10-Q
Table of Contents

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 10-Q

 

 

[Mark One]

x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the Quarterly Period Ended March 31, 2014

OR

 

¨ TRANSITION REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Commission File No. 001-33057

 

 

CATALYST PHARMACEUTICAL PARTNERS, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Delaware   76-0837053

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(IRS Employer

Identification No.)

 

355 Alhambra Circle

Suite 1500

Coral Gables, Florida

  33134
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (305) 529-2522

 

 

Indicate by checkmark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such report(s), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of “accelerated filer, large accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act (Check one):

 

Large Accelerated Filer   ¨    Accelerated Filer   ¨
Non-Accelerated Filer   ¨  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)    Smaller reporting company   x

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ¨    No  x

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date 67,169,383 shares of common stock, $0.001 par value per share, were outstanding as of May 13, 2014.

 

 

 


Table of Contents

CATALYST PHARMACEUTICAL PARTNERS, INC.

INDEX

 

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION   

Item 1.

 

CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

  
 

Condensed balance sheets at March 31, 2014 (unaudited) and December 31, 2013

     3   
 

Condensed statements of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 and from January 4, 2002 (date of inception) through March 31, 2014 (unaudited)

     4   
 

Condensed statement of stockholders’ equity for the three months ended March 31, 2014 (unaudited)

     5   
 

Condensed statements of cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 and from January 4, 2002 (date of inception) through March 31, 2014 (unaudited)

     6   
 

Notes to unaudited condensed financial statements

     7   

Item 2.

 

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

     17   

Item 3.

 

QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK

     27   

Item 4.

 

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

     27   
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION   

Item 1.

 

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

     28   

Item 1A.

 

RISK FACTORS

     28   

Item 2.

 

UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

     28   

Item 3.

 

DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

     28   

Item 4.

 

MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE

     28   

Item 5.

 

OTHER INFORMATION

     28   

Item 6.

 

EXHIBITS

     28   

 

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Table of Contents

CATALYST PHARMACEUTICAL PARTNERS, INC.

(a development stage company)

CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS

 

     March 31,
2014
    December 31,
2013
 
     (unaudited)        
ASSETS     

Current Assets:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 1,072,465     $ 2,215,958  

Certificates of deposit

     3,712,961       4,011,576  

Short-term investments

     16,499,324       17,483,062  

Prepaid expenses

     883,293       1,609,442  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current assets

     22,168,043       25,320,038   

Property and equipment, net

     52,649       40,628  

Deposits

     8,888       8,888  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 22,229,580      $ 25,369,554  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY     

Current Liabilities:

    

Accounts payable

   $ 932,105     $ 850,789  

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

     1,504,621       1,288,820  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

     2,436,726       2,139,609  

Accrued expenses and other liabilities, non-current

     18,011       19,131  

Warrants liability, at fair value

     2,136,539       1,819,562  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     4,591,276       3,978,302  

Commitments and contingencies

    

Stockholders’ equity:

    

Preferred stock, $0.001 par value, 5,000,000 shares authorized: none issued and outstanding

     —         —    

Common stock, $0.001 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized; 54,145,633 shares and 54,132,937 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively

     54,146       54,133  

Additional paid-in capital

     75,728,876       75,670,718  

Deficit accumulated during the development stage

     (58,144,718     (54,333,599
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total stockholders’ equity

     17,638,304       21,391,252  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 22,229,580     $ 25,369,554  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

CATALYST PHARMACEUTICAL PARTNERS, INC.

(a development stage company)

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (unaudited)

 

    

 

 

For the Three Months Ended
March 31,

    Cumulative Period
from January 4,
2002 (date of
inception) to
March 31,
2014
 
   2014     2013    

Revenues – government grant

   $ —       $ —       $ 488,958  

Operating costs and expenses:

      

Research and development

     2,748,683       1,092,301       39,148,762  

General and administrative

     759,682       613,129       19,641,857  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total operating costs and expenses

     3,508,365       1,705,430       58,790,619  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Loss from operations

     (3,508,365     (1,705,430     (58,301,661

Interest income

     32,760       6,467       1,572,946   

Change in fair value of warrants liability

     (335,514     (45,326     (1,416,003
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Loss before income taxes

     (3,811,119     (1,744,289     (58,144,718

Provision for income taxes

     —         —         —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net loss

   $ (3,811,119   $ (1,744,289   $ (58,144,718
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net loss per share – basic and diluted

   $ (0.07   $ (0.04  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

Weighted average shares outstanding – basic and diluted

     54,138,580        41,420,687     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed financial statements.

 

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CATALYST PHARMACEUTICAL PARTNERS, INC.

(a development stage company)

CONDENSED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (unaudited)

For the three months ended March 31, 2014

 

     Preferred
Stock
     Common
Stock
     Additional
Paid-in
Capital
     Deficit
Accumulated
During the
Development
Stage
    Total  

Balance at December 31, 2013

   $ —        $ 54,133      $ 75,670,718      $ (54,333,599   $ 21,391,252  

Issuance of stock options for services

     —          —          23,130        —         23,130  

Exercise of warrants for common stock

        13         35,028         —          35,041   

Net loss

     —          —          —          (3,811,119     (3,811,119
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at March 31, 2014

   $ —        $ 54,146      $ 75,728,876      $ (58,144,718   $ 17,638,304  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

CATALYST PHARMACEUTICAL PARTNERS, INC.

(a development stage company)

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (unaudited)

 

     For the Three Months Ended,
March 31,
    Cumulative Period
from January 4,
2002 (date of
inception) through
March 31,
 
     2014     2013     2014  

Operating Activities:

    

Net loss

   $ (3,811,119   $ (1,744,289   $ (58,144,718

Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:

    

Depreciation and amortization

     5,285       5,364        192,646   

Stock-based compensation

     23,130       41,752        6,161,185   

Change in fair value of warrants liability

     335,514       45,326       1,416,003   

(Increase) decrease in:

    

Prepaid expenses and deposits

     726,149       66,685       (892,181

Increase (decrease) in:

    

Accounts payable

     81,316        (798,478     932,105   

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

     214,681        134,436       1,459,280   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash used in operating activities

     (2,425,044     (2,249,204     (48,875,680

Investing Activities:

    

Capital expenditures

     (17,306     (9,433     (181,946

Proceeds (purchase) of short term investments

     983,738        (2,702     (16,499,324

Proceeds (purchase) of certificates of deposit

     298,615       1,497,445       (3,712,961
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

     1,265,047       1,485,310       (20,394,231

Financing Activities:

    

Proceeds from issuance of common stock and warrants, net

     —          —          57,210,636   

Proceeds from issuance of preferred stock, net

     —          —          3,895,597   

Proceeds from issuance of convertible promissory note

     —          —          5,000,000   

Proceeds from exercise of warrants

     16,504        —          4,116,053   

Proceeds from exercise of options

     —          —          23,500   

Payment of employee withholding tax related to restricted stock units

     —          —          (3,410
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by financing activities

     16,504        —          70,242,376   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

     (1,143,493     (763,894     972,465   

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     2,215,958        1,409,939        100,000   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ 1,072,465      $ 646,045      $ 1,072,465   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Non-cash investing and financing activity

    

Non-cash incentive received from lessor

   $ —        $ —        $ 52,320   

Exercise of liability classified warrants for common stock

   $ 18,537      $ —        $ 604,796   

Conversion of note for common stock

   $ —        $ —        $ 5,000,000   

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

CATALYST PHARMACEUTICAL PARTNERS, INC.

(a development stage company)

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

1. Organization and Description of Business.

Catalyst Pharmaceutical Partners, Inc. (the Company) is a development-stage specialty pharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of prescription drugs targeting rare (orphan) neurological diseases and disorders, including Lambert-Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome (LEMS) and infantile spasms.

The Company has incurred operating losses in each period from inception through March 31, 2014. The Company has been able to fund its cash needs to date through several public and private offerings of its common stock and warrants, through government grants, and through an investment by a strategic purchaser. See Note 9.

Capital Resources

On January 31, 2014, the Company filed a Shelf Registration Statement on Form S-3 (the 2014 Shelf Registration Statement) with the SEC to sell up to $100 million of common stock. This registration statement (file No. 333-193699) was declared effective by the SEC on March 19, 2014. Subsequent to quarter end, on April 3, 2014, the Company offered for sale 13,023,750 shares of its common stock in an underwritten public offering under the 2014 Shelf Registration Statement, raising net proceeds of approximately $26.8 million. See Note 12. While there can be no assurance, based on currently available information, the Company estimates that it has sufficient working capital (excluding the proceeds of its recently completed public offering) to support its operations through the end of 2014.

 

The Company may raise required funds through public or private equity offerings, debt financings, corporate collaborations, governmental research grants or other means. The Company may also seek to raise new capital to fund additional product development efforts, even if it has sufficient funds for its planned operations. Any sale by the Company of additional equity or convertible debt securities could result in dilution to the Company’s current stockholders. There can be no assurance that any such required additional funding will be available to the Company at all or available on terms acceptable to the Company. Further, to the extent that the Company raises additional funds through collaborative arrangements, it may be necessary to relinquish some rights to the Company’s drug candidates or grant sublicenses on terms that are not favorable to the Company. If the Company is not able to secure additional funding when needed, the Company may have to delay, reduce the scope of, or eliminate one or more research and development programs, which could have an adverse effect on the Company’s business.

 

2. Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies.

 

  a. DEVELOPMENT STAGE COMPANY. Since inception, the Company has devoted substantially all of its efforts to business planning, research and development, recruiting management and technical staff, acquiring operating assets and raising capital. Accordingly, the Company is considered to be in the development stage and the Company’s financial statements are presented in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles applicable to a development stage company. The Company’s primary focus is on the development and commercialization of its drug candidates.

 

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Table of Contents
2. Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies (continued).

 

  b. INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. The accompanying unaudited interim financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, and pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for reporting of interim financial information. Pursuant to such rules and regulations, certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. have been condensed or omitted.

In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited interim financial statements of the Company contain all adjustments (consisting of only normal recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly the financial position of the Company as of the dates and for the periods presented. Accordingly, these statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto for the year ended December 31, 2013 included in the 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed by the Company with the SEC. The results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for any future period or for the full 2014 fiscal year.

 

  c. USE OF ESTIMATES. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

  d. CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS. The Company considers all highly liquid instruments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents consist mainly of money market funds. The Company has substantially all of its cash and cash equivalents deposited with one financial institution.

 

  e. CERTIFICATES OF DEPOSIT. The certificates of deposit are issued by a banking institution and are recorded at cost plus accrued interest. The original maturity is greater than three months but does not exceed one year. Interest income is recorded in the statement of operations as it is earned. Carrying value at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 approximates fair value.

 

  f. SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS. The Company invests in short-term investments in high credit-quality funds in order to obtain higher yields on its cash available for investments. As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 short-term investments consisted of money market funds and a short-term bond fund. Such investments are not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. Short-term investments at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 were considered trading securities. Trading securities are recorded at fair value based on the closing market price of the security. For trading securities, the Company recognizes realized gains and losses and unrealized gains and losses to earnings. Realized and unrealized gains(losses) for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 were nominal.

 

  g. PREPAID EXPENSES. Prepaid expenses consist primarily of prepaid research fees, prepaid insurance and prepaid subscription fees. Prepaid research fees consists of advances for the Company’s product development activities, including drug manufacturing, contracts for pre-clinical studies, clinical trials, regulatory affairs and consulting. Such advances are recorded as expense as the related goods are received or the related services are performed.

 

  h. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS. The Company’s financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, certificates of deposit, short-term investments, accounts payables, accrued expenses and other liabilities, and warrants liability. At March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the fair value of these instruments approximated their carrying value.

 

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Table of Contents
2. Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies (continued).

 

  i. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS. Current Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) fair value guidance emphasizes that fair value is a market-based measurement, not an entity-specific measurement. Therefore, a fair value measurement should be determined based on the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. As a basis for considering market participant assumptions in fair value measurements, current FASB guidance establishes a fair value hierarchy that distinguishes between market participant assumptions based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity (observable inputs that are classified within Levels 1 and 2 of the hierarchy) and the reporting entity’s own assumptions that market participants would use in pricing assets or liabilities (unobservable inputs classified within Level 3 of the hierarchy).

Level 1 inputs utilize quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access at the measurement date. Level 2 inputs are inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Level 2 inputs may include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, as well as inputs that are observable for the asset or liability (other than quoted prices), such as interest rates, foreign exchange rates, and yield curves that are observable at commonly quoted intervals. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability, which is typically based on an entity’s own assumptions, as there is little, if any, related market activity. In instances where the determination of the fair value measurement is based on inputs from different levels of the fair value hierarchy, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the entire fair value measurement falls is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment, and considers factors specific to the asset or liability.

 

     Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using  
     Balances as of
March 31,
2014
     Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets/Liabilities
(Level 1)
     Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
     Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 

Money market funds

   $ 7,831       $ 7,831       $ —         $ —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Certificates of deposit

   $ 3,712,961       $ —         $ 3,712,961       $ —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Short-term investments

   $ 16,499,324       $ 16,499,324       $ —         $ —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Warrants liability

   $ 2,136,539       $ —         $ —         $ 2,136,539   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

     Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using  
     Balances as of
December 31,
2013
     Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets/Liabilities
(Level 1)
     Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
     Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 

Money market funds

   $ 25,693       $ 25,693       $ —         $ —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Certificates of deposit

   $ 4,011,576       $ —         $ 4,011,576       $ —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Short-term investments

   $ 17,483,062       $ 17,483,062       $ —         $ —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Warrants liability

   $ 1,819,562       $ —         $ —         $ 1,819,562   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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2. Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies (continued).

 

  j. WARRANTS LIABILITY. In October 2011, the Company issued 1,523,370 warrants (the 2011 warrants) to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock in connection with a registered direct offering under the Company’s 2010 Shelf Registration Statement. The Company accounted for these warrants as a liability measured at fair value due to a provision included in the warrants agreement that provides the warrants holders with an option to require the Company (or its successor) to purchase their warrants for cash in an amount equal to their Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model (the Black-Scholes Model) value, in the event that certain fundamental transactions, as defined, occur. The fair value of the warrants liability is estimated using the Black-Scholes Model which requires inputs such as the expected term of the warrants, share price volatility and risk-free interest rate. These assumptions are reviewed on a quarterly basis and changes in the estimated fair value of the outstanding warrants are recognized each reporting period in the “Change in fair value of warrants liability” line in the statement of operations. As of March 31, 2014, 1,242,174 of the 2011 warrants remained outstanding.

 

  k. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION. The Company recognizes expense in the statement of operations for the fair value of all share-based payments to employees, directors, consultants and scientific advisors, including grants of stock options and other share-based awards. For stock options, the Company uses the Black-Scholes option valuation model, the single-option award approach, and the straight-line attribution method. Using this approach, compensation cost is amortized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period of each respective stock option, generally three to five years. The Company estimates forfeitures and adjusts this estimate periodically based on actual forfeitures.

As of March 31, 2014, there were outstanding stock options to purchase 3,426,906 shares of common stock, of which stock options to purchase 3,086,905 shares of common stock were exercisable as of March 31, 2014.

For the three month periods ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company recorded stock-based compensation expense as follows:

 

     Three months ended March 31,  
     2014      2013  

Research and development

   $ 11,873       $ 18,763   

General and administrative

     11,257         22,989   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total stock-based compensation

   $ 23,130       $ 41,752   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

  l. COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS). U.S. generally accepted accounting principles require that all components of comprehensive income (loss) be reported in the financial statements in the period in which they are recognized. Comprehensive income (loss) is net income (loss), plus certain other items that are recorded directly into stockholders’ equity. For all periods presented, the Company’s net loss equals comprehensive loss, since the Company has no items which are considered other comprehensive income (loss).

 

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2. Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies (continued).

 

  m. NET LOSS PER SHARE. Basic loss per share is computed by dividing net loss for the period by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. The calculation of basic and diluted net loss per share is the same for all periods presented, as the effect of potential common stock equivalents is anti-dilutive due to the Company’s net loss position for all periods presented. The potential shares, which are excluded from the determination of basic and diluted net loss per share as their effect is anti-dilutive, are as follows:

 

     March 31,  
     2014      2013  

Options to purchase common stock

     3,426,906         3,656,535   

Warrants to purchase common stock

     4,835,924         8,710,870   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Potential equivalent common stock excluded

     8,262,830         12,367,405   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Potentially dilutive options to purchase common stock as of March 31, 2014 and 2013 have exercise prices ranging from $0.47 to $6.00. Potentially dilutive warrants to purchase common stock as of March 31, 2014 and 2013 have exercise prices ranging from $1.04 to $2.08.

 

  n. RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS. There are no recent accounting pronouncements which we anticipate will have a significant impact on the Company’s financial statements.

 

3. Warrants Liability, at Fair Value.

2011 Warrants

The Company allocated approximately $1.3 million of proceeds from its October 2011 registered direct offering to the fair value of common stock purchase warrants issued in connection with the offering that are classified as a liability (the 2011 warrants). The 2011 warrants are classified as a liability because of provisions in such warrants that allow for the net cash settlement of such warrants in the event of certain fundamental transactions (as defined in the warrant agreement). The valuation of the 2011 warrants is determined using the Black-Scholes Model. This model uses inputs such as the underlying price of the shares issued when the warrant is exercised, volatility, risk free interest rate and expected life of the instrument. The Company has determined that the 2011 warrants liability should be classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy by evaluating each input for the Black-Scholes Model against the fair value hierarchy criteria and using the lowest level of input as the basis for the fair value classification. There are six inputs: closing price of the Company’s common stock on the day of evaluation; the exercise price of the warrants; the remaining term of the warrants; the volatility of the Company’s common stock; annual rate of dividends; and the risk free rate of return. Of those inputs, the exercise price of the warrants and the remaining term are readily observable in the warrants agreement. The annual rate of dividends is based on the Company’s historical practice of not granting dividends. The closing price of the Company’s common stock would fall under Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy as it is a quoted price in an active market. The risk free rate of return is a Level 2 input, while the historical volatility is a Level 3 input in accordance with the fair value accounting guidance. Since the lowest level input is a Level 3, the Company determined the warrants liability is most appropriately classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. This liability is subject to fair value mark-to-market adjustment each reporting period.

 

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3. Warrants Liability, at Fair Value (continued).

 

The calculated value of the 2011 warrants liability was determined using the Black-Scholes Model with the following assumptions:

 

     March 31, 2014     December 31, 2013  

Risk free interest rate

     0.94     0.94

Expected term

     3.09 years        3.34 years   

Expected volatility

     111     108

Expected dividend yield

     0     0

Expected forfeiture rate

     0     0

The following table rolls forward the fair value of the Company’s warrants liability activity for the three month periods ended March 31, 2014 and 2013:

 

     Three months ended March 31,  
     2014     2013  

Fair value, beginning of period

   $ 1,819,562     $ 498,587  

Issuance of warrants

     —          —     

Exercise of warrants

     (18,537     —     

Change in fair value

     335,514       45,326  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Fair value, end of period

   $ 2,136,539     $ 543,913  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

During the three month period ended March 31, 2014, 12,696 of the 2011 warrants were exercised, with proceeds to the Company of $16,504. The Company recognizes the change in the fair value of the warrants liability as a non-operating income or loss in the accompanying statements of operations.

 

4. Prepaid Expenses.

Prepaid expenses consist of the following:

 

     March 31, 2014      December 31, 2013  

Prepaid research fees

   $ 534,139       $ 1,334,149  

Prepaid insurance

     170,617         219,651  

Prepaid subscription fees

     46,145         24,643  

Prepaid offering costs

     66,880         —     

Prepaid rent

     6,686         7,848  

Other

     58,826         23,151  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total prepaid expenses

   $ 883,293       $ 1,609,442  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

5. Property and Equipment.

Property and equipment, net consists of the following:

 

     March 31, 2014     December 31, 2013  

Computer equipment

   $ 81,551     $ 81,551  

Furniture and equipment

     63,001       51,523  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
     144,552       133,074  

Less: Accumulated depreciation

     (91,903     (92,446
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total property and equipment, net

   $ 52,649     $ 40,628  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Depreciation expense was $5,285 and $5,364, respectively, for the three month periods ended March 31, 2014 and 2013. The Company has executed a noncancellable operating lease agreement for its corporate offices. During February 2014, the Company entered into the second amendment of the lease for an additional contiguous space under substantially the same terms.

 

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6. Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities.

Accrued expenses and other liabilities consist of the following:

 

    March 31, 2014     December 31, 2013  

Accrued pre-clinical and clinical trial expenses

  $ 1,139,264      $ 1,083,749   

Accrued professional fees

    224,285        117,240   

Accrued compensation and benefits

    54,671        14,539   

Accrued license fees

    78,750        65,000   

Deferred rent

    3,254        2,746   

Other

    4,397        5,546   
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Current accrued expenses and other liabilities

    1,504,621        1,288,820   

Deferred rent- non-current

    18,011        19,131   
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Non-current accrued expenses and other liabilities

    18,011        19,131   
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total accrued expenses and other liabilities

  $ 1,522,632      $ 1,307,951   
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

7. Commitments and Contingencies.

 

  a. LICENSE AGREEMENT WITH NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY. On August 27, 2009, the Company entered into a license agreement with Northwestern University (Northwestern), under which it acquired worldwide rights to commercialize new GABA aminotransferase inhibitors and derivatives of vigabatrin that have been discovered by Northwestern. Under the terms of the license agreement, Northwestern granted the Company an exclusive worldwide license to certain composition of matter patents related to the new class of inhibitors and a patent application relating to derivatives of vigabatrin. The Company has identified and designated the lead compound under this license as CPP-115.

Under the license agreement with Northwestern, the Company will be responsible for continued research and development of any resulting product candidates. As of March 31, 2014, the Company has paid $246,590 in connection with the license and has accrued license fees of $78,750 in the accompanying March 31, 2014 condensed balance sheet for expenses, maintenance fees and milestones. In addition, the Company is obligated to pay certain milestone payments in future years relating to clinical development activities with respect to CPP-115, and royalties on any products resulting from the license agreement. The next milestone payment of $150,000 is due on the earlier of successful completion of the first Phase 2 clinical trial of CPP-115 or August 27, 2015.

 

  b. LICENSE AGREEMENT WITH NEW YORK UNIVERSITY AND THE FEINSTEIN INSTITUTE FOR MEDICAL RESEARCH. On December 13, 2011, the Company entered into a license agreement with New York University (NYU) and the Feinstein Institute for Medical Research (FIMR) under which it acquired worldwide rights to commercialize GABA aminotransferase inhibitors in the treatment for Tourette Syndrome. The Company is obligated to pay certain milestone payments in future years relating to clinical development activities and royalties on any products resulting from the license agreement.

 

  c. LICENSE AGREEMENT WITH BIOMARIN. On October 26, 2012, the Company entered into a strategic collaboration with BioMarin Pharmaceutical, Inc. (BioMarin) for Firdapse™. The key components of the collaboration include: (i) the Company licensed the exclusive North American rights to Firdapse™ pursuant to a License Agreement, dated as of October 26, 2012 (the License Agreement) between the Company and BioMarin, and (ii) BioMarin made a $5,000,000 investment in the Company pursuant to the terms of a Convertible Promissory Note and Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of October 26, 2012 (the Investment Agreement). The Investment Agreement provides that the Company will use the $5 million solely for the purpose of developing Firdapse™.

 

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7. Commitments and Contingencies (continued).

 

Initially, the $5,000,000 investment from BioMarin was treated as a loan to the Company. However, on December 10, 2012, the loan automatically converted, at a conversion rate of $0.75 per share, into 6,666,667 shares of the Company’s authorized but unissued common stock.

As part of the License Agreement, the Company has taken over a Phase 3 Trial previously being conducted by BioMarin and is obligated to use its diligent efforts to seek to obtain regulatory approval for and to commercialize Firdapse™ in the United States. The Company is obligated to use diligent efforts to complete the double-blind treatment phase of the Phase 3 trial within 24 months of entering into the License Agreement, and BioMarin has the right to terminate the License Agreement if such treatment phase has not been completed in such 24-month period (unless the Company is using diligent effort to pursue the completion of such treatment phase and has spent at least $5 million in connection with the conduct of the Phase 3 Trial during such 24 month period). As of March 31, 2014, the Company had disbursed more than $5 million in connection with expenses related to the Phase 3 Trial.

As part of the License Agreement, the Company has agreed: (i) to pay BioMarin certain royalty payments based on net sales in North America; (ii) to pay to a third-party licensor of the rights sublicensed certain royalty payments based on net sales in North America, and (iii) to pay certain milestone payments that BioMarin is obligated to make (approximately $2.6 million of which will be due upon acceptance by the FDA of a filing of an NDA for Firdapse™ for the treatment of LEMS, and approximately $7.2 million of which will be due on the unconditional approval by the FDA of an NDA for Firdapse™ for the treatment of LEMS). The Company has also agreed to share in the cost of certain post-marketing studies that are being conducted by BioMarin. Subsequent to quarter-end, during April 2014 the Company entered into an amendment to the BioMarin license. See Note 12.

 

  d. AGREEMENTS FOR DRUG DEVELOPMENT, PRE-CLINICAL AND CLINICAL STUDIES. The Company has entered into agreements with contract manufacturers for the manufacture of drug and study placebo for the Company’s trials and studies, with contract research organizations (CRO) to conduct and monitor the Company’s trials and studies and with various entities for laboratories and other testing related to the Company’s trials and studies. The contractual terms of the agreements vary, but most require certain advances as well as payments based on the achievement of milestones. Further, these agreements are cancellable at any time, but obligate the Company to reimburse the providers for any time or costs incurred through the date of termination.

Securities Class Action Lawsuit

In October 2013 and November 2013, three securities class action lawsuit were filed against the Company and certain of its executive officers and directors seeking unspecified damages in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida (the Court). These complaints, which were substantially identical, purported to state a claim for violation of federal securities laws on behalf of a class of those who purchased the Company’s common stock between October 31, 2012 and October 18, 2013. Two of the cases were voluntarily dismissed by the plaintiffs and the Court granted the Company’s motion to dismiss on the third case on January 3, 2014. However, the Court granted leave to the plaintiffs to file an amended complaint within 20 days.

On January 23, 2014, the plaintiffs filed an amended complaint against the Company and one of its executive officers seeking unspecified damages. The amended complaint purports to state a claim for alleged misrepresentations regarding the development of Firdapse™ on behalf of a class of those who purchase the Company’s common stock between August 27, 2013 and October 18, 2013. In February 2014, the Company filed a motion to dismiss the amended complaint, which was granted in part and denied in part by the Court. We are vigorously defending this lawsuit. While there can be no assurance, the Company does not expect this lawsuit to have a material adverse effect on the Company, and no amounts have been accrued with respect to this potential contingent liability in the accompanying March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 balance sheets.

 

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8. Income Taxes.

The Company is subject to income taxes in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various states jurisdictions. Tax regulations within each jurisdiction are subject to the interpretation of the related tax laws and regulations and require significant judgment to apply. The Company is not subject to U.S. federal, state and local tax examinations by tax authorities for any years before 2010. If the Company were to subsequently record an unrecognized tax benefit, associated penalties and tax related interest expense would be reported as a component of income tax expense.

 

9. Stockholders’ Equity.

2014 Shelf Registration Statement

On January 31, 2014, the Company filed a Shelf Registration Statement on Form S-3 (the 2014 Shelf Registration Statement) with the SEC to sell up to $100 million of common stock. This registration statement (file No. 333-193699) was declared effective by the SEC on March 19, 2014. Subsequent to quarter end, on April 3, 2014 the Company conducted a public offering under the 2014 Shelf Registration Statement. See Note 12.

Following the April 2014 offering, there is approximately $71.2 million available for future sale under the 2014 Shelf Registration Statement. If the Company’s public float (the market value of its common stock held by non-affiliate stockholders) falls below $75 million, the Company will be subject to a further limitation under which it can sell no more than one-third (1/3) of its public float during any 12-month period. Further, the number of shares that the Company can sell at any one time may be limited under certain circumstances to 20% of the outstanding common stock under applicable NASDAQ marketplace rules.

Warrant Exercises

During the three month period ended March 31, 2014, the Company issued an aggregate of 12,696 shares of its authorized but unissued common stock upon the exercise of previously issued common stock purchase warrants, raising gross proceeds of $16,504.

 

10. Stock Compensation.

Stock Options

During the three month period ended March 31, 2014, the Company granted five-year options to purchase an aggregate of 25,000 shares of the Company’s common stock to a consultant. During the three month period ended March 31, 2013, the Company granted five-year options to purchase an aggregate of 75,000 shares of the Company’s common stock to certain employees. The Company recorded stock-based compensation related to stock options totaling $23,130 and $41,752, respectively, during the three month periods ended March 31, 2014 and 2013. During the three month period ended March 31, 2014, 25,000 options vested. No options vested during the three month period ended March 31, 2013.

As of March 31, 2014, there was approximately $134,000 of unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested stock compensation awards granted under the 2006 Stock Incentive Plan. The cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 1.35 years.

On February 27, 2014, the Company’s Board of Directors approved the adoption of the “Catalyst Pharmaceutical Partners, Inc. 2014 Stock Incentive Plan” (the “2014 Plan”). The 2014 Plan will not become effective until it is approved by the Company’s stockholders. The Company submitted the 2014 Plan to its stockholders for approval at the Company’s 2014 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

 

11. Related Party Transactions.

The Company has consulting arrangements with its Chief Medical Officer, its Chief Commercial Officer and with several members of its Scientific Advisory Board. During both the three month periods ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company paid approximately $2,500 in consulting fees to related parties.

 

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12. Subsequent Events.

Subsequent to quarter end, on April 3, 2014, the Company filed a prospectus supplement and offered for sale 13,023,750 shares of its common stock at a price of $2.21 per share in an underwritten public offering. The Company received gross proceeds in the public offering of approximately $28.8 million before underwriting commission and incurred expenses of approximately $2 million.

In addition, subsequent to quarter end, on April 15, 2014, effective as of April 8, 2014, the Company and BioMarin entered into Amendment No. 1 to the License Agreement, amending in certain respects the License Agreement, dated October 26, 2012, between the Company and BioMarin.

 

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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Introduction

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (MD&A) is intended to provide an understanding of our financial condition, changes in financial condition and results of operations. The discussion and analysis is organized as follows:

 

    Overview. This section provides a general description of our business, trends in our industry, as well as a discussion regarding recent developments in our business.

 

    Basis of Presentation. This section provides information about key accounting estimates and policies that we followed in preparing our financial statements for the first quarter of fiscal 2014.

 

    Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates. This section discusses those accounting policies that are both considered important to our financial condition and results of operations, and require significant judgment and estimates on the part of management in their application. All of our significant accounting policies, including our critical accounting policies, are also summarized in the notes to our interim financial statements that are included in this report.

 

    Results of Operations. This section provides an analysis of our results of operations for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2014 as compared to the first quarter of fiscal year 2013.

 

    Liquidity and Capital Resources. This section provides an analysis of our cash flows, capital resources, off-balance sheet arrangements and our outstanding commitments, if any.

 

    Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements. This section discusses how certain forward-looking statements made throughout this MD&A and in other sections of this report are based on management’s present expectations about future events and are inherently susceptible to uncertainty and changes in circumstance.

Overview

We are a development-stage specialty pharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of prescription drugs targeting rare (orphan) neuromuscular and neurological diseases. We have three pharmaceutical products in development:

 

    Firdapse™. In October 2012, we licensed the North American rights to Firdapse™, a proprietary form of amifampridine phosphate, or chemically known as 3,4-diaminopyridine phosphate, from BioMarin Pharmaceutical, Inc. (“BioMarin”). As part of our agreements with BioMarin, we have taken over the sponsorship of BioMarin’s ongoing Phase 3 clinical trial evaluating Firdapse™ for the treatment of Lambert-Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome, or LEMS, a rare and sometimes fatal autoimmune disease characterized by muscle weakness. We also hope to evaluate Firdapse™ for the treatment of other neuromuscular orphan indications such as certain forms of Congenital Myasthenic Syndrome and Myasthenia Gravis. In August 2013, we were granted “breakthrough therapy designation” by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for Firdapse™ for the treatment of LEMS.

The chemical entity 3,4-diaminopyridine (3,4-DAP), or its phosphate salt, has never been approved by the FDA for any indication. If we are the first pharmaceutical company to obtain approval for an amifampridine-based product, we will be eligible to receive five years of marketing exclusivity with respect to the use of this product for any indication. Further, since Firdapse™ for the treatment of LEMS has previously been granted Orphan Drug Designation by the FDA, Firdapse™ would also be eligible to receive seven years of marketing exclusivity for this indication, running concurrently with the five-year exclusivity described above.

 

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The Phase 3 trial is designed as a randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled discontinuation study followed by an open-label extension period in approximately 36-patients across trial sites in the United States, Canada, South America and Europe. Based on the enrollment and randomization success metrics achieved to date, we believe that we have enrolled a sufficient number of LEMS patients to ensure that 36 patients will be randomized into the double-blind, placebo-controlled, discontinuation portion of the trial. We continue to screen additional, previously identified LEMS patients who have expressed interest in participating in this study. As allowed in the protocol for the study, all LEMS patients who are not randomized can continue to receive Firdapse™ as participants in the two year follow up period.

During April 2014, we initiated the process required to establish an expanded access program to make Firdapse™ available in the United States to patients diagnosed with LEMS through their neuromuscular disease specialists. Firdapse™ distributed through this program will be provided at no cost until sometime after approval.

 

    CPP-115. We are in the early stages of developing CPP-115, a GABA aminotransferase inhibitor that, based on our pre-clinical studies to date, we believe is a more potent form of vigabatrin, but may have fewer side effects (e.g., visual field defects, or VFDs) than those associated with vigabatrin. We are hoping to develop CPP-115 for the treatment of epilepsy (initially infantile spasms) and for the treatment of other selected neurological indications. CPP-115 has been granted Orphan Drug Designation by the FDA for the treatment of infantile spasms and Orphan Medicinal Product Designation in the European Union, or E.U., for West’s syndrome (a form of infantile spasms). We expect to begin a multi-dose safety and tolerance study of CPP-115 during the third quarter of 2014.

 

    CPP-109. An academic investigator proof-of-concept study evaluating the use of CPP-109 for the treatment of Tourette Syndrome is currently ongoing and, if the results of that study show evidence of reduced number of tics, we will likely seek to develop CPP-109 or CPP-115 (which has the same mechanism of action as CPP-109) for this indication. We do not control this proof-of-concept study and therefore have no control over its timing. However, based on currently available information, we expect to have top-line results for this academic investigator proof-of-concept study during 2014.

Recently Filed Securities Class Action Lawsuit

In October and November 2013, three securities class action lawsuit were filed against us and certain of our executive officers and directors seeking unspecified damages in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida (the Court). These complaints, which were substantially identical, purported to state a claim for violation of federal securities laws on behalf of a class of those who purchased our common stock between October 31, 2012 and October 18, 2013. Two of the cases were voluntarily dismissed by the plaintiffs and the Court granted our motion to dismiss on the third case on January 3, 2014. However, the Court granted leave to the plaintiffs to file an amended complaint within 20 days.

On January 23, 2014, the plaintiffs filed an amended complaint against us and one of our executive officers seeking unspecified damages. The amended complaint purports to state a claim for alleged misrepresentations regarding the development of Firdapse™ on behalf of a class of those who purchase our common stock between August 27, 2013 and October 18, 2013. In February 2014, we filed a motion to dismiss the amended complaint, which was recently granted in part and denied in part by the Court. We are vigorously defending this lawsuit. While there can be no assurance, we do not expect this lawsuit to have a material adverse effect on us, and no amounts have been accrued with respect to this potential contingent liability in the March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 balance sheets that are included in Part I, Item 1 of this Form 10-Q.

Risks Associated with Product Development

The successful development of our current drug candidates or any other drug candidate we may acquire, develop or license in the future is highly uncertain. We cannot reasonably estimate or know the nature, timing, or estimated expenses of the efforts necessary to complete the development of, or the period in which material net cash inflows are expected to commence due to the numerous risks and uncertainties associated with developing such products, including the uncertainty of:

 

  the scope, rate of progress and expense of our clinical studies and trials, pre-clinical studies, proof-of-concept studies and other product development activities;

 

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  the results of our pre-clinical studies and clinical studies and trials, and the number of such studies and trials (and the scope of such studies and trials) that will be required for us to seek and obtain approval of our product candidates;

 

  the risk that another pharmaceutical company will receive an approval for its formulation of amifampridine for the treatment of Lambert-Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome (LEMS) before us;

 

  the impact of the class action lawsuit filed against us; and

 

  the expense of filing, and potentially prosecuting, defending and enforcing any patent claims and other intellectual property rights.

Available Capital Resources

Based on an analysis of our current financial condition and forecasts of available cash (excluding the proceeds from our recently completed public offering), we believe that we have sufficient resources to support our operations through 2014. There can be no assurance that we will obtain required additional funding or ever be able to commercialize any of our product candidates. See “Liquidity and Capital Resources” below.

Basis of presentation

Revenues

We are a development stage company and have had no revenues from product sales to date. We will not have revenues from product sales until such time as we receive approval of our product candidates, successfully commercialize our products or enter into a licensing agreement which may include up-front licensing fees, of which there can be no assurance.

Research and development expenses

Our research and development expenses consist of costs incurred for company-sponsored research and development activities, as well as occasional support for selected investigator-sponsored research. The major components of research and development costs include pre-clinical study costs, clinical manufacturing costs, clinical study and trial expenses, insurance coverage for clinical trials, consulting, scientific advisors and other third-party costs, salaries and employee benefits, stock-based compensation expense, supplies and materials and allocations of various overhead costs related to our product development efforts. To date, all of our research and development resources have been devoted to the development of CPP-109, CPP-115, and Firdapse™, and we expect this to continue for the foreseeable future. Costs incurred in connection with research and development activities are expensed as incurred.

Our cost accruals for clinical studies and trials are based on estimates of the services received and efforts expended pursuant to contracts with numerous clinical study and trial sites and clinical research organizations. In the normal course of business we contract with third parties to perform various clinical study and trial activities in the on-going development of potential products. The financial terms of these agreements are subject to negotiation and vary from contract to contract and may result in uneven payment flows. Payments under the contracts depend on factors such as the achievement of certain events or milestones, the successful enrollment of patients, the allocation of responsibilities among the parties to the agreements, and the completion of portions of the clinical study or trial or similar conditions. The objective of our accrual policy is to match the recording of expenses in our financial statements to the actual services received and efforts expended. As such, expense accruals related to pre-clinical and clinical studies or trials are recognized based on our estimate of the degree of completion of the event or events specified in the specific study or trial contract. We monitor service provider activities to the extent possible;

 

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however, if we underestimate activity levels associated with various studies or trials at a given point in time, we could be required to record significant additional research and development expenses in future periods. Pre-clinical and clinical study and trial activities require significant up front expenditures. We anticipate paying significant portions of a study or trial’s cost before such study or trial begins, and incurring additional expenditures as the study or trial progresses and reaches certain milestones.

Selling and marketing expenses

We do not currently have any selling or marketing expenses. We expect we will begin to incur costs tied to our future sales and marketing efforts during 2014 as we move closer to the potential commercialization of Firdapse™. In accordance with our plan, during 2014 we have begun to contract the personnel that will help us develop both a sales force and a patient advocacy and assistance program so that we are in a position to commence our selling efforts immediately if we are successful in obtaining approval of any NDA that we may file for Firdapse™, of which there can be no assurance.

General and administrative expenses

General and administrative expenses consist primarily of salaries and personnel expenses for accounting, corporate and administrative functions. Other costs include administrative facility costs, regulatory fees, and professional fees for legal, information technology, accounting and consulting services.

Stock-based compensation

We recognize expense for the fair value of all stock-based awards to employees, directors, scientific advisors and consultants in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. For stock options we use the Black-Scholes option valuation model in calculating the fair value of the awards.

Warrants Liability

We issued warrants to purchase shares of our common stock as part of the equity financing that we completed in October 2011. In accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, we have recorded the fair value of the warrants as a liability in the accompanying balance sheets at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 using a Black-Scholes option-pricing model. We will remeasure the fair value of the warrants liability at each reporting date until the warrants are exercised or have expired. Changes in the fair value of the warrants liability are reported in the statements of operations as income or expense. The fair value of the warrants liability is subject to significant fluctuation based on changes in the inputs to the Black-Scholes option-pricing model, including our common stock price, expected volatility, expected life, the risk-free interest rate and dividend yield. The market price for our common stock has been and may continue to be volatile. Consequently, future fluctuations in the price of our common stock may cause significant increases or decreases in the fair value of the warrants.

Income taxes

We have incurred operating losses since inception. Our net deferred tax asset has a 100% valuation allowance as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, as we believe it is more likely than not that the deferred tax asset will not be realized. If an ownership change, as defined under Internal Revenue Code Section 382, occurs, the use of any of our carry-forward tax losses may be subject to limitation.

As required by ASC 740, Income Taxes, we recognize the financial statement benefit of a tax position only after determining that the relevant tax authority would more likely than not sustain the position following the audit. For tax positions meeting the more-likely-than-not threshold, the amount recognized in the financial statements is the largest benefit that has a greater than 50 percent likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement with the relevant tax authority.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

For discussion of recently issued accounting standards, please see Note 2, “Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies,” in the interim financial statements included in this report.

 

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Non-GAAP Financial Measures

We prepare our financial statements and footnotes thereto which accompany this report in accordance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). To supplement our financial results presented on a GAAP basis, we may use non-GAAP financial measures in our reports filed with the Commission and/or our communications with investors. Non-GAAP measures are provided as additional information and not as an alternative to our financial statements presented in accordance with GAAP. Our non-GAAP financial measures are intended to enhance an overall understanding of our current financial performance. We believe that the non-GAAP financial measures we present provide investors and prospective investors with an alternative method for assessing our operating results in a manner that we believe is focused on the performance of ongoing operations and provide a more consistent basis for comparison between periods.

The non-GAAP financial measures that we often present exclude from the calculation of net loss the expense (or the income) associated with the change in fair value of the liability-classified warrants.

Any non-GAAP financial measures that we report should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for comparable GAAP accounting, and investors should read them in conjunction with our financial statements and notes thereto prepared in accordance with GAAP. Finally, the non-GAAP measures of net loss we may use may be different from, and not directly comparable to, similarly titled measures used by other companies.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Our discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations is based on our financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make judgments, estimates, and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. For a full discussion of our accounting policies please refer to Note 2 on the Financial Statements included in our 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC. Our most critical accounting policies and estimates include: accounting for development stage, research and development expenses and stock-based compensation, measurement of fair value, fair value of warrants liability, income taxes and reserves. We continually evaluate our judgments, estimates and assumptions. We base our estimates on the terms of underlying agreements, our expected course of development, historical experience and other factors that we believe are reasonable based on the circumstances, the results of which form our management’s basis for making judgments about the carrying value of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates. There have been no material changes to our critical accounting policies and estimates from the information provided in Part II, Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included in our 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Results of Operations

Revenues.

We had no revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013.

Research and Development Expenses.

Research and development expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 were $2,748,683 and $1,092,301, respectively, including stock-based compensation expense in each of the three month periods of $11,873 and $18,763, respectively. Research and development expenses, in the aggregate, represented approximately 78% and 64%, respectively, of total operating costs and expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013. The stock-based compensation is non-cash and relates to the expense of stock options awards to certain employees.

Expenses for research and development for the three month period ended March 31, 2014, excluding stock based compensation, increased substantially compared to amounts expended in the same period in 2013. During the first months of 2013, BioMarin completed the transfer of the management and oversight of the currently ongoing Phase 3 trial of Firdapse™ for the treatment of LEMS to us. In connection with such transfer, we retained a CRO and hired additional personnel to provide day-to-day oversight of the Phase 3 trial, including identifying and contracting with additional clinical sites throughout the United States, Canada, Europe and South America. Such efforts increased the

 

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number of total clinical sites for our Phase 3 trial from 7, upon transfer of the Phase 3 trial to us, to approximately 22 at the end of the 2014 first quarter. Expenses during the first quarter of 2014 also included expenses related to our on-going Firdapse™ pre-clinical and clinical studies, including our share of the expenses of the joint studies we are conducting with BioMarin.

As a result of our ongoing and projected studies and trials required for an NDA filing for Firdapse™, we expect that costs related to research and development activities will continue to be substantial in 2014, as we continue with the Phase 3 trial and pre-clinical and clinical activities for Firdapse™ and commence a Phase 2 study for CPP-115.

Selling and Marketing Expenses.

We had no selling and marketing expenses during the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013. We expect these costs to begin during the current year, as we move closer to the potential commercialization of Firdapse™. We plan to put in place, during this year, the personnel that will help us develop both a sales force and a patient advocacy and assistance program so that we are in a position to commence our selling efforts immediately if we are successful in obtaining an approval of any NDA that we may file for Firdapse™, of which there can be no assurance.

General and Administrative Expenses.

General and administrative expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 were $759,682 and $613,129, respectively, including stock-based compensation expense in each of the three month periods of $11,257 and $22,989, respectively. General and administrative expenses represented 22% and 36%, respectively, of total operating costs and expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013. The increase in general and administrative expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2014 when compared to the same period in 2013 is primarily due to increases in legal fees, investor relations expenses and consulting and printing expenses. We expect general and administrative expenses, other than costs associated with sales and marketing efforts, to remain relatively stable in future periods as we continue the monitoring and oversight of our research and development activities. However, we expect that general and administrative costs in total will increase in 2014 and future periods to support our planned efforts to prepare for the future commercialization of Firdapse™.

Stock-Based Compensation.

Total stock-based compensation for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 was $23,130 and $41,752, respectively. The decrease in stock-based compensation for the three month period ended March 31, 2014 when compared to the same period in 2013, is because there were no year-end grants during 2013 to employees or directors, and a number of previous grants completely vested during 2013.

Change in fair value of warrants liability.

In connection with our October 2011 equity offering, we issued warrants to purchase an aggregate of 1,523,370 shares of common stock. The fair value of these warrants is recorded in the liability section of the balance sheet and was estimated at $2,136,539 and $1,819,562 at March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. The fair value of the warrants liability is determined at the end of each reporting period with the resulting gains or losses recorded as the change in fair value of warrants liability in the statements of operations. For the three months ended March 31, 2014, we recognized a loss of $335,514 due to the change in the fair value of the warrants liability. The loss during the three months ended March 31, 2014 was principally a result of the increase of our stock price between December 31, 2013 and March 31, 2014. Future changes in the fair value of the warrants liability will be due primarily to fluctuations in the value of our common stock.

Interest Income.

We reported interest income in all periods relating to our investment of funds received from offerings of our securities. The increase in interest income in the three month period ended March 31, 2014 when compared to the same period in 2013 is due to higher average investment balances from the proceeds of our offerings, slightly offset by lower interest rates. These proceeds were used to fund our product-development activities and our operations. Substantially all such funds were invested in short-term interest bearing obligations and short-term bond funds.

 

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Income taxes.

We have incurred net operating losses since inception. For the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, we have applied a 100% valuation allowance against our deferred tax asset as we believe that it is more likely than not that the deferred tax asset will not be realized.

Net Loss

Our net loss was $3,811,119 for the quarter ended March 31, 2014 ($0.07 per basic and diluted share) as compared to a net loss of $1,744,289 for the quarter ended March 31, 2013 ($0.04 per basic and diluted share).

Non-GAAP Net Loss

Our non-GAAP net loss, which excludes for the first quarter of 2014 and 2013 a loss of $335,514 and $45,326, respectively, associated with the change in the fair value of liability classified warrants, was $3,475,605 for the first quarter of 2014, compared to a non-GAAP net loss of $1,698,963 for the first quarter of 2013.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Since our inception, we have financed our operations primarily through equity issuances, government grants, and an investment by a strategic purchaser. At March 31, 2014, we had cash and cash equivalents, certificates of deposit and short-term investments aggregating $21.3 million and working capital of $19.7 million. At December 31, 2013, we had cash and cash equivalents, certificates of deposit and short term investments aggregating $23.7 million and working capital of $23.2 million. At March 31, 2014, substantially all of our cash and cash equivalents were deposited with one financial institution, and such balances were in excess of federally insured limits.

We have to date incurred operating losses, and we expect these losses to increase substantially in the future as we expand our product development programs and prepare for the commercialization of our product candidates. We anticipate using current cash on hand to finance these activities. It will likely take several years to obtain the necessary regulatory approvals to commercialize one or more of our product candidates in the United States.

While there can be no assurance, based on currently available information, we believe that we have the cash resources (excluding the proceeds of our April 2014 public offering) to support our operations through 2014. If our costs are greater than we expect, our assumptions may not prove to be accurate.

At the present time, we believe that we will require additional funding for future studies or trials and to pay future milestone payments that we may be obligated to make. There can be no assurance as to the amount of any such funding that will be required for these purposes or whether any such funding will be available to us when it is required.

In that regard, our future funding requirements will depend on many factors, including:

 

    the scope, rate of progress and cost of our clinical trials and other product development activities;

 

    future clinical trial results;

 

    the terms and timing of any collaborative, licensing and other arrangements that we may establish;

 

    the cost and timing of regulatory approvals;

 

    the cost and delays in product development as a result of any changes in regulatory oversight applicable to our products;

 

    the cost and timing of establishing sales, marketing and distribution capabilities;

 

    the effect of competition and market developments;

 

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    the cost of filing and potentially prosecuting, defending and enforcing any patent claims and other intellectual property rights; and

 

    the extent to which we acquire or invest in other products.

We hope to raise additional funds to support our product development activities and working capital requirements through public or private equity offerings, corporate collaborations or other means. We also intend to seek governmental grants for a portion of the required funding for our clinical trials and pre-clinical trials. We may also seek to raise capital to fund additional product development efforts, even if we have sufficient funds for our planned operations. Any sale by us of additional equity or convertible debt securities could result in dilution to our stockholders. There can be no assurance that any such required additional funding will be available to us at all or available on terms acceptable to us. Further, to the extent that we raise additional funds through collaborative arrangements, it may be necessary to relinquish some rights to our technologies or grant sublicenses on terms that are not favorable to us. If we are not able to secure additional funding when needed, we may have to delay, reduce the scope of or eliminate one or more research and development programs, which could have an adverse effect on our business.

On January 31, 2014, we filed a Shelf Registration Statement on Form S-3 (the 2014 Shelf Registration Statement) with the SEC to sell up to $100 million of common stock. This registration statement (file No. 333-193699) was declared effective by the SEC on March 19, 2014. Subsequent to quarter end, on April 3, 2014, we offered for sale 13,023,750 shares of our common stock in an underwritten public offering under the 2014 Shelf Registration Statement, raising net proceeds of approximately $26.8 million.

Following the April 2014 public offering, there is approximately $71.2 million available for future sale under the 2014 Shelf Registration Statement. If our public float (the market value of our common stock held by non-affiliate stockholders) falls below $75 million, we will be subject to a further limitation under which we can sell no more than one-third (1/3) of our public float during any 12-month period. Further, the number of shares that we can sell at any one time may be limited under certain circumstances to 20% of the outstanding common stock under applicable NASDAQ marketplace rules.

Cash Flows

Net cash used in operating activities was $2,425,044 and $2,249,204, respectively, for the three month periods ended March 31, 2014 and 2013. During the three months ended March 31, 2014, net cash used in operating activities was primarily attributable to our net loss of $3,811,119, partially offset by a decrease of $726,149 in prepaid expenses and deposits, and increases of $214,681 in accrued expenses and other liabilities and $81,316 in accounts payable, $335,514 of non-cash change in fair value of warrants liability and $28,415 of other non-cash expenses. During the three months ended March 31, 2013, net cash used in operating activities was primarily attributable to our net loss of $1,744,289, and a decrease in accounts payable of $798,478. This was partially offset by an increase of $134,436 in accrued expenses and other liabilities, a decrease of $66,685 in prepaid expenses and deposits, $45,326 of non-cash change in fair value of warrants liability and $47,116 of other non-cash expenses. Other non-cash expenses include depreciation and stock-based compensation expense.

Net cash provided by investing activities during the three months ended March 31, 2014 was $1,265,047, consisting primarily of redemptions of investments of $1,282,353, offset by purchases of furniture and computer equipment of approximately $17,306. Net cash provided by investing activities during the three month period ended March 31, 2013 was $1,485,310, consisting primarily of net redemptions of investments of $1,494,743, offset by purchases of furniture and computer equipment of $9,433.

Net cash provided by financing activities during the three months ended March 31, 2014 consisted of $16,504 of proceeds from the exercise of warrants to purchase common stock. No cash was provided by (used in) financing activities during the three months ended March 31, 2013.

 

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Contractual Obligations

We have entered into the following contractual arrangements:

 

    Payments to BioMarin and others under our license agreement. We have agreed: (i) to pay BioMarin certain royalty payments based on our net sales in North America; (ii) to pay to a third-party licensor of the rights sublicensed to us certain royalty payments based on our net sales in North America, and (iii) to pay certain milestone payments that BioMarin is obligated to make (approximately $2.6 million of which will be due upon acceptance by the FDA of a filing of an NDA for Firdapse™ for the treatment of LEMS, and approximately $7.2 million of which will be due on the unconditional approval by the FDA of an NDA for Firdapse™ for the treatment of LEMS). We have also agreed to share in the cost of certain post-marketing studies that are being conducted by BioMarin.

 

    Payments for Firdapse development. Based on current available information, we estimate that the total product development costs for Firdapse™, excluding third-party milestone payments, will be approximately $25 million. At March 31, 2014, we had paid approximately $7.8 million of this amount and had prepaid research fees of approximately $534,000, accounts payable of approximately $707,000 and accrued liabilities of approximately $1.1 million in the accompanying condensed balance sheet in connection with related agreements. Under our license agreement with BioMarin, we are obligated to spend at least $5 million in connection with the Phase 3 trial of Firdapse™ during the two years following the date of the license agreement (October 26, 2012). As of March 31, 2014, we have spent more than $5 million on the Phase 3 trial of Firdapse™ for the treatment of LEMS.

 

    Payments to Northwestern University under our license agreement. Under our license agreement with Northwestern, we have paid to date $246,590, had accrued liabilities of $78,750, at March 31, 2014 in the accompanying condensed balance sheet, and owe certain milestone payments in future years if we do not cancel the license agreement. The next milestone payment of $150,000 is due on the earlier of August 27, 2015 or the successful completion of the first Phase 2 trial of CPP-115.

 

    Employment agreements. We have entered into an employment agreement with our Chief Executive Officer that requires us to make base salary payments of approximately $425,000 per annum in 2014. The agreement expires in November 2016.

 

    Leases for office space. We have entered into a lease agreement for our office space that requires payments of approximately $8,000 per month.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We currently have no debt. Capital lease obligations as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 were not material. We have an operating lease for our corporate office facility. We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements as such term is defined in rules promulgated by the SEC.

Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

This Current Report on Form 10-Q contains “forward-looking statements”, as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These include statements regarding our expectations, beliefs, plans or objectives for future operations and anticipated results of operations. For this purpose, any statements contained herein that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Without limiting the foregoing, “believes”, “anticipates”, “proposes”, “plans”, “expects”, “intends”, “may”, and other similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward looking statements. The forward-looking statements made in this report are based on current expectations that involve numerous risks and uncertainties.

 

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The successful development of our product candidates is highly uncertain. We cannot reasonably estimate or know the nature, timing, or estimated expenses of the efforts necessary to complete the development of, or the period in which material net cash inflows are expected to commence due to the numerous risks and uncertainties associated with developing such products, including the uncertainty of:

 

    the scope, rate of progress and expense of our pre-clinical studies, proof-of-concept studies and clinical studies and trials and other product development activities;

 

    our ability to complete our studies on a timely basis and within the budgets we establish for such trials;

 

    whether our studies and trials will be successful;

 

    the results of our pre-clinical studies and clinical studies and trials, and the number and scope of such studies and trials that will be required for us to seek and obtain approval of NDAs for our product candidates;

 

    whether the third parties we retain to assist us in our trials and studies perform as contracted for and within the budgets established for their activities;

 

    the expense of filing, and potentially prosecuting, defending and enforcing any patent claims and other intellectual property rights;

 

    the risk that another pharmaceutical company will receive an approval for its formulation of 3,4-DAP for the treatment of LEMS first;

 

    whether others develop and commercialize products competitive to our products;

 

    changes in the laws and regulations affecting our business;

 

    the impact of the class action lawsuit filed against us;

 

    our ability to attract and retain skilled employees; and

 

    changes in general economic conditions and interest rates.

Our current plans and objectives are based on assumptions relating to the development of our current product candidates. Although we believe that our assumptions are reasonable, any of our assumptions could prove inaccurate. In light of the significant uncertainties inherent in the forward-looking statements made herein, which reflect our views only as of the date of this report, you should not place undue reliance upon such statements. We undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

 

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ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK

As a “smaller reporting company” as defined by Item 10 of Regulation S-K we are not required to provide the information required by this section.

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

  a. We have carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Based on such evaluation, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that as of March 31, 2014, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure i) that the information required to be disclosed by us in the reports filed or submitted by us under the Exchange Act, was recorded, processed, summarized or reported within the time periods specified in the rules and regulations of the SEC, and ii) information required to be disclosed by us in such reports was accumulated and communicated to management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures.

 

  b. During the three months ended March 31, 2014, there were no changes in our internal controls or in other factors that could have a material effect, or are reasonably likely to have a material effect, on our internal control over financial reporting.

 

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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

See Note 7 to Notes to Unaudited Condensed Financial Statements for information about pending litigation.

The Company is not a party to any other legal proceedings.

 

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

There are many factors that affect our business, our financial condition, and the results of our operations. In addition to the information set forth in this quarterly report, you should carefully read and consider “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in Part I, and “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in Part II, of our 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC, which contain a description of significant factors that might cause our actual results of operations in future periods to differ materially from those currently expected or desired.

 

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

None

 

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None

 

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE

Not applicable

 

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

None

 

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

 

  10.1    Amendment No. 1 to License Agreement, dated effective April 8, 2014, between BioMarin Pharmaceutical, Inc. and Catalyst Pharmaceutical Partners, Inc. (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 17, 2014)
  31.1    Certification of Principal Executive Officer under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
  31.2    Certification of Principal Financial Officer under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
  32.1    Certification of Principal Executive Officer under Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
  32.2    Certification of Principal Financial Officer under Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
101.INS    XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema
101.CAL    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase
101.DEF    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase
101.LAB    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase
101.PRE    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase

 

 

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

Catalyst Pharmaceutical Partners, Inc.
By:  

/s/ Alicia Grande

  Alicia Grande
  Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer

Date: May 15, 2014

 

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Exhibit Index

 

Exhibit

Number

  

Description

  31.1    Certification of Principal Executive Officer under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
  31.2    Certification of Principal Financial Officer under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
  32.1    Certification of Principal Executive Officer under Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
  32.2    Certification of Principal Financial Officer under Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
101.INS    XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema
101.CAL    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase
101.DEF    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase
101.LAB    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase
101.PRE    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase