Serina Therapeutics Inc
For the period ended Mar 31, 2024. Filed May 14, 2024.
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A company's report for each of its first three quarters. The financial statements are not audited. It shows how the business has moved since the last annual report, and what management says changed.
Mar 31, 2024 · Filed May 14, 2024
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Item 1. Financial Statements
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands, except par value amounts)
| March 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | |
|---|---|---|
| (unaudited) | ||
| ASSETS | ||
| Current assets: | ||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $8,706 | $7,619 |
| Accounts and grants receivable, net | 65 | - |
| Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 166 | - |
| Total current assets | 8,937 | 7,619 |
| Restricted cash | 50 | - |
| Property and equipment, net | 564 | 573 |
| Right of use assets - operating leases | 627 | 666 |
| Right of use assets - finance leases | 104 | 110 |
| Intangible assets, net | 574 | - |
| TOTAL ASSETS | $10,856 | $8,968 |
| LIABILITIES, REDEEMABLE CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK, AND STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT | ||
| Current liabilities: | ||
| Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | $4,013 | $1,163 |
| Loans due to Juvenescence, net of debt issuance costs | 9,746 | - |
| Related party payables, net | 66 | - |
| Current portion of operating lease liabilities | 207 | 214 |
| Current portion of finance lease liabilities | 24 | 36 |
| Other current liabilities | 3 | - |
| Total current liabilities | 14,059 | 1,413 |
| Loans due to Juvenescence | 693 | - |
| Convertible promissory notes, at fair value | - | 2,983 |
| Operating lease liabilities, net of current portion | 413 | 461 |
| Finance lease liabilities, net of current portion | - | 1 |
| TOTAL LIABILITIES | 15,165 | 4,858 |
| Commitments and contingencies (Note 11) | - | - |
| Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock: | ||
| Redeemable convertible preferred stock, $0.01 par value; 10,000 authorized; nil and 3,438 issued and outstanding at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively | - | 36,404 |
| Stockholders’ deficit: | ||
| Preferred stock, $0.0001 par value, 5,000 shares authorized; none issued and outstanding | - | - |
| Common stock, $0.0001 par value, 40,000 shares authorized; and 8,414 and 2,410 shares issued and outstanding | 1 | 25 |
| Additional paid-in capital | 1,125 | 858 |
| Accumulated deficit | (5,435) | (33,177) |
| Total stockholders’ deficit | (4,309) | (32,294) |
| TOTAL LIABILITIES, REDEEMABLE CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK, AND STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT | $10,856 | $8,968 |
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in thousands, except par value amounts)
| Three Months Ended March 31, | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | |
| REVENUES | ||
| Grant revenues | $5 | $30 |
| Total revenues | 5 | 30 |
| OPERATING EXPENSES | ||
| Research and development | 1,106 | 399 |
| General and administrative | 1,220 | 593 |
| Total operating expenses | 2,326 | 992 |
| Loss from operations | (2,321) | (962) |
| OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE), NET: | ||
| Interest expense, net | (99) | (86) |
| Fair value inception adjustment on convertible promissory note | - | 2,240 |
| Change in fair value of convertible promissory notes | (7,017) | 294 |
| Change in fair value of warrants | - | 172 |
| Total other income (expense), net | (7,116) | 2,620 |
| NET INCOME (LOSS) | $(9,437) | $1,658 |
| NET EARNINGS (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE: | ||
| BASIC | $(3.38) | $0.77 |
| DILUTED | $(3.38) | $0.20 |
| WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING: | ||
| BASIC | 2,790 | 2,167 |
| DILUTED | 2,790 | 8,569 |
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK AND STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT
(in thousands)
| Redeemable Preferred Stock · Common Stock · Additional · Total | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Shares · Amount · Number of Shares · Par Value · Paid-In Capital · Accumulated Deficit · Stockholders’ Deficit | ||||||||
| BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2023 | 3,438 | $36,404 | 2,410 | $25 | $858 | $(33,177) | $(32,294) | |
| Issuance of common stock upon exercise of stock options | - | - | 64 | 1 | 3 | - | 4 | |
| Issuance of common stock upon conversion of preferred stock | (3,438) | (36,404) | 3,438 | 35 | 36,369 | - | 36,404 | |
| Issuance of common stock upon conversion of AgeX-Serina Note | - | - | 616 | 6 | 10,715 | - | 10,721 | |
| Cancellation of common stock upon consummation of Merger on March 26, 2024 | - | - | (6,528) | (67) | (47,833) | 37,179 | (10,721) | |
| Merger and issuance of common stock to Legacy Serina shareholders upon consummation of Merger on March 26, 2024 | - | - | 8,414 | 1 | 960 | 961 | ||
| Stock-based compensation | - | - | - | - | 53 | - | 53 | |
| Net loss | - | - | - | - | - | (9,437) | (9,437) | |
| BALANCE AT MARCH 31, 2024 | - | $ | - | 8,414 | $1 | $1,125 | $(5,435) | $(4,309) |
| Redeemable Preferred Stock · Common Stock · Additional · Total | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Shares | Amount | Number of Shares | Par Value | Paid-In Capital | Accumulated Deficit | Stockholders’ Deficit | |
| BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2022 | 3,323 | $35,442 | 2,167 | $22 | $646 | $(38,446) | $(37,778) |
| Stock-based compensation | - | - | - | - | 2 | - | 2 |
| Net income | - | - | - | - | - | 1,658 | 1,658 |
| BALANCE AT MARCH 31, 2023 | 3,323 | $35,442 | 2,167 | $22 | $648 | $(36,788) | $(36,118) |
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)
| Three Months Ended March 31, | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 · 2023 | ||||
| OPERATING ACTIVITIES: | ||||
| Net income (loss) | $(9,437) | $1,658 | ||
| Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities: | ||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 25 | 13 | ||
| Non-cash lease expense | 45 | 46 | ||
| Amortization of debt issuance fees | 22 | - | ||
| Stock-based compensation | 53 | 2 | ||
| Fair value inception adjustment on convertible promissory note | - | (2,240) | ||
| Change in fair value of convertible promissory notes | 7,017 | (294) | ||
| Change in fair value of warrants | - | (172) | ||
| Changes in operating assets and liabilities: | ||||
| Prepaid expenses and other current assets | (57) | 1 | ||
| Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | 644 | 235 | ||
| Accrued interest on convertible promissory notes | 163 | 86 | ||
| Operating lease liabilities | (55) | (44) | ||
| Other current liabilities | 3 | - | ||
| Net cash used in operating activities | (1,577) | (709) | ||
| INVESTING ACTIVITIES: | ||||
| Purchase of equipment | (14) | - | ||
| Net cash used in investing activities | (14) | - | ||
| FINANCING ACTIVITIES: | ||||
| Drawdown on loan facilities from Juvenescence | 2,400 | - | ||
| Cash and restricted cash acquired in connection with the Merger | 337 | - | ||
| Proceeds from the exercise of stock options | 4 | - | ||
| Proceeds from the issuance of convertible promissory notes | - | 10,100 | ||
| Principal repayments on finance lease liabilities | (13) | (11) | ||
| Net cash provided by financing activities | 2,728 | 10,089 | ||
| NET CHANGE IN CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH | 1,137 | 9,380 | ||
| CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH: | ||||
| At beginning of the period | 7,619 | 532 | ||
| At end of the period | $8,756 | $9,912 | ||
| SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES | ||||
| Cash paid for interest | $1 | $ | - | |
| SUPPLEMENTAL SCHEDULE OF NON-CASH FINANCING AND INVESTING ACTIVITIES: | ||||
| Right of use asset acquired in exchange for finance lease liabilities | $ | - | $497 | |
| Issuance of common stock upon conversion of Preferred Stock | $36,404 | $ | - | |
| Issuance of common stock upon conversion of AgeX-Serina Note | $10,721 | $ | - | |
| Merger and issuance of common stock upon consummation of Merger on March 26, 2024 | $961 | $ | - | |
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. Organization, Business Overview and Liquidity
Serina Therapeutics, Inc. (“Serina” or the “Company”) was incorporated as AgeX Therapeutics, Inc. in January 2017 in the state of Delaware. On March 26, 2024, AgeX Therapeutics, Inc. completed a merger transaction in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Agreement and Plan of Merger and Reorganization, dated as of August 29, 2023 (the “Merger Agreement”), by and among AgeX Therapeutics, Inc. (“AgeX”), Canaria Transaction Corporation, an Alabama corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of AgeX (“Merger Sub”), and Serina Therapeutics, Inc., an Alabama corporation (“Legacy Serina”), pursuant to which Merger Sub merged with and into Legacy Serina, with Legacy Serina surviving the merger as a wholly owned subsidiary of AgeX (the “Merger”). Additionally, on March 26, 2024, AgeX changed its name from “AgeX Therapeutics, Inc.” to “Serina Therapeutics, Inc.” (the “Company”).
At the effective time of the Merger, each outstanding share of Legacy Serina capital stock (after giving effect to the automatic conversion of all shares of Legacy Serina preferred stock into shares of Legacy Serina common stock and excluding any shares held as treasury stock by Legacy Serina or held or owned by AgeX or any subsidiary of AgeX or of Legacy Serina and any dissenting shares) was converted into the right to receive 0.97682654 shares of AgeX common stock, which resulted in AgeX issuing an aggregate of 5,913,277 shares of AgeX common stock to the stockholders of Legacy Serina. In addition, AgeX assumed the Legacy Serina 2017 Stock Option Plan, and each outstanding and unexercised option to purchase Legacy Serina common stock and each outstanding and unexercised warrant to purchase Legacy Serina capital stock was adjusted with such stock options and warrants henceforth representing the right to purchase a number of shares of Company common stock equal to 0.97682654 multiplied by the number of shares of Legacy Serina common stock previously represented by such options and warrants.
Following the consummation of the Merger, the business previously conducted by Serina became the business conducted by the Company, which is now a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing Serina’s drug product candidates. The Company’s headquarters are located in Huntsville, Alabama (Serina’s former headquarters).
The Company is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing a pipeline of wholly-owned drug product candidates to treat neurological diseases and pain. The Company’s POZ drug delivery technology is designed to enable certain existing drugs and novel drug candidates to be modified in a way that may provide an increase in efficacy and safety of the resulting polymeric drug conjugate. The Company’s proprietary POZ technology is based on a synthetic, water soluble, low viscosity polymer called poly(2-oxazoline). The Company’s POZ technology is engineered to provide greater control in drug loading and more precision in the rate of release of attached drugs delivered via subcutaneous injection.
The therapeutic agents in the Company’s product candidates are typically well-understood and marketed drugs that are effective but are limited by pharmacokinetic (PK) profiles that can include toxicity, side effects and short half-life. We believe that by using POZ technology, drugs with narrow therapeutic windows can be designed to maintain more desirable and stable levels in the blood. We believe that POZ technology can be applied to small molecules, proteins, antibody drug conjugates, and other classes of molecules.
Prior to the closing of the Merger, any assets of AgeX other than certain “Legacy Assets” were transferred into a recently formed subsidiary of AgeX, UniverXome Bioengineering, Inc. (“UniverXome”). UniverXome assumed (i) any outstanding indebtedness of AgeX to Juvenescence Limited (“Juvenescence”), which was secured by the assets contributed to UniverXome, (ii) most of the Company’s contracts with third parties, other than certain designated contracts and any contracts that were terminated before the Merger, and (iii) all other liabilities of the Company in existence as of the effective time of the Merger (other than certain transaction expenses related to the Merger).
Emerging Growth Company
The Company is an “emerging growth company” as defined in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012.
Liquidity and Going Concern
In addition to general economic and capital market trends and conditions, the Company’s ability to raise sufficient additional capital to finance its operations from time to time will depend on a number of factors specific to the Company’s operations such as operating expenses and progress in out-licensing its technologies and development of its product candidates.
The unavailability or inadequacy of financing to meet future capital needs could force the Company 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. The Company cannot assure that adequate financing will be available on favorable terms, if at all.
The Company recognized net loss of approximately $9.4 million for the period ended March 31, 2024. The Company used approximately $1.6 million in net cash from operating activities for the period ended March 31, 2024 and has historically incurred losses from operations and expects to continue to generate negative cash flows as the Company implements its business plan.
Management believes that its cash and cash equivalents of $8.7 million as of March 31, 2024, along with the approximately $15 million of cash proceeds expected to be received from Juvenescence through the exercise of Post-Merger Warrants as provided in a “Side Letter”, will be used to fund Company operations but are not expected to be sufficient to satisfy the Company’s anticipated operating and other funding requirements for the twelve months from the issuance of these condensed consolidated interim financial statements. See Note 7,Stockholders’ Equity/(Deficit) regarding the Post-Merger Warrants and Side Letter. Management has based its estimate of the funds needed to finance Company operations on assumptions that may prove to be wrong, and available capital resources could be exhausted sooner than expected. As such, there is substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern.
The Company is subject to risks and uncertainties common to early-stage companies in the biotechnology industry, including, but not limited to, technical risks associated with the successful research, development and manufacturing of therapeutic candidates, development by competitors of new technological innovations, dependence on key personnel, protection of proprietary technology, compliance with government regulations, and the ability to secure additional capital to fund operations. Therapeutic drug candidates currently under development will require significant additional research and development efforts, including extensive preclinical and clinical testing and regulatory approval prior to commercialization. These efforts will require significant amounts of additional capital, adequate personnel, and infrastructure. Even if the Company’s product development efforts are successful, it is uncertain when, if ever, the Company will realize revenue from product sales. The Company expects to largely rely on raising capital from equity investors for funding its operations. Some funding is expected to be obtained through licensing agreements or other arrangements with commercial entities.
As a result of recurring losses from operations and recurring negative cash flows from operations, there is substantial doubt regarding the Company’s ability to maintain liquidity sufficient to operate its business effectively. If sufficient capital is not available, the Company would be required to delay, limit, reduce, or terminate its product development or future commercialization efforts or grant rights to develop and market therapeutic candidates to other entities. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to raise additional funds or that the terms and conditions of any future financings will be workable or acceptable to the Company or its shareholders. The financial statements do not include any adjustments relating to the recoverability and classification of recorded asset amounts or the amounts and classifications of liabilities that might be necessary should the Company be unable to continue as a going concern.
2. Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
The unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements presented herein, and discussed below, have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 8 of Regulation S-X promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). In accordance with those rules and regulations certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in comprehensive consolidated financial statements have been condensed or omitted. The condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2023 was derived from the audited consolidated financial statements at that date but does not include all the information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP. These condensed consolidated interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements and related notes for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 attached as Exhibit 99.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 1, 2024*.*
The accompanying condensed consolidated interim financial statements, in the opinion of management, include all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of the Company’s financial condition and results of operations. The condensed consolidated results of operations are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for any other interim period or for the entire year.
Principles of consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries in which the Company has a controlling financial interest. For consolidated entities where the Company has less than 100% of ownership, the Company 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 the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. Any material intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated upon consolidation.
The Company 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 the Company’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, the Company considers whether it must consolidate the VIE or provide additional disclosures regarding its involvement with the VIE. If the Company determines that it is the primary beneficiary of the VIE, the Company will consolidate the VIE. This analysis is performed at the initial investment in the entity or upon any reconsideration event. For entities the Company holds as an equity investment that are not consolidated under the VIE model, the Company 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.
The Company has five subsidiaries: Legacy Serina and UniverXome, which are wholly-owned subsidiaries, and ReCyte Therapeutics, Inc. (“ReCyte”), Reverse Bioengineering, Inc. (“Reverse Bio”), and NeuroAirmid Therapeutics, Inc. (“NeuroAirmid”). Following the Merger, the Company is primarily focused on developing Legacy Serina’s product candidates which are described elsewhere in this Report. Prior to the Merger, on March 26, 2024, pursuant the Merger Agreement, the Company contributed all of its stock in Reverse Bio and ReCyte, along with substantially all of the assets (other than the stock of NeuroAirmid) of the Company to UniverXome. In exchange for the contribution of those assets, UniverXome assumed certain liabilities, including all of the Company’s indebtedness to Juvenescence. UniverXome owns 94.8% of the outstanding capital stock of ReCyte. ReCyte owns certain pre-clinical research and development assets involving stem cell-derived endothelial and cardiovascular related progenitor cells for the treatment of vascular disorders and ischemic conditions. The Company owns 100% of the outstanding capital of Reverse Bio through UniverXome. Reverse Bio owns assets involved in partial cellular reprogramming using its iTR™ technology with the intent to revert aged or diseased cells to a healthy and functional state. NeuroAirmid is jointly owned by the Company and certain researchers from the University of California and was organized to pursue certain cell therapies, focusing initially on Huntington’s Disease. The Company owns 50% of the outstanding capital stock of NeuroAirmid. The Company 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. On March 27, 2024, the Board of Directors of the Company formed a special committee for the purpose of exploring strategic alternatives for the business, assets and/or stock of UniverXome, Reverse Bio, ReCyte and NeuroAirmid.
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, in each case 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, 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, determining the fair value of the Company’s embedded derivatives in the convertible notes payable and receivable, 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, the Company’s future results of operations will be affected.
Concentration of credit risk and other risks and uncertainties
Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of risk consist principally of cash equivalents. The Company maintains its cash deposits in Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) insured financial institutions and may at times hold investments at Securities Investor Protection Corporation (“SIPC”) insured broker-dealers.
At times, the balances in these accounts may be in excess of FDIC and SIPC insured limits. At March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, cash and cash equivalents deposits in excess of FDIC limits were approximately $2.6 million and $0, respectively, and investments and deposits in excess of SIPC limits were $5.4 and $7.3 million, respectively.
For the periods ended March 31, 2024 and 2023,100% of the Company’s revenue for the periods presented are related to a single grant from U.S. Government agency. See Note 4,Grant Revenues, for further discussion on grant awards.
Product candidates developed by the Company and its subsidiaries will require approvals or clearances from the United States Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) or foreign regulatory agencies prior to commercial sales. There can be no assurance that any of the product candidates being developed or planned to be developed by the Company or its subsidiaries will receive any of the required approvals or clearances. If regulatory approval or clearance were to be denied or any such approval or clearance was to be delayed, it would have a material adverse impact on the Company.
Fair value measurements of financial instruments
The Company has adopted ASC Topic 820,Fair Value Measurement, for certain financial instruments measured as fair value on a recurring basis. ASC Topic 820 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. 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. ASC Topic 820 establishes a three-tier fair value hierarchy which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value.
The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (level 3 measurements).
The three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value are as follows:
| ● | Level 1: Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. |
| ● | Level 2: Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities, quoted prices in markets with insufficient volume or infrequent transactions (less active markets), or model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs are observable or can be derived principally from or corroborated with observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities. Level 2 inputs also include non-binding market consensus prices that can be corroborated with observable market data, as well as quoted prices that were adjusted for security-specific restrictions. |
| ● | Level 3: Unobservable inputs to the valuation methodology are significant to the measurement of the fair value of assets or liabilities. Level 3 inputs also include non-binding market consensus prices or non-binding broker quotes that we were unable to corroborate with observable market data. |
Accounting for warrants
The Company 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, warrants are considered liability classified if the warrants are mandatorily redeemable, obligate the Company 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, the Company 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, the Company 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. After all relevant assessments, the Company 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 statements of operations. Equity classified warrants only require fair value accounting at issuance with no changes recognized subsequent to the issuance date. See Notes 5,Related Party Transactions and 6,Fair Value Measurements, for additional information regarding warrants.
Redeemable convertible preferred stock
The Company recorded redeemable convertible preferred stock at fair value upon issuance, net of any issuance costs. As of December 31, 2023, the Company classified stock that was redeemable in circumstances outside of the Company’s control outside of permanent equity. The redeemable preferred stock were converted to common stock on March 26, 2024 upon consummation of the Merger.
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash
In accordance with Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-18,Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash, a reconciliation of the Company’s cash and cash equivalents in the condensed consolidated balance sheets to cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash in the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows for all periods presented is as follows (in thousands):
| March 31, 2024 (unaudited) | December 31, 2023 | |
|---|---|---|
| Cash and cash equivalents | $8,706 | $7,619 |
| Restricted cash (1) | 50 | - |
| Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash as shown in the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows | $8,756 | $7,619 |
| (1) | Restricted cash entirely represents the deposit required to maintain the Company’s corporate credit card program. |
Property and equipment, net
Property and equipment are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation. The costs of additions and betterments are capitalized and expenditures for repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred. When items of property and equipment are sold or retired, the related costs and accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and any gain or loss is included in the statements of operations. Depreciation of property and equipment is provided utilizing the straight-line method over the range of lives used of the respective assets, which is 3 -10 years.
Leases
The Company accounts for leases in accordance with ASU 2016-02,Leases(Topic 842) (“ASC 842”) and its subsequent amendments affecting the Company: (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. The Company 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, the Company uses(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, the Company accounts for the lease and non-lease components as a single lease component. The Company recognizes right-of-use (“ROU”) assets and lease liabilities for leases with terms greater than twelve months in the consolidated balance sheet.
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, the lessee 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. For such purposes, the lease term applied may include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that the Company or a subsidiary will exercise that option. Lease expense for lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The Company does not capitalize leases that have terms of twelve months or less.
The Company entered into five long-term, non-cancelable operating leases, of which four are related to laboratory and office facilities located in Huntsville, Alabama and one for a laboratory equipment. The leases expire on various dates from September 2024 through January 2028. In the normal course of business, it is expected that these leases will be renewed or replaced by leases on other properties. The Company also leases two pieces of equipment for various terms under long-term, non-cancelable finance lease agreements which expire in September 2024 and February 2025. The Company has elected to combine lease and non lease components as a single component. As required under ASC 842, operating leases are recognized on the consolidated balance sheet as ROU lease assets, current lease liabilities, and non-current lease liabilities. Fixed rents are included in the calculation of the lease balances, while variable costs paid for certain operating and pass through costs are excluded. Lease expense is recognized over the expected term on a straight-line basis.
Intangible**assets, net
Intangible assets, consisting primarily of acquired in-process research and development (“IPR&D”) with alternative future use and patents, is 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
The Company 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. The Company’s long-lived assets consists 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. There has been no impairment of long-lived assets for the accounting periods presented.
Revenue recognition
The Company 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, the Company 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. The Company considers the terms of a contract and all relevant facts and circumstances when applying the revenue recognition standard. The Company applies the revenue recognition standard, including the use of any practical expedients, consistently to contracts with similar characteristics and in similar circumstances.
Grant revenues – The Company 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 the Company 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 the Company is required to estimate and recognize that liability. Alternatively, if the Company 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, the Company 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.
The Company 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.
*License revenues -*The Company also recognizes revenue under licensing agreements with commercial entities in accordance with ASC 606. Under revenue sharing licensing agreements, the Company receives reimbursement for eligible costs as well as payments upon the achievement of certain milestones as defined by the contract. These licensing agreements provide for the Company to receive a certain percentage of revenue from sales of their product.
The Company accounts for a contract after it has been approved by all parties to the arrangement, the rights of the parties are identified, payment terms are identified, the contract has commercial substance, and collection is probable.
Each contract is assessed at inception to determine whether it should be combined with other contracts. When making this determination, factors such as whether two or more contracts were negotiated or executed at or near the same time or were negotiated with an overall profit objective. If combined, the Company treats the combined contracts as a single contract for revenue recognition purposes.
The Company evaluates the services promised in each contract at inception to determine whether the contract should be accounted for as having one or more performance obligations. The services in the contracts are typically not distinct from one another due to the requirements to perform under the contract. Accordingly, the contracts are typically accounted for as one performance obligation. However, if a contract has multiple distinct performance obligations, the transaction price is allocated to each performance obligation based on the estimated standalone selling price of the service underlying each performance obligation. Revenue is recognized as performance obligations are satisfied and the customer obtains control of the service. For performance obligations in which control does not continuously transfer to the customer, revenue is recognized at the point in time that each performance obligation is fully satisfied.
The Company determines the transaction price for each contract based on the consideration expected to be received for the services being provided under the contract. For contracts where a portion of the price may vary, the Company estimates variable consideration at the most likely amount, which is included in the transaction price to the extent it is probable that a significant reversal of cumulative revenue recognized will not occur. The Company analyzes the risk of a significant reversal and, if necessary, constrains the amount of variable consideration recognized in order to mitigate the risk. At inception of a contract, the transaction price is estimated based on current rights, and does not contemplate future modifications (including unexercised options) or follow-on contracts until they become legally enforceable. Depending on the nature of the modification, the Company considers whether to account for the modification as an adjustment to the existing contract or as a separate contract.
Milestone payments are recognized as licensing revenue upon the achievement of specified milestones if (i) the milestone is substantive in nature and the achievement of the milestone was not probable at the inception of the agreement; and (ii) the Company has a right to payment. Any milestone payments received prior to satisfying these revenue recognition criteria are recorded as deferred revenue.
Research and development
Research and development costs are expensed as they are incurred and include compensation for scientists, support personnel, outside contracted services, and material costs associated with product development. The Company continually evaluates new product opportunities and engages in intensive research and product development efforts. Research and development expenses include both direct costs tied to a specific contract or grant, and indirect costs. 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 condensed 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.
Income taxes
Income taxes are provided for the tax effects of transactions reported in the financial statements and consist of taxes currently due plus deferred taxes related primarily to differences between the basis of loss carryovers and depreciation differences for financial and income tax reporting. Deferred taxes represent the future tax return consequences of those differences, which will either be taxable or deductible when the assets and liabilities are recovered or settled. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which the differences are expected to be recovered or settled.
The Company only recognizes tax benefits from an uncertain tax position if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized in the financial statement from such a position are measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than fifty percent likelihood of being realized upon ultimate resolution. To date, the Company has not recognized such tax benefits in its financial statements.
Basic and diluted net earnings (loss) per share attributable to common stockholders
Basic earnings (loss) per share (“EPS”) of common stock is computed by dividing net income (loss) available to common stockholders (numerator) by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding (denominator) during the period.
Diluted EPS gives effect to all dilutive potential common shares outstanding during the period using the treasury stock method for stock options and warrants and the if-converted method for redeemable, convertible preferred stock and convertible promissory notes. In computing diluted EPS, the average stock price for the period is used to determine the number of shares assumed to be purchased from the exercise of stock options and/or warrants. Diluted EPS excluded all dilutive potential shares if their effect is anti-dilutive.
Segment reporting
Operating segments are identified as components of an enterprise about which separate discrete financial information is available for evaluation by the chief operating decision maker, the Chief Executive Officer, in making decisions regarding resource allocation and assessing performance. The Company views its operations and manages its business as one operating segment in the United States of America.
Reclassifications
Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior period condensed consolidated interim financial statements to conform to current year presentation of theAccounts payable and accrued liabilitiesamount in the condensed consolidated balance sheet.
Recently adopted accounting pronouncements
In August 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“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. The company adopted this standard as of January 1, 2024, and it did not have a material impact on the condensed consolidated interim 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. The company adopted this standard as of January 1, 2024, and it did not have a material impact on the condensed consolidated interim financial statements.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted
In March 2024, the FASB issued ASU 2024-02, Codification Improvements—Amendments to Remove References to the Concepts Statements (ASU 2024-02). ASU 2024-02 removes various references to the FASB’s Concepts Statements from the FASB’s Accounting Standards Codification (Codification or GAAP). The Concepts Statements are non-authoritative guidance issued by the FASB that provide the objectives, qualitative characteristics and other concepts that govern the development of accounting principles by the FASB. The ASU indicates that the goal of the amendments is to simplify the Codification and distinguish between nonauthoritative and authoritative guidance (since, unlike the Codification, the concepts statements are nonauthoritative). This ASU is effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2025 and is not expected to have a material impact on the condensed consolidated interim financial statements.
3. Selected Balance Sheet Components
Property and equipment, net
Property and equipment at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 net of accumulated depreciation expenses was as follows (in thousands):
| March 31, 2024 (unaudited) | December 31, 2023 | |
|---|---|---|
| Computer equipment | $31 | $30 |
| Equipment | 850 | 837 |
| Software | 96 | 96 |
| Total property and equipment | 977 | 963 |
| Less accumulated depreciation | (413) | (390) |
| Total property and equipment, net | $564 | $573 |
Depreciation expense for the periods ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 totaled approximately $23,000 and $13,000, respectively.
Intangible assets, net
At March 31, 2024, intangible assets, primarily consisting of acquired IPR&D with alternative use and patents, and accumulated amortization were as follows (in thousands):
| March 31, 2024 (unaudited) | |
|---|---|
| Intangible assets | $576 |
| Accumulated amortization | (2) |
| Total intangible assets, net | $574 |
The Company recognized approximately $2,000 in amortization expense of intangible assets, included in research and development expenses, for the three months ended March 31, 2024. The Company did not have intangible assets prior to the Merger which consummated on March 26, 2024.
Amortization of intangible assets for periods subsequent to March 31, 2024 is as follows (in thousands):
| Year Ending December 31, | Amortization Expense |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 98 |
| 2025 | 131 |
| 2026 | 132 |
| Thereafter | 213 |
| Total | $574 |
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
At March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, accounts payable and accrued liabilities were comprised of the following (in thousands):
| March 31, 2024 (unaudited) | December 31, 2023 | |
|---|---|---|
| Accounts payable | $2,605 | $580 |
| Accrued compensation | 111 | 13 |
| Accrued vendors and other expenses | 1,297 | 570 |
| Total accounts payable and accrued liabilities | $4,013 | $1,163 |
4. Grant Revenues
In August 2022, the Company was awarded a $250,000 NIH grant through the Innovative Alabama Supplemental Grant Program (the “Supplemental Grant Program”) under which the Company received $245,000 upon execution of the award. The grant provided funding for continued research and development for the treatment of neurological disorders and stroke over the grant period, August 2022 through December 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, the upfront payment was recorded as deferred revenue and recognized to revenues as allowable expenses were incurred.
The Company substantially completed its obligation under the grant by December 31, 2023 and accordingly recognized all of the $245,000 by that date. The Company recognized the remaining $5,000 as grant revenues during the three months ended March 31, 2024 upon submission and clearance of a final report pursuant to the terms of the grant agreement. During the three months ended March 31, 2023, the Company incurred approximately $30,000 of allowable expenses under the grant and accordingly, such amount was recognized as grant revenues in that period.
5. Related Party Transactions
Convertible Notes Agreement and Asset Contribution Agreement
On March 26, 2024, AgeX entered into an Asset Contribution Agreement with UniverXome (the “Asset Contribution Agreement”) pursuant to which AgeX transferred to UniverXome all of AgeX’s capital stock in Reverse Bio and ReCyte, along with certain patents, patent applications, and other intellectual property, certain biological materials, certain trademarks and service marks, certain equipment, certain inventory, and certain files and records relating to the foregoing, and UniverXome assumed all of the Liabilities (as defined in the Merger Agreement) in existence as the Effective Time (as defined in the Merger Agreement) other than the Transaction Expenses (as defined in the Merger Agreement) and certain other liabilities. Concurrently with the execution of the Asset Contribution Agreement, AgeX, and its subsidiaries UniverXome, Reverse Bio, and ReCyte (the “Subsidiary Obligors”), entered into an Agreement with Respect to the Convertible Notes (the “Convertible Notes Agreement”) with Juvenescence. Under the Convertible Notes Agreement and related documents, AgeX transferred to UniverXome, and UniverXome assumed, all of AgeX’s rights and obligations under.
Pursuant to the Convertible Notes Agreement, Juvenescence agreed to release AgeX from its obligations under (i) the 2022 Secured Note and the 2023 Secured Note discussed below (collectively, the “Convertible Notes”), together with (ii) all agreements evidencing or securing the Convertible Notes, including certain security agreements, and UniverXome assumed all of AgeX’s obligations under the Convertible Notes and related agreements, including the security agreements. As a result, (i) Juvenescence agreed to look solely to UniverXome, and ReCyte and Reverse Bio as guarantors, for any and all obligations, including repayment, under the Convertible Notes, the security agreements, and related documents, and (ii) Juvenescence released its security interests in the assets of AgeX and certain subsidiaries, including its security interests in the stock of UniverXome, the stock and assets of Merger Sub, the stock and assets of NeuroAirmid, and certain cGMP embryonic cell lines used to support the NeuroAirmid business, and any security interest that it might have in the stock and assets of Merger Sub and Legacy Serina, while retaining its security interest in the stock and assets of ReCyte and Reverse Bio and in AgeX assets transferred to UniverXome. Juvenescence also agreed to provide the Company with a claims reserve for the purpose of settling and paying the costs associated with certain claims and demands of, and liabilities against, the Company, which claims reserve will be an additional debt obligation of UniverXome.
The Convertible Notes Agreement amended certain provisions of the 2022 Secured Note and 2023 Secured Note to eliminate (i) the provisions permitting Juvenescence and AgeX to convert outstanding amounts owed into shares of AgeX common stock, and (ii) certain related provisions.
The Convertible Notes Agreement includes a mechanism for adjusting the amount outstanding under the 2022 Secured Note as necessary for AgeX to have had $500,000 of immediately spendable non-restricted cash net of all payables and other liabilities as of the closing of the Merger to meet the closing condition under the Merger Agreement.
Indebtedness Exchange Agreement and Issuance of AgeX Preferred Stock
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 a Secured Convertible Facility Agreement (the “2020 Loan Agreement”), the 2022 Secured Note, and the 2023 Secured Note discussed below. The Series A Preferred Stock and Series B Preferred Stock automatically converted into shares of AgeX common stock on February 1, 2024.
2022 Secured Note
The following summary of the 2022 Secured Note is qualified by the terms of the Convertible Notes Agreement which substitutes UniverXome for AgeX as the “borrower” and primary obligor pursuant to the 2022 Secured Note and the Security Agreement described below, and which amends certain provisions of the 2022 Secured Note.
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. The Company 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 a prior 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 $2,000,000 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 Bio.
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 was amended to extend to October 31, 2023 the referenced deadline for fulfillment of the condition to permit borrowing or other incurrence of indebtedness by ReverseBio, and (ii) certain aspects of the loan conversion provisions of the 2022 Secured Note were amended. 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 increased 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 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. See Note 13,Subsequent Events for information regarding the Allonge and Eighth Amendment to the Amended and Restated Convertible Promissory Note entered into on May 8, 2024 that extends to December 31, 2024 the “Repayment Date” and for an additional $525,000 credit.
On March 26, 2024, AgeX entered into an Allonge and Seventh Amendment to the Amended and Restated Convertible Promissory Note (the “Seventh Amendment”) that provided the Company an additional $2,400,000 of credit subject to the terms of the 2022 Secured Note which was drawn entirely on March 29, 2024.
From January 1 through March 31, 2024, AgeX drew in the aggregate $5,800,000 of its credit available under the 2022 Secured Note with Juvenescence. As of March 31, 2024, AgeX had borrowed a total of $25,960,000 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 AgeX Series A Preferred Stock and Series B Preferred Stock pursuant to an Exchange Agreement between AgeX and Juvenescence (the “Exchange Agreement”).
As an arrangement fee for the 2022 Secured Note, AgeX agreed to 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.
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 ranged 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. However, 2022 Warrants to purchase a total of 164,889 shares of AgeX common stock were cancelled pursuant to the Merger Agreement and the remaining 2022 Warrants to purchase a total of 129,593 shares of common stock at prices ranging from $20.75 to $25.01 remain in effect. The number of shares issuable upon exercise of the 2022 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 a 1 for 35.17 reverse stock split that AgeX implemented on March 14, 2024. See Note 7,Stockholders’ Equity/(Deficit). The 2022 Warrants will expire at 5:00 p.m. New York time three years after the date of issue. The expiration dates range from June 5, 2025 to April 3, 2026.
*Conversion of Loan Amounts to Common Stock –*The 2022 Secured Note included provisions allowing AgeX or Juvenescence to convert the loan balance and any accrued but unpaid origination fee into AgeX common stock; however those provisions were eliminated from the 2022 Note pursuant to the Convertible Notes Agreement.
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, as amended and assumed by UniverXome pursuant to the Convertible Notes Agreement, include the following: (a) UniverXome 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) UniverXome 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) UniverXome 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 UniverXome and (ii) actual knowledge of the failure by senior officers of UniverXome; (d)if any indebtedness of UniverXome 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 UniverXome in excess of $25,000 is not paid on its due date; (e) UniverXome 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 UniverXome 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 UniverXome 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 UniverXome 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 UniverXome 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 UniverXome 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 UniverXome 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 UniverXome or a subsidiary to carry on its business or to pay amounts owed to Juvenescence under the 2022 Secured Note; (j) UniverXome, 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 UniverXome’s business, could not reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect and does not result from UniverXome’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 UniverXome 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 UniverXome in favor of Juvenescence shall be contested by UniverXome or a subsidiary; (iv) UniverXome 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 UniverXome and its subsidiaries which, in the opinion of Juvenescence, materially and adversely affects, or is reasonably likely so to affect, the ability of UniverXome 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 UniverXome 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, as amended and assumed by UniverXome pursuant to the Convertible Notes Agreement, 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.
2023 Secured Note
The following summary of the 2023 Secured Note is qualified by the terms of the Convertible Notes Agreement which substitutes UniverXome for AgeX as the “borrower” and primary obligor pursuant to the 2023 Secured Note and the Security Agreement described below, and which amends certain provisions of the 2023 Secured 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 loaned to AgeX $10,000,000. AgeX used the loan proceeds to finance a $10,000,000 loan to Serina which was converted into Serina common stock in connection with the Merger.
On July 31, 2023, AgeX and Juvenescence entered into an amendment to the 2023 Secured Note that mirrors the amendments of the 2022 Secured Note pursuant to the Fourth Amendment of the 2022 Secured Note described above and also modified certain aspects of the conversion provisions of the 2023 Secured Note. 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 shares of AgeX Series B Preferred Stock pursuant to the Exchange Agreement.
The 2023 Secured Note included provisions allowing AgeX or Juvenescence to convert the loan balance and any accrued but unpaid origination fee into the Company common stock; however those provisions were eliminated from the 2023 Note pursuant to the Convertible Notes Agreement.
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.
Security Agreement
AgeX entered into a Security Agreement on February 14, 2022 in favor of Juvenescence as the secured party in connection with the 2022 Secured Note, and subsequently an Amended and Restated Security Agreement that amended the February 14, 2022 Security Agreement and added the 2023 Secured Note to the obligations secured by the Security Agreement. The Security Agreement, as so amended, granted 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. Pursuant to the Convertible Notes Agreement, UniverXome assumed AgeX’s obligations under the Security Agreement and Juvenescence released its security interests in the assets of AgeX and certain subsidiaries, including its security interests in the stock of UniverXome, the stock and assets of Merger Sub, the stock and assets of NeuroAirmid, and certain cGMP embryonic cell lines used to support the NeuroAirmid business, and any security interest that it might have in the stock and assets of Merger Sub and Legacy Serina, while retaining its security interest in the stock and assets of ReCyte and Reverse Bio and in AgeX assets transferred to UniverXome. If an Event of Default occurs under the 2022 Note, the 2023 Note or the Security Agreement, Juvenescence will have the right to foreclose on the assets pledged as collateral.
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 warrants issued in connection with the loan agreement, and NYSE American additional listing fees for the shares underlying warrants issued.
The following table summarizes the debt balances net of unamortized deferred debt issuance costs by loan agreement as of March 31, 2024 (in thousands):
| Principal | Origination Fee | Total Debt | Unamortized Debt Issuance Costs | Total Debt, Net | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Current | |||||
| 2022 Secured Note | $9,300 | $595 | $9,895 | $(149) | $9,746 |
| Non-current | |||||
| 2023 Secured Note | - | 693 | 693 | - | 693 |
| Total debt, net | $9,300 | $1,288 | $10,588 | $(149) | $10,439 |
Related Party Payables
As of March 31, 2024, approximately $66,000 was payable to Juvenescence included in related party payables, net, on the consolidated balance sheets.
6. Fair Value Measurements
Derivative Financial Instruments
On March 15, 2023, Serina issued a Convertible Promissory Note (the “AgeX-Serina Note”) in the amount of $10,000,000 to AgeX. The AgeX-Serina Note bore interest at 7% per annum and was scheduled to mature on March 15, 2026. Serina borrowed the $10,000,000 pursuant to the AgeX-Serina Note to provide for general working capital needs. The AgeX-Serina Note was converted into shares of Legacy Serina common stock by AgeX in connection with the Merger.
Serina evaluated the AgeX-Serina Note in accordance with ASC 815,Derivatives and Hedging, and determined it contains certain variable share settlement features tied to the price of a future financing which were not considered clearly and closely related to the host instruments. These provisions included automatic conversion upon the event of a Qualified Financing, the Holder’s option to convert the AgeX-Serina Note upon a Non-Qualified Financing, and the Holder’s option to convert or request repayment upon sale of Serina. The AgeX-Serina Note also contained a Change in Control Put and a Default Put which were not clearly and closely related to the host instrument. Serina elected to initially and subsequently measure the AgeX-Serina Note in its entirety at fair value, with changes in fair value recognized in earnings. The fair value inception date adjustment on the instrument is recorded as a component of other income in Serina’s statements of operations.
FASB ASC 825-10-25,Financial Instruments – Overall, allows Serina to elect the fair value option for recording financial instruments when they are initially recognized or if there is an event that requires re-measurement of the instruments at fair value, such as a significant modification of the debt. Serina elected the fair value option because they believed it to be the most appropriate method of encompassing the credit risk and exercise behavior that a market participant would consider when valuing the hybrid financial instrument.
On March 15, 2023 the fair value of the $10,000,000 principal amount under the AgeX-Serina Note was evaluated and an adjustment to reduce to $7.8 million was recorded at that time. Based on the re-evaluation of the fair value of the AgeX-Serina Note as of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2023, the principal amount was further reduced to $7.5 million and $3 million, respectively. The $10 million principal amount was reinstated prior to the conversion of the AgeX-Serina Note on March 26, 2024 pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement. The change in fair value recognized during the three month period ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 amounted to $7 million (loss) and $2.5 million (gain), respectively.
From June 2022 through February 2023, Serina issued interest-bearing Convertible Promissory Notes (the “Serina Convertible Notes”) to various investors in the principal amount of $1,450,000. The Serina Convertible Notes incur interest at 6% per annum and are payable by Serina two years from their issuance date. Serina may not voluntarily prepay the Serina Convertible Notes. Upon a Qualified Equity Financing event in which Serina sells shares of Preferred Stock for aggregate proceeds of at least $15 million, the principal and outstanding interest on the Serina Convertible Notes will automatically convert into shares of Legacy Serina’s Preferred Stock issued in the Qualified Financing at a conversion price of the lesser of i) a 20% discount to the price paid by purchasers in the Qualified Financing and ii) the quotient resulted from dividing $100 million by the fully diluted capitalization of Serina immediately prior to the Qualified Financing. If Serina enters into a Non-Qualified Equity Financing (less than $15 million in proceeds), the Holder has the option to convert the Serina Convertible Notes into shares of Serina’s Preferred Stock issued in the Non-Qualified Financing at the price paid per share. Serina may also choose to optionally convert the Serina Convertible Notes into Legacy Serina Series A-5 Preferred Stock at a price of $13.31 per share, and a warrant to purchase shares of Legacy Serina Series A-5 Preferred Stock with an exercise price of $20.47, and an expiration date of December 31, 2024. If a Change in Control or an IPO occurs prior to a Qualified Financing, then the Holder has the option to convert outstanding principal and interest into common stock at a price per share equal to an amount obtained by dividing i) the Post-Money Valuation Cap ($100,000,000) by ii) the Fully Diluted Capitalization immediately prior to the conversion. Upon a change in control, the Holder may also elect to require Serina to repay the outstanding principal and accrued but unpaid interest in cash.
Serina evaluated the Serina Convertible Notes in accordance with ASC Topic 815,Derivatives and Hedging, and determined they contained certain variable share settlement features tied to the price of a future financing which were not considered clearly and closely related to the host instruments. These provisions included mandatory conversion upon the event of a Qualified Financing and the Holder’s option to convert the Serina Convertible Notes upon a Non-Qualified Financing. The Serina Convertible Notes also contained a Change in Control Put and a Default Put which were not clearly and closely related to the host instrument. Serina elected to initially and subsequently measure the Serina Convertible Notes in their entirety at fair value, with changes in fair value recognized in earnings. The fair value inception date adjustment on the instrument is recorded as a component of other income in Serina’s statements of operations. The change in fair value of the instrument since inception date is recorded on a separate line item as a component of other income in Serina’s statements of operations.
On July 26, 2023, all of the Serina Convertible Notes were converted into 115,171 shares of Legacy Serina Series A-5 Preferred Stock. As provided for in the note agreements, the holders of the Serina Convertible Notes also received warrants to purchase an additional 115,171 shares of Legacy Serina Series A-5 Preferred Stock. See Note 7,*Stockholders’ Equity/(Deficit)*for discussion on Legacy Serina warrants assumed by the Company upon consummation of the Merger on March 26, 2024.
The Company had the following liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at December 31, 2023 (in thousands).
| Total · Level 1 · Level 2 · Level 3 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liabilities: | ||||||
| Convertible promissory notes | $2,983 | $ | - | $ | - | $2,983 |
| Total | $2,983 | $ | - | $ | - | $2,983 |
The following is a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for the AgeX-Serina Note and the Serina Convertible Notes liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) during the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 (in thousands):
| AgeX-Serina Note · Serina Convertible Notes | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Balance as of December 31, 2022 | $ | - | $1,617 |
| Convertible debt issuance | 10,000 | 100 | |
| Inception adjustment | (2,240) | - | |
| Change in fair value | (254) | (40) | |
| Balance as of March 31, 2023 | $7,506 | $1,677 | |
| AgeX-Serina Note · Serina Convertible Notes | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Balance as of December 31, 2023 | $2,983 | $ | - | |
| Notes converted into common stock | (10,000) | - | ||
| Change in fair value | 7,017 | - | ||
| Balance as of March 31, 2024 | $ | - | $ | - |
The following is a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for the warrant liability measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) during the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 (in thousands):
| Balance as of December 31, 2022 | $1,077 | |
|---|---|---|
| Change in fair value | (172) | |
| Balance as of March 31, 2023 | $905 | |
| Balance as of December 31, 2023 | $ | - |
| Balance as of March 31, 2024 | $ | - |
7. Stockholders’ Equity/(Deficit)
Preferred Stock
The Company is authorized to issue up to 5,000,000 shares of $0.0001 par value preferred stock. No shares of preferred stock were issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2024.
Prior to the Merger, Legacy Serina had authority to issue up to 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock with a par value of $0.01 per share. All issued and outstanding redeemable convertible preferred stock as shown in the following table were converted into common stock upon consummation of the Merger on March 26, 2024. At the effective time of the Merger, each outstanding share of Legacy Serina capital stock (after giving effect to the automatic conversion of all shares of Legacy Serina preferred stock into shares of Legacy Serina common stock and excluding any shares held as treasury stock by Serina or held or owned by AgeX or any subsidiary of AgeX or Legacy Serina and any dissenting shares) was converted into the right to receive 0.97682654 shares of AgeX common stock, which resulted in the issuance by AgeX of an aggregate of 5,913,277 shares of AgeX common stock to the stockholders of Legacy Serina (the “Exchange Shares”).
The table below presents Legacy Serina redeemable convertible preferred stock information adjusted for the 0.9768265 Exchange Ratio (in thousands other than per share price).
| Preference Order | Designation | Shares Designated | Shares Issued and Outstanding | Issue Price per Share | Liquidation Preference |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Series A Preferred Stock | 391 | 391 | $5.12 | $2,000 |
| #2 | Series A-1 Preferred Stock | 293 | 293 | 6.82 | 1,998 |
| #3 | Series A-2 Preferred Stock | 1,091 | 1,091 | 10.17 | 11,085 |
| #4 | Series A-3 Preferred Stock | 487 | 487 | 12.80 | 6,240 |
| #5 | Series A-4 Preferred Stock | 702 | 702 | 13.31 | 9,347 |
| #6 | Series A-5 Preferred Stock | 1,954 | 474 | 13.31 | 5,734 |
| 4,918 | 3,438 | $36,404 | |||
Common Stock
The Company has 40,000,000 shares of common stock, $0.0001 par value per share, authorized. The holders of the Company’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 Company 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 the Company outstanding preferred shares, if any.
The holders ofcommon stock are entitled to one vote for each share held on all matters submitted to a vote of the Company 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 March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, there were 8,413,889 and 2,410,255 shares of Company common stock issued and outstanding, respectively.
Warrants
Post-Merger Warrants
On March 19, 2024, the Company 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” at a price equal to $13.20 per Unit and will expire on July 31, 2025. Each Unit will consist of (i) one share of Company common stock and (ii) one warrant (“Incentive Warrant”). Each Incentive Warrant will be exercisable for one share of Company 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. As of March 31, 2024 there were 1,500,284 Post-Merger Warrants issued and outstanding.
The Side Letter provides, among other things, that Juvenescence will exercise all Post-Merger Warrants it holds to provide the 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. Juvenescence holds 1,133,593 Post-Merger Warrants.
Former AgeX Warrants
As of March 31, 2024, there are 129,593 warrants issued and outstanding with exercise prices ranging from $20.75 to $25.01 and expiration dates ranging from June 5, 2025 to April 3, 2026. These warrants were issued in connection with drawdowns of loan funds by AgeX from Juvenescence under the 2022 Secured Note. On March 26, 2024, as per terms of the Side Letter executed concurrently with the Merger Agreement on August 29, 2023, all “out of the money” AgeX warrants (meaning those warrants with an exercise price equal to or greater than $0.7751 on a pre-reverse stock split basis) were canceled. The number of shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of the remaining “in the money warrants” and the exercise prices of those warrants were adjusted for the reverse stock split ratio of 1 for 35.17.
Assumed Warrants
Upon consummation of the Merger, the Company assumed the outstanding, unexercised warrants to purchase Legacy Serina capital stock (the “Assumed Warrants”), which were adjusted such that after the Merger each such Assumed Warrant represents the right to purchase a number of shares of Company common stock equal to 0.97682654 multiplied by the number of shares of Legacy Serina common stock issuable upon the exercise of such Assumed Warrant prior to the Merger. There were 473,681 Assumed Warrants issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2024 with an exercise price of $20.47 per share and expire on December 31, 2024.
8. Stock-Based Awards
Equity Incentive Plan Awards
Serina 2024 Equity Incentive Plan
On March 27, 2024, the Company’s Board of Directors adopted the 2024 Equity Incentive Plan, (the “2024 Incentive Plan”). Under the 2024 Incentive Plan, the Company has reserved 1,725,000 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”). The Company may also grant stock appreciation rights (“SARs”) under the Incentive Plan. The Plan also permits the Company to issue such other securities as its Board of Directors or the Compensation 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 the Company employees, directors, and consultants.
A summary of Serina stock option activity under the 2024 Incentive Plan and related information follows (in thousands, except weighted average exercise price):
| Shares Available for Grant · Number of Options Outstanding · Number of RSUs Outstanding · Weighted- Average Exercise Price | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Incentive Plan adopted on March 27, 2024 | 1,725 | - | - | $ | - |
| Stock options granted | (72) | 72 | - | 14.8715 | |
| Balance at March 31, 2024 | 1,653 | 72 | - | $14.8715 | |
| Options exercisable at March 31, 2024 | 4 | $14.8715 | |||
Serina 2017 Stock Option Plan
In 2017, the Legacy Serina’s Board of Directors adopted the Serina Therapeutics, Inc. 2017 Stock Option Plan (the “2017 Option Plan”) that provides for the granting of stock options to employees. Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, the Company assumed the outstanding stock options granted by Legacy Serina under the 2017 Option Plan. The options were adjusted such that after the Merger each such option granted and outstanding under the 2017 Option Plan represents the right to purchase a number of shares of Company common stock equal to 0.97682654 multiplied by the number of shares of Legacy Serina common stock issuable upon the exercise of such options granted and outstanding under the 2017 Option Plan prior to the Merger. As of March 31, 2024, options to purchase 1,651,634 shares of Company common stock were outstanding under the 2017 Option Plan, which options have an exercise price of $0.06 and expire on dates ranging from May 2031 to December 2032. Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, no further options shall be granted under the 2017 Option Plan.
Serina 2017 Equity Incentive Plan
Under the Serina 2017 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended (the “2017 Incentive Plan” formerly AgeX 2017 Equity Incentive Plan), the Company has reserved 241,683 shares of common stock for the grant of stock options or the sale of Restricted Stock or for the settlement of RSUs. Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, all “out of the money” options (meaning those options with an exercise price equal to or greater than $0.7751 on a pre-reverse stock split basis) were canceled and no further options shall be granted under the 2017 Incentive Plan. The “in the money” stock options were adjusted for thereverse stock split ratio of 1 for 35.17. As of March 31, 2024, there were 12,212 stock options granted and outstanding with exercise prices ranging from $13.19 to $26.73 per share and expiration dates ranging from June 2024 to January 2034. As of March 21, 2024, no stock options under the 2017 Incentive Plan had been exercised.
Stock-based Compensation Expense
The Company recognizes compensation expense related to employee option grants and restricted stock grants, if any, in accordance with ASC 718,Compensation – Stock Compensation (“ASC 718”). The Company 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.
The Company uses the Black-Scholes option pricing model for estimating the fair value of options granted under its equity award plans, including the 2024 Incentive Plan, 2017 Option Plan, and 2017 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. The Company 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. The Company 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.
During the period January 1, 2024 through March 31, 2024, the Company granted stock options to purchase 72,378 shares of common stock to certain employees and consultants under the 2024 Incentive Plan, with a grant date fair value of approximately $12.79 per share. Total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock option grants of approximately $874,000 as of March 31, 2024 is expected to be recognized over a period ranging from 2 to 4 years.
Stock-based compensation expense has been allocated to operating expenses as follows (in thousands):
| Three Months Ended March 31, | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 · 2023 | |||
| Research and development | $4 | $ | - |
| General and administrative | 49 | 2 | |
| Total stock-based compensation expense | $53 | $2 | |
The fair value of each option award is estimated on the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option pricing model applying the weighted-average assumptions including the market price of the underlying common stock, expected option life, risk-free interest rates, volatility, and dividend yield. The assumptions that were used to calculate the grant date fair value of employee and non-employee stock option grants for the three months ended March 31, 2024 were as follows:
| Three Months Ended March 31, | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024(1) | 2023(2) | ||||||
| Exercise price | $14.8715 | $ | - | ||||
| Market price | $14.8715 | $ | - | ||||
| Expected life (in years) | 5.76 | - | |||||
| Volatility | 117.83% | - | % | ||||
| Risk-free interest rates | 4.18% | - | % | ||||
| Dividend yield | - | % | - | % | |||
| (1) | Relates to stock options granted under the Serina 2024 Equity Incentive Plan on March 27, 2024. |
| (2) | There were no stock options granted during the period. |
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 the Company had made different assumptions, its stock-based compensation expense and net loss for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 may have been significantly different.
The Company 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. Profit Sharing Plan
Through its wholly owned subsidiary Legacy Serina, the Company has established a 401(k) profit sharing plan (the “PSP”) for all eligible employees of the Company. The PSP provides for eligible employee contributions subject to certain annual Internal Revenue Code limits. For participants who are age 50 or older during any calendar year, additional employee contributions are allowed under the PSP, subject to Internal Revenue Code limits.
Employer contributions, if any, may include matching contributions and profit sharing contributions, both of which are made on a discretionary basis and are subject to service and employment requirements. Employer matching contributions and employer profit sharing contributions vest based on a graded vesting schedule. The Company madeno discretionary employer matching or employer profit sharing contributions for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023.
10. Income Taxes
The provision for income taxes for interim periods is determined using an estimated annual effective tax rate in accordance with ASC 740-270*, Income Taxes, Interim Reporting*. The effective tax rate may be subject to fluctuations during the year as new information is obtained, which may affect the assumptions used to estimate the annual effective tax rate, including factors such as valuation allowances against deferred tax assets, the recognition or de-recognition of tax benefits related to uncertain tax positions, if any, and changes in or the interpretation of tax laws in jurisdictions where the Company conducts business.
Due to losses incurred for all periods presented, the Company did not record a provision or benefit for income taxes. A valuation allowance is provided when it is more likely than not that some portion of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The Company established a full valuation allowance for all of its deferred tax assets for all periods presented due to the uncertainty of realizing future tax benefits from its net operating loss carryforwards and other deferred tax assets.
The Company reports income tax related interest and penalties within its provision for income tax in its interim condensed consolidated statements of operations. Similarly, the Company reports the reversal of income tax-related interest and penalties within its provision for income tax line item to the extent the Company resolves its liabilities for uncertain tax positions in a manner favorable to its accruals therefore, during the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company did not record unrecognized tax benefits.
11. Commitments and Contingencies
Facilities and Equipment Lease Agreements and ASC 842
The Company leases its operating and office facilities in Huntsville, Alabama for various terms under long-term, non-cancelable operating lease agreements. The leases expire on various dates from October 2025 through January 2028 and provide for renewal periods of two years. The Company also leases laboratory equipment under a long-term, non-cancelable operating lease which expires in September 2024. In the normal course of business, it is expected that these leases will be renewed or replaced by leases on other properties & equipment.
The Company also leases two pieces of equipment for various terms under long-term, non-cancelable finance lease agreements. These leases expire in September 2024 and in February 2025.
For the office lease, the Company has elected to not apply the recognition requirements under ASC 842, as lease cost on a straight-line basis over the lease term, because the amount of the lease payments is not deemed material. In the normal course of business, it is expected that these leases will be renewed or replaced by leases on other properties.
Supplemental cash flow information related to leases is as follows (in thousands):
| Three Months Ended March 31, | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | |
| Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities: | ||
| Operating cash flows from operating leases | $55 | $44 |
| Operating cash flows from financing leases | 1 | 2 |
| Financing cash flows from financing leases | 13 | 11 |
| Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations | ||
| Operating leases | - | 497 |
| Financing leases | - | - |
Supplemental balance sheet information related to leases was as follows (in thousands other than weighted average remaining lease term and discount rates):
| March 31, 2024 | December 31, 2023 | |
|---|---|---|
| (unaudited) | ||
| Operating lease | ||
| Right-of-use assets | $862 | $862 |
| Accumulated Amortization | (235) | (196) |
| Right-of-use asset, net | $627 | $666 |
| Right-of-use lease liability, current | $207 | $214 |
| Right-of-use lease liability, noncurrent | 413 | 461 |
| Total operating lease liabilities | $620 | $675 |
| Finance leases | ||
| Right-of-use assets | $163 | $163 |
| Accumulated Amortization | (59) | (53) |
| Right-of-use asset, net | $104 | $110 |
| Right-of-use lease liability, current | $24 | $36 |
| Right-of-use lease liability, noncurrent | - | 1 |
| Total operating lease liabilities | $24 | $37 |
| Weighted average remaining lease term | ||
| Operating lease | 3.15 years | 3.32 years |
| Finance leases | 0.49 years | 0.64 years |
| Weighted average discount rate | ||
| Operating lease | 6.67% | 6.67% |
| Finance leases | 11.9% | 11.9% |
The following is a maturity analysis of the annual undiscounted cash flows of the lease liabilities as of March 31, 2024 (in thousands):
| Operating Leases · Finance Leases | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Nine months ending December 31, 2024 | $180 | $24 | |
| Year ending December 31, 2025 | 217 | 1 | |
| Year ending December 31, 2026 | 159 | - | |
| Year ending December 31, 2027 | 117 | - | |
| Thereafter | 10 | - | |
| Total undiscounted lease payments | 683 | 25 | |
| Less: imputed interest | (63) | (1) | |
| Total lease obligations | 620 | 24 | |
| Less: current portion | (207) | (24) | |
| Long-term lease obligations | $413 | $ | - |
Litigation – General
The Company 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 the Company 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, the Company will record a liability for the loss. If the loss is not probable or the amount of the loss cannot be reasonably estimated, the Company discloses the claim if the likelihood of a potential loss is reasonably possible and the amount involved could be material. The Company is not aware of any claims likely to have a material adverse effect on its financial condition or results of operations.
Tax Filings
The Company 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 the Company 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 unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements.
Employment Contracts
The Company has entered into employment contracts with certain executive officers. Under the provisions of the contracts, the Company may be required to incur severance obligations for matters relating to changes in control, as defined, and involuntary terminations.
Indemnification
In the normal course of business, the Company may provide indemnifications of varying scope under the Company’s agreements with other companies or consultants, typically for the Company’s research and development programs. Pursuant to these agreements, the Company 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 the Company’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 the Company 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. The Registration Rights Agreement between Juvenescence and the Company 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. The Company has also agreed to provide the AST Indemnity pursuant to the Letter of Indemnification 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 the Company could be required to make under these indemnification agreements will generally not be subject to any specified maximum amount. Historically, the Company has not been subject to any claims or demands for indemnification. The Company also maintains various liability insurance policies that limit the Company’s financial exposure and in the case of the AST Indemnity the Company has received a cross-indemnity from Juvenescence against all claims, damages, liabilities or losses arising out of the AST Indemnity. As a result, the Company believes the fair value of these indemnification agreements is minimal. Accordingly, the Company has not recorded any liabilities for these agreements to date.
12. Net Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share
Net earnings (loss) per common share is calculated in accordance with ASC 260,Earnings Per Share. Basic and diluted net earnings (loss) per common share attributable to common stockholders is calculated for the periods presented (in thousands) as follows.
| Three Months Ended March 31, | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | |
| Basic net earnings (loss) per common share allocable to common stockholders | ||
| NUMERATOR | ||
| Net income (loss) | $(9,437) | $1,658 |
| Less: net earnings allocable to participating securities | - | - |
| Net earnings (loss) allocable to common shareholders | (9,437) | 1,658 |
| DENOMINATOR | ||
| Weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding used to calculate basic net earnings (loss) per common share | 2,790 | 2,167 |
| Basic net earnings (loss) per common share allocable to common stockholders | $(3.38) | $0.77 |
| Diluted net earnings (loss) per common share allocable to common stockholders | ||
| NUMERATOR | ||
| Net earnings (loss) allocable to common stockholders | $(9,437) | $1,658 |
| Add back: interest on convertible promissory notes | - | 85 |
| Net earnings (loss) allocable to common stockholders | (9,437) | 1,743 |
| DENOMINATOR | ||
| Weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding used to calculate basic net earnings (loss) per common share | 2,790 | 2,167 |
| Add: dilutive effect of stock options | - | 2,031 |
| Add: dilutive effect of warrants | - | 359 |
| Add: dilutive effect of common stock issued for convertible promissory notes | - | 689 |
| Add: dilutive effect of redeemable convertible preferred stock | - | 3,323 |
| Weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding used to calculate diluted net earnings (loss) per common share | 2,790 | 8,569 |
| Diluted net earnings (loss) per common share attributable to common stockholders | $(3.38) | $0.20 |
The following table sets forth the outstanding potentially dilutive securities that have been excluded in the calculation of diluted net earnings (loss) per common share for the periods presented (in thousands) as follows, because to do so would be anti-dilutive:
| Three Months Ended March 31, | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | |
| Stock options | 1,736 | - |
| Warrants | 2,103 | - |
| Total anti-dilutive securities | 3,839 | - |
13. Subsequent Events
On May 8, 2024, the Company entered into an Allonge and Eighth Amendment to the Amended and Restated Convertible Promissory Note that extends to December 31, 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 and provided the Company an additional $525,000 of credit subject to the terms of the 2022 Secured Note which was drawn entirely on May 9, 2024. The funds will be used to pay certain litigation expenses and costs as contemplated in Section 12 of the Agreement with Respect to Convertible Notes between the Company and Juvenescence, dated as of March 26, 2024.
The text of this filing, as the company filed it with the SEC, without its images or exhibits. This is not investment advice.