting only if the holder agrees to continue to have its shares of common stock remain locked up pursuant to the Lock-Up Agreement on such date.
On April 22, 2024, the Company issued in a private placement common stock purchase warrants (the “April Warrants”) to third parties, including certain directors, to purchase up to an aggregate of 907,725 shares of the Company’s common stock, in exchange for entering into a lock-up with respect to the shares of common stock held by such holder (the “Lock-Up Agreement”) and for such directors, $0.125 per warrant.
The April Warrants are not exercisable until one year after their date of issuance. Each April Warrant is exercisable into one share of the Company’s common stock at a price per share of $3.12 (as adjusted from time to time in accordance with the terms thereof) for a two-year period after the date of exercisability. There is no established public trading market for the April Warrants.
The issuance of the Warrants and the April Warrants was made in reliance on the exemption from registration provided by Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and/or Regulation D promulgated thereunder.
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities.
None.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.
Not applicable.
Item 5. Other Information.
Resignations and Appointments
On May 10, 2024, Adam Sragovicz informed the Board of Directors of his intention to resign as Chief Financial Officer of the Company. In connection with his resignation, Mr. Sragovicz agreed to continue in his current role, with the same responsibilities and obligations as he previously had, through the day after the filing of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, so that his resignation will become effective on May 15, 2024. Mr. Sragovicz’s resignation was not due to any disagreement with management or the Company’s operations, policies or practices.
The Company entered into a separation agreement with Mr. Sragovicz on May 12, 2024, which provides for continued payment of his base salary, and subsidized health insurance premiums, for a period of four months after the effective date of his resignation. In exchange for these benefits, Mr. Sragovicz has signed a mutual release of claims, agreed to a mutual non-disparagement covenant, and re-affirmed certain confidentiality, non-solicitation and post-departure cooperation covenants.
The foregoing description of the separation agreement is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the agreement, which is attached as Exhibit 10.1 to this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
The Company will conduct its search for a successor Chief Financial Officer. Effective as of the date of Mr. Sragovicz’s departure, the Board appointed James Bligh, Senior Vice President – Strategy, as Interim Chief Financial Officer (and principal financial officer).
Mr. Bligh will continue to serve as Senior Vice President – Strategy and a member of the Board while acting as Interim Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Bligh has not entered into, and no amendments were made to, any material compensation plans, contracts or arrangements in connection with his appointment, although the Board of Directors will assess this determination.
Mr. Bligh, age 37, was a co-founder of Conduit and has served as Senior Vice President – Strategy and a member of the Board since September 22, 2023. The information required by Items 401(b), (d), and (e) and Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K regarding Mr. Bligh was previously reported in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on April 16, 2024, and is incorporated by reference herein. In addition, Mr. Bligh has previously acted in the role of financial officer and has served on various boards and audit related committees throughout the earlier part of his career. There is no arrangement or understanding between Mr. Bligh and any other person pursuant to which he was selected as an officer of the Company and there are no family relationships between Mr. Bligh and any of the Company’s directors or executive officers.
In addition, on May 12, 2024, Ms. McNealey announced her resignation, due to personal reasons, as a member of the Board of Directors of the Company and from all committees on which she served, effective as of May 13, 2024. Ms. McNealey’s resignation was not due to any disagreement with management or the Company’s operations, policies or practices.
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Item 6. Exhibits
The following exhibits are filed as part of, or incorporated by reference into, this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
EXHIBIT INDEX
| * | Filed herewith. |
| § | In accordance with Item 601(b)(32)(ii) of Regulation S-K and SEC Release Nos. 33-8238 and 34-47986, Final Rule: Management’s Reports on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting and Certification of Disclosure in Exchange Act Periodic Reports, the certifications furnished in Exhibits 32.1 and 32.2 hereto is deemed to accompany this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and will not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act. Such certification will not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, except to the extent that the registrant specifically incorporates it by reference. |
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SIGNATURES
In accordance with the requirements of the Exchange Act, the registrant caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
| CONDUIT PHARMACEUTICALS INC | ||
| November 14, 2024 | By: | /s/ Dr. David Tapolczay |
| Name: | Dr. David Tapolczay | |
| Title: | Chief Executive Officer | |
| (Principal Executive Officer) | ||
| November 14, 2024 | By: | /s/ James Bligh |
| Name: | James Bligh | |
| Title: | Interim Chief Financial Officer | |
| (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) | ||
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