Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies | 1. Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation Effective May 3, 2022, Heat Biologics, Inc. changed its name to NightHawk Biosciences, Inc. (the “Company”) by filing a Certificate of Amendment (the “Certificate of Amendment”) to its Third Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware. The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial reporting. Certain information or footnote disclosures normally included in the annual financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP have been condensed, or omitted, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). In the opinion of the Company’s management, these financial statements include all normal and recurring adjustments necessary for the fair statement of the results for the interim periods presented. The results for the three months ended March 31, 2023 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for any other interim period or for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2023. The consolidated financial statements as of and for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022 are unaudited. The balance sheet as of December 31, 2022 is derived from the audited consolidated financial statements as of that date. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and related notes contained in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022 filed with the SEC on March 31, 2023 (the “2022 Annual Report”). The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements as of and for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022 include the accounts of NightHawk Biosciences, Inc., and its subsidiaries (“the Company”), Pelican Therapeutics, Inc. (“Pelican”), Heat Biologics I, Inc. (“Heat I”), Heat Biologics III, Inc. (“Heat III”), Heat Biologics IV, Inc. (“Heat IV”), Heat Biologics GmbH, Heat Biologics Australia Pty Ltd., Zolovax, Inc., Skunkworx Bio, Inc. (formerly known as Delphi Therapeutics, Inc.), Scorpius BioManufacturing, Inc. (“Scorpius”) (formerly Scorpion Biological Services, Inc), Blackhawk Bio, Inc., Abacus Biotech, Inc., and Elusys Therapeutics, Inc. (“Elusys”). The functional currency of the entities located outside the United States of America (the foreign entities) is the applicable local currency of the foreign entities. Assets and liabilities of the foreign entities are translated at period-end exchange rates. Statement of operations accounts are translated at the average exchange rate during the period. The effects of foreign currency translation adjustments are included in other comprehensive loss, which is a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss in stockholders’ equity. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. At March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, NightHawk held an 85% controlling interest in Pelican. NightHawk accounts for its less than 100% interest in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Accordingly, the Company presents non-controlling interest as a component of stockholders’ equity on its consolidated balance sheets and reports non-controlling interest net loss under the heading “net loss – non-controlling interest” on its consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss. Going Concern Uncertainty The Company has an accumulated deficit of approximately $221.9 million as of March 31, 2023 and a net loss of approximately $12.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and has not generated significant revenue or positive cash flows from operations. The Company expects to incur significant expenses and continued losses from operations for the foreseeable future. The Company expects its expenses to increase in connection with its ongoing activities, particularly as the Company ramps up operations in its in-house bioanalytic, process development and manufacturing facility in San Antonio, TX, expands its infectious disease/biological threat program, and continues to support the development of, and commencement of operations at, a new biodefense-focused large molecule and biologics biomanufacturing facility in Manhattan, Kansas. As of March 31, 2023, a lease has not been executed for this Kansas facility. In addition, any new business ventures that the Company may engage in are likely to require commitments of capital. Accordingly, the Company will in the future need to obtain substantial additional funding in connection with its planned operations. Adequate additional financing may not be available to the Company on acceptable terms, or at all. If the Company is unable to raise capital when needed or on attractive terms, it would be forced to delay, reduce or eliminate its research and development programs, any future commercialization efforts or the manufacturing services it plans to provide. To meet its capital needs, the Company intends to continue to consider multiple alternatives, including, but not limited to, additional equity financings such as sales of its common stock under at-the-market offerings, debt financings, partnerships, grants, funding collaborations and other funding transactions, if any are available. As of March 31, 2023, the Company had approximately $28.6 million in cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments, which it believes is sufficient to fund its operations into Q1 2024. The Company will need to generate significant revenues to achieve profitability, and it may never do so. Management has determined that there is substantial doubt about the Company's ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the consolidated interim financial statements are issued. Risk and Uncertainties The Company’s future results of operations involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Factors that could affect the Company’s future operating results and cause actual results to vary materially from expectations include, but are not limited to, uncertainty of results of clinical trials and reaching milestones, uncertainty of regulatory approval of the Company’s drug candidates or its manufacturing facility, the timing of completion of construction of the planned manufacturing facility in Kansas, uncertainty of market acceptance of the Company’s products or manufacturing capability or success of new business ventures, competition from substitute products and larger companies, government budget and spending on biological threat programs, securing and protecting proprietary technology, strategic relationships and dependence on key individuals and sole source suppliers. The Company relies on third-party manufacturers to purchase from their third-party vendors the materials necessary to produce product candidates and manufacture product candidates for clinical studies. The Company also depends on third-party suppliers for key materials and services used in research and development, as well as manufacturing processes, and is subject to certain risks related to the loss of these third-party suppliers or their inability to supply adequate materials and services. The Company does not control the manufacturing processes of the contract development and manufacturing organizations (“CDMOs”) with whom it contracts and is dependent on these third parties for the production of its therapeutic candidates in accordance with relevant regulations (such as current Good Manufacturing Practices “ cGMP”), which include, among other things, quality control, quality assurance and the maintenance of records and documentation. Cash and Cash Equivalents The Company considers all cash and other highly liquid investments with initial maturities from the date of purchase of three months or less to be cash and cash equivalents. Derivative Financial Instruments The Company has issued common stock warrants in connection with the execution of certain equity financings. The fair value of the warrants, which were deemed to be derivative instruments, was recorded as a derivative liability under the provisions of Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging (“ASC 815”) The fair value of the warrants, including the warrants issued in connection with the January 2020 common stock offering and recorded as a liability, was determined using the Monte Carlo simulation model, which is deemed to be an appropriate model due to the terms of the warrants issued. The fair value of warrants was affected by changes in inputs to the Monte Carlo simulation model including the Company’s stock price, expected stock price volatility, the remaining term, and the risk-free interest rate. This model uses Level 3 inputs, including stock price volatility, in the fair value hierarchy established by ASC 820 Fair Value Measurement Short-term Investments The Company’s short-term investments are equity securities and are carried at their fair value based on quoted market prices. Realized and unrealized gains and losses on equity securities are included in net earnings in the period earned or incurred. Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Estimates are used for, but not limited to, useful lives of fixed assets, contingent consideration, income taxes, valuation of warrant liabilities, and stock-based compensation. Actual results may differ from those estimates. Segments Operating segments are identified as components of an enterprise about which separate discrete financial information is available for evaluation by the chief operating decision-maker in making decisions regarding resource allocation and assessing performance. To date, the Company has viewed the operations and managed the business as one segment. Business Combinations The accounting for the Company’s business combinations consists of allocating the purchase price to tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values, with the excess recorded as goodwill. The Company has up to one year from the acquisition date to use information as of each acquisition date to adjust the fair value of the acquired assets and liabilities, which may result in material changes to their recorded values with an offsetting adjustment to goodwill. Determining the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed requires significant judgment, which includes, among other factors, analysis of historical performance and estimates of future performance. In some cases, the Company has used discounted cash flow analyses, which were based on its best estimate of future revenue, earnings and cash flows as well as its discount rate, adjusted for risk, and estimated attrition rates. Goodwill and Intangible Assets The Company classifies intangible assets into three categories: (1) intangible assets with definite lives subject to amortization, (2) intangible assets with indefinite lives not subject to amortization and (3) goodwill. The Company determines the useful lives of definite-lived intangible assets after considering specific facts and circumstances related to each intangible asset. Factors the Company considers when determining useful lives include the contractual term of any agreement related to the asset, the historical performance of the asset, and other economic facts; including competition and specific market conditions. Intangible assets that are deemed to have definite lives are amortized, primarily on a straight-line basis, over their estimated useful lives. Intangible assets that are deemed to have indefinite lives, including goodwill, are reviewed for impairment annually, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. The impairment test for indefinite-lived intangibles, other than goodwill, consists of a comparison of the fair value of the intangible asset with its carrying amount. If the carrying amount exceeds the fair value, an impairment charge is recognized in an amount equal to that excess. Indefinite-lived intangible assets, such as goodwill, are not amortized. The Company tests the carrying amounts of goodwill for recoverability on an annual basis or when events or changes in circumstances indicate a potential impairment exists, using a fair value-based test. The Company records a goodwill impairment charge if a reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its fair value. In-process research and development (“IPR&D”) assets are considered to be indefinite-lived until the completion or abandonment of the associated research and development projects. IPR&D assets represent the fair value assigned to technologies that the Company acquires, which at the time of acquisition have not reached technological feasibility and have no alternative future use. During the period that the assets are considered indefinite-lived, they are tested for impairment on an annual basis, or more frequently if the Company becomes aware of any events occurring or changes in circumstances that indicate that the fair value of the IPR&D assets are less than their carrying amounts. If and when development is complete, which generally occurs upon regulatory approval and the ability to commercialize products associated with the IPR&D assets, these assets are then deemed definite-lived and are amortized based on their estimated useful lives at that point in time. If development is terminated or abandoned, the Company may have a full or partial impairment charge related to the IPR&D assets, calculated as the excess of the carrying value of the IPR&D assets over fair value. Contingent Consideration Consideration paid in a business combination may include potential future payments that are contingent upon the acquired business achieving certain milestones in the future (“contingent consideration”). Contingent consideration liabilities are measured at their estimated fair value as of the date of acquisition, with subsequent changes in fair value recorded in the consolidated statements of operations. The Company estimates the fair value of the contingent consideration as of the acquisition date using the estimated future cash outflows based on the probability of meeting future milestones. The milestone payments will be made upon the achievement of clinical and commercialization milestones as well as single low digit royalty payments and payments upon receipt of sublicensing income. Subsequent to the date of acquisition, the Company reassesses the actual consideration earned and the probability-weighted future earn-out payments at each balance sheet date. Any adjustment to the contingent consideration liability will be recorded in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss. Contingent consideration liabilities expected to be settled within 12 months after the balance sheet date are presented in current liabilities, with the non-current portion recorded under long term liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. During the year ended December 31, 2022, $3.3 million of contingent consideration related to Pelican was written off as PTX-35 will not continue a Phase 2 trial. Cost of revenues and selling, general and administrative expenses Cost of revenues consists of production wages, material costs and overhead, and other costs related to the recognition of revenue. Selling, general and administrative expenses consist of salaries and related costs for administrators, public company costs, business development personnel as well as legal, patent-related expenses and consulting fees. Public company costs include compliance, auditing services, tax services, insurance and investor relations. Research and Development Research and development includes costs associated with developmental products not yet approved by the FDA as well as costs associated with bringing developmental products into advanced phase clinical trials as incurred. These costs consist primarily of pre-manufacturing and manufacturing drug costs, clinical trial execution, investigator payments, license fees, salaries, stock-based compensation and related personnel costs. Other costs include fees paid to consultants and outside service providers related to the development of the Company’s product candidates and other expenses relating to the design, development, testing and enhancement of its product candidates. Revenue Recognition The Company recognizes revenue in accordance with ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers Revenue is recognized when a customer obtains control of promised goods or services, in an amount that reflects the consideration which the entity expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. To the extent the transaction price includes variable consideration, the Company estimates the amount of variable consideration that should be included in the transaction price using the most likely method based on historical experience as well as applicable information currently available. Product Sales The Company recognizes revenue from product sales when its performance obligation with its customers has been satisfied. The performance obligation is satisfied at a point in time when the Company’s customers obtain control of the product, which is typically upon acceptance of the product at the delivery site. The Company invoices its customers after acceptance of the product and invoice payments are generally due within 30 days of the invoice date. The Company records product sales net of any variable consideration, including refund rights. The Company uses the most likely amount method when estimating its variable consideration, unless terms are specified within contracts. The Company recognizes revenue to the extent that it is probable that a significant revenue reversal will not occur in a future period. These estimates may differ from actual consideration received. The Company evaluates these estimates to reflect known changes. Grant Revenue The Company recognizes revenue from a grant related to the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (“CPRIT”) contract, which is being accounted for under ASU No. 2018-08, Not-For-Profit Entities (Topic 958): Clarifying the Scope and the Accounting Guidance for Contributions Received and Contributions Made, The CPRIT grant covers the period from June 1, 2017 through May 31, 2023, for a total grant award of up to $15.2 million. CPRIT advances grant funds upon request by the Company consistent with the agreed upon amounts and schedules as provided in the contract. The first tranche of funding of $1.8 million was received in May 2017, a second tranche of funding of $6.5 million was received in October 2017, and the third tranche of funding of $5.4 million was received in December 2019. The remaining $1.5 million will be paid, on a reimbursement basis, after the Company has fulfilled every objective of the final goals of the grant. Funds received are reflected in deferred revenue as a liability until revenue is earned. Grant revenue is recognized when qualifying costs are incurred. When grant funds are received after costs have been incurred, the Company records revenue and a corresponding grants receivable until grant funds are received. As of March 31, 2023, all $15.2 million has been recognized. License revenue The Company has licensed certain provisional patent applications and know-how related to fusion proteins to treat cancer and other diseases that were not being developed by the Company. Shattuck Labs, Inc. (“Shattuck”) paid the Company an initial license fee of $50,000 in June 2016 and is obligated to pay the Company fees upon its receipt of sublicensing income, achievement of certain milestones, and royalties upon sales of commercial products. In March 2023, the Company received a milestone payment of $100,000 from Shattuck due to completion of a Phase 1A monotherapy dose escalation clinical trial of SL-172154. However, the technology that the Company out-licensed remains in the early stages of development since there is a low likelihood of success for any technology at such stage, there can be no assurance that any products will be developed by Shattuck or that the Company will derive any additional future revenue from Shattuck. Process development revenue Process development revenue generally represents revenue from services associated with the custom development of a manufacturing process and analytical methods for a customer’s product. Process development revenue is recognized over time utilizing an input method by tracking the progress toward completion by measuring inputs to date relative to total estimated inputs needed to satisfy the performance obligation. Under a process development contract, the customer owns the product details and process, which has no alternative use. These process development projects are customized to each customer to meet its specifications and typically include only one performance obligation. Each process represents a distinct service that is sold separately and has stand-alone value to the customer. The customer also retains control of its product as the product is being created or enhanced by our services and can make changes to its process or specifications upon request. Under these agreements, we are entitled to consideration for progress to date that includes an element of profit margin. The transaction price for services provided under our customer contracts reflects our best estimate of the amount of consideration to which we are entitled in exchange for providing goods and services to our customers. For contracts with multiple performance obligations, we allocate transaction price to each performance obligation identified in a contract on a relative standalone selling price basis. If observable standalone selling prices are not available, we estimate the applicable standalone selling price based on the pricing of other comparable services or on a price that we believe the market is willing to pay for the applicable service. In determining the transaction price, we also considered the different sources of variable consideration including, but not limited to, discounts, credits, refunds, price concessions or other similar items. We have included in the transaction price some or all of an amount of variable consideration, utilizing the most likely method, only to the extent that it is probable that a significant reversal in the amount of cumulative revenue recognized will not occur when the uncertainty associated with the variable consideration is subsequently resolved. The actual amount of consideration ultimately received may differ. Deferred Revenue Deferred revenue is comprised of an exclusive license agreement with Shattuck and process development customer deposits received in advance of our fulfillment of performance obligations. License Agreements The Company has licensed certain provisional patent applications and know-how related to fusion proteins to treat cancer and other diseases that were not being developed by the Company. Shattuck paid the Company an initial license fee of $50,000 in June 2016 and is obligated to pay the Company fees upon its receipt of sublicensing income, achievement of certain milestones, and royalties upon sales of commercial products. In-as-much as the technology that the Company out-licensed remains in the early stages of development since there is a low likelihood of success for any technology at such stage, there can be no assurance that any products will be developed by Shattuck or that the Company will derive any additional future revenue from Shattuck. Process Development Process development deferred revenue generally represents customer payments received in advance of the Company’s fulfillment of performance obligations associated with the custom development of a manufacturing process and analytical methods for a customer’s product. As of March 31, 2023, there was $2.0 million of deferred revenue related to process development. Accounts Receivable Accounts receivable are primarily comprised of amounts owed to us for services and sales provided under our customer contracts and are recorded at the invoiced amount net of an allowance for doubtful accounts, if necessary. We apply judgment in assessing the ultimate realization of our receivables and we estimate an allowance for doubtful accounts based on various factors, such as the aging of our receivables, historical experience, and the financial condition of our customers. Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets The Company’s prepaid expenses and other current assets consist primarily of amounts paid in advance for manufacturing activities, clinical trial support, and insurance. Income Taxes Income taxes are accounted for using the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases, operating loss carryforwards, and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance to the extent that utilization is not presently more likely than not. Other Assets In conjunction with a lease agreement further discussed in Note 13, Scorpius has made prepaid rent payments to the lessor for costs incurred in conjunction with the leased site. While the site is under construction, these payments are included in other assets on the consolidated balance sheets. Significant Accounting Policies The significant accounting policies used in preparation of these interim financial statements are disclosed in the audited consolidated financial statements and related notes included in the Company’s 2022 Annual Report. Impact of Recently Adopted Accounting Standards In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses: Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (ASU 2016-13), which amends the impairment model by requiring entities to use a forward looking approach based on expected losses to estimate credit losses on certain types of financial instruments, including trade receivables. For trade receivables and other instruments, entities will be required to use a new forward-looking expected loss model that generally will result in the earlier recognition of allowances for losses. The Company adopted ASU 2016-13 as of January 1, 2023. The cumulative effect of applying the new credit loss standard was not material and, therefore, did not result in an adjustment to retained earnings. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements or related financial statement disclosures. |