ahro20130930_10q.htm

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, DC  20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2013

 

OR

 

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from _______ to _______

 

Commission file number 000-52315

 

AtheroNova Inc.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

 

Delaware

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

20-1915083

(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

 

2301 Dupont Drive, Suite 525, Irvine, CA 92612

(Address of principal executive offices and zip code)

 

(949) 476-1100

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes No

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File  required to be submitted and posted to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes No

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.  See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer      

Accelerated filer      

Non-accelerated filer      

Smaller reporting company  

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined by Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).     Yes No

 

As of November 6, 2013 there were 41,584,020 shares of the issuer’s common stock, $0.0001 par value per share, outstanding.

 

 
1

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

 

Page

 

 

 

PART I

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

 

 

 

Item 1.

Financial Statements:

 

 

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2013 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2012

3

 

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, and for the period from December 13, 2006 (Inception) through September 30, 2013

4

 

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity (Deficiency) (Unaudited) for the period from December 31, 2012 through September 30, 2013

5

 

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) for the nine month periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, and for the period from December 13, 2006 (Inception) through September 30, 2013

6

 

 

 

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

7

 

 

 

Item 2.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

18

 

 

 

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk

27

 

 

 

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

27

 

 

 

PART II

OTHER INFORMATION

 

     

Item 2.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

29

     

Item 6.

Exhibits

30

 

 

 
2

 

 

 

Part I – Financial Information

Item 1. Financial Statements

 

ATHERONOVA INC.

(A Development Stage Company)

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

 

   

September 30,

   

December 31,

 
   

2013

   

2012

 
   

(unaudited)

         

Assets

               
                 

Current Assets

               

Cash

  $ 860,160     $ 2,744,046  

Other Current Assets

    23,885       17,622  

Total Current Assets

    884,045       2,761,668  

Equipment, net

    7,240       8,514  

Deposits and other assets

    16,540       23,777  

Total Assets

  $ 907,825     $ 2,793,959  
                 

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity (Deficiency)

               
                 

Current Liabilities:

               

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

  $ 372,761     $ 603,629  

Current portion of 2.5% Senior convertible notes, net of discount of $64,095

    363,405       -  

Interest payable

    66,254       37,016  

Total Current Liabilities

    802,420       640,645  
                 

2.5% Senior secured convertible notes, net of current portion

    1,170,333       1,762,833  

Discount on convertible notes

    (880,347 )     (1,402,030 )

2.5% Senior secured convertible notes, net of discount

    289,986       360,803  
                 

Stockholders’ Equity (Deficiency):

               

Preferred stock $0.0001 par value, 10,000,000 shares authorized, none outstanding at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012

    -       -  

Common stock $0.0001 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized, 41,584,020 and 37,223,640 outstanding at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively

    4,147       3,711  

Additional paid in capital

    19,369,906       16,003,872  

Deficit accumulated during the development stage

    (19,558,634 )     (14,215,072 )

Total stockholders’ equity (deficiency)

    (184,581 )     1,792,511  

Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity (Deficiency)

  $ 907,825     $ 2,793,959  

 

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

 

 
3

 

 

 

ATHERONOVA INC.

(A Development Stage Company)

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

(Unaudited)

For the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2012,

and for the period from December 13, 2006 (Inception) through September 30, 2013

 

   

Three months ended

September 30,

   

Nine months ended

September 30,

   

Cumulative

From

 
    2013     2012     2013     2012     Inception  
                                         

Revenue, net

  $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -  
                                         

Operating expenses:

                                       

Research and development

    255,028       184,868       876,033       560,439       2,735,369  

Research and development-related party

    -       -       1,198,297       -       1,198,297  

General and administrative expenses

    788,864       474,131       2,778,599       1,750,155       9,511,686  

Impairment charge-intellectual property

    -       -       -       -       572,868  

Total operating expenses

    1,043,892       658,999       4,852,929       2,310,594       14,018,220  
                                         

Loss from operations

    (1,043,892 )     (658,999 )     (4,852,929 )     (2,310,594 )     (14,018,220 )
                                         

Other income (expenses):

                                       

Other income (expense)

    230       134       2,323       509       8,705  

Merger-related expenses

    -       -       -       -       (323,294 )

Cancellation of related-party debt

    -       -       -       -       100,000  

Interest expense

    (110,073 )     (200,380 )     (491,591 )     (395,154 )     (2,371,105 )

Private placement costs

    -       -       -       -       (2,148,307 )

Cost to induce conversion of 12% notes

    -       -       -       -       (866,083 )

Gain on conversion of debt

    -       -       -       97,975       909,368  

Gain (loss) on change in fair value of derivative liabilities

    -       -       -       2,640,497       (839,569 )
                                         

Net income (loss) before income taxes

    (1,153,735 )     (859,245 )     (5,342,197 )     33,233       (19,548,505 )
                                         

Provision for income taxes

    -       -       1,365       1,365       10,129  

Net income (loss)

  $ (1,153,735 )   $ (859,245 )   $ (5,343,562 )   $ 31,868       (19,558,634
                                         

Basic income (loss) per share

  $ (0.03 )   $ (0.03 )   $ (0.13 )   $ 0.00          

Diluted income (loss) per share

  $ (0.03 )   $ (0.03 )   $ (0.13 )   $ 0.00          
                                         

Basic weighted average shares outstanding

    41,317,353       28,935,233       39,778,101       28,663,035          

Diluted weighted average shares outstanding

    41,317,353       28,935,233       39,778,101       31,331,702          

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

 

 
4

 

 

 

ATHERONOVA INC.

(A Development Stage Company)

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity (Deficiency)

For the period from December 31, 2012 through September 30, 2013 (unaudited)

 

 

Description

 

Common

Stock

Shares

   

Common

Stock

Amount

   

Additional

Paid-in

Capital

   

Deficit

Accumulated

During

Development

Stage

   

Total

Stockholders’

Equity

(Deficiency)

 

Balance – December 31, 2012

    37,223,640     $ 3,711     $ 16,003,872     $ (14,215,072 )   $ 1,792,511  

Common stock issued upon exercise of warrants at $0.223 per share

    859,235       86       149,961       -       150,047  

Issuance of common stock for cash at $0.65 per share

    800,002       80       519,921               520,001  

Issuance of common stock for cash at $0.97 per share

    120,619       12       116,988       -       117,000  

Fair value of vested options and warrants

    -       -       725,442       -       725,442  

Fair value of shares transferred or sold to employees and directors by controlling stockholder

    -       -       481,400       -       481,400  

Fair value of common stock issued upon conversion of notes payable

    576,907       58       169,707       -       169,765  

Fair value of common stock issued for services

    1,997,161       200       1,198,097       -       1,198,297  

Fair value of stock issued to settle accounts payable

    6,456       -       4,518       -       4,518  

Net loss

    -       -       -       (5,343,562 )     (5,343,562 )

Balance – September 30, 2013

    41,584,020     $ 4,147     $ 19,369,906     $ (19,558,634 )   $ (184,581 )

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

 
5

 

 

ATHERONOVA INC.

(A Development Stage Company)

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(Unaudited)

For the nine month periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2012,

and for the period from December 13, 2006 (Inception) through September 30, 2013

   

Nine months ended September 30,

   

Cumulative From

Inception

 
   

2013

   

2012

         

Operating Activities:

                       

Net income (loss)

  $ (5,343,562 )   $ 31,868     $ (19,558,634 )

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash used in operating activities:

                       

Loss on settlement of payables and accrued interest

    6,980       19,439       105,713  

Amortization of debt discount

    457,588       384,605       2,167,077  

Depreciation

    3,194       2,145       10,699  

Fair value of vested options and warrants

    725,442       696,795       3,297,198  

Fair value of common stock issued for services

    1,198,297       -       1,717,397  

Fair value of shares transferred or sold to employees, directors and vendors by controlling stockholder

    481,400       123,050       604,450  

Impairment charge-intellectual property

    -       -       572,867  

Cost of private placement

    -       -       2,148,307  

Cost to induce conversion of 12% notes

    -       -       866,083  

Gain on conversion of debt

    -       (97,975 )     (909,368 )

Change in fair value of derivative liabilities

    -       (2,640,497 )     839,569  

Cancellation of debt

    -       -       (100,000 )

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

                       

Other assets

    974       (33,514 )     (40,425 )

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

    (199,327 )     143,904       638,710  

Net cash used in operating activities

    (2,669,014 )     (1,370,180 )     (7,640,357 )

Investing Activities

                       

Purchase of equipment

    (1,920 )     (4,300 )     (17,939 )

Investment in intellectual property

    -       -       (372,867 )

Cash received from reverse merger

    -       -       1,281  

Net cash used in investing activities

    (1,920 )     (4,300 )     (389,525 )

Financing Activities

                       

Proceeds from issuance of common stock

    787,048       -       5,366,503  

Proceeds from convertible notes-short term

    -       645,200       645,200  

Repayment of convertible notes-short term

    -       -       (15,000 )

Proceeds from sale of 2.5% senior secured convertible notes, net

    -       500,000       2,893,339  

Net cash provided by financing activities

    787,048       1,145,200       8,890,042  

Net change in cash

    (1,883,886 )     (229,280 )     860,160  

Cash - beginning balance

    2,744,046       616,067       -  

Cash - ending balance

  $ 860,160     $ 386,787     $ 860,160  

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:

                       

Cash paid for income taxes

  $ 1,365     $ 1,365     $ 10,129  

Cash paid for interest expense

  $ -     $ -     $ 32,666  

Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing and financing transactions:

                       

Stockholder notes issued in exchange for intellectual property

  $ -     $ -     $ 200,000  

Conversion of convertible notes and interest payable to common stock

  $ 169,765     $ 75,805     $ 2,190,616  

Derivative liability created on issuance of convertible notes and warrants created

  $ -     $ -     $ 1,500,000  

Reclass of accounts payable to related party notes

  $ -     $ -     $ 100,000  

Common stock issued to settle accounts payable

  $ 4,518     $ 23,748     $ 101,265  

Derivative liability extinguished upon modification of 2.5% convertible notes

  $ -     $ 3,472,549     $ 3,472,549  

Fair value of warrants and beneficial conversion feature associated with issued convertible notes

  $ -     $ 1,556,720     $ 1,556,720  

Discount on short term notes payable

  $ -     $ 58,387     $ 58,387  

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

 

 
6

 

 

 

ATHERONOVA INC.

(A Development Stage Company)

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 (Unaudited)

 

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements of AtheroNova Inc. and subsidiary (“AtheroNova,” “we,” “us, “our” and “Company”) have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for interim financial information and the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Accordingly, the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements do not include all information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for complete annual financial statements. In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments, consisting of only normal recurring adjustments, considered necessary for a fair presentation. Interim operating results are not necessarily indicative of results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2013 or for any other interim period. These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2012, which are included in the Company’s Report on Form 10-K for such year filed on April 1, 2013. The condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2012 has been derived from the audited financial statements included in the Form 10-K for that year.

 

1.            ORGANIZATION AND BUSINESS

 

Z&Z Medical Holdings, Inc. (“Z&Z Nevada”) was incorporated under the laws of the State of Nevada on December 13, 2006 (Inception). On November 30, 2009, a separate corporation named Z&Z Medical Holdings, Inc. (“Z&Z Delaware”) was incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware and on March 3, 2010, Z&Z Nevada was merged into Z&Z Delaware. On May 13, 2010, pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Merger dated March 26, 2010, our subsidiary, Z&Z Merger Corporation, merged with and into Z&Z Delaware and the surviving subsidiary corporation changed its name to AtheroNova Operations, Inc. (“AtheroNova Operations”).

 

As a result of the merger, AtheroNova is now engaged, through AtheroNova Operations, in development of pharmaceutical preparations and pharmaceutical intellectual property. The Company will continue to be a development stage company for the foreseeable future.

 

These condensed consolidated financial statements reflect the historical results of AtheroNova Operations prior to the merger and that of the combined company following the merger, and do not include the historical financial results of AtheroNova prior to the completion of the merger. Common stock and the corresponding capital amounts of the Company pre-merger have been retroactively restated as capital stock shares reflecting the exchange ratio in the merger and subsequent 1-for-200 reverse stock split effected on June 23, 2010.

 

2.            BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

The summary of significant accounting policies presented below is designed to assist in understanding the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements. Such financial statements and accompanying notes are the representation of the Company’s management, who is responsible for their integrity and objectivity.

 

Use of Estimates

 

In preparing these condensed consolidated financial statements, management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the condensed consolidated financial statements and the reported amount of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Significant estimates and assumptions included in the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements relate to the valuation of long-lived assets, accrued other liabilities, and valuation assumptions related to share-based payments and derivative liability.

 

 

 
7

 

 

 

Going Concern

 

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared under the assumption that the Company will continue as a going concern. Such assumption contemplates the realization of assets and satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business. The Company is in the development stage and has not generated any revenues from operations to date, and does not expect to do so in the foreseeable future. The Company has experienced recurring operating losses and negative operating cash flows since inception, and has financed its working capital requirements through the recurring sale of its convertible notes and equity securities. As reflected in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements, the Company had a negative cash flow from operations of $2,669,014 for the period ended September 30, 2013 and accumulated deficit of $19,558,634 at September 30, 2013. These factors, among others, raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. The condensed consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that might be necessary should the Company be unable to continue as a going concern. As a result, the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, in its report on the Company’s December 31, 2012 financial statements, has raised substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern.

 

Management is currently in the process of exploring private placements of securities by the Company to accredited investors, funds and institutional investors. Significant additional capital is needed to advance the Company’s research and development as well as providing general working capital. Management believes that current funds will be sufficient to fund operations through January 2014. There can be no assurances that sufficient subsequent funding, if any at all, will be raised by this or future offerings or that the cost of such funding will be reasonable.

 

In light of the foregoing, management will also seek funding through short-term and long-term loans, grants and other such funds available from private and public sources established to further research in health care and advancement of science. Management continues to meet with representatives of private and public sources of funding to continue the ongoing process of capital development sufficient enough to cover negative cash flows expected in future periods and will continue to do so in the coming months.

 

Principles of Consolidation

 

The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its majority-owned subsidiary. Intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.

 

Earnings and Loss per Share

 

The Company’s computation of earnings per share (“EPS”) includes basic and diluted EPS.  Basic EPS is measured as the income (loss) available to common stockholders divided by the weighted average common shares outstanding for the period.  Diluted EPS is similar to basic EPS but presents the dilutive effect on a per share basis of potential common shares (e.g., warrants and options) as if they had been converted at the beginning of the periods presented, or issuance date, if later.  Potential common shares that have an anti-dilutive effect (i.e., those that increase income per share or decrease loss per share) are excluded from the calculation of diluted EPS.

 

Income (loss) per common share is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the respective periods. Basic and diluted (loss) per common share is the same for periods in which the company reported an operating loss because all warrants and stock options outstanding are anti-dilutive.

 

 

 
8

 

 

 

A reconciliation of basic and diluted shares for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 follows:

 

   

September 30,

2013

   

September 30,

2012

 
                 

Average common shares outstanding-basic

    41,317,353       28,935,233  

Effect of dilutive securities-

               

Warrants

    -       -  

Employee and director stock options

    -       -  
                 

Average diluted shares

  $ 41,317,353     $ 28,935,233  

 

There were no adjustments to net income (loss) required for purposes of computing diluted earnings per share.

 

A reconciliation of basic and diluted shares for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 follows:

 

   

September 30,

2013

   

September 30,

2012

 
                 

Average common shares outstanding-basic

    39,778,101       28,663,035  

Effect of dilutive securities-

               

Warrants

    -       2,405,125  

Employee and director stock options

    -       263,542  
                 

Average diluted shares

  $ 39,778,101     $ 31,331,702  

 

There were no adjustments to net income (loss) required for purposes of computing diluted earnings per share.

 

Warrants, options and other potentially dilutive securities are antidilutive and are excluded from the dilutive calculations when their exercise or conversion price exceeds the average stock market price during the period or the effect would be anti-dilutive when applied to a net loss during the period(s) presented. The following table sets forth the shares excluded from the diluted calculation for the three month periods presented as follows:

 

   

September 30,

2013

   

September 30,

2012

 
                 

Senior secured Convertible notes

    5,509,769       4,200,299  

Convertible notes-short term

    -       1,400,000  

Warrants

    8,539,367       3,984,595  

Employee and director stock options

    5,539,498       4,294,456  
                 

Total potentially dilutive shares

  $ 19,588,634     $ 13,878,350  

 

 

 
9

 

 

 

Such securities could potentially dilute earnings per share in the future.

 

Derivative Financial Instruments

 

The Company evaluates all of its financial instruments to determine if such instruments are derivatives or contain features that qualify as embedded derivatives. For derivative financial instruments that are accounted for as liabilities, the derivative instrument is initially recorded at its fair value and is then re-valued at each reporting date, with changes in the fair value reported in the consolidated statements of operations. For stock-based derivative financial instruments, the Company uses the weighted-average Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model to value the derivative instruments at inception and on subsequent valuation dates. The classification of derivative instruments, including whether such instruments should be recorded as liabilities or as equity, is evaluated at the end of each reporting period.  Derivative instrument liabilities are classified in the balance sheet as current or non-current based on whether or not net-cash settlement of the derivative instrument could be required within 12 months of the balance sheet date.

 

The Company had derivative liabilities in 2012 relating to purchase price adjustments on certain convertible notes and warrants issued in 2010. These agreements were modified in 2012 eliminating the reset provisions and the corresponding derivative liabilities.

 

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

 

Effective January 1, 2008, fair value measurements are determined by the Company’s adoption of authoritative guidance issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”), with the exception of the application of the statement to non-recurring, non-financial assets and liabilities as permitted. The adoption of the authoritative guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s fair value measurements.  Fair value is defined in the authoritative guidance as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. A fair value hierarchy was established, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value into three broad levels as follows:

 

Level 1—Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

 

Level 2—Inputs, other than the quoted prices in active markets, are observable either directly or indirectly.

 

Level 3—Unobservable inputs based on the Company’s assumptions.

 

The Company is required to use observable market data if such data is available without undue cost and effort.

 

At September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the fair values of cash and cash equivalents, and accounts payable approximate their carrying values.

 

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

 

In January 2013, the FASB issued Accounting Standard Update (“ASU”) 2013-01, Balance Sheet (Topic 210): Clarifying the Scope of Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities. This ASU clarifies which instruments and transactions are subject to the offsetting disclosure requirements established by ASU 2011-11. This guidance is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning January 1, 2013. The Company does not believe the adoption of this update will have a material effect on its financial position and results of operations.

 

 

 
10

 

 

 

On March 4, 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-05, “Foreign Currency Matters (Topic 830): Parent’s Accounting for the Cumulative Translation Adjustment upon Derecognition of Certain Subsidiaries or Groups of Assets within a Foreign Entity or of an Investment in a Foreign Entity” (“ASU 2013-05”). ASU 2013-05 updates accounting guidance related to the application of consolidation guidance and foreign currency matters. This guidance resolves the diversity in practice about what guidance applies to the release of the cumulative translation adjustment into net income. This guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2013. The Company does not believe the adoption of this update will have a material effect on its financial position and results of operations.

 

In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-11, Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists. Topic 740, Income Taxes, does not include explicit guidance on the financial statement presented of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists. There is diversity in practice in the presentation of unrecognized tax benefits in those instances and the amendments in this update are intended to eliminate that diversity in practice. The amendments are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013. The amendments should be applied prospectively to all unrecognized tax benefits that exist at the effective date. Early adoption is permitted. The Company does not believe the adoption of this update will have a material effect on its financial position and results of operations.

 

Other accounting pronouncements did not or are not believed by management to have a material impact on the Company’s present or future consolidated financial statements.

 

3.            2.5% SENIOR SECURED CONVERTIBLE NOTES PAYABLE

 

Convertible notes payable consist of the following as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012:

 

   

September 30,

2013

   

December 31,

2012

 
                 

2010 Convertible Notes

  $ 427,500     $ 427,500  

2012 Convertible Notes

    1,170,333       1,335,333  
      1,597,833       1,762,833  

Less Valuation Discount

    (944,442 )     (1,402,030 )
                 

Convertible Notes Payable, net

  $ 653,391     $ 360,803  

 

2010 Convertible Notes

 

On May 13, 2010, the Company entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement with W-Net Fund I, L.P. (“W-Net”), Europa International, Inc. (“Europa”) and MKM Opportunity Master Fund, Ltd. (“MKM” and together with W-Net and Europa, the “Purchasers”), pursuant to which the Purchasers, on May 13, 2010, purchased from the Company (i) 2.5% Senior Secured Convertible Notes (the “Original Notes”) for a cash purchase price of $1,500,000, and (ii) Common Stock Purchase Warrants pursuant to which the Purchasers may purchase up to 1,908,798 shares of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price equal to approximately $0.39 per share (the “Capital Raise Transaction”), as amended.

 

The Original Notes accrued 2.5% interest per annum with a maturity of 4 years after the closing of the Capital Raise Transaction. No cash interest payments were required, except that accrued and unconverted interest is due on the maturity date and on each conversion date with respect to the principal amount being converted, provided that such interest may be added to and included with the principal amount being converted. If there is an uncured event of default (as defined in the Original Notes), the holder of each Original Note may declare the entire principal and accrued interest amount immediately due and payable. Default interest will accrue after an event of default at an annual rate of 12%. If there is an acceleration, a mandatory default amount equal to 120% of the unpaid Original Note principal plus accrued interest may be payable.

 

 

 
11

 

 

 

The Original Notes greatly restrict the ability of the Company and AtheroNova Operations to issue indebtedness or grant liens on the Company’s or AtheroNova Operations’ respective assets without the Original Note holders’ consent. They also limit and impose financial costs on the Company’s acquisition by any third party.

 

On May 13, 2010, the Company also entered into a Security Agreement and an Intellectual Property Security Agreement with the Purchasers and AtheroNova Operations, pursuant to which all of the Company’s obligations under the Original Notes are secured by first priority security interests in all of its assets and the assets of AtheroNova Operations, including intellectual property. Upon an event of default under the Original Notes or such agreements, the Original Note holders may be entitled to foreclose on any of such assets or exercise other rights available to a secured creditor under California and Delaware law. In addition, under a Subsidiary Guarantee, AtheroNova Operations will guarantee all of the Company’s obligations under the Original Notes. As of December 31, 2012, the outstanding balance of the notes amounted to $427,500, unpaid interest of $28,752 and unamortized note discount of $144,251.

 

During the period ended September 30, 2013, the Company recognized interest expense of $8,075 and $80,156 to amortize the note discount. The aggregate outstanding balance, unpaid interest and unamortized note discount as of September 30, 2013 amounted to $427,500, $36,827 and $64,095, respectively. The notes are due on May 12, 2014 and have been reclassified as a current liability.

 

2012 Convertible Notes

 

On July 23, 2012 current note holders notified the Company of their intention of putting the additional $1,500,000 in notes substantially in the form of the Second Amended Notes (the “2012 Notes”) in 3 tranches. The first $500,000 was put to the Company and the Company issued 2012 Notes on September 4, 2012. These 2012 Notes mature on September 3, 2016. The second tranche of $498,333 was put to the Company and the Company issued 2012 Notes on October 1, 2012. The final tranche of $500,000 was put to the Company and the Company issued 2012 Notes on October 31, 2012 for an aggregate issuance of $1,498,333. The 2012 Notes are convertible into common stock at a per share price of $0.29 per share. As the market price on the date of the issuance of the 2012 Notes ranged between $0.58 and $0.80 per share, the Company calculated a beneficial conversion feature up to the face value of the 2012 Notes in the aggregate of $1,498,333 representing the difference between the market price and the exercise price on the date of issuance. The beneficial conversion feature was recorded as a valuation discount and is being amortized over the term of the 2012 Notes. As of December 31, 2012, the outstanding balance of the notes amounted to $1,335,334, unpaid interest of $8,264 and unamortized note discount of $1,257,779.

 

During the period ended September 30, 2013, principal on the amount of $165,000 was converted at a per share price of $0.29 into 568,965 shares of the Company’s common stock. The Company also issued 7,942 shares of its common stock with a market value of $4,765 to settle $2,303 of accrued interest relating to these notes. The issuance of these common shares resulted in an additional charge of $2,462 that has been reflected as part of interest expense in the accompanying statement of operations. Furthermore, the Company also recorded interest expense of $145,504 to expense the corresponding unamortized note discount of the converted note.

 

During the period ended September 30, 2013, the Company recognized interest expense of $23,466 and $231,928 to amortize the note discount. The aggregate balance of the 2012 Notes outstanding, unpaid interest and unamortized note discount as of September 30, 2013 amounted to $1,170,333, $29,427 and $880,347, respectively.

 

 

 
12

 

 

 

4.     STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIENCY)

 

Common Stock

 

In January and February 2013, the Company issued a total of 859,235 shares of common stock for total proceeds of $150,047. The shares of common stock were issued pursuant to exercise of 859,235 warrants at $0.223/share. Included in the warrants exercised were 336,427 warrants exercised on a “cashless exercise” basis, resulting in issuance of 186,380 shares of the Company’s common stock and cancellation of the remaining 150,047 shares purchasable under the warrant.

 

In March 2013, a controlling stockholder sold 1,624,999 shares of common stock and transferred 95,000 shares of common stock to certain officers and directors of the Company. These transactions involving the officers and directors were considered compensatory and the difference between the fair value and the sales price was recorded as a contribution to capital and compensation expense totaling $481,400.

 

On May 22, 2013, the Company issued a total of 1,997,161 shares of its common stock valued at $0.73 per share, or $1,198,297, to OOO CardioNova in consideration for the achievement of milestones under the 2011 Licensing Agreement (see Note 5). The shares issued were valued at the trading price on the approval date of the Company’s Board of Directors and recorded as research and development expenses.

 

On June 14, 2013 OOO CardioNova purchased 120,619 shares of common stock at $0.97/share or $117,000 pursuant to a 2011 Securities Purchase Agreement and 2011 Licensing Agreement (See Note 5).

 

On June 24, 2013, the Company issued 6,456 shares of its common stock with a fair value of $0.70/share or $4,518 in settlement of consulting fees owed to a director of the Company. The issuance of these common shares resulted in an additional charge of $4,518 that has been reflected as part of operating expenses in the accompanying statement of operations.

 

During August 2013, the Company sold 800,002 units for $0.65 per unit, each unit consisting of one share of common stock and a warrant to purchase 0.30 shares of common stock for up to 10 years at $0.75 per share, to accredited investors, resulting in proceeds to the Company of $520,001. In connection with such sales, warrants to purchase 240,001 shares of common stock were issued to these same purchasers. There were no commissions paid with respect to these sales.

 

Stock Options

 

The Company has a stockholder-approved stock incentive plan for employees under which it has granted stock options. In May 2010, the Company established the 2010 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2010 Plan”), which provides for the granting of awards to officers, directors, employees and consultants to purchase or acquire up to 4,362,964 shares, subsequently amended to 7,362,964 shares, of the Company’s common stock. The awards have a maximum term of 10 years and vest over a period determined by the Company’s Board of Directors and are issued at an exercise price determined by the Board of Directors. Options issued under the 2010 Plan will have an exercise price equal to or greater than the fair market value of a share of the Company’s common stock at the date of grant. The 2010 Plan expires on May 20, 2020 as to any further granting of options. There were options outstanding to purchase a total of 5,539,498 shares granted under the 2010 Plan as well as outside the 2010 Plan as of September 30, 2013. There were 3,172,964 shares reserved for future grants under the 2010 Plan as of September 30, 2013.

 

 

 
13

 

 

 

A summary of the status of the Company’s stock options as of September 30, 2013 and changes during the period then ended is presented below:

   

Shares

   

Weighted

average

exercise

price

   

Weighted

Average

Remaining

Contractual

Term (years)

   

Aggregate

Intrinsic

Value

 

Outstanding at December 31, 2012

    4,606,998     $ 0.987       5.189     $ 119,241  

Granted

    1,932,500       0.570       6.591       -  

Exercised

    -       -       -       -  

Cancelled

    (1,000,000 )     1.010       -          

Outstanding at September 30, 2013

    5,539,498     $ 0.838       5.046     $ 235,507  

Exercisable at September 30, 2013

    2,862,873     $ 0.945       4.193     $ 166,168  

Weighted-average fair value of options granted during the nine month period ended September 30, 2013

  $ 0.57                          

 

During the period ended September 30, 2013, the Company issued options to purchase 352,500 shares of common stock to an employee and members of the Company’s Board of Directors valued at $181,497 using the Black-Scholes-Merton calculation. The options have an exercise price of $0.43 up to $0.69 per share, vest over a four year period and expire seven years from the date of grant. During the period ended September 30, 2013, the Company recognized compensation costs of $36,212 based on the vesting of these options.

 

During the period ended September 30, 2013, the Company issued options to purchase 1,250,000 shares of common stock to consultants with an estimated fair value of approximately $675,000 using the Black-Scholes-Merton calculation. The options have an exercise price from $0.43 to $0.69 per share, vest over a four year period and expire seven years from the date of grant. During the period ended September 30, 2013, the Company recognized compensation costs of $84,738 based on the fair value of options that vested.

 

In September 2013, the Company issued options to purchase 330,000 shares of common stock to consultants with an estimated fair value of approximately $206,688 using the Black-Scholes-Merton calculation. The options have an exercise price from $0.63 per share, vest over a three year period and expire seven years from the date of grant. The Company will begin amortization of these options starting October 2013 pursuant to the option’s vesting period.

 

In May 2011, the Company granted a consultant a total of 1,500,000 options to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock. These options will only become fully vested upon the achievement of certain milestones and will expire in seven years from grant date. At the beginning of the period, a total of 1,350,000 options remain unvested. In March and May 2013, certain milestones were achieved resulting in a total of 350,000 options becoming fully vested and the Company recognized compensation costs $117,257 based on the fair value of these options using the Black-Scholes-Merton calculation. In June 2013, the Company and the consultant agreed to cancel the remaining unvested option to purchase 1,000,000 shares of common stock at $1.01/share.

 

During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, the Company also recognized $473,735 of compensation costs related to the vesting of options granted in prior periods. As of September 30, 2013, the total compensation cost related to all nonvested option awards not yet recognized is approximately $1,514,948.  The weighted average period over which it is expected to be recognized is approximately 3.25 years.

 

To compute compensation expense, the Company estimated the fair value of each option award on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model for employees, and calculated the fair value of each option award at the end of the period for non-employees. In prior periods, the Company based the expected volatility assumption on a volatility index of publicly traded peer companies. During the current period, the Company determined that its stock price has matured and there is a consistent level of trading activity, as such, the Company used the volatility percentage of its common stock. The expected term of options granted represents the period of time that options are expected to be outstanding. The Company estimated the expected term of stock options by using the simplified method. The expected forfeiture rates are based on the historical employee forfeiture experiences. To determine the risk-free interest rate, the Company utilized the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant with a term consistent with the expected term of the Company’s awards. The Company has not declared a dividend on its common stock since its inception and has no intentions of declaring a dividend in the foreseeable future and therefore used a dividend yield of zero.

 

 

 
14

 

 

 

The following table shows the weighted average assumptions the Company used to develop the fair value estimates for the determination of the compensation charges in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012:

 

   

Three months ended

September 30,

 

Nine months ended

September 30,

 
   

2013

 

2012

 

2013

 

2012

 
                                   

Expected volatility

    218 %    110% - 111%   113% -  226%    110% - 112%  

Dividend yield

    -       -       -       -    

Expected term (in years)

    6.25     5.00 -  5.58     6.25      1.75 - 5.92  

Risk-free interest rate

    2.05 %     1.43%     1.38 - 2.05%     0.42%- 1.43%  

 

Warrants

 

In January 2013, the Company issued warrants to purchase 50,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $0.50 per share to a consultant which were valued at $13,500 using the Black-Scholes-Merton calculation with the following assumptions: volatility rate of 114%, expected term of 2.5 years, risk free interest rate of 0.40% and expected dividend yield of 0%. The warrants have an exercise price of $0.50 per share, vest immediately and expire 2.5 years from date of grant. During the period ended September 30, 2013, the Company recognized compensation costs of $13,500 based upon the vesting of these warrants.

 

During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, we issued a total of 240,001 fully-vested warrants to accredited investors who purchased common stock in the subscription offering. These warrants are exercisable for ten years from the date of issuance at an exercise price of $0.75 per share.

 

During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, warrants to acquire 859,235 shares of common stock were exercised resulting in net proceeds to the Company of $150,047.

 

A summary of the status of our warrants as of September 30, 2012 and changes during the period then ended is presented below:

 

   

Shares

   

Weighted

average

exercise

price

   

Weighted

Average

Remaining

Contractual

Term (years)

   

Aggregate

Intrinsic Value

 

Outstanding at December 31, 2012

    9,314,720     $ 0.377       2.665     $ 783,258  

Granted

    290,001       0.707       8.595       -  

Exercised

    (859,235 )     -       -       -  

Cancelled

    (206,118 )     -       -       -  

Outstanding at September 30, 2013

    8,539,368     $ 0.497       2.038     $ 967,088  

Exercisable at September 30, 2013

    8,539,368     $ 0.497       2.038     $ 967,088  

 

 

 
15

 

 

 

5.            COMMITTMENTS

 

CardioNova Agreement

 

In October 2011, the Company entered into two definitive agreements with OOO CardioNova, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Maxwell Biotech Group, a Russian biotech fund, covering the Company’s AHRO-001 compound. The agreements cover a territory represented by the Russian Federation, the Ukraine and various countries in central Asia (the “Territory”).

 

Under the licensing agreement OOO CardioNova (“CardioNova”) will become an equity investor in the Company in exchange for the funding of Phase 1 and 2 clinical trials conducted by a Clinical Research Organization (“CRO”) located in Russia. A Joint Steering Committee was subsequently established between both entities to determine the final clinical protocols and approved a research budget of $3.8 million.

 

Pursuant to the agreement, common stock equal to 10%, 20%, 40%, and 30% of the approved research budget of $3.8 million will be issued upon completion of certain phases of the clinical trials. The shares to be issued will be determined based upon a 20 day average price prior to issuance up to $0.97/share.

 

During the period ended September 30, 2013, certain clinical trial milestones were achieved. As a result, the Company issued a total of 1,997,161 non-refundable shares of common stock representing the first 30% of the budget with a fair value of $1,198,297 or $0.60/share. The fair value of the shares issued was based upon the trading price of the Company’s common stock upon its approval by the Company’s Board of Directors, and has been included in research and development costs for the nine month period ending September 30, 2013.

 

If CardioNova successfully develops and commercializes AHRO-001 in the Territory, the Company will be entitled to receive a quarterly royalty, based on net sales during the period using an escalating scale. The royalty agreement shall remain in force for the period in which intellectual property rights for AHRO-001 are in full force and effect in the Territory.

 

Under the Securities Purchase Agreement, CardioNova purchased a total of 275,258 shares of the Company’s common stock for a cash purchase price of $0.97 per share. This transaction took take place in two installments. The first installment, which took place in December 2011, was for the issuance of 154,639 shares upon receipt of $150,000 as specified in the License Agreement. The 2nd installment of 120,619 shares was issued in June 2013 upon the receipt of the final $117,000 due upon shipment of the final clinical product to be used in the Phase 1 clinical trials, which occurred in early June 2013 (see Note 4).

 

 

Research Agreements 

 

The Company has a research agreement signed in September 2012, amended in April 2013 and again in September 2013, with a major university in Southern California to conduct contract research in additional compounds covered under the Company’s pending patents. This agreement calls for payment of all research costs relating to the study of dosage and efficacy of bile salts on the atherosclerotic plaque in a non-human model. The total potential cost of the amended project is $236,323, to be paid in four installments over the estimated one year length of the study. The process is ongoing and to date, $236,323 has been expensed, of which $81,662 and $120,327 has been recorded as part of Research and Development costs on the accompanying statement of operations for the three-and nine month periods ended September 30, 2013, respectively. The agreement is scheduled to end in December 2013.

 

The Company has multiple testing agreements signed in September 2012 and August 2013 for testing of the oral toxicity of AHRO-001 in non-human models. Each agreement can be terminated anytime and there are no commitments or guarantees other than to reimburse costs incurred prior to termination.

 

 

 
16

 

 

 

The study initiated in September 2012, with a cost of approximately $510,000, has completed the active phase of testing and is in the data write-up stage of the project. The process is ongoing and to date, $450,430 has been expensed, of which $0 and $333,885 has been recorded as part of Research and Development costs on the accompanying statement of operations for the three-and nine month periods ended September 30, 2013, respectively.

 

The studies authorized in August 2013, with a cost of approximately $224,600, are both in the process of protocol preparation, with the active phase of the studies commencing in November. The process is ongoing and to date, $22,460 has been expensed, of which $22,460 has been recorded as part of Research and Development costs on the accompanying statement of operations for both the three-and nine month periods ended September 30, 2013, respectively.

 

6.             RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

Accounts payable includes $31,266 and $17,533 as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively, that are payable to officers and directors of the Company.

 

2.5% Senior secured convertible notes includes $1,094,167 convertible notes purchased and held by Europa at both September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012. Europa is an entity controlled by Knoll Capital Management of which Mr. Knoll, one of the Company’s directors, is the managing director.

 

During the period ended September 30, 2013, the Company issued a total of 1,997,161 non-refundable shares of common stock with a fair value of $1,198,297 to CardioNova, pursuant to an October 2011 research and development agreement (see Note 5 for further discussion).  At September 30, 2013, CardioNova owns approximately 5% of the Company’s outstanding shares of common stock.

 

7.            SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

In October 2013, the Company issued options to purchase 150,000 shares of common stock to an employee. The option has an exercise price of $0.63/share, vest over four years, will expire in seven years and with a fair value of approximately $77,000 using the Black-Scholes-Merton calculation with the following assumptions: volatility rate of 219%, expected term of 5.5 years, risk free interest rate of 2.09% and expected dividend yield of 0%.

 

 

 
17

 

 

 

Item 2.          Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

 

This discussion summarizes the significant factors affecting our operating results, financial condition and liquidity and cash flows for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012. The discussion and analysis that follows should be read together with the condensed consolidated financial statements and the notes to the financial statements included elsewhere in this report. Except for historical information, the matters discussed in this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations are forward looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties and are based upon judgments concerning various factors that are beyond our control. You can identify forward-looking statements by the use of forward-looking terminology including “believes,” “expects,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “seeks,” “intends,” “plans,” “pro forma,” “estimates,” “anticipates” or the negative of these words and phrases or other variations of these words and phrases or comparable terminology. Our actual results could differ materially from the results anticipated in any forward-looking statements as a result of a variety of factors, including those discussed in the section of our annual report on Form 10-K captioned “Risk Factors.”

 

Overview

 

Z&Z Medical Holdings, Inc. (“Z&Z Nevada”) was incorporated in the State of Nevada on December 13, 2006 with contributed intellectual property from its founders. Z&Z Nevada was engaged in developing the contributed intellectual property while seeking sources of funding to conduct further research and development. In November 2009 we incorporated a separate company, Z&Z Medical Holdings, Inc. in Delaware (“Z&Z Delaware”) and merged Z&Z Nevada into Z&Z Delaware in March 2010. On March 26, 2010 we entered into a merger agreement between us, Z&Z Delaware and Z&Z Merger Corporation, our wholly-owned subsidiary and on May 13, 2010, Z&Z Delaware merged into Z&Z Merger Corporation and became our operating subsidiary. Concurrent with the merger, Z&Z Delaware changed its name to AtheroNova Operations Inc. (“AtheroNova Operations”) and we changed our name to AtheroNova Inc. The merger was accounted for as a reverse merger (recapitalization) with AtheroNova Operations deemed to be the accounting acquirer, and our company deemed to be the legal acquirer. The business of AtheroNova Operations, pharmaceuticals and pharmaceutical intellectual property, became our business upon consummation of the merger.

 

We have developed intellectual property, covered by our pending patent applications, which uses certain pharmacological compounds uniquely for the treatment of atherosclerosis, which is the primary cause of cardiovascular diseases. Atherosclerosis occurs when cholesterol of fats are deposited and form as plaques on the walls of the arteries. This buildup reduces the space within the arteries through which blood can flow. The plaque can also rupture, greatly restricting or blocking blood flow altogether. Through a process called delipidization, such compounds dissolve the plaques so they can be eliminated through normal body processes and avoid such rupturing or restriction of blood flow. Such compounds may be used both to treat and prevent atherosclerosis.

 

In the near future, we plan to continue studies and preparation for clinical trials to demonstrate the efficacy of our intellectual property and related Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (“API”). Ultimately, we plan to use or license our technology to various licensees throughout the world who may use it in treating or preventing atherosclerosis and other medical conditions or sublicense the IP or API to other such users. Our potential licensees may also produce, market or distribute products which utilize or add our compounds and technology in such treatment or prevention.

 

General

 

Operating expenses consist primarily of payroll and related costs, corporate infrastructure costs and research costs. We expect that our operating expenses will increase as we initiate production of API sufficient to use in toxicology studies, formulation development and tableting quantities necessary for Phase 1 and 2 clinical trials, advancing our business plan, in addition to the added costs of operating as a public company.

 

 

 
18

 

 

Historically, we have funded our working capital needs primarily through the sale of shares of our capital stock and debt financing.

 

The following represents a discussion of the operations of the Company for the periods presented.

 

Results of Operations

 

Three-month period ended September 30, 2013 vs. 2012:

 

   

Quarters ended September 30,

   

Increase

 
   

2013

   

2012

   

(decrease)

 

Costs and expenses:

                       

Research and development:

                       

Share-based compensation

  $ -     $ -     $ -  

Other research and development expenses

    255,028       184,868       70,160  

Total research and development expenses

    255,028       184,868       70,160  

General and administrative:

                       

Share-based compensation

    191,469       194,126       (2,657 )

Other general and administrative expenses

    597,395       280,005       317,390  

Total general and administrative expenses

    788,864       474,131       314,733  

Interest expense

    (110,073 )     (200,380 )     90,307  

Other income (expense)

    230       134       96  

Total other income (expense)

    (109,843 )     (200,246 )     90,403  

Net income (loss)

  $ (1,153,735 )   $ (859,245 )   $ (294,490 )

 

 

Three months ended September 30, 2013 Compared to the three months ended September 30, 2012

 

During the three month periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, we did not recognize any revenues. We are considered a development stage company and do not expect to have revenues relating to our products in the foreseeable future, if at all.

 

For the quarter ended September 30, 2013, research and development expenses increased to $255,028 from $184,868 in the same period in 2012. This increase is primarily the result of spending on the preclinical research projects still in process. Additionally, expenses associated with toxicology work increased due to the undertaking of several non-human toxicology studies.

 

General and administrative costs increased to $788,864 in the third quarter of 2013 compared to $474,131 for the quarter ended September 30, 2012, or an increase of $314,733. The increase in costs incurred in 2013 is due to the costs associated with the additions of our Chief Medical Officer, regulatory, pharmacokinetics and toxicology consultants as well as increasing expenses in investor and public relations to increase awareness of our transition to a clinical stage enterprise and professional fees for method development of various analytical tests. Stock based compensation expense for our officers, directors and consultants were comparable for the three month periods ending September 30, 2013 and 2012.

 

For the quarter ended September 30, 2013, interest expense was $110,073 compared to $200,380 in the quarter ended September 30, 2012. This change is due to expensing in 2012 of the remaining unamortized discount on the $168,451 of Senior Convertible Notes converted in the prior year with no comparable conversion in the current year.

 

Net loss for the quarter ended September 30, 2013 was $1,153,735 compared to $859,245 for the quarter ended September 30, 2012 due to the increased expenses relating to increased toxicology and development testing, technical writers to develop and monitor protocols and increased spending on consultants to support the Phase 1 clinical trials currently in process in association with our development partner, CardioNova.

 

 

 
19

 

 

 

Nine-month period ended September 30, 2013 as compared to 2012:

 

   

Nine months ended September 30,

   

Increase

 
   

2013

   

2012

   

(decrease)

 

Costs and expenses:

                       

Research and development:

                       

Share-based compensation

  $ 1,198,297     $ -     $ 1,198,297  

Other research and development expenses

    876,033       560,439       315,594  

Total research and development expenses

    2,074,330       560,439       1,513,891  

General and administrative:

                       

Share-based compensation

    1,193,342       819,845       373,497  

Other general and administrative expenses

    1,585,257       930,310       654,947  

Total general and administrative expenses

    2,778,599       1,750,155       1,028,444  

Interest expense

    (491,591 )     (395,154 )     (96,437 )

Gain on conversion of debt

    -       97,975       (97,975 )

Gain on change in fair value of derivative liabilities

    -       2,640,497       (2,640,497 )

Other income (expense)

    958       (856 )     1,814  

Total other income (expense)

    (490,633 )     2,342,462       (2,833,095 )

Net income (loss)

  $ (5,343,562 )   $ 31,868     $ (5,375,430 )

 

 

 

Nine months ended September 30, 2013 Compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2012

 

During the nine month periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, we did not recognize any revenues. We are considered a development stage company and do not expect to have revenues relating to our products in the foreseeable future, if at all.

 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, research and development expenses increased to $2,074,330 from $560,439. This increase is primarily the result of expenses associated with the protocol development and Phase 1 preparatory costs, paid for with issuance of common stock, ongoing toxicology studies and development and production of our first clinical grade active pharmaceutical ingredient for Phase 1 clinical trials. The activities in the nine month period ending September 30, 2012 consisted of ongoing development of clinical grade active pharmaceutical ingredient and pre-clinical research costs.

 

General and administrative costs increased to $2,778,599 in the nine months ended September 30, 2013 compared to $1,750,155 for the nine months ended September 30, 2012, or an increase of $1,028,444. The increase in costs incurred in 2013 is due to the costs associated with the additions of our Chief Medical Officer, regulatory, pharmacokinetics and toxicology consultants, investor/public relations as we progressed to and entered into being a clinical stage enterprise, travel costs related to preparation and oversight of the Russian clinical trials as well as the cost of stock based compensation expense of $422,500 for below market price stock purchases by several directors of the Company, when compared to the same period of 2012.

 

For the nine month period ended September 30, 2013 interest expense was $491,591 compared to $395,154 in the nine month period ended September 30, 2012. This change is due to recognition of the note discounts on a higher outstanding Senior Note balance in the current year when compared to 2012.

 

 

 
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There was no gain on conversion of debt in the nine months ended September 30, 2013 compared to $97,975 in the same period of 2012. This gain was due to the recognition of a derivative liability upon the conversion into common stock of $68,813 of the Notes in May 2012.

 

Change in fair value of derivative liabilities resulted in income of $2,640,497 in the nine months ended September 30, 2012 with no comparable gain for the nine months ended September 30, 2013. This change in fair value in 2012 results from revaluing our derivative liabilities associated with the outstanding balance of convertible notes and warrants issued in 2010 and elimination of the derivative liabilities due to the amendment of the Senior Notes and warrants to remove the anti-dilution provisions contained in each.

 

Net loss for the nine month period ended September 30, 2013 was $5,343,562 compared to net income of $31,868 for the nine month period ended September 30, 2012. The income generated in 2012 was from the re-valuing our derivative liabilities which is only partially offset by payroll and stock based compensation for employees, officers and directors retained by the us as well as the costs associated with the development and formulation of clinical-grade active pharmaceutical ingredient and work on the Phase 1 clinical trial material. 2013’s loss is a result of additional expenses for the Phase 1 clinical trials, additional costs for consultants supporting our clinical and development operations and no income generating revaluations of derivative liabilities that were extinguished in June 2012.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

We have incurred a deficit during the development stage of $19,558,634 primarily as a result of our losses from operations and the non-cash costs relating to the accounting of debt, derivative and warrant issuances. These losses have been incurred through a combination of research and development activities as well as patent work related to our technology, expenses related to the merger and to public reporting obligations and the costs to supporting all of these activities. We expect to continue to incur additional losses for at least the next 12 months and for the foreseeable future. These factors, among others, raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. The condensed consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that might be necessary should we be unable to continue as a going concern.

 

We have financed our operations since inception primarily through equity and debt financings. During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, we had a net decrease in cash and cash equivalents of $1,883,886. This decrease resulted largely from net cash used in operating activities of $2,669,014, partially offset by a) $520,001 raised by sales of 800,002 investment units to accredited investors. Each unit is composed of one share of common stock and a warrant to purchase .30 shares of common stock at $0.75 per share, exercisable for up to 10 years from the issuance date, and b) $150,047 raised through the exercise of warrants to purchase 859,235 shares of our common stock and purchase of 120,619 of our common shares for $117,000. Total cash as of September 30, 2013 was $860,160 compared to $2,744,046 at December 31, 2012.

 

As of September 30, 2013, we had working capital of $81,625 compared to working capital of $2,121,023 at December 31, 2012.

 

Our available working capital and capital requirements will depend upon numerous factors, including progress of our research and development programs, our progress in and the cost of ongoing and planned nonclinical and clinical testing, the timing and cost of obtaining regulatory approvals, the cost of filing, prosecuting, defending, and enforcing patent claims and other intellectual property rights, in-licensing activities, competing technological and market developments, the resources that we devote to developing manufacturing and commercializing capabilities, the status of our competitors, our ability to establish collaborative arrangements with other organizations and our need to purchase additional capital equipment.

 

Our continued operations will depend on whether we are able to raise additional funds through various potential sources, such as equity and debt financing, other collaborative agreements, strategic alliances, and our ability to realize the full potential of our technology in development. Such additional funds may not become available on acceptable terms and there can be no assurance that any additional funding that we do obtain will be sufficient to meet our needs in the long term. Through September 30, 2013, a significant portion of our financing has been through private placements of common stock and warrants and debt financing. Unless our operations generate significant revenues and cash flows from operating activities, we will continue to fund operations from cash on hand and through sources of capital similar to those previously described. We can give no assurances that any additional capital that we are able to obtain will be sufficient to meet our needs. We believe that we will continue to incur net losses and negative cash flows from operating activities for the foreseeable future.

 

 

 
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During June 2013, OOO CardioNova purchased the second tranche of our common stock pursuant to a 2011 Securities Purchase Agreement and 2011 Licensing Agreement which resulted in the purchase of 120,619 shares of our common stock and cash proceeds to us of $117,000.

 

During August 2013, we sold to accredited investors a total of 800,002 units, each unit consisting of one share of common stock and a warrant to purchase .30 shares of our common stock at a price of $0.75 per share, exercisable for 10 years from the date of issuance of the warrant, which resulted in cash proceeds to us of $520,001.

 

There can be no assurances that sufficient subsequent funding, if any at all, will be raised by these or future discussions or the cost of such investments will be reasonable. Furthermore, we will need additional financing thereafter to complete development and commercialization of our products. There can be no assurances that we can successfully complete development and commercialization of our products.

 

These matters raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. The accompanying financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.

 

We have reported a net operating loss of $1,043,892 in the three months ended September 30, 2013, compared to a net operating loss of $658,999 for the three month period ended September 30, 2012.  We have reported a net operating loss of $4,852,929 in the nine months ended September 30, 2013, compared to a net operating loss of $2,310,594 in the nine months ended September 30, 2012, offset by non-cash gains on valuation of derivative liabilities and debt conversion gains of $2,738,472.  The net loss attributable to common shares from date of inception, December 13, 2006 to September 30, 2013, amounts to $19,558,634.

 

2.5% Senior Secured Convertible Notes Payable

 

On May 13, 2010, we entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement with W-Net Fund I, L.P. (“W-Net”), Europa International, Inc. (“Europa”) and MKM Opportunity Master Fund, Ltd. (“MKM” and together with W-Net and Europa, the “Purchasers”), pursuant to which the Purchasers, on May 13, 2010, purchased from us (i) 2.5% Senior Secured Convertible Notes for a cash purchase price of $1,500,000 (the “Original Notes”), and (ii) Common Stock Purchase Warrants pursuant to which the Purchasers may purchase up to 1,908,798 shares of our common stock at an exercise price equal to approximately $0.39 per share (the “Capital Raise Transaction”). A portion of the proceeds from the Capital Raise Transaction were used to pay $250,000 owed by us to the two principal holders of our common stock, W-Net and Europa, and to reimburse them for legal and accounting fees and other expenses incurred by them and us in connection with the merger and the Capital Raise Transaction. The net proceeds available to us for our operations were reduced by such payments.

 

The Original Notes accrued 2.5% interest per annum with a maturity of four years after the closing of the Capital Raise Transaction. No cash interest payments were required, except that accrued and unconverted interest is due on the maturity date and on each conversion date with respect to the principal amount being converted, provided that such interest may be added to and included with the principal amount being converted. If there is an uncured event of default (as defined in the Original Notes), the holder of each Original Note may declare the entire principal and accrued interest amount immediately due and payable. Default interest will accrue after an event of default at an annual rate of 12%. If there is an acceleration, a mandatory default amount equal to 120% of the unpaid Original Note principal plus accrued interest may be payable.

 

The warrants may be exercised on a cashless basis under which a portion of the shares subject to the exercise are not issued in payment of the purchase price, based on the then fair market value of the shares.

 

 

 
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On May 13, 2010, we also entered into a Security Agreement and an Intellectual Property Security Agreement with the Purchasers and AtheroNova Operations, pursuant to which all of our obligations under the Original Notes are secured by first priority security interests in all of our assets and the assets of AtheroNova Operations, including intellectual property. Upon an event of default under the Original Notes or such agreements, the Original Note holders may be entitled to foreclose on any of such assets or exercise other rights available to a secured creditor under California and Delaware law. In addition, under a Subsidiary Guarantee, AtheroNova Operations will guarantee all of our obligations under the Original Notes.

 

The Original Notes and warrants issued in connection therewith included an anti-dilution provision that allowed for the automatic reset of the conversion or exercise price upon any future sale of common stock instruments at or below the current conversion or exercise price.

 

On July 6, 2011, we entered into the First Amendment and Exchange Agreement with each of W-Net, Europa and MKM pursuant to which the Purchasers agreed to exchange the Original Notes for the Amended and Restated 2.5% Senior Secured Convertible Notes (the “Amended Notes”). The Amended Notes had the same terms as the Original Notes (as described above), except that each Amended Note is convertible at any time into common stock at a per share conversion price of $0.29, subject to adjustment.

 

On June 15, 2012, we entered into the Second Amendment and Exchange Agreement with each W-Net, Europa and MKM pursuant to which the Purchasers agreed to exchange the Amended Notes for Second Amended and Restated 2.5% Senior Secured Convertible Notes (the “Second Amended Notes”). The Second Amended Notes have the same terms as the Amended Notes (as described above) except as follows: (i) each Second Amended Note has an automatic conversion provision and removal of the applicable beneficial ownership limitations effective the later of 61 days following our notice to the Purchasers of our application to list or quote our securities on a national securities exchange or the date immediately prior to the effective date of the listing or quotation of our securities on the applicable exchange; (ii) the price-based anti-dilution provisions contained in the Amended Notes have been removed; and (iii) under the Securities Purchase Agreement, as currently amended, if we met two specified operating benchmarks during the first 29 months after the closing of the first Original Note purchase, an additional $1,500,000 in note purchases, substantially in the form of the Second Amended Notes (without warrants), could be requested by us from the Purchasers. The determination of whether we had met the benchmarks was solely at the discretion of the Purchasers. If the benchmarks were determined to have been achieved, then we could have required the Purchasers to make the additional $1,500,000 of note purchases. If such benchmarks were not attained in the 29-month period or we did not exercise the option to request the additional notes, then the Purchasers, in their discretion, during the next 10 days could elect to purchase up to $1,500,000 of notes, substantially in the form of the Second Amended Notes (without warrants), having an initial conversion price which is 100% of the conversion price in the Second Amended Notes. On July 23, 2012, the Purchasers notified us of their intention of putting the additional $1,500,000 in notes in 3 tranches. The first $500,000 was put to us and we issued notes (substantially in the form of the Second Amended Notes) (the “2012 Notes” and together with the Original Notes, the Amended Notes and the Second Amended Notes, the “Senior Notes”) on September 4, 2012. These 2012 Notes mature on September 3, 2016. The second tranche of $498,333 was put to us and we issued 2012 Notes on October 1, 2012. These 2012 Notes mature on September 30, 2016. The final tranche of $500,000 was put to us and we issued 2012 Notes on October 31, 2012. These 2012 Notes mature on October 30, 2016. In addition, the 1,908,798 warrants to purchase shares of our common stock issued in conjunction with the Original Notes were also amended to remove the reset provision in the warrants’ exercise price. All other existing terms of such warrants did not change.

 

From issuance through September 30, 2013, the Purchasers exercised their option to convert a portion of the Senior Notes into our common stock. During the year ended December 31, 2010, principal in the amount of $98,049 and accrued interest in the amount of $965 was converted at a per share price of approximately $0.39 into 249,488 and 2,456 shares, respectively, of our common stock. During the year ended December 31, 2011, principal in the amount of $446,600 was converted at a per share price of $0.29 into 1,540,000 shares of our common stock. In addition, we also issued 45,164 shares of our common stock with a market value of $27,098 to settle $13,098 of accrued interest relating to the Senior Notes. During the year ended December 31, 2012, principal on the amount of $690,851 was converted at a per share price of $0.29 into 2,382,245 shares of our common stock. In addition, we also issued 111,475 shares of our common stock with a market value of $72,278 to settle $32,401 of accrued interest relating to these notes. The aggregate balance of the Senior Notes outstanding as of September 30, 2013 amounted to $1,597,833, of which, $427,500 is presented as part of current liabilities in the accompanying balance sheet.

 

 

 
23

 

 

 

The Senior Notes may not be prepaid, or forced by us to be converted in connection with an acquisition of us, except in a limited case more than a year after the applicable note issuance where the average of our stock trading price for 30 days on a national trading market other than the OTC Bulletin Board (“OTCBB”) is at least three times the conversion price, in which event, and subject to the satisfaction of certain other requirements, the Senior Note holders may elect to receive at least double the unpaid principal amounts in cash and other requirements are satisfied. In such a limited case acquisition, there could also be a forced cashless exercise of the warrants subject to similar requirements and optional cash payments to the warrant holders of at least double the exercise prices of their warrants.

 

The Senior Notes greatly restrict the ability of us and AtheroNova Operations to issue indebtedness or grant liens on our or its respective assets without the Senior Note holders’ consent. They also limit and impose financial costs on our acquisition by any third party.

 

Each of the Amended Notes and warrants had, until being amended in June 2012, included an anti-dilution provision that allowed for the automatic reset of the conversion or exercise price upon any future sale of common stock instruments at or below the current conversion or exercise price. We considered the current FASB guidance of “Determining Whether an instrument Indexed to an Entity’s Own Stock” which indicates that any adjustment to the fixed amount (either conversion price or number of shares) of the instrument, regardless of the probability or whether or not within the issuers’ control, means the instrument is not indexed to the issuers’ own stock. Accordingly, we determined that as the conversion price of the Amended Notes and the strike price of the warrants may have fluctuated based on the occurrence of future offerings or events, such prices were not fixed amounts. As a result, we determined that the conversion features of the Amended Notes and the warrants are not considered indexed to our stock and characterized the value of the Amended Notes and the warrants as derivative liabilities upon issuance.

 

Commitments

 

Development Commitments

 

In October 2011, we entered into two definitive agreements with OOO CardioNova, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Maxwell Biotech Group, a Russian biotech fund, covering our AHRO-001 compound. The agreements cover a territory represented by the Russian Federation, the Ukraine and various countries in central Asia (the “Territory”).

 

Under the licensing agreement OOO CardioNova (“CardioNova”) will become an equity investor in our company in exchange for the funding of Phase 1 and 2 clinical trials conducted by a Clinical Research Organization (“CRO”) located in Russia. A Joint Steering Committee was subsequently established between both entities to determine the final clinical protocols and approved a research budget of $3.8 million.

 

Pursuant to the agreement, common stock equal to 10%, 20%, 40%, and 30% of the approved research budget of $3.8 million will be issued upon completion of certain phases of the clinical trials. The shares to be issued will be determined based upon a 20 day average price prior to issuance up to $0.97/share.

 

During the period ended September 30, 2013, certain clinical trial benchmarks were achieved. As a result, we issued a total of 1,997,161 shares of common stock representing the first 30% of the budget with a fair value of $1,198,297 or $0.60/share. The fair value of the shares issued was based upon the trading price of our common stock upon its approval by our board of directors. The entire $1,198,297 was recorded as part of Research & Development expenses in the accompanying financial statements.

 

If CardioNova successfully develops and commercializes AHRO-001 in the Territory, we will be entitled to receive a quarterly royalty, based on net sales during the period using an escalating scale. The royalty agreement shall remain in force for the period in which intellectual property rights for AHRO-001 are in full force and effect in the Territory.

 

 

 
24

 

 

 

Under the Securities Purchase Agreement, CardioNova purchased a total of 275,258 shares of our common stock for a cash purchase price of $0.97 per share. This transaction took take place in two installments. The first installment, which took place in December 2011, was for the issuance of 154,639 shares upon receipt of $150,000 as specified in the License Agreement. The second installment of 120,619 shares was issued in June 2013 upon the receipt of the final $117,000 due upon shipment of the final clinical product to be used in the Phase 1 clinical trials, which occurred in early June 2013.

 

Research and Development Projects

 

We have a research agreement signed in September 2012 and amended in April 2013 and again in September 2013, with a major university in Southern California to conduct contract research in additional compounds covered under our patents pending. This agreement calls for payment of all research costs relating to the study of dosage and efficacy of bile salts on the atherosclerotic plaque in a non-human model. The total potential cost of the project is $236,323, to be paid in installments over the length of the study. To date, $236,323 has been paid based on the achievement benchmarks under the agreement. The agreement is scheduled to end in December 2013.

 

We have multiple testing agreements signed in September 2012 and August 2013 for testing of the oral toxicity of AHRO-001 in non-human models. Each agreement can be terminated anytime and there are no commitments or guarantees other than to reimburse costs incurred prior to termination.

 

The study initiated in September 2012, with a cost of approximately $510,000, has completed the active phase of testing and is in the data write-up stage of the project. The process is ongoing and to date, $450,430 has been expensed, of which $0 and $333,885 has been recorded as part of Research and Development costs on the accompanying statement of operations for the three-and nine month periods ended September 30, 2013, respectively.

 

The studies authorized in August 2013, with a cost of approximately $224,600, are both in the process of the test supplies, with the active phase of the studies commencing in November. The process is ongoing and to date, $22,460 has been expensed, of which $22,460 has been recorded as part of Research and Development costs on the accompanying statement of operations for both the three-and nine month periods ended September 30, 2013, respectively.

 

Summary of Contractual Commitments

 

Employment Agreements

 

None.

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

None.

 

Critical Accounting Policies

 

In December 2001, the SEC requested that all registrants discuss their most “critical accounting policies” in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. The SEC indicated that a “critical accounting policy” is one which is both important to the portrayal of the company’s financial condition and results and requires management’s most difficult, subjective or complex judgments, often as a result of the need to make estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain.

 

 

 
25

 

 

 

Use of Estimates

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect certain reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of expenses during the reporting period. On an ongoing basis, management evaluates its estimates and judgment, including those related to revenue recognition, accrued expenses, financing operations and contingencies and litigation. Management bases its estimates and judgment on historical experience and on various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying value of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results could materially differ from those estimates under different assumptions or conditions. The following represents a summary of our critical accounting policies.

 

Research and Development Expenses

 

All research and development costs are expensed as incurred and include costs of consultants and contract research facilities who conduct research and development on our behalf and on behalf of AtheroNova Operations. We have contracted with third parties to facilitate, coordinate and perform agreed upon research and development of our technology. We have expensed all costs associated with the conduct of the laboratory research as well as the costs associated with peripheral clinical researchers as period costs.

 

Stock-Based Compensation

 

We periodically issue stock options and warrants to employees and non-employees in non-capital raising transactions for services and for financing costs. We account for stock option and warrant grants issued and vesting to employees based on the authoritative guidance provided by the FASB whereas the value of the award is measured on the date of grant and recognized over the vesting period. We account for stock option and warrant grants issued and vesting to non-employees in accordance with the authoritative guidance of the FASB whereas the value of the stock compensation is based upon the measurement date as determined at either a) the date at which a performance commitment is reached, or b) at the date at which the necessary performance to earn the equity instruments is complete. Non-employee stock-based compensation charges generally are amortized over the vesting period on a straight-line basis. In certain circumstances where there are no future performance requirements by the non-employee, option grants are immediately vested and the total stock-based compensation charge is recorded in the period of the measurement date.

 

The fair value of our common stock option and warrant grant is estimated using the Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model, which uses certain assumptions related to risk-free interest rates, expected volatility, expected life of the common stock options, and future dividends. Compensation expense is recorded based upon the value derived from the Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model, and based on actual experience. The assumptions used in the Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model could materially affect compensation expense recorded in future periods.

 

Derivative Financial Instruments

 

We evaluate all of our financial instruments to determine if such instruments are derivatives or contain features that qualify as embedded derivatives. For derivative financial instruments that are accounted for as liabilities, the derivative instrument is initially recorded at its fair value and is re-valued at each reporting date, with changes in fair value reported in the condensed consolidated statement of operations. For stock-based derivative financial instruments, we use the Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model to value the derivatives instruments at inception and on subsequent valuation dates. The classification of derivative instruments, including whether such instruments should be recorded as liabilities or as equity, is evaluated at the end of each reporting period. Derivative instrument liabilities are classified in the balance sheet as current or non-current based on whether or not net-cash settlement of the derivative instrument could be required within 12 months of the balance sheet date.

 

 

 
26

 

 

 

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

 

In January 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-01, Balance Sheet (Topic 210): Clarifying the Scope of Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities. This ASU clarifies which instruments and transactions are subject to the offsetting disclosure requirements established by ASU 2011-11. This guidance is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning January 1, 2013. We do not believe the adoption of this update will have a material effect on our financial position and results of operations.

 

On March 4, 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-05, “Foreign Currency Matters (Topic 830): Parent’s Accounting for the Cumulative Translation Adjustment upon Derecognition of Certain Subsidiaries or Groups of Assets within a Foreign Entity or of an Investment in a Foreign Entity” (“ASU 2013-05”). ASU 2013-05 updates accounting guidance related to the application of consolidation guidance and foreign currency matters. This guidance resolves the diversity in practice about what guidance applies to the release of the cumulative translation adjustment into net income. This guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2013. We do not believe the adoption of this update will have a material effect on our financial position and results of operations.

 

In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-11, Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists. Topic 740, Income Taxes, does not include explicit guidance on the financial statement presented of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists. There is diversity in practice in the presentation of unrecognized tax benefits in those instances and the amendments in this update are intended to eliminate that diversity in practice. The amendments are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013. The amendments should be applied prospectively to all unrecognized tax benefits that exist at the effective date. Early adoption is permitted. We do not believe the adoption of this update will have a material effect on our financial position and results of operations.

 

Other recent accounting pronouncements did not or are not believed by management to have a material impact on our present or future consolidated financial statements.

 

Item 3.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk

 

As a “smaller reporting company” as defined by Rule 229.10(f)(1), we are not required to provide the information required by this Item 3.

 

Item 4.    Controls and Procedures

 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

As of September 30, 2013, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)). Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of that date to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and to ensure that information required to be disclosed by it in such reports is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 

 

 
27

 

 

 

Our disclosure controls and internal controls over financial reporting were designed to provide only reasonable assurance that such disclosure controls and internal control over financial reporting will prevent all errors or all instances of fraud, even as the same are improved to address any deficiencies. The design of any system of controls is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be only reasonable, not absolute assurance, that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions. A control system, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the control system’s objectives will be met. Over time, controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions or deterioration in the degree of compliance with policies or procedures. Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs.

 

Because of the inherent limitation of a cost-effective control system, misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty, and that breakdowns can occur because of a simple error or mistake. Controls can also be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by management override of the controls.

 

Changes in Internal Control

 

During the quarter ended September 30, 2013, there were no changes in internal controls over financial reporting in connection with the evaluation required by paragraph (d) of Rule 13a-15 or 15d-15 under the Exchange Act that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting.

 

 

 
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Part II – Other Information

 

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

 

On August 8, August 12 and August 16, 2013, the Company issued an aggregate of 800,002 units consisting of 800,002 shares of its common stock and warrants, having a term of 10 years and an exercise price of $0.75 per share, to purchase 240,001 shares of the Company’s common stock. The aggregate gross proceeds from these private placement transactions were $520,001.

 

In making the stock issuances described above without registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), the Company relied upon one or more of the exemptions from registration contained in and/or promulgated under Section 4(2) of the Securities Act as each of the stock recipients was an accredited investor and no general solicitation or advertising was used in connection with the stock issuances.

 

 

 
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Item 6. Exhibits

 

Exhibit No.

Description

   

10.1

Form of Subscription Agreement.

   

10.2

Form of Warrant.

   

31.1

Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

   

31.2

Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

   

32.1

Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350, as adopted pursuant to §906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

   

32.2

Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350, as adopted pursuant to §906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

   

101.INS**

XBRL Instance.

   

101.SCH**

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema.

   

101.CAL**

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation.

   

101.DEF**

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition.

   

101.LAB**

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels.

   

101.PRE**

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation.

 

** XBRL information is furnished and not filed or a part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, is deemed not filed for purposes of section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and otherwise is not subject to liability under these sections.

 

 

 
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SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

 

ATHERONOVA INC.

 

 

 

 

Date: November 12, 2013

By:

/s/Mark Selawski

 

 

Mark Selawski

 

Chief Financial Officer

(Principal financial and accounting officer)

 

 

 

 

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