UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 20-F
(Mark One)
☐REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OR (g) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
OR
☒ ANNUALREPORT PURSUANTTO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OFTHE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended January 31, 2023
OR
☐TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
OR
☐SHELL COMPANY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Date of an event requiring this shell company report _______________
For the transition period from _________________ to _______________
BETTERLIFE PHARMA INC. |
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter) |
(Translation of the Registrant’s name into English)
Canada
(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
1275 West 6th Avenue, #300, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V6H 1A6
(Address of principal executive offices)
Ahmad Doroudian, CEO, tel: 604-221-0595, email: ahmad.doroudian@blifepharma.com address: 1275 West 6th Avenue, #300, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V6H 1A6
(Name, Telephone, E-mail and/or Facsimile number and Address of Company Contact Person)
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act.
Title of each class | Trading Symbol(s) | Name of each exchange on which registered | ||
Common shares | BETR | Canadian Securities Exchange |
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act.
Common Stock
(Title of Class)
SEC 1852 (05-19) Persons who respond to the collection of information contained in this form are not required to respond unless the form displays a currently valid OMB control number.
None
(Title of Class)
Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act.
None
(Title of Class)
Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer’s classes of capital or common stock as of the close of the period covered by the annual report.
108,675,305common shares
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
☐ Yes ☒ No
If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
☐ Yes ☒ No
Note – Checking the box above will not relieve any registrant required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 from their obligations under those Sections.
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 (§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, or an emerging growth company. See definition of “large accelerated filer, “accelerated filer,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer ☐ | Accelerated filer ☐ | Non-accelerated Filer ☒ | Emerging growth company ☐ |
If an emerging growth company that prepares its financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP, 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. ☐
† The term “new or revised financial accounting standard” refers to any update issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board to its Accounting Standards Codification after April 5, 2012.
Indicate by check mark which basis of accounting the registrant has used to prepare the financial statements included in this filing:
U.S. GAAP ☐ | International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board ☒ | Other ☐ |
If “Other” has been checked in response to the previous question, indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow.
☐ Item 17 ☐ Item 18
If this is an annual report, indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). ☐ Yes ☒ No
(APPLICABLE ONLY TO ISSUERS INVOLVED IN BANKRUPTCY PROCEEDINGS DURING THE PAST FIVE YEARS)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed all documents and reports required to be filed by Sections 12, 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 subsequent to the distribution of securities under a plan confirmed by a court.
☐ Yes ☐ No
3 | ||||
3 | ||||
3 | ||||
12 | ||||
18 | ||||
25 | ||||
29 | ||||
30 | ||||
30 | ||||
31 | ||||
37 | ||||
37 | ||||
38 | ||||
Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders and Use of Proceeds. | 38 | |||
38 | ||||
39 | ||||
40 | ||||
41 | ||||
41 | ||||
Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers | 41 | |||
41 | ||||
41 | ||||
42 | ||||
42 | ||||
42 | ||||
43 | ||||
| - 2 - |
| Table of Contents |
Introduction
BetterLife Pharma Inc. (“BetterLife”, the “Company” or “we”) was incorporated in British Columbia under the Business Corporations Act on June 10, 2002. On December 5, 2019, we changed our name from Pivot Pharmaceuticals Inc. to BetterLife Pharma Inc.
BetterLife is an emerging biotechnology company primarily focused on developing compounds for the treatment of mental disorders. BetterLife is also refining and developing drug candidates from a broad set of complementary interferon-based technologies which have the potential to engage the immune system to fight viral infections.
Our registered office is located at c/o Alexander Holburn Beaudin + Lang LLP, 2700 - 700 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V7Y 1B8.
BetterLife has not earned any revenue and has an accumulated deficit of $112,186,681 as at January 31, 2023. Our continued operations are dependent on our ability to generate future cash flows through additional financing or commercialization (refer to “Risk Factors”). Management intends to continue to pursue additional financing through issuances of equity. There is no assurance that additional funding will be available on a timely basis or on terms acceptable to us. These events or conditions indicate that a material uncertainty exists that casts substantial doubts on our ability to continue as a going concern.
Item 1. Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisors
The directors of the Company are Ahmad Doroudian, Robert Metcalfe, Anthony Pullen and Wolfgang Renz. In addition, Ahmad Doroudian serves as our Chief Executive Officer; Hooshmand Sheshbaradaran serves as Chief Operating Officer; and Moira Ong serves as our Chief Financial Officer. See Item 6 for further information. The business address for all directors and senior management is: 1275 West 6th Avenue, #300, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V6H 1A6.
Our PCAOB registered independent auditors are MNP LLP, Chartered Professional Accountants, Vancouver, BC, Canada. For further information, see the consolidated financial statements under Item 8.
Item 2. Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable
Not applicable.
A. Selected Financial Data
The following selected information should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements, and notes, filed with this FORM 20-F. This information, and all other financial information in this FORM 20-F, is stated in Canadian dollars unless otherwise noted.
The financial information is presented on the basis of International Financial Reporting Standards.
| - 3 - |
| Table of Contents |
Selected Consolidated Financial and Operating Data
Operating Data January 31, 2023 January 31, 2022 January 31, 2021 Revenue nil nil nil Operating expenses Other income (expenses) Income tax expense nil nil Net loss Net loss per share, basic and fully diluted Weighted average number of shares outstanding – basic and diluted $ $ $ $ (9,460,653 ) $ (10,207,825 ) $ (7,915,367 ) $ 87,881 $ (1,784,683 ) $ (28,435,423 ) (166,666 ) $ (9,372,772 ) $ (12,159,174 ) $ (36,350,790 ) $ (0.10 ) $ (0.16 ) $ (1.34 ) 86,560,760 75,469,531 27,027,028
Consolidated Balance Sheet Data January 31, 2023 January 31, 2022 January 31, 2021 Operating cash Working capital deficiency Total assets Total long-term liabilities Deficit Number of shares outstanding $ 8,307 $ 173,513 $ 154,722 $ (7,072,600 ) $ (3,000,219 ) $ (4,517,523 ) $ 74,727 $ 1,161,363 $ 1,336,425 $ 460,870 $ 899,074 $ 131,603 $ (7,533,470 ) $ (3,880,858 ) $ (4,612,255 ) 90,103,873 85,241,238 51,445,842
Exchange Rates
In this FORM 20-F, references to “dollars”, “$” are to Canadian dollars, unless otherwise specified. As at January 31, 2023, the exchange rage, as quoted by the Bank of Canada, was $1.335 for each US dollar.
B. Capitalization and Indebtedness
Refer to “Selected Financial Data”.
C. Reasons for the Offer and Use of Proceeds
Not applicable.
D. Forward Looking-Statements and Risk Factors
Forward-looking Statements
In this document, we are showing you a picture which is part historical (events which have happened) and part predictive (events which we believe will happen). Except for the historical information, all of the information in this document comprises “forward looking” statements. Specifically, all statements (other than statements of historical fact) regarding our financial position, business strategy and plans and objectives are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs of management, as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to management. These statements involve known and unknown risks, including the risks resulting from economic and market conditions, accurately forecasting operating and capital expenditures and capital needs, successful anticipation of competition which may not yet be fully developed, and other business conditions. Our use of the words “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “expect”, “may”, “will”, “continue” and “intend”, and similar words or phrases, are intended to identify forward-looking statements (also known as “cautionary statements”). These statements reflect our current views with respect to future events. They are subject to the realization in fact of assumptions, but what we now believe will occur may turn out to be inaccurate or incomplete. We cannot assure you that our expectations will prove to be correct. Actual operating results and financial performance may prove to be very different from what we now predict or anticipate. The “risk factors” below specifically address all of the factors now identifiable by us that may influence future operating results and financial performance.
| - 4 - |
| Table of Contents |
Risk Factors
Risks Related to the Business
There is substantial doubt as to whether we will continue operations. If we discontinue operations, you could lose your investment.
Our financial statements have been prepared on the going concern basis, which assumes that we will be able to realize our assets and discharge our liabilities in the normal course of business. Accordingly, no adjustments to the carrying value of the assets and liabilities have been made in our audited consolidated financial statements should we no longer be able to continue as a going concern. Any such adjustments could be material. As at January 31, 2023, we have not earned any revenue and have an accumulated deficit of $112,186,681. Our continued operations are dependent on our ability to generate future cash flows through additional financing or commercialization. We intend to continue to pursue additional financing through issuances of equity. There is no assurance that additional funding will be available on a timely basis or on terms acceptable to us. These events or conditions indicate that a material uncertainty exists that casts substantial doubt on our ability to continue as a going concern.
If we are unable to obtain additional financing from outside sources and eventually generate enough revenues, we may be forced to sell a portion or all of our assets, or curtail or discontinue our operations. If any of these happens, you could lose all or part of your investment. Our financial statements do not include any adjustments to our recorded assets or liabilities that might be necessary if we become unable to continue as a going concern.
We have incurred operating losses in each year since our inception and we may continue to incur substantial and increasing losses for the foreseeable future. We also have negative capital cash flows from operating activities. If we cannot generate sufficient revenues to operate profitably or with positive cash flow from operating activities, we may suspend or cease our operations.
We have not generated any revenue since our inception on June 10, 2002 and we have incurred operating and net losses in each year of our existence. We experienced a net loss of $9,372,772 for the year ended January 31, 2023, compared to a net loss of $12,159,174 for the year ended January 31, 2022. We expect to incur substantial and increasing losses for the foreseeable future as we research, develop and commercialize our products. If our products do not achieve market acceptance, we may never generate any revenue. We also cannot assure you that we will be profitable even if we successfully commercialize our products. If we fail to generate sufficient revenues to operate profitability, or if we are unable to fund our continuing losses, you could lose all or part of your investment.
| - 5 - |
| Table of Contents |
We will require substantial additional funds to complete our development and commercialization activities, and if such funds are not available we may need to significantly curtail or cease our operations.
We will require substantial funds to develop, manufacture and market our products. If we do not raise sufficient funds, our plan of operation will be delayed until such time as we raise sufficient funds, provided we are able to do so. Further, the cost of carrying out our operating activities and development activities is not fixed, and our cash levels may at any time prove to be insufficient to finance them. Our financing needs may change substantially because a number of factors which are difficult to predict or which may be outside of our control. These include increased competition, the costs of licensing existing drugs and protecting rights to our proprietary technology and the time required to obtain required licenses.
We may not succeed in raising the additional funds that we require because such funds may not be available to us on acceptable terms, if at all. We intend to seek additional funding through strategic alliances or through public or private sales of our equity securities, and we may also obtain equipment leases and pursue opportunities to obtain debt financing in the future. If we are unable to obtain sufficient funding on a timely basis, we may be forced to significantly curtail or cease our operations.
Our inability to complete our development projects in a timely manner could have a material adverse effect of our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.
If our projects are not completed in a timely fashion, our Company could experience:
· | additional competition in the industry for our products; and | |
· | delay in obtaining future inflow of cash from financial or partnership activities, any of which could have a material adverse effect of our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. |
Any products that we may develop as a pharmaceutical product will be subject to extensive governmental regulations relating to development activities, conduct of clinical trials, manufacturing and commercialization. In the United States, for example, the prospective products that we intend to develop and market are regulated by the US Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) under its new drug development and review process. Before such products can be marketed, we must obtain clearance from the FDA by submitting an investigational new drug application, then by successfully completing human testing under three phases of clinical trials, and finally by submitting a new drug application.
The time required to obtain approvals for our prospective products from the FDA and other agencies in foreign locales with similar processes is unpredictable. We expect to be able to accelerate the approval process and to increase the chances of approval by using existing and approved drugs as the basis for our own technology. However, we cannot guarantee that our expectations will be realized, and there is no assurance that we will ever receive regulatory approval to use our proprietary substances, methods and processes. If we do not obtain such regulatory approval, we may never become profitable.
| - 6 - |
| Table of Contents |
We may not commence clinical testing for any of our prospective pharmaceutical products and the commercial value of any clinical study that we may conduct will depend significantly upon our choice of indication and our patient population selection. If we are unable to commence clinical testing or if we make a poor choice in terms of clinical strategy, we may never achieve revenues.
In order to commence clinical testing, we must successfully complete and obtain positive scientific results from pre‑clinical studies and, in the case of any existing drug that we are re‑profiling for a new indication, adopt existing pre‑clinical or early stage clinical studies to our own research. If we successfully complete any clinical study of our own, the commercial value of any such study will significantly depend upon our choice of indication and our patient population selection for that indication.
We will rely on third parties to conduct our research, development and manufacturing activities. If these third parties do not perform as contractually required, fail to meet our manufacturing requirements and applicable regulatory requirements or otherwise expected, we may not be able to commercialize our products, which may prevent us from becoming profitable.
We will rely on contract manufacturers as source suppliers for our products.
Because of our planned reliance on contract manufacturers, we may also be exposed to additional risks, including those related to intellectual property and the failure of such manufacturers to comply with strictly‑enforced regulatory requirements, manufacture components to our specifications, or deliver sufficient component quantities to us in a timely manner. For example, a contract manufacturer working on our behalf may violate the intellectual property rights of a third party in manufacturing a component of one of our products, and if such a violation occurs without our knowledge, we may be held vicariously liable for the acts of our contractor, incur related costs and court mandated damages, or become enjoined from selling products which violate those third‑party intellectual property rights. Similarly, if a contract manufacturer working on our behalf is found to be in violation of FDA or other national regulatory standards regarding the manufacture, packaging or labeling of any of our products, we could face any number of adverse consequences including costly regulatory investigations and fines, interruptions in the flow of our products or materials, product recalls, or liability to consumers regarding any of our products that do not meet such regulatory requirements. If any of these events occurs, if our relationship with any of our potential contract manufacturers terminates, or if any such manufacturer is unable fulfill its obligations to us for any reason, our product development and commercialization efforts could suffer and we may never realize a profit.
If we are unable to establish a sales, marketing and distribution infrastructure or enter into collaborations with partners to perform these functions, we may not be successful in commercializing our product candidates.
In order to successfully commercialize any of our product candidates, we must either develop a satisfactory sales, marketing and distribution infrastructure or enter into collaborations with partners to perform these services for us. We will require substantial resources to create such an infrastructure, and we may never possess the resources to do so. For example, we may be unable to recruit and retain an adequate number of effective sales and marketing personnel or we may incur unforeseen costs and expenses in connection with developing the necessary infrastructure.
Although we plan to develop our own sales and marketing organizations in some markets, we intend to enter into partnering, co‑promotion and other distribution arrangements to commercialize our products in most markets. We may not be able to enter into collaborations on acceptable terms, if at all, and we may face competition in our search for partners with whom we may collaborate. If we are not able to build a satisfactory sales, marketing and distribution infrastructure or collaborate with one or more partners to perform these functions, we may not be able to successfully commercialize our product candidates, which could cause us to cease our operations.
| - 7 - |
| Table of Contents |
Our product candidates may never gain market acceptance, which could prevent us from generating revenues.
The success of our products will depend on their acceptance by customers and the public, among other things. Market acceptance of, and demand for, any product that we develop and commercialize will depend on many factors, including:
· | our ability to provide acceptable evidence of safety and efficacy; | |
· | the effectiveness of our or our collaborators’ sales, marketing and distribution strategy; and | |
· | publicity concerning our products or competing products. |
If our product candidates fail to gain market acceptance, we may be unable to generate sufficient revenue to continue our business.
We face potential product liability exposure, and any claim brought against us may cause us to divert resources from our normal operations or terminate selling, distributing and marketing any of our products. This may cause us to cease our operations as it relates to that product.
The sale of any of our products may expose us to product liability claims from consumers. Although we plan to obtain product liability insurance coverage with limits that we hope will be customary and adequate to provide us with coverage for foreseeable risks, our insurance coverage may be insufficient to reimburse us for the actual expenses or losses we may suffer.
Even if we are able to successfully defend ourselves against any potential claims, we will likely incur substantial costs in the form of unanticipated expenses and negative publicity. This could result in decreased demand for our products, an impaired business reputation, revenue loss or an inability to continue commercializing our products. Any of these consequences could cause us to cease our operations.
The manufacturing of all of our products will be subject to ongoing regulatory requirements, and may therefore be the subject of regulatory or enforcement action. The associated costs could prevent us from achieving our goals or becoming profitable.
Our products, third‑party manufacturing facilities and processes and advertising and promotional activities will be subject to significant review and ongoing and changing regulation by various regulatory agencies. Our failure to comply with any regulatory requirements may subject us to administrative and judicial sanctions, which may include warning letters, civil and criminal penalties, injunctions, product seizures or detention, product recalls, total or partial suspension of production, or the denial of pending product marketing applications.
Regulatory or enforcement actions could adversely affect our ability to develop, market and sell our products successfully and harm our reputation, which could lead to reduced market demand for such products. Consequently, the costs associated with any such action could cause our business to suffer and prevent us from achieving our goals or becoming profitable.
| - 8 - |
| Table of Contents |
Since certain of our directors are located outside of Canada, you may be limited in your ability to enforce Canadian civil actions against them for damages to the value of your investment.
We plan to indemnify our directors and officers against liability to us and our security holders, and such indemnification could increase our operating costs.
Our Articles allow us to indemnify our directors and officers against claims associated with carrying out the duties of their offices. Our Articles also allow us to reimburse them for the costs of certain legal defenses. Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under relevant securities legislation may be permitted to our directors, officers or control persons, certain securities regulations may deem that such indemnification is against public policy and is therefore unenforceable in that jurisdiction.
Since our officers and directors are aware that they may be indemnified for carrying out the duties of their offices, they may be less motivated to meet the standards required by law to properly carry out such duties, which could increase our operating costs. Further, if our officers and directors file a claim against us for indemnification, the associated expenses could also increase our operating costs.
Your legal recourse as a United States investor could be limited.
The Company is incorporated under the laws of Canada. Most of the assets now are located outside of Canada or the United States. Only our audit firm and some of our lawyers are residents of Canada. As a result, if any of our Canadian or US shareholders were to bring a lawsuit in the Canada or the United States against the officers, directors or experts in Canada, it may be difficult to effect service of legal process on those people who reside outside of the United States or Canada, based on civil liability under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or equivalent Canadian securities laws. In addition, we have been advised that a judgment of a United States court based solely upon civil liability under these laws would probably be enforceable in Canada, but only if the U.S. court in which the judgments were obtained had a basis for jurisdiction in the matter. We also have been advised that there is substantial doubt whether an action could be brought successfully in Canada in the first instance on the basis of liability predicated solely upon the United States’ securities laws.
Risks Related to Our Stock
Trading on the OTCQB and the Canadian Securities Exchange (the “CSE”) may be volatile and sporadic, which could depress the market price of our common stock and make it difficult for our stockholders to resell their shares.
Our common stock is quoted on the OTCQB service of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority and is traded on the CSE. Trading in stock quoted on the OTCQB or listed on the CSE is often thin and characterized by wide fluctuations in trading prices, due to many factors that may have little to do with our operations or business prospects. This volatility could depress the market price of our common stock for reasons unrelated to operating performance. Moreover, the OTCQB is not a stock exchange, and trading of securities on the OTCQB is often more sporadic than the trading of securities listed on a quotation system like NASDAQ or a stock exchange like Amex. Accordingly, shareholders may have difficulty reselling any of their shares.
| - 9 - |
| Table of Contents |
Our stock is a penny stock. Trading of our stock may be restricted by the SEC’s penny stock regulations and FINRA’s sales practice requirements, which may limit a stockholder’s ability to buy and sell our stock.
Our stock is a penny stock. The Securities and Exchange Commission in the United States (the “SEC”) has adopted Rule 15g‑9 which generally defines “penny stock” to be any equity security that has a market price (as defined) less than $5.00 per share or an exercise price of less than $5.00 per share, subject to certain exceptions. Our securities are covered by the penny stock rules, which impose additional sales practice requirements on broker-dealers who sell to persons other than established customers and “accredited investors”. The term “accredited investor” refers generally to institutions with assets in excess of $5,000,000 or individuals with a net worth in excess of $1,000,000 or annual income exceeding $200,000 or $300,000 jointly with their spouse. The penny stock rules require a broker‑dealer, prior to a transaction in a penny stock not otherwise exempt from the rules, to deliver a standardized risk disclosure document in a form prepared by the SEC which provides information about penny stocks and the nature and level of risks in the penny stock market. The broker‑dealer also must provide the customer with current bid and offer quotations for the penny stock, the compensation of the broker‑dealer and its salesperson in the transaction and monthly account statements showing the market value of each penny stock held in the customer’s account. The bid and offer quotations, and the broker‑dealer and salesperson compensation information, must be given to the customer orally or in writing prior to effecting the transaction and must be given to the customer in writing before or with the customer’s confirmation. In addition, the penny stock rules require that prior to a transaction in a penny stock not otherwise exempt from these rules, the broker‑dealer must make a special written determination that the penny stock is a suitable investment for the purchaser and receive the purchaser’s written agreement to the transaction. These disclosure requirements may have the effect of reducing the level of trading activity in the secondary market for the stock that is subject to these penny stock rules. Consequently, these penny stock rules may affect the ability of broker‑dealers to trade our securities. We believe that the penny stock rules discourage investor interest in, and limit the marketability of, our common stock.
In addition to the “penny stock” rules promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority has adopted rules that require that in recommending an investment to a customer, a broker‑dealer must have reasonable grounds for believing that the investment is suitable for that 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, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority believes that there is a high probability that speculative low‑priced securities will not be suitable for at least some customers. The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority 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 stock.
You will experience dilution or subordinated stockholder rights, privileges and preferences as a result of our financing efforts.
We must raise additional capital from external sources to carry out our business plan over the next two years. To do so, we may issue debt securities, equity securities or a combination of these securities; however, we may not be able to sell these securities, particularly under current market conditions. Even if we are successful in finding buyers for our securities, such buyers could demand high interest rates or require us to agree to onerous operating covenants, which could in turn harm our ability to operate our business by reducing our cash flow and restricting our operating activities. If we choose to sell shares of our common stock, this will result in dilution to our existing stockholders. In addition, any shares of common stock we may issue may have rights, privileges and preferences superior to those of our current stockholders.
We do not intend to pay dividends and there will thus be fewer ways in which you are able to make a gain on your investment, if at all.
We have never paid dividends and do not intend to pay any dividends for the foreseeable future. To the extent that we may require additional funding currently not provided for in our financing plan, our funding sources may prohibit the declaration of dividends. Because we do not intend to pay dividends, any gain on your investment will need to result from an appreciation in the price of our common stock. There will therefore be fewer ways in which you are able to make a gain on your investment, if at all. There is also no guarantee that your investment will appreciate.
| - 10 - |
| Table of Contents |
Risks Related to Our Intellectual Property
If we are unable to maintain and enforce our proprietary intellectual property rights, we may not be able to operate profitably.
Our commercial success will depend, in part, on obtaining and maintaining patent protection, trade secret protection and regulatory protection of our technologies and patents as well as successfully defending third-party challenges to such technologies and patents. We will be able to protect our technologies and patents from use by third parties only to the extent that valid and enforceable patents, trade secrets or regulatory protection cover them and we have exclusive rights to use them. The ability of our licensors, collaborators and suppliers to maintain their patent rights against third‑party challenges to their validity, scope or enforceability will also play an important role in determining our future.
In addition, our commercial success will depend, in part, on maintaining patent rights we have licensed and plan to license in the future, related to products we may market in the future. Since we will not fully control the patent prosecution of any licensed patent applications, it is possible that our licensors will not devote the same resources or attention to the prosecution of the licensed patent applications as we would if we controlled the prosecution of the applications ourselves. Consequently, the resulting patent protection, if any, may not be as strong or comprehensive as it would be had we done so.
The patent positions of biopharmaceutical companies can be highly uncertain and involve complex legal and factual questions that include unresolved principles and issues. No consistent policy regarding the breadth of claims allowed regarding such companies’ patents has emerged to date in the United States, and the patent situation outside the United States is even more uncertain. Changes in either the patent laws or in interpretations of patent laws in the United States or other countries may diminish the value of our intellectual property. Accordingly, we cannot predict with any certainty the range of claims that may be allowed or enforced concerning our patents or third‑party patents.
We also rely on trade secrets to protect our technologies, especially where we do not believe patent protection is appropriate or obtainable. However, trade secrets are difficult to protect. While we seek to protect confidential information, in part, through confidentiality agreements with our consultants and scientific and other advisors, they may unintentionally or willfully disclose our information to competitors. Enforcing a claim against a third party related to the illegal acquisition and use of trade secrets can be expensive and time consuming, and the outcome is often unpredictable. If we are not able to maintain patent or trade secret protection on our technologies and product candidates, then we may not be able to exclude competitors from developing or marketing competing products, and we may not be able to operate profitability.
| - 11 - |
| Table of Contents |
If we are the subject of an intellectual property infringement claim, the cost of participating in any litigation could cause us to go out of business.
There has been, and we believe that there will continue to be, significant litigation and demands for licenses in our industry regarding patent and other intellectual property rights. Although we anticipate having a valid defense to any allegation that our current product candidates, production methods and other activities infringe the valid and enforceable intellectual property rights of any third parties, we cannot be certain that a third party will not challenge our position in the future. Other parties may own patent rights that we might infringe with our products or other activities, and our competitors or other patent holders may assert that our products and the methods we employ are covered by their patents. These parties could bring claims against us that would cause us to incur substantial litigation expenses and, if successful, may require us to pay substantial damages. Some of our potential competitors may be better able to sustain the costs of complex patent litigation, and depending on the circumstances, we could be forced to stop or delay our research, development, manufacturing or sales activities. Any of these costs could cause us to go out of business.
We may in the future be required to license patent rights from third-party owners in order to develop our products candidates. If we cannot obtain those licenses or if third‑party owners do not properly maintain or enforce the patents underlying such licenses, we may not be able to market or sell our planned products.
We have licensed patent‑protected technologies with certain parties and we may also license other intellectual property from other third parties, if we believe it is necessary or useful to use additional third-party intellectual property to develop our products. Typically, we would seek to negotiate and obtain any required third party licenses immediately following the completion of preliminary research to establish a concept and plan of development for a new product candidate. We will also be required to pay license fees, certain milestones or royalties or both to obtain such licenses, and there is no guarantee that such licenses will be available on acceptable terms, if at all. Even if we are able to successfully obtain a license, certain rights may be non‑ or co‑exclusive, and this would give our competitors access to some of the intellectual property as us, which could ultimately prevent us from commercializing a product.
Upon obtaining a license, our business prospects will depend, in part, on the ability of our licensors to obtain, maintain and enforce patent protection on our licensed intellectual property. Our licensors may terminate our license, may not pursue and successfully prosecute any potential patent infringement claim, may fail to maintain their patent applications, or may pursue any litigation less aggressively than we would. Without protection for the intellectual property that we license, other companies may be able to offer substantially similar products for sale, and we may not be able to market or sell our planned products or generate any revenues.
Item 4.Information on the Company
A. History and Development of the Company
We are a publicly traded corporation incorporated on June 10, 2002 in the province of British Columbia, Canada under the name “649186 B.C. Ltd.”. On September 9, 2003, we changed our name to “Xerxes Health Corp.”. On June 26, 2007, we changed our name to “Neurokine Pharmaceuticals Inc.”. On April 7, 2015, we changed our name to “Pivot Pharmaceuticals Inc.” and on December 5, 2019, we changed our name to “BetterLife Pharma Inc.”.
Our registered office is located at c/o Alexander Holburn Beaudin + Lang LLP, 2700 - 700 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, British Columbia V7Y 1B8, Canada.
The SEC maintains an Internet site that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC at http://www.sec.gov. Our website address is http://www.abetterlifepharma.com.
| - 12 - |
| Table of Contents |
B. Overview
We are a biopharmaceutical company engaged in the development of patented pharmaceuticals. Our company’s subsidiary, MedMelior Inc. (“MedMelior”) (acquired by way of amalgamation on August 31, 2020) has two products in its pipeline: MM-001 (a topical cream formulation of interferon-alpha 2b based on MedMelior’s patented Biphasics formulation system) and MM-003 (a patent pending proprietary interferon alpha-2b (“IFNa2b”) inhalation formulation). Through our acquisition of the assets of Nutraneeds LLC (“Nutraneeds”) on December 18, 2020, we added two neuro-psychiatric products to our product portfolio: BETR-001 and BETR-002. BETR-001 is a non-hallucinogenic second-generation Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (“LSD”) derivative molecule that mimics the projected therapeutic potential of LSD in the treatment of disorders such as major depressive disorder, anxiety disorder and neuropathic pain and other neuro-psychiatric and neurological disorders. BETR-002 is novel formulation of a derivative of dihydrohonokiol, a known anti-anxiety compound, with potential for treatment of treatment of anxiety related disorders, including benzodiazepine dependency.
Our management team has implemented a business-minded and cost-conscious approach to product research and development and will use contract development and manufacturing organizations on a fee for service basis to perform any research, development or production that is required.
On February 28, 2018, we completed the acquisition of Pivot Naturals, LLC (“Pivot Naturals”) pursuant to an exchange agreement dated as of February 10, 2018 among BetterLife, Pivot Naturals and the members of Pivot Naturals. Pursuant to the acquisition of Pivot Naturals, we acquired a patented technology called “RTIC” Ready-To-Infuse-Cannabis (“RTIC”), relating to the transformation of cannabis oil into powder for infusion into a variety of products. By April 2020, BetterLife transferred 100% of its membership interest of Pivot Naturals to a third party and BetterLife strategically exited the California cannabis market.
In March 2020, we completed the acquisition of SolMic AG (“Solmic”) and the patented Solmic solubilization drug delivery technology for oral platform. Consideration for the acquisition included CHF10,000 for the acquisition of Solmic and EUR50,000 for the patents.
On August 31, 2020, we completed an amalgamation with MedMelior pursuant to which MedMelior was amalgamated with 12167573 Canada Ltd. (the “Amalgamation”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company incorporated on June 30, 2020 for purposes of the Amalgamation. Upon Amalgamation, MedMelior became a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. We issued 18,217,239 common shares to MedMelior shareholders, granted 856,880 stock options, with exercise prices ranging between $0.03 and US$2.47 and expiry dates between September 7, 2020 and February 28, 2023, and granted 252,595 share purchase warrants with exercise price of US$1.44 and expiring on August 6, 2022. In March 2022, MedMelior’s name was changed from Altum Pharmaceuticals Inc.
In June 2020, we effected a consolidation of our issued and outstanding common shares on a ten (10) old for one (1) new common share. References to common shares in this report have been adjusted for the consolidation. Exercise or conversion prices and the number of common shares issuable under any of our outstanding warrants, restricted stock units, performance stock units and stock options have also been proportionately adjusted to reflect the consolidation.
In December 2020, we closed on a share purchase agreement with an unrelated third party (the “Purchaser”) pursuant to which 100% of the issued and outstanding common shares of Pivot Pharmaceuticals Manufacturing Corp. (“Pivot”), a wholly-owned subsidiary, was sold. Pursuant to the sale, BetterLife’s lease of the manufacturing facility in Dollard-des-Ormeaux, Quebec, Canada and its in-process Health Canada license application was transferred to the Purchaser and BetterLife strategically exited the Canadian cannabis manufacturing market. BetterLife remains a guarantor on the lease at Dollard-des-Ormeaux, Quebec, Canada until the lease expiry date of April 30, 2025.
| - 13 - |
| Table of Contents |
On December 18, 2020, we acquired 100% of the assets in Nutraneeds in an all-stock transaction. Pursuant to the acquisition, we issued 13,333,333 common shares to principals of Nutraneeds. The assets acquired address unmet mental health needs through the development of patented next generation psychedelic therapeutics, including the LSD derivative 2-bromo-LSD.
On December 17, 2021, we signed a share contract with an unrelated third party (the “BetterLife Europe Purchaser”) for the sale of 100% of the issued and outstanding common shares of BetterLife Europe Pharmaceuticals AG (“BetterLife Europe”). Pursuant to the sale of BetterLife Europe, BetterLife’s Solmic patents and Solmic AG, a subsidiary of BetterLife Europe, were transferred to the BetterLife Europe Purchaser and BetterLife is no longer pursuing commercialization of cannabis products in Europe.
Platform Technologies
BETR-001
BETR-001’s active chemical is 2-bromo-lysergic acid diethylamide (“2-bromo-LSD”). BETR-001 is a non-hallucinogenic LSD derivative molecule that is believed to mimic the projected therapeutic potential of LSD without the burden of its hallucinogenic effects. Human clinical trials were conducted several decades ago with 2-bromo-LSD synthesized from LSD. These trials showed that 2-bromo-LSD did not cause hallucinations, and as such the molecule was thought to have limited pharmacological value and not of interest compared to LSD. In the 1950s and 1960s, LSD was studied for the treatment of people with a number of psychiatric conditions but the very strict controlled substance classification of LSD (Schedule 1) hampered its further development as a therapeutic in this arena. This is however changing now, with LSD research as a psychiatric therapeutic currently experiencing a renaissance. LSD’s hallucinogenic properties are believed to arise from its pharmacological effects on the serotonin 5HT2A receptor. The 2-bromo modification on the LSD structure is proposed to alter the pharmacological effect of the compound on the 5HT2A receptor, and lead to 2-bromo-LSD’s non-hallucinogenic properties compared to LSD, while maintaining its therapeutic potential. Previously, 2-bromo-LSD has been tested in studies in humans, mainly in healthy subjects. Most of these studies were conducted in the 1950s. In 2010, a case series study in cluster headaches was reported showing that treatment with 2-bromo-LSD was effective against cluster headaches. The Company plans to develop BETR-001 to treat mental health disorders including but not limited to major depressive disorders (MDD), anxiety and neuropathic pain indications. BETR-001 is orally administered. Our intended goal is to develop BETR-001 as a patient self-administered medication prescribed by a psychiatrist. In terms of regulations, 2-bromo-LSD per se is not usually classified as a controlled substance, but if its synthesis uses LSD as starting material, the synthesis falls under Schedule 1 controlled substance regulations. We have developed and use a manufacturing process pathway that does not use LSD as starting material to make 2-bromo-LSD, a manufacturing process that is protected by our issued and provisional patents. This manufacturing is therefore not subject to Schedule 1 controlled substance restrictions, and we can move ahead with BETR-001 large scale synthesis without these restrictions.
2-bromo-LSD, the active ingredient in BETR-001, as synthesized by others, has been tested in human studies previously, mainly in healthy subjects. Most of these human studies were conducted at the end of the 1950’s and early 1960’s. The CMC (chemistry, manufacturing, controls) specifications of the 2-bromo-LSD in these studies is not known. Therefore, for purposes of FDA or other health regulatory authority purposes to start human clinical trials, BETR-001 is classified as a new molecular entity and is currently at the preclinical stage of development.
| - 14 - |
| Table of Contents |
We are currently setting up GMP manufacturing of BETR-001. Simultaneously, we have started and plan to complete all the necessary preclinical and investigational new drug (“IND”) enabling toxicology studies. Upon clearance of the IND, we currently plan to conduct a randomized placebo controlled single ascending dose (SAD) and multiple ascending dose (MAD) Phase 1 trial in healthy volunteers. As currently foreseen, the Phase 1 will then be followed with randomized placebo-controlled Phase 2 trials: one trial in MDD and one trial in cluster headaches.
BETR-002
BETR-002’s active pharmaceutical ingredient is dihydrohonokiol-B (“DHH-B”). DHH-B is a derivative of honokiol, which is the active anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) ingredient of magnolia bark extracts. Magnolia bark extracts have been used in traditional Chinese medicines for centuries as anxiolytic medication. Several animal studies on safety and anxiolytic efficacy of honokiol/magnolia bark extract have been published1. Only two human clinical trials have been published on honokiol (given as magnolia bark extract)2. Magnolia bark extract/honokiol is sold as a nutraceutical. DHH-B has been shown in animal studies to have significantly (20x) more anxiolytic activity than its parent molecule honokiol3. Animal studies have also shown that DHH-B does not have the side effects of benzodiazepines4 and not to be addictive like benzodiazepines5. No human clinical trials have been conducted on DHH-B. BETR-002 is DHH-B formulated in our patented formulation (provisional) to overcome DHH-B’s insolubility and poor bioavailability for potential treatment of anxiety and other neuro-psychiatric disorders. We intend to develop DHH-B as a treatment of anxiety related disorders including benzodiazepine dependency.
BETR-002 has not been tested in human studies. It is currently in preclinical stage of development. We intend to set up GMP manufacturing of BETR-002, and alongside complete all the necessary preclinical and IND enabling toxicology studies. The timing of BETR-002 IND and clinical trials is currently under assessment. As currently foreseen, the BETR-002 IND will be followed with a randomized placebo-controlled Phase 1 clinical trial in healthy volunteers, which will then be followed with a randomized placebo-controlled Phase 2 trial treating benzodiazepine dependency.
MM-003
MM-003 is a patent pending proprietary recombinant human IFNa2b inhalation formulation. IFNa2b is a known broad acting anti-viral protein that is normally naturally synthesized by the body’s cells as the first line of defense against viral infections. IFNa2b has been registered and marketed for decades as Intron® A for use as intravenous, intramuscular, sub-cutaneous or intra-lesional injections to treat various kinds of cancers and hepatitis B and C. In recent studies, IFNa2b has been shown to be effective in slowing SARS-CoV-2 viral replication, and a human trial published Friday May 15, 2020 in Frontiers of Immunology titled "Interferon-a2b Treatment for COVID-19", indicated that inhaled IFNa2b had therapeutic efficacy in COVID-19 disease. We have developed our own patent pending recombinant human IFNa2b and inhalation formulation, and intend to develop MM-003 as an inhaled IFNa2b for treatment of COVID-19 and other respiratory viral infections.
_______________
1 Review Sarrica et al 2018
2 Kalman et al 2008; Campus et al 2011
3 Kuribara et al 2000 J Pharm Pharmacol
4 Benzodiazepines include Xanax™, Valium™, Klonopin™ and Ativan™
5 Kuribara et al 2000 J Pharmacol Biochem & Behaviour; Maruyama et al 2001
| - 15 - |
| Table of Contents |
The active pharmaceutical ingredient in both MM-001 and MM-003 are the same. It is recombinant human IFNa2b. A proprietary recombinant human IFNa2b produced in E. coli is under development, which will provide the drug substance to be used for both the MM-001 cream or MM-003 inhalation formulations.
For health regulatory authority purposes to start human clinical trials, MM-003 is considered to be at preclinical stage of development. The manufacturing and formulation work is currently ongoing. A pre-IND discussion has been conducted with the FDA for use of MM-003 inhalation in COVID-19. Based on FDA feedback, an inhalation GLP toxicology study in rats using MM-003, is under planning. Given the advent of effective SARS-CoV-2 vaccines, the MM-003 development timing and path are being currently reassessed. IFNa2b is a broad acting anti-viral agent, and studies show that it is effective against many viruses. The timing of MM-003 IND and clinical trials is currently under reassessment.
Cautionary note: We are not making any express or implied claims that MM-003 or any other product has the ability to treat, eliminate, cure or contain the COVID-19 (or SARS-2 Coronavirus) at this time. Further, the safety and efficacy of MM-003 are under investigation and market authorization has not yet been obtained.
MM-001
MM-001 is a topical formulation of recombinant human IFNa2b based on the patented Biphasix™ drug formulation technology. The Biphasix formulation allows stable cream formulation of IFNa2b and its delivery across the dermis/mucosa, with minimal systemic exposure. MM-001 is being developed as topical cream for local intravaginal use to treat HPV-induced Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia (“CIN”), the precursor to cervical neoplasia. Current treatments of advanced CIN are all based on invasive surgical procedures. MM-001 is being developed to be a non-invasive, self-administered treatment for CIN, with minimal side effects. Small human MM-001 Phase 1-2 trials have been completed. The IFNa2b used to manufacture the MM-001 in these previous Phase 1-2 trials were sourced from outside our Company. We intend to complete the development of our own patent pending recombinant human IFNa2b and use that in future development of MM-001.
For health regulatory authority purposes to start human clinical trials, MM-001 is considered clinical stage and with certain bridging studies (to be confirmed), it can potentially begin Phase 2 studies. The previously completed MM-001 Phase 1-2 trials were conducted using MM-001 which had IFNa2b provided by Merck & Co. under a supply agreement, which is now terminated. We are now manufacturing our own proprietary IFNa2b to be used in manufacturing of MM-001 for all future trials. MM-001 has an US IND. The MM-001 IND is currently inactive. With MM-001 manufactured using the Company’s own IFNa2b, the Company plans to file a new IND under which the MM-001 Phase 2b will be conducted in US. The timing of MM-001 IND and clinical trials is currently under reassessment.
| - 16 - |
| Table of Contents |
Other Platform Technologies
Ready-To-Infuse Cannabis Technology
Our patented RTIC process technology creates precise and repeatable dosing of cannabis by transforming concentrated cannabis oil into a stable, emulsifiable, odorless and flavorless powder form. The derived powder may then be encapsulated and infused for use in beverages, edibles, lotions and additional health and personal care products. The RTIC process is conducive for manufacturing of a wide array of products. We are no longer pursuing commercialization of cannabis products and are currently determining how best to proceed with this technology.
C. Organizational Structure
Our company operates through several subsidiaries as follows:
· | MedMelior Inc. (Canada) | |
· | Blife Therapeutics Inc. (Canada) | |
· | BetterLife Pharma US Inc. (U.S.A.) | |
· | Altum Pharma (Australia) Pty Ltd. (Australia) | |
· | Altum Pharmaceuticals (HK) Limited (Hong Kong) |
D. Property, Plants and Equipment
We currently lease our head office in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
We plan on relying on contract manufacturers to produce sufficient quantities for large scale commercialization. These contract manufacturers will be subject to extensive government regulations. Regulatory authorities in the markets that we intend to serve require that drugs be manufactured, packaged and labeled in conformity with current GMP as set by the FDA. In this regard, we engage only contract manufacturers who have the capability to manufacture products in compliance with current GMP in bulk quantities for commercialization. We also safeguard our intellectual property when working with contract manufacturers by working only with manufacturers who in our estimation have a strong track record of safeguarding confidential information and who are willing to enter into agreements with us that impose upon them strict intellectual property protection measures.
Item 4A. Unresolved Staff Comments
None.
| - 17 - |
| Table of Contents |
Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects
A. Operating Results
YEAR ENDED January 31, 2023 January 31, 2022 January 31, 2021 Revenue nil nil nil Operating expenses Other income (expense): Accretion expense on convertible debentures Change in unrealized gains/losses on derivative liabilities Financial guarantee expense Gain (loss) on sale/abandonment of assets, net nil Interest expense Interest income nil nil (Loss) gain on debt modification nil Loss on impairment of intangible assets nil nil Other Penalties expense nil Settlements and legal provisions Unidentifiable assets acquired nil nil Income tax expense nil nil Net loss $ $ $ (9,460,653 ) (10,207,825 ) (7,915,367 ) (55,687 ) (6,584 ) (33,054 ) 5,362 131,250 (73,885 ) (23,917 ) (1,224,522 ) (182,200 ) 191,699 804,429 (11,491 ) (51,761 ) (7,046 ) 265 (197,205 ) 56,264 (12,116,908 ) 18,136 26,933 (40,358 ) 94,973 (344,492 ) 257,710 (563,470 ) (120,000 ) (16,666,666 ) (166,666 ) $ (9,372,772 ) $ (12,159,174 ) $ (36,350,790 )
Net loss for the year ended January 31, 2023 decreased from the year ended January 31, 2022. The decrease was mainly due to a decrease in operating expenses (discussed below) as well as a decrease in financial guarantee expense. In the 2022 fiscal year, we recorded the fair value of financial guarantee liability related to our guarantee of a lease at Dollard-des-Ormeaux, Quebec, Canada, which resulted in a financial guarantee expense of $1,224,522. In the 2023 fiscal year, financial guarantee expense is the net result of accretion expenses and gains from settlements of the guarantee liability through lease payments made by Pivot. In addition, we recorded a net gain on settlements and legal provisions resulting from a settlement agreement signed with Pivot in March 2022 for $300,000 (discussed under “Commitments and Contingencies”).
Net loss for the year ended January 31, 2022 decreased as compared to the year ended January 31, 2021. The decrease was due mainly to a non-recurring expense of $16,666,666, recorded as other expense during the year ended January 31, 2021, related to unidentifiable assets acquired. On December 7, 2020, we entered into an asset purchase agreement with Nutraneeds whereby we issued 13,333,333 common shares to acquire intellectual property, including patented technology, in connection with the compounds known as 2-bromo-LSD. The intangible assets acquired were determined to be too-early stage to meet the definition of intangible asset. Accordingly, we accounted for this transaction as an asset acquisition and measured the transaction using the fair value of the consideration paid with amount paid being recognized as a non-recurring expense related to unidentifiable assets acquired.
| - 18 - |
| Table of Contents |
Also contributing to the decrease in net loss from fiscal 2021 to fiscal 2022 was the recording of impairment of intangible assets during the year ended January 31, 2021. During fiscal 2021, we recorded an impairment loss totaling $11,362,000 on its MM-001 and MM-003 intangible assets. An impairment assessment was performed from which we concluded both assets to be in such early stage of development that a reasonable estimate of recoverable amount could not be estimate. We also recorded impairment losses on our BiPhasix license, Thrudermic non-patented technology and Solmic patents as we had exited the cannabis manufacturing and commercialization industry.
This decrease in net loss was offset by an increase in operating expenses (discussed below) and an increase in financial guarantee expense related to our best estimate of the fair value of the financial guarantee liability related to our guarantee of the lease at Dollard-des-Ormeaux.
Expenses
YEAR ENDED January 31, 2023 January 31, 2022 January 31, 2021 Amortization and depreciation of equipment and intangible assets Amortization of right-of-use assets nil nil Consulting fees Foreign exchange loss (gain) General and administrative Lease liability expense nil nil Professional fees Promotion and marketing Repairs and maintenance nil nil Research and development Wages, salaries and employment expenses Operating expenses $ 18,435 $ 18,436 $ 157,760 (69,849 ) 3,529,884 1,045,539 1,982,846 203,212 238,206 (39,050 ) 280,467 425,865 1,743,415 479,164 895,379 879,054 1,447,202 123,219 437,689 185,952 22,808 2,677,286 5,420,634 284,700 1,732,771 1,742,402 1,720,419 $ 9,460,653 $ 10,207,825 $ 7,915,367
Operating expenses decreased from the year ended January 31, 2022. With a challenging capital markets environment, we made efforts to reduce expenditures. Within our BETR-001 program, we completed pre-clinical pharmacology studies initiated in fiscal 2022, began some IND-enabling toxicology studies, completed scale-up development of manufacturing and initiated manufacturing of first GMP batch of BETR-001. Data from the preclinical pharmacology studies were published in a peer-reviewed journal article Lewis et al., March 28, 2023, Cell Reports 42. IND-enabling toxicology studies and GMP manufacturing of the first batch of drug substance are ongoing. Within our MM-003 program, we completed Phase 2 clinical trials with interferon alpha-2b in COVID-19 patients in Chile and did not pursue any other research activities. As a result, research and development costs decreased by approximately $2.7 million from the 2022 fiscal year. General and administrative expenses and promotion and marketing expenses also decreased due to our cost minimization efforts.
The decrease in operating expenses was offset by an increase in consulting fees. During the year, MedMelior issued 3.5 million of its common shares, valued at approximately $3 million, to a third party for services provided, which contributed to an increase in consulting fees.
| - 19 - |
| Table of Contents |
Operating expenses increased from the year ended January 31, 2021 to 2022, which was due to an increase in research and development expenses. During fiscal 2022, we secured net equity financings totaling over $11 million, which allowed us to pursue pre-clinical, manufacturing and clinical activities of our BETR-001 and MM-003 programs. We completed pre-clinical studies in our BETR-001 program including, but not limited to, the following: Behavioral pharmacology tests to confirm non-hallucinogenic properties, in vivo oral bioavailability and food-effect pharmacokinetic studies and animal depression studies to confirm anti-depressant properties. With our MM-003 program, we completed Phase 1 and initiated Phase 2 clinical trials with interferon alpha-2b in COVID-19 patients in Chile. We also completed pre-clinical studies which confirmed potent anti-viral activity of our interferon alpha-2b against variants of COVID-19.
Foreign exchange loss increased from fiscal 2021 to fiscal 2022 due to strengthening of the U.S. dollar. Promotion and marketing expense also increased as we incurred costs to promote our research and development programs and corporate profile. The increase in overall operating expenses was offset by a decrease in consulting fees, general and administrative and professional fees.
The table below presents material components of general and administrative expense:
YEAR ENDED January 31, 2023 January 31, 2022 January 31, 2021 Business licenses Conferences Information technology Insurance nil Investor relations Office Press release Public listing expense Shareholder expense nil Telecommunications Travel, meals and entertainment Utilities nil nil Website costs $ 1,905 $ 19,002 $ 41,083 2,381 25,201 775 5,103 19,288 20,527 11,492 24,707 96,000 50,440 1,191,974 54,185 114,013 142,592 34,245 45,782 91,914 60,679 78,993 125,477 22,396 10,205 981 4,137 4,803 4,473 5,174 51,664 19,499 20,515 29,946 18,196 $ 280,467 $ 425,865 $ 1,743,415
General and administrative expense for the year ended January 31, 2023 decreased from the year ended January 31, 2022 as we made efforts to reduce expenditures. With the reduction in research activities, shipping costs within office expense decreased. Discretionary expenditures within conferences, information technology and website costs were reduced. We also did not incur any insurance and shareholder expense in the fiscal 2023 year.
General and administrative expense for the year ended January 31, 2022 decreased as compared to the year ended January 31, 2021. Fiscal 2021 had higher general and administrative expenses related mainly to our Amalgamation with MedMelior. In May 2020, we announced that we were pursuing an Amalgamation with MedMelior. We disseminated a number of news releases to update the market regarding MedMelior and the Amalgamation process and filed a listing statement pursuant to the Amalgamation, increasing press release and public listing expenses in fiscal 2021. We also engaged public and investor relations companies to provide media services and assist with communications to the public of our corporate activities, which resulted in higher investor relations expense during the year ended January 31, 2011. The majority of the increase in investor relations expense was due to share-based payment expenses utilized to compensate third parties while allowing us to conserve cash. In fiscal 2022, we focused our resources on research and development of our programs (as discussed above).
| - 20 - |
| Table of Contents |
B. Liquidity and Capital Resources
We manage our liquidity risk by reviewing, on an ongoing basis, capital requirements and capital structure. We make adjustments to our capital structure in light of changes in economic conditions and the risk characteristics of our assets. To maintain or adjust our capital structure, we may issue new common shares or debenture, acquire or dispose of assets or adjust the amount of cash. As of January 31, 2023, we believe we have adequate available liquidity to meet operating requirements and fund product development initiatives and capital expenditures. While we have incurred losses to date, with an accumulated deficit of $112,186,681 at January 31, 2023, we anticipate the success and eventual profitability from research, development and commercialization of our product portfolio. We also ensure that we have access to public capital markets. However, there can be no assurance that we will gain adequate market acceptance for our products or be able to generate sufficient positive cash flow to achieve our business plans. Therefore, we are subject to risks including, but not limited to, inability to raise additional funds through equity and/or debt financing to support ongoing operations. See “Risk Factors”.
Working Capital
The following table presents the Company’s working capital as at January 31, 2023 and January 31, 2022:
January 31, 2023 January 31, 2022 Current assets Current liabilities Working capital deficiency (7,072,600) (3,000,219) $ 74,727 $ 1,142,928 7,147,327 4,143,147 $ $
Working capital deficiency increased as compared to January 31, 2022. With a challenging capital markets environment in fiscal 2023, the Company and MedMelior secured approximately $833,000 of net equity financing, compared to over $11 million in fiscal 2022.
Statements of Cash Flows
The following table presents our cash flows for the years ended January 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021:
YEAR ENDED Net cash provided by (used in): January 31, 2023 January 31, 2022 January 31, 2021 Operating activities Investing activities nil nil Financing activities Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash Increase (decrease) in cash for the period $ (1,503,512 ) $ (11,202,820 ) $ (7,164,881 ) (71,550 ) $ 1,335,889 11,233,521 4,089,644 2,417 (11,910 ) 19,805 $ (165,206 ) $ 18,791 $ (3,126,982 )
| - 21 - |
| Table of Contents |
Cash used in operating activities and cash from financing activities for the year ended January 31, 2023 decreased as compared to fiscal 2022. Rising inflation, interest rates and monetary tightening drove down capital markets globally during our fiscal 2023 year end. As a result, the Company and MedMelior secured approximately $833,000 of net equity financing compared to over $11 million in fiscal 2022. Cash from financing activities in fiscal 2023 also included subscriptions received by the Company and MedMelior of approximately $503,000.
Cash used in operating activities for the year ended January 31, 2022 increased as compared to the year ended January 31, 2021. The increase was primarily due to expenditures made on our research and development programs using proceeds received from issuance of common shares and warrants. Cash provided by financing activities also increased from the 2021 fiscal year. During fiscal 2022, we secured net equity financings totaling over $11 million from non-brokered private placements and under our shelf prospectus.
Commitments and Contingencies
In September 2019, BetterLife was served with a claim from Green Stream Botanicals Corp. for a finder’s fee in the amount of $600,000 in relation to the non-brokered private placement of $15 million that it closed in May 2019. In July 2020, this claim was settled for $120,000.
In November 2019, our former Chief Executive Officer filed an originating application with the Superior Court in the province of Quebec for damages stemming from a termination of employment. The former Chief Executive Officer is seeking payment of amounts totaling approximately $1 million, exercisability of his stock options until the original expiry dates, issuance of 600,000 stock options and an order that the Company not issue further common shares. We believe the claims are unfounded and intend to vigorously defend these claims.
In January 2020, an injunction was filed against the Company in the Superior Court of Quebec by Bio V Pharma Inc. (“BioV”) seeking provisional orders in respect of the premises sub-leased at 285 Kesmark Street and damages of approximately $395,000. In January 2021, this injunction was discontinued.
In March 2021, Olymbec Development Inc. (“Olymbec”) filed a judicial demand before the Superior Court of Québec and a judgement for a safeguard order was obtained by Olymbec against Pivot, a former subsidiary, and the Company, as guarantor of the lease at 285-295 Kesmark Street, Quebec, ordering Pivot and the Company to jointly pay the full amount of the lease on the first day of each month. In May 2021, a judgement for a safeguard order was issued ordering Pivot and the Company to provide post-dated cheques for monthly lease payments for the months of June through November 2021. In June 2021, a judgement granted Pivot and the Company until June 30, 2021 to pay the outstanding lease totaling $124,223 and to deliver post-dated cheques each in the amount of $49,410.51 for monthly lease payments for the months of July through November 2021 (completed). Olymbec is also claiming administrative fees of approximately $36,500 resulting from Pivot’s default on its monthly lease. We are assessing options available to contest the judicial demand from Olymbec and mitigate its damages.
We are a guarantor on the lease at 285-295 Kesmark Street in Quebec, Canada, which was assigned together with the sale of Pivot pursuant to which we have recorded a financial guarantee liability of $1,107,212 (January 31, 2022 - $1,083,295) based on our best estimate of potential future loss.
| - 22 - |
| Table of Contents |
In October 2021, we filed an application for a bankruptcy order (“Application”) against Pivot in the Superior Court (Commercial Division) of Quebec. Pivot is the lessee of the “Lease and had not met its Lease liabilities upon which we, as guarantor, were required to meet following the safeguard orders issued by the Superior Court (Civil Division) of Quebec. In March 2022, the Company and Pivot signed a settlement agreement pursuant to which Pivot would make a lump sum payment of $300,000 to the Company as follows: $150,000 on or before April 1, 2022 and $150,000 on or before May 31, 2022 (the “Transaction”), which was homologated by the Superior Court (Commercial Division) of Quebec on March 28, 2022. During the year ended January 31, 2023, $300,000 of settlement income has been recorded in settlements, net on the consolidated statements of loss and other comprehensive loss. On June 13, 2022, the Application was withdrawn by the Company.
The Company and MedMelior were named as defendants in a lawsuit before the Supreme Court of the State of New York, New York County (“State Court”) by a former director of MedMelior, who served as director prior to MedMelior’s amalgamation with the Company. This former director filed the verified complaint on January 20, 2022, seeking compensatory and punitive damages in amounts believed by the Company to be in excess of US$2 million and US$10 million, respectively. During March 2022, we filed a motion to dismiss the complaint on the basis of inconvenient forum and for lack of jurisdiction. On December 1, 2022, following oral argument on the motion, the State Court dismissed the complaint in its entirety. On April 29, 2022, in response to our then-pending motion to dismiss, the former director filed a separate, parallel action, naming the Company and MedMelior before the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, asserting substantially the same claims as in the State Court action. We believe that lawsuit to be unfounded and have filed a motion to dismiss, substantially similar to the motion granted by the State Court.
In January 2022, a statement of claim was filed against the Company by a third party for breach of a marketing contract. In March 2023, this claim was settled for $30,000.
In March 2022, MedMelior filed a notice of civil claim against its former pre-Amalgamation directors in the Supreme Court of British Columbia for breach of fiduciary and statutory duties and breach of contract. Relief sought include general and special damages.
At January 31, 2023, certain of our research and development programs, with a total contracted amount of $5.59 million, were in progress of which we have paid $3.06 million and a further $2.53 million remains to be paid in future periods.
C. Research and Development, Patents and Licenses, etc.
We rely on a combination of copyright, trademark and trade secret laws, as well as confidentiality procedures and contractual restrictions, to establish and protect our proprietary and intellectual property rights. These laws, procedures and restrictions provide only limited protection.
We endeavor to enter into agreements with our employees, contractors, distributors, resellers, business partners and other third parties with which we do business or wish to do business in order to limit access to and disclosure of our proprietary information. We cannot be certain that the steps we have taken will prevent unauthorized use, disclosure or reverse engineering of our technology. Moreover, others may independently develop technologies that are competitive with ours or that infringe our intellectual property rights. The enforcement of our intellectual property rights also depends on any legal actions against these infringers being successful, but these actions may not be successful, even when our rights have been infringed.
| - 23 - |
| Table of Contents |
Furthermore, effective patent, trademark, copyright and trade secret protection may not be available in every country in which our products, services and solutions are sold. In addition, the legal standards relating to the validity, enforceability and scope of protection of intellectual property rights are uncertain and still evolving.
D. Trend Information
Trend information is included throughout the other sections of this Item 5. In addition, we expect our operating results to continue to fluctuate in future quarters, and in light of the current pandemic situation (see “Risk Factors”).
E. Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
Not applicable.
F. Tabular Disclosure of Contractual Obligations
Not applicable.
G. Safe Harbor
This annual report contains forward-looking statements about us, our markets and our industry. These statements involve known and unknown substantial risks, uncertainties and other factors as described in detail under “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk factors” in this annual report that may cause our actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievement to be materially different from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included in this annual report regarding our strategy, future operations, future financial position, future net sales, projected expenses, prospects and plans and objectives of management are forward-looking statements.
In some cases, you can also identify forward-looking statements by terms such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “project,” “will,” “would,” “should,” “could,” “can,” “predict,” “potential,” “continue,” “objective,” or the negatives of these terms, and similar expressions intended to identify forward-looking statements. However, not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words.
All forward-looking statements reflect our current views about future events and are based on assumptions and subject to risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements in this annual report include, but are not limited to, statements about:
· | our business strategies; | |
· | our future prospects, business development, results of operations and financial condition; | |
· | competition from local and international companies, new entrants in the market and changes to the competitive landscape; | |
· | the adoption of new, or changes to existing, laws and regulations; | |
· | the termination of or changes to our relationships with our partners and other third parties; |
| - 24 - |
| Table of Contents |
· | our plans to launch and monetize new products; | |
· | our ability to retain key personnel and attract new talent; | |
· | our ability to adequately protect our intellectual property; | |
· | the anticipated costs and benefits of our acquisitions; | |
· | the outcome of ongoing or any future litigation or arbitration, including litigation or arbitration relating to intellectual property rights; | |
· | our legal and regulatory compliance efforts; and | |
· | worldwide economic conditions and their impact on demand of our products and services. |
Given these risks and uncertainties, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements.
Also, forward-looking statements represent our management’s beliefs and assumptions only as of the date of this annual report. You should read this annual report and the documents that we have filed as exhibits to this annual report completely and with the understanding that our actual future results may be materially different from what we expect.
Except as required by law, we assume no obligation to update these forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements, even if new information becomes available in the future.
Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees
A. Directors and Senior Management
The following table sets forth the name, positions held and principal occupation of each of our directors, senior management and employees upon whose work the Company is dependent. Information on such persons’ share ownership is under Item 7.
Name and Positions Held (Age) | Experience and Principal Business Activities | |||
Ahmad Doroudian (62) | Chief Executive Officer & Director of the Company since 2020 | |||
Robert Metcalfe (83) | Director of the Company since 2020 | |||
Anthony Pullen (78) | Director of the Company since 2020 | |||
Wolfgang Renz (53) | Director of the Company since 2015 | |||
Hooshmand Sheshbaradaran (66) | Chief Operating Officer of the Company since 2020 | |||
Moira Ong (48) | Chief Financial Officer of the Company since 2010 |
Ahmad Doroudian
Ahmad Doroudian is an accomplished executive with experience in management and development of private and publicly traded pharmaceutical companies. Dr. Doroudian has served as our Chief Executive Officer since January 2020. In 2016, Dr. Doroudian founded a pharmaceutical research and development company, MedMelior Inc., which was amalgamated with the Company in 2020. From 2009 to February 2014, he was the founder, Chief Executive Officer and Director of Merus Labs Inc., a publicly listed specialty pharmaceutical company (MSL: TSX and MSLI: NASDAQ) engaged in licensing and acquisition of legacy brands and innovative near-market products. From 2003 to 2009, he was involved in early-stage financing of private and publicly listed companies. From 1994 to 2002, Dr. Doroudian was the founder and Chief Executive Officer of PanGeo (Pharmex Industries) where he assembled a team that completed over $100 million in debt and equity and guided numerous acquisitions and licensing transactions. From 1990 to 1996, he was manager of operations at Novapharm (Teva), in charge of management of manufacturing, supply chain and process development facilities in Vancouver, British Columbia. Dr. Doroudian holds an M.Sc. in Pharmaceutics and a PhD in Biopharmaceutics (pharmacokinetics and drug metabolism) from the University of British Columbia.
| - 25 - |
| Table of Contents |
Robert Metcalfe
Robert Metcalfe is a lawyer and has served as president, chief executive officer, lead director, chairman and committee member on numerous publicly listed natural resource and industry company corporate boards in Canada, the USA, England, South America and Africa. He was a senior partner with the law firm Lang Michener LLP for 20 years. He is the former President and Chief Executive Officer of Armadale Properties and counsel to all of the Armadale Group of Companies, with significant holdings across numerous industries including finance, construction of office buildings, airport ownership, management and refurbishing, land development, automotive dealerships as well as newspaper publishing, radio and television stations. Mr. Metcalfe was a director of Canada Lands Company Limited, one of the largest real estate corporations in Canada, and was a director and Chairman of the Board of CN Tower Limited, the tallest communications structure in the world. Throughout his career, Mr. Metcalfe has served as a director of public and private corporations including publicly listed Radiant Energy Corp. (airplane de-icing company operating in the US), Alberta Oil Sands (Chairman of the Board); LeadFX (in Australia), Director and Chairman of the Board, and member of the Audit Committee; PetroMagdalena Inc. (oil and gas in Colombia); LSC Lithium in Argentina and currently serves as director of publicly listed companies Pasofino Gold Limited and Blue Star Gold Corp. As a director and shareholder, Mr. Metcalfe has been engaged in numerous acquisitions, divestitures, corporate reorganizations, financings and corporate improvements, as well as serving on numerous special committees across many sectors. He is a graduate of the course for Corporate Directors and a member in good standing of the Law Society of Ontario.
Anthony Pullen
Ralph Anthony Pullen has been an active participant in the Canadian capital markets for over 50 years. During that time, Mr. Pullen has filled most roles in the institutional equity markets, including sales, investment research, market strategist and investment banker. He has been a leading force in the healthcare and biotechnology industry sectors since the mid-eighties, beginning when these industries began to emerge in Canada. He was instrumental in the creation and initial funding of MDS Capital Corp., which became Canada’s largest venture capital fund dedicated to life sciences. Mr. Pullen served as a board member from 1988, up to its transition to become Lumira Ventures in 2009, and then on to 2017, a 29-year span. From 2013 to 2019, Mr. Pullen was an investment banker in the healthcare and biotechnology industries with Dominick Capital Corp. and from 2006 to 2011, a partner at Paradigm Capital Inc. with corporate finance responsibility for the healthcare and biotech sector. Prior to that, Mr. Pullen was Vice Chairman at both Yorkton Securities Inc. and Loewen, Ondaatje McCutcheon. In all those roles, Mr. Pullen has led and advised on millions of dollars of fund-raising efforts in the life sciences sector. Mr. Pullen obtained his Bachelor of Arts in Economics from York University in 1969.
Wolfgang Renz
Wolfgang Renz is President of International Business at Physicians Interactive. Formerly, Dr. Renz served as Corporate Vice President of Business Model & Healthcare Innovation at Boehringer Ingelheim, one of the world’s largest pharmaceutical companies. For over a decade, he has been involved in developing medicines and technology to help people lead healthier, more productive lives. At Boehringer Ingelheim, he led a team of specialists to find, test, and develop the disruptive technologies that will shape the way health care will be delivered in the future. In addition, he also serves as Adjunct Professor of Surgery at McGill University’s Faculty of Medicine in Montreal, Canada. Prof. Renz holds a medical degree and a PhD from Freiburg University and is board certified in Germany in emergency medicine.
| - 26 - |
| Table of Contents |
Hooshmand Sheshbaradaran
Hooshmand Sheshbaradaran is experienced in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors, in drug development, marketing, business development, financing, and executive operations. Previously, Dr. Sheshbaradaran has held senior global marketing and business development executive positions in several leading pharmaceutical companies, including Global Director of Oncology Business Development at Roche and Global Director of Oncology, New Products Marketing at Pharmacia/Pfizer. He also has extensive small biotech experience, including holding positions such as Chief Business Officer at PsiOxus Therapeutics Ltd, Head of the US subsidiary of Zeneus Pharma Ltd. (acquired by Cephalon, Inc. in 2007), and co-founder and CEO of Niiki Pharma Inc (acquired by Intezyne Technologies in 2013). Dr. Sheshbaradaran has been involved in the development of several anti-cancer drugs, including Camptosar, Ellence, Emcyt, Sutent, and Vidaza. Dr. Sheshbaradaran holds a PhD in Virology (1985) from the Karolinska Institute, Stockholm.
Moira Ong
Moira Ong is a Chartered Professional Accountant with experience in accounting, financial reporting and consulting. From March 2010 through December 2012, Ms. Ong was the Vice President of Finance of Merus Labs International Inc., a specialty pharmaceutical company that acquired legacy branded drug portfolios. She implemented processes and controls and oversaw the financial reporting obligations of Merus Labs International Inc. as it progressed from a start-up to a fully operational entity and obtained its first public listing on the Canadian National Stock Exchange before its amalgamation with a NASDAQ/TSX listed entity. In addition to holding her Chartered Professional Accountant designation, Moira also holds a Chartered Financial Analyst designation and a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of British Columbia.
B. Compensation
Executive Compensation Plans and Employment Agreements
We have entered into employment agreements with our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer.
The following table sets forth compensation for our directors and officers for the year ended January 31, 2023:
Name and Positions Held Compensation Long-term Incentive Plan Awards Total Ahmad Doroudian, Director, Chief Executive Officer and former Chief Business Officer(1)(7) Hooshmand Sheshbaradaran, Chief Operating Officer(2)(7) Moira Ong, Chief Financial Officer(3)(7) Wolfgang Renz, Director, former Chief Medical Officer and former Regional Manager - Europe(4) Robert Metcalfe, Director(5) Anthony Pullen, Director(6) $ 300,000 $ 223,154 $ 523,154 $ 333,914 $ 256,069 $ 589,983 $ 264,000 $ 253,010 $ 517,010 $ 18,000 $ 18,163 $ 36,163 $ 60,000 $ 44,297 $ 104,297 $ 70,000 $ 49,438 $ 119,438
(1) | Ahmad Doroudian was appointed Director and Chief Executive Officer on January 20, 2020. He served as Chief Business Officer until December 31, 2019. | |
(2) | Hooshmand Sheshbaradaran served as Chief Operating Officer of our subsidiary, MedMelior, which was acquired August 31, 2020. Effective May 1, 2023, Dr. Sheshbaradaran was appointed Chief Operating Officer of the Company. | |
(3) | Moira Ong was appointed Chief Financial Officer on December 26, 2010. | |
(4) | Wolfgang Renz was appointed Director on February 5, 2015. Mr. Renz was Regional Manager – Europe and Chief Medical Officer until March 13, 2020. | |
(5) | Robert Metcalfe was appointed Director on January 21, 2020. | |
(6) | Anthony Pullen was appointed Director on May 7, 2020. | |
(7) | In April 2023, outstanding compensation to officers totaling approximately $470,000 was forgiven. |
| - 27 - |
| Table of Contents |
Equity Compensation Plans
Effective October 1, 2019, we adopted a long-term incentive plan. Under this plan, our company may grant share purchase options, restricted stock units, performance stock units or deferred share units to its directors, officers, employees and consultants up to an amount as determined by our company and will be no more than 10% of its outstanding common shares on a fully-diluted basis. The exercise price of the share purchase options will be determined by our Company and will be no less than market price on grant date.
The following table sets forth equity compensation plans outstanding as at January 31, 2023:
Type | Outstanding | |||
Share Purchase Options | 6,270,000 | |||
Performance Stock Units | 25,000 | |||
C. Board Practices
Each director holds office until the next annual general meeting of our Company unless his office is earlier vacated in accordance with the corporate laws of the province of British Columbia and the bylaws of our Company.
During the most recently completed fiscal year, there are no arrangements (standard or otherwise) under which directors of our Company were compensated by our Company or its subsidiaries for services rendered in their capacity as directors, nor were any amounts paid to the directors for committee participation or special assignments except as disclosed under B. Compensation. There were no arrangements under which the directors would receive compensation or benefits in the event of the termination of that office.
Our Board of Directors also serve as our audit committee. The audit committee is responsible for selecting, evaluating and recommending our company’s auditors to the Board of Directors for shareholder approval; evaluating the scope and general extent of the auditors’ review; overseeing the work of the auditors; recommending the auditors’ compensation to the Board of Directors; and assisting with the resolution of any disputes between management and the auditors regarding financial reporting. The audit committee is also responsible for reviewing the Company’s annual and interim financial statements and recommending their approval to the Board of Directors; reviewing the Company’s policies and procedures with respect to internal controls and financial reporting; and establishing procedures for dealing with complaints regarding accounting, internal controls or auditing matters.
We do not have a compensation or corporate governance committee at the present time. Our Company is trading on the OTCQB as a foreign private issuer and as such it believes that it is not required to have such committees. We are also not required to have such committees in our home jurisdiction.
| - 28 - |
| Table of Contents |
D. Employees
As at January 31, 2023, the Company had four (4) officers/employees.
E. Share Ownership
Our directors and officers own the indicated shares of common stock as at the date hereof; percentages are based on issued and outstanding shares outstanding as of the date hereof.
Name No. of shares of Common Stock Percentage of Common Shares outstanding at May 29, 2023 Ahmad Doroudian Hooshmand Sheshbaradaran Moira Ong Robert Metcalfe Ralph Anthony Pullen Wolfgang Renz 8,164,967 (1) 7.51 % 1,386,281 1.28 % 637,825 0.59 % 30,000 0.03 % 3,000 0.00 % 36,500 0.03 %
(1) Of these, 1,175,304 common stock are held by the spouse of Mr. Doroudian.
Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions.
A. Major Shareholders
To our knowledge, three individuals beneficially own, directly or indirectly, or exercise control or direction over, common shares carrying more than 5% of the voting rights based on the common shares outstanding at May 29, 2023 as follows:
Name No. of shares of Common Stock Percentage of Common Shares outstanding at May 29, 2023 Ahmad Doroudian 8,164,967 7.51 %
The Company has approximately 327 shareholders of record at May 29, 2023, including 49 shareholders of record (15%) who are residents of the United States.
To our knowledge, we are not owned by any foreign government, nor are there any arrangements which may result in a change of control of the Company.
B. Related Party Transactions
Balances and transactions between the Company and its subsidiaries, which are related parties of the Company, have been eliminated on consolidation and are not disclosed. Details of transactions between the Company and other related parties are disclosed in the consolidated financial statements. All related party transactions were in the ordinary course of business and were measured at their exchange amounts.
| - 29 - |
| Table of Contents |
C. Interest of Experts and Counsel
Not applicable.
A. Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information
Refer to the consolidated financial statements under Item 17.
B. Significant Changes
Not applicable.
A. Offer and Listing Details
The following table sets forth the high and low sales prices of our common shares listed on the CSE for the periods indicated below:
Quarter Ended High Low January 31, 2023 October 31, 2022 July 31, 2022 April 30, 2022 January 31, 2022 October 31, 2021 July 31, 2021 April 30, 2021 $ 0.19 $ 0.14 $ 0.24 $ 0.13 $ 0.15 $ 0.08 $ 0.22 $ 0.12 $ 0.34 $ 0.19 $ 0.35 $ 0.25 $ 0.75 $ 0.23 $ 1.90 $ 0.60
B. Plan of Distribution
Not applicable.
C. Markets
Our common shares are quoted on the Canadian Securities Exchange, listed for quotation on December 19, 2017, under the Symbol “BETR”. Our common stock is also quoted on the OTCQB, listed for quotation on April 13, 2010, under the Symbol "BETRF".
D. Selling Shareholders
Not applicable.
| - 30 - |
| Table of Contents |
E. Dilution
Not applicable.
F. Expenses of the Issue
Not applicable.
Item 10. Additional Information
A. Share Capital
Authorized
An unlimited number of common shares without par value are authorized in the articles of incorporation.
Issued and Outstanding
As of May 29, 2023, 108,675,305 common shares were issued and outstanding.
B. Memorandum and Articles of Association
BetterLife is registered under the Business Corporations Act in British Columbia.
C. Material Contracts
Except as otherwise disclosed in this FORM 20-F, we are not currently, and have not been in the last two years, party to any material contract, other than contracts entered into in the ordinary course of business.
D. Exchange Controls
There are no laws, decrees or regulations in Canada relating to restrictions on the export or import of capital, or affecting the remittance of interest, dividends or other payments to non-resident holders of our shares of common stock.
E. Taxation
The Company is a Canadian corporation which, since it has not earned any revenues in Canada, has not paid taxes in Canada.
Canadian Holders are subject to Canada taxation regarding their capital gains and losses.
| - 31 - |
| Table of Contents |
Canadian Federal Income Tax Information for United States Residents
The following is a discussion of material Canadian federal income tax considerations generally applicable to holders of our common shares who acquire such shares in the Company and who, for purposes of the Income Tax Act (Canada) and the regulations thereunder, (or the “Canadian Tax Act”):
· | deal at arm’s length and are not affiliated with us; | |
· | hold such shares as capital property; | |
· | do not use or hold (and will not use or hold) and are not deemed to use or hold our common shares, in or in the course of carrying on business in Canada; | |
· | have not been at any time residents of Canada; and | |
· | are, at all relevant times, residents of the United States, or U.S. Residents, under the Canada-United States Income Tax Convention (1980), (the Convention). |
TAX MATTERS ARE VERY COMPLICATED AND THE CANADIAN FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF PURCHASING, OWNING AND DISPOSING OF OUR COMMON SHARES WILL DEPEND UPON THE STOCKHOLDER’S PARTICULAR SITUATION. THE SUMMARY OF MATERIAL CANADIAN FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES SET FORTH BELOW IS INTENDED TO PROVIDE ONLY A GENERAL SUMMARY AND IS NOT INTENDED TO BE A COMPLETE ANALYSIS OR DESCRIPTION OF ALL POTENTIAL CANADIAN FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES.
THIS DISCUSSION DOES NOT INCLUDE A DESCRIPTION OF THE TAX LAWS OF ANY PROVINCE OR TERRITORY WITHIN CANADA. ACCORDINGLY, HOLDERS AND PROSPECTIVE HOLDERS OF OUR COMMON SHARES ARE ENCOURAGED TO CONSULT WITH THEIR OWN TAX ADVISERS ABOUT THE TAX CONSEQUENCES TO THEM HAVING REGARD TO THEIR OWN PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES, INCLUDING ANY CONSEQUENCES OF PURCHASING, OWNING OR DISPOSING OF OUR COMMON SHARES ARISING UNDER CANADIAN FEDERAL, CANADIAN PROVINCIAL OR TERRITORIAL, U.S. FEDERAL, U.S. STATE OR LOCAL TAX LAWS OR TAX LAWS OF JURISDICTIONS OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES OR CANADA.
This summary is based on the current provisions of the Canadian Income Tax Act, proposed amendments to the Canadian Income Tax Act publicly announced by the Minister of Finance (Canada) prior to the date hereof (the “Proposed Amendments”), and the provisions of the Canada-US Tax Convention as in effect on the date hereof. No assurance can be given that the Proposed Amendments will be entered into law in the manner proposed, or at all. No advance income tax ruling has been requested or obtained from the Canada Revenue Agency to confirm the tax consequences of any of the transactions described herein.
This summary is not an exhaustive description of all possible Canadian federal income tax consequences for U.S. Residents, and other than the Proposed Amendments, does not take into account or anticipate any changes in law, whether by legislative, administrative, governmental or judicial decision or action, nor does it take into account Canadian provincial, U.S. or foreign tax considerations which may differ significantly from those discussed herein. No assurances can be given that subsequent changes in law or administrative policy will not affect or modify the opinions expressed herein.
A U.S. Resident will not be subject to tax under the Canadian Tax Act in respect of any capital gain on a disposition of our common shares unless such shares constitute “taxable Canadian property”, as defined in the Canadian Tax Act, of the U.S. Resident and the U.S. Resident is not eligible for relief pursuant to the Convention. Our common shares will not constitute “taxable Canadian property” if, at any time during the 60-month period immediately preceding the disposition of the common shares, the U.S. Resident, persons with whom the U.S. Resident did not deal at arm’s length, or the U.S. Resident together with all such persons, did not own 25% or more of the issued shares of any class or series of shares of our capital stock. In addition, the Convention generally will exempt a U.S. Resident who would otherwise be liable to pay Canadian income tax in respect of any capital gain realized by the U.S. Resident on the disposition of our common shares from such liability provided that the value of our common shares is not derived principally from real property situated in Canada. The Convention may not be available to a U.S. Resident that is a U.S. LLC which is not subject to tax in the U.S.
| - 32 - |
| Table of Contents |
Amounts in respect of our common shares paid or credited or deemed to be paid or credited as, on account or in lieu of payment of, or in satisfaction of, dividends to a U.S. Resident will generally be subject to Canadian non-resident withholding tax at the rate of 25%. Currently, under the Convention the rate of Canadian non-resident withholding tax will generally be reduced to:
· | 5% of the gross amount of dividends if the beneficial owner is a company that is resident in the U.S. and that owns at least 10% of our voting shares; or | |
· | 15% of the gross amount of dividends if the beneficial owner is some other resident of the U.S. |
United States Federal Income Tax Information for United States Holders
The following is a general discussion of material U.S. federal income tax consequences of the ownership and disposition of our common shares by U.S. Holders (as defined below). This discussion is based on the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, Treasury regulations promulgated thereunder, and judicial and administrative interpretations thereof, all as in effect at the date hereof and all of which are subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect. This discussion only addresses the tax consequences for U.S. Holders that will hold their common shares as a “capital asset” and does not address U.S. federal income tax consequences that may be relevant to particular U.S. Holders in light of their individual circumstances or U.S. Holders that are subject to special treatment under certain U.S. federal income tax laws, such as:
· | tax-exempt organizations and pension plans; | |
· | persons subject to an alternative minimum tax; | |
· | banks and other financial institutions; | |
· | insurance companies; | |
· | partnerships and other pass-through entities (as determined for United States federal income tax purposes); | |
· | broker-dealers; | |
· | persons who hold their common shares as a hedge or as part of a straddle, constructive sale, conversion transaction, and other risk management transaction; and | |
· | persons who acquired their common shares through the exercise of employee stock options or otherwise as compensation. |
As used herein, the term “U.S. Holder” means a beneficial owner of our common shares that is:
· | an individual citizen or resident of the United States; | |
· | a corporation, a partnership or entity treated as a corporation or partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes, that is created or organized in or under the laws of the United States or any political subdivision thereof; | |
· | an estate the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source; and | |
· | a trust if both a United States Court is able to exercise primary supervision over the administration of the trust; and one or more United States persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust. |
| - 33 - |
| Table of Contents |
TAX MATTERS ARE VERY COMPLICATED AND THE UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF PURCHASING, OWNING AND DISPOSING OF OUR COMMON SHARES WILL DEPEND UPON THE STOCKHOLDER’S PARTICULAR SITUATION. THE SUMMARY OF MATERIAL UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES SET FORTH BELOW IS INTENDED TO PROVIDE ONLY A GENERAL SUMMARY AND IS NOT INTENDED TO BE A COMPLETE ANALYSIS OR DESCRIPTION OF ALL POTENTIAL UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES.
NOTE THAT THIS DISCUSSION DOES NOT INCLUDE A DESCRIPTION OF THE TAX LAWS OF ANY STATE OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT WITHIN THE UNITED STATES. ACCORDINGLY, HOLDERS AND PROSPECTIVE HOLDERS OF OUR COMMON SHARES ARE ENCOURAGED TO CONSULT THEIR TAX ADVISORS ABOUT THE U.S. FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL, AND FOREIGN TAX CONSEQUENCES OF PURCHASING, OWNING AND DISPOSING OF OUR COMMON SHARES.
Ownership of Shares
The gross amount of any distribution received by a U.S. Holder with respect to our common shares generally will be included in the U.S. Holder’s gross income as a dividend to the extent attributable to our current and accumulated earnings and profits (as determined under U.S. federal income tax principles). To the extent a distribution received by a U.S. Holder is not a dividend because it exceeds the U.S. Holder’s pro rata share of our current and accumulated earnings and profits, it will be treated first as a tax-free return of capital and reduce (but not below zero) the adjusted tax basis of the U.S. Holder’s shares. To the extent the distribution exceeds the adjusted tax basis of the U.S. Holder’s shares, the remainder will be taxed as capital gain (the taxation of capital gain is discussed under the heading “Sale of Shares” below).
For taxable years beginning before January 1, 2009, dividends received by non-corporate U.S. Holders from a qualified foreign corporation are taxed at the same preferential rates that apply to long-term capital gains. A foreign corporation is a “qualified foreign corporation” if it is eligible for the benefits of a comprehensive income tax treaty with the United States (the income tax treaty between Canada and the United States is such a treaty) or the shares with respect to which such dividend is paid is readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States (such as the Nasdaq Capital Market). Notwithstanding satisfaction of one or both of these conditions, a foreign corporation is not a qualified foreign corporation if it is a passive foreign investment company (“PFIC”) for the taxable year of the corporation in which the dividend is paid or the preceding taxable year. (Whether a foreign corporation is a PFIC is discussed below under the heading “Passive Foreign Investment Companies”). A foreign corporation that is a PFIC for any taxable year within a U.S. person’s holding period generally is treated as a PFIC for all subsequent years in the U.S. person’s holding period. Although we have not been, are not now, and do not expect to be a PFIC, and we don’t expect to pay dividends, you should be aware of the following matters in the event that we do become a PFIC and do pay dividends.
If we were to become a PFIC, then U.S. Holders who acquire our common shares may be treated as holding shares of a PFIC throughout their holding period for the purpose of determining whether dividends received from us are dividends from a qualified foreign corporation. As a consequence, dividends received by U.S. Holders may not be eligible for taxation at the preferential rates applicable to long-term capital gains.
If a distribution is paid in Canadian dollars, the U.S. dollar value of such distribution on the date of receipt is used to determine the amount of the distribution received by a U.S. Holder. A U.S. Holder who continues to hold such Canadian dollars after the date on which they are received, may recognize gain or loss upon their disposition due to exchange rate fluctuations. Generally, such gains and losses will be ordinary income or loss from U.S. sources.
| - 34 - |
| Table of Contents |
U.S. Holders may deduct Canadian tax withheld from distributions they receive for the purpose of computing their U.S. federal taxable income (or alternatively a credit may be claimed against the U.S. Holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability as discussed below under the heading “Foreign Tax Credit”). Corporate U.S. Holders generally will not be allowed a dividend received deduction with respect to dividends they receive from us.
Foreign Tax Credit
Generally, the dividend portion of a distribution received by a U.S. Holder will be treated as income in the passive income category for foreign tax credit purposes. Subject to a number of limitations, a U.S. Holder may elect to claim a credit against its U.S. federal income tax liability (in lieu of a deduction) for Canadian withholding tax deducted from its distributions. The credit may be claimed only against U.S. federal income tax attributable to a U.S. Holder’s passive income that is from foreign sources.
If we were to become a qualified foreign corporation with respect to a non-corporate U.S. Holder, dividends received by such U.S. Holder will qualify for taxation at the same preferential rates that apply to long-term capital gains. In such case, the dividend amount that would otherwise be from foreign sources is reduce by multiplying the dividend amount by a fraction, the numerator of which is the U.S. Holder’s preferential capital gains tax rate and the denominator of which is the U.S. Holder’s ordinary income tax rate. The effect is to reduce the dividend amount from foreign sources, thereby reducing the U.S. federal income tax attributable to foreign source income against which the credit may be claimed. Canadian withholding taxes that cannot be claimed as a credit in the year paid may be carried back to the preceding year and then forward 10 years and claimed as a credit in those years, subject to the same limitations referred to above.
The rules relating to the determination of the foreign tax credit are very complex. U.S. Holders and prospective U.S. Holders should consult their own tax advisors to determine whether and to what extent they would be entitled to claim a foreign tax credit.
Sale of Shares
Subject to the discussion of the “passive foreign investment company” rules below, a U.S. Holder generally will recognize capital gain or loss upon the sale of our shares equal to the difference between: (a) the amount of cash plus the fair market value of any property received; and (b) the U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis in such shares. This gain or loss generally will be capital gain or loss from U.S. sources, and will be long-term capital gain or loss if the U.S. Holder held its shares for more than 12 months. Generally, the net long-term capital gain of a non-corporate U.S. Holder from the sale of shares is subject to taxation at a top marginal rate of 15%. A Capital gain that is not long-term capital gain is taxed at ordinary income rates. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to certain limitations.
Passive Foreign Investment Companies
We will be a PFIC if, in any taxable year either: (a) 75% or more of our gross income consists of passive income; or (b) 50% or more of the value of our assets is attributable to assets that produce, or are held for the production of, passive income. Subject to certain limited exceptions, if we meet the gross income test or the asset test for a particular taxable year, our shares held by a U.S. Holder in that year will be treated as shares of a PFIC for that year and all subsequent years in the U.S. Holder’s holding period, even if we fail to meet either test in a subsequent year.
| - 35 - |
| Table of Contents |
If we were a PFIC in the future, gain realized by a U.S. Holder from the sale of PFIC Shares and certain dividends received on such shares would be subject to tax under the excess distribution regime, unless the U.S. Holder made one of the elections discussed below. Under the excess distribution regime, federal income tax on a U.S. Holder’s gain from the sale of PFIC Shares would be calculated by allocating the gain rateably to each day the U.S. Holder held its shares. Gain allocated to years preceding the first year in which we were a PFIC in the U.S. Holder’s holding period, if any, and gain allocated to the year of disposition would be treated as gain arising in the year of disposition and taxed as ordinary income. Gain allocated to all other years would be taxed at the highest tax rate in effect for each of those years. Interest for the late payment of tax would be calculated and added to the tax due for each of the PFIC Years, as if the tax was due and payable with the tax return filed for that year. A distribution that exceeds 125% of the average distributions received on PFIC Shares by a U.S. Holder during the 3 preceding taxable years (or, if shorter, the portion of the U.S. Holder’s holding period before the taxable year) would be taxed in a similar manner.
A U.S. Holder may avoid taxation under the excess distribution regime by making a qualified electing fund (“QEF”) election. For each year that we would meet the PFIC gross income test or asset test, an electing U.S. Holder would be required to include in gross income, its pro rata share of our net ordinary income and net capital gains, if any. The U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis in our shares would be increased by the amount of such income inclusions. An actual distribution to the U.S. Holder out of such income generally would not be treated as a dividend and would decrease the U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis in our shares. Gain realized from the sale of our shares covered by a QEF election would be taxed as a capital gain. U.S. Holders will be eligible to make QEF elections, only if we agree to provide to the U.S. Holders, which we do, the information they will need to comply with the QEF rules. Generally, a QEF election should be made by the due date of the U.S. Holder’s tax return for the first taxable year in which the U.S. Holder held our shares that includes the close of our taxable year for which we met the PFIC gross income test or asset test. A QEF election is made on IRS Form 8621.
A U.S. Holder may also avoid taxation under the excess distribution regime by timely making a mark-to-market election. An electing U.S. Holder would include in gross income the increase in the value of its PFIC Shares during each of its taxable years and deduct from gross income the decrease in the value of its PFIC Shares during each of its taxable years. Amounts included in gross income or deducted from gross income by an electing U.S. Holder are treated as ordinary income and ordinary deductions from U.S. sources. Deductions for any year are limited to the amount by which the income inclusions of prior year’s exceed the income deductions of prior years. Gain from the sale of PFIC Shares covered by an election is treated as ordinary income from U.S. sources while a loss is treated as an ordinary deduction from U.S. sources only to the extent of prior income inclusions. Losses in excess of such prior income inclusions are treated as capital losses from U.S. sources. A mark-to-market election is timely if it is made by the due date of the U.S. Holder’s tax return for the first taxable year in which the U.S. Holder held our shares that includes the close of our taxable year for which we met the PFIC gross income test or asset test. A mark-to-market election is also made on IRS Form 8621.
As noted above, a PFIC is not a qualified foreign corporation and hence dividends received from a PFIC are not eligible for taxation at preferential long-term capital gain tax rates. Similarly, ordinary income included in the gross income of a U.S. Holder who has made a QEF election or a market-to-market election, and dividends received from corporations subject to such election, are not eligible for taxation at preferential long-term capital gain rates. The PFIC rules are extremely complex and could, if they apply, have significant, adverse effects on the taxation of dividends received and gains realized by a U.S. Holder. Accordingly, prospective U.S. Holders are strongly urged to consult their tax adviser concerning the potential application of these rules to their particular circumstances.
| - 36 - |
| Table of Contents |
Controlled Foreign Corporation
Special rules apply to certain U.S. Holders that own stock in a foreign corporation that is classified as a “controlled foreign corporation” (“CFC”). We do not expect to be classified as a CFC. However, future ownership changes could cause us to become a CFC. Prospective U.S. Holders are urged to consult their tax advisor concerning the potential application of the CFC rules to their particular circumstances.
Information Reporting and Backup Withholding
United States information reporting and backup withholding requirements may apply with respect to distributions to U.S. Holders, or the payment of proceeds from the sale of shares, unless the U.S. Holder: (a) is an exempt recipient (including a corporation); (b) complies with certain requirements, including applicable certification requirements; or (c) is described in certain other categories of persons. The backup withholding tax rate is currently 28%. Any amounts withheld from a payment to a U.S. Holder under the backup withholding rules may be credited against any U.S. federal income tax liability of the U.S. Holder and may entitle the U.S. Holder to a refund.
F. Dividends and Paying Agents
Not applicable.
G. Statements by Experts
Not applicable.
H. Documents on Display
Not applicable.
I. Subsidiary Information
Refer to the notes to the consolidated financial statements under Item 17.
Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
Not applicable.
Item 12. Description of Securities Other Than Equity Securities
Effective October 1, 2019, we adopted a long-term incentive plan. Under this plan, our Company may grant share purchase options, restricted stock units, performance stock units or deferred share units to our directors, officers, employees and consultants up to an amount as determined by our company and will be no more than 10% of its outstanding common shares on a fully-diluted basis. The exercise price of the share purchase options will be determined by our Company and will be no less than market price on grant date.
| - 37 - |
| Table of Contents |
Item 13. Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies
Not applicable.
Item 14. Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders and Use of Proceeds
Not applicable.
Item 15. Controls and Procedures
Management’s Report on Disclosure Controls and Procedures
As required by Rule 13a-15 under the Exchange Act, our management evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of January 31, 2023 and determined that they were not effective.
Disclosure controls and procedures refer to controls and other procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the SEC and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our president (our principal executive officer) and our chief financial officer (our principal financial officer and principal accounting officer), as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. In designing and evaluating our disclosure controls and procedures, management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives, and management is required to apply its judgment in evaluating and implementing possible controls and procedures.
Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our president (our principal executive officer) and our chief financial officer (our principal financial officer and principal accounting officer), we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of January 31, 2023 using the criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).
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 Company’s annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. In its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of January 31, 2023, our Company determined that there were control deficiencies that constituted material weaknesses, as described below:
1. | Due to the limited size of our finance team, there is no opportunity to implement review controls to ensure that complex accounting transactions have been properly accounted for. To remediate the material weakness, our Company will continue to obtain necessary external assistance to ensure that the performance of complex accounting issues can be performed accurately and on a timely basis. | |
2. | Cut-off procedures were inadequate in ensuring that accounts payable and prepaid balances related to our research programs are recorded accurately. To remediate the material weakness, our Company will implement procedures to reconcile our estimates of progress of research projects with external research or manufacturing organizations. |
| - 38 - |
| Table of Contents |
Accordingly, our Company concluded that these control deficiencies resulted in a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis by the Company’s internal controls.
As a result of the material weaknesses described above, management has concluded that our Company’s internal control over financial reporting was not effective as of January 31, 2023 based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by COSO.
MNP, LLP, our independent registered public auditors, was not required to and has not issued an attestation report concerning the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of January 31, 2023 pursuant to temporary rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission that permit our Company to provide only management’s report in this annual report.
Changes in Internal Controls
During the period ended January 31, 2023, there were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
Item 16A. Audit Committee Financial Expert
Our board of directors has determined that none of our the members of our audit committee qualifies as an "audit committee financial expert" as defined in Item 407(d)(5)(ii) of Regulation S-K. Dr. Wolfgang Renz, Mr. Robert Metcalfe and Mr. Anthony Pullen are "independent" as the term is used in Item 7(d)(3)(iv) of Schedule 14A under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
Our Company has a formal audit committee which was formed in May 2010, but currently does not have a financial expert. Our audit committee consists of Dr. Ahmad Doroudian, Dr. Wolfgang Renz, Mr. Robert Metcalfe and Mr. Anthony Pullen. Financial information relating to quarterly reports was disseminated to all board members for review. The audited financial statements for the years ended January 31, 2023 and 2022 were provided to each member of the board in which any concerns by the members were directed to management and the auditors.
We believe that the members of our board of audit committee and our entire board of directors are collectively capable of analyzing and evaluating our financial statements and understanding internal controls and procedures for financial reporting. We believe that retaining an independent director who would qualify as an "audit committee financial expert" would be overly costly and burdensome and is not warranted in our circumstances given the early stages of our development and the fact that we have not generated any material revenues to date. In addition, we currently do not have nominating, compensation or audit committees or committees performing similar functions nor do we have a written nominating, compensation or audit committee charter. Our board of directors does not believe that it is necessary to have such committees because it believes the functions of such committees can be adequately performed by our board of directors.
Our Company has an audit committee charter which was adopted and approved by our board of directors on May 25, 2010.
| - 39 - |
| Table of Contents |
Effective April 20, 2011, our Company’s board of directors adopted a code of business conduct and ethics that applies to, among other persons, members of our board of directors, our Company’s officers including our president, chief executive officer and chief financial officer, employees, consultants and advisors. As adopted, our code of business conduct and ethics sets forth written standards that are designed to deter wrongdoing and to promote:
1. honest and ethical conduct, including the ethical handling of actual or apparent conflicts of interest between personal and professional relationships;
2. full, fair, accurate, timely, and understandable disclosure in reports and documents that we file with, or submit to, the Securities and Exchange Commission and in other public communications made by us;
3. compliance with applicable governmental laws, rules and regulations;
4. the prompt internal reporting of violations of the code of business conduct and ethics to an appropriate person or persons identified in the code of business conduct and ethics; and
5. accountability for adherence to the code of business conduct and ethics.
Our code of business conduct and ethics requires, among other things, that all of our Company’s senior officers commit to timely, accurate and consistent disclosure of information; that they maintain confidential information; and that they act with honesty and integrity.
In addition, our code of business conduct and ethics emphasizes that all employees, and particularly senior officers, have a responsibility for maintaining financial integrity within our Company, consistent with generally accepted accounting principles, and federal and state securities laws. Any senior officer who becomes aware of any incidents involving financial or accounting manipulation or other irregularities, whether by witnessing the incident or being told of it, must report it to our Company. Any failure to report such inappropriate or irregular conduct of others is to be treated as a severe disciplinary matter. It is against our company policy to retaliate against any individual who reports in good faith the violation or potential violation of our Company’s code of business conduct and ethics by another.
Our code of business conduct and ethics was included as an exhibit to our annual report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on May 11, 2011. We will provide a copy of the code of business conduct and ethics to any person without charge, upon request. Requests can be sent to: BetterLife Pharma Inc., 1275 West 6th Avenue, #300, Vancouver, British Columbia V6H 1A6.
| - 40 - |
| Table of Contents |
Item 16C. Principal Accountant Fees and Services
The aggregate fees billed for the most recently completed fiscal year ended January 31, 2023 and for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2022 for professional services rendered by the principal accountant for the audit of our annual financial statements and review of the financial statements included in our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, where applicable, and services that are normally provided by the accountant in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements for these fiscal periods were as follows:
Year Ended January 31, 2023 $ January 31, 2022 $ Audit Fees Audit Related Fees Nil Nil Tax Fees Nil Nil All Other Fees Nil Total 236,000 133,336 10,000 246,000 133,336
Item 16D. Exemptions from the Listing Standards for Audit Committees
Not applicable.
Item 16E. Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers
Not applicable.
Item 16F. Change in Registrant’s Certifying Accountant
Not applicable.
Item 16G. Corporate Governance
Not applicable.
Item 16H. Mine Safety Disclosure
Not applicable.
| - 41 - |
| Table of Contents |
The following consolidated financial statements are filed as Exhibit 99.1 with this FORM 20-F. All of the financial information is presented in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards.
· | Consolidated Audited Financial Statements for the years ended January 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021. |
Refer to Exhibit 99.1.
Exhibit No. | Description of Exhibit | |
Certificate of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002* | ||
Certificate of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002* | ||
13.1 | Certificate of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002* | |
13.2 | Certificate of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002* | |
Consolidated Financial Statements for the years ended January 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021* | ||
Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended January 31, 2023* |
* | Filed herewith |
| - 42 - |
| Table of Contents |
The registrant hereby certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on FORM 20-F and that it has duly caused and authorized the undersigned to sign this registration statement on its behalf.
BETTERLIFE PHARMA INC. | ||
Date: May 29, 2023 | /s/ Ahmad Doroudian | |
Ahmad Doroudian | ||
Chief Executive Officer |
| - 43 - |