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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

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

For the quarterly period ended SeptemberJune 30, 20222023

or

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

For the transition period from                      to

Commission File Number 001-36845

Bellerophon Therapeutics, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware

    

47-3116175

(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)

 

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

184 Liberty Corner Road20 Independence Boulevard, Suite 302402

Warren, New Jersey

(Address of principal executive offices)

07059

(Zip Code)

(908) 574-4770

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class

Trading Symbol(s)

Name of each exchange on which registered

Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share

BLPH

The Nasdaq Capital Market

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically 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). Yes   No 

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

Large accelerated filer

 

 

Accelerated filer

 

Non-accelerated filer

 

Smaller reporting company

 

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 accounting 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 Exchange Act). Yes   No 

The number of shares outstanding of the registrant’s common stock as of NovemberAugust 11, 2022:  9,545,4512023:  12,232,648

Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page No.

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

6

 

 

Item 1.

Financial Statements

6

 

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of SeptemberJune 30, 20222023 (Unaudited) and December 31, 20212022

6

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss for the three and ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20222023 and 20212022 (Unaudited)

7

 

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity for the three and ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20222023 and 20212022 (Unaudited)

8

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20222023 and 20212022 (Unaudited)

9

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

10

 

Item 2.

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

2022

 

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

3032

 

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

3032

 

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

3133

 

Item 1.

Legal Proceedings

3133

Item 1A.

Risk Factors

3133

 

Item 2.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

3134

 

Item 3.

Defaults Upon Senior Securities

3134

Item 4.

Mine Safety Disclosures

3135

Item 5.

Other Information

3135

Item 6.

Exhibits

3135

 

Signatures

3337

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REFERENCES TO BELLEROPHON

In this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, unless otherwise stated or the context otherwise requires references to the “Company,” “Bellerophon,” “we,” “us” and “our” refer to Bellerophon Therapeutics, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries.

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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, including statements regarding our future results of operations and financial position, business strategy and plans and objectives of management for future operations, are forward-looking statements. The words “may,” “will,” “should,” “expects,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “could,” “intends,” “target,” “projects,” “contemplates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “potential” or “continue” or the negative of these terms or other similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words.

The forward-looking statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q include, among other things, statements about:

our recently announced plan to review strategic alternatives and significantly reduce our operations and workforce;
our ability to fund our planned operations for the next twelve months and our ability to continue to operate as a going concern;
the timing of the ongoing and expectedany future clinical trials of our product candidates, including statements regardingand impact on the timing of completion of the trials and the respective periods during which the results of the trials will become available;workforce;
our ability to obtain adequate financing to meet our future operational and capital needs;
the timing of and our ability to obtain marketing approval of our product candidates, and the ability of our product candidates to meet existing or future regulatory standards;
our ability to comply with government laws and regulations;
our commercialization, marketing and manufacturing capabilities and strategy;
our estimates regarding the potential market opportunity for our product candidates;
the timing of or our ability to enter into partnerships to market and commercialize our product candidates;
the rate and degree of market acceptance of any product candidate for which we receive marketing approval;
our intellectual property position;
our estimates regarding expenses, future revenues, capital requirements and needs for additional funding;
the success of competing treatments;our competitive position; and
our competitive position.ability to maintain the listing of our common stock on the Nasdaq Capital Market.

We may not actually achieve the plans, intentions or expectations disclosed in our forward-looking statements, and you should not place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements. Actual results or events could differ materially from the plans, intentions and expectations disclosed in the forward-looking statements we make. We have included important factors in the cautionary statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021,2022, particularly in the “Risk Factors” section, that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from the forward-looking statements that we make. Our forward-looking statements do not reflect the potential impact of any future acquisitions, mergers, dispositions, joint ventures or investments we may make.

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You should read this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and the documents that we have filed as exhibits to this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q completely and with the understanding that our actual future results may be materially different from what we expect. We do not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q includes statistical and other industry and market data that we obtained from industry publications and research, surveys and studies conducted by third parties. Industry publications and third-party research, surveys and studies generally indicate that their information has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, although they do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of such information.

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PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.        Financial Statements.

BELLEROPHON THERAPEUTICS, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in thousands except share and per share data)

As of

As of

As of

As of

    

September 30, 2022

    

December 31, 2021

    

June 30, 2023

    

December 31, 2022

(Unaudited)

(Unaudited)

Assets

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Current assets:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Cash and cash equivalents

$

11,317

$

24,736

$

10,575

$

6,924

Restricted cash

 

404

 

103

 

107

 

405

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

338

 

620

 

563

 

234

Total current assets

 

12,059

 

25,459

 

11,245

 

7,563

Restricted cash, non-current

 

 

300

Right of use assets, net

 

357

 

863

 

 

184

Property and equipment, net

 

6

 

67

 

 

2

Other non-current assets

186

186

186

Total assets

$

12,608

$

26,875

$

11,245

$

7,935

Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Current liabilities:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Accounts payable

$

1,525

$

1,192

$

1,887

$

1,230

Accrued research and development

 

1,888

 

1,397

 

2,391

 

2,655

Accrued expenses

 

1,370

 

1,711

 

1,344

 

1,313

Current portion of operating lease liabilities

 

396

 

752

 

 

203

Total current liabilities

 

5,179

 

5,052

 

5,622

 

5,401

Long term operating lease liabilities

 

 

203

Common stock warrant liability

 

1

 

1

Total liabilities

 

5,180

 

5,256

 

5,622

 

5,401

Commitments and contingencies

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Stockholders' equity:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Common stock, $0.01 par value per share; 200,000,000 shares authorized and 9,545,451 and 9,545,451 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively

 

95

 

95

Preferred stock, $0.01 par value per share; 5,000,000 shares authorized, zero shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021

 

 

Common stock, $0.01 par value per share; 200,000,000 shares authorized and 12,232,648 and 9,645,711 shares issued and outstanding at June 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively

 

122

 

96

Preferred stock, $0.01 par value per share; 5,000,000 shares authorized, zero shares issued and outstanding at June 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022

 

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

254,395

 

253,771

 

259,895

 

254,516

Accumulated deficit

 

(247,062)

 

(232,247)

 

(254,394)

 

(252,078)

Total stockholders' equity

 

7,428

 

21,619

 

5,623

 

2,534

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity

$

12,608

$

26,875

$

11,245

$

7,935

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

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BELLEROPHON THERAPEUTICS, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (UNAUDITED)

(in thousands except share and per share data)

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

September 30, 

September 30, 

    

2022

    

2021

    

2022

    

2021

Operating expenses:

Research and development

$

3,750

$

3,030

$

12,646

$

9,853

General and administrative

 

1,366

 

1,773

 

4,653

 

6,035

Total operating expenses

 

5,116

 

4,803

 

17,299

 

15,888

Loss from operations

 

(5,116)

 

(4,803)

 

(17,299)

 

(15,888)

Change in fair value of common stock warrant liability

 

 

167

 

 

600

Interest and other income, net

 

47

 

2

 

67

 

4

Pre-tax loss

 

(5,069)

 

(4,634)

 

(17,232)

 

(15,284)

Income tax benefit

 

 

 

2,417

 

1,800

Net loss and comprehensive loss

$

(5,069)

$

(4,634)

$

(14,815)

$

(13,484)

Weighted average shares outstanding:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Basic

 

9,545,451

 

9,506,419

 

9,545,451

 

9,501,428

Diluted

 

9,545,451

 

9,506,419

 

9,545,451

 

9,501,428

Net loss per share:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Basic

$

(0.53)

$

(0.49)

$

(1.55)

$

(1.42)

Diluted

$

(0.53)

$

(0.49)

$

(1.55)

$

(1.42)

Three Months Ended

Six Months Ended

June 30, 

June 30, 

    

2023

    

2022

    

2023

    

2022

Revenues:

Licensing revenue

$

$

$

5,640

$

Operating expenses:

Research and development

2,895

4,488

5,447

8,897

General and administrative

 

2,364

 

2,053

 

3,973

 

3,286

Total operating expenses

 

5,259

 

6,541

 

9,420

 

12,183

Loss from operations

 

(5,259)

 

(6,541)

 

(3,780)

 

(12,183)

Interest and other income, net

 

121

 

19

 

187

 

20

Pre-tax loss

 

(5,138)

 

(6,522)

 

(3,593)

 

(12,163)

Income tax benefit

 

 

2,417

 

1,277

 

2,417

Net loss and comprehensive loss

$

(5,138)

$

(4,105)

$

(2,316)

$

(9,746)

Weighted average shares outstanding:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Basic

 

12,231,726

 

9,545,451

 

11,300,529

 

9,545,451

Diluted

 

12,231,726

 

9,545,451

 

11,300,529

 

9,545,451

Net loss per share:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Basic

$

(0.42)

$

(0.43)

$

(0.20)

$

(1.02)

Diluted

$

(0.42)

$

(0.43)

$

(0.20)

$

(1.02)

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

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BELLEROPHON THERAPEUTICS, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (UNAUDITED)

(in thousands except share data)

For the three and ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2023:

Total

Common Stock

Additional Paid in

Accumulated

Stockholders'

    

Shares

    

Amount

    

Capital

    

Deficit

    

Equity

Balance at March 31, 2023

10,448,185

$

104

$

259,754

$

(249,256)

$

10,602

Net loss

 

 

 

 

(5,138)

 

(5,138)

Stock-based compensation

 

 

 

133

 

 

133

Exercise of pre-funded warrants

 

1,781,526

 

18

 

 

 

18

Exercise of stock options

1,288

 

10

 

 

10

Issuance of common stock, restricted stock vesting

2,500

Surrender of shares to the Company for the payment of tax withholding obligations

(851)

(2)

(2)

Balance at June 30, 2023

 

12,232,648

$

122

$

259,895

$

(254,394)

$

5,623

Balance at December 31, 2022

9,645,711

$

96

$

254,516

$

(252,078)

$

2,534

Net loss

 

 

 

 

(2,316)

 

(2,316)

Direct offering of common stock

 

718,474

 

7

 

1,430

 

 

1,437

Direct offering of pre-funded warrants

3,545

3,545

Stock-based compensation

 

 

 

397

 

 

397

Exercise of pre-funded warrants

 

1,781,526

 

18

 

 

 

18

Exercise of stock options

1,288

 

10

 

 

10

Issuance of common stock, restricted stock vesting

86,500

1

(1)

Surrender of shares to the Company for the payment of tax withholding obligations

(851)

(2)

(2)

Balance at June 30, 2023

 

12,232,648

$

122

$

259,895

$

(254,394)

$

5,623

For the three and six months ended June 30, 2022:

Total

Common Stock

Additional Paid in

Accumulated

Stockholders'

    

Shares

    

Amount

    

Capital

    

Deficit

    

Equity

Balance at June 30, 2022

9,545,451

$

95

$

254,178

$

(241,993)

$

12,280

Net loss

 

 

 

 

(5,069)

 

(5,069)

Stock-based compensation

 

 

 

217

 

 

217

Balance at September 30, 2022

 

9,545,451

$

95

$

254,395

$

(247,062)

$

7,428

Balance at December 31, 2021

9,545,451

$

95

$

253,771

$

(232,247)

$

21,619

Net loss

 

 

 

 

(14,815)

 

(14,815)

Stock-based compensation

 

 

 

624

 

 

624

Balance at September 30, 2022

 

9,545,451

$

95

$

254,395

$

(247,062)

$

7,428

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021:

Total

Total

Common Stock

Additional Paid in

Accumulated

Stockholders'

Common Stock

Additional Paid in

Accumulated

Stockholders'

    

Shares

    

Amount

    

Capital

    

Deficit

    

Equity

    

Shares

    

Amount

    

Capital

    

Deficit

    

Equity

Balance at June 30, 2021

9,506,419

$

95

$

253,343

$

(223,341)

$

30,097

Balance at March 31, 2022

9,545,451

$

95

$

253,963

$

(237,888)

$

16,170

Net loss

 

 

 

 

(4,634)

 

(4,634)

 

 

 

 

(4,105)

 

(4,105)

Stock-based compensation

 

 

 

328

 

 

328

 

 

 

215

 

 

215

Balance at September 30, 2021

 

9,506,419

$

95

$

253,671

$

(227,975)

$

25,791

Balance at June 30, 2022

 

9,545,451

$

95

$

254,178

$

(241,993)

$

12,280

Balance at December 31, 2020

 

9,491,111

$

95

$

252,645

$

(214,491)

$

38,249

Balance at December 31, 2021

 

9,545,451

$

95

$

253,771

$

(232,247)

$

21,619

Net loss

 

 

 

 

(13,484)

 

(13,484)

 

 

 

 

(9,746)

 

(9,746)

Stock-based compensation

 

15,308

 

 

1,026

 

 

1,026

 

 

 

407

 

 

407

Balance at September 30, 2021

 

9,506,419

$

95

$

253,671

$

(227,975)

$

25,791

Balance at June 30, 2022

 

9,545,451

$

95

$

254,178

$

(241,993)

$

12,280

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

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BELLEROPHON THERAPEUTICS, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)

(in thousands)

Nine Months Ended September 30, 

    

2022

    

2021

Cash flows from operating activities:

Net loss

$

(14,815)

$

(13,484)

Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:

 

  

 

  

Depreciation

 

61

 

81

Stock-based compensation

 

624

 

1,026

Change in fair value of common stock warrant liability

 

 

(600)

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

 

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

282

 

(478)

Accounts payable, accrued research and development, accrued expenses and other liabilities

 

430

 

(5,388)

Net cash used in operating activities

 

(13,418)

 

(18,843)

Net change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash

 

(13,418)

 

(18,843)

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period

 

25,139

 

47,960

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period

$

11,721

$

29,117

Six Months Ended June 30, 

    

2023

    

2022

Cash flows from operating activities:

Net loss

$

(2,316)

$

(9,746)

Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:

 

  

 

  

Depreciation

 

2

 

40

Stock-based compensation

 

397

 

407

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

 

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

(329)

 

363

Other non-current assets

 

186

 

Accounts payable, accrued research and development, lease liabilities and other accrued expenses

 

405

 

528

Net cash used in operating activities

 

(1,655)

 

(8,408)

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

Proceeds from issuance of common stock in Direct Offering

 

1,437

 

Proceeds from exercise of pre-funded warrants in Direct Offering

 

3,545

 

Proceeds received from exercise of pre-funded warrants

 

18

 

Proceeds received from exercise of stock options

 

10

 

Tax withholding payments for stock compensation

 

(2)

 

Net cash provided by financing activities

 

5,008

 

Net change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash

 

3,353

 

(8,408)

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period

 

7,329

 

25,139

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period

$

10,682

$

16,731

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

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BELLEROPHON THERAPEUTICS, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

(1) Organization and Nature of the Business

Bellerophon Therapeutics, Inc., or the Company, is a clinical-stage therapeutics company focused on developing innovative products that address significant unmet medical needs in the treatment of cardiopulmonary diseases. The focus of the Company’s clinical program ishas been the continued development of its nitric oxide therapy for patients with pulmonary hypertension, or PH, using its proprietary delivery system, INOpulseINOpulse®. The Company has three wholly-owned subsidiaries: Bellerophon BCM LLC, a Delaware limited liability company; Bellerophon Pulse Technologies LLC, a Delaware limited liability company; and Bellerophon Services, Inc., a Delaware corporation. On June 5, 2023, the Company announced top-line results from its Phase 3 REBUILD clinical trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of INOpulse® for the treatment of Interstitial Lung Disease. The trial did not meet its primary endpoint and the secondary endpoints demonstrated minimal difference between the two groups with none approaching statistical significance. Overall, INOpulse® was well-tolerated with no safety concerns, consistent with what had been observed in the prior Phase 2 studies. Based on these findings, the Company decided to terminate the REBUILD Phase 3 clinical study and withdraw patients from all of the Company’s ongoing INOpulse® development programs. These conditions and events raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern.

The Company intends to explore a range of strategic alternatives to maximize stockholder value. Strategic alternatives that may be evaluated include, but are not limited to, a merger, a business combination, a sale of assets or other strategic transaction or a liquidation and dissolution. There is no set timetable for this process and there can be no assurance that this process will result in the Company pursuing a transaction or that any transaction, if pursued, will be completed on attractive terms. In connection with the termination of the clinical study, the Company approved a reduction-in-force of substantially all of the Company’s employees, including officers. The workforce reduction is designed to reduce the Company’s operating expenses while the Company explores a range of strategic alternatives. The Company expects that the implementation of the workforce reduction will be substantially completed by the end of the third quarter of 2023. The Company’s Chief Executive Officer has agreed to remain employed by the Company until November 15, 2023 or such later date if extended by the Company in its discretion.

The Company recorded approximately $0.8 million in separation costs during the six months ended June 30, 2023 as a component of general and administrative expenses.

The Company’s business is subject to significant risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to:

On July 19, 2023, the Company was notified by the Listing Qualifications Department (the “Staff”) of The riskNasdaq Stock Market LLC (“Nasdaq”) that in light of the Company’s previously disclosed workforce reduction plan and focus on exploring strategic alternatives, based upon the Staff’s belief that the Company is a “public shell” as that term is defined in Nasdaq Listing Rule 5101 and the Company’s non-compliance with the $1.00 bid price requirement set forth in Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(a)(2), the Company would be delisted from The Nasdaq Capital Market at the opening of business on July 28, 2023 unless the Company timely requested a hearing before a Nasdaq Hearings Panel (the “Panel”) to address the deficiencies and present a plan to regain compliance. The Company timely requested a hearing before the Panel, which request has stayed any further delisting action by the Staff pending the ultimate outcome of the hearing and the expiration of any extension that may be granted by the Panel. The hearing is currently scheduled for September 21, 2023 and a decision by the Panel is typically not rendered for several weeks after such hearing. The Company’s common stock will remain listed and eligible for trading on Nasdaq at least pending the ultimate conclusion of the hearing process.
The Company is exploring strategic alternatives that could significantly impact its future operations and financial position.

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The outcome of the Company’s recent REBUILD Phase 3 clinical study and resulting impact on the Company’s access to capital indicate substantial doubt exists related to its ability to continue as a going concern.
If the Company does not achieve success in its researchsuccessfully consummate a strategic transaction, the board of directors may decide to pursue a liquidation and development efforts, including clinical trials conducted by it or its potential collaborative partners.dissolution.
The expectation that the Company will continue to experience operating losses for the next several years.
Decisions by regulatory authorities regarding whether and when to approve the Company’s regulatory applications as well as their decisions regarding labeling and other matters which could affect the commercial potential of the Company’s products or product candidates.foreseeable future.
The risk that the Company will fail to obtain adequate financing to meet its future operational and capital needs.needs, for which the Company may be required to further reduce or cease operations.
The risk that the Company will be unable to obtain adequate funds to alleviate the substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern.
The risk that key personnel will leave the Company and/or that the Company will be unable to recruit and retain senior level officers to manage its business.
There are many uncertainties regarding the novel coronavirus (“COVID-19”) pandemic, and the Company is closely monitoring the impact of the pandemic on all aspects of its business, including how the pandemic is impacting its clinical trials, employees and suppliers. While the pandemic did not materially affect the Company’s financial results and business operations in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022, the extent to which the coronavirus impacts the Company’s results will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted. Further, should COVID-19 continue to spread, the Company’s business operations could be delayed or interrupted. For instance, the Company may be forced to temporarily delay ongoing trials.

(2) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

(a) Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements were prepared following the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC, for interim reporting. As permitted under those rules, certain footnotes or other financial information that are normally required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, or U.S. GAAP, can be condensed or omitted. The Company operates in one reportable segment and solely within the United States. Accordingly, no segment or geographic information has been presented.

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The Company is responsible for the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements. The condensed consolidated financial statements include all normal and recurring adjustments that are considered necessary for the fair presentation of the Company’s financial position, results of operations and comprehensive loss and its cash flows for the periods presented. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2021,2022, included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021.2022. The results of operations for the three and ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20222023 for the Company are not necessarily indicative of the results expected for the full year.

The preparation of financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of costs and expenses during the reporting period, including right of use asset and operating lease liability, accrued expenses, accrued research and development expenses, stock-based compensation common stock warrant liabilities and income taxes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

(b) Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity date of three months or less to be cash equivalents. All investments with maturities of greater than three months from the date of purchase are classified as available-for-sale marketable securities.

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(c) Stock-Based Compensation

The Company accounts for its stock-based compensation in accordance with applicable accounting guidance which establishes accounting for share-based awards, including stock options and restricted stock, exchanged for services and requires companies to expense the estimated fair value of these awards over the requisite service period. The Company recognizes stock-based compensation expense in operations based on the fair value of the award on the date of the grant. The resulting compensation expense less estimated forfeitures, is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period or sooner if the awards immediately vest. The Company determines the fair value of stock options issued using a Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model. Certain assumptions used in the model include expected volatility, dividend yield, risk-free interest rate estimated forfeitures and expected term. For restricted stock, the fair value is the closing market price per share on the grant date. See Note 7 - Stock-Based Compensation for a description of these assumptions.

(d) Common Stock Warrant LiabilityWarrants

The Company accounts for common stock warrants issued as freestanding instruments in accordance with applicable accounting guidance as either liabilities or as equity instruments depending on the specific terms of the warrant agreement. The Company classifieshistorically classified warrant liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet based on the warrants’ terms as long-term liabilities, which arewere revalued at each balance sheet date subsequent to the initial issuance. Changes in the fair value of the liability-classified warrants arewere historically reflected in the consolidated statement of operations as “Change in fair value of common stock warrant liability.” The Company usesused the Black-Scholes-Merton pricing model to value the related warrant liability. Certain assumptions used in the model include expected volatility, dividend yieldThere were no remaining liability-classified warrants as of June 30, 2023 and risk-free interest rate. See Note 6 - Fair Value Measurements for a description of these assumptions.December 31, 2022.

(e) Income Taxes

The Company uses the asset and liability approach to account for income taxes as required by applicable accounting guidance, which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Valuation allowances are provided when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized, on a more likely than not basis. The Company recognizes the benefit of an uncertain tax position that it has taken or expects to take on income tax returns it files if such tax position is more likely than not to be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position.

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These tax benefits are measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate resolution.

(f) Research and Development Expense

Research and development costs are expensed as incurred. These expenses include the costs of the Company’s proprietary research and development efforts, as well as costs incurred in connection with certain licensing arrangements. Upfront and milestone payments made to third parties in connection with research and development collaborations are expensed as incurred up to the point of regulatory approval. Payments made to third parties upon or subsequent to regulatory approval are capitalized and amortized over the remaining useful life of the related product. The Company also expenses the cost of purchased technology and equipment in the period of purchase if it believes that the technology or equipment has not demonstrated technological feasibility and it does not have an alternative future use. Nonrefundable advance payments for goods or services that will be used or rendered for future research and development activities are deferred and are recognized as research and development expense as the related goods are delivered or the related services are performed.

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(g) Leases

A lease is a contract, or part of a contract, that conveys the right to control the use of explicitly or implicitly identified property, plant or equipment in exchange for consideration. Control of an asset is conveyed to the Company if the Company obtains the right to obtain substantially all of the economic benefits of the asset or the right to direct the use of the asset. The Company recognizes right of use (“ROU”) assets and lease liabilities at the lease commencement date based on the present value of future, fixed lease payments over the term of the arrangement. Lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. Lease liabilities are reduced at the time when the lease payment is payable to the vendor. Variable lease payments are recognized at the time when the event giving rise to the payment occurs and are recognized in the statement of operations in the same line item as expenses arising from fixed lease payments.

Leases are measured at present value using the rate implicit in the lease or, if the implicit rate is not determinable, the lessee’s implicit borrowing rate. As the implicit rate is not typically available, the Company uses its implicit borrowing rate based on the information available at the lease commencement date to determine the present value of future lease payments. The implicit borrowing rate approximates the rate the Company would pay to borrow on a collateralized basis over a similar term an amount equal to the lease payments.

The Company does not recognize ROU assets or related lease liabilities for leases with a lease term of twelve months or less on its consolidated balance sheet. Short-term lease costs are recorded in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations in the period in which the obligation for those payments was incurred. Short-term lease costs for the three and ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20222023 and 20212022 were de minimis.

(h) Revenue from Contracts with Customers

To date the Company’s only revenue has consisted of license revenue. The Company has not generated any revenue from product sales and does not expect to generate any revenue from product sales for the foreseeable future.

The Company recognizes revenue in accordance with ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASC 606”). ASC 606 applies to all contracts with customers, except for contracts that are within the scope of other standards, such as leases, insurance, collaboration arrangements and financial instruments. Under ASC 606, the Company recognizes revenue when its customer obtains control of promised goods or services, in an amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. To determine revenue recognition for arrangements that are within the scope of ASC 606, the Company performs the following five steps:

(i) identify the contract(s) with a customer;

(ii) identify the performance obligations in the contract;

(iii) determine the transaction price;

(iv) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; and

(v) recognize revenue when (or as) the Company satisfies a performance obligation.

If a contract is determined to be within the scope of ASC 606 at inception, the Company assesses the goods or services promised within such contract, determines which of those goods and services are performance obligations, and assesses whether each promised good or service is distinct. The Company then recognizes as revenue the amount of the transaction price that is allocated to the respective performance obligation when (or as) the performance obligation is satisfied.

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Specifically, license revenue relates to license fees from the Company’s license agreement granting a customer with the right to use the Company’s intellectual property for development and commercialization activities within an authorized territory. The Company must first assess whether the license is distinct, which depends upon whether the customer can benefit from the license and whether the license is separate from other performance obligations in the agreement. If the license is distinct, the Company must further assess whether the customer has a right to access or a right to use the license depending on whether the functionality of the license is expected to substantively change over time. If the license is not expected to substantively change, the revenue is recognized at a point in time when the license is provided. If the license is expected to substantively change, the revenue is recognized over the license period. The Company’s license agreement entered into during the six months ended June 30, 2023 was determined to be a right to use license and accordingly, the revenue was recognized at a point in time.

(i) New Accounting Pronouncements

Not Yet Adopted

In June 2022, the FASB issued ASU No. 2022-03: ASC Subtopic 820 - Value Measurement of Equity Securities Subject to Contractual Sale Restrictions (“ASU 2022-03”). ASU 2022-03 amends ASC 820 to clarify that a contractual sales restriction is not considered in measuring an equity security at fair value and to introduce new disclosure requirements for equity securities subject to contractual sale restrictions that are measured at fair value. ASU 2022-03 applies to both holders and issuers of equity and equity-linked securities measured at fair value. The amendments in ASU 2022-03 are effective for the Company for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and the interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted for both interim and annual financial statements that have not yet been issued or made available for issuance. The Company is evaluating the impact of this pronouncement on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

(3) Liquidity

In the course of its development activities, the Company has sustained operating losses and expects such losses to continue over the next several years. The Company expects to continue to incur significant expenses and operating losses for the foreseeable future as it continues the development and clinical trials of, and seeks regulatory approval for its product candidates.future. The Company’s primary uses of capital are, and are expected to continue to be,have been compensation and related expenses, third-party clinical research and development services, contract manufacturing services, laboratory and related supplies, clinical costs, legal and other regulatory expenses and general overhead costs.

If the Company obtains regulatory approval for any of its product candidates, the Company expects to incur significant commercialization expenses. The Company does not have a sales, marketing, manufacturing or distribution infrastructure for a pharmaceutical product. To develop a commercial infrastructure, the Company will have to invest financial and management resources, some of which would have to be deployed prior to having any certainty of marketing approval.

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The Company had unrestricted cash and cash equivalents of $11.3$10.6 million as of SeptemberJune 30, 2022.2023. The Company’s existing cash and cash equivalents as of SeptemberJune 30, 2022,2023 will be used primarily to fund the termination of the Phase 3 trial of INOpulse for the treatmentfILD and explore a range of fibrotic interstitial lung disease (fILD).

The Statestrategic alternatives to maximize stockholder value. Strategic alternatives that may be evaluated include, but are not limited to, a merger, a business combination, a sale of New Jersey’s Technology Business Tax Certificate Transfer Program enables qualified, unprofitable New Jersey based technologyassets or biotechnology companies to sellother strategic transaction or a percentage of net operating loss (NOL)liquidation and researchdissolution. There is no set timetable for this process and development (R&D) credits to unrelated profitable corporations, subject to meeting certain eligibility criteria. Based on consideration of various factors, including application processing time and past trend of benefits made available under the program,there can be no assurance that this process will result in the Company believespursuing a transaction or that it is probable that its plans to sell its NOLs canany transaction, if pursued, will be effectively implemented to address certain of its short term financial needs. During April 2022, the Company completed the sale of $25.1 million of state NOLs and $0.2 million of R&D credits under the State of New Jersey’s Technology Business Tax Certificate Transfer Program for net proceeds of $2.2 million. The Company sold $16.4 million of state NOLs and $0.3 million of R&D credits under the State of New Jersey’s Technology Business Tax Certificate Transfer Program in June 2021 for net proceeds of $1.7 million. The Company plans to sell additional NOLs and R&D credits under the same program in the future subject to program availability and state approval. The proceeds from such sales are recorded as income tax benefit when sales occur and proceeds are received.on attractive terms.

The Company evaluated whether there are any remaining conditions and events, considered in the aggregate, that raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year beyond the filing of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

Based on such evaluation and the Company’s current plans, management believes that the Company’s existing cash and cash equivalents as of SeptemberJune 30, 2022 and proceeds expected to become available upon the future sale of state NOLs and R&D credits under the State of New Jersey’s Technology Business Tax Certificate Transfer Program will2023 are not be sufficient to satisfy its operating cash needs for at least one year after the filing of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.10-Q. Accordingly, substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern exists.

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Until such time, if ever, as the Company can generate substantial product revenues, it expects to finance its cash needs through a combination of equity and debt financings, sales of state NOLs and R&D credits subject to program availability and approval, existing working capital and funding from potential future collaboration arrangements.or licensing arrangements, licensing agreements or strategic alternative. Strategic alternatives that may be evaluated include, but are not limited to, a merger, business combination, sale of assets or other strategic transaction or a liquidation and dissolution. To the extent that the Company raises additional capital through the future sale of equity or convertible debt, the ownership interest of its existing stockholders may be diluted, and the terms of such securities may include liquidation or other preferences or rights such as anti-dilution rights that adversely affect the rights of its existing stockholders. If the Company raises additional funds through strategic partnerships in the future, it may have to relinquish valuable rights to its technologies, future revenue streams or product candidates or grant licenses on terms that may not be favorable to it. If the Company is unable to raise additional funds through equity or debt financings when needed, or unable to sell its state NOLs and R&D credits, it may be required to delay, limit, reduce or terminate its product development or future commercialization efforts or grant rights to develop and market product candidates that it would otherwise prefer to develop and market itself. In addition, there are many uncertainties regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Company is closely monitoring the impact of the pandemic on all aspects of its business, including how the pandemic is impacting its clinical trials, employees and suppliers. While the pandemic did not materially affect the Company’s business operations, site activation and patient enrollment in its clinical trials have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Further, should COVID-19 continue to spread, the Company’s business operations could be delayed or interrupted which could result in the use of more funds than anticipated in completing such trials.cease operations.

(4) Right of Use Assets and Leases

The Company hashistorically maintained two operating leases in Warren, NJ, one for the use of an office and research facility and a second for the use of a laboratory. The office and research facility lease iswas for a term of four years ending onwith an expiration date of March 31, 2023, with the Company’s right to extend the original term for one period of five years. During the six months ended June 30, 2023, the Company decided not to renew the lease associated with its corporate headquarters and decided to vacate the premises upon the expiration of the existing lease.

The laboratory lease iswas for a term of three years and nine months ending on with an expiration date of April 30, 2023. During the six months ended June 30, 2023, withthe Company agreed to a short-term lease extension of the existing laboratory space through August 2023. Upon expiration of the lease, the Company intends to operate remotely or in temporary flexible office workspace locations on demand. The existing laboratory space and future remote workspace locations are deemed adequate to meet the Company’s right to extend the original term for one period of 90 days.needs. Operating lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the respective lease term.

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The Company does not recognize right of use assets or related lease liabilities for leases with a term of twelve months or less on its consolidated balance sheet. Short-term lease costs are recorded in our consolidated statements of operations in the period in which the obligation for those payments was incurred. Short-term lease costs for the three and ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20222023 and 20212022 were de minimis.

Information related to the Company’s right-of-use assets and related lease liabilities were as follows ($ amounts in thousands):

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

Three Months Ended

Six Months Ended

September 30, 

September 30, 

June 30, 

June 30, 

2022

2021

2022

2021

2023

2022

2023

2022

Cash paid for operating lease liability

$

197

$

193

$

586

$

577

$

8

$

196

$

205

$

390

Operating lease expenses

$

177

$

177

$

532

$

530

$

8

$

177

$

185

$

354

Weighted average remaining lease term

 

 

0.5

years

 

1.5

years

 

 

years

 

0.8

years

Weighted average discount rate

 

 

4.92

%

 

4.93

%

 

 

%

 

4.93

%

Maturities of theThere are no right-of-use assets or lease liabilities recognized as of SeptemberJune 30, 2022 were as follows:

2022

$

197

2023

 

205

 

402

Less imputed interest

 

(6)

Total operating lease liability

$

396

2023.

(5) Common Stock Warrants and Warrant Liability

On November 29, 2016, the Company issued 1,142,838 warrants to purchase shares of common stock to investors that were immediately exercisable and will expire 5with an original expiration date five years from issuance at an exercise price of $12.00 per share (the “2016 Warrants”). OnOf the 2016 Warrants issued, 557,699 warrants were either previously exercised or expired unexercised, leaving 585,139 warrants outstanding as of June 28, 2019, the Company entered into a warrant amendment (the “Warrant Amendment”) with certain holders (the “Holders”)30, 2023, all of 839,899which are equity classified. None of the 2016 Warrants to purchase shares. Pursuant to the Warrant Amendment, the Company and the Holders agreed to eliminate provisions that had previously precluded equity classification treatment on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. In consideration of such amendment, the amended 2016 Warrants were extended by two (2) additional years (until November 29, 2023) and the fair market value of the amended warrants was reclassified from common stock warrant liability to stockholders’ equity. The balance of the 2016 Warrants that were not amended could require cash settlement under certain circumstances, and therefore continue to be classified as liabilities and to be recorded at estimated fair value using a Black-Scholes-Merton pricing model. During the year ended December 31, 2021, all of the previously outstanding liability classified warrants of the 2016 Warrants, which were not subject to the Warrant Amendment previously described, expired. As of September 30, 2022, there were 585,139 of the 2016 Warrants outstanding, all of which were equity classified. No warrants were exercised during the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2023 or 2022.

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On May 15, 2017, the Company issued, to an investor, warrants to purchase 66,666 shares of common stock that became exercisable commencing six months from their issuance and will expirewith an expiration date five years from the initial exercise date (or November 15, 2022) at an exercise price of $22.50 per share. In addition, the Company issued, to the placement agent, warrants to purchase 4,000 shares of common stock that were immediately exercisable with an expiration date five years from issuance at an exercise price of $28.125 per share. As the warrants, under certain situations, could require cash settlement, the warrants were classified as liabilities and recorded at estimated fair value using a Black-Scholes-Merton pricing model. As of SeptemberJune 30, 2022,2023, all of the warrants issued to the investor were outstanding and all of the warrants issued to the placement agent have expired.expired, unexercised.

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On September 29, 2017, the Company issued warrants to purchase 1,296,650 shares of common stock that became exercisable commencing six months from their issuance and will expirewith an expiration date five years from the initial exercise date (or March 29, 2023) at an exercise price of $18.63 per share. As the warrants could not require cash settlement, the warrants were classified as equity. As of SeptemberJune 30, 2022,2023, all of these warrants have expired, unexercised.

On March 3, 2023, the Company entered into a subscription agreement with an institutional investor, pursuant to which the Company agreed to issue and sell in a registered direct offering (i) an aggregate of 718,474 shares of common stock, $0.01 par value per share and (ii) 1,781,526 pre-funded warrants (the “Pre-Funded Warrants”) to purchase shares of common stock. The Pre-Funded Warrants were outstanding.sold at an offering price of $1.99 per Pre-Funded Warrant, which represents the per share offering price for the common stock less a $0.01 per share exercise price for each such Pre-Funded Warrant. The Pre-Funded Warrants are exercisable at any time after the date of issuance. A holder of Pre-Funded Warrants may not exercise the warrant if the holder, together with its affiliates, would beneficially own more than 9.99% of the number of shares of common stock outstanding immediately after giving effect to such exercise. A holder of Pre-Funded Warrants may increase or decrease this percentage, but not in excess of 19.99%, by providing at least 61 days prior notice to the Company. The Pre-Funded Warrants cannot not require cash settlement, are freestanding financial instruments that are legally detachable and separately exercisable from the shares of common stock with which they were issued, are immediately exercisable, and do not embody an obligation for the Company to repurchase its shares and permit the holders to receive a fixed number of shares of common stock upon exercise. Additionally, the Pre-Funded Warrants do not provide any guarantee of value or return. Accordingly, the Pre-Funded Warrants were classified as a component of permanent equity. During the three months ended June 30, 2023, all of the Pre-Funded Warrants were exercised.

The following table summarizes warrant activity for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20222023 (fair value amount in thousands):

Equity Classified

Liability Classified

    

Warrants

    

Warrants

    

Estimated Fair Value

Warrants outstanding as of December 31, 2021

1,881,789

70,666

$

1

Expired

 

 

(4,000)

 

Warrants outstanding as of September 30, 2022

1,881,789

66,666

$

1

Equity Classified

Liability Classified

Warrants

Warrants

Estimated Fair Value

Warrants outstanding as of December 31, 2022

1,881,789

$

Expired

(1,296,650)

Issued

1,781,526

Exercised

(1,781,526)

Warrants outstanding as of June 30, 2023

585,139

$

The following table summarizes warrant activity for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20212022 (fair value amount in thousands):

Equity Classified

Liability Classified

Equity Classified

Liability Classified

    

Warrants

    

Warrants

    

Estimated Fair Value

    

Warrants

    

Warrants

    

Estimated Fair Value

Warrants outstanding as of December 31, 2020

1,881,789

146,837

$

601

Change in fair value of common stock warrant liability recognized in consolidated statement of operations

 

 

 

(600)

Warrants outstanding as of September 30, 2021

1,881,789

146,837

$

1

Warrants outstanding as of December 31, 2021

1,881,789

70,666

$

1

Expired

(4,000)

Warrants outstanding as of June 30, 2022

1,881,789

66,666

$

1

See Note 6 for determination of the fair value of the common stock warrant liability.

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(6) Fair Value Measurements

Assets and liabilities recorded at fair value on the balance sheets are categorized based upon the level of judgment associated with the inputs used to measure the fair value. Level inputs are as follows:

Level 1 — Values are based on unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in an active market which the Company has the ability to access at the measurement date.
Level 2 — Values are based on quoted market prices in markets where trading occurs infrequently or whose values are based on quoted prices of instruments with similar attributes in active markets.
Level 3 — Values are based on prices or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement. These inputs reflect management’s own assumptions about the assumptions a market participant would use in pricing the asset.

The following table summarizes fair value measurements by level at September 30, 2022 forThere were no liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis (in thousands):as of June 30, 2023 or December 31, 2022.

    

Level 1

    

Level 2

    

Level 3

    

Total

Common stock warrant liability

$

$

$

1

$

1

The following table summarizes fair value measurements by level at December 31, 2021 for liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis (in thousands):

    

Level 1

    

Level 2

    

Level 3

    

Total

Common stock warrant liability

$

$

$

1

$

1

The Company uses a Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model to value itsThere were no outstanding liability classified common stock warrants. The significant unobservable inputs used in calculating the fair value of common stock warrants represent management’s best estimates and involve inherent uncertainties and the application of management’s judgment.

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For volatility, the Company historically considered comparable public companies as a basis for its expected volatility to calculate the fair value of common stock warrants and transitioned to its own volatility as the Company developed sufficient appropriate history as a public company. The risk-free interest rate is based on U.S. Treasury notes with a term approximating the expected term of the common stock warrant. Any significant changes in the inputs may result in significantly higher or lower fair value measurements.

The following are the weighted average and the range of assumptions used in estimating the fair value of warrants outstanding (weighted average calculated based on the number of outstanding warrants on each issuance) as of SeptemberJune 30, 20222023 and December 31, 2021:2022.

September 30, 2022

December 31, 2021

Valuation assumptions:

Range

    

Weighted Average

    

Range

    

Weighted Average

Risk-free interest rate

4.01

%

4.01

%

0.39

%

0.39

%

Expected volatility

99.25

%

99.25

%

77.35

%

-

82.82

%

77.66

%

Expected term (in years)

0.1

0.1

0.4

-

0.9

0.8

 

Dividend yield

— 

%

 

— 

%

 

— 

%

-

— 

%

 

— 

%

(7) Stock-Based Compensation

Bellerophon 2015 and 2014 Equity Incentive Plans

During 2014, the Company adopted the 2014 Equity Incentive Plan, or the 2014 Plan, which provided for the grant of options. Following the effectiveness of the Company’s registration statement filed in connection with its IPO, no options may be granted under the 2014 Plan. The awards granted under the 2014 Plan generally have a vesting period of between one to four years.

During 2015, the Company adopted the 2015 Equity Incentive Plan, or the 2015 Plan, which provides for the grant of options, restricted stock and other forms of equity compensation.  On May 4, 2017,June 7, 2023, the Company’s stockholders approved an amendment to the 2015 Plan to increase the aggregate number of shares availableauthorized for the grantissuance of awards from 833,333 to 333,333 and to increase the maximum number of shares available under the annual increase to 200,0001,443,318 shares. On May 14, 2019, the Company’s stockholders approved an additional amendment to the 2015 Plan to increase the aggregate number of shares reserved for issuance under the 2015 Plan from 333,333 to 833,333. As of SeptemberJune 30, 2022,2023, the Company had 608,047422,966 shares available for grant with an aggregate of 2,089,637 shares of common stock authorized under the 2015 Plan.

As of SeptemberJune 30, 2022,2023, there was approximately $0.6$0.9 million of total unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested stock awards. This expense is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.082.7 years.

No tax benefit was recognized during the three and ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20222023 and 20212022 related to stock-based compensation expense since the Company incurred operating losses and has established a full valuation allowance to offset all of the potential tax benefits associated with its deferred tax assets.

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Options

The weighted average grant-date fair value of options issued during the six months ended June 30, 2023 was $1.22. There were no options grantedissued during the three and ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2022 and 2021.2022. The following are the weighted average assumptions used in estimating the fair values of the options issued during the six months ended June 30, 2023:

Six Months Ended

June 30, 2023

Valuation assumptions:

Risk-free rate

3.86

%  

Expected volatility

147.39

%  

Expected term (years)

6.0

Dividend yield

A summary of option activity under the 2015 and 2014 Plans for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20222023 is presented below:

Bellerophon 2015 and 2014 Equity Incentive Plans

Bellerophon 2015 and 2014 Equity Incentive Plans

Weighted Average

Weighted Average

    

    

    

    

Weighted

    

Remaining

    

    

    

    

Weighted

    

Remaining

Range of

Average

Contractual

Range of

Average

Contractual

    

Options

    

Exercise Price

    

Price

    

Life (in years)

    

Options

    

Exercise Price

    

Price

    

Life (in years)

Options outstanding as of December 31, 2021

 

617,349

$

3.10

-

199.20

$

13.28

 

7.0

Forfeited/Cancelled

 

(293,701)

 

7.35

-

199.20

 

14.09

 

Options outstanding as of September 30, 2022

 

323,648

$

3.10

-

199.20

$

12.55

 

7.0

Options vested and exercisable as of September 30, 2022

 

212,514

$

3.10

-

199.20

$

17.10

 

5.9

Options outstanding as of December 31, 2022

 

322,038

$

3.10

-

199.20

$

12.58

 

6.7

Granted

 

904,428

 

0.83

-

1.52

 

1.22

 

Exercised

(1,288)

7.35

7.50

7.47

Forfeited

 

(155,330)

 

0.83

-

10.12

 

1.96

 

Options outstanding as of June 30, 2023

 

1,069,848

$

0.83

-

199.20

$

4.53

 

8.7

Options vested and exercisable as of June 30, 2023

 

312,444

$

0.83

-

199.20

$

12.47

 

6.2

The intrinsic value of options outstanding, vested and exercisable as of SeptemberJune 30, 20222023 was zero.

Restricted Stock

Compensation expense is measured based on the fair value of the restricted stock on the grant date and is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period. Restricted stock are forfeited if the employee ceases to be employed by the Company prior to vesting.

A summary of restricted stock activity under the 2015 Plan for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20222023 is presented below:

Bellerophon 2015 Equity Incentive Plan

Bellerophon 2015 Equity Incentive Plan

    

    

    

    

Weighted Average 

    

    

    

    

Weighted Average 

Aggregate Grant 

Remaining 

Aggregate Grant 

Remaining 

Weighted Average 

Date Fair Value 

Contractual 

Weighted Average 

Date Fair Value 

Contractual 

Shares

Fair Value

(in millions)

Life (in years)

Shares

Fair Value

(in millions)

Life (in years)

Restricted stock outstanding as of December 31, 2021

 

$

$

 

Restricted stock outstanding as of December 31, 2022

 

165,500

$

2.23

$

0.4

 

0.9

Granted

 

370,000

 

2.30

 

0.9

 

 

131,578

 

1.27

 

0.2

 

Vested

(86,500)

1.53

(0.1)

Forfeited

 

(23,000)

 

2.36

 

(0.1)

 

 

(48,000)

 

1.95

 

(0.1)

 

Restricted stock outstanding as of September 30, 2022

 

347,000

$

2.29

$

0.8

 

0.7

Restricted stock outstanding as of June 30, 2023

 

162,578

$

1.91

$

0.3

 

0.5

Ikaria Equity Incentive Plans prior to February 12, 2014

Options

A summary of option activity under Ikaria equity incentive plans assumed in 2014 for the nine months ended September 30, 2022, is presented below:

Ikaria Equity Incentive Plans

Weighted Average

    

Weighted

Remaining

Range of

Average

Contractual

    

Options

    

Exercise Price

    

Price

    

Life (in years)

Options outstanding as of December 31, 2021

 

1,098

$

124.05

-

223.65

$

126.94

 

1.2

Cancelled

 

(156)

 

124.05

-

223.65

 

141.90

 

Options outstanding as of September 30, 2022

942

$

124.05

-

131.55

$

124.46

0.4

Options vested and exercisable as of September 30, 2022

 

942

$

124.05

-

131.55

$

124.46

 

0.4

The intrinsic value of options outstanding, vested and exercisable as of September 30, 2022 was zero.

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Ikaria Equity Incentive Plans prior to February 12, 2014

Options

A summary of option activity under Ikaria equity incentive plans assumed in 2014 for the six months ended June 30, 2023, is presented below:

Ikaria Equity Incentive Plans

Weighted Average

    

Weighted

Remaining

Range of

Average

Contractual

    

Options

    

Exercise Price

    

Price

    

Life (in years)

Options outstanding as of December 31, 2022

 

864

$

124.05

-

131.55

$

124.50

 

0.2

Expired

 

(864)

 

124.05

-

131.55

 

124.50

 

Options outstanding as of June 30, 2023

$

-

$

Options vested and exercisable as of June 30, 2023

 

$

-

$

 

The intrinsic value of options outstanding, vested and exercisable as of June 30, 2023 was zero.

Stock-Based Compensation Expense, Net of Estimated Forfeitures

The following table summarizes the stock-based compensation expense by the unaudited condensed consolidated statement of operations line items for the three and ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20222023 and 20212022 (in thousands):

Three Months Ended June 30, 

Six Months Ended June 30, 

    

2023

    

2022

    

2023

    

2022

Research and development

$

92

$

133

$

193

$

246

General and administrative

 

41

 

82

 

204

 

161

Total expense

$

133

$

215

$

397

$

407

Three Months Ended September 30, 

Nine Months Ended September 30, 

    

2022

    

2021

    

2022

    

2021

Research and development

$

134

$

88

$

380

$

238

General and administrative

 

83

 

240

 

244

 

788

Total expense

$

217

$

328

$

624

$

1,026

(8) Revenue

Licensing Revenue

The Company’s sources of revenue are detailed in Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies.

Performance Obligations

A performance obligation is a promise in a contract to transfer a distinct good or service to the customer and is the unit of account in ASC 606. A contract’s transaction price is allocated to each distinct performance obligation and recognized as revenue when, or as, the performance obligation is satisfied.

At contract inception, the Company assesses the goods or services promised in its contracts with customers and identifies a performance obligation for each promise to transfer to the customer a good or service that is distinct. When identifying individual performance obligations, the Company considers all goods or services promised in the contract regardless of whether explicitly stated in the customer contract or implied by customary business practices. The Company’s license agreement with Baylor BioSciences, Inc. (“Baylor”), requires the Company to grant the right of use of its intellectual property to Baylor within China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan (collectively, the “Territory”), which represents a single performance obligation. The Company’s performance obligation with respect to the license agreement with Baylor is satisfied at a point in time, when Baylor was first able to use the license provided, which occurred during the six months ended June 30, 2023. Net cash receipts of $5.0 million, consisting of gross license fees of $6.0 million less VAT and withholding taxes of $1.0 million, were received in full as of June 30, 2023. The VAT expenses are accounted for as a pass-through expense similar to that of sales tax and the withholding taxes are accounted for as income tax expenses incurred by the Company during the six months ended June 30, 2023. The contract also

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contains a provision for future royalties based on Baylor’s future net sales and any related revenues earned by the Company are recognized at the time of Baylor’s sale.

(9) Income Taxes

Excluding the impact of the sale of state net operating losses (“NOL”) and research and development tax credits, during the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, the effective tax rate for eachthe six months ended June 30, 2023 and 2022 was (16.7%) and zero, respectively. The effective tax rate for the six months ended June 30, 2023 was lower than the federal statutory rate due to the impact of the nine$0.6 million paid to the Chinese tax authorities for required withholding taxes applicable under Chinese tax regulations. The $0.6 million payment of withholdings taxes are eligible for a credit under the U.S. income tax regulations and as such are recorded as an income tax expense for the period. The effective tax rate for the six months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2022 and 2021 was zero which was lower than the federal statutory rate primarily due to the losses incurred and the full valuation allowance on deferred tax assets.

The Company’s estimated tax rate for 20222023 excluding any benefits from any sales of net operating losses or research and development, or R&D, tax credits is expected to be less than zero because of the impact of the withholding taxes paid to the Chinese tax authorities described above, however, the Company expects to generate additional losses and currently has maintained a full valuation allowance. The valuation allowance is required until the Company has sufficient positive evidence of taxable income necessary to support realization of its deferred tax assets. In addition, the Company may be subject to certain limitations in its annual utilization of NOL carry forwards to offset future taxable income (and of tax credit carry forwards to offset future tax expense) pursuant to Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code, which could result in tax attributes expiring unused.

Subject to state approval,During January 2023, the Company plans to sellcompleted the sale of $19.7 million of state NOLs and Research and Development$0.1 million of R&D credits under the State of New Jersey’s Technology Business Tax Certificate Transfer Program in the future. Thefor net proceeds from such sales are recorded as income tax benefit when sales occur and proceeds are received.

of $1.7 million. During April 2022, the Company completed the sale of $25.1 million of state NOLs and $0.2 million of R&D credits under the State of New Jersey’s Technology Business Tax Certificate Transfer Program for net proceeds of $2.2 million. In June 2021, the Company sold $16.4 million of state NOLs and $0.3 million of R&D tax credits under the State of New Jersey’s Technology Business Tax Certificate Transfer Program for net proceeds of $1.7 million, which resulted in the reversal of the valuation allowance and a tax benefit of $1.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021.

As of SeptemberJune 30, 2022,2023, there were no material uncertain tax positions. There are no tax positions for which a material change in any unrecognized tax benefit liability is reasonably possible in the next 12 months.

(9)(10) Net Loss Per Share

Basic net loss per share is calculated by dividing net loss by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period, as applicable. Included in the calculation of the weighted average number of shares outstanding for the basic net loss per share calculation for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023 are the 1,781,526 pre-funded warrants, as described in Note 5 – Common Stock Warrants and Warrant Liability, as they were issuable in exchange for a nominal cash consideration and are therefore treated as issued for basic net loss per share purposes. Diluted net loss per share is calculated by dividing net loss adjusted to reflect the impact of dilutive warrants, by the weighted average number of shares outstanding, adjusted to reflect potentially dilutive securities using the treasury stock method, except when the effect would be anti-dilutive.

The Company reported a net loss for the ninethree and six months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20222023 and 2021,2022, therefore diluted net loss per share is the same as the basic net loss per share.

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The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted net loss per common share for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023 (in thousands, except share and per share amounts):

Three Months Ended

Six Months Ended

June 30, 

June 30, 

2023

    

2022

2023

    

2022

Net loss

$

(5,138)

$

(4,105)

$

(2,316)

$

(9,746)

Weighted-average shares:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Basic

 

12,231,726

 

9,545,451

 

11,300,529

 

9,545,451

Effect of dilutive securities:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Options

Restricted Stock

Diluted

 

12,231,726

 

9,545,451

 

11,300,529

 

9,545,451

Net loss per share:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Basic

$

(0.42)

$

(0.43)

$

(0.20)

$

(1.02)

Diluted

$

(0.42)

$

(0.43)

$

(0.20)

$

(1.02)

As of SeptemberJune 30, 2022,2023, the Company had 324,5901,069,848 options to purchase shares, 1,948,455585,139 warrants to purchase shares, and 347,000162,578 restricted stock units outstanding that have been excluded from the computation of diluted weighted average shares outstanding, because such securities had an anti-dilutive impact due to the loss reported.

As of SeptemberJune 30, 2021,2022, the Company had 641,534686,162 options to purchase shares and 2,028,626 warrants to purchase shares outstanding that have been excluded from the computation of diluted weighted average shares outstanding, because such securities had an anti-dilutive impact due to the loss reported.

(10)(11) Commitments and Contingencies

Legal Proceedings

The Company periodically becomes subject to legal proceedings and claims arising in connection with its business. The ultimate legal and financial liability of the Company in respect to all proceedings, claims and lawsuits, pending or threatened, cannot be estimated with any certainty.

As of the date of this report, the Company is not aware of any proceeding, claim or litigation, pending or threatened, that could, individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, operating results, financial condition and/or liquidity.

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

You should read the following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations together with our condensed consolidated financial statements and the related notes appearing elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Some of the information contained in this discussion and analysis or set forth elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, including information with respect to our plans and strategy for our business and related financing, includes forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. You should read the “Risk Factors” section in Part II—Item 1A. of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and in Part I—Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 20212022 for a discussion of important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results described in or implied by the forward-looking statements contained in the following discussion and analysis.

Overview

Business

We are a clinical-stage therapeutics company focused on developing innovative products that address significant unmet medical needs in the treatment of cardiopulmonary diseases. Our focus ishas primarily been the continued development of our nitric oxide therapy for patients with or at risk of pulmonary hypertension, or PH, using our proprietary pulsatile nitric oxide delivery platform, INOpulse.

In 2016, we began developing INOpulse for the treatment of pulmonary hypertension associated with fibrotic interstitial lung disease (“fILD”), which includes PH associated with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (“PH-IPF”) as well as other pulmonary fibrosing diseases. During May 2017, we announced the completion of our Phase 2 clinical trial using INOpulse therapy to treat PH-IPF. The clinical data showed that INOpulse was associated with clinically meaningful improvements in hemodynamics and exercise capacity in difficult-to-treat PH-IPF patients. The PH-IPF trial was a proof of concept study (n=4) designed to evaluate the ability of pulsed inhaled nitric oxide, or iNO, to provide selective vasodilation as well as to assess the potential for improvement in hemodynamics and exercise capacity in PH-IPF patients. The clinical trial met its primary endpoint showing an average of 15.3% increase in blood vessel volume (p<0.001) during acute inhalation of iNO as well as showing a significant association between ventilation and vasodilation, demonstrating the ability of INOpulse to provide selective vasodilation to the better ventilated areas of the lung. The trial showed consistent benefit in hemodynamics with a clinically meaningful average reduction of 14% in systolic pulmonary arterial pressure (sPAP) with acute exposure to iNO. The study assessed both the iNO 75 and iNO 30 dosage.

During August 2017, we announced acceptance by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (the “FDA”) of our Investigational New Drug (“IND”) application for our Phase 2b (“iNO-PF”) clinical trial using INOpulse therapy in a broad population of patients with pulmonary fibrosis, or PF, at both low and intermediate/high risk of PH. In January 2019, we announced top-line results from cohort 1 of our iNO-PF trial. The results suggested directional improvements in multiple clinically meaningful exploratory endpoints as measured by a wearable medical-grade activity monitor. In addition, these results suggested that iNO may have a favorable safety profile, supporting the continuation into cohort 2. In April 2019, we announced that we reached an agreement with the FDA on modifying the ongoing Phase 2b trial into a seamless Phase 2/3 trial, with cohort 3 serving as the pivotal study, as well as an agreement on the primary endpoint in cohort 3 of change in moderate to vigorous activity (“MVPA”) from baseline to month 4, measured by Actigraphy. Actigraphy (medical wearable continuous activity monitoring) has the potential to provide highly sensitive objective real-world physical activity data that we expect to correlate with clinically meaningful patient functional abilities and health outcomes. Actigraphy is currently being utilized as the primary endpoint in multiple late-stage clinical programs in various cardiopulmonary diseases such as heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (“COPD”). In December 2019, we announced top-line results from cohort 2 of the iNO-PF trial. Cohort 2 of iNO-PF suggested directionally favorable and potentially clinically meaningful placebo corrected improvement in MVPA, in subjects treated with iNO45 (45 mcg/kg IBW/hr) versus placebo. The improvement in MVPA was underscored by benefits in overall activity, as well as multiple patient reported outcomes. In March 2020, we announced that in consultation with the FDA, we had finalized some of the key elements of our planned pivotal Phase 3 study for fILD, including the use of MVPA as the primary endpoint for approval, the patient population of pulmonary fibrosis subjects at risk of PH, as well

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as the dose of iNO45. In December 2020, we announced the first patient enrollment in this Phase 3 study called REBUILD. In September 2022, we announced that the FDA acceptedinformed us that it had no objection to our proposal to reduce the study size to 140 subjects. The new study sizesubjects which does not impact the trial’s principal objective or endpoints and maintains power of >90% (p-value <0.01) for the primary endpoint of MVPA based on the effect size observed in our Phase 2 study. We expectThe FDA did note that enrollment will concludesince our proposal to reduce the sample size was based on Phase 2b cohort 2 actigraphy data, there is always a concern that such sample size reduction may further limit the acquisition of information on other important clinical endpoints in the first quartertrial. During January 2023, we completed enrollment of the REBUILD study with a total of 145 patients enrolled. In May 2023, and expect top-line datathe last subject completed blinded treatment in the third quarter of 2023.REBUILD study.

In 2018, we initiated an ancillary Phase 2 open-label intra-patient dose escalation study that utilizes right heart catheterization to assess the hemodynamic effect of INOpulse from a dose of iNO 30 to iNO 125 in PH-PF subjects. In February 2020, we announced the completion of the study and that the top-line results demonstrated that INOpulse achieved clinically and statistically meaningful cardiopulmonary improvements in pulmonary vascular resistance and mean pulmonary arterial pressure. The data suggested that inhaled nitric oxide was generally well tolerated and may yield a favorable risk-benefit profile across doses.

In 2018, we also initiated development of INOpulse for the treatment of PH associated with Sarcoidosis (PH-Sarc). Sarcoidosis is a multi-system disease which is characterized by the growth of granulomas (inflammatory cells) in one or more organs. The most frequent organs involved are the lungs and lymph nodes within the chest. Pulmonary hypertension may be present in as many as 74% of patients depending on the disease severity and how the pulmonary hypertension (PH) is defined. The presence of PH in sarcoidosis is associated with a poor prognosis. There are a number of different mechanisms linking PH with sarcoidosis. The primary treatment for sarcoidosis is corticosteroids; however, the outcome of this treatment on the PH is unclear. There is no approved therapy for PH associated with sarcoidosis. Various PAH treatments have been tried including iNO and IV prostacyclin with some clinical and functional improvement. The study was a Phase 2 open-label dose escalation design that utilized right heart catheterization to assess the acute hemodynamic effect of INOpulse from a dose of iNO 30 to iNO 125 in PH-Sarc subjects. In December 2021, we announced the completion of the acute dose escalation phase of the study and that the top-line results demonstrated that INOpulse provided clinically meaningful improvements in pulmonary vascular resistance. Supported by the results from this study, on June 21, 2022, we submitted to the FDA an exploratory Phase 2 double-blinded placebo-controlled study to investigate the safety and efficacy of inhaled nitric oxide/INOpulse dosed chronically for six months in patients with PH-Sarc. Subsequently, on July 28, 2022, we received an FDA letter indicating that the FDA completed its review of our study protocol, with a minor recommendation to include safety stopping rules. We have agreed to incorporate this recommendation into our periodic safety reviews. We are now positioneddo not currently have the resources to initiate this Phase 2 study and are currently assessing the next steps for the study.

We completed a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, dose-confirmation Phase 2 clinical trial of INOpulse for pulmonary hypertension associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or PH-COPD, in July 2014. The results from this trial showed that iNO 30 was a potentially safe and effective dose for treatment of PH-COPD. Based on the results of this trial, we completed further Phase 2 testing to assess the targeted vasodilation provided by INOpulse in this patient population. We presented the results of this trial in September 2015 at the European Respiratory Society International Congress 2015 in Amsterdam. The data showed that INOpulse improved vasodilation in patients with PH-COPD. In July 2016, the results were published in the International Journal of COPD in an article entitled “Pulmonary vascular effects of pulsed inhaled nitric oxide in COPD patients with pulmonary hypertension.” During September 2017, we shared the results of our Phase 2a PH-COPD trial that was designed to evaluate the acute effects of pulsed inhaled nitric oxide, or iNO, on vasodilation as well as the chronic effect on hemodynamics and exercise tolerance. The trial showed a statistically significant increase (average 4.2%) in blood vessel volume on iNO compared to baseline (p=0.03), and a statistically significant correlation in Ventilation-Vasodilation (p=0.01). The chronic results demonstrated a statistically significant and clinically meaningful increase in six minute walk distance, or 6MWD, of 50.7m (p=0.04) as well as a decrease of 19.9% in systolic pulmonary arterial pressure (p=0.02), as compared to baseline. The data suggested that the dose may have a favorable safety profile. In May 2018, we announced that the FDA concurred with the design of our planned Phase 2b study of INOpulse for treatment of PH-COPD. The study will assess the effect of INOpulse on various parameters including exercise capacity, right ventricular function and oxygen saturation, as well as other composite endpoints. We continuedo not currently have the resources to evaluate alternatives for the funding and timing ofinitiate this program.

Phase 2b study.

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On March 19, 2020, the FDA granted emergency expanded access (“EA”) to allow for our INOpulse system to immediately be used as supportive treatment for a patient with COVID-19 under the care and supervision of the patient’s physician. The clinical goal of this experimental treatment was to mitigate the hospitalized patient’s disease progression and avoid the need to perform intubation. Under the emergency access program, 180 hospitalized patients with COVID-19 from 18 hospitals across the United States received treatment with INOpulse. In April 2020, we submitted an IND application to the FDA to study the iNO delivery system for the treatment of patients with COVID-19. The proposed randomized, placebo controlled study, called COViNOX, was designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of INOpulse in patients diagnosed with COVID-19 who require supplemental oxygen before the disease progresses to necessitate mechanical ventilation support. The COViNOX protocol aimed to enroll up to 500 patients with COVID-19 who were to be treated with either INOpulse or placebo. The primary endpoint of the study required an assessment of the proportion of subjects who experienced respiratory failure or mortality during the 28-day study period, which would allow the trial to serve as a registrational study for approval. The IND application was accepted by the FDA in May 2020, and the trial was initiated with the first patient treated in July 2020. The first 100 patients completed their 28-day assessment periods in October 2020. In November 2020, we announced that the independent Data Monitoring Committee (“DMC”) had completed its pre-specified interim analysis from the first 100 patients. Based on the finding of futility, we placed the COViNOX study on a clinical hold. Although new enrollment of subjects into the study was halted, the remaining 91 subjects already enrolled at the time the clinical hold was announced were allowed to complete the treatment course. Upon completion of the protocol defined monitoring period, the pre-specified efficacy and safety analysis of these 191 patients was reviewed by the DMC and the DMC concluded that there were no safety concerns that were attributed to INOpulse for COVID-19. Based on the COViNOX results, we put the trial on a permanent clinical hold and we are not planning additional studies for INOpulse for the treatment of COVID-19. In May 2021, we submitted notification of withdrawal of the COViNOX IND to the FDA.

In addition, other potential indications for our INOpulse platform include: chronic thromboembolic PH, or CTEPH and PH associated with pulmonary edema from high altitude sickness.

We have devoted all of our resources to our therapeutic discovery and development efforts, including performance of IND-enabling studies, conducting clinical trials for our product candidates, protecting our intellectual property and the general and administrative support of these operations. We have devoted significant time and resources to developing and optimizing our drug delivery system, INOpulse, which operates through the administration of nitric oxide as brief, controlled pulses that are timed to occur at the beginning of a breath.

To date, we have generated no revenue from product sales.

On June 5, 2023, we announced top-line results from our Phase 3 REBUILD clinical trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of INOpulse® for the treatment of Interstitial Lung Disease. The trial did not meet its primary endpoint and the secondary endpoints demonstrated minimal difference between the two groups with none approaching statistical significance. Overall, INOpulse® was well-tolerated with no safety concerns, consistent with what has been observed in the prior Phase 2 studies. Based on these findings, we decided to terminate the REBUILD Phase 3 clinical study and withdraw patients from all of our ongoing INOpulse development programs. We intend to explore a range of strategic alternatives to maximize stockholder value. Strategic alternatives that may be evaluated include, but are not limited to, a merger, a business combination, a sale of assets or other strategic transaction or a liquidation and dissolution. There is no set timetable for this process and there can be no assurance that this process will result in us pursuing a transaction or that any transaction, if pursued, will be completed on attractive terms. In connection with the termination of the clinical study, we approved a reduction-in-force of substantially all of our employees, including officers. The workforce reduction is designed to reduce our operating expenses while we explore a range of strategic alternatives. We expect that itthe implementation of the workforce reduction will be substantially completed by the end of the third quarter of 2023. Affected employees were offered separation benefits, including severance payments along with temporary healthcare coverage assistance. Severance and termination-related costs of approximately $0.8 million were recorded in the second quarter of 2023, as a component of general and administrative expenses. We expect to record additional severance and termination-related costs of approximately $0.7 million in the second half of 2023. Our Chief Executive Officer has agreed to remain employed by the Company until November 15, 2023 or such later date if extended by us in our discretion.

On July 19, 2023, we were notified by the Listing Qualifications Department (the “Staff”) of The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (“Nasdaq”) that in light of our previously disclosed workforce reduction plan and focus on exploring strategic alternatives, based upon the Staff’s belief that we are a “public shell” as that term is defined in Nasdaq Listing Rule 5101 and our non-compliance with the $1.00 bid price requirement set forth in Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(a)(2), we would be delisted from The Nasdaq Capital Market at the opening of business on July 28, 2023 unless we timely requested a hearing before a Nasdaq Hearings Panel (the “Panel”) to address the deficiencies and present a plan to regain compliance. We timely requested a hearing before the Panel, which request stayed any further delisting action by the Staff pending the ultimate outcome of the hearing and the expiration of any extension that may be granted by the Panel. The hearing is currently scheduled for September 21, 2023 and a decision by the Panel is typically not rendered for several years before we commercialize a product candidate, if ever.weeks after such hearing. Our common stock will remain listed and eligible for trading on Nasdaq at least pending the ultimate conclusion of the hearing process.

Financial Operations Overview

Prior to February 2014, we were a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ikaria, Inc. (a subsidiary of Mallinckrodt plc), or Ikaria. As part of an internal reorganization of Ikaria in October 2013, Ikaria transferred to us exclusive worldwide rights, with no royalty obligations, to develop and commercialize pulsed nitric oxide in PAH, PH-COPD and PH-IPF. Following the internal reorganization, in February 2014, Ikaria distributed all of our then outstanding units to its stockholders through the payment of a special dividend on a pro rata basis based on each stockholder’s ownership of Ikaria capital stock, which we refer to as the Spin-Out, and as a result we became a stand-alone company. In November 2015, we entered into an amendment to our exclusive cross-license, technology transfer and regulatory matters agreement with Ikaria that included a royalty equal to 3% of net sales of any commercial products for PAH. In April 2018, we expanded the scope of our license from PH-IPF to PH in patients with Pulmonary Fibrosis (PH-PF), which includes idiopathic interstitial pneumonias, chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis, occupational and environmental lung disease, with a royalty equal to 1% of net sales of any commercial products for PH-PF.

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License Agreement with Baylor BioSciences, Inc.

In January 2023, we entered into a License Agreement with Baylor BioSciences, Inc. (“Baylor”), pursuant to which Baylor received exclusive rights to develop and commercialize INOpulse within Greater China for diseases associated with pulmonary hypertension, including the lead indication of fibrotic interstitial lung disease (“fILD”), as well as PAH, PH-Sarcodosis, and PH-COPD, CTEPH and PH associated with pulmonary edema from high altitude sickness. Under the terms of the License Agreement, we received a license payment of $5 million, which was net of VAT and withholding taxes of approximately $1.0 million, from Baylor. Additionally, we are entitled to royalties of 5% on net sales by Baylor resulting from all of the licensed INOpulse indications within Greater China.

Registered Direct Offering

On March 3, 2023, we entered into a subscription agreement with an institutional investor, pursuant to which we agreed to issue and sell in a registered direct offering (the “Offering”) (i) an aggregate of 718,474 shares (the “Shares”) of our common stock and (ii) pre-funded warrants (the “Pre-Funded Warrants”) to purchase up to 1,781,526 shares of common stock. We closed the Offering on March 7, 2023 with the Shares sold to the purchaser at a price per share of $2.00 per share. The Pre-Funded Warrants were sold at an offering price of $1.99 per Pre-Funded Warrant, which represents the per share offering price for the common stock less a $0.01 per share exercise price for each such Pre-Funded Warrant. No underwriter or placement agent participated in the Offering and the proceeds from the Offering were approximately $5 million.

The Pre-Funded Warrants are exercisable at any time after the date of issuance. A holder of Pre-Funded Warrants may not exercise the warrant if the holder, together with its affiliates, would beneficially own more than 9.99% of the number of shares of common stock outstanding immediately after giving effect to such exercise. A holder of Pre-Funded Warrants may increase or decrease this percentage, but not in excess of 19.99%, by providing at least 61 days prior notice to us. During the three months ended June 30, 2023, all of the Pre-Funded Warrants were exercised.

The Offering was made pursuant to the Company’s shelf registration statement previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), originally filed on June 26, 2020 (File No. 333-239473), which the SEC declared effective on July 2, 2020, and a related prospectus supplement.

Completion of Sale under the State of New Jersey’s Technology Business Tax Certificate Transfer Program

During January 2023, we completed a sale of our NOLs and R&D credits under the State of New Jersey’s Technology Business Tax Certificate Transfer Program. We sold $19.7 million of state NOLs and $0.1 million of R&D credits for net proceeds of approximately $1.7 million.

Revenue

To date, we have not generated any revenue from product sales and may not generate any revenue from product sales for the next several years, if ever. In the future, we may generate revenue from a combination of product sales, license fees and milestone payments in connection with strategic partnerships, and royalties from the sale of products developed under licenses of our intellectual property. Our ability to generate revenue and become profitable depends primarily on our ability to successfully develop and commercialize or partner our product candidates as well as any product candidates we may advance in the future. Our ability to pursue clinical development activities discussed in this report will require significant funding, which is unlikely to be available, or may only be pursued if we are able to successfully complete a strategic alternative. We are currently exploring strategic alternatives that could significantly impact our future operations and financial position.

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We recognize revenue in accordance with ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASC 606”). ASC 606 applies to all contracts with customers, except for contracts that are within the scope of other standards, such as leases, insurance, collaboration arrangements and financial instruments. Under ASC 606, we recognize revenue when our customer obtains control of promised goods or services, in an amount that reflects the consideration we expect to receive in exchange for those goods or services. To determine revenue recognition for arrangements that anyare within the scope of ASC 606, we perform the following five steps:

(i) identify the contract(s) with a customer;

(ii) identify the performance obligations in the contract;

(iii) determine the transaction price;

(iv) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; and

(v) recognize revenue when (or as) we may generate will fluctuate from quartersatisfy a performance obligation.

If a contract is determined to quarterbe within the scope of ASC 606 at inception, we assess the goods or services promised within such contract, determines which of those goods and services are performance obligations, and assesses whether each promised good or service is distinct. We then recognize as a resultrevenue the amount of the timingtransaction price that is allocated to the respective performance obligation when (or as) the performance obligation is satisfied.

Specifically, license revenue relates to license fees from our license agreement granting a customer with the right to use our intellectual property for development and amountcommercialization activities within an authorized territory. We must first assess whether the license is distinct, which depends upon whether the customer can benefit from the license and whether the license is separate from other performance obligations in the agreement. If the license is distinct, we must further assess whether the customer has a right to access or a right to use the license depending on whether the functionality of any payments we may receive under future partnerships, if any,the license is expected to substantively change over time. If the license is not expected to substantively change, the revenue is recognized at a point in time when the license is provided. If the license is expected to substantively change, the revenue is recognized over the license period. Our license agreement with Baylor entered into during the six months ended June 30, 2023 was determined to be a right to use license and from sales of any products we successfully develop and commercialize, if any. If we fail to completeaccordingly, the development of any of our product candidates currentlyrevenue was recognized at a point in clinical development or any future product candidates in a timely manner, or to obtain regulatory approval for such product candidates, our ability to generate future revenue, and our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows and future prospects would be materially adversely affected.time.

Research and Development Expenses

Research and development expenses consist of costs incurred in connection with the development of our product candidates, including upfront and development milestone payments, related to in-licensed product candidates and technologies.

Research and development expenses primarily consist of:

employee-related expenses, including salary, benefits and stock-based compensation expense;
expenses incurred under agreements with contract research organizations, investigative sites that conduct our clinical trials and consultants that conduct a portion of our pre-clinical studies;
expenses relating to vendors in connection with research and development activities;
the cost of acquiring and manufacturing clinical trial materials;
facilities, depreciation and allocated expenses;

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lab supplies, reagents, active pharmaceutical ingredients and other direct and indirect costs in support of our pre-clinical and clinical activities;
device development and drug manufacturing engineering;
license fees related to in-licensed products and technology; and
costs associated with non-clinical activities and regulatory approvals.

We expense research and development costs as incurred.

Conducting a significant amount of research and development ishas been central to our business model. Product candidates in late stages of clinical development generally have higher development costs than those in earlier stages of clinical development primarily due to the increased size and duration of late-stage clinical trials. Subject to the availability of requisite financing, we plan to increase our research and development expenses for ongoing clinical programs for the foreseeable future as we seek to continue multiple clinical trials for our product candidates, including to potentially advance INOpulse for PH-COPD and seek to identify additional early-stage product candidates.

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We trackhave tracked external research and development expenses and personnel expenses on a program-by-program basis. We useused our employee and infrastructure resources, including regulatory, quality, clinical development and clinical operations, across our clinical development programs and have included these expenses in research and development infrastructure. Research and development laboratory expenses arehave also not been allocated to a specific program and are included in research and development infrastructure. Engineering activities related to INOpulse and the manufacture of cylinders related to INOpulse are included in INOpulse engineering.

INOpulse for fILD

We initiated our clinical program in fILD in 2016. In March 2020, we announced that in consultation with the FDA, we had finalized the key elements of our planned pivotal Phase 3 study for PH-PF, including the use of MVPA as the primary endpoint for approval, the patient population of pulmonary fibrosis subjects at risk of PH, as well as the dose of iNO45. In December 2020, we announced the first patient enrollment in this Phase 3 study called REBUILD. Clinical site initiation and patient enrollment have been impacted due to the COVID-19 pandemic, however, to date we have activated a majority of our targeted clinical sites and continue to focus our efforts on site engagement and patient recruitment. In September 2022, we announced that the FDA accepted our proposal to reduce the study size to 140 subjects. The new study size does not impact the trial’s principal objective or endpoints and maintains power of >90% (p-value < 0.01) for the primary endpoint of MVPA based on the effect size observed in our Phase 2 study.

INOpulse for COVID-19

In April 2020, we submitted an IND application to the FDA to study the iNO delivery system for the treatment of patients infected with COVID-19. The IND application was accepted by the FDA in May 2020, and the trial was initiated with the first patient treated in July 2020. The first 100 patients completed their 28-day assessment period in October 2020. In November 2020, we announced that the independent DMC had completed its pre-specified interim analysis from the first 100 patients. Based on the finding of futility, we placed the COViNOX study on a clinical hold. Although new enrollment of subjects into the study was halted, the remaining 91 subjects already enrolled at the time the clinical hold was announced were allowed to complete the treatment course. Upon completion of the protocol defined monitoring period, the pre-specified efficacy and safety analysis of these 191 patients was reviewed by the DMC and the DMC concluded that there were no safety concerns that were attributed to INOpulse for COVID-19. Based on the COViNOX results, we put the trial on a permanent clinical hold and we are not planning additional studies for INOpulse for the treatment of COVID-19. In May 2021, we submitted notification of withdrawal of the COViNOX IND to the FDA.

Drug and Delivery System Costs

Drug and delivery system costs include cartridge procurement, cartridge filling, delivery system manufacturing and delivery system servicing. These costs relate to all indications that utilize the INOpulse delivery system.

Research and Development Infrastructure

We investinvested in regulatory, quality, clinical development and clinical operations activities, which arehave been expensed as incurred. These activities have primarily supportsupported our clinical development programs.

INOpulse Engineering

We have invested a significant amount of funds in INOpulse, which is configured to be highly portable and compatible with available modes of long-term oxygen therapy via nasal cannula delivery. Our Phase 2 clinical trials of INOpulse for PAH and INOpulse for PH-COPD utilized the first generation INOpulse DS/DS-C device. We believe that our second generation INOpulse device, as well as a custom triple-lumen cannula, have significantly improved several characteristics of our INOpulse delivery system. We have also invested in design and engineering technology, through Ikaria, for the manufacture of our drug cartridges. We manufacturehave manufactured and serviceserviced the INOpulse devices that we are usinghave used in our ongoing clinical trials of INOpulse for fILD and PH-Sarc by third party turnkey manufacturers.

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General and Administrative Expenses

General and administrative expenses include salaries and costs related to executive, finance, and administrative support functions, patent filing, patent prosecution, professional fees for legal, insurance, consulting, investor relations, human resources, information technology and auditing and tax services not otherwise included in research and development expenses.

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Results of Operations

Comparison of Three Months Ended SeptemberJune 30, 20222023 and 20212022

The following table summarizes our results of operations for the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20222023 and 2021.2022.

Three Months Ended

 

Three Months Ended

 

September 30, 

June 30, 

(Dollar amounts in thousands)

    

2022

    

2021

    

$ Change

    

% Change

    

2023

    

2022

    

$ Change

    

% Change

Revenues:

Licensing revenue

$

$

$

 

%

Research and development expenses:

fILD, PH-Sarc and PH-COPD

$

1,310

$

871

$

439

 

50

%

1,162

1,185

(23)

 

(2)

%

COVID-19

 

 

(7)

 

7

 

100

%

Other clinical trials

 

 

3

 

(3)

 

(100)

%

Drug and delivery system costs

475

207

268

 

129

%

176

1,040

(864)

 

(83)

%

Clinical programs

 

1,785

 

1,074

 

711

 

66

%

 

1,338

 

2,225

 

(887)

 

(40)

%

Research and development infrastructure

 

1,560

 

1,472

 

88

 

6

%

 

1,186

 

1,808

 

(622)

 

(34)

%

INOpulse engineering

 

405

 

484

 

(79)

 

(16)

%

 

371

 

455

 

(84)

 

(18)

%

Total research and development expenses

 

3,750

 

3,030

 

720

 

24

%

 

2,895

 

4,488

 

(1,593)

 

(35)

%

General and administrative expenses

 

1,366

 

1,773

 

(407)

 

(23)

%

 

2,364

 

2,053

 

311

 

15

%

Total operating expenses

5,116

4,803

313

7

%

5,259

6,541

(1,282)

(20)

%

Loss from operations

 

(5,116)

 

(4,803)

 

(313)

 

7

%

 

(5,259)

 

(6,541)

 

1,282

 

(20)

%

Change in fair value of common stock warrant liability

 

 

167

 

(167)

 

(100)

%

Interest income and financing expenses, net

 

47

 

2

 

45

 

2,250

%

Interest income

 

121

 

19

 

102

 

537

%

Pre-tax loss

 

(5,138)

 

(6,522)

 

1,384

 

(21)

%

Income tax benefit

 

 

2,417

 

(2,417)

 

(100)

%

Net loss

$

(5,069)

$

(4,634)

$

(435)

 

9

%

$

(5,138)

$

(4,105)

$

(1,033)

 

25

%

Total Operating Expenses. Total operating expenses for the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20222023 were $5.1$5.3 million compared to $4.8$6.5 million for the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2021, an increase2022, a decrease of $0.3$1.2 million, or 7%20%. This increasedecrease was primarily due to an increasedecreases in clinical program expenses partially offset by a decrease inand general and administrative expenses.

Research and Development Expenses. Total research and development (R&D) expenses for the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20222023 were $3.8$2.9 million compared to $3.0$4.5 million for the three months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2021,2022, a decrease of $1.6 million, or 35%. Total research and development expenses consisted of the following:

fILD, PH-Sarc and PH-COPD expenses remained relatively flat for the three months ended June 30, 2023 and 2022.
Drug and delivery system costs for the three months ended June 30, 2023 were $0.2 million, compared to $1.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2022, a decrease of $0.8 million, or 83%. Drug and delivery system costs are recorded at the time of procurement from our suppliers. The decrease is primarily attributable to the requisite lead times to support trial related activities along with the termination of the Phase 3 clinical trial for fILD during the three months ended June 30, 2023.
Research and development infrastructure costs for the three months ended June 30, 2023 were $1.2 million compared to $1.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2022, a decrease of $0.6 million, or 34%. The decrease was primarily due to a decrease in contractor costs associated with the termination of the Phase 3 clinical trial for fILD during the three months ended June 30, 2023.

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General and Administrative Expenses. General and administrative expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2023 were $2.4 million compared to $2.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2022, an increase of $0.8$0.3 million, or 24%15%. The increase is due to the one-time separation benefits costs associated with the reduction-in-force partially offset by the reduction in rent expenses related to the vacated office space combined with additional reductions in legal and consulting costs in connection with the termination of the Phase 3 clinical trial for fILD during the three months ended June 30, 2023.

Comparison of Six Months Ended June 30, 2023 and 2022

The following table summarizes our results of operations for the six months ended June 30, 2023 and 2022.

Six Months Ended

June 30, 

(Dollar amounts in thousands)

    

2023

    

2022

    

$ Change

    

% Change

Revenues:

Licensing revenue

$

5,640

$

$

5,640

 

>100

%

Research and development expenses:

fILD, PH-Sarc and PH-COPD

2,141

2,512

(371)

 

(15)

%

Other clinical trials

 

 

1

 

(1)

 

(100)

%

Drug and delivery system costs

190

1,839

(1,649)

 

(90)

%

Clinical programs

 

2,331

 

4,352

 

(2,021)

 

(46)

%

Research and development infrastructure

 

2,424

 

3,655

 

(1,231)

 

(34)

%

INOpulse engineering

 

692

 

890

 

(198)

 

(22)

%

Total research and development expenses

 

5,447

 

8,897

 

(3,450)

 

(39)

%

General and administrative expenses

 

3,973

 

3,286

 

687

 

21

%

Total operating expenses

9,420

12,183

(2,763)

(23)

%

Loss from operations

 

(3,780)

 

(12,183)

 

8,403

 

(69)

%

Interest income

 

187

 

20

 

167

 

835

%

Pre-tax loss

 

(3,593)

 

(12,163)

 

8,570

 

(70)

%

Income tax benefit

 

1,277

 

2,417

 

(1,140)

 

(47)

%

Net loss

$

(2,316)

$

(9,746)

$

7,430

 

(76)

%

Licensing Revenue. Total licensing revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2023 was $5.6 million which directly relates to the upfront payment received in relation to the licensing agreement with Baylor BioSciences, Inc. We did not earn any revenue during the six months ended June 30, 2022.

Total Operating Expenses. Total operating expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2023 were $9.4 million compared to $12.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2022, a decrease of $2.8 million, or 23%. This decrease was primarily due to a decrease in clinical program expenses and research and development infrastructure expenses.

Research and Development Expenses. Total research and development expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2023 were $5.4 million compared to $8.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2022, a decrease of $3.5 million, or 39%. Total research and development expenses consisted of the following:

fILD, PH-Sarc and PH-COPD expenses for the threesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20222023 were $1.3$2.1 million, compared to $0.9$2.5 million for the threesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2021, an increase2022, a decrease of $0.4 million, or 50%15%. The increasedecrease was primarily due to the increase in site activations and patient related costs associated with the Phase 3 fILD trial.
Drug and delivery system costs for the three months ended September 30, 2022 were $0.5 million, compared to $0.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2021, an increasetermination of $0.3 million, or 129%. Drug and delivery system costs are recorded at the time of procurement from our suppliers.
Research and development infrastructure for the three months ended September 30, 2022 were $1.6 million compared to $1.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2021, an increase of $0.1 million, or

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6%. The increase was primarily due to an increase in contractor costs associated with the Phase 3 clinical trial for fILD during the threesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2022.

General and Administrative Expenses. General and administrative expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2022 were $1.4 million compared to $1.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2021, a decrease of $0.4 million or 23%. The decrease is due to a decrease in labor and share based compensation.

Change in Fair Value of Common Stock Warrant Liability. The change in fair value of the common stock warrant liability for the three months ended September 30, 2022 was zero compared to income of $0.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2021. The warrants were issued in November 2016 and May 2017 and the change in the liability fair value was due to a change in our stock price, volatility, and a shorter remaining term.

Comparison of Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022 and 2021

The following table summarizes our results of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021.

Nine Months Ended

September 30, 

(Dollar amounts in thousands)

    

2022

    

2021

    

$ Change

    

% Change

Research and development expenses:

fILD, PH-Sarc and PH-COPD

$

3,827

$

2,599

$

1,228

 

47

%

COVID-19

(5)

411

(416)

(101)

%

Other clinical trials

 

1

 

9

 

(8)

 

(89)

%

Drug and delivery system costs

2,313

966

1,347

 

139

%

Clinical programs

 

6,136

 

3,985

 

2,151

 

54

%

Research and development infrastructure

 

5,215

 

4,375

 

840

 

19

%

INOpulse engineering

 

1,295

 

1,493

 

(198)

 

(13)

%

Total research and development expenses

 

12,646

 

9,853

 

2,793

 

28

%

General and administrative expenses

 

4,653

 

6,035

 

(1,382)

 

(23)

%

Total operating expenses

17,299

15,888

1,411

9

%

Loss from operations

 

(17,299)

 

(15,888)

 

(1,411)

 

9

%

Change in fair value of common stock warrant liability

 

 

600

 

(600)

 

(100)

%

Interest income and financing expenses, net

 

67

 

4

 

63

 

1,575

%

Pre-tax loss

 

(17,232)

 

(15,284)

 

(1,948)

 

13

%

Income tax benefit

 

2,417

 

1,800

 

617

 

34

%

Net loss

$

(14,815)

$

(13,484)

$

(1,331)

 

10

%

Total Operating Expenses. Total operating expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 were $17.3 million compared to $15.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021, an increase of $1.4 million, or 9%. This increase was primarily due to an increase in clinical program expenses and research and development infrastructure expenses. This increase was partially offset by a decrease in general and administrative expenses.

Research and Development Expenses. Total research and development (R&D) expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 were $12.6 million compared to $9.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021, an increase of $2.7 million, or 28%. Total research and development expenses consisted of the following:

fILD, PH-Sarc and PH-COPD expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 were $3.8 million, compared to $2.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021, an increase of $1.2 million, or 47%. 2023The increase was primarily due to the increase in site activations and patient related costs associated with the Phase 3 fILD trial.
COVID-19 expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 were $0.0 million, compared to $0.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021, a decrease of $0.4 million, or 101%. The decrease is due to the timing of the completion of the trial and close-out activities during the first quarter of 2021.

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Drug and delivery system costs for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20222023 were $2.3$0.2 million, compared to $1.0$1.8 million for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2021, an increase2022, a decrease of $1.3$1.6 million, or 139%90%. Drug and delivery system costs are recorded at the time of procurement from our suppliers. The decrease is primarily attributable to the requisite lead times to support trial related activities along with the termination of the Phase 3 clinical trial for fILD during the six months ended June 30, 2023.
Research and development infrastructure costs for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20222023 were $5.2$2.4 million compared to $4.4$3.6 million for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2021, an increase2022, a decrease of $0.8$1.2 million, or 19%34%. The increasedecrease was primarily due to an increasea reduction in contractorconsulting and labor costs associated with the termination of the Phase 3 clinical trial for fILD during the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2022.2023.

General and Administrative Expenses. General and administrative expenses for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20222023 were $4.7$4.0 million compared to $6.0$3.3 million for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2021, a decrease of $1.3 million, or 23%. The decrease was due to fewer consulting, labor and stock-based compensation costs.

Change in Fair Value of Common Stock Warrant Liability. Change in fair value of common stock warrant liability for the nine months ended September 30, 2022, was zero compared to income of $0.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021. The warrants were issued in November 2016 and May 2017 and the change in the liability fair value was due to a change in our stock price, volatility, and a shorter remaining term.

Income Tax Benefit. Income tax benefit was $2.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022, compared to $1.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021, an increase of $0.6$0.7 million, or 34%21%. In April 2022, we sold $25.1 millionThe increase is due to the one-time separation benefits costs associated with the reduction-in-force combined with increases in legal and consulting costs associated with various SEC filings and costs associated with the termination of state NOLs and $0.2 million of R&D tax credits under the State of New Jersey's Technology Business Tax Certificate Transfer Program for net proceeds of $2.2 million. InPhase 3 clinical trial. These increases were partially offset by a reduction in rent expenses related to the vacated office space during the six months ended June 2021, we sold $16.4 million of state NOLs and $0.3 million of R&D tax credits under the State of New Jersey's Technology Business Tax Certificate Transfer Program for net proceeds of $1.7 million. The proceeds from such sales are recorded as income tax benefit when sales occur and proceeds are received.30, 2023.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

In the course of our development activities, we have sustained operating losses and expect such losses to continue over the next several years. We expect to continue to incur significant expenses and operating losses for the foreseeable future asbased on our current operations.

On June 5, 2023, we continueannounced top-line results from our Phase 3 REBUILD clinical trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of INOpulse® for the treatment of Interstitial Lung Disease. The trial did not meet its primary endpoint and the secondary endpoints demonstrated minimal difference between the two groups with none approaching statistical significance. Based on these findings, we decided to develop, conductterminate the REBUILD Phase 3 clinical trialsstudy and seek regulatory approval for our product candidates. Our primary uses of capital are, and we expect will continue to be, compensation and related expenses, third-party clinical research and development services, contract manufacturing services, laboratory and related supplies, clinical costs, legal and other regulatory expenses and general overhead costs.

If we obtain regulatory approval for anywithdraw patients from all of our product candidates,ongoing INOpulse development programs. We intend to explore a range of strategic alternatives to maximize stockholder value. Strategic alternatives that may be evaluated include, but are not limited to, a merger, a business combination, a sale of assets or other strategic transaction or a liquidation and dissolution. There is no set timetable for this process and there can be no assurance that this process will result in us pursuing a transaction or that any transaction, if pursued, will be completed on attractive terms. In connection with the termination of the clinical study, we approved a reduction-in-force of substantially all of our employees, including officers. The workforce reduction is designed to reduce our operating expenses while we explore a range of strategic alternatives. We expect that the implementation of the workforce reduction will be substantially completed by the end of the third quarter of 2023. Affected employees were offered separation benefits, including severance payments along with temporary healthcare coverage assistance. Severance and termination related-costs of approximately $0.8 million were recorded in the second quarter of 2023, as a component of general and administrative expenses. We expect to incur significant commercialization expenses. We do not have a sales, marketing, manufacture or distribution infrastructure for a pharmaceutical product. To develop a commercial infrastructure, we will have to invest financialrecord additional severance and management resources, sometermination-related costs of which would have to be deployed prior to having any certaintyapproximately $0.7 million in the second half of marketing approval.2023.

We had unrestricted cash and cash equivalents of $11.3$10.6 million as of SeptemberJune 30, 2022.2023. Our existing cash and cash equivalents as of SeptemberJune 30, 20222023 will be used primarily to fund the termination of the Phase 3 trial of INOpulse for fILD.fILD and explore a range of strategic alternatives to maximize shareholder value. Strategic alternatives that may be evaluated include, but are not limited to, a merger, business combination, sale of assets or other strategic transaction or liquidation and dissolution.

The State of New Jersey’s Technology Business Tax Certificate Transfer Program enables qualified, unprofitable New Jersey based technology or biotechnology companies to sell a percentage of NOL and research and development (R&D) tax credits to unrelated profitable corporations, subject to meeting certain eligibility criteria. Based on consideration of various factors, including application processing time and past trend of benefits made available under the program, we believe that it is probable that our plans to sell our NOLs can be effectively implemented to address our short term financial needs. During April 2022, we completed the sale of $25.1 million of state NOLs and $0.2 million of R&D credits under the State of New Jersey’s Technology Business Tax Certificate Transfer Program for net proceeds of $2.2 million. We sold $16.4 million of state NOLs and $0.3 million of R&D tax credits under the State of New Jersey’s Technology Business Tax Certificate Transfer Program in June 2021 for net proceeds of $1.7 million. We plan to sell additional NOLs and R&D credits under the same program in the future subject to program availability

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and state approval. The proceeds from such sales are recorded as Income tax benefit when sales occur or proceeds are received.

We evaluated whether there are any remaining conditions and events, considered in the aggregate, that raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern within one year beyond the filing of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Based on such evaluation and our current plans, we believe that our existing cash and cash equivalents as of SeptemberJune 30, 20222023 will not be sufficient to satisfy our operating cash needs for at least one year after the filing of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Accordingly, substantial doubt about the Company’sour ability to continue as a going concern exists.

We have based our estimates on assumptions that may prove to be wrong, and we may exhaust our capital resources sooner than we expect. In addition, the process of testing product candidates in clinical trials is costly, and the timing of progress in clinical trials is uncertain. Because our product candidates are in clinical development and the outcome of these efforts is uncertain, we may not be able to accurately estimate the actual amounts that will be necessary to successfully complete the development and commercialization of our product candidates or whether, or when, we may achieve profitability. Our future capital requirements will depend on many factors, including:

progress and cost of our clinical trials and other research and development activities;
our ability to manufacture sufficient supply of our product candidates and the costs thereof;
the cost and timing of seeking regulatory approvals;
the costs and timing of future commercialization activities, including product manufacturing, marketing, sales and distribution for any of our product candidates for which we receive marketing approval;
the number and development requirements of any other product candidates we pursue;
our ability to enter into collaborative agreements and achieve milestones under those agreements;
the revenue, if any, received from commercial sales of our product candidates for which we receive marketing approval;
the cost of filing, prosecuting, defending and enforcing patent applications, claims, patents and other intellectual property rights; and
the extent to which we acquire or in-license other products and technologies.

In addition, there are many uncertainties regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, and we are closely monitoring the impact of the pandemic on all aspects of our business, including how the pandemic is impacting our clinical trials, employees and suppliers. While the pandemic did not materially affect our business operations, site activation and patient enrollment in our clinical trials have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Further, should COVID-19 continue to spread, our business operations could be delayed or interrupted which could result in the use of more funds than anticipated in completing such trials.

Until such time, if ever, as we can generate substantial product revenues, we expect to finance our cash needs through a combination of equity and debt financings, sales of state NOLs and R&D credits subject to program availability and approval, existing working capital and funding from potential future collaboration arrangements. To the extent that we raise additional capital through the future sale of equity or convertible debt, the ownership interest of our existing stockholders may be diluted, and the terms of such securities may include liquidation or other preferences or rights such as anti-dilution rights that adversely affect the rights of our existing stockholders. If we raise additional funds through strategic partnerships in the future, we may have to relinquish valuable rights to our technologies, future revenue streams or product candidates or grant licenses on terms that may not be favorable to us. If we are unable to raise

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additional funds through equity or debt financings when needed, or are unable to sell our state NOLs and R&D credits, we may be required to delay, limit, reduce or terminate our product development or future commercialization efforts or grant rights to develop and market product candidates that we would otherwise prefer to develop and market ourselves. In addition, the timing of when existing and new capital resources are used and received may not align with the period of time evaluated by management for going concern purposes such that management may be required to conclude that substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern in accordance with relevant accounting guidance may continue to exist in future periods.

Cash Flows

The following table summarizes our cash flows for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20222023 and 2021:2022:

Nine Months Ended

Six Months Ended

September 30, 

June 30, 

(Dollar amounts in thousands)

    

2022

    

2021

    

2023

    

2022

Operating activities

$

(13,418)

$

(18,843)

$

(1,655)

$

(8,408)

Financing activities

5,008

Net change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash

$

(13,418)

$

(18,843)

$

3,353

$

(8,408)

Net Cash Used in Operating Activities

Cash used in operating activities for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20222023 was $13.4$1.7 million, as compared to $18.8$8.4 million for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2021.2022. The change in cash used in operating activities was primarily due to an increasea decrease in our operating expenses combined with the changes in our operating assets and liabilities.

Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities

Cash provided by financing activities for the six months ended June 30, 2023 was $5.0 million which was directly attributable to cash raised under the direct offering of common stock and pre-funded warrants in March 2023. There were no financing activities conducted during the six months ended June 30, 2022.

Contractual Obligations and Commitments

There were no material changes in our outstanding contractual obligations from those disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021.2022.

In the course of our normal business operations, we also enterhave entered into agreements with contract service providers and others to assist in the performance of our research and development and manufacturing activities. We can elect to discontinue the work under these contracts and purchase orders at any time with notice, and such contracts and purchase orders do not contain minimum purchase obligations.

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.

Critical Accounting Policies and Significant Judgments and Estimates

Our management’s discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations is based on our financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities in our financial statements. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates and judgments, including those related to research and development expense and stock-based compensation and fair value of liability classified warrants.compensation. We base our estimates on historical experience, known trends and events and various other factors that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

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During the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2022,2023, there were no material changes to our critical accounting policies. Our critical accounting policies are described under Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021.2022.

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Item 3.        Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

We are exposed to market risk related to changes in interest rates. As of SeptemberJune 30, 2022,2023, we had unrestricted cash and cash equivalents of $11.3$10.6 million, consisting primarily of demand deposits with U.S. banking institutions. Our primary exposure to market risk is interest rate sensitivity, which is affected by changes in the general level of U.S. interest rates, particularly because our investments are in cash and cash equivalents. Due to the nature of our deposits and the low risk profile of our investments, an immediate 10% change in interest rates would not have a material effect on the fair market value of our deposits.

Item 4.        Controls and Procedures.

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Our management, with the participation of our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of SeptemberJune 30, 2022.2023. The term “disclosure controls and procedures,” as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act, means controls and other procedures of a company that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by a company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by a company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the company’s management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving their objectives and management necessarily applies its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures.

Based on the evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of SeptemberJune 30, 2022,2023, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that, as of such date, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

No change in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) occurred during the three and six months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20222023 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.Legal Proceedings.

We are currently not a party to any material legal proceedings.

Item 1A. Risk Factors.

ThereExcept as set forth below, there have been no material changes to our risk factors contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021.2022. For a further discussion of our Risk Factors, refer to the “Risk Factors” discussion contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021.2022.

We are exploring strategic alternatives that could significantly impact our future operations and financial position.

In June 2023, we announced that we are exploring strategic alternatives with the goal of maximizing shareholder value. Potential strategic alternatives that may be considered as part of this process include a merger, a business combination, a sale of assets or other strategic transaction or a liquidation and dissolution. There can be no assurance that the exploration of strategic alternatives will result in any agreements or transactions, or that, if completed, any agreements or transactions will be successful or on attractive terms. No timetable has been established for the completion of this process, and we do not expect to disclose developments unless and until the Board of Directors has concluded that disclosure is appropriate or required. If we determine to change our business strategy or to seek to engage in a strategic transaction, our future business, prospects, financial position and operating results could be significantly different than those in historical periods or projected by our management. Because of the significant uncertainty regarding our future plans, we are not able to accurately predict the impact of a potential change in our business strategy and future funding requirements. Until the review process is concluded, perceived uncertainties related to our future may result in the loss of potential business opportunities and volatility in the market price of our common stock and may make it more difficult for us to attract and retain qualified personnel and business partners.

The outcome of our recent REBUILD Phase 3 clinical study and resulting impact on our access to capital indicate substantial doubt exists related to our ability to continue as a going concern. Our financial statements have been prepared assuming that we will continue as a going concern.

We have incurred net losses and used significant cash in operating activities since inception, and we expect to continue to generate operating losses for the foreseeable future. As of June 30, 2023, we have an accumulated deficit of $254.4 million and cash and cash equivalents of $10.6 million. These factors raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern and to satisfy our estimated liquidity needs for twelve months from the issuance of the financial statements.

If we continue to experience operating losses, and we are not able to generate additional liquidity through a capital raise or other cash infusion, we might need to secure additional sources of funds, which may or may not be available to us. If we are unable to raise additional capital in sufficient amounts or on terms acceptable to us, we may have to further reduce our operations or initiate steps to cease operations.

If we do not successfully consummate a strategic transaction, our board of directors may decide to pursue a dissolution and liquidation of our company. In such an event, the amount of cash available for distribution to our stockholders will depend heavily on the timing of such liquidation as well as the amount of cash that will need to be reserved for commitments and contingent liabilities.

There can be no assurance that the process to identify a strategic transaction will result in a successfully consummated transaction. If no transaction is completed, our board of directors may decide to pursue a dissolution and liquidation of our company. In such an event, the amount of cash available for distribution to our stockholders will depend heavily on the timing of such decision and, ultimately, such liquidation, since the amount of cash available for distribution continues to decrease as we fund our operations while we evaluate our strategic alternatives. In addition, if our board of directors were to approve and recommend, and our stockholders were to approve, a dissolution and liquidation of our company, we would be required under Delaware corporate law to pay our outstanding obligations, as well as to make reasonable provision for contingent and unknown obligations, prior to making any distributions in

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liquidation to our stockholders. Our commitments and contingent liabilities may include, among other things, (i) obligations under our employment and related agreements with certain employees that provide for severance and other payments following a termination of employment occurring for various reasons; (ii) obligations under our license agreement with Baylor Biosciences, Inc., (iii) potential litigation against us, and other various claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business; and (iv) non-cancelable contractual obligations. As a result of this requirement, a portion of our assets may need to be reserved pending the resolution of such obligations. In addition, we may be subject to litigation or other claims related to a dissolution and liquidation of our company. If a dissolution and liquidation were pursued, our board of directors, in consultation with its advisors, would need to evaluate these matters and make a determination about a reasonable amount to reserve. Accordingly, holders of our common stock could lose all or a significant portion of their investment in the event of a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our company.

If we fail to maintain the listing of our common stock on the Nasdaq Capital Market or another national securities exchange, the liquidity of our common stock could be adversely affected.

On July 19, 2023, we were notified by the Staff of Nasdaq that in light of our previously disclosed workforce reduction plan and focus on exploring strategic alternatives, based upon the Staff’s belief that we are a “public shell” as that term is defined in Nasdaq Listing Rule 5101 and our non-compliance with the $1.00 bid price requirement set forth in Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(a)(2), we would be delisted from The Nasdaq Capital Market at the opening of business on July 28, 2023 unless we timely requested a hearing before a Nasdaq Hearings Panel to address the deficiencies and present a plan to regain compliance. We timely requested a hearing before the Panel, which request stayed any further delisting action by the Staff pending the ultimate outcome of the hearing and the expiration of any extension that may be granted by the Panel. The hearing is currently scheduled for September 21, 2023 and a decision by the Panel is typically not rendered for several weeks after such hearing. Our common stock will remain listed and eligible for trading on Nasdaq at least pending the ultimate conclusion of the hearing process.

If our common stock is delisted by Nasdaq, our common stock may be eligible to trade on the OTC Bulletin Board or another over-the-counter market. Any such alternative would likely result in it being more difficult for us to raise additional capital through the public or private sale of equity securities and for investors to dispose of, or obtain accurate quotations as to the market value of, our common stock. In addition, we may become less desirable for a potential strategic transaction. There can be no assurance that our common stock would be eligible for trading on any such alternative exchange or markets.

Until we hire a permanent principal financial & accounting officer, our Chief Executive Officer will also be serving as our principal financial and accounting officer, which could have an adverse impact on our business.

Following the previously-announced resignation of our principal financial & accounting officer, Nicholas Laccona on April 19, 2023 (with transitional support through May 15, 2023), Peter Fernandes, our Chief Executive Officer, has assumed the role of our principal financial and accounting officer. As a result of this change, Mr. Fernandes has taken on substantially more responsibility for the management of our business and of our financial reporting, which has resulted in greater workload demands and could divert his attention away from certain key areas of our business. Mr. Fernandes’s serving in a temporary dual capacity of Chief Executive Officer and principal financial and accounting officer may have a disruptive impact on our ability to implement our strategy and could adversely affect our business, internal controls, financial condition and results of operations. Our lack of a principal financial & accounting officer is likely to affect our internal control over financial reporting. Until we find and integrate a principal financial & accounting officer, we may be unable to successfully manage our business, and our results of operations, internal controls and financial condition could be adversely affected as a result.

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

None.

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities.

None.

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Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.

Not applicable.

Item 5. Other Information.

None.

Item 6. Exhibits.

The exhibits listed in the Exhibit Index to this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q are incorporated herein by reference.

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Exhibit Index

Exhibit
Number

    

Description

10.1+

Separation Agreement, dated as of May 4, 2023, by and between Bellerophon Therapeautics, Inc. and Nicholas Laccona (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on May 5, 2023).

10.2+

Amended and Restated 2015 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on June 9, 2023).

31.1

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

31.2

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

32

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

101.INS

Inline XBRL Instance Document

101.SCH

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

101.CAL

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document

101.DEF

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

101.LAB

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document

101.PRE

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

104

Cover Page Interactive Date File (Formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101)

+ Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

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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.

 

BELLEROPHON THERAPEUTICS, INC.

 

 

Date: NovemberAugust 14, 20222023

By:

/s/ Peter Fernandes

Peter Fernandes

 

 

PrincipalChief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer and

Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

 

 

 

Date: November 14, 2022

By:

/s/ Nicholas Laccona

Nicholas Laccona

Principal Financial & Accounting Officer

(Principal Financial Officer)

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