XML 54 R26.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v3.24.0.1
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Basis of Accounting

Basis of Accounting

 

The financial statements of the Company are prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”).

 

Use of Estimates

Use of Estimates

 

The preparation of the financial statement in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the balance sheet. These estimates and assumptions are based on current facts, historical experience, and various other factors believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results which form the basis for making judgements about the carrying values of assets and liabilities and the recording of expenses that are not readily apparent from other sources. While management believes the estimates and assumptions are appropriate, actual results may differ materially and adversely from these estimates.

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

For purposes of the balance sheets and statements of cash flows, the Company considers all cash on hand, demand deposits and all highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents.

 

Property and Equipment

Property and Equipment

 

Property and equipment are recorded at cost. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives, which range from 3 to 10 years. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs, which do not extend the economic useful life of the related assets, are charged to operations as incurred. Gains or losses on disposal of property and equipment are reflected in the statements of operations in the period of disposal.

 

Accounts Receivable

Accounts Receivable

 

The Company carries its accounts receivable at cost less an allowance for expected credit losses. On a periodic basis, the Company evaluates its accounts receivable and establishes an allowance for expected credit losses based on a history of past write-offs, collections and current conditions. There was no allowance for credit losses at December 31, 2023 and 2022.

 

Deferred Offering Costs

Deferred Offering Costs

 

The Company capitalizes deferred offering costs, which primarily consist of direct, incremental legal, professional, accounting, and other third-party fees relating to the Company’s initial public offering. In June 2023, the Company consummated its IPO and recorded such amounts against the gross proceeds of its IPO within the statements of stockholders’ equity. During the fourth quarter the Company incurred $67,859 of costs related to a follow-on offering.

 

Leases

Leases

 

In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (“Topic 842”). ASU 2016-02 requires lessees to present right-of-use (“ROU”) assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet for all leases with terms longer than 12 months.

 

In calculating the effect of ASU 2016-02, the Company elected the transition method thereby not restating comparable periods. The Company elected to account for non-lease components as part of the lease component to which they relate. Lease accounting involves significant judgments, including making estimates related to the lease term, lease payments, and discount rate. In accordance with the guidance, the Company recognized ROU assets and lease liabilities for all leases with a term greater than 12 months. Leases are classified as either operating or financing leases based on the economic substance of the agreement.

 

 

AZITRA, INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

For the Years Ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

 

The Company has operating leases for buildings. Currently, the Company has 3 operating leases with a ROU asset and lease liability totaling $1,418,502 as of January 1, 2022. The basis, terms and conditions of the leases are determined by the individual agreements. The Company’s option to extend certain leases ranges from 3652 months. All options to extend have been included in the calculation of the ROU asset and lease liability. The leases do not contain residual value guarantees, restrictions, or covenants that could incur additional financial obligations to the Company. There are no subleases, sale-leaseback, or related party transactions. The Company utilizes a weighted average discount rate of 4.25% and 9.60% for its operating and finance leases, respectively.

 

At December 31, 2023, the Company had operating right-of-use assets with a net value of $828,960 and current and long-term operating lease liabilities of $307,655 and $537,523, respectively.

 

In 2023, the Company entered into a lease for the use of certain equipment that is classified as a finance lease. The finance lease has a term of 36 months. At December 31, 2023, the Company had financing right-of-use assets with a net value of $40,002 and current and long-term operating lease liabilities of $14,600 and $26,169, respectively.

 

Intangible Assets

Intangible Assets

 

Intangible assets consist of trademarks and patents. All costs directly related to the filing and prosecution of patent and trademark applications are capitalized. Patents are amortized over their respective remaining useful lives upon formal approval. Trademarks have an indefinite life.

 

The Company accounts for other indefinite life intangible assets in accordance ASC Topic 350, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (ASC 350). ASC 350 requires that intangible assets that have indefinite lives are required to be tested at least annually for impairment or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. Intangible assets that have finite lives will continue to be amortized over their useful lives. Impairment losses relating to license agreements were $78,606 and $0 during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, and are included in general and administrative expenses on the accompanying consolidated statement of operations.

 

Deferred Patent Costs

Deferred Patent Costs

 

Deferred patent costs represent legal and filing expenses incurred related to the submission of patent applications for patents pending approval. These deferred costs will begin to be amortized over their estimated useful lives upon the formal approval of the patent. If the patent is not issued, the costs associated with the patent will be expensed in the year the patent was rejected. Impairment losses relating to deferred patent costs during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 were $272,754 and $0, respectively, and are included in general and administrative expenses on the accompanying consolidated statement of operations.

 

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

 

In accordance with ASC Topic 360-10, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets (ASC 360-10), the Company’s policy is to review its long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. In connection with this review, the Company also reevaluates the periods of depreciation for these assets. The Company recognizes an impairment loss when the sum of the undiscounted expected future cash flows from the use and eventual disposition of the asset is less than its carrying amount. If an asset is considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the fair value of the asset, which is determined using the present value of the net future operating cash flows generated by the asset.

 

 

AZITRA, INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

For the Years Ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

 

Convertible Debt and Warrant Accounting

Convertible Debt and Warrant Accounting

 

Warrants

 

The Company accounts for warrants as either equity-classified or liability-classified instruments based on an assessment of the warrant’s specific terms and applicable authoritative guidance in ASC 480, Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity (“ASC 480”) and ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging (“ASC 815”). The assessment considers whether the warrants are freestanding financial instruments pursuant to ASC 480, meet the definition of a liability pursuant to ASC 480, and whether the warrants meet all of the requirements for equity classification under ASC 815, including whether the warrants are indexed to the Company’s own common stock, among other conditions for equity classification. This assessment, which requires the use of professional judgment, is conducted at the time of warrant issuance and as of each subsequent quarterly period end date while the warrants are outstanding.

 

For issued warrants that meet all of the criteria for equity classification, the warrants are required to be recorded as a component of additional paid-in capital at the time of issuance. For issued warrants that do not meet all the criteria for equity classification, the warrants are required to be recorded at their initial fair value on the date of issuance, and each balance sheet date thereafter. Changes in the estimated fair value of the warrants are recognized as a non-cash gain or loss on the statements of operations under Other Income (Expense).

 

Convertible debt

 

When the Company issues debt with a conversion feature, it first assesses whether the debt should be accounted for in accordance with ASC 480 – Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity. If the debt does not meet the criteria of an ASC 480 liability, the note’s conversion features require bifurcation in accordance with ASC 815 – Derivatives and Hedging. If the Company determines the embedded conversion feature requires bifurcation in accordance with ASC 815, the Company also considers if it can elect the fair value option. The Convertible Notes were converted into the Company’s common stock on the Closing Date of the Company’s IPO. Under 815-15-25, the election can be at the inception of a financial instrument to account for the instrument under the fair value option under ASC 825. The Company has made such election for the 2022 Convertible Notes. Using the fair value option, the convertible promissory note is to be recorded at its initial fair value on the date of issuance, and each balance sheet date thereafter. The Company evaluates the change based on the conversion price at the current market value. When recognized, changes in the estimated fair value of the notes are recognized as a non-cash gain or loss in Other Income (Expense) on the statements of operations. The Company elected the fair value option for the 2022 Convertible Notes and recorded the notes at their initial fair values with subsequent changes in fair value recorded in earnings.

 

Convertible Preferred Stock

Convertible Preferred Stock

 

As the Convertible Preferred stockholders have liquidation rights in the event of a deemed liquidation event that, in certain situations, are not solely within the control of the Company and would require the redemption of the then-outstanding Convertible Preferred Stock, the Company classifies the Convertible Preferred Stock in mezzanine equity on the balance sheet.

 

As noted in Note 8, at the Closing Date of the Company’s IPO, the Convertible Preferred stock converted into shares of the Company’s common stock.

 

Revenue

Revenue

 

The Company follows the five steps to recognize revenue from contracts with customers under ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASC 606”), which are:

 

Step 1: Identify the contract(s) with a customer

 

 

AZITRA, INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

For the Years Ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

 

Step 2: Identify the performance obligations in the contract
Step 3: Determine the transaction price
Step 4: Allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract
Step 5: Recognize revenue when (or as) a performance obligation is satisfied

 

The Company generates service revenue through a joint development agreement with a research partner. The Company recognizes revenue related to the research and development aspects of the agreement over time using the input method as work is performed on the contract.

 

The Company also generates grant revenue, which represents monies received on contracts with various federal agencies and nonprofit research institutions for general research conducted by the Company to further their product development and are therefore considered contributions to the Company. The contracts are generally for periods of one year or more and can be cancelled by either party. The Company concluded that the grant arrangements do not meet the criteria to be treated as a collaborative arrangement under FASB ASC Topic 808 as the Company is the only active participant in the arrangement. The grant arrangements also do not meet the criteria for revenue recognition under Topic 606, as the U.S. Government would not meet the definition of a customer.

 

Amounts earned under these grant contracts are recorded as a reduction to research and development expense when eligible expenses are incurred and the right to payment is realizable or realized and earned. The Company believes this policy is consistent with Topic 606, to ensure that recognition reflects the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration that the Company expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services, even though there is no exchange as defined in Topic 606. Additionally, the Company has determined that the recognition of amounts received as costs are incurred and amounts become realizable is analogous to the concept of transfer of control of a service over time under Topic 606.

 

Receipts of grant awards in advance, which are payable back to the funding agency if not used in accordance with conditions in the grants related to allowable costs or receipt of funding from research partners related to service revenue arrangements before work is performed on the contract, are classified as contract liabilities in the accompanying balance sheets.

 

Research and Development

Research and Development

 

The Company accounts for research and development costs in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) subtopic 730-10, Research and Development. Accordingly, internal research and development costs are expensed as incurred. Research and development costs consist of costs related to labor, materials and supplies. Advance payments for goods and services that will be used in future research and development activities are expensed when the activity has been performed or when the goods have been received. Research and development costs incurred were $3,809,063 and $6,097,938 during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

 

At December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company has a state tax credit receivable of $86,778 and $32,459, respectively, for pending refunds related to the selling of research and development tax credits back to the State of Connecticut. At December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company has $20,040 and $28,925, respectively, for pending refunds related to Canadian Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SRED) credits. At December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company has also recorded $11,565 and $8,282, respectively, related to refunds of Canadian Goods and Services Tax (GST) and Quebec Sales Tax (QST). Receipts of refunds are recorded in other income on the statements of operations.

 

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation

 

The Company accounts for stock-based compensation in accordance with ASC 718, Compensation-Stock Compensation (ASC 718). ASC 718 requires employee stock options and rights to purchase shares under stock participation plans to be accounted for at fair value. ASC 718 requires that compensation costs related to share-based payment transactions be recognized as operating expenses in the financial statements. Under this method, compensation costs for all awards granted or modified are measured at estimated fair value at date of grant and are included as compensation expense over the vesting period during which an employee provides service in exchange for the award. For awards with a performance condition that affects vesting, the Company recognizes compensation expense when it is determined probable that the performance condition will be achieved. The Company recognizes the effect of forfeitures when the forfeitures occur.

 

 

AZITRA, INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

For the Years Ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

 

The Company uses a Black-Scholes option pricing model to determine fair value of its stock options. The Black-Scholes model includes various assumptions, including the value of the underlying common stock, the expected life of stock options, the expected volatility and the expected risk-free interest rate. These assumptions reflect the Company’s best estimates, but they involve inherent uncertainties based on market conditions generally outside of the control of the Company. As a result, if other assumptions had been used, stock-based compensation cost could have been materially impacted. Furthermore, if the Company uses different assumptions for future grants, stock-based compensation cost could be materially impacted in future periods.

 

The Company accounts for equity instruments issued to non-employees in accordance with the provisions of ASC 718 as updated by Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2018-07, Improvements to Nonemployee Share-Based Payment Accounting, which expands the scope of ASC 718 to include share-based payment transactions to non-employees.

 

The following assumptions are used in valuing options issued using the Black-Scholes option pricing model:

 

Expected Volatility. The expected volatility of the Company’s shares is estimated based on the average volatility of peer companies.

 

Expected Term. The expected term of options is estimated using the simplified method which is based on the vesting period and contractual term for each grant, or for each vesting-tranche for awards with graded vesting.

 

Underlying Common Stock Value. The underlying common stock value of the Company’s shares is estimated by a third-party valuation expert up until the Company’s IPO, at which time the Company utilized its trading price on the NYSE American on the date of grant.

 

Risk-free Interest Rate. The Company bases the risk-free interest rate on the implied yield available on a U.S. Treasury note with terms equal to the expected term of the underlying grant.

 

Dividend Yield. The Black-Scholes valuation model calls for a single expected dividend yield as an input. The Company has not paid dividends on Common stock in the past nor does it expect to pay dividends on Common stock in the near future. As such, the Company uses a dividend yield percentage of zero.

 

Income Taxes

Income Taxes

 

The Company uses the liability method of accounting for income taxes, as set forth in ASC 740, Accounting for Income Taxes. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected future tax consequence of temporary differences between the carrying amounts and the tax basis of assets and liabilities and net operating loss carry forwards, all calculated using presently enacted tax rates.

 

Management has evaluated the effect of ASC guidance related to uncertain income tax positions and concluded that the Company has no significant financial statement exposure to uncertain income tax positions at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022. The Company’s income tax returns have not been examined by tax authorities through December 31, 2023.

 

 

AZITRA, INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

For the Years Ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

 

Net Loss Per Share

Net Loss Per Share

 

The Company computes basic net loss per weighted average share attributable to common stockholders using the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. The Company computes diluted net loss per weighted average share attributable to common stockholders using the weighted average number of shares of common and dilutive potential common shares outstanding during the period. Potential common shares outstanding consist of stock options, warrants and preferred stock and are excluded if their effect is anti-dilutive. Diluted weighted average common shares did not include any incremental shares for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.

 

Certain Risks and Uncertainties

Certain Risks and Uncertainties

 

The Company’s activities are subject to significant risks and uncertainties including the risk of failure to secure additional funding to properly execute the Company’s business plan. The Company is subject to risks that are common to companies in the pharmaceutical industry, including, but not limited to, development by the Company or its competitors of new technological innovations, dependence on key personnel, reliance on third party manufacturers, protection of proprietary technology, and compliance with regulatory requirements.

 

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements

 

The Company carries certain liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis. A fair value hierarchy that consists of three levels is used to prioritize the inputs to fair value valuation techniques:

 

Level 1 – Inputs are based upon observable or quoted prices for identical instruments traded in active markets.
Level 2 – Inputs are based upon quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active, and model-based valuation techniques for which all significant assumptions are observable in the market or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.
Level 3 – Inputs are generally unobservable and typically reflect management’s estimates of assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. The fair values are therefore determined using model-based techniques that include option pricing models, discounted cash flow models, and similar techniques.

 

In determining fair value, the Company utilizes valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs to the extent possible as well as considers counterparty credit risk in its assessment of fair value.

 

Financial Instruments

Financial Instruments

 

The Company’s financial instruments are primarily comprised of accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued liabilities, and long-term debt. For accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities, the carrying amount approximates fair value due to the short-term maturities of such instruments. The estimated fair value of the Company’s long-term debt approximates carrying value.

 

Concentration of Credit Risk and Off- Balance Sheet Risk

Concentration of Credit Risk and Off- Balance Sheet Risk

 

Financial instruments that potentially expose the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents. Cash equivalents are occasionally invested in certificates of deposit. The Company maintains each of its cash balances with high-quality and accredited financial institutions and accordingly, such funds are not exposed to unusual credit risk beyond the normal credit risk associated with commercial banking relationships. Deposits in financial institutions may, from time to time, exceed federally insured limits. The Company has not experienced any losses on its deposits of cash. The Company maintains a portion of its cash and cash equivalent balances in the form of a money market account with a financial institution that management believes to be creditworthy.

 

 

AZITRA, INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

For the Years Ended December 31, 2023 and 2022

 

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes. This standard simplifies the accounting for income taxes through the removal of various exceptions previously provided, as well as providing additional reporting requirements for income taxes. The ASU is effective for the Company on January 1, 2022. The Company has adopted this standard effective January 1, 2022, which did not have a material impact to the financial statements.

 

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 1026-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (ASC 326), which replaces the incurred loss methodology with the expected loss methodology. This standard is referred to as the current expected credit loss (“CECL”) methodology. CECL This standard is effective for the Company on January 1, 2023. The Company has adopted this standard effective January 1, 2023, which did not have a material impact to the financial statements.

 

Management does not believe that any other recently issued, but not yet effective, accounting standards could have a material effect on the accompanying financial statements. As new accounting pronouncements are issued, the Company will adopt those that are applicable under the circumstances.