CNS Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
For the period ended Dec 31, 2024. Filed Mar 31, 2025.
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A company's yearly report to the SEC, with audited financial statements. It is the fullest account a company gives of its business, its finances and the risks it sees.
FY2024 · Filed Mar 31, 2025
What changed in Management’s Discussion and Analysis?
Read the current filingPrevious report: 10-K
Period ended 2023-12-31; filed 2024-04-01.
0001683168-24-002032
Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of OperationsCurrent report: 10-K
Period ended 2024-12-31; filed 2025-03-31.
0001683168-25-002139
Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of OperationsThe 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 42 previous paragraphs and 49 current paragraphs.
22 unchanged; 14 reworded; 13 added; 6 removed; 0 previous and 0 current paragraphs rearranged.
Tables are not compared: 1 previous and 1 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.
Added paragraphs (13)
Current report
TPI 287 represents a promising candidate for treating cancers involving the CNS, as well as those that have become resistant to traditional taxane therapies. While it has shown promise in limited clinical trials, further clinical development is necessary to determine its future in neuro-oncology. TPI 287 is an abeotaxane and is an investigational chemotherapy agent classified as a third-generation taxane derivative. It was developed to address some of the limitations of earlier taxanes like paclitaxel (Taxol) and docetaxel (Taxotere), particularly issues related to drug resistance and poor penetration of the BBB. As a synthetic, lipophilic compound, TPI 287 is designed to be brain-penetrant, allowing it to reach CNS tumors more effectively than its predecessors. Like other taxanes, TPI 287’s mechanism of action is to stabilize microtubules, which disrupts cell division and induces apoptosis. However, one of its notable advantages is its reduced susceptibility to drug efflux pumps such as P-glycoprotein (P-gp), a common mechanism by which cancer cells develop resistance to chemotherapy. This feature gives TPI 287 potential utility in treating drug-resistant cancers in the CNS.
Current report
TPI 287 had previously been granted Orphan Drug Designation by the FDA. ODD from the FDA is available for drugs targeting diseases with less than 200,000 cases per year. ODD may enable market exclusivity of 7 years from the date of approval of a NDA in the United States. During that period the FDA generally could not approve another product containing the same drug for the same designated indication. Orphan drug exclusivity will not bar approval of another product under certain circumstances, including if a subsequent product with the same active ingredient for the same indication is shown to be clinically superior to the approved product on the basis of greater efficacy or safety, or providing a major contribution to patient care, or if the company with orphan drug exclusivity is not able to meet market demand. The ODD strengthens our intellectual property protections although the Company is exploring if there are other patents that could be filed related to TPI 287 to extend additional protections.
Current report
On June 10, 2020, the FDA granted Orphan Drug Designation (“ODD”) for Berubicin for the treatment of malignant gliomas. The ODD now constitutes our primary intellectual property protection for Berubicin although the Company is exploring if there are other patents that could be filed related to Berubicin to extend additional protections.
Current report
On July 24, 2021, the Company received Fast Track Designation from the FDA for Berubicin. Fast Track Designation is designed to facilitate the development and expedite the review of drugs to treat serious conditions and fill an unmet medical need
Current report
On July 29, 2024, the Company entered into an Exclusive License Agreement and Stock Purchase Agreement (collectively, the “Cortice Agreements”) with Cortice Biosciences, Inc. (“Cortice”) pursuant to which Cortice granted the Company an exclusive license to the intellectual property rights related to certain patents around the compound TPI 287 in the United States, Canada, Mexico and Japan. The term of the license will expire, other than due to a breach of the Cortice Agreements, at the end of the royalty term with respect to any licensed product in any of the included territories, which begins upon the first commercial sale in such territory and ends on the latest of (i) ten years after such sale, (ii) the expiration of regulatory or marketing exclusivity for such licensed product in such country, or (c) the expiration of the last to expire valid patent claim in such country covering such licensed product.
Current report
Our plan of operations is primarily focused on completing a clinical trial for TPI 287 and finishing the on-going trial of Berubicin. We estimate that we have sufficient capital to take us into the first quarter of 2026, a period during which we would likely expect to initiate a trial of TPI 287, as well as complete the Berubicin trial including its final analysis. In addition, we have working capital to fund our operations during this period (with such operations estimated at $4.5 to $5.0 million per annum). We do not currently have a firm trial design for TPI 287 so estimates of development cost are not available, however, regardless of trial design, the cost of bringing TPI 287 to regulatory approval for marketing will require significant additional financing. The timing and costs of clinical trials are difficult to predict and as such the foregoing estimates may prove to be inaccurate. We have no commitments for such additional needed financing and will likely be required to raise such financing through the sale of additional equity or debt securities.
Current report
On February 1, 2024, the Company completed a public offering of (i) 889 shares of common stock; (ii) pre-funded warrants to purchase 4,448 shares of common stock; (iii) Series A Warrants to purchase up to an aggregate of 5,342 shares of common stock ; and (iv) Series B Warrants to purchase up to an aggregate of 5,342 shares of common stock The net proceeds to the Company from the offering were $3,331,000, after deducting the placement agents’ fees and other offering expenses.
Current report
On June 14, 2024, the Company entered into securities purchase agreements with institutional investors for the sale by the Company of 6,720 shares of common stock and pre-funded warrants to purchase 601 shares of common stock in lieu thereof in a registered direct offering. In a concurrent private placement, the Company also sold to the investors unregistered warrants to purchase up to an aggregate of 7,321 shares of common stock. The gross proceeds to the Company from the offering was approximately $1.37 million, resulting in net proceeds, after payment of commissions and expenses, received by the Company of $1,203,267.
Current report
On June 26, 2024, the Company entered into securities purchase agreements with institutional investors for the sale by the Company of 11,360 shares of common stock in a registered direct offering. In a concurrent private placement, the Company also sold to the investors unregistered warrants to purchase up to an aggregate of 11,360 shares of common stock. The gross proceeds to the Company from the offering were approximately $1.39 million resulting in net proceeds, after payment of commissions and expenses, received by the Company of $1,221,146.
Current report
On July 3, 2024, the Company entered into securities purchase agreements with institutional investors for the sale by the Company of 28,500 shares of common stock in a registered direct offering. In a concurrent private placement, the Company also sold to the investors unregistered warrants to purchase up to an aggregate of 28,500 shares of common stock. The gross proceeds to the Company from the offering were approximately $1.98 million, before deducting the financial advisor fees and other estimated offering expenses payable by the Company. After payment of commissions and expenses, the proceeds received by the Company was $1,787,000.
Current report
On July 26, 2024, the Company entered into a Sales Agreement (the “AGP ATM Sales Agreement”) with A.G.P./Alliance Global Partners (“AGP”). Pursuant to the terms of the AGP ATM Sales Agreement, the Company originally was permitted to sell from time to time through AGP, as sales agent or principal, shares of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.001 per share with initial aggregate sales price of up to $5.2 million. On July 30, 2024, the Company increased the aggregate sales price of common shares that may be sold under the AGP ATM Sales Agreement to $25.0 million (not including the original $5.2 million). On March 20, 2025, the Company increased the aggregate sales price of common shares that may be sold under the AGP ATM Sales Agreement to $43.5 million (including $6.4 million remaining from the previous increase). As of December 31, 2024, the Company has sold 991,773 shares pursuant to the AGP ATM Sales Agreement for net proceeds of approximately $13.7 million. $882,539 of the net proceeds was deposited on January 10, 2025. As of December 31, 2024, the Company recorded a subscription receivable for $882,539.
Current report
On October 23, 2024, the Company entered into securities purchase agreements with institutional investors for the sale by the Company of 74,000 shares of common stock in a registered direct offering. In a concurrent private placement, the Company also sold to the investors unregistered warrants to purchase up to an aggregate of 278,943 shares of common stock. The gross proceeds to the Company from the offering were approximately $3 million, before deducting the financial advisor fees and other estimated offering expenses payable by the Company. After payment of commissions and expenses, the proceeds received by the Company was $2,725,907.
Current report
We estimate that we have sufficient capital to take us into the first quarter of 2026, a period during which we would likely expect to initiate a trial of TPI 287, as well as complete the Berubicin trial including its final analysis. In addition, we have working capital to fund our operations during this period (with such operations estimated at $4.5 to $5.0 million per annum). We do not currently have a firm trial design for TPI 287 so estimates of development cost are not available, however, regardless of trial design, the cost of bringing TPI 287 to regulatory approval for marketing will require significant additional financing. The timing and costs of clinical trials are difficult to predict and as such the foregoing estimates may prove to be inaccurate. We have no commitments for such additional needed financing and will likely be required to raise such financing through the sale of additional equity or debt securities.
Removed paragraphs (6)
Previous report
With the Reata Agreement and the HPI License, we believe we have obtained all rights and intellectual property necessary to develop Berubicin. As stated earlier, it is our plan to obtain additional intellectual property covering other compounds which, subject to the receipt of additional financing, may be developed into drugs for brain and other cancers.
Previous report
On May 7, 2020, pursuant to the WP1244 Portfolio license agreement described above, the Company entered into a Sponsored Research Agreement with UTMDACC to perform research relating to novel anticancer agents targeting CNS malignancies. The Company agreed to fund approximately $1,134,000 over a two-year period, which has been fully paid by the Company in 2021. This agreement was extended and expired on March 31, 2023. The principal investigator for this agreement is Dr. Waldemar Priebe, our founder.
Previous report
In January 2022, we completed a financing with several institutional investors for the sale of (i) 316,316 shares of common stock, (ii) pre-funded warrants to purchase up to an aggregate of 87,193 shares of common stock and (iii) warrants to purchase up to an aggregate of 403,509 shares of common stock. The combined purchase price of one share of common stock (or one pre-funded warrant) and accompanying common warrant was $28.50. The gross proceeds from the private placement were approximately $11.5 million, before deducting the placement agent’s fees and other offering expenses.
Previous report
In November 2022, we completed a financing with an institutional investor for the sale of (i) 147,000 shares of common stock, (ii) pre-funded warrants to purchase up to an aggregate of 1,742,764 shares of common stock and (iii) warrants to purchase up to an aggregate of 1,889,764 shares of common stock. The combined purchase price of one share of common stock (or one pre-funded warrant) and accompanying common warrant was $3.175. The gross proceeds from the offering were approximately $5.98 million, before deducting the placement agent’s fees and other offering expenses.
Previous report
On January 29, 2024, we entered into a placement agency agreement with A.G.P./Alliance Global Partners (“AGP”) and Maxim Group LLC (“Maxim”) for the public offering of (i) 2,215,667 shares of our common stock; (ii) pre-funded warrants to purchase 11,117,667 shares of common stock; (iii) Series A Warrants to purchase up to an aggregate of 13,333,334 shares of common stock; and (iv) Series B Warrants to purchase up to an aggregate of 13,333,334 shares of common stock. The combined purchase price of one share of common stock and accompanying Series A & B common warrants was $0.30 and the combined purchase price of one pre-funded warrant and accompanying Series A & B common warrants was $0.299 (with the pre-funded warrants having an exercise price of $0.001). The closing of the sales of these securities occurred on February 1, 2024. The gross proceeds from the offering were approximately $4.0 million, before deducting the placement agent’s fees and other offering expenses.
Previous report
Our plan of operations is primarily focused on completing a clinical trial for Berubicin. We estimate that we will require additional financing of approximately $15 to $17 million to complete the potentially pivotal Phase 2 trial for Berubicin (taking into account our cash on hand as of December 31, 2023 of approximately $0.5 million) plus such additional working capital to fund our operations during the pendency of the trial (with such operations estimated at $4.5 to $5.0 million per annum). If capital is available to fund WP1244/WP1874 preclinical work to prepare for a Phase 1 trial, we would need to raise an additional $5.0 million to support near-term development of that program. Our current expectation is that our cash on hand, combined with capital raised subsequent to December 31, 2023, is sufficient to fund our operations into the latter half of the second quarter of 2024. The timing and costs of clinical trials are difficult to predict and trial plans may change in response to evolving circumstances and as such the foregoing estimates may prove to be inaccurate.
Reworded paragraphs (14)
Previous wording
We are a clinical stage pharmaceutical company organized as a Nevada corporation in July 2017 to focus on the development of anti-cancer drug candidates for the treatment of brain and central nervous system tumors, based on intellectual property that we license under license agreements with HPI and UTMDACC and own pursuant to a collaboration and asset purchase agreement with Reata.
Current wording
We are a clinical stage pharmaceutical company organized as a Nevada corporation in July 2017 to focus on the development of anti-cancer drug candidates for the treatment of brain and central nervous system tumors, based on intellectual property that we license under license agreement Cortice and own pursuant to a collaboration and asset purchase agreement with Reata.
Previous wording
We believe our lead drug candidate, Berubicin, may be a significant development in the treatment of Glioblastoma and other CNS malignancies, and if approved by the FDA could give Glioblastoma patients an important new therapeutic alternative to the current standard of care. Glioblastoma are tumors that arise from astrocytes, which are star-shaped cells making up the supportive tissue of the brain. These tumors are usually highly malignant (cancerous) because the cells reproduce quickly, and they are supported by a large network of blood vessels. Berubicin is an anthracycline, which is a class of drugs that are among the most powerful and extensively used chemotherapy drugs known. Based on limited clinical data, we believe Berubicin is the first anthracycline that appears to cross the blood brain barrier in significant concentrations targeting brain cancer cells. While our focus is currently on the development of Berubicin, we are also in the process of attempting to secure intellectual property rights to additional compounds that we plan to develop into drugs to treat CNS cancers.
Current wording
We believe our drug candidates, TPI 287 and Berubicin, may be significant developments in the treatment of Glioblastoma and other CNS malignancies, and if approved by the FDA could give Glioblastoma patients an important new therapeutic alternative to the current standard of care. Glioblastoma are tumors that arise from astrocytes, which are star-shaped cells making up the supportive tissue of the brain. These tumors are usually highly malignant (cancerous) because the cells reproduce quickly, and they are supported by a large network of blood vessels. TPI 287 is an abeotaxane (derived from the taxane family of drugs) and Berubicin is an anthracycline. Both of these are classes of drugs that are among the most powerful and extensively used chemotherapy drugs known. Based on clinical and preclinical data, we believe TPI 287 is the first taxane to appear to cross the BBB and Berubicin is the first anthracycline to appear to cross the BBB, both in significant concentrations targeting brain cancer cells. While our focus is currently on the development of TPI 287 and Berubicin, we are also in the process of attempting to secure intellectual property rights to additional compounds that we plan to develop into drugs to treat CNS cancers.
Previous wording
On December 28, 2017, we obtained the rights to a worldwide, exclusive royalty-bearing, license to the chemical compound commonly known as Berubicin from HPI in an agreement we refer to as the HPI License. HPI is affiliated with Dr. Priebe, who controls a majority of our shares. Under the HPI License we obtained the exclusive right to develop certain chemical compounds for use in the treatment of cancer anywhere in the world. In the HPI License we agreed to pay HPI: (i) development fees of $750,000 over a three-year period beginning November 2019; (ii) a 2% royalty on net sales; (iii) a $50,000 per year license fee; (iv) milestone payments of $100,000 upon the commencement of a Phase II trial and $1.0 million upon the approval of an NDA for Berubicin; and (v) 6,667 shares of our common stock. The patents we licensed from HPI expired in March 2020.
Current wording
On December 28, 2017, we obtained the rights to a worldwide, exclusive royalty-bearing, license to the chemical compound commonly known as Berubicin from HPI in an agreement we refer to as the HPI License. HPI is affiliated with our founder, Dr. Priebe. Under the HPI License we obtained the exclusive right to develop certain chemical compounds for use in the treatment of cancer anywhere in the world. In the HPI License we agreed to pay HPI: (i) development fees of $750,000 over a three-year period beginning November 2019; (ii) a 2% royalty on net sales; (iii) a $50,000 per year license fee; (iv) milestone payments of $100,000 upon the commencement of a Phase II trial and $1.0 million upon the approval of an NDA for Berubicin; and (v) 3 shares of our common stock. The patents we licensed from HPI expired in March 2020. On March 23, 2025, the Company terminated the HPI License.
Previous wording
On January 10, 2020, we entered into a Patent and Technology License Agreement (the “WP1244 Agreement”) with The Board of Regents of The University of Texas System, an agency of the State of Texas, on behalf of The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center (“UTMDACC”). Pursuant to the WP1244 Agreement, we obtained a royalty-bearing, worldwide, exclusive license to certain intellectual property rights, including patent rights, related to our WP1244 drug technology. In consideration, we must make payments to UTMDACC including an up-front license fee, annual maintenance fee, milestone payments and royalty payments (including minimum annual royalties) for sales of licensed products developed under the WP1244 Agreement. The term of the WP1244 Agreement expires on the last to occur of: (a) the expiration of all patents subject to the WP1244 Agreement, or (b) fifteen years after execution; provided that UTMDACC has the right to terminate the WP1244 Agreement in the event that we fail to meet certain commercial diligence milestones.
Current wording
On January 10, 2020, we entered into a Patent and Technology License Agreement (the “WP1244 Agreement”) with The Board of Regents of The University of Texas System, an agency of the State of Texas, on behalf of the UTMDACC. Pursuant to the WP1244 Agreement, we obtained a royalty-bearing, worldwide, exclusive license to certain intellectual property rights, including patent rights, related to our portfolio of WP1244 drug technology. On April 25, 2024, UTMDACC provided notice to us if its intent to terminate the WP1244 Agreement if we fail to pay the annual maintenance fee of $50,000, as well as $1,300 in expenses. On May 25, 2024 the WP1244 Agreement was terminated. There are no termination penalty provisions in the Agreement.
Previous wording
General and administrative expense was approximately $4,770,000 for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to approximately $5,967,000 for 2022. The decrease in general and administrative expense was mainly attributable to decreases of approximately $792,000 in professional expenses, $488,000 in employee compensation, $141,000 in stock-based compensation and $92,000 in insurance expenses. These changes were offset by increases of approximately $145,000 in travel expenses, board of director compensation of $96,000, advertising and marketing of $68,000 and other general and administrative expenses of $7,000.
Current wording
General and administrative expense was approximately $5,612,000 for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to approximately $4,770,000 for 2023. The increase in general and administrative expense was mainly attributable to increase of approximately $756,000 in professional expenses, $440,000 in employee compensation. These changes were offset by decrease of approximately $104,000 in stock-based compensation, $49,000 in insurance expenses, $21,000 in travel expenses, board of director compensation of $9,000, advertising and marketing of $119,000 and other general and administrative expenses of $52,000.
Previous wording
Research and development expense was approximately $14,096,000 for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to approximately $9,300,000 for 2022. The increase in research and development expenses during the period was mainly attributed to the timing of research organization (CRO) expenses and patient treatment costs related to continued progress with our clinical trial for Berubicin. Our CRO expenditures are primarily for labor related to activating selected trial sites, managing patient enrollment processes, collecting and managing data from patient treatments throughout the trial, processing reimbursement to the sites for patient treatment, and assisting with necessary submissions to amend the IND. CRO expenditures are expected to begin to taper off throughout the remainder of the trial as we are no longer activating sites and no longer enrolling patients after January 2024. We expect our research and development costs to taper off in the future as we move toward completion of our clinical trial for Berubicin primarily due to patients moving from active treatment to follow-up leading to decreasing costs of treating and following these patients as more patients eventually succumb to their disease.
Current wording
Research and development expense was approximately $9,290,000 for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to approximately $14,096,000 for 2023. The decrease in research and development expenses during the period was mainly attributed to the timing of research organization (CRO) expenses and patient treatment costs related to continued progress with our clinical trial for Berubicin. Our CRO expenditures are primarily for labor related to activating selected trial sites, managing patient enrollment processes, collecting and managing data from patient treatments throughout the trial, processing reimbursement to the sites for patient treatment, and assisting with necessary submissions to amend the IND. CRO expenditures are expected to begin to taper off throughout the remainder of the trial as we are no longer activating sites and no longer enrolling patients after January 2024. We expect our research and development costs to taper off in the near future as we move toward completion of our clinical trial for Berubicin primarily due to patients moving from active treatment to follow-up leading to decreasing costs of treating and following these patients as more patients eventually succumb to their disease, then toward year end 2025 we expect costs related to the future trial of TPI 287 to begin increasing to levels similar to those seen during our trial of Berubicin.
Previous wording
Interest income was approximately $28,000 and $0 for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Interest expense was approximately $14,000 and $7,000 for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
Current wording
Interest income was approximately $60,000 and $28,000 for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Interest expense was approximately $16,000 and $14,000 for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
Previous wording
The net loss for the year ended December 31, 2023 was approximately $18,851,000 compared to approximately $15,274,000 for 2022. The change in net loss is primarily attributable to increased research and development costs.
Current wording
The net loss for the year ended December 31, 2024 was approximately $14,858,000 compared to approximately $18,851,000 for 2023. The change in net loss is primarily attributable to increased research and development costs.
Previous wording
On December 31, 2023, we had cash of approximately $549,000 and we had a working capital deficit of approximately $4,542,000. We have historically funded our operations from proceeds from debt and equity sales.
Current wording
On December 31, 2024, we had cash of approximately $6,461,000 and we had a working capital of approximately $6,134,000. We have historically funded our operations from proceeds from debt and equity sales.
Previous wording
We will need to raise very significant additional capital in the near term in order to meet our past due and future obligations and execute our business plan. If we are unable to raise sufficient funds, we will be required to develop and implement an alternative plan to further extend payables, reduce overhead or scale back our business plan until sufficient additional capital is raised to support further operations. There can be no assurance that such a plan will be successful and if it is not successful we may need to cease operations entirely.
Current wording
We will need to raise significant additional capital in the future in order to meet our future obligations and execute our business plan. If we are unable to raise sufficient funds, we will be required to develop and implement an alternative plan to further extend payables, reduce overhead or scale back our business plan until sufficient additional capital is raised to support further operations. There can be no assurance that such a plan will be successful and if it is not successful we may need to cease operations entirely.
Previous wording
Net cash used in operating activities was approximately $14,140,000 and $10,558,000 for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, and mainly included payments made for drug development (including the cost of our potentially pivotal trial of Berubicin), contract labor, officer compensation, marketing and professional fees to our consultants, attorneys and accountants.
Current wording
Net cash used in operating activities was approximately $17,113,000 and $14,140,000 for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, and mainly included payments made for drug development (including the cost of our trial of Berubicin), contract labor, officer compensation, stock-based compensation, marketing and professional fees to our consultants, attorneys and accountants.
Previous wording
Net cash provided by financing activities was approximately $4,637,000 and $15,613,000 for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. We received net proceeds of approximately $2,318,000 from the issuance of common stock and $2,961,000 from the exercise of warrants during the year ended December 31, 2023.
Current wording
Net cash provided by financing activities was approximately $23,030,000 and $4,637,000 for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. We received net proceeds of approximately $23,376,000 from the issuance of common stock during the year ended December 31, 2024.
Previous wording
We do not have any material commitments for capital expenditures, although we are required to pay certain milestone fees and royalties to HPI and Reata as described in the section “Overview” above.
Current wording
We do not have any material commitments for capital expenditures, although we are required to pay certain milestone fees and royalties to Reata and Cortice as described in the section “Overview” above.
Previous wording
Management believes its application of accounting policies, and the estimates inherently required therein, are reasonable. These accounting policies and estimates are periodically reevaluated, and adjustments are made when facts and circumstances dictate a change.
Current wording
Management believes its application of accounting policies, and the estimates inherently required therein, are reasonable. These accounting policies and estimates are periodically reevaluated, and adjustments are made when facts and circumstances dictate a change. As of December 31, 2024, there was no critical audit estimates.