Financial Position and Capital Requirements - As of December 31, 2023, the company had approximately $1,401 thousand in cash and cash equivalents and working capital of approximately $1,840 thousand[33]. - The accumulated deficit stood at approximately $158,246 thousand, indicating substantial operating losses since inception[33]. - The company expects to continue incurring losses in drug development activities for the foreseeable future and may never achieve profitability[30]. - Future capital requirements will depend on various factors, including the need for additional financing to support clinical trials and product development[35]. - The company estimates that existing cash balances will finance activities for at least 12 months from the report date, but additional financing will be necessary for ongoing clinical trials[33]. - The company may seek additional capital through private and public equity offerings, debt financings, and strategic partnerships, which could dilute existing shareholders[36]. - If the company fails to raise additional capital under acceptable terms, it may have to reduce development activities or sell rights to its technologies[33]. - The company reported a net cash used in operating activities of $707 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2023, indicating a need for significant additional financing[98]. - The company may not be able to continue operations if additional capital is not available, which could lead to a complete discontinuation of operations[98]. Regulatory and Clinical Trial Risks - The company faces risks related to the success of clinical trials and regulatory approvals, which are critical for product commercialization[31]. - Clinical trials are subject to delays due to factors such as patient recruitment rates and regulatory requirements[41]. - Regulatory approvals are necessary for the commercialization of products, and failure to obtain them could severely impact the company's business strategy[42]. - The company may incur additional costs and delays if clinical trials do not meet regulatory requirements or if negative results are obtained[46]. - The regulatory approval process for drug candidates is lengthy and expensive, requiring extensive pre-clinical and clinical data submissions to the FDA[210]. - The FDA requires a comprehensive NDA submission that includes pre-clinical and clinical data, manufacturing specifications, and proposed labeling for product approval[216]. - Unacceptable toxicity or side effects during trials can lead to interruptions or termination of drug development[215]. - The duration of clinical trials can vary significantly, and delays may arise from slow patient enrollment, inadequate site personnel, or adverse medical events[215]. Market and Competitive Landscape - Market acceptance of the company's products is uncertain and will depend on factors such as safety, efficacy, and competitive advantages over existing treatments[58]. - The pharmaceutical industry is highly competitive, with competitors potentially developing products that are less expensive, more effective, or safer, which could harm revenues and commercial opportunities[64]. - The company is aware of competitive clinical trials that may affect patient enrollment in its studies[41]. Operational and Management Challenges - As of April 30, 2024, the company has no employees and only four part-time service providers, which may impair performance and technological capabilities[66]. - The Chief Financial Officer devotes approximately 6 hours a week to the company's operations, which may impact timely completion of financial statements[67]. - The company has identified a material weakness in internal control over financial reporting related to the improper classification of warrants as equity instead of non-current liabilities[141]. - The company may face substantial litigation costs related to intellectual property claims, which could divert management's attention from business operations[94]. Intellectual Property and Licensing - The company actively files patent applications but faces uncertainty regarding the breadth and enforceability of these patents, which could affect competitive advantage[90]. - The company relies on third-party licenses for drug candidates, and failure to meet obligations could result in termination of these agreements, adversely affecting business[84]. - The company has not yet met the second milestone under the license agreement with Yeda, which may lead to termination of the agreement[87]. - The company is responsible for a total patent expense reimbursement to Yeda of $382,989, with the first two installments paid in shares valued at approximately $38,000 and $84,000 respectively[191]. Geopolitical and Economic Factors - The company’s operations may be adversely affected by political, economic, and military instability in Israel and the Middle East[30]. - The company is currently operating in a period of economic uncertainty due to geopolitical instability, which may adversely affect financial condition and results of operations[79]. - Political instability in Israel, including the potential for escalated conflicts, may adversely affect the company's business conditions and financial results[125]. - The company holds most of its cash in U.S. dollars, exposing it to risks from currency fluctuations against the New Israeli Shekel (NIS) and inflation in Israel[131]. Future Plans and Developments - The drug candidate hCDR1 is Phase II-ready for the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), with an estimated 1.5 million Americans affected by the disease[150][166]. - The company plans to reduce research and development expenditures for hCDR1 until full funding or strategic partnerships are secured[151][157]. - The company has entered into a binding term sheet to acquire The Social Proxy, which will represent 44.6% of the issued and outstanding share capital post-transaction[160]. - The company is exploring the expansion of its intellectual property portfolio surrounding hCDR1 while seeking additional assets for its portfolio[155][157]. - The company plans to consider a small Phase 2 clinical trial for hCDR1 in pSS, subject to adequate financing or collaboration[181].
XTLbio(XTLB) - 2023 Q4 - Annual Report