AgeX Therapeutics Inc

1. Organization, Basis of Presentation and Liquidity

AgeX Therapeutics, Inc. (“AgeX,” “we,” “our,” or “us”) was incorporated in January 2017 in the state of Delaware. AgeX is a biotechnology company focused on the development and commercialization of novel therapeutics targeting human aging and degenerative diseases. AgeX’s mission is to apply its comprehensive experience in fundamental biological processes of human aging to a broad range of age-associated medical conditions.

AgeX’s proprietary technology, based on telomerase-mediated cellular immortality and regenerative biology, allows AgeX to utilize telomerase-expressing regenerative pluripotent stem cells (“PSCs”) for the manufacture of cell-based therapies to regenerate tissues afflicted with age-related chronic degenerative disease. AgeX’s main technology platforms and product candidates are as follows:

AgeX is an “emerging growth company” as defined in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012.

Reverse Stock Split

On March 14, 2024 AgeX effected a reverse stock split of its common stock at a ratio of 1 for 35.17 (the “Reverse Stock Split”) resulting in approximately 2,500,000 shares of AgeX common stock being outstanding immediately upon the Reverse Stock Split. Except for the number of authorized but unissued shares of AgeX common stock, and except as may be otherwise stated in these notes to financial statements, numbers of shares of AgeX common stock issued and outstanding, or issuable upon the exercise of options or warrants or upon conversion of convertible indebtedness, and AgeX common stock prices, shown in the consolidated financial statements and these notes thereto have been retroactively adjusted to reflect the effect of the Reverse Stock Split. See Note 11,Subsequent Events.

Merger Agreement and Certain Transactions with Serina Therapeutics, Inc.

During March 2023, AgeX borrowed $10,000,000 from Juvenescence Limited (“Juvenescence”) under the terms of a Secured Convertible Promissory Note (the “2023 Secured Note”) and used the loan proceeds to make a $10,000,000 loan to Serina Therapeutics, Inc. (“Serina”) under the terms of a Convertible Promissory Note to Serina (the “Serina Note”), in order to provide Serina with financing in advance of corporate restructuring plans that include a merger through which AgeX would acquire Serina.

On August 29, 2023, AgeX entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger and Reorganization (the “Merger Agreement”) with Serina Therapeutics, Inc. (“Serina”), and Canaria Transaction Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of AgeX (“Merger Sub”). Upon the terms and subject to the satisfaction of the conditions described in the Merger Agreement, Merger Sub will be merged with and into Serina, with Serina surviving as a wholly owned subsidiary of AgeX (the “Merger”). At a special meeting of AgeX stockholders on March 14, 2024 (the “Special Meeting”), AgeX stockholders approved certain proposals required for consummation of the Merger pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement. Serina stockholders have also approved the Merger. There is no assurance that all conditions to the Merger will be met or waiver and that the Merger will be consummated. See Note 11,Subsequent Events.

On March 19, 2024, AgeX issued to each holder of AgeX common stock as of the dividend record date, March 18, 2024, three warrants (“Post-Merger Warrants”) for each five shares of AgeX common stock held by such stockholder. Each Post-Merger Warrant will be exercisable for one unit of AgeX (“AgeX Unit”) at a price equal to $13.20 per unit and will expire on July 31, 2025. Each AgeX Unit will consist of (i) one share of AgeX common stock and (ii) one warrant (“Incentive Warrant”). Each Incentive Warrant will be exercisable for one share of AgeX common stock at a price equal to $18.00 per warrant and will expire on the four-year anniversary of the closing date of the Merger. See Note 11,Subsequent Events.

Immediately following the Merger, equity holders of Serina immediately prior to the closing of the Merger are expected to own approximately 75% of the outstanding shares of common stock of AgeX, and stockholders of AgeX immediately prior to the closing of the Merger are expected to own approximately 25% of the outstanding shares of common stock of AgeX, with Serina as a wholly-owned subsidiary, in each case, on a pro forma fully diluted basis, subject to certain assumptions and exclusions, including the Actual Closing Price (as defined in the Merger Agreement) of AgeX common stock being equal to or greater than $12.00 per share excluding the impact of any Post-Merger Warrant, Incentive Warrant or the issuance of any shares of AgeX common stock upon exercise of any Post-Merger Warrants or Incentive Warrants.

Concurrently with the execution of the Merger Agreement, AgeX, Serina, and AgeX’s controlling stockholder Juvenescence entered into a Side Letter, which will become effective immediately prior to the closing of the Merger. The Side Letter provides, among other things, that (i) effective immediately before the consummation of the Merger, Juvenescence will cancel all out of the money AgeX warrants held by Juvenescence; (ii) Juvenescence will exercise all Post-Merger Warrants it holds to provide the Combined Company an additional $15 million in capital according to the following schedule: (x) at least one-third on or before May 31, 2024, (y) at least one-third on or before November 30, 2024, and (z) at least one-third on or before June 30, 2025; (iii) Juvenescence will not sell any shares of AgeX Series A Preferred Stock or AgeX Series B Preferred Stock and will take all actions necessary to convert all of such Preferred Stock into AgeX common stock before a Reverse Stock Split that will occur before the Merger; (iv) Juvenescence will release all security interests, guarantees, pledges, assignments and other forms of collateral that it may have in AgeX’s assets pursuant to the terms of Juvenescence loans to AgeX; and (v) Juvenescence will consent to a newly formed subsidiary of AgeX assuming AgeX’s obligations with respect to loan agreements and promissory notes governing loans payable to Juvenescence, including obligations for amounts currently owed and future advances of loan funds, and Juvenescence shall release AgeX from those loan obligations. Juvenescence’s covenant regarding retaining ownership of and converting the Series A Preferred Stock and Series B Preferred Stock into AgeX common stock has been satisfied through the conversion of such preferred stock into AgeX common stock on February 1, 2024.

Prior to the closing of the Merger, any assets of AgeX other than certain “Legacy Assets” will be transferred into a recently formed subsidiary of AgeX “UniverXome Bioengineering, Inc. (“UniverXome”). UniverXome will assume (i) any indebtedness of AgeX issued to Juvenescence that has not been previously converted into AgeX Series A Preferred Stock or AgeX Series B Preferred Stock, which will be secured by the Legacy Assets (ii) most of AgeX’s contracts with third parties, other than certain designated contracts and any contracts that are terminated before the Merger, and (iii) all other liabilities of AgeX in existence as of the effective time of the Merger (other than certain transaction expenses related to the Merger). See Note 11,Subsequent Events.

Serina currently has a pipeline of small molecule candidates targeting central nervous system (“CNS”) indications, enabled by the company’s proprietary POZ Platform TM delivery technology. In addition to advancing Serina’s wholly owned pipeline assets, Serina is working with pharma partners currently advancing pre-clinical studies exploring POZ polymer lipid-nanoparticles (“LNPs”) in next generation LNP delivered RNA vaccines. In addition, Serina is advancing a lead drug candidate, SER-252 (POZ-apomorphine) for the treatment of advanced Parkinson’s Disease through pre-clinical studies toward the goal of an investigational new drug submission or “IND” to the Food and Drug Administration for the initiation of a Phase I clinical trial during the fourth quarter of 2024. Serina has two other pipeline assets that are positioned to enter IND enabling studies, SER-227 (POZ-buprenorphine) for certain post-operative pain indications, and SER-228 (POZ-cannabidiol) for treatment refractory epilepsy indications. Serina is also focused on expanding its LNP and anti-body drug conjugate partnering collaborations.

If the Merger is completed, the Combined Company will primarily focus on developing Serina’s product candidates and it is anticipated that the Combined Company will not continue to develop AgeX product candidates, other than potentially the development program of NeuroAirmid. If the Merger is not completed, AgeX expects to continue to execute on its current business strategies below while seeking out and evaluating potential strategic alternatives with respect to its assets and development programs, which may include a merger, business combination, investment into AgeX, sale or other disposition of assets or other strategic transaction. In such case, AgeX may not be successful in executing such strategies or identifying or implementing any such strategic alternatives, and there is a risk that Juvenescence may decide to stop funding AgeX’s operations, which would likely result in the delisting of AgeX common stock from the NYSE America and the dissolution of AgeX.

Liquidity and Going Concern

In addition to general economic and capital market trends and conditions, AgeX’s ability to raise sufficient additional capital to finance its operations from time to time will depend on a number of factors specific to AgeX’s operations such as operating expenses and progress in out-licensing its technologies and development of its product candidates. Although AgeX has been able to reduce its operating expenses, with the exception of certain non-recurring expenses incurred related to the possible Merger between AgeX and Serina, by eliminating internal research and development activities and focusing instead on outsourcing research and development and seeking licensing arrangements for AgeX technologies, this approach has also made it more difficult for AgeX to make progress in developing its target product candidates and technologies, which in turn, along with the amount of indebtedness to Juvenescence and Juvenescence’s ownership of approximately 75.6% of the outstanding shares of AgeX common stock, may make it more difficult for AgeX to raise capital. The unavailability or inadequacy of financing to meet future capital needs could force AgeX to modify, curtail, delay, or suspend some or all aspects of planned operations. Sales of additional equity securities could result in the dilution of the interests of its stockholders. AgeX cannot assure that adequate financing will be available on favorable terms, if at all.

AgeX primarily finances its operations through loans from Juvenescence. A subsidiary of Juvenescence is the largest stockholder of AgeX. AgeX has incurred operating losses and negative cash flows since inception and had an accumulated deficit of $131.0 million as of December 31, 2023. AgeX expects to continue to incur operating losses and negative cash flows.

Based on a strategic review of its operations, giving consideration to the status of its product development programs, human resources, capital needs and resources, and current conditions in the capital markets, AgeX’s board of directors and management have adopted operating plans and budgets to extend the period over which AgeX can continue its operations with its available cash resources. Notwithstanding those operating plans and budgets, based on AgeX’s most recent projected cash flows AgeX believes that its cash and cash equivalents of $0.3 million as of December 31, 2023, plus cash on hand remaining from the drawdown of the $4.4 million loan facility from Juvenescence, would not be sufficient to satisfy AgeX’s anticipated operating and other funding requirements for the next twelve months from the issuance of these consolidated financial statements. These conditions raise substantial doubt about AgeX’s ability to continue as a going concern. AgeX will need to obtain substantial additional funding in connection with its continuing operations. The financial statements do not include any adjustments to the amount and classification of assets and liabilities that may be necessary should AgeX not continue as a going concern.

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements of AgeX are presented in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of American (“U.S. GAAP”). AgeX’s consolidated financial statements include the accounts of AgeX and its subsidiaries in which AgeX has a controlling financial interest. The consolidated financial statements also include certain variable interest entities in which AgeX is the primary beneficiary (as described in more detail below). For consolidated entities where AgeX has less than 100% of ownership, AgeX records net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest on the consolidated statement of operations equal to the percentage of the ownership interest retained in such entities by the respective noncontrolling parties. The noncontrolling interest is reflected as a separate element of stockholders’ equity/(deficit) on AgeX’s consolidated balance sheets.

AgeX assesses whether it is the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity (“VIE”) at the inception of the arrangement and at each reporting date. This assessment is based on its power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance and AgeX’s obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. If the entity is within the scope of the variable interest model and meets the definition of a VIE, AgeX considers whether it must consolidate the VIE or provide additional disclosures regarding its involvement with the VIE. If AgeX determines that it is the primary beneficiary of the VIE, AgeX will consolidate the VIE. This analysis is performed at the initial investment in the entity or upon any reconsideration event. For entities AgeX holds as an equity investment that are not consolidated under the VIE model, AgeX will consider whether its investment constitutes a controlling financial interest in the entity and therefore should be considered for consolidation under the voting interest model.

AgeX has four subsidiaries, Reverse Bioengineering, Inc. (“Reverse Bio”), ReCyte Therapeutics, Inc. (“ReCyte”), NeuroAirmid Therapeutics, Inc. (“NeuroAirmid”), and Canaria Transaction Corporation (“Merger Sub”), and has incorporated but not yet capitalized a fifth subsidiary UniverXome. See Note 11,Subsequent Events. Reverse Bio is a wholly owned subsidiary of AgeX through which AgeX plans to finance its iTRTM research and development efforts. AgeX has been seeking equity financing for Reverse Bio and to the extent that such Reverse Bio Financing is obtained through the sale of capital stock or other equity securities by Reverse Bio, AgeX’s equity interest in Reverse Bio and its iTRTM business would be diluted. ReCyte is an early stage pre-clinical research and development company involved in stem cell-derived endothelial and cardiovascular related progenitor cells for the treatment of vascular disorders and ischemic conditions. AgeX owns 94.8% of the outstanding capital stock of ReCyte. NeuroAirmid is jointly owned by AgeX with the University of California – Irvine and certain researchers and was recently organized to pursue clinical development and commercialization of cell therapies, focusing initially on Huntington’s Disease. AgeX owns 50% of the outstanding capital stock of NeuroAirmid. AgeX consolidates NeuroAirmid despite not having majority ownership interest as it has the ability to influence decision making and financial results through contractual rights and obligations as per Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 810,Consolidation. Merger Sub was incorporated for the purpose of merging with Serina to implement the Merger. UniverXome is expected, in connection with the planned Merger, to hold certain AgeX assets and assume AgeX liabilities, including but not limited to indebtedness obligations to Juvenescence. See Note 11,Subsequent Events.

All material intercompany accounts and transactions between AgeX and its subsidiaries have been eliminated in consolidation.

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Going Concern Assessment

AgeX assesses going concern uncertainty for its consolidated financial statements to determine if AgeX has sufficient cash and cash equivalents on hand and working capital to operate for a period of at least one year from the date the consolidated financial statements are issued or are available to be issued, which is referred to as the “look-forward period” as defined by Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-15. As part of this assessment, based on conditions that are known and reasonably knowable to AgeX, AgeX will consider various scenarios, forecasts, projections, and estimates, and AgeX will make certain key assumptions, including the timing and nature of projected cash expenditures or programs, and its ability to delay or curtail those expenditures or programs, if necessary, among other factors. Based on this assessment, as necessary or applicable, AgeX makes certain assumptions concerning its ability to curtail or delay research and development programs and expenditures within the look-forward period in accordance with ASU No. 2014-15 (see Note 1,Organization, Basis of Presentation and Liquidity).

Use of Estimates

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect (i) the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and (ii) the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period with consideration given to materiality. Significant estimates and assumptions which are subject to significant judgment include those related to going concern assessment of consolidated financial statements, allocations and adjustments necessary for carve-out basis of presentation, including the separate return method for income taxes, useful lives associated with long-lived assets, including evaluation of asset impairment, allowances for uncollectible accounts receivables, loss contingencies, deferred income taxes and tax reserves, including valuation allowances related to deferred income taxes, and assumptions used to value stock-based awards or other equity instruments and liability classified warrants. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates. To the extent there are material differences between the estimates and actual results, AgeX’s future results of operations will be affected. See Note 6,Warrant Liability, for discussion on estimated change in fair value of warrant liability.

See Note 6,Warrant Liability, for discussion on estimated change in fair value of warrant liability.

Transactions with Noncontrolling Interests of Subsidiaries

AgeX accounts for a change in ownership interests in its subsidiaries that does not result in a change of control of the subsidiary under the provisions of ASC 810-10-45-23,*Consolidation – Other Presentation Matters,*which prescribes the accounting for changes in ownership interest that do not result in a change in control of the subsidiary, as defined by U.S. GAAP, before and after the transaction. Under this guidance, changes in a controlling stockholder’s ownership interest that do not result in a change of control, as defined by U.S. GAAP, in the subsidiary are accounted for as equity transactions. Accordingly, if the controlling stockholder retains control, no gain or loss is recognized in the statements of operations of the controlling stockholder. Similarly, the controlling stockholder will not record any additional acquisition adjustments to reflect its subsequent purchases of additional shares in the subsidiary if there is no change of control. Only a proportional and immediate transfer of carrying value between the controlling and the noncontrolling stockholders occurs based on the respective ownership percentages.

Fair Value Measurements of Financial Instruments

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 estimates discussed herein are based upon certain market assumptions and pertinent information available to management as of the financial statement presentation date.

The carrying values of cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable are carried at, or approximate, fair value as of the reporting date because of their short-term nature. Fair values for AgeX’s warrant liabilities are estimated by utilizing valuation models that consider current and expected stock prices, volatility, dividends, market interest rates, forward yield curves and discount rates. Such amounts and the recognition of such amounts are subject to significant estimates that may change in the future.

To increase the comparability of fair value measures, the following hierarchy prioritizes the inputs to valuation methodologies used to measure fair value (ASC 820-10-50,Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures):

In determining fair value, AgeX utilizes valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs to the extent possible, and also considers counterparty credit risk in its assessment of fair value. For the periods presented, AgeX has no financial assets recorded at fair value on a recurring basis, except for cash and cash equivalents primarily consisting of money market funds. These assets are measured at fair value using the period-end quoted market prices as a Level 1 input. The carrying amounts of accounts receivable, net, prepaid expenses and other current assets, related party amounts due to affiliates, accounts payable, accrued liabilities and other current liabilities approximate fair values because of the short-term nature of these items. The discounted conversion prices triggered by certain qualified events in the Serina Note and the 2023 Secured Note are Level 3 on the fair value hierarchy and subject to fair valuation at inception and remeasurement at each reporting period. The fair value of the discounted conversion prices under both notes were determined to have an immaterial value at inception and life to date of the notes, as the probability of a future qualifying event is remote. The likelihood of the future qualifying event will be evaluated at the end of each reporting period. For additional information regarding the convertible notes and derivatives, see Notes 4,Convertible Note Receivable, and 5,Related Party Transactions.

The accounting guidance establishes a hierarchy which requires an entity to maximize the use of quoted market prices and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. An asset or liability’s level is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Fair value estimates are reviewed at the origination date and again at each applicable measurement date and interim or annual financial reporting dates, as applicable for the financial instrument, and are based upon certain market assumptions and pertinent information available to management at those times.

The methods and significant inputs and assumptions utilized in estimating the fair value of the warrant liabilities, as well as the respective hierarchy designations are discussed further in Note 6,Warrant Liability. The warrant liability measurement is considered a Level 3 measurement based on the availability of market data and inputs and the significance of any unobservable inputs as of the measurement date. As of December 31, 2023, AgeX has utilized the full credit subject to warrants, and accordingly, the warrants were fully issued for each of the advances of loan funds under the 2022 Secured Note.

See Note 6,Warrant Liability, for additional information on accounting for liability classified warrants and certain Level 3 warrant valuation tables.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

AgeX considers all highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, AgeX’s cash balances totaled $0.3 million and $0.6 million, respectively, and consist entirely of bank account deposits and amounts held in money market funds.

Concentrations of Credit Risk

Financial instruments that potentially subject AgeX to significant concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents. AgeX limits the amount of credit exposure of cash balances by maintaining its accounts in high credit quality financial institutions. Cash equivalent deposits with financial institutions may occasionally exceed the limits of insurance on bank deposits; however, AgeX has not experienced any losses on such accounts.

Restricted Cash

In accordance with ASU 2016-18,Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash, a reconciliation of AgeX’s cash and cash equivalents in the consolidated balance sheets to cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash in the consolidated statements of cash flows for all periods presented is as follows (in thousands):

Accounts Receivable, Net

AgeX establishes an allowance for doubtful accounts based on the evaluation of the collectability of its receivables after considering a variety of factors, including the length of time receivables are past due, significant events that may impair the customer’s ability to pay, such as a bankruptcy filing or deterioration in the customer’s operating results or financial position, and historical experience. If circumstances related to customers change, estimates of the recoverability of receivables would be further adjusted. There were no amounts reserved for doubtful accounts as of December 31, 2023 and 2022.

Long-Lived Intangible Assets, Net

Long-lived intangible assets, consisting primarily of acquired in-process research and development (“IPR&D”) and patents, are stated at acquired cost, less accumulated amortization. Amortization expense is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of 10 years. See Note 3,Selected Balance Sheet Components.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

AgeX assesses the impairment of long-lived assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that such assets might be impaired and the carrying value may not be recoverable. AgeX’s long-lived assets consist entirely of intangible assets. If events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable and the expected undiscounted future cash flows attributable to the asset are less than the carrying amount of the asset, an impairment loss, equal to the excess of the carrying value of the asset over its fair value, is recorded. As of December 31, 2023, there has been no impairment of long-lived assets.

Leases

AgeX accounts for leases in accordance with ASU 2016-02,Leases(Topic 842) (“ASC 842”), and its subsequent amendments affecting AgeX: (i) ASU 2018-10,Codification Improvements to Topic 842, Leases, and (ii) ASU 2018-11,*Leases (Topic 842): Targeted improvements,*using the modified retrospective method. AgeX management determines if an arrangement is a lease at inception. Leases are classified as either financing or operating, with classification affecting the pattern of expense recognition in the consolidated statements of operations. When determining whether a lease is a financing lease or an operating lease, ASC 842 does not specifically define criteria to determine “major part of remaining economic life of the underlying asset” and “substantially all of the fair value of the underlying asset.” For lease classification determination, AgeX continues to use(i) 75% or greater to determine whether the lease term is a major part of the remaining economic life of the underlying asset and (ii) 90% or greater to determine whether the present value of the sum of lease payments is substantially all of the fair value of the underlying asset. Under the available practical expedients, and as applicable, AgeX accounts for the lease and non-lease components as a single lease component. AgeX recognizes right-of-use (“ROU”) assets and lease liabilities for leases with terms greater than twelve months in the consolidated balance sheets.

ROU assets represent an entity’s right to use an underlying asset during the lease term and lease liabilities represent an entity’s obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Operating lease ROU assets and liabilities are recognized at commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. If the lease agreement does not provide an implicit rate in the contract, an entity uses its incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments. The operating lease ROU asset also includes any lease payments made and excludes lease incentives. The lease terms may include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that the entity will exercise that option. Lease expense for lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. AgeX does not capitalize leases that have terms of twelve months or less.

AgeX leased office space in Alameda, California. For 2022 base monthly rent was $1,074 and for 2023 base monthly rent is $844 for slightly less space at the same building. AgeX has elected to not apply the recognition requirements under ASC 842 for the lease agreements and instead recognizes the lease payments as lease cost on a straight-line basis over the lease term as lease payments are not deemed material.

Accounting for Warrants

AgeX determines the accounting classification of warrants it issues, as either liability or equity, by first assessing whether the warrants meet liability classification in accordance with ASC 480-10,Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity, then in accordance with ASC 815-40,Accounting for Derivative Financial Instruments Indexed to, and Potentially Settled in, a Company’s Own Stock. Under ASC 480-10, warrants are considered liability classified if the warrants are mandatorily redeemable, obligate AgeX to settle the warrants or the underlying shares by paying cash or other assets, or warrants that must or may require settlement by issuing a variable number of shares. If warrants do not meet liability classification under ASC 480-10, AgeX assesses the requirements under ASC 815-40, which states that contracts that require or may require the issuer to settle the contract for cash are liabilities recorded at fair value, irrespective of the likelihood of the transaction occurring that triggers the net cash settlement feature. If the warrants do not require liability classification under ASC 815-40, and in order to conclude equity classification, AgeX also assesses whether the warrants are indexed to its common stock and whether the warrants are classified as equity under ASC 815-40 or other applicable provisions of U.S. GAAP. After all relevant assessments, AgeX concludes whether the warrants are classified as liability or equity. Liability classified warrants require fair value accounting at issuance and subsequent to initial issuance with all changes in fair value after the issuance date recorded in the consolidated statements of operations. Equity classified warrants only require fair value accounting at issuance with no changes recognized subsequent to the issuance date. AgeX has liability classified warrants as of December 31, 2023. See Notes 5,Related Party Transactions, and 6,Warrant Liability, for additional information regarding AgeX warrants.

Stock-Based Compensation

AgeX recognizes compensation expense related to employee option grants and restricted stock grants, if any, in accordance with ASC 718,Compensation – Stock Compensation (“ASC 718”). AgeX estimates the fair value of employee stock-based payment awards on the grant-date and recognizes the resulting fair value, net of estimated forfeitures for grants prior to 2017, over the requisite service period. Upon adoption of ASU 2016-09 on January 1, 2017 as further discussed below, forfeitures are accounted for as they occur instead of based on the number of awards that were expected to vest prior to adoption of ASU 2016-09.

AgeX uses the Black-Scholes option pricing model for estimating the fair value of options granted under AgeX’s 2017 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Incentive Plan”). The fair value of each restricted stock grant, if any, is determined based on the value of the common stock granted or sold. AgeX has elected to treat stock-based payment awards with time-based service conditions as a single award and recognizes stock-based compensation on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period.

Compensation expense for non-employee stock-based awards is recognized in accordance with ASC 718. Stock option awards issued to non-employees, principally consultants or outside contractors, as applicable, are accounted for at fair value using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. Management believes that the fair value of the stock options and restricted stock units can more reliably be measured than the fair value of services received. AgeX records compensation expense based on the then-current fair values of the stock options and restricted stock units at the grant date. Compensation expense for non-employee grants is recorded on a straight-line basis in the consolidated statements of operations.

The Black-Scholes option pricing model requires AgeX to make certain assumptions including the fair value of the underlying common stock, the expected term, the expected volatility, the risk-free interest rate and the dividend yield (see Note 8,Stock-Based Awards).

The fair value of the shares of common stock underlying the stock options is determined in accordance with the Incentive Plan and is based on prevailing market prices on the NYSE American where AgeX common stock is traded.

The expected term of employee stock options represents the weighted-average period that the stock options are expected to remain outstanding. AgeX estimates the expected term of options granted using the “simplified method” provided under Staff Accounting Bulletin Topic 14, or SAB Topic 14.

Because AgeX’s common stock has public trading history of fewer than five years, AgeX has estimated the expected volatility using its own stock price volatility to the extent applicable or a combination of its stock price volatility and the stock price volatility of peer companies, for a period equal to the expected term of the options, which may exceed five years. The peer companies used include selected public companies within the biotechnology industry with comparable characteristics to AgeX, including similarity in size, lines of business, market capitalization, revenue and financial leverage.

The risk-free interest rate assumption is based upon observed interest rates on the United States government securities appropriate for the expected term of AgeX’s stock options.

The dividend yield assumption is based on AgeX’s history and expectation of dividend payouts. AgeX has never declared or paid any cash dividends on its common stock, and AgeX does not anticipate paying any cash dividends in the foreseeable future.

All excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies from stock-based compensation awards accounted for under ASC 718 are recognized as an income tax benefit or expense, respectively, in the consolidated statements of operations. An excess income tax benefit arises when the tax deduction of a share-based award for income tax purposes exceeds the compensation cost recognized for financial reporting purposes and, a tax deficiency arises when the compensation cost exceeds the tax deduction.

Stock-based compensation expense for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 consists of stock-based compensation under the AgeX Incentive Plan (see Note 8,Stock-Based Awards).

Certain of AgeX’s consolidated subsidiaries have had their own share-based compensation plans; however, there are no awards granted and outstanding under those plans as of December 31, 2023 and 2022. For share-based compensation awards granted by privately held consolidated subsidiaries under their respective equity plans, AgeX determines the fair value of the options granted under those plans using similar methodologies and assumptions AgeX used for its stock options discussed above.

Although the fair value of stock options and restricted stock units is determined in accordance with FASB guidance, changes in the assumptions and allocations can materially affect the estimated value and therefore the amount of compensation expense recognized in the consolidated financial statements.

AgeX accounts for income taxes in accordance with ASC 740, which prescribes the use of the asset and liability method, whereby deferred tax asset or liability account balances are calculated at the balance sheet date using current tax laws and enacted rates in effect. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that a portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. AgeX’s judgments, estimates and projections regarding future taxable income may change over time due to changes, among other factors, in market conditions, changes in tax laws, and tax planning strategies. If AgeX’s assumptions and consequently its estimates change in the future, the valuation allowance may be increased or decreased, which may have a material impact on AgeX’s consolidated financial statements.

The guidance also prescribes 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 sustainable upon examination by taxing authorities. AgeX recognizes accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as income tax expense. No unrecognized tax benefits have been recorded and no amounts were accrued for the payment of interest and penalties as of December 31, 2023 and 2022. AgeX does not expect that the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits will materially change over the next twelve months. AgeX is currently unaware of any tax issues under review.

Revenue Recognition

AgeX recognizes revenue in a manner that depicts the transfer of control of a product or a service to a customer and reflects the amount of the consideration it expects to receive in exchange for such product or service. In doing so, AgeX follows a five-step approach: (i) identify the contract with a customer, (ii) identify the performance obligations in the contract, (iii) determine the transaction price, (iv) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations, and (v) recognize revenue when (or as) the customer obtains control of the product or service. AgeX considers the terms of a contract and all relevant facts and circumstances when applying the revenue recognition standard. AgeX applies the revenue recognition standard, including the use of any practical expedients, consistently to contracts with similar characteristics and in similar circumstances.

In the applicable paragraphs below, AgeX has summarized its revenue recognition policies for its various revenue sources in accordance with Topic 606.

Revenue recognition by source and geography– Revenues are recognized when control of the promised goods or services is transferred to customers, or in the case of governmental entities funding a grant, when allowable expenses are incurred, in an amount that reflects the consideration AgeX or a subsidiary, depending on which company has the customer or the grant, expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services.

The following table presents AgeX’s consolidated revenues disaggregated by source for operations (in thousands):

The following table presents consolidated revenues for operations (in thousands), disaggregated by geography, based on the billing addresses of customers:

Grant revenues – AgeX accounts for grants received to perform research and development services in accordance with ASC 730-20,Research and Development Arrangements. At the inception of the grant, we perform an assessment as to whether the grant is a liability or a contract to perform research and development services for others. If AgeX or a subsidiary receiving the grant is obligated to repay the grant funds to the grantor regardless of the outcome of the research and development activities, then AgeX is required to estimate and recognize that liability. Alternatively, if AgeX or a subsidiary receiving the grant is not required to repay, or if it is required to repay the grant funds only if the research and development activities are successful, then the grant agreement is accounted for as a contract to perform research and development services for others, in which case, grant revenue is recognized when the related research and development expenses are incurred.

In applying the provisions of Topic 606, AgeX has determined that government grants are out of the scope of Topic 606 because the government entities do not meet the definition of a “customer”, as defined by Topic 606, as there is not considered to be a transfer of control of good or services to the government entities funding the grant. In the absence of applicable guidance under U.S. GAAP, our policy is to recognize grant revenue when the related costs are incurred, provided that the applicable conditions under the government contracts have been met. Only costs that are allowable under the grant award, certain government regulations and the National Institutes of Health’s supplemental policy and procedure manual may be claimed for reimbursement, and the reimbursements are subject to routine audits from governmental agencies from time to time. Costs incurred are recorded in research and development expenses on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

In applying the provisions of Topic 606, AgeX has determined that government grants are out of the scope of Topic 606 because the government entities do not meet the definition of a “customer”, as defined by Topic 606, as there is not considered to be a transfer of control of good or services to the government entities funding the grant. In the absence of applicable guidance under U.S. GAAP, our policy is to recognize grant revenue when the related costs are incurred, provided that the applicable conditions under the government contracts have been met. Only costs that are allowable under the grant award, certain government regulations and the National Institutes of Health (“NIH”) supplemental policy and procedure manual may be claimed for reimbursement, and the reimbursements are subject to routine audits from governmental agencies from time to time. Costs incurred are recorded in research and development expenses on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

AgeX believes the recognition of revenue as costs are incurred and amounts become realizable is analogous to the concept of transfer of control of a service over time under ASC 606.

In August 2023, AgeX was awarded a grant of up to approximately $341,000 from the NIH, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. The NIH grant will provide funding for continued development of AgeX’s technologies toward treating cardiovascular disease over a one year period starting September 1, 2023. Based on our evaluation under the accounting guidance aforementioned, this grant agreement is accounted for as a contract to perform research and development services for others, in which case, grant revenue is recognized when the related research and development expenses are incurred. Accordingly, grant funds are made available by the NIH as allowable expenses are incurred. For the year ended December 31, 2023, AgeX incurred approximately $77,000 of allowable expenses under the NIH grant and recognized a corresponding amount of grant revenues.

ESI BIO research products – AgeX, through its ESI BIO research product division, markets a number of products related to human pluripotent stem cells (“PSC lines”), including research-grade PSC lines and PSC lines produced under current good manufacturing practices or “cGMP.” AgeX offers cells from PSC lines to customers under contracts that permit the customers to utilize PSC lines for the research, development, and commercialization of cell-based therapies or other products in defined fields of application. The compensation to AgeX for providing the PSC line cells under such contracts may include up-front payments, milestone payments related to product development, regulatory matters, and commercialization, and the payment of royalties on sales of products developed from AgeX PSC lines. Revenues from the sale of research products are included in other revenues.

Arrangements with multiple performance obligations – AgeX may enter into contracts with customers that include multiple performance obligations. For such arrangements, AgeX will allocate revenue to each performance obligation based on its relative standalone selling price. AgeX will determine or estimate standalone selling prices based on the prices charged, or that would be charged, to customers for that product or service. As of and for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, AgeX did not have significant arrangements with multiple performance obligations.

Research and Development

Research and development expenses consist primarily of personnel costs and related benefits, including stock-based compensation, amortization of intangible assets, outside consultants and contractors, sponsored research agreements with certain universities, and suppliers, and license fees paid to third parties to acquire patents or licenses to use patents and other technology. Research and development expenses incurred and reimbursed by grants from third parties or governmental agencies if any and as applicable, approximate the respective revenues recognized in the consolidated statements of operations.

General and Administrative

General and administrative expenses consist primarily of compensation and related benefits, including stock-based compensation, for executive and corporate personnel, and professional and consulting fees.

Segments

AgeX’s executive management team, as a group, represents the entity’s chief operating decision makers. To date, AgeX’s executive management team has viewed AgeX’s operations as one segment that includes the research and development of regenerative medicine technologies targeting the diseases of aging and metabolic disorders, oncology, and neurological diseases and disorders, blood and vascular system diseases and disorders, and pluripotent cell technologies. As a result, the financial information disclosed materially represents all of the financial information related to AgeX’s sole operating segment.

Basic and Diluted Net Loss per Share Attributable to Common Stockholders

Basic loss per share is calculated by dividing net loss attributable to AgeX common stockholders by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding, net of unvested restricted stock or restricted stock units, subject to repurchase by AgeX, if any, during the period. Diluted loss per share is calculated by dividing the net income attributable to AgeX common stockholders, if any, by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding, adjusted for the effects of potentially dilutive common stock issuable under outstanding stock options, warrants, and restricted stock units, using the treasury-stock method, and convertible preferred stock, if any, using the if-converted method, and treasury stock held by subsidiaries, if any.

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, because AgeX reported a net loss attributable to common stockholders, all potentially dilutive common stock, comprised of stock options, restricted stock units and warrants, is antidilutive.

The following weighted-average common stock equivalents were excluded from the computation of diluted net loss per share of common stock for the periods presented because including them would have been antidilutive (in thousands):

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13,Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, and subsequent amendments to the initial guidance under ASU 2018-19, ASU 2019-04, ASU 2019-05 and ASU 2019-10, which amends the current approach to estimate credit losses on certain financial assets. This ASU requires immediate recognition of management’s estimates of current expected credit losses. Under the prior model, losses were recognized only as they were incurred, which FASB has noted delayed recognition of expected losses that might not yet have met the threshold of being probable. The standard is applicable to all financial assets (and net investment in leases) that are not accounted for at fair value through net income, such as trade receivables, loans, debt securities, and net investment in leases, thereby bringing consistency in accounting treatment across different types of financial instruments and requiring consideration of a broader range of variables when forming loss estimates. Subsequent changes in the valuation allowance are recorded in current earnings and reversal of previous losses are permitted. AgeX adopted this standard as of January 1, 2023, and it did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

In March 2022, the FASB issued ASU 2022-01,Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Fair Value Hedging – Portfolio Layer Method, which clarifies the guidance in ASC 815 on fair value hedge accounting of interest rate risk for portfolios of financial assets. The ASU amends the guidance in ASU 2017-12 (released on August 28, 2017) that, among other things, established the “last-of-layer” method for making the fair value hedge accounting for these portfolios more accessible. ASU 2022-01 renames that method the “portfolio layer” method and addresses feedback from stakeholders regarding its application. AgeX adopted this standard as of January 1, 2023, and it did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

In March 2022, the FASB issued ASU 2022-02,Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326): Troubled Debt Restructurings and Vintage Disclosures, which amends the accounting for credit losses on financial instruments. This amendment eliminates the recognition and measurement guidance on troubled debt restructurings for creditors that have adopted the new credit losses guidance in ASC 326 and requires enhanced disclosures about loan modifications for borrowers experiencing financial difficulty. The new guidance also requires public business entities to present gross write-offs by year of origination in their vintage disclosures. The guidance became effective for AgeX on January 1, 2023 and includes interim periods. Entities can elect to adopt the guidance on troubled debt restructurings using either a prospective or modified retrospective transition. If an entity elects to apply a modified retrospective transition, it will record a cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings in the period of adoption. This ASU did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

On July 14, 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-03, Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205), Income Statement – Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220), Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity (Topic 480), Equity (Topic 505), and Compensation – Stock Compensation, which amends or supersedes various Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) paragraphs within the codification to conform to past announcements and guidance issued by the SEC. Specifically, the ASU responds to (1) the issuance of SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB) 120; (2) the SEC staff announcement at the March 24, 2022, EITF meeting; and (3) SAB Topic 6.B, “Accounting Series Release No. 280 — General Revision of Regulation S-X: Income or Loss Applicable to Common Stock.” This ASU is effective immediately and did not have a material impact on AgeX’s consolidated financial statements.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted

In August 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-05,Business Combinations—Joint Venture Formations (Subtopic 805-60): Recognition and Initial Measurement, under which an entity that qualifies as either a joint venture or a corporate joint venture as defined in the FASB ASC master glossary is required to apply a new basis of accounting upon the formation of the joint venture. Specifically, the ASU provides that a joint venture or a corporate joint venture (collectively, “joint ventures”) must initially measure its assets and liabilities at fair value on the formation date. This ASU is effective for AgeX beginning January 1, 2025 and is not expected to have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09,Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to income Tax Disclosures, under which entities must consistently categorize and provide greater disaggregation of information in the rate reconciliation. They must also further disaggregate income taxes paid. ASU 2023-09 enhances annual income tax disclosures to address investor requests for more information about the tax risks and opportunities present in an entity’s worldwide operations. This ASU is effective for AgeX beginning January 1, 2025 and is not expected to have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

3. Selected Balance Sheet Components

Intangible Assets, Net

On August 13, 2018, AgeX entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) with Escape Therapeutics, Inc. (“Escape”) pursuant to which AgeX acquired certain patents and patent applications related primarily to methods of modifying cells and tissues and certain pluripotent stem cell lines so as to reduce their risk of being rejected when transplanted. This technology is called “UniverCyte™.” AgeX paid Escape $1,072,436 in cash and issued 2,274 shares of AgeX common stock, with an approximate value of $240,000, for aggregate acquisition cost of $1.3 million for the UniverCyte™ assets. The Purchase Agreement was considered an asset acquisition rather than a business combination in accordance with ASC 805-50,Business Combinations.

ASC 730-10-25(c),Research and Development – Intangible Assets Purchased from Others, provides guidance for acquisition and capitalization of the cost of intangible assets purchased from others in an asset acquisition that have alternative future uses in other research and development projects. These intangible assets are referred to as acquired IPR&D with alternative future uses and are accounted for as intangible assets and amortized to research and development over their useful life. Acquired IPR&D in an asset acquisition that does not have any alternative future uses is expensed under the same guidance. As an initial focus, AgeX intends to use the UniverCyte™ technology in the development of its two lead products, AGEX-BAT1 and AGEX-VASC1 for the treatment of Type II diabetes and cardiovascular aging, respectively. Accordingly, AgeX recorded the UniverCyte™ technology acquired from Escape as IPR&D intangible assets with alternative future uses in accordance with ASC 730-10-25(c) and is amortizing those assets to research and development expense over their estimated 10-year useful life.

In addition to the purchase price, AgeX will pay Escape a royalty of less than 1% on net sales of products, processes and services under the acquired patents if the assets are commercialized. Additional shares of AgeX common stock totaling up to $4.3 million of market value will also be issued to Escape upon the attainment of development and regulatory approval milestones by AgeX for each product covered by the acquired patents. Contingent consideration in an asset acquisition is generally recorded when probable and estimable in accordance with ASC 450,Contingencies. Accordingly, none of the milestone payments have been accrued since the attainment of any milestone in the Purchase Agreement was not probable as of December 31, 2023.

AgeX estimated the future undiscounted cash flows expected to be received from the assets developed through the use of the UniverCyte™ technology when commercialized. The estimate of the future undiscounted cash flows considered AgeX’s financial condition and the royalties that may become payable to Escape.

At December 31, 2023 and 2022, intangible assets, primarily consisting of acquired IPR&D and patents, and accumulated amortization were as follows (in thousands):

AgeX recognized $131,000 and $132,000 in amortization expense of intangible assets, included in research and development expenses, for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

Amortization of intangible assets for periods subsequent to December 31, 2023 is as follows (in thousands):

Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities

At December 31, 2023 and 2022, accounts payable and accrued liabilities were comprised of the following (in thousands):

4. Convertible Note Receivable

On March 15, 2023, AgeX and Serina entered into a Convertible Note Purchase Agreement (the “Serina Note Purchase Agreement”), pursuant to which AgeX lent to Serina an aggregate principal amount of $10,000,000 as evidenced by the Serina Note on that date. Interest on the principal amount under the Serina Note accrues on the unpaid principal amount at a simple interest rate equal to 7% per annum, computed on the basis of the 360-day year of twelve 30-day months. The outstanding principal amount and accrued interest of $10,544,000 under the Serina Note will become due and payable on March 15, 2026.

In connection with the issuance of the Serina Note, AgeX is entitled to elect one member to the board of directors of Serina and receive certain information and inspection rights as well as participation rights for subsequent equity issuances.

The principal balance of the Serina Note with accrued interest will automatically convert into Serina preferred stock if Serina raises at least $25,000,000 through the sale of shares of Serina preferred stock (“qualifying event”). The conversion price per share shall be the lower of (a)80% of the lowest price at which the shares of preferred stock were sold, and (b) a “capped price” equal to $105,000,000 divided by Serina’s then fully diluted capitalization. AgeX has the option to convert the Serina Note into Serina preferred stock after a sale of Serina preferred stock regardless of the amount sold by Serina. AgeX evaluated the 20% discounted conversion feature of the Serina Note under ASC 815-15,Derivatives and Hedging—Embedded Derivatives, and concluded that it was an embedded derivative which should be bifurcated from the note and accounted for separately. The 20% discount was determined to have an immaterial value at inception and life to date of the Serina Note, as the probability of a future qualifying event is remote. The likelihood of the future qualifying event will be evaluated at the end of each reporting period and any adjustments will be included inInterest expense, net in theOther expense, net section of the consolidated statements of operations.

AgeX may (i) at its election, upon a change of control (as defined in the Serina Note), convert the Serina Note in whole or in part into either (a) cash in an amount equal to 100% of the outstanding principal amount of the Serina Note, plus interest, or (b) into the highest ranking shares of Serina then issued at a conversion price equal to the lowest price per share at which the most senior series of Serina shares has been sold in a single transaction or a series of related transactions through which Serina raised at least $5,000,000 or (ii) if the Serina Note remains outstanding as of the maturity date, AgeX may convert the Serina Note into the most senior shares of Serina issued at the time of conversion at a conversion price equal to the capped price.

If the Merger is consummated, the Serina Note will be canceled for no consideration.

The outstanding principal balance of the Serina Note with accrued interest may become immediately due and payable prior to the stated maturity date if an Event of Default as defined in the Serina Note occurs. In addition to this and any other remedy, both in equity and in law, upon the occurrence of an Event of Default, an interest rate of 10% per annum and computed on the basis of the 360-day year of twelve 30-day months, shall apply to the Convertible Amount until fully paid. Events of Default under the Serina Note include: (i) the commission of any act of bankruptcy by Serina or any Significant Subsidiary (as such term is defined in Rule 1-02(w) of Regulation S-X), (ii) the execution by Serina of a general assignment for the benefit of creditors, (iii) the filing by or against Serina or any Significant Subsidiary (as such term is defined in Rule 1-02(w) of Regulation S-X) of a petition in bankruptcy or any petition for relief under the federal bankruptcy act (or, in each case, under any similar insolvency law) or the continuation of such petition without dismissal for a period of 60 calendar days or more, (iv) the appointment of a receiver or trustee to take possession of the property or assets of Serina or any Significant Subsidiary (as such term is defined in Rule 1-02(w) of Regulation S-X), (v) failure of Serina to pay any amount due under the Serina Note when due, which failure to pay is not cured by Serina within 5 business days of written notice thereof, (vi) unless waived by AgeX, Serina’s material breach of any representation, warranty or covenant of Serina under the Serina Note Purchase Agreement, Serina Note or other agreements entered in connection therewith, which breach, if curable, is not cured by Serina within 10 business days of written notice by AgeX thereof, (vii) Serina or any subsidiary shall default on any of its obligations under any indebtedness which default causes the indebtedness thereunder to (x) become prematurely due and payable, (y) be placed on demand or (z) become capable of being declared by or on behalf of a creditor thereunder to be prematurely due and payable or being placed on demand, in each case, as a result of such default or any provision having a similar effect (howsoever prescribed), (viii) any monetary judgment, writ or similar final process shall be entered or filed against Serina, any subsidiary or any of their respective property or other assets for more than $250,000, and such judgment, writ or similar final process shall remain unvacated, unbonded or unstayed for a period of 45 calendar days, and (ix) Serina experiences a Material Adverse Effect (as defined in the Serina Note Purchase Agreement).

The Serina Note Purchase Agreement and Serina Note each includes certain covenants that among other matters require financial reporting and impose certain restrictions, including (i) restrictions on the incurrence of additional indebtedness by Serina and its subsidiaries; (ii) requiring that Serina use note proceeds and funds that may be raised through certain equity offerings only for research and development work, professional and administrative expenses, and for general working capital; and (iii) prohibiting Serina from entering into any material sale or transfer transactions outside of the ordinary course of business, other than in a merger between AgeX and Serina, without the consent of AgeX.

Subordination Agreement

In connection with the issuance of the Serina Note, Serina, each other holder of Serina indebtedness (each a “Serina Lender”), and AgeX entered into a Subordination Agreement, dated March 15, 2023, pursuant to which each Serina Lender agreed to subordinate to AgeX’s rights of repayment with respect to the obligations owed under the Serina Note Purchase Agreement and the Serina Note (i) all Serina indebtedness owed to such Serina Lender under certain convertible notes between each Serina Lender and Serina, which aggregate principal amount of all of such convertible notes equals $1,450,000, and (ii) any related security interests.

5. Related Party Transactions

During July 2023, AgeX and Juvenescence entered into an Exchange Agreement pursuant to which AgeX issued shares of Series A Preferred Stock and Series B Preferred Stock to Juvenescence in exchange for the extinguishment of a total of $36 million of indebtedness under the 2020 Loan Agreement, the 2022 Secured Note, and the 2023 Secured Note discussed below. The unused portion of the line of credit under the 2022 Secured Note remains available to AgeX subject to the terms and conditions of the 2022 Secured Note. The Series A Preferred Stock and Series B Preferred Stock automatically converted into shares of AgeX common stock on February 1, 2024. See Notes 7,Stockholders’ Equity/(Deficit), and 11,Subsequent Events.

2019 Loan Agreement

On August 13, 2019, AgeX and Juvenescence entered into a Loan Facility Agreement (the “2019 Loan Agreement”) pursuant to which Juvenescence provided to AgeX a $2.0 million line of credit for a period of 18 months. On February 10, 2021, AgeX entered into an amendment (the “First Amendment”) to the 2019 Loan Agreement which extended the maturity date of loans under the 2019 Loan Agreement to February 14, 2022, and increased the amount of the loan facility by $4.0 million. On November 8, 2021, AgeX entered into Amendment No. 2 to the 2019 Loan Agreement which increased the amount of the loan facility by another $1.0 million. As of December 31, 2021, AgeX had borrowed all of the $7.0 million total line of credit under the 2019 Loan Agreement, as amended. On February 14, 2022, AgeX refinanced the $7.0 million outstanding principal amount of the loans and a $160,000 origination fee due under the 2019 Loan Agreement, as amended. See discussion regarding the 2022 Secured Convertible Promissory Note within this Note 5.

2020 Loan Agreement

On March 30, 2020, AgeX and Juvenescence entered into a new Secured Convertible Facility Agreement (the “2020 Loan Agreement”) pursuant to which Juvenescence provided to AgeX an $8.0 million line of credit for a period of 18 months. Through December 31, 2023, AgeX had drawn the full $8.0 million line of credit. AgeX issued to Juvenescence 810 shares of AgeX common stock as an arrangement fee for the loan facility when AgeX borrowed an aggregate of $3.0 million under the 2020 Loan Agreement, and AgeX issued to Juvenescence warrants to purchase a total of 104,365 shares of AgeX common stock (“2020 Warrants”) as determined by the warrant formula described below of which 25,628 are outstanding as of December 31, 2023. On March 13, 2023, the 2020 Loan Agreement was amended to extend the maturity date to March 30, 2024. During July 2023, the full $8.0 million of 2020 Loan Agreement indebtedness was extinguished in exchange for shares of Series A Preferred Stock pursuant to the Exchange Agreement.

2020 Warrants — Under the terms of the 2020 Loan Agreement, each time AgeX received an advance of funds under the 2020 Loan Agreement, AgeX issued to Juvenescence a number of 2020 Warrants equal to 50% of the number determined by dividing the amount of the advance by the applicable Market Price. The Market Price set for each 2020 Warrant when issued was the closing price per share of AgeX common stock on the NYSE American on the date of the applicable notice from AgeX requesting a draw of funds that triggered the obligation to issue the 2020 Warrant. The 2020 Warrants will expire at 5:00 p.m. New York time three years after the date of issue. AgeX had issued to Juvenescence 2020 Warrants to purchase a total of 104,365 shares of AgeX common stock of which 25,628 are outstanding as of December 31, 2023. The exercise prices of the 2020 Warrants issued through and that are still outstanding as of December 31, 2023 range from $28.49 per share to $66.65 per share representing the market closing price on the NYSE American of AgeX common stock on the one day prior to delivery of the drawdown notices. The number of shares issuable upon exercise of the warrants and the exercise price per share are subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of certain events such as a stock split or reverse split or combination of the common stock, stock dividend, recapitalization or reclassification of the common stock, and similar events, and have been adjusted to give effect to the Reverse Stock Split.

2022 Secured Convertible Promissory Note and Security Agreement

On February 14, 2022, AgeX and Juvenescence entered into a Secured Convertible Promissory Note (the “2022 Secured Note”) pursuant to which Juvenescence agreed to provide to AgeX a $13,160,000 line of credit for a period of 12 months. AgeX drew an initial $8,160,000 of the line of credit and used $7,160,000 to refinance the outstanding principal and the loan origination fees under the 2019 Loan Agreement with Juvenescence. On February 9, 2023, AgeX and Juvenescence entered into an Amended and Restated Secured Convertible Promissory Note which amends and restates the 2022 Secured Note and added $2 million to the line of credit available to be borrowed by AgeX under the 2022 Secured Note subject to Juvenescence’s discretion to approve each loan draw. On May 9, 2023, AgeX and Juvenescence entered into an Allonge and Second Amendment to Amended and Restated Convertible Promissory Note (the “Second Amendment”) that increased the amount of the line of credit available to AgeX by $4,000,000, subject to the terms of the 2022 Secured Note and Juvenescence’s discretion to approve and fund each of AgeX’s future draws of that additional amount of credit. On June 2, 2023, AgeX and Juvenescence entered into a Third Amendment to Amended and Restated Convertible Promissory Note (the “Third Amendment’), to provide that (i) AgeX may draw on the available portion of the line of credit under the 2022 Secured Note until the earlier of the date a Qualified Offering as defined in the 2022 Secured Note is consummated by AgeX or October 31, 2023 (subject to Juvenescence’s discretion to approve each loan draw as provided in the 2022 Secured Note), (ii) AgeX will not be obligated to issue additional common stock purchase warrants to Juvenescence in connection with the receipt of loan funds made available pursuant to the Second Amendment, and (iii) the definition of Reverse Financing Condition was amended to extend to June 20, 2023 the referenced deadline for fulfillment of the condition to permit borrowing or other incurrence of indebtedness by Reverse Bioengineering, Inc. The date on which the outstanding principal balance of the 2022 Secured Note will become due and payable shall be May 9, 2024.

On July 31, 2023, AgeX and Juvenescence entered into a Fourth Amendment (the “Fourth Amendment”) to the 2022 Secured Note to provide that (i) the definition of Reverse Financing Condition is amended to extend to October 31, 2023 the referenced deadline for fulfillment of the condition to permit borrowing or other incurrence of indebtedness by AgeX’s subsidiary Reverse Bio, and (ii) Juvenescence may convert the outstanding amount of the 2022 Secured Note loans or any portion of such loans into AgeX common stock without restriction by the “19.9% Cap” if Juvenescence elects to convert those amounts at a conversion price or prices equal to the “Drawdown Market Prices” applicable to such loan amounts in lieu of a lower conversion price set with reference to the current market price of AgeX common stock at the time of conversion. The 19.9% Cap is a provision of the 2022 Secured Note that limits the amount of common stock that Juvenescence may acquire through the conversion of Secured Note loans in order to comply with NYSE American requirements pertaining to the amount of shares that a listed company, such as AgeX, may sell at a price less than the market prices prevailing at the time the loans were made (the “Drawdown Market Prices”) without shareholder approval.

On October 3, 2023, AgeX drew $500,000 of its credit available under the 2022 Secured Note. On October 31, 2023 AgeX drew the final $500,000 of the credit line available under the Fourth Amendment.

On November 9, 2023, AgeX and Juvenescence entered into the Allonge and Fifth Amendment to Amended and Restated Convertible Promissory Note (the “Fifth Amendment”) that increases the amount of the line of credit available to AgeX by $4,400,000, subject to the terms of the 2022 Secured Note and Juvenescence’s discretion to approve and fund each of AgeX’s future draws of that additional amount of credit. Concurrently with the execution of the Fifth Amendment, AgeX also entered into an additional Pledge Agreement to add shares of a subsidiary to the collateral under the Security Agreement, and AgeX’s subsidiaries ReCyte, Reverse Bio, and UniverXome each entered into a Guaranty Agreement and Joinder Agreement pursuant to which each of them agreed to guaranty AgeX’s obligations to Juvenescence pursuant to the 2022 Secured Note, as amended by the Fifth Amendment, and to grant Juvenescence a security interest in their respective assets pursuant to the Security Agreement to secure their obligations to Juvenescence.

On November 15, 2023, AgeX drew $500,000 of its credit available under the 2022 Secured Note with Juvenescence. On December 5, 2023, AgeX drew $500,000 of its credit available under the 2022 Secured Note with Juvenescence.

As of December 31, 2023, AgeX had borrowed a total of $20,160,000 under the 2022 Secured Note, of which $7,500,000 was borrowed during the year ended December 31, 2023. During July 2023, $17,992,800 of 2022 Secured Note indebtedness, comprised of $16,660,000 borrowing and $1,332,800 of accrued loan origination fees, was extinguished in exchange for shares of Series A Preferred Stock and Series B Preferred Stock pursuant to the Exchange Agreement. See Note 7,Stockholders’ Equity/(Deficit).

As an arrangement fee for the 2022 Secured Note, AgeX will pay Juvenescence an origination fee in an amount equal to 4% of the amount each draw of loan funds, which will accrue as each draw is funded, and an additional 4% of all the total amount of funds drawn that will accrue following the end of the period during which funds may be drawn from the line of credit. The origination fee will become due and payable on the repayment date or in a pro rata amount with any prepayment of in whole or in part of the outstanding principal balance of the 2022 Secured Note.

*2022 Warrants –*Upon each drawdown of funds under the 2022 Secured Note prior to June 2, 2023 when the Third Amendment went into effect, AgeX issued to Juvenescence warrants to purchase shares of AgeX common stock (“2022 Warrants”). The 2022 Warrants are governed by the terms of a Warrant Agreement between AgeX and Juvenescence. The number of 2022 Warrants issued with respect to each draw of loan funds was equal to 50% of the number determined by dividing the amount of the applicable loan draw by the applicable Market Price. The Market Price was the last closing price per share of AgeX common stock on the NYSE American preceding the delivery of the notice from AgeX requesting the draw of funds that triggered the obligation to issue 2022 Warrants. The exercise price of the 2022 Warrants is the applicable Market Price used to determine the number of Warrants issued. The 2022 Warrants will expire at 5:00 p.m. New York time three years after the date of issue.

As of December 31, 2023, AgeX had issued to Juvenescence 2022 Warrants to purchase a total of 294,482 shares of AgeX common stock, of which 2022 Warrants to purchase 53,980 shares of AgeX common stock were issued during the year ended December 31, 2023. The exercise prices of the 2022 Warrants issued through December 31, 2023 range from $20.75 per share to $30.94 per share representing the market closing price of AgeX common stock on the NYSE American on the one day prior to delivery of the drawdown notices. The number of shares issuable upon exercise of the warrants and the exercise price per share are subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of certain events such as a stock split or reverse split or combination of the common stock, stock dividend, recapitalization or reclassification of the common stock, and similar events, and have been adjusted to give effect to the Reverse Stock Split..

Conversion of Loan Amounts to Common Stock – In lieu of repayment of funds borrowed, AgeX may convert the loan balance and any accrued but unpaid origination fee into AgeX common stock or “units” if AgeX consummates a sale of common stock (or common stock paired with warrants or other convertible securities in “units”) in which the gross sale proceeds are at least $10,000,000. The conversion price per share or units shall be the lowest price at which shares or units are sold. Juvenescence may convert the loan balance in whole or in part into AgeX common stock at any time at Juvenescence’s election at the closing price per share of AgeX common stock on the NYSE American or other national securities exchange on the date prior to the date Juvenescence gives AgeX notice Juvenescence’s election to convert the loan or a portion thereof into common stock.

Default Provisions – The loan balance and origination fees may become immediately due and payable prior to the mandatory repayment date if an Event of Default occurs. Events of Default under the 2022 Secured Note include the following: (a) AgeX fails to pay any principal amount payable by it in the manner and at the time provided under and in accordance with the 2022 Secured Note; (b) AgeX fails to pay any other amount payable by it in the manner and at the time provided under and in accordance with the 2022 Secured Note or the Security Agreement described below or any other agreement executed in connection with the 2022 Secured Note (the “Loan Documents”) and the failure is not remedied within three business days; (c) AgeX fails to perform any of its covenants or obligations or fail to satisfy any of the conditions under the 2022 Secured Note or any other Loan Document and, such failure (if capable of remedy) remains unremedied to the satisfaction of Juvenescence (in its sole discretion) for 10 business days after the earlier of (i) notice requiring its remedy has been given by Juvenescence to AgeX and (ii) actual knowledge of the failure by senior officers of AgeX; (d)if any indebtedness of AgeX in excess of $100,000 becomes due and payable, or a breach or other circumstance arises thereunder such that Juvenescence is entitled to declare such indebtedness due and payable, prior to its due date, or any indebtedness of AgeX in excess of $25,000 is not paid on its due date; (e) AgeX stops payment of its debts generally or ceases or threatens to cease to carry on its business or is unable to pay its debts as they fall due or is deemed by a court of competent jurisdiction to be unable to pay its debts as they fall due, or enters into any arrangements with its creditors generally; (f) if (i) an involuntary proceeding (other than a proceeding instituted by Juvenescence or an affiliate of Juvenescence) shall be commenced or an involuntary petition shall be filed seeking liquidation, reorganization or other relief in respect of AgeX and any subsidiary, or of all or a substantial part of its assets, under any federal, state or foreign bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or similar law now or hereafter in effect or (ii) an involuntary appointment of a receiver, trustee, custodian, sequestrator, conservator or similar official for AgeX or a subsidiary or for a substantial part of its assets occurs (other than in a proceeding instituted by Juvenescence or an affiliate of Juvenescence), and, in any such case, such proceeding shall continue undismissed and unstayed for sixty (60) consecutive days without having been dismissed, bonded or discharged or an order of relief is entered in any such proceeding; (g) it becomes unlawful for AgeX to perform all or any of its obligations under the 2022 Secured Note or any authorization, approval, consent, license, exemption, filing, registration or other requirement of any governmental, judicial or public body or authority necessary to enable AgeX to comply with its obligations under the 2022 Secured Note or to carry on its business is not obtained or, having been obtained, is modified in a manner that precludes AgeX or its subsidiaries from conducting their business in any material respect, or is revoked, suspended, withdrawn or withheld or fails to remain in full force and effect; (h) the issuance or levy of any judgment, writ, warrant of attachment or execution or similar process against all or any material part of the property or assets of AgeX or a subsidiary if such process is not released, vacated or fully bonded within 60 calendar days after its issue or levy; (i) any injunction, order, judgment or decision of any court is entered or issued which, in the opinion of Juvenescence, materially and adversely affects, or is reasonably likely so to affect, the ability of AgeX or a subsidiary to carry on its business or to pay amounts owed to Juvenescence under the 2022 Secured Note; (j) AgeX, whether in a single transaction or a series of related transactions, sells, leases, licenses, consigns, transfers or otherwise disposes of any material portion of its assets (with any such disposition with respect to any asset or assets with a fair value of at least $250,000 being deemed material), other than (i) certain permitted investments (ii) sales, transfers and dispositions of inventory in the ordinary course of business, (iii) any termination of a lease of real or personal property that is not necessary in the ordinary course of the AgeX’s business, could not reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect and does not result from AgeX’s default, and (iv) any sale, lease, license, consignment, transfer or other disposition of assets that are no longer necessary in the ordinary course of business or which has been approved in writing by Juvenescence; (k) any of the following shall occur: (i) the security and/or liens created by the Security Agreement or any other Loan Document shall at any time cease to constitute valid and perfected security and/or liens on any material portion of the collateral intended to be covered thereby; (ii) except for expiration in accordance with its terms, the Security Agreement or any other Loan Document pursuant to which a lien is granted by AgeX in favor of Juvenescence shall for whatever reason be terminated or shall cease to be in full force and effect; (iii) the enforceability of the Security Agreement or any other Loan Document pursuant to which a lien is granted by AgeX in favor of Juvenescence shall be contested by AgeX or a subsidiary; (iv) AgeX shall assert that its obligations under the 2022 Secured Note or any other Loan Document shall be invalid or unenforceable; or (v) a loss, theft, damage or destruction occurs with respect to a material portion of the collateral; (l) there is any change in the financial condition of AgeX and its subsidiaries which, in the opinion of Juvenescence, materially and adversely affects, or is reasonably likely so to affect, the ability of AgeX to perform any of its obligations under the 2022 Secured Note; and (m) any representation, warranty or statement made, repeated or deemed made or repeated by AgeX in the 2022 Secured Note, or pursuant to the Loan Documents, is incomplete, untrue, incorrect or misleading in any material respect when made, repeated or deemed made.

*Restrictive Covenants –*The 2022 Secured Note includes certain covenants that among other matters such as financial reporting: (i) impose financial restrictions on AgeX while the 2022 Secured Note remains unpaid, including restrictions on the incurrence of additional indebtedness by AgeX and its subsidiaries, except that AgeX’s subsidiary Reverse Bio will be permitted to incur debt convertible into equity not guaranteed or secured by the assets of AgeX or any other AgeX subsidiary, (ii) require that AgeX use loan proceeds and funds that may be raised through certain equity offerings only for research and development work, professional and administrative expenses, for general working capital, and for repayment of all or a portion of AgeX’s indebtedness to Juvenescence; and (iii) prohibit AgeX from making additional investments in subsidiaries, unless AgeX obtains the written consent of Juvenescence to a transaction that otherwise would be prohibited or restricted.

*Security Agreement –*AgeX has entered into a Security Agreement granting Juvenescence a security interest in substantially all of the assets of AgeX, including a security interest in shares of AgeX subsidiaries that hold certain assets, as collateral for AgeX’s loan obligations. If an Event of Default occurs, Juvenescence will have the right to foreclose on the assets pledged as collateral.

$10 Million Secured Convertible Promissory Note

On March 13, 2023, AgeX and Juvenescence entered into a $10 Million Secured Convertible Promissory Note (the “2023 Secured Note”) pursuant to which Juvenescence has loaned to AgeX $10,000,000. AgeX used the loan proceeds to finance the $10,000,000 loan to Serina under the Serina Note. See Note 4,Convertible Note Receivable, for further information on the Serina Note and the related Serina Note Purchase Agreement.

On July 31, 2023, AgeX and Juvenescence also entered into an amendment to the 2023 Secured Note that mirrors the amendments of the 2022 Secured Note described above, and also creates an earlier time window, ending October 31, 2023, during which Juvenescence may elect to convert any amount outstanding under the 2023 Secured Note into shares of AgeX common stock. After October 31, 2023, Juvenescence may convert outstanding amounts under the 2023 Secured Note into AgeX common stock on any date more than ninety (90) days after the earlier of (a) the occurrence of a Qualified Merger as defined, and (b) March 13, 2024.

The outstanding principal balance of the 2023 Secured Note was scheduled to become due and payable on March 13, 2026. In lieu of accrued interest, AgeX agreed to pay Juvenescence an origination fee in an amount equal to 7% of the loan funds disbursed to AgeX, which will accrue in two installments. The origination fee will become due and payable on the earliest to occur of (i) conversion of the 2023 Secured Note into shares of AgeX common stock, (ii) repayment of the 2023 Secured Note in whole or in part (provided that the origination fee shall be prorated for the amount of any partial repayment), and (iii) the acceleration of the maturity date of the 2023 Secured Note following an Event of Default as defined in the 2023 Secured Note.

During July 2023, the 2023 Secured Note indebtedness, plus a portion of the accrued loan origination fees, was exchanged for Series B Preferred Stock pursuant to the Exchange Agreement.

The 2023 Secured Note includes a provision allowing AgeX to convert the loan balance and any accrued but unpaid origination fee into AgeX common stock or “units” if AgeX consummates a sale of common stock (or common stock paired with warrants or other convertible securities in “units”) in which the gross sale proceeds are at least $10,000,000. If less than $25,000,000 is raised through the sale of common stock or units, the conversion price per share or units shall be the lowest price at which shares or units are sold. If at least $25,000,000 is raised, the conversion price per share shall be 85% of the “Market Price” of AgeX common stock determined as provided in the 2023 Secured Note. AgeX evaluated the 15% discounted conversion feature of the 2023 Secured Note under ASC 815-15,Derivatives and Hedging—Embedded Derivatives, and concluded that it was an embedded derivative which should be bifurcated from the 2023 Secured Note and accounted for separately. The 15% discount was determined to have an immaterial value at inception and life to date of the 2023 Secured Note, as the probability of a future financing event described above is remote. The likelihood of the future qualifying event will be evaluated at the end of each reporting period and any adjustments will be included inInterest expense, net in theOther expense, net section of the consolidated statements of operations.

The 2023 Secured Note includes certain covenants that among other matters require financial reporting and impose certain restrictions on AgeX that are substantially the same as those under the 2022 Secured Note.

AgeX has entered into an Amended and Restated Security Agreement that amends the February 14, 2022 Security Agreement between AgeX and Juvenescence and adds the 2023 Secured Note to the obligations secured by the Security Agreement. The Security Agreement grants Juvenescence a security interest in substantially all of the assets of AgeX, including a security interest in shares of AgeX subsidiaries that hold certain assets, as collateral for AgeX’s loan obligations. If an Event of Default as defined in the 2023 Secured Note occurs, Juvenescence will have the right to foreclose on the assets pledged as collateral with respect to any accrued loan origination fees remaining unpaid under the 2023 Secured Note.

Registration Rights

AgeX entered into certain Registration Rights Agreements, as amended, pursuant to which AgeX has agreed to register for sale under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) all shares of AgeX common stock presently held by Juvenescence or that may be acquired by Juvenescence through the exercise of common stock purchase warrants that they hold or that they may acquire pursuant to the 2020 Loan Agreement and pursuant to the 2022 Secured Note, and shares that they may acquire through the conversion of those loans into AgeX common stock. AgeX has filed a registration statement on Form S-3, which has become effective under the Securities Act, for offerings on a delayed or continuous basis covering 467,657 shares of AgeX common stock held by Juvenescence and 92,358 shares of AgeX common stock that may be issued upon the exercise of warrants held by Juvenescence. Juvenescence retains the right to require AgeX to register additional shares of common stock that Juvenescence may acquire through the exercise of warrants or the conversion of loans. AgeX is obligated to pay the fees and expenses of each registered offering under such registration rights agreement except for underwriting discounts and commissions. AgeX and Juvenescence will indemnify each other from certain liabilities in connection the registration, offer, and sale of securities under a registration statement, including liabilities arising under the Securities Act.

AgeX and Juvenescence have entered into a second Registration Rights Agreement pursuant to which AgeX has agreed to use commercially reasonable efforts to register the for sale under the Securities Act the shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of Preferred Stock. A registration statement must be filed upon request of Juvenescence if Form S-3 is available to AgeX. Juvenescence will also have “piggyback” registration rights if AgeX files a registration statement for the sale of shares for itself or other stockholders, subject to certain customary exceptions based on the nature of the registration statement. AgeX will bear the expenses of the registration statement but not underwriting or broker’s commissions related to the sale of the common stock. AgeX and Juvenescence will indemnify each other from certain liabilities in connection the registration, offer, and sale of securities under a registration statement, including liabilities arising under the Securities Act.

Debt Issuance Costs

In accordance with ASU 2015-03,*Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs,*all debt issuance costs are recorded as a discount on the debt and amortized to interest expense over the term of the applicable loan agreement using the effective interest method. Direct debt issuance costs include but are not limited to legal fees, debt origination fees, estimated fair market value of common stock and warrants issued in connection with the loan agreement, and NYSE American additional listing fees for the underlying shares of warrants issued with each drawdown of funds.

The following table summarizes the debt issuance costs and the debt balances net of debt issuance costs by loan agreement as of December 31, 2023 (in thousands):

Related Party Payables, net

From October 2018 through December 2023, AgeX’s Chief Operating Officer, who was also an employee of Juvenescence, was devoting a majority of his time to AgeX’s operations. AgeX reimburses Juvenescence for his services on an agreed-upon fixed annual amount of approximately $280,000. AgeX reimburses Juvenescence for services provided by other Juvenescence employees on a work order basis under a shared services agreement effective January 1, 2023. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, AgeX had approximately $66,000 and $141,000 payable, respectively, to Juvenescence included in related party payables, net, on the consolidated balance sheets.

Indemnification Agreements

On March 13, 2023, AgeX executed that certain Letter of Indemnification in Lieu of or Supplemental to a Medallion Signature Guarantee (“Letter of Indemnification”), pursuant to which AgeX agreed to indemnify American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC and its affiliates, successors and assigns (the “AST Indemnity”) from and against any and all claims, damages, liabilities or losses arising out of the transfer of all of the AgeX common stock held by Juvenescence to its wholly-owned subsidiary, Juvenescence US Corp. (the “Share Transfer”). In connection with AgeX’s execution of the Letter of Indemnification, AgeX and Juvenescence entered into that certain Transfer of Shares of AgeX Therapeutics, Inc. Common Stock – Indemnification Agreement, pursuant to which Juvenescence agreed to indemnify AgeX against any and all claims, damages, liabilities or losses arising out of the Share Transfer or AST Indemnity.

On December 21, 2023, AgeX executed that certain Letter of Indemnification in Lieu of or Supplemental to a Medallion Signature Guarantee (the “ETC Letter of Indemnification”), pursuant to which AgeX agreed to indemnify Equiniti Trust Company LLC and its affiliates, successors and assigns (the “ETC Indemnity”) from and against any and all claims, damages, liabilities or losses arising out of the transfer 467,657 shares of AgeX common stock held by Juvenescence US Corp. to JuvVentures (the “JUV US Share Transfer”). In connection with AgeX’s execution of the ETC Letter of Indemnification, AgeX, Juvenescence, the ultimate parent company of Juvenescence US Corp. and JuvVentures, entered into that certain Transfer of Shares of AgeX Therapeutics, Inc. Common Stock – Indemnification Agreement, pursuant to which Juvenescence agreed to indemnify AgeX against any and all claims, damages, liabilities or losses arising out of the JUV US Share Transfer or ETC Indemnity.

6. Warrant Liability

AgeX determines the accounting classification of warrants it issues, as either liability or equity, by first assessing whether the warrants meet liability classification in accordance with ASC 480-10,Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity, then in accordance with ASC 815-40,Accounting for Derivative Financial Instruments Indexed to, and Potentially Settled in, a Company’s Own Stock. Under ASC 480,*Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity,*warrants are considered liability classified if the warrants are mandatorily redeemable, obligate AgeX to settle the warrants or the underlying shares by paying cash or other assets, or warrants that must or may require settlement by issuing a variable number of shares. If warrants do not meet liability classification under ASC 480-10, AgeX assesses the requirements under ASC 815-40, which states that contracts that require or may require the issuer to settle the contract for cash are liabilities recorded at fair value, irrespective of the likelihood of the transaction occurring that triggers the net cash settlement feature. If the warrants do not require liability classification under ASC 815-40, and in order to conclude equity classification, AgeX also assesses whether the warrants are indexed to its common stock and whether the warrants are classified as equity under ASC 815-40 or other applicable U.S. GAAP.

As a condition of each amount drawn up to $15,160,000 from the 2022 Secured Note, on receipt of each amount drawn AgeX granted to Juvenescence a number of warrants equal to 50% of the gross value of the relevant advance made. The gross value is the quotient of the drawdown amount and the exercise price. The exercise price was based on the market closing price of AgeX’s common stock on the NYSE American on the one day preceding the delivery of the relevant drawdown notice. See Note 5,Related Party Transactions.

AgeX has utilized the full credit available under the 2022 Secured Note that is subject to warrants and accordingly the warrants were issued for each of the advances of loan funds under the 2022 Secured Note. After all relevant assessments, AgeX determined that the warrants issued under the 2022 Secured Note require classification as a liability pursuant to ASC 480,Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity. In accordance with the accounting guidance, for each reporting period prior to the full drawdown of the entire $15,160,000 of the 2022 Secured Note line of credit subject to warrants, the amount of warrant liability was determined and recognized on the balance sheet for the applicable reporting period based on the number of warrants that would have been issued if $15,160,000 of the 2022 Secured Note line of credit was drawn. The amount of warrant liability attributed to the expected future issuance of warrants upon subsequent loan draws was subsequently adjusted for the fair value of warrants actually issued upon each loan draw, and the number of warrants that could be issued for the remaining credit available was re-measured for the applicable reporting period with changes being recorded as a component of net other expense in the consolidated statements of operations.

Under the Third Amendment, AgeX is not obligated to issue additional warrants to Juvenescence in connection with the receipt of loan funds up to $4 million made available pursuant to the Second Amendment. See Note 5,Related Party Transactions, for further details of the Second Amendment and the Third Amendment.

The fair value of the warrant liabilities was measured using a Black-Scholes option pricing model. Significant inputs into the model at the inception date, the date when warrants were issued upon receipt of amounts drawn during the period, and as of the reporting period end remeasurement dates are as follows:

The warrants outstanding and fair values at each of the respective valuation dates are summarized below.

During the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, AgeX recorded a loss of $35,000 and $225,000, respectively, on changes in the fair value of warrants.

The warrant liabilities are considered Level 3 liabilities on the fair value hierarchy as the determination of fair value includes various assumptions about future activities and AgeX’s stock prices and historical volatility as inputs. None of the warrants issued have been exercised.

7. Stockholders’ Equity/(Deficit)

Preferred Stock

On July 24, 2023, AgeX issued to Juvenescence 211,600 shares of a newly authorized Series A Preferred Stock and 148,400 shares of a newly authorized Series B Preferred Stock in exchange for the cancellation of a total of $36 million of indebtedness consisting of the outstanding principal amount of loans then outstanding under the 2020 Loan Agreement, the 2022 Secured Note, and the 2023 Secured Note, plus the loan origination fees accrued with respect to the 2022 Secured Note and a portion of the loan origination fees accrued pursuant to the 2023 Secured Note. The cancellation of indebtedness in exchange for the Series A Preferred Stock and Series B Preferred Stock (collectively referred to as the “Preferred Stock”) was conducted pursuant to the Exchange Agreement between AgeX and Juvenescence. All of the shares of Preferred Stock were automatically converted into a total of 1,421,666 shares of AgeX common stock on February 1, 2024 in accordance with the terms of the Preferred Stock. See Note 11,Subsequent Events.

Classification of Preferred Stock

On November 7, 2023, certain terms of the Series A Preferred Stock and Series B Preferred Stock was amended (i) to clarify that certain change of control or disposition of asset transactions would be treated as adeemed liquidation if the applicable transaction is approved by the Board of Directors or stockholders of AgeX, and (ii) to provide that in case of such a deemed liquidation transaction holders of Preferred Stock would receive the same type of consideration as that distributed or paid to holders of AgeX common stock. This amendment permits the classification of the Series A Preferred Stock and Series B Preferred Stock as permanent equity effective November 7, 2023.

The redemption rights of the Series A Preferred Stock and Series B Preferred Stock in case of a “deemed liquidation” provide that the holders of AgeX preferred stock would always be entitled to receive the same form of consideration as the holders of AgeX common stock. Accordingly, the preferred stock has been presented in permanent equity section of the consolidated balance sheet.

The following is a description of certain terms of the Preferred Stock that were applicable to the shares of Preferred Stock outstanding as of December 31, 2023. However, all of the Preferred Stock was converted into shares of common stock on February 1, 2024. See Note 11,Subsequent Events.

Dividends– The Preferred Stock is not entitled to receive any payment or distribution of cash or other dividends.

Liquidation Preference – In the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or other winding up of the affairs of AgeX, subject to the preferences and other rights of any senior stock, before any assets of AgeX shall be distributed to holders of common stock or other junior stock, all of the assets of AgeX available for distribution to stockholders shall be distributed among the holders of Series A Preferred Stock and Series B Preferred Stock and any other “parity stock” that may be issued rankingparri passu with those series of Preferred Stock with respect to liquidation rights, in proportion to the number of shares of Series B Preferred Stock and parity stock held by each such holder as of the record date for the determination of holders of Series A Preferred Stock, Series B Preferred Stock, and parity stock entitled to receive such distribution, until AgeX shall have distributed to the holders of those shares an amount of assets having a value equal to the subscription price per share. If the assets of AgeX shall be insufficient to pay in full such amounts, then the entire assets to be distributed to the holders of Series A Preferred Stock, Series B Preferred Stock and parity stock shall be ratably distributed among such holders. The (i) acquisition of AgeX by another entity by means of any transaction or series of transactions (including, without limitation, any reorganization, merger or consolidation) in which the stockholders of AgeX immediately before such transaction or series of transactions do not own a majority of the outstanding stock of the surviving or acquiring corporation upon completion of such transaction or series of transactions or (ii) a sale of all or substantially all of the assets of AgeX in a single transaction or series of related transactions, shall be deemed a liquidation. On November 7, 2023, certain terms of the liquidation preference were amended.

Conversion of Preferred Stock into Common Stock – Each share of Preferred Stock shall be convertible into a number of shares of AgeX common stock determined by dividing (x) a number equal to the number of dollars and cents comprising the subscription price, by (y) a number equal to the number of dollars and cents comprising the conversion price. The subscription price per share of Preferred Stock is $100 which was paid through the exchange of indebtedness for shares of Preferred Stock. The conversion price per share of Series A Preferred Stock or Series B Preferred Stock is $0.72 which was the closing price of AgeX common stock on the NYSE American on the last trading day immediately preceding the execution of the Exchange Agreement and prior to adjustment to give effect to the Reverse Stock Split.

Optional Conversion – Preferred Stock shall be convertible into common stock at the election of the holder of shares of Preferred Stock at any time and from time to time subject to the limitations on conversion of Series B Preferred Stock discussed below.

Automatic Conversion – The outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock and Series B Preferred Stock shall automatically be converted into common stock without any further act of AgeX or its stockholders (“Automatic Conversion”) upon the earliest of: (x) the date on which AgeX or a subsidiary shall have consummated a merger with Serina, or a subsidiary thereof; and (y) February 1, 2024. Further, if the holders of at least a majority of the outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock or Series B Preferred Stock approve or consent to the Automatic Conversion of the shares of that series, then the outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock or Series B Preferred Stock, as applicable, shall be converted into common stock upon such approval or consent.

The outstanding shares of Series B Preferred Stock shall automatically be converted into common stock without any further act of AgeX or its stockholders upon the earliest of: (x) the date on which AgeX or a subsidiary shall have consummated a merger with Serina or a subsidiary thereof; and (y) February 1, 2024.

Adjustment of conversion price and subscription price – If AgeX shall (a) declare a dividend or make a distribution on its common stock in shares of common stock, (b) subdivide or reclassify the outstanding common stock into a greater number of shares, or (c) combine or reclassify the outstanding common stock into a smaller number of shares, the conversion price in effect at the time of the record date for such dividend or distribution or the effective date of such subdivision, combination or reclassification shall be proportionately adjusted. If AgeX shall (i) declare a dividend or make a distribution on a series of Preferred Stock in shares of Preferred Stock, (ii) subdivide or reclassify the outstanding shares of a series of Preferred Stock into a greater number of shares, or (iii) combine or reclassify the outstanding shares of a series of Preferred Stock into a smaller number of shares, the subscription price in effect at the time of the record date for such dividend or distribution or the effective date of such subdivision, combination or reclassification shall be proportionately adjusted. Successive adjustments in the conversion price or subscription price, as applicable, shall be made whenever any event specified above shall occur.

No Fractional Shares – No fractional share of common stock or scrip shall be issued upon conversion of Preferred Stock. Instead of any fractional share of common stock which would otherwise be issuable upon conversion of any Preferred Stock, AgeX will pay a cash adjustment in respect of such fractional interest in an amount equal to that fractional interest at the then fair value determined in accordance with the terms of the Preferred Stock.

Voting Rights – The following matters shall require the approval of the holders of a majority of the shares of a series of Preferred Stock then outstanding, voting as a separate class:(i) creation of any Preferred Stock ranking as senior stock to the series with respect to liquidation preferences; (ii) repurchase of any shares of common stock or other junior stock except shares issued pursuant to or in connection with a compensation or incentive plan or agreement approved by the Board of Directors for any officers, directors, employees or consultants of AgeX; (iii) any sale, conveyance, or other disposition of all or substantially all AgeX’s property or business, or any liquidation or dissolution of AgeX, or a merger into or consolidation with any other corporation (other than a wholly-owned subsidiary corporation) but only to the extent that the Delaware General Corporation Law requires that such transaction be approved by each class or series of Preferred Stock; (iv) any adverse change in the powers, preferences and rights of, and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions on, the series of Preferred Stock; or (v) any amendment of AgeX’s Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws that results in any adverse change in the powers, preferences and rights of, and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions on, the series of Preferred Stock. However, the terms of the Preferred Stock do not restrict or limit the rights and powers of the Board of Directors to fix by resolution the rights, preferences, and privileges of, and restrictions and limitations on, stock ranking as parity stock or junior stock to a series of Preferred Stock. Except as may otherwise be required by the Delaware General Corporation Law, as the same may be amended from time to time, the Preferred Stock will have no other voting rights.

Governing Law – The powers, designations, preferences, rights, qualifications, limitations, and restrictions of either series of Preferred Stock, the validity, authorization and issuance of such Preferred Stock, and the conversion of such Preferred Stock into common stock shall be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with the internal laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to the principles of conflict of laws thereof, and all legal proceedings pursuant or with respect to or concerning such matters (a “Proceeding”), whether brought by or against a holder of Preferred Stock or AgeX or any of their respective directors, officers, stockholders, employees or agents, shall be commenced in the state and federal courts sitting in the State of Delaware (the “Delaware Courts”). The Preferred Stock provides that (a) AgeX and each holder of Preferred Stock irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Delaware Courts for the adjudication of any Proceeding, and irrevocably waives, and agrees not to assert in any Proceeding any claim that they are not personally subject to the jurisdiction of such Delaware Courts, or such Delaware Courts are an improper or inconvenient venue for such Proceeding, and (b) AgeX and each holder of Preferred Stock irrevocably waives personal service of process and consents to process being served in any such Proceeding by mailing a copy thereof via registered or certified mail or overnight delivery (with evidence of delivery) to such party at the address in effect for notices to such party and agrees that such service shall constitute good and sufficient service of process and notice.

Common Stock

AgeX has 200,000,000 shares of common stock, $0.0001 par value per share, authorized. The holders of AgeX’s common stock are entitled to receive ratably dividends when, as, and if declared by the Board of Directors out of funds legally available. Upon liquidation, dissolution, or winding up, the holders of AgeX common stock are entitled to receive ratably the net assets available after the payment of all debts and other liabilities and subject to the prior rights of AgeX outstanding preferred shares, if any.

The holders of common stock are entitled to one vote for each share held on all matters submitted to a vote of AgeX stockholders. The holders of common stock have no preemptive, subscription, or redemption rights. The outstanding shares of common stock are fully paid and non-assessable.

As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, there were 1,079,080 and 1,079,022 shares of AgeX common stock issued and outstanding, respectively.

Issuance and Sale of Warrants by AgeX

In connection with the $2,500,000 of drawdowns of loan funds from Juvenescence under the 2022 Secured Note during the year ended December 31, 2023, AgeX issued to Juvenescence 2022 Warrants to purchase 53,980 shares of AgeX common stock. See Note 6,Warrant Liability.

8. Stock-Based Awards

Equity Incentive Plan

Under the 2017 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended (the “Incentive Plan”), AgeX has reserved 241,683 shares of common stock for the grant of stock options or the sale of restricted stock (“Restricted Stock”) or for the settlement of restricted stock units which are hypothetical units issued with reference to common stock (“Restricted Stock Units” or “RSUs”). AgeX may also grant stock appreciation rights (“SARs”) under the Incentive Plan. The Plan also permits AgeX to issue such other securities as its Board of Directors (the “Board”) or the Compensation Committee (the “Committee”) administering the Incentive Plan may determine. Awards of stock options, Restricted Stock, SARs, and RSUs (“Awards”) may be granted under the Incentive Plan to AgeX employees, directors, and consultants.

Awards may vest and thereby become exercisable or have restrictions on forfeiture lapse on the date of grant or in periodic installments or upon the attainment of performance goals, or upon the occurrence of specified events.

No person shall be granted, during any one year period, options to purchase, or SARs with respect to, more than 28,433 shares in the aggregate, or any Awards of Restricted Stock or RSUs with respect to more than 14,216 shares in the aggregate. If an Award is to be settled in cash, the number of shares on which the Award is based shall not count toward the individual share limit.

No Awards may be granted under the Incentive Plan more than ten years after the date upon which the Incentive Plan was adopted by the Board, and no options or SARS granted under the Incentive Plan may be exercised after the expiration of ten years from the date of grant.

Stock Options

Options granted under the Incentive Plan may be either “incentive stock options” within the meaning of Section 422(b) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (“IRC” or the “Code”), or “non-qualified” stock options that do not qualify incentive stock options. Incentive stock options may be granted only to AgeX employees and employees of subsidiaries. The exercise price of stock options granted under the Incentive Plan must be equal to the fair market of AgeX common stock on the date the option is granted. In the case of an optionee who, at the time of grant, owns more than 10% of the combined voting power of all classes of AgeX stock, the exercise price of any incentive stock option must be at least 110% of the fair market value of the common stock on the grant date, and the term of the option may be no longer than five years. The aggregate fair market value of common stock (determined as of the grant date of the option) with respect to which incentive stock options become exercisable for the first time by an optionee in any calendar year may not exceed $100,000.

The exercise price of an option may be payable in cash or in common stock having a fair market value equal to the exercise price, or in a combination of cash and common stock, or other legal consideration for the issuance of stock as the Board or Committee may approve.

Generally, options will be exercisable only while the optionee remains an employee, director or consultant, or during a specific period thereafter, but in the case of the termination of an employee, director, or consultant’s services due to death or disability, the period for exercising a vested option shall be extended to the earlier of 12 months after termination or the expiration date of the option.

Restricted Stock and RSUs

In lieu of granting options, AgeX may enter into purchase agreements with employees under which they may purchase or otherwise acquire Restricted Stock or RSUs subject to such vesting, transfer, and repurchase terms, and other restrictions. The price at which Restricted Stock may be issued or sold will be not less than 100% of fair market value. Employees or consultants, but not executive officers or directors, who purchase Restricted Stock may be permitted to pay for their shares by delivering a promissory note or an installment payment agreement that may be secured by a pledge of their Restricted Stock. Restricted Stock may also be issued for services actually performed by the recipient prior to the issuance of the Restricted Stock. Unvested Restricted Stock for which AgeX has not received payment may be forfeited, or AgeX may have the right to repurchase unvested shares upon the occurrence of specified events, such as termination of employment.

Subject to the restrictions set with respect to the particular Award, a recipient of Restricted Stock generally shall have the rights and privileges of a stockholder, including the right to vote the Restricted Stock and the right to receive dividends; provided that, any cash dividends and stock dividends with respect to the Restricted Stock shall be withheld for the recipient’s account, and interest may be credited on the amount of the cash dividends withheld. The cash dividends or stock dividends so withheld and attributable to any particular share of Restricted Stock (and earnings thereon, if applicable) shall be distributed to the recipient in cash or, at the discretion of the Board or Committee, in shares of common stock having a fair market value equal to the amount of such dividends, if applicable, upon the release of restrictions on the Restricted Stock and, if the Restricted Stock is forfeited, the recipient shall have no right to the dividends.

The terms and conditions of a grant of RSUs shall be determined by the Board or Committee. No shares of common stock shall be issued at the time a RSU is granted. A recipient of RSUs shall have no voting rights with respect to the RSUs. Upon the expiration of the restrictions applicable to a RSU, AgeX will either issue to the recipient, without charge, one share of common stock per RSU or cash in an amount equal to the fair market value of one share of common stock.

At the discretion of the Board or Committee, each RSU (representing one share of common stock) may be credited with cash and stock dividends paid in respect of one share (“Dividend Equivalents”). Dividend Equivalents shall be withheld for the recipient’s account, and interest may be credited on the amount of cash Dividend Equivalents withheld. Dividend Equivalents credited to a recipient’s account and attributable to any particular RSU (and earnings thereon, if applicable) shall be distributed in cash or in shares of common stock having a fair market value equal to the amount of the Dividend Equivalents and earnings, if applicable, upon settlement of the RSU. If a RSU is forfeited, the recipient shall have no right to the related Dividend Equivalents.

Stock Appreciation Rights (“SARs”)

A SAR is the right to receive, upon exercise, an amount payable in cash or shares, or a combination of shares and cash, equal to the number of shares subject to the SAR that is being exercised, multiplied by the excess of (a) the fair market value of a common stock on the date the SAR is exercised, over (b) the exercise price specified in the SAR Award agreement. SARs may be granted either as free standing SARs or in tandem with options. No SAR may be exercised later than 10 years after the date of grant.

The exercise price of a SAR shall not be less than 100% of the fair market value of one share of common stock on the date of grant. A SAR granted in conjunction with an option shall have the same exercise price as the related option, shall be transferable only upon the same terms and conditions as the related option, and shall be exercisable only to the same extent as the related option; provided, however, that the SAR by its terms shall be exercisable only when the fair market value per share exceeds the exercise price per share of the SAR or related option. Upon any exercise of a SAR granted in tandem with an option, the number of shares for which the related option shall be exercisable shall be reduced by the number of shares for which the SAR has been exercised. The number of shares for which a SAR issued in tandem with an option shall be exercisable shall be reduced by the number of shares for which the related option has been exercised.

Equity Incentive Plan Awards

A summary of the Incentive Plan activity and related information follows (in thousands except weighted-average exercise price):

There wereno exercises of stock options during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022. Total proceeds, if all options granted and outstanding as of December 31, 2023 were exercised, would be approximately $6.6 million.

At December 31, 2023, AgeX had approximately $68,000 of total unrecognized compensation costs related to the stock options and unvested RSUs under the Incentive Plan that will be recognized as expense over a weighted-average period of approximately 1.36 years.

The aggregate intrinsic value of options outstanding and options exercisable were nil as of December 31, 2023.

Stock-Based Compensation Expense

AgeX recorded stock-based compensation expense in the following categories on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 (in thousands):

The weighted-average estimated fair value of stock options granted during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 was $22.41 per share and $24.48 per share, respectively, using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions:

The determination of stock-based compensation is inherently uncertain and subjective and involves the application of valuation models and assumptions requiring the use of judgment. If AgeX had made different assumptions, its stock-based compensation expense and net loss for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 may have been significantly different. See Note 2,Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, for a discussion of the factors used in determining these assumptions.

AgeX does not recognize deferred income taxes for incentive stock option compensation expense and records a tax deduction only when a disqualified disposition has occurred.

9. Income Taxes

Net loss from operations before income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 was approximately $14.8 million and $10.5 million, respectively.

Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes.

The primary components of the net deferred tax assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 were as follows (in thousands):

A valuation allowance is provided when it is more likely than not that all or some portion of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. AgeX established a full valuation allowance for all periods presented due to the uncertainty of realizing future tax benefits from its net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforwards and other deferred tax assets.

Income taxes differed from the amounts computed by applying the U.S. federal income tax rate indicated to pretax losses from operations as a result of the following:

AgeX has established an accrual for uncertain tax positions related to its U.S. research and development credits. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, there was no accrued interest related to uncertain tax positions. AgeX does not believe it is reasonably possible that its unrecognized tax benefits will significantly change in the next twelve months. A reconciliation of beginning and ending balances for unrecognized tax benefits is as follows (in thousands):

AgeX monitors proposed and issued tax law, regulations, and cases to determine the potential impact of uncertain income tax positions. At December 31, 2023, AgeX had not identified any potential subsequent events that would have a material impact on unrecognized income tax benefits within the next twelve months.

As of December 31, 2023, AgeX has net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $59.7 million for U.S. federal income tax purposes. In general, NOLs and other tax credit carryforwards generated by legal entities in a consolidated federal tax group are available to other members of the tax group depending on the nature of the transaction that a member may enter into while still in the consolidated federal tax group.

As of December 31, 2023, AgeX has net operating losses of approximately $19.8 million for California purposes. In general, NOLs and other tax credit carryforwards generated by legal entities in a combined state tax group are available to other members of the tax group depending on the nature of the transaction that a member may enter into while still in the combined state tax group. Federal net operating losses generated on or prior to December 31, 2017, expire in varying amounts between 2028 and 2037, while federal net operating losses generated after December 31, 2017, carryforward indefinitely. The state net operating losses expire in varying amounts between 2028 and 2043.

As of December 31, 2023, AgeX has research and development tax credit carryforwards for federal and state tax purposes $0.7 million and $0.5 million, respectively. The federal tax credits expire between 2028 and 2043, while the state tax credits have no expiration date.

As of December 31, 2023, AgeX has capital loss carryforwards for federal and state tax purposes of $12.4 million and $5.9 million, respectively. The federal and California capital loss carryforwards will expire in 2026.

Effective for tax years beginning after December 31, 2021, taxpayers are required to capitalize any expenses incurred that are considered incidental to research and experimentation (“R&E”) activities under IRC Section 174. While taxpayers historically had the option of deducting these expenses under IRC Section 174, the December 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act mandates capitalization and amortization of R&E expenses for tax years beginning after December 31, 2021. Expenses incurred in connection with R&E activities in the US must be amortized over a 5-year period if incurred, and R&E expenses incurred outside the US must be amortized over a 15-year period. R&E activities are broader in scope than qualified research activities considered under IRC Section 41 (relating to the research tax credit). For the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company performed an analysis based on available guidance and determined that it will continue to be in a loss position even after the required capitalization and amortization of its R&E expenses. We will continue to monitor this issue for future developments, but we do not expect R&E capitalization and amortization to require us to pay cash taxes now or in the near future.

For the year ended December 31, 2023, we experienced a loss; therefore, no income tax provision was recorded for the year ended December 31, 2023.

Other Income Tax Matters

Code Section 382 places a limitation (“Section 382 Limitation”) on the amount of taxable income that can be offset by NOL carryforwards after a change in control (generally greater than 50% change in ownership within a three-year period) of a loss corporation. California has similar rules. Generally, after a control change, a loss corporation cannot deduct NOL carryforwards in excess of the Section 382 Limitation. Due to these “change in ownership” provisions, utilization of the NOL and tax credit carryforwards may be subject to an annual limitation regarding their utilization against taxable income in future periods.

AgeX and its subsidiaries may be subject to potential income tax examination by U.S. federal or states authorities. These potential examinations may include inquiries regarding the timing and amount of deductions, and compliance with U.S. federal and state tax laws. AgeX filed its first consolidated federal tax return in 2018. AgeX and its current subsidiaries are not subject to tax examination by federal tax authorities for tax years beginning before 2020 and for state tax authorities beginning before 2019. However, the tax authorities may still make adjustments to the net operating loss and credit carryforwards used in open years by AgeX or any of its subsidiaries. Any potential examinations may include inquiries regarding the timing and amount of deductions, and compliance with U.S. federal and state tax laws.

10. Commitments and Contingencies

Office Lease Agreement

AgeX leased office space in Alameda, California. For 2022, base monthly rent was $1,074 and for 2023, base monthly rent is $844 for slightly less space at the same building. The lease also includes office furniture rental, janitorial services, utilities, and internet service.

ASC 842

For the office lease, AgeX has elected to not apply the recognition requirements under ASC 842 and instead recognized the lease payments as lease costs on a straight-line basis over the lease term, as the amount of the lease payments is not deemed material.

There were no future minimum lease commitments as of December 31, 2023.

Litigation – General

AgeX is subject to various claims and contingencies in the ordinary course of its business, including those related to litigation, business transactions, employee-related matters, and others. When AgeX is aware of a claim or potential claim, it assesses the likelihood of any loss or exposure. If it is probable that a loss will result and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated, AgeX will record a liability for the loss. If the loss is not probable or the amount of the loss cannot be reasonably estimated, AgeX discloses the claim if the likelihood of a potential loss is reasonably possible and the amount involved could be material. AgeX is not aware of any claim for which a liability has not been accrued and which is likely to have a material adverse effect on its financial condition or results of operations.

Tax Filings

AgeX tax filings are subject to audit by taxing authorities in jurisdictions where it conducts business. These audits may result in assessments of additional taxes that are subsequently resolved with the authorities or potentially through the courts. Management believes AgeX has adequately provided for any ultimate amounts that are likely to result from these audits; however, final assessments, if any, could be significantly different than the amounts recorded in the consolidated financial statements.

Employment Contracts

AgeX has entered into employment contracts with certain executive officers. Under the provisions of the contracts, AgeX may be required to incur severance obligations for matters relating to changes in control, as defined, and involuntary terminations.

Indemnifications

In the normal course of business, AgeX may provide indemnifications of varying scope under AgeX’s agreements with other companies or consultants, typically for AgeX’s research and development programs. Pursuant to these agreements, AgeX will generally agree to indemnify, hold harmless, and reimburse the indemnified parties for losses and expenses suffered or incurred by the indemnified parties arising from claims of third parties in connection with AgeX’s research and development. Indemnification provisions could also cover third-party infringement claims with respect to patent rights, copyrights, or other intellectual property licensed from AgeX to third parties. Office and laboratory leases will also generally indemnify the lessor with respect to certain matters that may arise during the term of the lease. A sales agreement between AgeX and Chardan Capital Markets, LLC also included indemnification provisions pursuant to which the parties agreed to indemnify each other from certain liabilities that could arise from the offer and sale of AgeX common stock, including liabilities under the Securities Act. Similarly, the Registration Rights Agreement between Juvenescence and AgeX includes indemnification provisions pursuant to which the parties will indemnify each other from certain liabilities in connection with the registration, offer, and sale of securities under a registration statement, including liabilities arising under the Securities Act. AgeX has also agreed to provide the AST Indemnity and ETC Indemnity pursuant to the Letter of Indemnification and ETC Letter of Indemnity described in Note 5,Related Party Transactions. The term of these indemnification obligations will generally continue in effect after the termination or expiration of the particular license, lease, or agreement to which they relate. The potential future payments AgeX could be required to make under these indemnification agreements will generally not be subject to any specified maximum amount. Historically, AgeX has not been subject to any claims or demands for indemnification. AgeX also maintains various liability insurance policies that limit AgeX’s financial exposure and in the case of the AST Indemnity and ETC Indemnity AgeX has received cross-indemnities from Juvenescence against all claims, damages, liabilities or losses arising out of the AST Indemnity and ETC Indemnity. As a result, AgeX believes the fair value of these indemnification agreements is minimal. Accordingly, AgeX has not recorded any liabilities for these agreements as of December 31, 2023 and 2022.

Notice of Delisting

On April 20, 2023, AgeX received a letter (the “2023 Deficiency Letter”) from the staff of the Exchange indicating that AgeX does not meet certain of the Exchange’s continued listing standards as set forth in Sections 1003(a)(i), (ii), and (iii) of the Exchange Company Guide in that AgeX has stockholders equity of less than (A) $2,000,000 and has incurred losses from continuing operations and/or net losses during its two most recent fiscal years, (B) $4,000,000 and has incurred losses from continuing operations and/or net losses during three out of four of its most recent fiscal years, and (C) $6,000,000 or more and has reported losses from continuing operations and/or net losses in its five most recent fiscal years. The 2023 Deficiency Letter states that as AgeX remains subject to the conditions set forth in prior letters from the Exchange with respect to AgeX’s deficiencies in stockholders equity, and if AgeX is not in compliance with all of the Exchange’s stockholders equity standards, or does not make progress consistent with AgeX’s Exchange approved plan to come into compliance with the Exchange’s continued listing standards, by May 17, 2023, the Exchange will initiate delisting proceedings as appropriate.

On May 17, 2023 AgeX received a notice from the staff of the Exchange indicating that they intend to commence proceedings to delist AgeX common stock from the Exchange based upon AgeX’s non-compliance with the stockholders’ equity requirements set forth in Sections 1003(a)(i), (ii) and (iii) of the Exchange’s Company Guide by the end of a compliance plan period that expired on May 17, 2023. Specifically, AgeX did not meet the continued listing standards because it had stockholders equity of less than (A) $2,000,000 and has incurred losses from continuing operations and/or net losses during its two most recent fiscal years, (B) $4,000,000 and has incurred losses from continuing operations and/or net losses during three out of four of its most recent fiscal years, and (C) $6,000,000 or more and has reported losses from continuing operations and/or net losses in its five most recent fiscal years.

On May 24, 2023, AgeX filed a request for a review of the delisting determination by a Committee of the Board of Directors of the Exchange. On May 31, 2023, AgeX received a notice from the staff of the Exchange which scheduled a hearing for July 25, 2023. On July 24, 2023, AgeX issued shares of preferred stock to Juvenescence in exchange for the extinguishment of $36 million of indebtedness owed to Juvenescence for the purpose of remediating the deficiency in stockholders equity, and the hearing at the Exchange scheduled for July 25 was cancelled. See Note 7,Stockholders’ Equity/(Deficit), for further discussion on the classification of preferred stock and amendment to Section 3(b) of the terms of the Series A Preferred Stock and Series B Preferred Stock.

11. Subsequent Events

On February 9, 2024, AgeX and Juvenescence executed a Sixth Amendment to Amended and Restated Convertible Promissory Note (the “Sixth Amendment”) that extends to May 9, 2024 the “Repayment Date” on which the outstanding principal balance and accrued loan origination fees will become due and payable pursuant to the 2022 Secured Note.

From January 1 through March 20, 2024, AgeX drew in the aggregate $5,800,000 of its credit available under the 2022 Secured Note with Juvenescence.

On February 1, 2024, all outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock and Series B Preferred Stock automatically converted into a total of 1,421,666 shares of AgeX common stock in accordance with their terms and after that conversion no shares of AgeX Preferred Stock remained outstanding. Those shares of common stock issued to Juvenescence increased Juvenescence’s direct and indirect holding of outstanding shares of AgeX common stock to 1,889,323 shares, or approximately 75.6% of the shares of common stock outstanding on March 14, 2024, including shares of AgeX common stock held by Juvenescence’s subsidiaries but not taking into account any additional shares of AgeX common stock that Juvenescence may acquire through the conversion of loan balances and the exercise of AgeX common stock purchase warrants or Post-Merger Warrants that were distributed on March 19, 2024.

At the Special Meeting of stockholders on March 14, 2024, AgeX stockholders approved certain matters required for the Merger to be consummated in accordance with the terms of the Merger Agreement. On February 16, 2024, holders of outstanding Serina voting securities approved certain matters required for the Merger to be consummated in accordance with the terms of the Merger Agreement.

On March 14, 2024, AgeX implemented the 1 for 35.17 Reverse Stock Split of its common stock. See Note 1,Organization, Basis of Presentation and Liquidity.

On March 19, 2024, AgeX issued the Post-Merger Warrants to each holder of AgeX common stock as of the dividend record date, March 18, 2024.