PROSPECTUS
 
Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(4)
Registration No. 333-251311
 
 
  4,300,000 Units
(Each Unit Consisting of One Share of Common Stock and One Common Warrant to Purchase One Share of Common Stock)
 
We are offering 4,300,000 units (the “Units”), with each Unit consisting of (i) one share of common stock, par value $0.001 per share (the “Common Stock”), of GT Biopharma, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and (ii) one warrant to purchase one share of common stock (a “Common Warrant”). The Common Warrants will have an exercise price equal to the public offering price of the Units, will be exercisable at any time after the date of issuance and will expire five years from the date of issuance. The public offering price of $5.50 per Unit.
 
We are also offering to those purchasers, if any, whose purchase of Units in this offering would result in the purchaser, together with its affiliates and certain related parties, beneficially owning more than 4.99% (or, at the election of the purchaser, 9.99%) of our outstanding common stock immediately following the consummation of this offering, the opportunity to purchase, in lieu of Units that would otherwise result in ownership in excess of 4.99% (or, at the election of the purchaser, 9.99%) of our outstanding common stock, pre-funded units (the “Pre-Funded Units”), with each Pre-Funded Unit consisting of (i) a pre-funded warrant to purchase one share of Common Stock (the “Pre-Funded Warrant”), and (ii) one Common Warrant. Because we will issue a Common Warrant as part of each Unit or Pre-Funded Unit, the number of Common Warrants sold in this offering will not change as a result of a change in the mix of the Units and Pre-Funded Units sold. Each Pre-Funded Warrant contained in a Pre-Funded Unit will be exercisable for one share of Common Stock. The purchase price of each Pre-Funded Unit is $5.499, and the exercise price of each Pre-Funded Warrant included in the Pre-Funded Unit will be $0.001 per share. Each Pre-Funded Warrant is exercisable for one share of our Common Stock at any time at the option of the holder, provided that the holder will be prohibited from exercising Pre-Funded Warrants for shares of our Common Stock if, as a result of such exercise, the holder, together with its affiliates, would own more than 4.99% of the total number of shares of our Common Stock then issued and outstanding. However, any holder may increase such percentage to any other percentage not in excess of 9.99%, provided that any increase in such percentage shall not be effective until 61 days after such notice to us. Otherwise, the Pre-Funded Warrants will be immediately exercisable and may be exercised at any time until exercised in full.
 
For each Pre-Funded Unit we sell, the number of Units we are offering will be decreased on a one-for-one basis. Units and the Pre-Funded Units will not be issued or certificated. The Common Stock or Pre-Funded Warrants, as the case may be, and the Common Warrants included in the Units or the Pre-Funded Units, can only be purchased together in this offering, but the securities contained in the Units or Pre-Funded Units will be issued separately and will be immediately separable upon issuance. The shares of Common Stock issuable from time to time upon exercise of the Common Warrants and the Pre-Funded Warrants are also being offered by this prospectus. We refer to the shares of Common Stock issued or issuable upon exercise of the Common Warrants and Pre-Funded Warrants, and the shares of Common Stock, the Common Warrants and Pre-Funded Warrants being offered hereby, collectively, as the “securities.”
 
 
 
 
Our Common Stock has been approved for listing on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “GTBP.”
 
There is no established public trading market for the Common Warrants or the Pre-Funded Warrants, and we do not expect such a market to develop. In addition, we do not intend to apply for a listing of the Common Warrants or the Pre-Funded Warrants on any national securities exchange or other nationally recognized trading system.
 
Unless otherwise noted and other than in our financial statements and the notes thereto, the share and per share information in this prospectus reflects an approved reverse stock split of the outstanding common stock and treasury stock of the Company at a 1-for-17 ratio to occur following the effective date but prior to the closing of the offering.
 
Investing in our securities involves a high degree of risk. You should carefully review and consider “Risk Factors” beginning on page 17 of this prospectus.
 
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
 
 
 
Per Unit
 
 
Per Pre-Funded
Unit
 
 
Total(2)
 
Public offering price
 $5.50 
 $5.4990 
 $23,650,000 
Underwriter discounts and commissions (1)
 $0.44 
 $0.4399 
 $1,892,000 
Proceeds, before expenses, to us
 $5.06 
 $5.0591 
 $21,758,000 
 
(1) 
The underwriters will receive compensation in addition to the underwriting discount and commissions. We have agreed to issue upon the closing of this offering common stock purchase warrants to the underwriters entitling them to purchase up to 5% of the aggregate securities sold in this offering. The exercise price of such warrants is equal to 125% of the public offering price of the securities offered hereby. The warrants will be exercisable commencing six months after the date of effectiveness of this Registration Statement and will terminate five years after the date of effectiveness of this Registration Statement. See “Underwriting” beginning on page 83 of this prospectus for additional information regarding underwriting compensation.
(2) 
The public offering corresponds to a public offering price per share of common stock of $5.49 and per pre-funded warrant of $5.4899 and public offering price per warrant of $0.01.
 
We have granted the underwriters a 45-day option to purchase securities up to 15% of the total number of securities offered solely to cover over-allotments, if any, which may be exercised for shares of common stock, warrants or both at the election of the underwriters.
 
Delivery of the securities is expected to be made on or about February 16, 2021, subject to customary closing conditions.
 
Roth Capital Partners         Dawson James Securities, Inc.
 
The date of this prospectus is February 11, 2021.
 

 
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS
v
PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
1
RISK FACTORS
16
USE OF PROCEEDS
42
MARKET INFORMATION
43
CONSOLIDATED CAPITALIZATION
44
DILUTION
45
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
46
DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS
55
DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE  
66
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
68
VOTING SECURITIES AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS
71
DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES
74
MATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS TO NON-U.S. HOLDERS
77
UNDERWRITING
83
LEGAL MATTERS
87
EXPERTS
87
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
87
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
F-1
 
 
iii
 
 
CAUTIONARY NOTICE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
 
Some of the statements in this prospectus are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the safe harbor from liability established by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include statements regarding our current beliefs, goals and expectations about matters such as our expected financial position and operating results, our business strategy and our financing plans. The forward-looking statements in this prospectus are not based on historical facts, but rather reflect the current expectations of our management concerning future results and events. The forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the use of terms such as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “foresee,” “may,” “guidance,” “estimate,” “potential,” “outlook,” “target,” “forecast,” “likely” or other similar words or phrases. Similarly, statements that describe our objectives, plans or goals are, or may be, forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be different from any future results, performance and achievements expressed or implied by these statements. We cannot guarantee that our forward-looking statements will turn out to be correct or that our beliefs and goals will not change. Our actual results could be very different from and worse than our expectations for various reasons. You should review carefully all information, including the discussion under “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in this prospectus or under similar headings in any accompanying prospectus supplement. Any forward-looking statements in this prospectus are made only as of the date hereof and, except as may be required by law, we do not have any obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements contained in this prospectus to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.
iv
 
ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS
 
This prospectus is part of a registration statement on Form S-1 that we filed with the SEC under the Securities Act. This prospectus does not contain all of the information included in the registration statement. For further information, we refer you to the registration statement, including its exhibits, filed with the SEC. Statements contained in this prospectus about the contents of any document are not necessarily complete. If SEC rules require that a document be filed as an exhibit to the registration statement, please see such document for a complete description of these matters. You should carefully read this prospectus, together with the additional information described under the headings “Where You Can Find More Information.”
 
Neither we nor the underwriters have authorized anyone to provide you with any information or to make any representations other than that contained in this prospectus or in any free writing prospectus we may authorize to be delivered or made available to you. We take no responsibility for, and can provide no assurance as to the reliability of, any other information that others may give you. Neither we nor the underwriters are making an offer to sell securities in any jurisdiction in which the offer or sale is not permitted. The information in this prospectus is accurate only as of the date on the front cover of this prospectus, regardless of the time of delivery of this prospectus or of any sale of our shares of common stock and the information in any free writing prospectus that we may provide to you in connection with this offering is accurate only as of the date of that free writing prospectus. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since those dates.
 
For investors outside the United States: Neither we nor the underwriters have done anything that would permit this offering, or possession or distribution of this prospectus, in any jurisdiction where action for that purpose is required, other than in the United States. Persons who come into possession of this prospectus in jurisdictions outside the United States are required to inform themselves about and to observe any restrictions as to this offering and the distribution of this prospectus applicable to those jurisdictions.
 
Unless otherwise indicated, information contained in this prospectus concerning our industry and the markets in which we operate, including our general expectations and market position, market opportunity and market share, is based on information from our own management estimates and research, as well as from industry and general publications and research, surveys and studies conducted by third parties. Management estimates are derived from publicly available information, our knowledge of our industry and assumptions based on such information and knowledge, which we believe to be reasonable. In addition, assumptions and estimates of our and our industry’s future performance are necessarily subject to a high degree of uncertainty and risk due to a variety of factors, including those described in “Risk Factors.” These and other factors could cause our future performance to differ materially from our assumptions and estimates. See “Cautionary Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.”
 
This prospectus contains summaries of certain provisions contained in some of the documents described herein, but reference is made to the actual documents for complete information. All of the summaries are qualified in their entirety by the actual documents. Copies of some of the documents referred to herein have been, or will be, filed or incorporated by reference as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, and you may obtain copies of those documents as described below under the heading “Where You Can Find More Information.”
 
All product and company names are trademarks of their respective owners. Solely for convenience, trademarks and trade names referred to in this prospectus, including logos, artwork and other visual displays, may appear without the ® or TM symbols, but such references are not intended to indicate, in any way, that their respective owners will not assert, to the fullest extent under applicable law, their rights thereto. We do not intend our use or display of other companies’ trade names or trademarks to imply a relationship with, or endorsement or sponsorship of us by, any other companies.
 
Throughout this prospectus, the terms “we,” “us,” “our,” and “our Company” and “the Company” refer to GT Biopharma, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and/or its related subsidiaries, as the context may require.
 
  v
1
 
 
 
 
 
 
 PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
 
This summary highlights certain information about us, this offering and selected information contained elsewhere in this prospectus. Because this is only a summary, it does not contain all of the information that may be important to you or that you should consider before investing in our common stock. You should read the entire prospectus carefully, especially the information under “Risk Factors” set forth in this prospectus and the information included in any prospectus supplement or free writing prospectus that we have authorized for use in connection with this offering. This prospectus contains forward-looking statements, based on current expectations and related to future events and our future financial performance, that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results may vary materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including, without limitation, those set forth under “Risk Factors,” as well as other matters described in this prospectus. See “Cautionary Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.”
 
Overview
 
We are a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of novel immuno-therapeutic products based on our proprietary Tri-specific Killer Engager (TriKE™) and Tetra-specific Killer Engager (TetraKE™) platform technologies. Our TriKE and TetraKE platforms generate proprietary therapeutic candidates that are designed to harness and enhance the immune response of a patient’s endogenous natural killer cells (“NK cells”). Once bound to an NK cell, our platform moieties are designed to enhance the activity of NK cells, with targeted direction to one or more proteins expressed on a specific type of cancer cell or virus infected cell, ultimately resulting in targeted cell death. We have constructed our TriKEs and TetraKEs of recombinant fusion proteins that can be designed to target a wide array of tumor antigen that may be located on hematologic malignancies, sarcomas or solid tumors. Our TriKEs and TetraKEs do not require patient-specific or autologous customization.
 
We are using our TriKE and TetraKE platforms with the intent to bring to market products that treat a range of hematologic malignancies, sarcomas, solid tumors and selected infectious diseases. Our platforms are scalable, and in addition to our first clinical indication of our TriKE platform in relapsed or refractory acute myelogenous leukemia (“AML”), we are preparing investigational new drug applications (“IND”) based on a specific TriKE or TetraKE design. We intend to continue to advance into the clinic, on our own or through potential collaborations with larger companies, multiple TriKE or TetraKE product candidates. We believe our TriKEs and TetraKEs may have the ability, if approved for marketing, to be used as monotherapy, be dosed concomitantly with current monoclonal antibody therapeutics, be used in conjunction with more traditional cancer therapy, and potentially overcome certain limitations of current chimeric antigen receptor (“CAR-T”) therapy.
 
We are also using our TriKE and TetraKE platforms to develop therapeutics for the treatment of infectious diseases such as human immunodeficiency virus (“HIV”) and COVID-19 infection. For example, while the use of anti-retroviral drugs has substantially improved the morbidity and mortality of individuals infected with HIV, these drugs are designed to suppress virus replication and to help modulate progression to AIDS and to limit further transmission of the virus. Despite the use of anti-retroviral drugs, infected individuals retain reservoirs of latent HIV-infected cells that, upon cessation of anti-retroviral drug therapy, can reactivate and reestablish an active HIV infection. Destruction of these latent HIV infected cells is the primary objective of curative therapy. Our HIV-TriKE contains the antigen binding fragment (Fab) from a broadly-neutralizing antibody targeting the HIV-Env protein. The HIV-TriKE is designed to target HIV while redirecting NK cell killing specifically to actively replicating HIV infected cells. The HIV-TriKE induced NK cell proliferation and demonstrated the ability in vitro to reactivate and kill HIV-infected T-cells. These findings indicate a potential role for the HIV-TriKE in the reactivation and elimination of the latently infected HIV reservoir cells by harnessing the NK cell’s ability to mediate the antibody-directed cellular cytotoxicity (“ADCC”).
 
We have licensed the exclusive rights from the University of Minnesota to the TriKE and TetraKE platforms.
 
 
 
 
 
 
2
 
  
 
 
 
 
Immuno-Oncology Product Candidates
 
GTB-3550
 
GTB-3550 is our first TriKE product candidate. It is a tri-specific single-chain variable fragment (“scFV”) recombinant fusion protein conjugate composed of the variable regions of the heavy and light chains of anti-CD16 and anti-CD33 antibodies and a modified form of IL-15, in a novel conformational construct. We have commenced clinical trials of this anti-CD16-IL-15-anti-CD33 TriKE in CD33 positive leukemias, a marker expressed on tumor cells in AML, and we intend to study this TriKE in myelodysplastic syndrome (“MDS”) and other hematopoietic malignancies. CD33 is primarily a myeloid differentiation antigen with endocytic properties broadly expressed on AML blasts and, possibly, some leukemic stem cells. CD33 or Siglec-3 (sialic acid binding Ig-like lectin 3, SIGLEC3, SIGLEC3, gp67, p67) is a transmembrane receptor expressed on cells of myeloid lineage. It is usually considered myeloid-specific, but it can also be found on some lymphoid cells. The anti-CD33 antibody fragment was derived from the M195 humanized anti-CD33 scFV and has been used in human clinical studies. We believe the recent approval of the antibody-drug conjugate gemtuzumab validates this targeted approach.
 
Patients who are diagnosed with AML typically receive frontline therapy—usually chemotherapy—including cytarabine and an anthracycline, a therapy that has not changed in over 40 years. Approximately 50% of patients will relapse and require alternative therapies. In addition, MDS incidence rates in the U.S. have dramatically increased from 3.3 per 100,000 individuals from 2001-2004 to 70 per 100,000 annually. MDS is especially prevalent in elderly patients that have a median age of 76 years at diagnosis. The survival of patients with MDS is poor due to decreased eligibility, as a result of advanced age, for allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (Allo-HSCT), the only curative MDS treatment (Cogle CR. Incidence and Burden of the Myelodysplastic Syndromes. Curr Hematol Malig Rep. 2015; 10(3):272-281). We believe GTB-3550 could serve as a relatively safe, cost-effective and easy-to-use therapy for resistant/relapsing AML and could also be combined with chemotherapy as frontline therapy thus targeting the larger market.
 
We filed an IND amendment in June 2018 and announced on November 1, 2018 that we received notification from the FDA that the IND was open and that the Company was authorized to initiate a first-in-human Phase I clinical trial with GTB-3550 in AML, MDS and severe mastocytosis. We began our Phase I clinical trial in January 2020.
 
GTB-C3550
 
GTB-C3550 is a next-generation, follow-on, to our lead TriKE, GTB-3550. GTB-C3550 contains a modified CD16 moiety which has improved binding characteristics and enhanced tumorcidal activity based on functional assays and animal models of AML. Using our platform technology, we substituted the anti-CD16 scFv arm in GTB-3550 with a novel humanized single-domain anti-CD16 antibody to create this second-generation molecule which may have improved functionality. Single-domain antibodies, such as GTB-C3550, typically have several advantages including better stability and solubility, more resistance to pH changes, can better recognize hidden antigenic sites, lack a VL portion thus preventing VH/VL mispairing and are suitable for construction of larger molecules. GTB-C3550 induced a potent increase in NK cell degranulation, measured by CD107a expression against HL-60 AML tumor targets when compared to our first-generation TriKE (70.75±3.65% vs. 30.75±5.05%). IFN production was similarly enhanced (29.2±1.8% vs. 6.55±1.07%). GTB-C3550 also exhibited a robust increase in NK cell proliferation (57.65±6.05% vs. 20.75±2.55%). GTB-3550 studies will help inform the development of GTB-C3550 which we expect will de-risk the GTB-C3550 program as data will be generated to make an informed decision on which, or both, will be brought into later phase clinical trials.
 
GTB-1615
 
GTB-1615 is an example of our first-generation TetraKEs designed for the treatment of solid tumors. It is a single-chain fusion protein composed of CD16-IL15-EpCAM-CD133. EpCAM is found on many solid tumor cells of epithelial origin and CD133 is a marker for cancer stem cells. This TetraKE is designed to target not only the heterogeneous population of cancer cells found in solid tumors but also the cancer stem cells that are typically responsible for recurrences. We intend to initiate human clinical trials for certain of our solid tumor product candidates later this year.
 
Recent Developments
 
Collaboration Agreement
 
On March 10, 2020, we entered into a collaboration agreement with Cytovance® Biologics, a USA-based contract development and manufacturing organization and a subsidiary of the Shenzhen Hepalink Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd. (“Hepalink”), to provide development services for a TriKE therapeutic for the treatment of the coronavirus infection. Under the terms of the collaboration agreement, the companies will focus on preparing sufficient quantities of our coronavirus TriKE drug product for preclinical evaluation using Cytovance’s E. coli-based Keystone Expression System™ and subsequently, will scale-up production using Cytovance’s GMP microbial manufacturing platform for evaluation of TriKE in humans to treat the coronavirus infection.
 
 
 
 
 
 
3
 
  
 
 
 
 

Financings
 
December 2020 / January 2021 Financing
 
In December 2020 and January 2021, we entered into a securities purchase agreement with sixty-five purchasers pursuant to which we issued convertible debentures in an aggregate principal amount of $8,985,000 (the “December 2020 / January 2021 Notes”).
 
The December 2020 / January 2021 Notes are convertible at any time, at the holder’s option, into shares of our common stock at an initial conversion price of $0.20 per share, subject to certain beneficial ownership limitations (with a maximum ownership limit of 9.99%). The conversion price is also subject to adjustment due to certain events, including stock dividends, stock splits and in connection with the issuance by the Company of common stock or common stock equivalents at an effective price per share lower than the conversion rate then in effect. The December 2020 / January 2021 Notes will be subject to mandatory conversion in the event of the completion of a future financing in the amount of at least $15 million at a conversion price equal to the lesser of (i) the conversion price in effect for the December 2020 / January 2021 Notes on the date of completion of such financing or (ii) 75% of the lowest per share price at which common stock may be issued in connection with any conversion rights associated with the financing, in each case, subject to the beneficial ownership limitations described above.
 
The December 2020 / January 2021 Notes each have a term of six months and mature in June or July, 2021, as applicable, unless earlier converted or repurchased. The December 2020 / January 2021 Notes accrue interest at a rate of 10% per annum, subject to increase to 18% per annum upon and during the occurrence of an event of default. Interest is payable in cash or, at the holder’s option, in shares of common stock based on the conversion price then in effect. We may not prepay the December 2020 / January 2021 Notes without the prior written consent of the applicable holder.
 
November 2020 Financing
 
In November, 2020, we entered into a securities purchase agreement with three purchasers pursuant to which we issued convertible debentures in an aggregate principal amount of $350,000 (the “November 2020 Notes”).
 
The November 2020 Notes are convertible at any time, at the holder’s option, into shares of our common stock at an initial conversion price of $0.20 per share, subject to certain beneficial ownership limitations (with a maximum ownership limit of 9.99%). The conversion price is also subject to adjustment due to certain events, including stock dividends, stock splits and in connection with the issuance by the Company of common stock or common stock equivalents at an effective price per share lower than the conversion rate then in effect. The November 2020 Notes will be subject to mandatory conversion in the event of the completion of a future financing in the amount of at least $15 million at a conversion price equal to the lesser of (i) the conversion price in effect for the November 2020 Notes on the date of completion of such financing or (ii) 75% of the lowest per share price at which common stock may be issued in connection with any conversion rights associated with the financing, in each case, subject to the beneficial ownership limitations described above.
 
The November 2020 Notes each have a term of six months and mature in May, 2021, unless earlier converted or repurchased. The November 2020 Notes accrue interest at a rate of 10% per annum, subject to increase to 18% per annum upon and during the occurrence of an event of default. Interest is payable in cash or, at the holder’s option, in shares of common stock based on the conversion price then in effect. We may not prepay the November 2020 Notes without the prior written consent of the applicable holder.
 
 
September 2020 Financing
 
On September 16, 2020, we entered into a securities purchase agreement with two purchasers pursuant to which we issued convertible debentures in an aggregate principal amount of $250,000 (the “September 2020 Notes”).
 
The September 2020 Notes are convertible at any time, at the holder’s option, into shares of our common stock at an initial conversion price of $0.20 per share, subject to certain beneficial ownership limitations (with a maximum ownership limit of 9.99%). The conversion price is also subject to adjustment due to certain events, including stock dividends, stock splits and in connection with the issuance by the Company of common stock or common stock equivalents at an effective price per share lower than the conversion rate then in effect. The September 2020 Notes will be subject to mandatory conversion in the event of the completion of a future financing in the amount of at least $15 million at a conversion price equal to the lesser of (i) the conversion price in effect for the September 2020 Notes on the date of completion of such financing or (ii) 75% of the lowest per share price at which common stock may be issued in connection with any conversion rights associated with the financing, in each case, subject to the beneficial ownership limitations described above.
 
The September 2020 Notes each have a term of six months and mature on March 16, 2021, unless earlier converted or repurchased. The September 2020 Notes accrue interest at a rate of 10% per annum, subject to increase to 18% per annum upon and during the occurrence of an event of default. Interest is payable in cash or, at the holder’s option, in shares of common stock based on the conversion price then in effect. We may not prepay the September 2020 Notes without the prior written consent of the applicable holder. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
4
 
  
 
 
 
 
July 2020 Financing
 
On July 7, 2020, we entered into a securities purchase agreement with ten purchasers pursuant to which we issued convertible notes in an aggregate principal amount of approximately $3.2 million (collectively, the “July 2020 Notes”).
 
The July 2020 Notes are convertible at any time, at the holder’s option, into shares of our common stock at an initial conversion price of $0.20 per share, subject to certain beneficial ownership limitations (with a maximum ownership limit of 9.99%). The conversion price is also subject to adjustment due to certain events, including stock dividends, stock splits and in connection with the issuance by the Company of common stock or common stock equivalents at an effective price per share lower than the conversion rate then in effect. The July 2020 Notes will be subject to mandatory conversion in the event of the completion of a future financing in the amount of at least $15 million at a conversion price equal to the lesser of (i) the conversion price in effect for the July 2020 Notes on the date of completion of such financing or (ii) 75% of the lowest per share price at which common stock may be issued in connection with any conversion rights associated with the financing, in each case, subject to the beneficial ownership limitations described above.
 
The July 2020 Notes each have a term of six months and mature on January 7, 2021, unless earlier converted or repurchased. The July 2020 Notes accrue interest at a rate of 10% per annum, subject to increase to 18% per annum upon and during the occurrence of an event of default. Interest is payable in cash or, at the holder’s option, in shares of common stock based on the conversion price then in effect. We may not prepay the July 2020 Notes without the prior written consent of the applicable holder.
 
May 2020 Financing
 
Between April 20, 2020 and May 7, 2020, we entered into securities purchase agreements with eight purchasers pursuant to which we issued convertible notes in an aggregate principal amount of approximately $2.0 million (collectively, the “May 2020 Notes”).
 
The May 2020 Notes are convertible at any time, at the holder’s option, into shares of our common stock at an initial conversion price of $0.20 per share, subject to certain beneficial ownership limitations (with a maximum ownership limit of 9.99%). The conversion price is also subject to adjustment due to certain events, including stock dividends, stock splits and in connection with the issuance by the Company of common stock or common stock equivalents at an effective price per share lower than the conversion rate then in effect. The May 2020 Notes will be subject to mandatory conversion in the event of the completion of a future financing in the amount of at least $15 million at a conversion price equal to the lesser of (i) the conversion price in effect for the May 2020 Notes on the date of completion of such financing or (ii) 75% of the lowest per share price at which common stock may be issued in connection with any conversion rights associated with the financing, in each case, subject to the beneficial ownership limitations described above.
 
The May 2020 Notes each have a term of six months and mature between October 20, 2020 and November 7, 2020, unless earlier converted or repurchased. The May 2020 Notes accrue interest at a rate of 10% per annum, subject to increase to 18% per annum upon and during the occurrence of an event of default. Interest is payable in cash or, at the holder’s option, in shares of common stock based on the conversion price then in effect. We may not prepay the May 2020 Notes without the prior written consent of the applicable holder.
 
January 2020 Financing
 
On January 30, 2020, we entered into a securities purchase agreement with one purchaser pursuant to which we issued convertible notes in an aggregate principal amount of $0.2 million (the “January 2020 Notes”).
 
The January 2020 Notes are convertible at any time, at the holder’s option, into shares of our common stock at an initial conversion price of $0.20 per share, subject to certain beneficial ownership limitations (with a maximum ownership limit of 9.99%). The conversion price is also subject to adjustment due to certain events, including stock dividends, stock splits and in connection with the issuance by the Company of common stock or common stock equivalents at an effective price per share lower than the conversion rate then in effect.
 
 
 
 

 
5
 
  
 
 
 
 
The January 2020 Notes have a term of eight months and mature on September 30, 2020, unless earlier converted or repurchased. The January 2020 Notes accrue interest at a rate of 10% per annum, subject to increase to 18% per annum upon and during the occurrence of an event of default. Interest is payable in cash or, at the holder’s option, in shares of common stock based on the conversion price then in effect. We may not prepay the January 2020 Notes without the prior written consent of the holder.
 
The January 2020 Notes, together with the December 2020 / January 2021 Notes, the November 2020 Notes, September 2020 Notes, July 2020 Notes, the May 2020 Notes and the $0.2 million aggregate principal amount of convertible notes issued in December 2019 (the “December 2019 Notes”) pursuant to a securities purchase agreement, dated December 19, 2019, between the Company and one purchaser, are referred to herein as the “Bridge Notes.”
 
For additional information about our convertible notes and debentures, see Note 2 to our unaudited financial statements, Debt.
 
Forbearance Agreements
 
Effective as of June 23, 2020, we entered into Standstill and Forbearance Agreements (as amended, collectively, the “Forbearance Agreements”) with the holders of approximately $13.2 million aggregate principal amount of our outstanding convertible notes and debentures (including certain of the convertible notes issued pursuant to the Bridge Financing) (collectively, the “Default Notes”), which are currently in default. Pursuant to the Forbearance Agreements, the holders of the Default Notes have agreed to forbear from exercising their rights and remedies under the Default Notes (including declaring such Default Notes (together with default amounts and accrued and unpaid interest) immediately due and payable) until the earlier of (i) the date that we complete a future financing in the amount of at least $15 million and, in connection therewith, commences listing on NASDAQ (collectively, the “New Financing”) or (ii) February 15, 2021 (the “Termination Date”).
 
Pursuant to the Forbearance Agreement, the holders of the Default Notes have also agreed that the Default Notes (together with default amounts and accrued and unpaid interest) will be converted into common stock upon the closing of a New Financing at a conversion price equal to the lesser of (i) the conversion price in effect for the Default Notes on the date of such New Financing or (ii) 75% of the lowest per share price at which common stock is or may be issued in connection with such New Financing, in each case, subject to certain beneficial ownership limitations (with a maximum ownership limit of 9.99%). Shares of our preferred stock, which will be convertible into the Company’s common stock, will be issued in lieu of common stock to the extent that conversion of the Default Notes is prohibited by such beneficial ownership limitations.
 
For additional information regarding the terms of the Forbearance Agreements, see "Indebtedness - Forebearance Agreements" below.
 
Extensions of Certain Bridge Notes
 
Effective as of November 9, 2020, we entered into extensions with the holders of approximately $1.2 million aggregate principal amount of our outstanding convertible notes and debentures to extend the maturity date thereof until the earlier of (i) the date that we complete a future financing in the amount of at least $15 million and, in connection therewith, commences listing on NASDAQ (collectively, the “New Financing”) or (ii) January 31, 2021 (the “Termination Date”). 
 
 
 
 
 
 
6
 
 
 
 
 
 
Settlement with Empery Funds
 
Settlement Agreement
 
On June 19, 2020, we entered into a settlement agreement (the “Empery Settlement Agreement”) with Empery Asset Master Ltd., Empery Tax Efficient, LP and Empery Tax Efficient II, LP (collectively, the “Empery Funds”), Anthony Cataldo and Paul Kessler resolving all remaining disputes between the parties pertaining to certain convertible notes (the “Original Notes”) and warrants to purchase common stock, par value $0.001 per share, of the Company (the “common stock”) (the “Original Warrants” and, together with the Original Notes, the “Original Securities”) issued by the Company to the Empery Funds in January 2018 pursuant to a securities purchase agreement. As previously disclosed, the Empery Funds made various allegations regarding failures by the Company to take certain actions required by the terms of the Original Securities, all of which the Company denied. See “Description of Business—Legal Proceedings.”
 
As a result of the Empery Settlement Agreement, the Company paid the Empery Funds cash payments in an aggregate amount of $0.2 million. In addition, pursuant to the Empery Settlement Agreement, the Company issued to the Empery Funds, solely in exchange for the outstanding Original Securities, (i) an aggregate of 3.5 million shares of common stock (the “Settlement Shares”), (ii) pre-funded warrants to purchase an aggregate of 5.5 million shares of common stock (the “Settlement Warrants”) and (iii) senior convertible notes in an aggregate principal amount of $0.45 million (the “Empery Settlement Notes” and, together with the Settlement Shares and the Settlement Notes, the “Settlement Securities”).
 
Settlement Notes
 
The Empery Settlement Notes are convertible at any time, at the holder’s option, into shares of common stock at an initial conversion rate of $0.20 per share, subject to certain beneficial ownership limitations (with a maximum ownership limit of 4.99%). The conversion price is also subject to adjustment due to certain events, including stock dividends, stock splits and in connection with the issuance by the Company of common stock or common stock equivalents at an effective price per share lower than the conversion rate then in effect.
 
By way of an amendment to each Empery Settlement Note, effective as of December 22, 2020 (the “Empery Note Amendments”), the maturity date of each Empery Settlement Note was extended to March 19, 2021. The Empery Settlement Notes bear interest at a rate of 10% per annum, subject to increase to 18% per annum upon and during the occurrence of an event of default. Interest is payable in cash or, at the holder’s option, in shares of common stock based on the conversion price then in effect. As a result of the Empery Note Amendments, the principal amount of each of the Empery Settlement Notes was increased by fifteen percent (15%).  The current principal amount of the Empery Settlement Notes, after giving effect to the Empery Note Amendments, is $517,500. By entry into the Empery Note Amendments, the Empery Funds agreed to refrain from selling, assigning or otherwise transferring or agreeing to transfer any securities of the Company, until the earlier of January 31, 2021 and the date that the Company completes the New Financing. 
 
Pursuant to the terms of the Empery Settlement Notes, the Company is required to make an offer to repurchase, at the holder’s option, the Empery Settlement Notes at price in cash equal to 100% of the aggregate principal amount of the Empery Settlement Note plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the date of repurchase following the consummation by the Company of a capital raising transactions, or a series of transactions, resulting in aggregate gross proceeds to the Company in excess of $7.5 million. The Company may not otherwise prepay the Empery Settlement Notes without the prior written consent of the applicable Empery Funds.
 
For additional information regarding the terms of the Settlement Notes and Settlement Agreement, see "Indebtedness - Convertible Notes and Debentures"  below.
 
Settlement Warrants
 
The Settlement Warrants provide for the purchase of up to an aggregate of 5.5 million shares of common stock at an exercise price of $0.20 per share, subject to adjustment in certain circumstances, and expire on June 19, 2025. Exercise of the warrant is subject to certain additional terms and conditions, including certain beneficial ownership limitations (with a maximum ownership limit of 4.99%).
 
Theorem Settlement
 
Settlement Agreement
 
On November 9, 2020, the Company, entered into a settlement agreement (the “Theorem Settlement Agreement”) with Adam Kasower (“Kasower”), East Ventures, Inc., A British Virgin Islands company (“East Ventures”), SV Booth Investments III, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“SV Booth”) and Theorem Group, LLC, a California limited liability company (“Theorem Group” and, collectively with Kasower, East Ventures and SV Booth, the “Claimants”) resolving all remaining disputes and claims between the parties pertaining to certain securities purchase agreements pursuant to which the Claimants purchased from the Company convertible warrants and preferred stock.
 
 
 
 
 
7
 
  
 
 
 
 
As a result of the Theorem Settlement Agreement, the Company has agreed to issue each Claimant a convertible note in the following amounts (the “Theorem Settlement Notes”):
 
Theorem Group
$303,726.40
East Venture
$112,788.48
Kasower       
$500,078.58
SV Booth            
$294,245.54
 
The Theorem Settlement Agreement also contains certain representations and warranties and covenants, including limitations on future variable rate transactions and “at-the-market offerings.”
 
Settlement Notes
 
The Theorem Settlement Notes are convertible, at the option of the applicable Claimant, at any time into shares of common stock at an initial conversion rate of $0.20 per share, subject to certain beneficial ownership limitations. The conversion price is also subject to adjustment due to certain events, including stock dividends, stock splits and in connection with the issuance by the Company of common stock or common stock equivalents at an effective price per share lower than the conversion rate then in effect. By way of an amendment to each Theorem Settlement Note, effective as of January 31, 2021 (the “Theorem Note Amendments”), the Theorem Settlement Notes maturity date was extended to February 15, 2021. The Theorem Settlement Notes bear interest at a rate of 10% per annum, subject to increase to 18% per annum upon and during the occurrence of an event of default. Interest is payable in cash or, at the holder’s option, in shares of common stock based on the conversion price then in effect. The Company may not prepay the Theorem Settlement Notes without the prior written consent of the applicable Claimant.
 
The Theorem Settlement Notes contain a number of other affirmative and negative covenants and events of default (including events of default related to certain change of control and other fundamental change transactions). Following an event of default, the Theorem Settlement Notes will become immediately due and payable in cash at a mandatory default amount equal to 130% of the outstanding principal amount of the Theorem Settlement Notes plus all other amounts, costs and expenses due in respect of the Theorem Settlement Notes.
 
Alto B Settlement
 
Settlement Agreement
 
On December 22, 2020, the Company entered into a settlement agreement (the “Alto B Settlement Agreement”) and, together with the Empery Settlement Agreement and the Theorem Settlement Agreement, the "Settlement Agreements" with Alto Opportunity Master Fund, SPC - Segregated Master Portfolio B (“Alto B”), Anthony Cataldo and Paul Kessler resolving all remaining disputes and claims between the parties pertaining to a certain note (the “Original Alto B Note”) and warrants to purchase common stock, par value $0.001 per share (together with the Alto B Original Note, the “Alto B Original Securities”), of the Company issued by the Company to Alto B in January 2018.
 
As a result of the Alto B Settlement Agreement, the Company has agreed to pay Alto B a cash payment in the amount of $180,000. In addition, pursuant to the Alto B Settlement Agreement, the Company has agreed to issue Alto B, solely in exchange for the outstanding Alto B Original Securities, (i) 960,000 shares of common stock of the Company (the “Alto B Settlement Shares”) and (ii) a senior convertible note in an aggregate principal amount of $500,000 (the “Alto B Settlement Note” and together with the Alto B Settlement Shares, the “Alto B Settlement Securities”). In connection with the exchange, the Alto B Original Securities will be cancelled and extinguished.
 
The Alto B Settlement Agreement also contains certain representations and warranties and covenants, including limitations on future variable rate transactions and “at-the-market offerings.”
 
Settlement Notes
 
The Alto B Settlement Note (referred to herein collectively with the Empery Settlement Notes and the Theorem Settlement Notes, as the “Settlement Notes”) is convertible, at the option of Alto B, at any time into shares of common stock of the Company at an initial conversion rate of $0.20 per share, subject to certain beneficial ownership limitations. The conversion price is also subject to adjustment due to certain events, including stock dividends, stock splits and in connection with the issuance by the Company of common stock or common stock equivalents at an effective price per share lower than the conversion rate then in effect. By way of an amendment to the Alto B Settlement Note, effective as of January 31, 2021 (the "Alto B Note Amendment"), the Alto B Settlement Note maturity date was extended to February 15, 2021. The Alto B Settlement Note bears interest at a rate of 10% per annum, subject to increase to 18% per annum upon and during the occurrence of an event of default. Interest is payable in cash or, at the holder’s option, in shares of common stock based on the conversion price then in effect.
 
Pursuant to the terms of the Alto B Settlement Note, the Company is required to make an offer to repurchase, at the option of Alto B, the Alto B Settlement Note at price in cash equal to 100% of the aggregate principal amount of the Alto B Settlement Note plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the date of repurchase following the consummation by the Company of a capital raising transactions, or a series of transactions, resulting in aggregate gross proceeds to the Company in excess of $7.5 million. The Company may not prepay the Alto B Settlement Note without the prior written consent of Alto B.
 
The Alto B Settlement Note contains a number of other affirmative and negative covenants and events of default (including events of default related to certain change of control and other fundamental change transactions). Following an event of default, the Alto B Settlement Note will become immediately due and payable in cash at a mandatory default amount equal to 130% of the outstanding principal amount of the Alto B Settlement Note plus all other amounts, costs and expenses due in respect of the Alto B Settlement Note.
 
 
 
 
 
8
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Listing on the Nasdaq Capital Market
 
Our common stock has been approved for listing on the Nasdaq Capital Market (“Nasdaq”) under the symbol “GTBP.”
 
Reverse Stock Split
 
On January 14, 2021, our stockholders approved an amendment to our restated certificate of incorporation to effect a reverse stock split of our common stock at a ratio to be determined by our Board prior to the effective time of the amendment of not less than 1-for-5 and not more than 1-for-30. On February 5, 2021, our Board approved a reverse stock split ratio of 1-for-17, which became effective on February 10, 2021. The reverse stock split did not impact the number of authorized shares of common stock, which remains at 750,000,000 shares. Unless otherwise noted, the share and per share information in this prospectus reflects, other than in our financial statements and the notes thereto, a reverse stock split of the outstanding common stock and treasury stock of the Company at a 1-for-17 ratio.
 
 
 
 
 
 
9
 
 
 
 
 
 
Summary Risk Factors
 
Participating in this offering involves substantial risk. Our ability to execute our strategy is also subject to certain risks. You should carefully consider all of the information set forth in this prospectus and, in particular, should evaluate the specific factors set forth under the heading “Risk Factors” in deciding whether to invest in our securities. These risks include, but are not limited to, the following:
 
 
Our business is at an early stage of development and we may not develop therapeutic products that can be commercialized.
 
 
We have a history of operating losses and we expect to continue to incur losses for the foreseeable future. We may never generate revenue or achieve profitability.
 
 
Our independent auditor’s report for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 is qualified as to our ability to continue as a going concern.
 
 
We will need additional capital to conduct our operations and develop our products, and our ability to obtain the necessary funding is uncertain.
 
 
Our current and future indebtedness may impose significant operating and financial restrictions on us and affect our ability to access liquidity.
 
 
The cost of our research and development programs may be significantly higher than expected, and there is no assurance that they will successful in a timely manner, or at all.
 
 
We have identified material weaknesses in our internal controls over financial reporting and have not yet remedied these weaknesses. If we fail to maintain an effective system of internal control over financial reporting, we may not be able to accurately report our financial results or prevent fraud. As a result, stockholders could lose confidence in our financial and other public reporting, which would harm our business and the trading price of our common stock.
 
 
If our efforts to protect the proprietary nature of the intellectual property related to our technologies are not adequate, we may not be able to compete effectively in our market and our business would be harmed.
 
 
Claims that we infringe the intellectual property rights of others may prevent or delay our drug discovery and development efforts.
 
 
We may desire, or be forced, to seek additional licenses to use intellectual property owned by third parties, and such licenses may not be available on commercially reasonable terms, or at all.
 
 
If we are unsuccessful in obtaining or maintaining patent protection for intellectual property in development or licensed from third parties, our business and competitive position would be harmed.
 
 
If we fail to meet our obligations under our license agreements, we may lose our rights to key technologies on which our business depends.
 
 
Our reliance on the activities of our non-employee consultants, research institutions and scientific contractors, whose activities are not wholly within our control, may lead to delays in development of our proposed products.
 
 
 
 
 
 
10
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
Clinical drug development is costly, time-consuming and uncertain, and we may suffer setbacks in our clinical development program that could harm our business.
 
 
If we experience delays or difficulties in the enrollment of patients in clinical trials, those clinical trials could take longer than expected to complete and our receipt of necessary regulatory approvals could be delayed or prevented.
 
 
Obtaining regulatory approval, even after clinical trials that are believed to be successful, is an uncertain process.
 
 
We will continue to be subject to extensive FDA regulation following any product approvals, and if we fail to comply with these regulations, we may suffer a significant setback in our business.
 
 
Many of our business practices are subject to scrutiny and potential investigation by regulatory and government enforcement authorities, as well as to lawsuits brought by private citizens under federal and state laws. We could become subject to investigations, and our failure to comply with applicable law or an adverse decision in lawsuits may result in adverse consequences to us. If we fail to comply with U.S. healthcare laws, we could face substantial penalties and financial exposure, and our business, operations and financial condition could be adversely affected.
 
 
Our product candidates may cause undesirable side effects or have other properties that could delay or prevent their regulatory approval, limit the commercial profile of an approved label, or result in significant negative consequences following marketing approval, if any.
 
 
We may expend our limited resources to pursue a particular product candidate or indication that does not produce any commercially viable products and may fail to capitalize on product candidates or indications that may be more profitable or for which there is a greater likelihood of success.
 
 
Our products may be expensive to manufacture, and they may not be profitable if we are unable to control the costs to manufacture them.
 
 
We currently lack manufacturing capabilities to produce our therapeutic product candidates at commercial-scale quantities and do not have an alternate manufacturing supply, which would negatively impact our ability to meet any demand for the product.
 
 
Our business is based on novel technologies that are inherently expensive and risky and may not be understood by or accepted in the marketplace, which could adversely affect our future value.
 
 
We could be subject to product liability lawsuits based on the use of our product candidates in clinical testing or, if obtained, following marketing approval and commercialization. If product liability lawsuits are brought against us, we may incur substantial liabilities and may be required to cease clinical testing or limit commercialization of our product candidates.
 
 
We rely on third parties to supply candidates for clinical testing and to conduct preclinical and clinical trials of our product candidates. If these third parties do not successfully carry out their contractual duties or meet expected deadlines, we may not be able to obtain regulatory approval for or commercialize our product candidates. As a result, our business could be substantially harmed.
 
Corporate Information
 
Our principal executive offices are located at 9350 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 203, Beverly Hills, CA 90212, and our telephone number is (800) 304¬9888. We maintain a website at www.gtbiopharma.com. Information contained on or accessible through our website is not, and should not be considered, part of, or incorporated by reference into, this prospectus.
 
 
 
 
  
 
11
 
 
The Offering
 
Units offered by us 
4,300,000 Units, each consisting of (i) one share of common stock and (ii) one Common Warrant to purchase one share of common stock. The Units will not be certificated, and the share of common stock and Common Warrant comprising each Unit are immediately separable and will be issued separately in this offering.
 
This prospectus also relates to the offering of shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of the Common Warrants included in the Units.
 
Pre-Funded Units offered by us 
We are also offering Pre-Funded Units to those purchasers whose purchase of Units in this offering would result in the purchaser, together with its affiliates and certain related parties, beneficially owning more than 4.99% (or, at the election of the purchaser, 9.99%) of our outstanding common stock immediately following the consummation of this offering, the opportunity to purchase, in lieu of Units that would otherwise result in ownership in excess of 4.99% (or, at the election of the purchaser, 9.99%) of our outstanding common stock.
 
Each Pre-Funded Unit will consist of (i) one Pre-Funded Warrant to purchase one share of common stock and (ii) one Common Warrant to purchase one share of common stock. The Pre-Funded Units will not be certificated and the Pre-Funded Warrants and the Common Warrants comprising each Pre-Funded Unit are immediately separable and will be issued separately in this offering.
 
This prospectus also relates to the offering of shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of the Pre-Funded Warrants and the Common Warrants included in the Pre-Funded Units.
 
Common Warrants offered by us 
Each Common Warrant will have an exercise price equal to the public offering price of the Units, will be exercisable at any time after the date of issuance and will expire on the fifth anniversary of the date of issuance. To better understand the terms of the Common Warrants, you should carefully read the “Description of Securities We are Offering” section of this prospectus.
 
Pre-Funded Warrants offered by us 
Each Pre-Funded Warrant will have an exercise price of $0.001 per share of common stock and will be exercisable any time after the date of issuance and may be exercised at any time until exercised in full. To better understand the terms of the Pre-Funded Warrants, you should carefully read the “Description of Securities We are Offering” section of this prospectus.
 
Offering Price 
The offering price is $5.50 per Unit and $5.499 per Pre-Funded Unit.
 
 
 
12
 
 
Total shares of common stock outstanding immediately after this offering
 
20,637,956 shares of common stock, assuming that the number of Units offered by this prospectus is sold in this offering and no sale of any Pre-Funded Units and assuming none of the Common Warrants, the over-allotment options granted to the underwriters or the Underwriter Warrants (as defined below) issued in this offering are exercised.
 
Over-Allotment Option
Pursuant to the underwriting agreement, we granted to the underwriters an option, exercisable within 45 days after the closing of this offering to acquire up to an additional 15% of the total Units to be offered, solely for the purpose of covering over-allotments, if any, which may be exercised for shares of common stock, warrants or both at the election of the underwriters.
 
Use of Proceeds 
We intend to use the net proceeds of this offering for general corporate purposes, which includes among other purposes, the funding and expansion of our ongoing clinical trials and the continued development of our pipeline of candidate products. See “Use of Proceeds.”
 
Existing Trading Market 
Our common stock has been approved for listing on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol "GTBP." We do not intend to list the Common Warrants or the Pre-Funded Warrants on any securities exchange or nationally recognized trading system.
 
Reverse Stock Split 
On January 14, 2021 our stockholders approved an amendment to our restated certificate of incorporation to effect a reverse stock split of our common stock at a ratio to be determined by our Board prior to the effective time of the amendment of not less than 1-for-5 and not more than 1-for-30. On February 5, 2021, our Board approved a reverse stock split ratio of 1-for 17, which became effective on February 10, 2021. Unless otherwise stated and other than in our financial statements and the notes thereto, all share and per share information in this prospectus reflects the reverse stock split of the outstanding common stock and treasury stock of the Company at a 1-for-17 ratio.
 
Risk Factors 
Investing in our securities involves a high degree of risk. You should carefully review and consider “Risk Factors” beginning on page 17 of this prospectus and any risks described in any accompanying prospectus supplement.
 
Dividend Policy 
We have never declared or paid any cash dividends on our common stock. We do not anticipate paying any cash dividends in the foreseeable future.

 
 
13
 
  
 
 
 
 
Assumptions Used Throughout This Prospectus
 
Unless otherwise stated in this prospectus, the number of shares of our common stock to be outstanding after this offering is based on 85,012,832 shares of our common stock outstanding as of December 31, 2020, as adjusted to give effect to the following:
 
The reverse stock split of the outstanding shares of common stock of the Company at a 1-for-17 effective on February 10, 2021.
 
The conversion of the approximately $30.0 million of certain convertible notes (plus approximately $4.9 million in accrued and unpaid interest) into approximately 10.2 million shares of our common stock immediately prior to the completion of this offering (based on the public offering price of $5.50 per Unit). Such convertible notes are subject to mandatory conversion in the event of the completion of a specified financing at a conversion price equal to the lesser of (i) the conversion price in effect on the date of such financing (currently, $0.20 per share) or (ii) 75% of the lowest per share price at which common stock is or may be issued in connection with such financing, in each case, subject to certain beneficial ownership limitations (with a maximum ownership limit of 9.99%).
 
 
 
 
 
 
14
 
 
The conversion of 2,353,548 shares of Series J-1 Preferred Stock into 692,000 shares of our common stock immediately prior to the completion of this offering (based on the public offering price of $5.50 per Unit). Pursuant to the Forbearance Agreement, the Series J-1 Preferred Stock will be converted into common stock upon the closing of a New Financing at a conversion price equal to the lesser of (i) the conversion price in effect for the Default Notes on the date of such New Financing or (ii) 75% of the lowest per share price at which common stock is or may be issued in connection with such New Financing, in each case, subject to certain beneficial ownership limitations (with a maximum ownership limit of 9.99%).
 
Unless otherwise stated in this prospectus, the number of shares of our common stock to be outstanding after this offering excludes the following other securities that may be issuable in the future:
 
221,000 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of outstanding warrants at a weighted average exercise price of $3.40 per share;
 
any shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of warrants (other than Pre-Funded Warrants) to be issued in this offering;
 
2 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of outstanding stock options;
 
5 shares of common stock reserved for future issuance under our 2014 Stock Incentive Plan;
 
4,300,000 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of Common Warrants to be issued to investors in this offering;
 
11.4 million shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of outstanding convertible notes and debentures at a conversion price of $3.40 per share that by their terms are not mandatorily converted upon completion of this offering; and
 
247,250 shares of common stock, equal to 5% of the aggregate number of Units sold pursuant to this offering issuable upon exercise of the underwriter warrant (the “Underwriter Warrants”).
 
Except as otherwise indicated, all information in this prospectus gives effect to the 1-for-17 reverse stock split described above and assumes the immediate exercise in full of any Pre-Funded Warrants sold in this offering.
  
 
 
15
 
 
Summary Financial Information
 
The tables and information below are derived from the Company’s unaudited consolidated financial statements as of September 30, 2020, and for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, and also as of December 31, 2019.
 
Balance Sheet Summary (in thousands)
 
September 30,
2020
 
 
December 31,
2019
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 $350 
 $28 
Total assets
 $917 
 $396 
Total current liabilities
 $30,694 
 $19,706 
Total (deficit) equity
 $(29,777)
 $(19,310)
 
Statement of Operations Summary (in thousands except per share data)
 
September 30,
2020
 
 
September 30,
2019
 
Revenue
 $- 
 $- 
Selling, general and administrative expenses
 $4,321 
 $8,932 
Research and development
 $252 
 $1,659 
Loss from operations
 $(4,573)
 $(15,190)
Net loss
 $(13,363)
 $(31,177)
Net loss per share – basic and diluted
 $(0.18)
 $(0.69)
 
The tables and information below are derived from the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018.
 
Balance Sheet Summary (in thousands)
 
December 31,
2019
 
 
December 31,
2018
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 $28 
 $60 
Total assets
 $396 
 $25,399 
Total current liabilities
 $19,706 
 $14,029 
Total (deficit) equity
 $(19,310)
 $11,370 
 
 Statement of Operations Summary (in thousands except per share data)
 
December 31,
2019
 
 
December 31,
2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
Revenue
 $— — 
 $— — 
Selling, general and administrative expenses
 $9,790 
 $12,487 
Research and development
 $1,667 
 $9,067 
Loss from operations
 $(16,056)
 $(250,069)
Net loss
 $(38,674)
 $(259,186)
Net loss per share – basic and diluted
 $(0.67)
 $(5.16)
 
 
16
 
 
RISK FACTORS
 
Investing in our common stock involves a high degree of risk. You should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties described below in addition to the other information contained in this prospectus and any prospectus supplement before deciding whether to invest in shares of our common stock. If any of the following risks occur, our business, financial condition or operating results could be harmed. In that case, the trading price of our common stock could decline and you may lose part or all of your investment. In the opinion of management, the risks discussed below represent the material risks known to us. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also impair our business, financial condition and operating results and adversely affect the market price of our common stock.
 
Risks Related to Our Business
 
Our business is at an early stage of development and we may not develop therapeutic products that can be commercialized.
 
Our business is at an early stage of development. We do not have immune-oncology products in late stage clinical trials. We are still in the early stages of identifying and conducting research on potential therapeutic products. Our potential therapeutic products will require significant research and development and pre-clinical and clinical testing prior to regulatory approval in the United States and other countries. We may not be able to obtain regulatory approvals, enter clinical trials for any of our product candidates or commercialize any products. Our product candidates may prove to have undesirable and unintended side effects or other characteristics adversely affecting their safety, efficacy or cost effectiveness that could prevent or limit their use. Any product using any of our technology may fail to provide the intended therapeutic benefits or achieve therapeutic benefits equal to or better than the standard of treatment at the time of testing or production.
 
We have a history of operating losses and we expect to continue to incur losses for the foreseeable future and we may never generate revenue or achieve profitability.
 
As of September 30, 2020, we had an accumulated deficit of approximately $581 million. We have not generated any significant revenue to date, are not profitable and have incurred losses in each year since our inception. We do not expect to generate any product sales or royalty revenues for at least four years. We expect to incur significant additional operating losses for the foreseeable future as we expand research and development and clinical trial efforts.
 
Our ability to achieve long-term profitability is dependent upon obtaining regulatory approvals for our products and successfully commercializing our products alone or with third parties, of which there can be no assurances. However, our operations may not be profitable even if any of our products under development are successfully developed and produced and thereafter commercialized. Even if we achieve profitability in the future, we may not be able to sustain profitability in subsequent periods.
 
Even if we succeed in commercializing one or more of our product candidates, we expect to continue to incur substantial research and development and other expenditures to develop and market additional product candidates. The size of our future net losses will depend, in part, on the rate of future growth of our expenses and our ability to generate revenue. Our prior losses and expected future losses have had and will continue to have an adverse effect on our stockholders’ equity and working capital.
 
Our independent auditor’s report for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 is qualified as to our ability to continue as a going concern.
 
Due to the uncertainty of our ability to meet our current operating and capital expenses, in our audited consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, our independent auditors included a note to the consolidated financial statements regarding our ability to continue as a going concern. Recurring losses from operations and the dependence upon our ability to meet future financing needs and succeed in our future operations in order to realize a major portion of our assets have raised a substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. The presence of the going concern note to our consolidated financial statements may have an adverse impact on the relationships we are developing and plan to develop with third parties as we continue the commercialization of our products. It could make it challenging and difficult for us to raise additional financing, all of which could have a material adverse impact on our business and prospects.
 
 
17
 
 
We will need additional capital to conduct our operations and develop our products, and our ability to obtain the necessary funding is uncertain.
 
We have used a significant amount of cash since inception to finance the continued development and testing of our product candidates, and we expect to need substantial additional capital resources in order to develop our product candidates going forward and to launch and commercialize any product candidates for which we receive regulatory approval.
 
We may not be successful in generating and/or maintaining operating cash flow, and the timing of our capital expenditures and other expenditures may not result in cash sufficient to sustain our operations through the next 12 months. If financing is not sufficient and additional financing is not available, or available only on terms that are detrimental to our long-term survival, it could have a material adverse effect on our ability to continue as a going concern. The timing and degree of any future capital requirements will depend on many factors, including:
 
 
the accuracy of the assumptions underlying our estimates for capital needs in 2020 and beyond;
 
scientific and clinical progress in our research and development programs;
 
the magnitude and scope of our research and development programs and our ability to establish, enforce and maintain strategic arrangements for research, development, clinical testing, manufacturing and marketing;
 
our progress with pre-clinical development and clinical trials;
 
the time and costs involved in obtaining regulatory approvals;
 
the costs involved in preparing, filing, prosecuting, maintaining, defending and enforcing patent claims; and
 
the number and type of product candidates that we pursue.
 
Additional financing through strategic collaborations, public or private equity or debt financings or other financing sources may not be available on acceptable terms, or at all. The completion of financings involving the issuance of additional common stock or other securities convertible into, or exchangeable for, common stock (such as warrants or additional convertible notes) could also result in significant dilution to our stockholders.
 
Further, if we obtain additional funds through arrangements with collaborative partners, these arrangements may require us to relinquish rights to some of our technologies, product candidates or products that we would otherwise seek to develop and commercialize on our own.
 
If sufficient capital is not available, we may be required to delay, reduce the scope of or eliminate one or more of our research or product development initiatives, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or business prospects.
 
Our current and future indebtedness may impose significant operating and financial restrictions on us and affect our ability to access liquidity.
 
As of the date of this prospectus, after giving effect to (i) the issuance of the July 2020 Notes and the May 2020 Notes and (ii) the issuance of the Settlement Notes pursuant to the Settlement Agreement, we had approximately $23.3 million aggregate principal amount of convertible notes and debentures outstanding, a portion of which are secured by a first priority security interest in substantially all of the assets of the Company and its subsidiaries. Our existing convertible notes and debentures do, and any future instruments governing our indebtedness may, contain a number of restrictive covenants that impose significant operating and financial restrictions on us. For example, our existing convertible notes and debentures include restrictions on our ability to, among other things:
 
 
incur additional indebtedness;
 
place liens on our or our subsidiaries’ assets;
 
repurchase shares of our common stock or repay existing indebtedness;
 
pay cash dividends or distributions on our equity securities;
 
engage in certain fundamental change transactions; and
 
engage in transactions with affiliates.
 
 
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A failure by us or our subsidiaries to comply with the covenants and restrictions contained in the agreements governing our indebtedness could result in an event of default under such indebtedness, which could adversely affect our ability to respond to changes in our business and manage our operations. Upon the occurrence of an event of default under any of the agreements governing our indebtedness, the holders could elect to declare all amounts outstanding to be due and payable and exercise other remedies as set forth in the agreements. Further, an event of default or acceleration of indebtedness under one instrument may constitute an event of default—or cross-default—under another instrument. For example, in June 2020, we entered into the Forbearance Agreements with holders of the Default Notes pursuant to which such holders have agreed forbear from exercising their rights and remedies under the Default Notes (including declaring such Default Notes (together with default amounts and accrued and unpaid interest) immediately due and payable) for a specified period of time.
 
If any of our indebtedness (including the Default Notes) were to be accelerated, there can be no assurance that our assets would be sufficient to repay this indebtedness in full, which could have a material adverse effect on our ability to continue to operate as a going concern.
 
The cost of our research and development programs may be significantly higher than expected and there is no assurance that they will successful in a timely manner, or at all.
 
Our currently projected expenditures for 2021 include approximately $12 million to $15 million for research and development. The actual cost of our programs could differ significantly from our current projections if we change our planned development process. In the event that actual costs of our clinical program, or any of our other ongoing research activities, are significantly higher than our current estimates, we may be required to significantly modify our planned level of operations.
 
The successful development of any product candidate is highly uncertain. It is difficult to reasonably estimate or know the nature, timing and costs of the efforts necessary to complete the development of, or the period in which material net cash inflows are expected to commence from any product candidate, due to the numerous risks and uncertainties associated with developing and commercializing drugs. Any failure to complete any stage of the development of products in a timely manner could have a material adverse effect on our operations, financial position and liquidity.
 
We have identified material weaknesses in our internal controls over financial reporting and have not yet remedied these weaknesses. If we fail to maintain an effective system of internal control over financial reporting, we may not be able to accurately report our financial results or prevent fraud. As a result, stockholders could lose confidence in our financial and other public reporting, which would harm our business and the trading price of our common stock.
 
Effective internal control over financial reporting is necessary for us to provide reliable financial reports and, together with adequate disclosure controls and procedures, are designed to prevent fraud. Any failure to implement required new or improved controls, or difficulties encountered in their implementation, could cause us to fail to meet our reporting obligations. Ineffective internal control could also cause investors to lose confidence in our reported financial information, which could have a negative effect on the trading price of our common stock.
 
We have identified material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting as a company. As defined in Regulation 12b-2 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), a “material weakness” is a deficiency, or combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of our annual or interim consolidated financial statements will not be prevented, or detected on a timely basis. Specifically, we determined that we had the following material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2019: (i) inadequate segregation of duties; (ii) risks of executive override; and (iii) insufficient written policies and procedures for accounting and financial reporting with respect to the requirements and application of both generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and SEC regulations.
 
 
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As of the date of this prospectus, we have not remediated these material weaknesses. We are taking steps, and intend to take additional steps, to mitigate the issues identified and implement a functional system of internal controls over financial reporting. Such measures will include, but not be limited to: (i) hiring of additional employees in our finance and accounting department, although the timing of such hires is largely dependent on our securing additional financing to cover such costs; (ii) preparation of risk-control matrices to identify key risks and develop and document policies to mitigate those risks; (iii) and identification and documentation of standard operating procedures for key financial and SEC reporting activities. The implementation of these initiatives may not fully address any material weakness or other deficiencies that we may have in our internal control over financial reporting.
 
Even if we develop effective internal controls over financial reporting, such controls may become inadequate due to changes in conditions, or the degree of compliance with such policies or procedures may deteriorate, which could result in the discovery of additional material weaknesses and deficiencies. In any event, the process of determining whether our existing internal control over financial reporting is compliant with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (“Section 404”) and sufficiently effective requires the investment of substantial time and resources, including by certain members of our senior management. As a result, this process may divert internal resources and take a significant amount of time and effort to complete. In addition, we cannot predict the outcome of this process and whether we will need to implement remedial actions in order to establish effective controls over financial reporting. The determination of whether or not our internal controls are sufficient and any remedial actions required could result in us incurring additional costs that we did not anticipate, including the hiring of outside consultants. We may also fail to timely complete our evaluation, testing and any remediation required to comply with Section 404.
 
We are required, pursuant to Section 404, to furnish a report by management on, among other things, the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. However, for as long as we are a “smaller reporting company,” our independent registered public accounting firm will not be required to attest to the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting pursuant to Section 404. While we could be a smaller reporting company for an indefinite amount of time, and thus relieved of the above-mentioned attestation requirement, an independent assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting could detect problems that our management’s assessment might not. Such undetected material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting could lead to financial statement restatements and require us to incur the expense of remediation.
 
If our efforts to protect the proprietary nature of the intellectual property related to our technologies are not adequate, we may not be able to compete effectively in our market and our business would be harmed.
 
We rely upon a combination of patents, trade secret protection and confidentiality agreements to protect the intellectual property related to our technologies. Any disclosure to, or misappropriation by, third parties of our trade secret or other confidential information could enable competitors to quickly duplicate or surpass our technological achievements, thus eroding any competitive advantage we may derive from this intellectual property.
 
The strength of patents in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical field involves complex legal and scientific questions and can be uncertain. The patent applications we own or license may fail to result in issued patents in the United States or in foreign countries. Third parties may challenge the validity, enforceability or scope of any issued patents we own or license or any applications that may issue as patents in the future, which may result in those patents being narrowed, invalidated or held unenforceable. Even if they are unchallenged, our patents and patent applications may not adequately protect our intellectual property or prevent others from developing similar products that do not fall within the scope of our patents. If the breadth or strength of protection provided by the patents we hold or pursue is threatened, our ability to commercialize any product candidates with technology protected by those patents could be threatened. Further, if we encounter delays in our clinical trials, the period of time during which we would have patent protection for any covered product candidates that obtain regulatory approval would be reduced.
 
 
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In addition to the protection afforded by patents, we seek to rely on trade secret protection and confidentiality agreements to protect proprietary know-how that is not patentable, processes for which patents are difficult to enforce and any other elements of our discovery platform and drug development processes that involve proprietary know-how, information or technology that is not covered by patents or not amenable to patent protection. Although we require all of our employees and certain consultants and advisors to enter into intellectual property assignment agreements, and all of our employees, consultants, advisors and any third parties who have access to our proprietary know-how, information or technology to enter into confidentiality agreements, our trade secrets and other proprietary information may be disclosed or competitors may otherwise gain access to such information or independently develop substantially equivalent information. Further, the laws of some foreign countries do not protect proprietary rights to the same extent or in the same manner as the laws of the United States. As a result, we may encounter significant difficulty in protecting and defending our intellectual property both in the United States and abroad. If we are unable to prevent material disclosure of the trade secret intellectual property related to our technologies to third parties, we may not be able to establish or maintain the competitive advantage that we believe is provided by such intellectual property, which could materially adversely affect our market position and business and operational results.
 
Claims that we infringe the intellectual property rights of others may prevent or delay our drug discovery and development efforts.
 
Our research, development and commercialization activities, as well as any product candidates or products resulting from those activities, may infringe or be accused of infringing a patent or other form of intellectual property under which we do not hold a license or other rights. Third parties may assert that we are employing their proprietary technology without authorization. There may be third-party patents of which we are currently unaware, with claims that cover the use or manufacture of our product candidates or the practice of our related methods. Because patent applications can take many years to issue and remain confidential for a period of time after filing, there may be currently pending patent applications that may later result in issued patents that our product candidates may infringe. In addition, third parties may obtain patents in the future and claim that use of our technologies infringes one or more claims of these patents. If our activities or product candidates infringe the patents or other intellectual property rights of third parties, the holders of such intellectual property rights may be able to block our ability to commercialize such product candidates or practice our methods unless we obtain a license under the intellectual property rights or until any applicable patents expire or are determined to be invalid or unenforceable.
 
Defense of any intellectual property infringement claims against us, regardless of their merit, would involve substantial litigation expense and would be a significant diversion of employee resources from our business. In the event of a successful claim of infringement against us, we may have to pay substantial damages, obtain one or more licenses from third parties, limit our business to avoid the infringing activities, pay royalties and/or redesign our infringing product candidates or methods, any or all of which may be impossible or require substantial time and monetary expenditure. Further, if we were to seek a license from the third party holder of any applicable intellectual property rights, we may not be able to obtain the applicable license rights when needed or on commercially reasonable terms, or at all. The occurrence of any of the above events could prevent us from continuing to develop and commercialize one or more of our product candidates and our business could materially suffer.
 
We may desire, or be forced, to seek additional licenses to use intellectual property owned by third parties, and such licenses may not be available on commercially reasonable terms, or at all.
 
A third party may hold intellectual property, including patent rights, that are important or necessary to the development of our product candidates, in which case we would need to obtain a license from that third party or develop a different formulation of the product that does not infringe upon the applicable intellectual property, which may not be possible. Additionally, we may identify product candidates that we believe are promising and whose development and other intellectual property rights are held by third parties. In such a case, we may desire to seek a license to pursue the development of those product candidates. Any license that we may desire to obtain or that we may be forced to pursue may not be available when needed on commercially reasonable terms, or at all. Any inability to secure a license that we need or desire could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and prospects.
 
 
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The patent protection covering some of our product candidates may be dependent on third parties, who may not effectively maintain that protection.
 
While we expect that we will generally seek to gain the right to fully prosecute any patents covering product candidates we may in-license from third-party owners, there may be instances when platform technology patents that cover our product candidates remain controlled by our licensors. If any of our current or future licensing partners that retain the right to prosecute patents covering the product candidates we license from them fail to appropriately maintain that patent protection, we may not be able to prevent competitors from developing and selling competing products or practicing competing methods and our ability to generate revenue from any commercialization of the affected product candidates may suffer.
 
We may be involved in lawsuits to protect or enforce our patents or the patents of our licensors, which could be expensive, time-consuming and unsuccessful.
 
Competitors may infringe our patents or the patents of our current or potential licensors. To attempt to stop infringement or unauthorized use, we may need to enforce one or more of our patents, which can be expensive and time-consuming and distract management. If we pursue any litigation, a court may decide that a patent of ours or our licensor's is not valid or is unenforceable, or may refuse to stop the other party from using the relevant technology on the grounds that our patents do not cover the technology in question. Further, the legal systems of certain countries, particularly certain developing countries, do not favor the enforcement of patents, which could reduce the likelihood of success of any infringement proceeding we pursue in any such jurisdiction. An adverse result in any infringement litigation or defense proceedings could put one or more of our patents at risk of being invalidated, held unenforceable or interpreted narrowly and could put our patent applications at risk of not issuing, which could limit our ability to exclude competitors from directly competing with us in the applicable jurisdictions.
 
Interference proceedings provoked by third parties or brought by the U.S. PTO may be necessary to determine the priority of inventions with respect to our patents or patent applications or those of our licensors. An unfavorable outcome could require us to cease using the related technology or to attempt to license rights to use it from the prevailing party. Our business could be harmed if the prevailing party does not offer us a license on commercially reasonable terms, or at all. Litigation or interference proceedings may fail and, even if successful, may result in substantial costs and distract our management and other employees.
 
If we are unsuccessful in obtaining or maintaining patent protection for intellectual property in development, our business and competitive position would be harmed.
 
We are seeking patent protection for some of our technology and product candidates. Patent prosecution is a challenging process and is not assured of success. If we are unable to secure patent protection for our technology and product candidates, our business may be adversely impacted.
 
In addition, issued patents and pending international applications require regular maintenance. Failure to maintain our portfolio may result in loss of rights that may adversely impact our intellectual property rights, for example by rendering issued patents unenforceable or by prematurely terminating pending international applications.
 
 
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If we are unable to protect the confidentiality of our trade secrets, our business and competitive position would be harmed.
 
In addition to seeking patents for some of our technology and product candidates, we also rely on trade secrets, including unpatented know-how, technology and other proprietary information, to maintain our competitive position. We currently, and expect in the future to continue to, seek to protect these trade secrets, in part, by entering into confidentiality agreements with parties who have access to them, such as our employees, consultants, advisors and other third parties. We also require all of our employees and certain consultants and advisors to enter into intellectual property assignment agreements. Despite these efforts, any of these parties may breach the agreements and disclose our proprietary information, including our trade secrets, and we may not be able to obtain adequate remedies for any such disclosure. Enforcing a claim that a party illegally disclosed or misappropriated a trade secret is difficult, expensive and time-consuming, and the outcome is unpredictable. In addition, some courts inside and outside the United States are less willing or unwilling to protect trade secrets. If any of our trade secrets were to be lawfully obtained or independently developed by a competitor, we would have no right to prevent them, or those to whom they disclose the trade secrets, from using that technology or information to compete with us. If any of our trade secrets were to be disclosed to or independently developed by a competitor, our competitive position would be harmed.
 
If we fail to meet our obligations under our license agreements, we may lose our rights to key technologies on which our business depends.
 
Our business depends in part on licenses from third parties. These third-party license agreements impose obligations on us, such as payment obligations and obligations to diligently pursue development of commercial products under the licensed patents. If a licensor believes that we have failed to meet our obligations under a license agreement, the licensor could seek to limit or terminate our license rights, which could lead to costly and time-consuming litigation and, potentially, a loss of the licensed rights. During the period of any such litigation, our ability to carry out the development and commercialization of potential products could be significantly and negatively affected. If our license rights were restricted or ultimately lost, our ability to continue our business based on the affected technology platform could be severely adversely affected.
 
We will have to hire additional executive officers and employees to operate our business. If we are unable to hire qualified personnel, we may not be able to implement our business strategy.
 
We currently have only two full-time employees. The loss of the services of any one of our employees could delay our product development programs and our research and development efforts. We do not maintain key person life insurance on any of our officers, employees, consultants or advisors. In order to develop our business in accordance with our business strategy, we will have to hire additional qualified personnel, including in the areas of manufacturing, clinical trials management, regulatory affairs, finance and business development. We will need to raise sufficient funds to hire the necessary employees and have commenced our search for additional key employees.
 
Moreover, there is intense competition for a limited number of qualified personnel among biopharmaceutical, biotechnology, pharmaceutical and other businesses. Many of the other pharmaceutical companies against which we compete for qualified personnel have greater financial and other resources, different risk profiles, longer histories in the industry and greater ability to provide valuable cash or stock incentives to potential recruits than we do. They also may provide more diverse opportunities and better chances for career advancement. Some of these characteristics may be more appealing to high quality candidates than what we are able to offer as an early-stage company. If we are unable to continue to attract and retain high quality personnel, the rate and success at which we can develop and commercialize product candidates will be limited.
 
We depend on key personnel for our continued operations and future success, and a loss of certain key personnel could significantly hinder our ability to move forward with our business plan.
 
Because of the specialized nature of our business, we are highly dependent on our ability to identify, hire, train and retain highly qualified scientific and technical personnel for the research and development activities we conduct or sponsor. The loss of one or more key executive officers, or scientific officers, would be significantly detrimental to us. In addition, recruiting and retaining qualified scientific personnel to perform research and development work is critical to our success. Our anticipated growth and expansion into areas and activities requiring additional expertise, such as clinical testing, regulatory compliance, manufacturing and marketing, will require the addition of new management personnel and the development of additional expertise by existing management personnel. There is intense competition for qualified personnel in the areas of our present and planned activities. Accordingly, we may not be able to continue to attract and retain the qualified personnel, which would adversely affect the development of our business.
 
 
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We may be subject to claims by third parties asserting that our employees or we have misappropriated their intellectual property, or claiming ownership of what we regard as our own intellectual property.
 
Many of our employees, consultants and advisors were previously employed at universities or other biotechnology or pharmaceutical companies, including our competitors or potential competitors. Although we try to ensure that our employees, consultants and advisors do not use the proprietary information or know-how of others in their work for us, with contractual provisions and other procedures, we may be subject to claims that these employees, consultants or advisors have used or disclosed intellectual property, including trade secrets or other proprietary information, of any such employee’s, consultant’s or advisor’s former employers. Litigation may be necessary to defend against any such claims.
 
In addition, while it is our policy to require our employees, consultants and advisors who may be involved in the development of intellectual property to execute agreements assigning such intellectual property to us, we may be unsuccessful in executing such an agreement with each party who in fact contributes to the development of intellectual property that we regard as our own. Further, the terms of such assignment agreements may be breached and we may not be able to successfully enforce their terms, which may force us to bring claims against third parties, or defend claims they may bring against us, to determine the ownership of intellectual property rights we may regard and treat as our own.
 
Our employees, consultants and advisors may engage in misconduct or other improper activities, including noncompliance with regulatory standards and requirements, which could cause our business to suffer.
 
We are exposed to the risk of fraud or other misconduct by our employees, consultants or advisors. Misconduct by employees, consultants or advisors could include intentional failures to comply with regulations of governmental authorities, such as the FDA or the European Medicines Agency (the “EMA”), to provide accurate information to the FDA or EMA, to comply with manufacturing standards we have established, to comply with federal, state and international healthcare fraud and abuse laws and regulations as they may become applicable to our operations, to report financial information or data accurately or to disclose unauthorized activities to us. Such misconduct could also involve the improper use of information obtained in the course of clinical trials, which could result in regulatory sanctions and serious harm to our reputation. It is not always possible to identify and deter such misconduct, and the precautions we currently take and the procedures we may establish in the future as our operations and employee base expand to detect and prevent this type of activity may not be effective in controlling unknown or unmanaged risks or losses or in protecting us from governmental investigations or other actions or lawsuits stemming from a failure by our employees, consultants or advisors to comply with such laws or regulations. If any such actions are instituted against us, and we are not successful in defending ourselves or asserting our rights, those actions could have a significant impact on our business and results of operations, including the imposition of significant fines or other sanctions.
 
Our reliance on the activities of our non-employee consultants, research institutions and scientific contractors, whose activities are not wholly within our control, may lead to delays in development of our proposed products.
 
We rely extensively upon and have relationships with scientific consultants at academic and other institutions, some of whom conduct research at our request, and other consultants with expertise in clinical development strategy or other matters. These consultants are not our employees and may have commitments to, or consulting or advisory contracts with, other entities that may limit their availability to us. We have limited control over the activities of these consultants and, except as otherwise required by our collaboration and consulting agreements to the extent they exist, can expect only limited amounts of their time to be dedicated to our activities. These research facilities may have commitments to other commercial and non-commercial entities. We have limited control over the operations of these laboratories and can expect only limited amounts of time to be dedicated to our research goals.
 
 
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It may take longer to complete our clinical trials than we project, or we may not be able to complete them at all.
 
For budgeting and planning purposes, we have projected the date for the commencement, continuation and completion of our various clinical trials. However, a number of factors, including scheduling conflicts with participating clinicians and clinical institutions, complications attributable to COVID-19 pandemic, and difficulties in identifying and enrolling patients who meet trial eligibility criteria, may cause significant delays. We may not commence or complete clinical trials involving any of our products as projected or may not conduct them successfully.
 
We expect to rely on medical institutions, academic institutions or clinical research organizations to conduct, supervise or monitor some or all aspects of clinical trials involving our products. We will have less control over the timing and other aspects of these clinical trials than if we conducted them entirely on our own. If we fail to commence or complete, or experience delays in, any of our planned clinical trials, our stock price and our ability to conduct our business as currently planned could be harmed.
 
Clinical drug development is costly, time-consuming and uncertain, and we may suffer setbacks in our clinical development program that could harm our business.
 
Clinical drug development for our product candidates is costly, time-consuming and uncertain. Our product candidates are in various stages of development and while we expect that clinical trials for these product candidates will continue for several years, such trials may take significantly longer than expected to complete. In addition, we, the FDA, an institutional review board (“IRB”) or other regulatory authorities, including state and local agencies and counterpart agencies in foreign countries, may suspend, delay, require modifications to or terminate our clinical trials at any time, for various reasons, including:
 
 
discovery of safety or tolerability concerns, such as serious or unexpected toxicities or side effects or exposure to otherwise unacceptable health risks, with respect to study participants;
 
lack of effectiveness of any product candidate during clinical trials or the failure of our product candidates to meet specified endpoints;
 
delays in subject recruitment and enrollment in clinical trials or inability to enroll a sufficient number of patients in clinical trials to ensure adequate statistical ability to detect statistically significant treatment effects;
 
difficulty in retaining subjects and volunteers in clinical trials;
 
difficulty in obtaining IRB approval for studies to be conducted at each clinical trial site;
 
delays in manufacturing or obtaining, or inability to manufacture or obtain, sufficient quantities of materials for use in clinical trials;
 
inadequacy of or changes in our manufacturing process or the product formulation or method of delivery;
 
delays or failure in reaching agreement on acceptable terms in clinical trial contracts or protocols with prospective contract research organizations (“CROs”), clinical trial sites and other third-party contractors;
 
inability to add a sufficient number of clinical trial sites;
 
uncertainty regarding proper formulation and dosing;
 
failure by us, our employees, our consultants or advisors, our CROs or their employees or other third-party contractors to comply with contractual and applicable regulatory requirements or to perform their services in a timely or acceptable manner;
 
scheduling conflicts with participating clinicians and clinical institutions;
 
failure to design appropriate clinical trial protocols;
 
inability or unwillingness of medical investigators to follow our clinical protocols;
 
difficulty in maintaining contact with subjects during or after treatment, which may result in incomplete data; or
 
changes in applicable laws, regulations and regulatory policies.
 
 
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If we experience delays or difficulties in the enrollment of patients in clinical trials, those clinical trials could take longer than expected to complete and our receipt of necessary regulatory approvals could be delayed or prevented.
 
We may not be able to initiate or continue clinical trials for our product candidates if we are unable to locate and enroll a sufficient number of eligible patients to participate in these trials as required by the FDA or similar regulatory authorities outside the United States. In particular, because we are focused on patients with molecularly defined cancers, our pool of suitable patients may be smaller and more selective and our ability to enroll a sufficient number of suitable patients may be limited or take longer than anticipated. In addition, some of our competitors have ongoing clinical trials for product candidates that treat the same indications as our product candidates, and patients who would otherwise be eligible for our clinical trials may instead enroll in clinical trials of our competitors’ product candidates.
 
Patient enrollment for any of our clinical trials may also be affected by other factors, including without limitation:
 
 
the severity of the disease under investigation;
 
the frequency of the molecular alteration we are seeking to target in the applicable trial;
 
the eligibility criteria for the study in question;
 
the perceived risks and benefits of the product candidate under study;
 
the extent of the efforts to facilitate timely enrollment in clinical trials;
 
the patient referral practices of physicians;
 
the ability to monitor patients adequately during and after treatment;
 
the proximity and availability of clinical trial sites for prospective patients;
 
unforeseen safety issues;
 
determination of dosing issues;
 
inability to demonstrate effectiveness during clinical trials;
 
slower than expected rates of patient recruitment;
 
inability to monitor patients adequately during or after treatment; and
 
inability or unwillingness of medical investigators to follow our clinical protocols.
 
In addition, we or the FDA, may suspend our clinical trials at any time if it appears that we are exposing participants to unacceptable health risks or if the FDA finds deficiencies in our IND submissions or the conduct of these trials.
 
We are subject to extensive regulation, which can be costly and time consuming and can subject us to unanticipated delays. even if we obtain regulatory approval for some of our products, those products may still face regulatory difficulties.
 
All of our potential products, processing and manufacturing activities, are subject to comprehensive regulation by the FDA in the United States and by comparable authorities in other countries. The process of obtaining FDA and other required regulatory approvals, including foreign approvals, is expensive and often takes many years and can vary substantially based upon the type, complexity and novelty of the products involved. In addition, regulatory agencies may lack experience with our technologies and products, which may lengthen the regulatory review process, increase our development costs and delay or prevent their commercialization.
 
If we violate regulatory requirements at any stage, whether before or after we obtain marketing approval, the FDA may take enforcement action(s) against us, which could include issuing a warning or untitled letter, placing a clinical hold on an ongoing clinical trial, product seizure, enjoining our operations, refusal to consider our applications for pre-market approval, refusal of an investigational new drug application, fines, or even civil or criminal liability, any of which could materially harm our reputation and financial results. Additionally, we may not be able to obtain the labeling claims necessary or desirable for the promotion of our products. We may also be required to undertake post-marketing trials to provide additional evidence of safety and effectiveness. In addition, if we or others identify side effects after any of our adoptive therapies are on the market, or if manufacturing problems occur, regulators may withdraw their approval and reformulations, additional clinical trials, changes in labeling of our products, and additional marketing applications may be required.
 
 
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Any of the following factors, among others, could cause regulatory approval for our product candidates to be delayed, limited or denied:
 
 
the product candidates require significant clinical testing to demonstrate safety and effectiveness before applications for marketing approval can be filed with the FDA and other regulatory authorities;
 
data obtained from pre-clinical and nonclinical animal testing and clinical trials can be interpreted in different ways, and regulatory authorities may not agree with our respective interpretations or may require us to conduct additional testing;
 
negative or inconclusive results or the occurrence of serious or unexpected adverse events during a clinical trial could cause us to delay or terminate development efforts for a product candidate; and/or
 
FDA and other regulatory authorities may require expansion of the size and scope of the clinical trials.
 
Any difficulties or failures that we encounter in securing regulatory approval for our product candidates would likely have a substantial adverse impact on our ability to generate product sales and could make any search for a collaborative partner more difficult.
 
Obtaining regulatory approval even after clinical trials that are believed to be successful is an uncertain process.
 
Even if we complete our planned clinical trials and believe the results were successful, obtaining regulatory approval is a lengthy, expensive and uncertain process, and the FDA or other regulatory agencies may delay, limit or deny approval of any of our applications for pre-market approval for many reasons, including:
 
 
we may not be able to demonstrate to the FDA’s satisfaction that our product candidates are safe and effective for any indication;
 
the results of clinical trials may not meet the level of statistical significance or clinical significance required by the FDA for approval;
 
the FDA may disagree with the number, design, size, conduct or implementation of our clinical trials;
 
the FDA may not find the data from pre-clinical studies and clinical trials sufficient to demonstrate that the clinical and other benefits of our product candidates outweigh their safety risks;
 
the FDA may disagree with our interpretation of data from pre-clinical studies or clinical trials, or may not accept data generated at our clinical trial sites;
 
the data collected from pre-clinical studies and clinical trials of our product candidates may not be sufficient to support the submission of applications for regulatory approval;
 
the FDA may have difficulties scheduling an advisory committee meeting in a timely manner, or the advisory committee may recommend against approval of our application or may recommend that the FDA require, as a condition of approval, additional pre-clinical studies or clinical trials, limitations on approved labeling, or distribution and use restrictions;
 
the FDA may require development of a risk evaluation and mitigation strategy as a condition of approval;
 
the FDA may identify deficiencies in the manufacturing processes or facilities of third-party manufacturers with which we enter into agreements for clinical and commercial supplies;
 
the FDA may change their approval policies or adopt new regulations that adversely affect our applications for pre-market approval; and
 
the FDA may require simultaneous approval for both adults and for children and adolescents delaying needed approvals, or we may have successful clinical trial results for adults but not children and adolescents, or vice versa.
 
Before we can submit an application for regulatory approval in the United States, we must conduct a pivotal, Phase III trial. We will also need to agree on a protocol with the FDA for a clinical trial before commencing the trial. Phase III clinical trials frequently produce unsatisfactory results even though prior clinical trials were successful. Therefore, even if the results of our Phase II trials are successful, the results of the additional trials that we conduct may or may not be successful. Further, our product candidates may not be approved even if they achieve their primary endpoints in Phase III clinical trials. The FDA or other foreign regulatory authorities may disagree with our trial design and our interpretation of data from preclinical studies and clinical trials. Any of these regulatory authorities may change requirements for the approval of a product candidate even after reviewing and providing comments or advice on a protocol for a clinical trial. The FDA or other regulatory agencies may require that we conduct additional clinical, nonclinical, manufacturing validation or drug product quality studies and submit those data before considering or reconsidering the application. Depending on the extent of these or any other studies, approval of any applications that we submit may be delayed by several years, or may require us to expend more resources than we have available. It is also possible that additional studies, if performed and completed, may not be considered sufficient by the FDA or other regulatory agencies.
 
 
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In addition, the FDA or other regulatory agencies may also approve a product candidate for fewer or more limited indications than we request, may impose significant limitations related to use restrictions for certain age groups, warnings, precautions or contraindications or may grant approval contingent on the performance of costly post- marketing clinical trials or risk mitigation requirements.
 
We will continue to be subject to extensive FDA regulation following any product approvals, and if we fail to comply with these regulations, we may suffer a significant setback in our business.
 
Even if we are successful in obtaining regulatory approval of our product candidates, we will continue to be subject to the requirements of and review by, the FDA and comparable regulatory authorities in the areas of manufacturing processes, post-approval clinical data, adverse event reporting, labeling, advertising and promotional activities, among other things. In addition, any marketing approval we receive may be limited in terms of the approved product indication or require costly post-marketing testing and surveillance. Discovery after approval of previously unknown problems with a product, manufacturer or manufacturing process, or a failure to comply with regulatory requirements, may result in enforcement actions such as:
 
 
warning letters or other actions requiring changes in product manufacturing processes or restrictions on product marketing or distribution;
 
product recalls or seizures or the temporary or permanent withdrawal of a product from the market;
 
suspending any ongoing clinical trials;
 
temporary or permanent injunctions against our production operations;
 
refusal of our applications for pre-market approval or an investigational new drug application; and
 
fines, restitution or disgorgement of profits or revenue, the imposition of civil penalties or criminal prosecution.
 
The occurrence of any of these actions would likely cause a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
 
Many of our business practices are subject to scrutiny and potential investigation by regulatory and government enforcement authorities, as well as to lawsuits brought by private citizens under federal and state laws. We could become subject to investigations, and our failure to comply with applicable law or an adverse decision in lawsuits may result in adverse consequences to us. If we fail to comply with U.S. healthcare laws, we could face substantial penalties and financial exposure, and our business, operations and financial condition could be adversely affected.
 
While payment is not yet available from third-party payors (government or commercial) for our products, our goal is to obtain such coverage as soon as possible after product approval and commercial launch in the U.S. If this occurs, the availability of such payment would mean that many healthcare laws would place limitations and requirements on the manner in which we conduct our business (including our sales and promotional activities and interactions with healthcare professionals and facilities) and could result in liability and exposure to us. In some instances, our interactions with healthcare professionals and facilities that occurred prior to commercialization could have implications at a later date. The laws that may affect our ability to operate include, among others: (i) the federal healthcare programs Anti-Kickback Statute, which prohibits, among other things, persons from knowingly and willfully soliciting, receiving, offering or paying remuneration, directly or indirectly, in exchange for or to induce either the referral of an individual for, or the purchase, order or recommendation of, any good or service for which payment may be made under federal healthcare programs such as Medicare or Medicaid, (ii) federal false claims laws which prohibit, among other things, individuals or entities from knowingly presenting, or causing to be presented, claims for payment from Medicare, Medicaid, or other third-party payors that are false or fraudulent, and which may apply to entities like us under theories of “implied certification” where the government and qui tam relators may allege that device companies are liable where a product that was paid for by the government in whole or in part was promoted “off-label,” lacked necessary approval, or failed to comply with good manufacturing practices or other laws; (iii) transparency laws and related reporting and/or disclosures such as the Sunshine Act; and/or (iv) state law equivalents of each of the above federal laws, such as anti-kickback and false claims laws which may apply to items or services reimbursed by any third-party payor, including commercial insurers, many of which differ from their federal counterparts in significant ways, thus complicating compliance efforts.
 
 
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If our operations are found to be in violation of any of the laws described above or any other governmental regulations that apply to us, we may be subject to penalties, including civil and criminal penalties, exclusion from participation in government healthcare programs, damages, fines and the curtailment or restructuring of our operations. Any penalties, damages, fines, curtailment or restructuring of our operations could adversely affect our ability to operate our business and our financial results. The risk of our being found in violation of these laws is increased by the fact that their provisions are open to a variety of evolving interpretations and enforcement discretion. Any action against us for violation of these laws, even if we successfully defend against it, could cause us to incur significant legal expenses and divert our management’s attention from the operation of our business.
 
Both federal and state government agencies have heightened civil and criminal enforcement efforts. There are numerous ongoing investigations of healthcare pharmaceutical companies and others in the healthcare space, as well as their executives and managers. In addition, amendments to the Federal False Claims Act, have made it easier for private parties to bring qui tam (whistleblower) lawsuits against companies under which the whistleblower may be entitled to receive a percentage of any money paid to the government. In addition, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care and Health Care and Education Affordability Reconciliation Act of 2010 (collectively, the “Affordable Care Act”) amended the federal civil False Claims Act to provide that a claim that includes items or services resulting from a violation of the federal anti-kickback statute constitutes a false or fraudulent claim for purposes of the federal civil False Claims Act. Penalties include substantial fines for each false claim, plus three times the amount of damages that the federal government sustained because of the act of that person or entity and/or exclusion from the Medicare program. In addition, a majority of states have adopted similar state whistleblower and false-claims provision. There can be no assurance that our activities will not come under the scrutiny of regulators and other government authorities or that our practices will not be found to violate applicable laws, rules and regulations or prompt lawsuits by private citizen “relators” under federal or state false claims laws. Any future investigations of our business or executives, or enforcement action or prosecution, could cause us to incur substantial costs and result in significant liabilities or penalties, as well as damage to our reputation.
 
Laws impacting the U.S. healthcare system are subject to a great deal of uncertainty, which may result in adverse consequences to our business.
 
There have been a number of legislative and regulatory proposals to change the healthcare system, reduce the costs of healthcare and change medical reimbursement policies. Doctors, clinics, hospitals and other users of our products may decline to purchase our products to the extent there is uncertainty regarding coverage from government or commercial payors. Further proposed legislation, regulation and policy changes affecting third-party reimbursement are likely. Among other things, Congress has in the past proposed changes to and the repeal of the Affordable Care Act, and lawsuits have been brought challenging aspects of the law at various points. There have been repeated recent attempts by Congress to repeal or replace the Affordable Care Act. At this time, it remains unclear whether there will be any changes made to or any repeal or replacement of the Affordable Care Act, with respect to certain of its provisions or in its entirety. We are unable to predict what legislation or regulation, if any, relating to the health care industry or third-party coverage and reimbursement may be enacted in the future at the state or federal level, or what effect such legislation or regulation may have on us. Denial of coverage and reimbursement of our products, or the revocation or changes to coverage and reimbursement policies, could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
 
We may not be successful in our efforts to build a pipeline of product candidates.
 
A key element of our strategy is to use and expand our product platform to build a pipeline of product candidates and progress those product candidates through clinical development for the treatment of a variety of different types of cancer. Even if we are successful in building a product pipeline, the potential product candidates that we identify may not be suitable for clinical development for a number of reasons, including causing harmful side effects or demonstrating other characteristics that indicate a low likelihood of receiving marketing approval or achieving market acceptance. If our methods of identifying potential product candidates fail to produce a pipeline of potentially viable product candidates, then our success as a business will be dependent on the success of fewer potential product candidates, which introduces risks to our business model and potential limitations to any success we may achieve.
 
 
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Our product candidates may cause undesirable side effects or have other properties that could delay or prevent their regulatory approval, limit the commercial profile of an approved label, or result in significant negative consequences following marketing approval, if any.
 
Additionally, if one or more of our product candidates receives marketing approval, and we or others later identify undesirable side effects caused by such products, a number of potentially significant negative consequences could result, including:
 
 
regulatory authorities may withdraw approvals of such product;
 
regulatory authorities may require additional warnings on the product’s label;
 
we may be required to create a medication guide for distribution to patients that outlines the risks of such side effects;
 
we could be sued and held liable for harm caused to patients; and
 
our reputation may suffer.
 
Any of these events could prevent us from achieving or maintaining market acceptance of the particular product candidate, if approved, and could significantly harm our business, results of operations and prospects.
 
We may expend our limited resources to pursue a particular product candidate or indication that does not produce any commercially viable products and may fail to capitalize on product candidates or indications that may be more profitable or for which there is a greater likelihood of success.
 
Because we have limited financial and managerial resources, we must focus our efforts on particular research programs and product candidates for specific indications. As a result, we may forego or delay pursuit of opportunities with other product candidates or for other indications that later prove to have greater commercial potential. Further, our resource allocation decisions may result in our use of funds for research and development programs and product candidates for specific indications that may not yield any commercially viable products. If we do not accurately evaluate the commercial potential or target market for a particular product candidate, we may relinquish valuable rights to that product candidate through collaboration, licensing or other royalty arrangements in cases in which it would have been more advantageous for us to retain sole development and commercialization rights to such product candidate. Any such failure to improperly assess potential product candidates could result in missed opportunities and/or our focus on product candidates with low market potential, which would harm our business and financial condition.
 
Our products may be expensive to manufacture, and they may not be profitable if we are unable to control the costs to manufacture them.
 
Our products may be significantly more expensive to manufacture than we expect or than other therapeutic products currently on the market today. We hope to substantially reduce manufacturing costs through process improvements, development of new methods, increases in manufacturing scale and outsourcing to experienced manufacturers. If we are not able to make these, or other improvements, and depending on the pricing of the product, our profit margins may be significantly less than that of other therapeutic products on the market today. In addition, we may not be able to charge a high enough price for any product we develop, even if they are safe and effective, to make a profit. If we are unable to realize significant profits from our potential product candidates, our business would be materially harmed.
 
 
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We currently lack manufacturing capabilities to produce our therapeutic product candidates at commercial-scale quantities and do not have an alternate manufacturing supply, which could negatively impact our ability to meet any demand for the product.
 
We expect that we would need to significantly expand our manufacturing capabilities to meet potential demand for our therapeutic product candidates, if approved. Such expansion would require additional regulatory approvals. Even if we increase our manufacturing capabilities, it is possible that we may still lack sufficient capacity to meet demand.
 
We do not currently have any alternate supply for our products. If the facilities where our products are currently being manufactured or equipment were significantly damaged or destroyed, or if there were other disruptions, delays or difficulties affecting manufacturing capacity or availability of drug supply, including, but not limited to, if such facilities are deemed not in compliance with current Good Manufacturing Practice (“cGMP”) requirements, future clinical studies and commercial production for our products could be significantly disrupted and delayed. It would be both time-consuming and expensive to replace this capacity with third parties, particularly since any new facility would need to comply with the regulatory requirements.
 
Ultimately, if we are unable to supply our products to meet commercial demand, whether because of processing constraints or other disruptions, delays or difficulties that we experience, our production costs could dramatically increase and sales of our products and their long-term commercial prospects could be significantly damaged.
 
To be successful, our proposed products must be accepted by the healthcare community, which can be very slow to adopt or unreceptive to new technologies and products.
 
Our proposed products and those developed by our collaborative partners, if approved for marketing, may not achieve market acceptance since hospitals, physicians, patients or the medical community in general may decide not to accept and use these products. The products that we are attempting to develop represent substantial departures from established treatment methods and will compete with a number of more conventional therapies manufactured and marketed by major pharmaceutical companies. The degree of market acceptance of any of our developed products will depend on a number of factors, including:
 
 
our establishment and demonstration to the medical community of the clinical efficacy and safety of our proposed products;
 
our ability to create products that are superior to alternatives currently on the market;
 
our ability to establish in the medical community the potential advantage of our treatments over alternative treatment methods; and
 
reimbursement policies of government and third-party payers.
 
If the healthcare community does not accept our products for any of these reasons, or for any other reason, our business would be materially harmed.
 
Our business is based on novel technologies that are inherently expensive and risky and may not be understood by or accepted in the marketplace, which could adversely affect our future value.
 
The clinical development, commercialization and marketing of immuno-oncology therapies are at an early-stage, substantially research-oriented and financially speculative. To date, very few companies have been successful in their efforts to develop and commercialize an immuno-oncology therapeutic product. In general, such products may be susceptible to various risks, including undesirable and unintended side effects, unintended immune system responses, inadequate therapeutic efficacy, or other characteristics that may prevent or limit their approval or commercial use. Furthermore, the number of people who may use such therapies is difficult to forecast with accuracy. Our future success is dependent on the establishment of a significant market for such therapies and our ability to capture a share of this market with our product candidates.
 
Our development efforts with our therapeutic product candidates are susceptible to the same risks of failure inherent in the development and commercialization of therapeutic products based on new technologies. The novel nature of immuno-oncology therapeutics creates significant challenges in the areas of product development and optimization, manufacturing, government regulation, third-party reimbursement and market acceptance. For example, the FDA has relatively limited experience regulating such therapies, and there are few approved treatments using such therapy.
 
 
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Our competition includes fully integrated biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies that have significant advantages over us.
 
The market for therapeutic immuno-oncology products is highly competitive. We expect that our most significant competitors will be fully integrated and more established pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies or institutions, including major multinational pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology companies and universities and other research institutions. These companies are developing similar products, and they have significantly greater capital resources and research and development, manufacturing, testing, regulatory compliance and marketing capabilities. Many of these potential competitors may be further along in the process of product development and also operate large, company-funded research and development programs. As a result, our competitors may develop more competitive or affordable products, or achieve earlier patent protection or product commercialization than we are able to achieve. Competitive products may render any products or product candidates that we develop obsolete.
 
Many of our competitors have substantially greater financial, technical and other resources than we do, such as larger research and development staff and experienced marketing and manufacturing organizations. Additional mergers and acquisitions in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries may result in even more resources being concentrated in certain of our competitors. As a result, these companies may be able to obtain regulatory approval more rapidly than we can and may be more effective in selling and marketing their products. Smaller or early-stage companies may also prove to be significant competitors, particularly through collaborative arrangements with large, established companies. Competition may increase further as a result of advances in the commercial applicability of technologies and greater availability of capital for investment in these industries. Our competitors may succeed in developing, acquiring or licensing drug products that are more effective or less costly to produce or purchase on the market than any product candidate we are currently developing or that we may seek to develop in the future. If approved, our product candidates will face competition from commercially available drugs as well as drugs that are in the development pipelines of our competitors.
 
Established pharmaceutical companies may invest heavily to accelerate discovery and development of or in-license novel compounds that could make our product candidates less competitive. In addition, any new product that competes with an approved product must demonstrate compelling advantages in efficacy, convenience, tolerability and safety in order to overcome price competition and to be commercially successful. Accordingly, our competitors may succeed in obtaining patent protection, receiving FDA, EMA or other regulatory approval, or discovering, developing and commercializing medicines before we do, which could have a material adverse impact on our business and ability to achieve profitability from future sales of our approved product candidates, if any.
 
If competitors develop and market products that are more effective, safer or less expensive than our product candidates or offer other advantages, our commercial prospects will be limited.
 
Our therapeutic immuno-oncology development programs face, and will continue to face, intense competition from pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, as well as numerous academic and research institutions and governmental agencies engaged in drug discovery activities or funding, both in the United States and abroad. Some of these competitors are pursuing the development of drugs and other therapies that target the same diseases and conditions that we are targeting with our product candidates. According to a recent analysis by InVentiv Health, there are over 800 companies developing approximately 1,500 cancer immunotherapies via 4,000 development projects across 535 targets. According to the Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Research Association Medicines in Development for Cancer 2018 Report, there were 135 drugs in development for the treatment of lymphoma, including non-Hodgkin lymphoma, which accounts for nearly five percent of all new cancer diagnoses.
 
As a general matter, we also face competition from many companies that are researching and developing cell therapies. Many of these companies have financial and other resources substantially greater than ours. In addition, many of these competitors have significantly greater experience in testing pharmaceutical and other therapeutic products, obtaining FDA and other regulatory approvals, and marketing and selling. If we ultimately obtain regulatory approval for any of our product candidates, we also will be competing with respect to manufacturing efficiency and marketing capabilities, areas in which we have limited or no commercial-scale experience. Mergers and acquisitions in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries may result in even more resources’ being concentrated by our competitors. Competition may increase further as a result of advances made in the commercial applicability of our technologies and greater availability of capital for investment in these fields.
 
 
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If we are unable to keep up with rapid technological changes in our field or compete effectively, we will be unable to operate profitably.
 
We are engaged in activities in the biotechnology field, which is characterized by extensive research efforts and rapid technological progress. If we fail to anticipate or respond adequately to technological developments, our ability to operate profitably could suffer. Research and discoveries by other biotechnology, agricultural, pharmaceutical or other companies may render our technologies or potential products or services uneconomical or result in products superior to those we develop. Similarly, any technologies, products or services we develop may not be preferred to any existing or newly developed technologies, products or services.
 
We may not be able to obtain third-party patient reimbursement or favorable product pricing, which would reduce our ability to operate profitably.
 
Our ability to successfully commercialize certain of our proposed products in the human therapeutic field may depend to a significant degree on patient reimbursement of the costs of such products and related treatments at acceptable levels from government authorities, private health insurers and other organizations, such as health maintenance organizations. Reimbursement in the United States or foreign countries may not be available for any products we may develop, and, if available, may be decreased in the future. Also, reimbursement amounts may reduce the demand for, or the price of, our products with a consequent harm to our business. We cannot predict what additional regulation or legislation relating to the healthcare industry or third-party coverage and reimbursement may be enacted in the future or what effect such regulation or legislation may have on our business. If additional regulations are overly onerous or expensive, or if healthcare-related legislation makes our business more expensive or burdensome than originally anticipated, we may be forced to significantly downsize our business plans or completely abandon our business model.
 
We may be subject to business litigation that will be costly to defend or pursue and uncertain in its outcome.
 
Our business may bring us into conflict with our licensees, licensors or others with whom we have contractual or other business relationships, or with our competitors or others whose interests differ from ours. If we are unable to resolve those conflicts on terms that are satisfactory to all parties, we may become involved in litigation brought by or against us. That litigation is likely to be expensive and may require a significant amount of management’s time and attention, at the expense of other aspects of our business. The outcome of litigation is always uncertain, and in some cases could include judgments against us that require us to pay damages, enjoin us from certain activities, or otherwise affect our legal or contractual rights, which could have a significant adverse effect on our business.
 
We are exposed to the risk of liability claims, for which we may not have adequate insurance.
 
Since we participate in the pharmaceutical industry, we may be subject to liability claims by employees, customers, end users and third parties. We intend to obtain proper insurance, however, there can be no assurance that any liability insurance we purchase will be adequate to cover claims asserted against us or that we will be able to maintain such insurance in the future. We intend to adopt prudent risk-management programs to reduce these risks and potential liabilities, however, we have not taken any steps to create these programs and have no estimate as to the cost or time required to do so and there can be no assurance that such programs, if and when adopted, will fully protect us. We may not be able to put risk management programs in place, or obtain insurance, if we are unable to retain the necessary expertise and/or are unsuccessful in raising necessary capital in the future. Our failure to obtain appropriate insurance, or to adopt and implement effective risk-management programs, as well as any adverse rulings in any legal matters, proceedings and other matters could have a material adverse effect on our business.
 
 
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Preclinical and clinical trials are conducted during the development of potential products and other treatments to determine their safety and efficacy for use by humans. Notwithstanding these efforts, when our treatments are introduced into the marketplace, unanticipated side effects may become evident. Manufacturing, marketing, selling and testing our product candidates under development or to be acquired or licensed, entails a risk of product liability claims. We could be subject to product liability claims in the event that our product candidates, processes, or products under development fail to perform as intended. Even unsuccessful claims could result in the expenditure of funds in litigation and the diversion of management time and resources, and could damage our reputation and impair the marketability of our product candidates and processes. While we plan to maintain liability insurance for product liability claims, we may not be able to obtain or maintain such insurance at a commercially reasonable cost. If a successful claim were made against us, and we lacked insurance or the amount of insurance were inadequate to cover the costs of defending against or paying such a claim or the damages payable by us, we would experience a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
 
We could be subject to product liability lawsuits based on the use of our product candidates in clinical testing or, if obtained, following marketing approval and commercialization. If product liability lawsuits are brought against us, we may incur substantial liabilities and may be required to cease clinical testing or limit commercialization of our product candidates.
 
We could be subject to product liability lawsuits if any product candidate we develop allegedly causes injury or is found to be otherwise unsuitable for human use during product testing, manufacturing, marketing or sale. Any such product liability claims may include allegations of defects in manufacturing, defects in design, a failure to warn of dangers inherent in the product, negligence, strict liability and a breach of warranties. Claims could also be asserted under state consumer protection acts. If we cannot successfully defend ourselves against product liability claims, we may incur substantial liabilities or be required to limit commercialization of our product candidates, if approved. Even successful defense would require significant financial and management resources. Regardless of the merits or eventual outcome, liability claims may result in:
 
 
decreased demand for our product candidates;
 
withdrawal of clinical trial participants;
 
initiation of investigations by regulators;
 
costs to defend the related litigation;
 
a diversion of management’s time and our resources;
 
substantial monetary awards to trial participants or patients;
 
product recalls, withdrawals or labeling, marketing or promotional restrictions;
 
loss of revenues from product sales; and
 
the inability to commercialize our product candidates.
 
Our inability to retain sufficient product liability insurance at an acceptable cost to protect against potential product liability claims could prevent or inhibit the clinical testing and commercialization of products we develop. We may wish to obtain additional such insurance covering studies or trials in other countries should we seek to expand those clinical trials or commence new clinical trials in other jurisdictions or increase the number of patients in any clinical trials we may pursue. We also may determine that additional types and amounts of coverage would be desirable at later stages of clinical development of our product candidates or upon commencing commercialization of any product candidate that obtains required approvals. However, we may not be able to obtain any such additional insurance coverage when needed on acceptable terms or at all. If we do not obtain or retain sufficient product liability insurance, we could be responsible for some or all of the financial costs associated with a product liability claim relating to our preclinical and clinical development activities, in the event that any such claim results in a court judgment or settlement in an amount or of a type that is not covered, in whole or in part, by any insurance policies we may have or that is in excess of the limits of our insurance coverage. We may not have, or be able to obtain, sufficient capital to pay any such amounts that may not be covered by our insurance policies.
 
 
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We rely on third parties to conduct preclinical and clinical trials of our product candidates. If these third parties do not successfully carry out their contractual duties or meet expected deadlines, we may not be able to obtain regulatory approval for or commercialize our product candidates and our business could be substantially harmed.
 
We rely, and expect to continue to rely, upon third-party CROs to execute our preclinical and clinical trials and to monitor and manage data produced by and relating to those trials. However, we may not be able to establish arrangements with CROs when needed or on terms that are acceptable to us, or at all, which could negatively affect our development efforts with respect to our drug product candidates and materially harm our business, operations and prospects.
 
We will have only limited control over the activities of the CRO we will engage to conduct our clinical trials including the University of Minnesota for our Phase II clinical trial for GTB-1550 and Phase I clinical trial for GTB-3550. Nevertheless, we are responsible for ensuring that each of our studies is conducted in accordance with the applicable protocol, legal, regulatory and scientific standards, and our reliance on any CRO does not relieve us of our regulatory responsibilities. Based on our present expectations, we, our CROs and our clinical trial sites are required to comply with good clinical practices (“GCPs”) for all of our product candidates in clinical development. Regulatory authorities enforce GCPs through periodic inspections of trial sponsors, principal investigators and trial sites. If we or any of our CROs fail to comply with applicable GCPs, the clinical data generated in the applicable trial may be deemed unreliable and the FDA, EMA or comparable foreign regulatory authorities may require us to perform additional clinical trials before approving a product candidate for marketing, which we may not have sufficient cash or other resources to support and which would delay our ability to generate revenue from any sales of such product candidate. In addition, our clinical trials are required to be conducted with product produced in compliance with cGMPs. Our or our CROs’ failure to comply with those regulations may require us to repeat clinical trials, which would also require significant cash expenditures and delay the regulatory approval process.
 
Agreements governing relationships with CROs generally provide those CROs with certain rights to terminate a clinical trial under specified circumstances. If a CRO that we have engaged terminates its relationship with us during the performance of a clinical trial, we would be forced to seek an engagement with a substitute CRO, which we may not be able to do on a timely basis or on commercially reasonable terms, if at all, and the applicable trial would experience delays or may not be completed. In addition, our CROs are not our employees, and except for remedies available to us under any agreements we enter with them, we are unable to control whether or not they devote sufficient time and resources to our clinical, nonclinical and preclinical programs. If CROs do not successfully carry out their contractual duties or obligations or meet expected deadlines, if they need to be replaced or if the quality or accuracy of the clinical data they obtain is compromised due to a failure to adhere to our clinical protocols, regulatory requirements or for other reasons, our clinical trials may be extended, delayed or terminated and we may not be able to obtain regulatory approval for, or successfully commercialize, the affected product candidates. As a result, our operations and the commercial prospects for the effected product candidates would be harmed, our costs could increase and our ability to generate revenues could be delayed.
 
We contract with third parties for the supply of product candidates for clinical testing and expect to contract with third parties for the manufacturing of our product candidates for large-scale testing and commercial supply. This reliance on third parties increases the risk that we will not have sufficient quantities of our product candidates or products or such quantities at an acceptable cost, which could delay, prevent or impair our development or commercialization efforts.
 
We anticipate continuing our engagement of third parties to provide our clinical supply as we advance our product candidates into and through clinical development, and we depend on third parties to produce and maintain sufficient quantities of material to supply our clinical trials. If these third parties do not produce and maintain adequate supplies of clinical material, our development efforts could be significantly delayed, or could incur substantially higher costs. We expect in the future to use third parties for the manufacture of our product candidates for clinical testing, as well as for commercial manufacture. We plan to enter into long-term supply agreements with several manufacturers for commercial supplies. We may be unable to reach agreement on satisfactory terms with contract manufacturers to manufacture our product candidates. Additionally, the facilities to manufacture our product candidates must be the subject of a satisfactory inspection before the FDA or other regulatory authorities approve a marketing authorization for the product candidate manufactured at that facility. We will depend on these third-party manufacturers for compliance with the FDA’s and international regulatory authority requirements for the manufacture of our finished products. We do not control the manufacturing process of, and are completely dependent on, our contract manufacturers for compliance with cGMPs. If our manufacturers cannot successfully manufacture material that conforms to our specifications and the FDA and other regulatory authorities’ cGMP requirements, they will not be able to secure and/or maintain regulatory approval for their manufacturing facilities. In addition, we have no control over the ability of our contract manufacturers to maintain adequate quality control, quality assurance and qualified personnel. If the FDA or a comparable foreign regulatory authority does not approve these facilities for the manufacture of our product candidates or if it withdraws any such approval in the future, we may need to find alternative manufacturing facilities, which would significantly impact our ability to develop, obtain regulatory approval for or market our product candidates, if approved, and may subject us to recalls or enforcement action for products already on the market.
 
 
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If any of our product candidates are approved and contract manufacturers fail to deliver the required commercial quantities of finished product on a timely basis and at commercially reasonable prices, and we are unable to find one or more replacement manufacturers capable of production at a substantially equivalent cost, in substantially equivalent volumes and quality and on a timely basis, we would likely be unable to meet demand for our products and could lose potential revenue. It may take several years to establish an alternative source of supply for our product candidates and to have any such new source approved by the FDA or any other relevant regulatory authorities.
 
We currently have no marketing and sales force. If we are unable to establish effective marketing and sales capabilities or enter into agreements with third parties to market and sell our product candidates, we may not be able to effectively market and sell our product candidates, if approved, or generate product revenues.
 
We currently do not have a marketing or sales team for the marketing, sales and distribution of any of our product candidates that are able to obtain regulatory approval. In order to commercialize any product candidates, we must build on a territory-by-territory basis marketing, sales, distribution, managerial and other non-technical capabilities or make arrangements with third parties to perform these services, and we may not be successful in doing so. If our product candidates receive regulatory approval, we intend to establish an internal sales and marketing team with technical expertise and supporting distribution capabilities to commercialize our product candidates, which will be expensive and time consuming and will require significant attention of our executive officers to manage. Any failure or delay in the development of our internal sales, marketing and distribution capabilities would adversely impact the commercialization of any of our products that we obtain approval to market. With respect to the commercialization of all or certain of our product candidates, we may choose to collaborate, either globally or on a territory-by-territory basis, with third parties that have direct sales forces and established distribution systems, either to augment our own sales force and distribution systems or in lieu of our own sales force and distribution systems. If we are unable to enter into such arrangements when needed on acceptable terms or at all, we may not be able to successfully commercialize any of our product candidates that receive regulatory approval or any such commercialization may experience delays or limitations. If we are not successful in commercializing our product candidates, either on our own or through collaborations with one or more third parties, our future product revenue will suffer and we may incur significant additional losses.
 
Our business and operations would suffer in the event of system failures.
 
Despite the implementation of security measures, our internal computer systems and those of our contractors and consultants are vulnerable to damage from computer viruses, unauthorized access, natural disasters, terrorism, war and telecommunication and electrical failures. While we have not experienced any such system failure, accident or security breach to date, if such an event were to occur and cause interruptions in our operations, it could result in a material disruption of our drug development programs. For example, the loss of clinical trial data from completed or ongoing or planned clinical trials could result in delays in our regulatory approval efforts and we may incur substantial costs to attempt to recover or reproduce the data. If any disruption or security breach resulted in a loss of or damage to our data or applications, or inappropriate disclosure of confidential or proprietary information, we could incur liability and/or the further development of our product candidates could be delayed.
 
 
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Our operations are vulnerable to interruption by natural disasters, power loss, terrorist activity and other events beyond our control, the occurrence of which could materially harm our business.
 
Businesses located in California have, in the past, been subject to electrical blackouts as a result of a shortage of available electrical power, and any future blackouts could disrupt our operations. We are vulnerable to a major earthquake, wildfire and other natural disasters, and we have not undertaken a systematic analysis of the potential consequences to our business as a result of any such natural disaster and do not have an applicable recovery plan in place. We do not carry any business interruption insurance that would compensate us for actual losses from interruption of our business that may occur, and any losses or damages incurred by us could cause our business to materially suffer.
 
Epidemic or pandemic outbreaks such as COVID-19 (coronavirus), natural disasters, whether or not caused by climate change, unusual weather conditions, terrorist acts and political events, could disrupt business and result in halting our clinical trials and otherwise adversely affect our financial performance.
 
The occurrence of one or more natural disasters, such as tornadoes, hurricanes, fires, floods and earthquakes, unusual weather conditions, epidemic outbreaks, terrorist attacks or disruptive political events in certain regions where our operations are located could adversely affect our business. Epidemic or pandemic outbreaks, such as COVID-19 (coronavirus) could impact our management and our ability to conduct clinical trials. For example, we were required to temporarily halt our Phase I clinical trial with GTB-3550 for 30 days in March 2020 as result of restrictions on hospital operation implemented in reaction to the coronavirus pandemic. This also may affect the market conditions that would limit our ability to raise additional capital. This could have a sustained material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
 
We have not held regular annual meetings in the past, and if we are required by the Delaware Court of Chancery to hold an annual meeting pursuant to Section 211(c) of the Delaware General Corporation Law (the “DGCL”) it could result in the unanticipated expenditure of funds, time and other Company resources.
 
Section 2.2 of our bylaws provides that an annual meeting shall be held each year on a date and at a time designated by our Board of Directors (the “Board”), and Section 211(b) of the DGCL provides for an annual meeting of stockholders to be held for the election of directors. Section 211(c) of the DGCL provides that if there is a failure to hold the annual meeting for a period of 13 months after the latest to occur of the organization of the corporation, its last annual meeting or last action by written consent to elect directors in lieu of an annual meeting, the Delaware Court of Chancery may order a meeting to be held upon the application of any stockholder or director. Section 211(c) also provides that the failure to hold an annual meeting shall not affect otherwise valid corporate acts or result in a forfeiture or dissolution of the corporation.
 
We have not held regular annual meetings in the past because a substantial majority of our stock is owned by a small number of stockholders, making it easy to obtain written consent in lieu of a meeting when necessary. In light of our historical liquidity constraints, handling matters by written consent has allowed our Company to save on the financial and administrative resources required to prepare for and hold such annual meetings. To our knowledge, no stockholder or director has requested our Company’s management to hold such an annual meeting and no stockholder or director has applied to the Delaware Court of Chancery seeking an order directing our company to hold a meeting. However, if one or more stockholders or directors were to apply to the Delaware Court of Chancery seeking such an order, and if the Delaware Court of Chancery were to order an annual meeting before we are prepared to hold one, the preparation for the annual meeting and the meeting itself could result in the unanticipated expenditure of funds, time and other Company resources.
 
Risks Related to this Offering and Our Common Stock
 
There has been a limited public market for our common stock, and we do not know whether one will develop to provide you adequate liquidity. Furthermore, the trading price for our common stock, should an active trading market develop, may be volatile and could be subject to wide fluctuations in per-share price.
 
Our common stock has been approved for listing on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the trading symbol “GTBP”; historically, however, there has been a limited public market for our common stock. We cannot assure you that an active trading market for our common stock will develop or be sustained. The liquidity of any market for the shares of our common stock will depend on a number of factors, including:
 
 
the number of stockholders;
 
our operating performance and financial condition;
 
the market for similar securities;
 
the extent of coverage of us by securities or industry analysts; and
 
the interest of securities dealers in making a market in the shares of our common stock.
 
 
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Even if an active trading market develops, the market price for our common stock may be highly volatile and could be subject to wide fluctuations. In addition, the price of shares of our common stock could decline significantly if our future operating results fail to meet or exceed the expectations of market analysts and investors and actual or anticipated variations in our quarterly operating results could negatively affect our share price.
 
The volatility of the price of our common stock may also be impacted by the risks discussed under this “Risk Factors” section, in addition to other factors, including:
 
 
developments in the financial markets and worldwide or regional economies;
 
announcements of innovations or new products or services by us or our competitors;
 
announcements by the government relating to regulations that govern our industry;
 
significant sales of our common stock or other securities in the open market;
 
variations in interest rates;
 
changes in the market valuations of other comparable companies; and
 
changes in accounting principles.
 
Our outstanding warrants and preferred stock may affect the market price and liquidity of the common stock.
 
As of December 31, 2020, after giving effect to the issuance of the Settlement Shares and the Settlement Warrants pursuant to the Settlement Agreement and before giving effect to the 1-for-17 reserve stock split described in this prospectus, we had approximately 77.5 million shares of common stock outstanding and had outstanding warrants for the purchase of up to approximately 7.8 million additional shares of common stock at an exercise price of $0.20 per share, all of which are exercisable as of the date of this prospectus (subject to certain beneficial ownership limitations). We also had outstanding 96,230 shares of Series C preferred stock (the “Series C Preferred Stock”) and 2,353,548 shares of Series J-1 Preferred Stock as of the date of this prospectus, which preferred stock is convertible into up to approximately 11.8 million additional shares of common stock at any time (subject to certain beneficial ownership limitations). In addition, as described more fully below, holders of our convertible notes and debentures may elect to receive a substantial number of shares of common stock upon conversion of the notes and, at each holder’s option, we will pay accrued interest on such notes in shares of our common stock. The amount of common stock reserved for issuance may have an adverse impact on our ability to raise capital and may affect the price and liquidity of our common stock in the public market. In addition, the issuance of these shares of common stock will have a dilutive effect on current stockholders’ ownership.
 
The conversion of outstanding convertible notes and debentures into shares of common stock, and the issuance of common stock by us as payment of accrued interest upon our convertible notes and debentures, could materially dilute our current stockholders.
 
As of January 31, 2021, after giving effect to (i) the issuance of the December 2020/ January 2021 Notes, the November 2020 Notes, the September 2020 Notes, the July 2020 Notes and the May 2020 Notes and (ii) the issuance of the Settlement Notes pursuant to the Settlement Agreement, we had approximately $38.8 million aggregate principal amount of convertible notes and debentures outstanding. The convertible notes and debentures are convertible into shares of our common stock at fixed conversion prices, which may be less than the market price of our common stock at the time of conversion, and which may be subject to future adjustment due to certain events, including the issuance by the Company of common stock or common stock equivalents at an effective price per share lower than the conversion rate then in effect. If the entire principal is converted into shares of common stock (including approximately $3.9 million in default amounts accrued with respect to the Default Notes), we would be required to issue an aggregate of no less than 84.5 million shares of common stock. If we issue all of these shares, the ownership of our current stockholders will be diluted.
 
 
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Further, at each holder’s option, we will pay interest on the convertible notes and debentures in shares of common stock based on the then current conversion price. Such interest could further dilute our current stockholders.
 
Because our common stock may be deemed a low-priced “penny” stock, an investment in our common stock should be considered high-risk and subject to marketability restrictions.
 
Historically, the trading price of our common stock has been $5.00 per share or lower, and deemed a penny stock, as defined in Rule 3a51-1 under the Exchange Act, and subject to the penny stock rules of the Exchange Act specified in rules 15g-1 through 15g-100. Those rules require broker–dealers, before effecting transactions in any penny stock, to:
 
 
deliver to the customer, and obtain a written receipt for, a disclosure document;
 
disclose certain price information about the stock;
 
disclose the amount of compensation received by the broker-dealer or any associated person of the broker-dealer;
 
send monthly statements to customers with market and price information about the penny stock; and
 
in some circumstances, approve the purchaser’s account under certain standards and deliver written statements to the customer with information specified in the rules.
 
Consequently, the penny stock rules may restrict the ability or willingness of broker-dealers to sell the common stock and may affect the ability of holders to sell their common stock in the secondary market and the price at which such holders can sell any such securities. These additional procedures could also limit our ability to raise additional capital in the future.
 
Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) sales practice requirements may also limit a stockholder’s ability to buy and sell our common stock, which could depress the price of our common stock.
 
In addition to the “penny stock” rules described above, FINRA has adopted rules that require a broker-dealer to have reasonable grounds for believing that the investment is suitable for that customer before recommending an investment to a customer. Prior to recommending speculative low-priced securities to their non-institutional customers, broker-dealers must make reasonable efforts to obtain information about the customer’s financial status, tax status, investment objectives and other information. Under interpretations of these rules, FINRA believes that there is a high probability that speculative low-priced securities will not be suitable for at least some customers. Thus, the FINRA requirements make it more difficult for broker-dealers to recommend that their customers buy our common stock, which may limit your ability to buy and sell our shares of common stock, have an adverse effect on the market for our shares of common stock, and thereby depress our price per share of common stock.
 
If securities or industry analysts do not publish research or reports about our business, or if they issue an adverse or misleading opinion regarding our stock, our stock price and trading volume could decline.
 
The trading market for our common stock may be influenced by the research and reports that industry or securities analysts publish about us or our business. We do not currently have, and may never obtain, research coverage by securities and industry analysts. If no or few securities or industry analysts commence coverage of us, the trading price for our common stock may be negatively affected. In the event that we receive securities or industry analyst coverage, if any of the analysts who cover us issue an adverse or misleading opinion regarding us, our business model, our intellectual property or our stock performance, or if our operating results fail to meet the expectations of analysts, our stock price would likely decline. If one or more of these analysts cease coverage of us or fail to publish reports on us regularly, we could lose visibility in the financial markets, which in turn could cause our stock price or trading volume to decline.
 
 
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Anti-takeover provisions may limit the ability of another party to acquire us, which could cause our stock price to decline.
 
Delaware law and our restated certificate of incorporation (“certificate of incorporation”), our restated bylaws (“bylaws”) and other governing documents contain provisions that could discourage, delay or prevent a third party from acquiring us, even if doing so may be beneficial to our stockholders, which could cause our stock price to decline. In addition, these provisions could limit the price investors would be willing to pay in the future for shares of our common stock.
 
We do not currently or for the foreseeable future intend to pay dividends on our common stock.
 
We have never declared or paid any cash dividends on our common stock. We currently anticipate that we will retain future earnings for the development, operation and expansion of our business and do not anticipate declaring or paying any cash dividends for the foreseeable future. As a result, any return on your investment in our common stock will be limited to the appreciation in the price of our common stock, if any.
 
An investment in this offering may result in uncertain U.S. federal income tax consequences.
 
An investment in this offering may result in uncertain U.S. federal income tax consequences. For instance, because there are no authorities that directly address instruments similar to the Units part of this offering, the allocation an investor makes with respect to the purchase price of a Unit between the common stock and Common Warrant included in each Unit (or between the Pre-Funded Warrant and Common Warrant included in each Pre-Funded Unit) could be challenged by the Internal Revenue Service or courts. See “Material United States Federal Income Tax Considerations” for a summary of the U.S. federal income tax considerations of an investment in our securities. Prospective investors are urged to consult their own tax advisors with respect to these and other tax consequences when acquiring, owning or disposing of our securities.
 
Risks Relating to this Offering and our Reverse Stock-Split
 
Our Bridge Notes automatically convert at the closing of this offering at the lower of $4.00 per Unit or a 30% discount to the offering price of the Units, and our Settlement Warrants will be cancelled and shares issued as a result, all of which could negatively impact trading in our securities. On March 6, 2020, we completed the offering of $1,992,000 of the Bridge Notes that provided for the automatic conversion into shares of our common stock at the closing of this offering at the lower of $4.00 per share or a 30% discount to the offering price of the Units. Purchasers of the Bridge Notes also received warrants (the “Settlement Warrants”) in the private placement. On June 15, 2020, we entered into agreements with the holders of the Bridge Notes to provide that the Bridge Notes will automatically convert upon the closing of this offering into shares of our common stock and warrants underlying the Units at the lower of $4.00 per Unit or a 30% discount to the public offering price of the Units. As of June 15, 2020, two holders representing $200,000 in the aggregate of the outstanding Bridge Notes have not yet signed the agreement. The agreements further provide that, immediately upon the closing of this offering, the Settlement Warrants will be cancelled and in lieu thereof each holder will receive 0.4 of a share of common stock for each share formerly underlying such cancelled 2020 Warrant. As a result, the investors in this offering will experience immediate dilution when the Bridge Notes are automatically converted into shares of our common stock and warrants and the Settlement Warrants are cancelled and shares in lieu thereof are issued at the closing of this offering. We estimate that approximately 517,403 shares and warrants to purchase 517,403 shares will be issuable upon conversion of the Bridge Notes, assuming a $3.85 conversion price and not taking into account interest earned, and 199,200 shares will be issued to holders upon cancellation of the Settlement Warrants. We have agreed to register the shares and warrants underlying the Bridge Notes, as well as the shares underlying the warrants issued upon automatic conversion of the Bridge Notes, and the shares issued upon cancellation of the Settlement Warrants for resale under the Securities Act. The holders of the Bridge Notes and Settlement Warrants have agreed to certain lock-up provisions with respect to the securities received upon conversion of the Bridge Notes and Settlement Warrants as described below under “Underwriting—Lock-up Agreements.” The automatic conversion of the Bridge Notes into shares of our common stock and warrants and issuance of shares upon cancellation of the Settlement Warrants will be dilutive to our holders and could negatively impact the trading market and price of our common stock following the offering.
 
 
 
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Our management team will have immediate and broad discretion over the use of net proceeds from this offering and may not use them effectively.
 
We intend to use the net proceeds of this offering for general corporate purposes, which includes, among other purposes, the funding and expansion of our ongoing clinical trials and the continued development of our pipeline of candidate products. See “Use of Proceeds. However, our management will still have broad discretion in the application of such proceeds. Our shareholders may not agree with the manner in which our management chooses to allocate the net proceeds from this offering. The failure by our management to apply these funds effectively could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operation. Pending their use, management may invest the net proceeds from this offering in a manner that does not produce income. The decisions made by our management may not result in positive returns on your investment, and you will not have an opportunity to evaluate the economic, financial or other information upon which our management bases its decisions.
 
You may experience immediate and substantial dilution in the net tangible book value of the common shares you purchase.
 
The offering price of the common shares underlying the Units and the Pre-Funded Units offered pursuant to this prospectus is substantially higher than the net tangible book value per share. Therefore, if you purchase Units or Pre-Funded Units, you will incur immediate and substantial dilution in the pro forma net tangible book value per common share from the price per unit that you pay for the underlying share. If the holders of outstanding options or warrants exercise those options or warrants at prices below the offering price, you will incur even further dilution. See “Dilution.
 
There is no public market for the Common Warrants or Pre-Funded Warrants being offered.
 
There is no established public trading market for the Common Warrants or Pre-Funded Warrants being offered pursuant to this offering, nor do we expect such a market to develop. We do not intend to apply to list any Common Warrants or Pre-Funded Warrants on any securities exchange or other nationally recognized trading system, including NASDAQ. Without an active market, the liquidity of such Common Warrants and Pre-Funded Warrants will be limited.
 
Holders of the Common Warrants and Pre-Funded Warrants purchased pursuant to this offering will have no rights as common shareholders until such holders exercise the Common Warrants and Pre-Funded Warrants and acquire our common shares.
 
Holders of Common Warrants and Pre-Funded Warrants purchased in this offering only acquire our common shares upon exercise thereof, meaning holders will have no rights with respect to the shares of our common shares underlying such warrants. Upon the exercise of any of the warrants purchased, such holders will be entitled to exercise the rights of a shareholder only as to matters for which the record date occurs after the exercise date. The Common Warrants and the Underwriter Warrants are speculative in nature. The Common Warrants being sold in this offering have an exercise price equal to the public offering price of the Units, the Pre-Funded Warrants $0.001 per share, and the Underwriter Warrants have an exercise price equal to 125% of the public offering price of the Units. The Common Warrants will expire on the fifth anniversary from the issuance date, and the Underwriter Warrants will expire on the fifth anniversary from the effective date of this offering. In the event our common share price does not exceed the per share exercise price of the Common Warrants or the Underwriter Warrants during the period when such warrants are exercisable, such warrants will not have any value.
 
 
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USE OF PROCEEDS
 
We estimate that our net proceeds from this offering will be approximately $21,523,000 million, based on a public offering price of $5.50 per Unit after deducting the underwriters’ fees and estimated offering expenses payable by us. If the underwriters exercise their option to purchase additional Units in full, we estimate that the net proceeds to be received by us will be approximately $3,028,700, after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us.
 
If a holder of Common Warrants elects to exercise the Common Warrants issued in this offering, we may also receive proceeds from the exercise of the Common Warrants. We cannot predict when or if the Common Warrants will be exercised. It is possible that the Common Warrants may expire and may never be exercised.
 
We intend to use the net proceeds of this offering for general corporate purposes, which includes, among other purposes, the funding and expansion of our ongoing clinical trials and the continued development of our pipeline of candidate products.
 
Our expected use of net proceeds from the offering represents our current intentions based upon our present plans and business condition. Investors are cautioned, however, that expenditures may vary substantially from these uses. Investors will be relying on the judgment of our management, who will have broad discretion regarding the application of the proceeds of this offering. The amounts and timing of our actual expenditures will depend upon numerous factors, including the amount of cash generated by our operations, the amount of competition and other operational factors. We may find it necessary or advisable to use portions of the proceeds from this offering for other purposes.
 
 
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MARKET INFORMATION
 
Our common stock has been approved for listing on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “GTBP.” Our common stock is also quoted on several European based exchanges, including Berlin (GTBP.BE), Frankfurt (GTBP.DE), the Euronext (GTBP.NX) and Paris (GTBP.PA).
 
Stockholders
 
As of January 31, 2021, there were 52 stockholders of record. This total does not include stockholders who hold their shares in “street name.” The transfer agent for our common stock is Computershare, whose address is 8742 Lucent Blvd., Suite 225, Highland Ranch, CO 80129.
 
Dividends
 
We have not paid any dividends on our common stock to date and do not anticipate that we will pay dividends in the foreseeable future. Any payment of cash dividends on our common stock in the future will be dependent upon the amount of funds legally available, our earnings, if any, our financial condition, our anticipated capital requirements and other factors that the Board may think are relevant. However, we currently intend for the foreseeable future to follow a policy of retaining all of our earnings, if any, to finance the development and expansion of our business and, therefore, do not expect to pay any dividends on our common stock during such time.
 
 
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CONSOLIDATED CAPITALIZATION
 
The following table presents the number of our issued and outstanding shares of common stock and our consolidated cash and cash equivalents and capitalization as at September 30, 2020: (i) on an actual basis; and (ii) on an as adjusted basis to give effect to the reverse stock split of the outstanding shares of our common stock at a 1-for-17 ratio, the issuance of $11.1 million aggregate principal amout of certain convertible notes since September 30, 2020, the sale by us of 4,300,000 Units in this offering at the public offering price of $5.50 per Unit (assuming no sale of Pre-Funded Units), and the conversion of $37.7 million in principal and accrued interest of convertible notes and 2,353,548 shares of Series J-1 preferred stock that will be subject to mandatory conversion as a result of this offering, after deducting estimated underwriter fees and estimated offering expenses payable by us, and excluding the proceeds, if any, from the exercise of over-allotment option or the exercise of the Common Warrants and Underwriter Warrants issued pursuant to this offering.
 
The information below has been derived from and should be read in conjunction with, and is qualified in its entirety by, our unaudited consolidated financial statements as at September 30, 2020; and for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, and the Management’s Discussion and Analysis thereon, incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement. Figures, other than shares, are in  U.S. dollars.
 
 
 
September 30, 2020
 
(in thousands)
 
Actual
 
 
As Adjusted
 
Number of Common Shares issued and outstanding
  77,518 
  20,654 
Cash and cash equivalents
  350 
  21,873 
Shareholders’ equity
  (29,777)
  29,492 
Share capital
  103 
  119 
Other capital
  550,984 
  610,237 
Deficit
  (580,695)
  (580,695)
Accumulated other comprehensive income
  - 
  - 
Total shareholders’ equity and total capitalization
  (29,777)
  29,492 
 
The number of shares of common stock that will be outstanding both before and immediately after this offering is based on 77,518,614 shares outstanding as of September 30, 2020, and excludes as of such date before giving effect to the 1-for-17 reverse stock split:
 
 
3.8 million shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of outstanding warrants at a weighted average exercise price of $0.20 per share;
 
40 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of outstanding stock;
 
87 shares of common stock reserved for future issuance under our 2014 Stock Incentive Plan;
 
shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of warrants to be issued to investors in this offering; and
 
shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of the Underwriter Warrants to be issued to the underwriters.
 
 
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DILUTION
 
If you invest in our common stock and warrants, your interest will be diluted immediately to the extent of the difference between the public offering price per unit and the as-adjusted net tangible book value per share after this offering.
 
The net tangible book value (deficit) of our common stock as of September 30, 2020 was approximately ($29,777,000), or approximately ($6.53) per share. Net tangible book value per share represents the amount of our total tangible assets less total liabilities divided by the total number of our shares of common stock outstanding as of September 30, 2020 as adjusted to give effect to the reverse stock split of the outstanding shares of common stock of the Company at a 1-for-17 ratio.
 
After giving effect to the sale of 4,300,000 Units in this offering at the public offering price of $5.50 per Unit, and no sale of Pre-Funded Units, after deducting estimated underwriter fees and estimated offering expenses payable by us, and excluding the proceeds, if any, from the exercise of the Common Warrants and Underwriter Warrants issued pursuant to this offering, our as adjusted net tangible book value as of September 30, 2020 would have been approximately ($8,254,000), or approximately ($0.93) per share. This represents an immediate increase in net tangible book value of approximately $5.60 per share to our existing security holders and an immediate dilution in as-adjusted net tangible book value of approximately $6.43 per share to purchasers of units in this offering, as illustrated by the following table:
 
Public offering price per Unit
 $5.50 
Consolidated net tangible book value per Common Share
 $(6.53
Increase in consolidated net tangible book value per Common Share
 $5.60 
As adjusted consolidated net tangible book value per Common Share
 $(0.93
Dilution per Common Share to new investors participating in this offering
 $6.43 
 
If the underwriters exercise their option to purchase 645,000 additional Units in full, the as adjusted net tangible book value of our common stock after this offering would be ($4,990,300) per share, representing an immediate increase in net tangible book value of approximately $6.01 per share to existing stockholders and an immediate dilution of $6.03 per share to the investors in this offering, after deducting the underwriting discount and estimated offering expenses payable by us.
 
To the extent that outstanding options or warrants outstanding as of September 30, 2020, have been or may be exercised or other shares issued, investors participating in this offering may experience further dilution. In addition, we may choose to raise additional capital due to market conditions or strategic considerations even if we believe we have sufficient funds for our current or future operating plans. To the extent that additional capital is raised through the sale of equity or convertible debt securities, the issuance of these securities could result in further dilution to our stockholders.
 
 
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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
Overview
 
We are a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of novel immuno-oncology products based off our proprietary Tri-specific Killer Engager (TriKE™) and Tetra-specific Killer Engager (TetraKE™). Our TriKE and TetraKE platforms generate proprietary therapeutics designed to harness and enhance the cancer killing abilities of a patient’s own NK cells. Once bound to an NK cell, our moieties are designed to enhance the NK cell and precisely direct it to one or more specifically-targeted proteins expressed on a specific type of cancer cell or virus infected cell, ultimately resulting in the targeted cell’s death. TriKEs and TetraKEs are made up of recombinant fusion proteins, can be designed to target any number of tumor antigens on hematologic malignancies, sarcomas or solid tumors and do not require patient-specific customization.
 
Recent Developments
 
Financings
 
In December 2020 and January 2021, we entered into a securities purchase agreement with sixty-five purchasers pursuant to which we issued the December 2020 / January 2021 Notes.
 
The December 2020 / January 2021 Notes are convertible at any time, at the holder’s option, into shares of our common stock at an initial conversion price of $0.20 per share, subject to certain beneficial ownership limitations (with a maximum ownership limit of 9.99%). The conversion price is also subject to adjustment due to certain events, including stock dividends, stock splits and in connection with the issuance by the Company of common stock or common stock equivalents at an effective price per share lower than the conversion rate then in effect. The December 2020 / January 2021 Notes will be subject to mandatory conversion in the event of the completion of a future financing in the amount of at least $15 million at a conversion price equal to the lesser of (i) the conversion price in effect for the December 2020 / January 2021 Notes on the date of completion of such financing or (ii) 75% of the lowest per share price at which common stock may be issued in connection with any conversion rights associated with the financing, in each case, subject to the beneficial ownership limitations described above.
 
The December 2020 / January 2021 Notes each have a term of six months and mature in June or July, 2021, as applicable, unless earlier converted or repurchased. The December 2020 / January 2021 Notes accrue interest at a rate of 10% per annum, subject to increase to 18% per annum upon and during the occurrence of an event of default. Interest is payable in cash or, at the holder’s option, in shares of common stock based on the conversion price then in effect. We may not prepay the December 2020 / January 2021 Notes without the prior written consent of the applicable holder.
 
November 2020 Financing
 
In November, 2020, we entered into a securities purchase agreement with three purchasers pursuant to which we issued the November 2020 Notes.
 
The November 2020 Notes are convertible at any time, at the holder’s option, into shares of our common stock at an initial conversion price of $0.20 per share, subject to certain beneficial ownership limitations (with a maximum ownership limit of 9.99%). The conversion price is also subject to adjustment due to certain events, including stock dividends, stock splits and in connection with the issuance by the Company of common stock or common stock equivalents at an effective price per share lower than the conversion rate then in effect. The November 2020 Notes will be subject to mandatory conversion in the event of the completion of a future financing in the amount of at least $15 million at a conversion price equal to the lesser of (i) the conversion price in effect for the November 2020 Notes on the date of completion of such financing or (ii) 75% of the lowest per share price at which common stock may be issued in connection with any conversion rights associated with the financing, in each case, subject to the beneficial ownership limitations described above.
 
The November 2020 Notes each have a term of six months and mature in May, 2021, unless earlier converted or repurchased. The November 2020 Notes accrue interest at a rate of 10% per annum, subject to increase to 18% per annum upon and during the occurrence of an event of default. Interest is payable in cash or, at the holder’s option, in shares of common stock based on the conversion price then in effect. We may not prepay the November 2020 Notes without the prior written consent of the applicable holder.
 
September 2020 Financing
 
On September 16, 2020, we entered into a securities purchase agreement with two purchasers pursuant to which we issued the September 2020 Notes in an aggregate principal amount of $250,000.
 
The September 2020 Notes are convertible at any time, at the holder’s option, into shares of our common stock at an initial conversion price of $0.20 per share, subject to certain beneficial ownership limitations (with a maximum ownership limit of 9.99%). The conversion price is also subject to adjustment due to certain events, including stock dividends, stock splits and in connection with the issuance by the Company of common stock or common stock equivalents at an effective price per share lower than the conversion rate then in effect. The September 2020 Notes will be subject to mandatory conversion in the event of the completion of a future financing in the amount of at least $15 million at a conversion price equal to the lesser of (i) the conversion price in effect for the September 2020 Notes on the date of completion of such financing or (ii) 75% of the lowest per share price at which common stock may be issued in connection with any conversion rights associated with the financing, in each case, subject to the beneficial ownership limitations described above.
 
 
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The September 2020 Notes each have a term of six months and mature on March 16, 2021, unless earlier converted or repurchased. The September 2020 Notes accrue interest at a rate of 10% per annum, subject to increase to 18% per annum upon and during the occurrence of an event of default. Interest is payable in cash or, at the holder’s option, in shares of common stock based on the conversion price then in effect. We may not prepay the September 2020 Notes without the prior written consent of the applicable holder.
 
July 2020 Financing
 
On July 7, 2020, we entered into a securities purchase agreement with ten purchasers pursuant to which we issued the July 2020 Notes in an aggregate principal amount of approximately $3.2 million.
 
The July 2020 Notes are convertible at any time, at the holder’s option, into shares of our common stock at an initial conversion price of $0.20 per share, subject to certain beneficial ownership limitations (with a maximum ownership limit of 9.99%). The conversion price is also subject to adjustment due to certain events, including stock dividends, stock splits and in connection with the issuance by the Company of common stock or common stock equivalents at an effective price per share lower than the conversion rate then in effect. The July 2020 Notes will be subject to mandatory conversion in the event of the completion of a future financing in the amount of at least $15 million at a conversion price equal to the lesser of (i) the conversion price in effect for the July 2020 Notes on the date of completion of such financing or (ii) 75% of the lowest per share price at which common stock may be issued in connection with any conversion rights associated with the financing, in each case, subject to the beneficial ownership limitations described above.
 
The July 2020 Notes each have a term of six months and mature on January 7, 2021, unless earlier converted or repurchased. The July 2020 Notes accrue interest at a rate of 10% per annum, subject to increase to 18% per annum upon and during the occurrence of an event of default. Interest is payable in cash or, at the holder’s option, in shares of common stock based on the conversion price then in effect. We may not prepay the July 2020 Notes without the prior written consent of the applicable holder.
 
May 2020 Financing
 
Between April 20, 2020 and May 7, 2020, we entered into securities purchase agreements with eight purchasers pursuant to which we issued convertible notes in an aggregate principal amount of approximately $2.0 million.
 
The May 2020 Notes are convertible at any time, at the holder’s option, into shares of our common stock at an initial conversion price of $0.20 per share, subject to certain beneficial ownership limitations (with a maximum ownership limit of 9.99%). The conversion price is also subject to adjustment due to certain events, including stock dividends, stock splits and in connection with the issuance by the Company of common stock or common stock equivalents at an effective price per share lower than the conversion rate then in effect. The May 2020 Notes will be subject to mandatory conversion in the event of the completion of a future financing in the amount of at least $15 million at a conversion price equal to the lesser of (i) the conversion price in effect for the May 2020 Notes on the date of completion of such financing or (ii) 75% of the lowest per share price at which common stock may be issued in connection with any conversion rights associated with the financing, in each case, subject to the beneficial ownership limitations described above.
 
The May 2020 Notes each have a term of six months and mature between October 20, 2020 and November 7, 2020, unless earlier converted or repurchased. The May 2020 Notes accrue interest at a rate of 10% per annum, subject to increase to 18% per annum upon and during the occurrence of an event of default. Interest is payable in cash or, at the holder’s option, in shares of common stock based on the conversion price then in effect. We may not prepay the May 2020 Notes without the prior written consent of the applicable holder.
 
January 2020 Financing
 
On January 30, 2020, we entered into a securities purchase agreement with one purchaser pursuant to which we issued the January 2020 Notes in an aggregate principal amount of $0.2 million.
 
 
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The January 2020 Notes are convertible at any time, at the holder’s option, into shares of our common stock at an initial conversion price of $0.20 per share, subject to certain beneficial ownership limitations (with a maximum ownership limit of 9.99%). The conversion price is also subject to adjustment due to certain events, including stock dividends, stock splits and in connection with the issuance by the Company of common stock or common stock equivalents at an effective price per share lower than the conversion rate then in effect.
 
The January 2020 Notes have a term of eight months and mature on September 30, 2020, unless earlier converted or repurchased. The January 2020 Notes accrue interest at a rate of 10% per annum, subject to increase to 18% per annum upon and during the occurrence of an event of default. Interest is payable in cash or, at the holder’s option, in shares of common stock based on the conversion price then in effect. We may not prepay the January 2020 Notes without the prior written consent of the holder.
 
For additional information regarding the terms of our convertible notes and debentures, including the Bridge Notes, and the securities purchase agreements pursuant to which they were issued, see “Indebtedness—Convertible Notes/Debentures” below.
 
Manufacturing Agreement
 
Effective October 5, 2020, the Company entered into a Master Services Agreement (the “MSA”), with Cytovance Biologics, Inc., (“Cytovance”), a subsidiary of Shenzhen Hepalink Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd. Cytovance is headquartered in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
 
Under the MSA, the Company will engage Cytovance as the exclusive manufacture for three of the Company’s TriKE™ therapeutic product candidates. Cytovance will manufacture TriKE™ using Cytovance’s proprietary Keystone® bacterial or mammalian expression systems. Subject to the completion of certain milestones by Cytovance, GT Biopharma has the option to pay Cytovance up to $6 million for its manufacturing services in either cash or in shares of the Company’s common stock valued at the time Cytovance achieves each of several milestones over the next 12 months.
 
Forbearance Agreements
 
Effective as of June 23, 2020, we entered into the Forbearance Agreements with the holders of approximately $13.2 million aggregate principal amount of the Default Notes, which are currently in default. Pursuant to the Forbearance Agreements, the holders of the Default Notes have agreed to forbear from exercising their rights and remedies under the Default Notes (including declaring such Default Notes (together with default amounts and accrued and unpaid interest) immediately due and payable) until the earlier of (i) the date that we complete a New Financing or (ii) the Termination Date.
 
Pursuant to the Forbearance Agreement, the holders of the Default Notes have also agreed that the Default Notes (together with default amounts and accrued and unpaid interest) will be converted into common stock upon the closing of a New Financing at a conversion price equal to the lesser of (i) the conversion price in effect for the Default Notes on the date of such New Financing or (ii) 75% of the lowest per share price at which common stock is or may be issued in connection with such New Financing, in each case, subject to certain beneficial ownership limitations (with a maximum ownership limit of 9.99%). Shares of our Series J-1 Preferred Stock, which are convertible into the Company’s common stock, will be issued in lieu of common stock to the extent that conversion of the Default Notes is prohibited by such beneficial ownership limitations.
 
For additional information regarding the terms of the Forbearance Agreements, see “Indebtedness—Forbearance Agreements” below.
 
Extension Agreements
 
Effective as of November 9, 2020, we entered into the New Financing with the holders of approximately $1.2 million aggregate principal amount of our outstanding convertible notes and debentures to extend the maturity date thereof until the earlier of (i) the date that we complete a future financing in the amount of at least $15 million and, in connection therewith, commences listing on NASDAQ or (ii) the Termination Date.
 
 
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Settlement with Empery Funds
 
Settlement Agreement
 
On June 19, 2020, we entered into the Empery Settlement Agreement with the Empery Funds, Anthony Cataldo and Paul Kessler resolving all remaining disputes between the parties pertaining to the Original Securities issued by the Company to the Empery Funds in January 2018 pursuant to a securities purchase agreement. See “Description of Business—Legal Proceedings.”
 
As a result of the Empery Settlement Agreement, the Company paid the Empery Funds cash payments in an aggregate amount of $0.2 million. In addition, pursuant to the Empery Settlement Agreement, the Company issued to the Empery Funds, solely in exchange for the outstanding Original Securities, (i) an aggregate of 3.5 million shares of common stock, (ii) pre-funded warrants to purchase an aggregate of 5.5 million shares of common stock and (iii) senior convertible notes in an aggregate principal amount of $0.45 million.
 
Settlement Notes
 
The Empery Settlement Notes are convertible at any time, at the holder’s option, into shares of common stock at an initial conversion rate of $0.20 per share, subject to certain beneficial ownership limitations (with a maximum ownership limit of 4.99%). The conversion price is also subject to adjustment due to certain events, including stock dividends, stock splits and in connection with the issuance by the Company of common stock or common stock equivalents at an effective price per share lower than the conversion rate then in effect.
 
By way of the Empery Note Amendments, the maturity date of each Empery Settlement Note was extended to March 19, 2021. The Empery Settlement Notes bear interest at a rate of 10% per annum, subject to increase to 18% per annum upon and during the occurrence of an event of default. Interest is payable in cash or, at the holder’s option, in shares of common stock based on the conversion price then in effect. As a result of the Empery Note Amendments, the principal amount of each of the Empery Settlement Notes was increased by fifteen percent (15%).  The current principal amount of the Empery Settlement Notes, after giving effect to the Empery Note Amendments, is $517,500. By entry into the Empery Note Amendments, the Empery Funds agreed to refrain from selling, assigning or otherwise transferring or agreeing to transfer any securities of the Company, until the earlier of January 31, 2021 and the date that the Company completes the New Financing. 
 
Pursuant to the terms of the Empery Settlement Notes, the Company is required to make an offer to repurchase, at the holder’s option, the Empery Settlement Notes at price in cash equal to 100% of the aggregate principal amount of the Empery Settlement Note plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the date of repurchase following the consummation by the Company of a capital raising transactions, or a series of transactions, resulting in aggregate gross proceeds to the Company in excess of $7.5 million. The Company may not otherwise prepay the Empery Settlement Notes without the prior written consent of the applicable Empery Funds.
 
For additional information regarding the terms of the Settlement Notes and Settlement Agreement, see “ Indebtedness—Convertible Notes/Debentures” below.
 
Settlement Warrants
 
The Settlement Warrants provide for the purchase of up to an aggregate of 5.5 million shares of common stock at an exercise price of $0.20 per share, subject to adjustment in certain circumstances, and expire on June 19, 2025. Exercise of the warrant is subject to certain additional terms and conditions, including certain beneficial ownership limitations (with a maximum ownership limit of 4.99%).
 
Theorem Settlement
 
Settlement Agreement
 
On November 9, 2020, the Company, entered into the Theorem Settlement Agreement with the Claimants resolving all remaining disputes and claims between the parties pertaining to certain securities purchase agreements pursuant to which the Claimants purchased from the Company convertible warrants and preferred stock. As a result of the Theorem Settlement Agreement, the Company has agreed to issue the Theorem Settlement Notes. The Theorem Settlement Agreement also contains certain representations and warranties and covenants, including limitations on future variable rate transactions and “at-the-market offerings.”
 
Settlement Notes
 
The Theorem Settlement Notes are convertible, at the option of the applicable Claimant, at any time into shares of common stock at an initial conversion rate of $0.20 per share, subject to certain beneficial ownership limitations. The conversion price is also subject to adjustment due to certain events, including stock dividends, stock splits and in connection with the issuance by the Company of common stock or common stock equivalents at an effective price per share lower than the conversion rate then in effect. By way of the Theorem Note Amendments, the Theorem Settlement Notes maturity date was extended to February 15, 2021. The Theorem Settlement Notes bear interest at a rate of 10% per annum, subject to increase to 18% per annum upon and during the occurrence of an event of default. Interest is payable in cash or, at the holder’s option, in shares of common stock based on the conversion price then in effect. The Company may not prepay the Theorem Settlement Notes without the prior written consent of the applicable Claimant.
 
 
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The Theorem Settlement Notes contain a number of other affirmative and negative covenants and events of default (including events of default related to certain change of control and other fundamental change transactions). Following an event of default, the Theorem Settlement Notes will become immediately due and payable in cash at a mandatory default amount equal to 130% of the outstanding principal amount of the Theorem Settlement Notes plus all other amounts, costs and expenses due in respect of the Theorem Settlement Notes.
 
Alto B Settlement
 
Settlement Agreement
 
On December 22, 2020, the Company entered into the Alto B Settlement Agreement with Alto B, Anthony Cataldo and Paul Kessler resolving all remaining disputes and claims between the parties pertaining to the Alto B Original Securities issued by the Company to Alto B in January 2018.
 
As a result of the Alto B Settlement Agreement, the Company has agreed to pay Alto B a cash payment in the amount of $180,000. In addition, pursuant to the Alto B Settlement Agreement, the Company has agreed to issue Alto B, solely in exchange for the outstanding Alto B Original Securities, the Alto B Settlement Securities. In connection with the exchange, the Alto B Original Securities will be cancelled and extinguished.
 
The Alto B Settlement Agreement also contains certain representations and warranties and covenants, including limitations on future variable rate transactions and “at-the-market offerings.”
  
Settlement Notes
 
The Alto B Settlement Note is convertible, at the option of Alto B, at any time into shares of common stock of the Company at an initial conversion rate of $0.20 per share, subject to certain beneficial ownership limitations. The conversion price is also subject to adjustment due to certain events, including stock dividends, stock splits and in connection with the issuance by the Company of common stock or common stock equivalents at an effective price per share lower than the conversion rate then in effect. By way of the Alto B Note Amendment, the Alto B Settlement Note maturity date was extended to February 15, 2021. The Alto B Settlement Note bears interest at a rate of 10% per annum, subject to increase to 18% per annum upon and during the occurrence of an event of default. Interest is payable in cash or, at the holder’s option, in shares of common stock based on the conversion price then in effect.
 
Pursuant to the terms of the Alto B Settlement Note, the Company is required to make an offer to repurchase, at the option of Alto B, the Alto B Settlement Note at price in cash equal to 100% of the aggregate principal amount of the Alto B Settlement Note plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the date of repurchase following the consummation by the Company of a capital raising transactions, or a series of transactions, resulting in aggregate gross proceeds to the Company in excess of $7.5 million. The Company may not prepay the Alto B Settlement Note without the prior written consent of Alto B.
 
The Alto B Settlement Note contains a number of other affirmative and negative covenants and events of default (including events of default related to certain change of control and other fundamental change transactions). Following an event of default, the Alto B Settlement Note will become immediately due and payable in cash at a mandatory default amount equal to 130% of the outstanding principal amount of the Alto B Settlement Note plus all other amounts, costs and expenses due in respect of the Alto B Settlement Note.
 
 
Collaboration Agreement
 
On March 10, 2020, we entered into a collaboration agreement with Cytovance® Biologics, a USA-based contract development and manufacturing organization and a subsidiary of Hepalink, to provide development services for a TriKE therapeutic for the treatment of the coronavirus infection. Under the terms of the collaboration agreement, the companies will focus on preparing sufficient quantities of our coronavirus TriKE drug product for preclinical evaluation using Cytovance’s E. coli-based Keystone Expression System™ and subsequently, will scale-up production using Cytovance’s GMP microbial manufacturing platform for evaluation of TriKE in humans to treat the coronavirus infection.
 
 
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Results of Operations
 
Comparison of the Three Months Ended September 30, 2020 and 2019
 
Research and Development Expenses
 
During the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, we incurred $0.0 and $0.6 thousand of research and development expenses, respectively. Research and development costs decreased, less clinical expenses. We anticipate our direct clinical costs will increase in the last quarter of 2020 with the continuation of our Phase I clinical trial of our most advanced TriKe product candidate, GTB-3550.
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses
 
During the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, we incurred $2 million and $3.6 million of selling, general and administrative expenses, respectively.  The decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses is primarily attributable the reduction of payroll and stock compensation expenses.
 
Loss on impairment
 
For the three months ended September 30, 2019, the Company recorded an intangible asset impairment charge of $4.6 million related to the portfolio of CNS IPR&D assets, which represents the excess carrying value compared to fair value. The impairment charge was the result the sale of certain assets and prioritization for immuno-oncology development candidates.
 
Interest Expense
 
Interest expenses were $0.9 million and $0.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.  The increase is primarily due to the accrual of default interest under the Default Notes.
 
Comparison of the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020 and 2019
 
Research and Development Expenses
 
During the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, we incurred $252 thousand and $1.7 million of research and development expenses, respectively. Research and development costs decreased due primarily to the reduction of employee, consultant and preclinical expenses. We anticipate our direct clinical costs will increase in the 4th quarter of 2020 upon the continuation of our Phase I clinical trial of our most advanced TriKE product candidate, GTB-3550.
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses
 
During the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, we incurred $4.3 million and $8.9 million of selling, general and administrative expenses, respectively.  The decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses is primarily attributable the reduction of payroll and stock compensation expenses.
 
Loss on impairment
 
For the three months ended September 30, 2019, the Company recorded an intangible asset impairment charge of $4.6 million related to the portfolio of CNS IPR&D assets, which represents the excess carrying value compared to the fair value. The impairment charge was the result of the sale of certain assets and prioritization for immuno-oncology development candidates.
 
Interest Expense
 
Interest expenses were $6.2 million and $1.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.  The increase is primarily due to the accrual of default interest under the Default Notes.
 
 
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Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
The Company’s current operations have focused on business planning, raising capital, establishing an intellectual property portfolio, hiring and conducting preclinical studies and clinical trials. The Company does not have any product candidates approved for sale and has not generated any revenue from product sales. The Company has sustained operating losses since inception and expects such losses to continue over the foreseeable future. During the nine months ended September 30, 2020, the Company raised $5.7 million through a series of issuances of Convertible Notes. We anticipate that cash utilized for selling, general and administrative expenses will range between $1 and $2 million in the coming quarters, while research and development expenses will vary depending on clinical activities. The Company is pursuing several alternatives to address this situation, including the raising of additional funding through equity or debt financings. In order to finance existing operations and pay current liabilities over the next 12 months, the Company will need to raise an additional $18 million of capital.
 
The financial statements of the Company have been prepared on a going-concern basis, which contemplates the realization of assets and the satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business. Accordingly, the financial statements do not include any adjustments that might be necessary should the Company be unable to continue in existence.
 
The Company has incurred substantial losses and negative cash flows from operations since its inception and has an accumulated deficit of $580 million and cash of $350 thousand as of September 30, 2020. The Company anticipates incurring additional losses until such time, if ever, that it can generate significant sales or revenue from out-licensing of its products currently in development. Substantial additional financing will be needed by the Company to fund its operations and to commercially develop its product candidates. These factors raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern.
 
Management is currently evaluating different strategies to obtain the required funding for future operations. These strategies may include but are not limited to: public offerings of equity and/or debt securities, payments from potential strategic research and development, licensing and/or marketing arrangements with pharmaceutical companies. Management has also implemented cost saving efforts, including reduction in executive salaries and reduced travel. Management believes that these ongoing and planned financing endeavors, if successful, will provide adequate financial resources to continue as a going concern for at least the next nine months from the date the financial statements are issued; however, there can be no assurance in this regard. If the Company is unable to secure adequate additional funding, its business, operating results, financial condition and cash flows may be materially and adversely affected.
 
Indebtedness
 
Convertible Notes/Debentures
 
As of the date of this prospectus, after giving effect to (i) the issuance of the December 2020/January 2021 Notes, the November 2020 Notes, the September 2020 Notes, the July 2020 Notes and the May 2020 Notes and (ii) the issuance of the Settlement Notes, we had approximately $38.8 million aggregate principal amount of convertible notes and debentures outstanding that were issued pursuant to securities purchase agreements (or, in the case of the Settlement Notes, the applifcable Settlement Agreement) entered into with numerous investors.
 
The convertible notes and debentures are convertible at any time, at the holder’s option, into shares of our common stock at an initial conversion rate, subject to certain beneficial ownership limitations (which vary between maximum ownership of between 4.99% and 9.99%). The conversion price is also generally subject to adjustment due to certain events, including stock dividends, stock splits and in connection with the issuance by the Company of common stock or common stock equivalents at an effective price per share lower than the conversion rate then in effect. The conversion price for each of our outstanding convertible notes and debentures is currently $0.20 per share. In addition, the July 2020 Notes and the May 2020 Notes will be subject to mandatory conversion in connection with the completion of a future financing in the amount of at least $15 million, subject to the beneficial ownership limitations described above.
 
 
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The convertible notes and debentures generally have terms of six months to one year. The convertible notes and debentures each accrue interest at a rate of 10% per annum, subject to increase to 18% per annum upon and during the occurrence of an event of default with respect to certain of our convertible notes and debentures. Interest is payable in cash or, with respect to certain of our convertible notes and debentures, and at the holder’s option, in shares of common stock based on the conversion price then in effect.
 
Pursuant to the terms of the Settlement Notes, the Company is required to make an offer to repurchase, at the holder’s option, the Settlement Notes at price in cash equal to 100% of the aggregate principal amount of the Settlement Note plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the date of repurchase following the consummation by the Company of a capital raising transactions, or a series of transactions, resulting in aggregate gross proceeds to the Company in excess of $7.5 million. Generally, we otherwise do not have the right to prepay any of the convertible notes and debentures without the prior written consent of the holders of such securities.
 
The convertible notes and debentures contain a number of affirmative and negative covenants and customary events of default. See “Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Business—Our current and future indebtedness may impose significant operating and financial restrictions on us and affect our ability to access liquidity.
 
The securities purchase agreements and Settlement Agreement, as applicable, also generally contain certain ongoing covenants of the Company, including rights of participation in certain future financing transactions, limitations on future variable rate transactions at “at-the-market” offerings and “most favored nation” provisions giving holders of certain of the convertible notes and debentures the benefit of any terms or conditions under which the Company agrees to issue or sell any common stock or common stock equivalents that are more favorable to an investor than the terms and conditions granted to such holder under the applicable securities purchase agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby.
 
The convertible notes and debentures are senior obligations of the Company. In addition, approximately $1.4 million aggregate principal amount of the convertible note and debenture are secured by a first priority security interest in substantially all of the assets of the Company and its subsidiaries. Certain convertible note and debentures are also secured by individual pledges by certain of our current and former officers and directors of our common stock owned by such officer and directors.
 
For additional information about our convertible notes and debentures, see Note 2 to our unaudited financial statements, Debt.
 
Forbearance Agreements
 
Effective as of June 23, 2020, we entered into the Forbearance Agreements with the holders of $13.2 million aggregate principal amount of the Default Notes, which are currently in default. Pursuant to the Forbearance Agreements, the holders of the Default Notes have agreed to forbear from exercising their rights and remedies under the Default Notes (including declaring such Default Notes (together with default amounts and accrued and unpaid interest) immediately due and payable) until the earlier of (i) the date that we complete a New Financing or (ii) the Termination Date. As a result of the ongoing default, the Default Notes are currently accruing interest at the default rate of 18% per annum and have also accrued defaults in an aggregate amount of $3.9 million.
 
The obligations of the holders to forbear from exercising their rights and remedies under the Default Notes pursuant to the Forbearance Agreements will terminate on the earliest of (i) the Termination Date, (ii) the date of any bankruptcy filing by the Company or its subsidiaries, (iii) the date on which the Company defaults on any of the terms and conditions of the Forbearance Agreements or (iv) the date the Forbearance Agreements are otherwise terminated or expire.
 
The Forbearance Agreements contain various customary and other representations, warranties and covenants of the Company and the holders of the Default Notes, including an agreement that the Default Notes (together with default amounts and accrued and unpaid interest) will be converted into common stock upon the closing of a New Financing at a conversion price equal to the lesser of (i) the conversion price in effect for the Default Notes on the date of such New Financing or (ii) 75% of the lowest per share price at which common stock is or may be issued in connection with such New Financing, in each case, subject to certain beneficial ownership limitations (with a maximum ownership limit of 9.99%). Shares of our Series J-1 Preferred Stock, which are convertible into the Company’s common stock, will be issued in lieu of common stock to the extent that conversion of the Default Notes is prohibited by such beneficial ownership limitations.
 
 
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Gemini Financing Agreement
 
On November 8, 2010, the Company entered into a financing arrangement with Gemini Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a product development and manufacturing partner of the Company, pursuant to which Gemini Pharmaceuticals made a $250,000 strategic equity investment in the Company and agreed to make a $750,000 purchase order line of credit facility available to the Company. The outstanding principal of all advances under the line of credit bear interest at the rate of interest of prime plus 2% per annum. There is $31,000 due on this credit line at September 30, 2020.
 
Critical Accounting Policies
 
We consider the following accounting policies to be critical given they involve estimates and judgments made by management and are important for our investors’ understanding of our operating results and financial condition.
 
Basis of Consolidation
 
The consolidated financial statements contained in this report include the accounts of GT Biopharma, Inc. and its subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.
 
Long-Lived Assets
 
Our long-lived assets include property, plant and equipment, capitalized costs of filing patent applications and goodwill and other assets. We evaluate our long-lived assets for impairment in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 360, whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. Estimates of future cash flows and timing of events for evaluating long-lived assets for impairment are based upon management’s judgment. If any of our intangible or long-lived assets are considered to be impaired, the amount of impairment to be recognized is the excess of the carrying amount of the assets over its fair value.
 
Applicable long-lived assets are amortized or depreciated over the shorter of their estimated useful lives, the estimated period that the assets will generate revenue, or the statutory or contractual term in the case of patents. Estimates of useful lives and periods of expected revenue generation are reviewed periodically for appropriateness and are based upon management’s judgment. Goodwill and other assets are not amortized.
 
Certain Expenses and Liabilities
 
On an ongoing basis, management evaluates its estimates related to certain expenses and accrued liabilities. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ materially from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
 
Inflation
 
We believe that inflation has not had a material adverse impact on our business or operating results during the periods presented.
 
Off-balance Sheet Arrangements
 
We have no off-balance sheet arrangements as of December 31, 2020.
 
 
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DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS
 
We are a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of novel immuno-oncology products based off our proprietary Tri-specific Killer Engager (TriKE™) and Tetra-specific Killer Engager (TetraKE™). Our TriKE and TetraKE platforms generate proprietary therapeutics designed to harness and enhance the cancer killing abilities of a patient’s own NK cells. Once bound to an NK cell, our moieties are designed to enhance the NK cell and precisely direct it to one or more specifically-targeted proteins expressed on a specific type of cancer cell or virus infected cell, ultimately resulting in the targeted cell’s death. TriKEs and TetraKEs are made up of recombinant fusion proteins, can be designed to target any number of tumor antigens on hematologic malignancies, sarcomas or solid tumors and do not require patient-specific customization.
 
We are using our TriKE and TetraKE platforms with the intent to bring to market immuno-oncology products that can treat a range of hematologic malignancies, sarcoma and solid tumors. The platforms are scalable, and we are putting processes in place to be able to produce IND-ready moieties in a timely manner after a specific TriKE or TetraKE conceptual design. After conducting market and competitive research, specific moieties can then be advanced into the clinic on our own or through potential collaborations with larger companies. We are also evaluating, in conjunction with our Scientific Advisory Board, additional moieties designed to target different tumor antigens. We believe our TriKEs and TetraKEs may have the ability, if approved for marketing, to be used on a stand-alone basis, augment the current monoclonal antibody therapeutics, be used in conjunction with more traditional cancer therapy and potentially overcome certain limitations of current CAR-T therapy.
 
We are also using our TriKE and TetraKE platforms to develop therapeutics useful for the treatment of infectious disease such as for the treatment of patients infected by HIV. While the use of anti-retroviral drugs has substantially improved the health and increased the longevity of individuals infected with HIV, these drugs are designed to suppress virus replication to help modulate progression to AIDS and to limit further transmission of the virus. Despite the use of anti-retroviral drugs, infected individuals retain reservoirs of latent HIV-infected cells that, upon cessation of anti-retroviral drug therapy, can reactivate and reestablish an active HIV infection. For a curative therapy, destruction of these latent HIV infected cells must take place. The HIV-TriKE contains the antigen binding fragment (Fab) from a broadly-neutralizing antibody targeting the HIV-Env protein. The HIV-TriKE is designed to target HIV while redirecting NK cell killing specifically to actively replicating HIV infected cells. The HIV-TriKE induced NK cell proliferation and demonstrated the ability in vitro to reactivate and kill HIV-infected T-cells. These findings indicate a potential role for the HIV-TriKE in the reactivation and elimination of the latently infected HIV reservoir cells by harnessing the NK cell’s ability to mediate the ADCC.
 
Our initial work has been conducted in collaboration with the Masonic Cancer Center at the University of Minnesota under a program led by Dr. Jeffrey Miller, the Deputy Director. Dr. Miller is a recognized leader in the field of NK cell and IL-15 biology and their therapeutic potential. We have exclusive rights to the TriKE and TetraKE platforms and are generating additional intellectual property around specific moieties.
 
Immuno-Oncology Platform
 
Tri-specific Killer Engagers (TriKEs) and Tetra-specific Killer Engagers (TetraKEs)
 
The generation of chimeric antigen receptor (“CAR”) expressing T cells from monoclonal antibodies has represented an important step forward in cancer therapy. These therapies involve the genetic engineering of T cells to express either CARs, or T cell receptors, (“TCRs”), and are designed such that the modified T cells can recognize and destroy cancer cells. While a great deal of interest has recently been placed upon CAR-T therapy, it has certain limitations for broad potential applicability because it can require an individual approach that is expensive and time consuming, and may be difficult to apply on a large scale. NK cells represent an important immunotherapeutic target as they are involved in tumor immune-surveillance, can mediate ADCC, contain pre-made granules with perforin and granzyme B and can quickly secrete inflammatory cytokines, and unlike T cells they do not require antigen priming and can kill cells in the absence of major histocompatibility complex (“MHC”) presentation of antigens. We believe there is a continued unmet medical need for targeted immuno-oncology therapies that can have the potential to be dosed in a patient-friendly outpatient setting, can be used on a stand-alone basis, augment the current monoclonal antibody therapeutics or be used in conjunction with more traditional cancer therapy. We believe our TriKE and TetraKE constructs have this potential and therefore we have generated, and intend to continue to generate, a pipeline of product candidates to be advanced into the clinic on our own or through potential collaborations with larger companies.
 
 
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GTB-3550 TriKE™ and GTB-3550 TriKE™ Phase I/II Clinical Trial
 
GTB-3550 is the Company’s first TriKE™ product candidate which is a single-chain, tri-specific recombinant fusion protein construct composed of the variable regions of the heavy and light chains of anti-CD16 and anti-CD33 antibodies and a modified form of IL-15. The GTB-3550 Phase I/II clinical trial for treatment of patients with CD33-expressing, high risk MDSs, refractory/relapsed acute myeloid leukemia or advanced systemic mastocytosis opened for patient enrollment September 2019. The clinical trial is being conducted at the University of Minnesota’s Masonic Cancer Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota under the direction of Dr. Erica Warlick.
 
NK cells represent an important immunotherapeutic target as they are involved in tumor immune-surveillance, can mediate ADCC, contain pre-made granules with perforin and granzyme B and can quickly secrete inflammatory cytokines, and unlike T cells they do not require antigen priming and can kill cells in the absence of MHC presentation.
 
Unlike full-length antibodies, TriKEs and TetraKEs are small single-chain fusion proteins that bind the CD16 receptor of NK cells directly producing a potent and lasting response, as demonstrated by preclinical studies. An additional benefit they may have is attractive biodistribution, as a consequence of their smaller size, which we expect to be important in the treatment of solid tumors. In addition to these advantages, TriKEs and TetraKEs are designed to be non-immunogenic, have appropriate clearance properties and can be engineered quickly to target a variety of tumor antigens.
 
Background and Select Non-Clinical Data
 
In conjunction with our research agreement with the Masonic Cancer Center at the University of Minnesota, the exploration of targeting NK cells to a variety of tumors initially focused on novel bi-specific killer engagers (“BiKEs”) composed of the variable portions of antibodies targeting the CD16 activating receptor on NK cells and CD33 (AML and MDS; see figure below), CD19/CD22 (B cell lymphomas), or EpCAM (epithelial tumors (breast, colon and lung)) on the tumor cells.
 
 
Subsequently, a tri-specific (TriKE) construct that replaced the linker molecule between the CD16 scFv and the CD33 scFv with a modified IL-15 molecule, containing flanking sequences, was generated and tested. Data indicate that the CD16 x IL-15 x CD33 and CD16 x IL-15 x EpCAM TriKEs potently induce proliferation of healthy donor NK cells, possibly greater than that induced by exogenous IL-15, which is absent in the BiKE platform. Targeted delivery of the IL-15 through the TriKE also resulted in specific expansion of the NK cells without inducing T cell expansion on post-transplant patient samples.
 
 
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When compared to the CD16 x CD33 BiKE, the CD16 x IL-15 x CD33 TriKE is also capable of potently restoring killing capacity of post-transplant NK cells against CD33-expressing HL-60 targets and primary AML blasts. These results demonstrated the ability to functionally incorporate an IL-5 cytokine into the BiKE platform and also demonstrated the possibility of targeting a variety of cytokines directly to NK cells while reducing off-target effects and the amount of cytokines needed to obtain biologically relevant function.
 
The figure below is a schematic of a BiKE construct (top) and a TriKE construct (bottom), which has the modified IL-15 linker between the CD16 scFv and the CD33 scFv components.
 
 
The TriKE constructs were also tested against three separate human tumor cell lines: HL-60 (promyelocitic leukemia), Raji (Burkitt’s lymphoma) and HT29 (colorectal adenocarcinoma), in addition to a model for ovarian cancer. All cell lines contained the Luc reporter to allow for in vivo imaging of the tumors. These systems were used to show in vivo efficacy of BiKEs (1633) and TriKEs (GTB-3550) against relevant human tumor targets (HL-60-luc) over an extended period of time. The system consisted of initial conditioning of mice using radiation (250-275 cGy), followed by injection of the tumor cells (I.V. for HL-60-luc and Raji-luc, intra-splenic for HT29-luc and IP for ovarian for MA-148-luc), a three-day growth phase, injection of human NK cells and repeated injection of the drugs of interest, BiKE and TriKE (three to five times a week). Imaging was carried out at day 7, 14 and 21, and extended as needed.
 
Figure A below shows the results (tumor burden and mortality) when dosing NK cells alone (top panel), the BiKE version (lacking IL-15) of GTB-3550 (middle panel; called 1633) and the TriKE, GTB-3550 (bottom panel; then called 161533) in the above described human tumor model, HL-60-luc. In the NK-cell-only arm, two out of the five mice were dead by day 21 with two of the surviving mice having extensive tumor burden as depicted by the colored images. In contrast, all five mice in each of the BiKE and TriKE arms survived. In addition, the tumor burden in the TriKE-treated mice was significantly less than in the BiKE-treated mice, demonstrating the improved efficacy from NK cells in the TriKE-treated mice.
 
 
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Based on these results, and others, the IND for GTB-3550 was filed in June 2017 by the University of Minnesota. The FDA requested that additional preclinical toxicology be conducted prior to initiating clinical trials. The FDA also requested some additional information and clarifications on the manufacturing and clinical packages. The requested additional information and clarifications were completed and incorporated by us into the IND in eCTD format. We filed the IND amendment in June 2018 and announced on November 1, 2018 that we had received notification from the FDA that the IND was open and the Company was authorized to initiate a first-in-human Phase I study with GTB-3550 in AML, MDS and severe mastocytosis. We began the Phase I clinical trial in January 2020.
 
Generation of humanized single-domain antibody targeting CD16 for incorporation into the TriKE platform
 
To develop second generation TriKEs, we designed a new humanized CD16 engager derived from a single-domain antibody. While scFvs consist of a heavy and a light variable chain joined by a linker, single-domain antibodies consist of a single variable heavy chain capable of engaging without the need of a light chain counterpart (see figure below).
 
 
 
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These single-domain antibodies are thought to have certain attractive features for antibody engineering, including physical stability, ability to bind deep grooves and increased production yields, amongst others. Pre-clinical studies demonstrated increased activity (NK Cell Degranulation) and functionality (NC Cell Cytokine Production) of the single-domain CD16 TriKE (GTB-C3550) compared to the original TriKE (GTB-3550) (see figure below). This data was presented at the 2017 American Society of Hematology Conference.
 
 
Targeting Solid Tumors and Other Potentially Attractive Characteristics
 
Unlike full-length antibodies, TriKEs and TetraKEs are small single-chain fusion proteins that bind the CD16 receptor of NK cells directly producing a potentially more potent and lasting response as demonstrated by preclinical studies. An additional benefit that they may have is an attractive biodistribution, because of their smaller size, which we expect to be important in the treatment of solid tumors. In addition to these potential advantages, TriKEs and TetraKEs are designed to be non-immunogenic, have appropriate clearance properties and can be engineered quickly to target a variety of tumor antigens. We believe these attributes make them an ideal pharmaceutical platform for potentiated NK cell-based immunotherapies and have the potential to overcome some of the limitations of CAR-T therapy and other antibody therapies.
 
Examples of our earlier stage solid tumor targeting product candidates are focused on EpCAM, Her2, Mesothelin (mesothelioma and lung adenocarcinoma) and CD133 alone and in combination. We believe certain of these constructs have the potential to target prostate, breast, colon, ovarian, liver, and head and neck cancers. Depending on the availability of drug supply, we hope to initiate human clinical testing for certain of our solid tumor product candidates later this year.
 
Efficient Advancement of Potential Future Product Candidates - Production and Scale Up
 
We are using our TriKE and TetraKE platforms with the intent to bring to market multiple immuno-oncology products that can treat a range of hematologic malignancies, sarcomas and solid tumors. The platforms are scalable and we are currently working with several third parties investigating the optimal expression system of the TriKEs and TetraKE constructs which we expect to be part of a process in which we are able to produce IND-ready moieties in approximately 90-120 days after the construct conceptual design.
 
After conducting market and competitive research, specific moieties can then be rapidly advanced into the clinic on our own or through potential collaborations with larger companies. We are currently evaluating over a dozen moieties and intend to announce additional clinical product candidates.
 
 
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We believe our TriKEs and TetraKEs will have the ability, if approved for marketing, to be used on a stand-alone basis, augment the current monoclonal antibody therapeutics, or be used in conjunction with more traditional cancer therapy and potentially overcome certain limitations of current CAR-T therapy.
 
Immuno-Oncology Product Candidates
 
Our TriKE product candidates, GTB-3550 and GTB-C3550, are single-chain, tri-specific scFv recombinant fusion proteins composed of the variable regions of the heavy and light chains (or heavy chain only) of anti-CD16 antibodies, wild-type or a modified form of IL-15 and the variable regions of the heavy and light chains of an antibody designed to precisely target a specific tumor antigen. We utilize the NK stimulating cytokine human IL-15 as a crosslinker between the two scFvs which is designed to provide a self-sustaining signal leading to the proliferation and activation of NK cells thus enhancing their ability to kill cancer cells mediated by ADCC.
 
Our TetraKE product candidates are single-chain fusion proteins composed of human single-domain anti-CD16 antibody, wild-type IL-15 and the variable regions of the heavy and light chains of two antibodies that are designed to target two specific tumor antigens expressed on specific types of cancer cells. An example of a TetraKE product candidate is GTB-1615 which is designed to target EpCAM and CD133 positive solid tumors. EpCAM is found on many solid tumor cells of epithelial origin and CD133 is a marker for cancer stem cells. GTB-1615 is designed to enable a patient’s NK cells to kill not only the heterogeneous population of cancer cells found in many solid tumors but also kill the cancer stem cells that can be responsible for recurrences.
 
In addition, we have recently terminated further development of GTB-1550, which targets CD19+ and/or CD22+ hematological malignancies following completion of the Phase II component of a Phase I/II NHL/ALL trial.
 
GTB-3550
 
GTB-3550 is our first TriKE product candidate. It is a single-chain, tri-specific scFv recombinant fusion protein conjugate composed of the variable regions of the heavy and light chains of anti-CD16 and anti-CD33 antibodies and a modified form of IL-15. We intend to study this anti-CD16-IL-15-anti-CD33 TriKE in CD33 positive leukemias, a marker expressed on tumor cells in AML, MDS, and other hematopoietic malignancies. CD33 is primarily a myeloid differentiation antigen with endocytic properties broadly expressed on AML blasts and, possibly, some leukemic stem cells. CD33 or Siglec-3 (sialic acid binding Ig-like lectin 3, SIGLEC3, SIGLEC3, gp67, p67) is a transmembrane receptor expressed on cells of myeloid lineage. It is usually considered myeloid-specific, but it can also be found on some lymphoid cells. The anti-CD33 antibody fragment that will be used for these studies was derived from the M195 humanized anti-CD33 scFV and has been used in multiple human clinical studies. It has been exploited as target for therapeutic antibodies for many years. We believe the recent approval of the antibody-drug conjugate gemtuzumab validates this targeted approach.
 
The GTB-3550 IND will focus on AML. These patients typically receive frontline therapy, usually chemotherapy, including cytarabine and an anthracycline, a therapy that has not changed in over 40 years. About half will have relapses and require alternative therapies. In addition, MDS incidence rates have dramatically increased in the population of the United States from 3.3 per 100,000 individuals from 2001-2004 to 70 per 100,000 annually, MDS is especially prevalent in elderly patients that have a median age of 76 years at diagnosis. The survival of patients with MDS is poor due to decreased eligibility, as a result of advanced age, for allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (Allo-HSCT), the only curative MDS treatment (Cogle CR. Incidence and Burden of the Myelodysplastic Syndromes. Curr Hematol Malig Rep. 2015; 10(3):272-281). We believe GTB-3550 could serve as a relatively safe, cost-effective and easy-to-use therapy for resistant/relapsing AML and could also be combined with chemotherapy as frontline therapy thus targeting the larger market.
 
The IND for GTB-3550 was filed in June 2017 by the University of Minnesota. The FDA requested that additional preclinical toxicology be conducted prior to initiating clinical trials. The FDA also requested some additional information and clarifications on the manufacturing and clinical packages. The requested additional information and clarifications were completed and incorporated by us into the IND in eCTD format. We filed the IND amendment in June 2018 and announced on November 1, 2018 that we had received notification from the FDA that the IND was open and the Company was authorized to initiate a first-in-human Phase I study with GTB-3550 in AML, MDS and severe mastocytosis. We began the Phase I clinical trial in January 2020.
 
 
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GTB-C3550
 
GTB-C3550 is a next-generation, follow-on, to our lead TriKE, GTB-3550. GTB-C3550 contains a modified CD16 moiety which has improved binding characteristics and enhanced tumor cell killing based on functional assays and animal models of AML. Using our platform technology, we substituted the anti-CD16 scFv arm in GTB-3550 with a novel humanized single-domain anti-CD16 antibody to create this second-generation molecule which may have improved functionality. Single-domain antibodies, such as GTB-C3550, typically have several advantages, including better stability and solubility, more resistance to pH changes, can better recognize hidden antigenic sites, lack of a VL portion thus preventing VH/VL mispairing and are suitable for construction of larger molecules. GTB-C3550 induced a potent increase in NK cell degranulation, measured by CD107a expression against HL-60 AML tumor targets when compared to our first-generation TriKE (70.75±3.65% vs. 30.75±5.05%). IFN production was similarly enhanced (29.2±1.8% vs. 6.55±1.07%). GTB-C3550 also exhibited a robust increase in NK cell proliferation (57.65±6.05% vs. 20.75±2.55%). GTB-3550 studies will help inform the development of GTB-C3550 which we expect will de-risk the GTB-C3550 program as data will be generated to make an informed decision on which, or both, will be brought into later phase studies.
 
GTB-1615
 
GTB-1615 is an example of our first-generation TetraKEs designed for the treatment of solid tumors. It is a single-chain fusion protein composed of CD16-IL15-EpCAM-CD133. EpCAM is found on many solid tumor cells of epithelial origin and CD133 is a marker for cancer stem cells. This TetraKE is designed to target not only the heterogeneous population of cancer cells found in solid tumors but also the cancer stem cells that are typically responsible for recurrences. Depending on the availability of drug supply, we hope to initiate human clinical testing for certain of our solid tumor product candidates later this year.
 
Our Strategy
 
Our goal is to be a leader in immuno-oncology therapies targeting a broad range of indications including hematological malignancies, sarcoma and solid tumors. Key elements of our strategy are to:
 
Rapidly advanced our Tri-specific Killer Engagers (TriKEs), GTB-3550 and GTB-C3550
 
Our TriKE and TetraKE product candidates have the potential to be groundbreaking therapies targeting a broad range of hematologic malignancies, sarcomas and solid tumors. We are preparing to study GTB-3550, an anti-CD16-IL-15-anti-CD33 TriKE in CD33 positive leukemias, a marker expressed on tumor cells in AML, MDS and other myeloid malignancies. We began a Phase I clinical trial in the fourth quarter of 2019 in patients with relapsed/refractory AML. The Phase I trial will be a dose finding study. We expect this will be closely followed by Phase II trials to determine the most efficacious dosing and cycles with the aim to maximize efficacy while minimizing on-target, off-disease adverse events.
 
GTB-C3550 contains a humanized single-domain anti-CD16 moiety which demonstrated improved binding characteristics and enhanced tumor cell killing based on functional assays and animal models of AML.
 
We have designed GTB-3550 and GTB-C3550, if approved for marketing, to serve as a relatively safe, cost-effective and easy-to-use therapies for resistant/relapsing AML or MDS which could also be combined with chemotherapy as frontline therapy thus targeting a broad AML/MDS market.
 
GTB-C3550 is a next-generation, follow-on, to our lead TriKE, GTB-3550. GTB-3550 studies will help inform the development of GTB-C3550. We believe this will de-risk the GTB-C3550 program as the data being generated will help to make informed decisions on which, or both, will be brought into later phase studies and in which patient populations.
 
Utilize our TriKE and TetraKE platform technologies to develop a robust pipeline of targeted immuno-oncology products targeting a wide range of hematologic malignancies, sarcomas and solid tumors for development on our own and through potential collaborations with larger pharmaceutical companies
 
 
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We are using our TriKE and TetraKE platforms with the intent to bring to market multiple, targeted, off-the-shelf therapies that can treat a range of hematologic malignancies, sarcomas and solid tumors. The platforms are scalable and we are currently working with several third parties investigating the optimal expression system of the TriKEs and TetraKE constructs which we expect to be part of a process in which we are able to produce IND-ready moieties in approximately 90-120 days after the construct conceptual design. After conducting market and competitive research, specific moieties can then be rapidly advanced into the clinic on our own or through potential collaborations with larger pharmaceutical companies.
 
We believe our TriKEs and TetraKEs will have the ability, if approved for marketing, to be used on a stand-alone basis, augment the current monoclonal antibody therapeutics, or be used in conjunction with more traditional cancer therapy and potentially overcome certain limitations of current CAR-T therapy.
 
Oncology Markets
 
B-cell Lymphomas/Leukemias
 
B-cell lymphoma is a type of cancer that forms in B cells (a type of immune system cell). B-cell lymphomas may be either indolent (slow-growing) or aggressive (fast-growing). Non-Hodgkin lymphoma has an incidence rate of 19.4 per 100,000 per year and B-cell lymphomas make up most (about 85%) of NHL in the United States. There are many different types of B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas. These include Burkitt lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL), diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, follicular lymphoma and mantle cell lymphoma.
 
Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
 
ALL is an acute form of leukemia, or cancer of the white blood cells, characterized by the overproduction and accumulation of immature white blood cells, known as lymphoblasts. In persons with ALL, lymphoblasts are overproduced in the bone marrow and continuously multiply, causing damage and death by inhibiting the production of normal cells (such as red and white blood cells and platelets) in the bone marrow and by spreading (infiltrating) to other organs.
 
“Acute” is defined by the World Health Organization standards, in which greater than 20% of the cells in the bone marrow are blasts. Chronic lymphoblastic leukemia is defined as having less than 20% blasts in the bone marrow. Acute lymphoblastic leukemia is seen in both children and adults; the highest incidence is seen between ages 2 to 3 years (>90 cases per 1 million per year). ALL is the most common cancer diagnosed in children and represents approximately 25% of cancer diagnoses among children younger than 15 years. Among children with ALL, approximately 98% attain remission, and approximately 85% of patients aged 1 to 18 years with newly diagnosed ALL treated on current regimens are expected to be long-term event-free survivors, with over 90% surviving at 5 years.
 
Multiple Myeloma
 
Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer that forms in white blood cells. Multiple myeloma causes cancer cells to accumulate in the bone marrow, where they crowd out healthy blood cells. Multiple myeloma is also characterized by destructive lytic bone lesions (rounded, punched-out areas of bone), diffuse osteoporosis, bone pain and the production of abnormal proteins which accumulate in the urine. Anemia is also present in most multiple myeloma patients at the time of diagnosis and during follow-up. Anemia in multiple myeloma is multifactorial and is secondary to bone marrow replacement by malignant plasma cells, chronic inflammation, relative erythropoietin deficiency and vitamin deficiency. Plasma cell leukemia, a condition in which plasma cells comprise greater than 20% of peripheral leukocytes, is typically a terminal stage of multiple myeloma and is associated with short survival.
 
 
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Myeloid Leukemias
 
Acute Myeloid Leukemia
 
AML is a heterogeneous hematologic stem cell malignancy in adults with incidence rate of 4.3% per 100,000 populations. The median age at the time of diagnosis is 68 years. AML is an aggressive disease and is fatal without anti-leukemic treatment. AML is the most common form of adult leukemia in the U.S. These patients will require frontline therapy, usually chemotherapy including cytarabine and an anthracycline, a therapy that has not changed in over 40 years. MDSs are a heterogeneous group of myeloid neoplasms characterized by dysplastic features of erythroid/myeloid/megakaryocytic lineages, progressive bone marrow failure, a varying percentage of blast cells and enhanced risk to evolve into acute myeloid leukemia. It is estimated that over 10,000 new cases of MDS are diagnosed each year and there are minimal treatment options; other estimates have put this number higher. In addition, the incidence of MDS is rising for unknown reasons.
 
Sarcomas
 
A sarcoma is a type of cancer that develops from certain tissues, like bone or muscle. Bone and soft tissue sarcomas are the main types of sarcoma. Soft tissue sarcomas can develop from soft tissues like fat, muscle, nerves, fibrous tissues, blood vessels or deep skin tissues. They can be found in any part of the body. Most of them develop in the arms or legs. They can also be found in the trunk, head and neck area, internal organs and the area in back of the abdominal cavity (known as the retroperitoneum). Sarcomas are not common tumors, and most cancers are the type of tumors called carcinomas.
 
The most common types of sarcoma in adults are undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (previously called malignant fibrous histiocytoma), liposarcoma and leiomyosarcoma. Certain types occur more often in certain areas of the body than others. For example, leiomyosarcomas are the most common abdominal sarcoma, while liposarcomas and undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma are most common in legs. But pathologists (doctors who specialize in diagnosing cancers by how they look under the microscope), may not always agree on the exact type of sarcoma. Sarcomas of uncertain type are very common (American Cancer Society, Cancer Facts & Figures 2019).
 
Manufacturing
 
We do not currently own or operate manufacturing facilities for the production of clinical or commercial quantities of any of our product candidates. We rely on a small number of third-party manufacturers to produce our compounds and expect to continue to do so to meet the preclinical and clinical requirements of our potential product candidates as well as for all of our commercial needs. We do not have long-term agreements with any of these third parties. We require in our manufacturing and processing agreements that all third-party contract manufacturers and processors produce active pharmaceutical ingredients and finished products in accordance with the FDA’s cGMPs and all other applicable laws and regulations. We maintain confidentiality agreements with potential and existing manufacturers in order to protect our proprietary rights related to our drug candidates.
 
Intellectual Property
 
We seek to protect our proprietary information by means of United States and foreign patents, trademarks and copyrights. In addition, we rely upon trade secret protection and contractual license agreements to protect certain of our proprietary information and products. We seek to protect and enhance proprietary technology, inventions, and improvements that are commercially important to the development of our business by seeking, maintaining, and defending patent rights, whether developed internally or licensed or acquired from third parties. We also plan to rely on regulatory protection afforded through orphan drug designations, available regulatory exclusivities and patent term extensions where available. To achieve this objective, a strategic focus for us has been to develop our own intellectual property, while also identifying and licensing patents that provide protection and serve as an optimal platform to enhance our intellectual property and technology base.
 
University of Minnesota Licensed Intellectual Property
 
We are party to an exclusive worldwide license agreement with the Regents of the University of Minnesota, to further develop and commercialize cancer therapies using TriKE technology developed by researchers at the university to target NK cells to cancer. Under the terms of the agreement, we receive exclusive rights to conduct research and to develop, make, use, sell, and import TriKE technology worldwide for the treatment of any disease, state or condition in humans. We are responsible for obtaining all permits, licenses, authorizations, registrations and regulatory approvals required or granted by any governmental authority anywhere in the world that is responsible for the regulation of products such as the TriKE technology, including without limitation the FDA in the United States and the European Agency for the Evaluation of Medicinal Products in the European Union. We are presently evaluating GTB-3550, our lead TriKE therapeutic product candidate in a Phase I/II clinical trial. . Under the agreement, the University of Minnesota will receive an upfront license fee, royalty fees ranging from 4% to 6%, minimum annual royalty payments of $0.25 million beginning in 2022, $2.0 million in 2025, and $5.0 million in 2027 and certain milestone payments totaling $3.1 million.
 
 
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The TriKE™ patent estate licensed from the Regents of the University of Minnesota includes more than 18 patent applications and the following foundational patent application:
 
Appl. No.
 
Title
 
Country
 
Status
PCT Patent Application Number PCT/US2016/055722
 
Therapeutic compounds and methods
 
Worldwide
 
Pending
   
Daniel A. Vallera, Ph.D. Licensed Intellectual Property
 
We are party to an exclusive worldwide license agreement with Daniel A. Vallera, Ph.D. and his co-inventor Jeffrey Lion, or jointly, Dr. Vallera, to further develop and commercialize DT2219ARL (GTB-1550), a novel therapy for the treatment of various human cancers. Under the terms of the agreement, we received exclusive rights to conduct research and to develop, make, use, sell, and import DT2219ARL worldwide for the treatment of any disease, state or condition in humans. We shall be responsible for obtaining all permits, licenses, authorizations, registrations and regulatory approvals required or granted by any governmental authority anywhere in the world that is responsible for the regulation of products such as DT2219ARL, including without limitation the FDA in the United States and the European Agency for the Evaluation of Medicinal Products in the European Union. . Under the agreement, Dr. Vallera will receive an upfront license fee, royalty fees ranging from 3% for net sales and 25% of net sublicensing revenues, and certain milestone payments totaling $1.5 million.
 
The patent estate licensed from the Dr. Vallera includes more than 16 patent applications and the following issued U.S. patent and U.S. patent application:
 
Pat./Pub. No.
 
Title
 
Country
 
Status
U.S. Patent Number 9,371,386
 
Methods and compositions for bi-specific targeting of cd19/cd22
 
US
 
Issued
U.S. Patent Application Number 15/187,579
 
Methods and compositions for bi-specific targeting of cd19/cd22
 
US
 
Pending
 
Employees
 
As of December 31, 2020, we had two employees. Many of our activities are outsourced to consultants who provide services to us on a project basis. As business activities require and capital resources permit, we will hire additional employees to fulfill our company’s needs.
 
Legal Proceedings
 
On December 24, 2018, the Empery Funds filed in the N.Y. Supreme Court, Index No. 656408/2018, alleging causes of action against the Company for Breach of Contract, Liquidated Damages, Damages, and Indemnification. The claims arose out of a securities purchase agreement entered into between the Empery Funds and the Company pursuant to which the Company issued the Original Securities to the Empery Funds in or around January 2018. On June 19, 2020, the Company and the Empery Funds, among others, entered into the Settlement Agreement resolving all remaining disputes between the parties pertaining to the Original Securities. See “Prospectus Summary—Recent Developments—Settlement with Empery Funds.”
 
 
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On August 28, 2019, a complaint was filed in the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles, West Judicial District, Santa Monica Courthouse, Unlimited Civil Division by Jeffrey Lion and Daniel Vallera. Lion and Vallera are referred to jointly as the “Plaintiffs”. The complaint was filed against the Company and its subsidiary Oxis Biotech, Inc. (either of them or jointly, the “Defendant”). The Plaintiffs allege breach of a license agreement between the Plaintiffs and the Defendant entered into on or about September 3, 2015. Lion alleges breach of a consulting agreement between Lion and the Defendant entered into on or about September 1, 2015. Vallera alleges breach of a consulting agreement between Vallera and the Defendant entered into in or around October, 2018. The complaint seeks actual damages of $1,670,000, for the fair market value of the number of shares of the Company’s common stock that at the time of judgment represent 15,000,000 shares of such stock as of September 1, 2015, and that the Company issue Lion the number of common shares the Company’s common stock that at the time of judgment represent 15,000,000 such shares as of September 1, 2015.
 
Form and Year of Organization
 
In 1965, the corporate predecessor of the Company, Diagnostic Data, Inc., was incorporated in the State of California. Diagnostic Data, Inc. changed its incorporation to the State of Delaware in 1972; and changed its name to DDI Pharmaceuticals, Inc. in 1985. In 1994, DDI Pharmaceuticals merged with International BioClinical, Inc. and Bioxytech S.A. and changed its name to OXIS International, Inc. On July 17, 2017, we amended our certificate of incorporation for the purpose of changing our name from Oxis International, Inc. to GT Biopharma, Inc.
 
 
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DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
 
The following table sets forth the name, age and position held by each of our executive officers and directors as of the date of this prospectus. Directors are elected for a period of one year and thereafter serve until the next annual meeting at which their successors are duly elected by the stockholders.
 
Name
 
Age
 
Position
Anthony J. Cataldo
  68 
Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board
Michael Handelman
  61 
Chief Financial Officer
Bruce Wendel
  67 
Vice Chairman of the Board
Greg Berk
  62 
Director
Michael Breen 
  58 
Director
Rajesh Shrotriya   
  76  
Director
 
Anthony J. Cataldo was appointed Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board on March 15, 2019. Previously he served as Vice Chairman of the Board since January 2019. Mr. Cataldo has extensive experience with the Company, having served on the Board from July 2014 until November 2018, also serving as Chief Executive Officer from November 2014 to September 2017 and Executive Chairman of the Board from September 2017 to February 2018 during that time. Prior to joining the Company, from February 2011 until June 2013, Mr. Cataldo served as Chairman and CEO/Founder of Genesis Biopharma, Inc. (now known as Iovance Biotherapeutics, Inc.). Mr. Cataldo is credited with developing the Stage Four Cancer treatment for melanoma known as Lion/Genesis using assets acquired from the National Cancer Institute (NIH). Mr. Cataldo also served as non-executive co-chairman of the board of directors of MultiCell Technologies, Inc., a supplier of functional, non-tumorigenic immortalized human hepatocytes from February 2005 until July 2006.
 
Michael Handelman was appointed Chief Financial Officer on November 13, 2020. Mr. Handelman became a Director of the GoooGreen, Inc. in August 2020, and Chairman of the Board of Directors and Secretary in September 2020. He has served as Chief Financial Officer of Clickstream Corporation since October 2015. He served as Chief Financial Officer of Lion Biotechnologies, Inc. from February 2011 until June 2015, and was a member of the Lion Bio Board of Directors from February 2013 until May 2013. Mr. Handelman served as the Chief Financial Officer and as a financial management consultant of Oxis International, Inc., a public company engaged in the research, development and commercialization of nutraceutical products, from August 2009 until October 2011. From November 2004 to July 2009, Mr. Handelman served as Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer of TechnoConcepts, Inc., formerly a public company engaged in designing, developing, manufacturing and marketing wireless communications semiconductors, or microchips. Prior thereto, Mr. Handelman served from October 2002 to October 2004 as Chief Financial Officer of Interglobal Waste Management, Inc., a manufacturing company, and from July 1996 to July 1999 as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Janex International, Inc., a children’s toy manufacturer. Mr. Handelman was also the Chief Financial Officer from 1993 to 1996 of the Los Angeles Kings, a National Hockey League franchise. Mr. Handelman is a certified public accountant and holds a degree in accounting from the City University of New York.
 
Bruce Wendel was appointed as a director on November 12, 2020. From April 2018 to May 2019, Mr. Wendel served as the Chief Business Development Officer for Prometic Biotherapeutics, Inc., a pharmaceutical development company. Mr. Wendel also served as Chief Strategic Officer of Hepalink USA, the U.S. subsidiary of Shenzhen Hepalink Pharmaceutical Company from February 2012 to July 2017, and Chief Executive Officer of Scientific Protein Laboratories, LLC from December 2014 to June 2015. He also served as a director of ProMetic Life Sciences Inc. and Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer at Abraxis BioScience, LLC, where he oversaw the development and commercialization of Abraxane® and led the negotiations that culminated in the acquisition of the company by Celgene Corporation in 2010. He began his 14 years at Bristol-Myers Squibb as in-house counsel before shifting to global business and corporate development where he served in roles of increasing responsibility. Subsequently, he was VP of Business Development at IVAX Corporation, and at American Pharmaceutical Partners, Inc. Mr. Wendel earned a juris doctorate degree from Georgetown University Law School, and a B.S. from Cornell University.
 
 
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Dr. Greg Berk was appointed as a director on November 12, 2020. Prior to joining the Company, Dr. Berk has served as a private consultant in the field of drug development and is the Chief Medical Officer of Celularity, a privately owned company. Previously, he served as Chief Medical Officer at Verastem as and President, Chief Medical Officer and Board Member of Sideris Pharmaceuticals. From May 2012 until January 2014, Dr. Berk was Chief Medical Officer of BIND Therapeutics. Prior to this, he was Chief Medical Officer at Intellikine, a privately held biotechnology company focused on the discovery and development of novel PI3 Kinase and mTOR inhibitors. Intellikine was acquired by Takeda/Millennium in January 2012. He also served as Senior Vice President of Global Clinical Development at Abraxis BioScience, where he was responsible for the company’s overall clinical strategy, including efforts to expand the indications for their lead clinical program (Abraxane®). Dr. Berk obtained his medical degree from Case Western Reserve University, and completed his internship, residency and fellowship in internal medicine, hematology and medical oncology, at the Weill Medical College of Cornell University and New York Presbyterian Hospital, where he also served as a faculty member from 1989-2004. During this time Dr. Berk served as an investigator on several industry-sponsored and cooperative group oncology clinical trials, including the pivotal trials for Gleevec® and Avastin®.
 
Michael Breen was appointed as a director on January 13, 2021.Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Breen served as a senior partner in the global law firm of Clyde & Co., specializing in all aspects of corporate law, including mergers and acquisitions and fund management regulatory issues, which included advising clients in the biotechnology and health sciences sectors. Prior to joining Clyde & Co., Mr Breen served as a senior partner and managing partner in the London law firm of Edward Lewis. Prior to his time at Edward Lewis, he was also a partner at Robert Gore & Company. Between 2002 and 2005, Mr. Breen was managing director of the Sports and Entertainment Division of Insinger de Beaufort Bank, a Dutch private banking, asset management and trust group. From 2001 to 2007 Mr. Breen also served as a non-executive director and co-owner of Damon Hill Holdings Limited, a multi franchise motor dealer group. Mr. Breen also serves as a director of a Los Angeles based hedge fund, Bristol International Fund, Limited and a Cayman Islands fund, Bristol Investment Fund, Limited. He also serves as a director of Wizard Brands Inc., an OTCQB Bulletin Board company. Mr. Breen is also a non-executive director and co-owner of Colorsport Images Limited, a sports photographic agency and library. He is the Chair of Trustees of Sturts Community Trust, a charity which brings together a diverse range of social initiatives centred around a sustainable 90 acre organic biodynamic farm offering land based work opportunities and individualised support and dwellings for adults with a learning disability. Mr. Breen is a U.K. qualified solicitor/attorney who holds an Honours LL.B. degree in law from the University College of Wales, Aberystwyth and qualified as a solicitor of the Supreme Court of Judicature of England and Wales in 1988. Mr. Breen is a former member of the International Bar Association, British Association for Sport and the Law, Law Society of England and Wales, and Holborn Law Society.
 
Dr. Rajesh Shrotriya was appointed as a director on January 13, 2021. Prior to joining the Company, until 2017, Dr. Shrotriya served as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Spectrum Pharmaceuticals, Inc. from August 2002 and a director since June 2001. From September 2000 to April 2014, Dr. Shrotriya also served as President of Spectrum Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and from September 2000 to August 2002, Dr. Shrotriya also served as Chief Operating Officer of Spectrum. Prior to joining Spectrum, Dr. Shrotriya held the position of Executive Vice President and Chief Scientific Officer from November 1996 until August 2000, and as Senior Vice President and Special Assistant to the President from November 1996 until May 1997, for SuperGen, Inc., a publicly-held pharmaceutical company focused on drugs for life-threatening diseases, particularly cancer. From August 1994 to October 1996, Dr. Shrotriya held the positions of Vice President, Medical Affairs and Vice President, Chief Medical Officer of MGI Pharma, Inc., an oncology-focused biopharmaceutical company. Dr. Shrotriya spent 18 years at Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, an NYSE-listed pharmaceutical company, in a variety of positions, most recently as Executive Director, Worldwide CNS Clinical Research. Previously, Dr. Shrotriya held various positions at Hoechst Pharmaceuticals, most recently as Medical Advisor. Dr. Shrotriya was an attending physician and held a courtesy appointment at St. Joseph Hospital in Stamford, Connecticut. In addition, he received a certificate for Advanced Biomedical Research Management from Harvard University. Dr. Shrotriya received an M.D. from Grant Medical College, Bombay, India, in 1974; a D.T.C.D. (Post Graduate Diploma in Chest Diseases) from Delhi University, V.P. Chest Institute, Delhi, India, in 1971; an M.B.B.S. (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery — equivalent to an M.D. in the U.S.) from the Armed Forces Medical College, Poona, India, in 1967; and a B.S. in Chemistry from Agra University, Aligarh, India, in 1962. Currently, Dr. Shrotriya is a member of the Board of Directors of CASI Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a NASDAQ-listed biopharmaceutical company, and on the Board of Trustees at the UNLV Foundation.
  
Board Committees, Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
 
The Audit Committee consists of Mr. Breen, as Chair and as audit committee financial expert, Dr. Shrotriya and Mr. Wendel. The Compensation Committee consists of Dr. Berk as Chair, Mr. Wendel and Mr. Breen. The Nominating and Governance Committee consists of Mr. Wendel, as Chair, Dr. Shrotriya and Mr. Breen.
 
Director Independence
 
Mr. Wendel, Dr. Berk, Mr. Breen and Dr. Shrotriya each qualify as an “independent director” as defined by Item 407 of Regulation S-K.
 
We have elected to use the definition for “director independence” under the Nasdaq Stock Market’s listing standards, which defines an “independent director” as “a person other than an officer or employee of us or its subsidiaries or any other individual having a relationship, which in the opinion of our Board, would interfere with the exercise of independent judgment in carrying out the responsibilities of a director.” The definition further provides that, among others, employment of a director by us (or any parent or subsidiary of ours) at any time during the past three years is considered a bar to independence regardless of the determination of our Board.
 
 
67
 
 
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
 
As a “smaller reporting company” under SEC rules, our named executive officers for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 (collectively, the “Named Executive Officers”) were as follows:
 
Anthony J. Cataldo, our current Chief Executive Officer;
 
Steven Weldon, was appointed Chief Financial Officer on March 20, 2019, and resigned on November 10, 2020; and
 
No other executive officers received total annual compensation during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 in excess of $100,000.
 
Summary Compensation Table
 
The following table sets forth certain information relating to the total compensation earned for services rendered to us in all capacities by our Named Executive Officers.
 
Name and Principal Position
Year
 
Salary ($)
 
 
Bonus ($)
 
 
Stock Awards ($) (1)
 
 
All Other
Compensation ($)(2)
 
 
Total ($)
 
Anthony J. Cataldo (3)
2020
  362,000 
   
   
   
  362,000 
Chief Executive Officer
2019
  225,000 
   
  1,281,000 
  75,000 
  1,581,000 
Steven Weldon (4)
2020
  219,662 
   
   
   
  219,662 
Chief Financial Officer
2019
  230,000 
   
  823,500 
   
  1,053,500 
Michael Handelman (5)
2020
  74,833 
   
   
   
  74,833 
Chief Financial Officer
 
    
    
    
    
    
 
(1)
The amounts in this column represent the aggregate grant date fair value of the stock awards, determined in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board ASC Topic 718. The Company determines the grant date fair value of the awards by multiplying the number of shares granted by the closing market price of one share of the Company’s common stock on the award grant date. These amounts do not reflect the actual economic value that will be realized by the Named Executive Officer upon the sale of these awards.
 
(2)
The amount in this column represents compensation earned under a consultant agreement with the Company described in more detail below under “—Employment Arrangements ..”
 
(3)
Mr. Cataldo was appointed Chief Executive Officer on March 15, 2019.
 
(4)
Mr. Weldon was appointed Chief Financial Officer on March 20, 2019, and resigned on November 10, 2020.
 
(5)
Mr. Handelman was appointed Chief Financial Officer on November 11, 2020.
 
 
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Employment Arrangements
 
Effective August 11, 2020, the Company and Mr. Cataldo entered into the Cataldo Agreement with respect to Mr. Cataldo’s continued employment as Chief Executive Officer of the Company. The Initial Term of the Cataldo Agreement is three years with the option of automatic one-year renewals thereafter. Mr. Cataldo will be paid a cash salary of $30,000 per month, together with customary benefits, expense reimbursement and the possibility of performance bonuses. Mr. Cataldo will receive a stock grant equal to ten percent of the fully diluted shares of common stock of the Company (calculated with the inclusion of the current stock holdings of Mr. Cataldo) upon conversion of options, warrants and Convertible Notes in association with a national markets qualified financing as consideration for entering into the Cataldo Agreement (with such stock to vest and be delivered within 30 days after the national markets qualified financing). Mr. Cataldo will be entitled to certain additional severance payments and other benefits in connection with a Change in Control Period Involuntary Termination or a Non Change in Control Period Involuntary Termination (each as defined in the Cataldo Agreement) or his resignation as a result of a Change in Control Period Good Reason or Non Change in Control Period Good Reason (each as defined in the Cataldo Agreement). Following the Effective Date, Mr. Cataldo will also continue to serve as the chairman of the board of the Company.
 
Effective August 11, 2020, the Company and Mr. Weldon entered into the Weldon Agreement with respect to Mr. Weldon’s continued employment as the Chief Financial Officer of the Company. The Initial Term of the Weldon Agreement was three years with the option of automatic one-year renewals thereafter. Mr. Weldon was paid a cash salary of $25,000 per month, together with customary benefits, expense reimbursement and the possibility of performance bonuses. Mr. Cataldo received a stock grant equal to seven percent of the fully diluted shares of common stock of the Company (calculated with the inclusion of the current stock holdings of Mr. Weldon) upon conversion of options, warrants and Convertible Notes in association with a national markets qualified financing as consideration for entering into the Weldon Agreement (with such stock to vest and be delivered within 30 days after the national markets qualified financing). Mr. Weldon was entitled to certain additional severance payments and other benefits in connection with a Change in Control Period Involuntary Termination or a Non Change in Control Period Involuntary Termination (each as defined in the Weldon Agreement) or his registration as a result of a Change in Control Period Good Reason or Non Change in Control Period Good Reason (each as defined in the Weldon Agreement). Mr. Weldon resigned as Chief Financial Officer and as a director of the Company on November 11, 2020. Mr. Weldon had no disagreement relating to the Company’s financial reports or corporate filings.
 
On November, 11, 2020, the Company appointed Mr. Handelman as Chief Financial Officer on an interim basis. Effective November 13, 2020, the Company and Mr. Handelman entered into the Handelman Agreement with respect to Mr. Handelman’s service as Chief Financial Officer of the Company. The term of the Handelman Agreement is indefinite, subject to ninety days prior written notice of termination. Pursuant to the Handelman Agreement, Mr. Handelman will receive a monthly consulting fee of $15,000, along with the opportunity to earn a discretionary bonus. Mr. Handelman will also serve as the principal accounting officer of the Company.
 
Board Service Agreements
 
Effective November 11, 2020, the Company and Mr. Berk entered into the Berk Agreement with respect to Mr. Berk’s service as a director on the Board. The term of the Berk Agreement is for a period of two years. Mr. Berk will receive an annual stipend of $20,000, with an additional $5,000 annually for chairing the Compensation Committee and $5,000 annually for serving on the Nominating Committee. The Company also agreed to grant Mr. Berk a stock award of shares of common stock of the Company equal to 1.00% of the number of fully diluted shares of common stock of the Company calculated on the fully diluted equity of the Company upon the completion of the offering and the NASDAQ listing date.
 
Effective November 11, 2020, the Company and Mr. Wendel entered into the Wendel Agreement with respect to Mr. Wendel’s service as a director on the Board. The term of the Wendel Agreement is for a period of two years. Mr. Wendel will receive an annual stipend of $20,000, with an additional $5,000 annually for chairing the Nominating Committee and $5,000 annually for serving on the Audit Committee. The Company also agreed to grant Mr. Wendel a stock award of shares of common stock of the Company equal to 1.25% of the number of fully diluted shares of common stock of the Company calculated on the fully diluted equity of the Company upon the completion of the offering and the NASDAQ listing date.
 
Effective January 13, 2021, the Company and Mr. Breen entered into the Breen Agreement with respect to Mr. Breen’s service as a director on the Board. The term of the Breen Agreement is for a period of two years. Mr. Breen will receive an annual stipend of $120,000, which includes compensation for chairing the Audit Committee and serving as a member of the Nominating Committee. The Company also agreed to grant Mr. Breen 1.00% of the number of fully diluted shares of common stock of the Company calculated on the fully diluted equity of the Company upon the completion of the offering and the NASDAQ listing date.
 
Effective January 13, 2021, the Company and Mr. Shrotriya entered into the Shrotriya Agreement with respect to Mr. Shrotriya’s service as a director on the Board. The term of the Shrotriya Agreement is for a period of two years. Mr. Shrotriya will receive an annual stipend of $20,000, with an additional $5,000 annually for serving on the Audit Committee. The Company also agreed to grant Mr. Shrotriya a stock award of shares of common stock of the Company equal to 1.00% of the number of fully diluted shares of common stock of the Company calculated on the fully diluted equity of the Company upon the completion of the offering and the NASDAQ listing date.
 
 
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Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year End
 
As of December 31, 2020, there were no unexercised options, unvested stock awards or outstanding equity incentive plan awards held by our Named Executive Officers.
 
Director Compensation
 
The following table summarizes the total compensation we paid to our non-employee directors for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020:
 
Name (1)
 
Fees Earned or
Paid in Cash ($)
 
 
Stock Awards ($)
 
 
Option Awards ($)
 
 
Total ($)
 
Bruce Wendel
  2,500 
   
   
  2,500 
Greg Berk
  2,500 
   
   
  2,500 
 
(1)
Bruce Wendel and Greg Berk were appointed to the Board on November 12, 2020.
 
Effective November 2020, the following annual compensation for non-employee directors was approved by the Compensation Committee of our Board:
 
$20,000 annual stipend;
 
an additional cash payment of $5,000 for acting as chair of a committee and $5,000 for acting as a member of a committee; and
 
stock awards of shares of common stock of the Company equal to 1.00% (Berk) and 1.25% (Wendel) of the number of fully diluted shares of common stock of the company calculated on the fully diluted equity of the Company upon the completion of the offering and the NASDAQ listing date.
 
A director who is one of our employees receives no additional compensation for his service as a director or as a member of a committee of the Board.
 
 
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VOTING SECURITIES AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS
 
The following table sets forth certain information regarding beneficial ownership of our common stock and Preferred Stock as of January 31, 2021 (a) by each person known by us to own beneficially 5% or more of any class of our voting securities, (b) by each of our Named Executive Officers, (c) by each of our directors and (d) by all our current executive officers and directors as a group. As of January 31, 2021, there were (a) 91,748,639 shares of common stock, (b) 96,230 shares of Series C Preferred Stock and (c) 2,353,548 shares of Series J-1 Preferred Stock issued and outstanding.
 
Shares of common stock subject to stock options, Preferred Stock, convertible notes and debentures and warrants that are currently exercisable or convertible, or exercisable or convertible within 60 days of January 31, 2021, are deemed to be outstanding for purposes of computing the percentage ownership of that person but are not treated as outstanding for computing the percentage ownership of any other person. Unless indicated below, the persons and entities named in the table have sole voting and sole investment power with respect to all shares beneficially owned, subject to community property laws where applicable.
 
Except as otherwise indicated, the address of each stockholder is c/o GT Biopharma, Inc. at 9350 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 203, Beverly Hills, CA 90212.
 
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner
 
Shares of Common Stock Beneficially Owned (Pre-Split)
 
 
 
 
 
Shares of Common Stock Beneficially Owned (Post-Split)
 
 
 
 
 
Percentage of Class Outstanding (Pre-Offering)
 
 
 
 
 
Percentage of Class Outstanding (Post-Offering)
 
 
 
 
 
Shares of Series J-1 Preferred Stock Beneficially Owned (2)
 
 
Percentage of Class Outstanding
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Certain Beneficial Owners:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Alpha Capital Anstalt (3)
  8,311,000 
  (4)
  488,882 
 
 
 
  9.06%
  (5)
  6.31%
 
 
 
  - 
  0.00%
Bristol Capital, LLC (6)
  - 
  (7)
  - 
  (7)
  0.00%
    
  0.00%
 
 
 
  1,575,324 
  66.93%
Bristol Investment Fund, Ltd. (6)
  9,165,689 
  (8)
  773,923 
  (8)
  9.99%
  (9)
  9.99%
  (9)
  778,224 
  33.07%
James Heavener (10)
  9,165,689 
  (11)
  773,923 
  (11)
  9.99%
  (16)
  9.99%
  (16)
  - 
  0.00%
Adam Kasower
  8,974,303 
  (11)
  527,900 
  (11)
  9.78%
    
  6.81%
    
  - 
  0.00%
Bigger Capital Fund, LP (12)
  5,168,507 
  (11)
  304,029 
  (11)
  5.63%
    
  3.92%
    
  - 
  0.00%
District 2 Capital Fund LP (13)
  5,087,289 
  (11)
  299,252 
  (11)
  5.54%
    
  3.86%
    
  - 
  0.00%
GT Bio Partners LLC (14)
  7,685,000 
  (11)
  452,058 
  (11)
  8.38%
    
  5.84%
    
  - 
  0.00%
Kevin Young
  5,425,753 
  (11)
  319,161 
  (11)
  5.91%
    
  4.12%
    
  - 
  0.00%
Red Mango Enterprises Limited (15)
  9,165,689 
  (11)
  773,923 
  (11)
  9.99%
  (16)
  9.99%
  (16)
  - 
  0.00%
The Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Foundation (17)
  9,165,689 
  (11)
  773,923 
  (11)
  9.99%
  (16)
  9.99%
  (16)
  - 
  0.00%
The RSZ Trust (18)
  7,559,553 
  (11)
  444,679 
  (11)
  8.24%
    
  5.74%
    
  - 
  0.00%
Steven Weldon (19)
  3,720,000 
    
  218,823 
    
  4.05%
    
  2.82%
    
  - 
  0.00%
 
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
Executive Officers and Directors:
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
Anthony J. Cataldo
  7,013,345 
    
  412,549 
    
  7.64%
    
  5.33%
    
  - 
  0.00%
Michael Handelman
  - 
    
  - 
    
  0.00%
    
  0.00%
    
  - 
  0.00%
Bruce Wendel
  55,555 
    
  3,267 
    
  0.06%
    
  0.04%
    
  - 
  0.00%
Greg Berk
  - 
    
  - 
    
  0.00%
    
  0.00%
    
  - 
  0.00%
Michael Breen
  - 
    
  - 
    
  0.00%
    
  0.00%
    
  - 
  0.00%
Rajesh Shrotriya
  - 
    
  - 
    
  0.00%
    
  0.00%
    
  - 
  0.00%
Executive Officers and Directors as a Group (6 people):
  7,068,900 
    
  415,816 
    
  7.70%
    
  5.37%
    
  - 
  0.00%
 
(1)
The Company is not aware of any holder beneficially owning in excess of 5% of the outstanding shares of Series C Preferred Stock.
 
(2)
Each holder of Series J-1 Preferred Stock is entitled to the number of votes equal to the number of shares of common stock into which the shares of Series J-1 Preferred Stock held by such holder could be converted as of January 31, 2021 (voting together, as a single class, with the holders of common stock and Series C Preferred Stock). After giving effect to the reverse stock split, each share of our Series J-1 Preferred Stock will be convertible into 5/17 of a share of our common stock, subject to a “blocker provision” which prohibits conversion if such conversion would result in the holder being the beneficial owner of in excess of 9.99% of our common stock.
 
 
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(3)
Calculated based on the maximum number of shares of common stock that Alpha Capital could have beneficially owned on January 31, 2021 following conversion or exercise of securities held by Alpha Capital, subject to the beneficial ownership limitation described in note (4) above.
 
(4)
Paul Kessler, as manager of Bristol Capital Advisors, LLC, the investment advisor to Bristol Investment Fund, Ltd. (“BIF”), has voting and investment control over the securities held by BIF. Mr. Kessler, as manager of Bristol Capital, LLC (“Bristol Capital”), also has voting and investment control over the securities held by Bristol Capital. Mr. Kessler disclaims beneficial ownership of these securities except to the extent of his pecuniary interest therein. The address of Bristol Capital Advisors, LLC is 662 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Suite 300, Los Angeles, California 90049.
 
(5)
As reported on Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on June 10, 2020. Excludes shares of our common stock that may be issued upon conversion of the Series J-1 Preferred Stock held by Bristol Capital. Such Series J-1 Preferred Stock may be converted into shares of our common stock only if such conversion does not result in Bristol Capital (together with its affiliates, including BIF) holding more than 9.99% of our outstanding shares of common stock.
 
(6)
As reported on Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on June 10, 2020. As disclosed in the Schedule 13G, BIF also holds Series J-1 Preferred Stock and convertible notes which may be converted into shares of our common stock only if such conversion does not result in BIF (together with its affiliates, including Bristol Capital) holding more than 9.99% of our outstanding shares of common stock. The full conversion of such securities would exceed such beneficial ownership limitation. As of January 31, 2021, the maximum number of shares of common stock that BIF could beneficially own was 9,165,689 shares prior to giving effect to the reverse stock split and 773,923 shares after giving effect to the reverse stock split.
 
(7)
Calculated based on the maximum number of shares of common stock that BIF could have beneficially owned on January 31, 2021 following conversion of the Series J-1 Preferred Stock or convertible notes, subject to the beneficial ownership limitation described in note (8) above.
 
(8)
The address of Mr. Heavener is 3300 University Blvd, Suite 218 Winter Park, FL 32792.
 
(9)
Represents or includes shares of common stock that may be issuable to the stockholder upon conversion of certain convertible notes or other securities that are convertible into, or exercisable for, shares of our common stock and excludes additional sharesof common stock that may be issuable to the stockholder (i) in lieu of cash payments of interest on convertible notes or (ii) in connection with any default amounts with respect to convertible notes. Such convertible notes are only convertible if such conversion does not result in the stockholder (together with its affiliates) holding more than 9.99% of our outstanding shares of common stock.
 
(10)
We have been advised that Michael Bigger exercises voting and investment power over the securities held by Bigger Capital Fund, LP.
 
(11)
Represents or includes shares of common stock that may be issuable to the stockholder upon conversion of certain convertible notes or other securities that are convertible into, or exercisable for, shares of our common stock and excludes additional sharesof common stock that may be issuable to the stockholder (i) in lieu of cash payments of interest on convertible notes or (ii) in connection with any default amounts with respect to convertible notes. Such convertible notes are only convertible if such conversion does not result in the stockholder (together with its affiliates) holding more than 9.99% of our outstanding shares of common stock.
 
(12)
We have been advised that Michael Bigger exercises voting and investment power over the securities held by Bigger Capital Fund, LP.
 
 
72
 
 
(13)
We have been advised that Eric H Schlanger exercises voting and investment power over the securities held by District 2 Capital Fund LP.
 
(14)
We have been advised that Philip G. Werthman exercises voting and investment power over the securities held by of GT Bio Partners LLC.
 
(15)
We have been advised that Chi Kan Tang exercises voting and investment power over the securities held by Red Mango Enterprises Limited.
 
(16)
The full conversion or exercise of convertible notes or other securities convertible into, or exercisable for, our common stock held by the stockholder would exceed the beneficial ownership limitation described in note (11) above. This represents the maximum number of shares of common stock that the stockholder could beneficially own as of January 31, 2021.
 
(17)
We have been advised that Martin H. Blank exercises voting and investment power over the securities held by The Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Foundation.
 
(18)
We have been advised that Richard Ziman exercises voting and investment power over the securities held by RSZ Trust.
 
(19)
Mr. Weldon was appointed Chief Financial Officer on March 20, 2019, and resigned on November 10, 2020.
 
 
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DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES
 
The following description of our securities, together with any additional information we include in any applicable prospectus supplement or any related free writing prospectus, summarizes the material terms and provisions of our capital stock. For the complete terms of our capital stock, please refer to our certificate of incorporation bylaws that are incorporated by reference into the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part or may be incorporated by reference in this prospectus or any applicable prospectus supplement. The terms of these securities may also be affected by the DGCL. The summary below and that contained in any applicable prospectus supplement or any related free writing prospectus are qualified in their entirety by reference to our certificate of incorporation and bylaws.
 
General
 
As of the date of this prospectus, our authorized capital stock consists of 750.0 million shares of common stock, par value $0.001 per share, and 15.0 million shares of preferred stock, par value $0.001 per share. As of December 31, 2020, there were 83,723,370 shares of our common stock, 96,230 shares of Series C Preferred Stock and 2,353,548 shares of Series J-1 Preferred Stock issued and outstanding.
 
Common Stock
 
Holders of our common stock are entitled to one vote for each share of common stock held of record for the election of directors and on all matters submitted to a vote of stockholders. Holders of our common stock are entitled to receive dividends ratably, if any, as may be declared by the Board out of legally available funds, subject to any preferential dividend rights of any preferred stock then outstanding. In the event of our dissolution, liquidation or winding up, holders of our common stock are entitled to share ratably in our net assets legally available after the payment of all of our debts and other liabilities, subject to the liquidation preferences of any preferred stock then outstanding. Holders of our common stock have no preemptive, subscription, redemption or conversion rights. The rights, preferences and privileges of holders of common stock are subject to, and may be adversely affected by, the rights of the holders of shares of any series of preferred stock currently outstanding or that we may designate and issue in the future. All outstanding shares of our common stock are fully paid and non-assessable. Except as described below in “Anti-Takeover Provisions Under Our Charter and Bylaws and Delaware Law,” holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of stock entitled to vote shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, and a vote of the majority of the voting power represented at such meeting at which a quorum is generally required to take action under our certificate of incorporation and bylaws.
 
Warrants and Pre-Funded Warrants
 
The Warrants and Pre-Funded Warrants will be issued in registered form and will entitle the registered holder to purchase one share of our common stock at a price equal to $5.50 per share, subject to adjustment as discussed below, terminating at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the fifth anniversary of the date of issuance. In the case of the Warrants, if an effective registration statement is not available with respect to the offering of shares of common stock upon exercise of such Warrants, holders of such Warrants may exercise such warrants on a “cashless” basis. In such event, the aggregate number of shares of common stock issuable in such cashless exercise shall be equal to (x) the difference between (i) value of the aggregate number of shares of common stock for which the Warrant is being exercised based on the weighted average price of our common stock as determined in the formula set forth in such Warrant and (ii) the value of the aggregate number of shares of common stock for which the Warrant is being exercised based on the exercise price then in effect, divided by (y) the exercise price then in effect. In the case of the Pre-Funded Warrants, the exercise price will be deemed to have been paid as part of the purchase price for such Pre-Funded Warrants in this offering. The exercise price and number of shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of the Warrants and the Pre-Funded Warrants may be adjusted in certain circumstances, including in the event of a stock dividend, extraordinary dividend on or recapitalization, reorganization, merger or consolidation. The Warrants may be exercised by delivery of a notice of exercise and, in the case of the Warrants, the aggregate exercise price if no cashless exercise has been elected, to us as specified in such Warrant or Pre-Funded Warrant, as applicable. Holders of Warrants and Pre-Funded Warrants do not have the rights or privileges of holders of common stock and any voting rights until they exercise their Warrants or Pre-Funded Warrants, as applicable, and receive shares of common stock. After the issuance of shares of common stock upon exercise of the Series A-1 Warrants, each holder will be entitled to one vote for each share held of record on all matters to be voted on by stockholders.
 
Preferred Stock
 
Our Board is authorized, without action by the stockholders, to designate and issue up to 15.0 million shares of preferred stock in one or more series. In the past the Board has designated series lettered A through J-1 and issued shares in those series. As of the date of this prospectus, only preferred shares in the series designated C and J-1 have shares issued and outstanding. Our Board can fix or alter the rights, preferences and privileges of the shares of each series and any of its qualifications, limitations or restrictions, including dividend rights, conversion rights, voting rights, terms of redemption, liquidation preferences and the number of shares constituting a class or series. The issuance of preferred stock could, under certain circumstances, result in one or more of the following adverse effects:
 
● 
decreasing the market price of our common stock;
 
● 
restricting dividends on our common stock;
 
● 
diluting the voting power of our common stock;
 
● 
impairing the liquidation rights of our common stock; or
 
● 
delaying or preventing a change in control of us without further action by our stockholders.
 
Our Board will make any determination to issue such shares based on its judgment as to our best interests and the best interests of our stockholders.
 
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Series C Preferred Stock
 
For a discussion of the terms of our Series C Preferred Stock, see Note 7 to our audited financial statements, Stockholders’ Equity.
 
Series J-1 Preferred Stock
 
Shares of our Series J-1 Preferred Stock are convertible at any time, at the option of the holders, into shares of our common stock at an effective conversion price of $0.20 per share, subject to adjustment for, among other things, stock dividends, stock splits, combinations, reclassifications of our capital stock and mergers or consolidations, and subject to a “blocker provision” which prohibits conversion if such conversion would result in the holder being the beneficial owner of in excess of 9.99% of our common stock. Shares of our Series J-1 Preferred Stock have the same voting rights a shares of our common stock, with the holders of the Series J-1 Preferred Stock entitled to vote on an as-converted-to-common stock basis, subject to the “blocker provision” described above, together with the holders of our common stock on all matters presented to our stockholders. The Series J-1 Preferred Stock are not entitled to any dividends (unless specifically declared by our Board), but will participate on an as-converted-to-common-stock basis in any dividends to the holders of our common stock. In the event of our dissolution, liquidation or winding up, the holders of our Series J-1 Preferred Stock will be on parity with the holders of our common stock and will participate, on a on an as-converted-to-common stock basis, in any distribution to holders of our common stock.
 
Anti-Takeover Provisions Under Our Charter and Bylaws and Delaware Law
 
Certain provisions of Delaware law, our certificate of incorporation and our bylaws contain provisions that could have the effect of delaying, deferring or discouraging another party from acquiring control of us. These provisions, which are summarized below, may have the effect of discouraging coercive takeover practices and inadequate takeover bids. These provisions are also designed, in part, to encourage persons seeking to acquire control of us to first negotiate with our Board. We believe that the benefits of increased protection of our potential ability to negotiate with an unfriendly or unsolicited acquirer outweigh the disadvantages of discouraging a proposal to acquire us because negotiation of these proposals could result in an improvement of their terms.
 
Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation
 
Undesignated Preferred Stock. Our Board has the ability to issue preferred stock with voting or other rights or preferences that could impede the success of any attempt to change control of us. These and other provisions may have the effect of deferring hostile takeovers or delaying changes in control or management of our company.
 
Special Meetings of Stockholders. Our bylaws provide that special meetings of our stockholders may be called only by our Chairman of the Board, our president or our Board, thus prohibiting a stockholder from calling a special meeting. This provision might delay the ability of our stockholders to force consideration of a proposal or for stockholders controlling a majority of our capital stock to take any action, including the removal of directors.
 
Board Vacancies Filled Only by Majority of Directors. Vacancies and newly created seats on our Board may be filled only by a majority of the directors then in office. Only our Board may determine the number of directors on our board. The inability of stockholders to determine the number of directors or to fill vacancies or newly created seats on our Board makes it more difficult to change the composition of our Board, but these provisions promo