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ChromaDex Corp

For the period ended Sep 30, 2024. Filed Oct 31, 2024.

View on SEC.gov

About this filing

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.

Sep 30, 2024 · Filed Oct 31, 2024

NAGE$2.07-1.7%Stored close · as of Nov 6, 2026

What changed in Risk Factors?

Read the current filing

Previous report: 10-Q

Period ended 2024-06-30; filed 2024-08-07.

0001628280-24-035591

Item 1A. Risk Factors

Current report: 10-Q

Period ended 2024-09-30; filed 2024-10-31.

0001628280-24-044540

Item 1A. Risk Factors

The baseline is this issuer’s latest earlier reporting period of the same form that was filed before the current report. A previous 10-Q is a different quarter, not a year-over-year comparison. Amendments are excluded.

Compared 214 previous paragraphs and 214 current paragraphs.

198 unchanged; 15 reworded; 0 added; 0 removed; 1 previous and 1 current paragraphs rearranged.

Tables are not compared: 0 previous and 0 current tables excluded. Dates, whitespace, punctuation and numbering changes are ignored; changes to financial figures remain significant.

A changed paragraph is not evidence that risk increased or decreased. An unchanged paragraph does not establish that risk stayed the same.

Reworded paragraphs (15)

Previous wording

We have a history of losses and may continue to incur operating and net losses for the foreseeable future. We have recorded a net loss of approximately $0.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024. We incurred net losses of approximately $4.9 million and $16.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively. As of June 30, 2024, our accumulated deficit was approximately $191.0 million. We have not achieved profitability on an annual basis. Our net losses and history of negative cash flow have had, and will continue to have, an adverse effect on our stockholders’ equity and working capital, and if we are not able to achieve and sustain profitability in the near future or at all our stock price may be depressed. We expect to continue to incur increasing expenses as we develop our sales, marketing distribution and other commercial infrastructure and continue to develop and commercializing our products, including the cost of obtaining and maintaining regulatory approvals, and establishing new distribution channels for pharmaceutical-grade Niagen®.

Current wording

We have a history of losses and may continue to incur operating and net losses for the foreseeable future. We have recorded a net income of approximately $1.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024. We incurred net losses of approximately $4.9 million and $16.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively. As of September 30, 2024, our accumulated deficit was approximately $189.1 million. We have not achieved consistent profitability on an annual basis. Our net losses and history of negative cash flow have had, and will continue to have, an adverse effect on our stockholders’ equity and working capital, and if we are not able to achieve and sustain profitability in the near future or at all our stock price may be depressed. We expect to continue to incur increasing expenses as we develop our sales, marketing distribution and other commercial infrastructure and continue to develop and commercializing our products, including the cost of obtaining and maintaining regulatory approvals, and establishing new distribution channels for pharmaceutical-grade Niagen®.

Previous wording

As of June 30, 2024, our cash and cash equivalents totaled approximately $27.9 million, of which $27.7 million was unrestricted, and we had no borrowings outstanding under our line of credit up to $10.0 million, subject to certain terms and conditions, with Western Alliance Bank. However, we may require additional funds, either through additional equity or debt financings, including pursuant to the At Market Issuance Sales Agreement, dated as of June 12, 2020, with B. Riley FBR, Inc. and Raymond James & Associates, Inc. (ATM Facility), or collaborative agreements, lines of credit from other banks, or from other sources. We have no commitments to obtain such additional financing, and we may not be able to obtain any such additional financing on terms favorable to us, or at all. Further, in recent years as a result of various factors including global instability, increased interest rates, and inflationary conditions, among other factors, the global credit and financial markets have experienced extreme volatility, including diminished liquidity and credit availability and uncertainty about economic stability. There can be no assurance that further deterioration in credit and financial markets and confidence in economic conditions will not occur. If equity and credit markets deteriorate, it may make any necessary debt or equity financing more difficult to obtain, more costly and/or more dilutive. If adequate financing is not available, the Company will delay, postpone or terminate product and service expansion and curtail certain selling, general and administrative operations. The inability to raise additional financing may have a material adverse effect on the future performance of the Company.

Current wording

As of September 30, 2024, our cash and cash equivalents totaled approximately $32.4 million, of which $32.2 million was unrestricted, and we had no borrowings outstanding under our line of credit up to $10.0 million, subject to certain terms and conditions, with Western Alliance Bank. However, we may require additional funds, either through additional equity or debt financings, including pursuant to the At Market Issuance Sales Agreement, dated as of June 12, 2020, with B. Riley FBR, Inc. and Raymond James & Associates, Inc. (ATM Facility), or collaborative agreements, lines of credit from other banks, or from other sources. We have no commitments to obtain such additional financing, and we may not be able to obtain any such additional financing on terms favorable to us, or at all. Further, in recent years as a result of various factors including global instability, increased interest rates, and inflationary conditions, among other factors, the global credit and financial markets have experienced extreme volatility, including diminished liquidity and credit availability and uncertainty about economic stability. There can be no assurance that further deterioration in credit and financial markets and confidence in economic conditions will not occur. If equity and credit markets deteriorate, it may make any necessary debt or equity financing more difficult to obtain, more costly and/or more dilutive. If adequate financing is not available, the Company will delay, postpone or terminate product and service expansion and curtail certain selling, general and administrative operations. The inability to raise additional financing may have a material adverse effect on the future performance of the Company.

Previous wording

A.S. Watson Group, a related party, accounted for approximately 14.9% of our sales during the six months ended June 30, 2024. Any interruption in our relationship or decline in our business with this customer or other customers upon whom we become highly dependent could cause harm to our business. Factors that could influence our relationship with our customers upon whom we may become highly dependent include:

Current wording

Any interruption in our relationship or decline in our business with key customers upon whom we become highly dependent could cause harm to our business. Factors that could influence our relationship with our customers upon whom we may become highly dependent include:

Previous wording

As changes in our business environment occur we may adjust our business strategies to meet these changes or we may otherwise decide to restructure our operations or businesses or assets. In addition, external events including changing technology, changing consumer patterns and changes in macroeconomic conditions, including inflationary pressures, may impair the value of our assets and increase our costs. When these changes or events occur, we may incur costs to change our business strategy and may need to write down the value of assets. In any of these events, our costs may increase, we may have significant charges associated with the write-down of assets or returns on new investments may be lower than prior to the change in strategy or restructuring. For example, we may not be successful in developing our consumer product business for sales of Tru Niagen® products or sales of our Niagen® IV product, and our sales may decrease despite us incurring increased costs related to marketing such products.

Current wording

As changes in our business environment occur we may adjust our business strategies to meet these changes or we may otherwise decide to restructure our operations or businesses or assets. In addition, external events including changing technology, changing consumer patterns and changes in macroeconomic conditions, including inflationary pressures, may impair the value of our assets and increase our costs. When these changes or events occur, we may incur costs to change our business strategy and may need to write down the value of assets. In any of these events, our costs may increase, we may have significant charges associated with the write-down of assets or returns on new investments may be lower than prior to the change in strategy or restructuring. For example, we may not be successful in developing our consumer product business for sales of Tru Niagen® products or sales of our pharmaceutical-grade Niagen® product, and our sales may decrease despite us incurring increased costs related to marketing or otherwise developing such products.

Previous wording

If we are unable to maintain sales, marketing and distribution capabilities or maintain arrangements with third parties to sell, market and distribute our products, our business may be harmed.

Current wording

If we are unable to maintain or develop sales, marketing and distribution capabilities or maintain or develop arrangements with third parties to sell, market and distribute our products, our business may be harmed.

Previous wording

We will rely on contract manufacturers to manufacture pharmaceutical-grade Niagen® and 503B outsourcing facilities to compound and distribute pharmaceutical-grade Niagen® into intravenous, injectable and intravenous-push forms and then distribute the same. We do not control or direct the compounding process used by these outsourcing facilities. We will rely on those manufacturers and outsourcing facilities for compliance with the applicable regulatory requirements. We will have no control over the ability of third parties to maintain adequate quality control, quality assurance and qualified personnel. If the FDA or a comparable international regulatory authority does not approve these facilities for the manufacturing or compounding of these ingredients and products, respectively, or if it withdraws any such approval in the future, we may need to identify alternative manufacturing and compounding facilities, which would significantly impact our ability to meet consumer demand. In addition, our inability to identify or enter into satisfactory arrangements with any such alternative manufacturing and compounding facilities may result in a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Further, our reliance on third-party manufacturers entails risks, including:

Current wording

We rely on contract manufacturers to manufacture pharmaceutical-grade Niagen® and 503B outsourcing facilities to compound and distribute pharmaceutical-grade Niagen® into intravenous, injectable and intravenous-push forms and then distribute the same. We do not control or direct the compounding process used by these outsourcing facilities. We rely on those manufacturers and outsourcing facilities for compliance with the applicable regulatory requirements. We have no control over the ability of third parties to maintain adequate quality control, quality assurance and qualified personnel. If the FDA or a comparable international regulatory authority does not approve these facilities for the manufacturing or compounding of these ingredients and products, respectively, or if it withdraws any such approval in the future, we may need to identify alternative manufacturing and compounding facilities, which would significantly impact our ability to meet consumer demand. In addition, our inability to identify or enter into satisfactory arrangements with any such alternative manufacturing and compounding facilities may result in a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Further, our reliance on third-party manufacturers entails risks, including:

Previous wording

Governmental agencies throughout the world, including in the United States, strictly regulate the pharmaceutical, dietary supplement, food and cosmetic industries. Changes in regulation, such as a relaxation in regulatory requirements or the introduction of simplified drug approval procedures, or an increase in regulatory requirements that we may have difficulty satisfying or that make our services less competitive, could eliminate or substantially reduce the demand for our services or adverse impact our ability to comply with the new regulations. Also, if the government makes efforts to contain drug costs and pharmaceutical and biotechnology company profits from new drugs, or if health insurers were to change their practices with respect to reimbursements for pharmaceutical products, our customers may spend less, or reduce their spending on research and development.

Current wording

Governmental agencies throughout the world, including in the United States, strictly regulate the pharmaceutical, dietary supplement, food and cosmetic industries. Changes in regulation, such as a relaxation in regulatory requirements or the introduction of simplified drug approval procedures, or an increase in regulatory requirements that we may have difficulty satisfying or that make our services less competitive, could eliminate or substantially reduce the demand for our services or adversely impact our ability to comply with the new regulations. Also, if the government makes efforts to contain drug costs and pharmaceutical and biotechnology company profits from new drugs, or if health insurers were to change their practices with respect to reimbursements for pharmaceutical products, our customers may spend less, or reduce their spending on research and development.

Previous wording

GDPR) imposes strict obligations on the processing of personal data, including, without limitation, personal health data. The GDPR and UK GDPR set out extensive compliance requirements, including providing detailed disclosures about how personal data is collected and processed, demonstrating that an appropriate legal basis is in place or otherwise exists to justify data processing activities; granting new rights for data subjects in regard to their personal data, as well as enhancing pre-existing rights (e.g., data subject access requests); requiring the appointment of a data protection officer in certain circumstances; mandating the appointment of representatives in the United Kingdom and/or the EEA in certain circumstances; introducing new data transfer frameworks such as the EU-U.S. Data Privacy Framework and the U.K. – U.S. Data Bridge, introducing the obligation to notify data protection regulators or supervisory authorities (and in certain cases, affected individuals) of significant data breaches; imposing limitations on retention of personal data; maintaining a record of data processing; and complying with the principle of accountability and the obligation to demonstrate compliance through policies, procedures, training and audit.

Current wording

Outside the United States, an increasing number of laws, regulations, and industry standards apply to data privacy and security. For example, the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the United Kingdom’s GDPR (UK GDPR) imposes strict obligations on the processing of personal data, including, without limitation, personal health data. The GDPR and UK GDPR set out extensive compliance requirements, including providing detailed disclosures about how personal data is collected and processed, demonstrating that an appropriate legal basis is in place or otherwise exists to justify data processing activities; granting new rights for data subjects in regard to their personal data, as well as enhancing pre-existing rights (e.g., data subject access requests); requiring the appointment of a data protection officer in certain circumstances; mandating the appointment of representatives in the United Kingdom and/or the EEA in certain circumstances; introducing new data transfer frameworks such as the EU-U.S. Data Privacy Framework and the U.K. – U.S. Data Bridge, introducing the obligation to notify data protection regulators or supervisory authorities (and in certain cases, affected individuals) of significant data breaches; imposing limitations on retention of personal data; maintaining a record of data processing; and complying with the principle of accountability and the obligation to demonstrate compliance through policies, procedures, training and audit.

Previous wording

Some of our operations are subject to regulation by various United States federal agencies and similar state and international agencies, including the Department of Commerce, the FDA, the FTC, the Department of Transportation and the Department of Agriculture, and the California State Board of Pharmacy. These regulations govern a wide variety of product activities, from design and development to labeling, manufacturing, handling, sales, distribution of products, and promoting and advertising products. If we fail to comply with any of these regulations, we may be subject to fines or penalties, have to recall products and/or cease their manufacture and distribution, which would increase our costs and reduce our sales. We will rely on outsourcing facilities for compounding our pharmaceutical-grade Niagen® ingredient. The bulk drug substances must appear on the FDA’s “interim” list of bulk substances that may be used in compounding under Section 503B which are those bulk drug substances for which the FDA has determined there is a clinical need. Provided certain conditions are met, the FDA will exercise enforcement discretion concerning use of “interim” Category 1 substances pending evaluation of the substances for inclusion on the FDA’s final list of bulk drug substances for which there is a clinical need. If the substances used in manufacturing and compounding our products are removed from this interim list or if the FDA determines not to place NRC on the final list of bulk drug substances for which there is a clinical need, it may subject us and our third-party partners to additional regulatory scrutiny.

Current wording

Some of our operations are subject to regulation by various United States federal agencies and similar state and international agencies, including the Department of Commerce, the FDA, the FTC, the Department of Transportation and the Department of Agriculture, and the California State Board of Pharmacy. These regulations govern a wide variety of product activities, from design and development to labeling, manufacturing, handling, sales, distribution of products, and promoting and advertising products. If we fail to comply with any of these regulations, we may be subject to fines or penalties, have to recall products and/or cease their manufacture and distribution, which would increase our costs and reduce our sales. We rely on outsourcing facilities for compounding our pharmaceutical-grade Niagen® ingredient. The bulk drug substances must appear on the FDA’s “interim” list of bulk substances that may be used in compounding under Section 503B which are those bulk drug substances for which the FDA has determined there is a clinical need. If certain conditions are met, the FDA will exercise enforcement discretion concerning use of “interim” Category 1 substances pending evaluation of the substances for inclusion on the FDA’s final list of bulk drug substances for which there is a clinical need. If the substances used in manufacturing and compounding our products are removed from this interim list or if the FDA determines not to place NRC on the final list of bulk drug substances for which there is a clinical need, it may subject us and our third-party partners to additional regulatory scrutiny.

Previous wording

We are in the pre-investigational new drug (IND) phase with respect to the potential for Niagen® to be used as a treatment for Ataxia telangiectasia (AT), a rare disease with less than 200,000 cases diagnosed in the U.S. per year, and have obtained Orphan Drug Designation (ODD) and Rare Pediatric Disease (RPD) designation from the FDA. There is no guarantee that our IND application will be successful, or that we will be able to successfully complete clinical trials or a new drug application for FDA approval for the use of Niagen® as a treatment for AT. We are also subject to various federal, state, local and international laws and regulations that govern the handling, transportation, manufacture, use and sale of substances that are or could be classified as toxic or hazardous substances. Some risk of environmental damage is inherent in our operations and the products we manufacture, sell, or distribute. In addition, we may incur substantial costs in order to comply with current or future environmental, health and safety laws and regulations. Current or future environmental laws and regulations may impair our research, development or production efforts. In addition, failure to comply with these laws and regulations may result in substantial fines, penalties or other sanctions. Any failure by us to comply with the applicable government regulations could also result in product recalls or impositions of fines and restrictions on our ability to carry on with or expand in a portion or possibly all of our operations. If we fail to comply with any or all of these regulations, we may be subject to fines or penalties, have to recall products and/or cease their manufacture and distribution, which would increase our costs and reduce our sales.

Current wording

We are pursuing an investigational new drug (IND) application with the FDA with respect to the potential for Niagen® to be used as a treatment for Ataxia telangiectasia (AT), a rare disease with less than 200,000 cases diagnosed in the U.S. per year, and have obtained Orphan Drug Designation (ODD) and Rare Pediatric Disease (RPD) designation from the FDA. There is no guarantee that our IND application will be successful, or that we will be able to successfully complete clinical trials or a new drug application for FDA approval for the use of Niagen® as a treatment for AT. We are also subject to various federal, state, local and international laws and regulations that govern the handling, transportation, manufacture, use and sale of substances that are or could be classified as toxic or hazardous substances. Some risk of environmental damage is inherent in our operations and the products we manufacture, sell, or distribute. In addition, we may incur substantial costs in order to comply with current or future environmental, health and safety laws and regulations. Current or future environmental laws and regulations may impair our research, development or production efforts. In addition, failure to comply with these laws and regulations may result in substantial fines, penalties or other sanctions. Any failure by us to comply with the applicable government regulations could also result in product recalls or impositions of fines and restrictions on our ability to carry on with or expand in a portion or possibly all of our operations. If we fail to comply with any or all of these regulations, we may be subject to fines or penalties, have to recall products and/or cease their manufacture and distribution, which would increase our costs and reduce our sales.

Previous wording

As of June 30, 2024, we had outstanding options for an aggregate of approximately 12.9 million shares of common stock at a weighted average exercise price of $3.08 per share and unvested restricted stock units of approximately 0.8 million shares. The holders may sell many of these shares in the public markets from time to time, without limitations on the timing, amount or method of sale. As and when our stock price rises, if at all, more outstanding options will be in-the-money and the holders may exercise their options and sell a large number of shares. This could cause the market price of our common stock to decline.

Current wording

As of September 30, 2024, we had outstanding options for an aggregate of approximately 11.7 million shares of common stock at a weighted average exercise price of $3.22 per share and unvested restricted stock units of approximately 0.7 million shares. The holders may sell many of these shares in the public markets from time to time, without limitations on the timing, amount or method of sale. As and when our stock price rises, if at all, more outstanding options will be in-the-money and the holders may exercise their options and sell a large number of shares. This could cause the market price of our common stock to decline.

Previous wording

We have a limited operating history in China and we face risks with respect to conducting business in connection with our joint venture in China due to certain legal, political, economic and social uncertainties relating to China.

Current wording

We have a limited operating history in China and we face risks with respect to conducting business in China due to certain legal, political, economic and social uncertainties relating to China.

Previous wording

During fiscal year 2022, we entered into an agreement to form a joint venture to expand the Company’s market strategy to include opportunities in Mainland China and its territories, excluding Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan. Operating activity under the joint venture was not material during the three and six months ended June 30, 2024. Our participation in the joint venture in China is subject to general, as well as industry-specific, economic, political and legal developments and risks in China. The Chinese government exercises significant control over the Chinese economy, including but not limited to, controlling capital investments, allocating resources, setting monetary policy, controlling and monitoring foreign exchange rates, implementing and overseeing tax regulations, providing preferential treatment to certain industry segments or companies and issuing necessary licenses to conduct business. In addition, we could face additional risks resulting from changes in China’s data privacy and cybersecurity requirements. Accordingly, any adverse change in the Chinese economy, the Chinese legal system or Chinese governmental, economic or other policies could have a material adverse effect on our joint venture in China and our prospects generally.

Current wording

During fiscal year 2022, we entered into an agreement to form a joint venture to expand the Company’s market strategy to include opportunities in Mainland China and its territories, excluding Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan. Operating activity under the joint venture was not material during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, and we are in the process of terminating the joint venture. While we intend to seek other partners and paths to expand our operations, there is no guarantee that we will be able to do so. Our ability to pursue successful expansion in China is subject to general, as well as industry-specific, economic, political and legal developments and risks in China. The Chinese government exercises significant control over the Chinese economy, including but not limited to, controlling capital investments, allocating resources, setting monetary policy, controlling and monitoring foreign exchange rates, implementing and overseeing tax regulations, providing preferential treatment to certain industry segments or companies and issuing necessary licenses to conduct business. In addition, we could face additional risks resulting from changes in China’s data privacy and cybersecurity requirements. Accordingly, any adverse change in the Chinese economy, the Chinese legal system or Chinese governmental, economic or other policies could have a material adverse effect on our joint venture in China and our prospects generally.

Previous wording

Our joint venture will be subject to laws and regulations applicable to foreign investment in China. There are uncertainties regarding the interpretation and enforcement of laws, rules and policies in China. Because many laws and regulations are relatively new, the interpretations of many laws, regulations and rules are not always uniform. Moreover, the interpretation of statutes and regulations may be subject to government policies reflecting domestic political agendas. Enforcement of existing laws or contracts based on existing law may be uncertain and sporadic. As a result of the foregoing, it may be difficult for us to obtain swift or equitable enforcement of laws ostensibly designed to protect companies like ours, which could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations. There is no guarantee that we will be able to successfully launch our joint venture.

Current wording

Our operations, whether through a new joint venture or otherwise, will be subject to laws and regulations applicable to foreign investment in China. There are uncertainties regarding the interpretation and enforcement of laws, rules and policies in China. Because many laws and regulations are relatively new, the interpretations of many laws, regulations and rules are not always uniform. Moreover, the interpretation of statutes and regulations may be subject to government policies reflecting domestic political agendas. Enforcement of existing laws or contracts based on existing law may be uncertain and sporadic. As a result of the foregoing, it may be difficult for us to obtain swift or equitable enforcement of laws ostensibly designed to protect companies like ours, which could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations. There is no guarantee that we will be able to successfully launch our joint venture.

Previous wording

Our Bylaws provide that the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware will be the sole and exclusive forum for the following types of actions or proceedings under Delaware statutory or common law: (i) any derivative action or proceeding brought on our behalf, (ii) any action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any of our directors or officers to our company or our stockholders, (iii) any action asserting a claim against our company arising pursuant to any provision of the Delaware General Corporation Law or our amended and restated certificate of incorporation or Bylaws, or (iv) any action asserting a claim against our company governed by the internal affairs doctrine.

Current wording

Our Bylaws provide that the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware will be the sole and exclusive forum for the following types of actions or proceedings under Delaware statutory or common law: (i) any derivative action or proceeding brought on our behalf, (ii) any action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any of our directors or officers to our company or our stockholders, (iii) any action asserting a claim against our company arising pursuant to any provision of the
Rearranged current paragraphs (1)

Current report — wording carried from elsewhere

Delaware General Corporation Law or our amended and restated certificate of incorporation or Bylaws, or (iv) any action asserting a claim against our company governed by the internal affairs doctrine.
Rearranged previous paragraphs (1)

Previous report — wording carried elsewhere

Outside the United States, an increasing number of laws, regulations, and industry standards apply to data privacy and security. For example, the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the United Kingdom’s GDPR (UK