UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, DC 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

(Mark One)

one)

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

 

For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2018March 31, 2019

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 number001-15771

 

ABEONA THERAPEUTICS INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware 83-0221517
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 (I.R.S. Employer I.D. No.)
incorporation or organization)

 

1330 Avenue of the Americas, 33rd Floor, New York, NY 10019

(Address of principal executive offices, zip code)

 

(646) 813-4712

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

N/A

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

 

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.

Yesþ  No¨

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).    Yesþ   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, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer”filer,” “accelerated filer” andfiler,” “smaller reporting company”company,” and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large accelerated filer¨ Accelerated filerþ
Non-accelerated filer¨ Smaller reporting company¨þ
Emerging growth company¨  Emerging growth company ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (17 CFR §230.405) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (17 CFR §240.12b-2).

Emerging Growth Company¨

 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.¨

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes¨ Noþ

 

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of eachSecurities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the issuer’s classesSecurities Exchange Act of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.1934:

Title of each classTrading Symbol(s)Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, $0.01 par valueABEONasdaq Capital Markets

 

The number of shares outstanding of the registrant’s common stock as of August 9, 2018May 6, 2019 was 47,943,28549,162,047 shares.

 

 

 

 

 

 

ABEONA THERAPEUTICS INC.

 

INDEX

 

  Page No.No.
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION 
   
Item 1.Financial Statements:2
   
 Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at June 30, 2018 (unaudited)March 31, 2019 (Unaudited) and December 31, 20172018173
   
 Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (unaudited)(Unaudited) for the three and six months ended June 30,March 31, 2019 and 2018 and June 30, 2017184
   
 Condensed Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity (unaudited)(Unaudited) for the three and six months ended June 30,March 31, 2019 and 2018195
   
 Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited)(Unaudited) for the sixthree months ended June 30,March 31, 2019 and 2018 and June 30, 2017206
   
 Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) for the three and six months ended June 30,March 31, 2019 and 2018 and 2017 (unaudited)217
   
Item 2.Management’sManagement's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations313
   
Item 3.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk1317
   
Item 4.Controls and Procedures1417
   
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION 
   
Item 1.Legal Proceedings1518
   
Item 1A.Risk Factors1518
   
Item 6.Exhibits1519
   
SIGNATURES1620

 

 1 

 

 

PART I – FINANCIALCAUTIONARY STATEMENTS RELATED TO FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

FOR THE PURPOSE OF “SAFE HARBOR” PROVISIONS OF THE

PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995

 

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (including the information incorporated by reference) contains statements that express our opinions, expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, assumptions or projections regarding future events or future results and therefore are, or may be deemed to be, “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended,amended. Words such as “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “could,” “would,” “seeks,” “estimates,” and variations of such words and similar expressions, and the negatives thereof, are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. We caution readers not to place undue reliance on any such “forward-looking statements,” which speak only as of the date made, and advise readers that these forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks, uncertainties, estimates, and uncertainties. Theseassumptions by us that are difficult to predict. Various factors, some of which are beyond our control, could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, such forward-looking statements. All such forward-looking statements, whether written or oral, and whether made by us or on our behalf, are expressly qualified by these cautionary statements and any other risks described below, as well as those discussed elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, documents incorporated by reference and other documents and reportscautionary statements that may accompany the forward-looking statements. In addition, we file periodically with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), include, without limitation, statements relatingdisclaim any obligation to uncertainties associated with research and development activities; clinical trials; our ability to raise capital; future cash flows; the future success of our marketed products and products in development; our sales projections and the sales projections of our licensing partners; anticipated product launches and our commercialization strategies; the terms of future licensing arrangements; our ability to secure additional financing for our operations; our ability to establish new relationships and maintain current relationships; our expectation that we will continue to incur losses; our belief that we will expend substantial funds to conduct research and development programs, preclinical studies and clinical trials of potential products; our belief that we have a rich pipeline of products and product candidates; our ability to achieve profitability at all or on a sustained basis; our expected cash burn rate; our belief that emerging insights in genetics and advances in biotechnology, as well as new approaches and collaboration between researchers, industry, regulators and patient groups, provide significant opportunities to develop breakthrough treatments for rare diseases; and our belief that the data from the expansion cohort of our Phase 1/2 clinical trial in ABO-102 (AAV-SGSH) for MPS IIIA, together with the data generated in the program to date, will allow us to submit a BLA. These statements relate to management’s current expectations of future events based on certain assumptions and includeupdate any statement that does not directly relate to any historical or current fact.. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as “may,” “should,” “expects,” “plans,” “could,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “potential” or “continue” or the negative of such terms or other comparable terminology. We intend the forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this report, except as may otherwise be coveredrequired by the safe harbor for forward-looking statements in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The forward-looking information is based on various factors and was derived using numerous assumptions.federal securities laws.

 

Forward-looking statements necessarily involve risks and uncertainties, and our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements due to a number of factors. The forward-looking statements contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q represent our judgment only as of the date of this report. We caution readers notImportant factors that could affect performance and cause results to place undue reliance on such statements. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements for any reason, even if new information becomes available or other events occurdiffer materially from management’s expectations are described in the future.

ITEM 1.FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The response to this Item is submitted as a separate sectionsections entitled “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of this report. See page 17.

2

ITEM 2.MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

OVERVIEW

Abeona Therapeutics Inc. (together with our subsidiaries, “we,” “our,” “Abeona” or the “Company”) is a Delaware corporation. We are a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing cellFinancial Condition and gene therapies for life-threatening rare genetic diseases. Our lead programs include EB-101 (gene-corrected skin grafts) for recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (“RDEB”), ABO-102 (AAV-SGSH), an adeno-associated virus (“AAV”) based gene therapy for Sanfilippo syndrome type A (MPS IIIA) and ABO-101 (AAV NAGLU), an AAV based gene therapy for Sanfilippo syndrome type B (“MPS IIIB”). We are also developing ABO-201 (AAV-CLN3) gene therapy for juvenile Batten disease (JNCL), ABO-202 (AAV-CLN1) for treatmentResults of infantile Batten disease (INCL), EB-201 for epidermolysis bullosa (EB), ABO-301 (AAV-FANCC) for Fanconi anemia (FA) disorder and ABO-302 using a novel CRISPR/Cas9-based gene editing approach to gene therapy for rare blood diseases. In addition, we are developing a proprietary vector platform, AIM™, for next generation product candidates. Our principal executive office is located at 1330 Avenue of the Americas, 33rd Floor, New York, New York 10019. Our website address is www.abeonatherapeutics.com.

Recent Developments

Since our May 18, 2018 update on the Phase 1/2 trial for ABO-102 (AAV-SGSH),Operations” in the Company’s clinical gene therapyForm 10-K for the treatment of Sanfilippo syndrome type A (MPS IIIA) two additional patients have been dosed with a single intravenous injection of ABO-102 bringing the total to 13 patients dosed. Also, since our May 18, 2018 update ABO-102 was well-tolerated with no drug-related serious adverse events reported through over 5,200 cumulative days post-injection.

On July 26, 2018, we announced the appointment of our Max Colao as Chief Commercial Officer. Mr. Colao has more than 20 years of global pharmaceutical and biotechnology experience, having most recently served as the Senior Vice President of US Commercial Operations at Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. We also announced that Jeffrey B. Davis, in order to ensure a smooth transition, will be stepping down from his role as Chief Operating Officer at the end of the quarter, effective September 30, 2018. Additionally, in an ongoing commitment to enhance the capabilities of our senior team, we appointed Kristina Maximenko as Global Head of Human Resources.

On May 31, 2018, we announced the opening of The Elisa Linton Center for Rare Disease Therapies, the commercial GMP manufacturing facility for gene and cell therapies in Cleveland, Ohio. The GMP facility will have the capability to manufacture clinical and commercial grade products over Abeona’s multiple programs, including RDEB and Sanfilippo syndrome.

On May 18, 2018, we announced updated clinical data from the Phase 1/2 trial for ABO-102 (AAV-SGSH), the Company’s clinical gene therapy for the treatment of Sanfilippo syndrome type A (MPS IIIA) during the 21st Annual Meeting of the ASGCT (American Society for Gene and Cell Therapy) in Chicago, IL. The ongoing ABO-102 (AAV-SGSH) trial results demonstrated robust and durable clinical effects achieved throughout various timepoints post-administration, and the clinical study was on-going as of the quarter ended June 30, 2018. Additionally, as of that time, 11 patients had been dosed with a single intravenous injection of ABO-102 for the treatment of MPS IIIA. MPS IIIA is a rare, autosomal-recessive, lysosomal storage disease that results in the accumulation of heparan sulfate. Each subject received a single intravenous infusion of the gene therapy for systemic delivery of a functional copy of the missing SGSH gene associated with onset and progression of the disease. Select data from the presentation are highlighted below:

Biopotency Assessments:ABO-102 continued to demonstrate significant dose-dependent and time-dependent responses in key biomarkers through 18-months post-injection, including sustained reductions of heparan sulfate, the sugar molecule that is the hallmark of MPS IIIA, in the cerebral spinal fluid (“CSF”) and urine.

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CSF heparan sulfate:

·Day 360 assessment

- Cohort 1 (n=2) demonstrated a reduction of 69.3%

- Cohort 2 (n=2) demonstrated a reduction of 65.7%

·Day 180 assessment

- Cohort 1 (n=3) demonstrated a reduction of 58.7%

- Cohort 2 (n=3) demonstrated a reduction of 60.5%

- Cohort 3 (n=1) demonstrated a reduction of 83.3%

·Day 30 assessment

- Cohort 1 (n=3) demonstrated a reduction of 25.8%

- Cohort 2 (n=3) demonstrated a reduction of 52.1%

- Cohort 3 (n=4) demonstrated a reduction of 67.1%

Urine heparan sulfate:

·Day 540 assessment

- Cohort 1 (n=3) demonstrated a reduction of 30.0%

·Day 360 assessment

- Cohort 1 (n=3) demonstrated a reduction of 29.2%

- Cohort 2 (n=2) demonstrated a reduction of 45.1%

·Day 180 assessment

- Cohort 1 (n=3) demonstrated a reduction of 29.2%

- Cohort 2 (n=2) demonstrated a reduction of 57.6%

- Cohort 3 (n=1) demonstrated a reduction of 75.0%

·Day 90 assessment

- Cohort 1 (n=3) demonstrated a reduction of 54.2%

- Cohort 2 (n=3) demonstrated a reduction of 63.1%

- Cohort 3 (n=4) demonstrated a reduction of 77.1%

·Day 30 assessment

- Cohort 1 (n=3) demonstrated a reduction of 64.2%

- Cohort 2 (n=3) demonstrated a reduction of 54.0%

- Cohort 3 (n=3) demonstrated a reduction of 90.3%

Biophysical Assessments: A supportive natural history study (Truxal et. al., 2016, Mol. Genet. Metab.) in MPS IIIA demonstrated that subjects showed, on average, 2.2 times increased liver volumes over normal. Results from the Phase 1/2 clinical trial for ABO-102 demonstrated durable biophysical reductions of disease burden including reductions in liver volume.

Safety Assessments:  ABO-102 was well-tolerated in all subjects as of May 18, 2018, with no drug-related serious adverse events reported through over 4,200 cumulative days post-injection.

4

On May 17, 2018, we announced updated clinical data during the ASGCT (American Society for Gene and Cell Therapy) 21st Annual Meeting in Chicago, IL. EB-101 (LZRSE-Col7A1 Engineered Autologous Epidermal Sheets [LEAES]) are gene–corrected autologous keratinocyte grafts transduced with a retroviral vector containing the COL7A1 gene for patients with severe Recessive Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa (RDEB). RDEB is an ultra-rare, catastrophic genetic skin disorder and unmet medical need. RDEB is caused by loss of function mutations in COL7A1, the gene coding for type VII collagen. RDEB is characterized by generalized cutaneous and mucosal blistering and scarring associated with severe deformities and major extracutaneous involvement. These wounds are also extremely painful and uncomfortable. There is no approved therapy for this disease, and standard of care remains simple dressing changes and palliative care.

At ASGCT, we reported Phase 1/2 results for EB-101 treated subjects (n=7 patients, N=42 total treatments) with non-healing chronic wounds with an average time open prior to treatment of 8.5 years. Wound healing defined as >50% healing compared over baseline has been observed in 100% (42/42 grafts) at 3 months, 90% (38/42) at 6 months, 63% (24/38) at 12 months, and 81% (21/26) at 24 months. By comparison, untreated control wounds healing >50% have been observed in 20% (2/10) at 3 months, 10% (1/10) at 6 months, 0% (0/8) at 12 months, and 0% (0/2) at 24 months. Of note, durable EB-101 patients Type VII collagen expression was observed in biopsies of treated wounds up to 3 years post-treatment. In sum, we believe the Phase 1/2 trial met the primary endpoints for safety, tolerability and preliminary efficacy, and a Phase 3 study is planned.

The EB-101 program has been granted Regenerative Medicine Advanced Therapy, Breakthrough Therapy, Orphan Drug and Rare Pediatric Disease Designations from the US Food and Drug Administration (the “FDA”) and granted Orphan Drug Designation from the European Medicines Agency (the “EMA”).

On May 14, 2018 we announced the appointment of Messrs. Stefano Buono and Richard Van Duyne as independent Directors to our Board of Directors. Neither Mr. Buono nor Mr. Van Duyne has worked previously for the Company.

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Product Development Strategy

Abeona is focused on developing and delivering gene therapy products for severe and life-threatening rare diseases. A rare disease is one that affects fewer than 200,000 people in the U.S. There are nearly 7,000 rare diseases, which may involve chronic illness, disability, and often, premature death. More than 25 million Americans and 30 million Europeans have a severe, life-threating disease. While rare diseases can affect any age group, about 50% of people affected are children (15 million) and rare diseases account for 35% of deaths in the firstfiscal year of life. These rare diseases are often poorly diagnosed, very complex, and have no treatment or not very effective treatment. Over 95% of rare diseases do not have a single FDA or EMA approved drug treatment, however, most rare diseases are often caused by changes in genes. Approximately 80% of rare diseases are genetic in origin and can present at any stage of life. We believe emerging insights in genetics and advances in biotechnology, as well as new approaches and collaboration between researchers, industry, regulators and patient groups, provide significant opportunities to develop breakthrough treatments for rare diseases.

Developing Next Generation Gene Therapy

Gene therapy is the use of DNA as a potential therapy to treat a disease. In many disorders, particularly genetic diseases caused by a single genetic defect, gene therapy aims to treat a disease by delivering the correct copy of DNA into a patient’s cells. The healthy, functional copy of the therapeutic gene then helps the cell function correctly. In gene therapy, DNA that encodes a therapeutic protein is packaged within a ’‘vector,” often a ’‘naked” virus, which is used to transfer the DNA to the inside of cells within the body. Gene therapy can be delivered by a direct injection, either intravenously or directly into a specific tissue in the body, where it is taken up by individual cells. Once inside cells, the correct DNA is expressed by the cell machinery, resulting in the production of missing or defective protein, which in turn is used to treat the patient’s underlying disease and can provide long-term benefit.

Abeona is developing next-generation AAV gene therapies. Viruses such as AAV are utilized because they have evolved a way of encapsulating and delivering one or more genes of the size needed for clinical application, and can be purified in large quantities at high concentration. Unlike AAV vectors found in nature, the AAV vectors used by Abeona have been genetically-modified such that they do not replicate. Although the preclinical studies in animal models of disease demonstrate the promising impact of AAV-mediated gene expression to affected tissues such as the heart, liver and muscle, our programs use a specific virus that is capable of delivering therapeutic DNA across the blood brain barrier and into the central nervous system (“CNS”) and the somatic system (body), making them attractive for addressing lysosomal storage diseases, which have severe CNS manifestations of the disease.

6

Lysosomal storage diseases (“LSDs”) are a group of rare inborn errors of metabolism resulting from deficiency in normal lysosomal function. These diseases are characterized by progressive accumulation of storage material within the lysosomes of affected cells, ultimately leading to cellular dysfunction. Multiple tissues ranging from musculoskeletal and visceral to tissues of the CNS are typically involved in disease pathology. Since the advent of enzyme replacement therapy to manage some LSDs, general clinical outcomes have significantly improved; however, treatment with infused protein is lifelong and continued disease progression is still evident in patients. Thus, AAV-based gene therapy may provide a viable alternative or adjunctive therapy to current management strategies for LSDs.

Our initial programs are focused on LSDs such as Mucopolysaccharidosis (“MPS”) III A and IIIB. MPSIII, also known as Sanfilippo syndromes type A and type B, is a progressive neuromuscular disease with profound CNS involvement. Our lead product candidates, ABO-101 and ABO-102, have been developed to replace the damaged, malfunctioning enzymes within target cells with the normal, functioning version. ABO-201 is a similar product, using an AAV to deliver the correct lysosomal gene that is defective in juvenile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis. Delivered via a single injection, these drugs are only given once to a patient.

EB-101 for the Treatment of Recessive Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa and EB-201 for the Correction of Gene Mutations in Skin Cells (Keratinocytes)

EB-101 (LZRSE-Col7A1 Engineered Autologous Epidermal Sheets (LEAES)), is an ex vivo gene therapy for the treatment of RDEB. EB-201 (AAVDJ-Col7A1) is a pre-clinical candidate targeting a novel, AAV-mediated gene editing and delivery approach to correct gene mutations in skin cells for patients with RDEB. On August 3, 2016, we entered into an agreement (the “EB Agreement”) with EB Research Partnership (“EBRP”) and Epidermolysis Bullosa Medical Research Foundation (“EBMRF”) to collaborate on gene therapy treatments for EB.

We entered into a license with Stanford, effective August 3, 2016, for the EB-101 (LZRSE-Col7A1 Engineered Autologous Epidermal Sheets (LEAES)) technology, and we have performed certain preclinical development work and, as of June 30, 2018, were performing clinical trials of a gene therapy treatment for EB based upon such in-licensed technology.

We also entered into a license with Stanford, effective August 3, 2016, for the EB-201 (AAV DJ COL7A1) technology, and we plan to perform preclinical development and clinical trials of a gene therapy treatment for EB based upon such in-licensed technology.

ABO-101 for MPS III B and ABO-102 for MPS III A (Sanfilippo syndrome)

MPS III (Sanfilippo syndrome) is a group of four inherited genetic diseases, described as type A, B, C or D, which cause enzyme deficiencies that result in the abnormal accumulation of glycosaminoglycans (sugars) in body tissues. MPS III is a lysosomal storage disease, a group of rare inborn errors of metabolism resulting from deficiency in normal lysosomal function. At June 30, 2018, the incidence of MPS III (all four types combined) was estimated to be 1 in 70,000 births.

Mucopolysaccharides are long chains of sugar molecules used in the building of connective tissues in the body. There is a continuous process in the body of replacing used materials and breaking them down for disposal. Children with MPS III are missing an enzyme which is essential in breaking down used mucopolysaccharides. The partially broken down mucopolysaccharides remain stored in cells in the body causing progressive damage. Babies may show little sign of the disease, but as more and more cells become damaged, symptoms start to appear.

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In MPS III, the predominant symptoms occur due to accumulation within the CNS, including the brain and spinal cord, resulting in cognitive decline, motor dysfunction, and eventual death. At June 30, 2018, there was no cure for MPS III and treatments were largely supportive.

Abeona is developing next-generation AAV-based gene therapies for MPS III, which involves a one-time delivery of a normal copy of the defective gene to cells of the CNS with the aim of reversing the effects of the genetic errors that cause the disease.

After a single dose in MPS III preclinical models, ABO-101 and ABO-102 induced cells in the CNS and peripheral organs to produce the missing enzymes which helped repair the damage caused to the cells. Preclinicalin vivoefficacy studies in MPS III have demonstrated functional benefits that remain for months after treatment. A single dose of ABO-101 or ABO-102 significantly restored normal cell and organ function, corrected cognitive defects that remained months after drug administration, increased neuromuscular control and increased the lifespan of animals with MPS III over 100% one year after treatment compared to untreated control animals. These results are consistent with studies from several laboratories suggesting AAV treatment could potentially benefit patients with MPS III A and B. In addition, safety studies conducted in animal models of MPS III have demonstrated that delivery of ABO-101 or ABO-102 were well tolerated with minimal side effects.

ABO-201 for juvenile Batten disease (or Juvenile Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinoses) (JNCL) and ABO-202 (AAV-CLN1) gene therapy for treatment of infantile Batten disease (or Infantile Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinoses) (INCL)

ABO-201 (AAV CLN3) is an AAV-based gene therapy that has shown promising preclinical efficacy in delivery of a normal copy of the defective CLN3 gene to cells of the CNS with the aim of reversing the effects of the genetic errors that cause JNCL. JNCL is a rare, fatal, autosomal recessive (inherited) disorder of the nervous system that typically begins in children between 4 and 8 years of age. Often the first noticeable sign of JNCL is vision impairment, which tends to progress rapidly and eventually result in blindness. As the disease progresses, children experience loss of previously acquired skills (developmental regression). This regression usually begins with the loss of the ability to speak in complete sentences. Children then lose motor skills, such as the ability to walk or sit. They also develop movement abnormalities that include rigidity or stiffness, slow or diminished movements (hypokinesia), and stooped posture. Beginning in mid- to late childhood, affected children may have recurrent seizures (epilepsy), heart problems, behavioral problems, and difficulty sleeping. Life expectancy is greatly reduced. Most people with juvenile Batten disease live into their twenties or thirties. At June 30, 2018, no specific treatment is known that can halt or reverse the symptoms of JNCL.

JNCL is the most common form of a group of disorders known as neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCLs). Collectively, all forms of NCL affect an estimated 2 to 4 in 100,000 live births in the United States. NCLs are more common in Finland, where approximately 1 in 12,500 individuals were affected at June 30, 2018, as well as Sweden, other parts of northern Europe, and Newfoundland, Canada.

Most cases of JNCL are caused by mutations in the CLN3 gene, which is the focus of our AAV-based gene therapy approach. These mutations disrupt the function of cellular structures called lysosomes. Lysosomes are compartments in the cell that normally digest and recycle different types of molecules. Lysosome malfunction leads to a buildup of fatty substances called lipopigments and proteins within these cell structures. These accumulations occur in cells throughout the body, but neurons in the brain seem to be particularly vulnerable to damage. The progressive death of cells, especially in the brain, leads to vision loss, seizures, and intellectual decline in children with JNCL.

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ABO-202 (AAV9 CLN1) is an AAV-based gene therapy that has shown promising preclinical efficacy in delivery of a normal copy of the defective CLN1 gene to cells of the central nervous system with the aim of reversing the effects of the genetic errors that cause an infantile form of Batten disease (also known as infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis).

ABO-301 for Fanconi Anemia (FA) and ABO-302 for rare blood diseases using a novel CRISPR/Cas9-based gene editing approach to gene therapy for rare blood diseases

ABO-301 (AAV-FANCC) is an AAV-based gene therapy, which has shown promising preclinical efficacy in delivery of a normal copy of the defective gene to cells of the hematopoietic or blood system with the aim of reversing the effects of the genetic errors that cause FA. FA is a rare (1 in 160,000) pediatric, autosomal recessive (inherited) disease characterized by multiple physical abnormalities, organ defects, bone marrow failure, and a higher than normal risk of cancer. The average lifespan for people with FA is 20 to 30 years.

The major function of bone marrow is to produce new blood cells. In FA, a DNA mutation renders the FANCC gene nonfunctional. Loss of FANCC causes skeletal abnormalities and leads to bone marrow failure. FA patients also have much higher rates of hematological diseases, such as acute myeloid leukemia or tumors of the head, neck, skin, gastrointestinal system, or genital tract. The likelihood of developing one of these cancers in people with FA is between 10 and 30 percent. Aside from bone marrow transplantation, there are no specific treatments known that can halt or reverse the symptoms of FA. Repairing fibroblast cells in FA patients with a functional FANCC gene is the focus of our AAV-based gene therapy approach.

Using a novel CRISPR (clustered, regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats)-Cas9 (CRISPR associated protein 9) system, researchers used a protein-RNA complex composed of an enzyme known as Cas9 bound to a guide RNA molecule that has been designed to recognize a particular DNA sequence. The RNA molecules guide the Cas9 complex to the location in the genome that requires repair. CRISPR-Cas9 uniquely enables surgically efficient knock-out, knock-down or selective editing of defective genes in the context of their natural promoters, unlocking the potential to treat both recessive and dominant forms of genetic diseases. Most importantly, this approach has the potential to allow for more precise gene modification.

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LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

We have historically funded our operations primarily through public and private sales of common stock, preferred stock, convertible notes and through licensing agreements. Our principal source of liquidity is cash and cash equivalents. Foundation grants and royalty revenues provided limited funding for operations during the period ended June 30, 2018. As of June 30, 2018, our cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities were $119,842,000, as compared to $137,750,000 as of December 31, 2017. The decrease in cash and cash equivalents was primarily attributable to the decrease in working capital discussed below.

As of June 30, 2018, our working capital was $116,043,000. Our working capital as of June 30, 2018 represented a decrease of $18,942,000 as compared to our working capital of $134,985,000 as of December 31, 2017. The decrease in working capital as of June 30, 2018 reflects six months of net operating costs and changes in current assets and liabilities and capital expenditures, partially offset by proceeds from the exercise of stock options and warrants.

On October 16, 2017, we announced a collaborative agreement between nine Sanfilippo foundations to provide up to approximately $13.85 million of grants to Abeona in installments for the advancement of the Company’s clinical stage gene therapies for Sanfilippo Syndrome Type A (MPS IIIA) and Sanfilippo Syndrome Type B (MPS IIIB), subject to the achievement of certain milestones. As of June 30, 2018, we received $3.4 million in grants ($2.6 million in the quarter ended December 31, 2017 and $0.8 million2018, as updated from time to time in the six months ended June 30, 2018)Company’s Securities and recorded them first as deferred revenue. $2.6 million of the $3.4 million in grants were recorded as revenue in the quarter ended March 31, 2018Exchange Commission filings, including this Form 10-Q. These factors include: our estimates regarding expenses, future revenues, capital requirements, and $0.8 million were recorded as revenue in the quarter ended June 30, 2018.

If weneeds for additional financing; our ability to raise additional funds by selling additional equity securities, the relative equity ownership ofcapital; our existing investors will be diluted and the new investors could obtain terms more favorable than previous investors.

We have incurred negative cash flows from operations since inception, and have expended, and expect to continue to expend in the future, substantial funds to complete our planned product development efforts. Since inception, our expenses have significantly exceeded revenues, resulting in an accumulated deficit as of June 30, 2018 of $376,292,000. We cannot provide assurance that we will ever be able to generate sufficient product sales or royalty revenue to achieve profitability on a sustained basis, or at all.

Since our inception, we have devoted our resources primarily to fund our research and development programs. We have been unprofitable since inception and, as of June 30, 2018, had received limited revenues from the sale of products. We expect to incur losses for the next several years as we continue to invest in product research and development, preclinical studies, clinical trials and regulatory compliance.

SECOND QUARTER 2018 COMPARED TO SECOND QUARTER 2017

Our licensing revenue for the second quarter of 2017 was $150,000. In 2017, we recognized licensing revenue over the period of the performance obligation under our licensing agreements under the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 605,Revenue Recognition (Topic 605). Effective January 1, 2018, we adopted Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-09,Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), as amended (commonly referred to as ASC 606) using the modified retrospective transition method. The cumulative effect of applying the standard was an increase of $3.7 million to stockholders’ equity as of January 1, 2018. There was no licensing revenue for the second quarter of 2018 due to ASC 606.

10

We recorded revenue for Foundation Grants of $802,000 for the second quarter of 2018 and no revenues for the same period of 2017, an increase of $802,000. We recorded revenue to match expenses for the advancement of the Company’s clinical stage gene therapies for Sanfilippo Syndrome Type A (MPS IIIA) and Sanfilippo Syndrome Type B (MPS IIIB).

We recorded royalty revenue for MuGard of $17,000 for second quarter of 2018 and $67,000 for the same period of 2018, a decrease of $50,000. We licensed MuGard to AMAG and Norgine and received quarterly reports under our agreement.

Total research and development spending for the second quarter of 2018 was $7,916,000, as compared to $5,808,000 for the same period of 2017, an increase of $2,108,000. The increase in expenses was primarily due to:

·increased clinical and development work for the manufactured product for EB-101, ABO-102, ABO-101 and other gene therapy products ($614,000);
·increased salary and related costs ($647,000) from the hiring of scientific staff;
·increased stock option compensation expense ($532,000); and
·other net increases in research spending ($315,000).

Total general and administrative expenses were $4,627,000 for the second quarter of 2018, as compared to $2,642,000 for the same period of 2017, an increase of $1,985,000. The increase in expenses was due primarily to the following:

·increased stock option compensation expense ($908,000);
·increased salary and related costs ($309,000);
·increased expense for search firms for new executives ($278,000);
·increased legal and audit fees ($238,000) and
·by increases in net other general and administrative expenses ($252,000).

Depreciation and amortization was $290,000 for the second quarter of 2018, as compared to $207,000 for the same period in 2017, an increase of $83,000. We are amortizing the licenses for ABO-101 and ABO-201, and EB-102 over the life of the patents. The decrease was primarily due to lower amortization of licensed technology ($71,000), partially offset by an increase in depreciation ($154,000). SDF Alpha was amortized through May 26, 2017. The license was returned to the licensor, Plasma Technologies, LLC in 2017.

Total operating expenses for the second quarter of 2018 were $12,833,000, as compared to total operating expenses of $8,657,000 for the same period of 2017, an increase of $4,176,000 for the reasons listed above.

Interest and miscellaneous income was $317,000 for the second quarter of 2018 as compared to $164,000 for the same period of 2017, an increase of $153,000. Most of the increase was due to increased interest income due to higher cash balances and marketable securities ($282,000) offset by decreased miscellaneous income ($129,000).

11

Interest and other expense was $3,000 for the second quarter of 2018, as compared to $3,000 in the same period of 2017.

Net loss for the second quarter of 2018 was $11,700,000, or a $0.25 basic and diluted loss per common share as compared to a net loss of $8,279,000, or a $0.21 basic and diluted loss per common share, for the same period in 2017, an increased loss of $3,421,000.

SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2018 COMPARED TO SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2017

Our licensing revenue for the first six months of 2017 was $301,000. In 2017, we recognized licensing revenue over the period of the performance obligation under our licensing agreements under ASC 605. Effective January 1, 2018, we adopted ASC 606 using the modified retrospective transition method. The cumulative effect of applying the standard was an increase of $3.7 million to stockholders’ equity as of January 1, 2018. There was no licensing revenue for the first six months of 2018 due to ASC 606.

We recorded revenue for Foundation Grants of $3,350,000 for first six months of 2018 and no revenues for the same period of 2017, an increase of $3,350,000. We recorded revenue to match expenses for the advancement of the Company’s clinical stage gene therapies for Sanfilippo Syndrome Type A (MPS IIIA) and Sanfilippo Syndrome Type B (MPS IIIB).

We recorded royalty revenue for MuGard of $67,000 for first six months of 2018 and $102,000 for the same period of 2017, a decrease of $35,000. We licensed MuGard to AMAG and Norgine and received quarterly reports under our agreement.

Total research and development spending for the first six months of 2018? was $16,078,000, as compared to $8,006,000 for the same period of 2017, an increase of $8,072,000. The increase in expenses was primarily due to:

·increased clinical and development work for the manufactured product for EB-101, ABO-102, ABO-101 and other gene therapy products ($5,553,000);
·increased salary and related costs ($1,115,000) from the hiring of scientific staff;
·increased stock option compensation expense ($976,000); and
·other net increases in research spending ($428,000).

Total general and administrative expenses were $7,505,000 for the first six months of 2018, as compared to $5,664,000 for the same period of 2017, an increase of $1,841,000. The increase in expenses was due primarily to the following:

·increased stock option compensation expense ($838,000) offset by decreased restricted common stock expense ($342,000);
·increased salary and related costs ($300,000);
·increased expense for search firms for new executives ($278,000);
·increased legal and audit fees ($242,000) and
·by increases in net other general and administrative expenses ($526,000).

12

Depreciation and amortization was $464,000 for the first six months of 2018, as compared to $457,000 for the same period in 2017, an increase of $7,000. We amortize the licenses for ABO-101 and ABO-201, and EB-102 over the life of the patents. We amortize the licenses for ABO-101 and ABO-201, and EB-102 over the life of the patents. The decrease was primarily due to lower amortization of licensed technology ($187,000), partially offset by an increase in depreciation ($194,000). SDF Alpha was amortized through May 26, 2017. The license was returned to the licensor, Plasma Technologies, LLC in 2017.

Total operating expenses for the first six months of 2018 were $24,047,000, as compared to total operating expenses of $14,127,000 for the same period of 2017, an increase of $9,920,000 for the reasons listed above.

Interest and miscellaneous income was $473,000 for the first six months of 2018, as compared to $203,000 for the same period of 2017, an increase of $270,000. Most of the increase was due to increased interest income due to higher cash balances ($391,000), partially offset by decreased miscellaneous income ($121,000).

Interest and other expense was $6,000 for the six months of 2018, as compared to $5,000 in the same period of 2017.

Net loss for the six months of 2018 was $20,163,000, or a $0.43 basic and diluted loss per common share as compared to a net loss of $13,526,000, or a $0.34 basic and diluted loss per common share, for the same period in 2017, an increased loss of $6,637,000.

OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

None.

ITEM 3.QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

We are exposed to a variety of financial risks in the normal course of our business, including market risk (including currency and price risk), credit risk and liquidity risk. Our overall risk management program focuses on preservation of capital and the unpredictability of financial markets and has sought to minimize potential adverse effects on our financial performance and position.

Market Risk

Currency risk

We are exposed to foreign exchange risk arising from various currencies, primarily with respect to the U.S. dollar and to a lesser extent to the euro, Australian dollar and British pound. As our U.S. operating entity primarily conducts its operations in U.S. dollars, its exposure to changes in foreign currency is insignificant.

Price risk

The market prices for the provision of preclinical and clinical materials and services, as well as external contracted research, may vary over time.

The commercial prices of any of our products or product candidates are currently uncertain.

13

We are not exposed to commodity price risk.

We do hold investments classified as available-for-sale or at fair value through profit or loss; therefore, we are exposed to equity securities price risk.

Credit Risk

Credit risk is managed on a consolidated basis. Credit risk arises from cash and cash equivalents and deposits with banks and financial institutions, outstanding receivables and committed transactions with collaboration partners and security deposits paid to landlords. We currently have no wholesale debtors.

We deposited funds as security to our landlords related to our facility in Cleveland, Ohio and our facility in Dallas, Texas.

Our cash and cash equivalents include bank balances, demand deposits and other short-term highly liquid investments (with maturities of less than three months at the time of purchase) that are readily convertible into a known amount of cash and are subject to an insignificant risk of fluctuation in value. Restricted cash includes deposits made in relation to facility leases. Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash were placed at Comerica Bank.

Liquidity Risk

We believe that our existing cash and cash equivalents will enable usability to fund our operating expenses and capital expenditure requirements for at least the next 12 months. We manage liquidity throughmonths with our existing cash and cash equivalents; our expectation that we will continue to incur losses; our belief that we will expend substantial funds to conduct research and development programs; our future ability to achieve profitability at all or on a rolling forecastsustained basis; our cash burn rate; the dilutive effect that raising additional funds by selling additional equity securities would have on the relative equity ownership of our liquidity reserve onexisting investors; our belief that we have a rich pipeline of products and product candidates; our ability to continue to develop our novel adeno-associated virus (“AAV”)-based gene therapy platform technology to treat neurologic disorders, cystic fibrosis and eye disorders in human subjects; our belief that EB-101 could potentially benefit patients with recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (“RDEB”); our ability to initiate a Phase III clinical trial for patients with RDEB; our ability to complete enrollment of patients into clinical trials to secure sufficient data to assess efficacy and safety; our belief that AAV treatment could potentially benefit patients with Sanfilippo syndrome type A (“MPS IIIA”) and Sanfilippo syndrome type B (“MPS IIIB”); our ability to add clinical sites and identify additional patients for our Phase I/II clinical trial for patients with MPS IIIA and MPS IIIB; our ability to continue to secure and maintain regulatory designations for our product candidates; our ability to develop manufacturing capability compliant with current good manufacturing practices for our product candidates; our ability to manufacture gene therapy products and produce an adequate product supply to support clinical trials and potentially future commercialization; our ability to secure timely regulatory review related to our clinical program; our belief in the basisadequacy of expected cash flowthe data from clinical trials in EB-101 and raise cash if and when needed through the issuanceexpansion cohort of shares.

ITEM 4.CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Under the supervision andour Phase I/II clinical trial in ABO-102 (AAV-SGSH) for MPS IIIA, together with the participationdata generated in the program to date, to support regulatory approvals; our intellectual property position and our ability to obtain, maintain and enforce intellectual property protection and exclusivity for our proprietary assets; the rate and degree of market acceptance of our management and consultants, includingproduct candidates for any indication once approved; our estimates regarding the Executive Chairman (our principal executive officer) and Senior Vice President Finance (our principal accounting officer), we have conducted an evaluationsize of the effectiveness ofpotential markets for our product candidates, the design and operationstrength of our disclosure controlscommercialization strategies and procedures (“Disclosure Controlsour ability to serve and Procedures”), as such term is definedsupply those markets; our ability to meet our obligations contained in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e)license agreements to which we are party; and 15d-15(e)the terms of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), as of June 30, 2018.future licensing arrangements or collaborations.

Conclusion of Evaluation– Based on this Disclosure Controls and Procedures evaluation, the Executive Chairman and Chief Accounting Officer concluded that our Disclosure Controls and Procedures as of June 30, 2018 were effective.

Changes In Internal Control Over Financial Reporting – There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended June 30, 2018 that have materially affected, or are reasonable likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 14

PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1.LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.

We are not currently subject to any material legal proceedings.

ITEM 1A.RISK FACTORS.

As of the date of this filing, there have been no material changes to the risk factors included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017, as filed with the SEC on March 16, 2018.

ITEM 6.EXHIBITS.

See Exhibit Index below, which is incorporated by reference herein.

Exhibit Index

Exhibits:
31.1Principal Executive Officer Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
31.2Principal Financial Officer Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.1*Principal Executive Officer Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.2*Principal Financial Officer Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
101The following materials from Abeona’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2018, formatted in XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language): (i) Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, (ii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 and June 30, 2017, (iii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, (iv) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the six months ended June 30, 2018 and June 30, 2017, and (v) Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

* This exhibit shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that Section, nor shall it be deemed incorporated by reference in any filings under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, whether made before or after the date hereof and irrespective of any general incorporation language in any filing.

15

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.

ABEONA THERAPEUTICS INC.
Date:August 9, 2018By:/s/ Steven H. Rouhandeh
Steven H. Rouhandeh
Executive Chairman
(Principal Executive Officer)
Date: August 9, 2018By:/s/ Stephen B. Thompson
Stephen B Thompson
Sr. Vice President Finance
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

162 

 

 

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Abeona Therapeutics Inc. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

 

 June 30, 2018  December 31, 2017 
 (unaudited)     March 31,
2019
  December 31,
2018
 
      (Unaudited)    
ASSETS                
                
Current assets        
Current assets:        
Cash and cash equivalents $49,990,000  $137,750,000  $25,924,000  $18,750,000 
Marketable securities  69,852,000   - 
Short-term investments  42,387,000   66,218,000 
Receivables  47,000   107,000   38,000   81,000 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets  1,937,000   2,735,000   3,372,000   3,802,000 
Total current assets  121,826,000   140,592,000   71,721,000   88,851,000 
        
Property and equipment, net  8,007,000   1,374,000   10,356,000   9,443,000 
Right-of-use lease assets  8,749,000   - 
Licensed technology, net  3,803,000   3,977,000   41,697,000   43,042,000 
Goodwill  32,466,000   32,466,000   32,466,000   32,466,000 
Other assets and restricted cash  595,000   357,000   1,147,000   597,000 
        
Total assets $166,697,000  $178,766,000  $166,136,000  $174,399,000 
                
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY        
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY        
                
Current liabilities        
Current liabilities:        
Accounts payable $5,783,000  $2,393,000  $4,189,000  $6,122,000 
Current portion of deferred revenue  -   3,214,000 
Accrued expenses  5,241,000   3,936,000 
Current portion of lease liability  1,690,000   - 
Current portion of payable to licensor  10,000,000   10,000,000 
Deferred revenue  296,000   296,000 
Total current liabilities  5,783,000   5,607,000   21,416,000   20,354,000 
                
Deferred revenue, net of current portion  -   3,061,000 
Long-term lease liabilities  6,927,000   - 
Payable to licensor, net of current portion  20,000,000   20,000,000 
Total liabilities  5,783,000   8,668,000   48,343,000   40,354,000 
        
Commitments and contingencies                
Stockholders’ equity        
Common stock – $.01 par value; authorized 200,000,000 shares; issued, 47,327,785 at June 30, 2018 and 46,888,108 at December 31, 2017  473,000   469,000 
Stockholders' equity:        
Common stock - $0.01 par value; authorized 200,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 47,949,694 at March 31, 2019; issued and outstanding 47,944,486 at December 31, 2018  479,000   479,000 
Additional paid-in capital  536,733,000   529,421,000   546,057,000   543,754,000 
Accumulated deficit  (376,292,000)  (359,792,000)  (428,743,000)  (410,188,000)
Total stockholders’ equity  160,914,000   170,098,000 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $166,697,000  $178,766,000 
Total stockholders' equity  117,793,000   134,045,000 
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $166,136,000  $174,399,000 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated statements.

 

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Abeona Therapeutics Inc. and Subsidiaries

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

(unaudited)(Unaudited)

 

 Three months ended
June 30,
 Six months ended
June 30,
  For the three months ended March 31, 
 2018  2017  2018  2017  2019  2018 
Revenues                
Foundation grants $802,000  $-  $3,350,000  $- 
Revenues:        
Foundation revenues $-  $481,000 
Royalties  17,000   67,000   67,000   102,000   -   50,000 
License revenues  -   150,000   -   301,000 
Total revenues  819,000   217,000   3,417,000   403,000   -   531,000 
                        
Expenses                
Expenses:        
Research and development  7,916,000   5,808,000   16,078,000   8,006,000   11,737,000   8,162,000 
General and administrative  4,627,000   2,642,000   7,505,000   5,664,000   5,659,000   2,878,000 
Depreciation and amortization  290,000   207,000   464,000   457,000   1,658,000   174,000 
Total expenses  12,833,000   8,657,000   24,047,000   14,127,000   19,054,000   11,214,000 
        
Loss from operations  (12,014,000)  (8,440,000)  (20,630,000)  (13,724,000)  (19,054,000)  (10,683,000)
                        
Interest and miscellaneous income  317,000   164,000   473,000   203,000   499,000   156,000 
Interest and other expense  (3,000)  (3,000)  (6,000)  (5,000)  -   (3,000)
  314,000   161,000   467,000   198,000 
Net loss $(11,700,000) $(8,279,000) $(20,163,000) $(13,526,000) $(18,555,000) $(10,530,000)
                        
Basic and diluted loss per common share $(0.25) $(0.21) $(0.43) $(0.34) $(0.39) $(0.22)
                        
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding  47,303,518   40,270,879   47,182,691   40,262,824 
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding – basic and diluted  47,948,421   47,060,523 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated statements.

 

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Abeona Therapeutics Inc. and Subsidiaries

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity

(unaudited)(Unaudited)

 

  Common Stock  Additional
paid-in
  Accumulated  Total
stockholders’
 
  Shares  Amount  capital  deficit  equity 
Balance, December 31, 2017 – as reported  46,888,108  $469,000  $529,421,000  $(359,792,000) $170,098,000 
Cumulative effect adjustment of ASC 606 on January 1, 2018  -   -   -   3,663,000   3,663,000 
Stock based compensation expense  -   -   1,900,000   -   1,900,000 
Vesting of restricted common stock issued to employees  -   -   172,000   -   172,000 
Common stock issued for cash exercise of options  267,196   3,000   1,682,000   -   1,685,000 
Exercise of $5.00 warrants  28,874   -   144,000   -   144,000 
Cashless warrant exercises  48,762   -   -   -   - 
Net loss  -   -   -   (8,463,000)  (8,463,000)
Balance, March 31, 2018  47,232,940   472,000   533,319,000   (364,592,000)  169,199,000 
                     
Stock based compensation expense  -   -   2,673,000   -   2,673,000 
Vesting of restricted common stock issued to employees  -   -   172,000   -   172,000 
Common stock issued for cash exercise of options  76,956   1,000   480,000   -   481,000 
Exercise of $5.00 warrants  17,889   -   89,000   -   89,000 
Net loss  -   -   -   (11,700,000)  (11,700,000)
Balance, June 30, 2018  47,327,785  $473,000  $536,733,000  $(376,292,000) $160,914,000 
        Additional     Total 
  Common Stock  Paid-in  Accumulated  Stockholders' 
  Shares  Amount  Capital  Deficit  Equity 
Balance, December 31, 2017 - as reported  46,888,108  $469,000  $529,421,000  $(359,792,000) $170,098,000 
Cumulative effect adjustment of ASC 606 on January 1, 2018  -   -   -   6,275,000   6,275,000 
Stock-based compensation expense  -   -   1,900,000   -   1,900,000 
Restricted stock-based compensation expense  -   -   172,000   -   172,000 
Common stock issued for:                    
- cash exercise of options  267,196   3,000   1,682,000   -   1,685,000 
- exercise of $5.00 warrants  28,874   -   144,000   -   144,000 
- cashless warrant exercises  48,762   -   -   -   - 
Net loss  -   -   -   (10,530,000)  (10,530,000)
Balance, March 31, 2018  47,232,940  $472,000  $533,319,000  $(364,047,000) $169,744,000 
                     
Balance, December 31, 2018 - as reported  47,944,486  $479,000  $543,754,000  $(410,188,000) $134,045,000 
Stock-based compensation expense  -   -   2,103,000   -   2,103,000 
Restricted stock-based compensation expense  -   -   172,000   -   172,000 
Common stock issued for cash exercise of options  5,208   -   28,000   -   28,000 
Net loss  -   -   -   (18,555,000)  (18,555,000)
Balance, March 31, 2019  47,949,694  $479,000  $546,057,000  $(428,743,000) $117,793,000 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated statements.

 

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Abeona Therapeutics Inc. and Subsidiaries

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(unaudited)(Unaudited)

 

 Six Months ended June 30,  For the three months ended March 31, 
 2018  2017  2019  2018 
Cash flows from operating activities:                
Net loss $(20,163,000) $(13,526,000) $(18,555,000) $(10,530,000)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to cash used in operating activities:                
Depreciation and amortization  464,000   457,000   1,658,000   174,000 
Stock option compensation expense  4,573,000   2,735,000 
Restricted common stock expense issued to directors and employees  344,000   686,000 
Net gain on write off of licensed technology  -   (127,000)
Stock-based compensation expense  2,103,000   1,900,000 
Restricted stock-based compensation expense  172,000   172,000 
Non-cash earnings on investments  (169,000)  - 
Change in operating assets and liabilities:                
Receivables  60,000   27,000   43,000   43,000 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets  798,000   (712,000)  430,000   643,000 
Other assets  42,000   - 
Accounts payable and accrued expenses  3,390,000   (77,000)
Deferred revenue  (2,612,000)  (302,000)
Right-of-use lease assets and other assets  150,000   - 
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and lease liabilities  (910,000)  3,516,000 
Net cash used in operating activities  (13,104,000)  (10,839,000)  (15,078,000)  (4,082,000)
                
Cash flows from investing activities:                
Capital expenditures  (6,923,000)  (84,000)  (1,226,000)  (3,502,000)
Short term investments  (69,852,000)  - 
Net cash used in investing activities  (76,775,000)  (84,000)
Proceeds from maturities of short-term investments  24,000,000   - 
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities  22,774,000   (3,502,000)
                
Cash flows from financing activities:                
Proceeds from exercise of $5.00 warrants  233,000   -   -   144,000 
Proceeds from exercise of stock options  2,166,000   85,000   28,000   1,685,000 
Net cash provided by financing activities  2,399,000   85,000   28,000   1,829,000 
                
Net decrease in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash  (87,480,000)  (10,838,000)
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash  7,724,000   (5,755,000)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period  138,030,000   69,142,000   19,310,000   138,030,000 
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period $50,550,000  $58,304,000  $27,034,000  $132,275,000 
                
Supplemental disclosure:        
Supplemental cash flow information:        
Cash and cash equivalents $49,990,000  $58,304,000  $25,924,000  $131,995,000 
Restricted cash  560,000   -   1,110,000   280,000 
Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash $50,550,000  $58,304,000  $27,034,000  $132,275,000 
                
Write off of licensed asset and corresponding liability $-  $4,000,000 
Cash paid for interest $6,000  $5,000  $-  $3,000 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated statements.

 

 206 

 

 

Abeona Therapeutics Inc. and SubsidiariesABEONA THERAPEUTICS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2018 and 2017

(unaudited)(Unaudited)

 

NOTE 1 – NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Background

Abeona Therapeutics Inc., a Delaware corporation (together with our subsidiaries, “we,” “our,” “Abeona” or the “Company”), is a Delaware corporation. We are a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing cellgene and genecell therapies for life-threatening rare genetic diseases. Our lead programs include EB-101, (gene-corrected skin grafts)an autologous, gene-corrected cell therapy for RDEB,recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (“RDEB”), ABO-102, (AAV-SGSH), an AAV basedadeno-associated virus (“AAV”)-based gene therapy for Sanfilippo syndrome type A (MPS IIIA)(“MPS IIIA”), and ABO-101 (AAV NAGLU), an AAV basedAAV-based gene therapy for Sanfilippo syndrome type B (“MPS IIIB.IIIB”). We also are also developing ABO-202 and ABO-201, (AAV-CLN3)which are AAV-based gene therapytherapies for juvenilethe CLN1 and CLN3 forms of Batten disease (JNCL), ABO-202 (AAV-CLN1)Disease, respectively, ABO-401 for the treatment of infantile Batten disease (INCL), EB-201cystic fibrosis, and ABO-5OX for epidermolysis bullosa (“EB”), ABO-301 (AAV-FANCC) for Fanconi anemia (“FA”) disorder and ABO-302 using a novel CRISPR/Cas9-based gene editing approach to gene therapy for rare bloodthe treatment of retinal diseases. In addition, we are developing a proprietarynext generation AAV-based gene therapy though our novel AIM™ vector platform AIM™, for next generation product candidates.programs. Our efforts have been principally devoted to research and development, resulting in significant losses.

(1)Interim Financial Statements

Basis of Presentation

The condensed consolidated balance sheet as of June 30, 2018,March 31, 2019, the condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three and six months ended June 30,March 31, 2019 and 2018, and 2017, the condensed consolidated statements of stockholders’ equity for the three and six months ended June 30,March 31, 2019 and 2018, and the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows for the sixthree months ended June 30,March 31, 2019 and 2018, and 2017, were prepared by management without audit. In the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, except as otherwise disclosed, necessary for the fair presentation of the financial position, results of operations, and changes in financial position for such periods, have been made.

 

Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) have been condensed or omitted. It is suggested that theseThese interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.2018. The results of operations for the period ended June 30, 2018March 31, 2019 are not necessarily indicative of the operating results that may be expected for a full year. The condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 20172018 contains financial information taken from the audited Abeona consolidated financial statements as of that date.

 

As of June 30,March 31, 2019, we had 5,696,353 options and 1,820,686 warrants that were not included in the EPS calculation as their effect would be antidilutive. As of March 31, 2018, we had 5,895,1355,807,531 options and 2,820,6872,838,576 warrants that were not included in the EPS calculation as their effect would be antidilutive.

 

21

(2)New Accounting Standards Implemented

Revenue Recognition

Effective January 1, 2018, we adopted ASC 606 usingAccounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-09,Revenue from Contracts with Customers, as amended (ASC 606). At year-end 2018, we determined that we should adjust the modified retrospective transition method. Theamounts originally reported for the quarters ended March 31, 2018 and June 30, 2018 to correct for an error in the determination of the cumulative effect related to the adoption of applying the standard was an increase of $3.7 million to stockholders’ equityASC 606 as of January 1, 2018. Our statementThe adjusted amounts for March 31, 2018 reflect a $2,067,000 reduction in foundation revenues and corresponding increases in the loss from operations and net loss of $2,067,000 and an increase in the diluted loss per share of $0.04, as compared to the originally reported amounts. The adjusted amounts for June 30, 2018 reflect a $543,000 reduction in foundation revenues and corresponding increases in the loss from operations and net loss of $543,000 and an increase in the diluted loss per share of $0.01, as compared to the originally reported amounts

Uses and Sources of Liquidity

The financial statements have been prepared on the going concern basis, which assumes the Company will have sufficient cash to pay its operating expenses, as and when they become payable, for a period of at least 12 months from the date the financial report was issued.

As of March 31, 2019, we had cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments of $68.3 million and net assets of $117.8 million. For the three months ended March 31, 2019, we had cash outflows from operations of $15.1 million. We believe we have sufficient resources to fund our business operations for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2018 and our balance sheet asforeseeable future. However, we have implemented a multi-faceted program to secure sufficient liquidity through at least the end of June 30, 2018 are presented under ASC 606, while our statement of operations for the second quarter and six months ended June 30, 2017 and our balance sheet as of December 31, 2017 are presented under ASC 605. See below for disclosure of the impact of the adoption of ASC 606 on our statement of operations and balance sheet for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2018, and the effect of changes made to our consolidated balance sheet as of January 1, 2018.

The table below presents the cumulative effect of the changes made to the consolidated January 1, 2018 balance sheet due to the adoption of ASC 606.

Balance Sheet

(in thousands)

 December 31, 2017,
As Reported Under
ASC 605
  Adjustments Due
to ASC 606
  January 1, 2018
As Adjusted
Under ASC 606
 
          
Liabilities            
Current liabilities            
Current portion of deferred revenue $3,214  $(602) $2,612 
Total current liabilities  3,214   (602)  2,612 
Deferred revenue, net of current portion  3,061   (3,061)  - 
Total liabilities  8,668   (3,663)  5,005 
Stockholders’ Equity            
Accumulated deficit  (359,792)  3,663   (356,129)
Total equity $170,098  $-  $170,098 

The table below presents the impact of the adoption of ASC 606 on our statement of operations.

  Second Quarter Ended June 30, 2018 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

(in thousands except per share amounts)

 Under
ASC 605
  Effect of
ASC 606
  As Reported
Under ASC 606
 
Revenues            
License revenues $150  $(150) $- 
Total revenues  969   (150)  819 
             
Loss from operations $(11,864) $(150) $(12,014)
Net loss $(11,550) $(150) $(11,700)
             
Basic and diluted loss per common share $(0.25) $0.00  $(0.25)

22

  Six Months Ended June 30, 2018 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

(in thousands except per share amounts)

 

Under

ASC 605

  

Effect of

ASC 606

  

As Reported

Under ASC 606

 
Revenues            
License revenues $301  $(301) $- 
Total revenues  3,718   (301)  3,417 
             
Loss from operations $(20,329) $(301) $(20,630)
Net loss $(19,862) $(301) $(20,163)
             
Basic and diluted loss per common share $(0.42) $(0.01) $(0.43)

The table below presents the impact of the adoption of ASC 606 on our balance sheet.

  June 30, 2018 

Balance Sheet

(in thousands)

 

Under

ASC 605

  

Effect of

ASC 606

  

As Reported

Under ASC 606

 
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity            
Current liabilities            
Current portion of deferred revenue $602  $(602) $- 
Total current liabilities  6,385   (602)  5,783 
Deferred revenue, net of current portion  2,760   (2,760)  - 
Total liabilities  9,145   (3,362)  5,783 
             
Stockholders’ Equity            
Accumulated deficit  (379,254)  3,662   (375,829)
Total stockholders’ equity $164,256  $(3,662) $160,914 

We received upfront cash payments for licenses of our technology in years 2008-2014. The revenue was recognized straight-line over the life of the patent. Our obligation was performed at the time the license was granted. Following the revenue recognition policies in accordance with ASC 606, we decreased the accumulated deficit by $3,663,000 as of January 1, 2018 and decreased deferred revenue by the same amount.

Royalty revenues will continue to be recognized in the period of sales. Royalties recognized in the second quarter of 2018 are $17,000 and for the first six months of 2018 are $67,000.

On October 16, 2017, we announced a collaborative agreement between nine Sanfilippo foundations to provide up to approximately $13.85 million of grants to Abeona in installments for the advancement of the Company’s clinical stage gene therapies for MPS IIIA and MPS IIIB, subject to the achievement of certain milestones. As of June 30, 2018, we received $3.4 million in grants ($2.6 million in the fourth quarter 2017 and $0.8 million in the six months of 2018) and recorded them first as deferred revenue. We recorded $2.6 million of the $3.4 million in grants as revenue in the first quarter of 2018, and we recorded $0.8 million in grants as revenue in the second quarter of 2018.

We recorded revenue for Foundation Grants of $802,000 in the second quarter of 2018 and no revenues for the same period of 2017, an increase of $802,000. We recorded revenue for Foundation Grants of $3,350,000 in the first six months of 2018 and no revenues for the same period of 2017, an increase of $3,350,000. We record revenue to match expenses for the advancement of the Company’s clinical stage gene therapies for MPS IIIA and MPS IIIB.2020.

 

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Restricted cash disclosureThis program considers the possibility of accessing additional equity funding from current or new stockholders, out-licensing technology and/or other assets, deferring and/or eliminating planned expenditures, restructuring operations and/or reducing headcount and sales of assets. We believe that we will be able to complete our liquidity program and will have sufficient funding to support planned expenditure commitments and our planned level of growth, and therefore we believe it is appropriate to prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis.

NOTE 2 – NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARD IMPLEMENTED

In NovemberFebruary 2016, the FASBFinancial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU 2016-18,2016-02,StatementLeases, as amended (“ASC 842”), which requires the recognition of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash, requiring restricted cashlease assets and restricted cash equivalents to be included with cash and cash equivalents on the statement of cash flows when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. The guidance is effectivelease liabilities by lessees for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted.those leases classified as operating leases under previous guidance. We adopted thisthe provisions of ASC 842 effective January 1, 2019 using the cumulative-effect adjustment transition method, which applies the provisions of the standard duringas of the first quartereffective date without adjusting the comparative periods presented. As a result of 2018. Restricted cash is now included as a componentthe adoption, we recorded operating lease right-of-use assets of cash, cash equivalents,$8.9 million and restricted cashoperating lease liabilities of $8.9 million. The adoption had an immaterial impact on our unaudited condensed consolidated statementsnet assets as of cash flows. Restricted cash is recordedMarch 31, 2019. In addition, we elected the package of practical expedients permitted under the transition guidance within other non-current assets in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets. The inclusion of restricted cash increased beginning balances ofnew standard, which allowed us to carry forward the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of cash flows by $560,000 and $0, respectively, and the ending balances by $560,000 and $0, respectively, for the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017.

historical lease classification.

 

(3)Short Term Investments

Additional information and disclosures required by this new standard are contained in Note 7.

NOTE 3 – SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS

 

The following table summarizes the available-for-sale investments held as of June 30, 2018. There were no available-for-sale investments in prior periods.held:

 

Description 

Fair

Value

 
June 30, 2018    
U.S. government agency securities and treasuries $69,852,000 
Description March 31,
2019
  December 31,
2018
 
U.S. government and agency securities and treasuries $42,387,000  $66,218,000 

 

The amortized cost of the available-for-sale investments is adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts to maturity. There were no material realized gains or losses recognized on the sale or maturity of available-for-sale investments during the three or six months ended June 30, 2018.March 31, 2019.

 

(4)Licensed Technology

NOTE 4 – LICENSED TECHNOLOGY

 

On November 4, 2018, we entered into a license agreement with REGENXBIO to obtain rights to an exclusive worldwide license (subject to certain non-exclusive rights previously granted for MPS IIIA), with rights to sublicense, to REGENXBIO’s NAV AAV9 vector for the development and commercialization of gene therapies for the treatment of MPS IIIA, MPS IIIB, CLN1 Disease and CLN3 Disease. In return for these rights, REGENXBIO will receive a guaranteed $20 million upfront payment, $10 million of which was paid on signing of the agreement on November 4, 2018 and $10 million of which will be paid by November 4, 2019. In addition, REGENXBIO will receive a total of $100 million in annual fees, payable upon the second through sixth anniversaries of the agreement, $20 million of which is guaranteed. REGENXBIO is also eligible to receive potential commercial milestone payments of up to $60 million as well as low double-digit royalties on net sales of products incorporating the licensed intellectual property. The license is amortized over the life of the patent of eight years.

On August 3, 2016, we announced that we entered into an agreement (the “EB Agreement”) with EB Research Partnership (“EBRP”) and Epidermolysis Bullosa Medical Research Foundation (“EBMRF”) to collaborate on gene therapy treatments for EB. The EB Agreement became effective August 3, 2016, on the execution of two licensing agreements with The Board of Trustees of Leland Stanford Junior University (“Stanford”). We also entered into a license with Stanford for the AAV-based gene therapy EB-201 (AAV DJ COL7A1) technology and are performing preclinical development and clinical trials of a gene therapy treatment for EB based upon such in-licensed technology. EB-201 (AAV DJ COL7A1) is a preclinical candidate targeting a novel, AAV-mediated gene editing and delivery approach (known as homologous recombination) to correct gene mutations in skin cells (keratinocytes) for patients with RDEB. The licenses are amortized over the life of the license of 20 years.

On May 15, 2015, we acquired Abeona Therapeutics LLC, which had an exclusive license through Nationwide Children’s Hospital to the AB-101 and AB-102 patent portfolios for developing treatments for patients with Sanfilippo Syndrome Type A and Type B. The license is amortized over the life of the license of 20 years.

 

On August 3, 2016, we announced we entered into the EB Agreement with EBRP and EBMRF to collaborate on gene therapy treatments for EB.

 248 

 

 

We also entered into a license with Stanford University for the AAV-based gene therapy EB-201 (AAV DJ COL7A1) technology, and we intend to perform preclinical development and perform clinical trials of a gene therapy treatment for EB based upon such in-licensed technology. EB-201 (AAV DJ COL7A1) is a pre-clinical candidate targeting a novel, AAV-mediated gene editing and delivery approach (known as homologous recombination) to correct gene mutations in skin cells (keratinocytes) for patients with RDEB. The licenses are amortized over the life of the license of 20 years.

Licensed technology consists of the following (in thousands):following:

 

  June 30, 2018  December 31, 2017 
  

Gross

carrying

value

  

Accumulated

amortization

  

Gross

carrying

value

  

Accumulated

Amortization

 
Amortizable intangible assets Licensed technology $4,608  $805  $4,608  $631 
  March 31,
2019
  December 31,
2018
 
Licensed technology $44,859,000  $44,859,000 
Less accumulated amortization  3,162,000   1,817,000 
Licensed technology, net $41,697,000  $43,042,000 

 

Amortization expense related to intangible assets totaled $87,000 and $174,000 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, respectively, and totaled $158,000 and $361,000 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017, respectively. The aggregate estimated amortization expense for intangible assets remaining as of June 30, 2018March 31, 2019 is as follows (in thousands):follows:

2018 $172 
2019  346 
2020  346 
2021  346 
2022  346 
over 5 years  2,247 
     
Total $3,803 

 

(5)Fair Value Measurements
2019, remainder $4,033,000 
2020  5,378,000 
2021  5,378,000 
2022  5,378,000 
2023  5,378,000 
Thereafter  16,152,000 
Total $41,697,000 

Amortization on licensed technology was $1,345,000 and $87,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

NOTE 5 – FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

 

We calculate the fair value of our assets and liabilities that qualify as financial instruments and include additional information in the notes to the consolidated financial statements when the fair value is different than the carrying value of these financial instruments. The estimated fair value of receivables, prepaidsprepaid expenses, other assets, accounts payable, accrued expenses, payable to licensor and other and accounts payabledeferred revenue approximate their carrying amounts due to the relatively short maturity of these instruments.

 

U.S. GAAP defines fair value as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. This guidance establishes a three-level fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value. The hierarchy requires entities to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. The three levels of inputs used to measure fair value are as follows:

 

·Level 1 – Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
·Level 2 – Observable inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1, such as quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data.

25

·Level 3 – Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets and liabilities. This includes certain pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies and similar valuation techniques that use significant unobservable inputs.

 

The guidance requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value.

We have segregated all financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis (at least annually) into the most appropriate level within the fair value hierarchy based on the inputs used to determine the fair value at the measurement date in the table below.

 

9

Financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a non-recurringrecurring and recurringnon-recurring basis as of June 30, 2018March 31, 2019 and December 31, 20172018 are summarized below:

 

(in thousands)           
Description As of
June 30, 2018
  Level 1  Level 2  Level 3  Total Gains
(Losses)
  March 31,
 2019
  Level 1  Level 2  Level 3  Total
Gains/(Losses)
 
Recurring                    
Assets:                    
Short-term investments $42,387,000  $-  $42,387,000  $-  $     - 
                    
Non-recurring                                        
Assets:                                        
Licensed technology (net) $3,803  $-  $-  $3,803  $174 
Licensed technology, net $41,697,000  $-  $-  $41,697,000  $- 
Goodwill  32,466   -   -   32,466   -   32,466,000   -   -   32,466,000   - 
                    
Recurring                    
Marketable securities  -   -   69,852   -   - 

 

(in thousands)               
Description As of
December 31,
2017
  Level 1  Level 2  Level 3  Total Gains
(Losses)
 
Non-recurring                    
Assets:                    
Licensed technology (net) $3,977  $-  $-  $3,977  $127 
Goodwill  32,466   -   -   32,466   - 
                     
Recurring                    
Liabilities:                    
Contingent consideration $-  $-  $-  $-  $1,391 

26

(6)Stock Based Option Compensation and Restricted Stock Compensation
Description December 31,
 2018
  Level 1  Level 2  Level 3  Total
Gains/(Losses)
 
Recurring                    
Assets:                    
Short-term investments $66,218,000  $-  $66,218,000  $-  $     - 
                     
Non-recurring                    
Assets:                    
Licensed technology, net $43,042,000  $-  $-  $43,042,000  $- 
Goodwill  32,466,000   -   -   32,466,000   - 

 

For the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, we recognized stock-based option compensation expense of $2,673,000 and $4,573,000, respectively. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2017, we recognized stock-based option compensation expense of $1,243,000 and $2,735,000, respectively.NOTE 6 – STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

 

The following table summarizes stock-based option compensation for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018March 31, 2019 and 2017:2018:

 

 Three months ended
June 30,
 Six months ended
June 30,
  For the three months ended March 31, 
 2018  2017  2018  2017  2019  2018 
Research and development $900,000  $368,000  $1,744,000  $724,000  $1,032,000  $1,056,000 
General and administrative  1,773,000   875,000   2,829,000   2,011,000   1,071,000   844,000 
Stock-based option compensation expense included in operating expense $2,673,000  $1,243,000  $4,573,000  $2,735,000 
Stock-based compensation expense included in operating expense  2,103,000   1,900,000 
        
Total stock-based compensation expense  2,103,000   1,900,000 
Tax benefit  -   - 
Stock-based compensation expense, net of tax $2,103,000  $1,900,000 

 

For the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, we granted 224,800 and 869,800 stock options, respectively, and for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017 we granted 185,000 and 185,000 stock options, respectively.

For the three and six months ended June 30, 2018,We estimate the fair value of options was estimated ateach option award on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricingvaluation model. We then recognize the grant date fair value of each option as compensation expense ratably using the straight-line attribution method over the service period (generally the vesting period). The Black-Scholes model withincorporates the following weighted average assumptions:

·Expected volatility – we estimate the volatility of our share price at the date of grant using a “look-back” period which coincided with the expected term, defined below. We believe using a “look-back” period which coincides with the expected term is the most appropriate measure for determining expected volatility.
·Expected term – we estimate the expected term using the “simplified” method, as outlined in Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 107, “Share-Based Payment.”
·Risk-free interest rate – we estimate the risk-free interest rate using the U.S. Treasury yield curve for periods equal to the expected term of the options in effect at the time of grant.
·Dividends – we use an expected dividend yield of zero because we have not declared or paid a cash dividend, nor do we have any plans to declare a dividend.

10

We used the following weighted-average assumptions to estimate the fair value of the options granted for the periods indicated:

  For the three months ended March 31, 
  2019  2018 
Expected volatility  109%  109%
Expected term  5 years   5 years 
Risk-free interest rate  2.46%  2.37%
Expected dividend yield  0%  0%

 

For the three months ended June 30, 2018,March 31, 2019, we granted 201,000 stock options and the weighted-average fair value of options was estimated at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions: dividend yield of 0%; volatility of 109%; risk-free interest rate of 2.65%; and expected lives of 5.0 years. The weighted average fair value of options granted was $12.87 per share. The weighted average grant date fair value is $12.87$5.29 and the weighted averageweighted-average exercise price is $16.27.

For the six months ended June 30, 2018, the fair value of options was estimated at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions: dividend yield of 0%; volatility of 109%; risk-free interest rate of 2.44%; and expected lives of 5.0 years. The weighted average fair value of options granted was $11.36 per share. The weighted average grant date fair value is $11.36 and the weighted average exercise price is $14.38.

$6.69. For the three and six months ended June 30,March 31, 2018, we recognized restricted commongranted 645,000 stock compensation expense of $172,000options and $344,000, respectively. For the threeweighted-average fair value was $10.83 and six months ended June 30, 2017, we recognized restricted stock compensation expense of $324,000 and $686,000, respectively.

the weighted-average exercise price was $13.72.

 

The following table summarizes restricted common stock compensation expense for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018March 31, 2019 and 2017:2018:

 

 Three months ended
June 30,
 Six months ended
June 30,
  For the three months ended March 31, 
 2018  2017  2018  2017  2019  2018 
Research and development $-  $-  $-  $-  $-  $- 
General and administrative  172,000   324,000   344,000   686,000   172,000   172,000 
Restricted stock compensation expense included in operating expense $172,000  $324,000  $344,000  $686,000 
Stock-based compensation expense included in operating expense  172,000   172,000 
        
Total stock-based compensation expense  172,000   172,000 
Tax benefit  -   - 
Stock-based compensation expense, net of tax $172,000  $172,000 

 

For the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 and June 30, 2017 noWe did not grant any common stock was granted to directors or employees.employees during the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018.

 

(7)Commitments and Contingencies

NOTE 7 – OPERATING LEASES

 

We lease space under non-cancelable operating leases for manufacturing and laboratory facilities and administrative offices in Cleveland as well as administrative offices in New York. The leases do not have significant rent escalation, holidays, concessions, material residual value guarantees, material restrictive covenants or contingent rent provisions. Our leases include both lease (e.g., fixed payments including rent, taxes, and insurance costs) and non-lease components (e.g., common-area or other maintenance costs) which are accounted for as a single lease component as we have elected the practical expedient to group lease and non-lease components for all leases. We also lease office space in Dallas and Madrid, Spain as well as certain office equipment under operating leases, which have a non-cancelable lease term of less than one year and therefore, we have elected the practical expedient to exclude these short-term leases from our right-of-use assets and lease liabilities.

Most leases include one or more options to renew. The exercise of lease renewal options is typically at our sole discretion; therefore, the majority of renewals to extend the lease terms are not currently subject to any material pending legal proceedings.included in our right-of-use assets and lease liabilities as they are not reasonably certain of exercise. We regularly evaluate the renewal options and when they are reasonably certain of exercise, we include the renewal period in our lease term.

As our leases do not provide an implicit rate, we use our incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at the lease commencement date in determining the present value of the lease payments.

 

 2711

Components of lease cost are as follows:

  Three months ended
March 31, 2019
 
Operating lease cost $289,000 
Variable lease cost $73,000 
Short-term lease cost $47,000 

The following table presents information about the amount and timing of cash flows arising from operating leases as of March 31, 2019:

Maturity of lease liabilities:    
2019, remainder $1,266,000 
2020  1,699,000 
2021  1,713,000 
2022  1,727,000 
2023  1,741,000 
Thereafter  3,667,000 
Total undiscounted operating lease payments  11,813,000 
Less: imputed interest  3,196,000 
Present value of operating lease liabilities $8,617,000 
     
Balance sheet classification:    
Current portion of lease liability $1,690,000 
Long-term lease liability  6,927,000 
Total operating lease liabilities $8,617,000 
     
Other information:    
Weighted-average remaining lease term for operating leases   82 months 
Weighted-average discount rate for operating leases  9.6%

NOTE 8 – COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

On January 18, 2018, William Mahon, a Company stockholder, served a demand upon the Company’s board of directors (the “Board”) pursuant to Section 220 of the Delaware General Corporation Law (the “Demand”) seeking to inspect certain of the Company’s books and records. Generally, the Demand’s stated purpose was to investigate allegedly excessive compensation awarded to non-employee Board members for the fiscal years 2015–2017. The Board denied the allegations in the Demand, and agreed to provide limited books and records to Mahon. On September 17, 2018, another Company stockholder, Francisco Dos Ramos, filed a stockholder derivative complaint in the Delaware Chancery Court (the “Dos Ramos Action”) against Steven Rouhandeh, Frank Carsten Thiel, Mark Alvino, Stefano Buono, Stephen Howell, Richard Van Duyne, and Todd Wider as defendants, and the Company as nominal defendant (the “Dos Ramos Defendants”). Dos Ramos generally alleges that the Board breached its fiduciary duties, were unjustly enriched, and committed corporate waste by approving allegedly excessive compensation to non-employee Board members for the fiscal years 2015–2017. Dos Ramos generally seeks disgorgement of the allegedly improper payments to the Board, money damages, an order requiring corporate governance reforms, costs and attorneys’ fees. On November 28, 2018, Mahon filed a stockholder derivative complaint (the “Mahon Action”) in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware (the “District Court”) against Mark Ahn, Mark Alvino, Jeffrey Davis, Stephen Howell, Todd Wider, and Steven Rouhandeh, as defendants, and the Company as a nominal defendant (“Mahon Defendants”). The allegations in the Mahon Action are substantially similar to those set forth in his Demand, as well as those in the Dos Ramos Action. Mahon generally seeks the disgorgement of the allegedly improper payments to the Board, a constructive trust, money damages, costs and attorneys’ fees. On December 6, 2018, Mahon and the Mahon Defendants filed a joint motion for preliminary approval of settlement, along with a stipulation of settlement (the “Stipulation”) intending to settle all claims asserted in the Mahon Action.

On January 8, 2019, the District Court approved the parties’ notice of settlement, enjoining all Company stockholders from commencing or further prosecuting any claims asserted in the Mahon Action, and scheduled a settlement approval hearing for May 1, 2019. On January 25, 2019, the Chancery Court entered an order staying the Dos Ramos Action until May 8, 2019—one week after the May 1, 2019 settlement hearing in the Mahon Action. On May 2, 2019 the District Court entered an Order and Final Judgment approving the Stipulation.

On October 22, 2018, EB Research Partnership, Inc. (“EBRP”) served upon the Company a Request for Arbitration (the “Request”), alleging that the Company is in breach of an Agreement executed in July 2016 (the “Agreement”) between and among the Company, EBRP, and Epidermolysis Bullosa Medical Research Foundation (“EBMRF”).  EBRP alleges that Abeona has refused to lift trading restrictions on certain shares of Abeona common stock issued to EBRP, purportedly in breach of the Agreement.  On November 21, 2018, the Company filed an action in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York seeking a declaration that it is not required to arbitrate its dispute with EBRP on the basis that the Agreement is void for lack of consideration.  On February 4, 2019, the court granted EBRP and EBMRF’s motion to compel arbitration.  EBMRF was subsequently joined as a party to the arbitration.  The parties submitted briefs to the arbitrator on March 18 and April 18, 2019.  The dispute is pending before the arbitrator and a decision is expected on or before May 20, 2019.

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ITEM 2.MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

OVERVIEW

Abeona Therapeutics Inc., a Delaware corporation (together with our subsidiaries, “we,” “our,” “Abeona” or the “Company”), is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing gene and cell therapies for life-threatening rare genetic diseases. Our lead programs include EB-101, an autologous, gene-corrected cell therapy for recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (“RDEB”), ABO-102, an adeno-associated virus (“AAV”)-based gene therapy for Sanfilippo syndrome type A (“MPS IIIA”), and ABO-101 an AAV-based gene therapy for Sanfilippo syndrome type B (“MPS IIIB”). We also are developing ABO-202 and ABO-201, which are AAV-based gene therapies for the CLN1 and CLN3 forms of Batten Disease, respectively, ABO-401 for the treatment of cystic fibrosis, and ABO-5OX for the treatment of retinal diseases. In addition, we are developing next generation AAV-based gene therapies though our novel AIM™ vector platform programs. We believe our product candidates are eligible for orphan drug designation, breakthrough therapy designation, or other expedited review processes in the U.S., Europe or Japan. We hold several U.S. and EU regulatory designations for five product candidates as follows:

 

Our robust and diverse pipeline features early-stage and late-stage candidates with the potential to transform the treatment of devastating genetic diseases, and we are conducting clinical trials in the U.S. and abroad.

Our Mission and Strategy

Abeona is at the forefront of gene and cell therapy research and development. We are a fully-integrated company featuring therapies in clinical development, in-house manufacturing facilities, a robust pipeline, and scientific, clinical, and commercial leadership. We see our mission as working together to create, develop, manufacture and deliver gene and cell therapies for people impacted by serious diseases. We partner with leading academic researchers, patient advocacy organizations and caregivers to bring therapies that address the underlying cause of a broad spectrum of rare genetic diseases where no effective treatment options exist today.

Since our last fiscal year, we made significant progress toward fulfilling our goal of harnessing the promise of genetic medicine to transform the lives of people impacted by serious diseases and redefine the standard of care through gene and cell therapies. Our strategy to achieve this goal consists of:

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Advancing our Clinical Gene and Cell Therapy Programs and Research and Development with a Focus on Rare and Orphan Diseases.

We have three programs in clinical development—EB-101, ABO-101 and ABO-102—and a pipeline of additional earlier stage programs. Our programs are focused on rare serious diseases. Through our gene and cell therapy expertise in research and development, we are positioned to rapidly introduce meaningful therapeutics to transform the standard of care in devastating diseases and establish our leadership position in the field.

Applying Novel Next Generation AIM™ Vector Technology to Develop New In-Vivo Gene Therapies.

We are researching and developing the next generation of AAV gene therapy using our novel capsids developed from the AIM™ Vector Technology Platform. We aim to continue to develop chimeric AAV capsids capable of improved tissue targeting for various indications and potentially evading immunity to wildtype AAV vectors.

Establishing Leadership Position in Commercial-Scale Gene and Cell-Therapy Manufacturing.

We established current Good Manufacturing Practice (“cGMP”), clinical-scale manufacturing capabilities for gene-corrected cell therapy and AAV-based gene therapies in our state-of-the-art Cleveland, OH facility. We believe that our platform provides us with distinct advantages, including flexibility, scale, reliability, and the potential for reduced development risk, cost, and faster times to market. We have focused on establishing internal Chemistry, Manufacturing and Controls (“CMC”) capabilities that drive value for our organization through process development, assay development and manufacturing. We have also deployed robust quality systems governing all aspects of product lifecycle from preclinical through commercial stage.

Establishing Additional Gene and Cell Therapy Franchises and Adjacencies through In-Licensing and Strategic Partnerships.

We seek to be the partner of choice in rare disease and have closely collaborated with leading academic institutions, key opinion leaders, patient foundations and industry partners to generate novel intellectual property, accelerate research and development, and understand the needs of patients and their families.

Maintaining and Growing IP Portfolio.

We strive to have a leading intellectual property portfolio. To that end, we seek patent rights for various aspects of our programs, including vector engineering and construct design, our production process, and all features of our clinical products including composition of matter and method of administration and delivery. We expect to continue to expand our intellectual property portfolio by aggressively seeking patent rights for promising aspects of our product engine and product candidates.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Foundation revenues relate to a collaborative agreement between us and nine Sanfilippo foundations to provide up to approximately $13.9 million of grants to us in installments for the advancement of our clinical stage gene therapies for MPS IIIA and MPS IIIB, subject to the achievement of certain milestones. We have received $5.7 million of such grants as of March 31, 2019. Our foundation revenue was $0 in the first quarter of 2019 and $0.5 million in the first quarter of 2018. The cash received upfront from the foundations is deferred on the condensed consolidated balance sheet until the costs of the activities as outlined in the manufacturing and clinical work plan are incurred by installment as outlined in the agreement with the foundations. As a result, we record foundation revenues to match the costs of the activities by installment performed under the collaborative agreement.

We recorded royalty revenue for MuGard of $0 in the first quarter of 2019 and $0.1 million in the first quarter of 2018. We licensed MuGard to AMAG Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (“AMAG”) and Norgine B.V. (“Norgine”).

Total research and development spending for the first quarter of 2019 was $11.7 million, as compared to $8.2 million for the same period of 2018, an increase of $3.5 million. The increase in expenses was primarily due to:

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·increased clinical and development work for EB-101, ABO-102, ABO-101 and other gene therapy products ($1.8 million); and
·increased salary and related costs ($1.7 million) from the hiring of additional scientific staff.

Total general and administrative expenses were $5.7 million for the first quarter of 2019, as compared to $2.9 million for the same period of 2018, an increase of $2.8 million. The increase in expenses was primarily due to:

·increased salary and related costs ($0.9 million);
·increased professional fees ($1.0 million);
·increased office rent costs ($0.5 million); and
·increases in net other general and administrative expenses ($0.4 million).

Depreciation and amortization were $1.7 million for the first quarter of 2019, as compared to $0.2 million for the same period in 2018, an increase of $1.5 million. The increase was driven primarily by increased amortization expense resulting from the REGENXBIO license, which we entered into in November 2018.

Net loss for the first quarter of 2019 was $18.6 million, or a $0.39 basic and diluted loss per common share as compared to a net loss of $10.5 million, or a $0.22 basic and diluted loss per common share, for the same period in 2018.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

We have historically funded our operations primarily through sales of common stock and, to a significantly lesser extent, foundation grants and licensing agreements. Our principal source of liquidity is cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments. As of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, our cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments were $68.3 million and $85.0 million, respectively.

As of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, our working capital was $50.3 million and $68.5 million, respectively. The decrease in working capital at March 31, 2019 resulted primarily from $15.1 million of cash used for operating activities and $1.2 million for capital expenditures during the three months ended March 31, 2019.

On August 17, 2018, we entered into an open market sale agreement with Jefferies LLC. Pursuant to the terms of this agreement, we may sell from time to time, through Jefferies LLC, shares of our common stock for an aggregate sales price of up to $150 million. Any sales of shares pursuant to this agreement will be made under our effective “shelf” registration statement on Form S-3 that is on file with and has been declared effective by the SEC. We did not sell any shares of our common stock under this agreement during the three months ended March 31, 2019.

On October 16, 2017, we announced a collaborative agreement between us and nine Sanfilippo foundations to provide up to approximately $13.9 million of grants to us in installments for the advancement of our clinical stage gene therapies for MPS IIIA and MPS IIIB, subject to the achievement of certain milestones. As of March 31, 2019, we had received $5.7 million of such grants. We did not receive any cash from such grants during the three months ended March 31, 2019.

Since our inception, we have incurred negative cash flows from operations and have expended, and expect to continue to expend, substantial funds to complete our planned product development efforts. Since inception, our expenses have significantly exceeded revenues, resulting in an accumulated deficit of $429 million as of March 31, 2019. We have not been profitable since inception and to date have received limited revenues from the sale of products. We expect to incur losses for the next several years as we continue to invest in product research and development, preclinical studies, clinical trials and regulatory compliance and cannot provide assurance that we will ever be able to generate sufficient product sales or royalty revenue to achieve profitability on a sustained basis, or at all.

If we raise additional funds by selling additional equity securities, the relative equity ownership of our existing investors will be diluted and the new investors could obtain terms more favorable than previous investors. If we raise additional funds through collaborations, strategic alliances or licensing arrangements with third parties, we may have to relinquish valuable rights to our technologies, future revenue streams, research programs, or product candidates or grant licenses on terms that may not be favorable to us. If we are unable to raise additional funds through equity or debt financing when needed, we may be required to delay, limit or terminate our product development programs or any future commercialization efforts or grant rights to develop and market product candidates to third parties that we would otherwise prefer to develop and market ourselves.

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We plan to expend substantial funds to conduct research and development programs, expand our manufacturing capabilities and conduct preclinical studies and clinical trials of potential products, including research and development with respect to our acquired and developed technology. Our future capital requirements and adequacy of available funds will depend on many factors, including:

·the successful development and commercialization of our gene and cell therapy and other product candidates;
·the ability to establish and maintain collaborative arrangements with corporate partners for the research, development and commercialization of products;
·continued scientific progress in our research and development programs;
·the magnitude, scope and results of preclinical testing and clinical trials;
·the costs involved in filing, prosecuting and enforcing patent claims;
·the costs involved in conducting clinical trials;
·competing technological developments;
·the cost of manufacturing and scale-up;
·the ability to establish and maintain effective commercialization arrangements and activities; and
·successful regulatory filings.

Due to uncertainties and certain risks described in our most recent Form 10-K, including those relating to our ability to successfully commercialize our product candidates, our ability to obtain necessary additional capital to fund operations in the future, our ability to successfully manufacture our products and our product candidates in clinical quantities or for commercial purposes, government regulation to which we are subject, the uncertainty associated with preclinical and clinical testing, intense competition that we face, market acceptance of our products, the potential necessity of licensing technology from third parties and protection of our intellectual property, it is not possible to reliably predict future spending or time to completion by project or product category or the period in which material net cash inflows from significant projects are expected to commence. If we are unable to timely complete a particular project, our research and development efforts could be delayed or reduced, our business could suffer depending on the significance of the project and we might need to raise additional capital to fund operations, as discussed in the risk factors in our most recent Form 10-K, including those relating to the uncertainty of the success of our research and development activities and our ability to obtain necessary additional capital to fund operations in the future. As discussed in such risk factors, delays in our research and development efforts and any inability to raise additional funds could cause us to eliminate one or more of our research and development programs.

We plan to continue our policy of investing any available funds in certificates of deposit, money market funds, government securities and investment-grade, interest-bearing securities. We do not invest in derivative financial instruments.

OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

We did not have, during the periods presented, and we do not currently have, any off-balance sheet arrangements, as defined under applicable SEC rules.

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ITEM 3.QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Our business and financial results are not materially affected by fluctuations in currency exchange rates or interest rates. We do not use derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes.

Interest Rate Risk

Our exposure to market risk for changes in interest rates relates to our investment portfolio. Our investment strategy is focused on preserving capital and supporting our liquidity requirements, while earning a reasonable market return. We invest only in U.S. government, U.S. agency and U.S. treasury securities. The market value of our investments would not materially decline if current market interest rates rise given the short duration of our investments.

Concentrations of Risk

We invest excess cash in short-term, fixed-rate debt securities, and diversify the investments between financial institutions.

Foreign Currency Fluctuation Risk

We are not currently exposed to significant market risk related to changes in foreign currency exchange rates; however, we have contracted with and may continue to contract with foreign vendors that are located in Europe and Australia.

Inflation Fluctuation Risk

Inflation can affect us by increasing our cost of labor and clinical trial costs. We do not believe that inflation had a material effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations during the first quarter of 2019 or 2018.

ITEM 4.CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Under the supervision and with the participation of our management and consultants, including the Executive Chairman (our principal executive officer) and Chief Financial Officer (our principal financial officer), we have conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (“Disclosure Controls and Procedures”), as of March 31, 2019, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”).

Conclusion of Evaluation— Based on this Disclosure Controls and Procedures evaluation, the Executive Chairman and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our Disclosure Controls and Procedures as of March 31, 2019 were effective.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting – There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended March 31, 2019 that have materially affected, or are reasonable likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

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PART II -- OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1.LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.

On January 18, 2018, William Mahon, a Company stockholder, served a demand upon the Company’s board of directors (the “Board”) pursuant to Section 220 of the Delaware General Corporation Law (the “Demand”) seeking to inspect certain of the Company’s books and records. Generally, the Demand’s stated purpose was to investigate allegedly excessive compensation awarded to non-employee Board members for the fiscal years 2015–2017. The Board denied the allegations in the Demand, and agreed to provide limited books and records to Mahon. On September 17, 2018, another Company stockholder, Francisco Dos Ramos, filed a stockholder derivative complaint in the Delaware Chancery Court (the “Dos Ramos Action”) against Steven Rouhandeh, Frank Carsten Thiel, Mark Alvino, Stefano Buono, Stephen Howell, Richard Van Duyne, and Todd Wider as defendants, and the Company as nominal defendant (the “Dos Ramos Defendants”). Dos Ramos generally alleges that the Board breached its fiduciary duties, were unjustly enriched, and committed corporate waste by approving allegedly excessive compensation to non-employee Board members for the fiscal years 2015–2017. Dos Ramos generally seeks disgorgement of the allegedly improper payments to the Board, money damages, an order requiring corporate governance reforms, costs and attorneys’ fees. On November 28, 2018, Mahon filed a stockholder derivative complaint (the “Mahon Action”) in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware (the “District Court”) against Mark Ahn, Mark Alvino, Jeffrey Davis, Stephen Howell, Todd Wider, and Steven Rouhandeh, as defendants, and the Company as a nominal defendant (“Mahon Defendants”). The allegations in the Mahon Action are substantially similar to those set forth in his Demand, as well as those in the Dos Ramos Action. Mahon generally seeks the disgorgement of the allegedly improper payments to the Board, a constructive trust, money damages, costs and attorneys’ fees. On December 6, 2018, Mahon and the Mahon Defendants filed a joint motion for preliminary approval of settlement, along with a stipulation of settlement (the “Stipulation”) intending to settle all claims asserted in the Mahon Action.

On January 8, 2019, the District Court approved the parties’ notice of settlement, enjoining all Company stockholders from commencing or further prosecuting any claims asserted in the Mahon Action, and scheduled a settlement approval hearing for May 1, 2019. On January 25, 2019, the Chancery Court entered an order staying the Dos Ramos Action until May 8, 2019—one week after the May 1, 2019 settlement hearing in the Mahon Action. On May 2, 2019 the District Court entered an Order and Final Judgment approving the Stipulation.

On October 22, 2018, EB Research Partnership, Inc. (“EBRP”) served upon the Company a Request for Arbitration (the “Request”), alleging that the Company is in breach of an Agreement executed in July 2016 (the “Agreement”) between and among the Company, EBRP, and Epidermolysis Bullosa Medical Research Foundation (“EBMRF”).  EBRP alleges that Abeona has refused to lift trading restrictions on certain shares of Abeona common stock issued to EBRP, purportedly in breach of the Agreement.  On November 21, 2018, the Company filed an action in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York seeking a declaration that it is not required to arbitrate its dispute with EBRP on the basis that the Agreement is void for lack of consideration.  On February 4, 2019, the court granted EBRP and EBMRF’s motion to compel arbitration.  EBMRF was subsequently joined as a party to the arbitration.  The parties submitted briefs to the arbitrator on March 18 and April 18, 2019.  The dispute is pending before the arbitrator and a decision is expected on or before May 20, 2019.

ITEM 1A.RISK FACTORS.

Our business and financial results are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties. As a result, the risks and uncertainties discussed in Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018 should be carefully considered. There have been no material changes in the assessment of our risk factors from those set forth in our 2018 Form 10-K.

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ITEM 6.EXHIBITS.

See Exhibit Index below, which is incorporated by reference herein.

Exhibit Index

Exhibits:
3.1Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Abeona Therapeutics Inc.
3.2Amended and Restated Bylaws of Abeona Therapeutics Inc. (incorporated by reference to our Form 10-K filed on March 18, 2019)
10.1+Offer Letter, dated January 8, 2019, by and between Abeona Therapeutics Inc. and Christine Berni Silverstein (incorporated by reference to our Form 8-K filed on January 10, 2019)
10.2+Offer Letter, dated January 8, 2019, by and between Abeona Therapeutics Inc. and João Siffert, M.D. (incorporated by reference to our Form 8-K filed on February 13, 2019)
31.1Principal Executive Officer Certification Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
31.2Principal Financial Officer Certification Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
32*Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
101The following materials from Abeona’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2019, formatted in XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language): (i) Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, (ii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, (iii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, (iv) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, and (v) Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

* Pursuant to Item 601(b)(32)(ii) of Regulation S-K, this exhibit shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that Section, nor shall it be deemed incorporated by reference in any filings under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, whether made before or after the date hereof and irrespective of any general incorporation language in any filing.

+ Management contract or compensation plans or arrangements in which directors or executive officers are eligible to participate.

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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.

ABEONA THERAPEUTICS INC.

Date:May 10, 2019By:/s/ Steven H. Rouhandeh
Steven H. Rouhandeh
Executive Chairman
(Principal Executive Officer)
Date:May 10, 2019By:/s/ Christine Silverstein
Christine Silverstein
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)

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