Ocuphire Pharma Inc

Nature of Business

Ocuphire Pharma, Inc. (the “Company” or “Ocuphire”) is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing novel therapies for the treatment of unmet needs of patients with retinal and refractive eye disorders. The Company’s headquarters is located in Farmington Hills, Michigan.

The Company’s lead retinal product candidate, APX3330, is a small-molecule inhibitor of Ref-1 (reduction oxidation effector factor-1 protein). Ref-1 is a regulator of transcription factors such as HIF-1α and NF-kB. Inhibiting Ref-1 reduces levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (“VEGF”) and inflammatory cytokines which are known to play key roles in ocular angiogenesis and inflammation. APX3330 is an oral tablet administered once or twice per day in development for the treatment of diabetic retinopathy (“DR”). A Phase 2 study in subjects with DR or diabetic macular edema was completed and results were reported in January 2023. An End-of-Phase 2 (“EOP2”) meeting with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (the “FDA”) was held in October 2023 at which the Company obtained agreement on the registration endpoint supporting the advancement of APX3330 into future clinical trials. Ocuphire submitted a Special Protocol Assessment (“SPA”) to the FDA in February 2024 to seek agreement on the clinical trial protocol and statistical analysis plan.

The Company has also in-licensed APX2009 and APX2014, which are second-generation analogs of APX3330. The unique mechanism of action of this family of Ref-1 inhibitors of reducing angiogenesis and inflammation could potentially be beneficial in treating other retinal diseases such as age-related macular degeneration, geographic atrophy, and non-ophthalmic diseases.

In November 2022, the Company entered into a license and collaboration agreement (the “Viatris License Agreement”) with FamyGen Life Sciences, Inc. (“Famy”) (acquired by Viatris, Inc. (“Viatris”) in January 2023) pursuant to which it granted Viatris an exclusive license to develop, manufacture, import, export and commercialize its refractive product candidate Phentolamine Ophthalmic Solution 0.75%, formerly known as Nyxol (“PS”). PS is a once-daily eye drop formulation of phentolamine mesylate designed to reduce pupil diameter and improve visual acuity. PS was approved by the FDA for the treatment for pharmacologically-induced mydriasis under the brand name RYZUMVI in September 2023. The VEGA-2 Phase 3 study in presbyopia achieved its primary endpoint. PS is currently in Phase 3 clinical trials for presbyopia (age-related blurry near vision). On December 5, 2023, the Company received FDA Agreement Under Special Protocol Assessment for LYNX-2, a Phase 3 Trial of PS for the treatment of decreased Visual Acuity under dim (mesopic) light conditions following keratorefractive surgery.

Reverse Merger with Rexahn

On June 17, 2020, Ocuphire, Rexahn Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (“Rexahn”) and Razor Merger Sub, Inc., a Delaware corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of Rexahn (“Merger Sub”), entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger and Reorganization, as amended on June 29, 2020 (as amended, the “Merger Agreement”), pursuant to which, among other things, and subject to the satisfaction or waiver of certain conditions set forth in the Merger Agreement, Merger Sub merged with and into Ocuphire, with Ocuphire continuing as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Rexahn and the surviving corporation of the merger (the “Merger”). The Merger closed on November 5, 2020. Upon completion of the Merger, Rexahn changed its name to Ocuphire Pharma, Inc. and changed its ticker symbol on the Nasdaq Capital Market (“Nasdaq”) to “OCUP”.

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting standards generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”).

The Company does not have any subsidiaries or other entities that require consolidation for financial statement reporting purposes.

Liquidity

The accompanying financial statements have been prepared on the basis that the Company will continue as a going concern. From its inception, the Company has devoted substantially all of its efforts to drug development and conducting clinical trials.

As of December 31, 2023, the Company had $50.5 million in cash and cash equivalents. The Company believes its current available cash and cash equivalents will be sufficient to fund the Company’s planned expenditures and meet its obligations for at least twelve months from the date of issuance of these financial statements.

In the future, the Company may need to raise additional funds until it is able to generate sufficient revenues to fund its development activities. The Company’s future operating activities, coupled with its plans to raise capital or issue debt financing, may provide additional liquidity in the future, however these actions are not solely within the control of the Company and the Company is unable to predict the outcome of these actions to generate the liquidity ultimately required.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Segment Information

Operating segments are components of an enterprise for which separate financial information is available and is evaluated regularly by the Company’s chief operating decision maker in deciding how to allocate resources and assessing performance. The Company’s chief operating decision maker is its Chief Executive Officer or such person functioning in such role. The Company’s Chief Executive Officer views the Company’s operations and manages its business inone operating segment, which is the business of development of products related to vision performance and health. Accordingly, the Company has a single reporting segment.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of 90 days or less at the time of deposit to be cash equivalents.

Concentration of Credit Risk

Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to a concentration of credit risk consist of cash and cash equivalents. Management follows approved policies established by its Board of Directors to reduce credit risk associated with the Company’s cash deposit and investment accounts. Pursuant to these policies, the Company limits its exposure through the kind, quality and concentration of its investments. The Company’s cash and cash equivalents are held or managed by two financial institutions in the United States. As of December 31, 2023, the Company had cash equivalents of $50.2 million that were not eligible for coverage by Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”). These balances are invested in funds whose assets consist almost entirely of securities issued by the U.S. Treasury or guaranteed by the U.S. government.

Short-term Investments

The Company determines the appropriate classification of its investments in debt and equity securities at the time of purchase and records them on a settlement date basis. The Company’s short-term investments are comprised of equity securities, which in accordance with the fair value hierarchy described below are recorded at fair value using Level l inputs on the balance sheets. Subsequent changes in fair values are recorded in other income (expense), net on the statements of comprehensive (loss) income. The Company classifies investments available to fund current operations as current assets on its balance sheets. The Company didnot recognize any impairments on its investments to date through December 31, 2023.

Revenue Recognition

The Company follows the provisions of Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. The guidance provides a five-step model to determine how revenue is recognized. The Company has entered into license agreements which have revenue recognition implications (See Note 9 – License and Collaboration Agreements).

In determining the appropriate amount of revenue to be recognized, the Company performs the following steps: (i) identification of the contracts with a customer; (ii) determination of the performance obligations in the contract; (iii) measurement of the transaction price, including potential constraints on variable consideration; (iv) allocation of the transaction price to the performance obligations based on estimated stand-alone selling prices; and (v) recognition of revenue when (or as) the Company satisfies a performance obligation.

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. Performance obligations may include license rights, development and other services. Significant management judgment is required to determine the level of effort required under an arrangement and the period over which the Company expects to complete its performance obligations under the arrangement. If the Company cannot reasonably estimate when its performance obligations are either completed or become inconsequential, then revenue recognition is deferred until the Company can reasonably make such estimates. Revenue is then recognized over the remaining estimated period of performance using the cumulative catch-up method.

As part of the accounting for these arrangements, the Company must develop assumptions that require judgment to determine the stand-alone selling price of each performance obligation identified in the contract. The Company uses key assumptions to determine the stand-alone selling price, which may include forecasted revenues, development timelines, reimbursement rates for personnel costs, discount rates and probabilities of technical and regulatory success. The Company allocates the total transaction price to each performance obligation based on the relative standalone selling prices of the promised goods or service underlying each performance obligation.

Licenses of intellectual property and research and development services: If the license to the Company’s intellectual property is determined to be distinct from the other performance obligations identified in the arrangement, the Company recognizes revenues from non-refundable, up-front fees allocated to the license when the license is transferred to the customer, and the customer can use and benefit from the license. For licenses that are bundled with other obligations, such as research and development services, the Company utilizes judgment to assess the nature of the combined performance obligation to determine whether the combined performance obligation is satisfied over time or at a point in time and, if over time, the appropriate method of measuring progress for purposes of recognizing revenue from non-refundable, up-front fees. For research and development services that are distinct from a license transfer obligation, the Company determines whether the services are satisfied over time or at a point in time and, if over time, the appropriate method of measuring progress for purposes of recognizing revenue from such services. The Company evaluates the measure of progress each reporting period and, if necessary, adjusts the measure of performance and related revenue recognition.

Milestone payments: At the inception of each arrangement that includes milestone payments, the Company evaluates whether the milestones are considered probable of being achieved and estimates the amount to be included in the transaction price using the most likely amount method. If it is probable that a significant revenue reversal would not occur, the value of the associated milestone (such as a regulatory submission) is included in the transaction price. Milestone payments that are not within the control of the Company, such as approvals from regulators, are not considered probable of being achieved until such contingency occurs (such as receipt of those approvals).

Royalties: For arrangements that include sales-based royalties, including milestone payments based on the level of sales, and the license is deemed to be the predominant item to which the royalties relate, the Company recognizes revenue at the later of (a) when the related sales occur, or (b) when the performance obligation to which some or all of the royalty has been allocated has been satisfied (or partially satisfied).

Contract Assets and Unbilled Receivables

The Company recognizes contract assets and unbilled receivables when goods or services are transferred to the customer before the customer pays or before reimbursement for payment is billed or due, excluding any amounts presented as an account receivable. The Company recorded contract assetsand unbilled receivablesin connection with a license and collaboration agreement (See Note 9– License and Collaboration Agreements).

Accounts Receivable and Allowances for Credit Losses

The Company records a provision for credit losses, when appropriate, based on historical experience, current conditions and reasonable supportable forecasts. In estimating the allowance for credit losses, the Company considers, among other factors, the estimate of credit losses over the remaining expected life of the asset, primarily using historical experience and current economic conditions that could affect the collectability of the balances in the future. Account balances are charged off against the allowance when the Company believes that it is probable that the receivable will not be recovered. Actual write-offs may be in excess of the Company’s estimated allowance. The Company hasnot incurred any bad debt expense to date andno allowance for credit losses has been recorded during the periods presented.

General and Administrative Expenses

General and administrative expenses consist primarily of personnel-related costs, including salaries, benefits and stock-based compensation costs, for personnel in functions not directly associated with research and development activities. Other significant costs include insurance coverage for directors and officers and other property and liability exposures, legal fees relating to intellectual property and corporate matters, professional fees for accounting and tax services, other services provided by business consultants and legal settlements.

Research and Development

Research and development expenses consist of costs incurred in performing research and development activities, including compensation, benefits and stock-based compensation costs for research and development employees and costs for consultants, costs associated with nonclinical studies and clinical trials, regulatory activities, manufacturing activities to support clinical activities, license fees, nonlegal patent costs, fees paid to external service providers that conduct certain research and development, and an allocation of overhead expenses. Research and development expenses include costs that are reimbursed under the Viatris License Agreement (See Note 9– License and Collaboration Agreements).

Financing costs consist of issuance costs attributed to an equity line financing facility with Lincoln Park (See Note 8 – Stockholders’ Equity).

Interest expenses were attributed to interest on principal related to a short-term loan during the period it was outstanding. The short-term loan was fully repaid in May 2022.

Other income (expense), net includes interest earned from cash and cash equivalent investments, realized and unrealized gains (losses) from equity investments and reimbursements in connection with grants and other sources when they occur. In addition, this line item includes payments made by the Company in connection with the Contingent Value Rights Agreement discussed further below with former Rexahn shareholders.

Stock-Based Compensation

The Company accounts for stock-based compensation in accordance with the provisions of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) ASC 718, Compensation — Stock Compensation. Accordingly, compensation costs related to equity instruments granted are recognized at the grant date fair value. The Company records forfeitures when they occur. Stock-based compensation arrangements to non-employees are accounted for in accordance with the applicable provisions of ASC 718.

Derivative Liability

The Company evaluates all features contained in financing agreements to determine if there are any embedded derivatives that require separation from the underlying agreement under ASC 815 –Derivatives and Hedging. An embedded derivative that requires separation is accounted for as a separate liability from the host agreement. The separated embedded derivative is accounted for separately on a fair market value basis. The Company records the fair value changes of a separated embedded derivative at each reporting period in the statements of comprehensive (loss) income under the fair value change in derivative liability line item. The Company determined that certain features under an equity line financing (See Note 8 — Stockholders’ Equity) collectively qualified as an embedded derivative. The derivative was accounted for separately from the underlying equity line financing agreement.

Fair Value Measurements

The Company follows accounting guidance that emphasizes that fair value is a market-based measurement, not an entity-specific measurement. Fair value is defined as “the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.” Fair value measurements are defined on a three-level hierarchy:

As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the fair values of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, contract assets and unbilled receivables, prepaid and other current assets, accounts payable, and accrued expenses approximated their carrying values because of the short-term nature of these assets or liabilities. The fair value of the short-term investments, while outstanding, were based on observable Level 1 inputs in the form of quoted market prices from a major stock exchange. The fair value of the derivative liability associated with the equity line financing facility (See Note 8 – Stockholders’ Equity) was based on cash flow models discounted at current implied market rates representing expected returns by market participants for similar instruments and are based on Level 3 inputs as well the Company’s underlying stock price and associated volatility, expected term of the financing and market interest rates. The fair value of the warrant liabilities, while outstanding, were based on a Black-Scholes option model using Level 3 inputs. There wereno transfers between fair value hierarchy levels during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.

The fair value of financial instruments measured on a recurring basis is as follows (in thousands):

The following table provides a roll-forward of short-term investments and derivative liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using observable Level 1 and Level 3 inputs, as applicable, for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 (in thousands):

Rexahn Warrants

The fair value of the warrant liabilities associated with the Rexahn warrants was de minimis during the periods presented. The last of the Rexahn warrants classified as liabilities expired in April 2023 unexercised. See Note 2 – Merger for additional background.

There wereno financial instruments measured on a non-recurring basis for any of the periods presented.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In June 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses. The ASU sets forth a current expected credit loss (CECL) model which requires the Company to measure all expected credit losses for financial instruments held at the reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable supportable forecasts. This replaces the existing incurred loss model and is applicable to the measurement of credit losses on financial assets measured at amortized cost and applies to some off-balance sheet credit exposures. The Company adopted this ASU on January 1, 2023 and it did not have a significant impact on its financial statements.

In August 2020, FASB issued ASU 2020-06, Debt—Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20) and Derivatives and Hedging—Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity (Subtopic 815-40): Accounting for Convertible Instruments and Contracts in an Entity’s Own Equity, which, among other things, provides guidance on how to account for contracts on an entity’s own equity. This ​ASU eliminates the beneficial conversion and cash conversion accounting models for convertible instruments. It also amends the accounting for certain contracts in an entity’s own equity that are currently accounted for as derivatives because of specific settlement provisions. In addition, this ASU modifies how particular convertible instruments and certain contracts that may be settled in cash or shares impact the diluted earnings per share computation. The amendments in this ASU are effective for public business entities that meet the definition of an SEC filer, excluding entities eligible to be smaller reporting companies as defined by the SEC, for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021, including interim periods within those fiscal years. For all other entities, the amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company adopted this ASU on January 1, 2023 and the adoption did not have a material impact on its financial statements.

In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-07-Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures, which enhances reportable segment disclosure requirements, primarily through disclosures of significant segment expenses. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, including interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. The guidance must be applied retrospectively to all prior periods presented. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adoption of this guidance on its financial statements.

In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09 Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures, which enhances income tax disclosures primarily related to the rate reconciliation and income taxes paid information. This guidance also includes certain other amendments to improve the effectiveness of income tax disclosures. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024, including interim periods within those fiscal years and should be applied on a prospective basis, with retrospective application permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adoption of this guidance on its financial statements.

On November 5, 2020, the Company completed the Merger transaction with Rexahn. In connection with the Merger, the Company, Shareholder Representatives Services LLC, as representative of the Rexahn stockholders prior to the Merger, and Olde Monmouth Stock Transfer Co., Inc., as the rights agent, entered into a Contingent Value Rights Agreement (the “CVR Agreement”).

Pursuant to the terms of the Merger and the CVR Agreement, Rexahn stockholders of record as of immediately prior to the effective time of the Merger receivedone contingent value right (“CVR”) for each share of Rexahn common stock held.

Each CVR entitles such holders to receive, for each calendar quarter (each, a “CVR Payment Period”) during the 15-year period after the closing (the “CVR Term”), an amount equal to the following:

The CVRs are not transferable, except in certain limited circumstances, will not be certificated or evidenced by any instrument, will not accrue interest and will not be registered with the SEC or listed for trading on any exchange. The CVR Agreement will continue in effect until the later of the end of the CVR Term and the payment of all amounts payable thereunder. As of December 31, 2023, no payments subject to the CVR had been received beyond those previously reported in the second and third quarters of calendar year 2021. In addition, no milestones had been accrued as there wereno potential milestones yet considered probable beyond those previously reported.

Former Rexahn Warrants

Following the closing of the Merger,231,433 outstanding, unexercised Rexahn warrants to purchase common stock remained outstanding, the majority of which were subsequently repurchased according to the terms of the original warrant agreements. As of December 31, 2023,58,597 of the Rexahn warrants remained outstanding with an exercise price of $38.40 per share with an average remaining contractual life of 0.1 years and were accounted for and classified as equity.

On January 21, 2020, the Company entered into a sublicense agreement with Apexian Pharmaceuticals, Inc., pursuant to which it obtained exclusive worldwide patent and other intellectual property rights. In exchange for the patent and other intellectual rights, the Company agreed to certain milestone payments and royalty payments on future sales (See Note 7 — Apexian Sublicense Agreement). As of December 31, 2023, there was sufficient uncertainty with regard to any future cash milestone payments under the sublicense agreement that no liabilities were recorded related to the sublicense agreement.

Facility Leases

The Company has a short-term, non-cancellable facility lease (the “HQ Lease”) for its headquarters. The HQ Lease qualified for the short-term lease exception under ASC 842, Leases. The monthly base rent for the HQ Lease is approximately $3,000. The rent expense associated with the HQ Lease amounted to $36,000 and $39,000 during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The total remaining expected rental payments under the HQ Lease amount to $36,000 through its current expiration date of December 31, 2024.

Other

In the ordinary course of business, from time to time, the Company may be subject to a broad range of claims and legal proceedings that relate to contractual allegations, patent infringement and other claims. In addition, the Company from time to time may be potentially committed to reimburse third parties for costs incurred associated with business development related transactions upon the achievement of certain milestones. The Company establishes accruals when applicable for matters and commitments which it believes losses are probable and can be reasonably estimated. To date, no loss contingency for such matters and potential commitments have been recorded. Although it is not possible to predict with certainty the outcome of these matters or potential commitments, the Company is of the opinion that the ultimate resolution of these matters and potential commitments will not have a material adverse effect on its results of operations or financial position.

Prepaid and Other Current Assets

Prepaid and other current assets consist of the following (in thousands):

Property and Equipment, net

Property and equipment held for use by category are presented in the following table (in thousands):

Depreciation expense was $6,000 and 4,000 during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

Accrued Expenses

Short-Term Loan

The Company entered into an unsecured short-term loan (the “Loan”) agreement in the amount of $0.6 million in November 2021 related to financing an insurance policy. The Loan was payable insix monthly installments of $108,000 beginning in December 2021. The Loan had an annual interest rate of 5.5% per annum. Interest expense in the amount of $9,000 was recognized in connection with the Loan during the year ended December 31, 2022. The final payment on the Loan was made in May 2022.

On April 8, 2022, Ocuphire entered into a consulting agreement for medical advisory services with Jay Pepose, a director of the Company. The consulting agreement provided for $10,000 a month in cash payments, effective as of April 1, 2022. Additionally, on April 8, 2022, in connection with the consulting arrangement, Dr. Pepose received a stock option grant for 50,000 options, of which 25% vested on March 31, 2023, with the remainder vesting in equal monthly installments over 36 months. The consulting agreement was amended on September 19, 2022 to provide for vesting acceleration for stock-based awards in the event of a change in control. The consulting agreement was also amended effective December 1, 2022 to increase the cash payment to $25,000 per month.

The Company incurred related consulting expenses of $300,000 and $105,000 during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, $25,000 and $25,000 of the related consulting expenses were unpaid, respectively.

On April 19, 2023, Ocuphire appointed Richard Rodgers, a director of the Company, as interim President and Chief Executive Officer. In connection with his appointment, Ocuphire and Mr. Rodgers entered into a letter agreement concerning Mr. Rodgers’s services (the “Letter Agreement”). The Letter Agreement provided that Mr. Rodgers (i) was to receive a $40,000 monthly salary, and (ii) is eligible for a potential prorated bonus at the discretion of Ocuphire’s Board of Directors, at the end of his term as interim President and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Rodgers also received 50,000 restricted stock units under the Company’s 2020 Equity Incentive Plan which will vest 12 months following the grant date. The Company incurred related expenses of $255,000 during the year ended December 31, 2023. As of December 31, 2023, $100,000 of the related expenses were unpaid related to a prorated bonus.

Stock-based compensation expense was included in general and administrative and research and development costs as follows in the accompanying statements of comprehensive (loss) income for the periods indicated below (in thousands):

Inducement Plan

On February 22, 2021, the Company adopted the Ocuphire Pharma, Inc. 2021 Inducement Plan (the “Inducement Plan”) which was amended on November 1, 2023, pursuant to which the Company reserved 2,325,258 shares of its common stock to be used exclusively for grants of awards to individuals who were not previously employees or directors of the Company, as an inducement material to the individual’s entry into employment with the Company within the meaning of Rule 5635(c)(4) of the Nasdaq Listing Rules.

2020 Equity Incentive Plan

In November 2020, the stockholders of the Company approved the 2020 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2020 Plan”) for stock-based awards. Under the 2020 Plan, (i)1,000,000 new shares of common stock were reserved for issuance and (ii) up to 70,325 additional shares of common stock may be issued, consisting of (A) shares that remain available for the issuance of awards under prior equity plans and (B) shares of common stock subject to outstanding stock options or other awards covered by prior equity plans that have been cancelled or expire on or after the date that the 2020 Plan became effective. Under the 2020 Plan, the shares reserved automatically increase on January 1 of each year, for a period of not more thanten years from the date the 2020 Plan is approved by the stockholders of the Company, commencing on January 1, 2021 and ending on (and including) January 1, 2030, by an amount equal to 5% of the shares of common stock outstanding as of December 31st of the preceding calendar year. The 2020 Plan permits the grant of incentive and nonstatutory stock options, appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance stock and cash awards, and other stock-based awards.

2018 Equity Incentive Plan

Prior to the 2020 Plan, the Company had adopted a 2018 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2018 Plan”) in April 2018 under which 1,175,000 shares of the Company’s common stock were reserved for issuance to employees, directors and consultants. Upon the effective date of the 2020 Plan, no additional shares were available for issuance under the 2018 Plan.

Stock Options

During the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022,1,768,116 and 893,305 stock options were granted to officers, directors, employees and consultants, respectively, generally vesting over a five (5) to forty-eight (48) month period. The Company recognized $2.5 million and $1.7 million in stock-based compensation expense related to stock options during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Stock-based compensation expense during the year ended December 31, 2023 included a one-time charge of $0.4 million attributed to the modification of the Company’s former Chief Executive Officer’s stock options with respect to their exercisability provisions.

During the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022,27,469 and 24,309 stock options were exercised, respectively, with an intrinsic value of $70,000 and $59,000, respectively. The following table summarizes the Company’s stock option plan activity:

The weighted average fair value per share of options granted during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 was $2.53 and $2.06, respectively. The Company measures the fair value of stock options with service-based vesting criteria to employees, directors and consultants on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The Company does not have adequate history to support an internal calculation of volatility and expected term. As such, the Company has used a weighted average volatility considering the volatilities of several guideline companies.

For purposes of identifying similar entities (guideline companies), the Company considered characteristics such as industry, length of trading history, and stage of life cycle. The average expected life of the options was based on the contractual term for agreements that allow for exercise of vested options through the end of the contractual term upon termination of continuous service, and for all other agreements, was based on the mid‑point between the vesting date and the end of the contractual term according to the “simplified method” as described in Staff Accounting Bulletin 110. The risk‑free interest rate is determined by reference to implied yields available from U.S. Treasury securities with a remaining term equal to the expected life assumed at the date of grant. The Company records forfeitures when they occur. The assumed dividend yield was based on the Company’s expectation of not paying dividends in the foreseeable future.

The weighted average assumptions used in the Black-Scholes option pricing model are as follows during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022:

During the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022,834,818 and 488,621 stock options vested, respectively. The weighted average fair value per share of options vesting during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 was $2.41 and $3.29, respectively. During the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022,266,433 and 29,788 stock options were forfeited, respectively.

Restricted Stock Units

During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company granted an aggregate of 936,156 restricted stock units (“RSUs”), respectively, to certain officers and employees under the 2020 Plan. The weighted average grant date per unit fair value of the RSUs granted during the year ended December 31, 2023 was $3.37. The vesting period of the RSUs range from asix month tofour year period with vesting tranches on a quarterly, semi-annual and annual basis, subject to the recipient’s continued service on such dates. There wereno RSUs granted during the year ended December 31, 2022.

During the year ended December 31, 2023,33,614 RSUs vested and 100,842 RSUs were forfeited, attributed solely to the departure of the Company’s former Chief Executive Officer. The total expense for the year ended December 31, 2023 related to the RSUs was $0.7 million.

A summary of RSU activity is as follows for the year ended December 31, 2023:

Common Stock Issued for Services

The Company granted common stock for services in the amount of 72,986 and 74,396 shares of common stock during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, with a weighted grant date fair value of $3.77 and $2.04 per share, respectively, to board members during those periods, respectively, who elected to receive their board retainers in the form of stock for services. The stock-based compensation related to these services amounted to $275,000 and $154,000 during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

General

Unrecognized stock-based compensation cost was $6.4 million as of December 31, 2023. The unrecognized stock-based compensation cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.8 years. As of December 31, 2023,1,528,003 shares in the aggregate were available for future issuance under the 2020 Plan and Inducement Plan.

On January 21, 2020, the Company entered into a sublicense agreement (as amended on June 4, 2020, the “Apexian Sublicense Agreement”) with Apexian, pursuant to which it obtained exclusive worldwide patent and other intellectual property rights that constitute a Ref-1 Inhibitor program relating to therapeutic applications to treat disorders related to ophthalmic and diabetes mellitus conditions. The lead compound in the Ref-1 Inhibitor program is APX3330, which the Company intends to develop as an oral tablet therapeutic to treat diabetic retinopathy initially, and potentially later to treat diabetic macular edema, geographic atrophy and age-related macular degeneration. In connection with the Apexian Sublicense Agreement, the Company issued a total of 891,422 shares of its common stock to Apexian and to certain affiliates of Apexian in calendar year 2020. As a result of the common stock issued pursuant to the Apexian Sublicense Agreement, Apexian is considered by Ocuphire to be a related party.

The Company also agreed to make one-time milestone payments under the Apexian Sublicense Agreement for each of the first ophthalmic indication and the first diabetes mellitus indication for the development and regulatory milestones, and once for each of several sales milestones. These milestone payments include (i) payments for specified developmental and regulatory milestones (including completion of the first Phase 2 trial and the first Phase 3 pivotal trial in the United States, and filing and achieving regulatory approval from the FDA for the first New Drug Application for a compound) totaling up to $11 million in the aggregate and (ii) payments for specified sales milestones of up to $20 million in the aggregate, which net sales milestone payments are payable once, upon the first achievement of such milestone. Lastly, the Company also agreed to make a royalty payment equal to a single-digit percentage of its net sales of products associated with the covered patents under the Apexian Sublicense Agreement. If it is not terminated pursuant to its terms, the Apexian Sublicense Agreement shall remain in effect until expiration of the last to expire of the covered patents.

None of the milestone or royalty payments, were triggered or deemed probable as of December 31, 2023.

Lincoln Park Purchase Agreement

On August 10, 2023, the Company entered into a common stock purchase agreement with Lincoln Park Capital Fund, LLC (“Lincoln Park”) for an equity line financing (the “Purchase Agreement”). The Purchase Agreement provides that, subject to the terms and conditions set forth therein, the Company has the sole right, but not the obligation, to direct Lincoln Park to purchase up to $50 million of shares of the Company’s common stock from time to time over the 30-month term of the Purchase Agreement. Concurrently with entering into the Purchase Agreement, the Company also entered into a registration rights agreement with Lincoln Park (the “Registration Rights Agreement”), pursuant to which the Company agreed to register the resale of the shares of the Company’s common stock that have been and may be issued to Lincoln Park under the Purchase Agreement pursuant to a registration statement. Upon the execution of the Purchase Agreement, the Company issued 246,792 shares of the Company’s common stock to Lincoln Park with a fair value of $1.0 million as consideration for its commitment to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock under the Purchase Agreement which was recorded as a component of financing costs in the accompanying statements of comprehensive (loss) income during the year ended December 31, 2023. Lincoln Park has agreed not to cause or engage in any manner whatsoever in any direct or indirect short selling or hedging of the Company’s common stock.

In addition to the commitment shares referenced above, a total of 1,300,000 shares of the Company’s common stock were sold under the Purchase Agreement for net proceeds through December 31, 2023 in the amount of $4.5 million. Lastly, the Company incurred issuance costs of $152,000, consisting of investor expense reimbursement and legal costs, during the year ended December 31, 2023 which were recorded as a component of financing costs in the accompanying statements of comprehensive (loss) income during the year ended December 31, 2023. No shares of the Company’s common stock were sold under the Purchase Agreement prior to the third quarter of 2023.

Under the Purchase Agreement on any business day selected by the Company, the Company may direct Lincoln Park to purchase up to 50,000 shares of its common stock on such business day (or the purchase date) (a “Regular Purchase”), provided that the closing sale price of the Company’s common stock on Nasdaq on the applicable purchase date is not below $0.25 and subject to other adjustments. A Regular Purchase may be increased to up to (i)60,000 shares if the closing sale price of the Company’s common stock on Nasdaq is not below $5.00 on the applicable purchase date and (ii)70,000 shares if the closing sale price of the Company’s common stock on Nasdaq is not below $7.50 on the applicable purchase date. The Company may direct Lincoln Park to purchase shares in Regular Purchases as often as every business day. The purchase price per share for each such Regular Purchase will be equal to the lesser of:

In addition, the Company may also direct Lincoln Park, on any business day on which the Company has submitted a Regular Purchase notice for the maximum amount allowed for such Regular Purchase, to purchase an additional amount of the Company’s common stock (an “Accelerated Purchase”) of up to the lesser of:

The purchase price per share for each such Accelerated Purchase will be equal to 96.5% of the lower of:

The Company may also direct Lincoln Park, on any business day on which an Accelerated Purchase has been completed and all of the shares to be purchased thereunder have been delivered to Lincoln Park in accordance with the Purchase Agreement, to purchase an additional amount of the Company’s common stock (an “Additional Accelerated Purchase”) as described in the Purchase Agreement.

The pricing and settlement provisions in the Purchase Agreement result in the recognition of a derivative liability accounted for on a fair value basis under the provisions of ASC 815 -Derivatives and Hedging. A Monte Carlo simulation model was used to estimate future stock pricing and purchase activity to determine the fair value of the derivative liability as of the August 10, 2023 commencement date and again as of December 31, 2023. As of August 10, 2023 and December 31, 2023, the inputs used to determine fair value of the derivative liability included the Company’s Nasdaq closing stock price of $4.14 and $3.01 per share, respectively, a stock volatility rate of 82.5% and 77.5%, respectively, an expected term of 2.5 years and 2.1 years, respectively, and a risk-free interest rate of 4.6% and 4.2%, respectively. Lastly, the fair value of the derivative liability took into account future purchase decisions based on economic considerations and relevant stock issuance rules/limitations. The fair value change in the derivative liability was recorded in the fair value change in derivative liabilities line item in the accompanying statements of comprehensive (loss) income during the year ended December 31, 2023.

At-The-Market Program

On February 4, 2021, Ocuphire filed a Form S-3 shelf registration under the Securities Act of 1933 which was declared effective by the SEC on February 12, 2021 (the “2021 Shelf”) under which the Company may offer and sell, from time to time in its sole discretion, securities having an aggregate offering price of up to $125 million. In connection with the 2021 Shelf, on March 11, 2021, Ocuphire entered into a sales agreement with JonesTrading Institutional Services LLC (“JonesTrading”) under which the Company may offer and sell, from time to time at its sole discretion, to or through JonesTrading, acting as agent and/or principal, shares of its common stock having an aggregate offering price of up to $40 million (the “2021 ATM”). During the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022,1,417,446 and 1,848,980 shares of common stock were sold under the ATM for aggregate gross proceeds in the amount of $4.7 million and $4.4 million, respectively, before deducting issuance expenses, including the placement agent’s fees, legal and accounting expenses, in the amount of $136,000 and $133,000, respectively. See Note 13 – Subsequent Events.

Registered Direct Offering

On June 4, 2021, the Company entered into a placement agency agreement for a registered direct offering (“RDO”) with A.G.P./Alliance Global Partners (“AGP”). Pursuant to the terms of the placement agency agreement, AGP on June 8, 2021 sold an aggregate of 3,076,923 shares of the Company’s common stock and warrants to purchase 1,538,461 shares of the Company’s common stock (the “RDO Warrants”) at an offering price of $4.875 per one share and 0.50 RDO Warrants, for gross proceeds of approximately $15.0 million, before AGP’s fees and related offering expenses in the amount of approximately $1.1 million. The proceeds were allocated between the relative fair values of common stock and warrants at the sale date. The purchase agreement contains customary representations, warranties and agreements by the Company, customary conditions to closing, indemnification obligations of the Company, other obligations of the parties and termination provisions. The RDO was made pursuant to the Company’s 2021 shelf registration.

The RDO Warrants have an exercise price of $6.09 per share, are exercisable from the initial issuance date of June 8, 2021, and will expire five years following the initial issuance date. As of December 31, 2023,1,538,461 RDO Warrants were outstanding.

Subject to limited exceptions, a holder of a RDO Warrant will not have the right to exercise any portion of its RDO Warrants if the holder, together with its affiliates, would beneficially own in excess of 4.99% (or, at the election of a holder prior to the date of issuance,9.99%) of the number of shares of the Company’s common stock outstanding immediately after giving effect to such exercise; provided, however, that upon prior notice to the Company, the holder may increase or decrease the beneficial ownership limitation, provided further that in no event shall the beneficial ownership limitation exceed 9.99%.

Pre-Merger Financing

On June 17, 2020, Ocuphire, Rexahn and certain investors entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement, which was amended and restated in its entirety on June 29, 2020 (as amended and restated, the “Securities Purchase Agreement”). Pursuant to the Securities Purchase Agreement, the investors invested a total of $21.15 million in cash, including $300,000 invested byfive directors of Ocuphire Pharma, Inc., prior to the Merger andone director of Rexahn upon closing of the Merger (the “Pre-Merger Financing”). The Pre-Merger Financing also included the issuance of Series A Warrants and Series B Warrants discussed further below.

Series A Warrants

The Series A Warrants were issued on November 19, 2020 at an initial exercise price of $4.4795 per share, were immediately exercisable upon issuance and have a term offive years from the date of issuance. The Series A Warrants are exercisable for 5,665,838 shares of common stock in the aggregate (without giving effect to any limitation on exercise contained therein) and were outstanding as of December 31, 2023. The Series A Warrants were accounted for and classified as equity on the accompanying balance sheets.

Series B Warrants

The Series B Warrants had an exercise price of $0.0001, were exercisable upon issuance and would have expired on the day following the later to occur of (i) the Reservation Date (as defined therein) or (ii) the date on which the investor’s Series B Warrants would have been exercised in full (without giving effect to any limitation on exercise contained therein). None of the Series B Warrants were outstanding as of December 31, 2023. During the year ended December 31, 2023 and 2022,17,869 and 60,832 warrants were exercised for shares of common stock, respectively. The Series B Warrants were accounted for and classified as equity on the accompanying balance sheets while outstanding.

9. License and Collaboration Agreements

Viatris License Agreement

On November 6, 2022, the Company entered into the Viatris License Agreement, pursuant to which it granted Viatris (as successor to Famy) an exclusive, perpetual, sub-licensable license to develop, manufacture, import, export and commercialize (i) PS, for treating (a) reversal of mydriasis, (b) night vision disturbances or dim light vision, and (c) presbyopia, and (ii) PS and low dose pilocarpine for treating presbyopia (together, the “PS Products”) worldwide except for certain countries and jurisdictions in Asia (the “Viatris Territory”). The Company retains the exclusive right to develop, manufacture, have manufactured, import, export and commercialize the PS Products outside of the Viatris Territory.

Under the terms of the Viatris License Agreement, the Company in partnership with Viatris, will develop the PS Products in the United States. Viatris will reimburse the Company for budgeted costs related to the development of the PS Products through FDA approval. Viatris will be responsible for developing the PS Products in countries and jurisdictions in the Viatris Territory outside of the United States. The parties established a joint steering committee, which oversees and makes decisions regarding the development of the PS Products. The committee is composed of an equal number of representatives of Viatris and Ocuphire. Viatris will commercialize the PS Products in the Viatris Territory for each indication that receives regulatory approval.

Pursuant to the Viatris License Agreement, the Company received a one-time non-refundable cash payment of $35 million in November 2022 for the exclusive, perpetual, sub-licensable license to develop, manufacture, import, export and commercialize the PS Products in the Viatris Territory. In addition, with respect to the PS Products, the Company will be eligible to receive potential additional payments of up to $130 million in the aggregate upon achieving certain specified regulatory or net sales milestones, with the first milestone payment of $10 million to be made following approval by the FDA of PS, for reversal of mydriasis which occurred during the third quarter of 2023. The Company will also receive tiered royalties, starting at low double-digit royalties up to low 20% royalties, based on the aggregate annual net sales of all PS Products in the United States, and will receive low double-digit royalties based on all annual net sales in the Viatris Territory outside of the United States. The royalty payments will continue on a country-by-country basis from the date of the first commercial sale of the first PS Product in a country of the Viatris Territory until December 31, 2040.

Either party may terminate the Viatris License Agreement upon written notice in the case of the other party’s material breach (subject to applicable cure periods) or if the other party becomes subject to an insolvency event. In addition, the Company may terminate the agreement in its entirety if Viatris or its affiliates commences an action challenging the validity, enforceability or scope of any of Ocuphire’s patents that are exclusively licensed under the Viatris License Agreement. Additionally, if Viatris determines not to pursue development or commercialization of a PS Product in a country or jurisdiction in the Viatris Territory, Viatris may terminate the license with respect to such PS Product in such country or jurisdiction.

Both Ocuphire and Viatris have agreed to indemnify the other party against certain losses and expenses relating to any breach of the indemnifying party’s obligations, representations, warranties or covenants under the Viatris License Agreement.

The Viatris License Agreement was accounted for under the provisions of ASC 606. In accordance with the provisions under ASC 606, the Company identifiedtwo distinct performance obligations at the effective date:(1) the license to its intellectual property (“license transfer”) and (2) research and development services.

The aggregate transaction price associated with the Viatris License Agreement, as adjusted for variable consideration subsequent to December 31, 2022, was $40.0 million which comprised the initial license transfer fee of $35.0 million and the $5.0 million payment anticipated under the research and development services that were not subject to cancellation. The transaction price was allocated between performance obligations based on their relative standalone selling price (“SSP”). The performance obligations for research and development services through the non-cancellation period were fully met by the Company as of the first quarter of 2023.

The SSP for the license transfer and for the research and development services was determined to be $287.8 million and $5.0 million, respectively. The SSP for the license tran sfer was determined based on adiscounted royalty cash flow approach, taking into consideration assumptions, including projected worldwide net profit for each of the respective programs based on probability assessments, projections based on internal forecasts, industry data, and information from other guideline companies within the same industry and other relevant factors. The SSP for the research and development services was determined using a cost-plus margin approach, based on anticipated expenditure outlays within the first 120-day non-cancellation window. On a relative SSP basis, $39.3 million and $0.7 million of the transaction price was allocated to the license transfer and to the research and development services obligations, respectively.

The Company determined that the licenses transferred represented functional intellectual property. As such, the revenue related to the licenses was recognized at the point in time in which the license/know-how was delivered to Viatris which occurred during the fourth quarter of 2022. The Company determined that revenue related to the research and development services constrained to the 120-day non-cancellation period was to be recognized over time as the services are rendered based on an estimated percentage of completion input model.

Recognition of Revenue

On September 25, 2023, the Company met the $10 million milestone payment requirements attributed to the FDA’s approval of PS, for reversal of mydriasis and included the milestone in the revenue recognized during the year ended December 31, 2023. The $10 million milestone payment was previously constrained by the Company with regard to its inclusion in the initial aggregate transaction price associated with the Viatris License Agreement. During the year ended December 31, 2022, the licenses transferred to Viatris represented functional intellectual property. As such, the revenue related to the licenses was recognized at the point in time in which the license/know-how was delivered to Famy which occurred during the fourth quarter of 2022. The Company determined that revenue related to the research and development services was to be recognized over time as the services are rendered based on an estimated percentage of completion input model.

Revenue recognized under the Viatris License Agreement during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 was $19.0 million and $39.8 million, respectively.

Regulatory Milestones under the Viatris License Agreement

The Company has evaluated the regulatory milestones that may be received in connection with the Viatris License Agreement. There is uncertainty that the events to obtain the remaining regulatory milestones (aside from the approval by the FDA of PS, for reversal of mydriasis) will be achieved given the nature of clinical development and the stage of the development of the PS Products. These remaining regulatory milestones will be constrained until it is probable that a significant revenue reversal will not occur.

Sales Milestone and Royalty Payments

Sales milestones and royalties relate predominantly to a license of intellectual property granted to Viatris and are determined by sales or usage-based thresholds. The sales milestones and royalties are accounted for under the royalty recognition constraint and will be accounted for as constrained variable consideration. The Company applies the royalty recognition constraint for each commercial milestone and will not recognize revenue for each until the subsequent sale of a licensed product (achievement of each) occurs.

Each of the remaining regulatory and sales milestone performance obligations (aside from the $10 million milestone payment related to the FDA’s approval of PS, for reversal of mydriasis) and the royalty payments were fully constrained as of December 31, 2023 andno revenue was recognized.

A reconciliation of the closing balance of the contract assets and unbilled receivables associated with the Viatris License Agreement is as follows as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 (in thousands):

The remaining amounts in contract assets and unbilled receivables as of December 31, 2023 attributed to the research and development services are expected to be settled during the first quarter of 2024.

BioSense License and Assignment Agreement

On March 10, 2020, prior to the Merger, Rexahn entered into an amendment to its collaboration and license agreement, (as amended, the “BioSense License and Assignment Agreement”) with BioSense to advance the development and commercialization of RX-3117 for all human uses in the Republic of Singapore, China, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan (the “BioSense Territory”). Under the terms of the BioSense License and Assignment Agreement, the Company (i) granted BioSense an exclusive license to develop and commercialize pharmaceutical products containing RX-3117 as a single agent for all human uses in the BioSense Territory and (ii) assigned and transferred all of the former Rexahn patents and patent applications related to RX-3117 in the BioSense Territory. The upfront payment consisted of an aggregate of $1,650,000, of which $1,550,000 was paid to Rexahn prior to the Merger and the remaining $100,000 during calendar year 2021.

Under the BioSense License and Assignment Agreement, the Company is eligible to receive additional milestone payments in an aggregate of up to $84,500,000 upon the achievement of development, regulatory and commercial goals and will also be eligible to receive tiered royalties at low double-digit rates on annual net sales in the BioSense Territory. The Company determined that none of the milestone payments under the BioSense License and Assignment Agreement were probable of payment as of December 31, 2023, and as a result, no revenue related to the milestones was recognized as the achievement of events entitling the Company to any milestone payments were highly susceptible to factors outside of the Company’s control. Future sales-based royalties related to the exclusive license to develop RX-3117 will be recognized in the period the underlying sales transaction occurs.

Payments received under the BioSense License and Assignment Agreement are subject to the CVR Agreement described in Note 2 – Merger.

Processa License Agreement

On June 16, 2021, the Company entered into a license agreement (the “Processa License Agreement”) with Processa Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (“Processa”), pursuant to which the Company has agreed to grant Processa an exclusive license to develop, manufacture and commercialize RX-3117 globally, excluding the BioSense Territory.

Processa will make future payments to the Company upon the achievement of certain development and regulatory milestones, which primarily consist of dosing a patient in pivotal trials or having a drug indication approved by a regulatory authority in the United States or another country. In addition, Processa will pay the Company mid-single-digit percentage royalties based on annual sales under the license and will makeone-time sales milestone payments based on the achievement during a calendar year of certain thresholds for annual sales. Processa is also required to give the Company 32% of any milestone payments received based on any sub-license agreement Processa may enter into with respect to the Processa License Agreement.The Company determined that none of the milestone payments under the Processa License Agreement were probable of payment as of December 31, 2023, and as a result, no revenue related to the milestones was recognized, as the achievement of events entitling the Company to any milestone payments were highly susceptible to factors outside of the Company’s control.

Processa is required to use commercially reasonable efforts, at its sole cost and expense, to conduct development activities inone or more countries, including meeting specific diligence milestones that consist of: (i) first patient administered drug in a clinical trial of a licensed product prior to the three (3) year anniversary of the effective date; and (ii) first patient administered drug in a pivotal clinical trial of a licensed product or first patient administered drug in a clinical trial for a second indication of a licensed product prior to the five (5) year anniversary of the effective date. Either party may terminate the agreement in the event of a material breach of the agreement that has not been cured following written notice and a 120-day opportunity to cure such breach, and Processa may terminate the agreement for any reason upon 120 days prior written notice to Ocuphire.

Future payments received under the Processa License Agreement will be subject to the CVR Agreement described in Note 2 – Merger.

Basic (loss) income per share of common stock is computed by dividing net (loss) income by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings or loss per share of common stock is computed similarly to basic loss or earnings per share except the weighted average shares outstanding are increased to include additional shares from the assumed exercise of any common stock equivalents, if dilutive. The Company’s warrants, stock options and RSUs, while outstanding, are considered common stock equivalents for this purpose. Diluted earnings is computed utilizing the treasury method for the warrants, stock options and RSUs. Incremental common stock equivalents that were antidilutive were excluded in calculating diluted income per share. For the year ended December 31, 2023, no common stock equivalents were included in the diluted loss per share because such inclusion would be anti-dilutive given the net loss reported for the prior year period.

The following table presents the computation of weighted average common shares considered in the computation of diluted net (loss) income per share:

The following potential common shares were not considered in the computation of diluted net (loss)incomeper share as their effect would have been anti-dilutive for the year end periods presented below:

The effective tax rate for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 was 0.1 percent and 1.7 percent , respectively.

A reconciliation of income tax computed at the statutory federal income tax rate to the provision (benefit) for income taxes included in the accompanying statements of comprehensive (loss) income is as follows for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022:

The components of income tax provision (benefit) consisted of the following for the years ended December 31,2023 and 2022 (in thousands):

Significant components of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities are summarized in the tables below as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 (in thousands):

As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company had gross deferred tax assets of approximately $20.1 million and $18.4 million, respectively. Realization of the deferred tax assets is primarily dependent upon future taxable income, if any, the amount and timing of which are uncertain. The Company has cumulative pre‑tax losses and faces significant challenges to becoming profitable in the future. Accordingly, the net deferred tax assets have been fully offset by a valuation allowance of $20.1 million and $17.8 million as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. U.S. net deferred tax assets will continue to require a valuation allowance until the Company can demonstrate their realizability through sustained profitability or another source of income.

As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the tax effect of the Company’s federal net operating loss carryforwards was approximately $10.6 million and $10.9 million, respectively. The Company had federal research credit carryforwards as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 of approximately $1.1 million and $0.7 million, respectively. The federal net operating loss carryforwards will not expire and the tax credit carryforwards will begin to expire in 2041 if not utilized. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company had state net operating loss carryforwards with a tax effect of approximately $2.1 million and $2.2 million, respectively. The Company didnot have any state research credit carryforwards as of December 31, 2023 and 2022. The state net operating loss carryforwards will begin to expire in 2028.

During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company utilized federal and state net operating tax carryforwards with a tax effect in the amount of $0.2 million and $0.1 million, respectively, to offset taxable income. In addition, the Company also utilized its federal research credit carryforwards in the amount of $26,000 to partially offset its tax liability for the year ended December 31, 2023.

During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company utilized federal and state net operating tax carryforwards with a tax effect in the amount of $4.8 million and $1.4 million, respectively, to offset taxable income. In addition, the Company also utilized its federal research credit carryforwards in the amount of $0.9 million to partially offset its tax liability for the year ended December 31, 2022.

Utilization of the net operating loss carryforwards and credits may be subject to a substantial annual limitation due to the ownership change limitations provided by Section 382 and Section 383 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and similar state provisions. Generally, in addition to certain entity reorganizations, the limitation applies when one or more “5-percent shareholders” increase their ownership, in the aggregate, by more than 50 percentage points over a 3 year testing period, or beginning the day after the most recent ownership change, if shorter. The annual limitation may result in the expiration of net operating losses and credits before utilization. As a result of the Merger, the Company recorded deferred tax assets of $10.3 million relating to net operating loss carryforwards which were fully offset by a valuation allowance. The $10.3 million net deferred tax assets recorded in relation to the Merger did not include federal and state net operating loss carryforwards that were estimated to expire under Internal Revenue Code Sections 382 as a result of the Merger. The Company has not yet evaluated the impact of Section 382 and Section 383 on its remaining tax attributes that were generated by Ocuphire since the formation of the Company in 2018.

The Company recognizes interest and/or penalties related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense. In accordance with ASC 740, Income Taxes, specifically related to uncertain tax positions, a Company is required to use a recognition threshold and a measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. For those benefits to be recognized, a tax position must be more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by taxing authorities. The Company believes its income tax filing positions and deductions will be sustained upon examination, and accordingly, no reserves or related accruals for interest and penalties have been recorded at December 31, 2023 and 2022.

The Company’s corporate returns are subject to examination beginning with the 2019 tax year for federal income tax purposes and 2018 for state income tax purposes.

Effective October 1, 2021, the Company began offering a 401(k) plan (“401K Plan”) to its employees. All employees are eligible to participate in the 401K Plan. The Company makes matching contributions equal to 100% on the first 3% of compensation that is deferred as an elective deferral and an additional 50% on the next 2% of compensation. The Company’s matching contributions are made on a monthly basis. During the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company contributed $99,000 and $76,000 to the 401K Plan, respectively.

Under the 2020 Plan, the shares reserved automatically increase on January 1 of each year, for a period of not more thanten years from the date the 2020 Plan is approved by the stockholders of the Company, commencing on January 1, 2021 and ending on (and including) January 1, 2030, by an amount equal to 5% of the shares of common stock outstanding as of December 31 of the preceding calendar year. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Board of Directors may act prior to January 1 of a given year to provide that there will be no January 1 increase in the share reserve for such year or that the increase in the share reserve for such year will be a lesser number of shares of common stock than would otherwise occur pursuant to the preceding sentence. On January 1, 2024,1,198,875 shares were added to the 2020 Plan as a result of the evergreen provision.

On February 12, 2024, the Company issued a total of 435,000 stock options and 215,000 restricted stock units under the Inducement Plan to its newly appointed Chief Financial and Chief Scientific and Development Officers. The option awards have an exercise price of $2.66 per share. The options vest over a period offour years, with 25% vesting one year after the date of grant and the remaining 75% vesting in equal quarterly installments thereafter, and the RSUs vest infour equal installments on the first, second, third and fourth anniversary of the grant date of February 12, 2024

On January 10, 2024, the Company filed a Form S-3 shelf registration under the Securities Act which was declared effective by the SEC on January 23, 2024 under which the Company may offer and sell, from time to time in its sole discretion, securities having an aggregate offering price up to $175 million.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.