As filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on October 25, 2019.

Registration Statement No. 333-          

 

 

UNITED STATES

Registration Statement No. 333-

AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON NOVEMBER 29, 2017

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C.  20549

FORM S-1

 

FORM S-1

REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

 

GUARDION HEALTH SCIENCES, INCINC..
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware 2834 47-4428421

(State or other jurisdiction of


of incorporation or
organization)

 

(Primary Standard Industrial


Classification Code Number)

 

(I.R.S. Employer


Identification No.)

 

15150 Avenue of Science, Suite 200

San Diego, California 92128

Telephone: 858-605-9055

Telecopier: (858) 630-5543

(Address and telephone number of principal executive offices)

 

Michael Favish, Chief Executive Officer

15150 Avenue of Science, Suite 200

San Diego, California 92128

Telephone: 858-605-9055

Telecopier: (858) 630-5543

(Name, address and telephone number of agent for service)

Copy to:

 

David I. Sunkin, Esq.Copies to:

Jason R. Schendel, Esq.

Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP

333 South Hope Street, 43rd Floor

Los Angeles, California 90071

Telephone: (213) 620-1780

Facsimile: (213) 620-1398

David I. Sunkin, Esq.

Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP

333 South Hope Street, 43rd Floor

Los Angeles, CA 90071

(213) 620-1780

Leslie Marlow, Esq.

Hank Gracin, Esq.

Patrick J. Egan, Esq.

Gracin & Marlow, LLP

The Chrysler Building

405 Lexington Avenue, 26th Floor

New York, NY 10174

(212) 907-6457

 

Approximate Date of Commencement of Proposed Sale to the Public: As soon as practicable after the effective date of this registration statement.

 

If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, check the following box. x[X]

 

If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. ¨[  ]

 

If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. ¨[  ]

 

If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. ¨[  ]

 

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

 

Large accelerated filer¨[  ]Accelerated filer¨[  ]
Non-accelerated filer¨[X]Smaller reporting companyx[X]
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)Emerging growth companyx[X]

 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act¨ [  ]

 

CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE

 

Title of Each Class of

Securities to be Registered

 

Shares to be

Registered (4)

  

Proposed

Maximum

Aggregate

Offering Price

per Security (1)

  

Proposed

Maximum

Aggregate

Offering

Price

  

Amount of

Registration

Fee

 
                 
Common Stock, par value $0.001  17,260,312  $1.15(2) $19,849,359  $2,471.25
Shares of Common Stock, par value $0.001 underlying Warrants (3)  60,000  $1.00(5) $60,000  $7.47 
Shares of Common Stock, par value $0.001 underlying Warrants (3)  60,000  $0.75(5) $45,000  $5.60 
Shares of Common Stock, par value $0.001 underlying Warrants (3)  140,000  $0.50(5) $70,000  $8.72 
Shares of Common Stock, par value $0.001 underlying Warrants (3)  1,162,500  $0.25(5) $290,625  $36.18 
TOTAL  18,682,812  $  $20,314,984  $2,529.22 

Title of Each Class of

Securities to be Registered

 Proposed
Maximum
Aggregate
Offering
Price(1)
  Amount of
Registration Fee (9)
 
Common Stock, $0.001 par value per share(2)(3)(4) $11,500,000  $1,493 
Pre-Funded Common Stock Purchase Warrants (2)(3)        
Shares of Common Stock, $0.001 par value per share, underlying Pre-Funded Common Stock Purchase Warrants(2)(3)        
Series A and Series B Warrants (2)(4)(5)        
Shares of Common Stock, $0.001 par value per share, underlying Series A and Series B Warrants (2)(3)(4)(6) $14,950,000   1,941 
Underwriters’ warrants to purchase Common Stock(2)(7)        
Shares of Common Stock, $0.001 par value per share, underlying Underwriters’ Warrants(2)(8) $1,040,000   135 
Total $27,490,000  $3,569 

 

(1)ThisEstimated solely for the purpose of calculating the amount of registration fee pursuant to Rule 457(o) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”).
(2)Pursuant to Rule 416 under the Securities Act, the securities being registered hereunder include such indeterminate number of additional shares of common stock, $0.001 par value per share, as may be issued after the date hereof as a result of stock splits, stock dividends or similar transactions.
(3)The proposed maximum offering price of the common stock proposed to be sold in the offering will be reduced on a dollar-for-dollar basis based on the offering price of any pre-funded common stock purchase warrants offered and sold in the offering.
(4)Includes the aggregate offering price of additional shares of common stock and/or common stock purchase warrants that the underwriters have the option to purchase.
(5)No additional registration fee is payable pursuant to Rule 457(i) under the Securities Act. There will be issued a common stock purchase warrant to purchase one share of common stock for every share of common stock or pre-funded common stock purchase warrant offered (at an exercise price equal to 130% of the common stock public offering price).
(6)Relates to the shares of common stock underlying the common stock purchase warrants, if such common stock purchase warrants are exercised for cash. If such common stock purchase warrants are exercised on a cashless basis, then the underlying shares of common stock shall be covered by the Registration Fee in respect of the common stock and accompanying common stock purchase warrants.
(7)No fee pursuant to Rule 457(g) under the Securities Act.
(8)

Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee in accordance with Rule 457 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Act”) and is based, in part, upon the last private sale of the Company’s common stock.

(2)Based on the last sale price of the Company’s common stock.
(3)Shares issuable upon exercise of warrants held by Selling Securityholders.
(4)Pursuant to Rule 416, there are also being registered such additional securities as may be issued to prevent dilution resulting from stock splits, stock dividends or similar transactions as a result of the anti-dilution provisions contained in the warrants.
(5)Pursuantpursuant to Rule 457(g) under the Securities Act. The Underwriters’ Warrants are exercisable at a per share exercise price equal to 130% of the public offering price of the common stock. As estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee pursuant to Rule 457(g) under the Securities Act, the proposed aggregate offering price of the Underwriters’ Warrants is based upon$1,040,000 which is equal to 130% of $800,000 (8% of $10,000,000).

(9)Calculated under Section 6(b) of the respective average exercise or conversionSecurities Act as .0001298 of the proposed maximum aggregate offering price.

The Registrant hereby amends this Registration Statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the Registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this Registration Statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933, or until the Registration Statement shall become effective on such date as the Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.

 

 

 

 

The information in this preliminary prospectus is not complete and may be changed. The Selling SecurityholdersWe may not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This preliminary prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and it is not soliciting an offeroffers to buy these securities in any state or jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted.

 

PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUSSUBJECT TO COMPLETIONDATED NOVEMBER 29, 2017OCTOBER 25, 2019

18,682,812

19,342,359 Shares of Common Stock

Pre-funded Warrants to Purchase Shares of Common Stock

Series A and Series B Warrants to Purchase up to 19,342,359 Shares of Common Stock

GUARDION HEALTH SCIENCES, INC.Shares of Common Stock Underlying the Pre-Funded Warrants

19,342,359 Shares of Common Stock Underlying the Warrants

 

This prospectus relates to the sale by the selling securityholders named in this prospectus (the “Selling Securityholders”) of

Guardion Health Sciences, Inc. (the “Company”, “GHS”, “we”, “us” or “Guardion”“our”) 17,260,312is offering 19,342,359 shares of common stock, par value $0.001 per share, of the Company and (i) Series A warrants to purchase shares of common stock (the “Series A Warrants”) and (ii) Series B warrants to purchase shares of common stock (the “Series B Warrants,” and collectively with the Series A Warrants, the “Warrants”) (and the shares of common stock that are issuable from time to time upon exercise of the Warrants). We will issue Warrants exercisable into an aggregate of 19,342,359 shares of common stock in this offering. Series B Warrants will only be issued to the extent we do not have sufficient authorized shares to permit the immediate exercise in full of Warrants to purchase 100% of the number of shares of common stock being offered in this offering.

We are also offering to each purchaser whose purchase of shares of common stock in this offering would otherwise result in the purchaser, together with its affiliates and certain related parties, beneficially owning more than 4.99% (or, at the election of the holder, 9.99%) of our outstanding common stock immediately following the consummation of this offering, the opportunity to purchase, if the purchaser so chooses, pre-funded warrants to purchase common stock (the “Pre-Funded Warrants”), in lieu of shares of common stock. Each Pre-Funded Warrant will be exercisable for one share of our common stock.

The purchase price of each Pre-Funded Warrant will equal the price per share at which the shares of common stock are being sold to the public in this offering, minus $0.01, and 1,422,500the exercise price of each Pre-Funded Warrant will be $0.01 per share. This prospectus also relates to the shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of common stock purchase warrants.We will not receive any of the proceeds from the sale by the Selling Securityholders of such securities.However,Pre-Funded Warrants sold in this offering. For each Pre-Funded Warrant that we will receive proceeds from the exercise of the warrants if they are exercised for cash by the Selling Securityholders.

The Selling Securityholders may sell, the number of shares of common stock describedthat we are offering will be decreased on a one-for-one basis. Each share of common stock and Pre-Funded Warrant is being sold together with Warrants exercisable into an aggregate of one share of common stock. Each Warrant will have an exercise price of $           per full share. Series B Warrants will only be issued to the extent we do not have sufficient authorized shares to permit the immediate exercise in full of Warrants to purchase 100% of the number of shares of common stock being offered in this prospectus in a number of different ways and at varying prices. We provide more information about how a Selling Securityholder may sell itsoffering. Because we will issue Warrants to purchase 19,342,359 shares of common stock in this offering, the section titled “Plannumber of Distribution”Warrants sold in this offering will not change as a result of a change in the mix of the shares of our common stock and Pre-Funded Warrants sold. The Series A Warrants will be exercisable immediately and will expire five (5) years from the date of issuance. The Series B Warrants become exercisable only after we have effectuated a Charter Amendment (as defined herein), and will expire five (5) years from the date they first become exercisable. The shares of common stock or Pre-Funded Warrants, and the accompanying Warrants, can only be purchased together in this offering but will be issued separately and will be immediately separable upon issuance.

Our common stock is listed on page 78. We intend to apply to listThe Nasdaq Capital Market (“Nasdaq”) under the symbol “GHSI.” The last reported sale price for our common stock on NYSE American underNasdaq on October 23, 2019 was $0.517 per share. The actual number of securities, and the symbols “GHSI” or “GRD” if available. No assurance can be given that our applicationoffering price per share of common stock, Pre-Funded Warrant and accompanying Warrants, and the exercise price for the accompanying Warrants, will be approved or thatas determined between us and the underwriters at the time of pricing, and may be at a discount to the current market price. Therefore, the recent market price used throughout this prospectus may not be indicative of the actual public offering price for our common stock and for the Pre-Funded Warrants. The assumed public offering price is $0.507 per share of common stock (based on the closing price of our common stock on the Nasdaq on October 23, 2019) and $0.01 per accompanying Warrants and $0.497 per Pre-Funded Warrant and $0.01 per accompanying Warrants. There is no established public trading market for the Pre-Funded Warrants or the Warrants, and we do not expect a market to develop. In addition, we do not intend to apply for a listing of the Pre-Funded Warrants or the Warrants on any national securities exchange. Without an active trading market, the liquidity of the Pre-Funded Warrants and Warrants will ever develop.be limited.

 

The Selling Securityholders and any broker-dealers that participate in the distribution of the securities may be deemed to be “underwriters” as that term is defined in Section 2(a)(11) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

We are an “emerging growth company” as defined in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012 and may elect to comply with certain reduced public company reporting requirements. See the section titled “Implications of Being an Emerging Growth Company.”

Investing in our common stock is highly speculative andsecurities involves a high degree of risk. You should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties described under the headingSee “Risk Factors” beginning on page 148 of this prospectus.

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed upon the adequacy or accuracy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

Per
Share and

Accompanying

Warrants

Per Pre-
Funded
Warrant and

Accompanying

Warrants

Total(1)
Public offering price(2)$$$
Underwriting discounts and commissions(3)$$$
Proceeds, before expenses, to us$$$

(1)Assumes no sale of Pre-Funded Warrants.

(2)The public offering price is $       per share of common stock and $0.01 per accompanying Warrants and $     per Pre-Funded Warrant and $0.01 per accompanying Warrants.

(3)We have agreed to issue to the representative of the underwriters, as a portion of the underwriting compensation, warrants to purchase shares of our common stock and to reimburse the underwriters for certain expenses. See the section entitled “Underwriting” beginning on page 72 of this prospectus for additional information on the compensation payable to the underwriters.

We have also granted an option to the underwriters to purchase up to 2,901,353 additional shares of common stock (to the extent such shares are available for issuance) and/or Warrants on the same terms and conditions set forth above from us within 45 days after the date of this prospectus before making a decision to purchase our common stock.cover over-allotments, if any.

 

NEITHER THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION HAS APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED OF THESE SECURITIES OR PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.The underwriters expect to deliver the Company’s securities to the purchasers on or about         , 2019.

 

Maxim Group LLCWallachBeth Capital, LLC

The date of this prospectus is, 2017.2019.

 

 -3- 

 

ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS

 

In this prospectus, unless the context suggests otherwise, unless otherwise noted, references to “the Company,” “GHS,” “we,” “us,” and “our” refer to Guardion Health Sciences, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries.

 

This prospectus describes the specific details regarding this offering, and the terms and conditions of the common stocksecurities being offered hereby and the risks of investing in our common stock.the Company’s securities. You should read this prospectus, any free writing prospectus and the additional information about usthe Company described in the section entitled ‘‘Where“Where You Can Find More Information’’Information” before making your investment decision.

 

Neither we,the Company, nor any of ourits officers, directors, agents, representatives or underwriters, make any representation to you about the legality of an investment in ourthe Company’s common stock. You should not interpret the contents of this prospectus or any free writing prospectus to be legal, business, investment or tax advice. You should consult with your own advisors for that type of advice and consult with them about the legal, tax, business, financial and other issues that you should consider before investing in ourthe Company’s common stock.

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

 

You should rely only on the information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus and in any accompanying prospectus supplement. No one has been authorized to provide you with different or additional information. The shares of common stock are not being offered in any jurisdiction where the offer is not permitted. You should not assume that the information in this prospectus or any prospectus supplement is accurate as of any date other than the date on the front of such documents.

 

TRADEMARKS AND TRADE NAMES

 

This prospectus includes trademarks whichthat are protected under applicable intellectual property laws and are ourthe Company’s property or the property of ourone of the Company’s subsidiaries. This prospectus also contains trademarks, service marks, trade names and/or copyrights of other companies, which are the property of their respective owners. Solely for convenience, trademarks and trade names referred to in this prospectus may appear without the ® or TM symbols, but such references are not intended to indicate, in any way, that wethe Company will not assert, to the fullest extent under applicable law, ourits rights or the right of the applicable licensor to these trademarks and trade names.

 

INDUSTRY AND MARKET DATA

 

Unless otherwise indicated, information contained in this prospectus concerning ourthe Company’s industry and the markets in which we operate,it operates, including market position and market opportunity, is based on information from our management’s estimates, as well as from industry publications and research, surveys and studies conducted by third parties. The third-party sources from which we havethe Company has obtained information generally state that the information contained therein has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but wethe Company cannot assure you that this information is accurate or complete. We haveThe Company has not independently verified any of the data from third-party sources nor have wehas it verified the underlying economic assumptions relied upon by those third parties. Similarly, internal company surveys, industry forecasts and market research, which we believethe Company believes to be reliable, based upon management’s knowledge of the industry, have not been verified by any independent sources. OurThe Company’s internal company surveys are based on data we haveit has collected over the past several years, which we believeit believes to be reliable. Management estimates are derived from publicly available information, ourits knowledge of ourthe industry, and assumptions based on such information and knowledge, which we believemanagement believes to be reasonable and appropriate. However, assumptions and estimates of ourthe Company’s future performance, and the future performance of ourits industry, are subject to numerous known and unknown risks and uncertainties, including those described under the heading “Risk Factors” in this prospectus and those described elsewhere in this prospectus, and the other documents we filethe Company files with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, from time to time. These and other important factors could result in ourits estimates and assumptions being materially different from future results. You should read the information contained in or incorporated by reference into, this prospectus completely and with the understanding that future results may be materially different and worse from what we expect.the Company expects. See the information included under the heading “Forward-Looking Statements.”

 

REVERSE STOCK SPLIT

On January 30, 2019, the Company filed a Certificate of Amendment to its Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware to effectuate a one-for-two (1:2) reverse stock split (the “Reverse Stock Split”) of its common stock without any change to its par value. All share and per share numbers in this prospectus reflect proportional adjustments for the Reverse Stock Split which adjustments were made to the Company’s outstanding common stock, stock options, and warrants as if the split occurred at the beginning of the earliest period presented in this prospectus.

-4-

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 Page No.
PROSPECTUS SUMMARY63
 
THE OFFERING11
SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION11
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN INFORMATION BY REFERENCE13
  
RISK FACTORS148
  
USE OF PROCEEDS3328
  
MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERSDIVIDEND POLICY3329
  
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL INFORMATIONCAPITALIZATION3330
DILUTION31
  
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS3732
  
BUSINESS4943
  
MANAGEMENT6259
  
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION64
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE69
  
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT7170
  
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPSMARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCEISSUER PURCHASES OF SECURITIES6671
  
MATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES TO NON-U.S. HOLDERS OF OUR COMMON STOCKUNDERWRITING6872
 
SELLING SECURITYHOLDERS72
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION78
  
DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES8077
DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES WE ARE OFFERING80
  
LEGAL MATTERS8283
  
EXPERTS8283
  
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION8283
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN INFORMATION BY REFERENCE84
  
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSF-1

 

-5--2-

 

PROSPECTUS SUMMARY

 

The following summary highlights information contained elsewhere in this prospectus. This summary may not contain all of the information that may be important to you. You should read this entire prospectus carefully, including the sections entitled “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and ourthe Company’s historical financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus and incorporated hereby by reference.prospectus. In this prospectus, unless otherwise noted, the terms “the Company,” “GHS,” “we,” “us,” and “our” refer to Guardion Health Sciences, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries.

 

The Company

Overview

Guardion Health Sciences, Inc. (the “Company”) was formed in December 2009 in California as a limited liability company under the name P4L Health Sciences, LLC. The Company changed its name to Guardion Health Sciences, LLC in December 2009. On June 30, 2015, the Company converted from a California limited liability company to a Delaware corporation, and changed its name to Guardion Health Sciences, Inc.

 

The Company is a specialty health sciences company formed to develop, formulate and distribute condition-specific medical foods with an initial medical food product on the market under the brand name Lumega-Z®Lumega-Z® that replenishesis designed to replenish and restoresrestore the macular protective pigment. A depleted macular protective pigment is a modifiable risk factor for retina basedretina-based diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (“AMD”), computer vision syndrome (“CVS”) and diabetic retinopathy. The Company believes this risk may be modified by taking Lumega-Z to maintain a healthy macular protective pigment. Additional research has also shown a depleted macular protective pigment to be a biomarker for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

In September 2017, the Company, through its wholly-owned subsidiary VectorVision Ocular Health, Inc., acquired substantially all of the assets and certain liabilities of VectorVision, Inc., a company that specializes in the standardization of contrast sensitivity, glare sensitivity, low contrast acuity, and early treatment diabetic retinopathy study (“ETDRS”) visual acuity testing. VectorVision’s standardization system is designed to provide the practitioner or researcher with the ability to delineate very small changes in visual capability, either as compared to the population or from visit to visit. VectorVision develops, manufactures and sells equipment and supplies for standardized vision testing for use by eye doctors in clinical trials, for real-world vision evaluation, and industrial vision testing. The acquisition expands the Company’s technical portfolio. The Company believes the acquisition of VectorVision, through which it added the CSV-1000 and ESV-3000 to its product portfolio, further establishes its position at the forefront of early detection, intervention and monitoring of a range of eye diseases. The Company has had limited commercial operations to date,date. Until recently with the acquisition of VectorVision and development of the Company’s sales force, the Company has primarily been engaged in research, development, commercialization, and development.capital raising. On September 3, 2019, the Company announced that it completed development of its new proprietary CSV-2000 standardized contrast sensitivity test. The Company believes that the CSV-2000 is the only computer-generated vision testing instrument available that will provide the optical marketplace with the Company’s proprietary, industry-standard contrast sensitivity test, along with a full suite of standard vision testing protocols. The proprietary standardization methodology incorporated into the CSV-2000 includes a patented technology known as AcQviz that automatically and constantly measures and adjusts screen luminance to a fixed standard light level for vision testing.

 

The Company has also developedinvented a proprietary technology, embodied in the Company’s medical device, called the MapcatSF®MapcatSF®, that accurately measures the macular pigment optical density (“MPOD”). The Company invented its own proprietary patented technology embodied in the MapcatSF. On November 8, 2016, the USPTOUnited States Patent and Trademark Office (“USPTO”) issued patent number 9,486,136 for the MapcatSF invention. Using the MapcatSF to measure the MPOD allows one to monitor the increase in the density of the macular protective pigment after taking the Lumega-Z medical food product.Lumega-Z. The MapcatSF is a non-mydriatic, non-invasive device that accurately measures the MPOD, the lens optical density and lens equivalent age, thereby creating an evidence-based protocol that is shared with the patient. A non-mydriatic device is one that does not require dilation of the pupil for it to function. The MapcatSF is intended to be the first medical device using a patented “single fixation” process and “automatic lens density correction” that produces accurate serialized data.

 

For the past three years, the clinical prototypes of the MapcatSF have been tested on patients, allowing for frequent modifications of the device’s algorithms and retesting for accuracy, as well as to provide the inclusion of additional features not previously found in the initial prototype. The alpha prototype, which is the pre-commercial production version, was unveiled for the first time in July 2013 in Cambridge, United Kingdom, to researchers and scientists from around the world. The MapcatSF is manufactured and assembled in Irvine, California, and will be distributed from the Company’s national headquarters in San Diego. The marketing of the device will be implemented through continuing education presentations conducted by key opinion leaders in the industry. The MapcatSF device is a Class I medical device under the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) classification scheme for medical devices, which the Company has determined does not require pre-market approval.

Lumega-Z is a medical food product that has a patent-pending formula that replenishesis designed to replenish and restoresrestore the macular protective pigment simultaneously delivering critical and essential nutrients to the eye. Management believes, based on review of products on the market and knowledge of the industry, that Lumega-Z is the first liquid ocular health formula to be classified as a medical food (as defined in Section 5(b) of the “Orphan Drug Act”). However, the FDA has not monitored nor approved Lumega-Z as a medical food. Formulated by Dr. Sheldon Hendler in 2010, modifications were made over a two-year period to improve the taste and method of delivery. We believeThe current formulation has been delivered to patients and used in clinics since 2014.

-3-

Medical foods are not considered to be either dietary or nutritional supplements. The Company believes that there is an increasing level of acceptance of medical foods as a primary therapy by patients and healthcare providers to treat pain syndromes, sleep and cognitive disorders, obesity, hypertension, and viral infection. In clinical practice, medical foods are being prescribed as both a standalone therapy and as an adjunct therapy to low doses of commonly prescribed drugs. We believeThe Company believes that medical foods will continue to grow in importance over the coming years.

 

By combining its MapcatSF medical device and Lumega-Z medical food, the Company has developed what it believes to be the only reliable two-pronged, evidence-based protocol for replenishing and restoring the macular protective pigment and increasing overall retinal health.

-6-

Recent Developments

VectorVision

On September 29, 2017, the Company, through a wholly-owned subsidiary, completed the acquisition of substantially all of the assets and liabilities of VectorVision, Inc., an Ohio corporation (“VectorVision Ohio”), in exchange for 3,050,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, pursuant to the terms of an Asset Purchase and Reorganization Agreement, dated September 29, 2017 (the “Asset Purchase Agreement”), which was entered into on an arm’s-length basis. The wholly-owned subsidiary that acquired the business is VectorVision Ocular Health, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“VectorVision”), doing business as VectorVision. VectorVision specializes in the standardization of contrast sensitivity, glare sensitivity, low contrast acuity, and ETDRS (“Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study”) visual acuity testing. VectorVision’s standardization system is designed to provide the practitioner or researcher with the ability to delineate very small changes in visual capability, either as compared to the population or from visit to visit.

VectorVision develops, manufactures and sells equipment and supplies for standardized vision testing for use by eye doctors in clinical trials, for real-world vision evaluation, and industrial vision testing. The Company believes VectorVision’s CSV-1000 device to be the standard of care for clinical trials. The acquisition of VectorVision expands the Company’s technical portfolio and the Company believes it further establishes the Company’s position at the forefront of early detection, intervention and monitoring of a range of eye diseases.

November Financing

On November 3, 2017 (the “Effective Date”), the Company completed the issuance and sale of an aggregate of 4,347,827 shares of common stock (the “Shares”) at a purchase price of $1.15 per Share (or a purchase price of $5,000,001.05 in the aggregate), in a private placement (the “Private Placement”) to certain purchasers (the “Purchasers”) pursuant to a Stock Purchase Agreement dated as of November 3, 2017 (the “Purchase Agreement”), by and among the Company and the Purchasers.

The Purchasers consist of Lianluo Smart Limited, a company listed on the NasdaqCM (trading symbol: LLIT) and based in Beijing, China (“LLIT”), and its affiliated company, Digital Grid (Hong Kong) Technology Co., Limited (“Digital Grid”). Pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, LLIT purchased 1,304,348 Shares for a total investment of $1,500,000.20 and Digital Grid purchased 3,043,479 Shares for a total investment of $3,500,000.85. Hangzhou Lianluo Interactive Information Technology Co., Ltd., a company listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange (trading symbol: 002280), owns 64.18% of LLIT and 100% of Digital Grid.

Until the one year anniversary of the Effective Date, or earlier in the event that the Purchasers (including their affiliates) hold less than three percent (3%) of the issued and outstanding shares of common stock of the Company, the Company may not undertake a reverse stock split or equivalent reclassification of the Company’s shares of common stock without the prior written consent of the Purchasers holding a majority of the Shares issued pursuant to the Purchase Agreement which are then outstanding.

Pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, the Purchasers will have customary preemptive rights to participate in future equity and equity-linked issuances by the Company up to the extent necessary to maintain such Purchaser’s pro rata ownership percentage in the Company’s securities, subject to customary exceptions. The preemptive rights shall terminate at the earlier of (i) 18 months from the Effective Date, (ii) such time as the Purchasers hold less than five percent (5%) of the issued and outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock, or (iii) such time as the shares of common stock of the Company shall become listed or approved for listing on a national securities exchange.

The Shares issued pursuant to the Purchase Agreement were issued in reliance upon the exemption from registration pursuant to Section 4(a)(2) and Rule 903 of Regulation S promulgated under the Securities Act.

Conversion of Preferred Stock

The Company had previously issued and had outstanding shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock and Series B Convertible Preferred Stock (collectively, the “Preferred Stock”). The completion of the Private Placement triggered, at the Company’s election, the automatic conversion of the Preferred Stock into shares of common stock. Immediately following the completion of the Private Placement on November 3, 2017, the Company elected to effect the conversion of all outstanding shares of Preferred Stock into 6,981,938 shares of common stock (excluding accrued but unpaid dividends). The Company issued 205,242 shares of common stock for the accrued but unpaid dividends from October 1, 2017 through the Effective Date, representing the payment in full of all Preferred Stock dividend obligations.

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Going Concern

The Company’s financial statements have been prepared assuming it will continue as a going concern. We have utilized cash in operating activities of $1,914,745 and $1,196,415 during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and had a total stockholders’ deficiency of $345,574 as of December 31, 2016. We expect to continue to incur net losses and negative operating cash flows in the near-term. The Company has completed multiple capital financing transactions during 2017, resulting in cash on hand of $1,269,755 at September 30, 2017, and an additional $5,000,000 was received on November 3, 2017.

As of December 31, 2016, management had concluded that there was substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year of the date that the financial statements were issued, and the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm also included explanatory going concern language in their report accompanying the Company’s audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2016. The Company’s financial statements do not include any adjustments to reflect the possible future effects on the recoverability and classification of assets or the amounts and classifications of liabilities that may result from the possible inability of the Company to continue as a going concern.

The Company will continue to incur significant expenses for commercialization activities related to its lead products Lumega-Z, the MapcatSF medical device, and the CSV-1000 and ESV-3000 testing devices, and with respect to efforts to continue to build its infrastructure. Development and commercialization of medical foods and medical devices involves a lengthy and complex process. Additionally, the Company’s long-term viability and growth may depend upon the successful development and commercialization of products other than Lumega-Z, the MapcatSF or the CSV-1000 and ESV-3000 testing devices. The Company continues to attempt to raise additional debt and/or equity capital to fund future operations, but there can be no assurances that it will be able to secure such additional financing in the amounts necessary to fully fund its operating requirements on acceptable terms or at all. If the Company is unable to access sufficient capital resources on a timely basis, it may be forced to reduce or discontinue its technology and product development programs and curtail or cease operations. Any such event would have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial results and the market value of its common stock.

Corporate Strategy

Since there are no research-validated pharmaceutical offerings for slowing the progression of adult macular degeneration (“AMD”), it is necessary for physicians to recommend Age-Related Eye Disease Study (“AREDS”)-based supplements to their AMD patients. However, more than 90% of all AREDS-based nutritional products currently on the market are in tablet, capsule and gel capsule form. Tablets, capsules and gel capsules are difficult to administer and have a low efficiency of absorption. For this reason, some doctors may hesitate to prescribe tablet, capsule or gel capsule AREDS-based nutraceuticals despite the fact that these currently may be the only option available to them.

The competitive landscape of supplements is crowded and confusing for physicians and patients looking to obtain an appropriate product for eye care. In October 2017, while searching walgreens.com for “AREDS” we found 10 results, all of which are in tablet, capsule or gel capsule form. When searching the same website for “Eye Health Supplements” (a common search term for this category of product) we found 204 products, of which 196 (96%) are in tablet, capsule or gel capsule form. The same search term on cvs.com returned over 110 products. These supplement products all have varying ingredients, varying levels of similar ingredients, varying claims regarding their effects, and varying price points.

Lumega-Z is designed to address this concern. In contrast, Lumega-Z is a liquid formulated using a proprietary molecular micronization process (“MMP”) designed to maximize efficiency of absorption and safety and to minimize compatibility issues. The MMP is a proprietary homogenization process whereby the molecular structure of the ingredients is reduced in size to facilitate more efficient absorption in the body.

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Medical Foods Products Industry Overview

The Company believes that the science of nutrition was long overlooked and underdeveloped. The Company believes that the sick and elderly have special nutritional needs that cannot be met by traditional adult diets. Medical nutrition has emerged as a large and attractive segment in the food industry today.

A number of diseases are associated with metabolic imbalances. Patients in treatment for certain diseases have specific nutritional requirements. Some examples are ocular health, pain syndromes, insomnia, cognitive disorders, IBS, and heart disease. Many older Americans have or will develop chronic diseases that are amenable to the dietary management benefits of medical foods. Medical foods help address these diseases and conditions in a drug-free way with food-based ingredients, yet are a medical product taken under the supervision of a physician. The term “medical foods” does not pertain to all foods fed to sick patients. Medical foods are foods that are specially formulated and processed (as opposed to a naturally occurring foodstuff used in a natural state) for patients who are seriously ill or who requires the product as a major treatment modality according to FDA regulations.

Medical foods consist of food-based ingredients that are part of the normal human diet and are Generally Recognized as Safe (“GRAS”) under FDA standards. To be classified as aregulated medical food the foods must make disease claims for which there is scientific evidence for the nutrient deficiencies that cannot be corrected by normal diet. Medical foods are intended for a vulnerable population suffering from a particular chronic disease and so have special, extra-rigorous guarantees of safety. All ingredientstherefore must be designated GRAS and used in therapeutic concentrations to address the particular nutritional needs of the patient. Medical foods are takenadministered under the supervision of a physician or professional healthcare provider who monitorsprovider. In order to reach the large, expanding AMD patient population, the Company primarily markets Lumega-Z to patients through ophthalmologists and adjusts the food ‘dosage.’ In addition, under FDA guidelines and congressionally approved laws, medical foods do not require FDA preapproval but undergo continuous FDA monitoring and approval of label claims. Even though pre-market FDA approval is not required for a medical food, the official requirements and responsibilities for the manufacturer, in terms of safety, are greater than for dietary supplements, including the requirements for solid scientific support for the formula as a whole. For these reasons, we believe that medical foods have greater guarantees of efficacy. In contradistinction, dietary supplements, such as vitamins, minerals and botanicals, do not require FDA preapproval, cannot make disease claims, are intended for average people without disease, and cannot legally claim that they prevent, mitigate or treat a given disease. Dietary supplements do not require physician supervision and can be administered to a person that can self-administer the supplement without supervision.optometrists.

 

Prior to 2015,Over 1,900 patients have been treated with Lumega-Z was categorizedsince the Company began selling the formulation in October 2011. The patients come from a combination of the three initial testing sites, healthcare provider sites where the MapcatSF has been demonstrated, patients that have found Lumega-Z online and sold as a dietary supplement. We believe that Lumega-Z is properly categorized as a medical food. While it is unlikely the FDA would conclude otherwise, if the FDA were to determine Lumega-Z should not be defined as a medical food, we would need to relabel and rebrand that product. We believe there would be a non-material impact on the Company’s operations and financial condition if we were required to change labeling and packaging back to that of a dietary supplement. While reclassification and the subsequent relabeling and rebranding would be an added cost to operations, we do not believe it would change the use or effectiveness of Lumega-Z. Although, we believe it is unlikely the FDA would make such a determination that Lumenga-Z is not a medical food, there is a chance that certain physicians may choose not to recommendthrough other patient referrals, healthcare provider sites administering Lumega-Z to their patients without use of the MapcatSF, and MapcatSF devices recently placed in additional healthcare facilities. Patients take Lumega-Z under the supervision of their physician. Lumega-Z is typically ingested by the patient on a daily basis. Patients are typically between 50 and 80 years old. Patients are mixed ethnically and socioeconomically. Patients typically have insurance, whether private insurance or Medicare. Physicians have determined that certain consumers may choose not to buy Lumega-Z if itthe patient is not classified asexperiencing or is at a high risk of developing retinal disease and decide based on their medical food.determination that the patient is a candidate for Lumega-Z.

 

Vision Testing Industry OverviewNearly half of Americans have low MPOD, a risk factor for AMD. As the MapcatSF is specifically designed to measure the MPOD, the Company and the physicians that utilize the MapcatSF are able to observe changes in that macular protective pigment density in patients who are taking Lumega-Z. The Company encourages sites using the MapcatSF® to provide the Company anonymized data on the MPOD readings. Anecdotal reports from physicians indicate improvements in their patients such as increased visual function, a noticeable halt in the progression of the patient’s AMD, improvement in glare and contrast sensitivity, and stabilization and improvement of vision. No adverse effects of taking Lumega-Z have been reported by any of the physicians administering Lumega-Z to their patients.

 

We believeThe number of patients regularly ordering Lumega-Z has increased as new healthcare providers have begun working with the Company, with a concurrent rise in patients set on an auto-ship program for delivery every four weeks. Automatic shipment has an added benefit in that repeatable, consistent resultsit aids physicians because it increases patient compliance in using Lumega-Z on a regular basis. The Company’s operations, to date, indicate that each MapcatSF deployed in a clinic can generate an average of 75 new customers for visual acuity testingits Lumega-Z product over a period of approximately 90 days when a MapcatSF is deployed in a small, low volume clinic. A larger, higher volume clinic is expected to generate a larger number of paramount importance for effective eye health care and for accurately establishing and enforcingpatients in a shorter period of time. All of the vision performance criteria for certain professions. Variance in test lightingCompany’s medical food revenue is derived from a majorlimited number of individual customers.

AMD is the third leading cause of inconsistencyblindness in vision testing results. Standards for testing luminance, have been in place for morethe world. More than three decades. However, recently, vision testing has evolved from the use of projection systems and charts to the use of digital displays. We believe that the variance in luminance provided by digital displays is large, and clinicians are now obtaining highly inconsistent results from practice to practice. We believe more than 250,000 eye care examination rooms are in use10 million people in the United States today.suffer from various forms of this incurable disease, according to the American Macular Degeneration Foundation. As the population ages, that number is expected to triple by 2025. Congress, the Food and Drug Administration, the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services and private insurance companies are focusing increased efforts on pharmacovigilance (the branch of the pharmaceutical industry which assesses and monitors the safety of drugs either in the development pipeline or which have already been approved for marketing) to measure and reduce these adverse health consequences.

The Company believes that there is an increasing level of acceptance of medical foods as a primary therapy by patients and healthcare providers to treat pain syndromes, sleep and cognitive disorders, obesity, hypertension, and viral infection. In clinical practice, medical foods are being prescribed as both a standalone therapy and as an adjunct therapy to low doses of commonly prescribed drugs. From a regulatory standpoint, the FDA took steps in 1988 to encourage the development of medical foods by regulating this product category under the Orphan Drug Act. The term “medical food” as defined in Section 5(b) of the Orphan Drug Act is a “food which is formulated to be consumed or administered internally (by mouth) under the supervision of a physician and which is intended for the specific dietary management of a disease or condition for which distinctive nutritional requirements, based on recognized scientific principles, are established by medical evaluation.” This definition was incorporated by reference into the Nutrition Labeling and Education Act of 1990.

These regulatory changes have reduced the costs and time associated with bringing medical foods to market. Until 1972, medical foods were categorized as drugs and then until 1988 as “foods for special dietary purposes.” The field of candidates for development into medical foods is expanding due to continuing advances in the understanding of the science of nutrition and disease, coupled with advances in food technology thereby increasing the number of products that can be formulated and commercialized.

In addition to its medical food products, the Company, through its wholly owned subsidiary NutriGuard Formulations, Inc., recently acquired NutriGuard Research, Inc. See “Recent Developments” below. Pursuant to the Asset Purchase Agreement, the Company agreed to purchase specified assets of the NutriGuard brand and business, primarily consisting of inventory, trademarks, copyrights and other intellectual property. Once developed, the NutriGuard Formulations nutraceutical product line should provide the Company a new direct-to-consumer (“DTC”) capability. The Company intends to build a portfolio of nutraceutical products under the NutriGuard brand by developing new formulations and marketing its products to patients directly through DTC channels and through recommendations by their physicians.

The Company distributes its medical food products through E-commerce in an online store that is operated atwww.guardionhealth.com. Information about VectorVision products can be found at www.vectorvision.com.

Recent Developments

Operating Results

We are in the process of preparing our results for our fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2019. Based on currently available information, we estimate that, for the third fiscal quarter, total revenue will be in the range of approximately $150,000 to $160,000.

The decrease in total revenue as compared to approximately $261,000 in the second quarter of 2019 and $294,000 in the third quarter of 2018 can be attributed primarily to a reduction in sales of the Vector Vision CSV-1000 product in the third quarter of 2019 as compared to the prior periods, which we believe resulted from the Company’s announcement in the third quarter of 2019 that it is releasing the new CSV-2000 product. Although the CSV-1000 will continue to be sold, the Company plans to put a greater focus on sales and marketing efforts of the new CSV-2000 beginning in the fourth quarter of 2019.

This unaudited preliminary financial information for the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2019 is based upon our estimates and subject to completion of our quarter end financial results. Moreover, this data has been prepared solely on the basis of currently available information by, and is the responsibility of, management. The unaudited preliminary financial information for the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2019 has not been reviewed or audited by our independent public accounting firm in accordance with PCAOB standards. This preliminary financial information is not a comprehensive statement of our financial results for this period, and our actual results may differ materially from these estimates due to the completion of our financial closing procedures, final adjustments, and other developments that may arise between now and the time the closing procedures for the fiscal quarter are completed. Therefore, you should not place undue reliance upon these preliminary financial results. There can be no assurance that these estimates will be realized, and estimates are subject to risks and uncertainties, many of which are not within our control. See “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.”

Initial Public Offering

On April 9, 2019, the Company closed its initial public offering (the “IPO”) of 1,250,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.001 per share, at an IPO price to the public of $4.00 per share resulting in net proceeds to the Company of $3,888,000 after all costs and expenses. The shares began trading on the NASDAQ Capital Market on April 5, 2019 under the symbol “GHSI.”

 

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VectorVision is

Follow-On Public Offering

On August 15, 2019, the only companyCompany consummated an underwritten public offering (the “August Offering”) of (i) 12,000,000 shares of common stock, (ii) pre-funded warrants exercisable for 1,000,000 shares of common stock (the “August Pre-Funded Warrants”), and (iii) warrants to purchase up to an aggregate of 13,000,000 shares of common stock (the “August Warrants”). The August Offering was conducted pursuant to an Underwriting Agreement, dated August 13, 2019 by and between the Company and Maxim Group LLC and WallachBeth Capital, LLC. On August 16, 2019, the Company sold an additional 1,950,000 August Warrants upon exercise of the underwriters’ over-allotment option. The net proceeds to the Company from the August Offering, after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and other estimated expenses was approximately $4.9 million.

The public offering price was $0.44 per share of common stock and $0.01 per accompanying August Warrant. Each August Warrant represents the right to purchase one share of common stock at an exercise price of $0.585 per share. The August Warrants are exercisable immediately, expire five years from the date of issuance and provide that, offers fully standardized vision testing products that are designed to ensure consistent, repeatablebeginning on the earlier of (i) September 11, 2019 and highly accurate results. The CSV-1000 and ESV-3000 devices offer auto-calibrated tests designed to ensure(ii) the correct testing luminance and contrast levels for consistent, highly accurate and repeatable results,date on which is why the VectorVision instruments can detect and quantify subtle changes in vision, and why the VectorVision CSV-1000 instrument is used worldwide by eye doctors incommon stock traded an aggregate of more than 60 countries to accomplish contrast sensitivity testing. For40,000,000 shares after the same reasons,announcement of the Company believes thatpricing of the ESV-3000 ETDRS testing device will becomeAugust Offering, and ending on the worldwide standardtwelve (12) month anniversary thereof, each August Warrant may be exercised at the option of the holder on a cashless basis at a ratio of one August Warrant for ETDRS visual acuity testing. The Company’s research has revealed no competing products that offers auto-calibrationone share of ambient illumination. Competitive devices do not allow for variationscommon stock, in ambient light levels, resultingwhole or in variabilitypart, if the weighted average price of test results duethe Common Stock on the trading day immediately prior to the environment in whichexercise date fails to exceed the testing is performed. The CSV-1000 and ESV-3000 use self-calibrated test lighting. The self-calibrated test lighting is proprietary, and the test facesinitial exercise price of the CSV-1000 are proprietaryAugust Warrant. As of October 24, 2019, 1,000,000 August Pre-Funded Warrants have been exercised for proceeds of $10,000 and the intellectual property is protected under copyright and trade secret law. Both CSV-1000 and ESV-3000 are currently sold in multiple countries,14,723,800 August Warrants have been exercised on a cashless basis, and the Company expects this global distributionhas issued an aggregate of 15,723,800 shares of common stock upon such exercises.

NutriGuard Acquisition

Effective September 20, 2019 (the “Effective Date”), the Company’s newly-formed wholly-owned subsidiary, NutriGuard Formulations, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Buyer”), entered into an asset purchase agreement (the “Asset Purchase Agreement”) with NutriGuard Research, Inc., a California corporation (“NutriGuard”), and NutriGuard’s sole shareholder, Mark McCarty (the “NutriGuard Acquisition”). The NutriGuard Acquisition closed on the Effective Date.

Pursuant to continue. There isthe Asset Purchase Agreement, Buyer agreed to purchase from NutriGuard specified assets of the NutriGuard brand and business, primarily consisting of inventory, trademarks, copyrights and other intellectual property. In exchange, Buyer agreed to pay a training requirement in incorporatingroyalty fee to NutriGuard subsequent to meeting certain financial performance metrics based on the CSV-1000 deviceoperating results of the NutriGuard brand of products following the Effective Date. NutriGuard and Mr. McCarty also agreed, among other terms, to no longer use the “NutriGuard” name upon the Effective Date.

Pursuant to the terms of the Asset Purchase Agreement, Mr. McCarty entered into clinical practice,a consulting agreement (the “Consulting Agreement”) with Buyer pursuant to which Mr. McCarty will provide consulting services to, and serve as the Director of Research of, Buyer. Additionally, the Company plansagreed to grant to Mr. McCarty stock options to purchase 100,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, exercisable at a price of $0.5411 per share (which was the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the Effective Date). The options were granted under the terms of the Company’s 2018 Equity Incentive Plan, which options vest as follows: 25% on the Effective Date, 25% on the first anniversary following the Effective Date, 25% on the second anniversary following the Effective Date, and 25% on the third anniversary following the Effective Date. The vested portion of the options may be exercised at any time prior to the earliest to occur of: (a) the 5th anniversary of the Effective Date; (b) 90 days following the termination of the Consulting Agreement for any reason other than “for cause”; (c) 6 months following termination of the Consulting Agreement due to Mr. McCarty’s death or disability; or (iv) in the event of a termination of Mr. McCarty “for cause” under the Consulting Agreement.

NASDAQ Notice

On September 20, 2019, the Company received a notification letter from the Nasdaq Listing Qualifications Staff (the “Staff”) of the Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (“Nasdaq”) notifying the Company that, for the last 30 consecutive business days, the closing bid price for the Company’s common stock was below the minimum $1.00 per share requirement for continued listing on The Nasdaq Capital Market as set forth in Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(a)(2) (the “Minimum Bid Price Requirement”). The Nasdaq letter has no immediate effect on the listing of the Company’s common stock on the Nasdaq Capital Market.

In accordance with Nasdaq listing rules, the Company has been provided an initial period of 180 calendar days, or until March 18, 2020 (the “Compliance Date”), to regain compliance with the Minimum Bid Price Requirement. If, at any time during this 180-day period, the closing bid price of the Company’s common stock is at least $1.00 for a minimum of 10 consecutive business days, the Staff will provide the Company written confirmation of compliance with the Minimum Bid Price Requirement and the matter will be closed. If the Company does not regain compliance by the Compliance Date, the Company may be eligible for an additional 180 calendar day compliance period. To qualify for such additional compliance period, the Company would have to meet the continued listing requirements of the NASDAQ Capital Market, except for the Minimum Bid Price Requirement, and the Company would need to provide as partwritten notice of its commercialization strategy.intention to cure the deficiency during the additional compliance period. If the Company is not eligible for the additional compliance period or it appears to the Staff that the Company will not be able to cure the deficiency or if the Staff exercises its discretion to not provide such additional compliance period, the Staff will provide written notice to the Company that its common stock will be subject to delisting. At that time, the Company may appeal the Staff’s delisting determination to a Nasdaq Hearing Panel.

 

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Risk Factors Summary

An investment in the Company’s common shares involves a high degree of risk. You should carefully consider the risks summarized below. The risks are discussed more fully in the “Risk Factors” section of this prospectus immediately following this prospectus summary. These risks include, but are not limited to, the following:

As we have incurred recurring losses and negative cash flows since our inception, there is no assurance that we will be able to continue as a going concern absent additional financing, which we may not be able to obtain on favorable terms or at all.
On September 20, 2019, the Company received a written notice from Nasdaq that we were not in compliance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(a)(2), as the minimum bid price of our common stock had been below $1.00 per share for 30 consecutive business days. In accordance with Nasdaq listing rules, the Company has been provided an initial period of 180 calendar days, or until March 18, 2020, to regain compliance with the minimum bid price requirement. The failure to meet the continued listing requirements of the NASDAQ Capital Market, including the minimum bid price requirement, could result in the delisting of our common stock, which could result in the lack of a trading market and lack of liquidity for our common stock, cause a decrease in the value of our common stock, adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations, and negatively impact our ability to raise additional capital.
Currently, the Company does not have a sufficient number of authorized shares of common stock to cover the shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of the Series B Warrants, and therefore the Series B Warrants may never become exercisable.

The Company’s future success is dependent on the successful commercialization of Lumega-Z®, the MapcatSF® medical device, the CSV-1000, CSV-2000 and ESV-3000 testing devices, and the continued successful integration of VectorVision and the NutriGuard brand into the Company’s business.

The Company may fail to realize all of the anticipated benefits of the VectorVision acquisition and the NutriGuard Acquisition or those benefits may take longer to realize than expected.
The Company has limited experience in developing medical foods, medical devices and nutraceuticals, and it may be unable to commercialize some of the products and services it develops or acquires.
The Company and its suppliers and manufacturers are subject to a number of existing laws, regulations and industry initiatives and the regulatory environment of the healthcare industry is continuing to change.
Lumega-Z may not qualify as a medical food as defined by the FDA.
The Company’s products may cause undesirable side effects or have other properties that could delay or prevent any required regulatory approval, limit the commercial potential or result in significant negative consequences following any potential marketing approval.
The Company’s competitors may develop products similar to Lumega-Z, and the Company may therefore need to modify or alter its business strategy, which may delay the achievement of its goals.
The Company may be unsuccessful in expanding its product distribution outside the United States.
The Company’s billings and revenues are derived from a limited number of customers and the loss of any of them may have an immediate adverse effect on its financial results.

Implications of Being an Emerging Growth Company

 

We areThe Company is an emerging growth company as defined in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012, as amended or the JOBS Act. We(the “JOBS Act”). It will remain an emerging growth company until the earlier of (1) the last day of the fiscal year following the fifth anniversary of the completion of thisour initial public offering, (2) the last day of the fiscal year in which we haveit has total annual gross revenue of at least $1.07 billion, as such amount is indexed for inflation every five years by theSecurities and Exchange Commission to reflect the change in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers during its most recently completed fiscal year, (3) the last day of the fiscal year in which we arethe Company is deemed to be a “large accelerated filer” as defined in Rule 12b-2 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended or the Exchange Act,(the “Exchange Act”), which would occur if the market value of ourthe Company’s common stock held by non-affiliates exceeded $700.0$700 million as of the last business day of the second fiscal quarter of such fiscal year, or (4) the date on which we havethe Company has issued more than $1.0$1 billion in non-convertible debt securities during the prior three-year period. An emerging growth company may take advantage of specified reduced reporting requirements and is relieved of certain other significant requirements that are otherwise generally applicable to public companies. As an emerging growth company:

 

we may present only two years of audited financial statements, plus unaudited condensed financial statements for any interim period, and related management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations in our initial registration statement;

we may avail ourselves of the exemption from the requirement to obtain an attestation and report from our auditors on the assessment of our internal control over financial reporting pursuant to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, or Sarbanes-Oxley;

we may provide reduced disclosure about our executive compensation arrangements; and

we may not require stockholder non-binding advisory votes on executive compensation or golden parachute arrangements.
the Company may present only two years of audited financial statements, plus unaudited condensed financial statements for any interim period, and related management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations in its initial registration statement;
the Company may avail itself of the exemption from the requirement to obtain an attestation and report from its auditors on the assessment of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting pursuant to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (“Sarbanes-Oxley”);
the Company may provide reduced disclosure about its executive compensation arrangements; and
the Company may not require stockholder non-binding advisory votes on executive compensation or golden parachute arrangements.

 

In addition, the JOBS Act provides that an emerging growth company can take advantage of an extended transition period for complying with new or revised accounting standards. This provision allows an emerging growth company to delay the adoption of some accounting standards until those standards would otherwise apply to private companies. We haveThe Company has elected to take advantage of the benefits of this extended transition period. OurIts financial statements may therefore not be comparable to those of companies that comply with such new or revised accounting standards.

 

Corporate History and Information

 

Guardion Health Sciences, Inc. was formed under the name P4L Health Sciences, LLC in December, 2009 in California as a limited liability company. The Company changed its name to Guardion Health Sciences, LLC (“GHS”) in December 2009. In June 2015, GHS becameconverted into a Delaware “C” corporation. The Company’s address is 15150 Avenue of Science, Suite 200, San Diego, California 92128. OurThe Company’s telephone number is 858-605-9055. OurIts website is: www.guardionhealth.com. The information on, or that can be accessed through, ourthis website is not part of this prospectus, and you should not rely on any such information in making the decision whether to purchase ourthe Company’s common stock.

 

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THE OFFERING

 

SharesCommon stock offered by us

19,342,359 shares (22,243,712 shares if the underwriters exercise their over-allotment option in full), assuming the sale of our shares of common stock offered byat an assumed public offering price of $0.517 per share, which is the Selling Securityholders

An aggregatelast reported sale price of 18,682,812 shares are being offered by the Selling Securityholders; consisting of 17,260,312 shares issued and outstanding and  1,422,500 shares underlyingour common stock purchase warrants.on Nasdaq on October 23, 2019, and no sale of any Pre-Funded Warrants.

  
SharesPre-Funded Warrants offered by usWe are also offering to certain purchasers whose purchase of shares of common stock in this offering would otherwise result in such purchaser, together with its affiliates and certain related parties, beneficially owning more than 4.99% (or, at the election of the purchaser, 9.99%) of our outstanding (1) 40,545,947common stock immediately following the consummation of this offering, the opportunity to purchase, if any such purchaser so chooses, Pre-Funded Warrants, in lieu of shares of common stock that would otherwise result in such purchaser’s beneficial ownership exceeding 4.99% (or, at the election of the purchaser, 9.99%) of our outstanding common stock. Each Pre-Funded Warrant will be exercisable for one share of common stock. The purchase price of each Pre-Funded Warrant will be equal to the price per share at which shares of common stock are sold to the public in this offering, minus $0.01, and the exercise price of each Pre-Funded Warrant will be $0.01 per share. This offering also relates to the shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of any Pre-Funded Warrant sold in this offering. The Pre-Funded Warrants will be exercisable immediately and may be exercised at any time until all of the Pre-Funded Warrants are exercised in full. For each Pre-Funded Warrant that we sell, the number of shares of common stock that we are offering will be decreased on a one-for-one basis.
  
TermsWarrants offered by us

We will issue Warrants exercisable into an aggregate of 19,342,359 shares of common stock in this offering. Series B Warrants will only be issued to the extent we do not have sufficient authorized shares to permit the immediate exercise in full of Warrants to purchase 100% of the Offering

number of shares of common stock being offered in this offering. Each share of common stock and each Pre-Funded Warrant is being sold together with Warrants exercisable into an aggregate of one share of common stock. Each Warrant will have an exercise price of $           per full share.

The Selling SecurityholdersSeries A Warrants will determine whenbe immediately exercisable and how they will disposeexpire on the fifth anniversary of the original issuance date.

Currently, the Company does not have a sufficient number of authorized shares of common stock registered underto cover the shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of the Series B Warrants. As a result, the Series B Warrants will become exercisable only after the Company effectuates an amendment to its Charter to either (i) increase the number of authorized shares of common stock or (ii) implement a reverse stock split with respect to the shares of common stock (either, a “Charter Amendment”). There can be no assurances that the Company’s stockholders will approve a Charter Amendment. Therefore, you may not ever be able to exercise the Series B Warrants.

This offering also relates to the shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of the Warrants. The Warrants may be exercised on a cashless basis if there is no effective registration statement registering the shares of common stock underlying the Warrants.

Option to purchase additional securities

The underwriters have a 45-day option to purchase up to an additional 2,901,353 shares of common stock (to the extent such shares are available for issuance) and/or Warrants to purchase up to an additional 2,901,353 shares of our common stock, in any combination thereof, from us at the public offering price, less underwriting discounts and commissions.

Common stock outstanding prior to this prospectus for resale.offering (1)

50,482,562shares.

Common Stock to be outstanding after this offering

69,824,921 shares, assuming the sale of 19,342,359 of our shares of common stock at an assumed public offering price of $0.517 per share, which is the last reported sale price of our common stock on Nasdaq on October 23, 2019, no sale of any Pre-Funded Warrants, no exercise of any of the Warrants issued in this offering, and no exercise of the underwriters’ over-allotment option).

  
Use of Proceeds

We will not receive any ofestimate that the net proceeds from the sale of shares by the Selling Securityholders. Any proceeds received from the exercise of warrants by Selling Securityholdersthis offering will be usedapproximately $8,670,000, or $10,050,000 if the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares of common stock is exercised in full, after deducting the underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us. We intend to use the Companynet proceeds from this offering for commercialization and product development, sales and marketing efforts, developing the new NutriGuard brand, working capital and general corporate purposes. See “Use of Proceeds.”Proceeds” on page 28 of this prospectus.

  
Dividend PolicyUnderwriters’ WarrantsWe have never declared any cash dividends on

The registration statement of which this prospectus is a part also registers for sale warrants to purchase 1,547,389 shares of our common stock to Maxim Group LLC and WallachBeth Capital, LLC, as the representatives of the underwriters (the “Underwriters’ Warrants”), as a portion of the underwriting compensation payable to the underwriters in connection with this offering. The Underwriters’ Warrants will be exercisable at the later of (a) 180 days following the effective date of the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part or (b) the date on which the Company effectuates a Charter Amendment, and will be exercisable for a period five (5) years from the effective date of this registration statement. The Underwriters’ Warrants will have an exercise price equal to 130% of the public offering price of the common stock. We currently intendPlease see “Underwriting — Underwriters’ Warrants” for a description of these warrants.

Risk Factors

See “Risk Factors” beginning on page 8 and the other information included in this prospectus for a discussion of factors you should carefully consider before deciding to use all available funds and any future earnings for useinvest in financing the growth of our business and do not anticipate paying any cash dividends for the foreseeable future.  See “Dividend Policy.”securities.

  
Market Symbol and Trading SymbolThe Company intends to pursue a listing of its

Our common stock is listed on the NYSE AmericanNasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “GHSI”“GHSI.” There is no established trading market for the Warrants or “GRD” if available. There are no assurances thatthe Pre-Funded Warrants, and we do not expect a trading market for such securities to develop. We do not intend to list the Warrants or the Pre-Funded Warrants on any securities exchange or other trading market. Without a listingtrading market, the liquidity of the Warrants or the Pre-Funded Warrants will be accomplished.

Risk FactorsYou should carefully consider the information set forth in this prospectus and, in particular, the specific factors set forth in the “Risk Factors” section beginning on page 14 of this prospectus before deciding whether or not to invest in the Company’s common stock.extremely limited.

 

(1) The number of shares of common stock outstanding is based on 40,545,94750,482,562 shares of common stock issued and outstanding as of NovemberOctober 24, 20172019 and excludes the following: options to purchase 1,375,000 shares of common stock and warrants to purchase 2,983,666 shares of common stock.

Summary Financial Information

The following summary financial and operating data set forth below should be read in conjunction with our financial statements, the notes thereto and the other information contained in this prospectus. The summary statement of operations data for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 have been derived from our audited financial statements appearing elsewhere in this prospectus. The summary balance sheet data as of September 30, 2017, and the statement of operations data for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, have been derived from our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements appearing elsewhere in this prospectus. The unaudited financial statements were prepared on a basis consistent with our audited financial statements and include, in the opinion of management, all adjustments necessary for the fair presentation of the financial information contained in those statements. The historical results presented below are not necessarily indicative of financial results to be achieved in future periods.

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Statement of Operations Data:

  

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

  Years Ended
December 31,
 
  2017  2016  2016  2015 
  (unaudited)  (unaudited)       
Revenue $178,610  $92,195  $141,029  $112,811 
                 
Cost of goods sold  82,420   50,127   75,702   50,072 
                 
Gross profit  96,190   42,068   65,327   62,739 
                 
Operating expenses:                
Research and development  131,330   43,062   64,026   401,909 
Sales and marketing  294,774   293,979   389,111   180,133 
General and administrative  2,758,331   2,282,354   3,308,144   5,610,830 
Loss on settlement of promissory notes and accounts payable  -   -   249,739   258,606 
                 
Total operating expenses  3,184,435   2,619,395   4,011,020   6,451,478 
                 
Loss from operations  (3,088,245)  (2,577,327)  (3,945,693)  (6,388,739)
                 
Other expenses:                
Interest expense and financing costs  20,817   863,548   1,104,557   752,948 
Change in fair value of note  -   -   698,147   - 
Cost to induce conversion of notes payable  -   -   -   1,699,609 
                 
Total other expenses  20,817   863,548   1,802,704   2,452,557 
                 
Net loss  (3,109,062)  (3,440,875)  (5,748,397)  (8,841,296)
                 
Adjustments related to Series A and Series B convertible preferred stock:                
Accretion of deemed dividend  (335,337)  (212,200)  (760,011)  - 
Dividend declared  (159,798)  (13,059)  (35,018)  - 
                 
Net loss attributable to common shareholders $(3,604,197) $(3,666,134) $(6,543,426) $(8,841,296)
Basic and diluted net loss per common share $(0.14) $(0.17) $(0.30) $(0.54)
Basic and diluted weighted average common shares outstanding  25,469,112   21,352,995   21,800,719   16,391,665 

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Balance Sheet Data:

  As of 
September 30,
  As of 
December 31,
 
�� 2017  2016  2015 
  (Unaudited)       
          
Cash $1,269,755  $62,520  $13,850 
Property, plant, and equipment, net  100,813   114,020   170,795 
Working capital  782,904   (470,064)  (892,240)
Total assets  3,878,345   262,045   245,764 
Current portion of convertible note payable  46,567   44,323   41,315 
Current portion of promissory notes payable  15,605   10,251   64,407 
Current portion of promissory notes payable related party  -   16,805   149,233 
Convertible notes payable  -   -   516,575 
Stockholders’ equity (deficit) $3,121,847  $(345,574) $(1,227,550)

INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN INFORMATION BY REFERENCE

The SEC allows the Company to “incorporate by reference” the information it has filed with the SEC, which means that the Company can disclose important information to you by referring you to those documents. The information that the Company incorporates by reference is an important part of this prospectus, and information that it files later with the SEC will automatically update and supersede this information. The documents the Company is incorporating by reference are:

 

 2,712,500shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of outstanding stock options as of that date having a weighted average exercise price of $3.18 per share;
 Our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016, along with the financial statements and related notes thereto, filed with the SEC on March 30, 2017;

 1,276,538shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of outstanding warrants (excluding the August Warrants) as of that date having a weighted average exercise price of $0.97 per share;
 Our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, filed with the SEC on May 11, 2017, August 10, 2017 and November 13, 2017;

 

226,200 of common stock issuable upon the exercise of outstanding August Warrantshaving an exercise price of $0.585 per share; and

 Our Current Reports on Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on January 5, 2017 (as amended on January 18, 2017, February 15, 2017, March 2, 2017, March 23, 2017, June 20, 2017, July 25, 2017 (as amended on August 4, 2017), October 5, 2017 (as amended on November 21, 2017) and November 7, 2017; and

 The description2,900,000 shares of our common stock contained in our registration on Form 8-A12B (File No. 000-55723) filed withreserved for future issuance under the SEC on December 16, 2016, including any amendmentGuardion Health Sciences 2018 Equity Incentive Plan, or report filed for the purpose of updating such description.2018 Plan.

All documents the Company subsequently files with the SEC pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, except as to any portion of any report or documents that is not deemed filed under such provisions, (1) on or after the date of filing of the registration statement containing this prospectus and prior to the effectiveness of the registration statement and (2) on or after the date of this prospectus until the earlier of the date on which all of the securities registered hereunder have been sold or the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part has been withdrawn, shall be deemed incorporated by reference in this prospectus and to be a part of this prospectus from the date of filing of those documents and will be automatically updated and, to the extent described above, supersede information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus and previously filed documents that are incorporated by reference in this prospectus.

Nothing in this prospectus shall be deemed to incorporate information furnished but not filed with the SEC pursuant to Item 2.02, 7.01 or 9.01 of Form 8-K.

Upon written or oral request, we will provide without charge to each person to whom a copy of the prospectus is delivered a copy of the documents incorporated by reference herein (other than exhibits to such documents, unless such exhibits are specifically incorporated by reference herein). You may request a copy of these filings, at no cost, by writing or telephoning us at the following address: Vincent J. Roth, the Company’s General Counsel, at Guardion Health Sciences, Inc., 15150 Avenue of Science, Suite 200, San Diego, CA 92128; Tel: 858-605-9055. We maintain a website at https://guardionhealth.com/sec-filings/. You may access our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and other reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act with the SEC free of charge at our website as soon as reasonably practicable after such material is electronically filed with, or furnished to, the SEC. The information contained in, or that can be accessed through, our website is not incorporated by reference in, and is not part of, this prospectus.

 

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RISK FACTORS

 

Investing in the Company’s common stocksecurities involves a high degree of risk. Prospective investors should carefully consider the risks described below, together with all of the other information included or referred to in this prospectus, before purchasing shares of the Company’s common stock.Company securities. There are numerous and varied risks that may prevent the Company from achieving its goals. If any of these risks actually occurs, ourthe Company’s business, financial condition or results of operations may be materially adversely affected. In such case, the trading price of ourits common stock could decline and investors in ourthe Company’s common stock could lose all or part of their investment.

 

Risks Related to the Company’s Business

 

The Company’s recurring operating losses have raised substantial doubt regarding its ability to continue as a going concern.

TheAs the Company has sustainedincurred recurring operating losses which raises substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern. The perception ofand negative cash flows since our inception, there is no assurance that the Company’s abilityCompany will be able to continue as a going concern absent additional financing, which the Company may make it more difficult for itnot be able to obtain financing for the continuation of its operationson favorable terms or at all.

The Company has incurred net losses since inception in 2009 and could result in the loss of confidence by investors, suppliers and employees. The Company’s financial statements for all periods have been prepared assumingcannot be certain if or when the Company will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note 1produce sufficient revenue from operations to the Financial Statements, the continuation of the Company as a going concern is dependent upon the Company raising additional debt and/or equity financing to fund future operations and to provide additional working capital.support costs. The Company has completed multiple capital financing transactions during 2017, resulting in cash on handhad a net loss of $1,269,755 at September 30, 2017, and an additional $5,000,000 was received on November 3, 2017 in connection with the private placement transaction referred to elsewhere in this prospectus.

As of December 31, 2016, management had concluded that there was substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year of the date that the financial statements were issued, and the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm also included explanatory going concern language in their report accompanying the Company’s audited financial statements$7,767,407 for the year ended December 31, 2016.2018 and a net loss of $5,305,169 for the year ended December 31, 2017. The Company had a net loss of $4,437,177 for the six months ended June 30, 2019. The Company had an accumulated deficit of $39,070,540 as of June 30, 2019. The Company expects to continue to incur net losses and negative operating cash flows in the near-term.

 

Although recent capital transactions have significantly improved our current cash position, we

The Company will continue to incur significant expenses for commercialization activities related to ourits lead product Lumega-Z, the MapcatSF medical device, the CSV-1000, CSV-2000 and ESV-3000 devices, the new NutriGuard nutraceuticals product line, and with respect to efforts to build its infrastructure and expand its operations.

Even if profitability is achieved in the future, the Company may not be able to sustain profitability on a consistent basis. The Company expects to continue to incur substantial losses and negative cash flow from operations for the foreseeable future. The Company’s financial statements included in this registration statement have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern. The Company’s auditors have made reference to the substantial doubt as to our infrastructure.ability to continue as a going concern in their audit report on its audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2018. Because the Company has been issued an opinion by its auditors that substantial doubt exists as to whether the Company can continue as a going concern, it may be more difficult for the Company to attract investors. The Company’s future is dependent upon its ability to obtain financing and upon future profitable operations.

The Company does not have any credit facilities as a source of present or future funds, and there can be no assurance that the Company will be able to raise sufficient additional capital on acceptable terms, or at all. The Company may seek additional capital through a combination of private and public equity offerings and debt financings, including through this offering. If the Company raises additional funds through the issuance of equity or convertible debt securities, the percentage ownership of our stockholders could be significantly diluted, and these newly issued securities may have rights, preferences or privileges senior to those of existing stockholders. Debt financing, if obtained, may involve agreements that include covenants limiting or restricting the ability to take specific actions, such as incurring additional debt, would increase expenses and require that Company assets secure such debt. Moreover, any debt the Company incurs must be repaid regardless of our operating results.

The Company’s ability to obtain additional financing in the future will be subject to a number of factors, including market conditions, operating performance and investor sentiment. If the Company is unable to raise additional capital when required or on acceptable terms, the Company will be forcedmay have to suspendsignificantly delay, scale back or terminatediscontinue our operations and, in all likelihood, cause investors to lose their entire investment.

The Company has significant working capital requirements and has historically experienced negative working capital balances. If the Company continues to experience such negative working capital balances in the future, it couldor obtain funds by entering into agreements on unattractive terms, which would likely have a material adverse effect on its business, financial conditionstock price and results of operations.

As a result of its continued losses, the Company’s current liabilities often significantly exceed current assets.  The Companyrelationships with third parties, at least until additional funding is dependent upon obtaining additional financing to meet working capital needs and repay outstanding debt. Since its formation,obtained. If the Company has relied on convertible notes and direct stock purchases from unrelated partiesdoes not have sufficient funds to fund its operating cash flow deficits. There is no assurancecontinue operations, the Company could be required to seek other alternatives that it will generate the necessary net incomewould likely result in our stockholders losing some or operating cash flows to meet its working capital requirements and pay its debts as they become due in the future due to a varietyall of factors and other factors discussed in this “Risk Factors” section. There can be no assurance, however, that it will be able to successfully take any of these actions, including adjusting expenses sufficiently or in a timely manner, or raising additional equity, increasing borrowings or completing a financing on any terms or on terms that are acceptable to it. The Company’s inability to take these actions as and when necessary would materially adversely affect its liquidity, results of operations, financial condition and ability to operate.their investment.

 

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The Company’s future success is largely dependent on the successful commercialization of Lumega-Z® and, GlaucoCetin, the MapcatSF®MapcatSF® medical device, and the VectorVision CSV-1000 and ESV-3000 testing devices, and the successful integration of VectorVision into the Company’snewly acquired NutriGuard nutraceuticals business.

 

The future success of the Company’s business is largely dependent upon the successful commercialization of its medical food,foods, Lumega-Z and GlaucoCetin, its medical device, the MapcatSF, and the VectorVision CSV-1000, CSV-2000 and ESV-3000 testing devices.devices and its newly acquired NutriGuard nutraceuticals business. The Company is dedicating a substantial amount of its resources to advance the Lumega-Z and certainGlaucoCetin medical foods, the MapcatSF, CSV-1000 and ESV-3000 medical devices and is now starting to direct resources to advance MapcatSF as aggressively as possible.at developing the NutriGuard product line and the launch of the CSV-2000. If the Company encounters difficulties in the commercialization of Lumega-Z its medical foods, medical devices and/or the MapcatSF,nutraceuticals, the Company will not have the resources necessary to continue its business in its current form. If the Company is unable to establish and maintain adequate sales, marketing and distribution capabilities or enter into or maintain agreements with third parties to do so, it may be unable to successfully commercialize its products. The Company believes it is creating an efficient commercial organization and taking advantage of outsourcing options where prudent to maximize the effectiveness of its commercial expenditures. However, it may not be able to correctly judge the size and experience of the sales and marketing force and the scale of distribution necessary to be successful. Establishing and maintaining sales, marketing, and distribution capabilities are expensive and time-consuming. Such expenses may be disproportionate compared to the revenues the Company may be able to generate on sales of Lumega-Z, GlaucoCetin or the NutriGuard products or licensing fees or sales of the MapcatSF device or the CSV-1000, CSV-2000 and ESV-3000 testing devices. If this occurs, it will have an adverse impact on operations and the Company’s ability to fund any future development.

WeThe Company may fail to realize all of the anticipated benefits of the VectorVision acquisitionacquistion and NutriGuard Acquisition or those benefits may take longer to realize than expected. WeThe Company may also encounter significant difficulties in integrating VectorVision and NutriGuard into the existing business and VectorVision and NutriGuard may underperform relative to ourthe Company’s expectations.

 

Our abilityThe Company may not fully realize the anticipated benefits of the VectorVision acquisition and NutriGuard Acquisition. The Company has integrated the business of VectorVision and begun to integrate NutriGuard with its legacy businesses, and the Company may continue to devote significant management attention and resources to operate and grow these businesses. The failure to realize the anticipated benefits of the VectorVision acquisition will depend, to a large extent, on our ability to integrateand the business of VectorVision with our legacy business, which may be a complex, costly and time-consuming process. We may be required to devote significant management attention and resources to integrate the VectorVision business practices into our existing operations. The integration process may disrupt our business and, if implemented ineffectively, could restrict the realization of the full expected benefits of the acquisition. The failure to meet the challenges involved in the integration process and to realize the anticipated benefits of the VectorVision acquisitionNutriGuard Acquisition could cause an interruption of, or a loss of momentum in, ourthe Company’s operations and could adversely affect ourits business, financial condition and results of operations.

In addition, the integrationcontinued operation of VectorVision and NutriGuard may result in material unanticipated problems, expenses, liabilities, competitive responses, loss of customers and other business relationships, and diversion of management’s attention. Additional integration challenges may include, among other things:

things, difficulties in achieving anticipated cost savings, synergies, business opportunities and growth prospects;

difficulties in the integration of operationsprospects and systems;

difficulties in conforming standards, controls, procedures and accounting and other policies, business cultures and compensation structures;

difficulties in the assimilation of employees;

difficulties in managing the expanded operations of a larger and more complex company; and

the impact of potential liabilities wethe Company may be inheritingassuming from VectorVision.

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Many of these factors will be outside of our control and any one of them could result in increased costs, decreases in the amount of expected revenues and diversion of management’s time and energy, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, even if VectorVision is integrated successfully, the full anticipated benefits of such acquisition may not be realized, including the synergies, cost savings or sales or growth opportunities that are anticipated. These benefits may not be achieved within the anticipated time frame, or at all. Additionally, we may not be able to maintain the growth rate, levels of revenue, earnings or operating efficiency that we or VectorVision have achieved prior to the acquisition or might have achieved separately.NutriGuard.

 

We haveThe Company has limited experience in developing medical foods, and medical devices and wenutraceuticals and it may be unable to commercialize some of the products we develop.and services it develops or acquires.

 

Development and commercialization of medical foods and medical devices involves a lengthy and complex process. We haveThe Company has limited experience in developing products and havehas only onetwo commercialized medical food productproducts on the market, Lumega-Z.Lumega-Z and GlaucoCetin. In addition, no one has ever developed or commercialized a medical device like the MapcatSF, and weMapcatSF. The Company cannot assure you that it is possible to further develop or successfully commercialize the MapcatSF or that weit will be successful in doing so. While the CSV-1000 and ESV-3000 visual acuity testing devices are commercialized, there is no guarantee that they will continue to be marketable or enjoy commercial success. The Company is preparing to launch the CSV-2000, but there is no assurance the introduction of the instrument will be successful. Furthermore, there is no guarantee that the NutriGuard nutraceuticals will be marketable or that the Company will achieve commercial success with the product line.

 

Even if we developthe Company develops or acquires products for commercial use, these products may not be accepted by the medical and pharmaceutical marketplaces or be capable of being offered at prices that will enable usthe Company to become profitable. WeThe Company cannot assure you that ourits products will be approved by regulatory authorities, if required, or ultimately prove to be useful for commercial markets, meet applicable regulatory standards, or be successfully marketed.

 

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We

The Company’s ongoing investment in new businesses and ournew products, services, and technologies is inherently risky, and could disrupt its current operations.

The Company has invested and expects to continue to invest in new businesses, products, services, and technologies. The expansion into the transcranial doppler testing businessis a reflection of its ongoing efforts to innovate and provide useful products and services. Such endeavors involve significant risks and uncertainties, including insufficient revenues from such investments to offset any new liabilities assumed and expenses associated with these new investments, inadequate return of capital on the Company’s investments, distraction of management from current operations, and unidentified issues not discovered in its due diligence of such strategies and offerings that could cause the Company to fail to realize the anticipated benefits of such investments and incur unanticipated liabilities. Because these new ventures are inherently risky, no assurance can be given that such strategies and offerings will be successful and will not adversely affect the Company’s reputation, financial condition, and operating results.

The Company and its suppliers and manufacturers are subject to a number of existing laws, regulations and industry initiatives and the regulatory environment of the healthcare industry is continuing to change. If it is determined that wethe Company or ourits suppliers or manufacturers are not in compliance with the laws and regulations to which wethey are respectively subject, ourthe Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected.

 

As a participant in the healthcare industry, ourthe Company’s operations and relationships, and those of ourthe Company’s customers, are regulated by a number of federal, state, local, and localforeign governmental entities, and ourthe Company’s products must be capable of being used by ourits customers in a manner that complies with those laws and regulations. Because of ourits business relationships with physicians and professional healthcare providers, and since our product,its products Lumega-Z isand GlaucoCetin are believed to be a medical foodfoods and the MapcatSF and the CSV-1000, CSV-2000 and ESV-3000 are medical devices, a number of regulations are implicated. For example, from the FDA’s perspective, a drug cures, treats, or mitigates the effects or symptoms of a specific disease. A medical food manages a specific disease or condition for which distinctive nutritional requirements, based on recognized scientific principles, are established by medical evaluation. While we believethe Company believes Lumega-Z is aand GlaucoCetin are medical food,foods, if the FDA was to determinedetermines Lumega-Z or GlaucoCetin to be a drug, the Company and the product would be subject to considerable additional FDA regulation. Similarly, while we believethe Company believes the MapcatSF is a safe medical device, with a very low potential risk of injury to a patient, we believethe Company believes the MapcatSF is correctly classified as a Class I medical device, which does not require any premarket approval. The Company also believes the CSV-2000 is a Class I medical device. The CSV-1000 and ESV-3000 are currently classified with the FDA as Class I medical devices. If, however, the FDA were to determine that the MapcatSF, the CSV-1000, CSV-2000 or ESV-3000 is a Class II medical device, the Company and the particular product or products would be subject to considerable additional regulatory requirements.

The NutriGuard line of products are nutraceuticals and are regulated as dietary supplements under the Dietary Supplement, Health and Education Act of 1994 (“DSHEA”). Although dietary supplements are considered a separate regulatory category of food from consumer food products and medical foods, the FDA requires facilities that manufacture nutraceuticals to comply with regulations for current good manufacturing practices (“cGMP”). The Company does not manufacture any of the medical foods or nutraceuticals internally. The Company relies on contract manufacturers to manufacture the products. The FDA cGMP regulations largely are applicable to the site where the product is manufactured. Thus, the Company depends on the contract manufacturers to maintain cGMP compliance.

 

In addition, wethe Company cannot anticipate how changes in regulations or determinations by regulatory agencies may evolve. Thus, application of many foreign, state and federal regulations to ourthe Company’s business operations is uncertain. Further, there are federal and state fraud and abuse laws, including anti-kickback laws and limitations on physician referrals and laws related to off-label promotion of prescription drugs that may or may not be directly or indirectly applicable to ourthe Company’s operations and relationships or the business practices of ourits customers. It is possible that a review of ourits business practices or those of ourits customers by courts or regulatory authorities could result in a determination that may adversely affect us.the Company. In addition, the healthcare regulatory environment may change in a way that restricts our existing operations or our growth. The healthcare industry is expected to continue to undergo significant changes for the foreseeable future, which could have an adverse effect on ourthe Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations. WeThe Company cannot predict the effect of possible future legislation and regulation.

 

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WeThe Company may be subject to fines, penalties, injunctions and other sanctions if we areit is deemed to be promoting the use of ourits products as a drug.

OurThe Company’s business and future growth depend on the development, use and ultimate sale of products that are subject to FDA regulation, clearance and approval. Under the U.S. Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and other laws, we arethe Company is prohibited from promoting ourits products for treatment of a condition or disease. This means that wethe Company may not make claims about the usefulness or effectiveness or expected outcome of use of ourits products for any particular condition or disease and may not proactively discuss or provide information on the use of ourits products, except as allowed by the FDA.

 

There is a risk that the FDA or other federal or state law enforcement authorities could determine that the nature and scope of our sales and marketing activities may constitute the promotion of our products for use as a drug in violation of applicable law. WeThe Company also facefaces the risk that the FDA or other regulatory authorities might pursue enforcement based on past activities that we havethe Company discontinued or changed, including sales activities, arrangements with institutions and doctors, educational and training programs and other activities.

 

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Government investigations are typically expensive, disruptive, burdensome and generate negative publicity. If ourits promotional activities are found to be in violation of applicable law or if we agreethe Company agrees to a settlement in connection with an enforcement action, wethe Company would likely face significant fines and penalties and would likely be required to substantially change ourits sales, promotion and educational activities. In addition, were any enforcement actions against usthe Company or ourits senior officers to arise, wethe Company could be excluded from participation in U.S. government healthcare programs such as Medicare and Medicaid.

 

Lumega-Z or GlaucoCetin may not qualify as a medical food as defined by the FDA.

 

If the FDA makes a determination that Lumega-Z or GlaucoCetin should not be defined as a medical food (and does not qualify as a drug), wethe Company would need to relabel and rebrand that product. While reclassification and the subsequent relabeling and rebranding would be an added cost to operations, it would not change the use or effectiveness of Lumega-Z.Lumega-Z or GlaucoCetin. Although, Managementmanagement believes it is unlikely the FDA would make such a determination, there is a chance that certain physicians may choose not to recommend Lumega-Z or GlaucoCetin to their patients or that certain consumers may choose not to buy Lumega-Z or GlaucoCetin if it is not classified as a medical food. While there is no insurance coverage for Lumega-Z or GlaucoCetin as a medical food, if insurance companies would otherwise pay for Lumega-Z or GlaucoCetin because of it being a medical food, a determination by the FDA that Lumega-Z or GlaucoCetin should not be defined as a medical food could limit or eliminate such potential insurance coverage which might adversely impact the sales of Lumega-Z.Lumega-Z or GlaucoCetin.

The Company’s products may cause undesirable side effects or have other properties that could delay or prevent any required regulatory approval, limit the commercial potential or result in significant negative consequences following any potential marketing approval.

 

If the Company’s products, including Lumega-Z, GlaucoCetin or the recently acquired NutriGuard line of products, are associated with undesirable side effects or have characteristics that are unexpected, the Company may need to abandon its development or limit development to certain uses or subpopulations in which the undesirable side effects or other characteristics are less prevalent, less severe or more acceptable from a risk-benefit perspective. Any serious adverse or undesirable side effects identified during the development of its products, could interrupt, delay or halt commercialization and/or could result in the additional regulatory requirements by the FDA or other regulatory authorities, and in turn prevent the Company from commercializing its product candidates and generating revenues from their sale.

A key part of ourthe Company’s business strategy is to establish collaborative relationships to commercialize and develop ourits product candidates. WeThe Company may not succeed in establishing and maintaining collaborative relationships, which may significantly limit ourits ability to develop and commercialize ourits products successfully, if at all.

 

A key part of ourthe Company’s business strategy is to establish collaborative relationships to commercialize and fund development of ourits product candidates. We areThe Company is currently a party to several collaborative relationships. The Illinois College of Optometry, for example, has included the MapcatSF prototype in its curriculum to instruct students on how to measure the macular pigment. The New York Eye and Ear Infirmary is currently evaluating Lumega-Z on glaucoma patients. The Rosenberg School of Optometry at the University of the Immaculate Word is conducting research on patients with a MapcatSF prototype. Moreover, ourthe Company’s Science Advisory Board, each member of whom is displayed on the Company website, includes world renowned experts in macular carotenoids who are developing the peer review markets by conducting research and furthering the understanding of the relevance of the macular pigment in ocular health. OurThe Company’s Medical Advisors includes thought-leading clinicians in retina, glaucoma and the anterior segment of the eye, providing guidance on understanding the clinical applications of Lumega-Z and the MapcatSF and understanding the market opportunities and assisting in driving our strategic goals. Furthermore,However, there is no guarantee that wethe Company will be successful in negotiating similar collaborative relationships with regard to the CSV-1000 and ESV-3000.VectorVision medical devices.

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While the Company believes that these collaborative relationships help further validate the MapcatSF and Lumega-Z, we believe these relationships are not material to the Company because none of these relationships is exclusive, there are many potential collaborative partners available, and the Company and each collaborator is free to enter into other collaborative relationships as needed. No sales of Lumega-Z are generated directly from Illinois College of Optometry because the MapcatSF is part of its teaching curriculum, and not used for direct patient care. However, the other collaborative relationships,partners, as a result of using the MapcatSF on patients, periodically put patients on Lumega-Z if a physician determines it appropriate to do so. The majority of sales of Lumega-Z primarily come from clinicians outside of these collaborative relationships.

 

We believe that weThe Company may not be able to negotiate collaborations on acceptable terms, if at all, and if we doit does enter into collaborations, these collaborations may not be successful. OurThe Company’s current and future success depends in part on ourits ability to enter into successful collaboration arrangements. If we arethe Company is unable to establish and maintain collaborative relationships on acceptable terms or to successfully transition terminated collaborative agreements, wethe Company may have to delay or discontinue further development of one or more of ourits product candidates, undertake development and commercialization activities at ourits own expense or find alternative sources of capital. Consequently, if we areit is unable to enter into, maintain or extend successful collaborations, ourthe Company’s business may be harmed.

 

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Our

The Company’s long-term success may depend upon the successful development and commercialization of products other than Lumega-Z, andGlaucoCetin, the MapcatSF medical device, the VectorVision medical devices and the CSV-1000 and ESV-3000 testing devices.newly acquired NutriGuard nutraceutical business.

Our

The Company’s long-term viability and growth may depend upon the successful development and commercialization of products other than Lumega-Z, GlaucoCetin, the MapcatSF, the CSV-1000, CSV-2000 and ESV-3000 medical devices and the MapcatSF.NutriGuard product line. Product development and commercialization is very expensive and involves a high degree of risk. Only a small number of research and development programs result in the commercialization of a product. Product development is a complex time-consuming and expensivetime-consuming process. If we failthe Company fails to adequately manage the research, development, execution and regulatory aspects of new product development weit may fail to launch new products altogether.

 

Government agencies may establish usage guidelines that directly apply to ourthe Company’s products or proposed products or change legislation or regulations to which we arethe Company is subject.

 

Government usage guidelines typically address matters such as usage and dose, among other factors. Application of these guidelines could limit the use of ourthe Company’s products and products that wethe Company may develop. In addition, there can be no assurance that government regulations applicable to ourthe Company’s products or proposed products or the interpretation thereof will not change and thereby prevent the marketing of some or all of ourits products for a period of time or permanently. The FDA’s policies may change and additional government regulations may be enacted that could modify, prevent, delay or change the regulatory approval required of ourthe Company’s products. WeThe Company cannot predict the likelihood, nature or extent of adverse government regulation that may arise from future legislation or administrative action, either in the U.S. or in other countries.

 

Patent litigation is common in thethe pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical industries. Any litigation or claim against usthe Company may cause usit to incur substantial costs and could place a significant strain on ourits financial resources, divert the attention of management from ourits business and harm ourthe Company’s reputation.

 

While we arethe Company is not a pharmaceutical or a biopharmaceutical company, as a health sciences company, ourthe Company’s medical foods or ourits medical devicedevices may come into competition with products in the medical foods and related industries, such as pharmaceuticals, biologics or dietary supplements. There has been substantial litigation in the pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical industries with respect to the manufacture, use and sale of new products that are the subject of conflicting patent rights. For the most part, these lawsuits relate to the validity, enforceability and infringement of patents. We expect that weThe Company expects it will rely upon patents, trade secrets, know-how, continuing technological innovations and licensing opportunities to develop and maintain ourits competitive position. WeThe Company may find it necessary to initiate claims to defend ourits intellectual property rights as a result. Other parties may have issued patents or be issued patents that may prevent the sale of ourthe Company’s products or know-how or require usthe Company to license such patents and pay significant fees or royalties to produce ourits products. In addition, future patents may issue to third parties which ourthe Company’s technology may infringe. Because patent applications can take many years to issue, there may be applications now pending of which we arethe Company is unaware that may later result in issued patents that ourthe Company’s products may infringe.

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Intellectual property litigation, regardless of outcome, is expensive and time-consuming, and could divert management’s attention from our business and have a material negative effect on our business, operating results or financial condition. If such a dispute were to be resolved against us, wethe Company may be required to pay substantial damages, including treble damages and attorney’s fees to the party claiming infringement if wethe Company were to be found to have willfully infringed a third party’s patent. WeThe Company may also have to develop non-infringing technology, stop selling any products we develop,it develops, cease using technology that contains the allegedly infringing intellectual property or enter into royalty or license agreements that may not be available on acceptable or commercially practical terms, if at all. OurThe Company’s failure to develop non-infringing technologies or license the proprietary rights on a timely basis could harm ourits business. Modification of any products we developthe Company develops or development of new products thereafter could require usthe Company to become subject to other requirements of the FDA and other regulatory bodies, which could be time-consuming and expensive. In addition, parties making infringement claims may be able to obtain an injunction that would prevent usthe Company from selling any products we develop,it develops, which could harm ourits business.

 

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Our

The Company’s competitors may develop products similar to Lumega-Z,the Company’s medical foods, and wethe Company may therefore need to modify or alter ourits business strategy, which may delay the achievement of ourits goals.

 

Competitors may develop products with similar characteristics to Lumega-Z.Lumega-Z or GlaucoCetin. Such similar products marketed by larger competitors could hinder ourthe Company’s efforts to penetrate the market. As a result, wethe Company may be forced to modify or alter ourits business and regulatory strategy and sales and marketing plans, as a response to changes in the market, competition and technology limitations, among others. Such modifications may pose additional delays in achieving ourthe Company’s goals.

 

OurThe Company’s competitors may develop products similar to the CSV-1000MapcatSF medical device, and ESV-3000 devices, and wethe Company may therefore need to modify or alter ourits business strategy, which may delay the achievement of ourits goals.

While the Company believes the MapcatSF is the only device available that can accurately measure the density of the macular pigment, competitors may develop products with similar characteristics to the Company’s MapcatSF medical device. Such similar products marketed by larger competitors could hinder the Company’s efforts to develop the market. As a result, the Company may be forced to modify or alter its business and regulatory strategy and sales and marketing plans, as a response to changes in the market, competition and technology limitations, among others. Such modifications may pose additional delays in achieving the Company’s goals.

 

The Company’s competitors may develop products similar to the VectorVision medical devices, and the Company may therefore need to modify or alter its business strategy, which may delay the achievement of its goals.

While we believethe Company believes that VectorVision is the only company that offers fully standardized vision testing products that ensure consistent, repeatable and highly accurate results, its competitors may introduce similar products that may compete with the CSV-1000, CSV-2000 and ESV-3000 devices. These devices offer auto-calibrated tests to ensure the correct testing luminance and contrast levels for consistent, highly accurate and repeatable results, which is why the VectorVision instruments can detect and quantify subtle changes in vision, and why the VectorVision CSV-1000 instrument is used by eye doctors in more than 60 countries to accomplish contrast sensitivity testing. The Company believes the CSV-2000 will be received well in the marketplace, although there is no assurance introduction of the instrument will be successful. For the same reasons, the Company believes that the ESV-3000 ETDRS testing device will become the worldwide standard for ETDRS visual acuity testing. The Company’s research has revealed no competing products that offers auto-calibration of ambient illumination. Competitive devices do not allow for variations in ambient light levels, resulting in variability of test results due to the environment in which the testing is performed. The CSV-1000, CSV-2000 and ESV-3000 use self-calibrated test lighting. The self-calibrated test lighting is proprietary, and the test faces of the CSV-1000 are proprietary and the intellectual property is protected under copyright and trade secret law. Both CSV-1000 and ESV-3000 are currently sold worldwide, and the Company expects this global distribution to continue. The Company is preparing to launch the CSV-2000. There is a training requirement in incorporating the CSV-1000 deviceand CSV-2000 devices into clinical practice, which the Company plans to provide as part of its commercialization strategy. Competitors currently exist, and while the Company believes its market penetration and intellectual property protection are barriers to entry, competitors may invent around the Company’s intellectual property or otherwise overcome barriers to entry and introduce similar products to compete with either the CSV-1000 or ESV-3000.these VectorVision devices.

 

The Company’s competitors may develop products similar to the NutriGuard product line, and the Company may therefore need to modify or alter its business strategy, which may delay the achievement of its goals.

Competitors may develop products with similar characteristics to NutriGuard products. In fact, the dietary supplement and nutraceutical markets characteristically have many companies with several similar products competing for the same market share. Such similar products marketed by larger competitors could hinder the Company’s efforts to penetrate the market. As a result, the Company may be forced to modify or alter its business and regulatory strategy and sales and marketing plans, as a response to changes in the market, competition and technology limitations, among others. Such modifications may pose additional delays in achieving the Company’s goals.

The Company’s failure to compete successfully could cause its revenue or market share to decline.

The market for our products and services is competitive and is characterized by rapidly evolving industry standards, technology and user needs and the frequent introduction of new products and services. Some of our competitors, which include major pharmaceutical companies with alternatives to our products, may be more established, benefit from greater name recognition and have substantially greater financial, technical and marketing resources than us. We compete on the basis of several factors, including distribution of products, reputation, scientific validity, reliability, client service, price, and industry expertise and experience. There can be no assurance that we will be able to compete successfully against current and future competitors or that the competitive pressures that we face will not materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

If we arethe Company is unable to develop ourits own sales, marketing and distribution capabilities, or if we areit is not successful in contracting with third parties for these services on favorable terms, or at all, revenues from any products we developproduct sales could be limited.

 

WeThe Company currently havehas limited sales, marketing and distribution capabilities. To commercialize our products successfully, we have to develop more robust capabilities internally or collaborate with third parties that can perform these services for us. In the process of commercializing our products, we may not be able to hire the necessary experienced personnel and build sales, marketing and distribution operations capable of successfully launching new products and generating sufficient product revenues. In addition, establishing such operations takes time and involves significant expense.

 

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If we decidethe Company decides to enter into co-promotion or other licensing arrangements with third parties, we may be unable to identify acceptable partners because the number of potential partners is limited and because of competition from others for similar alliances with potential partners. Even if we are able to identify one or more acceptable partners, we may not be able to enter into any partnering arrangements on favorable terms, or at all. If we enter into any partnering arrangements, our revenues are likely to be lower than if we marketed and sold our products ourselves.

 

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In addition, any revenues we receivethe Company receives would depend upon our partners’ efforts which may not be adequate due to lack of attention or resource commitments, management turnover, and change of strategic focus, further business combinations or other factors outside of our control. Depending upon the terms of our agreements, the remedies we have against an under-performing partner may be limited. If we were to terminate the relationship, it may be difficult or impossible to find a replacement partner on acceptable terms, or at all.

 

If wethe Company cannot compete successfully for market share against other companies, weit may not achieve sufficient product revenues and ourits business will suffer.

 

The market for our products and product candidates is characterized by competition and technological advances. If our products are unable to capture and maintain market share, we may not achieve sufficient product revenues and our business will suffer.

 

We will compete for market share against fully integrated medical food and medical device companies or other companies that develop products independently or collaborate with larger pharmaceutical companies, academic institutions, government agencies and other public and private research organizations. In addition, many of these competitors, either alone or together with their collaborative partners, have substantially greater capital resources, larger research and development staffs and facilities, and greater financial resources than we do, as well as significantly greater experience in:

 

 ldeveloping medical foods and medical devices;
   
 lconducting product testing and studies;
   
 lcomplying with regulatory requirements;
   
 lformulating and manufacturing products; and
   
 llaunching, marketing, distributing and selling products.

 

Our competitors may:

 

 ldevelop and patent processes or products earlier than we will;
   
 ldevelop and commercialize products that are less expensive or more efficient than our products;
   
 lcomply with regulatory requirements more rapidly than us; or
   
 limprove upon existing technological approaches or develop new or different approaches that render our technology or products obsolete or uncompetitive.

 

If we are unable to compete successfully against current or future competitors, we may be unable to obtain market acceptance for any product candidates that we create, which could prevent us from generating revenues or achieving profitability and could cause the market price of our common stock to decline.

Product liability lawsuits against the Company could divert its resources and could cause it to incur substantial liabilities and to limit commercialization of Company products.

We face a risk of product liability exposure related to the use of our products, including Lumega-Z, GlaucoCetin and the NutriGuard product line of nutraceuticals. If we cannot successfully defend ourselves against claims that our product candidates or products caused injuries, we will incur substantial liabilities. Regardless of merit or eventual outcome, liability claims may result in:

decreased demand for any product candidates or products that we develop;
injury to our reputation and significant negative media attention;
significant costs to defend the related litigation;
loss of revenue; and
reduced time and attention of our management to pursue our business strategy.

Our insurance policies may not fully cover liabilities that we may incur in the event of a product liability lawsuit. We may not be able to maintain insurance coverage at a reasonable cost or in an amount adequate to satisfy any liability that may arise.

 

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WeThe Company may be unsuccessful in expanding ourits product distribution outside the United States.

 

To the extent we begin to offer our products outside the United States, we expect that we may be dependent on third-party distribution relationships. Distributors may not commit the necessary resources to market and sell our products to the level of our expectations. If distributors do not perform adequately, or we are unable to locate distributors in particular geographic areas, our ability to realize long-term international revenue growth would be materially adversely affected.

 

Additionally, our products may require regulatory clearances and approvals from jurisdictions outside the United States. We expect that we will be subject to and required to comply with local regulatory requirements before selling our products in those jurisdictions. We are not certain that we will be able to obtain these clearances or approvals or compliance requirements on a timely basis, or at all.

 

Manufacturing risks and inefficiencies may adversely affect ourthe Company’s ability to produce products.

 

We engage third parties to manufacture our products in sufficient quantities and on a timely basis, while maintaining product quality, and acceptable manufacturing costs and complying with regulatory requirements. In determining the required quantities of our products and the manufacturing schedule, we must make significant judgments and estimates based on historical experience, inventory levels, current market trends and other related factors. Because of the inherent nature of estimates, there could be significant differences between our estimates and the actual amounts of products we require. If we are unable to obtain from one or more of our vendors the needed materials or components that meet our specifications on commercially reasonable terms, or at all, we may not be able to meet the demand for our products. WeWhile we have not arranged for alternate suppliers, and it may be difficult to find alternate suppliers in a timely manner and on terms acceptable to us.us, we believe that there are multiple alternative sources, suppliers and manufacturers available for our products and devices in the event of a termination or a disagreement with any current vendor.

 

Security breaches and other disruptions could compromise ourthe Company’s information and expose usit to liability, which would cause ourits business and reputation to suffer.

 

In the ordinary course of our business, we collect and store sensitive data, including intellectual property, our proprietary business information and that of our customers and business partners, including personally identifiable information of our customers, some of which is stored on our network and some of which is stored with our third-party E-commerce vendor. Despite our security measures, our information technology and infrastructure may be vulnerable to attacks by hackers or breached due to operator error, malfeasance or other disruptions. Any such breach could compromise our network and the information stored there could be accessed, publicly disclosed, lost or stolen. Any such access, disclosure or other loss of information could result in legal claims or proceedings, liability under laws that protect the privacy of personal information, disrupt our operations, and damage our reputation, which could adversely affect our business.

 

OurThe Company’s products and facility and the facilities of ourits manufacturers are subject to federal laws and regulations and certain requirements in the State of California. Failure to comply with any law or regulation could result in penalties and restrictions on ourthe Company’s manufacturers’ ability to manufacture and ourthe Company’s ability to distribute products. If any such action were to be imposed, it could have a material adverse effect on ourthe Company’s business and results of operations.

 

Although medical foods do not require pre-market approval by the FDA, manufacturers of medical foods must be registered with the FDA under a provision promulgated by the Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002 (the “Bioterrorism “Bioterrorism Act”).Manufacturers of medical foods are subject to periodic inspection by the FDA. The manufacture of our medical foods is outsourced in its entirety to athree third-party manufacturer.manufacturers. We are evaluating additional manufacturers for selection as second source or back-up providers. Our medical foods have not been reviewed by the FDA. There is no certainty that the FDA will favorably review our medical food products or our manufacturers’ facilities. If the outcome of an inspection is negative or if we or our manufacturers fail to comply with any law or regulation, we could be subject to penalties and restrictions on our manufacturers’ ability to manufacture and distribute products. Any such action may result in a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations. For a more complete discussion of the laws and regulations to which we are subject, see the section of this reportprospectus titled Description of Business“Business - Government Regulation.Regulation.

 

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Prior to the acquisition of VectorVision, all of the Company’s billings and revenues have been derived from the sale of a single product.

 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2017 as well as the years ended December 31, 20162018 and 2015,2017, the Company derived 100%a portion of its revenues from the sale of Lumega-Z®. While we continue to see an increasing demand for Lumega-Z from our customers, we cannot assure you that the demand will continue. A decline in sales of Lumega-Z to our customers may have an immediate adverse effect on our financial results. After September 30, 2017,The Company began recognizing revenue from our VectorVision acquisition in the fourth quarter of 2017. Although the Company expects to continue to realize revenues from sales of the CSV-1000 orand ESV-3000 products, however, there is no assurance that such sales will continue at historical levels or that any of our products will otherwise continue to be commercially viable.viable and in fact they are expected to be less than revenue from the prior quarter and prior year similar quarter. Although the CSV-1000 will continue to be sold, the Company plans to put a greater focus on sales and marketing efforts of the new CSV-2000 beginning in the fourth quarter of 2019. There can be no assurances that the marketing efforts will be successful and sales of the CSV-2000 will be comparable or exceed sales of the CSV-1000. The Company recently launched its second medical food, GlaucoCetin. The Company recently acquired the NutriGuard business.

 

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The Company’s billings and revenues are derived from a limited number of customers and the loss of any one or more of them may have an immediate adverse effect on ourits financial results.

 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2017 as well asIn the years ended December 31, 20162018 and 2015,2017, the Company’s billings were derived from a limited number of individual customers. The Company does not receive volume commitments from its customers.customers and distributors. Customers may stop purchasing our products with little or no warning. After September 30, 2017, the Company expects to encounter additional customers due to sales of the CSV-1000 and ESV-3000 products. However, VectorVision also does not receive volume commitments from its customers. Customers may stop purchasing CSV-1000 or ESV-3000 products with little or no warning. Loss of customers may have an immediate adverse effect on our financial results.

 

If we arethe Company is forced to reduce ourits prices, ourits business, financial condition and results of operations may suffer.

 

WeThe Company may be subject to pricing pressures with respect to ourits future sales arising from various sources, including practices of health insurance companies, healthcare providers and competition in the marketplace. If ourthe Company’s pricing experiences significant downward pressure, our business could be less profitable and our results of operations may be adversely affected. In addition, because cash from sales funds our working capital requirements, reduced profitability could require us to raise additional capital to support our operations.

 

If we arethe Company is unable to successfully introduce new products or failfails to keep pace with medical advances and developments, ourits business, financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected.

 

The successful implementation of our business model depends on our ability to adapt to evolving technologies and industry standards and introduce new products and services. We cannot assure you that we will be able to introduce new products on schedule, or at all, or that such products will achieve market acceptance. Moreover, competitors may develop competitive products that could adversely affect our results of operations. A failure by us to introduce planned products or other new products or to introduce these products on schedule may have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

In addition, introduction of a new product that has similar or advances features over a current product may reduce interest and sales in the current product. There is no assurance that a new product will achieve the same or greater sales levels of a current product or that sales of a new product will replace or exceed the sales of a current product.

 

If we cannot adapt to changing technologies, our products and services may become obsolete, and our business could suffer. Because the healthcare industry is characterized by rapid technological change, we may be unable to anticipate changes in our current and potential customers’ requirements that could make our existing technology obsolete. Our success will depend, in part, on our ability to continue to enhance our existing products, develop new technology that addresses the needs of our prospective customers, license leading technologies and respond to technological advances and emerging industry standards and practices on a timely and cost-effective basis. The development of our proprietary technology entails significant technical and business risks. We may not be successful in using new technologies effectively or adapting our proprietary technology to evolving customer requirements or emerging industry standards, and, as a result, our business may suffer.

 

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If customers do not accept ourthe Company’s products or delay in deciding whether to recommend ourthe Company’s products and services, ourits business, financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected.

 

Our business model depends on our ability to sell our products. Acceptance of our products requires physicians to use our MapcatSF to measure the macular protective pigment in their patients’ eyes, understand and appreciate the benefits of Lumega-Z in order to recommend it to their patients, and to understand the benefits of visual acuity testing so that they orderusing the CSV-1000, orCSV-2000 and ESV-3000 devices. We cannot assure you that physicians will integrate our products into their treatment plans or patient recommendations. Achieving market acceptance for our products and services will require substantial sales and marketing efforts and the expenditure of significant financial and other resources to create awareness and demand by participants in the healthcare industry. If we fail to achieve broad acceptance of our products by physicians, and other healthcare industry participants or if we fail to position our products as an ocular health remedy, our business, financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected.

 

If ourthe Company’s principal suppliers fail or are unable to perform their contracts with us, wethe Company, it may be unable to meet ourits commitments to ourits customers. As a result, ourthe Company’s reputation and ourits relationships with ourits customers may be damaged and ourits business and results of operations may be adversely affected.

 

We currently purchase all our medical food ingredients and products from three vendors – one for carotenoids, one for Omega 3, and one for all other supplements. All of the ingredients for the nutraceutical products are sourced by the contract manufacturer that produces the NutriGuard products. These companies are subject to FDA regulation and they are responsible for compliance with current Good Manufacturing Practices (“cGMP” as defined by the FDA). Although our agreements provide that our suppliers will abide by the FDA manufacturing requirements, we cannot control their compliance. If they fail to comply with FDA manufacturing requirements, the FDA could prevent our vendors from manufacturing our ingredients and products. Although we believe that there are a number of other sources of supply of ingredients and manufacturers of medical food products, if these suppliers are unable to perform under our agreements, particularly at certain critical times such as when we add new physician clients that will require a large production of one or more products, we may be unable to meet our commitments to our customers. If this were to happen, our reputation as well as our relationships with our customers may suffer and our business and results of operations may be adversely affected. We are evaluating several additional manufacturers for selection as second source or back-up providers.

 

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If we incurthe Company incurs costs exceeding ourits insurance coverage in lawsuits that are brought against usit in the future, it would be expected tosuch incident may adversely affect ourthe Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

If we were to become a defendant in any lawsuits involving the manufacture and sale of our products and if our insurance coverage were inadequate to cover or satisfy these liabilities, it would be expected to have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

If we arethe Company is deemed to infringe on the proprietary rights of third parties, weit could incur unanticipated expense and be prevented from providing ourits products and services.

 

We could be subject to intellectual property infringement claims as the number of our competitors grows and if our products or the functionality of our products overlap with patents of our competitors. While we do not believe that we have infringed or are infringing on any proprietary rights of third parties, we cannot assure you that infringement claims will not be asserted against us or that those claims will be unsuccessful. We could incur substantial costs and diversion of management resources defending any infringement claims whether or not such claims are ultimately successful. Furthermore, a party making a claim against us could secure a judgment awarding substantial damages, as well as injunctive or other equitable relief that could effectively block our ability to provide products or services. In addition, we cannot assure you that licenses for any intellectual property of third parties that might be required for our products or services will be available on commercially reasonable terms, or at all.

 

OurThe Company’s business depends on ourits intellectual property rights, and if we areit is unable to protect them, ourits competitive position may suffer.

 

Our business plan is predicated on our proprietary technology. Accordingly, protecting our intellectual property rights is critical to our continued success and our ability to maintain our competitive position. Our goal is to protect our proprietary rights through a combination of patent, trademark, trade secret and copyright law, confidentiality agreements and technical measures. We generally enter into non-disclosure agreements with our employees and consultants and limit access to our trade secrets and technology. We cannot assure you that the steps we have taken will prevent misappropriation of our technology. Misappropriation of our intellectual property would have an adverse effect on our competitive position.

 

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The Company has onefour issued patentpatents and threefive pending patent applications related to its products. There currently are no issued patents relating to Lumega-Z and the CSV-1000 and EVS-3000 devices.Lumega-Z. Our success, competitive position, and future revenues will depend, in part, on our ability to obtain and maintain patent protection for our products, methods, processes, and other technologies; to preserve our trade secrets; to obtain trademarks for our name, logo and products; to prevent third parties from infringing our proprietary rights; and to operate without infringing the proprietary rights of third parties. To counter infringement or unauthorized use by third parties, we may be required to file infringement claims, which can be expensive and time-consuming. If we infringe the rights of third parties, we could be prevented from selling our products, forced to pay damages, and forced to incur substantial costs in defending litigations.

 

The patent process is subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, and there can be no assurance that we will be successful in protecting our products by obtaining and defending patents. These risks and uncertainties include the following:

 

 lClaims of issued patents, and the claims of any patents which may be issued in the future and be owned by or licensed to the Company may be challenged by third parties, resulting in patents being deemed invalid, unenforceable, or narrowed in scope, a third party may circumvent any such issued patents, or such issued patents may not provide any significant commercial protection against competing products.products;

 l
Our competitors, many of which have substantially greater resources than we do and many of which have made significant investments in competing technologies, may seek, or may already have obtained, patents that will limit, interfere with, or eliminate our ability to make, use, and sell our potential products either in the United States or in international markets.markets; and

 l
The legal systems of some foreign countries do not encourage the aggressive enforcement of patents, and countries other than the United States may have less restrictive patent laws than those upheld by United States courts, allowing foreign competitors the ability to exploit these laws to create, develop, and market competing products. Thus, the Company’s foreign patents may not be enforceable to the same extent as the counterpart U.S. patents.

 

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In addition, the USPTO, and patent offices in other jurisdictions have often required that patent applications concerning pharmaceutical and/or biotechnology-related inventions be limited or narrowed substantially to cover only the specific innovations exemplified in the patent application, thereby limiting the scope of protection against competitive challenges. Thus, even if we or any of our licensors are able to obtain patents, the patents may be substantially narrower than anticipated.

OurThe Company’s business depends in part on and will continue to depend in part on ourits ability to establish and maintain additional strategic collaborative relationships. Our failureFailure to establish and maintain these relationships could make it more difficult to expand the reach of ourthe Company’s products, which may have a material adverse effect on ourits business.

 

To be successful, we must continue to maintain our existing strategic relationships, such as our relationship with our vendors who manufacture our medical food products. We also must continue to establish additional strategic relationships with healthcare leaders. This is critical to our success because we believe that these relationships contribute towards our ability to extend the reach of our products and services to a larger number of physicians, professional healthcare providers and physician groups and to other participants in the healthcare industry; develop and deploy new products and services; and generate additional revenue and cash flows. Entering into strategic relationships is complicated because strategic partners may decide to compete with us in some or all of our markets. In addition, we may not be able to maintain or establish relationships with key participants in the healthcare industry if we conduct business with their competitors.

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WeThe Company must attract quality management in order to manage ourits growth. Failure to do so may result in slower expansion.

 

In order to support the growth of our business and the additional obligations that come with being an exchange-listed company, we will need to expand our senior management team. We plan to recruit additional personnel, including a Chief Financial Officer and a Chief Operating Officer in the near future. There is no assurance that we will be capable of attracting and retaining quality managersexecutives and integrating those individuals into our management system. Without experienced and talented management, the growth of our business may be adversely impacted.

Competition for qualified employees is intense, and weintense. The Company may not be able to attract and retain the highly skilled employees we needneeded to support ourits business. Without skilled employees, the quality of ourits product development and services could diminish and the growth of ourits business may be slowed, which could have a material adverse effect on ourthe Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

Our ability to provide high-quality products and services to our clients depends, in large part, upon our employees’ experience and expertise. We must attract and retain highly qualified personnel with a deep understanding of the pharmaceutical and healthcare information technology industries. In addition, we will invest significant time and expense in training our employees, increasing their value to clients as well as to competitors who may seek to recruit them, which will increase the cost of replacing them. If we fail to retain our employees, the quality of our product development and services could diminish and the growth of our business may be slowed. This may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

If we losethe Company loses the services of ourits Chief Executive Officer and other key personnel, weit may be unable to replace them, and ourthe Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected.

 

Our success largely depends on the continued skills, experience, efforts and policies of our management team and other key personnel and our ability to continue to attract, motivate and retain highly qualified employees. In particular, the services of Michael Favish, our founder, President and Chief Executive Officer, and David Evans, director of the Company and Chief ExecutiveScience Officer, of VectorVision, are integral to the execution of our business strategy. We believe that the loss of the services of Mr. Favish or Dr. Evans could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. We cannot assure you that Mr. Favish, Dr. Evans or our other executive officers will continue to provide services to the Company. We do not maintain key man insurance for any of our key personnel.

The Company’s ability to attract and retain qualified members of our board of directors may be impacted due to new state laws, including recently enacted gender quotas.

 

Our failureIn September 2018, California enacted SB 826 requiring public companies headquartered in California to compete successfully could cause our revenuemaintain minimum female representation on their boards of directors as follows: by the end of 2019, at least one woman on its board, by the end of 2020, public company boards with five members will be required to have at least two female directors, and public company boards with six or market sharemore members will be required to decline.have at least three female directors. Failure to achieve designated minimum levels in a timely manner exposes such companies to financial penalties and reputational harm. We cannot assure that we can recruit, attract and/or retain qualified members of the board and meet gender quotas as a result of the California law, which may expose us to penalties and/or reputational harm.

 

The market for our products and services is competitive and is characterized by rapidly evolving industry standards, technology and user needs and the frequent introduction of new products and services. Some of our competitors, which include major pharmaceutical companies with alternatives to our products, may be more established, benefit from greater name recognition and have substantially greater financial, technical and marketing resources than us. We compete on the basis of several factors, including distribution of products, reputation, scientific validity, reliability, client service, price, and industry expertise and experience. There can be no assurance that we will be able to compete successfully against current and future competitors or that the competitive pressures that we face will not materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

OurCompany’s future success depends upon ourits ability to grow, and if we aregrow. If the Company is unable to manage ourits growth effectively, weit may incur unexpected expenses and be unable to meet ourits customers’ requirements.

 

We will need to expand our operations if we successfully achieve market acceptance for our products and services. We cannot be certain that our systems, procedures, controls and existing space will be adequate to support expansion of our operations. Our future operating results will depend on the ability of our officers and key employees to manage changing business conditions and to implement and improve our technical, administrative, financial control and reporting systems. We may not be able to expand and upgrade our systems and infrastructure to accommodate these increases.increases or we may not have the qualified personnel to implement them. Difficulties in managing any future growth could have a significant negative impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations because we may incur unexpected expenses and be unable to meet our customers’ requirements.

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WeThe Company may consider acquiring other companies or product lines in an effort to expand ourits business in exchange for cash and/or stock of the Company (or a combination thereof), which may not be successful or which may cause dilution to investors.

 

The Company will consider acquiring other companies or product lines that may be complementary or supplementary as part of our future efforts to expand the business, which acquisitions could be for cash, stock or a combination thereof. In either event, thereThere is no guarantee that any such acquisition will be successful or that an acquired company’s products, operations or corporate culture will mesh with our Company, integrate well, or that any economies of scale will be realized. In addition, any such transaction that involves the Company’s stock would cause dilution to investors. In addition, any such transaction that involves cash would result in a reallocation of funds on hand that would be needed to support an acquired company or acquired product line.

In order to expand ourthe Company’s business into additional states, weit may need to comply with regulatory requirements specific to such states and there can be no assurance that weit will be able to initially meet such requirements or that weit will be able to maintain compliance on an on-going basis.

 

While we believe our product, Lumega-Z®Lumega-Z®, to be a medical food and not a drug, it is only available under the supervision of a physician. While it is not available in pharmacies, we are mindful that the act of physicians prescribing, particularly if conducted across state lines, could potentially be subject to certain pharmacy regulations. Each state has its own regulations concerning physician dispensing, restrictions on the corporate practice of medicine, anti-kickback and false claims. In addition, each state has a board of pharmacy that regulates the sale and distribution of drugs and other therapeutic agents. Some states require a physician to obtain a license to dispense prescription products. While we do not believe these pharmacy requirements are applicable should a pharmacy board or medical board determine otherwise, there can be no assurance that we will be able to comply with the regulations of particular states into which we may expand or that we will be able to maintain compliance with the states in which we currently distribute our products. We currently have Lumega-Z customers in California, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Kentucky, Tennessee, Kansas, Indiana, Illinois, Minnesota, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Mississippi, Idaho, Utah, Nevada, Arizona, Washington, Hawaii and Alberta, Canada. Our inability to maintain compliance with the regulations of California and these other jurisdictions or expand our business into additional states may adversely affect our results of operations.

 

The Company is subject to anti-corruption laws, as well as export control laws, customs laws, sanctions laws and other laws governing our operations. If it fails to comply with these laws, it could be subject to civil or criminal penalties, other remedial measures and legal expenses, be precluded from developing manufacturing and selling certain products outside the U.S. or be required to develop and implement costly compliance programs, which could adversely affect its business, results of operations and financial condition.

Our operations are subject to anti-corruption laws, including the U.K. Bribery Act 2010, or Bribery Act, the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, or FCPA, and other anti-corruption laws that apply in countries where we do business and may do business in the future. The Bribery Act, FCPA and these other laws generally prohibit us, our officers, and our employees and intermediaries from bribing, being bribed or making other prohibited payments to government officials or other persons to obtain or retain business or gain some other business advantage. Compliance with the FCPA, in particular, is expensive and difficult, particularly in countries in which corruption is a recognized problem. In addition, the FCPA presents particular challenges in the pharmaceutical industry, because, in many countries, hospitals are operated by the government, and doctors and other hospital employees are considered foreign officials. Certain payments to hospitals in connection with clinical trials and other work have been deemed to be improper payments to government officials and have led to FCPA enforcement actions.

We may in the future operate in jurisdictions that pose a high risk of potential Bribery Act or FCPA violations, and we may participate in collaborations and relationships with third parties whose actions could potentially subject us to liability under the Bribery Act, FCPA or local anti-corruption laws. In addition, we cannot predict the nature, scope or effect of future regulatory requirements to which our international operations might be subject or the manner in which existing laws might be administered or interpreted. If we expand our operations outside of the U.S., we will need to dedicate additional resources to comply with numerous laws and regulations in each jurisdiction in which we plan to operate.

We are also subject to other laws and regulations governing our international operations, including regulations administered by the governments of the United Kingdom and the U.S., and authorities in the European Union, including applicable export control regulations, economic sanctions on countries and persons, customs requirements and currency exchange regulations, collectively referred to as the Trade Control laws. In addition, various laws, regulations and executive orders also restrict the use and dissemination outside of the U.S., or the sharing with certain non-U.S. nationals, of information classified for national security purposes, as well as certain products and technical data relating to those products. If we expand our presence outside of the U.S., it will require us to dedicate additional resources to comply with these laws, and these laws may preclude us from developing, manufacturing, or selling certain products and product candidates outside of the U.S., which could limit our growth potential and increase our development costs.

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We may not be completely effective in ensuring our compliance with all applicable anti-corruption laws, including the Bribery Act, the FCPA or other legal requirements, including Trade Control laws. If we are not in compliance with the Bribery Act, the FCPA and other anti-corruption laws or Trade Control laws, we may be subject to criminal and civil penalties, disgorgement and other sanctions and remedial measures, and legal expenses, which could have an adverse impact on our business, financial condition, results of operations and liquidity. The Securities and Exchange Commission also may suspend or bar issuers from trading securities on U.S. exchanges for violations of the FCPA’s accounting provisions. Any investigation of any potential violations of the Bribery Act, the FCPA, other anti-corruption laws or Trade Control laws by U.K., U.S. or other authorities could also have an adverse impact on our reputation, our business, results of operations and financial condition.

OurThe Company’s Second Amended and Restated Bylaws have andesignates the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware as the sole and exclusive forum for adjudicationcertain types of state law actions and proceedings that may be initiated by our stockholders, which could limit our stockholders’ ability to obtain a favorable judicial forum for disputes provision which limits the forum to the Delaware Court of Chancery for certain actions against the Company.with us or our directors, officers, employees or agents.

 

Article XI of our Second Amended and Restated Bylaws, or our Bylaws, dictates that the Delaware Court of Chancery is the sole and exclusive forum for certain state law based actions including certain derivative actionactions or proceedingproceedings brought on behalf of the Company; an action asserting a breach of fiduciary duty owed by an officer, a director, employee or to the shareholders of the Company; any claim arising under Delaware corporate law; and any action asserting a claim governed by the internal affairs doctrine. This means a shareholder has a limited forum in which to bring one of the above causes of action, which can be inconvenient for the shareholder.

 

A Delaware corporation

This exclusive forum provision does not apply to suits brought to enforce any liability or duty created by the Securities Act or the Exchange Act orother federal securities laws for which there is allowed to mandate in its corporate governance documents a chosenexclusive federal or concurrent federal and state jurisdiction.

This choice of forum for the resolution of state law based shareholder class actions, derivative suits and other intra-corporate disputes. The Company’s management believes limiting state law based claims to Delaware will provide the most appropriate outcomes as the risk of another forum misapplying Delaware law is avoided. Delaware courts have a well-developed body of case law and limiting the forum will preclude costly and duplicative litigation and avoids the risk of inconsistent outcomes. It also means a shareholder’sprovision may limit our stockholders’ abilityto bring a claim in a judicial forum that it believes isfinds favorable for disputes with us or our directors, officers, employees or agents, which may discourage such lawsuits against us and our directors, officers, employees and agents even though an action, if successful, might benefit our stockholders. Stockholders who do bring a claim in the Court of Chancery could face additional litigation costs in pursuing any such claim, particularly if they do not reside in or near Delaware. The Court of Chancery may also reach different judgments or results than would other courts, including courts where a stockholder considering an action may be located or would otherwise choose to bring the action, and such judgments or results may be more favorable to shareholdersus than to our stockholders. Alternatively, if a court were to find this provision of our Bylaws inapplicable to, or unenforceable in disputesrespect of, one or more of the specified types of actions or proceedings, we may incur additional costs associated with directors, officersresolving such matters in other jurisdictions, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or other employees is limited and may discourage shareholders from bringing such claims. Additionally, Delaware Chancery Courts can typically resolve disputes on an accelerated schedule when compared to other forums.results of operations.

 

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The Company has no experience in conducting transcranial doppler ultrasound studies.

 

The Company’s ability to realize the anticipated benefits of the new Transcranial Doppler Solutions, Inc. business will depend on its ability to attract qualified personnel and to successfully launch, market and advance a new service in an area where the Company has no experience, which may be a complex, costly and time-consuming process. The Company currently employs one individual who has experience in this area to lead the business, the loss of whom would affect the prospects of a successful launch and operation. The Company may be required to devote significant management attention and resources to develop the Transcranial Doppler Solutions, Inc. business. The initiation process may disrupt its business and, if implemented ineffectively, could restrict the realization of the full expected benefits of the new business service. The failure to meet the challenges involved in the initiation process and to realize the anticipated benefits of the new business could cause an interruption of, or a loss of momentum in, the Company’s operations and could adversely affect its business, financial condition and results of operations.

Risks Related to the Company’s Industry

Any failure to comply with all applicable federal and state confidentialityprivacy and security requirements for the protection of patient information may result in fines and other liabilities, which may adversely affect ourthe Company’s results of operations.operations and reputation.

 

When a physician recommends our medical food, Lumega-Z, to a patient we typically receive an order from the customer, but we do not usually receive medical information. As part of the operation of our business, it is possible, however, that during communication with customers or with physicians we might receive patient-identifiable medical information. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, Pub. L. No. 104-191 (“HIPAA”), the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act, Title XIII of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (the “HITECH Act”), and related regulations promulgated by the Secretary (“HIPAA Regulations”) grant a number of rights to individuals as to their identifiable confidential medical information (called “Protected Health Information”) and restrict the use and disclosure of Protected Health Information. Failure to comply with these confidentiality requirements may result in penalties and sanctions. In addition, certain state laws may impose independent obligations upon us with respect to patient-identifiable medical information. Moreover, various new laws relating to the acquisition, storage and transmission of patient medical information have been proposed at both the federal and state level. These laws (collectively, the “State and Federal Privacy and Security Laws”) present different risks as to the Company’s two lines of business: (1) our sale of medical food, Lumega-Z; and (2) our performance of Trans Cranial Doppler (“TCD”) testing.

1. Medical Food, Lumega-Z. When a physician recommends the Company’s medical food, Lumega-Z, to a patient, the Company typically receives an order from the customer, but does not usually receive medical information. As part of the operation of its business, it is possible, however, that during communication with customers or with physicians the Company might receive patient-identifiable medical information. To the extent the Company obtains access to Protected Health Information, it must ensure it complies with the State and Federal Privacy and Security Laws. Any failure to comply may result in fines and other liabilities, which may adversely affect ourits results of operations.

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2. The TCD Testing Business. In the TCD Testing line-of-business, the Company will go into physicians’ offices and, as a vendor to the physicians, perform TCD tests on patients, as ordered by and under the supervision of the patients’ treating physicians. Radiologists will read and report on the results of the tests, and the results will be reported back to the ordering/treating physician. The treating physician who orders the tests bill for the TCD tests to third party payors. During this process, the Company directly interacts with patients and has access to, processes and transmits Protected Health Information. As a result, the State and Federal Privacy and Security Laws will fully apply to the TCD Testing business. As required by federal law, the Company has been putting into place a HIPAA compliance program, including providing training to staff, instituting appropriate Business Associate Agreements, implementing required policies and procedures, and conducting regular risk assessments. Any failure to comply with the requirements of the State and Federal Privacy and Security Laws – or any loss of Protected Health Information, whether inadvertent or not – may result in fines and other liabilities, which may adversely affect the Company’s results of operations.

Any failure to comply with all applicable federal and state physician self-referral law (the “Stark Law”) may result in fines and other liabilities, which may adversely affect the Company’s results of operations and reputation.

 

Congress enacted significant prohibitions against physician self-referrals in the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993. This law and its supporting regulations, which have been amended and expanded substantially, are commonly referred to as the “Stark II,Law,appliesand prohibit a physician from making any referral of a Stark Designated Health Service (“DHS”) to an entity with which the physician dispensinghas any kind of financial relationship, unless all of the requirements of a statutory or regulatory exception are met. Stark covered DHS include both outpatient prescription drugs and diagnostic testing that are reimbursable by Medicare or Medicaid. OurMany states have similar laws, some of which can apply to all payors and not just governmental payors. While the Company believes that its arrangements with its customers are in compliance with the federal and any state Stark Laws, the Stark Laws present different levels of risks as to the Company’s two lines of business: (1) sale of the Company’s medical food, Lumega-Z, and medical device, the MapcatSF; and (2) the Company’s performance of TCD testing.

1. Medical Food, Lumega-Z, and Medical Device, the MapcatSF. These products are neither prescription drugs nor are they reimbursable under any federal program at present. Therefore, the Company believes that the federal Stark II,Law is not applicable. Further, the Company’s believes that these products are also not covered under any potentially applicable state Stark Laws. The federal Stark Law, however, includes an exception for the provision of in-office ancillary services, including a physician’s dispensing of outpatient prescription drugs, provided that the physician meets specified requirements. We believeTo the extent that the products might become reimbursable under a federal program, or otherwise become covered under the Stark Law, the Company believes that the physicians who use ourthe Company’s medical device, the MapcatSF, or recommend ourits medical food, Lumega-Z, to their patients are aware of these requirements, but we dorequirements. However, the Company does not monitor their compliance and havehas no assurance that the physicians are in material compliance with the Stark II.Law. If it were determined that the physicians who use ourthe Company’s medical device or prescribe medical foods purchased from usthe Company were not in compliance with Stark II, it could potentially have an adverse effect on ourthe Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations.

2. The TCD Testing Business. The TCD tests performed by the Company can be reimbursed by Medicare or Medicaid and otherwise constitute a Stark covered DHS, which include diagnostic testing. In conducting TCD tests, the Company will be providing the tests to the ordering physician, who will be paying TCD as a vendor to perform the test on behalf of the physician; and the physician will then be billing for the test to third party payers, including potentially Medicare and Medicaid. As a result, the tests will be considered to be an in-office ancillary service covered under Stark. The Stark Law, however, includes an exception for the provision of such in-office ancillary services, provided that the physician meets specified requirements. The Company believes that the physicians who engage the Company as a vendor to perform the TCD tests are aware of these requirements. However, the Company does not monitor the physicians’ compliance and has no assurance that the physicians are in material compliance with the Stark Law. If it were determined that the physicians were not in compliance with Stark, such could potentially have an adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

The Company believe its current structure of its relationships with the ordering physicians to be in compliance with all of the requirements of applicable Stark Law exceptions. Any failure to comply the requirements of the Stark Law, however, may result in fines and other liabilities, which may adversely affect the Company’s results of operations, and the future operations of the TCD business could be adversely affected.

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Any failure to comply with all applicable federal and state anti-kickback laws may result in fines and other liabilities, which may adversely affect the Company’s results of operations and reputation.

The federal anti-kickback statute (the “AKS”) applies to Medicare, Medicaid and other state and federal programs. At present, our products are not prescription drugs, nor are they reimbursable under any federal program. The federal anti-kickback statuteAKS prohibits the solicitation, offer, payment or receipt of remuneration in return for referrals or the purchase, or in return for recommending or arranging for the referral or purchase, of goods, including drugs, covered by the federal health care programs. At present, the Company does not participate in any federal programs and its products are not reimbursed by Medicare, Medicaid or any other state or federal program. The federal anti-kickbackAKS is a criminal statute with criminal penalties, as well as potential civil and administrative penalties. The AKS, however, provides a number of statutory exceptions and regulatory “safe harbors” for particular types of transactions. We believe that our arrangements with our customers are in material compliance with the anti-kickback statute and relevant safe harbors. Many states have similar fraud and abuse laws and we believetheir own anti-kickback laws, some of which can apply to all payors, and not just governmental payors. While the Company believes that we areit is in material compliance with those laws.both federal and state AKS laws, the AKS laws present different levels of risks as to the Company’s two lines of business: (1) sale of the Company’s medical food, Lumega-Z, and medical device, the MapcatSF; and (2) the Company’s performance of TCD testing.

1. Medical Food, Lumega-Z, and Medical Device, the MapcatSF. At present, we do not participate in any federal programs and ourthe Company’s products are not reimbursed by Medicare, Medicaid orreimbursable under any other state or federal program. If, however, that changes in the future and it were determined that we werethe Company was not in compliance with the federal anti-kickback statute, weAKS, the Company could be subject to liability, and ourits operations could be curtailed.curtailed, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations. Moreover, if the activities of ourits customers or other entity with which we havethe Company has a business relationship were found to constitute a violation of the federal anti-kickback lawAKS and we,the Company, as a result of the provision of products or services to such customer or entity, were found to have knowingly participated in such activities, wethe Company could be subject to sanctionsanctions or liability under such laws, including civil and/or criminal penalties, as well as exclusion from government health programs. As a result of exclusion from government health programs, neither products nor services could be provided to any beneficiaries of any federal healthcare program.

2. The TCD Testing Business. The TCD tests performed by the Company can be reimbursed by Medicare or Medicaid. As a result, the federal AKS (and potentially any applicable state anti-kickback law) will be implicated to the extent the financial relationships between the physician customers and the Company are (1) not set at a fair market value amount unrelated to the volume or value of TCD tests being ordered; or (2) were found to be a circumvention of the AKS through the creation of a suspect contractual joint venture. If the Company’s arrangements with ordering physicians were found to constitute a violation of the federal AKS, or any applicable state anti-kickback law, we could be subject to sanctions or liability under such laws, including civil and/or criminal penalties, as well as exclusion from government health programs. As a result of exclusion from government health programs, neither products nor services could be provided to any beneficiaries of any federal healthcare program.

As to the TCD Testing line of business, any failure to comply with applicable federal and state documentation, coding and billing laws, rules and regulations, including the federal False Claims or similar state laws, may result in fines and other liabilities, which may adversely affect the Company’s results of operations and reputation.

The Federal False Claims Act provides for the imposition of extensive financial penalties (including treble damages and fines of over $22,000 for every false claim) if a provider submits false claims to any governmental health program either knowingly or in reckless disregard or in deliberate ignorance of the truth or falsity of the claims at issue. Liability under the False Claims Act can arise from patterns of deficient documentation, coding and billing, as well as for billing for services that are deemed not to have been medically necessary for the treatment of the patient. Many states have their own False Claims Acts as well. The Company intends to bill governmental health care programs for the TCD testing, and the False Claims Act is thus potentially applicable to the Company’s operations. Here, the Company will not be billing for the performance of the tests to governmental health care plans; the treating and ordering physician will. As a result, any patterns of uncorrected deficiencies in coding and billing for TCD tests by the physician could result in fines or other liabilities imposed on the physician. The imposition of such fines and penalties or an investigation into any alleged deficiencies by the physician could adversely affect the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations.

Any failure to comply with all state laws relating to the Corporate Practice of Medicine or fee splitting may result in fines and other liabilities, which may adversely affect the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations and reputation.

 

Many states prohibit or otherwise regulate under Corporate Practice of Medicine (“CPOM”) rules the extent to which non-licensed personnel may be involved in the practice of medicine or otherwise employ licensed personnel. Related state rules further limit the extent to which fees for professional services may be shared or “split” between parties. Under the TCD Testing line of business, such rules in some states my impact the Company’s relationship with the radiologists who will be reading and interpreting the results of the TCD tests, and thereby providing the “professional component” of such tests. In order to avoid such a potential impact, the Company is structuring its financial and billing relationships with such radiologists to be in compliance with applicable state rules by providing that the Company will not be billing for the “professional component,” which will be billed instead either by the treating and ordering physician or the radiologists themselves. Failure to comply with state CPOM and fee splitting rules, however, may result in fines and other liabilities, which may adversely affect the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations.

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Increased government involvement in healthcare could adversely affect ourthe Company’s business.

 

U.S. healthcare system reform under the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 and other initiatives at both the federal and state level, could increase government involvement in healthcare, lower reimbursement rates and otherwise change the business environment of our customers and the other entities with which we have a business relationship. While no federal price controls are included in the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act, any legislation that reduces physician incentives to dispense medications in their offices could adversely affect physician acceptance of our products. We cannot predict whether or when future healthcare reform initiatives at the federal or state level or other initiatives affecting our business will be proposed, enacted or implemented or what impact those initiatives may have on our business, financial condition or results of operations. Our customers and the other entities with which we have a business relationship could react to these initiatives and the uncertainty surrounding these proposals by curtailing or deferring investments, including those for our products. Additionally, government regulation could alter the clinical workflow of physicians, hospitals and other healthcare participants, thereby limiting the utility of our products and services to existing and potential customers and curtailing broad acceptance of our products and services. Additionally, new safe harbors to the federal Anti-Kickback Statute and corresponding exceptions to such law may alter the competitive landscape.

 

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Risks Related to OurThe Company’s Common Stock

Following this offering, we will have a limited number of authorized shares of common stock available for issuance and will need to seek stockholder approval to amend our Certificate of Incorporation to either effect an increase in our authorized shares of common stock or a reverse split.

Immediately following this offering, we will have only 20,175,079 authorized but unissued shares of our common stock, of which 7,115,238 are currently reserved for issuance of outstanding options and warrants and the balance of which will be reserved for issuance of Series A Warrants. We will not have a sufficient number of authorized shares to permit exercise of the Series B Warrants. We will seek stockholder approval of an amendment to our certificate of incorporation to effect either an increase in the number of authorized shares of common stock or a reverse split, in either case, in an amount sufficient to permit the exercise in full of the Series B Warrants and fund our business. If we do not receive the requisite stockholder approval to enable us to issue equity in the future, our operations will likely be materially adversely impacted.

In addition, an increase in the authorized number of shares of common stock and the subsequent issuance of such shares could have the effect of delaying or preventing a change in control of our company without further action by our stockholders. Shares of authorized and unissued common stock could, within the limits imposed by applicable law, be issued in one or more transactions which would make a change in control of our company more difficult, and therefore less likely. Furthermore, there are risks associated with effecting a reverse stock split, including a decline in the market price of our common stock and the possibility of certain shareholders owning “odd lots” of less than 100 shares, which may be more difficult to sell, or require greater transaction costs per share to sell, than shares in “round lots” of even multiples of 100 shares. In addition, because holders of our common stock have no preemptive rights to purchase or subscribe for any unissued stock of our company, the availability of a greater number of authorized shares, whether as a result of a reverse split or an increase in the authorized number, could result in additional dilution to existing stockholders and investors in this offering.

You will be unable to exercise the Series B Warrants immediately and they may have no value under certain circumstances.

We will not have authorized shares available to permit exercise of the Series B Warrants and such warrants will not be exercisable if we do not obtain stockholder approval to either increase the number of authorized shares of common stock or effect a reverse stock split, in either case, in an amount sufficient to permit exercise in full of the Series B Warrants. If we are unable to obtain such approval, the Series B Warrants will have no value.

The Company is an “emerging growth company” and we haveit has elected to comply with certain reduced reporting and disclosure requirements which could make ourits common stock less attractive to investors.

 

We are an “emerging growth company,” as defined in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012, (the “JOBS Act”). For as long as we continue to be an emerging growth company, we have elected to take advantage of exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies that are not emerging growth companies, including (1) not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, which we refer to as the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, (2) reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in this prospectus and our periodic reports and proxy statements and (3) exemptions from the requirements of holding a nonbinding advisory vote on executive compensation and stockholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved. In addition, as an emerging growth company, we are only required to provide two years of audited financial statements and two years of selected financial data in this prospectus. As a result of these reduced reporting and disclosure requirements our financial statements may not be comparable to SEC registrants not classified as emerging growth companies. We may be an emerging growth company for up to five years following the first sale of our equity securities in a public offering, although circumstances could cause us to lose that status earlier, including if the market value of our common stock held by non-affiliates exceeds $700.0 million before that time or if we have total annual gross revenue of $1.0$1.07 billion or more during any fiscal year before that time, in which cases we would no longer be an emerging growth company as of the following December 31 or, if we issue more than $1.0 billion in non-convertible debt during any three-year period before that time, we would immediately cease to be an emerging growth company. Even after we no longer qualify as an emerging growth company, we may still qualify as a “smaller reporting company” which would allow us to take advantage of many of the same exemptions from disclosure requirements, including not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in our periodic reports and proxy statements. We cannot predict if investors will find our common stock less attractive because we may rely on these exemptions. If some investors find our common stock less attractive as a result, there may be a less active trading market for our common stock and our stock price may be more volatile.

 

Our independent registered public accounting firm will not be required to formally attest to the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting until the later of our second annual report or the first annual report required to be filed with the SEC following the date we are no longer an “emerging growth company” as defined in the JOBS Act. We cannot assure you that there will not be material weaknesses or significant deficiencies in our internal controls in the future.

 

Under the JOBS Act, emerging growth companies can also delay adopting new or revised accounting standards until such time as those standards apply to private companies. We have elected to avail ourselves of this exemption from new or revised accounting standards and, therefore, will not be subject to the same new or revised accounting standards as other SEC registrants that are not emerging growth companies.

 

Investors may find our common stock less attractive as a result of our election to utilize these exemptions, which could result in a less active trading market for our common stock and/or the market price of our common stock may be more volatile.

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OurThe Company’s directors and executive officers beneficially own a significant number of shares of ourthe Company’s common stock. Their interests may conflict with our outside stockholders, who may be unable to influence management and exercise control over ourthe business.

 

As of the date of this prospectus, our executive officers and directors beneficially own approximately 23.4%13% of our shares of common stock. As a result, our executive officers and directors may be able to:to affect the election or defeat the election of our directors, amend or prevent amendment to our certificates of incorporation or bylaws,Bylaws, effect or prevent a merger, sale of assets or other corporate transaction, and control the outcome of any other matter submitted to the shareholders for vote. Accordingly, our outside stockholders may be unable to influence management and exercise control over our business.

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We doThe Company does not intend to pay cash dividends to ourits stockholders, so you willmay not receive any return on your investment in ourthe Company prior to selling your interest in the Company.

 

We have never paid any dividends to our common stockholders and do not foresee doing so as a public company. We currently intend to retain any future earnings for funding growth and, therefore, do not expect to pay any cash dividends in the foreseeable future. If we determine that we will pay cash dividends to the holders of our common stock, we cannot assure that such cash dividends will be paid on a timely basis. The success of your investment in the Company will likely depend entirely upon any future appreciation. As a result, you will not receive any return on your investment prior to selling your shares in our Company and, for the other reasons discussed in this “Risk Factors” section, you may not receive any return on your investment even when you sell your shares in our Company.

WeThe Company will require additional capital in the future to support our currentits operations, and this capital has not always been readily available.

 

WeAfter this offering (even if the underwriter exercises its over-allotment option), in the future, we will likely require additional debt or equity financing to fund our current operations, including, but not limited to, working capital. As a publicly-owned reporting company, we expect that it may facilitate our ability to secure additional funds. Our limited operating history makes it difficult to evaluate our current business model and future prospects. Accordingly, investors should consider our prospects in light of the costs, uncertainties, delays and difficulties frequently encountered by companies in the early stages of development, as we have, in fact, encountered. Potential investors should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties that a new company with a limited operating history and with limited funds, will face. In particular, while we do not have current plans to re-prioritize our business plan, potential investors should consider that there is a significant risk that we will not be able to:

 

 limplement or execute our current business plan, which may or may not be sound;
 lmaintain our anticipated management and advisory team; and
 lraise sufficient funds in the capital markets to effectuate our business plan.

 

If we raise additional funds through further issuances of equity or convertible debt securities, our existing shareholders could suffer significant dilution, and any new equity securities we issue could have rights, preferences and privileges superior to those of holders of our existing capital stock. Any debt financing secured by us in the future could involve restrictive covenants relating to our capital raising activities and other financial and operational matters, which may make it more difficult for us to obtain additional capital and to pursue business opportunities. In addition, we may not be able to obtain additional financing on terms favorable to us, if at all. If we are unable to obtain adequate financing or financing on terms satisfactory to us, when we require it, our ability to continue to support our current operations and to respond to business challenges would be significantly limited. If we cannot access the capital necessary to support our business, we would be forced to curtail our business activities or even shut down operations. If we cannot execute any one of the foregoing or similar matters relating to our business, the business may fail, in which case you would lose the entire amount of your investment in the Company.

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The obligations associated with being a public company require significant resources and management attention, which may divert from ourthe Company’s business operations.

We are subject to the reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act, of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and Thethe Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (“SOX”).Act. The Exchange Act requires that we file annual, quarterly and current reports with respect to our business and financial condition, proxy statement, and other information. SOXThe Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires, among other things, that we establish and maintain effective internal controls and procedures for financial reporting. Our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Accounting Officer need to certify that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective in ensuring that material information we are required to disclose in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. We will need to hire additional financial reporting, internal controls and other financial personnel in order to develop and implement appropriate internal controls and reporting procedures. As a result, we will incur significant legal, accounting and other expenses. Furthermore, the need to establish the corporate infrastructure demanded of a public company may divert management’s attention from implementing our growth strategy, which could prevent us from improving our business, results of operations and financial condition. We have made, and will continue to make, changes to our internal controls and procedures for financial reporting and accounting systems to meet our reporting obligations as a public company. However, the measures we take may not be sufficient to satisfy our obligations as a public company. In addition, we cannot predict or estimate the amount of additional costs we may incur in order to comply with these requirements. We anticipate that these costs will materially increase our selling, general and administrative expenses.

 

Section 404 of SOXthe Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires annual management assessments of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. In connection with the implementation of the necessary procedures and practices related to internal control over financial reporting, we may identify deficiencies. If we are unable to comply with the internal controls requirements of SOX,the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, then we may not be able to obtain the independent account certifications required by that act, which may preclude us from keeping our filings with the SEC current, and interfere with the ability of investors to trade our securities and our shares to be quoted or our ability to list our shares on any national securities exchange.

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If we failthe Company fails to establish and maintain an effective system of internal controls, weit may not be able to report ourits financial results accurately or prevent fraud. Any inability to report and file ourits financial results accurately and timely could harm ourthe Company’s reputation and adversely impact the trading price of ourits common stock.

 

Effective internal controls are necessary for us to provide reliable financial reports and prevent fraud. If we cannot provide reliable financial reports or prevent fraud, we may not be able to manage our business as effectively as we would if an effective control environment existed, and our business and reputation with investors may be harmed. With each prospective acquisition, we will conduct whatever due diligence is necessary or prudentWe plan to assure us that the acquisition target can comply with the internal controls requirements of SOX.recruit additional personnel in order to achieve our financial reporting obligations. Notwithstanding our diligence, certain internal controls deficiencies may not be detected. As a result, any internal control deficiencies may adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations and access to capital. We have not performed an in-depth analysis to determine if historical undiscovered failures of internal controls exist, and may in the future discover areas of our internal controls that need improvement.improvement

 

Risks Related to OurThe Company’s Securities and this Offering

The Company’s failure to meet the continued listing requirements of Nasdaq could result in a delisting of our common stock.

 

On September 20, 2019, the Company received a notice (the “Notice”) from Nasdaq notifying the Company that the closing bid price of our common stock had been below $1.00 per share for 30 consecutive business days and that we no longer complied with the minimum bid price requirement for continued listing on The Nasdaq Capital Market.

The Notice has no immediate effect on the listing of our common stock on The Nasdaq Capital Market. Pursuant to Nasdaq Marketplace Rule 5810(c)(3)(A), we have been provided an initial compliance period of 180 calendar days, or until March 18, 2020, to regain compliance with the minimum bid price requirement. During the compliance period, our shares of common stock will continue to be listed and traded on The Nasdaq Capital Market. To regain compliance, the closing bid price of our common stock must meet or exceed $1.00 per share for a minimum of 10 consecutive business days during the 180 calendar day grace period.

In the event we are not in compliance with the minimum bid price requirement by March 18, 2020, we may be afforded a second 180 calendar day grace period. To qualify, we would be required to meet the continued listing requirements for market value of publicly held shares and all other initial listing standards for The Nasdaq Capital Market, with the exception of the minimum bid price requirement. In addition, we would be required to provide written notice of our intention to cure the minimum bid price deficiency during this second 180 day compliance period by effecting a reverse stock split, if necessary.

If we fail to satisfy the continued listing requirements of the NASDAQ Capital Market, including the minimum bid price requirement, Nasdaq may take steps to delist our common stock. Such a delisting would likely have a negative effect on the price of our common stock and would impair your ability to sell or purchase our common stock when you wish to do so. A delisting would adversely affect the liquidity, trading volume and likely the price of our common stock, causing the value of an investment in us to decrease and having an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

The Company will have broad discretion in the use of the net proceeds from this offering and may fail to apply these proceeds effectively.

The Company’s management will have broad discretion in the application of the net proceeds of this offering, including using the proceeds to conduct operations, expand and implement the Company’s business lines and for general working capital. The Company may also use the net proceeds of this offering to acquire or invest in complementary businesses, products, or technologies, or to obtain the right to use such complementary technologies. We have no commitments with respect to any acquisition or investment, however we do seek opportunities and transactions that management believes will be advantageous to the Company and its operations or prospects. We cannot specify with certainty the actual uses of the net proceeds of this offering. You may not agree with the manner in which our management chooses to allocate and spend the net proceeds. Pending their use, we may invest the net proceeds from this offering in a manner that does not produce income or that loses value. The failure by our management to apply these funds effectively could harm our business, financial condition and results of operations.

The Company’s stock price may be volatile, and you may not be able to resell your shares at or above the purchase price.

The market price of our common stock is volatile and could fluctuate widely in price in response to various factors, many of which are beyond our control, including the following:

our ability to execute our business plan;
changes in our industry;
competitive pricing pressures;
our ability to obtain working capital financing;
additions or departures of key personnel;
sales of our common stock;
operating results that fall below expectations;
regulatory developments;
economic and other external factors;
period-to-period fluctuations in our financial results;
the public’s response to press releases or other public announcements by us or third parties, including filings with the SEC;
changes in financial estimates or ratings by any securities analysts who follow our common stock, our failure to meet these estimates or failure of those analysts to initiate or maintain coverage of our common stock;
the development and sustainability of an active trading market for our common stock; and
any future sales of our common stock by our officers, directors and significant stockholders.

In addition, the securities markets have from time to time experienced significant price and volume fluctuations that are unrelated to the operating performance of particular companies. These market fluctuations may also materially and adversely affect the market price of our common stock.

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Our share price may decline due to the large number of shares recently eligible for sale.

The market price of our common stock could decline as a result of sales of a large number of shares of common stock in the market after the recent expiration of certain lock-up restrictions imposed on our shareholders in connection with our initial public offering, or the perception that such sales could occur. All of our executive officers, directors and holders of substantially all of our outstanding capital stock were subjected to lock-up agreements that restrict their ability to transfer shares of our capital stock for 180 days from the date of the underwriting agreement that was executed in connection with our initial public offering. Such lock-up restrictions expired on September 26, 2019. In connection with this offering, our directors, officers and certain stockholders will be subject to additional lock-up restrictions for a period of 180 days following this offering. Future sales, or the possibility that these sales may occur, also might make it more difficult for us to sell equity securities in the future at a time and at a price that we deem appropriate.

There is no public market for the Pre-Funded Warrants or the Warrants being offered in this offering.

There is no established public trading market for the Pre-Funded Warrants or the Warrants being offered in this offering, and we do not expect a market to develop. In addition, we do not intend to apply to list the Pre-Funded Warrants or the Warrants on any securities exchange or nationally recognized trading system, including Nasdaq. Without an active market, the liquidity of the Pre-Funded Warrants and the Warrants will be limited.

The Warrants are speculative in nature.

The Warrants offered hereby do not confer any rights of common stock ownership on their holders, such as voting rights or the right to receive dividends, but rather merely represent the right to acquire shares of common stock at a fixed price. Specifically, commencing on the date of issuance, holders of the Warrants may exercise their right to acquire the common stock and pay an exercise price of $           (based on the public offering price of $          per share of common stock), or     % of the public offering price of the common stock. Moreover, following this offering, the market value of the Warrants is uncertain and there can be no assurance that the market value of the Warrants will equal or exceed their public offering price. Furthermore, each Warrant will expire five years from the original issuance date.

In the event our common stock price does not exceed the exercise price of the Warrants during the period when the Warrants are exercisable,the Warrants may not have any value.

Holders of Pre-Funded Warrants or Warrants purchased in this offering will have no rights as common stockholders until such holders exercise such warrants and acquire our common stock.

Until holders of Pre-Funded Warrants or Warrants acquire shares of our common stock upon exercise thereof, holders of such warrants will have no rights with respect to the shares of our common stock underlying such warrants. Upon exercise of the Pre-Funded Warrants or Warrants, such holders will be entitled to exercise the rights of a common stockholder only as to matters for which the record date occurs after the exercise date.

Exercise of ouroutstanding options and warrants which may cause significant dilution to our shareholders.

We have a number of outstanding options and warrants, including outstanding August Warrants. We will also be issuing Warrants to purchase an aggregate of 19,342,359 shares of common stock in this offering. The August Warrants to purchase 226,200 shares of common stock are currently exercisable. These options and warrants provide the right to purchase additional shares of common stock at a price that may be less than the then prevailing market price per share of common stock, which therefore may cause additional dilution to our shareholders.

If we are deemed a “penny stock” issuer, you may have difficulty selling shares of our common stock.

The Company’s common stock is subject to the provisions of Section 15(g) and Rule 15g-9 of the Exchange Act, commonly referred to as the “penny stock rules.” Section 15(g) sets forth certain requirements for transactions in penny stock, and Rule 15g-9(d) incorporates the definition of “penny stock” that is found in Rule 3a51-1 of the Exchange Act. The SEC generally defines a penny stock to be any equity security that has a market price less than $5.00 per share (other than securities registered on certain national securities exchanges or quoted on the NASDAQ Stock Market), subject to certain exceptions. There can be no assurance that our shares of common stock will continue to qualify for exemption from the penny stock rules.

Public company compliance may make it more difficult to attract and retain officers and directors.

 

SOXThe Sarbanes Oxley Act and rules implemented by the SEC have required changes in corporate governance practices of public companies. As a public company, these rules and regulations increase our compliance costs and make certain activities more time consuming and costly. As a public company, these rules and regulations may make it more difficult and expensive for us to maintain our director and officer liability insurance and we may be required to accept reduced policy limits and coverage or incur substantially higher costs to obtain the same or similar coverage. As a result, it may be more difficult for us to attract and retain qualified persons to serve on our Board of Directors or as executive officers, and to maintain insurance at reasonable rates, or at all.

 

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Our stock price may be volatile and you may not be able to resell your shares at or above the purchase price.

The market price of our common stock is likely to be highly volatile and could fluctuate widely in price in response to various factors, many of which are beyond our control, including the following:

lour ability to execute our business plan;
lchanges in our industry;
lcompetitive pricing pressures;
lour ability to obtain working capital financing;
ladditions or departures of key personnel;
lsales of our common stock;
loperating results that fall below expectations;
lregulatory developments;
leconomic and other external factors;
lperiod-to-period fluctuations in our financial results;
lthe public’s response to press releases or other public announcements by us or third parties, including filings with the SEC;
lchanges in financial estimates or ratings by any securities analysts who follow our common stock, our failure to meet these estimates or failure of those analysts to initiate or maintain coverage of our common stock;
lthe development and sustainability of an active trading market for our common stock; and
lany future sales of our common stock by our officers, directors and significant stockholders.

In addition, the securities markets have from time to time experienced significant price and volume fluctuations that are unrelated to the operating performance of particular companies. These market fluctuations may also materially and adversely affect the market price of our common stock.

Our shares of common stock are not publicly traded and there can be no assurance that there will be an active market for our shares of common stock in the future.

Our shares of common stock are not currently publicly traded and timing for the commencement of trading is uncertain. There can be no assurance that there will be an active market for our shares of common stock in the future. If we are able to establish a public market for our securities, the market liquidity will be dependent on the perception of our operating business, among other things.  We intend to take certain steps including utilizing investor awareness campaigns and firms, press releases, road shows and conferences to increase awareness of our business. Any steps that we might take to bring us to the awareness of investors may require that we compensate consultants with cash and/or stock. There can be no assurance that there will be any awareness generated or the results of any efforts will result in any impact on our trading volume. Consequently, investors may not be able to liquidate their investment or liquidate it at a price that reflects the value of the business, and trading may be at an inflated price relative to the performance of the Company due to, among other things, the availability of sellers of our shares.

If an active market should develop, the price may be highly volatile. If there is a low price for our shares of common stock, many brokerage firms or clearing firms may not be willing to effect transactions in the securities or accept our shares for deposit in an account.  Many lending institutions will not permit the use of low priced shares of common stock as collateral for any loans.

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We are subject to penny stock regulations and restrictions and you may have difficulty selling shares of our common stock.

Our common stock will be subject to the provisions of Section 15(g) and Rule 15g-9 of the Exchange Act, commonly referred to as the “penny stock rules.”  Section 15(g) sets forth certain requirements for transactions in penny stock, and Rule 15g-9(d) incorporates the definition of “penny stock” that is found in Rule 3a51-1 of the Exchange Act.  The SEC generally defines a penny stock to be any equity security that has a market price less than $5.00 per share, subject to certain exceptions. We will be subject to the SEC’s penny stock rules.

Since our common stock will be deemed to be penny stock, trading in the shares of our common stock will be subject to additional sales practice requirements on broker-dealers who sell penny stock to persons other than established customers and accredited investors. “Accredited investors” are persons with assets in excess of $1,000,000 (excluding the value of such person’s primary residence) or annual income exceeding $200,000 or $300,000 together with their spouse. For transactions covered by these rules, broker-dealers must make a special suitability determination for the purchase of such security and must have the purchaser’s written consent to the transaction prior to the purchase. Additionally, for any transaction involving a penny stock, unless exempt from the rules require the delivery, prior to the first transaction of a risk disclosure document, prepared by the SEC, relating to the penny stock market.  A broker-dealer also must disclose the commissions payable to both the broker-dealer and the registered representative and current quotations for the securities.  Finally, monthly statements must be sent disclosing recent price information for the penny stocks held in an account and information to the limited market in penny stocks. Consequently, these rules may restrict the ability of broker-dealer to trade and/or maintain a market in our common stock and may affect the ability of the Company’s stockholders to sell their shares of common stock.

There can be no assurance that our shares of common stock will qualify for exemption from the penny stock rules. In any event, even if our common stock was exempt from the penny stock rules, we would remain subject to Section 15(b)(6) of the Exchange Act, which gives the SEC the authority to restrict any person from participating in a distribution of penny stock if the SEC finds that such a restriction would be in the public interest.

Forward Looking Statements

 

This prospectus contains forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements relate to future eventscontain information about our expectations, beliefs or future predictions, including eventsintentions regarding our product development and commercialization efforts, business, financial condition, results of operations, strategies or predictions relating to our future financial performance,prospects, and other similar matters. These forward-looking statements are based on management’s current expectations estimates, forecasts and projectionsassumptions about us, our future performance, our beliefsevents, which are inherently subject to uncertainties, risks and management’s assumptions.  Theychanges in circumstances that are generally identifiabledifficult to predict. These statements may be identified by use of the words “may,”such as “may”, “should”, “could”, “predict”, “potential”, “believe”, “will” “should,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “feel,” “confident,” “estimate,” “intend,” “predict,” “forecast,” “project,” “potential” or likely result”, “expect”, “continue”, “will”, “anticipate”, “seek”, “estimate”, “intend”, “plan”, “projection”, “would” and “outlook”, or the negative version of such termsthose words or phrases or other variationscomparable words or phrases of a future or forward-looking nature.

Actual results could differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements. Many factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements, including those matters discussed below, as well as those listed in the section titled “Risk Factors” above.

Other unknown or unpredictable factors that could also adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations may arise from time to time. Given these risks and uncertainties, the forward-looking statements discussed in this prospectus may not prove to be accurate. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on these words or comparable terminology.  Theseforward-looking statements, arewhich only predictions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, includingreflect the risks described under “Risk Factors” that may causeviews of the Company’s management as of the date of this prospectus. We undertake no obligation to update or its industry’srevise forward-looking statements to reflect changed assumptions, the occurrence of unanticipated events or changes to future operating results or expectations, except as required by law.

You should read this prospectus and the documents that we reference in this prospectus and have filed as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part completely and with the understanding that our actual future results levels of activity, performance or achievements tomay be materially different from any future results, levelswhat we expect. We qualify all of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.  In addition to the risks described in Risk Factors, important factors to consider and evaluate in suchour forward-looking statements include: (i) general economic conditions and changes in the external competitive market factors which might impact the Company’s results of operations; (ii) unanticipated working capital or other cash requirements including those created by the failure of the Company to adequately anticipate the costs associated with acquisitions and other critical activities; (iii) changes in the Company’s corporate strategy or an inability to execute its strategy due to unanticipated changes; and (iv) the failure of the Company to complete any or all of the transactions described herein on the terms currently contemplated.  In light of these risks and uncertainties, many of which are described in greater detail elsewhere in this Risk Factors discussion, there can be no assurance that the forward-lookingcautionary statements contained in this prospectus willsection and elsewhere in fact transpire.this prospectus.

Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, the Company cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements.  We will update or revise the forward-looking statements to the extent required by applicable law.

 

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USE OF PROCEEDS

 

We will not receive any of

The Company estimates that the net proceeds from the issuance and sale of shares of common stock, Warrants and Pre-Funded Warrants in this offering will be approximately $8,670,000 after deducting the underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by the Selling Securityholders.However, weCompany and assuming no issuance of any Pre-Funded Warrants, no exercise of the over-allotment option and a public offering price of $0.517 per share of common stock, which is the last reported sale price of our common stock on Nasdaq on October 23, 2019, and excluding the proceeds, if any, from the exercise of any Warrants issued in this offering. We will only receive additional proceeds from the exercise of the warrantsWarrants issuable in this offering if theysuch warrants are exercised at their exercise price of $         per share of common stock and the holders of such Warrants pay the exercise price in cash.

The Company intends to use the net proceeds from this offering to conduct operations, increase marketing efforts, increase investment in the Company’s existing business initiatives and products, developing the new NutriGuard brand and related product line, a focused, on-going review of potential acquisition opportunities and for cash bygeneral working capital.

The Company may also use a portion of the Selling Securityholders, and willnet proceeds of this offering to invest in or acquire complementary businesses, products, or technologies, or to obtain the right to use such proceeds for working capital purposes.complementary technologies. The Company has no commitments with respect to any acquisition or investment and is not currently involved in any negotiations with respect to any such transactions.

 

MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERSAs of the date of this prospectus, the Company cannot specify with certainty all of the particular uses for the net proceeds to be received upon the completion of this offering. The amounts and timing of its actual expenditures will depend on numerous factors, including the status of its product development efforts, sales and marketing activities, technological advances, amount of cash generated or used by its operations and competition. Accordingly, the Company’s management will have broad discretion in the application of the net proceeds and investors will be relying on the judgment of its management regarding the application of the proceeds of this offering.

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There is currently no public market for our shares of common stock.DIVIDEND POLICY

 

We intend to seek a listing of our common stock on the NYSE American under the symbol “GHSI” or “GRD” if available, however, we cannot assure you that our listing will be approved or that a public trading market will ever develop.

Dividend Policy

Guardion Health Sciences, Inc.The Company has not declared nor paid any cash dividend on ourits common stock, and weit currently intendintends to retain future earnings, if any, to finance the expansion of ourits business, and we dothe Company does not expect to pay any cash dividends in the foreseeable future. The decision whether to pay cash dividends on ourthe common stock will be made by ourits board of directors, in their discretion, and will depend on ourthe Company’s financial condition, results of operations, capital requirements and other factors that ourits board of directors considers significant.

 

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UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Acquisition of VectorVision, Inc.

 

On September 29, 2017, Guardion Health Sciences, Inc. (the “Company”) completed the acquisition of VectorVision Ohio, whereby we acquired substantially all the assets and assumed certain liabilities of VectorVision in exchange for 3,050,000 shares of our common stock, pursuant to an Asset Purchase and Reorganization Agreement. The shares issued to VectorVision Ohio stockholders represented approximately 11% of the Company’s issued and outstanding common stock immediately following the transaction. The Company acquired substantially all VectorVision Ohio assets, including inventory, equipment, trademarks and copyrights, and assumed certain outstanding line of credit and accounts payable liabilities.

We will account for the VectorVision acquisition using the acquisition method of accounting for business combinations under GAAP. Under the acquisition method of accounting, the total consideration paid is allocated to an acquired company’s tangible and intangible assets, liabilities, and any non-controlling interest based on their estimated fair values as of the acquisition date. Once we complete our final valuation processes for the VectorVision acquisition, we may report changes to the value of the assets acquired, as well as the amount of goodwill, and those changes could differ materially from what we present here.

The following unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements are based on our historical financial statements and VectorVision’s historical financial statements as adjusted to give effect to pro forma events that are (1) directly attributable to the acquisition, (2) factually supportable and (3) with respect to the pro forma condensed combined statements of operations, expected to have a continuing impact on the combined results following the acquisition. The unaudited pro forma condensed combined statements of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and the 12 months ended December 31, 2016 give effect to these transactions as if they had occurred on January 1, 2016. A pro forma balance sheet for the period ended September 30, 2017 is not being furnished herein because the balance sheet of VectorVision, Inc. as of September 30, 2017 is consolidated with the Company’s balance sheet as of September 30, 2017 that is included in the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter period ended September 30, 2017, which was filed with the SEC on November 13, 2017.

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The pro forma condensed combined financial statements do not necessarily reflect what the combined company’s financial condition or results of operations would have been had the acquisition occurred on the dates indicated. They also may not be useful in predicting the future financial condition and results of operations of the combined company. The actual financial position and results of operations may differ significantly from the pro forma amounts reflected herein. The pro forma condensed combined financial statements should be read together with the Company’s and VectorVision’s historical financial statements included herein.

Guardion Health Sciences, Inc.

Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Statement of Operations

For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017

  Guardion  VectorVision  Pro Forma       
  Historical  Historical  Adjustments  Notes  Pro Forma 
   (Unaudited)   (Unaudited)             
Revenue $178,610  $386,679  $-      $565,289 
                     
Cost of goods sold  82,420   121,748   -       204,168 
                     
Gross profit  96,190   264,931   -       361,121 
                     
Operating expenses                    
Research and development  131,330   34,000   -       165,330 
Sales and marketing  294,774   21,821   -       316,595 
General and administrative  2,758,331   173,947   235,978   (a)    3,168,256 
                     
Total operating expenses  3,184,435   229,768   235,978       3,650,181 
                     
(Loss) income from operations  (3,088,245)  35,163   (235,978)      (3,289,060)
                     
Other expenses:                    
Interest expense  20,817   5,367   -       26,184 
                     
Net (loss) income  (3,109,062)  29,796   (235,978)      (3,315,244)
                     
Adjustments related to Series A and Series B convertible preferred stock:                    
Accretion of deemed dividend  (335,337)  -   -       (335,337)
Dividend declared  (159,798)  -   -       (159,798)
Net (loss) income attributable to common shareholders $(3,604,197) $29,796  $(235,978)     $(3,810,379)
                     
Net loss per common share – basic and diluted $(0.14)             $(0.13)
Weighted average common shares outstanding – basic and diluted  25,469,112       3,050,000       28,519,112 

(a)Adjustment reflects intangible assets amortization expense, consulting fees earned, and incremental salary costs earned during the nine-month period ending September 30, 2017, as follows:

Adjustment Amount 
Amortization expense $160,978 
Consulting fees  67,500 
Salary increase  7,500 
  $235,978 

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Guardion Health Sciences, Inc.

Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Statement of Operations

For the Year Ended December 31, 2016

  Guardion  VectorVision  Pro Forma       
  Historical  Historical  Adjustments  Notes  Pro Forma 
                
Revenue $141,029  $231,458  $-      $372,487 
                     
Cost of goods sold  75,702   84,520   -       160,222 
                     
Gross profit  65,327   146,938   -       212,265 
                     
Operating expenses                    
Research and development  64,026   -   -       64,026 
Sales and marketing  389,111   12,353   -       401,464 
General and administrative  3,308,144   164,003   329,637   (b)    3,801,784 
Loss on settlement of promissory notes and accounts payable  249,739   -   -       249,739 
                     
Total operating expenses  4,011,020   176,356   329,637       4,517,013 
                     
Loss from operations  (3,945,693)  (29,418)  (329,637)      (4,304,748)
                     
Other expenses:                    
Interest expense and financing costs  1,104,557   8,224   -       1,112,781 
Change in fair value of note  698,147   -   -       698,147 
                     
Total other expenses  1,802,704   8,224   -       1,810,928 
                     
Net loss  (5,748,397)  (37,642)  (329,637)      (6,115,676)
                     
Adjustments related to Series A and Series B convertible preferred stock:                    
Accretion of deemed dividend  (760,011)  -   -       (760,011)
Dividend declared  (35,018)  -   -       (35,018)
Net loss attributable to common shareholders $(6,543,426) $(37,642) $(329,637)     $(6,910,705)
                     
Net loss per common share – basic and diluted $(0.30)             $(0.28)
Weighted average common shares outstanding – basic and diluted  21,800,719       3,050,000       24,850,719 

(b)Adjustment reflects intangible assets amortization expense, consulting fees earned, and incremental salary costs earned during the twelve-month period ending December 31, 2016, as follows:

Adjustment Amount 
Amortization expense $214,637 
Consulting fees  105,000 
Salary increase  10,000 
  $329,637 

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November Financing TransactionsCAPITALIZATION

On November 3, 2017, the Company completed the issuance and sale of an aggregate of 4,347,827 shares of common stock, par value $0.001 per share, at a purchase price of $1.15 per share. Total gross proceeds were $5,000,001. These shares were sold in a private placement to certain purchasers pursuant to a Stock Purchase Agreement dated as of November 3, 2017 as more fully set forth in the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on November 7, 2017 and the exhibits attached thereto.

The completion of the private placement triggered, at the Company’s election, the automatic conversion of the preferred stock into shares of common stock. Accordingly, immediately following the completion of the private placement, the Company effected the conversion of all outstanding shares of preferred stock into 6,981,938 shares of common stock (excluding accrued but unpaid dividends) effective November 3, 2017. The Company issued 205,242 shares of common stock for the accrued but unpaid dividends from October 1, 2017 through November 3, 2017, representing the payment in full of all Preferred Stock dividend obligations.

 

The following table sets forth the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet of the CompanyCompany’s cash and capitalization as of SeptemberJune 30, 2017 on 2019 on:

an as reported basis and on an unaudited pro formaactual basis;

● a pro-forma basis giving effect to (i) the August Offering and the receipt of approximately $4.9 million in net proceeds and (ii) (a) the exercise of 25,000 warrants by an investor for cash of $12,500, (b) the exercise of 1,000,000 August Pre-Funded Warrants into 1,000,000 shares of common stock and receipt of $10,000 upon such exercise and (c) the exercise, on a cashless basis, of 14,723,800 August Warrants and the issuance upon exercise thereof of 14,723,800 shares of common stock;

● a pro-forma, as adjusted basis giving further effect to the issuance and sale of shares of our common stock and accompanying Warrants in this offering at an assumed public offering price of $0.517 per share and accompanying Warrants, which is the last reported sale price for our common stock on November 3, 2017,Nasdaq on October 23, 2019, after deducting the underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us, and assuming no Pre-Funded Warrants are issued.

The information in this table is unaudited and is illustrative only and the Company’s capitalization following the completion of 4,347,827this offering will be adjusted based on the actual public offering price and other terms of this offering determined at pricing. You should read this table in conjunction with the information contained in “Use of Proceeds,” “Summary Financial Information” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation,” as well as the financial statements and the notes included elsewhere in this prospectus.

  As of June 30, 2019 
  Actual  As Adjusted  Pro Forma,
As Adjusted
 
Cash and cash equivalents $2,368,645  $7,259,993  $15,929,993 
Other current assets  486,912   486,912   486,912 
Non-current assets  2,842,584   2,842,584   2,842,584 
Total assets $5,698,141  $10,589,489  $19,259,489 
             
Current liabilities $528,916  $528,916  $528,916 
Lease liability – long term  481,137   481,137   481,137 
Total liabilities  1,010,053   1,010,053   1,010,053 
             
Stockholders’ equity:            
Common stock  22,734   50,483   69,825 
Additional paid-in capital  43,735,894   48,599,493   57,250,150 
Accumulated deficit  (39,070,540)  (39,070,540)  (39,070,540)
Total stockholders’ equity  4,688,088   9,579,436   18,249,436 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $5,698,141  $10,589,489  $19,259,489 

Except as otherwise indicted herein, the number of shares of our common stock to be outstanding after this offering is based on 50,482,562 shares of common stock issued and outstanding as of October 24, 2019 and excludes the following:

2,712,500shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of outstanding stock options as of that date having a weighted average exercise price of $3.18 per share;
1,276,538shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of outstanding warrants (excluding the August Warrants) as of that date having a weighted average exercise price of $0.97 per share;
226,200 of common stock issuable upon the exercise of outstanding August Warrants having an exercise price of $0.585 per share; and
2,900,000shares of our common stock reserved for future issuance under theGuardion Health Sciences 2018 Equity Incentive Plan, or the 2018 Plan.
the exercise by the underwriters of their over-allotment option to purchase additional shares of common stock and/or Warrants; and
the exercise of any warrants issued in connection with this offering.

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DILUTION

If you invest in the Company’s common stock in this offering, your ownership interest will be diluted to the extent of the difference between the offering price per share of its common stock and the as adjusted net tangible book value per share of its common stock immediately after the offering. Historical net tangible book value per share represents the amount of the Company’s Common Stock at a pricetotal tangible assets less total liabilities, divided by the number of $1.15 per share, representing an aggregate purchase priceshares of $5,000,001, the conversion on November 3, 2017 of 4,810,154 sharesits common stock outstanding.

The historical net tangible book value (deficit) of the Company’s Series A and Series B Preferred Stock into 6,981,938common stock as of June 30, 2019 was approximately $2,775,782 or $0.12 per share based upon shares of Common Stock,common stock outstanding on such date. Historical net tangible book value per share represents the amount of its total tangible assets reduced by the amount of its total liabilities, divided by the total number of shares of common stock outstanding.

On a pro-forma basis, after giving effect to (i) the August Offering and issuance of 12,000,000 common shares and the receipt of approximately $4.9 million in net proceeds and (ii) (a) the exercise of 25,000 warrants by an investor for cash of $12,500, (b) the exercise of 1,000,000 August Pre-Funded Warrants into 1,000,000 shares of common stock and receipt of $10,000 upon such exercise and (c) the exercise, on a cashless basis, of 14,723,800 August Warrants and the issuance on November 3, 2017upon exercise thereof of 205,24214,723,800 shares of Common Stockcommon stock, the Company’s pro forma net tangible book value as payment in full for all accrued but unpaid dividends associated with the Preferred Stock:of June 30, 2019 would have been $7,667,130 or $0.15 per share.

 

  

Actual

As Reported

  

Pro Forma

As Adjusted

 
   (Unaudited)   (Unaudited) 
Assets        
         
Total current assets $1,539,402  $6,539,405 
Total long-term assets  2,338,943   2,338,943 
         
Total assets $3,878,345  $8,878,346 
         
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity        
         
Total liabilities $756,498  $756,498 
         
Stockholders’ Equity        
         
Series A preferred stock, $0.001 par value; 2,000,000 shares authorized; 1,705,154 shares issued and outstanding as reported, and 0 shares, as adjusted  1,705   - 
Series B preferred stock, $0.001 par value; 8,000,000 shares authorized; 3,105,000 shares issued and outstanding as reported, and 0 shares, as adjusted  3,105   - 
Common stock, $0.001 par value; 90,000,000 shares authorized; 28,961,058  shares issued and outstanding as reported, and 40,496,065 shares, as adjusted  28,961   40,496 
Additional paid-in capital  27,342,480   31,920,310 
Accumulated deficit  (24,254,404)  (23,838,958)
         
Total stockholders’ equity  3,121,847   8,121,848 
         
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $3,878,345  $8,878,346 

On a pro-forma, as adjusted basis, after giving effect to the Company’s issuance and sale of 19,342,359 shares of our common stock in this offering at an assumed public offering price of $0.517 per share and accompanying Warrants, which is the last reported sale price of our common stock on Nasdaq on October 23, 2019, and after deducting the underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us, assuming no exercise of the over-allotment option and no issuance of any Pre-Funded Warrant, the Company’s pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value as of June 30, 2019 would have been $16,337,130 or $0.234 per share. This represents an immediate increase in net tangible book value of $0.084 per share to the Company’s existing stockholders, and an immediate dilution in net tangible book value of $0.283 per share to new investors. The following table illustrates this per share dilution:

 

Assumed public offering price per share and accompanying warrants     $0.517 
Pro Forma Net tangible book value per share as of June 30, 2019 $

0.150

     
Increase in pro forma net tangible book value per share attributable to new investors in this offering  0.084     
         
Pro-forma, As adjusted net tangible book value, after this offering      0.234 
         
Dilution per share to new investors in this offering     $0.283 

Each $1.00 increase in the assumed public offering price of $0.517 per share and accompanying Warrants, which is the last reported sale price of our common stock on Nasdaq on October 23, 2019, would increase our pro-forma, as adjusted net tangible book value per share after this offering by $0.252 and increase the dilution per share to new investors purchasing shares in this offering by $0.748 assuming the number of securities offered by us, as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, remains the same, no Pre-Funded Warrants are issued, and after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us.

Each $0.50 increase (decrease) in the assumed public offering price of $0.517 per share and accompanying Warrants, which is the last reported sale price of our common stock on Nasdaq on October 23, 2019, would increase (decrease) our pro-forma as adjusted net tangible book value per share after this offering by $0.126 and increase (decrease) the dilution per share to new investors purchasing shares in this offering by $0.374 assuming the number of securities offered by us, as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, remains the same, no Pre-Funded Warrants are issued, and after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us.

We may also increase or decrease the number of securities to be issued in this offering. Each increase (decrease) of 1.0 million shares and accompanying Warrants offered by us would increase (decrease) our as adjusted net tangible book value per share and the dilution per share and accompanying Warrants to new investors purchasing securities in this offering by $0.00, assuming that the assumed public offering price remains the same, no Pre-Funded Warrants are issued, and after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us.

The information discussed above is illustrative only and will be adjusted based on the actual public offering price and other terms of this offering as determined between us and the underwriters at pricing.

Except as otherwise indicted herein, the number of shares of our common stock to be outstanding after this offering is based on 50,482,562 shares of common stock issued and outstanding as of October 24, 2019 and excludes the following:

2,712,500shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of outstanding stock options as of that date having a weighted average exercise price of $3.18 per share;
1,276,538shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of outstanding warrants (excluding the August Warrants) as of that date having a weighted average exercise price of $0.97 per share;
226,200 of common stock issuable upon the exercise of outstanding August Warrants having an exercise price of $0.585 per share; and
2,900,000shares of our common stock reserved for future issuance under theGuardion Health Sciences 2018 Equity Incentive Plan, or the 2018 Plan.

the exercise by the underwriters of their over-allotment option to purchase additional shares of common stock and/or Warrants; and
the exercise of any Warrants issued in connection with this offering.

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

 

Presentation of Information

As used in this prospectus, the terms “we,” “us” “our” and the “Company” mean Guardion Health Sciences, Inc. and its subsidiaries unless the context requires otherwise. The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with ourthe Company’s audited (and unaudited) financial statements and the related notes that are incorporated by reference into this prospectus.thereto. All dollar amounts in this registration statement refer to U.S. dollars unless otherwise indicated.

 

Overview

 

Guardion Health Sciences, Inc. (the “Company” or “we”) was formed in December 2009 in California as a limited liability company under the name P4L Health Sciences, LLC, and weit subsequently changed ourits name to Guardion Health Sciences, LLC. On June 30, 2015, wethe Company converted from a California limited liability company to a Delaware corporation, changing ourits name to Guardion Health Sciences, Inc.

 

We areThe Company is a specialty health sciences company formed to develop, formulate and distribute condition-specific medical foods with an initial medical food product on the market under the brand name Lumega-Z® that replenishesis designed to replenish and restoresrestore the macular protective pigment. A depleted macular protective pigment is a modifiable risk factor for retina basedretina-based diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (“AMD”), computer vision syndrome (“CVS”) and diabetic retinopathy. The Company believes this risk may be modified by taking Lumega-Z to maintain a healthy macular protective pigment. Additional research has also shown a depleted macular protective pigment to be a biomarker for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. We have had limited operations to date, and have primarily been engaged in research, development, commercialization and capital raising.

 

We have also developedThe Company invented a proprietary technology, embodied in the Company’s medical device, called the MapcatSF®that accurately measures the macular pigment optical density (“MPOD”). We invented our own proprietary patented technology embodied in the MapcatSF. On November 8, 2016, the USPTOUnited States Patent and Trademark Office (“USPTO”) issued patent number 9,486,136 for the MapcatSF invention. Using the MapcatSF to measure the MPOD allows one to monitor the increase in the density of the macular protective pigment after taking Lumega-Z. The MapcatSF is a non-mydriatic, non-invasive device that is designed to accurately measuremeasures the MPOD, the lens optical density and lens equivalent age, thereby creating an evidence-based protocol that is shared with the patient. A non-mydriatic device is one that does not require dilation of the pupil for it to function. The MapcatSF is intended to be the first medical device using a patented “single fixation” process and “automatic lens density correction” that produces accurate serialized data.

 

Lumega-Z hasIn September 2017, the Company, through its wholly-owned subsidiary VectorVision Ocular Health, Inc. (“VectorVision”), acquired substantially all of the assets and certain liabilities of VectorVision, Inc., a patent-pending formulacompany that replenishesspecialized in the standardization of contrast sensitivity, glare sensitivity, low contrast acuity, and restoresearly treatment diabetic retinopathy study (“ETDRS”) visual acuity testing. VectorVision’s standardization system is designed to provide the macular protective pigment simultaneously delivering critical and essential nutrientspractitioner or researcher with the ability to delineate very small changes in visual capability, either as compared to the eye. Formulatedpopulation or from visit to visit. VectorVision develops, manufactures and sells equipment and supplies for standardized vision testing for use by Dr. Sheldon Hendlereye doctors in 2010, modifications were made overclinical trials, for real-world vision evaluation, and industrial vision testing. The acquisition expanded the Company’s technical portfolio. CSV-1000 and CSV-3000 instruments offer auto-calibrated tests to ensure correct testing luminance and contrast levels for consistent, highly accurate and repeatable results. Recently issued patents the Company received for continuously calibrating the light source, an automated standardization technology the Company refers to as AcQvizTM, are expected to be incorporated into the new CSV-2000, in which the proprietary standardized contrast sensitivity test patterns can be presented to the patient using a two-year periodcomputer monitor as opposed to improve the tastecurrent calibrated backlit system. The Company believes the acquisition of VectorVision further establishes its position at the forefront of early detection, intervention and methodmonitoring of delivery. We believe that therea range of eye diseases.

In August 2018, the Company created a wholly owned subsidiary, Transcranial Doppler Solutions, Inc. (“TDSI”). TDSI is an increasing leveldedicated to the pursuit of acceptance of medical foods as a primary therapy byearly predictors resulting in, the Company believes, valuable therapeutic intervention for practitioners and their patients, and healthcare providersadditional revenue streams generated from the testing and sale of Company products to treat pain syndromes, sleepappropriate customers. The Company has established operations with selected clinics and cognitive disorders, obesity, hypertension,is focusing on expanding its client base.

In November 2018, the Company launched a new medical food product, GlaucoCetinTM, which the Company believes is the first vision-specific medical food designed to support and viral infection. protect the mitochondrial function of optic nerve cells and improve blood flow in the ophthalmic artery in patients with glaucoma.

In clinical practice, medical foods are being prescribed as bothSeptember 2019, the Company, through its wholly owned subsidiary NutriGuard Formulations, Inc., acquired the nutraceuticals business from NutriGuard Research, Inc. See “Recent Developments” below. Pursuant to the Asset Purchase Agreement, the Company agreed to purchase specified assets of the NutriGuard brand and business, primarily consisting of inventory, trademarks, copyrights and other intellectual property. Once developed, the NutriGuard Formulations nutraceutical product line should provide the Company a standalone therapynew direct-to-consumer (“DTC”) capability. The Company intends to build a portfolio of nutraceutical products under the NutriGuard brand by developing new formulations and as an adjunct therapymarketing its products to low doses of commonly prescribed drugs. We believe that medical foods will continuepatients directly through DTC channels and through recommendations by their physicians.

The Company has had limited operations to growdate and has been primarily engaged in importance over the coming years.research and development, product commercialization and capital raising activities.

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By combining ourthe MapcatSF medical device, the VectorVision standardized vision testing technology and Lumega-Z medical food, we havethe Company has developed, based on our management’sManagement’s knowledge of the industry, what we believeit believes to be the only reliable two-pronged,three-pronged, evidence-based protocol for replenishing and restoring the macular protective pigment, and increasing overall retinal health.

-37-

Recent Developmentshealth and measuring the related improvements in visual function.

 

Recent Developments

Acquisition of VectorVision, Inc.Initial Public Offering

 

On September 29, 2017,April 9, 2019, the Company through a wholly-owned subsidiary, completed the acquisitionclosed its initial public offering (the “IPO”) of substantially all of the assets and liabilities of VectorVision Ohio, in exchange for 3,050,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, pursuant to the terms of an Asset Purchase and Reorganization Agreement, which agreement was entered into on an arm’s-length basis. The wholly-owned subsidiary that acquired the business is called VectorVision Ocular Health, Inc., a Delaware corporation, doing business as “VectorVision”. VectorVision Ohio’s assets acquired by the Company pursuant to the agreement included, among others, accounts receivable, fixed assets, inventories, trademarks and copyrights. VectorVision Ohio’s liabilities assumed by the Company included, among others, certain trade accounts payable to third parties and accrued liabilities, and amounts owed under an outstanding line of credit.

With respect to the 3,050,000 shares of common stock referred to above, 250,000 shares were held back as security for VectorVision Ohio’s indemnification obligations to the Company and the remaining 2,800,000 shares were issued to VectorVision Ohio at the closing of the transaction. The shares represented approximately 11% of the Company’s issued and outstanding common stock immediately following consummation of the acquisition. The shares held back as security are included in our weighted average common shares outstanding for purposes of calculating net loss per common share.

Sale of Common Stock and Conversion of Preferred Stock into Common Stock

On November 3, 2017, the Company completed the issuance and sale of an aggregate of 4,347,8271,250,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.001 per share, at a purchasean IPO price to the public of $1.15$4.00 per share. Total grossshare resulting in net proceeds were $5,000,001. Theseto the Company of $3,888,000 after all costs and expenses. The shares were sold in a private placement to certain purchasers pursuant to a Stock Purchase Agreement dated as of November 3, 2017 as more fully set forth inbegan trading on the Company’s Current ReportNASDAQ Capital Market on Form 8-K filed withApril 5, 2019 under the SEC on November 7, 2017 and the exhibits attached thereto.symbol “GHSI.”

 

The completion of the private placement triggered, at the Company’s election, the automatic conversion of the preferred stock into shares of common stock. Accordingly, immediately following the completion of the private placement,Follow-On Public Offering

On August 15, 2019, the Company effected the conversionconsummated an underwritten public offering (the “August Offering”) of all outstanding shares of preferred stock into 6,981,938(i) 12,000,000 shares of common stock, (excluding accrued but unpaid dividends) effective November 3, 2017. The Company issued 205,242(ii) pre-funded warrants exercisable for 1,000,000 shares of common stock for(the “Pre-Funded Warrants”), and (iii) warrants to purchase up to an aggregate of 13,000,000 shares of common stock (the “August Warrants”). The August Offering was conducted pursuant to an Underwriting Agreement, dated August 13, 2019 by and between the accrued but unpaid dividendsCompany and Maxim Group LLC and WallachBeth Capital, LLC. On August 16, 2019, the Company sold an additional 1,950,000 August Warrants upon exercise of the underwriters’ over-allotment option. The net proceeds to the Company from October 1, 2017 through November 3, 2017, representing the payment in full of all Preferred Stock dividend obligations.August Offering, after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and other estimated expenses was approximately $4.9 million.

 

The public offering price was $0.44 per share of common stock and $0.01 per accompanying August Warrant. Each August Warrant represents the right to purchase one share of common stock at an exercise price of $0.585 per share. The August Warrants are exercisable immediately, expire five years from the date of issuance and provide that, beginning on the earlier of (i) September 11, 2019 and (ii) the date on which the common stock traded an aggregate of more than 40,000,000 shares after the announcement of the pricing of the August Offering, and ending on the twelve (12) month anniversary thereof, each August Warrant may be exercised at the option of the holder on a cashless basis at a ratio of one August Warrant for one share of common stock, in whole or in part, if the weighted average price of the Common Stock on the trading day immediately prior to the exercise date fails to exceed the initial exercise price of the August Warrant. As of October 24, 2019, 1,000,000 August Pre-Funded Warrants have been exercised for proceeds of $10,000 and 14,723,800 August Warrants have been exercised on a cashless basis, and the Company has issued an aggregate of 15,723,800 shares of common stock upon such exercises.

NutriGuard Acquisition

Effective September 20, 2019 (the “Effective Date”), the Company’s newly-formed wholly-owned subsidiary, NutriGuard Formulations, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Buyer”), entered into an asset purchase agreement (the “Asset Purchase Agreement”) with NutriGuard Research, Inc., a California corporation (“NutriGuard”), and NutriGuard’s sole shareholder, Mark McCarty (the “NutriGuard Acquisition”).

Pursuant to the Asset Purchase Agreement, Buyer agreed to purchase from NutriGuard specified assets of the NutriGuard brand and business, primarily consisting of inventory, trademarks, copyrights and other intellectual property. In exchange, Buyer agreed to pay a royalty fee to NutriGuard subsequent to meeting certain financial performance metrics based on the operating results of the NutriGuard brand of products following the Effective Date. NutriGuard and Mr. McCarty also agreed, among other terms, to no longer use the “NutriGuard” name upon the Effective Date.

Pursuant to the terms of the Asset Purchase Agreement, Mr. McCarty entered into a consulting agreement (the “Consulting Agreement”) with Buyer pursuant to which Mr. McCarty will provide consulting services to, and serve as the Director of Research of, Buyer. Additionally, the Company agreed to grant to Mr. McCarty stock options to purchase 100,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, exercisable at a price of $0.5411 per share (which was the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the Effective Date). The options were granted under the terms of the Company’s 2018 Equity Incentive Plan, which options vest as follows: 25% on the Effective Date, 25% on the first anniversary following the Effective Date, 25% on the second anniversary following the Effective Date, and 25% on the third anniversary following the Effective Date. The vested portion of the options may be exercised at any time prior to the earliest to occur of: (a) the 5th anniversary of the Effective Date; (b) 90 days following the termination of the Consulting Agreement for any reason other than “for cause”; (c) 6 months following termination of the Consulting Agreement due to Mr. McCarty’s death or disability; or (iv) in the event of a termination of Mr. McCarty “for cause” under the Consulting Agreement.

Going Concern

 

The financial statements have been prepared assuming the Company will continue as a going concern. The Company had a net loss of $3,109,062$4,437,177 and utilized cash in operating activities of $1,914,745$2,493,696 during the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017.2019. The Company expects to continue to incur net losses and negative operating cash flows in the near-term. The CompanyAs a result, management has completed multiple capital financing transactions during 2017, resulting in cash on hand of $1,269,755 at September 30, 2017, and an additional $5,000,000 was received on November 3, 2017 in connection with the private placement of common stock referred to above.

As of December 31, 2016, management had concluded that there wasis substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year of the date that the consolidated financial statements were issued, and theissued.

The Company’s independent registered public accounting firm has also included explanatory going concern language in their reportopinion accompanying the Company’s audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2016.2018. The Company’s financial statements do not include any adjustments to reflect the possible future effects on the recoverability and classification of assets or the amounts and classifications of liabilities that may result from the possible inability of the Company to continue as a going concern.

 

Although recent capital transactions have significantly improved our current cash position, we

The Company will continue to incur significant expenses for continued commercialization activities related to our lead product Lumega-Z, the MapcatSF®medical device, and the CSV-1000 and CSV-3000 devices, and with respect to efforts to build our infrastructure.VectorVision products. Development and commercialization of medical foods and medical devices involves a lengthy and complex process. Additionally, ourthe Company’s long-term viability and growth may depend upon the successful development and commercialization of new complementary products other than Lumega-Z,or product lines. On April 9, 2019, the MapcatSF andCompany completed the CSV-1000 and CSV-3000 devices. We are continuing attemptsIPO, resulting in net cash proceeds of $3,888,000 to the Company. On August 15, 2019, the Company completed the August Offering resulting in gross cash proceeds of approximately $5.8 million to the Company. The Company is seeking to raise additional debt and/or equity capital to fund future operations, including via this offering, but there can be no assurances that wethe Company will be able to secure such additional financing in the amounts necessary to fully fund ourits operating requirements on acceptable terms or at all. If we arethe Company is unable to access sufficient capital resources on a timely basis, wethe Company may be forced to reduce or discontinue ourits technology and product development programs and curtail or cease operations.

Reverse Stock Split

On January 30, 2019, following stockholder and Board approval, the Company filed a Certificate of Amendment to its Amended Certificate of Incorporation, as amended (the “Amendment”), with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware to effectuate a one-for-two (1:2) reverse stock split (the “Reverse Stock Split”) of its common stock, par value $0.001 per share, without any change to its par value. The Amendment became effective on the filing date. The number of shares authorized for common and authorized and outstanding preferred stock were not affected by the Reverse Stock Split. No fractional shares were issued in connection with the Reverse Stock Split as all fractional shares were “rounded up” to the next whole share. Proportional adjustments for the Reverse Stock Split were made to the Company’s outstanding common stock, stock options, and warrants as if the split occurred at the beginning of the earliest period presented.

 

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Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

See Note 2 to the condensed consolidated financial statements for our managements’the period ended June 30, 2019 for management’s discussion of recent accounting pronouncements.

 

Concentration ofRisk

 

Cash balances are maintained at large, well-established financial institutions. At times, cash balances may exceed federally insured limits. Insurance coverage limits are $250,000 per depositor at each financial institution. The Company has never experienced any losses related to these balances. Insurance coverage limits are $250,000 per depositor at each financial institution.

 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

 

OurThe Company’s financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). The preparation of ourits financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and reported amounts of expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. OurThe Company’s financial statements included herein include all adjustments, consisting of only normal recurring adjustments, necessary to present fairly ourthe Company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

 

The following critical accounting policies affect the more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of ourthe Company’s financial statements.

 

Intangible Assets

 

In connection with our acquisition ofthe VectorVision Inc., wetransaction, the Company identified and allocated estimated fair values to intangible assets including goodwill and customer relationships.

 

In accordance with Accounting Standard Codification (“ASC”) 350 – Intangibles – Goodwill and Other, wethe Company determined whether these assets are expected to have indefinite (such as goodwill) or limited useful lives, and for those with limited lives, wethe Company established an amortization period and method of amortization. OurThe Company’s goodwill and other intangible assets are subject to periodic impairment testing.

 

We utilizeThe Company utilized the services of an independent third partythird-party valuation firm to assist usit in identifying intangible assets and in estimating their fair values. The useful lives for ourits intangible assets other than goodwill arewere estimated based on Management’s consideration of various factors, including assumptions that market participants might use about sales expectations as well as potential effects of obsolescence, competition, technological progress and the regulatory environment. Because the future pattern in which the economic benefits of these intangible assets may not be reliably determined, amortization expense is generally calculated on a straight-line basis.

 

The Company reviews all intangible assets for impairment when circumstances indicate that their carrying values may not be recoverable. If the carrying value of an asset group is not recoverable, the Company recognizes an impairment loss for the excess carrying value over the fair value in its consolidated statements of operations. As of June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the Company was not aware of the existence of any indicators of impairment of its intangibles at such dates.

Goodwill

Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase consideration over the fair value of the net tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired in a business combination. The Company evaluates goodwill for impairment on an annual basis or whenever events and changes in circumstances suggest that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. The Company conducts its annual impairment analysis in the beginning of the fourth quarter of each fiscal year. Impairment of goodwill is tested at the reporting unit level by comparing the reporting unit’s carrying amount, including goodwill, to the fair value of the reporting unit. Estimations and assumptions regarding the number of reporting units, future performances, results of the Company’s operations and comparability of its market capitalization and net book value will be used. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, goodwill is considered impaired and an impairment loss is measured by the resulting amount. As of June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the Company was not aware of the existence of any indicators of impairment of its goodwill at such dates.

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Stock-Based Compensation

 

WeThe Company periodically issueissues stock-based compensation to officers, directors, contractors and other consultants for services rendered. Such issuances vest and expire according to terms established at the issuance date.

 

Stock-based payments to officers, directors, and directors, consultants, contractors, and to employees, in the future which will include grants of employee stock options, are recognized in the financial statements based on their fair values. Stock option grants, which are generally time vested, will be measured at the grant date fair value and charged to operations on a straight-line basis over the vesting period. The fair value of stock options is determined utilizing the Black-Scholes option-pricing model, which is affected by several variables, including the risk-free interest rate, the expected dividend yield, the expected life of the equity award, the exercise price of the stock option as compared to the fair market value of the common stock on the grant date and the estimated volatility of the common stock over the term of the equity award.

 

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The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant. Until we have established a trading market for our common stock, estimated volatility is based on the average historical volatilities of comparable public companies in a similar industry. The expected dividend yield is based on the current yield at the grant date; we have never declared or paid dividends on our common stock and have no plans to do so for the foreseeable future.

The fair value of common stock was determined based on management’s judgment. In order to assist management in calculating such fair value,prior periods, the Company retained an independent third-party valuation firm whose input was utilized in determining the related per unit or share valuations of the Company’s equity instruments. Management used valuations of $1.00 per unit or share in its fair value calculationsaccounted for the periods between January 1, 2016 and September 30, 2016, and $0.88 per share for periods between October 1, 2016 and June 30, 2017. Per share valuations are based on various inputs, including valuation reports prepared by third-party valuation firms and are impacted by the dilutive effect of the issuance of common shares as compensation during the periods. There are numerous acceptable ways to estimate company value, including using net tangible assets, a market-based approach, or discounted cash flows. The Company considered alternative methods and concluded that due to the lack of suitably comparable market data, the discounted cash flows method was the most appropriate. A discounted cash flows (i.e. free cash flows to equity) methodology was applied by the third-party valuation firm using multiple years of balance sheet and income statement projections along with the following primary assumptions:

  

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

 
  2017  2016 
Discount rate  16%  16%
Risk free rate  2.48%  2.27%
Rate of return  16%  16%
Sustainable growth rate  5%  5%
Company survival probability  65%  63%
Liquidation value $0  $0 

Due to the availability of historical data from the Company’s recent preferred stock sales, Management used a valuation of $0.75 for accounting purposes beginning in the third quarter of 2017. Management considered business and market factors affecting the Company during the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, including capital raising efforts, its proprietary technology, and other factors. Based on this evaluation, management believes that its valuations are appropriate for accounting purposes for the periods ending September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

We account for stockoption and warrant grants issued and vesting to non-employees in accordance with the authoritative guidance of the FASB whereas the value of the stock compensation is based upon the measurement date as determined at either a) the date at which a performance commitment is reached, or b) at the date at which the necessary performance to earn the equity instruments is complete. On January 1, 2019, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2018-07 which expands the scope of Topic 718 to include share-based payment transactions for acquiring goods and services from nonemployees. Non-employee stock-based compensation charges generally are amortized over the vesting period onusing a straight-linegraded vesting basis. In certain circumstances where there are no future performance requirements by the non-employee, grants are immediately vested and the total stock-based compensation charge is recorded in the period of the measurement date.

 

We recognizeThe risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant. Until the Company has established a trading market for its common stock, compensation expenseestimated volatility is based on the average historical volatilities of comparable public companies in a similar industry. The expected dividend yield is based on the current yield at the grant date. The Company has never declared or paid dividends on its common stock issuedand has no plans to consultants and other service providersdo so for the excess offoreseeable future.

The fair value of common stock was determined based on management’s judgment. Due to the availability of historical data from the Company’s recent preferred stock oversales, Management used a valuation of $2.30 for accounting purposes during the price paidfirst quarter of 2018. Management used a valuation $4.00 for the stock.first quarter of 2019. Management considered business and market factors affecting the Company during these periods, including capital raising efforts, its proprietary technology, and other factors. Based on this evaluation, management believes that its valuations are appropriate for accounting purposes at June 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

 

We recognizeThe Company recognizes the fair value of stock-based compensation within ourits statements of operations with classification depending on the nature of the services rendered. We issue new shares to satisfy warrant exercises.

 

During the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, we recognized aggregate stock-compensation expensePlan of $1,183,983 and $1,323,869, respectively, based upon deemed stock values ranging from $0.75 to $1.14 per share, of which $1,162,997 and $1,198,835 was recorded in general and administrative expense, $20,357 and $120,785 was recorded in sales and marketing expense, and $629 and $4,249 was recorded in research and development expense, respectively.

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Operations

 

Plan of Operations

General Overview

 

Based on the availability of sufficient funding, we intendthe Company intends to increase ourits commercialization activities and:

 

 ·further the commercial production of the MapcatSF, starting with the manufacture of at least ten new units for sale or lease to our customers and for use in our internal clinics;MapcatSF;

 ·expand ourthe Company’s domestic sales and marketing efforts, which include revamping our web site and new promotional materials;efforts;

 ·explore sales and marketing opportunities in foreign markets such as Asia and Europe;
increase production of Lumega-Z as is necessaryand GlaucoCetinTM to support the additional sales resulting from the deployment of additional MapcatSF units and increased marketing and promotional activity;

 ·commence certain FDA electrical safety testing of the MapcatSF; and

 ·increase our focus on intellectual property protection and strategy.strategy;
expand the sales and marketing of the VectorVision product line;
develop the TDSI business and operations;
explore opportunities and channels to enter the expansive market opportunity in China for non-pharmacologic treatments of macular degeneration, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy; and
increase the existing NutriGuard customer base through NutriGuard Formulations, Inc. and build on its product platform by making NutriGuard products available to customers directly through direct-to-consumer (DTC) channels and through recommendations by their physicians.

 

The FDA and other regulatory bodies require electronic medical devices to comply with IEC 60601 standards. The International Electrical Commission (“IEC”) established technical standards for the safety and effectiveness of medical electrical equipment. Adherence to these standards is required for commercialization of electrical medical equipment. As a medical device powered by electricity, the MapcatSF will need to undergo testing to demonstrate compliance with the IEC 60601 standards. This testing is typically conducted by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (“NRTL”), which is an independent laboratory recognized by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”) to test products to the specifications of applicable product safety standards. We areThe Company is in discussions with ourits contract manufacturer of the MapcatSF to engage an NRTL at the appropriate juncture prior to commercialization of the MapcatSF. The relevant predicate device for the MapcatSF is the MPS II, the applicable Class I product code for the MapcatSF is HJW and the applicable Code of Federal Regulation is 886.1050. The FDA does not require test documents to be submitted to the FDA for a Class I medical device, but that the evidence of such testing be placed in a Design History file and be kept internally at the company or manufacturer and readily available should the FDA or other regulatory bodies request to review the testing documents. While the FDA does not require that a Class I medical device have formal validation, we expectthe Company expects to complete applicable IEC 60601-1 testing prior to commercialization as we believebecause the Company believes in marketing a product that has evidence that it is safe and effective.

 

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Results of Operations of Guardion Health Sciences, Inc.

 

Through SeptemberJune 30, 2017, we2019, the Company had limited operations and havehas primarily been engaged in research,product development, commercialization, and raising capital. We haveThe Company has incurred and will continue to incur significant expenditures for the development of ourits products and intellectual property, which includes research and development of both medical foods and medical diagnostic equipment for the treatment of various eye diseases. WeThe Company had limited revenue during the nine-month periodssix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 and 2016, all of which was generated by the sale of our proprietary product, Lumega-Z. In late 2014, we changed our focus from the dietary supplement category to the medical food category based on consultation with our intellectual property counsel and regulatory affairs consultants, as a result of which Lumega-Z is now categorized and sold as a medical food.2018.

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Comparison of NineSix Months Ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 and 20162018

 

 

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

    

Six Months Ended

June 30,

  
 2017  2016  Change  2019 2018 Change
Revenue $178,610  $92,195  $86,415   94% $503,508  $413,818  $89,690   22%
Cost of goods sold  82,420   50,127   32,293   64%  190,548   167,055   23,493   14%
Gross Profit  96,190   42,068   54,122   129%  312,960   246,763   66,197   27%
Operating Expenses:                                
Research and development  131,330   43,062   88,268   205%  106,716   194,708   (87,992)  (45)%
Sales and marketing  294,774   293,979   795   -%  764,028   984,464   (220,436)  (22)%
General and administrative  2,758,331   2,282,354   475,977   21%  3,439,633   2,714,680   724,953   27%
Total Operating Expenses  3,184,435   2,619,395   565,040   22%  4,310,377   3,893,852   416,525   11%
Loss from Operations  (3,088,245)  (2,577,327)  (510,918)  20%  (3,997,417)  (3,647,089)  (350,328)  10%
Other Expense:                                
Interest expense  20,817   863,548   (842,731)  (98)%  251,637   1,545   250,092   16,187%
Finance cost upon issuance of warrants  415,955   -   415,955   100%
Change in fair value of derivative warrants  (227,832)  -   (227,832)  100%
Costs associated with extension of warrant expiration dates  -   494,391   (494,391)  (100)%
Net Loss $(3,109,062) $(3,440,875) $331,813   (10)% $(4,437,177) $(4,143,025) $(294,152)  7%

 

Revenue

 

For the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2019, revenue from the sale of Lumega-Zproduct sales was $178,610$503,508 compared to $92,195$413,818 for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2016,2018, resulting in an increase of $86,415$86,690 or 94%22%. The increase is reflective ofreflects both an increased customer base for Lumega-Z as we expandthe Company expands into new clinics.clinics and increased sales of VectorVision products. The Company also earned $6,300 in revenue from its TDSI business during the three months ended June 30, 2019.

 

Cost of Goods Sold

 

For the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2019, cost of goods sold from the sale of Lumega-Z was $82,420$190,548 compared to $50,127$167,055 for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2016,2018, resulting in an increase of $32,293$23,493 or 64%14%. The increase corresponds toresults primarily from costs associated with the additional sales recorded in 2017.2019 as compared to 2018.

Gross Profit

For the six months ended June 30, 2019, gross profit was $312,960 compared to $246,763 for the six months ended June 30, 2018, resulting in an increase of $66,197 or 27%. Gross profit represented 62% of revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2019, versus 60% of revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2018. The increase in gross profit in 2019 was due primarily to pricing and product mix changes in 2019.

 

Research and Development

 

For the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2019, research and development costs were $131,330$106,716 compared to $43,062$194,708 for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2016,2018, resulting in an increasea decrease of $88,268$87,992 or 205%45%. The increase resulted primarily from researchdecrease was due to reduced engineering development costs associated with ourthe Company’s MapcatSF® medical device.device during 2019 partially offset by engineering costs associated with the Company’s CSV-2000 product.

 

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Sales and Marketing

 

For the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2019, sales and marketing expenses were $294,774$764,028 compared to $293,979$984,464 for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2016.2018. The increasedecrease in sales and marketing expenses of $795$220,436 or 22% compared to the prior period was primarily due primarily to increasescosts associated with engagement of a third-party contract sales organization in consulting, marketing and promotional costs2018. The contract sales agreement was cancelled during the second quarter of $101,000, mostly offset by a decrease in non-cash stock compensation expense of approximately $100,000.2018.

 

General and Administrative

 

For the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2019, general and administrative expenses were $2,758,331$3,439,633 compared to $2,282,354$2,714,680 for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2016.2018. The increase of $475,977$724,953 or 21%27% compared to the prior period was primarily due to a $414,000an increase in non-cash stock compensation costs during the current period of approximately $254,000. Additionally, expenses for corporate insurance, investor relations, labor, legal and professional fees, and travel costs.have increased versus the prior period.

 

Interest Expense

 

For the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2019, interest expense was $20,817$251,637 compared to $863,548$1,545 for the six months ended June 30, 2018. The increase of $250,092 compared to the prior period was due primarily to the amortization of the valuation of the March 2019 convertible notes of $250,000 that was reflected as an expense when the notes were converted. There were no such costs for the comparable period in 2018.

Finance Cost Upon Issuance of 2016.Warrants

Finance costs for the six months ended June 30, 2019 of $415,955 include the following; (I) In March 2019, the Company issued warrants to two convertible note holders pursuant to the anticipated completion of the Company’s IPO (the IPO was completed on April 9, 2019). Due to the variable terms of both the exercise price and the number of warrants to be issued, the warrants were accounted for as derivative liabilities at March 31, 2019.  The fair value of the warrants at the closing of the IPO was determined to be $436,034, of which $250,000 was recorded as a valuation discount, and $186,034 was recorded as a finance cost. (II) On April 4, 2019, the Company issued 62,500 warrants with an exercise price of $5.00 per share to the Underwriter in connection with the Company’s IPO. The Company accounted for these warrants as a derivative liability in the financial statements at June 30, 2019 because they were associated with the IPO, a registered offering, and the settlement provisions contained language that the shares underlying the warrants are required to be registered. The fair value of the warrants at the date of issuance was determined to be $229,291 and was recorded as a finance cost.There were no such costs for the comparable period in 2018.

Change in Fair Value of Derivative Warrants

The change in fair value of the derivative warrant liability was a decrease of $227,832 for the six months ended June 30, 2019.There were no such costs for the comparable period in interest2018.In March 2019, the Company issued warrants to two convertible note holders pursuant to the anticipated completion of the Company’s IPO (the IPO was completed on April 9, 2019). Due to the variable terms of both the exercise price and the number of warrants to be issued, the warrants were accounted for as derivative liabilities at March 31, 2019 with a fair value of $436,034. Upon completion of the IPO on April 9, 2019, the exercise price and the number of warrants were fixed and the warrants no longer accounted for as liabilities. As such the fair value of the warrant liability of $359,683 was reclassified to equity and the remaining liability of $76,351 was recorded as a change in fair value of derivative liabilities in the Statements of Operations.

On April 4, 2019, the Company issued 62,500 warrants with an exercise price of $5.00 per share to the Underwriter in connection with the Company’s IPO. The Company accounted for these warrants as a derivative liability in the financial statements at June 30, 2019 because they were associated with the IPO, a registered offering, and the settlement provisions contained language that the shares underlying the warrants are required to be registered. The fair value of the warrants will be remeasured at each reporting period, with the change in the fair value recognized in earnings in the accompanying Statements of Operations. The fair value of the warrants at the date of issuance was determined to be $229,291 and was recorded as a finance cost. As of June 30, 2019, the fair value of the warrant liability was determined to be $78,440 and the Company recorded a change in fair value of derivative warrants of $151,481 in the Statements of Operations.

Costs associated with extension of warrant expiration dates

During April and May of 2018, the Company offered exercise period extensions to stockholders who held warrants to purchase shares of common stock of the Company that were scheduled to expire on May 1, 2018. The Company recognized expense of $842,731 or 98% compared$494,391 relating to the prior year was due to the repayment or conversionextension of the majorityexercise period of promissory notes and convertible debt that had been outstanding during 2016. Included in the $20,817 amount is $2,984 that relateswarrants using a Black-Scholes option-pricing model to notes that are past due as of September 30, 2017.estimate fair value.

 

Net Loss

 

For the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017, we2019, the Company incurred a net loss of $3,109,062,$4,437,177, compared to a net loss of $3,440,875$4,143,025 for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2016.2018. The decreaseincrease in net loss of $331,813$294,152 or 10%7% compared to the prior year period was primarily due to an increase in non-cash stock compensation costs of approximately $254,000. In addition, expenses for corporate insurance, investor relations, labor, legal and professional fees, and travel have increased versus the reduction of $842,731 in interest expense related to promissory notes and convertible debt thatprior period but were repaid or converted in late 2016. This reduction was partially offset by increased legal, professional, and travelthe elimination of costs associated with engagement of $414,000a third-party contract sales organization in the current year.2018.

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Comparison of Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2016 and 2015

  Year Ended December 31,    
  2016  2015  Change 
Revenue $141,029  $112,811  $28,218   25%
Cost of goods sold  75,702   50,072   25,630   51%
Gross Profit  65,327   62,739   2,588   4%
Operating Expenses:                
Research and development  64,026   401,909   (337,883)  (84)%
Sales and marketing  389,111   180,133   208,978   116%
General and administrative  3,308,144   5,610,830   (2,302,686)  (41)%
Loss on settlement of promissory notes and accounts payable  249,739   258,606   (8,867)  (3)%
Total Operating Expenses  4,011,020   6,451,478   (2,440,458)  (38)%
Loss from Operations  (3,945,693)  (6,388,739)  2,443,046   (38)%
Other Expense:                
Interest expense  1,802,704   752,948   1,049,756   139%
Cost to induce conversion of notes payable  -   1,699,609   (1,699,609)  (100)%
Net Loss $(5,748,397) $(8,841,296) $3,092,899   (35)%

 

RevenueSegment Information

The following tables set forth our results of operations by segment (results allocated to Other consist of non-cash stock compensation expense, depreciation and amortization, corporate legal fees, and the TDSI operations):

  For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2019 
  Other  Medical Foods  Vision Testing
Diagnostics
  Total 
             
Revenue $6,300  $204,382  $292,826  $503,508 
                 
Cost of goods sold  2,559   78,953   109,036   190,548 
                 
Gross profit  3,741   125,429   183,790   312,960 
                 
Operating expenses  1,959,838   2,003,320   347,219   4,310,377 
                 
Loss from operations $(1,956,097) $(1,877,891) $(163,429) $(3,997,417)

  For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2018 
  Other  Medical Foods  Vision Testing
Diagnostics
  Total 
             
Revenue $-  $154,294  $259,524  $413,818 
                 
Cost of goods sold  -   72,238   94,817   167,055 
                 
Gross profit  -   82,056   164,707   246,763 
                 
Operating expenses  1,523,133   2,206,967   163,752   3,893,852 
                 
Loss from operations $(1,523,133) $(2,124,911) $955  $(3,647,089)

 

For the yearsix months ended December 31, 2016,June 30, 2019, revenue from the sale of Lumega-Zour Medical Foods segment was $141,029$204,382 compared to $112,811$154,294 for the year ended December 31, 2015, reflecting an increase of $28,218 or 25%. The increase is reflective of an increased customer base as we expand into new clinics.

Cost of Goods Sold

For the year ended December 31, 2016, cost of goods sold from the sale of Lumega-Z was $75,702 compared to $50,072 for the year ended December 31, 2015, reflecting an increase of $25,630 or 51%. We incurred certain inventory adjustments of approximately $11,000 related to the disposal of packaging materials that were determined to be obsolete during 2016 and approximately $(9,000) related to the transition from the dietary supplement category to the medical foods category in 2015. These inventory adjustments were identified and recorded in 2016 and 2015 based on decisions made by management in response to business developments occurring during the respective periods. As a result of these adjustments, cost of goods sold was 54% of revenue for the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to 44% of revenue for the year ended December 31, 2015.

Research and Development

For the year ended December 31, 2016, research and development costs were $64,026 compared to $401,909 for the year ended December 31, 2015. The decrease in research and development costs of $337,883 or 84% compared to the prior year was due primarily to stock-based compensation expense in 2015 of $342,000 for shares of common stock issued to a Science Advisor to the Company for services rendered.

Sales and Marketing

For the year ended December 31, 2016, sales and marketing expenses were $389,111 compared to $180,133 for the year ended December 31, 2015. The increase in sales and marketing expenses of $208,978 or 116% compared to the prior year was due primarily to the engagement of a Vice President of Sales and Marketing in 2016.

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General and Administrative

For the year ended December 31, 2016, general and administrative expenses were $3,308,144 compared to $5,610,830 for the year ended December 31, 2015. The decrease in general and administrative expenses of $2,302,686 or 41% compared to the prior year was primarily due to the fair value of stock issued to consultants and service providers during 2015 of $4,419,959. During 2016, we recognized $1,811,990 in comparable stock compensation expense. This decrease was partially offset by an increase of $229,941 for legal and professional fees incurred primarily related to our SEC registration activities.

Loss on Settlement of Promissory Notes and Accounts Payable

In December 2016, the Company issued 534,154 shares of preferred stock valued at $784,888 upon the voluntary conversion of $535,149 of outstanding principal and interest. The Company recognized a loss on settlement of the promissory notes of $249,739.

In August 2015, the Company issued 441,358 shares of common stock valued at $503,149 upon the conversion of $260,900 of outstanding principal and interest. The Company recognized a loss on settlement of the promissory notes of $242,249.

In August 2015, the Company issued warrants to purchase 28,176 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $0.01 per share and a 3-year term in settlement of $15,497 of accounts payable. The warrants were valued at $31,853, based upon the Black-Scholes option pricing model with a stock price of $1.14, volatility of 105% and a risk-free rate of 1.09%. The Company recognized a loss on settlement of accounts payable of $16,357.

Interest Expense

For the year ended December 31, 2016, interest expense was $1,802,704 compared to $752,948 for the year ended December 31, 2015. The increase in interest expense of $1,049,756 or 139% compared to the prior year was due to an increase in non-cash interest expense resulting from the amortization of debt discount related to the beneficial conversion features and warrants issued with our convertible notes as well as from the valuation of post-maturity warrants issued in 2016.

Cost to induce conversion of notes payable

Costs to induce conversion of our notes payable was $1,699,609 for the year ended December 31, 2015. There was no such comparable cost in 2016. In connection with the May 1, 2015 conversion of notes payable, we issued 995,926 membership units valued at $1,135,356 or $1.14 per share to the holders of the notes as an inducement to convert their notes payable. In addition, we offered certain holders 146,000 warrants valued at $165,072 to acquire membership units. The fair value of the warrants was based on a Black-Scholes option pricing model with a stock price of $1.14, volatility of 113% and risk-free rate of 0.97%. In connection with the May 1, 2015 conversion of related party notes payable, we issued 350,001 warrants valued at $341,785 to certain holders to acquire membership units as inducement to convert the notes. The fair value of the warrants was based on a Black-Scholes option pricing model with a stock price of $1.14, volatility of 113% and risk-free rate of 0.97%. In connection with the August 10, 2015 conversion of notes payable, the Company issued 50,348 shares of its common stock valued at $57,396 to the holders of the notes as an inducement to convert their notes payable.

Net Loss

For the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company incurred a net loss of $5,748,397, compared to a net loss of $8,841,296 for the year ended December 31, 2015. The decrease in net loss of $3,092,899 or 35% compared to the prior year period was primarily due to the stock issued to consultants and service providers during 2015, resulting in stock compensation expense of $4,885,589 (versus $1,962,311 during 2016), and inducement expense of $1,699,609 recognized in 2015 to convert notes payable. These year over year decreases were partially offset by the $1,049,756 increase in interest expense.

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Results of Operations of VectorVision, Inc.

The following discussion and analysis of the results of operations of VectorVision should be read in conjunction with the financial statements of VectorVision and related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus.

Comparison of Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 and 2016

  

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

    
  2017  2016  Change 
Revenue $386,679  $185,165  $201,514   109%
Cost of goods sold  121,748   44,167   77,581   176%
Gross Profit  264,931   140,998   123,933   88%
Operating Expenses:                
Research and development  34,000   -   34,000   -%
Sales and marketing  21,821   10,817   11,004   102%
General and administrative  173,947   121,893   52,054   43%
Total Operating Expenses  229,768   132,710   97,058   73%
Income (Loss) from Operations  35,163   8,288   26,875   324%
Other Expense:                
Interest expense  5,367   6,079   (712)  (12)%
Net Income (Loss) $29,796  $2,209  $27,587   1,249%

Revenue

For the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017, revenue from the sale of vision testing products was $386,679 compared to $185,165 for the nine months ended September 30, 2016,2018, resulting in an increase of $201,514$50,088 or 109%32%. The increase is reflective ofreflects an increased customer base and significantfor Lumega-Z as the Company expands into new clinics. For the six months ended June 30, 2019, revenue from our Vision Testing Diagnostics segment was $292,826 compared to $259,524 for the six months ended June 30, 2018, resulting in an increase of $33,302 or 13%. The increase was due to increased distributor sales.sales in 2019. The Company also earned $6,300 in diagnostic imaging services revenue from its TDSI business during the three months ended June 30, 2019, as shown in the Other category above.

 

Cost of Goods Sold

 

For the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2019, cost of goods sold from the sale of vision testing productsour Medical Foods segment was $121,748$78,953 compared to $44,167$72,238 for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2016,2018, resulting in an increase of $77,581$6,715 or 176%9%. For the six months ended June 30, 2019, cost of goods sold from our Vision Testing Diagnostics segment was $109,036 compared to $94,817 for the six months ended June 30, 2018, resulting in an increase of $14,219 or 15%. The increase correspondsfor both segments results primarily from costs associated with the additional sales recorded in 2019 as compared to 2018.

Gross Profit

For the six months ended June 30, 2019, gross profit from the Medical Foods segment was $125,429 compared to $82,056 for the six months ended June 30, 2018, resulting in an increase of $43,373 or 53%. For the six months ended June 30, 2019, gross profit from the Vision Testing Diagnostics segment was $183,790 compared to $164,707 for the six months ended June 30, 2018, resulting in an increase of $19,083 or 12%. The increase is due to the additional sales recorded for both segments in 2017.the current year. Gross profit overall represented 62% of revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2019, versus 60% of revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2018. The increase in 2019 was due increased sales and to pricing and product mix changes in 2019.

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Comparison of Years Ended December 31, 2018 and 2017

  Year Ended December 31,    
  2018  2017  Change 
Revenue $942,153  $437,349  $504,804   115%
Cost of goods sold  398,179   175,470   222,709   127%
Gross Profit  543,974   261,879   282,095   108%
Operating Expenses:                
Research and development  231,847   259,463   (27,616)  (11)%
Sales and marketing  1,520,862   599,926   920,936   154%
General and administrative  4,934,986   4,683,932   251,054   5%
Total Operating Expenses  6,687,695   5,543,321   1,144,374   21%
Loss from Operations  (6,143,721)  (5,281,442)  (862,279)  16%
Other Expense:                
Interest expense  2,289   23,727   (21,438)  (90)%
Warrants - extension of expiration dates  1,621,397   -   1,621,397   100%
Net Loss $(7,767,407) $(5,305,169) $(2,462,238)  46%

Revenue

 

For the year ended December 31, 2018, revenue from product sales was $942,153 compared to $437,349 for the year ended December 31, 2017, resulting in an increase of $504,804 or 115%. The increase reflects both an increased customer base for Lumega-Z as the Company expands into new clinics and increased sales of VectorVision products.

Cost of Goods Sold

For the year ended December 31, 2018, cost of goods sold was $398,179 compared to $175,470 for the year ended December 31, 2017, resulting in an increase of $222,709 or 127%. The increase reflects the additional sales recorded in 2018.

Gross Profit

For the year ended December 31, 2018, gross profit was $543,974 compared to $261,879 for the year ended December 31, 2017, resulting in an increase of $282,095 or 108%. The increase is primarily due to the sales of VectorVision products, which did not begin until the fourth quarter of 2017. Gross profit represented 58% of revenues the year ended December 31, 2018, versus 60% of revenue for the year ended December 31, 2017. The decrease in gross profit in 2018 was due to pricing and product mix changes in 2018.

Research and Development

 

For the nine monthsyear ended September 30, 2017,December 31, 2018, research and development costs were $34,000$231,847 compared to $0$259,463 for the nine monthsyear ended September 30, 2016,December 31, 2017, resulting in an increasea decrease of $34,000.$27,616 or 11%. The increase resulted from calibration testing work and research relateddecrease was due to reduced engineering development costs associated with the effect of luminance on visual acuity.Company’s MapcatSF® medical device during 2018.

 

Sales and Marketing

 

For the nine monthsyear ended September 30, 2017,December 31, 2018, sales and marketing expenses were $21,821$1,520,862 compared to $10,817$599,926 for the nine monthsyear ended September 30, 2016.December 31, 2017. The increase in sales and marketing expenses of $11,004,$920,936 or 102% compared to the prior period was due primarily to additional costs for sales and marketing exhibitions in 2017.

General and Administrative

For the nine months ended September 30, 2017, general and administrative expenses were $173,947 compared to $121,893 for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. The increase of $52,054 or 43%154% compared to the prior period was primarily due to costs associated with engagement of a third-party contract sales organization, increased travelamortization expense, and labor costs.increased costs associated with trade shows and marketing.

 

Interest ExpenseGeneral and Administrative

For the nine months ended September 30, 2017, interest expense was $5,367 compared to $6,079 for the comparable period of 2016. Interest expense was consistent in both periods.

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Net Loss

For the nine months ended September 30, 2017, VectorVision earned net income of $29,796, compared to $2,209 for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. The increased net income of $27,587 or 1,249% change compared to the prior year period was primarily due to increased sales in 2017.

Comparison of Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2016 and 2015

  

Years Ended

December 31,

    
  2016  2015  Change 
Revenue $231,458  $258,263  $(26,805)  (10)%
Cost of goods sold  84,520   90,368   (5,848)  (6)%
Gross Profit  146,938   167,895   (20,957)  (12)%
Operating Expenses:                
Sales and marketing  12,353   7,159   5,194   73%
General and administrative  164,003   173,076   (9,073)  (5)%
Total Operating Expenses  176,356   180,235   (3,879)  (2)%
Income (Loss) from Operations  (29,418)  (12,340)  (17,078)  138%
Other Expense:                
Interest expense  8,224   8,060   164   2%
Net Income (Loss) $(37,642) $(20,400) $(17,242)  85%

Revenue

 

For the year ended December 31, 2016, revenue from the sale of vision testing products was $231,4582018, general and administrative expenses were $4,934,986 compared to $258,263$4,683,932 for the year ended December 31, 2015, resulting in a decrease of $26,805 or 10%. The was due primarily to a one-time sale to a biopharmaceutical company in 2015.

Cost of Goods Sold

For the year ended December 31, 2016, cost of goods sold from the sale of vision testing products was $84,520 compared to $90,368 for the year ended December 31, 2015, resulting in a decrease of $5,848 or 6%. The decrease corresponds to the reduced sales recorded in 2016.

Sales and Marketing

For the year ended December 31, 2016, sales and marketing expenses were $12,353 compared to $7,159 for the year ended December 31, 2015.2017. The increase in sales and marketing expenses of $5,194, or 73% compared to the prior period was due primarily to additional costs for sales and marketing exhibitions in 2016.

General and Administrative

For the year ended December 31, 2016, general and administrative expenses were $164,003 compared to $173,076 for the year ended December 31, 2015. The decrease of $9,073$251,054 or 5% compared to the prior period was primarily due to decreased travelincreased labor costs related to new employees, benefits expenses, and supplies costs.the inclusion of the VectorVision employees in our consolidated financials. Legal and professional services costs also increased during the period.

 

Interest Expense

 

For the year ended December 31, 2016,2018, interest expense was $8,224$2,289 compared to $8,060$23,727 for the comparableyear ended December 31, 2017. The decrease of $21,438, or 90%, was due to the repayment or conversion of promissory notes and convertible debt that had been outstanding during 2017.

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Warrants – Extension of Expiration Dates

During April, May and September of 2018, the Company and certain stockholders who held warrants to purchase shares of common stock of the Company that were scheduled to expire at various dates in 2018 and early 2019 extended the termination dates of such warrants. The Company recognized expense of $1,621,397 relating to the extension of the exercise period of 2015. Interest expense was consistent in both periods.the warrants using a Black-Scholes option-pricing model to estimate fair value.

 

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Net Loss

 

For the year ended December 31, 2016, VectorVision2018, the Company incurred a net loss of $37,642,$7,767,407, compared to $20,400a net loss of $5,305,169 for the year ended December 31, 2015.2017. The increasedincrease in net loss of $17,242$2,462,238 or 85%46% compared to the prior year period was primarily due to reducedthe non-cash expense related to amortization expense and the extension of warrant expiration dates, as well as to the increased costs associated with the sales team, professional services, marketing and promotional activities, trade show visibility, and the internal labor force. Expenses were offset in part by increased revenue and gross profit.

Segment Information

As of December 31, 2018, Management reported its operating results in two operating segments: Medical Foods, and Vision Testing Diagnostics. As of December 31, 2018, the TDSI subsidiary does not yet earn revenues or meet the required criteria to be considered a reportable operating segment.

i.Medical Foods – Our Medical Foods segment develops, formulates and distributes condition-specific medical foods with an initial medical food product on the market under the brand name Lumega-Z® that replenishes and restores the macular protective pigment. We have also invented a proprietary technology, embodied in a medical device, the MapcatSF,® that accurately measures the macular pigment optical density (“MPOD”). Using the MapcatSF to measure the MPOD allows one to monitor the increase in the density of the macular protective pigment after taking Lumega-Z. The Company has also developed a new medical food product, GlaucoCetinTM, which the Company believes is the first vision-specific medical food designed to support and protect the mitochondrial function of optic nerve cells and improve blood flow in the ophthalmic artery in patients with glaucoma. GlaucoCetinTM combines a unique set of ingredients, specifically designed to stop or potentially reverse the underlying cause of optic nerve loss, and ultimately vision loss, in patients with glaucoma.
ii.Vision Testing Diagnostics – Our Vision Testing Diagnostics segment, under the brand name VectorVision, specializes in the standardization of contrast sensitivity, glare sensitivity, low contrast acuity, and early treatment diabetic retinopathy study (“ETDRS”) visual acuity testing. VectorVision’s standardization system is designed to provide the practitioner or researcher with the ability to delineate very small changes in visual capability, either as compared to the population or from visit to visit. VectorVision develops, manufactures and sells equipment and supplies for standardized vision testing for use by eye doctors in clinical trials, for real-world vision evaluation, and industrial vision testing.

The following tables set forth our results of operations by segment (expenses allocated to Corporate consist of non-cash stock compensation expense, depreciation and amortization, and corporate legal fees):

  For the Year Ended December 31, 2018 
  Corporate  Medical Foods  Vision Testing
Diagnostics
  Total 
             
Revenue $-  $332,795  $609,358  $942,153 
                 
Cost of goods sold  -   161,023   237,156   398,179 
                 
Gross profit  -   171,772   372,202   543,974 
                 
Operating expenses  2,707,924   3,566,835   412,936   6,687,695 
                 
Loss from operations $(2,707,924) $(3,395,063) $(40,734) $(6,143,721)

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  For the Year Ended December 31, 2017 
  Corporate  Medical Foods  Vision Testing
Diagnostics
  Total 
             
Revenue $-  $245,217  $192,132  $437,349 
                 
Cost of goods sold  -   110,993   64,477   175,470 
                 
Gross profit  -   134,224   127,655   261,879 
                 
Operating expenses  2,865,513   2,595,776   82,032   5,543,321 
                 
Loss from operations $(2,865,513) $(2,461,552) $45,623  $(5,281,442)

For the year ended December 31, 2018, revenue from our Medical Foods segment was $332,795 compared to $245,217 for the year ended December 31, 2017, resulting in an increase of $87,577 or 36%. The increase reflects an increased customer base for Lumega-Z as the Company expands into new clinics. For the year ended December 31, 2018, revenue from our Vision Testing Diagnostics segment was $609,358 compared to $192,132 for the year ended December 31, 2017, resulting in an increase of $417,227 or 217%. The increase is due to both the timing of our acquisition of VectorVision in September of 2017 and increased distributor sales in 2016.2018. As of December 31, 2018, the Company had a sales backlog of approximately $105,000 in VectorVision products that are expected to be delivered during the first quarter of 2019.

Cost of Goods Sold

For the year ended December 31, 2018, cost of goods sold from our Medical Foods segment was $161,023 compared to $110,993 for the year ended December 31, 2017, resulting in an increase of $50,030 or 45%. For the year ended December 31, 2018, cost of goods sold from our Vision Testing Diagnostics segment was $237,156 compared to $64,477 for the year ended December 31, 2017, resulting in an increase of $172,679 or 268%. The increase for both segments reflects the additional sales recorded in 2018. Additionally, cost of sales for the Vision Testing Diagnostics segment reflects twelve months of activity in 2018, versus only three months in 2017.

Gross Profit

For the year ended December 31, 2018, gross profit from the Medical Foods segment was $171,772 compared to $134,224 for the year ended December 31, 2017, resulting in an increase of $37,548 or 28%. For the year ended December 31, 2018, gross profit from the Vision Testing Diagnostics segment was $372,202 compared to $127,655 for the year ended December 31, 2017, resulting in an increase of $244,547 or 192%. The increase is due to the additional sales recorded for both segments in the current year as well as the timing of the VectorVision acquisition from September 2017. Gross profit overall represented 58% of revenues the year ended December 31, 2018, versus 60% of revenue for the year ended December 31, 2017. The modest decrease in gross profit in 2018 was due to pricing and product mix changes in 2018.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Since ourits formation in 2009, we havethe Company has devoted substantial effort and capital resources to the development and commercialization activities related to ourits lead product Lumega-Z and ourits MapcatSF medical device. As a result of these and other activities, wethe Company utilized cash in operating activities of $1,914,745$2,493,696 during the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017. We2019. The Company had positive working capital of $782,904$2,326,641 at SeptemberJune 30, 2017 due primarily2019, as compared to our sale of preferred stock in 2017.$609,584 at December 31, 2018. As of SeptemberJune 30, 2017, we2019, the Company had cash in the amount of $1,269,755$2,368,645 and no available borrowings. Ourborrowings, as compared to$670,948 and no available borrowings at December 31. 2018. The Company’s financing has historically come primarily from the issuance of convertible notes, promissory notes and from the sale of common and preferred stock and exercise of warrants. Some of our notes have remained outstanding beyond their stated maturity dates, resulting in additional interest charges due upon settlement.stocks.

 

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The financial statements have been prepared assuming the Company will continue as a going concern. The Company had a net loss of $3,109,062 and utilized cash in operating activities of $1,914,745 during the nine months ended September 30, 2017. The Company expects to continue to incur net losses and negative operating cash flows in the near-term. The CompanyAs a result, management has completed multiple capital financing transactions during 2017, resulting in cash on hand of $1,269,755 at September 30, 2017, and an additional $5,000,000 was received on November 3, 2017.

As of December 31, 2016, management had concluded that there wasis substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year of the date that the financial statements were issued, and theare issued.

The Company’s independent registered public accounting firm has also included explanatory going concern language in their reportopinion accompanying the Company’s audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2016.2018. The Company’s financial statements do not include any adjustments to reflect the possible future effects on the recoverability and classification of assets or the amounts and classifications of liabilities that may result from the possible inability of the Company to continue as a going concern.

 

WeThe Company will continue to incur significant expenses for continued commercialization activities related to our lead product Lumega-Z, the MapcatSF medical device, VectorVision products, the TDSI business and with respect to efforts to continue to build ourthe Company’s infrastructure. Development and commercialization of medical foods and medical devices involves a lengthy and complex process. Additionally, ourthe Company’s long-term viability and growth willmay depend upon the successful development and commercialization of new complementary products other than Lumega-Z andor product lines. On April 9, 2019, the MapcatSF. We are continuing attemptsCompany completed the IPO, resulting in net cash proceeds of $3,888,000 to the Company. The Company is seeking to raise additional debt and/or equity capital to fund future operations, but there can be no assurances that wethe Company will be able to secure such additional financing in the amounts necessary to fully fund ourits operating requirements on acceptable terms or at all. If we arethe Company is unable to access sufficient capital resources on a timely basis, wethe Company may be forced to reduce or discontinue its technology and product development programs and ultimately curtail or cease operations.

 

Sources and Uses of Cash

 

The following table sets forth ourthe Company’s major sources and uses of cash for each of the following periods:

 

 

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

  

Six Months Ended

June 30,
 
 2017  2016  2019  2018 
Net cash used in operating activities $(1,914,745) $(1,196,415) $(2,493,696) $(2,424,058)
Net cash used in investing activities  (20,308)  (3,195)  (58,934)  (187,073)
Net cash provided by financing activities  3,142,288   1,575,800 
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities  4,250,327   (57,734)
Net increase (decrease) in cash $1,207,235  $376,190  $1,697,697  $(2,668,865)

 

Operating Activities

 

Net cash used in operating activities was $1,914,745$2,493,696 during the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017,2019, versus $1,196,415$2,424,058 used during the comparable prior year period. The increaseCash in 2017both periods was due primarily to higher sales, marketing,used for used for engineering, corporate insurance, investor relations, labor, legal and professional fees, travel and legal costs, in addition to paydown of our accrued rent liability and the buildup of inventory stock.other operating costs.

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Investing Activities

 

Net cash used in investing activities was $20,308$58,934 for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 and $3,195$187,073 for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2016,2018. In June 2019, we purchased medical imaging equipment for use in our TDSI business. In January 2018, we acquired the rights to a trademark portfolio for $50,000. In addition, we purchased a trade show booth in February 2018 and consisted primarily of investmenthave invested in officeMapCatSF equipment and computer equipment. Also reflected is the cash balance received in connection with our acquisition of VectorVision, Inc., on September 29, 2017.internal-use software development.

 

Financing Activities

 

Net cash provided by financing activities was $3,142,288$4,250,327 for the ninesix months ended SeptemberJune 30, 2017. Financing2019 was due primarily to the completion of our IPO, which resulted in net proceeds of $3,888,000. In addition, in March 2019, the Company issued $350,000 in promissory and convertible promissory notes and received cash of $131,875 from the exercise of warrants. These proceeds were partially offset by payment of $100,000 to settle a promissory note. Net cash used in financing activities was $57,734 for the period provided proceedssix months ended June 30, 2018 was due primarily to our payoff of $100,000 froma line of credit balance that had been assumed during our 2017 VectorVision acquisition.

The following table sets forth the issuanceCompany’s major sources and uses of short-term loans, offset by paymentscash for each of principalthe following periods:

  Years Ended
December 31,
 
  2018  2017 
Net cash used in operating activities $(4,173,831) $(3,403,696)
Net cash used in investing activities  (310,243)  (32,385)
Net cash provided by financing activities  419,792   8,108,791 
Net (decrease) increase in cash $(4,064,282) $4,672,710 

Operating Activities

Net cash used in operating activities was $4,173,831 during the year ended December 31, 2018, versus $3,403,696 used during the comparable prior year period. The increase in 2018 was due primarily to higher sales, marketing, professional services, and interest on loans of $124,000, $3,105,000labor costs.

Investing Activities

Net cash used in proceeds frominvesting activities was $310,243 for the issuance of Series B Preferred Stock,year ended December 31, 2018 and $61,288$32,385 for the year ended December 31, 2017. In January 2018, we acquired the rights to a trademark portfolio for $50,000. In addition, we purchased a trade show booth in amounts due to related parties on a net basis.February 2018 and have invested in MapCat equipment and internal-use software development.

Financing Activities

 

Net cash provided by financing activities was $1,575,800$419,792 for the nine monthsyear ended September 30, 2016. Financing activitiesDecember 31, 2018 was due to the sale in November and December of $850,000 in common stock and the exercise of warrants for the period provided proceeds of $496,000 from the issuance of convertible notes and promissory notes$16,460. These proceeds were partially offset by payments on those loansthe payoff of $137,000, $1,045,000a $30,535 line of credit balance that had been assumed from the VectorVision transaction as well as payment of $146,133 due to related parties. Net cash provided by financing activities was $8,108,791 for the year ended December 31, 2017, consisting of $5,000,001 in proceeds from the issuance of Series A Preferred Stock,common stock, $3,105,000 in proceeds from the issuance of preferred stock, and $171,800 in amountsproceeds of $100,000 from the issuance of a note payable. Partially offsetting proceeds received were $150,860 of payments on notes payable and $54,650 of payments due to related parties on a net basis.

See Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Information section for information with respect to the sale and issuance of 4,347,827 shares of our common stock for $5,000,001 in gross proceeds and the associated conversion of our outstanding preferred stock into common stock on November 3, 2017.parties.

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

At SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 and December 31, 2016, we2018, the Company did not have any transactions, obligations or relationships that could be considered off-balance sheet arrangements.

 

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Plan of Operations

 

General OverviewBUSINESS

 

Based on the availability of sufficient funding, we intend to increase our commercialization activities and:

·further the commercial production of the MapcatSF, starting with the manufacture of at least ten new units for sale or lease to our customers and for use in our internal clinics;

·expand our domestic sales and marketing efforts, which include revamping our web site and new promotional materials;

·increase production of Lumega-Z as is necessary to support the additional sales resulting from the deployment of additional MapcatSF units and increased marketing and promotional activity;

·commence certain FDA electrical safety testing of the MapcatSF; and

·increase our focus on intellectual property protection and strategy.

The FDA and other regulatory bodies require electronic medical devices to comply with IEC 60601 standards. The International Electrical Commission (“IEC”) established technical standards for the safety and effectiveness of medical electrical equipment. Adherence to these standards is required for commercialization of electrical medical equipment. As a medical device powered by electricity, the MapcatSF will need to undergo testing to demonstrate compliance with the IEC 60601 standards. This testing is typically conducted by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (“NRTL”), which is an independent laboratory recognized by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”) to test products to the specifications of applicable product safety standards. We are in discussions with our contract manufacturer of the MapcatSF to engage an NRTL at the appropriate juncture prior to commercialization of the MapcatSF. The relevant predicate device for the MapcatSF is the MPS II, the applicable Class I product code for the MapcatSF is HJW and the applicable Code of Federal Regulation is 886.1050. The FDA does not require test documents to be submitted to the FDA for a Class I medical device, but that the evidence of such testing be placed in a Design History file and be kept internally at the company or manufacturer and readily available should the FDA or other regulatory bodies request to review the testing documents. While the FDA does not require that a Class I medical device have formal validation, we expect to complete applicable IEC 60601-1 testing prior to commercialization as we believe in marketing a product that has evidence that it is safe and effective.

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BUSINESS

Overview

The Company is a specialty health sciences company formed to develop, formulate and distribute condition-specific medical foods with an initial medical food product on the market under the brand name Lumega-Z® that replenishesis designed to replenish and restoresrestore the macular protective pigment. A depleted macular protective pigment is a modifiable risk factor for retina-based diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (“AMD”), computer vision syndrome (“CVS”) and diabetic retinopathy. ThisThe Company believes this risk may be modified by taking Lumega-Z to maintain a healthy macular protective pigment. Additional research has also shown a depleted macular protective pigment to be a biomarker for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

In September 2017, the Company, through its wholly-owned subsidiary VectorVision Ocular Health, Inc., acquired substantially all of the assets and certain liabilities of VectorVision, Inc., a company that specializes in the standardization of contrast sensitivity, glare sensitivity, low contrast acuity, and early treatment diabetic retinopathy study (“ETDRS”) visual acuity testing. VectorVision’s standardization system is designed to provide the practitioner or researcher with the ability to delineate very small changes in visual capability, either as compared to the population or from visit to visit. VectorVision develops, manufactures and sells equipment and supplies for standardized vision testing for use by eye doctors in clinical trials, for real-world vision evaluation, and industrial vision testing. The acquisition expands the Company’s technical portfolio. The Company believes the acquisition of VectorVision, through which it added the CSV-1000 and ESV-3000 to its product portfolio, further establishes its position at the forefront of early detection, intervention and monitoring of a range of eye diseases. The Company has had limited commercial operations to date,date. Until recently with the acquisition of VectorVision and development of the Company’s sales force, the Company has primarily been engaged in research, development, commercialization, and capital raising. On September 3, 2019, the Company announced that it completed development of its new proprietary CSV-2000 standardized contrast sensitivity test. The Company believes that the CSV-2000 is the only computer-generated vision testing instrument available that will provide the optical marketplace with the Company’s proprietary, industry-standard contrast sensitivity test, along with a full suite of standard vision testing protocols. The proprietary standardization methodology incorporated into the CSV-2000 includes a patented technology known as AcQviz that automatically and marketing.constantly measures and adjusts screen luminance to a fixed standard light level for vision testing.

 

The Company invented a proprietary technology, embodied in the Company’s medical device, the MapcatSF,®that accurately measures the macular pigment optical density (“MPOD”). On November 8, 2016, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (“USPTO”) issued patent number 9,486,136 for the MapcatSF invention. Using the MapcatSF to measure the MPOD allows one to monitor the increase in the density of the macular protective pigment after taking our Lumega-Z medical food product.Lumega-Z. The MapcatSF is a non-mydriatic, non-invasive device that accurately measures the MPOD, the lens optical density and lens equivalent age, thereby creating an evidence-based protocol that is shared with the patient. A non-mydriatic device is one that does not require dilation of the pupil for it to function. The MapcatSF is the first medical device using a patented “single fixation” process and “automatic lens density correction” that produces accurate serialized data.

 

For the past three years, the clinical prototypes of the MapcatSF have been tested on patients, allowing for frequent modifications of the device’s algorithms and retesting for accuracy, as well as to provide the inclusion of additional features not previously found in the initial prototype. The alpha prototype, which is the pre-commercial production version, was unveiled for the first time in July 2013 in Cambridge, United Kingdom, to researchers and scientists from around the world. The MapcatSF is manufactured and assembled in Irvine, California, and will be distributed from ourthe Company’s national headquarters in San Diego. The marketing of the device will be implemented through continuing education presentations conducted by key opinion leaders in the industry. The MapcatSF device is a Class I medical device under the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) classification scheme for medical devices, which the Company has determined does not require pre-market approval.

 

Lumega-Z is a medical food product that has a patent-pending formula that replenishesis designed to replenish and restoresrestore the macular protective pigment simultaneously delivering critical and essential nutrients to the eye. Management believes, based on review of products on the market and knowledge of the industry, that Lumega-Z is the first liquid ocular health formula to be classified as a medical food (as defined in Section 5(b) of the “Orphan Drug Act”) based on the Company’s determination.. However, the FDA has not monitored nor approved Lumega-Z as a medical food. Formulated by Dr. Sheldon Hendler in 2010, modifications were made over a two-year period to improve the taste and method of delivery. The current formulation has been delivered to patients and used in clinics since 2014.

 

Medical foods are not considered to be either dietary or nutritional supplements. The Company believes that there is an increasing level of acceptance of medical foods as a primary therapy by patients and healthcare providers to treat pain syndromes, sleep and cognitive disorders, obesity, hypertension, and viral infection. In clinical practice, medical foods are being prescribed as both a standalone therapy and as an adjunct therapy to low doses of commonly prescribed drugs. The Company believes that medical foods will continue to grow in importance over the coming years.

 

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Lumega-Z is a regulated medical food and therefore must be administered under the supervision of a physician or professional healthcare provider. In order to reach the large, expanding AMD patient population, the Company primarily markets Lumega-Z to patients through ophthalmologists and optometrists.

 

Over 1,7001,900 patients have been treated with Lumega-Z since the Company began selling the formulation in October 2011. The patients come from a combination of the three initial testing sites, healthcare provider sites where the MapcatSF has been demonstrated, patients that have found Lumega-Z online and through other patient referrals, healthcare provider sites administering Lumega-Z to their patients without use of the MapcatSF, and MapcatSF devices recently placed in additional healthcare facilities. Patients take Lumega-Z under the supervision of their physician. Lumega-Z is typically ingested inby the patient’s homepatient on a daily basis. Patients are typically between 50 and 80 years old. Patients are mixed ethnically and socioeconomically. Patients typically have insurance, whether private insurance or Medicare. Physicians have determined that the patient is experiencing or is at a high risk of developing retinal disease and decide based on their medical determination that the patient is a candidate for Lumega-Z.

 

Nearly half of Americans have low MPOD, a risk factor for AMD. As the MapcastSFMapcatSF is specifically designed to measure the MPOD, the Company and the physicians that utilize the MapcatSF are able to observe changes in that macular protective pigment density in patients who are taking Lumega-Z. The Company encourages sites using the MapcatSF® to provide usthe Company anonymized data on the MPOD readings. Anecdotal reports from physicians indicate improvements in their patients such as increased visual function, a noticeable halt in the progression of the patient’s AMD, improvement in glare and contrast sensitivity, and stabilization and improvement of vision. No adverse effects of taking Lumega-Z have been reported by any of the physicians administering Lumega-Z to their patients.

Lumega-Z has been used in Institutional Review Board (“IRB”)-approved patient study to examine its effectiveness. The study was conducted by research scientists at the Western University College of Optometry to evaluate the visual benefits of Lumega-Z in one group of patients as compared to a group of patients taking AREDS 2 soft gel supplements. Each patient has retinal drusen and was at risk of developing AMD. The results of the study were presented at the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (“ARVO”) 2019 annual meeting and showed improvements in visual function (“CSF”) in the group of patients taking Lumega-Z that were statistically significant. The patients taking AREDS 2 showed no statistical change.

 

The number of patients regularly ordering Lumega-Z has steadily increased as new healthcare providers have begun working with the Company, with a concurrent rise in patients set on an auto-ship program for delivery every four weeks. Automatic shipment has an added benefit in that it aids physicians because it increases patient compliance in using Lumega-Z on a regular basis. The Company’s operations, to date, indicate that each MapcatSF deployed in a clinic generatescan generate an average of 75 new customers for ourits Lumega-Z product over a period of approximately 90 days when a MapcatSF is deployed in a small, low volume clinic. A larger, higher volume clinic is expected to generate a larger number of patients in a shorter period of time. All of the Company’s medical food revenue is derived from a limited number of individual customers.

 

The National Academics of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine projects that “every four minutes, one American will experience partial or complete loss of sight.” According to The Lancet, AMD cases in the US are projected to pass 18 million in 2017, and 20 million by 2022. AMD is the third leading cause of blindness in the world. More than 10 million people in the United States suffer from various forms of this incurable disease, according to the American Macular Degeneration Foundation. As the population ages, that number is expected to triple by 2025. Cataract patients are operated on earlier and younger. After surgery, the long-term damage from oxidative stress & high energy light exposure to the retina becomes more important to address. Protecting the retina after surgery maintains better visual outcomes for the long term. the Company is targeting this unattended market opportunity. Congress, the Food and Drug Administration, the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services and private insurance companies are focusing increased efforts on pharmacovigilance (the branch of the pharmaceutical industry which assesses and monitors the safety of drugs either in the development pipeline or which have already been approved for marketing) to measure and reduce these adverse health consequences.

The Company’s second medical food product, GlaucoCetinTM, was launched in November 2018. The Company believes GlaucoCetinTM is the first vision-specific medical food designed to support and protect the mitochondrial function of optic nerve cells and improve blood flow in the ophthalmic artery in patients with glaucoma. The parent compound of GlaucoCetinTM, called “GlaucoHealth,” was designed by Robert Ritch, M.D., one of the Company’s Medical Advisory Board members. Dr. Robert Ritch holds the Shelley and Steven Einhorn Distinguished Chair in Ophthalmology and is surgeon Director Emeritus and Chief of Glaucoma Services at the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary. Dr. Ritch has devoted his career to broadening the understanding of the underlying etiologies and mechanisms of glaucoma. The Company now owns the GlaucoHealth formula. On June 4, 2019, the Company announced in a press release that the formula was used in an IRB-approved patient study conducted at the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary and successfully reversed mitochondrial dysfunction in the optic nerve cells in patients with glaucoma. GlaucoCetinTM is an enhanced formulation of GlaucoHealth. The Company owns both formulas and has a patent application pending on the GlaucoCetinTM formula. The application describes an invention that provides a micro-nutrient composition for a human subject suffering from a glaucomatous disease, wherein the micro-nutrient composition comprises a formulation for reversing mitochondrial dysfunction in glaucomatous disease.

 

The Company believes that there is an increasing level of acceptance of medical foods as a primary therapy by patients and healthcare providers to treat pain syndromes, sleep and cognitive disorders, obesity, hypertension, and viral infection. In clinical practice, medical foods are being prescribed as both a standalone therapy and as an adjunct therapy to low doses of commonly prescribed drugs. From a regulatory standpoint, the FDA took steps in 1988 to encourage the development of medical foods by regulating this product category under the Orphan Drug Act. The term “medical food” as defined in Section 5(b) of the Orphan Drug Act is a “food which is formulated to be consumed or administered internally (by mouth) under the supervision of a physician and which is intended for the specific dietary management of a disease or condition for which distinctive nutritional requirements, based on recognized scientific principles, are established by medical evaluation.” This definition was incorporated by reference into the Nutrition Labeling and Education Act of 1990.

 

These regulatory changes have reduced the costs and time associated with bringing medical foods to market. Until 1972, medical foods were categorized as drugs and then until 1988 as “foods for special dietary purposes.” The field of candidates for development into medical foods is expanding due to continuing advances in the understanding of the science of nutrition and disease, coupled with advances in food technology thereby increasing the number of products that can be formulated and commercialized.

 

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WeIn addition to its medical food products, the Company, through its wholly owned subsidiary NutriGuard Formulations, Inc., recently acquired VectorVision. VectorVision specializes inNutriGuard Research, Inc. See “Recent Developments” above. Pursuant to the standardizationAsset Purchase Agreement, the Company agreed to purchase specified assets of contrast sensitivity, glare sensitivity, low contrast acuity,the NutriGuard brand and ETDRS visual acuity testing. VectorVision’s standardization system is designed tobusiness, primarily consisting of inventory, trademarks, copyrights and other intellectual property. Once developed, the NutriGuard Formulations nutraceutical product line should provide the practitioner or researcher withCompany a new direct-to-consumer (“DTC”) capability. The Company intends to build a portfolio of nutraceutical products under the abilityNutriGuard brand by developing new formulations and marketing its products to delineate very small changes in visual capability, either as compared to the population or from visit to visit.patients directly through DTC channels and through recommendations by their physicians.

 

VectorVision develops, manufactures and sells equipment and supplies for standardized vision testing for use by eye doctors in clinical trials, for real-world vision evaluation, and industrial vision testing. We believe VectorVision’s CSV-1000 device to be the standard of care for clinical trials. Similarly, we believe the ESV-3000 device will become the worldwide standard for ETDRS testing. The acquisition of VectorVision expands our technical portfolio and we believe it further establishes our position at the forefront of early detection, intervention and monitoring of a range of eye diseases.

The Company distributes its medical food products through E-commerce in an online store that is operated atwww.guardionhealth.com.

Competitive Advantage

By combining the Company’s MapcatSF medical device and Lumega-Z medical food, Management believes the Company has developed the only reliable two-pronged evidence-based protocol for replenishing and restoring the macular protective pigment and increasing overall retinal health. The MapcatSF is intended to Information about VectorVision products can be the first device to use a patented “single fixation” process and “automatic lens density correction” that produces accurate serialized data. Historically, a number of specialized densometers used by research groups within the medical community have been known to produce unreliable data; due in part to the fact that they are not Troxler-free. The Troxler effect is an optical illusion affecting visual perception where an unchanging stimulus away from a fixation point will fade away and disappear as one staresfound at a fixation point consistently. A device that is Troxler-free does not have this fading of images that otherwise would occur as a result of the Troxler effect. Being Troxler-free is thought to be an important function in being able to accurately complete the testing using these devices.

The MapcatSF has been installed in several teaching and ocular research facilities, such as the Illinois College of Optometry (“ICO”), the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary, and the Rosenberg School of Optometry at the University of the Immaculate Word. While these collaborative relationships help further validate the MapcatSF and Lumega-Z, these relationships are not material to the Company because none of these relationships is exclusive. There are many potential collaborative partners available. The Company is free to enter into other collaborative relationships as needed. No sales of Lumega-Z are generated directly from Illinois College of Optometry because the MapcatSF is part of its teaching curriculum and not used for direct patient care. However, the other collaborative relationships, as a result of using the MapcatSF on patients, periodically put patients on Lumega-Z if a physician determines it appropriate to do so. The majority of sales of Lumega-Z primarily come from clinicians outside of these collaborative relationships.

VectorVision specializes in the standardization of vision tests, specifically, contrast sensitivity, glare testing and early treatment diabetic retinopathy study, or ETDRS, acuity. The variability in test lighting has caused the FDA and other agencies to require standardized test lighting for vision tests. VectorVision is the only company that offers fully standardized vision testing products that ensure consistent, repeatable and highly accurate results. These qualities are why the VectorVision instruments can detect and quantify subtle changes in vision, and why our VectorVision CSV-1000 instrument is used worldwide by eye doctors in more than 60 countries to accomplish contrast sensitivity testing. We believe the CSV-1000 is the standard of care for clinical trials. There is a training requirement in incorporating the CSV-1000 device into clinical practice, which we plan to provide as part of our commercialization strategy.

Similarly, we believe that our ESV-3000 device will become the worldwide standard for ETDRS visual acuity testing. The CSV-1000 and ESV-3000 use self-calibrated test lighting. The self-calibrated test lighting is proprietary, and the test faces of the CSV-1000 are proprietary and protected intellectual property. Both CSV-1000 and ESV-3000 are currently sold worldwide, and we expect this global distribution to continue. We believe the acquisition of VectorVision, adding the CSV-1000 and ESV-3000 to our product portfolio, further establishes our position at the forefront of early detection, intervention and monitoring of a range of eye diseases.www.vectorvision.com.

 

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Medical Foods Products Industry Overview

 

The Company believes that the science of nutrition was long overlooked and underdeveloped and has now shownunderdeveloped. The Company believes that the sick and elderly have special nutritional needs that cannot be met by traditional adult diets. Medical nutrition has emerged as a large and attractive segment in the food industry today.

 

A number of diseases are associated with metabolic imbalances, and patients in treatment for such diseases have specific nutritional requirements. Some examples are ocular health, pain syndromes, insomnia, cognitive disorders, IBS, and heart disease. Many older Americans have or will develop chronic diseases that are amenable to the dietary management benefits of medical foods. Medical foods help address these diseases and conditions in a drug-free way with food-based ingredients yet are still considered a medical product that should be taken under the supervision ofby a physician. The term “medical foods” does not pertain to all foods fed to sick patients. Medical foods are foods that are specially formulated and processed (as opposed to a naturally occurring foodstuff used in a natural state) for patients who are seriously ill or who require the product as a major treatment modality according to FDA regulations.

 

Medical foods consist of food-based ingredients that are part of the normal human diet and are Generally Recognized as Safe (“GRAS”) under FDA standards. Medical foods must make disease claims for which there is scientific evidence that nutrient deficiencies cannot be corrected by normal diet. Medical foods are intended for a vulnerable population suffering from a particular chronic disease and therefor have special, extra-rigorous guarantees of safety. All ingredients must be designated GRAS and used in therapeutic concentrations to address the particular nutritional needs of the patient. Medical foods are taken under the supervision of a physician or professional healthcare provider who monitors and adjusts the food ‘dosage.’ In addition, under FDA guidelines and congressionally approved laws, medical foods do not require FDA preapproval but undergo continuous FDA monitoring and approval of label claims. Even though pre-market FDA approval is not required for a medical food, the official requirements and responsibilities for the manufacturer, in terms of safety, are greater than for dietary supplements, including solid scientific support for the formula as a whole. For these reasons, medical foods have greater guarantees of efficacy. In contradistinction, dietary supplements, such as vitamins, minerals and botanicals, do not require FDA preapproval, cannot make disease claims, are intended for averagenormal people without disease and cannot claim that they prevent, mitigate or treat a given disease. Dietary supplements do not require physician supervision and can be administered to a person that can self-administer the supplement without supervision.

 

Based on the advice of intellectual property counsel and regulatory affairs consultants, the Company believes that Lumega-Z isand GlaucoCetin are properly categorized as a medical food.foods. While the Company believes it is unlikely the FDA would conclude otherwise, if the FDA were to determinedetermines Lumega-Z or GlaucoCetin should not be defined as a medical food, the Company would need to relabel and rebrand that product. The Company believes there would be minimal impact on its operations and financial condition if it were required to change labeling and packaging back to that of a dietary supplement. While reclassification and the subsequent relabeling and rebranding would be an added cost to operations, it would not change the use or effectiveness of Lumega-Z or GlaucoCetin, although there is a chance that certain physicians may choose not to recommend Lumega-Z or GlaucoCetin to their patients or that certain consumers may choose not to buy Lumega-Z or GlaucoCetin if it isthey are not classified as a medical food.foods.

 

Vision Testing Industry Overview

 

We believeThe Company believes that consistent, repeatable consistentand accurate results for visual acuity testing isare of paramount importance for effective eye health care and for accurately establishing and enforcing the vision performance criteria for certain professions. Variance in test lighting is a major cause of inconsistency in vision testing results. Standards for testing luminance, have been in place for more than three decades. However, recently, vision testing has evolved from the use of projection systems and charts to the use of digital displays. We believeThe Company believes that the variance in luminance provided by digital displays is large, and clinicians are now obtaining highly inconsistent results from practice to practice. Conservatively, we believethe Company believes more than 250,000 eye care examination rooms are in use in the United States today.

 

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VectorVision specializes in the standardization of vision tests, specifically, contrast sensitivity, glare testing and early treatment diabetic retinopathy study, or ETDRS, acuity. The variability described above has caused the FDA and other agencies to require standardized test lighting for vision tests. Because VectorVision specializes in the standardization of vision tests, VectorVision is the only company that offers fully standardized vision testing products that ensure consistent, repeatable and highly accurate results. The CSV-1000 and ESV-3000 devices offer auto-calibrated tests to ensure the correct testing luminance and contrast levels for consistent, highly accurate and repeatable results, which is why the VectorVision instruments can detect and quantify subtle changes in vision,vision. Consistency, repeatability and accuracy are also why the VectorVision CSV-1000 instrument is used worldwide by eye doctors in more than 60 countries to accomplish contrast sensitivity testing. For the same reasons, the Company believes that the ESV-3000 ETDRS testing device will become the worldwide standard for ETDRS visual acuity testing. The Company’s research has revealed no competing products that offers auto-calibration of ambient illumination. Competitive devices do not allow for variations in ambient light levels, resulting in variability of test results due to the environment in which the testing is performed. The CSV-1000 and ESV-3000 use self-calibrated test lighting. The self-calibrated test lighting is proprietary, and the test faces of the CSV-1000 are proprietary and the intellectual property is protected under copyright and trade secret law. Both CSV-1000 and ESV-3000 are currently sold worldwide, and the Company expects this global distribution to continue. There is a training requirement in incorporating the CSV-1000 device into clinical practice, which the Company plans to provide as part of its commercialization strategy.

 

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Competitive Strategy

 

Since thereCompetitive Advantage and Strategy

There are no research-validated pharmaceutical solutions for slowing the progression of adult macular degeneration (“AMD”),. As a result, it is necessary for physicians to recommend Age-Related Eye Disease Study (“AREDS”)-based supplements to AREDS-based AMD patients. However, more than 90% of all AREDS-based nutritional products currently on the market are in tablet, capsule and gel capsule form. As previously discussed, tablets, capsules and gel capsules have a low efficiency of absorption. For this reason, some doctors may hesitate to prescribe tablet, capsule and gel capsule form AREDS-based nutraceuticals despite the fact that these are currently the only options available to them.

 

The competitive landscape of supplements is crowded and confusing for physicians and patients looking to obtain an appropriate product for eye care. In October 2017, while searching walgreens.com for “AREDS,” the Company found 10 results, all of which are in tablet, capsule or gel capsule form. When searching the same website for “Eye Health Supplements” (a common search term for this category of product), the Company found 204 products, of which 196 (96%) are in tablet, capsule or gel capsule form. The same search term on cvs.com returned over 110 products. These supplement products all have varying ingredients, varying levels of similar ingredients, varying claims regarding their effects, and varying price points.

 

Lumega-Z addressesis designed to address this concern. In contrast, Lumega-Z is a liquid formulated using a proprietary molecular micronization process (“MMP”) to maximize efficiency of absorption and safety and to minimize compatibility issues. The MMP is a proprietary homogenization process whereby the molecular structure of the ingredients is reduced in size to facilitate more efficient absorption in the body.

 

By combining the MapcatSF medical device, the VectorVision standardized vision testing technology and Lumega-Z medical food, the Company has developed, based on Management’s knowledge of the industry, what it believes to be the only reliable three-pronged, evidence-based protocol for replenishing and restoring the macular protective pigment, increasing overall retinal health and measuring the related improvements in visual function. The MapcatSF is the first medical device to use a patented “single fixation” process and “automatic lens density correction” that produces accurate serialized data. Historically, a number of specialized densometers used by research groups within the medical community have been known to produce unreliable data; due in part to the fact that they are not Troxler-free. The Troxler effect is an optical illusion affecting visual perception where an unchanging stimulus away from a fixation point will fade away and disappear as one stares at a fixation point consistently. A device that is Troxler-free does not have this fading of images that otherwise would occur as a result of the Troxler effect. Being Troxler-free is thought to be an important function in being able to accurately complete the testing using these devices.

The MapcatSF has been installed in several teaching and ocular research facilities, such as the Illinois College of Optometry (“ICO”), the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary, and the Rosenberg School of Optometry at the University of the Immaculate Word. While these collaborative relationships help further validate the MapcatSF and Lumega-Z, these relationships are not material to the Company because none of these relationships is exclusive. There are many potential collaborative partners available. The Company is free to enter into other collaborative relationships as needed. No sales of Lumega-Z are generated directly from Illinois College of Optometry because the MapcatSF is part of its teaching curriculum and not used for direct patient care. However, the other collaborative partners, as a result of using the MapcatSF on patients, periodically put patients on Lumega-Z if a physician determines it appropriate to do so. The majority of sales of Lumega-Z primarily come from clinicians outside of these collaborative relationships.

VectorVision specializes in the standardization of vision tests, specifically, contrast sensitivity, glare testing and early treatment diabetic retinopathy study, or ETDRS, acuity. The variability in test lighting has caused the FDA and other agencies to require standardized test lighting for vision tests. Contrast sensitivity testing measures how people see in the real world. A depleted macular pigment greatly affects contrast sensitivity. Research suggests that contrast sensitivity is a better measure than standard acuity tests for real-world vision applications such as military pilots and highway driving. The Company believes that VectorVision is the only company that offers fully standardized vision testing products that ensure consistent, repeatable and highly accurate results. These qualities are why the VectorVision instruments can detect and quantify subtle changes in vision, and why the VectorVision CSV-1000 instrument is used worldwide by eye doctors in more than 60 countries to accomplish contrast sensitivity testing. On July 10, 2018, the USPTO issued US Patent No. 10,016,128, titled Method and Apparatus for Visual Acuity Testing. This patent describes an invention pertaining to automatic light calibration of the display screens used for vision testing. The Company owns this patent, and its VectorVision CSV-1000 and ESV-3000 devices each embody this invention. On July 17, 2018, the USPTO issued US Patent No. 10,022,045, also titled Method and Apparatus for Visual Acuity Testing, which describes a methodology to continuously calibrate display monitors to automatically hold display luminance constant for vision testing. This second patent also covers a methodology to compensate for other testing factors, such as room illumination and when patients view the vision test through a mirror, which is a common practice in eye doctors’ offices worldwide. The Company also owns this patent, and its VectorVision CSV-1000 and ESV-3000 devices each embody this invention.

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The Company believes the CSV-1000 is the current standard of care for clinical practice. The Company recently announced it is preparing to launch the CSV-2000. There is a training requirement in incorporating the CSV-1000 and CSV-2000 device into clinical practice, which the Company plans to provide as part of its commercialization strategy.

Similarly, the Company believes that its ESV-3000 device will become the worldwide standard for ETDRS visual acuity testing. The CSV-1000, CSV-2000 and ESV-3000 use self-calibrated test lighting. The self-calibrated test lighting is proprietary, and the test faces of the CSV-1000 and CSV-2000 are proprietary and protected intellectual property. Both CSV-1000 and ESV-3000 are currently sold worldwide, and the Company expects this global distribution to continue. The Company believes the acquisition of VectorVision, through which it added the CSV-1000 and ESV-3000 to its product portfolio, further establishes its position at the forefront of early detection, intervention and monitoring of a range of eye diseases. Although the CSV-1000 will continue to be sold, the Company plans to put a greater focus on sales and marketing efforts of the new CSV-2000 beginning in the fourth quarter of 2019. There can be no assurances that the marketing efforts will be successful and sales of the CSV-2000 will be comparable or exceed sales of the CSV-1000.

An important part of ourthe Company’s competitive strategy lies in combining Lumega-Z with technology to demonstrate its effects. As well as ourThe Company’s proprietary MapcatSF medical device measures MOPD, thereby showing changes in macular pigment density from the acquisitionuse of Lumega-Z. In addition, the VectorVision providesCSV-1000 and CSV-2000 provide a second opportunity to baseline the vision of patients, and monitor changes in vision performance over time while administering Lumega-Z. The Company believes that the VectorVision CSV-1000 is, and that the CSV-2000 will be, a highly accurate means of measuring and monitoring contrast sensitivity, a vision performance parameter that can be improved by increasing levelsthe level of macular pigment in the eye.

 

Growth Strategy

 

OurThe Company believes that marketing its products is critical in ensuring its success. The Company has several marketing initiatives and will implement them according to the success and product feedback that the Company and products create. The Company will also consider acquiring other companies, and product lines and intellectual property that may be complementary or supplementary as part of its future efforts to expand the business, which acquisitions could be for cash, stock or a combination thereof.

 

Management believes that there is a significant unmet need in everyday clinical practice to provide a vision assessment protocol that improves upon the current standard of visual acuity. Contrast sensitivity with the VectorVision CSV-1000 is a highly sensitive and repeatable method of measuring vision performance and can be utilized to monitor the vision performance of patients undergoing treatment with Lumega-Z, as well as for the general patient population. The CSV-1000 is currently the worldwide standard for contrast sensitivity testing in clinical trials, and there is a growing understanding of the importance of contrast sensitivity in general clinical practice. The Company recently announced it is preparing to launch the CSV-2000. The Company’s intention is to penetrate the market by promotion of the CSV-1000CSV-2000 as the leading contrast sensitivity device available. The Company believes it can grow its business using the following sales and marketing strategies:

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Sales and Marketing

 

Based on Management’smanagement’s knowledge of the industry, the Company believes that Lumega-Z is the only medical food in the ocular health space. The most analogous products on the market are dietary supplements. While the medical food category is well established and growing for certain diseases or disorders (for example, inborn errors of metabolism, metabolic syndrome, gastrointestinal disorders, and neurological disorders), there are currently no medical foods other than Lumega-Z specifically addressing ocular health. Thus, with regard to the ocular health market no such data is available regarding medical foods. The most comparable industry is dietary supplements. In an attempt to effectively illustrate the market potential for Lumega-Z, the Company has examined ocular health products in the dietary supplement market as the closest appropriate data set available. The use of dietary supplements to enhance health and well-being is a longstanding and increasing trend. According to industry sources, up to 52% of adults in the United States have reported taking nutritional supplements. Worldwide sales of supplements surpassed $53$132 billion in 2007.2016. Supplementation has recently generated much interest among health professionals in a relatively new area, the prevention and slowing of the AMD epidemic.

 

U.S. Statistics

 

 AMD is one of the leading causes of blindnessAccording to Ocular Surgery News, there are 4 million cataract surgeries in the developed world, responsible for 50% of blindness.United States each year.
 The United States has an estimated 15According to the BrightFocus Foundation, more than three million AMD cases.Americans are living with glaucoma, 2.7 million whom are aged 40 and older.
 OneAccording the American Glaucoma Society, over 27 million people are affected with glaucoma in the U.S. alone.
According to the American Society of Retina Specialists an estimated 15 million Americans had AMD as of 2016.
According to Am Fam Physician, one in three people in the U.S. over age 65 will develop AMD or some vision-reducing eye disease by age 65.disease.
MarketScope indicates that US ophthalmology practices are comprised of approximately 18,000 individual optometrists, approximately 10,000 individual ophthalmologists, and approximately 7,000, 5,000, and 2,000 optometrist groups, ophthalmologist groups, and retail establishments, respectively.

 

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Worldwide Statistics

 

 According to Bekryl Market Analysts, the “Global Medical Foods Market” was valued at $11.1 billion in 2018 and will exceed $17.5 billion by 2028. North America was expected to account for 33% of global sales in 2018.
According to the International Council of Ophthalmology, AMD is the third leading cause of blindness throughout the entire world, exceeded only by cataracts and glaucoma.
 Overall,BrightFocus Foundation has indicated that globally, 60.5 million people had glaucoma in 2010. Due to the aging of the world’s population, BrightFocus Foundation has indicated that this number may increase to almost 80 million by 2020.
According to Transparency Market Research, the global glaucoma therapeutics market was valued at over $5.9 billion in 2017 and is projected to expand at a compound annual growth rate of 2.9% from 2018 to 2026.
According to South China Morning Post, 22 million AMD patients are Chinese patients which account for approximately 18% of global Glaucoma patients.
BrightFocus Foundation has indicated that globally, AMD is expected to reach 196 million people worldwide by 2020 and increase to 288 million by 2040.
BrightFocus Foundation estimates the global cost of visual impairment due to AMD is $343 billion, including $255 billion in direct health care costs, and estimates the direct health care costs of visual impairment due to AMD in the U.S., Canada and Cuba to be approximately $98 million.
BrightFocus Foundation estimates the global cost of vision loss due to all causes to be nearly $3 trillion for the 733 million people living with low vision and blindness worldwide. BrightFocus Foundation also estimates the direct costs for vision loss due to all causes was $512.8 billion in North America alone, with indirect costs of $179 billion.
GlobalData indicates that the potential global market of AMD is currently estimated at $5 billion and expected to reach $11.5 billion by 2026.
According to Sohu, in China there are 36,342 Ophthalmologists and 3,950 Optometrists.
According to Springer approximately 25 to 30 million people are affected worldwide by AMD.
The prevalence of AMD appears to be lower and more variable in the developing nations as compared to more developed countries. Healthcare experts believe this will likely change for the worse with increasing life expectancy, changing lifestyles and increase in viewing computer monitors.monitors and other devices.

 

Due to an aging population, the AMD, Glaucoma and Cognitive Decline epidemics are global and growing, creating a significant market for the Company’s products.

Marketing Lumega-Z to Practitioners

 

In order to reach the large, expanding AMD patient population, the Company will primarily market Lumega-Z to the patients through ophthalmologists and optometrists. In the U.S. alone, there are more than 18,515 ophthalmologists and over 34,000 optometrists currently practicing. There are over 213,000 ophthalmologists worldwide. This marketing reach will be achieved through a combination of collaboration with industry-specific publishers, peer-to-peer promotion using Key Opinion Leaderkey opinion leader clinicians, organic and paid search engine optimization and marketing, and other content-driven & educational tactics.approaches.

 

Marketing the CSV-1000 to Practitioners

 

Contrast sensitivity is currently one of the standard tests for clinical trials relating to ocular surgeries and treatments, and the CSV-1000 is considered the benchmark for these applications. In addition, there is an increasing need for functional vision assessment in everyday clinical practice, as a means of measuring the effect of disorders such as cataract and macular degeneration on the patient’s functional vision, and the impact of treatment of these conditions on the patient’s vision. The companyCompany will concentrate its efforts on increasing the use of contrast sensitivity in everyday clinical practice, as a means of targeting the optometry and ophthalmology markets, which consists of over 34,000 and over 18,000 doctors, respectively, in US.the United States.

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Sales Channel

 

Lumega-Z is a regulated Medical Foodmedical food and therefore must be administered under the supervision of a physician or professional healthcare provider. Once the healthcare provider has determined that the patient requires Lumega-Z, they will follow the following procedures:

 

 The Company will provideprovides all clinicians a DAC number (Doctor Authorization Code).
 Patients will beare given a customized recommendation from the clinician, including the DAC number; this will enable themenables patients to order Lumega-Z either online or by calling the 800 numbernumber.
 Patients will beare able to take advantage of usinguse their Health Care Flexible Spending Accounts (“HCFSA”FSA”) or Health Savings Account (“HSA”) dollars (pre-tax)to pay for Lumega-Z.

 

The Company will support the clinicians by making available Online Ocular Nutrition courses to train their technicians.

 

Sales Force

The Company hired and trained a direct sales force in March 2018 consisting of a field-based team of account managers located in key geographical locations based on high population density areas with demographics that match the Company’s target markets. Each account manager is responsible for a defined geographical area and is expected to travel extensively to support the needs of customers. The account managers are tasked with prospecting for new accounts, closing leads generated by the Company’s marketing efforts, and generating revenue through account management activities including physician and staff training, and implementation of patient education resources. The account managers are expected to participate in national and regional trade shows and events, including supporting professional optometric and ophthalmological societies at a state level. Each account manager is assigned a quota that includes units of Lumega-Z sold, as well as sales of the MapcatSF, CSV-1000 and ESV-3000. Commissions are paid based on performance and achievement of quota.

International Expansion Strategy

Retinal diseases that include macular degeneration, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy are not exclusive to the United States. The Company believes there is great interest internationally to find non-pharmacologic treatments for these diseases. The largest market opportunity is China where some of these diseases are at substantial levels. The Company intends to explore opportunities and channels to enter this expansive market.

Transcranial Doppler Solutions

In August 2018, the Company created a wholly owned subsidiary, Transcranial Doppler Solutions, Inc. (“TDSI”), to further the Company’s position at the forefront of early detection, intervention and monitoring of a range of eye diseases. TDSI will be dedicated to the pursuit of early predictors resulting in, the Company believes valuable therapeutic intervention for practitioners and their patients, and additional revenues stream generated from the testing and sale of Company products to appropriate customers.TDSI will provide a service that makes TCD (as defined below) testing convenient by being in various medical facilities. A Transcranial Doppler ultrasound (“TCD”) has been accepted as a safe, non-invasive, and lower-cost technique that uses a low-frequency transducer probe to assess intracerebral blood flow, within the brain and to the eyes. Studies have shown the ability of TCD to predict stroke risks as well as other potential cardiovascular events. TCD also plays an important role in detecting changes in the ophthalmic artery blood flow, which is important to help evaluate the course of common eye disorders. Blood velocities and intensities can be measured using TCD, which provides an effective way to determine more accurately the state of pathology in early stages of common eye disorders such as glaucoma and other eye diseases that cause visual field defects. Published medical resources indicate a strong relationship between ocular circulation and visual function in patients with glaucoma, diabetes, and macular disease, which are the three leading causes of acquired irreversible blindness throughout the world. A TCD is also highly repeatable, the results of which provide an effective tool for ophthalmologists to treat their patients. Through the monitoring of blood flow in the intracranial vessels, including the ophthalmic artery, the TCD results will in turn provide an evidence-based protocol for Guardion’s medical foods. The Company is currently setting up the operations of TDSI and hopes to launch its services in upcoming quarters.

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Proprietary Technology and Intellectual Property

 

Patents

 

The Company currently owns and has exclusive rights to the following patent and pending patent application:applications:

DOMESTIC

 

Number Title Owner Product File DateExpiration Date

Patent

9,486,136

 APPARATUS FOR USE IN THE MEASUREMENT OF MACULAR PIGMENT OPTICAL DENSITY AND/OR LENS OPTICAL DENSITY OF AN EYE GHS MapcatSF®MapcatSF® 08/11/1409/18/33
       

Patent Application

15/346,010

APPARATUS FOR USE IN THE MEASUREMENT OF MACULAR PIGMENT OPTICAL DENSITY AND/OR LENS OPTICAL DENSITY OF AN EYEGHSMapcatSF®11/08/16  
         

Patent

Application

14/028,104

 EMULSION OF CAROTENOIDS AND OCULAR ANTIOXIDANTS GHS Lumega-Z®Lumega-Z® 09/16/13
         

Patent

Application

1527784962/859,885

 

METHODCOMPOSITION FOR IMPORVED NEUROPROTECTIVE EFFECT AND APPARATUS FOR

VISION ACUITY TESTING

METHODS OF MAKING SAME
 VectorVisionGHS 

CSV-1000

And

ESV-3000

GlaucoCetinTM
 09/27/1606/11/19
         

Patent

Application

1544558610,016,128

 

METHOD ANDMETHODAND APPARATUS FOR

VISION ACUITY TESTING

 VectorVision 

CSV-1000

andAnd

ESV-3000

09/27/1610/31/36

Patent

10,022,045

METHODAND APPARATUS FOR VISION ACUITY TESTING

VectorVision

CSV-1000

and

ESV-3000

02/28/17 02/28/1737

FOREIGN

Country /
Number
TitleOwnerProductFile DateExpiration Date

CANADA

Patent

Application

2,864,154

APPARATUS FOR USE IN THE MEASUREMENT OF MACULAR PIGMENT OPTICAL DENSITY AND/OR LENS OPTICAL DENSITY OF AN EYEGHSMapcatSF®08/08/14

EUROPE

Patent

2811892

APPARATUS FOR USE IN THE MEASUREMENT OF MACULAR PIGMENT OPTICAL DENSITY AND/OR LENS OPTICAL DENSITY OF AN EYEGHSMapcatSF®09/09/14 02/11/33

EUROPE

Patent

Application

18176935.7

APPARATUS FOR USE IN THE MEASUREMENT OF MACULAR PIGMENT OPTICAL DENSITY AND/OR LENS OPTICAL DENSITY OF AN EYEGHSMapcatSF®06/11/18

HONG KONG

Patent

Application

15105364.0

APPARATUS FOR USE IN THE MEASUREMENT OF MACULAR PIGMENT OPTICAL DENSITY AND/OR LENS OPTICAL DENSITY OF AN EYEGHSMapcatSF®06/05/15

HONG KONG

Patent

1204758

APPARATUS FOR USE IN THE MEASUREMENT OF MACULAR PIGMENT OPTICAL DENSITY AND/OR LENS OPTICAL DENSITY OF AN EYEGHSMapcatSF®06/14/1902/11/33

 

The MapcatSF®MapcatSF® patent, Patent 9,486,136, describes an apparatus for use in the measurement of the optical density of the macular protective pigment in the human eye, as well as an apparatus for the use in measuring the lens optical density of a human eye. The apparatus is particularly applicable to flicker photometers, which are used to measure the macular protective pigment in the human eye. On November 8, 2016,The foreign counterpart patent applications describe the United States Patent and Trademark Office (“USPTO”) issued patent number 9,486,136 for the MapcatSFsame invention.

 

Prior to the issuance of US Patent No. 9,486,136, the Company filed a continuation application, Patent Application 15/346,010, covering new embodiments around the MapcatSF® device. These new embodiments contain improvements related to the accuracy of intensity measurements made with the device, as well as new patentably distinct features around photodiode detector calibrations. On October 15, 2019, the Company received an Issue Notification from the USPTO informing the Company that the USPTO will issue this patent on October 29, 2019 as US Patent No. 10,456,028.

The Lumega-Z®Lumega-Z® patent filing, Patent Application 14/028,104, describes a daily liquid supplement for ocular and body health containing at least one of the following: lutein, zeaxanthin, meso-zeaxanthin and astaxanthin for a human subject and for nutritionally supplementing macular pigments in the human eye. The micronized nutrients in a lipid basedlipid-based emulsion described in the patent application are more efficiently absorbed into the bloodstream than conventional supplement formulations resulting in higher serum levels and increased macular protective pigment.

 

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The Company recently filed Patent Application 1527784962/859,885 for its new GlaucoCetinTM medical food product. A proprietary formulation was developed, which combined a cocktail of mitochondrial protectants with specific antioxidants to arrive at the final micro-nutrient composition for use in the treatment of glaucoma patients. The invention relates to micronutrient formulations for improving outcomes based on resolving conditions at the cellular response level in certain individuals suffering from particular diseases. More particularly, the invention relates to compositions affecting the eye, such as glaucoma. This application describes an invention that provides a micro-nutrient composition for a human subject suffering from a glaucomatous disease, wherein the micro-nutrient composition comprises a formulation for reversing mitochondrial dysfunction in glaucomatous disease.

Patent 10,016,128 describes a methodology to calibrate display monitors to automatically hold display luminance constant for vision testing. The method includes a measurement device that is placed on the peripheral areas of the display monitor and feedback software to communicate with a computer and automatically control display luminance. Manual control of luminance based on the output of the measurement device is also included. This invention is embodied in the CSV-1000 and ESV-3000 devices.

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Patent Application 1544558610,022,045 describes a methodology to continuously calibrate display monitors to automatically hold display luminance constant for vision testing. The method includes a measurement device that is placed on the peripheral areas of the display monitor and feedback software to communicate with a computer and automatically control display luminance. Manual control of luminance based on the output of the measurement device is also included. Calibration of the luminance provided by mirrors, if patients view the display monitors through mirrors, is also embodied in the invention. This invention is also embodied in the CSV-1000 and ESV-3000 devices.

 

Trade Secrets

 

The MapcatSF®MapcatSF® device employs a proprietary algorithm for correcting macular pigment optical density measurements with respect to lens density effects. More particularly, the proprietary algorithm adjusts the photopic luminosity function for the age equivalence of the subject’s lens using a relationship disclosed by Sagawa and Takahashi (J. Opt. Soc. Am. 18, 2659-2667). The algorithm is embedded in an integrated circuit block designed in such a way as to make it difficult to reverse engineer.

 

VectorVision’s CSV-1000 has proprietary testing charts that are not only copyright protected but can only be reproduced accurately by using special lithographs. These lithographs are kept secure, with very limited access, and are closely guarded trade secrets.

 

Trademarks

 

The Company utilizes trademarks on all current products and believes that having distinguishing marks is an important factor in marketing its products. The Company has fivesix U.S. registered trademarks on the principal register at the USPTO. These marks are listed below. The Company has not sought anytwo foreign trademark protectionregistered trademarks for its products orand product candidates at this time.time and is evaluating whether additional foreign trademark protection is appropriate. U.S. trademark registrations are generally for fixed, but renewable, terms. The Company also has common law trademark rights for the use of its marks, including common law trademark rights to the NUTRIGUARD mark.

 

The Company currently owns and has exclusive rights to the following registered trademarks:

 

DOMESTIC

Registration No. Mark Owner Product
5,025,658 GUARDION GHS Guardion Health Sciences, Inc.
3,978,9355,757,377 LUMEGA-Z GHS Lumega-Z
4,997,319 MAPCAT SF GHS MapcatSF
4,341,403 VECTORVISION VectorVision VectorVision
4,500,241 CSV-1000 VectorVision CSV-1000
5,092,549GLAUCO-HEALTHGHSGlauco-Health

 

FOREIGN

Country/Registration No.MarkOwnerProduct
China 27151643LUMEGA-ZGHSLumega-Z
China 27151644MAPCAT SFGHSMapcatSF

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Copyrights

 

In addition to patent and trademark protection, VectorVision relies on copyright protection and has common law copyright protection on the testing charts contained in the CSV-1000, which includes Vision Testing Chart #1, Vision Testing Chart #2 and Vision Testing Chart #3.

 

Medical Foods, and Medical Device and Nutraceuticals Manufacturing and Sources and Availability of Raw Materials

 

The Company outsources the manufacturing of its medical food products, nutraceutical product line and medical devices to contract manufacturers. The Company processes orders through purchase orders and invoices with each manufacturer. Healthy Solutions, LLCThe Company believes that there are multiple alternative sources, suppliers and manufacturers available for its products in Scottsdale, Arizona manufactures Lumega-Z for the Company. Device Labs in Irvine, California manufactures the MapcatSF for the Company.

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Government Regulationevent of a termination or a disagreement with any current vendor.

 

Government Regulation

Medical Food Statutory Definition and One FDA Regulation

 

Under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act of 1938 (“FDCA”), products are regulated on the basis of their intended use. Their intended use is determined by the objective factors surrounding their use. Numerous categories and subcategories of products exist under the FDCA that could relate to ourthe Company’s products, such as food, food additive, dietary supplement, GRAS food component, new drug, GRAS and Effective (“GRAS/E”) drug for over the counter use, and GRAS/E drug for use under the supervision of a physician. The categories overlap and products can fall within more than one category depending on their intended use.

 

The FDA has provided little guidance on the regulation of medical foods, as it is still a relatively new and evolving category of product under the FDCA.

Our

The Company’s medical food products are defined and regulated by the FDA. The term medical food is a “food which is formulated to be consumed or administered enterally, or by mouth, under the supervision of a physician and which is intended for the specific dietary management of a disease or condition for which distinctive nutritional requirements, based on recognized scientific principles, are established by medical evaluation.” The FDA advises that it considers the statutory definition of medical foods to “narrowly” constrain the types of products that fit within the category of food (see May 2007 Guidance, and Food Labeling; Reference Daily Intakes and Daily Reference Values; Mandatory Status of Nutrition Labeling and Nutrition Content Revision proposed rule.)rule). This is a Final Rule and binding regulation on nutrition labeling for conventional foods.

 

The only FDA regulation pertaining to medical foods exempts them from the nutrition labeling requirements that apply to conventional foods, but they are subject to special labeling requirements, as noted in the following excerpt:

 

(j) The following foods are exempt from this section or are subject to special labeling requirements:

 

(8) Medical foods as defined in section 5(b) of the Orphan Drug Act. A medical food is a food which is formulated to be consumed or administered enterally, or by mouth, under the supervision of a physician and which is intended for the specific dietary management of a disease or condition for which distinctive nutritional requirements, based on recognized scientific principles, are established by medical evaluation. A food is subject to this exemption only if: (i) It is a specially formulated and processed product (as opposed to a naturally occurring foodstuff used in its natural state) for the partial or exclusive feeding of a patient by means of oral intake or enteral feeding by tube; (ii) It is intended for the dietary management of a patient who, because of therapeutic or chronic medical needs, has limited or impaired capacity to ingest, digest, absorb, or metabolize ordinary foodstuffs or certain nutrients, or who has other special medically determined nutrient requirements, the dietary management of which cannot be achieved by the modification of the normal diet alone; (iii) It provides nutritional support specifically modified for the management of the unique nutrient needs that result from the specific disease or condition, as determined by medical evaluation; (iv) It is intended to be used under medical supervision; and (v) It is intended only for a patient receiving active and ongoing medical supervision wherein the patient requires medical care on a recurring basis for, among other things, instructions on the use of the medical food.

 

Unlike regulation for drugs and for dietary supplements, there is no overall regulatory scheme for medical foods, or even a pending proposed rule, meaning that no FDA rulemaking is in progress. However, a very detailed Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (“ANPR”) entitled “Regulation of Medical Foods,” was published in the Federal Register on Nov. 29, 1996 (“ANPR 1996”). This ANPR never progressed to a proposed rule, or through the Notice and Comment procedure, or to an eventual Final Rule (binding regulation). However, the ANPR, in conjunction with the May 2007 and August 2013 Draft Guidance still represents the FDA’s position and policy on medical foods. This ANPR was in effect withdrawn, because on April 22, 2003, the FDA published a proposal to withdraw numerous long-pending proposed rules, including this ANPR. The FDA cited as its reasons for withdrawal, first, that the subjects are not a regulatory priority, and agency resources are limited; second, the proposed rules have become outdated due to advances in science or changes in the products or the industry regulated, or changes in legal or regulatory contexts; and, third, to eliminate uncertainty, so that the FDA or the private sector may resolve underlying issues in ways other than those in the proposals. In May 2007, the FDA issued its Guidance to Industry relating to medical foods (“2007 Guidance”), presumably because the medical foods sector was growing, but it did not engage in a formal rulemaking procedure, either because it did not have the resources and/or because the medical foods category is still lower priority than drugs and medical devices. A third draft guidance was issued in August 2013 further attempting to clarify the FDA’s position on medical foods (“August 2013 Draft Guidance”). TheAlthough the guidance has not been formalized, however, the Company maintains compliance with this draft guidance.

 

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Medical Food Regulatory Requirements

Overview:Medical foods are FDA-regulated, but there is no complete set or scheme of regulations. There is no pre-market approval, or even pre-market notification required. Rather, it is the responsibility of the manufacturer and marketer to test for safety and efficacy before marketing and selling. The developer of a medical food must adhere closely to the statutory definition, and to the descriptions of a medical food in the sole FDA regulation regarding exemption from nutrition labeling, and in the 2007 Guidance and the August 2013 Draft Guidance.

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Threshold Issue: The manufacturer must demonstrate that the disease or condition to be targeted, scientifically and medically, is a disease with distinctive or unique nutritional requirements. The FDA has stated that this is a “narrow category,” and that whether a product is valid for this category depends on the published medical science of the disease and its origins. The targeted disease or condition may be, or caused by, a metabolic imbalance or deficiency or the accelerated requirements for a certain nutrient caused by a disease state. WeThe Company and ourits Scientific Advisory Board examine the distinctive nutritional requirements of a disease.

Formulation:A medical food may not be a single ingredient formula. Otherwise, that product would be a dietary supplement for a nutrient deficiency. A medical food formula must go beyond a mere modification of the diet. The formula must meet and satisfy the distinctive nutritional requirements, not merely ameliorate the symptoms. For example, Glucosamine or MSM, or an herb’s “active” constituent may indeed help osteoarthritis. One must demonstrate that these nutrients are the distinctive nutritional requirements for osteoarthritis.

Safety: There is no particular or mandated FDA pre-market safety studies required of the formula as a whole. However, all ingredients must be either GRAS or approved food-additives. Since medical foods are typically taken with prescription drugs, the developer must assess whether any medical food/drug interactions pose a risk. Many ingredients have been determined by the FDA to be GRAS and are listed as such by regulation. Other ingredients may achieve self-affirmed GRAS status through a panel of experts on that particular substance that author a GRAS Report. The standard for an ingredient to achieve GRAS status requires not only technical demonstration of non-toxicity and safety, but also general recognition and agreement on that safety by experts in the field. All ingredients used in the Company’s medical foods are either FDA-approved food additives or have GRAS status. The GRAS requirement for ingredients is arguably a higher safety standard than the risk/benefit analysis required for pharmaceuticals. Like any evolving area, especially where no premarket approval is required, the FDA reserves the right to raise questions about the qualification of products within any category as well as the labeling and manufacturing safety of those products.

Efficacy: No particular FDA pre-market efficacy studies are required by the FDA or by Congressional statute, similar to or comparable to Phase 2 & 3 trials for prescription drugs. However, a company must have data to demonstrate that the formula, when taken as directed, meets the distinctive nutritional requirements of the particular disease.

Manufacturing:There are no GMP regulations for medical foods in particular. Drug GMPs are not required, nor are the relatively new dietary supplement GMPs required; only food GMPs are required. The manufacture of the Company’s medical foods is outsourced in its entirety. The Company engages state of the art facilities that manufacture only nutritional supplements and medical foods.

Labeling:As for all food labels, printing must be legible, and many required elements must be conspicuous, such as a statement of identity, which is the name of the food; the statement: “Must be administered under the supervision of a physician or professional healthcare provider;” the quantity; the ingredients listing; the name and address of the distributor among other requirements.

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Marketing:A medical food is a food product, thus the FDA does not regulate advertisements and promotional activities according to the pharmaceutical statutes and regulations; there is no side effects disclaimer or fair balancing required, as in direct to consumer (“DTC”) advertising of drugs on television. However, the FDA has a very broad definition of “labeling”; thus, all promotional materials, including websites, are under the authority, monitoring and enforcement of FDA. The Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) also has joint jurisdiction with the FDA over food products, per a 1983 Memorandum of Understanding. Thus, all advertising claims, both express and implied, must be true, accurate, well-substantiated, and not misleading.

Enforcement:Enforcement is post-market, mostly via annual FDA inspections of food facilities, including packaging, distribution facilities, and fulfillment houses, as well as the manufacturer. The FDA also gathers material at trade shows and conferences and examines websites. The FTC has joint jurisdiction, and performs sophisticated Internet searches, both randomly and at the request of the FDA or of a competitor.

 

Nutraceutical Regulation

The FDA regulates foods, food additives, drugs and cosmetics. Unlike pharmaceutical drugs and conventional foods, nutraceuticals are regulated as “dietary supplements” under the Dietary Supplement, Health and Education Act of 1994 (“DSHEA”) as a separate regulatory category of food. Before the DSHEA, dietary supplements were subject to the same regulatory requirements as were other foods. DSHEA amended the FDCA to create a new regulatory framework for the safety and labeling of dietary supplements. Under DSHEA, a company is responsible for determining that the dietary supplements it manufactures or distributes are safe and that any representations or claims made about them are substantiated by adequate evidence to show that they are not false or misleading. Dietary supplements do not need approval from FDA before they are marketed. Except in the case of a “new dietary ingredient,” where pre-market review for safety data and other information is required by law, a firm does not have to provide FDA with the evidence it relies on to substantiate safety or effectiveness before or after marketing a product. In addition, there is a requirement for manufacturers to register pursuant to the Bioterrorism Act with FDA before producing or selling supplements. In June 2007, FDA published regulations for Current Good Manufacturing Practices (“cGMP”) for those who manufacture, package or hold dietary supplement products. These regulations focus on practices that ensure the identity, purity, quality, strength and composition of dietary supplements.

Congress defined the term “dietary supplement” in DSHEA as “a product (other than tobacco) intended to supplement the diet that bears or contains one or more of the following dietary ingredients: vitamins, minerals, amino acids, herbs or other botanicals; a concentrate, metabolite, constituent, extract or combination of the ingredients listed above.” A dietary supplement is a product taken by mouth that contains a “dietary ingredient” intended to supplement the diet. The “dietary ingredients” in these products may include vitamins, minerals, herbs or other botanicals, amino acids, and substances such as enzymes, organ tissues, glandulars, and metabolites and can also be extracts or concentrates. Dietary supplements are produced in the form of tablets, capsules, softgels, gelcaps, liquids, or powders. Dietary supplements can also be in other forms, such as a nutrition bar, but if they are in another form, information on their label must not represent the product as a conventional food or a sole item of a meal or diet. Regardless of form, DSHEA places dietary supplements in a special category under the general umbrella of “foods,” not drugs, and requires the product to be labeled as a “dietary supplement.”

According to the FDA, a drug is an article intended to diagnose, cure, mitigate, treat or prevent disease. While nutraceuticals are not intended to cure or treat disease, both dietary supplements and drugs are intended to affect the structure or function of the body. Moreover, dietary supplements are supposed to enhance the diet, not be used as a conventional food or as the sole item of a meal or diet, and not supposed to be taken alone as a substitute for any food or medicine.

The DSHEA requires that a manufacturer or distributor notify FDA if it intends to market a dietary supplement in the U.S. that contains a “new dietary ingredient.” The manufacturer and distributor must demonstrate to FDA why the ingredient is reasonably expected to be safe for use in a dietary supplement, unless it has been recognized as a food substance and is present in the food supply. A new dietary ingredient is an ingredient marketed after October 15, 1994. There is no authoritative list of dietary ingredients that were marketed before October 15, 1994. Therefore, manufacturers and distributors are responsible for determining if a dietary ingredient is “new,” and if it is not, for documenting that the dietary supplements its sells, containing the dietary ingredient, were marketed before October 15, 1994. The DSHEA states that the manufacturer is responsible for the safety evaluation of the product. If the dietary supplement contains a new ingredient, the manufacturer must inform FDA that the new ingredient “can reasonably be expected to be safe” within 75 days of going to market. This notice must provide information that supports the manufacturer’s conclusion that the ingredient is safe. It is up to the FDA to prove that a dietary supplement is unsafe after it is marketed.

A dietary supplement is adulterated if it or an ingredient in it presents a “significant or unreasonable risk of illness or injury” when used as directed. If the dietary supplement contains a new ingredient, a disclaimer it to be given on the product as follows: “There is insufficient information to provide assurance that the ingredient does not present any significant or unreasonable risk of illness or injury.” The DSHEA also has labeling requirements for dietary supplements where the label must include (1) name of each ingredient; (2) quantity of each ingredient; (3) total weight of all ingredients, if a blend; (4) identity of the plant part used; (5) the term “Dietary Supplement;” (6) nutritional labelling information (calories, fat, sodium, etc.).

Medical Device Regulatory Requirements

 

To fall within the purview of the FDA, a product must first meet the definition of a medical device, whereby it is then subject to regulation before and after it is marketed. Section 201(h) of the FDCA defines a device as “an instrument, apparatus, implement, machine, contrivance, implant, in vitro reagent, or other similar or related article, including any component, part, or accessory, which is ... intended for use in the diagnosis of disease or other conditions, or in the cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease, in man or other animals.” If the product in question is not a medical device, then no regulation applies. If it is a medical device, then one must evaluate applicable regulation.

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Since 1976, the FDA’s paradigm has categorized medical devices in three distinct classes based on the potential health risks to the public – Class I, Class II, and Class III. Medical devices are assigned a classification based on the level of control needed in order to provide the FDA reasonable assurance of the product’s safety and effectiveness. If a device represents a very low risk of injury, it is considered Class I and does not require any premarket approval. While most Class I devices are exempt from premarket notification requirements and regulations for good manufacturing practices, there are some general controls that companies must conduct such as registering the company with the FDA, listing the device, paying an annual registration fee and tracking device activity.

 

Devices that present an intermediate level of risk of injury to people are considered Class II. The FDA’s perspective is that for Class II devices “general controls alone are insufficient to assure safety and effectiveness.” In addition to general controls, Class II devices also require special controls such as specified content on labels, adherence to performance standards and surveillance of the product in the marketplace. Some medical devices are also subject to a “Premarket Notification” under Section 510(k) of the FDCA. Most Class I and some Class II devices are exempt from the 510(k) Premarket Notification requirement. If a Class II device is subject to the 510(k) requirement, the manufacturer must file a premarket notification with the FDA to demonstrate that the device is “substantially similar” to another Class II device already on the market. Establishing substantial similarity provides the FDA reasonable assurance that the device is safe and effective.

 

High risk devices are Class III. These are devices that either sustain human life or present an unreasonable risk of injury to humans. Because of the risks involved, the FDA does not believe that general or special controls are sufficient to assure safety and effectiveness. The FDA requires general controls and premarket approval (“PMA”) for Class III devices.

 

VectorVision Ohio is registered with the FDA and the CSV-1000 and the ESV-3000 medical devices are listed with the FDA as Class I medical devices. As Class I medical devices, the CSV-1000 and the ESV-3000 are safe medical devices each with a very low potential risk of injury to a patient. These devices do not require any premarket approval.

 

With the assistance of regulatory affairs consultants, the Company has determined the relevant predicate device for the MapcatSF is the MPS II, the applicable product code for the MapcatSF is HJW and the applicable Code of Federal Regulation is 886.1050. The FDA has determined that this particular predicate device, and related product code, is a Class I medical device. Based on this, the Company believes the MapcatSF is correctly classified as a Class I medical device, is a safe medical device with a very low potential risk of injury to a patient and does not require any premarket approval.

 

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Stark IILaw

 

Congress enacted significant prohibitions against physician self-referrals in the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993. This law and its supporting regulations, which have been amended and expanded substantially, are commonly referred to as the “Stark II,Law,appliesand prohibit a physician from making any referral of a Stark Designated Health Service (“DHS”) to an entity with which the physician dispensinghas any kind of financial relationship, unless all of the requirements of a statutory or regulatory exception are met. Stark covered DHS include both outpatient prescription drugs and diagnostic testing that are reimbursable by Medicare or Medicaid. Our product,Many states have similar laws, some of which can apply to all payors and not just governmental payors. While the Company believes that its arrangements with its customers are in compliance with the federal and any state Stark Laws, the Stark Laws present different levels of risks as to the Company’s two lines of business: (1) sale of the Company’s medical food, Lumega-Z, and medical device, the MapcatSF; and (2) the Company’s performance of TCD testing.

1. Medical Food, Lumega-Z, and Medical Device, the MapcatSF. These products are neither prescription drugs nor are they reimbursable under any federal program at present. The federal Stark Law is thus inapplicable. Further, the Company’s believes that these products are also not a prescription drug, nor do we participate in Medicare, Medicaid orcovered under any otherpotentially applicable state Stark Laws. The federal or state-funded program. Stark II,Law, however, includes an exception for the provision of in-office ancillary services, including a physician’s dispensing of outpatient prescription drugs, provided that the physician meets specified requirements. To the requirementsextent that the products might become reimbursable under a federal program, or otherwise become covered under the Stark Law, the Company believes that the physicians who use the Company’s medical device, the MapcatSF, or recommend its medical food, Lumega-Z, to their patients are aware of these requirements. However, the Company does not monitor their compliance and has no assurance that the physicians are in material compliance with Stark II. If it were determined that the physicians who use the Company’s medical device or prescribe medical foods purchased from the Company were not in compliance with Stark II, it could potentially have an adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations.

2. The TCD Testing Business. The TCD tests performed by the Company can be reimbursed by Medicare or Medicaid and otherwise constitute a Stark covered DHS, which include diagnostic testing. In conducting TCD tests, the Company will be providing the tests to the ordering physician, who will be paying TCD as a vendor to perform the test on behalf of the exception. We are mindful that if our Lumega-Z product becomes eligiblephysician; and the physician will then be billing for reimbursement from any such program or if Lumega-Z were deemedthe test to third party payers, including potentially Medicare and Medicaid. As a result, the tests will be considered to be an in-office ancillary service covered under Stark. The Stark Law, however, includes an exception for the provision of such in-office ancillary services, provided that the physician meets specified requirements. The Company believes that the physicians who engage the Company as a prescription drug,vendor to perform the TCD tests are aware of these requirements. However, the Company does not monitor the physicians’ compliance and has no assurance that the physicians are in material compliance with the Stark lawsLaw. If it were determined that the physicians were not in compliance with Stark, such could potentially become applicable with regard to Lumega-Z.have an adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

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Anti-Kickback Statute and HIPAA Criminal Laws

 

While we doThe federal anti-kickback statute (the “AKS”) applies to Medicare, Medicaid and other state and federal programs. AKS prohibits the solicitation, offer, payment or receipt of remuneration in return for referrals or the purchase, or in return for recommending or arranging for the referral or purchase, of goods, including drugs, covered by the federal health care programs. At present, the Company does not yet participate in any federal programs and its products are not reimbursed by Medicare, Medicaid or state-funded healthcare programs, weany other state or federal program. The AKS is a criminal statute with criminal penalties, as well as potential civil and administrative penalties. The AKS, however, provides a number of statutory exceptions and regulatory “safe harbors” for particular types of transactions. Many states have similar fraud and abuse laws and their own anti-kickback laws, some of which can apply to all payors, and not just governmental payors. While the Company believes that it is in material compliance with both federal and state AKS laws, the AKS laws present different levels of risks as to the Company’s two lines of business: (1) sale of the Company’s medical food, Lumega-Z, and medical device, the MapcatSF; and (2) the Company’s performance of TCD testing.

1. Medical Food, Lumega-Z, and Medical Device, the MapcatSF. At present, the Company’s products are mindfulnot reimbursable under any federal program. If, however, that should we participatechanges in the future and it were determined that the Company was not in compliance with the AKS, the Company could be subject to liability, and its operations could be curtailed. Moreover, if the activities of its customers or other entity with which the Company has a business relationship were found to constitute a violation of the AKS and the Company, as a result of the provision of products or services to such customer or entity, were found to have knowingly participated in such activities, the Company could be subject to sanctions or liability under such laws, including civil and/or criminal penalties, as well as exclusion from government health programs. As a result of exclusion from government health programs, neither products nor services could be provided to any beneficiaries of any federal healthcare program.

2. The TCD Testing Business. The TCD tests performed by the Company can be reimbursed by Medicare or should ourMedicaid. As a result, the federal AKS (and potentially any state anti-kickback law) will be implicated to the extent the financial relationships between the physician customers receive reimbursementand the Company are (1) not set at a fair market value amount unrelated to the volume or subsidy fromvalue of TCD tests being ordered; or (2) were found to be a federal or state healthcare program, certain laws may become applicable to us. The federal Anti-Kickback Statute makes it illegal for any person, including a pharmaceutical, biologic, or medical device company (or a party acting on its behalf), to knowingly and willfully solicit, offer, receive or pay any remuneration, directly or indirectly, in exchange for, or to induce,circumvention of the referral of business, includingAKS through the purchase, ordering or prescriptioncreation of a particular itemsuspect contractual joint venture. If the Company’s arrangements with ordering physicians were found to constitute a violation of the federal AKS, or service,any applicable state anti-kickback law, we could be subject to sanctions or arranging for the purchase, ordering, liability under such laws, including civil and/or prescriptioncriminal penalties, as well as exclusion from government health programs. As a result of a particular item or service for which payment mayexclusion from government health programs, neither products nor services could be made underprovided to any beneficiaries of any federal healthcare programs such as Medicare and Medicaid. In 1996, under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (“HIPAA”), the Anti-Kickback Statute was expanded to be made applicable to most federal and state-funded health care programs.program.

 

HIPAA Compliance and Privacy Protection

 

HIPAA established comprehensive federal protection for the privacy and security of health information. The HIPAA standards apply to three types of organizations, or “Covered Entities”: (1) health plans, (2) health care clearing houses, and (3) health care providers who conduct certain health care transactions electronically. Covered Entities must have in place administrative, physical and technical standards to guard against the misuse of individually identifiable health information. Additionally, some state laws impose privacy protections more stringent than HIPAA’s. There are also international privacy laws, such as the European Data Directive, that impose restrictions on the access, use, and disclosure of health information. All of these laws may impact the Company’s business in the future.

 

HITECH Act

 

The Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (“HITECH”) Act promotes the adoption and meaningful use of health information technology. The HITECH Act addresses the privacy and security concerns associated with the electronic transmission of health information, in part, through several provisions that strengthen the civil and criminal enforcement of the HIPAA rules.

 

Physician Sunshine Act

Health Care Reform Law provision, generally referred to as the Physician Payment Sunshine Act or Open Payments Program, has imposed new reporting and disclosure requirements for drug and device manufacturers with regard to payments or other transfers of value made to certain practitioners (including physicians, dentists and teaching hospitals), and for such manufacturers and for group purchasing organizations, with regard to certain ownership interests held by physicians in the reporting entity. The Centers for Medicine and Medicaid Services (“CMS”) publishes information from these reports on a publicly available website, including amounts transferred and physician, dentist and teaching hospital identities.

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Under the Physician Payment Sunshine Act applicable organizations are required to collect and report detailed information regarding certain financial relationships they have with physicians, dentists and teaching hospitals. The Physician Payment Sunshine Act preempts similar state reporting laws, although some companies may also be required to report under certain state transparency laws that address circumstances not covered by the Physician Payment Sunshine Act, and some of these state laws, as well as the federal law, are ambiguous. Because the Company’s medical devices are Class I, not subject to premarket approval, and not reimbursable under Medicare, Medicaid, or the Children’s Health Insurance Program the Company believes it is not currently subject to the Physician Payment Sunshine Act requirements. As the Company pursues commercialization of the MapcatSF® and considers introducing new products, these requirements will be reevaluated to determine their applicability to the Company’s activities.

The Federal False Claims Act

The Federal False Claims Act provides for the imposition of extensive financial penalties (including treble damages and fines of over $22,000 for every false claim) if a provider submits false claims to any governmental health program either knowingly or in reckless disregard or in deliberate ignorance of the truth or falsity of the claims at issue. Liability under the False Claims Act can arise from patterns of deficient documentation, coding and billing, as well as for billing for services that are deemed not to have been medically necessary for the treatment of the patient. Many states have their own False Claims Acts as well. The Company will be billing governmental health care programs for the TCD testing, and the False Claims Act is thus potentially applicable to the Company’s operations. The Company is putting in place a fraud and abuse compliance program that is designed to ensure that the Company’s documentation, coding and billing for TCD tests are accurate and compliant. Any patterns of uncorrected deficiencies in documenting, coding and billing for TCD tests, however, may result in fines and other liabilities, which may adversely affect the Company’s results of operations.

State Regulatory Requirements

 

Each state has its own regulations concerning physician dispensing, restrictions on the corporate practiceCorporate Practice of medicine,Medicine (“CPOM”), anti-kickback and false claim regulations. In addition, each state has a board of pharmacy that regulates the sale and distribution of drugs and other therapeutic agents. Some states require that a physician obtain a license to dispense prescription products. When considering the commencement of business in a new state, the Company consults with healthcare counsel regarding the expansion of operations and utilizes local counsel when necessary.

 

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Many states prohibit or otherwise regulate under CPOM rules the extent to which non-licensed personnel may be involved in the practice of medicine or otherwise employ licensed personnel. Related state rules further limit the extent to which fees for professional services may be shared or “split” between parties. Under the TCD Testing line of business, such rules in some states my impact the Company’s relationship with the radiologists who will be reading and interpreting the results of the TCD tests, and thereby providing the “professional component” of such tests. The Company is structuring its financial and billing relationships with such radiologists to be in compliance with applicable state rules. Failure to comply with state CPOM and fee splitting rules, however, may result in fines and other liabilities, which may adversely affect the Company’s results of operations.

 

Other United States Regulatory Requirements

 

In the United States, the research, manufacturing, distribution, sale, and promotion of drug and biological products are subject to regulation by various federal, state, and local authorities in addition to the FDA, including the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (formerly the Health Care Financing Administration), other divisions of the United States Department of Health and Human Services (e.g., the Office of Inspector General), the United States Department of Justice and individual United States Attorney offices within the Department of Justice, and state and local governments. Pricing and rebate programs must comply with the Medicaid rebate requirements of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990 and the Veterans Health Care Act of 1992, each as amended. If products are made available to authorized users of the Federal Supply Schedule of the General Services Administration, additional laws and requirements apply. All of these activities are also potentially subject to federal and state consumer protection, unfair competition, and other laws. In addition, wethe Company may be subject to federal and state laws requiring the disclosure of financial arrangements with health care professionals.

 

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Foreign Regulatory Requirements

 

While not yet applicable to us, weThe Company may eventually be subject to widely varying foreign regulations, which may be quite different from those of the FDA, governing clinical trials, manufacturing, product registration and approval, and sales. Whether or not FDA approval has been obtained, wegenerally the Company must obtain a separate approval for a product by the comparable regulatory authorities of foreign countries prior to the commencement of product marketing in thesethose countries. In certain countries, regulatory authorities also establish pricing and reimbursement criteria. The approval process varies from country to country, and the time may be longer or shorter than that required for FDA approval.

 

Corporate History

 

Guardion Health Sciences, Inc. was formed under the name P4L Health Sciences, LLC in December 2009 in California as a limited liability company. The Company changed its name to Guardion Health Sciences, LLC in December 2009. In June 2015, the Company converted into a Delaware “C” corporation.

 

EmployeesOn January 30, 2019, the Company filed a Certificate of Amendment to its Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware to effectuate a one-for-two (1:2) reverse stock split (the “Reverse Stock Split”) of its common stock without any change to its par value. Proportional adjustments for the Reverse Stock Split were made to the Company’s outstanding common stock, stock options, and warrants as if the split occurred at the beginning of the earliest period presented in this Annual Report.

 

Property

The Company’s address is 15150 Avenue of Science, Suite 200, San Diego, California 92128. The Company’s corporate offices are rented under a five-year lease for approximately 9,605 square feet of space at a current rental of $12,816 per month. We believe these facilities will be adequate for our needs during the foreseeable future.

Employees

As of November 22, 2017,October 24, 2019, the Company had a total staff of nine,twelve, consisting of four officers fourand eight full-time staff and one part-time staff person. In addition,employees. VectorVision hashad a staff of four,three, consisting of two officers,one officer, one full-time employee and one part-time employee, and Transcranial Doppler Solutions, Inc. had a staff member.of five, consisting of three officers and two full-time employees.

 

Advisory Boards

The Company’s research and development efforts are shaped by a Science Advisory Board with advice from a Medical Advisory Board consisting of practicing physicians. Both teams are committed to revealing and validating the connections between health and nutrition and then developing products based on these findings. Their joint goal is the integration of a medical model incorporating nutritional therapy into clinical practice.

Science Advisory Board

The Company’s Science Advisory Board is a product development and research team of esteemed experts in the fields of biochemistry, biophysics, and clinical nutrition. In addition to developing products based on scientific studies in the public domain, members of the Science Advisory Board conduct and publish their own evidence. Their expertise and the evidence they develop guide the formulation of all of the Company’s products. As an elite team of scientists and researchers, members of the Science Advisory Board contribute a high level of experience and judgment to the field of retinal health and nutrition. The Science Advisory Board currently consists of:

Richard A. Bone, BSc, PhD, FARVO

Dr. Bone is an experimental biophysicist and professor in the department of physics at Florida International University in Miami. Bone was just awarded The Presidential Award for achievement in macular pigment research and dedicated service to the carotenoid field.

John T. Landrum, BS, MS, PhD, FARVO

Dr. Landrum is a research scientist and professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Florida International University (FIU). Dr. Landrum was just appointed president of the International Carotenoid Society for the next 3 years.

William E. Sponsel, M.D., M.B., Ch.B., F.R.A.N.Z.C.O., F.A.C.S.

Dr. Sponsel established the Glaucoma Research and Diagnostic Laboratory at Indiana University in 1991, and was later recruited to the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio in 1994, where he became Professor and Director of Clinical Research. He is presently Professor of Vision Sciences at UIW and Adjunct Professor of Biomedical Engineering at UTSA in San Antonio, Texas.

Robert J. Donati, PhD.

Dr. Donati has a PhD in Anatomy and Cell Biology with a minor in Neuroscience from the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC). He joined the faculty at the Illinois College of Optometry (ICO) in 2004 and has been an Associate Professor for the past 5 years. He is currently the Chair of the ICO Institutional Review Board.

Mark F. McCarty

Mr. McCarty is a nutritionist and a researcher who obtained his undergraduate education in biochemistry at the University of California San Diego, Revelle College. He has published over three hundred articles on a wide range of biomedical topics in the peer-reviewed medical literature. He has been awarded seven U.S. patents for a variety of applied nutritional measures. McCarty co-founded NutriGuard Research and previously worked as the research director for Nutrition 21. Mr. McCarty also serves as the Director of Research of NutriGuard Formulations, Inc.

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In memoriam of:

Sheldon Saul Hendler, M.D., Ph.D., FACP, FACN, FAIC – (1936-2012)

Dr. Hendler was the principal author and editor of the PDR for Nutritional Supplements. Dr. Hendler passed away suddenly in November 2012. He was the founding head of the Company’s Science Advisory Board. Dr. Hendler supervised and completed the formulas for Lumega-Z for the Company in 2011.

Medical Advisory Board

The Company’s Medical Advisory Board is composed of clinicians who are active medical practitioners. Members of the Medical Advisory Board consult with the Scientific Advisory Board on the current standards of care in relevant medical practices. Members of the Medical Advisory Board objectively advise on trends, needs, and issues of concern within their specialties. Their input helps shape the direction of the Company’s research and product development efforts. The Medical Advisory Board currently consists of:

Robert Ritch, M.D.

Dr. Ritch holds the Shelley and Steven Einhorn Distinguished Chair in Ophthalmology and is Surgeon Director Emeritus and Chief of Glaucoma Services at the New York Eye & Ear Infirmary, New York City and Professor of Ophthalmology at The New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York.

John A. Hovanesian, M.D., FACS

Dr. Hovanesian is faculty member at the UCLA Jules Stein Eye Institute, a board-certified ophthalmologist, and an internationally recognized leader in the field of corneal, cataract, refractive, and laser surgery. He is the chairman of the American Academy of Ophthalmology’s online cataract surgery education committee and an editorial board member for five other eye journals.

Richard Rosen, M.D.

Dr. Rosen is a vitreoretinal surgeon and consultant at the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary where he serves as Vice Chairman and Director of Ophthalmology Research, as well as Surgeon Director and Chief of Retinal Services. Dr. Rosen is Professor of Ophthalmology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and Visiting Professor in Applied Optics at the University of Kent in Canterbury, UK.

William Trattler, M.D.

Dr. Trattler received the “Outstanding Young Ophthalmologist Leadership Award” from the Florida Society of Ophthalmology (FSO) and was elected President of the Miami Ophthalmology Society for 2006. In March 2006, Dr. Trattler was selected as one of the top 50 opinion leaders in Ophthalmology, as voted by his peers in a National survey.

James A. Davies, M.D.

Dr. Davies is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery. He serves on the Medical Advisory Board of Bausch + Lomb Surgical, Inc., and is a consultant for Glaukos, Inc., Optovue, Inc., and Guardion Health Sciences. He also serves as an advisor to the Charity Vision Foundation.

P. Dee Stephenson, M.D.

Dr. Stephenson is a Board Certified Ophthalmic Surgeon with extensive expertise in micro-incisional cataract surgery and implantation of premium intra-ocular lenses, as well as custom femto cataract techniques. Dr. Stephenson has been recognized by numerous institutions for her expertise. She is also the current president (2015-2017) of the American College of Eye Surgeons (ACES).

Bridgitte Shen Lee, O.D.

Dr. Lee is the cofounder of Vision Optique. She also founded iTravelCE in 2010 and serves as a consultant and a speaker for various optical industry companies to introduce eye care professionals in the U.S. and Asia to the latest innovations. She served on the Houston Miller Theatre Advisory Board, and she currently serves on the Houston Ballet Foundation Board of Trustees.

Joseph S. Andrews, M.D.

Dr. Andrews is a member of the Private Internal Medicine Center (PIMC) at Scripps Clinic Torrey Pines, San Diego and has diplomate board certification from the American Board of Internal Medicine. He is currently a clinical mentor at St. Vincent de Paul Clinic. In 2009, he was listed among San Diego’s Top Doctors by San Diego magazine.

John E. Wanebo, M.D., FACS

Dr. Wanebo is the Director of Neurotrauma at the Scottsdale Healthcare System. Additionally, he serves as a staff neurosurgeon and Director of the Moyamoya Center at Barrow Neurological Institute, St. Joseph’s Medical Center, in Phoenix, where he is also an assistant professor within the Division of Neurological Surgery. He is board certified by the American Board of Neurological Surgery.

Legal Proceedings

 

The Company is periodically the subject of various pending or threatened legal actions and claims arising out of its operations in the normal course of business. In the opinion of managementRegardless of the Company, adequate provision has been made in the Company’s condensed financial statements at September 30, 2017 with respect tooutcome, such matters, including the matter noted below.

Onproceedings or about July 26, 2017,claims can have an adverse impact on the Company received a payment demand from a former consultant to the Company allegingbecause of defense and settlement costs, diversion of resources and other factors, and there can be no assurances that he is owed approximately $192,000 for services rendered. The Company has disputed this demand and the resolution of this matter is uncertain. The Company intends to vigorously protect its rights.favorable outcomes will be obtained.

 

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MANAGEMENT

 

Set forth below is certain information regarding ourthe Company’s current executive officers and directors.directors based on information furnished to the Company by each executive officer and director. Each of the directors listed below was elected to ourthe Board of Directors to serve until ourthe Company’s next annual meeting of stockholders or until his or her successor is elected and qualified. All directors hold office for one-year terms until the election and qualification of their successors. The following table sets forth information regarding the members of our Board of Directors and our executive officers:

 

Name Age Position
     
Michael Favish 6871 President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors
     
Robert Weingarten 6567 Director, Lead Director
     
Mark Goldstone 5456 Director
     
David W. Evans 6163 Director, Chief Science Officer
     
Gordon BethwaiteDonald A. Gagliano 4267 Vice President of Sales and MarketingDirector
     
John Townsend 5658 Controller, Chief Accounting Officer
     
Vincent J. Roth 4951 General Counsel and Corporate Secretary

 

Management Team

 

Michael Favishhas been Chief Executive Officer, President and Chairman of the Board since the Company’s formation in 2009. He has more than 30 years’ experience in founding, developing and managing private and public companies, all of which we believethe Company believes contribute to his qualifications as a director. He is an acknowledged and respected leader and innovator with hands-on experience in strategic marketing, brand building and product development. Mr. Favish founded Fotoball USA, Inc. (“Fotoball”), a pioneer in retail licensed products and marketing, in 1984. In 1994, Mr. Favish transformed Fotoball into a publicly held company with 200 employees and was listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market. After growing revenues from $7 million in 1994 to $50 million in 2003, Fotoball was acquired in January 2004 by an industry leading NYSE company. We believeThe Company believes that Mr. Favish’s experience in an entrepreneurial environment such as Fotoball is particularly suitable for the Company because it was a small, developing and entrepreneurial company introducing products of a kind that did not currently exist. Mr. Favish’s team building skills from his track record at Fotoball, are also applicable as the Company is still building its departments and leadership team. Mr. Favish developed familiarity with the capital markets and obligations of a public reporting company through his experience at Fotoball which is also pertinent to the Company as it engages in fund raising efforts and pursues its endeavor to become a public reporting company. These experiences collectively make Mr. Favish suitable to serve the Company as Chief Executive Officer and a director.

 

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Robert N. Weingartenhas been a Director of the Company effective June 30, 2015.2015 and Lead Director on the Board of Directors since January 2017. He is an experienced business consultant and advisor with an ongoing consulting practice. Since 1979, he has provided financial consulting and advisory services and served on boards of directors of numerous public companies in various stages of development, operation or reorganization, which we believethe Company believes qualifies him to serve on ourthe Board of Directors. Mr. Weingarten was the CFO of Alltemp, Inc, from July 10, 2017 through June 28, 2018. Alltemp, Inc. was an SEC full reporting company until it filed a Form 15 on April 16, 2018. Mr. Weingarten was appointed as a director of Staffing 360, Inc. on February 25, 2014 and resigned this position on April 20, 2014. Mr. Weingarten was the Non-Executive Chairman of New Dawn Mining Corp. (“New Dawn”) from August 31, 2005 through September 30, 2010, and was named the Executive Chairman of New Dawn in October 2010. On July 8, 2010, Mr. Weingarten was appointed to the Board of Directors of Central African Gold Limited (formerly known as Central African Gold Plc and listed on the Alternative Investment Market of the London Stock Exchange at that time). Central African Gold Limited was an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of New Dawn. Both New Dawn and Central African Gold Limited have ceased to be publicly traded and reporting companies in their respective jurisdictions. On April 29, 2013, Mr. Weingarten was appointed to the Board of Directors of RespireRx Pharmaceuticals Inc., formerly known as Cortex Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (“RespireRx”), and was named Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of RespireRx. He resigned from those positions on February 17, 2017. On July 10, 2017, Mr. Weingarten was appointed Chief Financial Officer of Alltemp, Inc., a public reporting company. Mr. Weingarten received a B.A. Degree in Accounting from the University of Washington in 1974, and an M.B.A. Degree in Finance from the University of Southern California in 1975. Mr. Weingarten is a Certified Public Accountant (inactive) in the State of California. Mr. Weingarten has considerable accounting and finance acumen, particularly with regard to public reporting requirements. He also has considerable experience in the pharmaceutical industry, which has many similar regulatory requirements supplement as the medical foods and medical device markets in which the Company operates. These skills and experiences make Mr. Weingarten particularly suitable to serve as a director and offer guidance to the Company.

 

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Mark Goldstonehas been a Director since June 2015. Mr. Goldstone has over 25 years of experience in the healthcare industry, encompassing operations, commercialization and consulting. He has executed numerous M&A, financing and strategic partnership transactions, for a broad array of middle market and emerging growth companies in technology, life sciences and healthcare services, which qualifies him to serve on ourthe Board of Directors. From 2007 to 2013, Mr. Goldstone was the global President of DDB Worldwide Communications Group Inc.’s healthcare business, where he was responsible for a global communications business spanning 40+ offices in over 36 markets. The business covered advertising, digital, integrated communications, healthcare professional promotion, branding, naming, design, market shaping, medical education and scientific communications. Mr. Goldstone has previously held senior positions at Publicis Healthcare Communications Group where he was responsible for the global Sanofi-Aventis business and at Interbrand where he was CEO of its global Healthcare business.

 

Mr. Goldstone moved from the United Kingdom to New York with Havas Group, where from 1996 to 2003 he held senior positions at Robert A. Becker, Euro RSCG and Jordan McGrath Case & Partners, Euro RSCG and ultimately at Euro RSCG Worldwide Headquarters, where he helped devise and build their global healthcare business – Euro RSCG Life Worldwide (Now Havas Life). Mr. Goldstone holds a BSc (Hons) in Pharmacy. He is a board member of the prestigious Galien Foundation and a board member of G3 Global Genomics Group. He is a member of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain and is a past Co-Chairman of New York Corporate Development for the American Diabetes Association. Mr. Goldstone’s breadth of experience in sales, marketing and strategic transactions in the healthcare industry is particularly useful to the Company as it develops its business, commercializes products and builds its marketing channels. We believeThe Company believes that these experiences make Mr. Goldstone particularly suitable to serve as a director and guide the Company in the complexities of the life science and healthcare services industries.

 

Donald A. Gaglianohas served as a Director since the Company’s initial public offering on April 9, 2019. Dr. Gagliano has been a member of our Scientific Advisory Board since June 2015. Since October 2018, Dr. Gagliano has been the principal of GMIC LLC, which provides healthcare consultation services primarily for health systems engineering and ophthalmology subject matter expertise. Dr. Gagliano does not currently hold any directorships and has not held any directorships within the past five years. From April 2013 to October 2013, Dr. Gagliano was the Vice President for Global Medical Affairs for Bausch+Lomb, Inc. From 2016 to present, Dr. Gagliano has served as the President of the Prevention of Blindness Society. From November 2008 to March 2013, Dr. Gagliano served as the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs as the first Executive Director of the Joint Department of Defense (DoD) and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Vision Center of Excellence (VCE). In 1975, Dr. Gagliano graduated from the US Military Academy at WestPoint with a degree in Engineering. In 1981, he received a Bachelor of Science in medicine from Chicago Medical School and in 1998 he received his Master of Healthcare Administration from Penn State University. Dr. Gagliano’s breadth of experience in the healthcare industry is particularly useful to the Company as it develops its business, commercializes products and builds its marketing channels. The Company believes that these experiences make Dr. Gagliano particularly suitable to serve as a director and guide the Company in the complexities of the life science and healthcare services industries.

David W. Evans has been a Director since September 2017.2017 and Chief Science Officer. Dr. Evans is the founder of VectorVision, and was appointed to the Company’s Board of Directors on September 29, 2017, the closing of the VectorVision acquisition.acquisition, and thereafter was engaged as a consultant to serve as the Company’s Chief Science Officer. Dr. Evans is recognized as the leading expert in clinical contrast sensitivity and glare testing. He has provided his testing expertise and data analysis capability to a wide range of leading ophthalmic companies. Dr. Evans has published more than 30 scientific articles and 3 book chapters in the areas of refractive surgery, glaucoma, ocular blood flow and visual function, and is the inventor of 5 patents related to vision testing devices. Dr. Evans received his Bachelor of Science degree in Human Factors Engineering from the United States Air Force Academy, a Master of Science degree and Masters in Business Administration from Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio, and a Ph.D. in Ocular Physiology from Indiana University. The Company believes that these experiences make Dr. Evans also servesparticularly suitable to serve as a consultant todirector and guide the Company to furtherin the Company’s planned developmentcomplexities of the life science and commercialization of its portfolio of products.healthcare services industries.

 

Gordon Bethwaitehas been Vice President of Sales and Marketing since December 2015. He is a senior figure in the ophthalmic space, with over 15 years of experience in the sales and marketing of diagnostic, surgical and optical products. After graduating with a degree in Applied Biology from Liverpool John Moores University, Gordon transitioned into the corporate healthcare environment. Throughout his career, Gordon has held senior management positions in both the ophthalmology & optometry, and audiology industries. From October 2012 to December 2015, he served as Market Development Manager and subsequently, Director of Marketing for the ophthalmic diagnostic and surgical portfolio at Carl Zeiss Meditec, a global leader and innovator in the industry.

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Through his collaborations with thought leading doctors in cataract, refractive, retina and glaucoma specialties, Mr. Bethwaite brings a wealth of expertise and knowledge to the table. A passion for the technological, clinical and surgical application, and business environment of the industry, coupled with an in-depth understanding of the dynamics of the eye care market and years of collaboration with his customers, all combine to provide Mr. Bethwaite with a rich skill set invaluable to his role as Vice President of Sales and Marketing for the Company.

John Townsend has served as Controller since July 2016 and Chief Accounting Officer since March 2017. He has over 20 years of public and private company experience in industries including biotechnology, medical devices, and high-tech electronics manufacturing. Before joining the Company, Mr. Townsend worked at Cosmederm Biosciences, Inc., a specialty pharmaceutical company.company in 2016. From 2005 until 2015, he worked at Cytori Therapeutics, Inc., a stem cell therapy company. From 1996 to 2005, he worked at several high-tech companies, and he started his career at Deloitte (formerly Deloitte and Touche) after graduating from San Diego State University in 1993. Mr. Townsend is a Certified Public Accountant in the state of California.

 

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Vincent J. Rothhas served as General Counsel and Corporate Secretary since April 2015. He is an experienced corporate attorney with over 1719 years of experience serving as the General Counsel to public and private companies in the high-tech, healthcare, medical device, nutraceutical, and biotechnology industries. Mr. Roth has worked as the General Counsel and Corporate Secretary for NucleusHealth, LLC, (formerly StatRad, LLC), a medical device and teleradiology company for the last eight years.ten years prior to 2015. Mr. Roth has also worked as a partner at InnovaCounsel, LLP providing general counsel services to clients for the last eight years.from 2009 to 2018. In addition to managing legal affairs, Mr. Roth is very familiar with operating in highly regulated industries. Mr. Roth completed a Master of Laws in Intellectual Property at the University of San Diego where he graduated with honors. He also received a Master of Laws in Business and Corporate Law from the University of San Diego with honors, a Juris Doctor and an MBA from Temple University, a Master of Liberal Arts in Sociology from the University of Pennsylvania and a BBA in Marketing and Human Resources from Temple University.

Director or Officer Involvement in Certain Legal Proceedings

 

OurThe Company’s directors and executive officers were not involved in any legal proceedings described in Item 401(f) of Regulation S-K in the past ten years.

Directors and Officers Liability Insurance

 

We haveThe Company has directors’ and officers’ liability insurance insuring ourits directors and officers against liability for acts or omissions in their capacities as directors or officers, subject to certain exclusions. Such insurance also insures usthe Company against losses, which weit may incur in indemnifying ourits officers and directors. In addition, officers and directors also have indemnification rights under applicable laws, and ourthe Company’s certificate of incorporation and bylaws.Bylaws.

Director Independence

Committees

The listing rules of NASDAQ Capital Market require that independent directors must comprise a majority of a listed company’s board of directors. In addition, the rules of the NASDAQ Capital Market require that, subject to specified exceptions, each member of a listed company’s audit, compensation, and nominating and governance committees be independent. Audit committee members must also satisfy the independence criteria set forth in Rule 10A-3 under the Exchange Act. Under the rules of the NASDAQ Capital Market, a director will only qualify as an “independent director” if, in the opinion of that company’s board of directors, that person does not have a relationship that would interfere with the exercise of independent judgment in carrying out the responsibilities of a director.

The Company’s Board of Directors has undertaken a review of the independence of the Company’s directors and director nominees and considered whether any director has a material relationship with it that could compromise his or her ability to exercise independent judgment in carrying out his or her responsibilities. Based upon information requested from and provided by each director concerning his background, employment and affiliations, including family relationships, the Board of Directors

Currently, our has determined that each of Messrs. Weingarten, Goldstone and Gagliano, representing three (3) of the Company’s five (5) directors, are “independent” as that term is defined under the applicable rules and regulations of the SEC and the listing standards of the NASDAQ Capital Market. In making these determinations, the Board of Directors actsconsidered the current and prior relationships that each non-employee director has with the Company and all other facts and circumstances the Board of Directors deemed relevant in determining their independence, including the beneficial ownership of the Company’s capital stock by each non-employee director, and any transactions involving them described in the section captioned “—Certain Relationships and Related Transactions and Director Independence.”

Board Committees

In October 2018, the Board of Directors established an audit committee and a compensation committee, each of which are comprised and have the responsibilities described below. Each of the below committees has a written charter approved by the Company’s Board of Directors. Each of the committees reports to the Company’s Board of Directors as oursuch committee deems appropriate and as the Company’s Board of Directors may request.

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Audit Committee

The audit nominating, corporate governancecommittee is comprised of Robert Weingarten, Mark Goldstone and compensation committees.   TheDonald Gagliano. Mr. Weingarten serves as the chairperson of the audit committee. the Company’s Board of Directors has not yet adopted charters relative to itsdetermined that each member of the audit committee meets the requirements for independence and financial literacy under the applicable rules and regulations of the SEC and the listing standards of the NASDAQ Capital Market. the Company’s Board of Directors has also determined that Mr. Weingarten is an “audit committee financial expert” as defined in the rules of the SEC and has the requisite financial sophistication as defined under the listing standards of the NASDAQ Capital Market. The responsibilities of the audit committee include, among other things:

selecting and hiring the independent registered public accounting firm to audit the Company’s financial statements;
overseeing the performance of the independent registered public accounting firm and taking those actions as it deems necessary to satisfy itself that the accountants are independent of management;
reviewing financial statements and discussing with management and the independent registered public accounting firm the Company’s annual audited and quarterly financial statements, the results of the independent audit and the quarterly reviews, and the reports and certifications regarding internal control over financial reporting and disclosure controls;
preparing the audit committee report that the SEC requires to be included in the Company’s annual proxy statement;
reviewing the adequacy and effectiveness of the Company’s internal controls and disclosure controls and procedures;
overseeing the Company’s policies on risk assessment and risk management;
reviewing related party transactions; and
approving or, as required, pre-approving, all audit and all permissible non-audit services and fees to be performed by the independent registered public accounting firm.

The Company’s audit committee operates under a written charter which satisfies the applicable rules and regulations of the SEC and the listing standards of the NASDAQ Capital Market.

Compensation Committee

The Company’s compensation committee is comprised of Mark Goldstone and nominatingRobert Weingarten. Mr. Goldstone serves as the chairperson the compensation committee.Until such time The Company’s Board of Directors has determined that each member of the compensation committee meets the requirements for independence under the applicable rules and regulations of the SEC and listing standards of the NASDAQ Capital Market. Each member of the compensation committee is a non-employee director as we add more membersdefined in Rule 16b-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act. The purpose of the compensation committee is to oversee the Company’s compensation policies, plans and benefit programs and to discharge the responsibilities of the Company’s Board of Directors relating to compensation of its executive officers. The responsibilities of the entirecompensation committee include, among other things:

reviewing and approving or recommending to the board for approval compensation of the Company’s executive officers;
reviewing and recommending to the board for approval compensation of directors;
overseeing the Company’s overall compensation philosophy and compensation policies, plans and benefit programs for service providers, including the Company’s executive officers;
reviewing, approving and making recommendations to the Company’s Board of Directors regarding incentive compensation and equity plans; and
administering the Company’s equity compensation plans.

The compensation committee operates under a written charter which satisfies the applicable rules and regulations of the SEC and the listing standards of the NASDAQ Capital Market.

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Nominating and Corporate Governance

A majority of the independent directors of the Company’s Board will determine all mattersare responsible for reviewing, on an annual basis, the appropriate characteristics, skills and no committees have been formed. We intend to appoint persons toexperience required for the Board of Directors as a whole and committeesits individual members. In evaluating the suitability of individual candidates (both new candidates and current members), the majority of the independent director of the Company’s Board, in recommending candidates for election, and the Board of Directors, in approving (and, in the case of vacancies, appointing) such candidates, considers many factors, including the following:

diversity of personal and professional background, perspective and experience;
personal and professional integrity, ethics and values;
experience in corporate management, operations or finance, such as serving as an officer or former officer of a publicly held company, and a general understanding of marketing, finance and other elements relevant to the success of a publicly-traded company in today’s business environment;
experience relevant to the Company’s industry and with relevant social policy concerns;
experience as a board member or executive officer of another publicly held company;
relevant academic expertise or other proficiency in an area of the Company’s operations;
practical and mature business judgment, including ability to make independent analytical inquiries;
promotion of a diversity of business or career experience relevant to the Company’s success; and
any other relevant qualifications, attributes or skills.

Currently, the independent directors evaluate each individual in the context of the Board of Directors as requireda whole, with the objective of assembling a group that can best maximize the success of the business and represent stockholder interests through the exercise of sound judgment using its diversity of experience in these various areas.

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

None of the Company’s executive officers serves, or in the past has served, as a member of the board of directors or compensation committee, or other committee serving an equivalent function, of any entity that has one or more executive officers who serve as members of the Company’s board of directors or its compensation committee. None of the members of the Company’s compensation committee is, or has ever been, an officer or employee of the company.

Code of Business Conduct and Ethics

The Company’s Board of Directors adopted a code of business conduct and ethics applicable to meetits employees, directors and officers, in accordance with applicable U.S. federal securities laws and the corporate governance requirementsrules of a national securities exchange, although we are not required to comply with these requirements until we are listedthe NASDAQ Capital Market. The code of business conduct and ethics is publicly available on a national securities exchange. We intend to appoint directors in the future so that we have a majorityCompany’s website. Any substantive amendments or waivers of our directors whothe code of business conduct and ethics or code of ethics for senior financial officers may be made only by the Company’s Board of Directors and will be independent directors,promptly disclosed as required by applicable U.S. federal securities laws and the corporate governance rules of which at least one director will qualify as an “audit committee financial expert,” prior to a listing on a national securities exchange.the NASDAQ Capital Market.

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATIONCorporate Governance Guidelines

 

The Company’s Board of Directors has adopted corporate governance guidelines in accordance with the corporate governance rules of the NASDAQ Capital Market.

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EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

Summary Compensation Table

The following table below sets forth for the last twototal compensation paid or accrued during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 to (i) the compensation earned by (i) each individual who served as our principal executive officer or principal financial officer,Chief Executive Officer, and (ii) ourthe Company’s two next most highly compensated executive officers otherwho earned more than those listed in clause (i) above, who$100,000 during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 and were serving as executive officers at the endas of the last fiscal year (together,such date (these individuals are referred to as the “Named Executive Officers”). No other executive officer had annual compensation in excess of $100,000 during the last fiscal year.

 

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Executive Year  Salary  Bonus  Stock Awards  

All Other

Compensation

  Total 
Michael Favish (1)  2016  $250,000  $-  $4,500  $-  $254,500 
   2015  $200,000  $-  $-  $-  $200,000 
                         
Gordon Bethwaite (2)  2016  $208,800  $-  $1,800  $-  $210,600 
   2015  $-  $-  $2,500  $-  $2,500 
                         
John Townsend (3)  2016  $68,000  $-  $450  $-  $68,450 
   2015  $-  $-  $-  $-  $- 
                         
Vincent J. Roth (4)  2016  $156,000  $-  $10,350  $-  $166,350 
   2015  $104,000  $-  $1,500  $-  $105,500 
Executive Year Salary  Bonus  Stock Awards  All Other
Compensation
  Total 
Michael Favish (1) 2018 $275,000  $-  $-  $  -  $275,000 
  2017 $250,000  $-  $-  $-  $250,000 
John Townsend (2) 2018 $165,000  $3,000  $-  $-  $168,000 
  2017 $144,000  $10,000  $9,000  $-  $163,000 
Vincent J. Roth (3) 2018 $156,000  $-  $-  $-  $156,000 
  2017 $156,000  $10,000  $-  $-  $166,000 

 

(1) Michael Favish has been the Company’s CEO since inception. He does not have a written agreement with the Company. Mr. Favish received 5,500,0002,750,000 units of membership interest at inception of the Company on December 1, 2009 when the Company was a California limited liability company, such units became 5,500,0002,750,000 shares of common stock when the Company incorporated as a Delaware corporation on June 30, 2015. The Company accrued a salary of $200,000$250,000 for Mr. Favish in fiscal year 20152017 and $250,000$275,000 in fiscal year 2016.2018. Mr. Favish was awarded a stock grant on December 31, 2016 for services rendered for 50,00025,000 shares of the Company’s common stock valued at $0.09$0.18 per share. It is expected that Mr. Favish will bewas engaged with a formal employment agreement in 2018.

 

(2) Gordon Bethwaite was awarded a stock grant on October 1, 2015 for 250,000 shares of the Company’s common stock valued at $0.01 per share as an inducement to engage as the Company’s Vice President of Sales and Marketing and to compensate Mr. Bethwaite for work to be performed. These shares reverse vest quarterly over the first year, with the first quarter vested on January 1, 2016. Mr. Bethwaite officially began his engagement as Vice President of Sales and Marketing on January 1, 2016 with an annualized compensation of $208,800. Mr. Favish was awarded a stock grant on December 31, 2016 for services rendered for 20,000 shares of the Company’s common stock valued at $0.09 per share. It is expected that Mr. Bethwaite will be engaged with a formal employment agreement in 2018.

(3) John Townsend began as the Company’s Controller July 1, 2016 with annual compensation of $144,000. He was appointed to the office of Chief Accounting Officer on March 30, 2017. Mr. Townsend was awarded a stock grant on December 31, 2016 for services rendered for 5,0002,500 shares of the Company’s common stock valued at $0.09$0.18 per share. Mr. Townsend was later awardedreceived a stock grant onin August 10, 2017 for services rendered for 100,00050,000 shares of the Company’s common stock valued at $0.22$0.18 per share. It is expected that Mr. Townsend will bewas engaged with a formal employment agreement in 2018.

 

(4)(3) Vincent J. Roth beganhas served as the Company’s General Counsel and Corporate Secretary on May 6, 2015 with annual compensation of $156,000.since April 2015. On December 31, 2016, Mr. Roth was awarded a stock grant on August 7, 2015 for services rendered for 150,0007,500 shares of the Company’s common stock valued at $0.01$0.18 per share.

Employment Agreements

On December 21, 2018, the Company entered into an Employment Agreement (the “Agreement”) with Michael Favish, its President and Chief Executive Officer, and Chairman of the Board, which agreement is effective as of January 1, 2019. Pursuant to the Agreement, Mr. Roth wasFavish will serve in such positions for a term of three (3) years, and following the expiration of such three (3) year term, Mr. Favish’s employment shall be on an “at-will” basis, and such post-term employment will be subject to termination by either party at any time, with or without cause or prior notice.

Pursuant to the terms of the Agreement, Mr. Favish is entitled to receive an annual base salary of $300,000 in 2019, $325,000 in 2020 and $350,000 in 2021. Mr. Favish shall be eligible for an annual bonus as follows: (i) the initial annual bonus target will be 100% of Mr. Favish’s salary for the applicable calendar year, and (ii) the actual bonus amount awarded will be based 50% on the achievement of Company financial and other performance metrics as determined by the Board and 50% as determined by the Board, in its sole discretion.

Additionally, the Company granted Mr. Favish a non-qualified stock grants on April 1, 2016 and December 31, 2016, for services rendered for 100,000 and 15,000option (the “Option”) to purchase 1,250,000 shares respectively,of common stock upon the completion of the Company’s initial public offering (the “Grant Date”). The Option term is five years from the Grant Date and the Option has a purchase price per common stock valuedshare equal to $4.40. The Option vests ratably over three years commencing one twelfth on June 30, 2019, and one twelfth at $0.09 per share. Itthe end of each calendar quarter thereafter until fully vested.

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Mr. Favish shall devote his full business time and attention to the performance of his duties and is expected that Mr. Roth will be engaged witheligible to participate in benefit programs offered by the Company to similarly situated employees, which may include a formal employment agreement in 2018.paid time off program and medical benefits.

 

If Mr. Favish’s employment is terminated as a result of Mr. Favish’s death or permanent disability, Mr. Favish will be entitled to receive (i) any unpaid salary through the date of termination and any accrued vacation in accordance with Company policy; (ii) reimbursement for any unreimbursed expenses incurred through the date of termination; (iii) any bonus payments due and payable; and (iv) as and when due thereunder, all other payments, benefits or fringe benefits to which Mr. Favish may be entitled under the terms of any applicable compensation arrangement or benefit, equity or fringe benefit plan or program or grant or the Agreement (collectively, the “Accrued Amounts”).

If Mr. Favish’s employment is terminated by the Company for Cause (as defined in the Agreement) or if Mr. Favish terminates the Agreement voluntarily without Good Reason (as defined in the Agreement), Mr. Favish will be entitled to receive the Accrued Amounts, and the unvested portion of the Option shall terminate. Mr. Favish shall have ninety (90) days to exercise the vested portion of the Option in such circumstances.

If Mr. Favish’s employment is terminated by the Company without Cause or if Mr. Favish terminates his employment for Good Reason, the Company shall pay Mr. Favish the Accrued Amounts (and the unvested portion of the Option shall continue in full force and effect under its terms) and, additionally, subject to (x) Mr. Favish’s immediate return to the Company of all Company property, and (y) Mr. Favish’s execution and non-revocation of a waiver and release (the “Release”), the Company shall pay as a lump sum the prorated bonus that would have been paid for the year of termination and any bonus for the year preceding termination, to the extent unpaid, and in addition Mr. Favish will be entitled to (i) a severance payment equal to his then current annual salary payable over a period of one (1) year and (ii) the potential reimbursement of certain COBRA expenses.

Finally, if Mr. Favish’s employment is terminated pursuant to a Change in Control Termination (as defined in the Agreement), the Company shall pay Mr. Favish the Accrued Amounts and, additionally, subject to (x) Mr. Favish’s immediate return to the Company of all Company property, and (y) Mr. Favish’s execution and non-revocation of the Release, the Company shall pay as a lump sum the prorated bonus that would have been paid for the year of termination and any bonus for the year preceding termination, to the extent unpaid, and in addition he will be entitled to (i) a severance payment equal to two (2) times his then current annual salary payable in a lump sum in the event that Mr. Favish’s termination occurs after the Change in Control or payable 50% in a lump sum if Mr. Favish’s termination occurs prior to the date of the Change in Control and 50% payable over a one (1) year period, (ii) with respect to the Option and any other outstanding equity awards time vesting (but not performance vesting, if any), accelerated vesting as to 100% of the then-unvested shares subject to the Option and other equity awards effective on the date that the Release becomes irrevocable (and Mr. Favish shall have 360 days (or until the date the Option is set to expire per its original term) to exercise the Option) and (iii) the potential reimbursement of certain COBRA expenses.

Mr. Favish will be subject to non-solicitation restrictions for a period of one (1) year following any termination of his employment and various other customary restrictions.

2018 Equity Incentive Plan

Our stockholders adopted the Guardion Health Sciences 2018 Equity Incentive Plan, or the 2018 Plan, on November 20, 2018. The purpose of the Plan is to attract and retain key personnel and to provide a means for directors, officers, managers, employees, consultants and advisors to acquire and maintain an interest in the Company, which interest may be measured by reference to the value of its common stock. The material terms of the 2018 Plan are summarized below.

Shares Available; Certain Limitations. The maximum number of shares of common stock reserved and available for issuance under the 2018 Plan is 3,000,000.

New shares reserved for issuance under the 2018 Plan may be authorized but unissued shares or shares that will have been or may be reacquired by the Company in the open market, in private transactions or otherwise. If any shares subject to an award are forfeited, cancelled, exchanged or surrendered or if an award terminates or expires without a distribution of shares to the participant, the shares of common stock with respect to such award will, to the extent of any such forfeiture, cancellation, exchange, surrender, withholding, termination or expiration, again be available for awards under the 2018 Plan except that any shares of common stock surrendered or withheld as payment of either the exercise price of an award and/or withholding taxes in respect of an award will not again be available for awards under the Plan.

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2018 Plan Term. The 2018 Plan will terminate on November 20, 2028 (although awards granted before that time will remain outstanding in accordance with their terms).

Types of Awards. The 2018 Plan provides for the issuance of options, share appreciation rights (“SARs”), restricted shares, restricted stock units (“RSUs”), other share-based awards and cash awards to our officers, employees, directors, independent contractors and consultants.

Shares of common stock subject to an award under the 2018 Plan that remain unissued upon the cancellation or termination of the award will again become available for grant under the 2018 Plan. However, shares of common stock that are surrendered by a participant or withheld as payment of the exercise price in connection with any award under the 2018 Plan, as well as any shares of common stock exchanged by a participant or withheld to satisfy tax withholding obligations related to any award, will not be available for subsequent awards under the 2018 Plan. If an award is denominated in shares, but settled in cash, the number of shares of common stock previously subject to the award will again be available for grants under the 2018 Plan. If an award can only be settled in cash, it will not be counted against the total number of shares of common stock available for grant under the 2018 Plan. However, upon the exercise of any award granted in tandem with any other awards, such related awards will be cancelled as to the number of shares as to which the award is exercised and such number of shares will no longer be available for grant under the 2018 Plan.

Administration. The 2018 Plan is administered by our board of directors, or if our board of directors does not administer the 2018 Plan, a committee of our board of directors that complies with the applicable requirements of Section 16 of the Exchange Act and any other applicable legal or stock exchange listing requirements (each of our board of directors or such committee, the “plan administrator”). The plan administrator may interpret the 2018 Plan and may prescribe, amend and rescind rules and make all other determinations necessary or desirable for the administration of the 2018 Plan, provided that, subject to the equitable adjustment provisions described below, the plan administrator will not have the authority to reprice or cancel and re-grant any award at a lower exercise, base or purchase price or cancel any award with an exercise, base or purchase price in exchange for cash, property or other awards without first obtaining the approval of our stockholders.

The 2018 Plan permits the plan administrator to select the eligible recipients who will receive awards, to determine the terms and conditions of those awards, including but not limited to the exercise price or other purchase price of an award, the number of shares of common stock or cash or other property subject to an award, the term of an award and the vesting schedule applicable to an award, and to amend the terms and conditions of outstanding awards.

Restricted Shares and RSUs. Restricted shares and RSUs may be granted under the 2018 Plan. The plan administrator will determine the purchase price, vesting schedule and performance goals, if any, applicable to the grant of restricted shares. Unless otherwise determined by the plan administrator, if the restrictions, performance goals or other conditions determined by the plan administrator are not satisfied, the restricted shares and RSUs will be forfeited. Subject to the provisions of the 2018 Plan and the applicable individual award agreement, the plan administrator has the sole discretion to provide for the lapse of restrictions in installments or the acceleration or waiver of restrictions (in whole or part) under certain circumstances, including the attainment of certain performance goals, a participant’s termination of employment or service or a participant’s death or disability. The rights of restricted share and RSU holders upon a termination of employment or service will be set forth in individual award agreements.

Unless the applicable award agreement provides otherwise, participants with restricted shares will generally have all of the rights of a stockholder during the restricted period, including the right to receive dividends declared with respect to such shares; provided, however, that dividends declared during the restricted period with respect to an award will only become payable if  (and to the extent) that the underlying restricted shares vest. During the restricted period, participants with RSUs will generally not have any rights of a stockholder, but will be credited with dividend equivalent rights, unless the applicable individual award agreement provides otherwise.

Options. We may issue non-qualified stock options and “incentive stock options” (“ISOs”) (within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code) under the 2018 Plan. The terms and conditions of any options granted to a participant will be set forth in an award agreement and, subject to the provisions in the 2018 Plan, will be determined by the plan administrator. The exercise price of any option granted under our 2018 Plan must be at least equal to the fair market value of our common stock on the date the option is granted (110% of fair market value in the case of ISOs granted to ten percent stockholders). The maximum term of an option granted under our 2018 Plan is ten years. The amount of incentive stock options that become exercisable for the first time in a particular year cannot exceed a value of $100,000 per participant, determined using the fair market value of the shares on the date of grant.

Subject to our 2018 Plan, the plan administrator will determine the vesting and other terms and conditions of options granted under our 2018 Plan and the plan administrator will have the authority to accelerate the vesting of any option in its sole discretion. Treatment of an option upon termination of employment of a participant will be provided for by the plan administrator in the applicable award agreement.

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Share Appreciation Rights. SARs may be granted under the 2018 Plan either alone or in conjunction with all or part of any option granted under the 2018 Plan. A free-standing SAR granted under the 2018 Plan entitles its holder to receive, at the time of exercise, an amount per share up to the excess of the fair market value (at the date of exercise) of a share of common stock over the exercise price of the free-standing SAR multiplied by the number of shares in respect of which the SAR is being exercised. An SAR granted in conjunction with all or part of an option under the 2018 Plan entitles its holder to receive, at the time of exercise of the SAR and surrender of the related option, an amount per share up to the excess of the fair market value (at the date of exercise) of a share of common stock over the exercise price of the related option multiplied by the number of shares in respect of which the SAR is being exercised. Each SAR will be granted with an exercise price that is not less than 100% of the fair market value of the related shares of common stock on the date of grant. Treatment of a SAR upon termination of employment of a participant will be provided for by the plan administrator in the applicable award agreement. The maximum term of all SARs granted under the 2018 Plan will be determined by the plan administrator but may not exceed ten years. The plan administrator may determine to settle the exercise of an SAR in shares of common stock, cash, or any combination thereof.

Each free-standing SAR will vest and become exercisable (including in the event of the SAR holder’s termination of employment or service) at such time and subject to such terms and conditions as determined by the plan administrator in the applicable individual free-standing SAR agreement. SARs granted in conjunction with all or part of an option will be exercisable at such times and subject to all of the terms and conditions applicable to the related option.

Other Share-Based Awards. Other share-based awards, valued in whole or in part by reference to, or otherwise based on, shares of common stock (including dividend equivalents) may be granted under the 2018 Plan. The plan administrator will determine the terms and conditions of such other share-based awards, including the number of shares of common stock to be granted pursuant to such other share-based awards, the manner in which such other share-based awards will be settled (e.g., in shares of common stock, cash or other property), and the conditions to the vesting and payment of such other share-based awards (including the achievement of performance goals). The rights of participants granted other share-based awards upon the termination of employment with or service to us will be set forth in the award agreement. Any dividend or dividend-equivalent award issued under the 2018 Plan will be subject to the same restrictions and conditions as apply to the underlying award.

Cash Awards. Bonuses that are payable solely in cash may also be granted under the 2018 Plan and may be granted contingent upon the achievement of performance goals. The rights of participants granted cash awards upon the termination of employment with or service to us will be set forth in the applicable award agreement.

Equitable Adjustments. In the event of a merger, amalgamation, consolidation, reclassification, recapitalization, spin-off, spin-out, repurchase, reorganization, special or extraordinary dividend or other extraordinary distribution (whether in the form of common shares, cash or other property), combination, exchange of shares, or other change in corporate structure affecting our common stock, an equitable substitution or proportionate adjustment shall be made in (i) the aggregate number and kind of securities reserved for issuance under the 2018 Plan, (ii) the kind and number of securities subject to, and the exercise price of, any outstanding options and SARs granted under the 2018 Plan, (iii) the kind, number and purchase price of shares of common stock, or the amount of cash or amount or type of property, subject to outstanding restricted shares, RSUs and other share-based awards granted under the 2018 Plan and (iv) the terms and conditions of any outstanding awards (including any applicable performance targets). Equitable substitutions or adjustments other than those listed above may also be made as determined by the plan administrator. In addition, the plan administrator may terminate all outstanding awards for the payment of cash or in-kind consideration having an aggregate fair market value equal to the excess of the fair market value of the shares of common stock, cash or other property covered by such awards over the aggregate exercise price, if any, of such awards, but if the exercise price of any outstanding award is equal to or greater than the fair market value of the shares of common stock, cash or other property covered by such award, our board of directors may cancel the award without the payment of any consideration to the participant. With respect to awards subject to foreign laws, adjustments will be made in compliance with applicable requirements. Except to the extent determined by the plan administrator, adjustments to incentive stock options will be made only to the extent not constituting a “modification” within the meaning of Section 424(h)(3) of the Code.

Change in Control and Qualifying Termination. Unless otherwise determined by the plan administrator and evidenced in an award agreement, in the event that (i) a “change in control” (as defined below) occurs and (ii) a participant’s employment or service is terminated by us or any of our successors or affiliates without cause or by the participant for good reason (if applicable) within 12 months following the change in control, then (a) any unvested or unexercisable portion of any award carrying a right to exercise will become fully vested and exercisable, and (b) the restrictions, deferral limitations, payment conditions and forfeiture conditions applicable to any award will lapse and such unvested awards will be deemed fully vested and any performance conditions imposed with respect to such awards will be deemed to be fully achieved at target performance levels.

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Definition of Change in Control. For purposes of the 2018 Plan, a “change in control” will mean, in summary, the first to occur of the following events: (i) a person or entity becomes the beneficial owner of more than 50% of our voting power; (ii) an unapproved change in the majority membership of our board of directors; (iii) a merger or consolidation of us or any of our subsidiaries, other than (A) a merger or consolidation that results in our voting securities not continuing to represent 50% or more of the combined voting power of the surviving entity or our parent and our board of directors immediately prior to the merger or consolidation continuing to represent at least a majority of the board of directors of the surviving entity or its parent or (B) a merger or consolidation effected to implement a recapitalization in which no person is or becomes the owner of our voting securities representing more than 50% of our combined voting power; or (iv) stockholder approval of a plan of complete liquidation or dissolution of us or the consummation of an agreement for the sale or disposition of substantially all of our assets, other than a sale or disposition to an entity, more than 50% of the combined voting power of which is owned by our stockholders in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of us immediately prior to such sale or a sale or disposition to an entity controlled by our board of directors. However, a change in control will not be deemed to have occurred as a result of any transaction or series of integrated transactions following which our stockholders, immediately prior thereto, hold immediately afterward the same proportionate equity interests in the entity that owns all or substantially all of our assets.

Tax Withholding. Each participant will be required to make arrangements satisfactory to the plan administrator regarding payment of taxes up to the maximum statutory tax rates in the participant’s applicable jurisdiction with respect to any award granted under the 2018 Plan, as determined by the Company. We have the right, to the extent permitted by applicable law, to deduct any such taxes from any payment of any kind otherwise due to the participant. With the approval of the plan administrator, the participant may satisfy the foregoing requirement by either electing to have us withhold from delivery of shares of common stock, cash or other property, as applicable, or by delivering already owned unrestricted shares of common stock, in each case, having a value not exceeding the applicable taxes to be withheld and applied to the tax obligations. We may also use any other method of obtaining the necessary payment or proceeds, as permitted by applicable law, to satisfy our withholding obligation with respect to any award.

Amendment and Termination of the 2018 Plan. The 2018 Plan provides our board of directors with authority to amend, alter or terminate the 2018 Plan, but no such action may impair the rights of any participant with respect to outstanding awards without the participant’s consent. The plan administrator may amend an award, prospectively or retroactively, but no such amendment may materially impair the rights of any participant without the participant’s consent. Stockholder approval of any such action will be obtained if required to comply with applicable law.

Clawback. If the Company is required to prepare a financial restatement due to the material non-compliance with any financial reporting requirement, then the plan administrator may require any Section 16 officer to repay or forfeit to the Company that part of the cash or equity incentive compensation received by that Section 16 officer during the preceding three years that the plan administrator determines was in excess of the amount that such Section 16 officer would have received had such cash or equity incentive compensation been calculated based on the financial results reported in the restated financial statement. The plan administrator may take into account any factors it deems reasonable in determining whether to seek recoupment of previously paid cash or equity incentive compensation and how much of such compensation to recoup from each Section 16 officer (which need not be the same amount or proportion for each Section 16 officer).

Indemnification. To the extent allowable pursuant to applicable law, each member of our board of directors and the plan administrator and any officer or other employee to whom authority to administer any component of the 2018 Plan is delegated shall be indemnified and held harmless by the Company from any loss or expense that may be reasonably incurred by such member in connection with any claim, action or proceeding in which he or she may be involved by reason of any action or failure to act pursuant to the 2018 Plan and against all amounts paid by him or her in satisfaction of judgment in such claim, action or proceeding against him or her, provided, however, that he or she gives the Company an opportunity, at its own expense, to handle and defend the same before he or she undertakes to handle and defend it on his or her own behalf.

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Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End

 

Other than as set forth below, thereThere were no outstanding unexercised options, unvested stock, and/or equity incentive plan awards issued to ourthe Company’s named executive officers as of December 31, 2016.2018.

 

Option AwardStock Award
Name

Number of

Securities

Underlying

Unexercised

Warrants/

Options

Exercisable

Number of

Securities

Underlying

Unexercised

Warrants/

Options

Unexercisable

Equity

Incentive

Plan

Awards:

Number of

Securities

Underlying

Unexercised

Unearned

Warrants

Warrant

Exercise

Price

($)

Warrant

Expiration

Date

Number

of

Shares

or Units

of Stock

That

Have

Not

Vested

(#)

Market

Value

of

Shares

or Units

of Stock

That

Have Not

Vested

($)

Equity

Incentive

Plan

Awards:

Number

of

Unearned

Shares,

Units or

Other

Rights

That

Have Not

Vested

(#)

Equity

Incentive

Plan

Awards:

Market

or Payout

Value of

Unearned

Shares,

Units or

Other

Rights

That

Have Not

Vested

($)

Vincent Roth100,000(a)
Gordon Bethwaite250,000(b)

(a)These shares were 75% vested as of December 31, 2016. The remaining 25% vested in January 2017.
(b)These shares were 75% vested as of December 31, 2016. The remaining 25% vested in June 2017.

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Director Compensation

 

The Company awarded stock grantsaccrued or paid compensation to its directors as compensation for serving in such capacity, as show in the table below.

 

Director (1) Year  Stock Awards  Year Stock Awards  Fees Earned or
Paid in Cash
  Total 
Mark Goldstone  2016  $4,500  2018 $      -  $-  $- 
  2015  $-  2017 $-  $-  $- 
Robert Weingarten(1)  2016  $4,500  2018 $-  $60,000  $60,000 
  2015  $-  2017 $-  $60,000  $60,000 
David W. Evans (2) 2018 $-  $-  $- 
 2017 $-  $-  $- 

 

(1) Mr. Goldstone andWeingarten was paid $60,000 in December 2017 as compensation for services as Lead Director provided to the Company during 2017. Mr. Weingarten have been Directors of the Company since June, 2015. Each Director was awarded a stock grant on December 31, 2016earned $60,000 as compensation for services rendered for 50,000 fully vested sharesas Lead Director during 2018, of the Company’s common stock valued at $0.09 per share.which $10,000 was paid in December 2018 and $50,000 was paid in 2019.

 

(2) Mr. Evans was appointed as a directorDirector on September 29, 2017. WeThe Company entered into a Consulting Agreement with Dr. Evans, dated as of September 29, 2017 (the “Consulting Agreement”), whereby Dr. Evans has been engaged to serve as a consultant to the Company to further the Company’s planned development and commercialization of the Company’s portfolio of products and technology. Dr. Evans was given the title of Chief Science Officer on April 1, 2018. The Consulting Agreement has an initial term of 3 years, with automatic one-year renewals unless earlier terminated. Dr. Evans is entitled to compensation of $10,000 per month.

CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

Except as set forth below, during the past three years, there have been no transactions, whether directly or indirectly, between the Company and any of its officers, directors or their family members.

On September 29, 2017, the Company completed the acquisition of substantially all of the assets and liabilities of VectorVision Ohio in exchange for 1,525,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, pursuant to the Asset Purchase and Reorganization Agreement (“Asset Purchase Agreement”), which was entered into on an arm’s-length basis. David W. Evans, a Director of the Company, owned 28% of the issued and outstanding shares of VectorVision Ohio and his wife, Tamara Evans, owned 72% of the issued and outstanding shares of VectorVision Ohio. VectorVision Ocular Health, Inc is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company formed by the Company in connection with the acquisition of assets from VectorVision Ohio. Dr. Evans was appointed as a director of the Company on September 29, 2017 pursuant to the Asset Purchase Agreement. The Company entered into a Consulting Agreement with Dr. Evans, dated as of September 29, 2017, whereby Dr. Evans has been engaged to serve as a consultant to the Company to further the Company’s planned development and commercialization of the Company’s portfolio of products and technology. The Consulting Agreement has an initial term of 3 years, with automatic one-year renewals unless earlier terminated. Dr. Evans is entitled to compensation of $10,000 per month for the first six months of the term of the Consulting Agreement and $7,500 per month for the remainder of the term of the Consulting Agreement.

CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

Except as set forth below, during Additionally, on the past three years, there have been no transactions, whether directly or indirectly, betweensame date, the Company and any of its officers, directors or their family members.

On September 29, 2017, we completed the acquisition of substantially all of the assets and liabilities of VectorVision Ohio in exchange for 3,050,000 shares of our common stock, pursuant to the AssetDr. Evans entered into an Intellectual Property Purchase Agreement which was entered into on an arm’s-length basis. David W. Evans, our Director, owned 28% of the issued and outstanding shares of VectorVision Ohio and his wife, Tamara Evans, owned 72% of the issued and outstanding shares of VectorVision Ohio. VectorVision Ocular Health, Inc is a wholly owned subsidiary ofwherin the Company formed by the Company in connection with the acquisition of assets from VectorVision Ohio. Mr. Evans was appointed as a director of the Company on September 29, 2017 pursuantagreed to the Asset Purchase Agreement. We entered into a Consulting Agreement withpay to Dr. Evans dated asa commercially reasonable royalty payments on sales of September 29, 2017 (the “Consulting Agreement”), whereby Dr. Evans has been engagedgoods relating to serve as a consultant to the Company to further the Company’s planned development and commercialization of the Company’s portfolio of products and technology. The Consulting Agreement has an initial term of 3 years, with automatic one-year renewals unless earlier terminated. Dr. Evans is entitled to compensation of $10,000 per month for the first six months ofvision acuity testing during the term of the Consulting Agreementagreement. The parties agreed to negotiate the amount and $7,500 per month for the remainderterms and conditions of the term of the Consulting Agreement.royalty in good faith.

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Due to and from related parties represents unreimbursed expenses and compensation incurred on behalf of, and amounts loaned to the Company by, Michael Favish, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, as well as other shareholders. The advances are unsecured, non-interest bearing and are due on demand. As of December 31, 20162018 and 2015,2017, the Company had $91,483$0 and $286,844,$146,133, respectively, due to related parties.

 

The Company paid management fees directly to Michael Favish prior to the Company’s conversion to a corporation. During the first six months of 2015, the Company accrued management fees of $106,250 and paid $6,250. During the remaining six-month period ended December 31, 2015 (subsequent to conversion to a corporation in June of 2015), the Company accrued salary expense of $100,000 and paid $0. During the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2016, the Company accrued salary expense of $250,000 and paid $48,500. For all periods presented, accrued amounts are included in general and administrative expenses.

On December 31, 2016, the Company issued 684,933 shares of common stock with a fair value of 602,741 to our CEO, Michael Favish, in settlement of $410,960 of previously accrued management and other fees earned by Mr. Favish from 2013 through 2016. The difference of $191,781 between the fair value of the shares issued and accrued fees was reflected as additional compensation in general and administrative expenses.

On December 31, 2016, the Company awarded stock grants to its management and directors as compensation for services rendered. This included 50,000 shares each to Michael Favish, our CEO, Mark Goldstone, a Director, and Robert Weingarten, a Director. 20,000 shares were awarded to Gordon Bethwaite, our Vice President of Sales and Marketing, 15,000 shares were awarded to Vincent J. Roth, our General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, and 5,000 shares were awarded to John Townsend, our Chief Accounting Officer and Controller. All of these shares were fully vested on December 31, 2016. The Company recorded $162,800 of stock-based compensation as a result of these awards.

As of December 31, 2016, $14,000 of principal and $2,085 of accrued interest was outstanding for a note held by Terrence Favish, son of our CEO, Michael Favish. The note carries a 12% interest rate.

For the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company recorded $2,485,450 of stock-based compensation, for services rendered, to individuals that were related parties at the time of issuance. This included $1,423,750 recorded for stock issued to Robert Weingarten, a director, $477,714 recorded for stock issued to Mark Goldstone, a director, $285,000 recorded for stock issued to Karen M. Favish, wife of CEO Michael Favish, $119,419 recorded for stock issued to Gordon Bethwaite, Vice President of Sales & Marketing, $171,000 recorded for stock issued to Vincent J. Roth, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, and $8,557 recorded for stock issued to Marie Powell, mother of Karen M. Favish whose investment was purchased on Ms. Powell’s behalf by Mrs. Favish.

As of December 31, 2014, $32,266 of principal and accrued interest was outstanding for a note held by Amanda Morris, daughter of Jeffrey Morris, one of the Company’s founders. On May 1, 2015, the $25,000 note principal plus accrued interest (at 12%) of $8,260 was converted to equity; subsequent to the conversion there was no principal or interest remaining on the note. As of December 31, 2014, $32,266 of principal and interest was outstanding for a note held by the Jeff and Phyllis Morris Family Trust UDT Dated June 11, 1999, a trust for which Mr. Morris is a trustee and beneficiary. On May 1, 2015, the $25,000 note principal plus accrued interest (at 12%) of $8,260 was converted to equity; subsequent to the conversion there was no principal or interest remaining on the note.

As of December 31, 2014, $54,650 and $13,498 in principal and accrued interest were outstanding for two notes held by Jason Scangas, son of Christopher Scangas who is one of the Company’s founders and holds and exercises power of attorney over Jason Scangas’ investments. On May 1, 2015, the $40,000 principal on the first note plus accrued interest (at 12%) of $16,241 was converted to equity; subsequent to the conversion there was no principal or interest remaining on the note. On May 1, 2015, the $10,000 principal on the second note plus accrued interest (at 12%) of $3,896 was converted to equity; subsequent to the conversion there was no principal or interest remaining on the note.

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As of December 31, 2014, $259,967 and $121,962 in principal and interest were outstanding for two notes held by the Cynthia Elaine Trust dated December 12, 2014, a trust for which Christopher Scangas is a trustee. On May 1, 2015, the $200,000 principal on the first note plus accrued interest (at 12%) of $59,967 was converted to equity; subsequent to the conversion there was no principal or interest remaining on the note. On May 1, 2015, the $100,000 principal on the second note plus accrued interest (at 12%) of $21,962 was converted to equity; subsequent to the conversion there was no principal or interest remaining on the note. In connection with the conversion of these notes, on May 1, 2015, the Company issued 450,000 membership units upon exercise of warrants at a weighted average exercise price of $0.20 per unit. In lieu of the aggregate cash payment of $90,000, the holder applied $90,000 of accrued interest on the notes towards the exercise price of the warrants.

MATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES TO
NON-U.S. HOLDERS OF OUR COMMON STOCK

The following is a summary of the material U.S. federal income tax consequences to non-U.S. holders (as defined below) of the ownership and disposition of our common stock but does not purport to be a complete analysis of all the potential tax considerations relating thereto. This summary is based upon the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or the Internal Revenue Code, Treasury regulations promulgated thereunder, administrative rulings and judicial decisions, all as of the date hereof. These authorities may be changed, possibly retroactively, so as to result in U.S. federal income tax consequences different from those set forth below. No ruling on the U.S. federal, state, or local tax considerations relevant to our operations or to the purchase, ownership or disposition of our shares, has been requested from the IRS or other tax authority. No assurance can be given that the IRS would not assert, or that a court would not sustain, a position contrary to any of the tax consequences described below.

This summary also does not address the tax considerations arising under the laws of any non-U.S., state or local jurisdiction, or under U.S. federal gift and estate tax laws, except to the limited extent set forth below. In addition, this discussion does not address tax considerations applicable to an investor’s particular circumstances or to investors that may be subject to special tax rules, including, without limitation:

banks, insurance companies or other financial institutions, regulated investment companies or real estate investment trusts;

persons subject to the alternative minimum tax or Medicare contribution tax on net investment income;

tax-exempt organizations or governmental organizations;

controlled foreign corporations, passive foreign investment companies and corporations that accumulate earnings to avoid U.S. federal income tax;

brokers or dealers in securities or currencies;

traders in securities that elect to use a mark-to-market method of accounting for their securities holdings;

persons that own, or are deemed to own, more than five percent of our capital stock (except to the extent specifically set forth below);

U.S. expatriates and certain former citizens or long-term residents of the United States;

partnerships or entities classified as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes or other pass-through entities (and investors therein);

persons who hold our common stock as a position in a hedging transaction, “straddle,” “conversion transaction” or other risk reduction transaction or integrated investment;

persons who hold or receive our common stock pursuant to the exercise of any employee stock option or otherwise as compensation;

persons who do not hold our common stock as a capital asset within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Internal Revenue Code; or

persons deemed to sell our common stock under the constructive sale provisions of the Internal Revenue Code.

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In addition, if a partnership or entity classified as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes holds our common stock, the tax treatment of a partner generally will depend on the status of the partner and upon the activities of the partnership. Accordingly, partnerships that hold our common stock, and partners in such partnerships, should consult their tax advisors.

You are urged to consult your tax advisor with respect to the application of the U.S. federal income tax laws to your particular situation, as well as any tax consequences of the purchase, ownership and disposition of our common stock arising under the U.S. federal estate or gift tax rules or under the laws of any state, local, non-U.S., or other taxing jurisdiction or under any applicable tax treaty.

Non-U.S. Holder Defined

For purposes of this discussion, you are a non-U.S. holder (other than a partnership) if you are any holder other than:

an individual citizen or resident of the United States (for U.S. federal income tax purposes);

a corporation or other entity taxable as a corporation created or organized in the United States or under the laws of the United States, any state thereof, or the District of Columbia, or other entity treated as such for U.S. federal income tax purposes;

an estate whose income is subject to U.S. federal income tax regardless of its source; or

a trust (x) whose administration is subject to the primary supervision of a U.S. court and which has one or more “U.S. persons” (within the meaning of Section 7701(a)(30) of the Internal Revenue Code) who have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust or (y) which has made a valid election to be treated as a U.S. person.

Distributions

As described in “Dividend Policy,” we have never declared or paid cash dividends on our common stock and do not anticipate paying any dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future. However, if we do make distributions on our common stock, those payments will constitute dividends for U.S. tax purposes to the extent paid from our current or accumulated earnings and profits, as determined under U.S. federal income tax principles. To the extent those distributions exceed both our current and our accumulated earnings and profits, they will constitute a return of capital and will first reduce your basis in our common stock, but not below zero, and then will be treated as gain from the sale of stock as described below under “— Gain on Disposition of common stock.”

Subject to the discussion below on effectively connected income, backup withholding and foreign accounts, any dividend paid to you generally will be subject to U.S. withholding tax either at a rate of 30% of the gross amount of the dividend or such lower rate as may be specified by an applicable income tax treaty. In order to receive a reduced treaty rate, you must provide us with an IRS Form W-8BEN, IRS Form W-8BEN-E or other appropriate version of IRS Form W-8 certifying qualification for the reduced rate. A non-U.S. holder of shares of our common stock eligible for a reduced rate of U.S. withholding tax pursuant to an income tax treaty may obtain a refund of any excess amounts withheld by timely filing an appropriate claim for refund with the IRS. If the non-U.S. holder holds the stock through a financial institution or other agent acting on the non-U.S. holder’s behalf, the non-U.S. holder will be required to provide appropriate documentation to the agent, which then will be required to provide certification to us or our paying agent, either directly or through other intermediaries.

Dividends received by you that are effectively connected with your conduct of a U.S. trade or business (and, if required by an applicable income tax treaty, attributable to a permanent establishment maintained by you in the United States) are generally exempt from such withholding tax. In order to obtain this exemption, you must provide us with an IRS Form W-8ECI or other applicable IRS Form W-8 properly certifying such exemption. Such effectively connected dividends, although not subject to withholding tax, are taxed at the same graduated rates applicable to U.S. persons, net of certain deductions and credits. In addition, if you are a corporate non-U.S. holder, dividends you receive that are effectively connected with your conduct of a U.S. trade or business may also be subject to a branch profits tax at a rate of 30% or such lower rate as may be specified by an applicable income tax treaty. You should consult your tax advisor regarding any applicable tax treaties that may provide for different rules.

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Gain on Disposition of Common Stock

Subject to the discussion below regarding backup withholding and foreign accounts, you generally will not be required to pay U.S. federal income tax on any gain realized upon the sale or other disposition of our common stock unless:

the gain is effectively connected with your conduct of a U.S. trade or business (and, if required by an applicable income tax treaty, the gain is attributable to a permanent establishment maintained by you in the United States);

you are a non-resident alien individual who is present in the United States for a period or periods aggregating 183 days or more during the taxable year in which the sale or disposition occurs and certain other conditions are met; or

our common stock constitutes a United States real property interest by reason of our status as a “United States real property holding corporation,” or USRPHC, for U.S. federal income tax purposes at any time within the shorter of (i) the five-year period preceding your disposition of our common stock, or (ii) your holding period for our common stock.

We believe that we are not currently and will not become a USRPHC for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and the remainder of this discussion so assumes. However, because the determination of whether we are a USRPHC depends on the fair market value of our U.S. real property relative to the fair market value of our other business assets, there can be no assurance that we will not become a USRPHC in the future. Even if we become a USRPHC, however, as long as our common stock is regularly traded on an established securities market, such common stock will be treated as U.S. real property interests only if you actually or constructively hold more than five percent of such regularly traded common stock at any time during the shorter of the five-year period preceding your disposition of, or your holding period for, our common stock.

If you are a non-U.S. holder described in the first bullet above, you will be required to pay tax on the net gain derived from the sale under regular graduated U.S. federal income tax rates, and a corporate non-U.S. holder described in the first bullet above also may be subject to the branch profits tax at a 30% rate, or such lower rate as may be specified by an applicable income tax treaty. If you are an individual non-U.S. holder described in the second bullet above, you will be required to pay a flat 30% tax (or such lower rate specified by an applicable income tax treaty) on the gain derived from the sale, which gain may be offset by U.S. source capital losses for the year (provided you have timely filed U.S. federal income tax returns with respect to such losses). You should consult any applicable income tax or other treaties that may provide for different rules.

Federal Estate Tax

Our common stock beneficially owned by an individual who is not a citizen or resident of the United States (as defined for U.S. federal estate tax purposes) at the time of their death will generally be includable in the decedent’s gross estate for U.S. federal estate tax purposes, unless an applicable estate tax treaty provides otherwise. The test for whether an individual is a resident of the United States for U.S. federal estate tax purposes differs from the test used for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Some individuals, therefore, may be non-U.S. holders for U.S. federal income tax purposes, but not for U.S. federal estate tax purposes, and vice versa.

Backup Withholding and Information Reporting

Generally, we must report annually to the IRS the amount of dividends paid to you, your name and address and the amount of tax withheld, if any. A similar report will be sent to you. Pursuant to applicable income tax treaties or other agreements, the IRS may make these reports available to tax authorities in your country of residence.

Payments of dividends or of proceeds on the disposition of stock made to you may be subject to information reporting and backup withholding at a current rate of 28% unless you establish an exemption, for example, by properly certifying your non-U.S. status on an IRS Form W-8BEN, IRS Form W-8BEN-E or another appropriate version of IRS Form W-8.

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Backup withholding is not an additional tax; rather, the U.S. federal income tax liability of persons subject to backup withholding will be reduced by the amount of tax withheld. If withholding results in an overpayment of taxes, a refund or credit may generally be obtained from the IRS, provided that the required information is furnished to the IRS in a timely manner.

Foreign Account Tax Compliance

The Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act, or FATCA, imposes withholding tax at a rate of 30% on dividends on and gross proceeds from the sale or other disposition of our common stock paid to “foreign financial institutions” (as specially defined under these rules), unless such institution enters into an agreement with the U.S. government to withhold on certain payments and to collect and provide to the U.S. tax authorities substantial information regarding the U.S. account holders of such institution (which includes certain equity and debt holders of such institution, as well as certain account holders that are foreign entities with U.S. owners) or otherwise establishes an exemption. FATCA also generally imposes a U.S. federal withholding tax of 30% on dividends on and gross proceeds from the sale or other disposition of our common stock paid to a “non-financial foreign entity” (as specially defined for purposes of these rules) unless such entity provides the withholding agent with a certification identifying certain substantial direct and indirect U.S. owners of the entity, certifies that there are none or otherwise establishes an exemption. The withholding provisions under FATCA generally apply to dividends on our common stock, and under current transition rules, are expected to apply with respect to the gross proceeds from the sale or other disposition of our common stock on or after January 1, 2019. An intergovernmental agreement between the United States and an applicable foreign country may modify the requirements described in this paragraph. Non-U.S. holders should consult their own tax advisors regarding the possible implications of this legislation on their investment in our common stock.

Each prospective investor should consult its own tax advisor regarding the particular U.S. federal, state and local and non-U.S. tax consequences of purchasing, holding and disposing of our common stock, including the consequences of any proposed change in applicable laws.

SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

 

The following table sets forth certain information regarding ourthe Company’s common stock, beneficially owned as of NovemberOctober 24, 2017 by2019 (i) each person known to usthe Company to beneficially own more than 5% of ourits common stock, (ii) each executive officer, director and director nominee and (iii) all officers, directors and directorsdirector nominees as a group. The following table is based on the Company having 40,545,94750,482,562 shares of common stock issued and outstanding as of NovemberOctober 24, 2017. We2019. The Company calculated beneficial ownership according to Rule 13d-3 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended as of that date. Shares of ourthe Company’s common stock issuable upon exercise of options or warrants or conversion of notes that are exercisable or convertible within 60 days after NovemberOctober 24, 20172019 are included as beneficially owned by the holder, but not deemed outstanding for computing the percentage of any other stockholder for Percentage of Common Stockcommon stock Beneficially Owned. For each individual and group included in the table below, percentage ownership is calculated by dividing the number of shares beneficially owned by such person or group by the sum of the 40,545,94750,482,562 shares of common stock outstanding at NovemberOctober 24, 2017,2019, plus the number of shares of common stock that such person or group had the right to acquire on or within 60 days after NovemberOctober 24, 2017.2019. Beneficial ownership generally includes voting and dispositive power with respect to securities. Unless otherwise indicated below, the persons and entities named in the table have sole voting and sole dispositive power with respect to all shares beneficially owned. Unless otherwise indicated, the address for each person listed is: c/o Guardion Health Sciences, Inc., 15150 Avenue of Science, Suite 200, San Diego, CA 92128.

 

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Name of Beneficial Owner and Title of Officers and Directors Shares of
Common Stock
Beneficially Owned
  Percentage of Common Stock
Beneficially Owned
Before Offering
  Percentage of Common Stock Beneficially Owned After Offering (d) 
          
Michael Favish, Chief Executive Officer, President and Director(a)  3,326,800   6.56%  4.75%
Robert N. Weingarten, Director  652,500   1.29%              *%
Mark Goldstone, Director  525,300   1.04%  *%
Donald A. Gagliano, Director  136,500   *%  *%
David Evans, Director and Chief Science Officer(b)  1,542,500   3.06%  2.21%
John Townsend, Chief Accounting Officer and Controller  52,500   *%  *%
Vincent J. Roth, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary  132,500   *%  *%
All Officers and Directors as a Group (7 persons)(c)  6,368,600   12.59%  9.11%

 

* Less than 1%.

Name of Beneficial Owner and Title of Officers and Directors Shares of
Common Stock
Beneficially
Owned
  Percentage of
Common
Stock
Beneficially
Owned
 
       
Michael Favish, Chief Executive Officer, President and Director(a)  6,494,933   16.02%
Robert N. Weingarten, Director  1,300,000   3.21%
Mark Goldstone, Director  1,050,000   2.59%
David Evans, Director(b)  3,050,000   7.52%
Gordon Bethwaite, Vice President  270,000   0.67%
John Townsend, Chief Accounting Officer and Controller  105,000   0.26%
Vincent J. Roth, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary  265,000   0.65%
All Officers and Directors as a Group (6 persons)(c)  12,534,933   30.92%
         
5% Shareholders:        
         
Leon Krajian(d)  3,668,458   8.77%
Digital Grid  3,043,479   7.51%
Christopher Scangas(e)  2,608,489   6.43%
Edward Grier  2,158,178   5.28%

 

 (a)Includes 260,000Consists of 2,750,000 shares held byof common stock issued on December 1, 2009 for services provided; 25,000 shares issued on December 31, 2016 for services provided; 342,467 shares issued on December 31, 2016 in exchange for accrued compensation owed; 1,000 shares of common stock purchased April 10, 2019 in the Initial Public Offering, which shares were registered on the S-1 Registration Statement that the SEC declared effective on April 4, 2019; and 208,333 shares of common stock shares issuable upon the exercise of a common stock purchase option granted April 9, 2019 with a per share exercise price of $4.40 per share and a five-year term (the “Favish Option”). Excludes 1,041,667 unvested shares of common stock underlying the Favish Option. The Favish Option vests ratably on the last day of each calendar quarter following the date of grant over a period of three (3) years and is subject to Mr. Favish’s spouse.Favish remaining employed with the Company on the applicable vesting dates.

 

 (b)Includes 3,050,000Consists of 1,371,000 shares of common stock of the Company held in the name of VectorVision, Inc. issued on September 29, 2017 (the “Closing Date”). 250,000in connection with the 2017 acquisition of theseVectorVision, Inc., 6,500 shares of common stock purchased April 9, 2019 in the Initial Public Offering, which shares were registered on the S-1 Registration Statement that the SEC declared effective on April 4, 2019, 40,000 shares purchased in the August follow-on offering and 125,000 of the shares issued in exchange for the VectorVision, Inc. acquisition serve as security for VectorVision, Inc.'s’s indemnification obligations (the "Holdback Shares") under the Asset Purchase Agreement, and the HoldBack Shares (or such portion thereof, if any, after any reduction to the HoldBack Shares in accordance with the terms of the Asset Purchase Agreement) shall be delivered to VectorVision, Inc. 26 months following the Closing Date. Dr. Evans owns 28% of the issued and outstanding shares of VectorVision, Inc. and his wife, Tamara Evans, owns 72% of the issued and outstanding shares of VectorVision, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Evans exercise joint investment control and voting control over the shares of common stock of the Company held in the name VectorVision, Inc. Mrs. Evans business address at 4141 Jutland Drive, Suite 215, San Diego, CA 92117.Agreement.

 

 (c)Unless otherwise indicated, the business address of each individual is c/o Guardion Health Sciences, Inc., 15150 Avenue of Science, Suite 200, San Diego, California 92128.

(d)Assumes no exercise of the underwriters’ over-allotment option.

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Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.

Market Information

Our common stock is listed on The NASDAQ Capital Market under the symbol “GHSI.” As of October 24, 2019, there were approximately 154 record holders of our common stock.

Dividend Policy

The Company has not declared nor paid any cash dividend on its common stock, and it currently intends to retain future earnings, if any, to finance the expansion of its business, and the Company does not expect to pay any cash dividends in the foreseeable future. The decision whether to pay cash dividends on its common stock will be made by its board of directors, in its discretion, and will depend on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, capital requirements and other factors that its board of directors considers significant.

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UNDERWRITING

We have entered into an underwriting agreement with the underwriters named below with respect to the shares of our common stock and related Warrants and Pre-Funded Warrants and related Warrants subject to this offering. Subject to certain conditions, we have agreed to sell to the underwriters, and the underwriters have agreed to purchase, the number of shares of our common stock, Pre-Funded Warrants and corresponding Warrants provided below opposite each underwriter’s name. Maxim Group LLC (“Maxim”) and WallachBeth Capital, LLC (“WallachBeth”) are acting as the representatives of the underwriters (the “Representatives”).

Underwriter

Number of

Shares

Number of

Pre-Funded

Warrants

Number of

Warrants

Maxim Group LLC            
WallachBeth Capital, LLC(d)

Includes 231,974 shares held in the name of Equity Trust Company Custodian FBO Leon S. Krajian IRA; 146,000 shares that may be purchased pursuant to an exercisable warrant issued to Equity Trust Company Custodian FBO Leon S. Krajian IRA that is vested and expires May 1, 2018; 1,135,000 shares that may be purchased pursuant to exercisable warrants issued to Leon Krajian that are vested and expire at various dates between September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2019; and 518,092 shares of common stock owned by Mr. Krajian. 

   
 (e)

Includes 2,075,753 shares held in the name of Cynthia Elaine Trust dated December 12, 2014; 138,750 shares held in the name of Cynthia Elaine Scangas Dated June 12 2002-IRA rollover, BNY Mellon Trustee; 363,986 shares held in the name of Jason Scangas, the son of Christopher Scangas, for whom Christopher Scangas holds Power of Attorney; and 30,000 shares that may be purchased pursuant to an exercisable warrant issued to Christopher Scangas that is vested and expires March 29, 2019. 

Total

 

SELLING SECURITYHOLDERSThe underwriters are offering the shares of our common stock and related Warrants and Pre-Funded Warrants and related Warrants subject to their acceptance of our common stock, the Pre-Funded Warrants and the Warrants from us and subject to prior sale. The underwriting agreement provides that the obligations of the underwriters to pay for and accept delivery of the shares of our common stock and related Warrants and Pre-Funded Warrants and related Warrants offered by this prospectus are subject to the approval of certain legal matters by their counsel and to certain other conditions. The underwriters are obligated to take and pay for all of the shares of our common stock and related Warrants and Pre-Funded Warrants and related Warrants if any such shares of our common stock and related Warrants or Pre-Funded Warrants and related Warrants are taken.

 

Up

We have granted the underwriters an option for a period of 45 days from the date of this prospectus to 18,682,812purchase up to an additional 2,901,353 shares of common stock (to the extent such shares are beingavailable for issuance) and/or Warrants to purchase 2,901,353 shares of common stock at the public offering price, less the underwriting discount.

Discounts and Expenses

The underwriters have advised us that they propose to offer the shares of our common stock, Pre-Funded Warrants and related Warrants to the public at the respective public offering price set forth on the cover page of this prospectus and to certain dealers at that price less a concession not in excess of $               per share of our common stock and related Warrants or $               per Pre-Funded Warrants and related Warrants. After this offering, the public offering price and concession to dealers may be changed by the representative. No such change shall change the amount of proceeds to be received by us as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus. The shares of our common stock, Pre-Funded Warrants and related Warrants are offered by this prospectus, all ofthe underwriters as stated herein, subject to receipt and acceptance by them and subject to their right to reject any order in whole or in part. The underwriters have informed us that they do not intend to confirm sales to any accounts over which are being registered for sale for the accounts of the Selling Securityholders. No shares are being sold by the Company. Although the Selling Securityholders may sell their shares at any time the Registration Statement, of which the prospectus is a part is effective, there is no way for the Company to determine when shares will be sold.they exercise discretionary authority.

 

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EachThe following table shows the public offering price, underwriting discount payable to the underwriters by us and proceeds before expenses to us, assuming both no exercise and full exercise of the transactions by which the Selling Securityholders acquired their securities from us was exempt under the registration provisions of the Securities Act. Theunderwriters’ option to purchase additional shares of common stock and/or Warrants. The underwriting commissions are equal to the combined public offering price per share, of common stock, per Pre-Funded Warrant and related Warrants, less the amount per share the underwriters pay us for the shares of common stock, Pre-Funded Warrants and Warrants:

Per Share

Per Pre- Funded

Warrant

Per

Warrant

Total without
Over- Allotment

Option

Total with

Over- Allotment

Option(1)

Public offering price$$$$
Underwriting discount and commissions (8.0%)$$$$
Proceeds, before expenses to us(2)$$$$
Non-accountable expense allowance (1.0%)(3)$$$$

(1) Assumes exercise of the underwriters’ over-allotment to purchase shares of common stock and Warrants.

(2) Excluding the proceeds, if any, from the exercise of the Pre-Funded Warrants and Warrants.

(3) The non-accountable expense allowance will not payable with respect to Representatives’ exercise of the over- allotment option.

In addition to the 1.0% non-accountable expense allowance, we have also agreed to reimburse the underwriters for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses not to exceed $110,000 in the aggregate in addition to the expenses related to one or more “road show” marketing trips up to a maximum of $10,000. We estimate that total expenses payable by us in connection with this offering, other than the underwriting discount and non-accountable expense allowance referred to above, are being registeredwill be approximately $430,000.

Indemnification

We have agreed to permit public resalesindemnify the underwriters against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act.

Lock-up Agreements

We, our officers and directors and the holders of seven percent or more (7.0%) of the shares and the Selling Securityholders may offer the shares for resale from time to time pursuant to this prospectus. The Selling Securityholders may also sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of all or a portion of their shares in transactions exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act. We may from time to time include additional Selling Securityholders in supplements or amendments to this prospectus.

The table below sets forth certain information regarding the Selling Securityholders and theoutstanding shares of our common stock offered by them in this prospectus. Noneas of the Selling Securityholderseffective date of this offering, have had a material relationship with us within the past three years other than as described elsewhere in this prospectus. To our knowledge,agreed, subject to community property laws where applicable, each person namedlimited exceptions, for a period of 180 days after the closing of this offering, not to offer, sell, contract to sell, pledge, grant any option to purchase, make any short sale or otherwise dispose of, directly or indirectly any shares of common stock or any securities convertible into or exchangeable for our common stock either owned as of the date of the underwriting agreement or thereafter acquired without the prior written consent of Maxim. Maxim may, in its sole discretion and at any time or from time to time before the table has sole voting and investment power with respecttermination of the lock-up period, without notice, release all or any portion of the securities subject to lock-up agreements.

Underwriters’ Warrants

We have agreed to issue to the Representatives underwriters’ warrants (the “Underwriters’ Warrants”) to purchase up to a total of             shares of our common stock (8% of the shares of common stock set forth opposite such person’s name. Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance withand the rules of the SEC.

Each Selling Securityholder’s percentage of ownership of our outstanding shares in the table below is based 40,545,947 shares of common stock outstanding asissuable upon exercise of November 24, 2017, except where noted.the Pre-Funded Warrants sold in this offering, excluding the over-allotment) with 50% of the Underwriter’s Warrants being issued to Maxim and 50% of the Underwriters’ Warrants being issued to WallachBeth. The Underwriters’ Warrants will be exercisable at the later of (a) 180 days following the effective date of the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part or (b) the date on which the Company effectuates a Charter Amendment. The Underwriters Warrants will be exercisable for a period of five years from the effective date of this registration statement in compliance with FINRA Rule 5110(f)(2)(G)(i). The Underwriters’ Warrants are exercisable at a per share price equal to $               per share, or 130% of the public offering price per share of common stock issued and sold in this offering (based on the initial offering price of $               per share). The Underwriters’ Warrants have been deemed compensation by FINRA and are therefore subject to a 180 day lock-up pursuant to Rule 5110(g)(1) of FINRA. The Representatives (or permitted assignees under Rule 5110(g)(1)) will not sell, transfer, assign, pledge, or hypothecate these Underwriters’ Warrants or the securities underlying these warrants, nor will they engage in any hedging, short sale, derivative, put, or call transaction that would result in the effective economic disposition of the Underwriters’ Warrants or the underlying securities for a period of 180 days from the effective date of this offering. In addition, the Underwriters’ Warrants provide for registration rights upon request, in certain cases. The demand registration rights provided will not be greater than three years from the initial issuance date of the Underwriter’s Warrants in compliance with FINRA Rule 5110(f)(2)(G)(iv). The piggyback registration rights provided will terminate on the three year anniversary of the initial issuance date of the Underwriters’ Warrants in compliance with FINRA Rule 5110(f)(2)(G)(v). We will bear all fees and expenses for one demand registration right and unlimited piggyback registration rights attendant to registering the securities issuable on exercise of the Underwriters’ Warrants other than underwriting commissions incurred and payable by the holders. The exercise price and number of shares beneficially owned afterissuable upon exercise of the Offering assumes that allUnderwriters’ Warrants may be adjusted in certain circumstances including in the event of a stock dividend, extraordinary cash dividend or our recapitalization, reorganization, merger or consolidation. However, the warrant exercise price or underlying shares offered hereby are sold.will not be adjusted for issuances of shares of common stock at a price below the warrant exercise price.

     Beneficial Ownership
Prior to this Offering
     Beneficial Ownership
After this Offering
 

Name

 

 

 Number  Percent
(*<1%)
  Shares
Being
Offered (#)
  Number
(^)
  Percent
(^)
 
                   
VectorVision, Inc.  (1)  3,050,000   7.52%  3,050,000   -   * 
Lianluo Smart Limited  (2)  1,304,348   3.22%  1,304,348   -   * 
Digital Grid (Hong Kong) Technology Co., Limited  (3)  3,043,479   7.51%  3,043,479   -   * 
Pin Lin Hsu  (4)  15,000   *   15,000   -   * 
Bridgitte Shen Lee  (5)  56,429   *   56,429   -   * 
Chieh-Hsi Chen  (6)  129,549    *   92,617   36,932   * 
Ching Yu Lin  (7)  237,024    *   129,660   107,364   * 
Ching Chun Lin  (8)  677,703   1.67%  277,841   399,862   * 
Wai Kong Albert Lee  (9)  623,668   1.54%  623,668   -   * 
Sharon Yik Sze Young  (10)  574,275   1.42%  574,275   -   * 
The Peter Shih-Hsiang Liao and Yun-Chih Su Trust  (11)  826,619   2.04%  826,619   -   * 
Alicia Yealie Fu  (12)  170,819   *   170,819   -   * 
Scott Hamburg  (13)  45,003   *   45,003   -   * 
ACS Associates 401K Plan  (14)  98,671   *   98,671   -   * 
Edward Grier  (15)  2,158,178   5.32%  763,704   1,394,474   3.44%
Leon Krajian  (16)  3,617,569   8.92%  1,095,872   2,521,697   6.22%
Fong-Ling Yu  (17)  242,017   *   242,017   -   * 
Su-Yun Tuan Kao  (18)  70,669   *   70,669   -   * 
Hsiu-Ying Tseng-Lai  (19)  706,670   1.74%  706,670   -   * 
Yanjun Xing  (20)  141,336   *   141,336   -   * 
Ka Kui Kwong  (21)  212,001   *   212,001   -   * 
Sum Yuk Fan Sharon  (22)  212,001   *   212,001   -   * 
Thomas W. Sheahan  (23)  70,669   *   70,669   -   * 
Yong Zhang  (24)  353,336   *   353,336   -   * 
E Zhao  (25)  353,336   *   353,336   -   * 
Ying Zhou  (26)  424,002   1.05%  424,002   -   * 
Qi Sun  (27)  353,336   *   353,336   -   * 
Dunyong He  (28)  353,336   *   353,336   -   * 
Jack A. Barrient and Nan S. Barrient  (29)  106,001   *   106,001   -   * 

 

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John P. Eliopoulos  (30)  70,669   *   70,669   -   * 
Robert Watson  (31)  42,402   *   42,402   -   * 
Tung Wuu Huang  (32)  138,180   *   138,180   -   * 
William E. Sponsel  (33)  90,000   *   90,000   -   * 
Patricia Dee Garrett Stephenson  (34)  10,000   *   10,000   -   * 
Neil Friedman  (35)  5,000   *   5,000   -   * 
Joshua Bechtoldt  (36)  18,000   *   18,000   -   * 
Donald A. Gagliano  (37)  270,000   *   250,000   20,000   * 
Cetel Scientific, LLC  (38)  50,000   *   50,000   -   * 
Andy Narendra  (39)  315,000   *   15,000   300,000   * 
Karen M. Favish  (41)  260,000   *   10,000   250,000   * 
Azminda Valle Armendariz  (42)  7,000   *   2,000   5,000   * 
Robert Ritch  (43)  40,000   *   20,000   20,000   * 
Davies Family Trust dated February 16, 1994  (44)  25,000   *   5,000   20,000   * 
Richard A. Bone  (45)  325,000   *   25,000   300,000   * 
Jennifer Liu  (46)  200,000   *   200,000   -   * 
Haytarr, LLC  (47)  100,000   *   100,000   -   * 
Matthew Abenante  (48)  5,000   *   5,000   -   * 
Lucille Belo  (49)  10,000   *   10,000   -   * 
Marlon Nurse  (50)  5,000   *   5,000   -   * 
Gloria Crispo  (51)  5,000   *   5,000   -   * 
Peter Guerrero  (52)  5,000   *   5,000   -   * 
Michael Porter  (53)  70,000   *   70,000   -   * 
Hovanesian Family Trust  (54)  50,000   *   20,000   30,000   * 
Montgomery Strat  (55)  32,498   *   27,498   5,000   * 
Anthony Carchide  (56)  27,453   *   27,453   -   * 
SMC San Diego Trust  (57)  114,074   *   68,619   45,455   * 
Daniel Conley  (58)  41,117   *   41,117   -   * 
Chris Scangas  (59)  2,608,489   6.43%  30,000   2,578,489   6.36%
Terrence Favish  (60)  109,474   *   100,000   9,474   * 
Cal-Sorrento, Ltd.  (61)  250,000   *   250,000   -   * 
Fraeda Kopman  (62)  184,966   *   10,000   174,966   * 
Paul Hynek  (63)  100,000   *   100,000   -   * 
Mike or Elayne Doran  (64)  8,492   *   5,492   3,000   * 
Dennis and Lai Mei Strauss  (65)  84,576   *   1,206   83,370   * 
David M. Epstein  (66)  92,958   *   1,326   91,632   * 
Robert Rothstein  (67)  28,165   *   402   27,763   * 
Wenlue Huang  (68)  31,800   *   6,800   25,000   * 
                         
OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS                     
Michael Favish, CEO, President and Director  (69)  6,494,933   16.02%  734,933   5,760,000   14.21%
Robert Weingarten, Director  (70)  1,300,000   3.21%  50,000   1,250,000   3.08%
Mark Goldstone, Director  (71)  1,050,000   2.59%  50,000   1,000,000   2.47%
David W. Evans, Director (refer to footnote 1)  (1)  -   *   -   -   * 
Vincent Roth, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary  (72)  265,000   *   115,000   150,000   * 
Gordon Bethwaite, Vice President  (73)  270,000   *   20,000   250,000   * 
John Townsend, Controller and Chief Accounting Officer  (74)  105,000   *   105,000   -   * 
 TOTAL              18,682,812         

#       This number designates the numberRight of shares being registered and available for sale by the holder, this does not mean the holder has to sell all of the registered shares.First Refusal

 

^       DenotesIn connection with our recentunderwritten public offering that closed on August 15, 2019,until August 15, 2020 (i.e., twelve (12) months from the numberclosing date of shares owned provided all registered shares are sold,such offering), we granted the Representatives a right of first refusal to act as book running manager, lead underwriter and lead placement agent, at their sole discretion, for each and every of our future public or private equity, equity-linked or debt (excluding commercial bank debt) offerings for us, or any of our successors or subsidiaries, on terms customary to the Representatives during such twelve (12) month period. This right of first refusal applies to Maxim and WallachBeth equally (i.e., 50% of the economic benefits to Maxim and 50% of the economic benefits to WallachBeth) and remains in effect after this doesoffering. The Representatives in conjunction with us, have the sole right to determine whether or not mean all holders will sell all shares.any other broker-dealer shall have the right to participate in any such offering and the economic terms of any such participation.

Price Stabilization, Short Positions and Penalty Bids

In connection with this offering the underwriters may engage in stabilizing transactions, over-allotment transactions, syndicate covering transactions and penalty bids in accordance with Regulation M under the Exchange Act:

 

(1)Includes 3,050,000 shares of common stock ofStabilizing transactions permit bids to purchase the Company held inunderlying security so long as the name of VectorVision, Inc. issued on September 29, 2017 (the “Closing Date”). 250,000 of these shares serve as security for VectorVision, Inc.'s indemnification obligations (the "Holdback Shares") under the Asset Purchase Agreement, and the HoldBack Shares (or such portion thereof, if any, after any reduction to the HoldBack Shares in accordance with the terms of the Asset Purchase Agreement) shall be delivered to VectorVision, Inc. 26 months following the Closing Date. Dr. David W. Evans,stabilizing bids do not exceed a director of the Company, owns 28% of the issued and outstanding shares of VectorVision, Inc. and his wife, Tamara Evans, owns 72% of the issued and outstanding shares of VectorVision, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Evans exercise joint investment control and voting control over the shares of common stock of the Company held in the name VectorVision, Inc.  specified maximum.

 

(2)Includes 1,304,348Over-allotment involves sales by the underwriters of shares of common stock issued pursuant to a Stock Purchase Agreement dated as of November 3, 2017 (the "Purchase Agreement"). Mr. He Zhitao has voting and dispositive authority over these shares.

(3)Includes 3,043,479 shares of common stock issued pursuant to the Purchase Agreement. Mr. He Zhitao has voting and dispositive authority over these shares.

(4)Consists of 15,000 shares issued for services provided on August 1, 2017.

(5)Consists of 41,667 shares of common stock issued upon the November 3, 2017 conversionin excess of the holder’snumber of shares the underwriters are obligated to purchase, which creates a syndicate short position. The short position may be either a covered short position or a naked short position. In a covered short position, the number of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock and 5,073 shares over-allotted by the underwriters is not greater than the number of common stock issued as dividends on such preferred shares. Also consistsshares that they may purchase in the over-allotment option. In a naked short position, the number of 10,000 shares issued for services provided on May 1, 2016.

(6)Consistsinvolved is greater than the number of 83,334 shares of common stock issued uponin the November 3, 2017 conversion ofover-allotment option. The underwriters may close out any covered short position by either exercising their over-allotment option and/or purchasing shares in the holder’s shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock and 9,905 shares of common stock issued as dividends on such preferred shares.

(7)Consists of 116,667 shares of common stock issued upon the November 3, 2017 conversion of the holder’s shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock and 13,863 shares of common stock issued as dividends on such preferred shares.

(8)Consists of 250,000 shares of common stock issued upon the November 3, 2017 conversion of the holder’s shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock and 29,705 shares of common stock issued as dividends on such preferred shares.

(9)Consists of 416,667 shares of common stock issued upon the November 3, 2017 conversion of the holder’s shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock and 48,771 shares of common stock issued as dividends on such preferred shares. Also consists of 133,334 shares of common stock issued upon the November 3, 2017 conversion of the holder’s shares of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock and 5,985 shares of common stock issued as dividends on such preferred shares. Also consists of 20,000 shares issuable upon exercise of a common stock purchase warrant granted March 6, 2017 with a per share exercise price of $0.75 and a three year term.

(10)Consists of 250,002 shares of common stock issued upon the November 3, 2017 conversion of the holder’s shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock and 24,222 shares of common stock issued as dividends on such preferred shares. Also consists of 266,668 shares of common stock issued upon the November 3, 2017 conversion of the holder’s shares of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock and 13,988 shares of common stock issued as dividends on such preferred shares. Also consists of 20,000 shares issuable upon exercise of a common stock purchase warrant granted March 8, 2017 with a per share exercise price of $0.75 and a three year term.

(11)Consists of 500,000 shares of common stock issued upon the November 3, 2017 conversion of the holder’s shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock and 47,677 shares of common stock issued as dividends on such preferred shares. Also consists of 266,667 shares of common stock issued upon the November 3, 2017 conversion of the holder’s shares of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock and 16,002 shares of common stock issued as dividends on such preferred shares. Mr. Peter Liao has voting and dispositive authority over these securities. Also consists of 10,000 shares issuable upon exercise of a common stock purchase warrant granted March 6, 2017 with a per share exercise price of $0.75 and a three year term.

(12)Consists of 83,334 shares of common stock issued upon the November 3, 2017 conversion of the holder’s shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock and 7,438 shares of common stock issued as dividends on such preferred shares. Also consists of 66,667 shares of common stock issued upon the November 3, 2017 conversion of the holder’s shares of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock and 2,993shares of common stock issued as dividends on such preferred shares.open market.

 

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(13)Consists of 41,667 shares of common stock issued upon the November 3, 2017 conversion of the holder’s shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock and 4,177 shares of common stock issued as dividends on such preferred shares.

(14)Consists of 45,065 shares of common stock issued upon the November 3, 2017 conversion of the holder’s shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock and 3,606 shares of common stock issued as dividends on such preferred shares. Mr. Leon Krajian has voting and dispositive authority over these securities.

(15)Consists of 373,872 shares of common stock issued upon the November 3, 2017 conversion of the holder’s shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock and 37,449 shares of common stock issued as dividends on such preferred shares. Also consists of 1,408,854 shares issued on December 31, 2016 as a result of an automatic conversion of a promissory note dated May 1, 2015. Also consists of 8,000 shares issued on October 24, 2017 as payment of the stock portion of fixed interest on a promissory noted, since converted, dated January 31, 2017. Also consists of 8,000 shares issued on October 30, 2017 as stock purchase by using the cash portion of fixed interest on that promissory note dated January 31, 2017 to purchase common stock. Also consists of 2,082 shares issued on November 16, 2017 by using additional, post-maturity interest due on that promissory note dated January 31, 2017 to purchase shares of common stock.

(16)Consists of 473,027 shares of common stock issued upon the November 3, 2017 conversion of the holder’s shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, 47,385 shares of common stock issued as dividends on such preferred shares and 585,000 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of warrants granted at various dates from March 8, 2016 to December 27, 2016.

(17)

Consists of 83,334 shares of common stock issued upon the November 3, 2017 conversion of the holder’s shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock and 7,968 shares of common stock issued as dividends on such preferred shares. Also consists of 133,334 shares of common stock issued upon the November 3, 2017 conversion of the holder’s shares of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock and 6,994 shares of common stock issued as dividends on such preferred shares. Also consists of 10,000 shares issuable upon exercise of a common stock purchase warrant granted March 6, 2017 with a per share exercise price of $0.75 and a three year term.

(18)Consists of 66,667 shares of common stock issued upon the November 3, 2017 conversion of the holder’s shares of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock and 2,993 shares of common stock issued as dividends on such preferred shares.

(19)Consists of 666,667 shares of common stock issued upon the November 3, 2017 conversion of the holder’s shares of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock and 32,945 shares of common stock issued as dividends on such preferred shares.

(20)Consists of 133,334 shares of common stock issued upon the November 3, 2017 conversion of the holder’s shares of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock and 8,002 shares of common stock issued as dividends on such preferred shares.

(21)Consists of 200,000 shares of common stock issued upon the November 3, 2017 conversion of the holder’s shares of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock and 12,001 shares of common stock issued as dividends on such preferred shares.

(22)

Consists of 200,000 shares of common stock issued upon the November 3, 2017 conversion of the holder’s shares of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock and 12,001 shares of common stock issued as dividends on such preferred shares.

(23)Consists of 66,667 shares of common stock issued upon the November 3, 2017 conversion of the holder’s shares of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock and 4,002 shares of common stock issued as dividends on such preferred shares.

(24)Consists of 333,334 shares of common stock issued upon the November 3, 2017 conversion of the holder’s shares of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock and 20,002 shares of common stock issued as dividends on such preferred shares.

(25)Consists of 333,334 shares of common stock issued upon the November 3, 2017 conversion of the holder’s shares of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock and 20,002 shares of common stock issued as dividends on such preferred shares.

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(26)Consists of 400,000 shares of common stock issued upon the November 3, 2017 conversion of the holder’s shares of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock and 24,002 shares of common stock issued as dividends on such preferred shares.

(27)

Consists of 333,334 shares of common stock issued upon the November 3, 2017 conversion of the holder’s shares of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock and 20,002 shares of common stock issued as dividends on such preferred shares.

(28)Consists of 333,334 shares of common stock issued upon the November 3, 2017 conversion of the holder’s shares of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock and 20,002 shares of common stock issued as dividends on such preferred shares.

(29)Consists of 100,000 shares of common stock issued upon the November 3, 2017 conversion of the holder’s shares of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock and 6,001 shares of common stock issued as dividends on such preferred shares.

(30)Consists of 66,667 shares of common stock issued upon the November 3, 2017 conversion of the holder’s shares of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock and 4,002 shares of common stock issued as dividends on such preferred shares.

(31)

Consists of 40,000 shares of common stock issued upon the November 3, 2017 conversion of the holder’s shares of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock and 2,402 shares of common stock issued as dividends on such preferred shares.

(32)

Consists of 83,334 shares of common stock issued upon the November 3, 2017 conversion of the holder’s shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock and 7,968 shares of common stock issued as dividends on such preferred shares. Also consists of 37,500 shares issued for services provided on April 1, 2017. Also consists of 10,000 shares issued for services provided on August 1, 2017.

(33)

Consists of 20,000 shares issued for services provided on March 1, 2016. Consists of 20,000 shares issued for services provided on December 31, 2016. Also consists of 50,000 shares issued for services provided on August 10, 2017.

(34)

Consists of 10,000 shares issued for services provided on May 1, 2016.

(35)

Consists of 5,000 shares issued for services provided on June 1, 2016.

(36)

Consists of 5,000 shares issued for services provided on June 22, 2016. Also consists of 3,000 shares issued for services provided on December 31, 2016. Also consists of 10,000 shares issued for services provided on August 10, 2017.

(37)

Consists of 250,000 shares issued for services provided on September 19, 2016.

(38)

Consists of 50,000 shares issued for services provided on December 8, 2016. Mr. Celso Tello has voting and dispositive authority over these securities.

(39)

Consists of 15,000 shares issued for services provided on December 31, 2016.

(41)

Consists of 10,000 shares issued for services provided on December 31, 2016.

(42)

Consists of 2,000 shares issued for services provided on December 31, 2016.

(43)

Consists of 20,000 shares issued for services provided on December 31, 2016.

(44)

Consists of 5,000 shares issued for services provided on December 31, 2016.

(45)

Consists of 25,000 shares issued for services provided on December 31, 2016.

(46)Consists of 162,500 shares issued for services provided on March 1, 2017. Also consists of 37,500 shares issued for services provided on April 1, 2017.

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(47)

Consists of 100,000 shares issued for services provided on April 13, 2017. Mr. Seth Farbman has voting and dispositive authority over these securities.

(48)

Consists of 5,000 shares issued for services provided on June 1, 2017.

(49)

Consists of 10,000 shares issued for services provided on June 1, 2017.

(50)

Consists of 5,000 shares issued for services provided on June 1, 2017.

(51)

Consists of 5,000 shares issued for services provided on June 1, 2017.

(52)

Consists of 5,000 shares issued for services provided on June 1, 2017.

(53)

Consists of 70,000 shares issued for services provided on June 1, 2017.

(54)

Consists of 20,000 shares issued for services provided on June 1, 2017. Mr. John A. Hovanesian has voting and dispositive authority over these securities.

(55)

Consists of 10,000 shares issuable upon exercise of a common stock purchase warrant granted April 18, 2016 with a per share exercise price of $1.00 and a three year term. Also consists of 17,498 shares issued on September 1, 2016 as a result of an automatic conversion of a promissory note.

(56)

Consists of 10,000 shares issuable upon exercise of a common stock purchase warrant granted April 18, 2016 with a per share exercise price of $1.00 and a three year term. Also consists of 17,453 shares issued on September 1, 2016 as a result of an automatic conversion of a promissory note.

(57)

Consists of 25,000 shares issuable upon exercise of a common stock purchase warrant granted April 18, 2016 with a per share exercise price of $1.00 and a three year term. Also consists of 43,619 shares issued on September 1, 2016 as a result of an automatic conversion of a promissory note. Susan Colross has voting and dispositive authority over these securities.

(58)

Consists of 15,000 shares issuable upon exercise of a common stock purchase warrant granted April 18, 2016 with a per share exercise price of $1.00 and a three year term. Also consists of 17,498 shares issued on September 1, 2016 as a result of an automatic conversion of a promissory note.

(59)

Consists of 30,000 shares issuable upon exercise of a common stock purchase warrant granted March 29, 2016 with a per share exercise price of $0.50 and a three year term.

(60)

Consists of 100,000 shares issuable upon exercise of a common stock purchase warrant granted March 29, 2016 with a per share exercise price of $0.50 and a three year term.

(61)

Consists of 250,000 shares issuable upon exercise of a common stock purchase warrant granted May 18, 2016 with a per share exercise price of $0.25 and a three year term. The officers of Cal-Sorrento, Ltd. have voting and dispositive authority over these securities.

(62)

Consists of 10,000 shares issuable upon exercise of a common stock purchase warrant granted May 17, 2016 with a per share exercise price of $0.50 and a three year term.

(63)

Consists of 100,000 shares issuable upon exercise of a common stock purchase warrant granted June 1, 2016 with a per share exercise price of $0.25 and a three year term.

(64)Consists of 5,492 shares issued on December 27, 2016 as a result of an automatic conversion of a promissory note.

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(65)

Consists of 54,576 shares issued on December 27, 2016 as a result of an automatic conversion of a promissory note.

(66)

Consists of 59,958 shares issued on December 27, 2016 as a result of an automatic conversion of a promissory note.

(67)

Consists of 18,165 shares issued on December 27, 2016 as a result of an automatic conversion of a promissory note.

(68)

Consists of 6,800 shares issued on July 5, 2017 as a stock purchase by exchanging an amount due on an invoice for common stock.

(69)

Consists of 50,000 shares issued on December 31, 2016 to Michael Favish Living Trust Dated Jan 31, 2007, for which Michael Favish is the Trustee, for services provided by Mr. Favish. Also consists of 684,933 shares issued on December 31, 2016 to Michael Favish Living Trust Dated Jan 31, 2007, for which Michael Favish is the Trustee, as a stock purchase by exchanging certain amounts owed to Mr. Favish by the Company for common stock.

(70)

Consists of 50,000 shares issued for services provided on December 31, 2016.

(71)

Consists of 50,000 shares issued for services provided on December 31, 2016.

(72)

Consists of 100,000 shares issued for services provided on April 1, 2016 and 15,000 shares issued for services provided on December 31, 2016.

(73)

Consists of 20,000 shares issued for services provided on December 31, 2016.

(74)

Consists of 5,000 shares issued for services provided on December 31, 2016 and 100,000 shares issued for services provided on August 10, 2017. 

PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

Up to 18,682,812 shares of common stock are being offered by this prospectus, all of which are being registered for sale for the accounts of the Selling Securityholders. We will not receive any of the proceeds from the sale by the Selling Securityholders of the shares of common stock. Any proceeds received from exercise of warrants by Selling Securityholders will be used for working capital purposes. The Company will bear all fees and expenses incident to this registration.

The Selling Securityholders may sell all or a portion of the shares of common stock beneficially owned by them and offered hereby from time to time directly or through one or more underwriters, broker-dealers or agents. If the shares of common stock are sold through underwriters or broker-dealers, the Selling Securityholders will be responsible for underwriting discounts or commissions or agent’s commissions. The shares of common stock may be sold in one or more transactions at fixed prices, at prevailing market prices at the time of the sale (if a public market exists), at varying prices determined at the time of sale, or at negotiated prices. These sales may be effected in transactions, which may involve crosses or block transactions,

 

 Syndicate covering transactions involve purchases of the common stock in the open market after the distribution has been completed in order to cover syndicate short positions. In determining the source of shares to close out the short position, the underwriters will consider, among other things, the price of shares available for purchase in the open market as compared to the price at which they may purchase shares through the over-allotment option. A naked short position occurs if the underwriters sell more shares than could be covered by the over-allotment option. This position can only be closed out by buying shares in the open market. A naked short position is more likely to be created if the underwriters are concerned that there could be downward pressure on any national securities exchange or quotation service on which the securities may be listed or quoted atprice of the time of sale;shares in the open market after pricing that could adversely affect investors who purchase in this offering.
   
 inPenalty bids permit the over-the-counter market;
in transactions otherwise than on these exchanges or systems or inunderwriters to reclaim a selling concession from a syndicate member when the over-the-counter market;

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through the writing of options, whether such options are listed on an options exchange or otherwise;
ordinary brokerage transactions and transactions in which the broker-dealer solicits purchasers;
block trades in which the broker-dealer will attempt to sell the securities as agent but may position and resell a portion of the block as principal to facilitate the transaction;
purchases by a broker-dealer as principal and resalecommon stock originally sold by the broker-dealer for its account;
an exchange distributionsyndicate member is purchased in accordance with the rules of the applicable exchange;
privately negotiated transactions;
a stabilizing or syndicate covering transaction to cover syndicate short sales;
sales pursuant to Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act;
broker-dealers may agree with the selling security holders to sell a specified number of such securities at a stipulated price per share;
a combination of any such methods of sale; and
any other method permitted pursuant to applicable law.positions.

 

IfThese stabilizing transactions, syndicate covering transactions and penalty bids may have the Selling Securityholders effect such transactions by selling shares of raising or maintaining the market price of our common stock to or through underwriters, broker-dealerspreventing or agents, such underwriters, broker-dealers or agents may receive commissionsretarding a decline in the form of discounts, concessions or commissions from the Selling Securityholders or commissions from purchasersmarket price of the common stock for whom they may act as agent or to whom they may sell as principal (which discounts, concessions or commissions as to particular underwriters, broker-dealers or agents may be in excessstock. As a result, the price of those customary in the types of transactions involved). In connection with sales of the shares of common stock or otherwise, the Selling Securityholders may enter into hedging transactions with broker-dealers, which may in turn engage in short sales of shares of common stock in the course of hedging in positions they assume. The Selling Securityholders may also sell shares of common stock short and deliver shares of common stock covered by this prospectus to close out short positions and to return borrowed common stock in connection with such short sales. The Selling Securityholders may also loan or pledge common stock to broker-dealers that in turn may sell such shares of common stock.

The Selling Securityholders may pledge or grant a security interest in some or all of the shares of common stock owned by them and, if they default in the performance of their secured obligations, the pledgees or secured parties may offer and sell the shares of common stock from time to time pursuant to this prospectus or any amendment to this prospectus under Rule 424(b)(3) or other applicable provision of the Securities Act, amending, if necessary, the list of Selling Securityholders to include the pledgee, transferee or other successors in interest as Selling Securityholders under this prospectus. The Selling Securityholders also may transfer and donate the shares of common stock in other circumstances in which case the transferees, donees, pledgees or other successors in interest will be the selling beneficial owners for purposes of this prospectus.

The Selling Securityholders and any broker-dealer participating in the distribution of the shares ofour common stock may be deemed to be “underwriters” withinhigher than the meaning ofprice that might otherwise exist in the Securities Act, and any commission paid, or any discounts or concessions allowed to, any such broker-dealeropen market. These transactions may be deemeddiscontinued at any time.

Neither we nor the underwriters make any representation or prediction as to be underwriting commissionsthe direction or discounts undermagnitude of any effect that the Securities Act. Attransactions described above may have on the time a particular offeringprice of theour shares of common stock isstock. In addition, neither we nor the underwriters make any representation that the underwriters will engage in these transactions or that any transaction, if commenced, will not be discontinued without notice.

Electronic Distribution

This prospectus in electronic format may be made aavailable on websites or through other online services maintained by the underwriters, or by their affiliates. Other than this prospectus supplement, if required, will be distributed which will set forthin electronic format, the aggregate amount of shares of common stock being offered andinformation on the terms of the offering, including the name or names of any broker-dealers or agents, any discounts, commissions and other terms constituting compensation from the Selling Securityholdersunderwriters’ websites and any discounts, commissionsinformation contained in any other websites maintained by the underwriters is not part of this prospectus or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to broker-dealers.

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Under the securities laws of some states, the shares of common stock may be sold in such states only through registered or licensed brokers or dealers. In addition, in some states the shares of common stock may not be sold unless such securities have been registered or qualified for sale in such state or an exemption from registration or qualification is available and is complied with.

There can be no assurance that any Selling Securityholder will sell any or all of the shares of common stock registered pursuant to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part.part, has not been approved and/or endorsed by us or the underwriters in their capacity as underwriters, and should not be relied upon by investors.

 

The Selling SecurityholdersOther

Securities Offerings

On August 15, 2019, we consummated an underwritten public offering (the “August 2019 Offering”) of (i) 12,000,000 shares of our common stock, (ii) pre-funded warrants exercisable for 1,000,000 shares of common stock, and any other person participating in such distribution will be subject(iii) warrants to applicable provisionspurchase up to an aggregate of 13,000,000 shares of our common stock. On August 16, 2019, we sold an additional 1,950,000 warrants upon exercise of the Securities Exchange Actunderwriters’ over-allotment option. The public offering price in the August 2019 Offering was $0.44 per share of 1934, as amended,our common stock and the rules and regulations thereunder, including, without limitation, Regulation M of the Exchange Act, which may limit the timing of purchases and sales of any of$0.01 per accompanying warrant. Each warrant sold with the shares of common stock represents the right to purchase one share of our common stock at an exercise price of $0.585 per share. Maxim and WallachBeth each acted as an underwriter in connection with the August 2019 Offering.

In connection with the closing of the August 2019 Offering, we granted Maxim and WallachBeth, with certain exceptions, a right of first refusal. Until August 15, 2020 (i.e., twelve (12) months from the closing date of the August 2019 Offering), we granted Maxim and WallachBeth a right of first refusal to act as book running manager, lead underwriter and lead placement agent, at their sole discretion, for each and every of our future public or private equity, equity-linked or debt (excluding commercial bank debt) offerings for us, or any of our successors or subsidiaries, on terms customary to the Representatives during such twelve (12) month period. This right of first refusal applies to Maxim and WallachBeth equally (i.e., 50% of the economic benefits to Maxim and 50% of the economic benefits to WallachBeth) and remains in effect after this offering. The Representatives in conjunction with us, have the sole right to determine whether or not any other broker-dealer shall have the right to participate in any such offering and the economic terms of any such participation.

From time to time, the underwriters and/or their affiliates have provided, and may in the future provide, various investment banking and other financial services for us for which services it has received and, may in the future receive, customary fees. Except for the services provided in connection with this offering and other than as described below, the underwriters have not provided any investment banking or other financial services during the 180-day period preceding the date of this prospectus.

On April 9, 2019, we completed our initial public offering of 1,250,000 shares of our common stock. The shares were sold at the public offering price of $4.00 per share. WallachBeth acted as an underwriter in connection with such offering.

In connection with the closing of the initial public offering, we granted WallachBeth, with certain exceptions, a right of first negotiation to co-manage the next public underwriting of our debt or equity securities immediately following the initial public offering, with WallachBeth receiving the right to underwrite or place a number of the securities to be sold in such offering having an aggregate purchase price equal to a minimum of the aggregate purchase price of $10,000,000, until twelve months after completion of the initial public offering.

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Notice to Prospective Investors in Canada

This prospectus constitutes an “exempt offering document” as defined in and for the purposes of applicable Canadian securities laws. No prospectus has been filed with any securities commission or similar regulatory authority in Canada in connection with the offer and sale of the securities. No securities commission or similar regulatory authority in Canada has reviewed or in any way passed upon this prospectus or on the merits of the securities and any representation to the contrary is an offence.

Canadian investors are advised that this prospectus has been prepared in reliance on section 3A.3 of National Instrument 33-105Underwriting Conflicts (“NI 33-105”). Pursuant to section 3A.3 of NI 33-105, this prospectus is exempt from the requirement that the Company and the underwriter(s) provide Canadian investors with certain conflicts of interest disclosure pertaining to “connected issuer” and/or “related issuer” relationships that may exist between the Company and the underwriter(s) as would otherwise be required pursuant to subsection 2.1(1) of NI 33-105.

Resale Restrictions

The offer and sale of the securities in Canada is being made on a private placement basis only and is exempt from the requirement that the Company prepares and files a prospectus under applicable Canadian securities laws. Any resale of securities acquired by a Canadian investor in this offering must be made in accordance with applicable Canadian securities laws, which may vary depending on the relevant jurisdiction, and which may require resales to be made in accordance with Canadian prospectus requirements, pursuant to a statutory exemption from the prospectus requirements, in a transaction exempt from the prospectus requirements or otherwise under a discretionary exemption from the prospectus requirements granted by the Selling Securityholdersapplicable local Canadian securities regulatory authority. These resale restrictions may under certain circumstances apply to resales of the securities outside of Canada.

Representations of Purchasers

Each Canadian investor who purchases securities will be deemed to have represented to the Company, the underwriters and to each dealer from whom a purchase confirmation is received, as applicable, that the investor is (i) purchasing as principal, or is deemed to be purchasing as principal in accordance with applicable Canadian securities laws, for investment only and not with a view to resale or redistribution; (ii) an “accredited investor” as such term is defined in section 1.1 of National Instrument 45-106Prospectus Exemptionsor, in Ontario, as such term is defined in section 73.3(1) of theSecurities Act(Ontario); and (iii) is a “permitted client” as such term is defined in section 1.1 of National Instrument 31-103Registration Requirements, Exemptions and Ongoing Registrant Obligations.

Taxation and Eligibility for Investment

Any discussion of taxation and related matters contained in this prospectus does not purport to be a comprehensive description of all of the tax considerations that may be relevant to a Canadian investor when deciding to purchase the securities and, in particular, does not address any other participating person. Regulation M may also restrictCanadian tax considerations. No representation or warranty is hereby made as to the abilitytax consequences to a resident, or deemed resident, of any person engagedCanada of an investment in the distribution of the shares of common stock to engage in market-making activitiessecurities or with respect to the shares of common stock. Alleligibility of the foregoing may affect the marketabilitysecurities for investment by such investor under relevant Canadian federal and provincial legislation and regulations.

Rights of Action for Damages or Rescission

Securities legislation in certain of the sharesCanadian jurisdictions provides certain purchasers of common stocksecurities pursuant to an offering memorandum (such as this prospectus), including where the distribution involves an “eligible foreign security” as such term is defined in Ontario Securities Commission Rule 45-501Ontario Prospectus and Registration Exemptions and in Multilateral Instrument 45-107Listing Representation and Statutory Rights of Action Disclosure Exemptions, as applicable, with a remedy for damages or rescission, or both, in addition to any other rights they may have at law, where the ability ofoffering memorandum, or other offering document that constitutes an offering memorandum, and any personamendment thereto, contains a “misrepresentation” as defined under applicable Canadian securities laws. These remedies, or entity to engage in market-making activitiesnotice with respect to these remedies, must be exercised or delivered, as the shares of common stock.case may be, by the purchaser within the time limits prescribed under, and are subject to limitations and defenses under, applicable Canadian securities legislation. In addition, these remedies are in addition to and without derogation from any other right or remedy available at law to the investor.

 

Language of Documents

Upon receipt of this document, each Canadian investor hereby confirms that it has expressly requested that all documents evidencing or relating in any way to the sale of the securities described herein (including for greater certainty any purchase confirmation or any notice) be drawn up in the English language only.Par la réception de ce document, chaque investisseur canadien confirme par les présentes qu’il a expressément exigé que tous les documents faisant foi ou se rapportant de quelque manière que ce soit à la vente des valeurs mobilières décrites aux présentes (incluant, pour plus de certitude, toute confirmation d’achat ou tout avis) soient rédigés en anglais seulement.

Offers Outside the United States

Other than in the United States, no action has been taken by us or the underwriters that would permit a public offering of the securities offered by this prospectus in any jurisdiction where action for that purpose is required. The securities offered by this prospectus may not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, nor may this prospectus or any other offering material or advertisements in connection with the offer and sale of any such securities be distributed or published in any jurisdiction, except under circumstances that will result in compliance with the applicable rules and regulations of that jurisdiction. Persons into whose possession this prospectus comes are advised to inform themselves about and to observe any restrictions relating to the offering and the distribution of this prospectus. This prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities offered by this prospectus in any jurisdiction in which such an offer or a solicitation is unlawful.

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DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES

 

Authorized and Outstanding Capital Stock

 

The following description of ourthe Company’s capital stock and provisions of ourits certificate of incorporation and by-laws are summaries and are qualified by reference to ourthe Company’s certificate of incorporation and by-laws. Copies of these documents have been filed with the SEC as exhibits to our registration statement, of which this prospectus forms a part.

 

We haveThe Company has 100,000,000 shares of capital stock, par value $0.001 per share, authorized of which 90,000,000 are shares of common stock and 10,000,000 are shares of “blank check” preferred stock.

 

On January 30, 2019, the Company filed a Certificate of Amendment to its Certificate of Incorporation, as amended (the “Amendment”), with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware to effectuate a one-for-two (1:2) reverse stock split (the “Reverse Stock Split”) of its common stock, par value $0.001 per share, without any change to its par value. The Amendment became effective on the filing date. The number of shares authorized for common and preferred stock were not affected by the Reverse Stock Split. No fractional shares were issued in connection with the Reverse Stock Split as all fractional shares were “rounded up” to the next whole share. Proportional adjustments for the Reverse Stock Split were made to the Company’s outstanding common stock, stock options, and warrants for all periods presented.

As of NovemberOctober 24, 2017, we2019, the Company had outstanding 40,545,94750,482,562 shares of common stock held by 148approximately 154 shareholders of record.

No shares of preferred stock are outstanding.

 

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Common Stock

 

The holders of ourthe Company’s common stock are entitled to one vote per share. In addition, the holders of ourthe Company’s common stock will be entitled to receive dividends ratably, if any, declared by ourthe Company’s board of directors out of legally available funds; however, the current policy of ourthe board of directors is to retain earnings, if any, for operations and growth. Upon liquidation, dissolution or winding-up, the holders of ourthe Company’s common stock are entitled to share ratably in all assets that are legally available for distribution. The holders of ourthe Company’s common stock have no preemptive, subscription, redemption or conversion rights. The rights, preferences and privileges of holders of ourthe Company’s common stock are subject to, and may be adversely affected by, the rights of the holders of any series of preferred stock, which may be designated solely by action of ourthe board of directors and issued in the future.

 

Preferred Stock

 

OurThe Company’s board of directors are authorized, subject to any limitations prescribed by law, without further vote or action by ourits stockholders, to issue from time to time shares of preferred stock in one or more series. Each series of preferred stock will have the number of shares, designations, preferences, voting powers, qualifications and special or relative rights or privileges as shall be determined by ourthe Company’s board of directors, which may include, among others, dividend rights, voting rights, liquidation preferences, conversion rights and preemptive rights.

 

It is not possible to state the actual effect of the issuance of any shares of preferred stock upon the rights of holders of ourthe Company’s common stock until the board of directors determines the specific rights of the holders of ourits preferred stock. However, the effects might include, among other things:

 

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Impairing dividend rights of ourthe Company’s common stock;
Diluting the voting power of ourthe Company’s common stock;
Impairing the liquidation rights of ourthe Company’s common stock; and
Delaying or preventing a change of control without further action by ourthe Company’s stockholders.

 

Blank Check Preferred Stock

 

The ability to authorize “blank check” preferred stock makes it possible for ourthe Company’s board of directors to issue preferred stock with voting or other rights or preferences that could impede the success of any attempt to acquire us.the Company. These and other provisions may have the effect of deferring hostile takeovers or delaying changes in control or management of ourthe Company.

 

Common Stock Purchase Warrants

 

As of NovemberOctober 24, 2017 we2019, the Company had outstanding 2,983,666 exercisable warrants to purchase 1,276,538 shares of its common stock outstanding with various exercise prices and expiration dates. As of October 24, 2019, the Company also had outstanding August Warrants to purchase 226,200 shares of its common stock.

Common Stock Purchase Options

As of October 24, 2019, the Company had stock options to purchase 2,712,500 shares of its common stock outstanding, 1,458,333 of which were exercisable, with various exercise prices and expiration dates, held by 34 warrant7 option holders.

Transfer Agent

 

OurThe Company’s transfer agent is VStock Transfer with an address 18 Lafayette Pl, Woodmere, NY 11598.

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Indemnification of Directors and Officers

 

Each person who was or is made a party or is threatened to be made a party to or is involved (including, without limitation, as a witness) in any actual or threatened action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (hereinafter a “proceeding”), by reason of the fact that such person is or was a director of the Company or is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise (hereinafter an “indemnitee”), whether the basis of such proceeding is alleged action in an official capacity as a director, officer, employee or agent or in any other capacity while serving as a director, officer, employee or agent, shall be indemnified and held harmless by the Company to the full extent authorized by the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (“Delaware Code”), as the same exists or may hereafter be amended (but, in the case of any such amendment, only to the extent that such amendment permits the Company to provide broader indemnification rights than said law permitted the Company to provide prior to such amendment), or by other applicable law as then in effect, against all expense, liability and loss (including attorney’s fees, judgments, fines, ERISA excise taxes or penalties and amounts to be paid in settlement) actually and reasonably incurred or suffered by such indemnitee in connection therewith and such indemnification shall continue as to an indemnitee who has ceased to be a director, officer, employee or agent and shall inure to the benefit of the indemnitee’s heirs, executors and administrators. The right to indemnification conferred shall be a contract right and shall include the right to be paid by the Company the expenses incurred in defending any such proceeding in advance of its final disposition (hereinafter an “advancement of expenses”); provided, however, that, if the Delaware Code requires, an advancement of expenses incurred by an indemnitee in his or her capacity as a director or officer (and not in any other capacity in which service was or is rendered by such indemnitee while a director or officer, including, without limitation, service to an employee benefit plan) shall be made only upon delivery to the Company of an undertaking, by or on behalf of such indemnitee, to repay all amounts so advanced if it shall ultimately be determined that such indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified under. Any person who is or was serving as a director of a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company shall be deemed, for indemnification purposes, to be a director or officer of the Company entitled to indemnification under the Company’s bylawsBylaws and the Delaware Code. The Company may by action of its Board of Directors, grant rights to indemnification and advancement of expenses to and agents of the Company with the same scope and effects as the indemnification provisions for officers and directors. We have also entered into indemnification agreements with each of our officers and directors.

 

Disclosure of Commission Position on Indemnification for Securities Act Liabilities

 

Insofar as indemnification for liabilities under the Securities Act may be permitted to officers, directors or persons controlling ourthe Company pursuant to the foregoing provisions, we havethe Company has been informed that is it is the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission that such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in such Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable.

 

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Exclusive forum for adjudication of disputes provision which limits the forum to the Delaware Court of Chancery for certain actions against the Company.

 

Article XI of ourthe Company’s Bylaws dictates that the Delaware Court of Chancery is the sole and exclusive forum for certain actions including certain derivative actionactions or proceedingproceedings brought on behalf of the Company; an action asserting a breach of fiduciary duty owed by an officer, director, employee or to the shareholders of the Company; any claim arising under Delaware corporate law; and any action asserting a claim governed by the internal affairs doctrine.

 

A Delaware corporation is allowed to mandate in its corporate governance documents a chosen forum for the resolution of state law based shareholder class actions, derivative suits and other intra-corporate disputes.

This exclusive forum provision does not apply to suits brought to enforce any liability or duty created by the Securities Act or the Exchange Act orother federal securities laws for which there is exclusive federal or concurrent federal and state jurisdiction.

The Company’s management believes limiting state law based claims to Delaware will provide the most appropriate outcomes as the risk of another forum misapplying Delaware law is avoided, Delaware courts have a well-developed body of case law and limiting the forum will preclude costly and duplicative litigation and avoids the risk of inconsistent outcomes. Additionally, Delaware Chancery Courts can typically resolve disputes on an accelerated schedule when compared to other forums.

While management believes limiting the forum for state law based claims is a benefit, shareholders could be inconvenienced by not being able to bring ana state law based action in another forum they find favorable.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES WE ARE OFFERING

We are offering (i) 19,342,359 shares of our common stock or Pre-Funded Warrants and (ii) Warrants to purchase up to 19,342,359 shares of our common stock. Each share of common stock and Pre-Funded Warrant is being sold together with Warrants to purchase an aggregate of one share of common stock. The shares of common stock, Pre-Funded Warrants and accompanying Warrants will be issued separately. We are also registering the shares of common stock issuable from time to time upon exercise of the Pre-Funded Warrants and Warrants offered hereby.

Common Stock

The material terms and provisions of our common stock and each other class of our securities that qualifies or limits our Common Stock are described in the section entitled “Description of Securities” beginning on page 77 above.

Pre-Funded Warrants

The following summary of certain terms and provisions of Pre-Funded Warrants that are being offered hereby is not complete and is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by, the provisions of the Pre-Funded Warrant, the form of which is filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part. Prospective investors should carefully review the terms and provisions of the form of Pre-Funded Warrant for a complete description of the terms and conditions of the Pre-Funded Warrants.

Duration and Exercise Price

Each Pre-Funded Warrant offered hereby will have an initial exercise price per share equal to $0.01. The Pre-Funded Warrants will be immediately exercisable and may be exercised at any time until the Pre-Funded Warrants are exercised in full. The exercise price and number of shares of common stock issuable upon exercise is subject to appropriate adjustment in the event of stock dividends, stock splits, reorganizations or similar events affecting our common stock and the exercise price.

Exercisability

The Pre-Funded Warrants will be exercisable, at the option of each holder, in whole or in part, by delivering to us a duly executed exercise notice accompanied by payment in full for the number of shares of our common stock purchased upon such exercise (except in the case of a cashless exercise as discussed below). A holder (together with its affiliates) may not exercise any portion of the Pre-Funded Warrant to the extent that the holder would own more than 4.99% (or at the election of the holder, 9.99%) of the outstanding common stock immediately after exercise, except that upon at least 61 days’ prior notice from the holder to us, the holder may increase the amount of ownership of outstanding stock after exercising the holder’s Pre-Funded Warrants. No fractional shares of common stock will be issued in connection with the exercise of a Pre-Funded Warrant. In lieu of fractional shares, we will pay the holder an amount in cash equal to the fractional amount multiplied by the exercise price.

Cashless Exercise

In lieu of making the cash payment otherwise contemplated to be made to us upon such exercise in payment of the aggregate exercise price, the holder may elect instead to receive upon such exercise (either in whole or in part) the net number of shares of common stock determined according to a formula set forth in the Pre-Funded Warrants.

Fundamental Transaction

In the event of a fundamental transaction, as described in the Pre-Funded Warrants and generally including any reorganization, recapitalization or reclassification of our common stock, the sale, transfer or other disposition of all or substantially all of our properties or assets, our consolidation or merger with or into another person, the acquisition of more than 50% of our outstanding common stock, or any person or group becoming the beneficial owner of 50% of the voting power represented by our outstanding common stock, the holders of the Pre-Funded Warrants will be entitled to receive upon exercise of the Pre-Funded Warrants the kind and amount of securities, cash or other property that the holders would have received had they exercised the Pre-Funded Warrants immediately prior to such fundamental transaction.

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Transferability

Subject to applicable laws, a Pre-Funded Warrant may be transferred at the option of the holder upon surrender of the pre-funded warrant to us together with the appropriate instruments of transfer.

Exchange Listing

We do not intend to list the Pre-Funded Warrants on any securities exchange or nationally recognized trading system.

Rights as a Stockholder

Except as otherwise provided in the Pre-Funded Warrants or by virtue of such holder’s ownership of shares of our common stock, the holders of the Pre-Funded Warrants do not have the rights or privileges of holders of our common stock, including any voting rights, until they exercise their Pre-Funded Warrants.

Series AWarrants

The following summary of certain terms and provisions of the Series A Warrants offered hereby is not complete and is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by, the provisions of the Series A Warrant, the form of which has been filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. Prospective investors should carefully review the terms and provisions of the form of Series A Warrant for a complete description of the terms and conditions of the Warrants.

Book-entry Form.Pursuant to a warrant agent agreement between us and VStock Transfer, LLC, as warrant agent (the “Warrant Agent”), the Series A Warrants will be issued in book-entry form and shall initially be represented only by one or more global warrants deposited with the Warrant Agent, as custodian on behalf of The Depository Trust Company, or DTC, and registered in the name of Cede & Co., a nominee of DTC, or as otherwise directed by DTC.

The Series A Warrants issued in this offering will be governed by the terms of a global warrant held in book-entry form. The holder of a warrant will not be deemed a holder of our underlying common stock until the warrant is exercised, except as set forth in the warrant.

The Series A Warrants will be issued separately from the common stock and Pre-Funded Warrants, and may be transferred separately immediately thereafter.

Exercisability. The Series AWarrants are exercisable at any time after their original issuance, and at any time up to the date that is five years after their original issuance.The Series A Warrants will be exercisable, at the option of each holder, in whole or in part by delivering to the Company or Warrant Agent (or such other office or agency of the Company as it may designate by notice in writing to the registered holder of the Series A Warrant at the address of the holder appearing on the books of the Company) a duly executed exercise notice and, at any time a registration statement registering the issuance of the shares of common stock underlying the Series A Warrants under the Securities Act is effective and available for the issuance of such shares, or an exemption from registration under the Securities Act is available for the issuance of such shares, by payment in full in immediately available funds for the number of shares of common stock purchased upon such exercise. If a registration statement registering the issuance of the shares of common stock underlying the Series A Warrants under the Securities Act is not effective or available and an exemption from registration under the Securities Act is not available for the issuance of such shares, the holder may, in its sole discretion, elect to exercise the Series A Warrant through a cashless exercise, in which case the holder would receive upon such exercise the net number of shares of common stock determined according to the formula set forth in the Series A Warrant. No fractional shares of common stock will be issued in connection with the exercise of a Series A Warrant. In lieu of fractional shares, we will pay the holder an amount in cash equal to the fractional amount multiplied by the exercise price.

Cashless Exercise. If a registration statement registering the issuance of the shares of common stock underlying the Series A Warrants under the Securities Act is not effective or available and an exemption from registration under the Securities Act is not available for the issuance of such shares, the holder may, in its sole discretion, elect to exercise the Series A Warrant through a cashless exercise, in which case the holder would receive upon such exercise the net number of shares of common stock determined according to the formula set forth in the Series A Warrant.

Exercise Limitations.A holder will not have the right to exercise any portion of the Series A Warrant if the holder (together with its affiliates) would beneficially own in excess of 4.99% (or, upon election of the holder, 9.99%) of the number of shares of our common stock outstanding immediately after giving effect to the exercise, as such percentage ownership is determined in accordance with the terms of the Warrants. However, any holder may increase or decrease such percentage, provided that any increase will not be effective until the 61stday after such election.

Exercise Price. The Series A Warrants will have an exercise price of $           per share. The exercise price is subject to appropriate adjustment in the event of certain stock dividends and distributions, stock splits, stock combinations, reclassifications or similar events affecting our common stock and also upon any distributions of assets, including cash, stock or other property to our stockholders.

Transferability.Subject to applicable laws, the Series A Warrants may be offered for sale, sold, transferred or assigned without our consent.

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Exchange Listing. There is no established trading market for the Series A Warrants and we do not expect a market to develop. In addition, we do not intend to apply for the listing of the Series A Warrants on any national securities exchange or other trading market. Without an active trading market, the liquidity of the Series A Warrants will be limited.

Fundamental Transactions. If a fundamental transaction occurs, then the successor entity will succeed to, and be substituted for us, and may exercise every right and power that we may exercise and will assume all of our obligations under the Series A Warrants with the same effect as if such successor entity had been named in the Series A Warrant itself. If holders of our common stock are given a choice as to the securities, cash or property to be received in a fundamental transaction, then the holder shall be given the same choice as to the consideration it receives upon any exercise of the Series A Warrant following such fundamental transaction.

Rights as a Stockholder. Except as otherwise provided in the Series A Warrants or by virtue of such holder’s ownership of shares of our common stock, the holder of a Series A Warrant does not have the rights or privileges of a holder of our common stock, including any voting rights, until the holder exercises the Series A Warrant.

Series B Warrants

The following summary of certain terms and provisions of the Series B Warrants offered hereby is not complete and is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by, the provisions of the Warrant, the form of which has been filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. Prospective investors should carefully review the terms and provisions of the form of Series B Warrant for a complete description of the terms and conditions of the Series B Warrants.

Book-entry Form.Pursuant to a warrant agent agreement between us and the Warrant Agent, the Series B Warrants will be issued in book-entry form and shall initially be represented only by one or more global warrants deposited with the Warrant Agent, as custodian on behalf of The Depository Trust Company, or DTC, and registered in the name of Cede & Co., a nominee of DTC, or as otherwise directed by DTC.

The Series B Warrants issued in this offering will be governed by the terms of a global warrant held in book-entry form. The holder of a warrant will not be deemed a holder of our underlying common stock until the warrant is exercised, except as set forth in the warrant.

The Series B Warrants will be issued separately from the common stock and Pre-Funded Warrants, and may be transferred separately immediately thereafter.

Exercisability. The Series B Warrants will become exercisable only after the Company effectuates a Charter Amendment (as defined below), and are exercisable any time up to the date that is five years thereafter. The Series B Warrants will be exercisable, at the option of each holder, in whole or in part by delivering to the Company or Warrant Agent (or such other office or agency of the Company as it may designate by notice in writing to the registered holder of the Series B Warrant at the address of the holder appearing on the books of the Company) a duly executed exercise notice and, at any time a registration statement registering the issuance of the shares of common stock underlying the Series B Warrants under the Securities Act is effective and available for the issuance of such shares, or an exemption from registration under the Securities Act is available for the issuance of such shares, by payment in full in immediately available funds for the number of shares of common stock purchased upon such exercise. If a registration statement registering the issuance of the shares of common stock underlying the Series B Warrants under the Securities Act is not effective or available and an exemption from registration under the Securities Act is not available for the issuance of such shares, the holder may, in its sole discretion, elect to exercise the Series B Warrant through a cashless exercise, in which case the holder would receive upon such exercise the net number of shares of common stock determined according to the formula set forth in the Series B Warrant. No fractional shares of common stock will be issued in connection with the exercise of a Series B Warrant. In lieu of fractional shares, we will pay the holder an amount in cash equal to the fractional amount multiplied by the exercise price.

Cashless Exercise. If the Series B Warrant is exercisable, and a registration statement registering the issuance of the shares of common stock underlying the Series B Warrants under the Securities Act is not effective or available and an exemption from registration under the Securities Act is not available for the issuance of such shares, the holder may, in its sole discretion, elect to exercise the Series B Warrant through a cashless exercise, in which case the holder would receive upon such exercise the net number of shares of common stock determined according to the formula set forth in the Series B Warrant.

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Exercise Limitations.Currently, the Company does not have a sufficient number of authorized shares of common stock to cover the shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of the Series B Warrants. As a result, the Series B Warrants will become exercisable only after the Company effectuates an amendment to its Charter to either (i) increase the number of authorized shares or (ii) implement a reverse stock split with respect to the shares of common stock (either, a “Charter Amendment”). There can be no assurances that the Company’s stockholders will approve a Charter Amendment. Therefore, you may not ever be able to exercise the Series B Warrants.

Additionally, a holder will not have the right to exercise any portion of the Series B Warrant if the holder (together with its affiliates) would beneficially own in excess of 4.99% (or, upon election of the holder, 9.99%) of the number of shares of our common stock outstanding immediately after giving effect to the exercise, as such percentage ownership is determined in accordance with the terms of the Series B Warrants. However, any holder may increase or decrease such percentage, provided that any increase will not be effective until the 61stday after such election.

Stockholder Approval.Assuming Series B Warrants are issued in this Offering, we have agreed to hold a stockholders meeting within 60 days of the closing of this offering in order to seek stockholder approval the Charter Amendment. In the event that we are unable to effect an increase in our authorized shares of common stock or effect a reverse split of our common stock, the Series B Warrants will not be exercisable and will have no value. In no event may the Series B Warrants be net cash settled.

Exercise Price. The Series B Warrants will have an exercise price of $           per share. The exercise price is subject to appropriate adjustment in the event of certain stock dividends and distributions, stock splits, stock combinations, reclassifications or similar events affecting our common stock and also upon any distributions of assets, including cash, stock or other property to our stockholders.

Transferability. Subject to applicable laws, the Series B Warrants may be offered for sale, sold, transferred or assigned without our consent.

Exchange Listing. There is no established trading market for the Series B Warrants and we do not expect a market to develop. In addition, we do not intend to apply for the listing of the Series B Warrants on any national securities exchange or other trading market. Without an active trading market, the liquidity of the Series B Warrants will be limited.

Fundamental Transactions. If a fundamental transaction occurs, then the successor entity will succeed to, and be substituted for us, and may exercise every right and power that we may exercise and will assume all of our obligations under the Series B Warrants with the same effect as if such successor entity had been named in the Series B Warrant itself. If holders of our common stock are given a choice as to the securities, cash or property to be received in a fundamental transaction, then the holder shall be given the same choice as to the consideration it receives upon any exercise of the Series B Warrant following such fundamental transaction.

Rights as a Stockholder. Except as otherwise provided in the Series B Warrants or by virtue of such holder’s ownership of shares of our common stock, the holder of a Series B Warrant does not have the rights or privileges of a holder of our common stock, including any voting rights, until the holder exercises the Series B Warrant.

LEGAL MATTERS

 

The validity of the shares of our common stocksecurities offered hereby will be passed upon for usthe Company by Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP, Los Angeles, California. Gracin & Marlow, LLP, New York, New York is acting as counsel to the underwriters in connection with this offering.

 

EXPERTS

 

The financial statements as of and for the years ended December 31, 20162018 and 20152017 have been audited by Weinberg & Company, P.A., 1925 Century Park East, Suite 1120, Los Angeles, CA 90067, an independent registered public accounting firm as set forth in their report and are included in reliance upon such report given as authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

 

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

 

We haveThe Company files annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. The Company has filed with the Securities and Exchange CommissionSEC a registration statement on Form S-1 under the Securities Act, with respect to the shares of common stock being offered hereby.under this prospectus. This prospectus which constitutes a part of the registration statement, does not contain all of the information set forth in the registration statement orand the exhibits and schedules filed therewith.to the registration statement. For further information about uswith respect to the Company and the common stocksecurities being offered hereby, weunder this prospectus, please refer you to the complete registration statement and the exhibits and schedules filed thereto. Statements contained in this prospectus regarding the contentsas a part of any contract or any other document that is filed as an exhibit to the registration statement are not necessarily complete,statement.

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The SEC maintains an Internet site that contains reports, proxy and each such statement is qualified in all respects by reference to the full text of such contract or other document filed as an exhibit to the registration statement. Upon the completion of this offering, we will be required to file periodic reports, proxyinformation statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SecuritiesSEC. The SEC’s Internet site can be found athttp://www.sec.gov. The Company maintains a website at https://guardionhealth.com/sec-filings/. You may access its annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and Exchange Commissionother reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act with the SEC free of 1934. You may read and copy this informationcharge at the Public Reference RoomCompany website as soon as reasonably practicable after such material is electronically filed with, or furnished to, the SEC. The information contained in, or that can be accessed through, the Company’s website is not incorporated by reference in, and is not part of, the Securities and Exchange Commission, 100 F Street, N.E., Room 1580, Washington, D.C.this prospectus.

 

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INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN INFORMATION BY REFERENCE

 

The SEC allows the Company to “incorporate by reference” the information it has filed with the SEC, which means that the Company can disclose important information to you by referring you to those documents. The information that the Company incorporates by reference is an important part of this prospectus, and information that it files later with the SEC will automatically update and supersede this information. The documents the Company is incorporating by reference are:

 

INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Guardion Health Sciences, Inc.The Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018, filed with the SEC on February 14, 2019;
   
Unaudited Financial Statements as of and

The Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Nine Months Ended Septemberquarterly period ended March 31, 2019 filed with the SEC on May 10, 2019 and the quarterly period ended June 30, 2017 and 2016

2019 filed with the SEC on August 12, 2019;

   
Condensed Consolidated Balance SheetsF-2
Condensed Consolidated Statements of OperationsF-3
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ DeficiencyF-4
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash FlowsF-5
Notes

The Company’s Current Reports on Form 8-K (excluding any reports or portions thereof that are deemed to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

F-6be furnished and not filed) filed with the SEC on January 15, 2019, February 1, 2019, March 21, 2019, April 9, 2019, July 15, 2019, August 12, 2019, August 19, 2019, September 24, 2019, September 26, 2019 and October 22, 2019; and

   
The description of the Company’s common stock contained in our Registration Statement on Form 8-A12B filed with the SEC on April 4, 2019.

All documents the Company subsequently files with the SEC pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, except as to any portion of any report or documents that is not deemed filed under such provisions, (1) on or after the date of filing of the registration statement containing this prospectus and prior to the effectiveness of the registration statement and (2) on or after the date of this prospectus until the earlier of the date on which all of the securities registered hereunder have been sold or the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part has been withdrawn, shall be deemed incorporated by reference in this prospectus and to be a part of this prospectus from the date of filing of those documents and will be automatically updated and, to the extent described above, supersede information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus and previously filed documents that are incorporated by reference in this prospectus.

Nothing in this prospectus shall be deemed to incorporate information furnished but not filed with the SEC pursuant to Item 2.02, 7.01 or 9.01 of Form 8-K.

Upon written or oral request, we will provide without charge to each person to whom a copy of the prospectus is delivered a copy of the documents incorporated by reference herein (other than exhibits to such documents, unless such exhibits are specifically incorporated by reference herein). You may request a copy of these filings, at no cost, by writing or telephoning us at the following address: Vincent J. Roth, the Company’s General Counsel, at Guardion Health Sciences, Inc., 15150 Avenue of Science, Suite 200, San Diego, CA 92128; Tel: 858-605-9055. We maintain a website at https://guardionhealth.com/sec-filings/. You may access our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and other reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act with the SEC free of charge at our website as soon as reasonably practicable after such material is electronically filed with, or furnished to, the SEC. The information contained in, or that can be accessed through, our website is not incorporated by reference in, and is not part of, this prospectus.

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INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Guardion Health Sciences, Inc.

Audited Financial Statements as of and for the Years Ended December 31, 20162018 and 20152017  
   
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm F-17
Balance SheetsF-18
Statements of OperationsF-19
Statements of Members’ and Stockholders’ DeficiencyF-20
Statements of Cash FlowsF-21
Notes to Financial StatementsF-22F-2
   
VectorVision, Inc.Consolidated Balance SheetsF-3
   
Consolidated Statements of OperationsF-4
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity (Deficiency)F-5
Consolidated Statements of Cash FlowsF-6
Notes to Consolidated Financial StatementsF-7

Unaudited Financial Statements as of June 30, 2019 and for the NineSix Months Ended SeptemberJune 30, 20172019 and 20162018  
   
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets F-39
Condensed Statements of OperationsF-40
Condensed Statements of Stockholders’ DeficiencyF-41
Condensed Statements of Cash FlowsF-42
Notes to Condensed Financial StatementsF-43
Audited Financial Statements as of and for the Years Ended December 31, 2016 and 2015F-24
   
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting FirmF-46
Balance SheetsF-47
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations F-48F-25
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity (Deficiency) F-49F-26
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows F-50F-27
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements F-51F-28

 

F-1

 

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors

Guardion Health Sciences, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Balance SheetsSan Diego, California

 

  September 30,  December 31, 
  2017  2016 
  (Unaudited)    
Assets        
         
Current assets        
Cash $1,269,755  $62,520 
Accounts receivable  53,610   1,673 
Inventories  178,033   43,999 
Current portion of deposits and prepaid expenses  38,004   29,363 
         
Total current assets  1,539,402   137,555 
         
Deposits and prepaid expenses, less current portion  210   10,470 
Property and equipment, net  100,813   114,020 
Intangible assets, net  674,400   - 
Goodwill  1,563,520   - 
         
Total assets $3,878,345  $262,045 
         
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity (Deficiency)        
         
Current liabilities        
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $484,420  $356,467 
Accrued expenses and deferred rent  24,740   88,290 
Line of credit  32,395     
Due to related parties  152,771   91,483 
Convertible notes payable  46,567   44,323 
Promissory notes payable  15,605   10,251 
Promissory notes payable related party  -   16,805 
         
Total current liabilities  756,498   607,619 
         
Commitments and contingencies        
         
Stockholders’ Equity (Deficiency)        
         
Series A preferred stock, $0.001 par value; 2,000,000 shares authorized; 1,705,154 and 1,705,154 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016  1,705   1,705 
Series B preferred stock, $0.001 par value; 8,000,000 shares authorized; 3,105,000 issued and outstanding at September 30, 2017  3,105   - 
Common stock, $0.001 par value; 90,000,000 shares authorized; 28,961,058 and 25,046,438 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016  28,961   25,046 
Additional paid-in capital  27,342,480   20,277,882 
Accumulated deficit  (24,254,404)  (20,650,207)
         
Total stockholders’ equity (deficiency)  3,121,847   (345,574)
         
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity (deficiency) $3,878,345  $262,045 

Opinion on the Financial Statements

 

SeeWe have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Guardion Health Sciences, Inc. (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders’ equity (deficiency), and cash flows for the years then ended, and the related notes (collectively referred to condensedas the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for the years then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Going Concern

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note 1, the Company has experienced negative operating cash flows since inception. These matters raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. Management’s plans in regard to these matters are also described in Note 1 to the financial statements. These financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.

Basis for Opinion

These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

/s/ Weinberg & Company, P.A.
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2015.
Los Angeles, California
February 14, 2019

 

F-2

 

Guardion Health Sciences, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

 

  

Three Months Ended

September 30,

  

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

 
  2017  2016  2017  2016 
  (Unaudited)  (Unaudited)  (Unaudited)  (Unaudited) 
Revenue $62,698  $33,677  $178,610  $92,195 
                 
Cost of goods sold  30,094   22,997   82,420   50,127 
                 
Gross profit  32,604   10,680   96,190   42,068 
                 
Operating expenses                
Research and development  105,561   20,789   131,330   43,062 
Sales and marketing  116,440   85,866   294,774   293,979 
General and administrative  1,392,524   765,352   2,758,331   2,282,354 
                 
Total operating expenses  1,614,525   872,007   3,184,435   2,619,395 
                 
Loss from operations  (1,581,921)  (861,327)  (3,088,245)  (2,577,327)
                 
Other expenses:                
Interest expense  2,462   279,718   20,817   863,548 
                 
Net loss  (1,584,383)  (1,141,045)  (3,109,062)  (3,440,875)
                 
Adjustments related to Series A and Series B convertible preferred stock:                
Accretion of deemed dividend  (249,820)  (185,004)  (335,337)  (212,200)
Dividend declared  (78,616)  (11,395)  (159,798)  (13,059)
Net loss attributable to common shareholders $(1,912,819) $(1,337,444) $(3,604,197) $(3,666,134)
                 
Net loss per common share – basic and diluted $(0.07) $(0.06) $(0.14) $(0.17)
Weighted average common shares outstanding – basic and diluted  25,825,907   21,424,392   25,469,112   21,352,995 

Consolidated Balance Sheets

  December 31, 
  2018  2017 
       
Assets        
         
Current assets        
Cash $670,948  $4,735,230 
Accounts receivable  28,203   72,771 
Inventories  357,997   154,730 
Prepaid expenses  47,773   117,164 
         
Total current assets  1,104,921   5,079,895 
         
Deposits  11,751   10,470 
Property and equipment, net  274,804   95,597 
Deferred offering  270,000   - 
Intangible assets, net  456,104   620,741 
Goodwill  1,563,520   1,563,520 
         
Total assets $3,681,100  $7,370,223 
         
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity        
         
Current liabilities        
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $413,925  $311,236 
Accrued expenses and deferred rent  81,412   12,043 
Line of credit  -   30,535 
Due to related parties  -   146,133 
         
Total current liabilities  495,337   499,947 
         
Commitments and contingencies        
         
Stockholders’ Equity        
         
Preferred stock, $0.001 par value; 10,000,000 shares authorized; 0 and 0 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017      - 
Common stock, $0.001 par value; 90,000,000 shares authorized; 20,564,328 and 20,091,761 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017  20,564   20,092 
Additional paid-in capital  37,798,562   33,716,140 
Accumulated deficit  (34,633,363)  (26,865,956)
         
Total stockholders’ equity  3,185,763   6,870,276 
         
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $3,681,100  $7,370,223 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

F-3

 

Guardion Health Sciences, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity (Deficiency)

(Unaudited)

 

  Series A Preferred Stock  Series B Preferred Stock  Common Stock  

Additional

Paid-In

  Accumulated  

Total

Stockholders’

 
  Shares  Amount  Shares  Amount  Shares  Amount  Capital  Deficit  Equity (Deficiency) 
Balance at December 31, 2016  1,705,154  $1,705   -  $-   25,046,438  $25,046  $20,277,882  $(20,650,207) $(345,574)
Fair value of common stock issued for acquisition  -   -   -   -   3,050,000   3,050   2,284,450   -   2,287,500 
Issuance of common stock for services  -   -   -   -   617,500   618   633,351   -   633,969 
Issuance of preferred stock  -   -   3,105,000   3,105   -   -   3,101,895   -   3,105,000 
Fair value of vested stock options  -   -   -   -   -   -   550,014   -   550,014 
Accretion of beneficial conversion feature on preferred stock  -   -   -   -   -   -   335,337   (335,337)  - 
Dividend on preferred stock  -   -   -   -   247,120   247   159,551   (159,798)  - 
Net loss  -   -   -   -   -   -   -   (3,109,062)  (3,109,062)
Balance at September 30, 2017  1,705,154  $1,705   3,105,000  $3,105   28,961,058  $28,961  $27,342,480  $(24,254,404) $3,121,847 

Consolidated Statements of Operations

  Years Ended December 31, 
  2018  2017 
       
Revenue        
Medical foods $332,795  $245,217 
Vision testing diagnostics  609,358   192,132 
Total revenue  942,153   437,349 
         
Cost of goods sold        
Medical foods  161,023   110,993 
Vision testing diagnostics  237,156   64,477 
Total cost of goods sold  398,179   175,470 
         
Gross profit  543,974   261,879 
         
Operating expenses        
Research and development  231,847   259,463 
Sales and marketing  1,520,862   599,926 
General and administrative  4,934,986   4,683,932 
         
Total operating expenses  6,687,695   5,543,321 
         
Loss from operations  (6,143,721)  (5,281,442)
         
Other expenses:        
Interest expense  2,289   23,727 
Warrants – extension of expiration dates  1,621,397   - 
         
Total other expenses  1,623,686   23,727 
         
Net loss  (7,767,407)  (5,305,169)
         
Adjustments related to Series A and Series B convertible preferred stock:        
Accretion of deemed dividend  -   (601,952)
Dividend declared  -   (308,628)
Net loss attributable to common shareholders $(7,767,407) $(6,215,749)
         
Net loss per common share – basic and diluted $(0.38) $(0.45)
Weighted average common shares outstanding – basic and diluted  20,188,628   13,934,196 

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

F-4

 

 

Guardion Health Sciences, Inc.

Condensed

Consolidated Statements of Cash FlowsStockholders’ Equity (Deficiency)

 

  

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

 
  2017  2016 
  (Unaudited)  (Unaudited) 
Operating Activities        
Net loss $(3,109,062) $(3,440,875)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:        
Depreciation and amortization  47,869   44,587 
Amortization of debt discount  -   391,726 
Accrued interest expense included in notes payable  14,792   61,551 
Fair value of warrants issued as post-maturity interest  -   407,667 
Stock-based compensation  987,932   640,584 
Stock-based compensation – related parties  196,051   683,285 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:        
(Increase) decrease in -        
Accounts receivable  (1,831)  760 
Inventories  (40,741)  (35,313)
Deposits and prepaid expenses  2,169   14,784 
Increase (decrease) in -        
Accounts payable and accrued expenses  51,626   85,588 
Accrued and deferred rent costs  (63,550)  (50,759)
         
Net cash used in operating activities  (1,914,745)  (1,196,415)
         
Investing Activities        
Purchase of property and equipment  (25,203)  (3,195)
Cash assumed upon acquisition  4,895   - 
         
Net cash used in investing activities  (20,308)  (3,195)
         
Financing Activities        
Proceeds from issuance of convertible notes payable  -   136,000 
Proceeds from issuance of promissory notes – related party  -   140,000 
Proceeds from issuance of promissory notes  100,000   220,000 
Payments on promissory notes  (124,000)  (137,000)
Proceeds from issuance of preferred stock  3,105,000   1,045,000 
Increase in due to related parties  61,288   171,800 
         
Net cash provided by financing activities  3,142,288   1,575,800 
         
Cash:        
Net increase  1,207,235   376,190 
Balance at beginning of period  62,520   13,850 
Balance at end of period $1,269,755  $390,040 
         
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:        
Cash paid for -        
Interest $1,965  $385 
Income taxes $-  $- 
         
Non-cash financing activities:        
Issuance of common stock dividends on preferred stock $159,798  $13,059 
Fair value of warrants issued in connection with promissory and convertible notes payable $-  $245,349 
Beneficial conversion feature associated with promissory and convertible notes payable $-  $70,949 
Fair value of common shares issued for acquisition allocated to:        
    Intangible assets $674,400  $- 
    Goodwill $1,563,520  $- 
    Other assets $49,580  $- 
  

Series A

Preferred Stock

  

Series B

Preferred Stock

  Common Stock  Additional Paid-In  Accumulated  Total Stockholders’ Equity 
  Shares  Amount  Shares  Amount  Shares  Amount  Capital  Deficit  (Deficiency) 
Balance at December 31, 2016  1,705,154   1,705   -  $-   12,341,998  $12,342  $20,290,586  $(20,650,207) $(345,574)
Fair value of common stock issued for acquisition  -   -   -   -   1,525,000   1,525   2,285,975   -   2,287,500 
Issuance of common stock for services  -   -   -   -   324,650   325   657,466   -   657,791 
Sale of common stock  -   -   -   -   2,173,914   2,174   4,997,827   -   5,000,001 
Issuance of preferred stock  -   -   3,105,000   3,105   -   -   3,101,895   -   3,105,000 
Conversion of preferred stock  (1,705,154)  (1,705)  (3,105,000)  (3,105)  3,490,977   3,491   1,319   -   - 
Fair value of vested stock options  -   -   -   -   -   -   1,457,527   -   1,457,527 
Fair value of common stock issued upon conversion of notes payable and related interest  -   -   -   -   9,041   9   13,191   -   13,200 
Accretion of beneficial conversion feature on preferred stock  -   -   -   -   -   -   601,952   (601,952)  - 
Dividend on preferred stock  -   -   -   -   226,181   226   308,402   (308,628)  - 
Net loss  -   -   -   -   -   -   -   (5,305,169)  (5,305,169)
Balance at December 31, 2017  -   -   -   -   20,091,761   20,092   33,716,140   (26,865,956)  6,870,276 
Fair value of vested stock options  -   -   -   -   -   -   1,595,037   -   1,595,037 
Issuance of common stock – warrant exercises  -   -   -   -   103,000   102   16,358   -   16,460 
Sale of common stock  -   -   -   -   369,567   370   849,630   -   850,000 
Warrants – extension of expiration dates  -   -   -   -   -   -   1,621,397   -   1,621,397 
Net loss  -   -   -   -   -   -   -   (7,767,407)  (7,767,407)
Balance at December 31, 2018  -  $-   -  $-   20,564,328  $20,564  $37,798,562  $(34,633,363) $3,185,763 

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

F-5

 

 

Guardion Health Sciences, Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

  Years Ended December 31, 
  2018  2017 
       
Operating Activities        
Net loss $(7,767,407) $(5,305,169)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:        
Depreciation and amortization  295,672   118,821 
Accrued interest expense included in notes payable  -   (8,818)
Stock-based compensation  1,595,037   1,932,268 
Stock-based compensation – related parties  -   183,051 
Warrants – extension of expiration dates  1,621,397   - 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:        
(Increase) decrease in -        
Accounts receivable  44,568   (20,993)
Inventories  (203,267)  (17,439)
Deposits and prepaid expenses  68,111   (87,251)
Increase (decrease) in -        
Accounts payable and accrued expenses  102,689   (121,919)
Accrued and deferred rent costs  69,369   (76,247)
         
Net cash used in operating activities  (4,173,831)  (3,403,696)
         
Investing Activities        
Purchase of property and equipment  (260,243)  (37,280)
Purchase of intellectual property  (50,000)  - 
Cash assumed upon acquisition  -   4,895 
         
Net cash used in investing activities  (310,243)  (32,385)
         
Financing Activities        
Proceeds from issuance of promissory notes  -   100,000 
Payments on promissory notes  -   (149,000)
Proceeds from issuance of preferred stock  -   3,105,000 
Proceeds from issuance of common stock  850,000   5,000,001 
Proceeds from exercise of warrants  16,460   - 
Payments on line of credit  (30,535)  (1,860)
Deferred financing costs of IPO  (270,000)  - 
(Decrease) increase in due to related parties  (146,133)  54,650 
         
Net cash provided by financing activities  419,792   8,108,791 
         
Cash:        
Net (decrease) increase  (4,064,282)  4,672,710 
Balance at beginning of period  4,735,230   62,520 
Balance at end of period $670,948  $4,735,230 
         
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:        
Cash paid for -        
Interest $-  $23,532 
Income taxes $-  $- 
         
Non-cash financing activities:        
Issuance of common stock dividends on preferred stock $-  $308,628 
Issuance of common stock upon conversion of notes payable and related interest $-  $13,562 
Fair value of common shares issued for acquisition allocated to:        
Intangible assets $-  $674,400 
Goodwill $-  $1,563,520 
Other assets $-  $49,580 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

F-6

Guardion Health Sciences, Inc.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

Nine MonthsYears Ended September 30,December 31, 2018 and 2017 and 2016

 

1.1.Organization and Business Operations

 

Organization and Business

 

Guardion Health Sciences, Inc. (the “Company”) was formed in December 2009 as a California limited liability company under the name P4L Health Sciences, LLC. On June 30, 2015, the Company converted from a California limited liability company to a Delaware corporation, changing its name from Guardion Health Sciences, LLC to Guardion Health Sciences, Inc.

 

The Company is a specialty health sciences company formed to develop, formulatethat develops, formulates and distributedistributes condition-specific medical foods with an initial medical food product on the market under the brand name Lumega-Z® that replenishes and restores the macular protective pigment.

 

Through September 30, 2017, the Company has had limited operations, but has been primarily engaged in research, development, commercialization and capital raising. The Company has incurred significant expenditures foralso developed a proprietary medical device called the development ofMapcatSF®that accurately measures the Company's products and intellectual property, which includes research and development of both medical foods and medical diagnostic equipment for the treatment of various eye diseases. The Company had limited revenue during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, all of which was generated by the sale of the Company’s proprietary product, Lumega-Z.macular pigment optical density.

 

On September 29, 2017, the Company completed its acquisition of substantially all of the assets and certain liabilities of VectorVision, Inc., a company that specializes in the standardization of contrast sensitivity, glare sensitivity, low contrast acuity, and ETDRS (“Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study”) visual acuity testing. VectorVision develops, manufactures and sells equipment and supplies for standardized vision testing. See Note 3.

 

In August 2018, the Company created a wholly owned subsidiary, Transcranial Doppler Solutions, Inc. (“TDSI”). TDSI will be dedicated to the pursuit of early predictors resulting in, the Company believes, valuable therapeutic intervention for practitioners and their patients, and additional revenue streams generated from the testing and sale of Company products to appropriate customers. The Company is currently setting up the operations of TDSI and hopes to launch its services in upcoming quarters.

In November 2018, the Company launched a new medical food product, GlaucoCetinTM, which the Company believes is the first vision-specific medical food designed to support and protect the mitochondrial function of optic nerve cells and improve blood flow in the ophthalmic artery in patients with glaucoma. The Company believes GlaucoCetinTM is the first vision-specific medical food designed to support and protect the mitochondrial function of optic nerve cells and improve blood flow in the ophthalmic artery in patients with glaucoma. The parent compound of GlaucoCetinTM, called “GlaucoHealth,” was designed by Robert Ritch, M.D., one of the Company’s Medical Advisory Board members. Dr. Robert Ritch holds the Shelley and Steven Einhorn Distinguished Chair in Ophthalmology and is surgeon Director Emeritus and Chief of Glaucoma Services at the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary. Dr. Ritch has devoted his career to broadening the understanding of the underlying etiologies and mechanisms of glaucoma. The Company now owns the GlaucoHealth formula. On June 4, 2019, the Company announced in a press release that the formula was used in an IRB-approved patient study conducted at the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary and successfully reversed mitochondrial dysfunction in the optic nerve cells in patients with glaucoma. GlaucoCetinTM is an enhanced formulation of GlaucoHealth. The Company owns both formulas and has a patent application pending on the GlaucoCetinTM formula. The application describes an invention that provides a micro-nutrient composition for a human subject suffering from a glaucomatous disease, wherein the micro-nutrient composition comprises a formulation for reversing mitochondrial dysfunction in glaucomatous disease.

In September 2019, the Company through its wholly-owned subsidiary, NutriGuard Formulations, Inc. (“NGF”), acquired substantially all of the assets of NutriGuard Research, Inc. NutriGuard, which has been in existence for over 30 years, designs, develops and distributes high-quality, scientifically-credible nutraceuticals, which are designed to supplement consumers’ diets and assist in treating/preventing diseases. NutriGuard uses pharmaceutical standards to establish the safety and efficacy of its products, with rigorous manufacturing and quality assurance programs. The Company intends to build a portfolio of nutraceutical products under the NutriGuard brand by developing new formulations and marketing its products to patients directly through direct-to consumer channels and through recommendations by their physicians.

The Company has had limited operations to date and has been primarily engaged in research and development, product commercialization and capital raising activities.

Going Concern and Liquidity

 

The financial statements have been prepared assuming the Company will continue as a going concern. The Company had a net loss of $3,109,062 andhas utilized cash in operating activities of $1,914,745$4,173,831 and $3,403,696 during the nine monthsyears ended September 30, 2017.December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and had an accumulated deficit of $34,633,363 as of December 31, 2018. The Company expects to continue to incur net losses and negative operating cash flows in the near-term. However, the CompanyAs a result, management has also completed multiple capital financing transactions during 2017, resulting in cash on hand of $1,269,755 at September 30, 2017 and an additional $5,000,000 was received prior to the issuance of these financial statements.

As of December 31, 2016, management had concluded that there wasis substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year of the date that the consolidated financial statements were issued, and the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm also included explanatory going concern language in their report accompanying the Company’s audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2016. are issued.

The Company’s financial statements do not include any adjustments to reflect the possible future effects on the recoverability and classification of assets or the amounts and classifications of liabilities that may result from the possible inability of the Company to continue as a going concern.

 

Although recent capital transactions have significantly improved our current cash position, theThe Company will continue to incur significant expenses for commercialization activities related to its lead product Lumega-Z, the MapcatSF® medical device, and with respect to efforts to build the Company’s infrastructure. Development and commercialization of medical foods and medical devices involves a lengthy and complex process. Additionally, the Company’s long-term viability and growth may depend upon the successful development and commercialization of products other than Lumega-Z and the MapcatSF. The Company is continuing attempts to raise additional debt and/or equity capital to fund future operations, but there can be no assurances that the Company will be able to secure such additional financing in the amounts necessary to fully fund its operating requirements on acceptable terms or at all. If the Company is unable to access sufficient capital resources on a timely basis, the Company may be forced to reduce or discontinue its technology and product development programs and curtail or cease operations.

 

Reverse Stock Split

On January 30, 2019, following stockholder and Board approval, the Company filed a Certificate of Amendment to its Amended Certificate of Incorporation, as amended (the “Amendment”), with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware to effectuate a one-for-two (1:2) reverse stock split (the “Reverse Stock Split”) of its common stock, par value $0.001 per share, without any change to its par value. The Amendment became effective on the filing date. The number of shares authorized for common and preferred stock were not affected by the Reverse Stock Split. No fractional shares were issued in connection with the Reverse Stock Split as all fractional shares were “rounded up” to the next whole share. Proportional adjustments for the Reverse Stock Split were made to the Company’s outstanding common stock, stock options, and warrants as if the split occurred at the beginning of the earliest period presented.

F-6F-7

 

 

2.2.Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

 

Basis of Presentation and Use of Estimates

 

TheOur financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). The preparation of theour financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and reported amounts of expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Management bases its estimates on historical experience and on various assumptions that are believed to be reasonable in relation to the financial statements taken as a whole under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Management regularly evaluates the key factors and assumptions used to develop the estimates utilizing currently available information, changes in facts and circumstances, historical experience and reasonable assumptions. After such evaluations, if deemed appropriate, those estimates are adjusted accordingly. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Significant estimates include those related to assumptions used in valuing assets acquired in business acquisitions, impairment testing of long-term assets, accruals for potential liabilities, valuing equity instruments issued during the period, and realization of deferred tax assets. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to current period presentation. Such amounts consist of operating segment disclosures, whereby revenue and cost of goods sold have been broken out on the Consolidated Statements of Operations to conform with the Company’s two reportable business segments as of December 31, 2018.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The authoritative guidance with respect to fair value established a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three levels and requires that assets and liabilities carried at fair value be classified and disclosed in one of three categories, as noted below. Disclosure as to transfers into and out of Levels 1 and 2, and activity in Level 3 fair value measurements, is also required.

Level 1. Observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets for an identical asset or liability that the Company has the ability to access as of the measurement date. Financial assets and liabilities utilizing Level 1 inputs include active-exchange traded securities and exchange-based derivatives.

Level 2. Inputs, other than quoted prices included within Level 1, which are directly observable for the asset or liability or indirectly observable through corroboration with observable market data. Financial assets and liabilities utilizing Level 2 inputs include fixed income securities, non-exchange based derivatives, mutual funds, and fair-value hedges.

Level 3. Unobservable inputs in which there is little or no market data for the asset or liability which requires the reporting entity to develop its own assumptions. Financial assets and liabilities utilizing Level 3 inputs include infrequently-traded, non-exchange-based derivatives and commingled investment funds, and are measured using present value pricing models.

The Company determines the level in the fair value hierarchy within which each fair value measurement falls in its entirety, based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. In determining the appropriate levels, the Company performs an analysis of the assets and liabilities at each reporting period end.

The Company believes the carrying amount of its financial instruments (consisting of cash, accounts receivable, and accounts payable and accrued liabilities) approximates fair value due to the short-term nature of such instruments. The fair value of the Company’s line of credit approximates its carrying value given the interest rate of such line of credit.

F-8

Concentration of Credit Risk and Other Risks and Uncertainties

Cash balances are maintained at large, well-established financial institutions. At times, cash balances may exceed federally insured limits. Insurance coverage limits are $250,000 per depositor at each financial institution. The Company has never experienced any losses related to these balances.

During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company’s Vision Testing Diagnostics segment had one customer who accounted for approximately 47% of its sales; and during the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company’s Vision Testing Diagnostics segment had one customer who accounted for approximately 30% of its sales. No other customer accounted for more than 10% of sales in either year.

Accounts Receivable

The Company evaluates the collectability of its trade accounts receivable based on multiple factors. In circumstances where the Company becomes aware of a specific customer’s inability to meet its financial obligations to the Company, a specific reserve for bad debts is estimated and recorded, which reduces the recognized receivable to the estimated amount the Company believes will ultimately be collected. In addition to specific customer identification of potential bad debts, bad debt charges are recorded based on the Company’s historical losses and an overall assessment of past due trade accounts receivable outstanding.

The allowance for doubtful accounts and returns is established through a provision reducing the carrying value of receivables. At December 31, 2018 and 2017, no allowance for doubtful accounts and returns was considered necessary.

Inventories

The Company’s inventories are stated at the lower of weighted-average cost or market. The cost of finished goods and raw materials is determined on a first-in, first-out basis. The Company evaluates its inventories for obsolescence and recoverability at each reporting period.

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment are initially recorded at their historical cost. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the depreciable assets (ranging from three to seven years). Leasehold improvements are amortized on a straight-line basis over the shorter of their estimated useful lives or the remaining lease term.

Management assesses the carrying value of property and equipment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. If there is indication of impairment, management prepares an estimate of future cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset and its eventual disposition. If these cash flows are less than the carrying amount of the asset, an impairment loss is recognized to write down the asset to its estimated fair value. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company was not aware of the existence of any indicators of impairment at such dates.

Intangible Assets

In connection with the VectorVision transaction, the Company identified and allocated estimated fair values to intangible assets including goodwill and customer relationships.

In accordance with Accounting Standard Codification (“ASC”) 350 – Intangibles – Goodwill and Other, the Company determined whether these assets are expected to have indefinite (such as goodwill) or limited useful lives, and for those with limited lives, the Company established an amortization period and method of amortization. Its goodwill and other intangible assets are subject to periodic impairment testing.

The Company utilized the services of an independent third-party valuation firm to assist in identifying intangible assets and in estimating their fair values. The useful lives for the Company’s intangible assets other than goodwill were estimated based on Management’s consideration of various factors, including assumptions that market participants might use about sales expectations as well as potential effects of obsolescence, competition, technological progress and the regulatory environment. Because the future pattern in which the economic benefits of these intangible assets may not be reliably determined, amortization expense is generally calculated on a straight-line basis.

Amortization expense for the identifiable intangible assets associated with the VectorVision acquisition is approximately $54,000 per quarter and is included with general and administrative expenses in the Company’s Statements of Operations.

F-9

The Company reviews all intangible assets for impairment when circumstances indicate that their carrying values may not be recoverable. If the carrying value of an asset group is not recoverable, the Company recognizes an impairment loss for the excess carrying value over the fair value in its consolidated statements of operations. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company was not aware of the existence of any indicators of impairment of its intangibles at such dates.

Goodwill

Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase consideration over the fair value of the net tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired in a business combination. The Company evaluates goodwill for impairment on an annual basis or whenever events and changes in circumstances suggest that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. The Company conducts its annual impairment analysis in the beginning of the fourth quarter of each fiscal year. Impairment of goodwill is tested at the reporting unit level by comparing the reporting unit’s carrying amount, including goodwill, to the fair value of the reporting unit. Estimations and assumptions regarding the number of reporting units, future performances, results of the Company’s operations and comparability of its market capitalization and net book value will be used. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, goodwill is considered impaired and an impairment loss is measured by the resulting amount. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company was not aware of the existence of any indicators of impairment of its goodwill at such dates.

Deferred Offering Costs

Deferred offering costs consist principally of legal, accounting, and underwriters’ fees incurred related to the planned underwritten public offering of the Company’s Common Stock. These deferred offering costs will be charged against the gross proceeds received or will be charged to expense if the offering is not completed.

Revenue Recognition

The Company’s revenue is comprised of sales of medical foods and dietary supplements to consumers through a direct sales/credit card process. In addition, the Company sells medical device equipment and supplies to customers both in the U.S. and internationally.

Through December 31, 2017, the Company recognized revenue when risk of loss transferred to its customers and collection of the receivable was reasonably assured, which generally occurred when the product was shipped. A product is not shipped without an order from the customer and credit acceptance procedures performed. The Company allows for returns within 30 days of purchase, although for all periods presented, returns have been insignificant.

On January 1, 2018. the Company adopted ASU 2014-09,Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)(“ASU 2014-09” or “Topic 606”) and all related amendments and applied the concepts to all contracts using the full retrospective method. The new standard provides authoritative guidance clarifying the principles for recognizing revenue and developing a common revenue standard for U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. The core principle of the guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods and services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in the exchange for those goods or services.

Under the new guidance, revenue is recognized when control of promised goods or services is transferred to the Company’s customers, in an amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. The Company reviews its sales transactions to identify contractual rights, performance obligations, and transaction prices, including the allocation of prices to separate performance obligations, if applicable. Revenue and costs of sales are recognized once products are delivered to the customer’s control and performance obligations are satisfied.

Due to the nature of the products sold by the Company, the adoption of the new standard has had no quantitative effect on the financial statements and the Company had no cumulative impact of adopting Topic 606 to record through accumulated deficit. However, the guidance requires additional disclosures to help readers of financial statements better understand the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue that is recognized.

All products sold by the Company are distinct individual products and consist of medical foods, supplemental formulas, medical devices and related supplies. The products are offered for sale as finished goods only, and there are no performance obligations required post-shipment for customers to derive the expected value from them. Contracts with customers contain no incentives or discounts that could cause revenue to be allocated or adjusted over time.

F-10

Control of products sold transfers to customers upon shipment from the Company’s facilities, and the Company’s performance obligations are satisfied at that time. Shipping and handling activities are performed before the customer obtains control of the goods and therefore represent a fulfillment activity rather than a promised service to the customer. Payment for sales of Lumega-Z is generally made by approved credit cards. Payments for medical device sales are generally made by check, credit card, or wire transfer. Historically the Company has not experienced any significant payment delays from customers.

The Company provides a 30-day right of return to its retail Lumega-Z customers. A right of return does not represent a separate performance obligation, but because customers are allowed to return products, the consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled is variable. Upon evaluation of historical Lumega-Z and VectorVision product returns, the Company determined that less than one percent of products is returned, and therefore believes it is probable that such returns will not cause a significant reversal of revenue in the future. Due to the insignificant amount of historical returns as well as the standalone nature of the Company’s products and assessment of performance obligations and transaction pricing for the Company’s sales contracts, the Company does not currently maintain a contract asset or liability balance at this time. The Company assesses its contracts and the reasonableness of its conclusions on a quarterly basis.

The following table presents the Company’s revenues disaggregated by segment:

  Year Ended December 31, 
  2018  2017 
Medical foods $332,795  $245,217 
Vision testing diagnostics  609,358   192,132 
  $942,153  $437,349 

Research and Development Costs

 

Research and development costs consist primarily of fees paid to consultants and outside service providers, patent fees and costs, and other expenses relating to the acquisition, design, development and testing of the Company’s medical foods and related products. Research and development expenditures, which include patent related costs and stock compensation expense, are expensed as incurred and totaled $131,330$231,847 and $43,062$259,463 for the nine monthsyears ended September 30,December 31, 2018 and 2017, and 2016, respectively.

 

Patent Costs

The Company is the owner of three issued domestic patents, two pending domestic patent applications, one issued foreign patent in Europe, and three foreign patent applications in Canada, Europe and Hong Kong. Due to the significant uncertainty associated with the successful development of one or more commercially viable products based on the Company’s research efforts and any related patent applications, patent costs, including patent-related legal fees, filing fees and internally generated costs, are expensed as incurred. During the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, patent costs were $93,149 and $30,789, respectively, and are included in general and administrative costs in the statements of operations.

Stock-Based Compensation

 

The Company periodically issues stock-based compensation to officers, directors, contractors and consultants for services rendered. Such issuances vest and expire according to terms established at the issuance date.

 

Stock-based payments to officers, directors, consultants, contractors, and employees, which include grants of employee stock options, are recognized in the financial statements based on their fair values. Stock option grants, which are generally time vested, will be measured at the grant date fair value and charged to operations on a straight-line basis over the vesting period. The fair value of stock options is determined utilizing the Black-Scholes option-pricing model, which is affected by several variables, including the risk-free interest rate, the expected dividend yield, the expected life of the equity award, the exercise price of the stock option as compared to the fair market value of the common stock on the grant date and the estimated volatility of the common stock over the term of the equity award.

 

The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant. Until the Company has established a trading market for its common stock, estimated volatility is based on the average historical volatilities of comparable public companies in a similar industry. The expected dividend yield is based on the current yield at the grant date. The Company has never declared or paid dividends on its common stock and has no plans to do so for the foreseeable future.

The fair value of common stock was determined based on management’s judgment. In order to assist management in calculating such fair value, the Company retained an independent third-party valuation firm whose input was utilized in determining the related per unit or share valuations of the Company’s equity instruments. Management used valuations of $1.00 per unit or share in its fair value calculations for the periods between January 1, 2016 and September 30, 2016, and $0.88 per share for periods between October 1, 2016 and June 30, 2017. Per share valuations are based on various inputs, including valuation reports prepared by third-party valuation firms and are impacted by the dilutive effect of the issuance of common shares as compensation during the periods. There are numerous acceptable ways to estimate company value, including using net tangible assets, a market-based approach, or discounted cash flows. The Company considered alternative methods and concluded that due to the lack of suitably comparable market data, the discounted cash flows method was the most appropriate. A discounted cash flows (i.e. free cash flows to equity) methodology was applied by the third-party valuation firm using multiple years of balance sheet and income statement projections along with the following primary assumptions:

F-7

  Nine Months Ended September 30, 
  2017  2016 
Discount rate  16%  16%
Risk free rate  2.48%  2.27%
Rate of return  16%  16%
Sustainable growth rate  5%  5%
Company survival probability  65%  63%
Liquidation value $0  $0 

Due to the availability of historical data from the Company’s recent preferred stock sales, Management used a valuation of $0.75 for accounting purposes beginning in the third quarter of 2017. Management considered business and market factors affecting the Company during the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, including capital raising efforts, its proprietary technology, and other factors. Based on this evaluation, management believes that its valuations are appropriate for accounting purposes for the periods ending September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

The Company accounts for stock option and warrant grants issued and vesting to non-employees in accordance with the authoritative guidance of the FASB wherewhereby the value of the stock compensation is based upon the measurement date as determined at either a) the date at which a performance commitment is reached, or b) at the date at which the necessary performance to earn the equity instruments is complete. Non-employee stock-based compensation charges generally are amortized over the vesting period onusing a straight-linegraded vesting basis. In certain circumstances where there are no future performance requirements by the non-employee, grants are immediately vested and the total stock-based compensation charge is recorded in the period of the measurement date.

 

F-11

The Company recognizes stock compensation expense, on stock or unit purchases at a price less than fair value, and for fully-vested stock issued to consultants and other service providers, for the excess of fair value of the stock or units over the price paid for the stock or units.

stock. The Company recognizes the fair value of stock-based compensation within its statements of operations with classification depending on the nature of the services rendered. The Company will issue new shares to satisfy stock option exercises.

 

Income Taxes

The Company currently accounts for income taxes under an asset and liability approach for financial accounting and reporting for income taxes. Accordingly, the Company recognizes deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected impact of differences between the financial statements and the tax basis of assets and liabilities.

The Company records a valuation allowance to reduce its deferred tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized. In the event the Company determines that it would be able to realize its deferred tax assets in the future in excess of its recorded amount, an adjustment to the deferred tax assets would be credited to operations in the period such determination was made. Likewise, should the Company determine that it would not be able to realize all or part of its deferred tax assets in the future, an adjustment to the deferred tax assets would be charged to operations in the period such determination was made.

The Company is subject to U.S. federal income taxes and income taxes of various state tax jurisdictions. As the Company’s net operating losses have yet to be utilized, all previous tax years remain open to examination by Federal authorities and other jurisdictions in which the Company currently operates or has operated in the past. The Company had no unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 and does not anticipate any material amount of unrecognized tax benefits within the next 12 months.

The Company accounts for uncertainties in income tax law under a comprehensive model for the financial statement recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken in income tax returns as prescribed by GAAP. The tax effects of a position are recognized only if it is “more-likely-than-not” to be sustained by the taxing authority as of the reporting date. If the tax position is not considered “more-likely-than-not” to be sustained, then no benefits of the position are recognized. As of December 31, 2018, the Company had not recorded any liability for uncertain tax positions. In subsequent periods, any interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions will be recognized as a component of income tax expense.

On December 22, 2017, the President of the United States signed and enacted into law H.R. 1 (the “Tax Reform Law”). The Tax Reform Law, effective for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2018, except for certain provisions, resulted in significant changes to existing United States tax law, including various provisions that will impact the Company.

The Tax Reform Law reduces the federal corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% effective January 1, 2018. The Company will continue to analyze the provisions of the Tax Reform Law to assess the impact to the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Net Loss per Share

 

The Company’s computation of basic and diluted net loss per common share is measured as net loss divided by the weighted average common shares outstanding during the respective periods, excluding unvested restricted common stock. Shares of restricted stock are included in the basic weighted average number of common shares outstanding from the time they vest. Potential common shares such as from unexercised warrants, options, and shares of common stock issuable upon conversion ofassociated with convertible debt and convertible preferred stock outstanding that have an anti-dilutive effect are excluded from the calculation of diluted net loss per share. The Company’s basic and diluted net loss per share is the same for all periods presented because all shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of warrants options, and conversion of convertible debt and convertible preferred stock outstanding are anti-dilutive as they decrease loss per share.

With respect to the 3,050,000 shares of common stock issued for our VectorVision acquisition, 250,000 shares were held back as security for VectorVision’s indemnification obligations to the Company and the remaining 2,800,000 shares were issued to VectorVision at the closing of the transaction. The shares held back as security are included in our weighted average common shares outstanding for purposes of calculating net loss per common share.

 

The following table sets forth the number of shares excluded from the computation of diluted loss per share, as their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive:

 

 September 30,  December 31, 
 2017  2016  2018  2017 
Warrants  2,983,666   2,753,666   1,230,674   1,491,833 
Options  650,000   -   1,362,500   1,062,500 
Estimated shares issuable upon conversion of convertible notes payable  31,250   1,345,811 
Shares issuable upon conversion of convertible preferred stock  6,981,938   1,741,671 
  10,646,854   5,841,148   2,593,174   2,554,333 

 

F-8F-12

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09 (ASU 2014-09), Revenue from Contracts with Customers. ASU 2014-09 will eliminate transaction- and industry-specific revenue recognition guidance under current GAAP and replace it with a principle based approach for determining revenue recognition. ASU 2014-09 will require that companies recognize revenue based on the value of transferred goods or services as they occur in the contract. ASU 2014-09 also will require additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments and assets recognized from costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract. Based on the FASB’s Exposure Draft Update issued on April 29, 2015, and approved in July 2015, Revenue from Contracts With Customers (Topic 606): Deferral of the Effective Date, ASU 2014-09 is now effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted only as of annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim reporting periods within that reporting period. Entities will be able to transition to the standard either retrospectively or as a cumulative-effect adjustment as of the date of adoption. The adoption of ASU 2014-09 is not expected to have any impact on the Company’s financial statement presentation or disclosures.

 

In February 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-02 (ASU 2016-02), Leases (Topic 842). ASU 2016-02 requires a lessee to record a right-of-use asset and a corresponding lease liability, initially measured at the present value of the lease payments, on the balance sheet for all leases with terms longer than 12 months, as well as the disclosure of key information about leasing arrangements. ASU 2016-02 requires recognition in the statement of operations of a single lease cost, calculated so that the cost of the lease is allocated over the lease term, generally on a straight-line basis. ASU 2016-02 requires classification of all cash payments within operating activities in the statement of cash flows. Disclosures are required to provide the amount, timing and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. A modified retrospective transition approach is required for lessees for capital and operating leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements, with certain practical expedients available. ASU 2016-02 has subsequently been amended and modified by ASU 2018-10 (codification improvements), 2018-11 (implementation improvements) and 2018-20 (scope revisions). ASU 2016-02 (including the subsequent amendments and modifications) is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early application is permitted. The Company has not yet evaluatedis evaluating the impact of the adoption of ASU 2016-02 on the Company’s financial statement presentation or disclosures.and disclosures and expects the most significant change will be the recognition of right-to-use assets and lease liabilities on its balance sheet for real estate operating lease commitments.

 

In July 2017, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2017-11, Earnings Per Share (Topic 260); Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity (Topic 480); Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): (Part I) Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Down Round Features; (Part II) Replacement of the Indefinite Deferral for Mandatorily Redeemable Financial Instruments of Certain Nonpublic Entities and Certain Mandatorily Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests with a Scope Exception (“ASU 2017-11”). ASU 2017-11 allows companies to exclude a down round feature when determining whether a financial instrument (or embedded conversion feature) is considered indexed to the entity’s own stock. As a result, financial instruments (or embedded conversion features) with down round features may no longer be required to be accounted for as derivative liabilities. A company will recognize the value of a down round feature only when it is triggered and the strike price has been adjusted downward. For equity-classified freestanding financial instruments, an entity will treat the value of the effect of the down round as a dividend and a reduction of income available to common shareholders in computing basic earnings per share. For convertible instruments with embedded conversion features containing down round provisions, entities will recognize the value of the down round as a beneficial conversion discount to be amortized to earnings. ASU 2017-11 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. The guidance in ASU 2017-11 is to be applied using a full or modified retrospective approach. The adoption of ASU 2017-11 is not currently expected to have any impact on the Company’s financial statement presentation or disclosures.

 

In June 2018, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2018-07, Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Nonemployee Share-Based Payment Accounting (“ASU 2018-07”). ASU 2018-07 expands the scope of Topic 718 to include share-based payment transactions for acquiring goods and services from nonemployees. ASU 2018-07 also clarifies that Topic 718 does not apply to share-based payments used to effectively provide (1) financing to the issuer or (2) awards granted in conjunction with selling goods or services to customers as part of a contract accounted for under Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). ASU 2018-07 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. The Company will adopt the provisions of ASU 2018-07 in the quarter beginning January 1, 2019. The adoption of ASU 2018-07 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial statement presentation or disclosures.

The Company’s management does not believe that any other recently issued, but not yet effective, authoritative guidance, if currently adopted, would have a material impact on the Company’s financial statement presentation or disclosures.

 

3.Segment Reporting

The Company determined its reporting units in accordance with ASC 280, “Segment Reporting” (“ASC 280”). The Company historically has reported its operating results as a single reportable segment described as the business of developing and commercializing a variety of products that support the detection, intervention and monitoring of a range of eye diseases. The Company’s chief executive officer, who is the Chief Operating Decision Maker (“CODM”), has historically reviewed financial information on an aggregated basis for purposes of allocating resources and evaluating financial performance.

In September 2017, the Company, through its wholly-owned subsidiary VectorVision Ocular Health, Inc., acquired substantially all of the assets and certain liabilities of VectorVision, Inc., a company that specializes in the standardization of contrast sensitivity, glare sensitivity, low contrast acuity, and early treatment diabetic retinopathy study (“ETDRS”) visual acuity testing. In August 2018, the Company created a wholly owned subsidiary, Transcranial Doppler Solutions, Inc. (“TDSI”). The Company is currently setting up the operations of TDSI and hopes to launch its services in upcoming quarters.

F-9F-13

 

 

Although all of the Company’s products and services target the early detection, intervention and monitoring of a range of eye diseases, the addition of potential new products or services as the Company grows requires Management to periodically reevaluate its reporting structure. As sales of our medical food as well as sales of VectorVision products grow, there is an increased need for the CODM to evaluate revenue and gross profit on a product line or group basis for purposes of resource allocation. As of December 31, 2018, the TDSI subsidiary does not meet the required quantitative criteria to be considered a reportable operating segment. Additionally, TDSI does not share similar economic characteristics or a majority of the aggregation criteria set forth in ASC 280, and therefore is shown as “All other (TDSI)” below. As of December 31, 2018, based on anticipated growth and the expanding diversity of product and service offerings by the Company, Management has concluded that results should be reported in two operating segments: Medical Foods, and Vision Testing Diagnostics. The following tables set forth our results of operations by segment (expenses allocated to Corporate consist of non-cash stock compensation expense, depreciation and amortization, and corporate legal fees):

  For the Year Ended December 31, 2018 
  Corporate  

Medical

Foods

  

Vision

Testing
Diagnostics

  Total 
             
Revenue $-  $332,795  $609,358  $942,153 
                 
Cost of goods sold  -   161,023   237,156   398,179 
                 
Gross profit  -   171,772   372,202   543,974 
                 
Operating expenses  2,707,924   3,566,835   412,936   6,687,695 
                 
Loss from operations $(2,707,924) $(3,395,063) $(40,734) $(6,143,721)

  For the Year Ended December 31, 2017 
  Corporate  

Medical

Foods

  

Vision

Testing
Diagnostics

  Total 
             
Revenue $-  $245,217  $192,132  $437,349 
                 
Cost of goods sold  -   110,993   64,477   175,470 
                 
Gross profit  -   134,224   127,655   261,879 
                 
Operating expenses  2,865,513   2,595,776   82,032   5,543,321 
                 
Loss from operations $(2,865,513) $(2,461,552) $45,623  $(5,281,442)

The following tables set forth our total assets by segment. Intersegment balances and transactions have been removed:

  As of December 31, 2018 
  Corporate  

Medical

Foods

  

Vision

Testing
Diagnostics

  Total 
Current assets                
Cash $-  $552,613  $118,335  $670,948 
Inventories  -   235,957   122,040   357,957 
Other  -   44,110   31,866   75,976 
Total current assets  -   832,680   272,241   1,104,921 
                 
Property and equipment, net  -   264,178   10,626   274,804 
Deferred offering  270,000   -   -   270,000 
Intangible assets, net  456,104   -   -   456,104 
Goodwill  1,563,520   -   -   1,563,520 
Other  -   11,751   -   11,751 
                 
Total assets $2,289,624  $1,108,609  $282,867  $3,681,100 

F-14

  As of December 31, 2017 
  Corporate  

Medical

Foods

  Vision
Testing
Diagnostics
  Total 
Current assets                
Cash $-  $4,709,512  $25,718  $4,735,230 
Inventories  -   57,978   96,752   154,730 
Other  -   119,640   70,295   189,935 
Total current assets  -   4,887,130   192,765   5,079,895 
                 
Property and equipment, net  -   86,723   8,874   95,597 
Deferred offering  -   -   -   - 
Intangible assets, net  620,741   -   -   620,741 
Goodwill  1,563,520   -   -   1,563,520 
Other  -   10,470   -   10,470 
                 
Total assets $2,184,261  $4,984,323  $201,639  $7,370,223 

4.3.Inventories

Inventories consisted of the following:

  December 31, 
  2018  2017 
Raw materials $282,574  $133,354 
Finished goods  75,423   21,376 
  $357,997  $154,730 

5.Property and Equipment, net

Property and equipment consisted of the following:

  December 31, 
  2018  2017 
Leasehold improvements $98,357  $98,357 
Testing equipment  249,447   150,603 
Furniture and fixtures  163,186   50,300 
Computer equipment  64,976   16,464 
Office equipment  8,193   8,193 
   584,159   323,917 
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization  (309,355)  (228,320)
  $274,804  $95,597 

For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, depreciation and amortization expense was $81,035 and $65,161, respectively, of which $34,524 and $29,574 was included in research and development expense, $10,898 and $0 was included in sales and marketing expense, and $35,613and $35,587 was included in general and administrative expense, respectively.

6.Acquisition of VectorVision Acquisition

 

On September 29, 2017, the Company, through a wholly-owned subsidiary, completed the acquisition of substantially all of the assets and liabilities of VectorVision, Inc., an Ohio corporation (“VectorVision”), in exchange for 3,050,0001,525,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, valued at $2,287,500, pursuant to the terms of an Asset Purchase and Reorganization Agreement dated September 29, 2017, which agreement was entered into on an arm’s-length basis. The wholly-owned subsidiary that acquired the business is called VectorVision Ocular Health, Inc., a Delaware corporation, doing business as VectorVision. VectorVision’s assets acquired by the Company pursuant to the agreement included, among others, accounts receivable, fixed assets, inventories, trademarks and copyrights. VectorVision’s liabilities assumed by the Company included, among others, certain trade accounts payable to third parties and accrued liabilities, and amounts owed under an outstanding line of credit.

 

F-15

With respect to the 3,050,0001,525,000 shares of common stock, 250,000125,000 shares were held back as security for VectorVision’s indemnification obligations to the Company and the remaining 2,800,0001,400,000 shares were issued to VectorVision at the closing of the transaction. The shares represented approximately 11% of the Company’s issued and outstanding common stock immediately following consummation of the agreement. The shares held back as security are included in our weighted average common shares outstanding for per-share calculations.

Pursuant to the terms of the agreement, David Evans, the founder of VectorVision, was appointed to the Company’s Board of Directors on September 29, 2017. Dr. Evans is recognized as the leading expert in clinical contrast sensitivity and glare testing. He has provided his testing expertise and data analysis capability to a wide range of leading ophthalmic companies. Dr. Evans has published more than 30 scientific articles and 3 book chapters in the areas of refractive surgery, glaucoma, ocular blood flow and visual function, and is the inventor of 5 patents related to vision testing devices. Dr. Evans received a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Factors Engineering from the United States Air Force Academy, a Master of Science degree and Masters in Business Administration from Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio, and a Ph.D. in Ocular Physiology from Indiana University. Dr. Evans will also serve as a consultant to the Company to further the Company’s planned development and commercialization of the Company’s portfolio of products.

 

VectorVision develops, manufactures and sells equipment and supplies for standardized vision testing for use by eye doctors in clinical trials, for real-world vision evaluation, and industrial vision testing. VectorVision specializes in the standardization of contrast sensitivity, glare sensitivity, low contrast acuity, and ETDRS (Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study) visual acuity testing. VectorVision developed and commercialized its CSV-1000 medical device to conduct contrast sensitivity testing and it developed and commercialized its ESV-3000 medical device to conduct ETDRS visual acuity testing. The patented standardization system provides the practitioner or researcher with the ability to delineate very small changes in visual capability, either as compared to the population or from visit to visit. The Company believes VectorVision’s CSV-1000 device to be the standard of care for clinical trials. The acquisition of VectorVision expands the Company’s technical portfolio and the Company believes it further establishes the Company’s position at the forefront of early detection, intervention and monitoring of a range of eye diseases.

 

The Company accounted for the acquisition pursuant to Accounting Standards Codification Topic 805, Business Combinations (“ASC 805”). Management identified and evaluated the preliminary fair values of the assets acquired, relying in part, on the work of an independent third party valuation firm engaged by the Company to provide input as to the fair value of the consideration paid (because there is no established trading market for the Company’s Common Stock) and the assets acquired, including the valuation methodology most relevant to the transactions described herein, and to assist in the related calculations, analysis and allocations. Historical transactions, as well as the income, market and cost approaches to value were considered. Management ultimately determined that due to recent sales of the Company’s preferred stock and consideration of current business and market factors, that the use of historical transactions, and a value of $0.75,$1.50, would result in the most appropriate valuation for accounting purposes. The valuation conclusion is preliminary, and subject to revision.

F-10

 

In accordance with ASC 805, the Company utilized the acquisition method of accounting, whereby the purchase consideration is allocated to specific tangible and intangible assets at their estimated fair values on the date of acquisition. The following table summarizes the allocation of preliminary fair values of the purchase consideration to the assets and liabilities assumed:

 

  Fair Values 
Common stock consideration $2,287,500 
Liabilities assumed  108,722 
Total purchase consideration  2,396,222 
     
Cash  (4,895)
Accounts receivable  (50,105)
Inventory  (93,293)
Prepaid assets  (551)
Property and equipment  (9,458)
Intangible assets  (674,400)
Goodwill $1,563,520 

 

Goodwill is calculated as the excess of the consideration transferred over the net assets recognized and represents the expected revenue and benefits of the combined company.

 

The Company has consolidated VectorVision’s balance sheet with the Company’s balance sheet effective September 30, 2017, and will include VectorVision’s operations with the Company’s statement of operations commencing October 1, 2017.

 

F-16

The following preliminary unaudited pro forma financial information gives effect to the Company’s acquisition of VectorVision as if the acquisition had occurred on January 1, 20162017 and had been included in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations during the nine-month periodyear ended September 30, 2017 and 2016:December 31, 2017:

 

 

Nine Months Ended

September 30,

 
 2017  2016  December 31, 2017 
Pro forma net revenues $565,289  $277,360  $824,028 
Pro forma operating expenses $6,087,726 
Pro forma net loss attributable to common shareholders $(3,671,059) $(3,880,375) $(6,500,590)
Pro forma net loss per share $(0.14) $(0.18) $(0.47)

 

7.4.InventoriesIntangible Assets

 

InventoriesThe Company’s finite-lived intangible assets consisted of the following:

 

  September 30,  December 31, 
  2017  2016 
Raw materials $173,690  $40,679 
Finished goods  4,343   3,320 
  $178,033  $43,999 
  December 31, 
  2018  2017 
Customer relationships $430,700  $430,700 
Technology  161,100   161,100 
Trade Names  65,600   65,600 
Noncompetition  17,000   17,000 
   674,400   674,400 
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization  (268,296)  (53,659)
  $406,104  $620,741 

The Company’s amortization expense on its finite-lived intangible assets was $214,637 and $53,659 for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

The Company estimates future amortization expense on its finite-lived intangible assets as of December 31, 2018 to be as follows:

For Years Ended December 31,   
2019 $214,637 
2020  165,320 
2021  16,307 
2022  9,840 
  $406,104 

 

8.5.Acquisition of Intellectual Property and Equipment, net

 

PropertyOn January 26, 2018, the Company acquired the rights to the trademark GLAUCO-HEALTH as well as the name “International Eye Wellness Institute” (together, the “IP Assets”) from an unrelated third party. The purchase included all rights, title, and equipment consistedinterest in and to the IP Assets, including (a) the right to register and use the IP Assets; (b) all goodwill associated with the IP Assets; (c) all income, royalties, and damages hereafter due or payable with respect to the IP Assets; (d) all rights to sue for past, present, and future infringements or misappropriations of the following: IP Assets; and I and all other intellectual property rights owned or claimed by the seller or embodied in the IP Assets. In exchange for these rights, the Company paid the seller $50,000 in cash.

 

  September 30,  December 31, 
  2017  2016 
Leasehold improvements $101,773  $98,357 
Testing equipment  152,433   145,503 
Furniture and fixtures  31,397   15,348 
Computer equipment  16,679   15,277 
Office equipment  9,558   2,694 
   311,840   277,179 
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization  (211,027)  (163,159)
  $100,813  $114,020 

ASC 350-30-20 defines a defensive intangible asset as an acquired intangible asset in a situation in which an entity does not intend to actively use the asset but intends to hold (lock up) the asset to prevent others from obtaining access to the asset. The Company determined that the acquired intangible asset met the definition of a defensive intangible asset. The Company accounted for the $50,000 payment as an acquired intangible asset as of the closing of the agreement. As the Company can renew the underlying rights to the IP Assets indefinitely at nominal cost, the assets have been classified as a non-amortizable intangible asset on the Company’s balance sheet at September 30, 2018. The Company will evaluate the status of the assets for impairment annually or more frequently if warranted.

F-11

 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, depreciation and amortization expense was $47,869 and $44,587, respectively, of which $22,044 and $20,165 was included in research and development expense, respectively, and $25,825 and $24,422 was included in general and administrative expense, respectively.

6.Convertible Notes Payable

  September 30,  December 31, 
  2017  2016 
Year of issuance:        
2010 (due August 2013) $25,000  $25,000 
Accrued interest  21,567   19,323 
Notes payable $46,567  $44,323 

In July 2010,On January 26, 2018 the Company issued an unsecured convertible note payableentered into a consulting agreement with the principal of the seller to assist with the development of the IP Assets and other assets acquired by the Company in the amounttransaction. In conjunction with the consulting agreement, the Company granted a stock option on January 26, 2018 to the consultant to purchase a total of $25,000. The note carries simple interest at a rate250,000 shares of 12% per annum and became due and payable on August 1, 2013. The outstanding amounts are convertible into shares ofthe common stock of the Company at conversion prices of $0.08 per share. This note is currently outstanding and past due, and $21,567 of accrued interest is recorded as of September 30, 2017.

7.Promissory Notes

  September 30,  December 31, 
  2017  2016 
Year of issuance:        
(a) 2016 (due November 2016) $-  $10,000 
(b) Accrued interest  15,605   251 
Promissory notes payable, net $15,605  $10,251 

(a) In 2016, the Company issued $170,000 of promissory notes to various outside investors, with simple interest rates ranging from 4% - 9% and a weighted average term at issuance of approximately three months. As of December 31, 2016, a $10,000 note remained outstanding and was past due. The note was repaid in July 2017 along with the associated $449 of accrued interest.

(b) In January 2017, the Company issued a $100,000 unsecured promissory note to an outside investor, with a term of 120 days and a fixed interest charge consisting of 6% of the principal in cash plus 6% of the principal in shares of common stock at a price of $0.75 per share, or 8,000 shares. The note was repaid in July 2017. As of September 30, 2017, $15,605 of accrued interest remained outstanding.

8.Promissory Notes – Related Party

  September 30,  December 31, 
  2017  2016 
Year of issuance:        
2016 (due September 2016) $-  $14,000 
Accrued interest  -   2,805 
Promissory notes payable – related party, net $-  $16,805 

In 2016, the Company issued $140,000 of unsecured promissory notes to various related party investors, with interest rates ranging from 6% to 12% and a weighted average term at issuance of approximately four months. As of December 31, 2016 the remaining balance of the unpaid notes was $14,000, and this amount plus accrued interest was repaid during the first quarter of 2017.(See Note 10).

 

F-12F-17

 

 

9.9.Commitments and Contingencies

Operating Lease

In October 2012, the Company entered into a lease agreement for 9,605 square feet of office and warehouse space commencing March 1, 2013. Upon entering into the agreement, the Company paid a deposit of $47,449, of which $36,979 represented prepaid rent. As of December 31, 2018, $10,470 remained on deposit under the lease agreement. The lease agreement was renewed for an additional five years in 2018. As of December 31, 2018, remaining average monthly lease payments under the amended lease agreement were $12,816 through July 2023.

In connection with the acquisition of VectorVision on September 29, 2017, the Company assumed a lease agreement for 5,000 square feet of office and warehouse space commencing October 1, 2017. The lease was renewed for an additional 65 months. As of December 31, 2018, remaining average monthly lease payments are $1,825 through February 2023.

As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company had accrued and deferred rent payable for its office and warehouse facilities under its lease agreements in the aggregate of $3,712.

The approximate future minimum lease payments under non-cancelable operating leases at December 31, 2018 are as follows:

Years ending December 31,

2019 $166,770 
2020  171,767 
2021  176,933 
2022  182,249 
2023 and thereafter  98,417 
  $796,136 

Rent expense was $192,624 and $157,751 for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

Contingencies

 

The Company is periodically the subject of various pending or threatened legal actions and claims arising out of its operations in the normal course of business. In the opinion of management of the Company, adequate provision has been made in the Company’s condensed financial statements at June 30, 2017December 31, 2018 with respect to such matters, including the matter noted below.

 

On or about July 26, 2017, the Company received a payment demand from a former consultant to the Company alleging that he isthe consultant was owed approximately $192,000 for services rendered. The Company has disputed thisthe demand whereby the Company filed a lawsuit on January 29, 2018 against the consultant and its related entities in the United States District Court for the Southern District of California seeking declaratory relief regarding advisory fees and ownership interest in the Company. The parties settled the disputes in their entirety and the resolution of this matter is uncertain. The Company intends to vigorously protect its rights.case was dismissed with prejudice on August 29, 2018.

 

10.10.Stockholders’ DeficitEquity (Deficit)

 

Preferred Stock

 

Series A

 

During 2016, the Company sold 1,170,000 shares of the Company’s Series A Senior Convertible Preferred Stock (the “Series A Preferred Stock”) to various investors. The purchase price of the Series A Preferred Stock was $1.00 per share, for an aggregate purchase price of $1,170,000. In addition, during 2016, the Company issued 535,154 shares of its Series A Preferred Stock with a fair value of $784,888 upon conversion of $535,149 of notes payable and accrued interest. The Series A Preferred Stock hashad a stated value of $1.00 per share and accruesaccrued an annual dividend at the rate of 8% of the stated value, calculated quarterly, to be paid in shares of common stock at the rate of $0.60$1.20 per share. Dividends are payable to holders of record quarterly, on the last business day of each calendar quarter, from the date of issuance, as may be declared by the Board of Directors, and are cumulative.

 

At the option of each holder, the Series A Preferred Stock (including accrued but unpaid dividends) may be converted into shares of the Company’s common stock commencing January 1, 2017 at $0.60 per share. The Series A Preferred Stock (including accrued but unpaid dividends) shall automatically convert into shares of common stock in the event that the Company receives gross proceeds of at least $4,000,000 in one or more equity financing transactions subsequent to September 30, 2016, or if the ten (10) day Volume Weighted Average Price per share of common stock is $2.00 or more. If not converted by September 30, 2019, the Series A Preferred Stock (including accrued but unpaid dividends) shall automatically and mandatorily convert into shares of common stock at $0.60 per share. Such mandatory conversion shall be subject to either a registration statement having been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the common stock underlying the Series A Preferred Stock, and being in effect, or all shares of underlying common stock being saleable under Rule 144 pursuant to the Securities Act without regard to volume limitations.

The issuance of the 1,170,000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock gave rise to a beneficial conversion feature due to the stated conversion price of $0.60 per share being less than the market price of the shares of Series A Preferred Stock at the issuance date as determined by an independent third-party valuation firm. The Company accounted for the beneficial conversion features in accordance with ASC 470-20, Accounting for Debt with Conversion and Other Options. The Company calculated a total deemed dividend on the Series A Preferred Stock of $779,586 at December 31, 2016, which equals the amount by which the estimated fair value of the common stock issuable upon conversion of the issued Series A Preferred Stock exceeded the proceeds from such issuances on the date of issuance. The deemed dividend on the Series A Preferred Stock is accreted using the effective interest method from the respective issuance dates through the earliest conversion date of January 1, 2017. The accretion of the deemed dividend forDuring the year ended December 31, 2016 was $760,011. The remaining balance of $19,575, representing the amount allocable to the January 1, 2017 earliest conversion date, was accreted in January 2017.

Sale of the Company’s Series A Preferred Stock closed on December 31, 2016.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, the Company declared dividends of $102,029$122,328 on its Series A Preferred Stock which were satisfied in full through the issuance of an aggregate of 170,075101,962 shares of common stock.

 

F-13F-18

 

 

Series B

 

Beginning in March 2017 and through September 30, 2017, the Company sold 3,105,000 shares of the Company’s Series B Convertible Preferred Stock (the “Series B Preferred Stock”) to various investors. The purchase price of the Series B Preferred Stock was $1.00 per share, for an aggregate purchase price of $3,105,000. The Series B Preferred Stock hashad a stated value of $1.00 per share and accruesaccrued an annual dividend at the rate of 6% of the stated value, calculated quarterly, to be paid in shares of common stock at the rate of $0.75$1.50 per share. Series B Preferred Stock is convertible commencing December 31, 2017, or earlier upon the approval of the Board of Directors, by the holders thereof into common stock at a conversion rate of $0.75 per share. The stock is automatically convertible by the Company upon an equity financing of at least $5,000,000 subsequent to June 30, 2017, or in the event the Company’s common stock is publicly traded for at least $2.00 per share for 10 consecutive trading days, or upon completion of a Major Transaction (as defined in the Certificate of Designation). Dividends are payable to holders of record quarterly, on the last business day of each calendar quarter, from the date of issuance, as may be declared by the Board of Directors, and are cumulative. Series B Preferred Stock is senior to all common stock and junior to the Series A Preferred Stock in terms of liquidation preferences. Sale of the Company’s Series B Preferred Stock closed on July 31, 2017.

The issuance of the Series B Preferred Stock gave rise to a beneficial conversion feature due to the stated conversion price of $0.75 per share being less than the market price of the shares at the issuance date. In addition, warrants were issued to purchasers of the Series B Preferred Stock who had previously participated in the 2016 Series A Preferred Stock offering. The Company accounted for the beneficial conversion feature, including an allocation of proceeds for the warrants on a relative fair value basis, in accordance with ASC 470-20, Accounting for Debt with Conversion and Other Options. The Company calculated a total deemed dividend on the Series B Preferred Stock of $582,377, which equals the amount by which the estimated fair value of the common stock issuable upon conversion of the Series B Preferred Stock exceeded the proceeds from such issuances on the date of issuance. The deemed dividend on the Series B Preferred Stock is accreted using the effective interest method from the respective issuance dates through the earliest conversion date of December 31, 2017. The accretion of the deemed dividend for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 was $315,761, and $226,616 will be accreted in future periods.

 

During the nine monthsyear ended September 30,December 31, 2017, the Company declared dividends of $57,769$186,300 on its Series B Preferred Stock which were satisfied in full through the issuance of an aggregate of 77,045124,219 shares of common stock.

 

Both classes of preferred stock will vote with the common stock on an “as converted” basis and have standard anti-dilution rights, exclusive of price protection. Upon any liquidation, dissolution or winding-up ofPreferred Stock Conversion Event

On November 3, 2017, the Company whether voluntary or involuntary, no distribution shall be made tocompleted the holdersissuance and sale of anyan aggregate of 2,173,914 shares of common stock (see below). The completion of the private placement triggered, at the Company’s election, the automatic conversion of the Series A Preferred Stock and the Series B Preferred Stock into shares of common stock. Accordingly, immediately following the completion of the private placement, the Company unless, prior thereto,effected the holdersconversion of all classes of preferred stock shall have received out of the available assets of the Company, whether capital or surplus, an amount equal to 100% of the stated value, plus any accrued and unpaid dividends thereon. If the assets of the Company are insufficient to pay in full such amounts due the holders of the preferred stock, then the entire assets shall be distributed ratably among the holders of the preferred stock, first to holdersoutstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock then to holders ofand the Series B Preferred Stock in accordanceinto 3,490,977 shares of common stock effective November 3, 2017. On April 26, 2018, the Company filed a Certificate of Elimination with the Secretary of the State of Delaware, withdrawing the respective Certificates of Designation that established the right, privileges and preferences of the Series A Preferred Stock and amounts that would be payable on suchSeries B Preferred Stock, thereby making all 10,000,000 authorized shares of preferred stock if all amounts payable thereon were paid in full.available for issuance.

 

Preferred shareholders of both series have unlimited piggyback registration rights. Holders of a majority of the shares of preferred stock (based on the $1.00 stated value) outstanding shall have the right to one demand registration during the three (3) years following the effective date of the Company’s registration statement under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, so long as at least $500,000 of preferred stock was sold of that series, and at least $250,000 of the related class of preferred stock is still outstanding. This demand registration right and the piggyback registration rights will terminate when all shares of preferred stock have been converted into common stock.Common Stock

 

InSale of shares

During the event of a merger or acquisition or change in control ofperiod from November 26, 2018 through December 31, 2018, the Company both classescompleted the issuance and sale of preferred stock (including all accrued but unpaid dividends) will be deemed converted intoan aggregate of 369,567 shares of common stock, immediately priorpar value $0.001 per share, at a purchase price of $2.30 per share. Total gross proceeds were $850,000. These shares were sold in a private placement to the closing of such a transaction.

F-14

Commoncertain purchasers pursuant to Stock Purchase Agreements.

 

During 2016 and prior,On November 3, 2017, the Company issued 2,005,000completed the issuance and sale of an aggregate of 2,173,914 shares of common stock, par value $0.001 per share, at a purchase price of $2.30 per share. Total gross proceeds were $5,000,001. These shares were sold in a private placement to certain purchasers pursuant to a Stock Purchase Agreement dated as of November 3, 2017.

Shares issued with vesting requirements

The Company periodically issues shares of common stock that vest over time to service providers. As of December 31, 2016, there were 176,250 of previously issued shares of restricted common stock to service providers valued at $113,754 that had not yet vested.

During 2017, the Company issued an additional 81,250 shares of restricted common stock for services rendered by various parties. The aggregate fair value of the stock was $2,146,316. 1,405,000 of theserendered. These shares were subject to vesting requirements over 9 to 126 months and subject to forfeiture if vesting conditions were not met. As of December 31, 2016, 1,052,500 of the shares, with a fair value of $1,580,372, had vested, and 352,500 shares with a fair value of $111,369 remained to be vested. As of September 30, 2017, all 1,405,000 shares have fully vested.

During the first nine months of 2017, the Company issued 617,500 shares of common stock to service providers. The aggregate fair value of the stock was $522,600$143,000 based on a valuation per share ranging from $0.75 to $0.88of $1.76 on the date of grant. During 2017, the Company recorded $256,754 expense related to the vested portion of restricted stock issued in 2017. As of December 31, 2017, all shares had vested.

 

Additional details of the Company’s restricted common stock are as follows:

 

 Number
of Shares
  Fair Value  Weighted Average
Grant Date Fair
Value
Per Share
  Number
of Shares
  Fair Value  Weighted Average
Grant Date Fair
Value
Per Share
 
Non-vested, December 31, 2016  352,500  $111,369  $1.13   176,250  $113,754  $2.26 
Issued  617,500   522,600   0.88   81,250   143,000   1.76 
Vested  (970,000)  (633,969)  1.05   (257,500)  (256,754)  2.10 
Forfeited  -   -   -   -   -   - 
Non-vested, September 30, 2017  -  $-  $- 
Non-vested, December 31, 2017  -  $-  $- 

F-19

 

WarrantsOther issuances

 

During March 2017, in connection with the Series B Preferred Stock offering discussed above, the Company also issued a total of 60,000 warrants as additional incentive to investors who had previously invested in the Company’s Series A Preferred Stock offering in 2016. These warrants are243,400 fully vested are immediately exercisable at $0.75 per share, and expire between March 6, 2020 and March 8, 2020.shares of common stock for services rendered. During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company recognized $401,037 in stock compensation expense related to these shares.

 

The fair value of the warrants was calculated as $51,796, based upon the Black-Scholes option-pricing model, with a stock price of $0.88, volatility of 135%, and an average risk-free interest rate of 1.61%. The Company accounted for the warrants by allocating a portion of proceeds for the warrants on a relative fair value basis, in accordance with ASC 470-20, Accounting for Debt with Conversion and Other Options. The resulting proceeds allocable to the relative fair value of the warrants of $44,170 was used in determining the beneficial conversion feature embedded in the Series B Preferred Stock, which the Company determined was $96,170 and will be accreted using the effective interest method from the through the earliest voluntary conversion date for the preferred stock of December 31, 2017. The accretion for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 was $66,612, and $29,558 will be accreted in future periods.Warrants

 

A summary of the Company’s warrant activity is as follows:

 

  Shares  Weighted Average Exercise Price  Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term (Years)
 
December 31, 2016  1,461,836  $0.88   2.19 
Granted  30,000   0.03   0.04 
Forfeitures  -   -   - 
Expirations  -   -   - 
Exercised  -   -   - 
December 31, 2017  1,491,836   0.89   1.16 
Granted  -   -   - 
Forfeitures  -   -   - 
Expirations  (158,162)  0.17   - 
Exercised  (103,000)  0.01   - 
December 31, 2018, all exercisable  1,230,674  $0.71   0.29 

The exercise prices of warrants outstanding and exercisable as of December 31, 2018 are as follows:

Warrants Outstanding and
Exercisable (Shares)
  Exercise Prices 
 876,250  $0.50 
 70,000   1.00 
 30,000   1.50 
 254,424   2.00 
 1,230,674     

In January 2018, an investor exercised warrants for 73,000 shares of common stock. The warrants were exercisable for $0.02 per share, and the Company received $1,460 in cash. The Company issued the shares and recorded the cash received as additional equity.

In December 2018, an investor exercised warrants for 30,000 shares of common stock. The warrants were exercisable for $0.50 per share, and the Company received $15,000 in cash. The Company issued the shares and recorded the cash received as additional equity.

On April 30, 2018, The Company offered a one-month exercise period extension to stockholders who held warrants to purchase shares of common stock of the Company that were scheduled to expire on May 1, 2018. Pursuant to the terms of a Note and Warrant Purchase Agreement entered into by the Company and such holders, such warrants were issued upon the conversion of certain promissory notes into common stock on May 1, 2015. Four of the warrant holders did not extend their warrants, resulting in the expiration of 75,503 warrants on May 1, 2018. Six warrant holders extended the term of an aggregate of 201,543 warrants by one month to June 1, 2018. The exercise price of such warrants is $2.00 per share.

On May 31, 2018, the six warrant holders noted above were offered a further extension of the exercise period for their warrants. One holder did not extend, resulting in the expiration of 15,119 warrants on June 1, 2018. The Company and five warrant holders extended the term of an aggregate of 186,424 warrants. These warrants are now scheduled to expire on the earlier of (a) May 31, 2019 or (b) sixty days following the date on which the common stock of the Company becomes listed or approved for listing on a national securities exchange. The exercise price of such warrants remains unchanged at $2.00 per share, but cashless exercise provisions have been eliminated from such warrants.

On September 21, 2018, the Company extended the expiration date of warrants to purchase shares of common stock of the Company that were scheduled to expire at dates ranging from September 30, 2018 through January 25, 2019 held by two stockholders. Pursuant to the terms of a Promissory Note and Loan Agreements entered into by the Company and such holders, the warrants were originally issued as inducement to lend money to the Company. The warrant holders extended the expiration dates of an aggregate of 300,000 warrants. These warrants are now scheduled to expire on February 15, 2019. The exercise price of $0.50 per share and all other terms of the warrants remain unchanged.

Shares
December 31, 20162,923,666
Granted60,000
Forfeitures-
Exercised-
September 30, 2017, all exercisable2,983,666F-20

Management applied the guidance in ASC 718 – Compensation-Stock Compensation which indicates that a modification to the terms of an award should be treated as an exchange of the original award for a new award with the resulting total compensation cost equal to the grant-date fair value of the original award plus the incremental value of the modification to the award. Under ASC 718, the calculation of the incremental value is based on the excess of the fair value of the new (modified) award based on current circumstances over the fair value of the original award measured immediately before its terms are modified based on current circumstances. The Company recognized expense of $1,621,397 during the year ended December 31, 2018 relating to the extension of the exercise periods of the warrants based upon a Black-Scholes option-pricing model using stock prices of $2.30 and $4.00, volatility of 118% and 119%, and average risk-free rates of 2.61 and 2.89. The expense is reflected as Warrants - extension of expiration dates in the Company’s statements of operations.

 

As of September 30, 2017,December 31, 2018, the Company had an aggregate of 2,983,6661,230,674 outstanding warrants to purchase shares of its common stock with a weighted average exercise price of $0.37,$0.71, weighted average remaining life of 0.90.3 years and aggregate intrinsic value of $1,293,512,$3,860,723, based upon a stock valuation of $0.88$4.00 per share. The intrinsic value is calculated as the difference between the market value of the underlying common stock and the exercise price of the warrants.

 

F-15

Stock Options

A summary of the Company’s stock option activity is as follows:

  Shares  Weighted
Average
Exercise Price
  Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term (Years)
 
December 31, 2016  -   -   - 
Granted  1,062,500  $2.19   5.14 
Forfeitures  -   -   - 
Expirations  -   -   - 
Exercised  -   -   - 
December 31, 2017  1,062,500   2.19   5.14 
Granted  300,000   0.55   0.55 
Forfeitures  -   -   - 
Expirations  -   -   - 
Exercised  -   -   - 
December 31, 2018, outstanding  1,362,500  $2.26   3.78 
December 31, 2018, exercisable  1,262,500  $2.26   3.78 

The exercise prices of options outstanding and exercisable as of December 31, 2018 are as follows:

Options
Outstanding (Shares)
  Options
Exercisable (Shares)
  Exercise Prices 
 625,000   625,000  $2.00 
 62,500   62,500   2.30 
 675,000   575,000   2.50 
 1,362,500   1,262,500     

 

On September 30, 2017, the Company entered into a consulting agreement pursuant to which the Company issuedgranted a total of 1,250,000625,000 common stock options. 650,000325,000 of the options with a fair value of $486,070 vested immediately, and the remaining will vest300,000 options vested ratably over the next twelve months on a quarterly basis.basis with compensation cost measured as the fair value at the end of each reporting period. The options are non-qualified, have an exercise price of $1.00$2.00 per share, and will expire after 5 years.years from the grant date. As of December 31, 2017, the Company had recognized compensation cost of $658,383 relating to the vesting of 400,000 options. During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company recognized stock compensation costs of $394,239 related to the vesting of 225,000 options based upon a graded vesting schedule. As of December 31, 2018, the 625,000 options were fully vested and exercisable.

F-21

On November 30, 2017, the Company granted a total of 62,500 common stock options to an employee. The options, with a fair value of $143,750 vested immediately and are fully exercisable. The options are non-qualified, have an exercise price of $2.30 per share, and will expire 10 years from the grant date.

On December 30, 2017, the Company entered into a consulting agreement pursuant to which the Company granted a total of 375,000 common stock options. 125,000 of the options with a fair value of $312,275 vested immediately, and the remaining 250,000 options vested ratably over six months on a quarterly basis with compensation cost measured as the fair value at the end of each reporting period, using a Black Scholes option-pricing model and a graded vesting schedule. The options are non-qualified, have an exercise price of $2.50 per share, and will expire 5 years from the grant date. During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company recognized stock compensation costs of $413,877 related to the vesting of 250,000 options. As of December 31, 2018, the 375,000 options were fully vested and exercisable.

On January 26, 2018, the Company entered into an agreement with a consultant to develop products based on certain intellectual property owned by the Company (see Note 8). In conjunction with the consulting agreement, the Company granted a stock option to the consultant to purchase a total of 250,000 shares of the common stock of the Company. 125,000 shares of the option with a fair value of $287,500 vested immediately, 62,500 shares vested on December 31, 2018 and the remaining 62,500 shares vest on December 31, 2019 provided the consultant is still an active service provider. As of December 31, 2018, the 62,500 options that remain to vest were valued in total at $934,804$249,777 based upon a Black-Scholes option-pricing model. Compensation cost is measured as the fair value at the end of each reporting period and cost is amortized based upon a graded vesting schedule. The options are non-qualified, have an exercise price of $2.50 per share, and will expire 5 years from the grant date. During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company recognized stock compensation costs of $656,735 related to the 250,000 options.

On July 25, 2018, the Company entered into an agreement with a consultant to develop products based on certain intellectual property owned by the Company. In conjunction with the consulting agreement, the Company granted a stock option to the consultant to purchase a total of 50,000 shares of the common stock of the Company. 12,500 shares of the option with a fair value of $44,994 vested immediately, while the remaining 37,500 shares vest on completion of certain performance conditions to the reasonable satisfaction of the Company. Specifically, 25,000 shares vest upon completion of design and construction of the AcQvizTM device, and the remaining 12,500 shares vest upon integration of the AcQvizTM send/receive functionality with vision testing software platform. As of December 31, 2018, the 37,500 options that remain to vest were valued in total at $149,939 based upon a Black-Scholes option-pricing model. As of December 31, 2018, the completion of all performance conditions was considered probable. Because completion of the performance conditions is considered probable, compensation cost is measured as the fair value at the end of each reporting period and cost is amortized based upon an accelerated attribution model using Management’s estimates of anticipated timing for completion of the conditions. The options are non-qualified, have an exercise price of $2.50 per share, and will expire 5 years from the grant date. During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company recognized stock compensation costs of $130,187 related to the 50,000 options.

As of December 31, 2018, options were valued based upon the Black-Scholes option-pricing model, with a stock price of $0.75,$4.00, volatility of 123%115%, and an average risk-free rate of 1.63%2.46%. Based

During the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, we recognized aggregate stock-compensation expense of $1,595,037 and $2,115,319, respectively, based upon stock prices ranging from $1.76 to $4.00 per share, of which $1,595,037 and $2,094,334 was recorded in general and administrative expense, $0 and $20,357 was recorded in sales and marketing expense, and $0 and $628 was recorded in research and development expense, respectively.

As of December 31, 2018, the Company had an aggregate of 100,000 remaining unvested options outstanding, with a graded vesting schedule, $550,014 has been recordedtotal estimated fair value of $399,716, weighted average exercise price of $2.50, and weighted average remaining life of 3.0 years. The Company remeasures unvested options for non-employees to fair value at the end of each reporting period. The aggregate intrinsic value of options outstanding as stock compensation in the Company’s condensed consolidated statement of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017.December 31, 2018 was $2,368,750.

 

11.11.Related Party Transactions

On September 29, 2017, we completed the acquisition of substantially all of the assets and liabilities of VectorVision Ohio in exchange for 1,525,000 shares of our common stock, pursuant to the Asset Purchase Agreement, which was entered into on an arm’s-length basis. David W. Evans, our Director, owned 28% of the issued and outstanding shares of VectorVision Ohio and his wife, Tamara Evans, owned 72% of the issued and outstanding shares of VectorVision Ohio. VectorVision Ocular Health, Inc is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company formed by the Company in connection with the acquisition of assets from VectorVision Ohio. Mr. Evans was appointed as a director of the Company on September 29, 2017 pursuant to the Asset Purchase Agreement. We entered into a Consulting Agreement with Dr. Evans, dated as of September 29, 2017 (the “Consulting Agreement”), whereby Dr. Evans has been engaged to serve as a consultant to the Company to further the Company’s planned development and commercialization of the Company’s portfolio of products and technology. The Consulting Agreement has an initial term of 3 years, with automatic one-year renewals unless earlier terminated. Dr. Evans is entitled to compensation of $10,000 per month.

F-22

 

Due to and from related parties represents unreimbursed expenses and compensation incurred on behalf of, and amounts loaned to the Company by, Michael Favish, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, as well as other stockholders.shareholders. The advances are unsecured, non-interest bearing and are due on demand. As of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016,2018 and 2017, the Company had $152,771$0 and $91,483,$146,133, respectively, due to related parties.

 

During the ninetwelve months ended September 30, 2017,December 31, 2018, the Company incurred $187,500and paid $275,000 of salary expense and paid $130,000 in salary to our CEO, Michael Favish. During the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2016,2017, the Company incurred salary expense of $250,000 and paid $48,500$170,000 in salary to Mr. Favish. Accrued amounts are included in general and administrative expenses.

 

12.12.Income Taxes

Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. Significant components of the Company’s deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 are summarized below.

  December 31, 
  2018  2017 
Net operating loss carryforwards $2,689,000  $1,551,000 
Stock-based compensation  942,000   504,000 
Amortization of intangibles  19,000    
Accrued compensation     17,000 
Depreciation  (1,000)  5,000 
Total deferred tax assets  3,649,000   2,077,000 
Valuation allowance  (3,649,000)  (2,077,000)
Net deferred tax assets $  $ 

In assessing the potential realization of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the Company attaining future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. As of December 31, 2018, management was unable to determine if it is more likely than not that the Company’s deferred tax assets will be realized and has therefore recorded an appropriate valuation allowance against deferred tax assets at such dates.

No federal tax provision has been provided for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, due to the losses incurred during the periods. Reconciled below is the difference between the income tax rate computed by applying the U.S. federal statutory rate and the effective tax rates for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017:

  Years Ended December 31, 
  2018  2017 
       
U. S. federal statutory tax rate  (21.0)%  (35.0)%
Non-deductible stock-based compensation  %  4.3%
Non-deductible fair value of warrant extensions  4.4%  %
Expirations related to stock-based compensation  0.1%  %
Adjustment to deferred tax asset  0.4%  68.5%
Change in valuation allowance  16.0%  (38.0)%
Other  0.1%  0.2%
Effective tax rate  0.0%  0.0%

At December 31, 2018, the Company has available net operating loss carryforwards for federal income tax purposes of approximately $9,945,000 which, if not utilized earlier, will begin to expire in 2035. While the Company has not performed a formal analysis of the availability of its net operating loss carryforwards under Internal Revenue Code Sections 382 and 383, management expects that the Company’s ability to use its net operating loss carryforwards will be limited in future periods.

13.Subsequent Events

 

On November 3, 2017,January 30, 2019, Guardion Health Sciences, Inc. (the “Company”) filed with the Secretary of State of Delaware an amendment to the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation, (the “Charter Amendment”) to affect a reverse stock split whereby every two (2) shares of the Company’s common stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to filing the Charter Amendment (the “Old Common Stock”) were automatically, without further action on the part of the Company completed the issuanceor any holder of Old Common Stock, reclassified, combined, converted and sale of an aggregate of 4,347,827 shareschanged into one (1) fully paid and nonassessable share of common stock, par value of $0.001 per share at(the “New Common Stock”). Holders who otherwise would have been entitled to receive fractional share interests of New Common Stock upon the effectiveness of the reverse stock split received one (1) whole share of New Common Stock in lieu of any fractional share created as a purchase priceresult of $1.15 per share. Total gross proceeds were $5,000,001. These shares were sold in a private placement to certain purchasers pursuant to a Stock Purchase Agreement dated as of November 3, 2017 as more fully set forth inthe reverse stock split. The reverse stock split was approved by the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on November 7, 2017 and the exhibits attached thereto.

The completion of the private placement triggered,stockholders at the Company’s election, the automatic conversionAnnual Meeting of the preferred stock intoStockholders held on November 20, 2018.

On February 11, 2019, two investors exercised warrants for 312,500 shares of common stock. Accordingly, immediately following the completion of the private placement,The warrants were exercisable for $0.50 per share, and the Company effected the conversion of all outstanding shares of preferred stock into 6,981,938 shares of common stock (excluding accrued but unpaid dividends) effective November 3, 2017.received $31,250 in cash. The Company issued 205,242will issue the shares of common stock forand record the accrued but unpaid dividends from October 1, 2017 through November 3, 2017, representing the payment in full of all Preferred Stock dividend obligations.

The following table sets forth the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet of the Companycash received as of September 30, 2017 on an as reported basis and on an unaudited pro forma basis, giving effect to the sale on November 3, 2017, of 4,347,827 shares of the Company’s Common Stock at a price of $1.15 per share, representing an aggregate purchase price of $5,000,001, the conversion on November 3, 2017 of 4,810,154 shares of the Company’s Series A and Series B Preferred Stock into 6,981,938 shares of Common Stock, and the issuance on November 3, 2017 of 205,242 shares of Common Stock as payment in full for all accrued but unpaid dividends associated with the Preferred Stock:additional equity.

  

Actual

As Reported

  

Pro Forma

As Adjusted

 
  (Unaudited)  (Unaudited) 
Assets        
         
Total current assets $1,539,402  $6,539,405 
Total long-term assets  2,338,943   2,338,943 
         
Total assets $3,878,345  $8,878,346 
         
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity        
         
Total liabilities $756,498  $756,498 
         
Stockholders’ Equity        
         
Series A preferred stock, $0.001 par value; 2,000,000 shares authorized; 1,705,154 shares issued and outstanding as reported, and 0 shares, as adjusted  1,705   - 
Series B preferred stock, $0.001 par value; 8,000,000 shares authorized; 3,105,000 shares issued and outstanding as reported, and 0 shares, as adjusted  3,105   - 
Common stock, $0.001 par value; 90,000,000 shares authorized; 28,961,058  shares issued and outstanding as reported, and 40,496,065 shares, as adjusted  28,961   40,496 
Additional paid-in capital  27,342,480   31,920,310 
Accumulated deficit  (24,254,404)  (23,838,958)
         
Total stockholders’ equity  3,121,847   8,121,848 
         
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $3,878,345  $8,878,346 

 

F-16F-23

 

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors

Guardion Health Sciences, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

 

San Diego, California

  June 30,  December 31, 
  2019  2018 
  (Unaudited)    
Assets        
         
Current assets        
Cash $2,368,645  $670,948 
Accounts receivable  35,920   28,203 
Inventories  318,686   357,997 
Prepaid expenses  132,306   47,773 
         
Total current assets  2,855,557   1,104,921 
         
Deposits  11,751   11,751 
Property and equipment, net  303,929   274,804 
Right of use asset, net  595,598   - 
Deferred offering costs  19,000   270,000 
Intangible assets, net  348,786   456,104 
Goodwill  1,563,520   1,563,520 
         
Total assets $5,698,141  $3,681,100 
         
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity        
         
Current liabilities        
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $300,239  $413,925 
Accrued expenses and deferred rent  25,000   81,412 
Derivative warrant liability  78,440   - 
Lease liability – current  125,237   - 
Total current liabilities  528,916   495,337 
         
Lease liability – long term  481,137   - 
         
Total liabilities  1,010,053   495,337 
         
Commitments and contingencies        
         
Stockholders’ Equity        
         
Preferred stock, $0.001 par value; 10,000,000 shares authorized  -   - 
Common stock, $0.001 par value; 90,000,000 shares authorized; 22,733,762 and 20,564,328 shares issued and outstanding at June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively  22,734   20,564 
Additional paid-in capital  43,735,894   37,798,562 
Accumulated deficit  (39,070,540)  (34,633,363)
         
Total stockholders’ equity  4,688,088   3,185,763 
         
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $5,698,141  $3,681,100 

 

We have audited theSee accompanying balance sheets of Guardion Health Sciences, Inc. (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 and the related statements of operations, members’ and stockholders’ deficiency and cash flows for the years then ended. Thesenotes to condensed consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.statements.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform our audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that we considered appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Guardion Health Sciences, Inc. as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the years then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

The accompanying financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note 1, the Company has experienced negative operating cash flows since inception and has a stockholders’ deficiency as of December 31, 2016. These matters raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. Management’s plans in regard to these matters are also described in Note 1 to the financial statements. These financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.

/s/ Weinberg & Company, P.A.
Weinberg & Company, P.A.
Los Angeles, California
March 30, 2017

 

F-17F-24

 

 

Guardion Health Sciences, Inc.

Balance SheetsCondensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

 

  December 31, 
  2016  2015 
       
Assets        
         
Current assets        
Cash $62,520  $13,850 
Accounts receivable  1,673   1,136 
Inventories  43,999   30,563 
Current portion of deposits and prepaid expenses  29,363   18,950 
         
Total current assets  137,555   64,499 
         
Deposits and prepaid expenses, less current portion  10,470   10,470 
Property and equipment, net  114,020   170,795 
         
Total assets $262,045  $245,764 
         
Liabilities, and Members’ and Stockholders’ Deficiency        
         
Current liabilities        
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $356,467  $271,863 
Accrued expenses and deferred lease costs  88,290   143,077 
Due to related parties  91,483   286,844 
Current portion of convertible notes payable  44,323   41,315 
Current portion of promissory notes payable, net of debt discount of $0 and $36,018, respectively  10,251   64,407 
Current portion of promissory notes payable related party, net of debt discount of $0 and $54,639, respectively  16,805   149,233 
         
Total current liabilities  607,619   956,739 
         
Convertible notes payable  -   516,575 
         
Total liabilities  607,619   1,473,314 
         
Commitments and contingencies        
         
Members’ and Stockholders’ Deficiency        
         
Preferred stock, $0.001 par value; 10,000,000 shares authorized; 1,705,154 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2016  1,705   - 
Common stock, $0.001 par value; 90,000,000 shares authorized; 25,046,438 and 21,911,396 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015  25,046   21,911 
Additional paid-in capital  20,277,882   12,857,320 
Accumulated deficit  (20,650,207)  (14,106,781)
         
Total members’ and stockholders’ deficiency  (345,574)  (1,227,550)
         
Total liabilities, and members’ and stockholders’ deficiency $262,045  $245,764 
  

Three Months Ended

June 30,

  

Six Months Ended

June 30,

 
  2019  2018  2019  2018 
  (Unaudited)  (Unaudited)  (Unaudited)  (Unaudited) 
Revenue                
Medical foods $104,448  $79,993  $204,382  $154,294 
Vision testing diagnostics  150,222   140,785   292,826   259,524 
Other  6,300   -   6,300   - 
Total revenue  260,970   220,778   503,508   413,818 
                 
Cost of goods sold                
Medical foods  40,681   40,959   78,953   72,238 
Vision testing diagnostics  53,816   46,817   109,036   94,817 
Other  2,559   -   2,559   - 
Total cost of goods sold  97,056   87,776   190,548   167,055 
                 
Gross profit  163,914   133,002   312,960   246,763 
                 
Operating expenses                
Research and development  77,688   34,320   106,716   194,708 
Sales and marketing  409,409   378,750   764,028   984,464 
General and administrative  2,489,011   1,034,914   3,439,633   2,714,680 
                 
Total operating expenses  2,976,108   1,447,984   4,310,377   3,893,852 
                 
Loss from operations  (2,812,194)  (1,314,982)  (3,997,417)  (3,647,089)
                 
Other (income) expense:                
Interest expense  234,065   710   251,637   1,545 
Finance cost upon issuance of warrants  229,921   -   415,955   - 
Change in fair value of derivative warrants  (227,832)  -   (227,832)  - 
Costs associated with extension of warrant expiration dates  -   494,391   -   494,391 
                 
Total other (income) expense  236,154   495,101   439,760   495,936 
                 
Net loss $(3,048,348) $(1,810,083) $(4,437,177) $(4,143,025)
                 
Net loss per common share – basic and diluted $(0.14) $(0.09) $(0.21) $(0.21)
Weighted average common shares outstanding – basic and diluted  22,537,943   20,164,761   21,628,758   20,161,131 

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

F-18F-25

 

 

Guardion Health Sciences, Inc.

StatementsCondensed Consolidated Statement of OperationsStockholders’ Equity

(Unaudited)

 

  Years Ended December 31, 
  2016  2015 
       
Revenue $141,029  $112,811 
         
Cost of goods sold  75,702   50,072 
         
Gross profit  65,327   62,739 
         
Operating expenses        
Research and development  64,026   401,909 
Sales and marketing  389,111   180,133 
General and administrative  3,308,144   5,610,830 
Loss on settlement of promissory notes and accounts payable  249,739   258,606 
         
Total operating expenses  4,011,020   6,451,478 
         
Loss from operations  (3,945,693)  (6,388,739)
         
Other expenses:        
Interest expense and financing costs  1,104,557   752,948 
Change in fair value of note  698,147   - 
Cost to induce conversion of notes payable  -   1,699,609 
         
Total other expenses  1,802,704   2,452,557 
         
Net loss  (5,748,397)  (8,841,296)
         
Adjustments related to Series A 8% convertible preferred stock:        
Accretion of deemed dividend  (760,011)  - 
Dividend declared  (35,018)  - 
Net loss attributable to common shareholders $(6,543,426) $(8,841,296)
         
Net loss per common share – basic and diluted $(0.30) $(0.54)
Weighted average common shares outstanding – basic and diluted  21,800,719   16,391,665 
  Common Stock  

Additional

Paid-In

  Accumulated  

Total

Stockholders’

 
  Shares  Amount  Capital  Deficit  Equity 
  Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2019 
Balance at December 31, 2018  20,564,328  $20,564  $37,798,562  $(34,633,363) $3,185,763 
Fair value of vested stock options  -   -   56,232   -   56,232 
Issuance of common stock – warrant exercises  292,283   293   30,957   -   31,250 
Net loss  -   -   -   (1,385,099)  (1,385,099)
Balance at March 31, 2019  20,856,611   20,857   37,885,751   (36,018,462)  1,888,146 
Fair value of vested stock options – officer and director  -   -   1,066,159   -   1,066,159 
Fair value of vested stock options  -   -   62,763   -   62,763 
Reclass of warrant liability to equity  -   -   359,683   -   359,683 
Sale of common stock  1,250,000   1,250   3,886,750   -   3,888,000 
Issuance of common stock for services  54,387   55   123,947   -   124,002 
Issuance of common stock – warrant exercises  463,726   463   100,162   -   100,625 
Fair value of common stock – conversion of notes payable and related interest  109,038   109   250,679   -   250,788 
Net loss              (3,052,078)  (3,052,078)
Balance at June 30, 2019  22,733,762  $22,734  $43,735,894  $(39,070,540) $4,688,088 

  

Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2018

 
Balance at December 31, 2017  20,091,761  $20,092  $33,716,140  $(26,865,956) $6,870,276 
Fair value of vested stock options  -   -   777,513   -   777,513 
Issuance of common stock – warrant exercises  73,000   73   1,387   -   1,460 
Net loss  -   -   -   (2,333,461)  (2,333,461)
Balance at March 31, 2018  20,164,761   20,165   34,495,040   (29,199,417)  5,315,788 
Fair value of vested stock options  -   -   277,372   -   277,372 
Costs associated with extension of warrant expiration dates  -   -   494,391   -   494,391 
Net loss  -   -   -   (1,809,564)  (1,809,564)
Balance at June 30, 2018  20,164,761  $20,165  $35,266,803  $(31,008,981) $4,277,987 

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

F-19F-26

 

 

Guardion Health Sciences, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Members’ and Stockholders’ DeficiencyCash Flows

 

  Members’ Capital  Preferred Stock  Common Stock  Additional
Paid-In
  Accumulated  

Total

Members’

and

Stockholders’

 
  Units  Amount  Shares  Amount  Shares  Amount  Capital  Deficit  Deficiency 
Balance at December 31, 2014  10,821,827  $3,452,852   -  $-   -  $-  $-  $(5,265,485) $(1,812,633)
Fair value of warrants issued with convertible notes payable  -   16,656   -   -   -   -   -   -   16,656 
Issuance of convertible notes payable - beneficial conversion feature  -   25,844   -   -   -   -   -   -   25,844 
Issuance of membership units – conversion of notes payable and related interest  2,659,294   1,429,035   -   -   -   -   -   -   1,429,035 
Issuance of membership units as inducement to convert  995,926   1,135,356   -   -   -   -   -   -   1,135,356 
Issuance of warrants as inducement to convert  -   506,857   -   -   -   -   -   -   506,857 
Issuance of membership units for consulting services  2,303,227   2,625,679   -   -   -   -   -   -   2,625,679 
Issuance of membership units to related party upon warrant exercise  450,000   90,000   -   -   -   -   -   -   90,000 
Net loss – January 1, 2015 through June 30, 2015  -   -   -   -   -   -   -   (5,094,421)  (5,094,421)
Conversion of membership units to common stock on June 30, 2015  (17,230,274)  (9,282,279)  -   -   17,230,274   17,230   9,265,049   -   - 
Issuance of common stock – conversion of notes payable, promissory notes payable and related interest  -   -   -   -   1,328,346   1,290   982,699   -   983,989 
Issuance of common stock as inducement to convert  -   -   -   -   50,348   56   57,341   -   57,397 
Issuance of common stock for services  -   -   -   -   2,719,091   2,752   2,261,052   -   2,263,804 
Issuance of common stock – warrant exercises  -   -   -   -   583,337   583   77,750   -   78,333 
Fair value of warrants issued with notes payable  -   -   -   -   -   -   181,576   -   181,576 
Fair value of warrants issued in conversion of accounts payable  -   -   -   -   -   -   31,853   -   31,853 
Net loss – July 1, 2015 through December 31, 2015  -   -   -   -   -   -   -   (3,746,875)  (3,746,875)
Balance at December 31, 2015  -   -   -   -   21,911,396   21,911   12,857,320   (14,106,781)  (1,227,550)
Issuance of common stock for services  -   -   -   -   740,000   740   1,424,944   -   1,425,684 
Fair value of warrants issued for services  -   -   -   -   -   -   344,846   -   344,846 
Fair value of post-maturity warrants issued as additional interest on notes payable  -   -   -   -   -   -   575,673   -   575,673 
Issuance of common stock – conversion of accrued management fees  -   -   -   -   684,933   685   602,056   -   602,741 
Issuance of preferred stock  -   -   1,170,000   1,170   -   -   1,168,830   -   1,170,000 
Fair value of preferred stock – conversion of notes payable and related interest  -   -   535,154   535   -   -   784,353   -   784,888 
Fair value of common stock – conversion of notes payable and related interest  -   -   -   -   1,651,732   1,652   1,383,864   -   1,385,516 
Fair value of warrants issued with convertible notes payable  -   -   -   -   -   -   270,076   -   270,076 
Issuance of convertible notes payable – beneficial conversion feature  -   -   -   -   -   -   70,949   -   70,949 
Accretion of beneficial conversion feature on preferred stock  -   -   -   -   -   -   760,011   (760,011)  - 
Dividend on preferred stock  -   -   -   -   58,377   58   34,960   (35,018)  - 
Net loss  -   -   -   -   -   -   -   (5,748,397)  (5,748,397)
Balance at December 31, 2016  -  $-   1,705,154  $1,705   25,046,438  $25,046  $20,277,882  $(20,650,207) $(345,574)
  

Six Months Ended

June 30,

 
  2019  2018 
  (Unaudited)  (Unaudited) 
Operating Activities        
Net loss $(4,437,177) $(4,143,025)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:        
Depreciation and amortization  137,128   148,560 
Amortization of debt discount  250,000   - 
Accrued interest expense included in notes payable  788   - 
Amortization of right of use asset  61,571   - 
Stock-based compensation  242,996   1,054,885 
Stock-based compensation – officer and director  1,066,159   - 
Non-cash financing costs – derivative liability  415,955   - 
Change in fair value of warrants – derivative liability  (227,832)  - 
Costs associated with extension of warrant expiration dates  -   494,391 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:        
(Increase) decrease in -        
Accounts receivable  (7,718)  42,928 
Inventories  39,311   (257,627)
Deposits and prepaid expenses  (84,533)  90,053 
Lease liability  (56,844)  - 
Increase (decrease) in -        
Accounts payable and accrued expenses  156,314   146,202 
Accrued expenses and deferred rent  (49,814)  (425)
         
Net cash used in operating activities  (2,493,696)  (2,424,058)
         
Investing Activities        
Purchase of property and equipment  (58,934)  (137,073)
Purchase of intellectual property  -   (50,000)
         
Net cash used in investing activities  (58,934)  (187,073)
         
Financing Activities        
Proceeds from initial public offering  3,888,000   - 
Proceeds from issuance of convertible notes  250,000   - 
Proceeds from issuance of promissory note  100,000   - 
Payments on promissory note  (100,548)  - 
Payments on line of credit  -   (30,535)
Proceeds from exercise of warrants  131,875   1,460 
Deferred financing costs of IPO  (19,000)  - 
Decrease in due to related parties  -   (28,659)
         
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities  4,250,327   (57,734)
         
Cash:        
Net decrease  1,697,697   (2,668,865)
Balance at beginning of period  670,948   4,735,230 
Balance at end of period $2,368,645  $2,066,365 
         
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:        
Cash paid for-        
Interest $-  $- 
Income taxes $-  $- 
         
Non-cash financing activities:        
Fair value of warrant liability issued in connection with issuance of convertible notes $436,034  $- 
Recording of lease asset and liability upon adoption of ASU 2016-02 $663,218  $- 
Reclass of warrant liability to equity $359,683  $- 
Fair value of common stock issued upon conversion of common stock and accrued interest $250,788  $- 
Reclass of deferred offering cost to equity $270,000  $- 

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

F-20F-27

 

 

Guardion Health Sciences, Inc.

Statements of Cash Flows

  Years Ended December 31, 
  2016  2015 
       
Operating Activities        
Net loss $(5,748,397) $(8,841,296)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:        
Depreciation and amortization  60,129   53,741 
Amortization of debt discount  431,681   642,029 
Change in fair value of note  698,147   - 
Accrued interest expense included in notes payable  86,711   110,919 
Fair value of warrants issued as post-maturity interest  575,673   - 
Stock-based compensation  787,684   2,400,139 
Stock-based compensation – related parties  982,846   2,485,450 
Management fee compensation expense  191,781   - 
Loss on settlement of promissory notes payable and accounts payable  249,739   258,606 
Inducement expense on conversions of notes payable to equity  -   1,699,609 
Warrants issued in payment of accounts payable  -   7,993 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:        
(Increase) decrease in -        
Accounts receivable  (537)  (97)
Inventories  (13,436)  (6,335)
Deposits and prepaid expenses  14,587   (9,345)
Increase (decrease) in -        
Accounts payable and accrued expenses  84,605   76,112 
Accrued and deferred rent costs  (54,787)  (17,283)
         
Net cash used in operating activities  (1,653,574)  (1,139,758)
         
Investing Activities        
Purchase of property and equipment  (3,354)  (2,162)
         
Net cash used in investing activities  (3,354)  (2,162)
         
Financing Activities        
Proceeds from issuance of convertible notes payable  136,000   542,500 
Proceeds from issuance of promissory notes – related party  140,000   200,000 
Proceeds from issuance of promissory notes  220,000   100,000 
Payments on promissory notes  (151,000)  - 
Proceeds from issuance of preferred stock  1,145,000   - 
Proceeds from exercise of warrants  -   75,000 
Increase in due to related parties  215,598   232,110 
         
Net cash provided by financing activities  1,705,598   1,149,610 
         
Cash:        
Net increase (decrease)  48,670   7,690 
Balance at beginning of period  13,850   6,160 
Balance at end of period $62,520  $13,850 
         
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:        
Cash paid for -        
Interest $-  $- 
Income taxes $-  $- 
         
Non-cash financing activities:        
Issuance of common stock upon conversion of accrued management fees $410,960  $- 
Issuance of preferred stock upon conversion of notes payable and related interest $535,149  $- 
Issuance of common stock upon conversion of notes payable and related interest $687,369  $2,412,809 
Fair value of warrants issued in connection with promissory and convertible notes payable $270,075  $198,232 
Beneficial conversion feature associated with promissory and convertible notes payable $70,949  $25,844 
Accrued interest on notes payable utilized to exercise warrants $-  $93,333 
Fair value of warrants issued in conversion of accounts payable $-  $7,504 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

F-21

Guardion Health Sciences, Inc.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

Years(Unaudited)

Six Months Ended December 31, 2016June 30, 2019 and 20152018

 

1.1.Organization and Business Operations

 

Organization and Business

 

Guardion Health Sciences, Inc. (the “Company”) was formed in December 2009 as a California limited liability company under the name P4L Health Sciences, LLC. On June 30, 2015, the Company converted from a California limited liability company to a Delaware corporation, changing its name from Guardion Health Sciences, LLC to Guardion Health Sciences, Inc.

 

The Company is a specialty health sciences company formed to develop, formulatethat develops, formulates and distributedistributes condition-specific medical foods with an initial medical food product on the market under the brand name Lumega-Z® that replenishes and restores the macular protective pigment. A depleted macular protective pigmentLumega-Z has been used in IRB-approved patient studies to examine its effectiveness. On May 9, 2019, the Company announced in a press release a recent study that showed statistically significant improvement in visual function (“CSF”) of patients taking Lumega-Z who participated in the study. The study was conducted by research scientists at the Western University College of Optometry to evaluate the visual benefits of Lumega-Z in one group of patients as compared to a group of patients taking AREDS 2 soft gel supplements. Each patient has retinal drusen and is a modifiableat risk factorof developing AMD. The results of the study were presented at the Association for retina based diseases such as age-related macular degenerationResearch in Vision and Ophthalmology (“AMD”), computer vision syndrome (“CVS”ARVO”) 2019 annual meeting and diabetic retinopathy. Additional research has also shown a depleted macular protective pigment to be a biomarker for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’sshowed improvements in visual function (“CSF”) in the group of patients taking Lumega-Z that were statistically significant and dementia. definitive. The patients taking AREDS 2 showed no statistical change.

The Company hasalso developed a proprietary patented medical device called the MapcatSF®that accurately measures the macular pigment optical density (“MPOD”density. On July 16, 2019, the Company was notified by the Patents Registry in Hong Kong that it has received a patent from the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (Hong Kong Patent No. HK1204758 titled “Apparatus for Use in the Measurement of Macular Pigment Optical Density and/or Lens Optical Density of an Eye”) for the MapcatSF®. On May 30, 2019, the Company was notified by the European Patent Office that it has received a patent from the European Union (European Patent No. 2,811,892 titled “Apparatus for Use in the Measurement of Macular Pigment Optical Density and/or Lens Optical Density of an Eye”) for the MapcatSF®.

 

Through December 31, 2016,On September 29, 2017, the Company, through its wholly owned subsidiary VectorVision Ocular Health, Inc. (“VectorVision”), completed its acquisition of substantially all of the assets and certain liabilities of VectorVision, Inc. (an Ohio corporation), a company that specialized in the standardization of contrast sensitivity, glare sensitivity, low contrast acuity, and early treatment diabetic retinopathy study (“ETDRS”) visual acuity testing. VectorVision develops, manufactures and sells equipment and supplies for standardized vision testing. The acquisition expands the Company’s technical portfolio. CSV-1000 and CSV-2000 instruments offer auto-calibrated tests to ensure correct testing luminance and contrast levels for consistent, highly accurate and repeatable results. Recently issued patents the Company received for continuously calibrating the light source will be incorporated into the new CSV-2000, in which the proprietary standardized contrast sensitivity test patterns can be presented to the patient using a computer monitor as opposed to the current calibrated backlit system.

In August 2018, the Company created a wholly owned subsidiary, Transcranial Doppler Solutions, Inc. (“TDSI”). TDSI is dedicated to the pursuit of early predictors resulting in, the Company believes, valuable therapeutic intervention for practitioners and their patients, and additional revenue streams generated from the testing and sale of Company products to appropriate customers. The Company has established operations with selected clinics and is focusing on expanding its client base.

In November 2018, the Company launched a new medical food product, GlaucoCetinTM, which the Company believes is the first vision-specific medical food designed to support and protect the mitochondrial function of optic nerve cells and improve blood flow in the ophthalmic artery in patients with glaucoma. The Company believes GlaucoCetinTM is the first vision-specific medical food designed to support and protect the mitochondrial function of optic nerve cells and improve blood flow in the ophthalmic artery in patients with glaucoma. The parent compound of GlaucoCetinTM, called “GlaucoHealth,” was designed by Robert Ritch, M.D., one of the Company’s Medical Advisory Board members. Dr. Robert Ritch holds the Shelley and Steven Einhorn Distinguished Chair in Ophthalmology and is surgeon Director Emeritus and Chief of Glaucoma Services at the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary. Dr. Ritch has devoted his career to broadening the understanding of the underlying etiologies and mechanisms of glaucoma. The Company now owns the GlaucoHealth formula. On June 4, 2019, the Company announced in a press release that the formula was used in an IRB-approved patient study conducted at the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary and successfully reversed mitochondrial dysfunction in the optic nerve cells in patients with glaucoma. GlaucoCetinTM is an enhanced formulation of GlaucoHealth. The Company owns both formulas and has a patent application pending on the GlaucoCetinTM formula. The application describes an invention that provides a micro-nutrient composition for a human subject suffering from a glaucomatous disease, wherein the micro-nutrient composition comprises a formulation for reversing mitochondrial dysfunction in glaucomatous disease.

In September 2019, the Company through its wholly-owned subsidiary, NutriGuard Formulations, Inc. (“NGF”), acquired substantially all of the assets of NutriGuard Research, Inc. NutriGuard, which has been in existence for over 30 years, designs, develops and distributes high-quality, scientifically-credible nutraceuticals, which are designed to supplement consumers’ diets and assist in treating/preventing diseases. NutriGuard uses pharmaceutical standards to establish the safety and efficacy of its products, with rigorous manufacturing and quality assurance programs. The Company intends to build a portfolio of nutraceutical products under the NutriGuard brand by developing new formulations and marketing its products to patients directly through direct-to consumer channels and through recommendations by their physicians.

F-28

On April 9, 2019, the Company closedits initial public offering (the “IPO”) and issued 1,250,000 shares of its common stock at a public offering price of $4.00 per share for total gross proceeds of $5.0 million, resulting in net proceeds to the Company of $3,888,000 after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and other offering costs and expenses payable by Guardion. The shares began trading on the Nasdaq Capital Market on April 5, 2019, under the symbol “GHSI.” In connection with the IPO, the convertible promissory notes previously issued on March 15, 2019 and March 20, 2019 were automatically converted into 109,038 shares of common stock based on a conversion price of $2.30 per share.

The Company has had limited operations butto date and has been primarily engaged in research and development, product commercialization and capital raising. The Company has incurred significant expenditures for the development of the Company’s products and intellectual property, which includes research and development of both medical foods and medical diagnostic equipment for the treatment of various eye diseases. The Company had limited revenue during the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, all of which was generated by the sale of the Company’s proprietary product, Lumega-Z, during such periods. In late 2014, the Company changed its focus from the dietary supplement category to the medical food category based on consultation with the Company’s intellectual property counsel and regulatory affairs consultants, as a result of which Lumega-Z was categorized and sold as a medical food in 2015 and 2016.raising activities.

Going Concern and Liquidity

 

The financial statements have been prepared assuming the Company will continue as a going concern. The Company hashad a net loss of $4,437,177 and utilized cash in operating activities of $1,653,574 and $1,139,758$2,493,696 during the yearssix months ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and had a deficit of $345,574 and $1,227,550 as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.June 30, 2019. The Company expects to continue to incur net losses and negative operating cash flows in the near-term. As a result, management has concluded that there is substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year of the date that the consolidated financial statements are issued.

 

The Company’s auditors haveindependent registered public accounting firm has also included explanatory language in their opinion that there is substantial doubt aboutaccompanying the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern.audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2018. The financial statements do not include any adjustments to reflect the possible future effects on the recoverability and classification of assets or the amounts and classifications of liabilities that may result from the possible inability of the Company to continue as a going concern.

 

The Company will continue to incur significant expenses for commercialization activities related to its lead product Lumega-Z,medical foods, the MapcatSF medical device, VectorVision diagnostic equipment, the TDSI business and with respect to efforts to continue to build the Company’s infrastructure. Development and commercialization of medical foods and medical devices involves a lengthy and complex process. Additionally, the Company’s long-term viability and growth may depend upon the successful development and commercialization of products other than Lumega-Z and the MapcatSF.

The Company is continuing attemptsseeking to raise additional debt and/or equity capital to fund future operations, but there can be no assurances that the Company will be able to secure such additional financing in the amounts necessary to fully fund its operating requirements on acceptable terms or at all. If the Company is unable to access sufficient capital resources on a timely basis, the Company may be forced to reduce or discontinue its technology and product development programs and curtail or cease operations.

 

Reverse Stock Split

On January 30, 2019, following stockholder and Board approval, the Company filed a Certificate of Amendment to its Amended Certificate of Incorporation, as amended (the “Amendment”), with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware to effectuate a one-for-two (1:2) reverse stock split (the “Reverse Stock Split”) of its common stock, par value $0.001 per share, without any change to its par value. The Amendment became effective on the filing date. The number of shares authorized for common and preferred stock were not affected by the Reverse Stock Split. No fractional shares were issued in connection with the Reverse Stock Split as all fractional shares were “rounded up” to the next whole share. Proportional adjustments for the Reverse Stock Split were made to all share and per share amounts as if the split occurred at the beginning of the earliest period presented.

F-22F-29

 

 

2.2.Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

 

Basis of Presentation and Use of Estimates

 

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements are unaudited. These unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformityaccordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). and applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) regarding interim financial reporting. Certain information and note disclosures normally included in the financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. Accordingly, these interim condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto contained in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018 filed with the SEC. The condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2018 included herein was derived from the audited consolidated financial statements as of that date, but does not include all disclosures, including notes, required by GAAP.

In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments necessary to fairly present the Company’s financial position and results of operations for the interim periods reflected. Except as noted, all adjustments contained herein are of a normal recurring nature. The results of operations for the interim periods presented are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations to be expected for the full fiscal year ending December 31, 2019.

Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to current period presentation. Such amounts consist of operating segment disclosures, whereby revenue and cost of goods sold have been broken out on the Consolidated Statements of Operations to conform with the Company’s reportable business segments as of June 30, 2019.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and reported amounts of expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Fair ValueThese estimates and assumptions include estimates for reserves of Financial Instrumentsuncollectible accounts, inventory obsolescence, depreciable lives of property and equipment, analysis of impairments of recorded long-term tangible and intangible assets, realization of deferred tax assets, accruals for potential liabilities and assumptions made in valuing stock instruments issued for services.

 

The authoritative guidance with respect to fair value established a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three levels, and requires that assets and liabilities carried at fair value be classified and disclosed in one of three categories, as noted below. Disclosure as to transfers into and out of Levels 1 and 2, and activity in Level 3 fair value measurements, is also required.Intangible Assets

 

Level 1. Observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets for an identical asset or liability thatIn connection with the VectorVision transaction, the Company has the abilityidentified and allocated estimated fair values to access as of the measurement date. Financialintangible assets including goodwill and liabilities utilizing Level 1 inputs include active-exchange traded securities and exchange-based derivatives.customer relationships.

 

Level 2. Inputs,In accordance with Accounting Standard Codification (“ASC”) 350 – Intangibles – Goodwill and Other, the Company determined whether these assets are expected to have indefinite (such as goodwill) or limited useful lives, and for those with limited lives, the Company established an amortization period and method of amortization. Its goodwill and other than quoted prices included within Level 1, whichintangible assets are directly observable for the asset or liability or indirectly observable through corroboration with observable market data. Financial assets and liabilities utilizing Level 2 inputs include fixed income securities, non-exchange based derivatives, mutual funds, and fair-value hedges.

Level 3. Unobservable inputs in which there is little or no market data for the asset or liability which requires the reporting entitysubject to develop its own assumptions. Financial assets and liabilities utilizing Level 3 inputs include infrequently-traded, non-exchange-based derivatives and commingled investment funds, and are measured using present value pricing models.periodic impairment testing.

 

The Company determinesutilized the levelservices of an independent third-party valuation firm to assist in identifying intangible assets and in estimating their fair values. The useful lives for the Company’s intangible assets other than goodwill were estimated based on Management’s consideration of various factors, including assumptions that market participants might use about sales expectations as well as potential effects of obsolescence, competition, technological progress and the regulatory environment. Because the future pattern in which the economic benefits of these intangible assets may not be reliably determined, amortization expense is generally calculated on a straight-line basis.

Amortization expense for the identifiable intangible assets associated with the VectorVision acquisition is approximately $54,000 per quarter and is included with general and administrative expenses in the fair value hierarchy within which each fair value measurement falls in its entirety, based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. In determining the appropriate levels, the Company performs an analysisCompany’s Statements of the assets and liabilities at each reporting period end.Operations.

 

The Company believes the carrying amount of its financial instruments (consisting of cash, accounts receivable, and accounts payable and accrued liabilities) approximates fair value due to the short-term nature of such instruments. The fair value of the Company’s convertible notes payable and promissory notes approximates their carrying value given the interest rates of such notes.

Concentration of Credit Risk and Other Risks and Uncertainties

Cash balances are maintained at large, well-established financial institutions. At times, cash balances may exceed federally insured limits. The Company has never experienced any losses related to these balances. Insurance coverage limits are $250,000 per depositor at each financial institution. All cash balances were fully insured at December 31, 2016 and 2015.

F-23F-30

 

Inventories

The Company’s inventories are stated at the lower of weighted-average cost or market. The cost of finished goods and raw materials is determined on a first-in, first-out basis. The Company evaluates its inventories for obsolescence and recoverability at each reporting period.

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment are initially recorded at their historical cost. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the depreciable assets (ranging from three to seven years). Leasehold improvements are amortized on a straight-line basis over the shorter of their estimated useful lives or the remaining lease term.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

 

The Company reviews long-lived assets, consisting ofincluding property and equipment, identifiable intangible assets, and goodwill for impairment at each fiscal year end or when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value of these assets may exceed their current fair values. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to the estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its estimated future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the fair value of the assets. Assets to be disposed of are separately presented in the balance sheet and reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell and are no longer depreciated. The Company has not historically recorded any impairment to its long-lived assets. In the future, if events or market conditions affect the estimated fair value to the extent that a long-lived asset is impaired, the Company will adjust the carrying value of these long-lived assets in the period in which the impairment occurs. As of June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2016 and 2015,2018, the Company had not deemed any long-lived assets as impaired and was not aware of the existence of any indicators of impairment at such dates.

Deferred Offering Costs

Deferred offering costs consist principally of legal, accounting, and underwriters’ fees incurred related to the equity financings. These deferred offering costs will be charged against the gross proceeds received during the appropriate period. During the period ended June 30, 2019, $270,000 of offering costs deferred at December 31, 2018 were offset to paid in capital upon completion of our April 2019 offering. As of June 30, 2019, $19,000 of costs have been deferred relating to offerings in process.

Revenue Recognition

 

The Company’s revenue is comprised of sales of medical foods and dietary supplements to consumers through a direct sales/credit card process. In addition, the Company sells medical device equipment and supplies to customers both in the U.S. and internationally.

Tthe Company recognizes revenue in accordance with ASU 2014-09,Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)(“ASU 2014-09” or “Topic 606”) and all related amendments. The standard provides authoritative guidance clarifying the principles for recognizing revenue and developing a common revenue standard for U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. The core principle of the guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods and services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in the exchange for those goods or services.

Under the guidance, revenue is recognized when control of promised goods or services is transferred to the riskCompany’s customers, in an amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. The Company reviews its sales transactions to identify contractual rights, performance obligations, and transaction prices, including the allocation of lossprices to separate performance obligations, if applicable. Revenue and costs of sales are recognized once products are delivered to the customer’s control and performance obligations are satisfied.

All products sold by the Company are distinct individual products and consist of medical foods, supplemental formulas, medical devices and related supplies. The products are offered for sale as finished goods only, and there are no performance obligations required post-shipment for customers to derive the expected value from them. Contracts with customers contain no incentives or discounts that could cause revenue to be allocated or adjusted over time.

Control of products sold transfers to our customers upon shipment from the Company’s facilities, and collectionthe Company’s performance obligations are satisfied at that time. Shipping and handling activities are performed before the customer obtains control of the receivablegoods and therefore represent a fulfillment activity rather than a promised service to the customer. Payment for sales of Lumega-Z is reasonably assured, which generally occurs whenmade by approved credit cards. Payments for medical device sales are generally made by check, credit card, or wire transfer. Historically the product is shipped. A product isCompany has not shipped without an orderexperienced any significant payment delays from the customer and credit acceptance procedures performed.customers.

 

The Company allows forprovides a 30-day right of return to its retail Lumega-Z customers. A right of return does not represent a separate performance obligation, but because customers are allowed to return products, the consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled is variable. Upon evaluation of historical Lumega-Z and VectorVision product returns, within 30 daysthe Company determined that less than one percent of purchase. Productproducts is returned, and therefore believes it is probable that such returns will not cause a significant reversal of revenue in the future. Due to the insignificant amount of historical returns as well as the standalone nature of the Company’s products and assessment of performance obligations and transaction pricing for the years ended December 31, 2016Company’s sales contracts, the Company does not currently maintain a contract asset or liability balance at this time. The Company assesses its contracts and 2015 were insignificant.the reasonableness of its conclusions on a quarterly basis.

F-31

The following table presents the Company’s revenues disaggregated by segment:

  Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
  2019  2018 
Medical foods $204,382  $154,294 
Vision testing diagnostics  292,826   259,524 
Other  6,300   - 
  $503,508  $413,818 

Research and Development Costs

 

Research and development costs consist primarily of fees paid to consultants and outside service providers, patent fees and costs, and other expenses relating to the acquisition, design, development and testing of the Company’s medical foods and related products. Research and development expenditures which include patent related costs and stock compensation expense, are expensed as incurred and totaled $64,026$106,716 and $401,909$194,708 for the yearssix months ended December 31, 2016June 30, 2019 and 2015,2018, respectively.

Patent Costs

 

The Company is the owner of onethree issued domestic patent, onepatents, three pending domestic patent application,applications, one issued foreign patent in Europe, one issued foreign patent in Hong Kong, and three foreign patent applications in Canada, Europe and Hong Kong. Due to the significant uncertainty associated with the successful development of one or more commercially viable products based on the Company’s research efforts and any related patent applications, patent costs, including patent-related legal fees, filing fees and other costs, including internally generated costs, are expensed as incurred. During the yearssix months ended December 31, 2016June 30, 2019 and 2015,2018, patent costs were $30,942$61,482 and $26,407,$34,298, respectively, and are included in total researchgeneral and developmentadministrative costs in the statements of operations.

Leases

F-24

Convertible Notes Payable

 

When conventional convertible debt is issued with detachable warrants,Prior to January 1, 2019, the proceedsCompany accounted for leases under Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 840, Accounting for Leases. Effective from issuance are allocatedJanuary 1, 2019, the Company adopted the guidance of ASU 2016-02 (ASC 842), Leases, which requires an entity to recognize a right-of-use asset and a lease liability for virtually all leases. The Company adopted ASC 842 using a modified retrospective approach. As a result, the comparative financial information has not been updated and the required disclosures prior to the two instruments baseddate of adoption have not been updated and continue to be reported under the accounting standards in effect for those periods. The adoption of ASC 842 on their relative fair values. This method is generally appropriate if debt is issued with any other freestanding instrument that is classifiedJanuary 1, 2019 resulted in equity.the recognition of operating lease right-of-use assets of $626,667, lease liabilities for operating leases of $635,131, and a zero cumulative-effect adjustment to accumulated deficit. See Note 8 for further information regarding the impact of the adoption of ASC 842 on the Company’s financial statements.

 

When the convertible debt instrument includes both detachable instruments such as warrants, and a beneficial conversion option, the proceeds of issuance are allocated among the convertible instrument and the other detachable instruments based on their relative fair values as indicated above, and the amount allocated to the convertible instrument is further analyzed to determine if the embedded conversion option has intrinsic value. If the conversion features of conventional convertible debt provide for a rate of conversion that is below market value, then the conversion option has intrinsic value and this feature is characterized as a beneficial conversion feature (“BCF”). The Company calculates an effective conversion price based on the fair value allocated to the convertible instrument divided by the number of conversion shares based upon the conversion terms of the instrument. The resulting calculation or effective conversion price is used to measure the intrinsic value, if any, of the embedded conversion option. Stated differently, intrinsic value is calculated at the commitment date as the difference between the conversion price (effective or otherwise) and the fair value of the common stock or other securities into which the security is convertible, multiplied by the number of shares into which the security is convertible.

If the intrinsic value of the BCF is greater than the proceeds allocated to the convertible instrument, the amount of the discount assigned to the BCF is limited to the amount of the proceeds allocated to the convertible instrument. A BCF is recorded by the Company as a debt discount and in those circumstances, the convertible debt will be recorded net of the discount related to the BCF. The Company amortizes the discount to interest expense over the life of the debt using the effective interest rate method or the straight-line method, as an approximation of effective interest amortization.

Stock-Based Compensation

 

The Company periodically issues stock-based compensation to officers, directors, contractors and consultants for services rendered. Such issuances vest and expire according to terms established at the issuance date.

 

Stock-based payments to officers, and directors, and to employees, which include grants of employee stock options, are recognized in the financial statements based on their fair values.values in accordance with Topic 718. Stock option grants, which are generally time vested, will be measured at the grant date fair value and charged to operations on a straight-line basis over the vesting period. The fair value of stock options is determined utilizing the Black-Scholes option-pricing model, which is affected by several variables, including the risk-free interest rate, the expected dividend yield, the expected life of the equity award, the exercise price of the stock option as compared to the fair market value of the common stock on the grant date and the estimated volatility of the common stock over the term of the equity award.

 

The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant. Until the Company has established a trading market for its common stock, estimated volatility is based on the average historical volatilities of comparable public companies in a similar industry. The expected dividend yield is based on the current yield at the grant date; the Company has never declared or paid dividends on its common stock and has no plans to do so for the foreseeable future.

The fair value of members’ units or common stock was determined based on management’s judgment. In order to assist management in calculating such fair value, we retained a third-party valuation firm in determining the value of our Company. The third-party valuation firm’s input was utilized in determining the related per unit or share valuations of our equity used at December 31, 2016 and 2015. Management used valuations of $1.00 per unit or share in its fair value calculations for the periods between December 31, 2014 and September 30, 2016, and $0.88 per share for periods after September 30, 2016, respectively, based on various inputs, including valuation reports prepared by the third-party valuation firm as of December 31, 2016 and 2015. The fully diluted per share equivalent price is lower in 2016 than in 2015 due to the dilutive effect of the issuance of common shares as compensation during the period. There are numerous acceptable ways to estimate company value, including using net tangible assets, a market-based approach, or discounted cash flows. We considered alternative methods and concluded that due to the lack of suitably comparable market data, the discounted cash flows method was the most appropriate. A discounted cash flows (i.e. free cash flows to equity) methodology was applied by the third-party valuation firm using multiple years of balance sheet and income statement projections along with the following primary assumptions:

F-25F-32

 

 

  Year Ended December 31, 
  2016  2015 
Discount rate  16%  16%
Risk free rate  2.48%  2.27%
Rate of return  16%  16%
Sustainable growth rate  5%  5%
Company survival probability  65%  63%
Liquidation value $0  $0 

Management considered business and market factors affectingIn prior periods, the Company during the twelve-month periods ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, including capital raising efforts, its proprietary technology, and other factors. Based on this evaluation, management believes that $0.88 and $1.00 per share valuations are appropriate for accounting purposes at December 31, 2016 and 2015.

The Company accountsaccounted for stock option and warrant grants issued and vesting to non-employees in accordance with the authoritative guidance of the FASB whereaswhereby the value of the stock compensation is based upon the measurement date as determined at either a) the date at which a performance commitment is reached, or b) at the date at which the necessary performance to earn the equity instruments is complete. Non-employee stock-based compensation charges generally are amortized overOn January 1, 2019, the vesting period on a straight-line basis. In certain circumstances where there are no future performance requirements byCompany adopted Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2018-07 which expands the non-employee, grants are immediately vestedscope of Topic 718 to include share-based payment transactions for acquiring goods and the total stock-based compensation charge is recorded in the period of the measurement date.

The Company recognizes stock compensation expense on stock or unit purchases at a price less than fair value, and for fully-vested stock issued to consultants and other service providers, for the excess of fair value of the stock or units over the price paid for the stock or units.

services from nonemployees. The Company recognizes the fair value of stock-based compensation within its statements of operations with classification depending on the nature of the services rendered. The Company will issueadoption of the new shares to satisfy stock option exercises.

Income Taxesstandard had no cumulative effect on previously reported amounts.

 

The Company was a limited liability company prior to June 30, 2015, and taxed as a pass-through entity whereby substantially all income tax attributes were passed through to the individual members, except for the minimum state income tax and an LLC fee based on revenues. As of June 30, 2015, the Company became a corporation subject to U.S. federal income taxes and California state income taxes.

The Company currently accounts for income taxes under an asset and liability approach for financial accounting and reporting for income taxes. Accordingly, the Company recognizes deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected impact of differences between the financial statements and the tax basis of assets and liabilities.

The Company accounts for uncertainties in income tax law under a comprehensive model for the financial statement recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken in income tax returns as prescribed by GAAP. The tax effects of a position are recognized only if it is “more-likely-than-not” to be sustained by the taxing authority as of the reporting date. If the tax position is not considered “more-likely-than-not” to be sustained, then no benefits of the position are recognized. As of December 31, 2016, the Company had not recorded any liability for uncertain tax positions. In subsequent periods, any interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions will be recognized as a component of income tax expense.

The Company records a valuation allowance to reduce its deferred tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized. In the event the Company determines that it would be able to realize its deferred tax assets in the future in excess of its recorded amount, an adjustment to the deferred tax assets would be credited to operations in the period such determination was made. Likewise, should the Company determine that it would not be able to realize all or part of its deferred tax assets in the future, an adjustment to the deferred tax assets would be charged to operations in the period such determination was made.

F-26

Net Loss per Share

 

The Company’s computation of basic and diluted net loss per common share is measured as net loss divided by the weighted average common shares outstanding during the respective periods, excluding unvested restricted common stock. Shares of restricted stock are included in the basic weighted average number of common shares outstanding from the time they vest. The Company considers membership units to be equivalent to common shares for purposes of the computation of net loss per share. Potential common shares such as from unexercised warrants, options, and shares associated with convertible debt outstanding that have an anti-dilutive effect are excluded from the calculation of diluted net loss per share. The Company’s basic and diluted net loss per share is the same for all periods presented because all shares issuable upon exercise of warrants and conversion of convertible debt outstanding are anti-dilutive as they decrease loss per share.

 

The following table sets forth the number of shares excluded from the computation of diluted loss per share, as their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive:

 

  December 31, 
  2016  2015 
Warrants  2,923,666   1,345,166 
Estimated shares issuable upon conversion of convertible notes payable  -   1,136,519 
Shares issuable upon conversion of convertible preferred stock  2,841,930   - 
   5,765,596   2,481,685 
  June 30, 
  2019  2018 
Warrants  261,538   2,656,423 
Options  2,612,500   2,625,000 
   2,874,038   5,281,423 

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”)The Company’s management does not believe that there are any recently issued, Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09 (ASU 2014-09), Revenue from Contracts with Customers. ASU 2014-09 will eliminate transaction- and industry-specific revenue recognitionbut not yet effective, authoritative guidance, under current GAAP and replace it withif currently adopted, would have a principle based approach for determining revenue recognition. ASU 2014-09 will require that companies recognize revenue based on the value of transferred goods or services as they occur in the contract. ASU 2014-09 also will require additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments and assets recognized from costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract. Based on the FASB’s Exposure Draft Update issued on April 29, 2015, and approved in July 2015, Revenue from Contracts With Customers (Topic 606): Deferral of the Effective Date, ASU 2014-09 is now effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted only as of annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim reporting periods within that reporting period. Entities will be able to transition to the standard either retrospectively or as a cumulative-effect adjustment as of the date of adoption. The adoption of ASU 2014-09 is not expected to have anymaterial impact on the Company’s financial statement presentation or disclosures.

 

3.Segment Reporting

The Company determined its reporting units in accordance with ASC 280, “Segment Reporting” (“ASC 280”). The Company historically has reported its operating results as a single reportable segment described as the business of developing and commercializing a variety of products that support the detection, intervention and monitoring of a range of eye diseases. The Company’s chief executive officer, who is the Chief Operating Decision Maker (“CODM”), has historically reviewed financial information on an aggregated basis for purposes of allocating resources and evaluating financial performance.

In September 2017, the Company, through its wholly-owned subsidiary VectorVision Ocular Health, Inc., acquired substantially all of the assets and certain liabilities of VectorVision, Inc., a company that specialized in the standardization of contrast sensitivity, glare sensitivity, low contrast acuity, and early treatment diabetic retinopathy study (“ETDRS”) visual acuity testing. In August 2018, the Company created a wholly owned subsidiary, Transcranial Doppler Solutions, Inc. (“TDSI”). The Company has established TDSI operations with selected clinics and is focusing on expanding its client base.

F-33

Although all of the Company’s products and services target the early detection, intervention and monitoring of a range of eye diseases, the addition of potential new products or services as the Company grows requires management to periodically reevaluate its reporting structure. As sales of our medical food as well as sales of VectorVision products grow, there is an increased need for the CODM to evaluate revenue and gross profit on a product line or group basis for purposes of resource allocation. As of June 30, 2019, the TDSI subsidiary does not meet the required quantitative criteria to be considered a reportable operating segment. Additionally, TDSI does not share similar economic characteristics or a majority of the aggregation criteria set forth in ASC 280, and therefore is included in the category “Other” below. The TDSI business earned $6,300 of service revenue during the quarter ended June 30, 2019 and incurred approximately $121,000 of operating costs during the six months ended June 30, 2019. As of June 30, 2019, based on anticipated growth and the expanding diversity of product and service offerings by the Company, management has concluded that results should be reported in two operating segments: Medical Foods and Vision Testing Diagnostics. The following tables set forth our results of operations by segment (results allocated to Other consist of non-cash stock compensation expense, depreciation and amortization, corporate legal fees, and the TDSI operations):

  For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2019 
  Other  Medical Foods  Vision Testing
Diagnostics
  Total 
             
Revenue $6,300  $104,448  $150,222  $260,970 
                 
Cost of goods sold  2,559   40,681   53,816   97,056 
                 
Gross profit  3,741   63,767   96,406   163,914 
                 
Operating expenses  1,594,719   1,175,027   206,362   2,976,108 
                 
Loss from operations $(1,590,978) $(1,111,260) $(109,956) $(2,812,194)

  For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2018 
  Other  Medical Foods  Vision Testing
Diagnostics
  Total 
             
Revenue $-  $79,993  $140,785  $220,778 
                 
Cost of goods sold  -   40,959   46,817   87,776 
                 
Gross profit  -   39,034   93,968   133,002 
                 
Operating expenses  468,630   893,925   85,429   1,447,984 
                 
Loss from operations $(468,630) $(854,891) $8,539  $(1,314,982)

  For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2019 
  Other  Medical Foods  Vision Testing
Diagnostics
  Total 
             
Revenue $6,300  $204,382  $292,826  $503,508 
                 
Cost of goods sold  2,559   78,953   109,036   190,548 
                 
Gross profit  3,741   125,429   183,790   312,960 
                 
Operating expenses  1,959,838   2,003,320   347,219   4,310,377 
                 
Loss from operations $(1,956,097) $(1,877,891) $(163,429) $(3,997,417)

F-34

  For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2018 
  Other  Medical Foods  Vision Testing
Diagnostics
  Total 
             
Revenue $-  $154,294  $259,524  $413,818 
                 
Cost of goods sold  -   72,238   94,817   167,055 
                 
Gross profit  -   82,056   164,707   246,763 
                 
Operating expenses  1,523,133   2,206,967   163,752   3,893,852 
                 
Loss from operations $(1,523,133) $(2,124,911) $955  $(3,647,089)

The following tables set forth our total assets by segment. Intersegment balances and transactions have been removed:

  As of June 30, 2019 
  Other  Medical Foods  Vision Testing
Diagnostics
  Total 
Current assets                
Cash $13,355  $2,300,973  $54,317  $2,368,645 
Inventories  -   206,876   111,810   318,686 
Other  6,300   129,983   31,943   168,226 
Total current assets  19,655   2,637,832   198,070   2,855,557 
                 
Right to use asset  595,598   -   -   595,598 
Property and equipment, net  -   294,829   9,100   303,929 
Deferred offering  19,000   -   -   19,000 
Intangible assets, net  348,786   -   -   348,786 
Goodwill  1,563,520   -   -   1,563,520 
Other  -   11,751   -   11,751 
                 
Total assets $2,546,559  $2,944,412  $207,170  $5,698,141 

  As of December 31, 2018 
  Other  Medical Foods  Vision Testing
Diagnostics
  Total 
Current assets                
Cash $-  $552,613  $118,335  $670,948 
Inventories  -   235,957   122,040   357,997 
Other  -   44,110   31,866   75,976 
Total current assets  -   832,680   272,241   1,104,921 
                 
Property and equipment, net  -   264,178   10,626   274,804 
Deferred offering  270,000   -   -   270,000 
Intangible assets, net  456,104   -   -   456,104 
Goodwill  1,563,520   -   -   1,563,520 
Other  -   11,751   -   11,751 
                 
Total assets $2,289,624  $1,108,609  $282,867  $3,681,100 

F-35

4.Inventories

Inventories consisted of the following:

  June 30,  December 31, 
  2019  2018 
Raw materials $248,021  $282,574 
Finished goods  70,665   75,423 
  $318,686  $357,997 

5.Property and Equipment, net

Property and equipment consisted of the following:

  June 30,  December 31, 
  2019  2018 
Leasehold improvements $98,357  $98,357 
Testing equipment  300,448   249,447 
Furniture and fixtures  171,121   163,186 
Computer equipment  64,976   64,976 
Office equipment  8,193   8,193 
   643,095   584,159 
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization  (339,166)  (309,355)
  $303,929  $274,804 

For the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, depreciation and amortization expense was $29,810 and $41,243, respectively, of which $0 and $15,376 was included in research and development expense, $19,065 and $4,138 was included in sales and marketing expense, and $10,745 and $21,729 was included in general and administrative expense, respectively.

6.Intangible Assets

The Company’s intangible assets, including finite-lived intangible assets and $50,000 of non-amortizable purchased intellectual property, consisted of the following:

  June 30,  December 31, 
  2019  2018 
Customer relationships $430,700  $430,700 
Technology  161,100   161,100 
Trade Names  115,600   115,600 
Noncompetition  17,000   17,000 
   724,400   724,400 
Less accumulated amortization  (375,614)  (268,296)
  $348,786  $456,104 

The Company’s amortization expense on its finite-lived intangible assets was $107,318 and $107,318 for the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

F-36

The Company estimates future amortization expense on its finite-lived intangible assets as of June 30, 2019 to be as follows:

For Years Ended December 31,   
2019 $107,318 
2020  165,320 
2021  16,307 
2022  9,840 
  $298,785 

7.Promissory Notes

Promissory Note

On March 12, 2019, the Company issued a promissory note with principal in the amount of $100,000, simple interest of 10% annually, and with a maturity date of June 10, 2019. On April 11, 2019, the Company repaid the promissory note for a total of $100,548 including accrued interest.

Convertible Notes and Related Warrants

On March 15, 2019, the Company issued a convertible note with principal in the amount of $100,000, simple interest of 5% annually, and with a maturity date of September 30, 2019. In addition, on March 20, 2019, the Company issued a convertible note with principal in the amount of $150,000, simple interest of 5% annually, and with a maturity date of September 30, 2019. The convertible notes (principal and accrued interest) were mandatorily convertible upon the consummation of the IPO. Concurrent with the issuance of the notes, the Company issued warrants to both note holders equal to the number of shares of common stock that the holders receive in connection with the converted notes. The per share exercise price of the warrants was set at 125% of the conversion price of the notes, defined in the note agreements, as the lower of (a) 75% of the price per share of common stock of the IPO or (b) $2.30. The Company determined that it would have to issue 109,038 warrants based upon the completion of the IPO in April 2019

Due to the variable terms of both the exercise price and the number of warrants to be issued, the warrants were accounted for as derivative liabilities at March 31, 2019. The aggregate fair value of the warrants was calculated as $436,034 based on a probability effected Black-Scholes option pricing model with a stock price of $4.00, volatility of 138%, and risk-free rates ranging from 2.34% - 2.39%. The Company recognized a debt discount of $250,000 equal to the face amount of the convertible notes and recorded a financing cost of $186,034 equal to the difference between the fair value of the warrants and the debt discount.

The convertible notes and accrued interest with an aggregate balance of $250,788 were mandatorily converted into 109,038 shares of common stock based on a conversion price of $2.30 per share upon the consummation of the IPO in April 2019.and the valuation discount of $250,000 was recognized as interest cost.

8.Lease Liabilities

In October 2012, the Company entered into a lease agreement for 9,605 square feet of office and warehouse space commencing March 1, 2013. Upon entering into the agreement, the Company paid a deposit of $47,449, of which $36,979 represented prepaid rent. As of June 30, 2019, $11,751 remained on deposit under the lease agreement. The lease (“Lease 1”) was renewed for an additional five years in 2018. As of June 30, 2019, remaining average monthly lease payments under the amended lease agreement were $12,915 through July 2023.

In connection with the VectorVision acquisition on September 29, 2017, the Company assumed a lease agreement for 5,000 square feet of office and warehouse space which commenced on October 1, 2017. The lease (“Lease 2”) was renewed for an additional 65 months. As of June 30, 2019, remaining average monthly lease payments are $1,838 through February 2016,2023.

In accounting for the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-02 (ASU 2016-02), Leases (Topic 842).leases, the Company adopted ASU 2016-02 - Leases, which requires a lessee to record a right-of-use asset and a corresponding lease liability at the inception of the lease initially measured at the present value of the lease payments. The Company classified the leases as operating leases and determined that the fair value of Lease 1 at the inception of the lease was $625,778 using a discount rate of 8.0%. the fair value of Lease 2 at the inception of the lease was $100,742 using a discount rate of 8%. During the six months ended June 30, 2019, the Company made combined payments on both leases of $82,434 towards the balance sheetlease liabilities. As of June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the lease liability for all leases with terms longer than 12 months, as well asLease 1 was $536,672 and $586,082, respectively, and the disclosure of key information about leasing arrangements.lease liability for Lease 2 was $69,703 and $77,137, respectively. ASU 2016-02 requires recognition in the statement of operations of a single lease cost, calculated so that the cost of the lease is allocated over the lease term, generally on a straight-line basis. ASU 2016-02 requires classificationCombined rent expense for both leases for the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018 was $87,161 and $10,671, respectively. During the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, the Company reflected amortization of all cash payments within operating activitiesright of use asset of $61,571 and $7,152 related to the leases, respectively, resulting in the statementa net asset balance of cash flows. Disclosures are required to provide the amount, timing and uncertainty$595,598 as of cash flows arising from leases. A modified retrospective transition approach is required for lessees for capital and operating leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements, with certain practical expedients available. ASU 2016-02 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early application is permitted. The Company has not yet evaluated the impact of the adoption of ASU 2016-02 on the Company’s financial statement presentation or disclosures.June 30, 2019.

 

F-27

In March 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-09 (ASU 2016-09), Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting. ASU 2016-09 requires, among other things, that all income tax effects of awards be recognized in the statement of operations when the awards vest or are settled. ASU 2016-09 also allows for an employer to repurchase more of an employee’s shares than it can today for tax withholding purposes without triggering liability accounting and allows for a policy election to account for forfeitures as they occur. ASU 2016-09 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted for any entity in any interim or annual period. The adoption of ASU 2016-09 is not expected to have any impact on the Company’s financial statement presentation or disclosures.

Management does not believe that any other recently issued, but not yet effective, authoritative guidance, if currently adopted, would have a material impact on the Company’s financial statement presentation or disclosures.

3.Inventories

Inventories consisted of the following:

  December 31, 
  2016  2015 
Raw materials $40,679  $26,534 
Finished goods  3,320   4,029 
  $43,999  $30,563 

4.Property and Equipment, net

Property and equipment consisted of the following:

  December 31, 
  2016  2015 
Leasehold improvements $98,357  $98,357 
Testing equipment  145,503   145,503 
Furniture and fixtures  15,348   15,189 
Computer equipment  15,277   12,082 
Office equipment  2,694   2,694 
   277,179   273,825 
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization  (163,159)  (103,030)
  $114,020  $170,795 

For the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, depreciation and amortization expense was $60,129 and $53,741, respectively, of which $27,490 and $37,508 was included in research and development expense, respectively, and $32,639 and $16,233 was included in general and administrative expense, respectively.

5.Convertible Notes Payable

  December 31, 
  2016  2015 
Year of issuance:      
2010 (due August 2013) $25,000  $25,000 
2015 (due May 2017)  -   500,000 
Accrued interest  19,323   32,890 
Total principal and interest  44,323   557,890 
Non-current portion of convertible notes payable  -   516,575 
Current portion of notes payable $44,323  $41,315 

F-28

Notes Issued in 2016 and Converted

During 2016, the Company issued convertible notes payable in the principal amount of $136,000, with simple interest of 10% per year, due at maturity and an average term of 8 months. The notes were convertible at a price of $0.60 upon the occurrence of a public company event or upon voluntary election of the majority of note holders, all as defined in the notes. The holders received warrants, with three-year terms, to purchase 136,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $1.00 per share. The Company recognized a debt discount at the dates of issuance in the aggregate amount of $136,000 related to the relative fair value of the warrants and beneficial conversion features, which comprised $70,949 related to the intrinsic value of beneficial conversion features and $65,051 related to the relative fair value of the warrants. The aggregate fair value allocated to the warrants of $65,051 was based on a probability effected Black-Scholes option pricing model with a stock price of $1.00, volatility of 111% - 113% and risk-free rates of 0.81% - 0.90%.

During 2016, the Company issued 242,878 shares of the Company’s common stock upon the conversion of $145,724 of outstanding principal and interest pursuant to the terms of the convertible notes. During the year ended December 31, 2016 the Company amortized a total of $136,000 of valuation discount as interest expense, including applicable portions upon conversion of the notes.

2015 and Prior Issuances

In July 2010, the Company issued an unsecured convertible note payable in the amount of $25,000. The note carries simple interest at a rate of 12% per annum and became due and payable on August 1, 2013. The outstanding amounts are convertible into shares of common stock of the Company at conversion prices of $0.08 per share. This note is currently outstanding and past due, and $19,323 of accrued interest is recorded as of December 31, 2016.

In May 2015, the Company issued a convertible note in the principal amount of $500,000, with interest at 5% per year, and a two-year maturity. The note was convertible within 10 business days after a Going Public Event, which is defined as the occurrence of any of the following:

lThe registration of any class of securities of the Borrower pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended;
lThe registration of any class of securities of the Borrower pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended;
lThe merger by and between the Company and an entity subject to the reporting obligations under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including both shell and non-shell companies; provided, however, that the Borrower and its equity holders must receive 50% or more of the equity interest in the Reporting Company immediately after the merger.

Upon conversion of the principal amount of the note, the holder was entitled to an undiluted 4.76% equity interest in the Company (as defined). This note was fully converted in 2016, as follows:

On December 27, 2016, the Company received a Notice of Effectiveness from the SEC pursuant to its registration of common stock under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. On December 31, 2016, the $500,000 note and related accrued interest of $41,644 was converted into 1,408,854 shares of common stock with a fair value of $1,239,792. Pursuant to ASC 480-10-25-14(b), the Company determined that the note is a conditional obligation to issue a variable number of shares with a monetary value that varies based on something other than the fair value of the shares, and is appropriately recorded as a liability under ASC 480-10. Per ASC 480-10-30, obligations to issue a variable number of shares should be measured subsequently at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in earnings, unless other GAAP specifies another measurement attribute. Due to the terms of the note, at issuance in May 2015 it was not practicable to determine a relative fair value for the conversion feature at that time. On December 27, 2016, the going public event occurred when the Company’s Form S-1 was declared effective by the SEC. On December 31, 2016, the holder converted a total of $500,000 note principal and accrued interest of $41,644, into 1,408,854 shares of common stock. At December 31, 2016, the Company had an outside valuation firm determine that the market price of the Company’s stock was $0.88 per share. The fair value of the note principal and accrued interest was $1,239,792 as evidenced by the fair value of shares received upon conversion. Accordingly, at December 31, 2016, the Company recorded a change in fair value expense of $698,147.

F-29

As of December 31, 2014, the Company had outstanding $1,137,500 of convertible notes, $237,937 of accrued interest, and $338,510 of unamortized note discount related to the conversion features and warrants issued to the note holders. In addition, during 2015, the Company issued convertible notes payable in the principal amount of $42,500, with simple interest of 10 - 12% per year, due at maturity and an average term of 3 years. The notes are convertible at a price of $0.50 upon the occurrence of a public company event or the next equity financing, or upon voluntary election of the majority of note holders, all as defined in the notes. Certain holders received warrants to purchase 31,687 membership interests equal to 50% of the number of membership units issued upon conversion of the notes, at a price per unit of $0.60 for 50% of the warrants and a price per unit of $0.75 for the remaining 50% of the warrants, with three year terms and contingent upon the conversion of the related note. The Company recognized a debt discount at the dates of issuance in the aggregate amount of $42,500 related to the relative fair value of the warrants and beneficial conversion features, which comprised $25,844 related to the intrinsic value of beneficial conversion features and $16,656 related to the relative fair value of the warrants. The aggregate fair value allocated to the warrants of $16,656 was based on a probability effected Black-Scholes option pricing model with a stock price of $1.50, volatility of 104% - 109% and risk-free rates of 0.83% - 1.03%. All of these notes were converted in 2015, as follows:

During 2015, the Company issued 1,793,692 membership units upon the conversion of $986,542 of outstanding principal and interest pursuant to the terms of the convertible note agreements. Upon conversion, the remaining unamortized debt discount of $119,972 was charged to interest expense. In August 2015, the Company issued 886,988 shares of the Company’s common stock upon the conversion of $480,833 of outstanding principal and interest pursuant to the terms of the convertible notes. Upon conversion, the remaining unamortized debt discount of $143,971 was charged to interest expense.

In connection with the 2015 conversion of notes payable, the Company issued 995,926 membership units valued at $1,135,356 to the holders of the notes as an inducement to convert their notes payable. In addition, as a further inducement to convert the notes, the Company offered to certain holders of the notes 146,000 warrants valued at $165,072 to acquire membership units. The fair value of the warrants was based on a Black-Scholes option pricing model, with a stock price of $1.14, volatility of 113%, and a risk-free interest rate of 0.97%. In connection with the August 2015 conversion of notes payable, the Company issued 50,348 shares of its common stock valued at $57,397 to the holders of the notes as an inducement to convert their notes payable, which was calculated as the excess of the shares actually received over the shares the holder was entitled to receive per the terms of their respective note agreements, multiplied by the fair value of the Company’s common stock of $1.14 per share. Upon conversion, the remaining unamortized debt discount of $381,009 was charged to interest expense.

As of December 31, 2014, the Company had Convertible notes payable of $400,000 and accrued interest of $114,693 outstanding from loans provided to the Company from various related party unit holders. These notes carried simple interest at a rate of 12% per annum and approximate three year terms. In lieu of the repayment of the principal and accrued interest, the outstanding amounts were convertible into membership units at conversion prices ranging from $0.45 - $0.55 per share. The debt discount associated with the notes payable to related parties at December 31, 2014 of $62,052 represented the unamortized discount related to beneficial conversion features and outstanding warrants to purchase membership units, which was amortized to interest expense over the life of the corresponding note payable. These notes were converted in 2015, as follows:

In May 2015, the Company issued 865,602 membership units upon the conversion of $442,493 of outstanding principal and a portion of accrued interest. Upon conversion, the remaining unamortized debt discount was charged to interest expense. In addition, as an inducement to convert the notes, the Company offered to certain holders 350,001 warrants valued at $341,785 to acquire membership units. The fair value of the warrants was based on a Black-Scholes option-pricing model, with a stock price of $1.14, volatility of 113%, a risk-free interest rate of 0.97%, and was recognized as a financing cost.

F-30F-37

 

 

9.6.Promissory NotesContingencies

  December 31, 
  2016  2015 
Year of issuance:        
2015 (due June 2016) $-  $100,000 
2016 (due November 2016)  10,000   - 
Accrued interest  251   425 
Total principal and interest  10,251   100,425 
Debt discount – unamortized balance  -   (36,018)
Promissory notes payable, net $10,251  $64,407 

2016 Issuances

In 2016, the Company issued $170,000 of promissory notes to various outside investors, with simple interest rates ranging from 4% - 9% and a weighted average term at issuance of approximately three months. The holders received 187,500 warrants to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock at a price per share of between $0.25 and $0.50 with three year terms. The Company recognized a debt discount at the dates of issuance in the aggregate amount of $87,627 related to the relative fair value of the warrants. The aggregate fair value of the warrants of $183,753 was based on a Black-Scholes option-pricing model with a stock price of $1.00, volatility of 111 - 116%, and risk-free interest rates of 0.91 – 1.06%. In addition, in August of 2016, the Company issued a $50,000 promissory note to an investor with simple interest of 8% and a term at issuance of two months. The holder received 50,000 warrants to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock at a price per share of $0.25 with three year terms. The Company recognized a debt discount at the date of issuance in the aggregate amount of $24,726 related to the fair value of the warrants. The aggregate fair value of the warrants of $48,917 was based on a Black-Scholes option-pricing model with a stock price of $1.00, volatility of 122%, and a risk-free interest rate of 0.87%. Of the total $220,000 of these notes, $210,000 has been repaid or converted to common stock in 2016, as follows:

In June of 2016, $100,000 of the promissory notes was repaid to an outside investor. In December 2016, $110,000 in principal plus $5,462 in accrued interest was converted into 115,462 shares of preferred stock with a fair value of $169,344, resulting in a cost of extinguishment of $53,882. Upon conversion, the remaining unamortized debt discount was charged to interest expense. The remaining $10,000 note is currently outstanding and past due, and $251 of accrued interest is recorded as of December 31, 2016.

2015 and Prior Issuances

In November 2015, the Company issued a $100,000 promissory note to an outside investor with a term of six months. The holder received 100,000 warrants to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock at a price per share of $0.25 and a term of three years. The Company recognized a debt discount at the date of issuance in the aggregate amount of $49,339 related to the fair value of the warrants. The aggregate fair value of the warrants of $97,392 was based on a Black-Scholes option-pricing model with a stock price of $1.14, volatility of 101%, and a risk-free interest rate of 1.24%. During the year ended December 31, 2015, debt discount of $13,321 was amortized to interest expense. On December 31, 2016, the promissory note for $100,000 plus accrued interest of $8,836 was converted into 108,836 shares of preferred stock with a fair value of $159,626, resulting in a cost of extinguishment of $50,790. The remaining of unamortized debt discount was charged to interest expense.

As of December 31, 2014, the Company had outstanding promissory notes of $235,000, accrued interest of $18,158, and unamortized debt discount of $108,049. In August 2015, the Company issued 441,358 shares of its common stock valued at $503,149 upon the conversion of $260,900 of outstanding principal and interest. Upon conversion, the remaining unamortized debt discount was charged to interest expense. The Company recognized a loss on settlement of promissory notes of $242,249.

7.Promissory Notes – Related Party

  December 31, 
  2016  2015 
Year of issuance:        
2015 (due December 2015 through March 2016) $-  $200,000 
2016 (due September 2016)  14,000   - 
Accrued interest  2,805   3,872 
Total principal and interest  16,805   203,872 
Debt discount – unamortized balance  -   (54,639)
Promissory notes payable – related party, net $16,805  $149,233 

F-31

2016 Issuances

In 2016, the Company issued $140,000 of promissory notes to various related party investors, with a weighted average term at issuance of approximately four months. The holders received 280,000 warrants to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock at a price per share of between $0.25 and $0.50 with three-year terms. The Company recognized a debt discount at the dates of issuance in the aggregate amount of $92,671 related to the relative fair value of the warrants. The aggregate fair value of the warrants of $272,748 was based on a Black-Scholes option-pricing model with a stock price of $1.00, volatility of 109 - 113%, and risk-free interest rates of 0.93 – 1.31%.

During 2016, $51,000 of the promissory notes were repaid. On December 31, 2016, $75,000 in principal plus $7,833 in accrued interest was converted into 82,834 shares of preferred stock with a fair value of $121,490, resulting in a cost of extinguishment of $38,657. Upon conversion, the remaining unamortized debt discount was charged to interest expense. The remaining $14,000 note is currently outstanding and past due, and $2,805 of accrued interest is recorded as of December 31, 2016.

2015 and Prior Issuances

In 2015, the Company issued $200,000 of promissory notes to a related party investor, with three month terms at issuance. The holder received 400,000 warrants to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock at a price per share of between $0.25 and $0.50 with three year terms. The Company recognized a debt discount at the dates of issuance in the aggregate amount of $132,237 related to the fair value of the warrants. The aggregate fair value of the warrants of $390,292 was based on a Black-Scholes option-pricing model with a stock price of $1.14, volatility of 100 - 105%, and risk-free interest rates of 0.92 – 1.33%. On December 31, 2016, $200,000 in principal plus $28,019 in accrued interest was converted into 228,021 shares of preferred stock with a fair value of $334,431, resulting in a cost of extinguishment of $106,412. Upon conversion, the remaining unamortized debt discount was charged to interest expense.

8.Commitments and Contingencies

Operating Lease

In October 2012, the Company entered into a lease agreement for 9,605 square feet of office and warehouse space commencing March 1, 2013. As of December 31, 2016, remaining average monthly lease payments were $10,227 through July 2018. Upon entering into the agreement, the Company paid a deposit of $47,449, of which $36,979 represented prepaid rent. As of December 31, 2016, $10,470 remained on deposit under the lease agreement.

As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company had accrued and deferred rent payable for its office and warehouse facilities under its lease agreement in the aggregate of $85,399 and $143,077, respectively.

The approximate future minimum lease payments under non-cancelable operating leases at December 31, 2016 are as follows:

Years ending December 31,

2017 $121,599 
2018  72,710 
  $194,309 

Rent expense was $106,217 and $106,217 for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

F-32

Contingencies

 

The Company is periodically the subject toof various pending or threatened legal actions and claims and assessments from time to timearising out of its operations in the ordinarynormal course of business. The Company’sIn the opinion of management does not believe that any such matters, individually orof the Company, adequate provision has been made in the aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.statements at June 30, 2019 with respect to such matters.

 

10.9.Stockholders’ DeficitEquity (Deficit)

 

As of December 31, 2016, the Company is authorized to issue is 100,000,000 shares of stock, consisting of 90,000,000 shares of common stock with a par value of $0.001 per share and 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock with a par value of $0.001 per share. At December 31, 2016, the Company had 25,046,438 shares of common stock issued and outstanding, and 1,705,154 shares of preferred stock issued and outstanding.

On October 30, 2015, the Company amended its Certificate of Incorporation to change the par value of its common stock and preferred stock from $0.0001 per share to $0.001 per share.

On June 30, 2015 the Company changed its form of organization from a limited liability company to a corporation under the laws of the State of Delaware and all LLC membership units were converted to common stock on a one for one basis. The Company was previously governed by the terms and conditions of the Guardion Health Sciences, LLC Second Amended and Restated Operating Agreement dated January 28, 2012 (the “Operating Agreement”) and had one authorized class of units, and one class of members which consisted of four members. The LLC’s business, property, and affairs were managed exclusively by the manager. Members’ voting rights were in direct proportion to their Membership Interests.

Preferred Stock

2016

During 2016, the Company sold 1,170,000 shares of the Company’s Series A Senior Convertible Preferred Stock to various investors. The purchase price of the stock was $1.00 per share, for an aggregate purchase price of $1,170,000. In addition, the Company issued 535,154 shares of its preferred stock with a fair value of $784,888 upon conversion of $535,149 of notes payable and accrued interest. The stock has a stated value of $1.00 per share and accrues an annual dividend at the rate of 8% of the stated value, calculated quarterly, to be paid in shares of common stock at the rate of $0.60 per share. Dividends are payable to holders of record quarterly, on the last business day of each calendar quarter, from the date of issuance, as may be declared by the Board of Directors, and are cumulative.

At the option of the holder, the Preferred Stock (including accrued but unpaid dividends) may be converted into shares of the Company’s common stock commencing January 1, 2017 at $0.60 per share. The Preferred Stock (including accrued but unpaid dividends) shall automatically convert into shares of common stock in the event that the Company receives gross proceeds of at least $4,000,000 in one or more equity financing transactions subsequent to September 30, 2016, or if the ten (10) day Volume Weighted Average Price per share of common stock is $2.00 or more. If not converted by September 30, 2019, the Preferred Stock (including accrued but unpaid dividends) shall automatically and mandatorily convert into shares of common stock at $0.60 per share. Such mandatory conversion shall be subject to either a registration statement having been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the common stock underlying the Preferred Stock, and being in effect, or all shares of underlying common stock being saleable under Rule 144 pursuant to the Securities Act without regard to volume limitations.

The issuance of the 1,170,000 shares of convertible preferred stock gave rise to a beneficial conversion feature due to the stated conversion price of $0.60 per share being less than the market price of the shares at the issuance date as determined by a third-party valuation. The Company accounted for the beneficial conversion features in accordance with ASC 470-20, Accounting for Debt with Conversion and Other Options. The Company calculated a total deemed dividend on the Series A Senior Convertible Preferred Stock of $779,586 at December 31, 2016, which equals the amount by which the estimated fair value of the common stock issuable upon conversion of the issued preferred stock exceeded the proceeds from such issuances. The deemed dividend on the preferred stock is accreted using the effective interest method from the respective issuance dates through the earliest conversion date of January 1, 2017. The accretion of the deemed dividend for the year ended December 31, 2016 was $760,011. The remaining balance of $19,575, representing the amount allocable to the January 1, 2017 earliest conversion date, will be accreted in January 2017.

F-33

The Preferred Stock will vote with the common stock on an “as converted” basis and has standard anti-dilution rights, exclusive of price protection. Upon any liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of the Company, whether voluntary or involuntary, no distribution shall be made to the holders of any shares of common stock of the Company unless, prior thereto, the holders of the Preferred Stock shall have received out of the available assets of the Company, whether capital or surplus, an amount equal to 100% of the stated value, plus any accrued and unpaid dividends thereon. If the assets of the Company are insufficient to pay in full such amounts due the holders of the Preferred Stock, then the entire assets shall be distributed ratably among the holders of the Preferred Stock in accordance with the respective amounts that would be payable on such shares of Preferred Stock if all amounts payable thereon were paid in full. The Preferred Stock will be senior to any other classes or series of preferred stock that may subsequently be issued.

Preferred shareholders have unlimited piggyback registration rights. Holders of a majority of the shares of Preferred Stock (based on the $1.00 stated value) outstanding shall have the right to one demand registration during the three (3) years following the effective date of the Company’s registration statement under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, so long as at least $500,000 of Preferred Stock has been sold in this Preferred Stock private placement and $250,000 of Preferred Stock is still outstanding. This demand registration right will terminate when all shares of Preferred Stock have been converted into common stock.

In the event of a merger or acquisition or change in control of the Company, the Preferred Stock (including all accrued but unpaid dividends) will be deemed converted into shares of common stock immediately prior to the closing of such a transaction.

Sale of the Company’s Series A Senior Convertible Preferred Stock was completed on December 31, 2016. There was no preferred stock issued during the year ended December 31, 2015.

During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company declared dividends of $35,018 to its preferred shareholders which were paid through the issuance of 58,377 shares of common stock.

Common Stock

2016

Prior to 2016, the Company issued 1,260,000 shares of restricted common stock to service providers valued at $1,435,024, of which $601,344 had been recognized as expense.

During 2016, the Company issued an additional 145,000 shares of restricted common stock for services rendered. These shares are subject to vesting requirements over 9 to 12 months and remain subject to forfeiture if vesting conditions are not met. The aggregate fair value of the stock was $145,348 based on a valuation per share of $1.00 on the date of grant.

During 2016, the Company recorded $864,752 of expense related to the vested portion of restricted stock issued in 2015 and 2016. As of December 31, 2016, $111,369 is expected to be recorded in future periods related to the restricted stock.

Additional details of the Company’s restricted common stock are as follows:

  Number of Shares  Weighted Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
Per Share
 
Non-vested, December 31, 2014  -  $- 
Issued  1,260,000   1.14 
Vested  (252,500)  1.14 
Forfeited  -   - 
Non-vested, December 31, 2015  1,007,500   1.14 
Issued  145,000   1.00 
Vested  (800,000)  1.12 
Forfeited  -   - 
Non-vested, December 31, 2016  352,500  $1.13 

F-34

During 2016, the Company also issued 595,000 fully vested shares of common stock for services rendered. During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company recognized $560,932 in stock compensation expense related to these shares.

During 2016, the Company issued 1,651,732 shares of common stock with a fair value of $1,385,515 upon conversion of notes payable and accrued interest of $687,368 resulting in a loss on conversion of $698,147.

On December 31, 2016, the Company issued 684,933 shares of common stock with a fair value of $602,741 to our CEO, Michael Favish, in settlement of $410,960 of previously accrued management and other fees earned by Mr. Favish from December 2013 through December 2016. The difference of $191,781 between the fair value of the shares issued and accrued fees was reflected as additional compensation expense in general and administrative expenses.

2015

During 2015, the Company sold 2,303,227 membership units to two consultants for aggregate cash consideration of $2,303. These membership units had a fair value of $2,625,679 or $1.14 per unit. Accordingly, the Company recognized $2,623,376 in stock compensation from this transaction in 2015. During 2015, the Company issued 1,459,091 shares of the Company’s common stock for services rendered. The shares were valued in total at $1,662,676, or $1.14 per share.

Warrants

2016

During 2016, in connection with a related party investor’s short-term loan agreements with maturity dates ranging from December 29, 2015 to April 24, 2016, the Company agreed to issue interest in the form of warrants (the “post-maturity warrants”) in addition to the continued accrual of the stated interest (12%) on these loans, for which principal and accrued interest had not been paid as of December 31, 2016. The loans were originally issued with accompanying warrants at a rate of 2 warrants for each dollar of investment. Additional post-maturity warrants were granted monthly, beginning December 30, 2015, at the rate of 1/10 of the number of original warrant shares held, until the related loans and interest are paid in full. Post-maturity warrants have an exercise price of $0.25, are immediately vested, and are exercisable for a period of three years. Accordingly, as of December 31, 2016, the Company has granted 585,000 post-maturity warrants to this investor. The warrants were valued at $575,673, based upon the Black-Scholes option-pricing model, with a stock price of $1.00, average volatility of 118% and average risk free interest rate of 1.01%. The Company recognized $575,673 of interest expense from this transaction.

In May 2016, the Company issued warrants to purchase 250,000 shares of its common stock, with an exercise price of $0.25 per share, as compensation for services rendered. The warrants were valued at $246,341, based upon the Black-Scholes option-pricing model, with a stock price of $1.00, volatility of 116% and a risk-free interest rate of 1.08%. The warrants are fully vested and non-forfeitable. The Company recognized $246,341 in stock compensation from this transaction, which was recorded in general and administrative expenses in the statement of operations.

In June 2016, the Company issued warrants to purchase 100,000 shares of its common stock, with an exercise price of $0.25 per share, as compensation for services rendered. The warrants were valued at $98,505, based upon the Black-Scholes option-pricing model, with a stock price of $1.00, volatility of 116% and a risk-free interest rate of 1.07%. The warrants are fully vested and non-forfeitable. The Company recognized $98,505 in stock compensation from this transaction, which was recorded in general and administrative expenses in the statement of operations.

F-35

 

A summary of the Company’s warrant activity is as follows:

 

Membership
Units or
Shares
December 31, 20141,317,894
Granted1,832,916
Forfeitures(782,307)
Exercised(1,033,337)
December 31, 20151,335,166
Granted1,588,500
December 31, 2016, all exercisable2,923,666
  Shares  

Weighted
Average

Exercise

Price

  Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term (Years)
 
December 31, 2018  1,265,674   0.71   0.29 
Granted  171,538   2.39   3.11 
Forfeitures  -   -   - 
Expirations  (279,424)  (1.96)  - 
Exercised  (896,250)  (1.88)  - 
June 30, 2019, all exercisable  261,538  $2.81   3.35 

 

Additional detailsThe exercise prices of the Company’swarrants outstanding and exercisable warrantsas of June 30, 2019 are as follows:

 

Outstanding at: Membership
Units or Shares
  Weighted Average
Exercise Price
 
December 31, 2014  1,317,894  $0.37 
December 31, 2015  1,335,166  $0.56 
December 31, 2016  2,923,666  $0.37 
Warrants Outstanding and Exercisable (Shares)  Exercise Prices 
 25,000  $0.50 
 65,000   1.50 
 109,038   2.88 
 62,500   5.00 
 261,538     

Between February 11, 2019 and May 21, 2019, investors net exercised a total of 632,500 warrants for 492,256 shares of common stock on a cashless basis.

Between February 11, 2019 and May 21, 2019, investors exercised warrants for 263,750 shares of common stock. The warrants were exercisable for $0.50 per share, and the Company received $131,875 in cash.

 

As of December 31, 2016,June 30, 2019, the Company had an aggregate of 2,923,666261,538 outstanding warrants to purchase shares of its common stock with a weighted average exercise price of $2.81, a weighted average remaining life of 1.43.35 years and an aggregate intrinsic value of $1,285,712,$19,000, based upon a stock valuation of $0.88$1.26 per share. The intrinsic value is calculated as the difference between the market value of the underlying common stock and the exercise price of the warrants.

2015

During 2015, in connection with the issuance of notes payable of $42,500 convertible at a price of $0.50 per membership unit upon certain events, the Company issued 31,687 warrants to purchase membership units equal to 50% of the number of units issued upon conversion of the notes, at a price per unit of $0.60 for 50% of the warrants and a price per unit of $0.75 for the remaining 50% of the warrants, with three year terms and contingent upon the conversion of the related notes.

On May 1 2015, the Company issued warrants valued at $506,857 to purchase 496,001 membership units at a weighted average exercise price of $0.21 per unit with 3 year terms, as inducements to convert notes payable, as more fully described at Note 5 and Note 6.

On May 1, 2015, the Company issued 450,000 membership units to a related party upon exercise of 450,000 warrants at a weighted average exercise price of $0.20 per unit. In lieu of the aggregate cash payment of $90,000, the holder applied $90,000 of accrued interest towards the exercise price of the warrants.

During 2015, the Company issued 250,001 shares of the Company’s common stock upon exercise of 250,001 warrants for aggregate cash consideration of $75,000. The Company also issued 333,336 shares of the Company’s common stock upon exercise of 333,336 warrants at an average exercise price of $0.01 per share. In lieu of the aggregate cash payment of $3,334, the holder applied $3,334 of accrued interest toward the exercise price of the warrants.

On August 10, 2015, the Company issued warrants to purchase 28,176 shares of its common stock at an exercise price of $0.01 per share and a three-year term in settlement of $15,497 of accounts payable. The warrants were valued at $31,853, based upon the Black-Scholes option-pricing model, with a stock price of $1.14, volatility of 105% and a risk-free interest rate of 1.09%. The Company recognized a loss on settlement of accounts payable of $16,357.

10.Related Party Transactions

Due to and from related parties represents unreimbursed expenses and compensation incurred on behalf of, and amounts loaned to the Company by, Michael Favish, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, as well as other shareholders. The advances are unsecured, non-interest bearing and are due on demand. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company had $91,483 and $286,844, respectively, due to related parties.

F-36

The Company paid management fees directly to Michael Favish prior to the Company’s conversion to a corporation. During the first six months of 2015, the Company accrued management fees of $106,250 and paid $6,250. During the remaining six-month period ended December 31, 2015 (subsequent to conversion to a corporation in June of 2015), the Company accrued salary expense of $100,000 and paid $0. During the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2016, the Company accrued salary expense of $250,000 and paid $48,500. For all periods presented, accrued amounts are included in general and administrative expenses.

On December 31, 2016, the Company issued 684,933 shares of common stock with a fair value of 602,741 to our CEO, Michael Favish, in settlement of $410,960 of previously accrued management and other fees earned by Mr. Favish from 2013 through 2016. The difference of $191,781 between the fair value of the shares issued and accrued fees was reflected as additional compensation in general and administrative expenses.

On December 31, 2016, the Company awarded stock grants to its management and directors as compensation for services rendered. This included 50,000 shares each to Michael Favish, our CEO, Mark Goldstone, a Director, and Robert Weingarten, a Director. 20,000 shares were awarded to Gordon Bethwaite, our Vice President of Sales and Marketing, 15,000 shares were awarded to Vincent J. Roth, our General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, and 5,000 shares were awarded to John Townsend, our Controller. All of these shares were fully vested on December 31, 2016. The Company recorded $162,800 of stock-based compensation as a result of these awards.

As of December 31, 2016, $14,000 of principal and $2,085 of accrued interest was outstanding for a note held by Terrence Favish, son of our CEO, Michael Favish. The note carries a 12% interest rate.

For the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company recorded $2,485,450 of stock-based compensation, for services rendered, to individuals that were related parties at the time of issuance. This included $1,423,750 recorded for stock issued to Robert Weingarten, a director, $477,714 recorded for stock issued to Mark Goldstone, a director, $285,000 recorded for stock issued to Karen M. Favish, wife of CEO Michael Favish, $119,419 recorded for stock issued to Gordon Bethwaite, Vice President of Sales & Marketing, $171,000 recorded for stock issued to Vincent J. Roth, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, and $8,557 recorded for stock issued to Marie Powell, mother of Karen M. Favish whose investment was purchased on Ms. Powell’s behalf by Mrs. Favish.

11.Income Taxes

As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, significant components of the Company’s deferred tax assets were as follows:

  December 31, 
  2016  2015 
Net operating loss carryforwards $3,356,000  $1,414,000 
Stock-based compensation  2,016,000   1,131,000 
Deferred rent  9,000   11,000 
Accrued compensation due to related party  -   60,000 
Depreciation  1,000   2,000 
Total deferred tax assets  5,382,000   2,618,000 
Valuation allowance  (5,382,000)  (2,618,000)
Net deferred tax assets $-  $- 

In assessing the potential realization of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the Company attaining future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. As of December 31, 2016, management was unable to determine if it is more likely than not that the Company’s deferred tax assets will be realized, and has therefore recorded an appropriate valuation allowance against deferred tax assets at such dates.

No federal tax provision has been provided for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, due to the losses incurred during the period. Prior to July 1, 2015, the Company operated as a limited liability company, and as such, all profits, losses, revenues, expenses and other income tax attributes were passed through to the limited liability company owners. Reconciled below is the difference between the income tax rate computed by applying the U.S. federal statutory rate and the effective tax rates for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015:

F-37

  Year Ended December 31, 
  2016  2015 
U. S. federal statutory tax rate  (35.0)%  (35.0)%
Net losses passed through to owners while operating as a limited liability company  0.0%  18.5%
State taxes, net of Federal benefit  (6.0)%  (6.0)%
Change in valuation allowance  41.0%  22.5%
Effective tax rate  0.0%  0.0%

At December 31, 2016, the Company has available net operating loss carryforwards for federal income tax purposes of approximately $8,234,000 which, if not utilized earlier, will begin to expire in 2035. While the Company has not performed a formal analysis of the availability of its net operating loss carryforwards under Internal Revenue Code Sections 382 and 383, management expects that the Company’s ability to use its net operating loss carryforwards will be limited in future periods.

12.Subsequent Events

On January 31, 2017, the Company borrowed $100,000 from a related party investor pursuant to an unsecured promissory note, with a 120-day term and a fixed interest charge of $6,000.

On March 1, 2017, the Company entered into a non-binding letter of intent (“LOI”) with Vector Vision, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“VectorVision”), whereby the parties set forth an outline of the terms and conditions pursuant to which the Company would acquire all of the outstanding shares of stock of VectorVision in exchange for a to be determined number of shares of common stock of the Company. VectorVision specializes in the standardization of contrast sensitivity, glare sensitivity, low contrast acuity, and ETDRS acuity vision testing. The transaction is subject to significant conditions precedent to closing, including, but not limited to, the satisfactory completion of due diligence, the determination of the amount of purchase consideration, the negotiation of definitive transaction documents, the completion of an audit of VectorVision’s financial statements, and other matters, no later than the June 30, 2017 expiration date of the LOI.

On March 1, 2017, the Company issued 162,500 shares of restricted common stock to a consultant for services rendered.

Between January 1, 2017 and March 13, 2017, the Company issued 700,000 shares of Series B Preferred Stock to investors for an aggregate purchase price of $700,000. The stock has a stated value of $1.00 per share and accrues an annual dividend at the rate of 6% of the stated value, calculated quarterly, to be paid in shares of common stock at the rate of $0.75 per share. The Series B Preferred Stock is convertible commencing December 31, 2017, or earlier upon the approval of the Board of Directors, by the holder into Common Stock at $0.75 per share. The stock is automatically convertible by the Company upon an equity financing of at least $5,000,000 subsequent to June 30, 2017, or is publicly traded for at least $2.00 per share for 10 consecutive trading days, or upon completion of a Major Transaction (as defined in the Certificate of Designation). Dividends are payable to holders of record quarterly, on the last business day of each calendar quarter, from the date of issuance, as may be declared by the Board of Directors, and are cumulative. The Series B Preferred Stock is senior to all Common Stock and junior to the Series A Preferred Stock. For investors in the Series B offering that previously invested in the Company’s Series A preferred stock offering in 2016, the Company issued a total of 60,000 warrants as additional incentive to invest. These warrants are fully vested, are immediately exercisable at $0.75 per share, and expire between March 6, 2020 and March 8, 2020.

 

F-38

 

 

VectorVision, Inc.Warrant liability

Condensed Balance Sheets

 

  September 30,  December 31, 
  2017  2016 
  (Unaudited)    
Assets        
         
Current assets        
Cash $4,895  $7,160 
Accounts receivable  50,106   18,301 
Inventories  93,293   87,155 
Prepaid expenses  550   2,537 
         
Total current assets  148,844   115,153 
         
Property and equipment, net  9,458   11,756 
         
Total assets $158,302  $126,909 
         
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity (Deficiency)        
         
Current liabilities        
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $76,327  $74,365 
Line of credit  32,395   32,760 
Promissory notes payable related party  -   38,087 
         
Total liabilities  108,722   145,212 
         
Commitments and contingencies        
         
Stockholders’ Equity (Deficiency)        
         
Common stock, $0.00 par value; 750 shares authorized; 124 and 124 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016  -   - 
Additional paid-in capital  89,497   51,410 
Accumulated deficit  (39,917)  (69,713)
         
Total stockholders’ equity (deficiency)  49,580   (18,303)
         
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity (deficiency) $158,302  $126,909 

In March 2019, the Company issued warrants to two convertible note holders pursuant to the anticipated completion of the Company’s IPO (the IPO was completed on April 9, 2019). Due to the variable terms of both the exercise price and the number of warrants to be issued, the warrants were accounted for as derivative liabilities at March 31, 2019. At March 31, 2019, the Company estimated that the issuance of 109,038 warrants with an exercise price of $2.88 per share would correspond to the number of shares of common stock that the holders would receive in connection with the completion of the IPO.. The fair value of the warrants at the closing of the IPO was determined to be $359,683 using a Black-Scholes model with a weighted average remaining life of 4.94 years and a stock valuation of $3.30 per share. Upon completion of the IPO, the exercise price and the number of warrants were fixed and the warrants no longer accounted for as liabilities. As such the fair value of the warrant liability of $359,683 was reclassified to equity.

 

SeeOn April 4, 2019, the Company issued 62,500 warrants with an exercise price of $5.00 per share to the underwriter (the “Underwriter”) in connection with the Company’s IPO. The Company accounted for these warrants as a derivative liability in the financial statements at June 30, 2019 because they were associated with the IPO, a registered offering, and the settlement provisions contained language that the shares underlying the warrants are required to be registered. The fair value of the warrants is remeasured at each reporting period, and the change in the fair value is recognized in earnings in the accompanying notesStatements of Operations. The fair value of the warrants at the date of issuance was determined to condensed financial statements.be $229,291 and was recorded as a finance cost. As of June 30, 2019, the fair value of the warrants was determined to $78,440.

The fair value of the warrant liability was determined at the following issuance and reporting dates using the Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model and the following assumptions:

  Convertible Noteholders  Underwriter  

Warrant Liability As of

 
  Upon Issuance  Upon Issuance  June 30,2019 
Stock price $4.00  $3.68  $1.26 
Risk free interest rate  2.34 – 2.39%  2.29%  1.71%
Expected volatility  138%  137%  145%
Expected life in years  5.00   5.00   4.76 
Expected dividend yield  0%  0%  0%
Number of warrants  109,038   62,500   62,500 
Fair value of warrants $436,034  $229,921  $78,440 

Stock Options

A summary of the Company’s stock option activity is as follows:

  Shares  

Weighted

Average
Exercise Price

  Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years) 
December 31, 2018  1,362,500   2.26   3.78 
Granted  1,250,000   2.11   2.29 
Forfeitures  -   -   - 
Expirations  -   -   - 
Exercised  -   -   - 
June 30, 2019, outstanding  2,612,500  $3.28   4.00 
June 30, 2019, exercisable  1,391,667  $2.41   3.46 

 

F-39

 

 

VectorVision, Inc.

Condensed StatementsThe exercise prices of Operationsoptions outstanding and exercisable as of June 30, 2019 are as follows:

 

  Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
  2017  2016 
  (Unaudited)  (Unaudited) 
Revenue $386,679  $185,165 
         
Cost of goods sold  121,748   44,167 
         
Gross profit  264,931   140,998 
         
Operating expenses        
Research and development  34,000   - 
Sales and marketing  21,821   10,817 
General and administrative  173,947   121,893 
         
Total operating expenses  229,768   132,710 
         
Income from operations  35,163   8,288 
         
Other expenses:        
Interest expense  5,367   6,079 
         
Net income $29,796  $2,209 

Options Outstanding

(Shares)

  

Options Exercisable

(Shares)

  Exercise Prices 
 625,000   625,000  $2.00 
 62,500   62,500   2.30 
 675,000   600,000   2.50 
 1,250,000   104,167   4.40 
 2,612,500   1,391,667     

During the six months ended June 30, 2019, the Company granted options to purchase 1,250,000 shares of common stock to the Company’s Chairman and CEO with a grant date fair of $4,122,750. The options will vest on a quarterly basis over three years. The Company accounts share-based payments to employees in accordance with ASC 718 wherein grants are measured at the grant date fair value and charged to operations over the vesting period. During the period ended June 30, 2019, compensation cost of $1, 066,159 was recognized during the period relating the amortization of this award.

During the period ended June 30, 2019, option awards were valued based upon the Black-Scholes option-pricing model, with stock price ranging from $3.30 to $4.00 per share, volatility ranging from 115% to 138%, and an average risk-free rate ranging from 2.31% to 2.46%.

During the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, we recognized aggregate stock-compensation expense of $1,309,155 and $1,054,885, respectively, based upon stock prices ranging from $3.30 to $4.00 per share, all of which was recorded in general and administrative expense.

As of June 30, 2019, the Company had an aggregate of 1,220,833 remaining unvested options outstanding, with a total estimated fair value of $3,132,532, weighted average exercise price of $4.28, and weighted average remaining life of 4.61 years. The aggregate intrinsic value of options outstanding as of June 30, 2019 was $0.

11.Related Party Transactions

During the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, the Company incurred and paid $150,000 and 137,500, respectively, of salary expense to our Board Chairman and CEO, Mr. Michael Favish. In addition, compensation cost of $1,066,159 was recognized on amortization of stock option awards during the period ended June 30, 2019.

12.Subsequent Events

 

See accompanying notes to condensed financial statements.August Public Offering

 

On August 15, 2019, the Company consummated an underwritten public offering of (i) 12,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.001 per share, of the Company, (ii) pre-funded warrants exercisable for 1,000,000 shares of common stock, and (iii) warrants to purchase up to an aggregate of 13,000,000 shares of common stock. The offering was conducted pursuant to an Underwriting Agreement, dated August 13, 2019 by and between the Company and Maxim Group LLC and WallachBeth Capital, LLC, acting as the representatives of the several underwriters named therein. On August 16, 2019, the Company sold an additional 1,950,000 warrants upon exercise of the underwriters’ over-allotment option.

The public offering price was $0.44 per share of common stock and $0.01 per accompanying warrant. Each warrant sold with the shares of common stock represents the right to purchase one share of common stock at an exercise price of $0.585 per share. The warrants are exercisable immediately, expire five years from the date of issuance and provide that, beginning on the earlier of (i) 30 days from the effective date of the Registration Statement and (ii) the date on which the Common Stock trades an aggregate of more than 40,000,000 shares after the announcement of the pricing of the offering, and ending on the twelve month anniversary thereof, each warrant may be exercised at the option of the holder on a cashless basis at a ratio of one warrant for one share of common stock, in whole or in part, if the weighted average price of the common stock on the trading day immediately prior to the exercise date fails to exceed the initial exercise price of the warrant.

The public offering was $0.43 per pre-funded warrant and $0.01 per accompanying warrant. The pre-funded warrants were sold to purchasers whose purchase of shares of common stock in the offering would otherwise result in the purchaser, together with its affiliates and certain related parties, beneficially owning more than 4.99% of the Company’s outstanding common stock immediately following the consummation of the offering, in lieu of shares of common stock. Each pre-funded warrant represents the right to purchase one share of common stock at an exercise price of $0.01 per share. The pre-funded warrants are exercisable immediately and may be exercised at any time. The shares of common stock, pre-funded warrants and warrants were issued separately and are immediately separable upon issuance. As of October 24, 2019, 1,000,000 pre-funded warrants have been exercised for proceeds to the Company of $10,000 and 14,723,800 warrants have been exercised on a cashless basis, and the Company has issued an aggregate of 15,723,800 shares of common stock upon such exercises.

F-40

 

 

VectorVision, Inc.

Condensed StatementThe gross proceeds to the Company from the offering, before deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and other estimated offering expenses and excluding the exercise of Stockholders’ Equity (Deficiency)

(Unaudited)any pre-funded warrants or warrants, was approximately $5.8 million.

 

  Common Stock          
  Shares  Amount  Additional
Paid-In
Capital
  Accumulated
Deficit
  Total
Stockholders’
Equity (Deficiency)
 
Balance at December 31, 2016  124  $-  $51,410  $(69,713) $(18,303)
Conversion of notes payable to equity  -   -   38,087   -   38,087 
Net income – January 1, 2017 through September 30, 2017  -   -   -   29,796   29,796 
Balance at September 30, 2017  124  $-  $89,497  $(39,917) $49,580 

The following table sets forth the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet of the Company as of June 30, 2019 on an as reported basis and on an unaudited pro forma basis, giving effect to the sale on August 15, 2019 of 12,000,000 shares of the Company’s Common Stock, the sale of 1,000,000 pre-funded warrants, representing an aggregate purchase price of approximately $5.8 million, the exercise of 1,000,000 pre-funded warrants into 1,000,000 shares of common stock for proceeds to the Company of $10,000, and the exercise, on a cashless basis, of 14,723,800 warrants into 14,723,800 shares of common stock:

  

Actual

As Reported

  

Pro Forma

As Adjusted

 
  (Unaudited)  (Unaudited) 
Cash and cash equivalents $2,368,645  $7,247,493 
Other current assets  486,912   486,912 
Non-current assets  2,842,584   2,842,584 
Total assets $5,698,141  $10,576,989 
         
Current liabilities $528,916  $528,916 
Lease liability – long term  481,137   481,137 
Total liabilities  1,010,053   1,010,053 
         
Stockholders’ equity:        
Common stock, $0.001 par value; 90,000,000 shares authorized; 22,733,762 issued and outstanding as reported, and 50,457,562 shares, as adjusted  22,734   50,458 
Additional paid-in capital  43,735,894   48,587,018 
Accumulated deficit  (39,070,540)  (39,070,540)
Total stockholders’ equity  4,688,088   9,566,936 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $5,698,141  $10,576,989 

 

See accompanying notes to condensed financial statements.Acquisition of NutriGuard

 

Effective September 20, 2019 (the “Effective Date”), the Company’s newly-formed wholly-owned subsidiary, NutriGuard Formulations, Inc., a Delaware corporation, completed an asset purchase agreement (the “Asset Purchase Agreement”) with NutriGuard Research, Inc., a California corporation (“NutriGuard”), and NutriGuard’s sole shareholder, Mark McCarty.

Pursuant to the Asset Purchase Agreement, the Company purchased specified assets of the NutriGuard brand and business, consisting primarily of inventory, trademarks, copyrights and other intellectual property. In exchange, the Company agreed to pay a 3% royalty, payable quarterly, to NutriGuard based on the operating results of the NutriGuard branded products in future periods, after $500,000 in gross revenues have been achieved by the Company. The Company is unable at this time to reasonably estimate the timing or amount of future revenue streams that would generate royalty payments, as the Company will need to develop new product formulations and implement a new marketing and distribution infrastructure, which will require the investment of a significant amount of capital over an extended period of time. Accordingly, any royalty payments in the future will be charged directly to operations when incurred.

In addition, effective September 20, 2019, the Companyand Mr. McCarty entered into a consulting agreement (as described below), and Mr. McCarty and NutriGuard agreed, among other terms, to no longer use the “NutriGuard” name. Mr. McCarty also entered into a non-competition covenant for a period of 5 years.

As the Company did not pay any cash or non-cash consideration, nor did it assume any liabilities, in conjunction with this acquisition, the Company did not recognize any tangible or intangible assets at closing. All costs related to this transaction, consisting primarily of legal fees, were charged to operations as incurred. Although NutriGuard has conducted limited operations with nominal revenues during the past few years, the Company has determined that the NutriGuard acquisition qualifies as the acquisition of a business under Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 805: Business Combinations (“ASC 805”). However, the recent historical operations of NutriGuard did not meet any of the three-element significance level tests (investment, assets and pre-tax income) with regard to the accounting standards requiring acquisition company financial statements and related pro forma financial information, and the Company has therefore concluded that the acquisition of NutriGuard was not significant. The value of the NutriGuard business consists primarily of intangible assets for which no accounting value will be attributed in the Company’s financial statements. The Company intends to utilize these intangible assets to build a nutraceutical brand and product portfolio based on updated and reformulated compounds, which will require the investment of a significant amount of capital over an extended period of time.

Mr. McCarty entered into a separate consulting agreement with the Company effective September 20, 2019 pursuant to which Mr. McCarty will provide ongoing consulting services to, and serve as, the Director of Research of the Company for a period of 3 years at a rate of $7,500 per month for 12 months and $5,000 per month thereafter. It is intended that Mr. McCarty will assist the Company, among other tasks, in developing new formulations for distribution under the NutriGuard brand, as well as identifying production sources for such compounds and developing distribution networks for such products.

In consideration of the services that Mr. McCarty will be performing forthe Company subsequent to the closing, the Company also agreed to grant to Mr. McCarty stock options to purchase 100,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, exercisable at a price of $0.5411 per share, which was the closing market price of the Company’s common stock on September 20, 2019. The stock options were granted under the terms of the Company’s 2018 Equity Incentive Plan, which options shall vest as follows: 25% on the Effective Date, 25% on the first anniversary following the Effective Date, 25% on the second anniversary following the Effective Date, and 25% on the third anniversary following the Effective Date.

NASDAQ Notice

On September 20, 2019, the Company received a notification letter from the Nasdaq Listing Qualifications Staff (the “Staff”) of the Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (“Nasdaq”) notifying the Company that, for the last 30 consecutive business days, the closing bid price for the Company’s common stock was below the minimum $1.00 per share requirement for continued listing on The Nasdaq Capital Market as set forth in Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(a)(2) (the “Minimum Bid Price Requirement”). The Nasdaq letter has no immediate effect on the listing of the Company’s common stock on the Nasdaq Capital Market.

In accordance with Nasdaq listing rules, the Company has been provided an initial period of 180 calendar days, or until March 18, 2020 (the “Compliance Date”), to regain compliance with the Minimum Bid Price Requirement. If, at any time during this 180-day period, the closing bid price of the Company’s common stock is at least $1.00 for a minimum of 10 consecutive business days, the Staff will provide the Company written confirmation of compliance with the Minimum Bid Price Requirement and the matter will be closed. If the Company does not regain compliance by the Compliance Date, the Company may be eligible for an additional 180 calendar day compliance period. To qualify for such additional compliance period, the Company would have to meet the continued listing requirements of the NASDAQ Capital Market, except for the Minimum Bid Price Requirement, and the Company would need to provide written notice of its intention to cure the deficiency during the additional compliance period. If the Company is not eligible for the additional compliance period or it appears to the Staff that the Company will not be able to cure the deficiency or if the Staff exercises its discretion to not provide such additional compliance period, the Staff will provide written notice to the Company that its common stock will be subject to delisting. At that time, the Company may appeal the Staff’s delisting determination to a Nasdaq Hearing Panel.

F-41

 

 

VectorVision, Inc.

Condensed Statements of Cash Flows

 

  Nine Months Ended September 30, 
  2017  2016 
  (Unaudited)  (Unaudited) 
Operating Activities        
Net income $29,796  $2,209 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:        
Depreciation and amortization  2,298   2,701 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:        
(Increase) decrease in -        
Accounts receivable  (31,805)  (4,062)
Inventories  (6,138)  16,176 
Prepaid expenses  1,987   1,715 
Increase (decrease) in -        
Accounts payable and accrued expenses  1,962   (27,213)
         
Net cash used in operating activities  (1,900)  (8,474)
         
Financing Activities        
Line of credit  (365)  11,089 
         
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities  (365)  11,089 
         
Cash:        
Net (decrease) increase  (2,265)  2,615 
Balance at beginning of period  7,160   5,698 
Balance at end of period $4,895  $8,313 
         
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:        
Cash paid for -        
Interest $3,982  $4,426 
Income taxes $-  $- 
         
Non-cash financing activity:        
Conversion of notes payable to equity $38,087  $- 

See accompanying notes to condensed financial statements.

F-42

VectorVision, Inc.19,342,359 Shares of Common Stock

NotesPre-funded Warrants to Condensed Financial StatementsPurchase Shares of Common Stock

(Unaudited)Series A and Series B Warrants to Purchase up to 19,342,359 Shares of Common Stock

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 and 2016Shares of Common Stock Underlying the Pre-Funded Warrants

19,342,359 Shares of Common Stock Underlying the Warrants

 

1.Organization and Business Operations

Organization and Business

VectorVision, Inc. (the “Company”) was formed in November 1987 as an Ohio-based S Corporation and was founded by David W. Evans, PhD, MBA. The Company develops, manufactures and sells equipment and supplies for standardized vision testing for use by eye doctors, in clinical trials, for real-world vision evaluation and industrial vision testing.

VectorVision specializes in the standardization of contrast sensitivity, glare sensitivity, low contrast acuity, and Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (“ETDRS”) acuity vision testing. The Company’s patented standardization system provides the practitioner or researcher the ability to delineate very small changes in visual capability, either as compared to the population or from visit to visit.

On September 29, 2017, Guardion Health Sciences, Inc. (“Guardion”), through a wholly-owned subsidiary, completed the acquisition of substantially all of the assets and liabilities of VectorVision, Inc. in exchange for 3,050,000 shares of Guardion common stock, pursuant to the terms of an Asset Purchase and Reorganization Agreement. See Note 8 for additional details.

2.Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation and Use of Estimates

The financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”).

The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and reported amounts of expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Those estimates and assumptions include estimates for reserves of uncollectible accounts, inventory obsolescence, depreciable lives of property and equipment, and accruals for potential liabilities.

Interim Unaudited Financial Information

The accompanying financial statements for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 are unaudited. In the opinion of management, these financial statements have been prepared on the same basis as the audited financial statements included herein and include all adjustments, including normal recurring adjustments, necessary to present fairly the Company's financial position, results of operations and cash flows. The information disclosed in the notes to the financial statements for such interim periods is also unaudited. The unaudited financial statements should be read together with the Company’s historical audited financial statements, which were previously filed with Guardion’s Form 8-K on October 5, 2017.

Revenue Recognition

The Company’s revenue is comprised primarily of sales of medical device equipment and supplies to consumers both in the U.S. and internationally. Revenue is recognized when the risk of loss transfers to our customers and collection of the receivable is reasonably assured, which generally occurs when the product is shipped. A product is not shipped without an order from the customer and an appropriate credit evaluation.

F-43

We review accounts receivable for uncollectible accounts and provide an allowance for doubtful accounts as needed, which is based upon a review of outstanding receivables, historical collection information, and existing economic conditions. We write off delinquent receivables against our allowance for doubtful accounts based on individual credit evaluations, the results of collection efforts, and specific circumstances of customers. We record recoveries of accounts previously written off when received as an increase in the allowance for doubtful accounts. As of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2016, we had no outstanding accounts receivable that we believed were at risk of non-collection.

The Company provides a standard one-year warranty that covers replacement for damaged parts. Product returns for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 were insignificant.

3.Inventories, net

Inventories consisted of the following:

  September 30,  December 31, 
  2017  2016 
Raw materials $78,934  $72,952 
Finished goods  14,359   14,203 
  $93,293  $87,155 

Included in the above are reserves for slow-moving inventory totaling $48,000, as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016.

4.Property and Equipment, net

Property and equipment consisted of the following: 

  September 30,  December 31, 
  2017  2016 
Leasehold improvements $4,898  $4,898 
Vehicles  42,630   42,630 
Research and testing equipment  29,918   29,918 
Furniture and fixtures  26,566   26,566 
Computer equipment  19,242   19,242 
Office equipment  25,303   25,303 
   148,557   148,557 
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization  (139,099)  (136,801)
  $9,458  $11,756 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, depreciation and amortization expense was $2,298 and $2,701, respectively, all of which was included in general and administrative expense.

5.Line of Credit

The Company maintains a line of credit (“LOC”) with Chase Bank to meet short term liquidity requirements. Maximum borrowings under the LOC are $35,000 and are due on demand. The LOC is secured by the Company’s business assets, including accounts receivable, inventory, and equipment. The LOC carries an 8% interest rate, requires monthly payments due on the 25th of each month, and has an annual fee of $150 in addition to any interest accrued. Outstanding balances under the LOC were $32,395 and $32,760 as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.

6.Commitments and Contingencies

The Company is subject to claims and assessments from time to time in the ordinary course of business. The Company’s management does not believe that any such matters, individually or in the aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

F-44

7.Related Party Transactions

The Company periodically enters into unsecured loan agreements with the CEO and various family members to fund working capital needs. These loans do not have specific repayment terms and are not subject to interest charges. The Company pays back these loans as cash flows permit. At December 31, 2016, the Company held an outstanding loan balance of $38,087 with these related parties. In September 2017, the parties agreed to forgive the loan amounts owed, and the outstanding balance was reclassified to stockholders’ equity.

The Company leases its operating facilities from DWT Evans LLC, a company owned by VectorVision CEO David Evans. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, general and administrative costs included $14,250 and $12,150, respectively, under this lease arrangement.

8.Sale of VectorVision, Inc.

On September 29, 2017, Guardion Health Sciences, Inc. (“Guardion”), through a wholly-owned subsidiary, completed the acquisition of substantially all of the assets and liabilities of VectorVision, Inc. in exchange for 3,050,000 shares of Guardion common stock, pursuant to the terms of an Asset Purchase and Reorganization Agreement. VectorVision’s assets acquired by Guardion pursuant to the agreement included, among others, accounts receivable, fixed assets, inventories, trademarks and copyrights. VectorVision’s liabilities assumed by Guardion included, among others, certain trade accounts payable to third parties and accrued liabilities, and amounts owed under an outstanding line of credit.

Guardion has consolidated VectorVision’s balance sheet with its balance sheet effective September 30, 2017, and will consolidate VectorVision’s statement of operations with its statement of operations commencing October 1, 2017.

F-45

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors

VectorVision, Inc.

San Diego, California

We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of VectorVision, Inc. (the "Company") as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 and the related statements of operations, stockholders' equity (deficiency), and cash flows for the years then ended. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform our audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that we considered appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of VectorVision, Inc. as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the years then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

The accompanying financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note 1, the Company has experienced recurring net losses since inception and has a stockholders’ deficiency as of December 31, 2016. These matters raise substantial doubt about the Company's ability to continue as a going concern. Management's plans in regard to these matters are also described in Note 1 to the financial statements. These financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.

/s/ Weinberg & Company, P.A.Maxim Group LLC 
Weinberg & Company, P.A.
Los Angeles, California
September 26, 2017WallachBeth Capital, LLC

F-46

VectorVision, Inc.

Balance Sheets

  December 31, 
  2016  2015 
       
Assets        
         
Current assets        
Cash $7,160  $5,698 
Accounts receivable  18,301   9,656 
Inventories  87,155   122,632 
Prepaid expenses  2,537   2,884 
         
Total current assets  115,153   140,870 
         
Property and equipment, net  11,756   15,353 
         
Total assets $126,909  $156,223 
         
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity (Deficiency)        
         
Current liabilities        
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $74,365  $79,394 
Line of credit  32,760   20,173 
Promissory notes payable to related party  38,087   37,317 
         
Total liabilities  145,212   136,884 
         
Commitments and contingencies        
         
Stockholders’ Equity (Deficiency)        
         
Common stock, $0.00 par value; 750 shares authorized; 124 and 124 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015  -   - 
Additional paid-in capital  51,410   51,410 
Accumulated deficit  (69,713)  (32,071)
         
Total stockholders’ equity (deficiency)  (18,303)  19,339 
         
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity (deficiency) $126,909  $156,223 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

F-47

VectorVision, Inc.

Statements of Operations

  Years Ended December 31, 
  2016  2015 
       
Revenue $231,458  $258,263 
         
Cost of goods sold  84,520   90,368 
         
Gross profit  146,938   167,895 
         
Operating expenses        
Sales and marketing  12,353   7,159 
General and administrative  164,003   173,076 
         
Total operating expenses  176,356   180,235 
         
Loss from operations  (29,418)  (12,340)
         
Other expenses:        
Interest expense  8,224   8,060 
         
Net loss $(37,642) $(20,400)

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

F-48

VectorVision, Inc.

Statements of Stockholders’ Equity (Deficiency)

  Common Stock          
  Shares  Amount  Additional
Paid-In
Capital
  Accumulated
Deficit
  Total
Stockholders’
Equity (Deficiency)
 
Balance at December 31, 2014  125  $-  $51,410  $(11,671) $39,739 
Common stock retired  (1)  -   -   -   - 
Net loss – January 1, 2015 through December 31, 2015  -   -   -   (20,400)  (20,400)
Balance at December 31, 2015  124   -   51,410   (32,071)  19,339 
Net loss – January 1, 2016 through December 31, 2016  -   -   -   (37,642)  (37,642)
Balance at December 31, 2016  124  $-  $51,410  $(69,713) $(18,303)

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

F-49

VectorVision, Inc.

Statements of Cash Flows

  Years Ended December 31, 
  2016  2015 
       
Operating Activities        
Net loss $(37,642) $(20,400)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:        
Depreciation and amortization  3,597   10,215 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:        
(Increase) decrease in -        
Accounts receivable  (8,645)  5,330 
Inventories  35,477   16,663 
Prepaid expenses  347   (2,779)
Increase (decrease) in -        
Accounts payable and accrued expenses  (5,029)  (1,857)
         
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities  (11,895)  7,172 
         
Financing Activities        
Proceeds from issuance of promissory notes, related party  38,087   10,000 
Payments on promissory notes, related party  (37,317)  (8,270)
Line of credit  12,587   (14,931)
         
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities  13,357   (13,201)
         
Cash:        
Net increase (decrease)  1,462   (6,029)
Balance at beginning of period  5,698   11,727 
Balance at end of period $7,160  $5,698 
         
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:        
Cash paid for -        
Interest $8,224  $8,060 
Income taxes $-  $- 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

F-50

VectorVision, Inc.

Notes to Financial Statements

Years Ended December 31, 2016 and 2015

1.Organization and Business Operations

Organization and Business

VectorVision, Inc. (the “Company”) was formed in November 1987 as an Ohio-based S Corporation and was founded by David W. Evans, PhD, MBA. The Company develops, manufactures and sells equipment and supplies for standardized vision testing for use by eye doctors, in clinical trials, for real-world vision evaluation and industrial vision testing.

VectorVision specializes in the standardization of contrast sensitivity, glare sensitivity, low contrast acuity, and Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (“ETDRS”) acuity vision testing. The Company’s patented standardization system provides the practitioner or researcher the ability to delineate very small changes in visual capability, either as compared to the population or from visit to visit.

Going Concern and Liquidity

The financial statements have been prepared assuming the Company will continue as a going concern. The Company had a net loss of $37,642 during the year ended December 31, 2016, and had a stockholders’ deficiency of $18,303 as of December 31, 2016. The Company expects to continue to incur cash outflows from operations that will prevent or limit growth in the near-term. As a result, management has concluded that there is substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern within one year of the date that the financial statements are issued.

The Company’s auditors have also included explanatory language in their opinion that there is substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. The financial statements do not include any adjustments to reflect the possible future effects on the recoverability and classification of assets or the amounts and classifications of liabilities that may result from the possible inability of the Company to continue as a going concern.

The Company will continue to incur significant manufacturing, promotional, and administrative expenses associated with its current product line. Additionally, the Company’s long-term viability and growth may depend upon the successful development and commercialization of new products. If the Company is unable to generate sufficient revenues and margins or access supplemental capital resources on a timely basis, the Company may be forced to reduce or discontinue its technology and product development programs and curtail or cease operations. There is no assurance that the Company will be able to generate sufficient revenues, or be able to access any capital resources.

2.Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation and Use of Estimates

The financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”).

The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and reported amounts of expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Those estimates and assumptions include estimates for reserves of uncollectible accounts, inventory obsolescence, depreciable lives of property and equipment, and accruals for potential liabilities.

F-51

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The authoritative guidance with respect to fair value established a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three levels, and requires that assets and liabilities carried at fair value be classified and disclosed in one of three categories, as noted below. Disclosure as to transfers into and out of Levels 1 and 2, and activity in Level 3 fair value measurements, is also required.

Level 1. Observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets for an identical asset or liability that the Company has the ability to access as of the measurement date. Financial assets and liabilities utilizing Level 1 inputs include active-exchange traded securities and exchange-based derivatives.

Level 2. Inputs, other than quoted prices included within Level 1, which are directly observable for the asset or liability or indirectly observable through corroboration with observable market data. Financial assets and liabilities utilizing Level 2 inputs include fixed income securities, non-exchange based derivatives, mutual funds, and fair-value hedges.

Level 3. Unobservable inputs in which there is little or no market data for the asset or liability which requires the reporting entity to develop its own assumptions. Financial assets and liabilities utilizing Level 3 inputs include infrequently-traded, non-exchange-based derivatives and commingled investment funds, and are measured using present value pricing models.

The Company determines the level in the fair value hierarchy within which each fair value measurement falls in its entirety, based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. In determining the appropriate levels, the Company performs an analysis of the assets and liabilities at each reporting period end.

The Company believes the carrying amount of its financial instruments (consisting of cash, accounts receivable, and accounts payable and accrued liabilities) approximates fair value due to the short-term nature of such instruments. The fair value of the Company’s line of credit and promissory notes approximates their carrying value given the interest rates of such notes.

Concentration of Credit Risk and Other Risks and Uncertainties

Cash balances are maintained at a large, well-established financial institution. At times, cash balances may exceed federally insured limits. The Company has never experienced any losses related to these balances. Insurance coverage limits are $250,000 per depositor at each financial institution. All cash balances were fully insured at December 31, 2016 and 2015.

Inventories

The Company’s inventories are stated at the lower of weighted-average cost or market. The cost of finished goods and raw materials is determined on a first-in, first-out basis. The Company evaluates its inventories for obsolescence and recoverability at each reporting period.

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment are initially recorded at their historical cost. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the depreciable assets (ranging from five to seven years). Leasehold improvements are amortized on a straight-line basis over the shorter of their estimated useful lives or the remaining lease term.

F-52

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

The Company reviews long-lived assets, consisting of property and equipment, for impairment at each fiscal year end or when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value of these assets may exceed their current fair values. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to the estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its estimated future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the fair value of the assets. Assets to be disposed of are separately presented in the balance sheet and reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell, and are no longer depreciated. The Company has not historically recorded any impairment to its long-lived assets. In the future, if events or market conditions affect the estimated fair value to the extent that a long-lived asset is impaired, the Company will adjust the carrying value of these long-lived assets in the period in which the impairment occurs. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company had not deemed any long-lived assets as impaired, and was not aware of the existence of any indicators of impairment at such dates.

Revenue Recognition

The Company’s revenue is comprised primarily of sales of medical device equipment and supplies to consumers both in the U.S. and internationally. Revenue is recognized when the risk of loss transfers to our customers and collection of the receivable is reasonably assured, which generally occurs when the product is shipped. A product is not shipped without an order from the customer and an appropriate credit evaluation.

We review accounts receivable for uncollectible accounts and provide an allowance for doubtful accounts as needed, which is based upon a review of outstanding receivables, historical collection information, and existing economic conditions. We write off delinquent receivables against our allowance for doubtful accounts based on individual credit evaluations, the results of collection efforts, and specific circumstances of customers. We record recoveries of accounts previously written off when received as an increase in the allowance for doubtful accounts. As of December 31, 2016, we had no outstanding accounts receivable that we believed were at risk of non-collection.

The Company provides a standard one-year warranty that covers replacement for damaged parts. Product returns for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 were insignificant.

Income Taxes

The Company operates as an “S” Corporation. As such, it is taxed as a pass-through entity whereby substantially all income tax attributes are passed through to the individual members except for the minimum state income tax.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09 (ASU 2014-09), Revenue from Contracts with Customers. ASU 2014-09 will eliminate transaction- and industry-specific revenue recognition guidance under current GAAP and replace it with a principle based approach for determining revenue recognition. ASU 2014-09 will require that companies recognize revenue based on the value of transferred goods or services as they occur in the contract. ASU 2014-09 also will require additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments and assets recognized from costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract. Based on the FASB’s Exposure Draft Update issued on April 29, 2015, and approved in July 2015, Revenue from Contracts With Customers (Topic 606): Deferral of the Effective Date, ASU 2014-09 is now effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted only as of annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim reporting periods within that reporting period. Entities will be able to transition to the standard either retrospectively or as a cumulative-effect adjustment as of the date of adoption. The adoption of ASU 2014-09 is not expected to have any impact on the Company’s financial statement presentation or disclosures.

In February 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-02 (ASU 2016-02), Leases (Topic 842). ASU 2016-02 requires a lessee to record a right-of-use asset and a corresponding lease liability, initially measured at the present value of the lease payments, on the balance sheet for all leases with terms longer than 12 months, as well as the disclosure of key information about leasing arrangements. ASU 2016-02 requires recognition in the statement of operations of a single lease cost, calculated so that the cost of the lease is allocated over the lease term, generally on a straight-line basis. ASU 2016-02 requires classification of all cash payments within operating activities in the statement of cash flows. Disclosures are required to provide the amount, timing and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. A modified retrospective transition approach is required for lessees for capital and operating leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements, with certain practical expedients available. ASU 2016-02 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early application is permitted. The Company has not yet evaluated the impact of the adoption of ASU 2016-02 on the Company’s financial statement presentation or disclosures.

F-53

In March 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-09 (ASU 2016-09), Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting. ASU 2016-09 requires, among other things, that all income tax effects of awards be recognized in the statement of operations when the awards vest or are settled. ASU 2016-09 also allows for an employer to repurchase more of an employee's shares than it can today for tax withholding purposes without triggering liability accounting and allows for a policy election to account for forfeitures as they occur. ASU 2016-09 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted for any entity in any interim or annual period. The adoption of ASU 2016-09 is not expected to have any impact on the Company’s financial statement presentation or disclosures.

Management does not believe that any other recently issued, but not yet effective, authoritative guidance, if currently adopted, would have a material impact on the Company’s financial statement presentation or disclosures.

3.Inventories, net

Inventories consisted of the following:

  December 31, 
  2016  2015 
Raw materials $72,952  $111,517 
Finished goods  14,203   11,115 
  $87,155  $122,632 

Included in the above are reserves for slow-moving inventory of $28,000 and $20,000, recorded by the Company in 2016 and 2015, respectively.

4.Property and Equipment, net

Property and equipment consisted of the following: 

  December 31, 
  2016  2015 
Leasehold improvements $4,898  $4,898 
Vehicles  42,630   42,630 
Research and testing equipment  29,918   29,918 
Furniture and fixtures  26,566   26,566 
Computer equipment  19,242   19,242 
Office equipment  25,303   25,303 
   148,557   148,557 
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization  (136,801)  (133,204)
  $11,756  $15,353 

For the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, depreciation and amortization expense was $3,597 and $10,215, respectively, all of which was included in general and administrative expense.

5.Line of Credit

The Company maintains a line of credit (“LOC”) with Chase Bank to meet short term liquidity requirements. Maximum borrowings under the LOC are $35,000 and are due on demand. The LOC is secured by the Company’s business assets, including accounts receivable, inventory, and equipment. The LOC carries an 8% interest rate, requires monthly payments due on the 25th of each month, and has an annual fee of $150 in addition to any interest accrued. Outstanding balances under the LOC were $32,760 and 20,173 as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

F-54

6.Commitments and Contingencies

Operating Lease

The Company leases approximately 12,000 of office and warehouse space for $1,350 per month. The space is owned by DWT Evans LLC, a company owned David Evans, VectorVision’s CEO. A new 10-year lease agreement was executed in February 2017, to commence March 1, 2017. As of December 31, 2016, remaining average monthly lease payments (including the new 2017 lease) were $1,882 through February 2027.

The approximate future minimum lease payments under non-cancelable operating leases at December 31, 2016 are as follows:

Years ending December 31,

2017 $19,200 
2018  20,290 
2019  20,898 
2020  21,520 
After 2020  147,748 
  $229,656 

Rent expense was $16,200 and $16,200 for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Contingencies

The Company is subject to claims and assessments from time to time in the ordinary course of business. The Company’s management does not believe that any such matters, individually or in the aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

7.Related Party Transactions

The Company periodically enters into unsecured loan agreements with related parties, mostly family members of the CEO, to fund working capital needs. These loans do not have specific repayment terms and are not subject to interest charges. The Company pays back these loans as cash flows permit. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company held outstanding loan balances of $38,087 and $37,317, respectively, with these related parties.

As discussed in Note 6, the Company leases its operating facilities from DWT Evans LLC, a company owned by VectorVision CEO David Evans.

In December 2015, A. W. Evans, Jr., Uncle of CEO David Evans, gifted his one share of VectorVision common stock back to the Company. No additional consideration was transferred pursuant to this transaction. The Company retired this common stock.

8.Income Taxes

The Company, with the consent of its shareholders, has elected under the Internal Revenue Code to be an “S” corporation. In lieu of corporation income taxes, the shareholders of an “S” corporation are taxed on their proportional share of the Company’s taxable income. Therefore, no provision, or liability for federal income taxes has been included in these financial statements.

F-55

9.Subsequent Events

On March 1, 2017, the Company entered into a non-binding letter of intent (“LOI”) with Guardion Health Sciences, Inc. a Delaware corporation (“Guardion”), whereby the parties set forth an outline of the terms and conditions pursuant to which the Guardion would acquire all of the outstanding shares of stock of VectorVision in exchange for a to be determined number of shares of common stock of Guardion. The transaction is subject to significant conditions precedent to closing, including, but not limited to, the satisfactory completion of due diligence, the determination of the amount of purchase consideration, the negotiation of definitive transaction documents, and other matters, no later than the August 31, 2017 expiration date of the LOI, as amended.

F-56

18,682,812 Shares
Common Stock

GUARDION HEALTH SCIENCES, INC.

 

PROSPECTUS

 

     , 2019

 

    , 2017

PART II — INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

 

ITEM 13. OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION.

 

The following table sets forth the costs and expenses payable by us in connection with the issuance and distributionthis registration statement. All of the securities being registered. None of the followingsuch expenses are estimates, other than the filing fee payable byto the Selling Securityholders.  All of the amounts shown are estimates, except for the SEC registration fee.Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

SEC registration fee $2,529.22 
Legal fees and expenses  75,000.00 
Accounting fees and expenses  6,000.00 
Miscellaneous  0.00 
TOTAL $83,529.22 

  Amount
to be paid
 
SEC registration fee $3,569 
FINRA filing fee  3,000 
Accounting fees and expenses  50,000 
Legal fees and expenses  250,000 
Printing and miscellaneous expenses  3,431 
Total $310,000 

 

ITEM 14. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS.

 

Each person who was or is made a party or is threatened to be made a party to or is involved (including, without limitation, as a witness) in any actual or threatened action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (hereinafter a “proceeding”), by reason of the fact that such person is or was a director of the Company or is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise (hereinafter an “indemnitee”), whether the basis of such proceeding is alleged action in an official capacity as a director, officer, employee or agent or in any other capacity while serving as a director, officer, employee or agent, shall be indemnified and held harmless by the Company to the full extent authorized by the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (“Delaware Code”), as the same exists or may hereafter be amended (but, in the case of any such amendment, only to the extent that such amendment permits the Company to provide broader indemnification rights than said law permitted the Company to provide prior to such amendment), or by other applicable law as then in effect, against all expense, liability and loss (including attorney’s fees, judgments, fines, ERISA excise taxes or penalties and amounts to be paid in settlement) actually and reasonably incurred or suffered by such indemnitee in connection therewith and such indemnification shall continue as to an indemnitee who has ceased to be a director, officer, employee or agent and shall inure to the benefit of the indemnitee’s heirs, executors and administrators. The right to indemnification conferred shall be a contract right and shall include the right to be paid by the Company the expenses incurred in defending any such proceeding in advance of its final disposition (hereinafter an “advancement of expenses”); provided, however, that, if the Delaware Code requires, an advancement of expenses incurred by an indemnitee in his or her capacity as a director or officer (and not in any other capacity in which service was or is rendered by such indemnitee while a director or officer, including, without limitation, service to an employee benefit plan) shall be made only upon delivery to the Company of an undertaking, by or on behalf of such indemnitee, to repay all amounts so advanced if it shall ultimately be determined that such indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified under. Any person who is or was serving as a director of a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company shall be deemed, for indemnification purposes, to be a director or officer of the Company entitled to indemnification under the Company’s bylawsBylaws and the Delaware Code. The Company may by action of its Board of Directors, grant rights to indemnification and advancement of expenses to employees and agents of the Company with the same scope and effects as the indemnification provisions for officers and directors.

 

ITEM 15. RECENT SALES OF UNREGISTERED SECURITIES.

 

On January 30, 2019, the Company filed a Certificate of Amendment to its Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware to effectuate a one-for-two (1:2) reverse stock split (the “Reverse Stock Split”) of its common stock without any change to its par value. All share and per share numbers in this prospectus reflect proportional adjustments for the Reverse Stock Split were made to the Company’s outstanding common stock, stock options, and warrants as if the split occurred at the beginning of the earliest period presented below.

��

The following securities were sold pursuant to the exemption afforded under SectionSections 4(a)(2) and 3(a)(9) of the Securities Act of 1933. There were no placement agents or underwriters for any of the following private placements.

2019

On February 11, 2019, the Company issued 258,152 shares of common stock pursuant to the exercise of 312,500 warrants. The Company received $31,250 in cash as a result of these exercises.

On March 12, 2019, the Company issued a ninety (90) day unsecured promissory note in the principal amount of $100,000 to a lender. The promissory note bears interest at a rate of ten percent (10%) per annum and matures on June 10, 2019. On April 11, 2019, the Company repaid the promissory note for a total of $100,849 including accrued interest.

On March 15, 2019 and March 20, 2019, the Company entered into separate securities purchase agreements pursuant to which the Company issued convertible promissory notes and common stock purchase warrants to two investors in exchange for $250,000. On April 9, 2019, in connection with the IPO, these convertible promissory notes were automatically converted into 109,038 shares of common stock based on a conversion price of $2.30 per share.

On March 18, 2019, the Company issued 28,261 shares of common stock pursuant to the cashless exercise of 50,000 warrants.

On April 9, 2019, the Company granted our CEO, Michael Favish, 1,250,000 common stock shares issuable upon the exercise of a common stock purchase option with a per share exercise price of $4.40 per share and a five-year term. The option vests ratably on the last day of each calendar quarter following the date of grant over a period of three (3) years and is subject to Mr. Favish remaining employed with the Company on the applicable vesting dates.

On April 9, 2019, the Company issued 109,038 shares of common stock upon the conversion of promissory notes of $250,000 that were mandatorily convertible upon the completion of the IPO.

On April 12, 2019, an investor exercised warrants for 26,250 shares of common stock. The warrants were exercisable for $0.50 per share, and the Company received $13,125 in cash.

On April 5 and 17, 2019, investors exercised a total of 275,000 warrants on a cashless basis resulting in the issuance of 229,365 shares of common stock. The warrants were exercisable for $0.50 and $2.00 per share.

As compensation for services rendered, the Company issued a total of 54,390 shares of common stock in April, May, and June 2019.

On May 6, 2019, an investor exercised warrants for 125,000 shares of common stock. The warrants were exercisable for $0.50 per share, and the Company received $62,500 in cash.

On May 20, 2019, an investor exercised a total of 50,000 warrants on a cashless basis resulting in the issuance of 33,108 shares of common stock. The warrants were exercisable for $0.50 per share.

On May 21, 2019, an investor exercised warrants for 50,000 shares of common stock. The warrants were exercisable for $0.50 per share, and the Company received $25,000 in cash.

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20172018

In January 2018, an investor exercised warrants for 73,000 shares of common stock. The warrants were exercisable for $0.02 per share, and the Company received $1,460 in cash.

 

During the three months ended MarchDecember 31, 2018, the Company sold an aggregate of 369,567 shares of common stock, resulting in gross proceeds of $850,000 to the Company.

In December 2018, an investor exercised warrants for 30,000 shares of common stock. The warrants were exercisable for $0.50 per share, and the Company received $15,000 in cash.

2017

During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company declared dividends of $36,077 to$122,328 on its Series A and Series B preferred shareholdersPreferred Stock which were paidsatisfied in full through the issuance of 59,321 sharesan aggregate of common stock.

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During the three months ended June 30, 2017 the Company declared dividends of $45,106 to its Series A and Series B preferred shareholders which were paid through the issuance of 71,492101,962 shares of common stock.

 

During the three monthsyear ended September 30, 2017 the Company declared dividends of $78,616 to its Series A and Series B preferred shareholders which were paid through the issuance of 116,307 shares of common stock. Additionally, the Company issued 205,242 shares of common stock for the accrued but unpaid dividends from October 1, 2017 through November 3, 2017, representing the payment in full of all Preferred Stock dividend obligations.

Between January 1, 2017 and JulyDecember 31, 2017, the Company issuedsold 3,105,000 shares of the Company’s Series B Convertible Preferred Stock (the “Series B Preferred Stock”) to various investors. The purchase price of the Series B Preferred Stock to investorswas $1.00 per share, for an aggregate purchase price of $3,105,000. The stock hasSeries B Preferred Stock had a stated value of $1.00 per share and accruesaccrued an annual dividend at the rate of 6% of the stated value, calculated quarterly, to be paid in shares of common stock at the rate of $0.75$1.50 per share. The

During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company declared dividends of $186,300 on its Series B Preferred Stock is convertible commencingwhich were satisfied in full through the issuance of an aggregate of 124,219 shares of common stock.

During the year ended December 31, 2017, or earlier upon the approval of the Board of Directors, by the holder into Common Stock at $0.75 per share. The stock is automatically convertible by the Company upon an equity financingissued 243,400 fully vested shares of at least $5,000,000 subsequentcommon stock for services rendered. During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company recognized $401,037 in stock compensation expense related to June 30, 2017, or is publicly traded for at least $2.00 per share for 10 consecutive trading days, or upon completion of a Major Transaction (as defined in the Certificate of Designation). Dividends are payable to holders of record quarterly, on the last business day of each calendar quarter, from the date of issuance, as may be declared by the Board of Directors, and are cumulative. The Series B Preferred Stock is senior to all Common Stock and junior to the Series A Preferred Stock.these shares.

 

During the three months ended March 31, 2017, in connection with the Series B Convertible Preferred Stock (and collectively, with the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, the “Preferred Stock”) offering, the Company issued a total of 60,00030,000 warrants as additional incentive to investors who had previously invested in the Company’s Series A Senior Convertible Preferred Stock offering in 2016. These warrants are fully vested, are immediately exercisable at $0.75$1.50 per share, and expire between March 6, 2020 and March 8, 2020. The warrants were valued at $51,796, based upon the Black-Scholes option-pricing model, with a stock price of $0.88,$1.76, volatility of 135%, and an average risk-free interest rate of 1.61%.

 

During the three months ended March 31, 2017, the Company issued 162,50081,250 shares of restricted common stock to a service provider. These shares are subject to vesting requirements over 4 months and remain subject to forfeiture if vesting conditions are not met. The aggregate fair value of the stock was $143,000 based on a valuation per share of $0.88 on the date of grant.

During April and June 2017, the Company issued 295,000 shares of fully vested restricted common stock to consultants for services rendered. The aggregate fair value of the stock was $259,600 based on a valuation per share of $0.88$1.76 on the date of grant.

 

On September 29, 2017, the Company, through a wholly-owned subsidiary, completed the acquisition of substantially all of the assets and liabilities of VectorVision, Inc., in exchange for 3,050,0001,525,000 shares of ourthe Company’s common stock pursuant to the terms of an Asset Purchase and Reorganization Agreement, dated as of September 29, 2017.

 

All of the above shares were issued in transactions that were exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act pursuant to Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act and 10R Rule 506 of Regulation D promulgated thereunder where noted, based on the representations and warranties contained in subscription agreements, purchase agreements, or investment letters. No commissions were paid and no underwriter or placement agent was involved in these transactions, except as noted.

 

On November 3, 2017, the Company completed the issuance and sale of an aggregate of 4,347,8272,173,914 shares of common stock (the “Shares”) at a purchase price of $1.15$2.30 per Share (or a purchase price of $5,000,001.05$5,000,001 in the aggregate), in a private placement (the “Private Placement”) to certain purchasers pursuant to a Stock Purchase Agreement dated as of November 3, 2017. The Shares issued pursuant to the Stock Purchase Agreement were issued in reliance upon the exemption from registration pursuant to Section 4(a)(2) and Rule 903 of Regulation S promulgated under the Securities Act.

The completion of the Private Placement triggered, at the Company’s election, the automatic conversion of all Preferred Stock into shares of common stock. Accordingly, immediately following the completion of the Private Placement, the Company effected the conversion of all outstanding shares of Preferred Stock into 6,981,938 shares of common stock (excluding accrued but unpaid dividends), which was an exempt issuance pursuant to Section 3(a)(9) of the Securities Act.

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2016

 

In January, 2016, the Company commenced a private placement in which it offered to accredited investors (1) convertible promissory notes that will automatically convert into the Common Stockcommon stock of the Company upon the occurrence of certain events related to the Company becoming a public reporting company with the SEC, and (2) warrants to purchase one share of Common Stockcommon stock of the Company for each dollartwo dollars invested, whereby such warrant is immediately exercisable at one dollartwo dollars ($1.00)2.00) per share for a period of three (3) years from the date of issue. As of February 11, 2016, an aggregate of $76,000.00 of convertible promissory notes had been sold. No placement agents or underwriters are involved in this offering and no sales commissions or other compensation is being paid.

 

During 2016, the Company sold 1,170,000 shares of the Company’s Series A Senior Convertible Preferred Stock to various investors. The purchase price of the stock was $1.00 per share, for an aggregate purchase price of $1,170,000. In addition, the Company issued 535,154 shares of its preferred stock with a fair value of $784,888 upon conversion of $535,149 of notes payable and accrued interest. The stock has a stated value of $1.00 per share and accrues an annual dividend at the rate of 8% of the stated value, calculated quarterly, to be paid in shares of common stock at the rate of $0.60$1.20 per share. Dividends are payable to holders of record quarterly, on the last business day of each calendar quarter, from the date of issuance, as may be declared by the Board of Directors, and are cumulative.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company declared dividends of $35,018 to its preferred shareholders which were paid through the issuance of 58,37729,190 shares of common stock.

 

During 2016, the Company issued an additional 145,00072,500 shares of restricted common stock for services rendered. These shares are subject to vesting requirements over 9 to 12 months and remain subject to forfeiture if vesting conditions are not met. The aggregate fair value of the stock was $145,348 based on a valuation per share of $1.00$2.00 on the date of grant.

 

During 2016, the Company also issued 595,000297,500 fully vested shares of common stock for services rendered. During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company recognized $560,932 in stock compensation expense related to these shares.

 

During 2016, the Company issued 1,651,732825,867 shares of common stock with a fair value of $1,385,515 upon conversion of notes payable and accrued interest of $687,368 resulting in a loss on conversion of $698,147.

 

On December 31, 2016, the Company issued 684,933342,467 shares of common stock with a fair value of $602,741 to ourits CEO, Michael Favish.

 

During the period January 1, 2016 through December 31, 2016, the Company granted 585,000292,500 post-maturity warrants to a related party investor. The warrants are exercisable at $0.25$0.50 per share for a period of three years.

 

During the period January 1, 2016 through December 31, 2016, the Company granted warrants, to various investors, to purchase 653,500326,750 shares of its common stock. The warrants are exercisable at a weighted average price of $0.46$0.92 per share for a period of three years.

 

On May 18, 2016, the Company issued warrants to purchase 250,000125,000 shares of its common stock, with an exercise price of $0.25$0.50 per share, as compensation for services rendered.

 

On June 1, 2016, the Company issued warrants to purchase 100,00050,000 shares of its common stock, with an exercise price of $0.25$0.50 per share, as compensation for services rendered.

2015

During the period January 1, 2015 through March 31, 2015, in connection with the issuance of notes payable of $42,500 convertible at a price of $0.50 per membership unit upon certain events, the Company issued 31,687 warrants to purchase membership units equal to 50% of the number of units issued upon conversion of the notes, at a price per unit of $0.60 for 50% of the warrants and a price per unit of $0.75 for the remaining 50% of the warrants, with three year terms and contingent upon the conversion of the related notes.

 

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During the period April 1, 2015 through June 30, 2015, the Company sold 2,303,227 membership units to two consultants for aggregate cash consideration of $2,303.

On May 1, 2015, the Company issued warrants valued at $506,857 to purchase 496,001 membership units with 3 year terms, as inducements to convert notes payable, as more fully described at Note 5 and Note 6 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

On May 1, 2015, the Company issued 450,000 membership units to a related party upon exercise of 450,000 warrants at a weighted average exercise price of $0.20 per unit. In lieu of the aggregate cash payment of $90,000, the holder applied $90,000 of accrued interest towards the exercise price of warrants.

On August 10, 2015, we issued common stock purchase warrants in connection with an investor’s issuance of a convertible promissory note. Warrant coverage was provided to each investor in a number of shares equal to 50% of the shares of stock the investor would receive on conversion of their note. Of the warrants, half were issued with an exercise price of $0.75 per share and half were issued with and exercise price of $0.60 per share. A total of 106,899 warrants to purchase common stock are outstanding from this round of investment.

On August 10, 2015, the Company issued warrants to purchase 28,176 shares of its common stock at an exercise price of $0.01 per share and a three-year term in settlement of $15,497 of accounts payable.

During the period August 1, 2015 through September 30, 2015, the Company issued 250,001 shares of the Company’s common stock upon exercise of 250,001 warrants for aggregate cash consideration of $75,000.

During this period, the Company also issued 333,336 shares of the Company’s common stock upon exercise of 333,336 warrants at an average exercise price of $0.01 per share. In lieu of the aggregate cash payment of $3,334, the holder applied $3,334 of accrued interest toward the exercise price of the warrants.

The shares of common stock represented by membership units converted to common stock during the merger or issuable upon conversion of a promissory note or exercise of a warrant are all included in this Registration Statement.

The Company did not conduct any specific private placement during calendar year 2015.  During calendar year 2015, the Company conducted four unrelated transactions.  In one transaction, the Company sold 1,053,227 units of its membership interest while the Company was a California limited liability company to an advisor assisting the Company with developing certain strategic relationships.  These units were sold at par value. In a second transaction, the Company sold a promissory note for $500,000 convertible into the Company’s common stock based on approximately 1,137,933 shares of the Company’s common stock issuable depending upon interest and certain other factors as set forth in the promissory note. In a third transaction, the Company sold 1,250,000 units of its membership interest while the Company was a California limited liability Company to an advisor assisting the Company with financial affairs.  These units were sold at par value.   In a fourth transaction, the Company issued a total of 32,728 units of membership interest to an investor at a price of $0.04 per unit by converting the interest accrued on a short term loan from that investor.

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ITEM 16. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES.

 

Exhibit No. Description
2.11.1* Underwriting Agreement
2.1Asset Purchase and Reorganization Agreement dated as of September 29, 2017 (filed on Form 8-K on October 5, 2017 and incorporated herein by reference)2017)
3.1 Articles of Organization of P4L Health Sciences, LLC and restatement changing name to Guardion Health Sciences, LLC filed in California*California (filed with the Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed with the SEC on February 11, 2016)
3.2 Articles of Conversion; Delaware and California*California (filed with the Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed with the SEC on February 11, 2016)
3.3 Certificate of Incorporation in Delaware and amendment thereto*thereto (filed with the Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed with the SEC on February 11, 2016)
3.4 Certificate of Designation of the Rights, Preferences, Privileges and Restrictions of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock withAmendment to Certificate of CorrectionIncorporation filed and effective with the Delaware Secretary of State on January 30, 2019 (filed on Form 8-K on January 5, 2017 and incorporated herein by reference)February 1, 2019)
3.5 Certificate of Designation of the Rights, Preferences, PrivilegesSecond Amended and Restrictions of Series B Convertible Preferred StockRestated Bylaws (filed on Form 8-K on March 23, 2017 and incorporated herein by reference)October 22, 2019)
3.64.1 Bylaws*
4.1May 1, 2015 Promissory Note Purchase Agreement*
4.2May 1, 2015 Promissory Note*
4.3November 30, 2015 Amendment to May 1, 2015 Promissory Note*
4.4November 30, 2015 Promissory Note*
4.5November 30, 2015 Warrant Agreement*Agreement (filed with the Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed with the SEC on February 11, 2016)
4.64.2* Form of Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement (filed on Form 8-K on January 5, 2017 and incorporated herein by reference)Pre-Funded Warrant
4.74.3* Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement by and between Michael Favish Living Trust dated January 31, 2007 and Guardion Health Sciences, Inc. (filed on Form 8-K on January 5, 2017 and incorporated herein by reference)of Series A Warrant
4.84.4* Form of Series B Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement (filed on Form 8-K on March 23, 2017 and incorporated herein by reference)Warrant
5.14.5* Form of Underwriters’ Warrant
4.6*Form of Warrant Agent Agreement
5.1*Opinion of Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton, LLP***LLP
10.1 Lease for 15150 Avenue of the Sciences, Suite 200, San Diego California and amendments thereto*thereto (filed with the Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed with the SEC on February 11, 2016)
10.2 Form of Restricted Unit Purchase Agreement from Round 3 Funding in 2013*2013 (filed with the Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed with the SEC on February 11, 2016)
10.3 Form of Bridge Loan from September 30, 2015 - January 25, 2016*2016 (filed with the Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed with the SEC on February 11, 2016)
10.4 Form of Indemnification Agreement*Agreement (filed with the Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed with the SEC on February 11, 2016)
10.5 Intellectual Property Assignment Agreement with David W. Evans and VectorVision, Inc. dated as of September 29, 2017 (filed on Form 8-K on October 5, 2017 and incorporated herein by reference)2017)
10.6 Consulting Agreement with David W. Evans dated as of September 29, 2017 (filed on Form 8-K on October 5, 2017 and incorporated herein by reference)2017)
10.7 Intellectual Property Purchase Agreement with David W. Evans dated as of September 29, 2017 (filed on Form 8-K on October 5, 2017 and incorporated herein by reference)2017)
10.8 Stock Purchase Agreement dated as of November 3, 2017 (filed on Form 8-K on November 7, 2017 and incorporated herein by reference)2017)
23.110.9 ConsentForm of Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP (to be included in Exhibit 5.1)November 2018 Stock Purchase Agreement (filed on Form 8-K on November 30, 2018)
10.1023.2Guardion Health Sciences, Inc. 2018 Equity Incentive Plan (filed with the Registration Statement on Form S-1/A with the SEC on January 7, 2019)
10.11Employment Agreement between Guardion Health Sciences, Inc. and Michael Favish (filed on Form 8-K on December 27, 2018)
10.12Asset Purchase Agreement, effective September 20, 2019 (filed on Form 8-K on September 24, 2019)
23.1* Consent of Weinberg & Company, P.A., independent registered public accounting firm for Guardion Health Sciences, Inc.**
23.323.2* Consent of WeinbergSheppard, Mullin, Richter & Company, P.A., independent registered public accounting firm for VectorVision, Inc.**Hampton LLP (included as Exhibit 5.1)
24.1*Power of Attorney (included on signature page of this Registration Statement)

 

* filed with the Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed with the SEC on February 11, 2016 and incorporated herein by referenceherewith.

 

** filed herewith

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*** to be filed by amendment

ITEM 17. UNDERTAKINGS.

 

The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:

 

(1)To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement:

 

(i)To include any prospectus required by section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act;

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(ii)To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than 20% change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the “Calculation of Registration Fee” table in the effective registration statement.

(iii)To include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such information in the registration statement;

 

(2)That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

(3)To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.

(4)That, for the purpose of determining liability under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser, if the registrant is subject to Rule 430C, each prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) as part of a registration statement relating to an offering, other than registration statements relying on Rule 430B or other than prospectuses filed in reliance on Rule 430A, shall be deemed to be part of and included in the registration statement as of the date it is first used after effectiveness. Provided, however, that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into the registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such first use, supersede or modify any statement that was made in the registration statement or prospectus that was part of the registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such date of first use.

(5)That, for the purpose of determining liability of the registrant under the Securities Act to any purchaser in the initial distribution of the securities, the undersigned registrant undertakes that in a primary offering of securities of the undersigned registrant pursuant to this registration statement, regardless of the underwriting method used to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following communications, the undersigned registrant will be a seller to the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to such purchaser:

 

(i)Any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of the undersigned registrant relating to the offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424;

(ii)Any free writing prospectus relating to the offering prepared by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant or used or referred to by the undersigned registrant;

(iii)The portion of any other free writing prospectus relating to the offering containing material information about the undersigned registrant or its securities provided by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant; and

(iv)Any other communication that is an offer in the offering made by the undersigned registrant to the purchaser.

 

Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the SEC such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

 

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The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to provide to the underwriter at the closing specified in the underwriting agreements certificates in such denominations and registered in such names as required by the underwriter to permit prompt delivery to each purchaser.

 

The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that:

 

(1)For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act, the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of this registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in a form of prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b) (1) or (4) or 497(h) under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of this registration statement as of the time it was declared effective.

(2)For the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

 

The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each filing of the registrant’s annual report pursuant to section 13(a) or section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan’s annual report pursuant to section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that is incorporated by reference in the registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

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SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized on the 29th25th day of November, 2017.October 2019.

 

 GUARDION HEALTH SCIENCES, INC.
   
 By:

/s/ Michael Favish

 Name:Michael Favish
 Title:Chief Executive Officer

 

POWER OF ATTORNEY

We, the undersigned officers and directors of GUARDION HEALTH SCIENCES, INC., hereby severally constitute and appoint Michael Favish and Vincent J. Roth, and each of them (with full power to each of them to act alone), our true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for us and in our stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement and all documents relating thereto, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing necessary or advisable to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, or their substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue thereof.

 

WITNESS our hands and common seal on the dates set forth below.

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statementRegistration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

Signature Title Date
     

/s/ Michael Favish

 CEO, President andNovember 29, 2017
Michael FavishChairman of the Board October 25, 2019
Michael Favish (Principal Executive Officer)  
     

/s/ John Townsend

 Chief Accounting Officer and Controller November 29, 2017

October 25, 2019

John TownsendController
 (Principal Accounting and Financial Officer)  
     

/s/ Robert N. Weingarten

 Director November 29, 2017

October 25, 2019

Robert N. Weingarten    
     

/s/ Mark Goldstone

 Director November 29, 2017

October 25, 2019

Mark Goldstone    
     

/s/ David W. Evans

 Director November 29, 2017

October 25,2019

David W. Evans    

/s/ Donald A. Gagliano

Director

October 25,2019

Donald A. Gagliano

 

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