UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20549

Form 10-Q

(Mark One)

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

For the Quarterly Period Ended June 30, 2024

OR

☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from                to ________

Commission File Number: 001-34079
 
Ocuphire Pharma, Inc.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware
  
11-3516358
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)
  
(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)

 
37000 Grand River Avenue, Suite 120
Farmington Hills, MI
  
48335
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
  
(Zip Code)

Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code: (248) 957-9024
 
Not Applicable
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of Each Class
  
Trading Symbol(s)
  
Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered
Common Stock, $0.0001 par value per share
OCUP
  
The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (section 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☒ No ☐

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

Large accelerated filer
 ☐
Non-accelerated filer
 ☒
Accelerated filer
 ☐
Smaller reporting company
 ☒
   
Emerging growth company
 ☐

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

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

The number of outstanding shares of the registrant’s common stock as of August 9, 2024 was 26,198,444.

OCUPHIRE PHARMA, INC.
FORM 10-Q
INDEX

   
Page
 
PART 1 – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.
 3
  3
  4
  5
  6
  7
Item 2.
 26
Item 3.
 40
Item 4.
 40
   
 
PART II – OTHER INFORMATION
   
Item 1.
 41
Item 1A.
 41
Item 2.
 41
Item 3.
 41
Item 4.
 41
Item 5.
 41
Item 6.
 42
   
43

2
PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.
Financial Statements

Ocuphire Pharma, Inc.
Condensed Balance Sheets
(in thousands, except share amounts and par value)
 
   
As of
  
   
June 30,
    
December 31,
  
    2024     2023  
Assets
   (unaudited)        
Current assets:
            
Cash and cash equivalents
  
$
41,409
    
$
50,501
  
Accounts receivable
     1,358       926  
Contract assets and unbilled receivables
     948       1,407  
Prepaids and other assets
     1,114       1,099  
Short-term investments
    
5
      
15
  
Total current assets
    
44,834
      
53,948
  
Property and equipment, net
    
—
      
—
  
Total assets
  
$
44,834
    
$
53,948
  
                 
Liabilities and stockholders’ equity
                
Current liabilities:
                
Accounts payable
  
$
634
    
$
2,153
  
Accrued expenses
    
3,490
      
1,815
  
Derivative liability     74
       74
  
Total current liabilities
    
4,198
      
4,042
  
Total liabilities
    
4,198
      
4,042
  
                 
Commitments and contingencies (Note 3 and Note 8)
            
                 
Stockholders’ equity:
                
Preferred stock, par value $0.0001; 10,000,000 shares authorized as of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023; no shares issued and outstanding at June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023.
    
—
      
—
  
Common stock, par value $0.0001; 125,000,000 and 75,000,000 shares authorized as of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively; 25,979,038 and 23,977,491 shares issued and outstanding at June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively.
    
3
      
2
  
Additional paid-in capital
    
136,970
      
131,370
  
Accumulated deficit
    
(96,337
)
    
(81,466
)
Total stockholders’ equity
    
40,636
      
49,906
  
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
  
$
44,834
    
$
53,948
  
 
See accompanying notes.

3

Ocuphire Pharma, Inc.
Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Loss
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
(Unaudited)


  
For the Three Months Ended
June 30,
    
For the Six Months Ended
June 30,
  
   
2024
    
2023
     2024     2023  
License and collaborations revenue
   $ 1,112     $ 3,674     $ 2,823     $ 5,423  
                                 
Operating expenses:
                                
General and administrative
    
3,354
      
4,340
       8,024       6,625  
Research and development
    
6,086
      
4,723
       10,835       10,318  
Total operating expenses
    
9,440
      
9,063
       18,859       16,943  
Loss from operations    
(8,328
)
    
(5,389
)
     (16,036 )     (11,520 )
Other income, net
    
563
      
428
       1,165       768  
Loss before income taxes
    
(7,765
)
    
(4,961
)
     (14,871 )     (10,752 )
Benefit (provision) for income taxes
    
—
      
—
       —       —  
Net loss
    
(7,765
)
    
(4,961
)
     (14,871 )     (10,752 )
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax    
—
      
—
       —       —  
Comprehensive loss  
$
(7,765
)
  
$
(4,961
)
   $ (14,871 )   $ (10,752 )
Net loss per share:
                                
Basic and diluted (Note 10)
  
$
(0.30
)
  
$
(0.24
)
   $ (0.59 )   $ (0.51 )
Number of shares used in per share calculations:
                                
Basic and diluted
    
25,827,265
      
20,959,807
       25,175,596
       20,949,763
  

See accompanying notes.
 
4
Ocuphire Pharma, Inc.
Condensed Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity
(in thousands, except share amounts)
(Unaudited)

   
Common Stock
    
Additional
Paid–In
    
Accumulated
    
Total
  
   
Shares
    
Amount
    
Capital
    
Deficit
    
Equity
 
                               
Balance at December 31, 2022
    
20,861,315
    
$
2
    
$
117,717
    
$
(71,480
)
  
$
46,239
  
Issuance costs
     —       —       (2 )     —       (2 )
Stock-based compensation
    
68,646
      
—
      
804
      
—
      
804
  
Exercise of warrants
     17,869       —       —       —       —  
Net and comprehensive loss
    
—
      
—
      
—
      
(5,791
)
    
(5,791
)
Balance at March 31, 2023
    
20,947,830
      
2
      
118,519
      
(77,271
)
    
41,250
  
Issuance costs     —       —       (7 )     —       (7 )
Stock-based compensation
    
37,954
      
—
      
1,422
      
—
      
1,422
  
Net and comprehensive loss
    
—
      
—
      
—
      
(4,961
)
    
(4,961
)
Balance at June 30, 2023
    
20,985,784
     $
2
     $
119,934
     $
(82,232
)
   $
37,704
  
                                         
Balance at December 31, 2023
    
23,977,491
     $
2
    
$
131,370
    
$
(81,466
)
  
$
49,906
  
Issuance of common stock in connection with the at-the-market program and purchase agreement
     1,000,550       1       2,478       —       2,479  
Issuance costs     —       —       (165 )     —       (165 )
Stock–based compensation
    
120,516
      
—
      
985
      
—
      
985
  
Share repurchases for the payment of employee taxes
     (12,965 )     —       (42 )     —       (42 )
Net and comprehensive loss
    
—
      
—
      
—
      
(7,106
)
    
(7,106
)
Balance at March 31, 2024
    
25,085,592
      
3
      
134,626
      
(88,572
)
    
46,057
  
Issuance of common stock in connection with the at-the-market program and purchase agreement
     788,566       —       1,563       —       1,563  
Issuance costs
     —
      
—
      
(25
)
     —      
(25
)
Stock–based compensation
    
104,880
      
—
      
806
      
—
      
806
  
Net and comprehensive loss
    
—
      
—
      
—
      
(7,765
)
    
(7,765
)
Balance at June 30, 2024
    
25,979,038
     $
3
     $
136,970
     $
(96,337
)
   $
40,636
  

See accompanying notes.

5
 Ocuphire Pharma, Inc.
Condensed Statements of Cash Flows
(in thousands)
(Unaudited)

   
For the Six Months Ended
June 30,
  
   
2024
    
2023
  
Operating activities
            
Net loss
  
$
(14,871
)
  
$
(10,752
)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:
                
Stock-based compensation
    
1,791
      
2,226
  
Depreciation
    
—
      
2
  
Unrealized loss from short-term investments
     10       27  
Change in assets and liabilities:
                
Accounts receivable
     (432 )     1,163  
Contract assets and unbilled receivables
     459       957  
Prepaid and other assets
    
(15
)
    
721
  
Accounts payable
    
(1,519
)
    
1,254
  
Accrued and other liabilities
   
1,569
      
1,745
  
Net cash used in operating activities
    
(13,008
)
    
(2,657
)
Investing activities
                
Net cash used in investing activities
    
—
      
—
  
Financing activities
                
Proceeds from issuance of common stock in connection with the at-the-market program and purchase agreement
     4,041       —  
Issuance costs     (83 )     —  
Share repurchases for the payment of employee taxes
     (42 )     —  
Net cash provided by financing activities
    
3,916
      
—
  
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
    
(9,092
)
    
(2,657
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    
50,501
      
42,634
  
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  
$
41,409
    
$
39,977
  
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
                
Cash paid for income taxes
  
$
—
    
$
—
  
Cash paid for interest
  
$
—
    
$
—
  
Supplemental non-cash financing transactions:
                
Unpaid issuance costs  
$
107
    
$
9
  
 
See accompanying notes.

6
Notes to Condensed Financial Statements
1.
Company Description and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Nature of Business

Ocuphire Pharma, Inc. (the “Company” or “Ocuphire”) is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company with one FDA-approved product currently marketed by Viatris, Inc. (“Viatris”), our development and commercial partner. Headquartered in Farmington Hills, Michigan, the Company is focused on developing novel therapies for the treatment of unmet needs of patients with retinal and refractive eye disorders.

The Company’s lead retinal product candidate, APX3330, is a small-molecule inhibitor of Ref-1 (reduction oxidation effector factor-1 protein). Ref-1 is a regulator of transcription factors such as HIF-1α and NF-kB. Inhibiting Ref-1 reduces levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (“VEGF”) and inflammatory cytokines which are known to play key roles in ocular angiogenesis and inflammation. APX3330 is an oral tablet intended to be administered twice per day in development for the treatment of diabetic retinopathy (“DR”). A Phase 2 study in subjects with DR or diabetic macular edema was completed and results were reported in January 2023. An End-of-Phase 2 (“EOP2”) meeting with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (the “FDA”) was held in October 2023 at which the Company obtained agreement on the registration efficacy endpoint for APX3330 in future clinical trials. Ocuphire submitted a Special Protocol Assessment (“SPA”) to the FDA in February 2024 to seek agreement on the clinical trial protocol and statistical analysis plan. The company continues dialog with the FDA and will update the market upon conclusion of these discussions.
The Company has also in-licensed APX2009 and APX2014, which are second-generation analogs of APX3330. The unique mechanism of action of this family of Ref-1 inhibitors of reducing angiogenesis and inflammation could potentially be beneficial in treating other retinal diseases such as age-related macular degeneration, geographic atrophy, and non-ophthalmic diseases.

In November 2022, the Company entered into a license and collaboration agreement (the “Viatris License Agreement”) with FamyGen Life Sciences, Inc. (acquired by and now known as Viatris, Inc. (“Viatris”)), pursuant to which it granted Viatris an exclusive license to develop, manufacture, import, export and commercialize its refractive product candidate Phentolamine Ophthalmic Solution 0.75% (initially known as Nyxol) (“PS”). PS is a once-daily eye drop formulation of phentolamine mesylate designed to reduce pupil diameter and improve visual acuity. PS was approved by the FDA for the treatment for pharmacologically induced mydriasis under the brand name RYZUMVITM in September 2023 and was launched commercially in April 2024. The Company reported positive top-line data from multiple late-stage clinical trials for PS in reversal of pharmacologically induced mydriasis, presbyopia and dim light disturbances. The VEGA-2 Phase 3 study in presbyopia achieved its primary endpoint. The VEGA-3 Phase 3 clinical trial evaluating PS for presbyopia (age-related blurry near vision) has begun recruiting. For decreased vision under mesopic (low) light conditions following keratorefractive surgery, we received FDA agreement under Special Protocol Assessment for LYNX-2, a Phase 3 Trial of PS. The first patient was enrolled in LYNX-2 in April 2024.

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying condensed financial statements have been prepared by the Company, without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations.
The December 31, 2023 condensed balance sheet was derived from audited financial statements, and may not include all disclosures required by GAAP; however, the Company believes that the disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. These unaudited condensed financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and the notes thereto for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023.
 
In the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting of only normal recurring adjustments that are necessary to present fairly the financial position, results of operations, and cash flows for the interim periods, have been made. The results of operations for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the operating results for the full fiscal year or any future periods.

7

Notes to Condensed Financial Statements
Liquidity


The accompanying financial statements have been prepared on the basis that the Company will continue as a going concern. From its inception, the Company has devoted substantially all its efforts to drug development and conducting clinical trials.



As of June 30, 2024, the Company had $41.4 million in cash and cash equivalents. The Company believes its current available cash and cash equivalents will be sufficient to fund the Company’s planned expenditures and meet its obligations for at least twelve months from the date of issuance of these financial statements.



In the future, the Company may need to raise additional funds until it is able to generate sufficient revenues to fund its development activities. The Company’s future operating activities, coupled with its plans to raise capital or pursue additional financing, may provide additional liquidity in the future; however, these actions are not solely within the control of the Company and the Company is unable to predict the outcome of these actions taken to generate the liquidity ultimately required.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 
Segment Information

Operating segments are components of an enterprise for which separate financial information is available and is evaluated regularly by the Company’s chief operating decision maker in deciding how to allocate resources and assessing performance. The Company’s chief operating decision maker is its Chief Executive Officer or such person functioning in such role. The Company’s Chief Executive Officer views the Company’s operations and manages its business in one operating segment, which is the business of development of products related to vision performance and health. Accordingly, the Company has a single reporting segment.

Cash and Cash Equivalents
 
The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of 90 days or less at the time of deposit to be cash equivalents.
 

Concentration of Credit Risk

Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to a concentration of credit risk consist of cash and cash equivalents. Management follows approved policies established by its Board of Directors to reduce credit risk associated with the Company’s cash deposit and investment accounts. Pursuant to these policies, the Company limits its exposure through the kind, quality and concentration of its investments. The Company’s cash and cash equivalents are held or managed by two financial institutions in the United States. As of June 30, 2024, the Company had cash equivalents of $40.9 million that were not eligible for coverage by Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. These balances are invested in funds whose assets consist almost entirely of securities issued by the U.S. Treasury or guaranteed by the U.S. government.


8

Notes to Condensed Financial Statements

Short-term Investments



The Company determines the appropriate classification of its investments in debt and equity securities at the time of purchase and records them on a settlement date basis. The Company’s short-term investments are comprised of equity securities, which in accordance with the fair value hierarchy described below are recorded at fair value using Level l inputs on the balance sheets. Subsequent changes in fair values are recorded in other income, net on the statements of comprehensive loss. The Company classifies investments available to fund current operations as current assets on its balance sheets. The Company did not recognize any impairments on its investments to date through June 30, 2024.

Revenue Recognition
 

The Company follows the provisions of Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. The guidance provides a five-step model to determine how revenue is recognized. The Company has entered into license agreements which have revenue recognition implications (See Note 9 – License and Collaboration Agreements).

 

In determining the appropriate amount of revenue to be recognized, the Company performs the following steps: (i) identification of the contracts with a customer; (ii) determination of the performance obligations in the contract; (iii) measurement of the transaction price, including potential constraints on variable consideration; (iv) allocation of the transaction price to the performance obligations based on estimated stand-alone selling prices; and (v) recognition of revenue when (or as) the Company satisfies a performance obligation.
 

A performance obligation is a promise in a contract to transfer a distinct good or service to the customer and is the unit of account in ASC 606. Performance obligations may include license rights, development and other services. Significant management judgment is required to determine the level of effort required under an arrangement and the period over which the Company expects to complete its performance obligations under the arrangement. If the Company cannot reasonably estimate when its performance obligations are either completed or become inconsequential, then revenue recognition is deferred until the Company can reasonably make such estimates. Revenue is then recognized over the remaining estimated period of performance using the cumulative catch-up method.



As part of the accounting for these arrangements, the Company must develop assumptions that require judgment to determine the stand-alone selling price of each performance obligation identified in the contract. The Company uses key assumptions to determine the stand-alone selling price, which may include forecasted revenues, development timelines, reimbursement rates for personnel costs, discount rates and probabilities of technical and regulatory success. The Company allocates the total transaction price to each performance obligation based on the relative standalone selling prices of the promised goods or service underlying each performance obligation.



Licenses of intellectual property and research and development services: If the license to the Company’s intellectual property is determined to be distinct from the other performance obligations identified in the arrangement, the Company recognizes revenues from non-refundable, up-front fees allocated to the license when the license is transferred to the customer, and the customer can use and benefit from the license. For licenses that are bundled with other obligations, such as research and development services, the Company utilizes judgment to assess the nature of the combined performance obligation to determine whether the combined performance obligation is satisfied over time or at a point in time and, if over time, the appropriate method of measuring progress for purposes of recognizing revenue from non-refundable, up-front fees. For research and development services that are distinct from a license transfer obligation, the Company determines whether the services are satisfied over time or at a point in time and, if over time, the appropriate method of measuring progress for purposes of recognizing revenue from such services. The Company evaluates the measure of progress each reporting period and, if necessary, adjusts the measure of performance and related revenue recognition.



Milestone payments: At the inception of each arrangement that includes milestone payments, the Company evaluates whether the milestones are considered probable of being achieved and estimates the amount to be included in the transaction price using the most likely amount method. If it is probable that a significant revenue reversal would not occur, the value of the associated milestone (such as a regulatory submission) is included in the transaction price. Milestone payments that are not within the control of the Company, such as approvals from regulators, are not considered probable of being achieved until such contingency occurs (such as receipt of those approvals).



Royalties: For arrangements that include sales-based royalties, including milestone payments based on the level of sales, and the license is deemed to be the predominant item to which the royalties relate, the Company recognizes revenue at the later of (a) when the related sales occur, or (b) when the performance obligation to which some or all of the royalty has been allocated has been satisfied (or partially satisfied).


9

Notes to Condensed Financial Statements

Contract Assets and Unbilled Receivables



The Company recognizes contract assets and unbilled receivables when goods or services are transferred to the customer before the customer pays or before reimbursement for payment is billed or due, excluding any amounts presented as an account receivable. The Company recorded contract assets and unbilled receivables in connection with a license and collaboration agreement (See Note 9 – License and Collaboration Agreements).



Accounts Receivable and Allowances for Credit Losses



The Company records a provision for credit losses, when appropriate, based on historical experience, current conditions and reasonable supportable forecasts. The Company estimates credit losses over the remaining expected life of an asset by, among other things, primarily using historical experience and current economic conditions that could affect the collectability of the balances in the future. Account balances are charged off against the allowance when the Company believes that it is probable that the receivable will not be recovered. Actual write-offs may be in excess of the Company’s estimated allowance. The Company has not incurred any bad debt expense to date and no allowance for credit losses has been recorded during the periods presented.



General and Administrative Expenses



General and administrative expenses consist primarily of personnel-related costs, including salaries, benefits and stock-based compensation costs, for personnel in functions not directly associated with research and development activities. Other significant costs include insurance coverage for directors and officers and other property and liability exposures, legal fees relating to intellectual property and corporate matters, professional fees for accounting and tax services, other services provided by business consultants, and legal settlements.



Research and Development



Research and development expenses consist of costs incurred in performing research and development activities, including compensation, benefits and stock-based compensation costs for research and development employees and costs for consultants, costs associated with nonclinical studies and clinical trials, regulatory activities, manufacturing activities to support clinical activities, license fees, nonlegal patent costs, fees paid to external service providers that conduct certain research and development, and an allocation of overhead expenses. Research and development expenses include costs that are reimbursed under the Viatris License Agreement (See Note 9 – License and Collaboration Agreements).



Other Income, net


Other income, net includes interest earned from cash and cash equivalent investments, realized and unrealized gains (losses) from equity investments and reimbursements in connection with grants and other sources when they occur. In addition, this line item includes payments made by the Company in connection with the Contingent Value Rights Agreement (the “CVR Agreement”) discussed further below with former shareholders of Rexahn Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (“Rexahn”).
 

Stock-Based Compensation



The Company accounts for stock-based compensation in accordance with the provisions of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) ASC 718, Compensation — Stock Compensation. Accordingly, compensation costs related to equity instruments granted are recognized at the grant date fair value. The Company records forfeitures when they occur. Stock-based compensation arrangements to non-employees are accounted for in accordance with the applicable provisions of ASC 718.


10

Notes to Condensed Financial Statements

Derivative Liability


The Company evaluates all features contained in financing agreements to determine if there are any embedded derivatives that require separation from the underlying agreement under ASC 815 – Derivatives and Hedging. An embedded derivative that requires separation is accounted for as a separate liability from the host agreement. The separated embedded derivative is accounted for separately on a fair market value basis. The Company records the fair value change of a separated embedded derivative at each reporting period in the statements of comprehensive loss under the fair value change in derivative liability line item. The Company determined that certain features under an equity line financing (See Note 6 — Stockholders’ Equity) collectively qualified as an embedded derivative. The derivative was accounted for separately from the underlying equity line financing agreement.

Fair Value Measurements
 
The Company follows accounting guidance that emphasizes that fair value is a market-based measurement, not an entity-specific measurement. Fair value is defined as “the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.” Fair value measurements are defined on a three-level hierarchy:
 

•
Level 1 inputs: Unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets;


•
Level 2 inputs: Quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, quoted prices in markets that are not active, or inputs which are observable, whether directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the asset or liability; and


•
Level 3 inputs: Unobservable inputs in which there is little or no market data available, which requires management to develop its own assumptions in pricing the asset or liability.

As of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the fair values of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, contract assets and unbilled receivables, prepaid and other assets, accounts payable, and accrued expenses approximated their carrying values because of the short-term nature of these assets or liabilities. The fair value of the short-term investments, while outstanding, were based on observable Level 1 inputs in the form of quoted market prices from a major stock exchange. The fair value of the derivative liability associated with the equity line financing facility (See Note 6 – Stockholders’ Equity) was based on cash flow models discounted at current implied market rates representing expected returns by market participants for similar instruments and are based on Level 3 inputs as well the Company’s underlying stock price and associated volatility, expected term of the financing and market interest rates. The fair value of the warrant liabilities, while outstanding, were based on a Black-Scholes option model using Level 3 inputs. There were no transfers between fair value hierarchy levels during the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023.

The fair value of financial instruments measured on a recurring basis is as follows (in thousands):

 
  
As of June 30, 2024
  
Description
  
Total
    
Level 1
    
Level 2
    
Level 3
  
Assets:
                        
Short-term investments
  
$
5
    
$
5
    
$
—
    
$
—
  
Total assets at fair value
  
$
5
    
$
5
    
$
—
    
$
—
  
Liabilities:
                                
Derivative liability
  
$
74
    
$
—
    
$
—
    
$
74
  
Total liabilities at fair value
  
$
74
    
$
—
    
$
—
    
$
74
  
 
 
  
As of December 31, 2023
  
Description
  
Total
    
Level 1
    
Level 2
    
Level 3
  
Assets:
                        
Short-term investments
  
$
15
    
$
15
    
$
—
    
$
—
  
Total assets at fair value
  
$
15
    
$
15
    
$
—
    
$
—
  
Liabilities:
                                
Derivative liability
  
$
74
    
$
—
    
$
—
    
$
74
  
Total liabilities at fair value
  
$
74
    
$
—
    
$
—
    
$
74
  

11

Notes to Condensed Financial Statements
The following table provides a roll-forward of short-term investments measured at fair value on a recurring basis using observable level 1 inputs for the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023 (in thousands):

   
Six Months Ended
June 30,
  
 
  
2024
    
2023
  
Short-term investments
            
Balance as of beginning of period
  
$
15
    
$
49
  
Unrealized loss
    
(10
)
    
(27
)
Balance as of end of period
  
$
5
    
$
22
  

The following table provides a roll-forward of the derivative liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using unobservable level 3 inputs for the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023 (in thousands):

   
Six Months Ended
June 30,
  
   
2024
    
2023
  
Derivative liabilities
            
    Balance as of beginning of period
  
$
74
    
$
—
  
Change in fair value of derivative liabilities
    
—
      
—
  
Balance as of end of period
  
$
74
    
$
—
  


Rexahn Warrants

The fair value of the warrant liabilities associated with the Rexahn warrants was de minimis during the periods presented. The last of the Rexahn warrants classified as liabilities expired in April 2023 unexercised. See Note 2 – Merger for additional background.


There were no financial instruments measured on a non-recurring basis for any of the periods presented.


Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-07 - Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures, which enhances reportable segment disclosure requirements, primarily through disclosures of significant segment expenses. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024, with early adoption permitted. The guidance must be applied retrospectively to all prior periods presented. The Company adopted the guidance on January 1, 2024. The adoption of this ASU did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.



In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09 Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures, which enhances income tax disclosures primarily related to the rate reconciliation and income taxes paid information. This guidance also includes certain other amendments to improve the effectiveness of income tax disclosures. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024, including interim periods within those fiscal years and should be applied on a prospective basis, with retrospective application permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adoption of this guidance on its financial statements.
 
12

Notes to Condensed Financial Statements
2.
Merger
  
On November 5, 2020, the Company completed the Merger transaction with Rexahn (the “Merger”). In connection with the Merger, the Company, Shareholder Representatives Services LLC, as representative of the Rexahn stockholders prior to the Merger, and Olde Monmouth Stock Transfer Co., Inc., as the rights agent, entered into the CVR Agreement.

Pursuant to the terms of the Merger and the CVR Agreement, Rexahn stockholders of record as of immediately prior to the effective time of the Merger received one contingent value right (“CVR”) for each share of Rexahn common stock held.
 
Each CVR entitles such holders to receive, for each calendar quarter (each, a “CVR Payment Period”) during the 15-year period after the closing (the “CVR Term”), an amount equal to the following:
 

•
90% of all payments received by Rexahn or its affiliates during such CVR Payment Period from or on behalf of BioSense Global LLC (“BioSense”) pursuant to that certain License and Assignment Agreement, dated as of February 25, 2019, by and between BioSense and Rexahn, as amended by Amendment No. 1, dated August 24, 2019, and as further amended by Amendment No. 2, dated March 10, 2020, minus certain permitted deductions;
 

•
90% of all payments received by Rexahn or its affiliates during such CVR Payment Period from or on behalf of Zhejiang HaiChang Biotechnology Co., Ltd. (“HaiChang”) pursuant to that certain Exclusive License Agreement, dated as of February 8, 2020, by and between HaiChang and Rexahn, minus certain permitted deductions; and
 

•
75% of the sum of (i) all cash consideration paid by a third party to Rexahn or its affiliates during the applicable CVR Payment Period in connection with the grant, sale or transfer of rights to Rexahn’s pre-closing intellectual property (other than a grant, sale or transfer of rights involving a sale or disposition of the post-Merger combined company) that is entered into during the 10-year period after the closing (“Parent IP Deal”), plus (ii) with respect to any non-cash consideration received by Rexahn or its affiliates from a third party during the applicable CVR Payment Period in connection with any Parent IP Deal, all amounts received by Rexahn or its affiliates for such non-cash consideration at the time such non-cash consideration is monetized by Rexahn or its affiliates, minus (iii) certain permitted deductions.
 
The CVRs are not transferable, except in certain limited circumstances, will not be certificated or evidenced by any instrument, will not accrue interest and will not be registered with the SEC or listed for trading on any exchange. The CVR Agreement will continue in effect until the later of the end of the CVR Term and the payment of all amounts payable thereunder. As of June 30, 2024, no payments subject to the CVR Agreement had been received beyond those previously reported in the second and third quarters of calendar year 2021.  In addition, no milestones had been accrued as there were no potential milestones yet considered probable beyond those previously reported.

Former Rexahn Warrants
 
As of June 30, 2024, none of the Rexahn warrants classified as equity remained outstanding. The remaining warrants in the amount of 58,597 with an exercise price of $38.40 per share expired unexercised in January 2024.

3.
Commitments and Contingencies
 
Apexian Sublicense Agreement
 
On January 21, 2020, the Company entered into a sublicense agreement with Apexian Pharmaceuticals, Inc., pursuant to which it obtained exclusive worldwide patent and other intellectual property rights. In exchange for the patent and other intellectual rights, the Company agreed to certain milestone payments and royalty payments on future sales (See Note 8 — Apexian Sublicense Agreement). As of June 30, 2024, there was sufficient uncertainty with regard to any future cash milestone payments under the sublicense agreement that no liabilities were recorded related to the sublicense agreement.

13

Notes to Condensed Financial Statements
Facility Leases

The Company has a short-term, non-cancellable facility lease (the “HQ Lease”) for its headquarters. The HQ Lease qualified for the short-term lease exception under ASC 842, Leases. The monthly base rent for the HQ Lease is approximately $3,000. The rent expense associated with the HQ Lease amounted to $9,000 during each of the three-month periods ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, and $18,000 during each of the six-month periods ended June 30, 2024 and 2023. The total remaining expected rental payments under the HQ Lease amount to $18,000 through its current expiration date of December 31, 2024.

Other

In the ordinary course of business, from time to time, the Company may be subject to a broad range of claims and legal proceedings that relate to contractual allegations and patent infringement, employment and other claims. In addition, the Company from time to time may be potentially committed to reimburse third parties for costs incurred associated with business development related transactions upon the achievement of certain milestones. The Company establishes accruals when applicable for matters and commitments which it believes losses are probable and can be reasonably estimated. To date, no loss contingency for such matters and potential commitments have been recorded. Although it is not possible to predict with certainty the outcome of these matters or potential commitments, the Company is of the opinion that the ultimate resolution of these matters and potential commitments will not have a material effect on its results of operations or financial position.
 
4.
Supplemental Balance Sheet Information
 
Prepaid and Other Assets
 
Prepaid and other assets consist of the following (in thousands):

   
June 30,
2024
    
December 31,
2023
  
Prepaids
  
$
1,027
    
$
997
  
Other
    
87
      
102
  
Total prepaids and other assets
  
$
1,114
    
$
1,099
  

Property and Equipment, net
 
Property and equipment held for use by category are presented in the following table (in thousands):

   
June 30,
2024
    
December 31,
2023
  
Equipment
    
20
    
$
20
  
Furniture
    
5
      
5
  
Total property and equipment
    
25
      
25
  
Less accumulated depreciation
    
(25
)
    
(25
)
Property and equipment, net
  
$
—
    
$
—
  

Depreciation expense was $1,000 and $2,000 during three and six months ended June 30, 2023, respectively. There was no depreciation expense during both the three and six months ended June 30, 2024.

14

Notes to Condensed Financial Statements
Accrued Expenses

Accrued expenses consist of the following (in thousands):
 
   
June 30,
    
December 31,
  
   
2024
    
2023
  
Payroll
  
$
427
    
$
753
  
Professional services
    
1,427
      
591
  
Research and development services and supplies
     1,540       400  
Other
    
96
      
71
  
Total
  
$
3,490
    
$
1,815
  

5.
Related Party Transactions

On April 8, 2022, Ocuphire entered into a consulting agreement (as amended, the “2022 Consulting Agreement”) with Jay Pepose, M.D., a director of the Company. The consulting agreement originally provided for $10,000 a month in cash payments and a stock option grant for 50,000 options, of which 25% vested on March 31, 2023, with the remainder vesting in equal monthly installments over 36 months. The consulting agreement was amended on September 19, 2022 to provide for vesting acceleration for stock-based awards in the event of a change in control. The consulting agreement was also amended effective December 1, 2022 to increase the cash payment to $25,000 per month and amended effective January 1, 2024 to extend the expiration to March 31, 2024 and to increase the retainer for March 2024 to $49,000.

On April 19, 2023, Ocuphire appointed Richard Rodgers, a director of the Company, as interim President and Chief Executive Officer.  In connection with his appointment, Ocuphire and Mr. Rodgers entered into a letter agreement, dated as of April 20, 2023, concerning Mr. Rodgers’s services (the “Letter Agreement”). The Letter Agreement provided that Mr. Rodgers (i) was to receive a $40,000 monthly salary, and (ii) was eligible for a potential prorated bonus at the discretion of Ocuphire’s Board of Directors, at the end of his term as interim President and Chief Executive Officer. Pursuant to the bonus clause, a $100,000 bonus was expensed in December 2024 and paid on March 4, 2024. Mr. Rodgers also received 50,000 restricted stock units under the Company’s 2020 Equity Incentive Plan which vested 12 months following the grant date. The Company incurred no related consulting expenses during the six months ended June 30, 2024 and $95,000 of related consulting expenses during the three and six months ended June 30, 2023. As Mr. Rogers’s services as interim President and Chief Executive Officer concluded on October 31, 2023 with the appointment of George Magrath to the role, the Letter Agreement has expired, and the Company does not expect to incur further expenses related thereto.

15

Notes to Condensed Financial Statements
On April 11, 2024, the Company entered into another consulting agreement (the “2024 Consulting Agreement”) with Dr. Pepose, pursuant to which Dr. Pepose agreed to continue to serve as a consultant of the Company following the expiration of the 2022 Consulting Agreement. Pursuant to the 2024 Consulting Agreement, Dr. Pepose is paid a monthly consulting fee of $39,583. Additionally, Dr. Pepose received an award of 32,000 RSUs, as well as stock options to purchase 48,000 shares of the Company’s common stock. The RSUs awarded under the 2024 Consulting Agreement will vest on April 11, 2025, subject to Dr. Pepose’s continued service over that period. The options granted under the 2024 Consulting Agreement vest in 12 equal monthly installments beginning on May 11, 2024, subject to Dr. Pepose’s continued service over such period. The 2024 Consulting Agreement is scheduled to terminate on April 11, 2025.

For the agreements with Dr. Pepose above, the Company incurred related consulting expenses of $119,000 and $218,000 during the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, respectively; the Company incurred related consulting expenses of $75,000 and $150,000 during the three and six months ended June 30, 2023, respectively; and, as of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, $40,000 and $25,000 of the related consulting expenses were unpaid, respectively.

6.
Stockholders’ Equity
 
Amendment to Articles of Incorporation


At the Company’s 2024 annual meeting of stockholders held on June 11, 2024, the Company’s stockholders voted to approve an amendment to the Company’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation that resulted in an increase in the number of authorized shares of the Company’s common stock from 75 million to 125 million shares.  The increase in authorized shares became effective on June 12, 2024.

Lincoln Park Purchase Agreement

On August 10, 2023, the Company entered into a common stock purchase agreement with Lincoln Park Capital Fund, LLC (“Lincoln Park”) for an equity line financing (the “Purchase Agreement”).  The Purchase Agreement provides that, subject to the terms and conditions set forth therein, the Company has the sole right, but not the obligation, to direct Lincoln Park to purchase up to $50 million of shares of the Company’s common stock from time to time over the 30-month term of the Purchase Agreement. Concurrently with entering into the Purchase Agreement, the Company also entered into a registration rights agreement with Lincoln Park (the “Registration Rights Agreement”), pursuant to which the Company agreed to register the resale of the shares of the Company’s common stock that have been and may be issued to Lincoln Park under the Purchase Agreement pursuant to a registration statement. Lincoln Park has agreed not to cause or engage in any manner whatsoever in any direct or indirect short selling or hedging of the Company’s common stock.


In addition to the commitment shares referenced above, a total of 250,000 shares and 400,000 shares were issued under the Purchase Agreement during the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, respectively, for net proceeds of $0.5 million and $0.7 million, respectively. The Company incurred de minimis issuance costs during the three and six months ended June 30, 2024. In addition to the initial commitment shares issued upon the execution of the Purchase Agreement of 246,792, a total of 1,700,000 shares of common stock were sold under the Purchase Agreement for gross proceeds through June 30, 2024 in the amount of $5.2 million and with issuance costs in the aggregate of $1.4 million.  No shares of the Company’s common stock were sold under the Purchase Agreement prior to the third quarter of 2023.

Under the Purchase Agreement, on any business day selected by the Company, the Company may direct Lincoln Park to purchase up to 50,000 shares of its common stock on such business day (or the purchase date) (a “Regular Purchase”), provided that the closing sale price of the Company’s common stock on Nasdaq on the applicable purchase date is not below $0.25 and subject to other adjustments. A Regular Purchase may be increased to up to (i) 60,000 shares if the closing sale price of the Company’s common stock on Nasdaq is not below $5.00 on the applicable purchase date and (ii) 70,000 shares if the closing sale price of the Company’s common stock on Nasdaq is not below $7.50 on the applicable purchase date. The Company may direct Lincoln Park to purchase shares in Regular Purchases as often as every business day. The purchase price per share for each such Regular Purchase will be equal to the lesser of:

16

Notes to Condensed Financial Statements

•
the lowest sale price for the Company’s common stock on Nasdaq on the purchase date of such shares; and

•
the average of the three lowest closing sale prices for the Company’s common stock on Nasdaq during the ten consecutive business days prior to the purchase date of such shares.

In addition, the Company may also direct Lincoln Park, on any business day on which the Company has submitted a Regular Purchase notice for the maximum amount allowed for such Regular Purchase, to purchase an additional amount of the Company’s common stock (an “Accelerated Purchase”) of up to the lesser of:


•
three times the number of shares purchased pursuant to such Regular Purchase; and

•
30% of the aggregate shares of the Company’s common stock traded on Nasdaq during all or, if certain trading volume or market price thresholds specified in the Purchase Agreement are crossed on the applicable Accelerated Purchase date, the portion of the normal trading hours on the applicable Accelerated Purchase date prior to such time that any one of such thresholds is crossed (the “Accelerated Purchase Measurement Period”).

The purchase price per share for each such Accelerated Purchase will be equal to 96.5% of the lower of:


•
the closing sale price of the Company’s common stock on Nasdaq on the applicable Accelerated Purchase date; and

•
the volume-weighted average price of the Company’s common stock on Nasdaq during the applicable Accelerated Purchase Measurement Period on the applicable Accelerated Purchase date.

The Company may also direct Lincoln Park, on any business day on which an Accelerated Purchase has been completed and all of the shares to be purchased thereunder have been delivered to Lincoln Park in accordance with the Purchase Agreement, to purchase an additional amount of the Company’s common stock (an “Additional Accelerated Purchase”) as described in the Purchase Agreement.

The pricing and settlement provisions in the Purchase Agreement result in the recognition of a derivative liability accounted for on a fair value basis under the provisions of ASC 815 - Derivatives and Hedging. A Monte Carlo simulation model was used to estimate future stock pricing and purchase activity to determine the fair value of the derivative liability. As of June 30, 2024, the change in the derivative liability from December 31, 2023 was de minimis. The fair value change in the derivative liability is recorded in the fair value change in derivative liabilities line item in the accompanying condensed statements of comprehensive loss during periods with valuation changes.

At-The-Market Program

On February 4, 2021, Ocuphire filed a Form S-3 shelf registration under the Securities Act of 1933 which was declared effective by the SEC on February 12, 2021 (the “2021 Shelf”) under which the Company may offer and sell, from time to time in its sole discretion, securities having an aggregate offering price of up to $125 million. In connection with the 2021 Shelf, on March 11, 2021, Ocuphire entered into a sales agreement with JonesTrading Institutional Services LLC (“JonesTrading”) under which the Company may offer and sell, from time to time at its sole discretion, to or through JonesTrading, acting as agent and/or principal, shares of its common stock having an aggregate offering price of up to $40 million (the “2021 ATM”). During the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, 538,566 and 1,389,116 shares of common stock were sold under the ATM, respectively, for aggregate gross proceeds in the amount of $1.1 million and $3.3 million, respectively, before deducting issuance expenses, including the placement agent’s fees, legal and accounting expenses, in the amount of $25,000 and $190,000, respectively. There were no sales of common stock under the 2021 ATM during the three and six-month periods ended June 30, 2023. A total of 7,434,432 shares of common stock were sold under the ATM since its inception for gross proceeds through June 30, 2024 in the amount of $26.0 million and with issuance costs in the aggregate of $0.9 million.  [See Note 13 – Subsequent Events.]

Registered Direct Offering

On June 4, 2021, the Company entered into a placement agency agreement for a registered direct offering (“RDO”) with A.G.P./Alliance Global Partners (“AGP”). Pursuant to the terms of the placement agency agreement, AGP on June 8, 2021 sold an aggregate of 3,076,923 shares of the Company’s common stock and warrants to purchase 1,538,461 shares of the Company’s common stock (the “RDO Warrants”) at an offering price of $4.875 per one share and per one-half of each RDO Warrant. The RDO was made pursuant to the Company’s 2021 shelf registration.

The RDO Warrants have an exercise price of $6.09 per share, are exercisable from the initial issuance date of June 8, 2021, and will expire five years following the initial issuance date. As of June 30, 2024, 1,538,461 RDO Warrants were outstanding and none have been exercised since issuance.

Subject to limited exceptions, a holder of a RDO Warrant will not have the right to exercise any portion of its RDO Warrants if the holder, together with its affiliates, would beneficially own in excess of 4.99% (or, at the election of a holder prior to the date of issuance, 9.99%) of the number of shares of the Company’s common stock outstanding immediately after giving effect to such exercise; provided that upon prior notice to the Company, the holder may increase or decrease the beneficial ownership limitation, provided further that in no event shall the beneficial ownership limitation exceed 9.99%.

17

Notes to Condensed Financial Statements
Pre-Merger Financing

On June 17, 2020, Ocuphire, Rexahn and certain investors entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement, which was amended and restated in its entirety on June 29, 2020 (as amended and restated, the “Securities Purchase Agreement”). Pursuant to the Securities Purchase Agreement, the investors invested a total of $21.15 million in cash, including $300,000 invested by five directors of Ocuphire Pharma, Inc., prior to the Merger and one director of Rexahn upon closing of the Merger (the “Pre-Merger Financing”). The Pre-Merger Financing also included the issuance of Series A Warrants and Series B Warrants discussed further below.

Series A Warrants

The Series A Warrants were issued on November 19, 2020 at an initial exercise price of $4.4795 per share, were immediately exercisable upon issuance and have a term of five years from the date of issuance. The Series A Warrants are exercisable for 5,665,838 shares of common stock in the aggregate (without giving effect to any limitation on exercise contained therein) and were outstanding as of June 30, 2024. The Series A Warrants were accounted for and classified as equity on the accompanying balance sheets.

Series B Warrants

The Series B Warrants had an exercise price of $0.0001, were exercisable upon issuance and would have expired on the day following the later to occur of (i) the Reservation Date (as defined therein) or (ii) the date on which the investor’s Series B Warrants would have been exercised in full (without giving effect to any limitation on exercise contained therein). None of the Series B Warrants were outstanding as of June 30, 2024 or June 30, 2023. During the six months ended June 30, 2023, the last of the Series B Warrants were exercised for 17,869 shares of common stock. The Series B Warrants were accounted for and classified as equity on the accompanying condensed balance sheets while outstanding.

7.
Stock-based Compensation

Stock-based compensation expense was included in general and administrative and research and development costs as follows in the accompanying condensed statements of comprehensive loss for the three and six-month periods indicated below (in thousands):
 
 
  
Three Months
Ended
June 30,
    
Six Months
Ended
June 30,
  
 
  
2024
    
2023
    
2024
    
2023
  
General and administrative
   $ 526    
$
1,166
    
$
1,301
    
$
1,634
  
Research and development
    
280
      
256
      
490
      
592
  
Total stock-based compensation
  
$
806
    
$
1,422
    
$
1,791
    
$
2,226
  

18

Notes to Condensed Financial Statements
Inducement Plan

On February 22, 2021, the Company adopted the Ocuphire Pharma, Inc. 2021 Inducement Plan (as amended, the “Inducement Plan”), which was amended on November 1, 2023, pursuant to which the Company reserved 2,325,258 shares of its common stock to be used exclusively for grants of awards to individuals who were not previously employees or directors of the Company, as an inducement material to the individual’s entry into employment with the Company within the meaning of Rule 5635(c)(4) of the Nasdaq Listing Rules.

2020 Equity Incentive Plan

In November 2020, the stockholders of the Company approved the 2020 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2020 Plan”) for stock-based awards. Under the 2020 Plan, (i) 1,000,000 new shares of common stock were reserved for issuance and (ii) up to 70,325 additional shares of common stock may be issued, consisting of (A) shares that remain available for the issuance of awards under prior equity plans and (B) shares of common stock subject to outstanding stock options or other awards covered by prior equity plans that have been cancelled or expire on or after the date that the 2020 Plan became effective. Under the 2020 Plan, the shares reserved automatically increase on January 1 of each year, for a period of not more than ten years from the date the 2020 Plan is approved by the stockholders of the Company, commencing on January 1, 2021 and ending on (and including) January 1, 2030, by an amount equal to 5% of the shares of common stock outstanding as of December 31 of the preceding calendar year. The 2020 Plan permits the granting of incentive and nonstatutory stock options, appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance stock and cash awards, and other stock-based awards. On January 1, 2024, 1,198,875 shares were added to the 2020 Plan as a result of its evergreen provision.

2018 Equity Incentive Plan

Prior to the 2020 Plan, the Company had adopted a 2018 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2018 Plan”) in April 2018 under which 1,175,000 shares of the Company’s common stock were reserved for issuance to employees, directors and consultants. Upon the effective date of the 2020 Plan, no additional shares were available for issuance under the 2018 Plan.

Stock Options

During the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, 259,086 and 1,021,166 stock options were granted, respectively, to directors, officers, employees and consultants, generally vesting over a one- to four-year period with monthly, quarterly and annual vesting tranches. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2023, 98,195 and 763,578 stock options were granted, respectively, to directors, officers, employees and consultants, generally vesting over a five- (5) to forty-eight (48) month period.

The Company recognized $510,000 and $1,186,000 in stock-based compensation expense related to stock options during the three months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively, and $957,000 and $1,686,000 during the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Stock-based compensation expense during the three and six-month periods ended June 30, 2023 included a one-time charge of  $0.4 million attributed to the modification of stock options for Mina Sooch, the Company’s former Chief Executive Officer, with respect to their exercisability provisions.

There were no stock option exercises during the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023.

As of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, 4,962,489 and 4,410,258 stock options were outstanding, respectively.

The weighted average fair value per share of options granted during the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 was $1.35 and $1.95, respectively. The weighted average fair value per share of options granted during the three and six months ended June 30, 2023 was $3.36 and $2.83, respectively. The Company measures the fair value of stock options with service-based vesting criteria to employees, directors, consultants and directors on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The Company does not have sufficient share trading history to support an internal calculation of volatility and expected term. As such, the Company has used a weighted average volatility considering the volatilities of several guideline companies.

19

Notes to Condensed Financial Statements
For purposes of identifying similar entities, the Company considered characteristics such as industry, length of trading history, and stage of life cycle. The assumed dividend yield was based on the Company’s expectation of not paying dividends in the foreseeable future. The average expected life of the options was based on the contractual term for agreements that allow for exercise of vested options through the end of the contractual term upon termination of continuous service, and for all other agreements, was based on the midpoint between the vesting date and the end of the contractual term according to the “simplified method” as described in Staff Accounting Bulletin 110. The risk-free interest rate is determined by reference to implied yields available from U.S. Treasury securities with a remaining term equal to the expected life assumed at the date of grant. The Company records forfeitures when they occur.

The weighted average assumptions used in the Black-Scholes option pricing model are as follows during the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023:

 
  
Three Months
Ended
June 30,
    
Six Months
Ended
  June 30,
  
 
  
2024
    
2023
    
2024
    
2023
  
Expected stock price volatility
    
98.3
%
    
94.4
%
    
97.7
%
    
95.3
%
Expected life of options (years)
    
5.5
      
5.8
      
5.9
      
6.1
  
Expected dividend yield
    
—
%
    
—
%
    
—
%
    
—
%
Risk free interest rate
    
4.4
%
    
3.7
%
    
4.2
%
    
3.7
%

During the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, 141,817 and 306,372 stock options vested, respectively. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2023, 374,757 and 620,824 stock options vested, respectively, inclusive of the vesting acceleration of stock options attributed to the departure of Mina Sooch,  the Company’s former Chief Executive Officer, in the amount of 145,418.

During the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, 124,030 and 468,935 options were forfeited, respectively. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2023, 254,966 options were forfeited, inclusive of the stock option forfeited in connection with the departure of Mina Sooch, the Company’s former Chief Executive Officer, in the amount of 249,633.

Restricted Stock Units

During the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, the Company granted an aggregate of 278,858 and 592,222 restricted stock units (“RSUs”), respectively, to the board of directors and certain officers, employees and consultants under the 2020 Plan. The weighted average grant date per unit fair value of the RSUs granted during the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 was $1.73 and $2.24, respectively. The vesting period of the RSUs range from a one-year period to a four-year period during which 25 percent of the RSUs vest annually on each anniversary of the grant date, subject to the recipient’s continued service on such dates.

During the three and six months ended June 30, 2023, the Company granted an aggregate of 124,880 and 416,464 RSUs, respectively, to the board of directors and certain officers and employees under the 2020 Plan. The weighted average grant date per unit fair value of the RSUs granted during the three and six months ended June 30, 2023 was $5.09 and $3.98, respectively. The vesting period of the RSUs range from a one-year period to a four-year period during which 25 percent of the RSUs vest annually on each anniversary of the grant date, subject to the recipient’s continued service on such dates.

During the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, 104,880 and 144,162 RSUs vested, respectively, and zero and 82,670 RSUs were forfeited during the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, respectively.

During the three and six months ended June 30, 2023, 33,614 RSUs vested and 100,842 RSUs were forfeited, both attributed solely to the departure of Mina Sooch, the Company’s former Chief Executive Officer.

20

Notes to Condensed Financial Statements
The total expense for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 related to these RSUs was $296,000 and $589,000, respectively. The total expense for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023 related to these RSUs was $208,000 and $265,000, respectively.

Common Stock Issued for Services


The Company granted stock for services in the amount of 81,234 common shares during the six months ended June 30, 2024 to board members who elected to receive their board retainers in the form of stock for services with a grant date fair value of $3.01 per share.



The Company granted stock for services in the amount of 4,340 and 72,986 common shares during the three and six months ended June 30, 2023, respectively, to board members who elected to receive their board retainers in the form of stock for services with a grant date fair value of $6.38 and $3.77 per share, respectively.



The stock-based compensation related to these services amounted to zero and $28,000 during the three months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively, and $245,000 and $275,000 during the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

General

As of June 30, 2024, 1,596,826 shares were available for future issuance under the 2020 Plan and Inducement Plan, in the aggregate. No shares were available for future issuance under the 2018 Plan. Unrecognized stock-based compensation cost was $7.3 million as of June 30, 2024. The unrecognized stock-based expense is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.75 years.

8.
Apexian Sublicense Agreement

On January 21, 2020, the Company entered into a sublicense agreement (as amended on June 4, 2020, the “Apexian Sublicense Agreement”) with Apexian, pursuant to which it obtained exclusive worldwide patent and other intellectual property rights that constitute a Ref-1 Inhibitor program relating to therapeutic applications to treat disorders related to ophthalmic and diabetes mellitus conditions. The lead compound in the Ref-1 Inhibitor program is APX3330, which the Company may develop as an oral tablet therapeutic to treat diabetic retinopathy initially, and potentially later to treat diabetic macular edema, geographic atrophy and age-related macular degeneration. In connection with the Apexian Sublicense Agreement, the Company issued a total of 891,422 shares of its common stock to Apexian and to certain affiliates of Apexian in calendar year 2020. As a result of the common stock issued pursuant to the Apexian Sublicense Agreement, Apexian is considered by Ocuphire to be a related party.

The Company also agreed to make one-time milestone payments under the Apexian Sublicense Agreement for each of the first ophthalmic indication and the first diabetes mellitus indication for the development and regulatory milestones, and once for each of several sales milestones. These milestone payments include (i) payments for specified developmental and regulatory milestones (including completion of the first Phase 2 trial and the first Phase 3 pivotal trial in the United States, and filing and achieving regulatory approval from the FDA for the first New Drug Application for a compound) totaling up to $11 million in the aggregate and (ii) payments for specified sales milestones of up to $20 million in the aggregate, which net sales milestone payments are payable once, upon the first achievement of such milestone. Lastly, the Company also agreed to make a royalty payment equal to a single-digit percentage of its net sales of products associated with the covered patents under the Apexian Sublicense Agreement. If it is not terminated pursuant to its terms, the Apexian Sublicense Agreement shall remain in effect until expiration of the last to expire of the covered patents.
 
None of the milestone or royalty payments were triggered or deemed probable as of June 30, 2024.

21

Notes to Condensed Financial Statements
9.
License and Collaboration Agreements

Viatris License Agreement
On November 6, 2022, the Company entered into the Viatris License Agreement, pursuant to which it granted Viatris (as successor to Famy) an exclusive, perpetual, sub-licensable license to develop, manufacture, import, export and commercialize (i) PS, for treating (a) reversal of mydriasis, (b) night vision disturbances or dim light vision, and (c) presbyopia, and (ii) PS and low dose pilocarpine for treating presbyopia (together, the “PS Products”) worldwide except for certain countries and jurisdictions in Asia (the “Viatris Territory”). The Company retains the exclusive right to develop, manufacture, have manufactured, import, export and commercialize the PS Products outside of the Viatris Territory.

Under the terms of the Viatris License Agreement, the Company in partnership with Viatris, will develop the PS Products in the United States. Viatris will reimburse the Company for agreed-to budgeted costs related to the development of the PS Products through FDA approval, and then share costs above the agreed upon threshold amount. Viatris will be responsible for developing the PS Products in countries and jurisdictions in the Viatris Territory outside of the United States.

Pursuant to the Viatris License Agreement, the Company received a one-time non-refundable cash payment of $35 million in November 2022 for the exclusive, perpetual, sub-licensable license to develop, manufacture, import, export and commercialize the PS Products in the Viatris Territory. In addition, with respect to the PS Products, the Company will be eligible to receive potential additional payments of up to $130 million in the aggregate upon achieving certain specified regulatory or net sales milestones, with the first milestone payment of $10 million already made following approval by the FDA of PS for reversal of mydriasis, which occurred during the third quarter of 2023. The Company will also receive tiered royalties, starting at low double-digit royalties up to low 20% royalties, based on the aggregate annual net sales of all PS Products in the United States, and will receive low double-digit royalties based on all annual net sales in the Viatris Territory outside of the United States. The royalty payments will continue on a country-by-country basis from the date of the first commercial sale of the first PS Product in a country of the Viatris Territory until December 31, 2040.

The Viatris License Agreement was accounted for under the provisions of ASC 606. In accordance with the provisions under ASC 606, the Company identified two distinct performance obligations at the effective date: (1) the license to its intellectual property (“license transfer”) and (2) research and development services.

The aggregate transaction price associated with the Viatris License Agreement, as adjusted for variable consideration subsequent to December 31, 2022, was $40.0 million which comprised the initial license transfer fee of $35.0 million and the $5.0 million payment anticipated under the research and development services that were not subject to cancellation. The transaction price was allocated between performance obligations based on their relative standalone selling price (“SSP”). The performance obligations for research and development services through the non-cancellation period were fully met by the Company as of the first quarter of 2023.
 
The SSP for the license transfer and for the research and development services was determined to be $ 287.8 million and $5.0 million, respectively. The SSP for the license transfer was determined based on a discounted royalty cash flow approach, taking into consideration assumptions, including projected worldwide net profit for each of the respective programs based on probability assessments, projections based on internal forecasts, industry data, and information from other guideline companies within the same industry and other relevant factors. The SSP for the research and development services was determined using a cost-plus margin approach, based on anticipated expenditure outlays within the first 120-day non-cancellation window. On a relative SSP basis, $