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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

(Mark One)

   
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
   
  For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2024
   
  or
   
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the transition period from ______________to _______________.

 

Commission File Number: 001-41964

 

Chromocell Therapeutics Corporation

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

     
Delaware   86-3335449
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)   (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

 

4400 Route 9 South, Suite 1000

Freehold, NJ 07728

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

 

(877) 265-8266

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

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

         
Title of each class   Trading symbol(s)   Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share   CHRO   The NYSE American LLC

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

The number of shares of the registrant’s common stock outstanding as of May 13, 2024 is 5,766,704.

 

 

 

 

 

CHROMOCELL THERAPEUTICS CORPORATION

QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q

For the quarter ended March 31, 2024

 

  Page
Number 
PART I: FINANCIAL INFORMATION  
Item 1. Financial Statements (unaudited)  
Condensed Balance Sheets 3
Condensed Statements of Operations 4
Condensed Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit)  5
Condensed Statements of Cash Flows 6
Notes to Condensed Financial Statements 7
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 21
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 31
Item 4. Controls and Procedures 31
   
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION  
Item 1. Legal Proceedings 32
Item 1A. Risk Factors 32
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds 32
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities 32
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures 32
Item 5. Other Information 32
Item 6. Exhibits 33
SIGNATURES 34

 

 2

 

 

PART I: FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Financial Statements

 

 CHROMOCELL THERAPEUTICS CORPORATION 

CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS

 

   

March 31,
2024

(Unaudited)

    December 31,
2023
 
ASSETS                
                 
CURRENT ASSETS                
Cash   $ 3,770,229     $ 96,391  
Prepaid expenses     220,930        
Due from Chromocell Corporation     40,400        
                 
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS     4,031,559       96,391  
                 
TOTAL ASSETS   $ 4,031,559     $ 96,391  
                 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT)                
                 
CURRENT LIABILITIES                
Accounts payable and accrued expenses   $ 2,407,515     $ 4,620,925  
Accrued compensation     493,924       645,947  
Bridge loan, net of debt discount           316,324  
Loan payable, net of debt discount           202,279  
Loan payable - related party, net of debt discount           750,082  
Due to Chromocell Corporation           5,386  
                 
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES     2,901,439       6,540,943  
                 
TOTAL LIABILITIES     2,901,439       6,540,943  
                 
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES                
                 
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT)                
Preferred stock Series A, $0.0001 par value, 700,000 shares authorized, 0 and 600,000 shares issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively           60  
Preferred stock Series C, $0.0001 par value, 5,000 shares authorized, 2,600 and 0 shares issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively            
Common stock, $0.0001 par value, 200,000,000 shares authorized, 5,766,704 and 3,914,338 shares issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively     578       391  
Additional paid in capital     17,211,521       7,074,646  
Accumulated deficit     (16,081,979 )     (13,519,649 )
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT)     1,130,120       (6,444,552 )
                 
TOTAL LIABILITIES, AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT)   $ 4,031,559     $ 96,391  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed financial statements.

 

Note: Share and per share amounts have been retroactively adjusted to reflect the impact of a 9-for-1 reverse stock split effected in February 2024, as discussed in Note 6.

 

 3

 

   

CHROMOCELL THERAPEUTICS CORPORATION 

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2024 and 2023

(Unaudited)

 

    For the Three Months Ended     For the Three Months Ended  
    March 31, 2024     March 31, 2023  
             
OPERATING EXPENSES                
General and administrative expenses   $ 787,561     $ 477,630  
Research and development     466,606       186,117  
Professional fees     679,815       250,836  
Total operating expenses     1,933,982       914,583  
                 
NET LOSS FROM OPERATIONS     (1,933,982 )     (914,583 )
                 
OTHER (EXPENSE) INCOME                
Interest expense     (628,348 )     (51,978 )
Total other (expense) income     (628,348 )     (51,978 )
                 
Net loss before provision for income taxes     (2,562,330 )     (966,561 )
                 
Provision for income taxes            
                 
NET LOSS   $ (2,562,330 )   $ (966,561 )
                 
Net loss per common share - basic and diluted   $ (0.55 )   $ (0.87 )
                 
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the year - basic and diluted     4,690,989       1,111,112  

     

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed financial statements.

 

 Note: Share and per share amounts have been retroactively adjusted to reflect the impact of a 9-for-1 reverse stock split effected in February 2024, as discussed in Note 6.

 

 4

 

 

CHROMOCELL THERAPEUTICS CORPORATION  

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT 

FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2024 AND 2023

(Unaudited)

 

                                                           
                                               
    Preferred A
Shares
    Preferred
A Shares
Par
    Preferred
C Shares
    Preferred
C Shares
Par
    Common  
Shares
    Par     Additional
Paid-in
Capital
    Accumulated
Deficit
    Total
Stockholders’
Deficit
 
                                                       
Balance, December 31, 2022     600,000     $ 60           $     $ 1,111,112     $ 111     $ 4,432,148     $ (6,138,856 )   $ (3,706,537 )
                                                                         
Stock-based compensation                                         272,221             272,221  
Net loss                                               (966,561 )     (966,561 )
                                                                         
Balance, March 31, 2023     600,000     $ 60           $     $ 1,111,112     $ 111     $ 2,704,369     $ (7,105,417 )   $ (4,440,877 )

 

CHROMOCELL THERAPEUTICS CORPORATION  

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT 

FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2024 AND 2023

(Unaudited) 

                                                           
                                                 
    Preferred A
Shares
    Preferred
A Shares
Par
    Preferred
C Shares
    Preferred
C Shares
Par
    Common  
Shares
    Par     Additional
Paid-in
Capital
    Accumulated
Deficit
    Total
Stockholders’
Deficit
 
                                                       
Balance, December 31, 2023     600,000     $ 60           $     $ 3,906,300     $ 391     $ 7,074,646     $ (13,519,649 )   $ (6,444,552 )
                                                                         
Stock-based compensation                                         292,552             292,552  
Issuance cost from common stock issued for extension of bridge loan                             81,112       9       447,770             447,779  
Conversion of preferred stock     (600,000 )     (60 )                 499,429       50       10              
Common stock issued for cash                             1,100,000       110       5,971,890             5,972,000  
Standby agreement                             37,500       4       (4 )            
Recission of common stock                             (111,129       (11 )     (91,501 )           (91,512 )
Transfer of liabilities to Chromocell Corp. for preferred C shares                 2,600                         2,153,362             2,153,363  
Common stock issued for conversion of notes                             253,492       25       1,362,796             1,362,821  
Net loss                                               (2,562,300 )     (2,562,330 )
                                                                         
Balance March 31, 2024         $       2,600     $ 1     $ 5,766,704     $ 578     $ 17,211,521     $ (16,081,979 )   $ 1,130,120  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed financial statements.

 

Note: Share and per share amounts have been retroactively adjusted to reflect the impact of a 9-for-1 reverse stock split effected in February 2024, as discussed in Note 6.

 

 5

 

 

CHROMOCELL THERAPEUTICS CORPORATION 

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2024 AND 2023

(Unaudited)

 

    For the Three Months Ended     For the Three Months Ended  
    March 31, 2024     March 31, 2023  
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:                
Net loss   $ (2,562,330 )   $ (966,561 )
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities                
Amortization of debt discount     605,630       31,650  
Stock-based compensation     292,552       272,221  
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:                
Accounts payable and accrued expenses     90,994       367,326  
Accrued compensation     (152,023     121,995  
Due from Chromocell Corporation     (45,786      
Prepaid     (220,930 )      
Net Cash Used In Operating Activities     (1,991,893 )     (173,369 )
                 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:                
Proceeds from loan payable - related party, net of debt discount           166,903  
Payment of bridge loan, net of debt discount     (214,757      
Common stock issued for cash     5,972,000        
Recission of common stock     (91,512      
Net Cash Provided By Financing Activities     5,665,731       166,903  
                 
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH     3,673,838       (6,466
                 
CASH AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD     96,391       55,074  
                 
CASH AT END OF PERIOD   $ 3,770,229     $ 48,608  
                 
Supplemental cash flow information:                
Cash paid for income taxes   $     $  
Cash paid for interest expense   $     $  
                 
NONCASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES:                
Debt discount from common stock issued for extension of bridge loan   $ 447,779     $  
Conversion of notes   $ 1,362,821     $  
Transfer of liabilities to Chromocell Corp for Preferred Stock   $ 2,153,362     $  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed financial statements.

 

Note: Share and per share amounts have been retroactively adjusted to reflect the impact of a 9-for-1 reverse stock split effected in February 2024, as discussed in Note 6.

 

 6

 

 

CHROMOCELL THERAPEUTICS CORPORATION 

NOTES TO CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

NOTE 1 – ORGANIZATION AND NATURE OF BUSINESS

 

Company Background  

 

Chromocell Therapeutics Corporation (“Chromocell” or the “Company”) was incorporated in the State of Delaware on March 19, 2021. On August 10, 2022, the Company entered into that certain Contribution Agreement (the “Contribution Agreement”) with Chromocell Corporation, a Delaware corporation (“Chromocell Holdings”), pursuant to which, effective July 12, 2022 (the “Contribution Date”), Chromocell Holdings contributed all assets and liabilities related to Chromocell Holdings’ historical therapeutic business, including all patents, pre-clinical and Phase I study results and data, and trade secrets related to the CC8464 compound to the Company. (See Note 4)

 

The Company a clinical-stage biotech company focused on developing and commercializing new therapeutics to alleviate pain. The Company’s clinical focus is to selectively target the sodium ion-channel known as “NaV1.7”, which has been genetically validated as a pain receptor in human physiology. A NaV1.7 blocker is a chemical entity that modulates the structure of the sodium-channel in a way to prevent the transmission of pain perception to the central nervous system (“CNS”). The Company’s goal is to develop a novel and proprietary class of NaV blockers that target the body’s peripheral nervous system.

 

The Company has formally launched two programs developing pain treatment therapeutics, both based on the same proprietary molecule, as follows:

 

Neuropathic Pain: CC8464 is being developed to address certain types of neuropathic pain. The chemical characteristics of CC8464 restrict its entry into the CNS and limit its effect to the NaV1.7 receptors in the peripheral nervous system, which consists of the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. Activation of other receptors in the CNS can result in side effects, including addiction and other centrally mediated adverse effects. Since CC8464 is designed to not penetrate the CNS it is highly unlikely to produce CNS mediated side effects including euphoria or addiction. Based on its characteristics, preclinical studies (described below) and the Phase 1 studies the Company has completed to date, the Company believes that CC8464, if approved, could become an attractive option for both patients and physicians as a treatment for moderate-to-severe pain in EM and iSFN.

 

Eye Pain: Based on the same proprietary molecule as CC8464, the Company’s newly launched program, titled CT2000, is for the potential treatment of both acute and chronic eye pain. NaV1.7 receptor is present on the cornea, making it a viable biological target for treating eye pain. Eye pain may occur with various conditions, including severe dry eye disease, trauma and surgery. Existing therapies for eye pain (such as steroids, topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, lubricants, local anesthetics) are limited in their effectiveness and/or limited in the duration that they may be prescribed because of safety issues. The Company intends to explore the viability of developing CT2000 as a topical agent for the relief of eye pain. A potential advantage of this approach is that topical administration of CT2000 is unlikely to lead to any hypersensitivity or skin reactions, like what was noted with systemic administration of CC8464, because the systemic absorption from a topical administration would be extremely limited. The Company has commenced development of a topical ophthalmic formulation of CT2000 that would initially be evaluated for ophthalmic toxicology and then followed by a POC trial in patients. The Company expects the trials for this ophthalmic formulation of CT2000 to start in 2025.

 

The Company may further expand its pipeline with other internal or external compounds in the future, but all other internally discovered compounds are pre-clinical and no commercial discussions about in-licensing have been initiated to date, other than as disclosed in this quarterly report with respect to the licensing of the certain spray formulations from Benuvia Operations LLC (“Benuvia”), entered into on December 23, 2023.

 

The Company has a limited operating history and has not generated revenue from its intended operations. The Company’s business and operations are sensitive to general business and economic conditions in the U.S. and worldwide along with local, state, and federal governmental policy decisions. A host of factors beyond the Company’s control could cause fluctuations in these conditions. Adverse conditions may include changes in the biotechnology regulatory environment, technological advances that render our technologies obsolete, availability of resources for clinical trials, acceptance of technologies into the medical community, and competition from larger, more well-funded companies.

 

 7

 

 

On February 21, 2024, the Company completed the initial public offering of its Common Stock (the “IPO”) and issued 1,100,000 shares of its Common Stock at a price of $6.00 per share. The aggregate net proceeds from the IPO were approximately $5.7 million after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and offering expenses.

 

NOTE 2 – GOING CONCERN ANALYSIS

 

During the three months ended March 31, 2024, the Company had a net loss of $2,562,330 and cash of $3,770,229 at March 31, 2024. These factors indicate substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern for the twelve months following the issuance of these financial statements. The accompanying financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern.

 

The financial statements included in this report do not include any adjustments to reflect the possible future effects on the recoverability and classification of assets or the amounts and classification of liabilities that may result from the matters discussed herein. While the Company believes in the viability of our strategy to generate sufficient revenue, control costs, and raise additional funds, when necessary, there can be no assurances to that effect. The Company’s ability to continue as a going concern is dependent upon the ability to implement the business plan, generate sufficient revenues, raise capital, and to control operating expenses.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

At March 31, 2024, the Company had $3.8 million in cash and a working capital surplus of approximately $1.1 million, compared to approximately $0.1 million in cash and cash equivalents and a working capital deficit of approximately $6.4 million at December 31, 2023.

 

Based on the Company’s current projections, management believes there is substantial doubt about its ability to continue to operate as a going concern and fund its operations through at least the next twelve months following the issuance of these financial statements. While the Company will continue to invest in its business and the development of CC8464 and CT2000, and potentially other molecules, it is unlikely that the Company will generate product or licensing revenue during the next twelve months. During the period, the Company completed its initial public offering, raising $5.7 million, after deducting the underwriting discounts and commissions and offering expenses, and the Company may need to raise additional funds through either strategic partnerships or the capital markets.  However, there is no assurance that the Company will be able to raise such additional funds on acceptable terms, if at all. If the Company raises additional funds by issuing securities, existing stockholders may be diluted.

 

If adequate funds are not available and expenditures exceed the Company’s current expectations, the Company may be required to curtail its operations or other business activities or obtain funds through arrangements with strategic partners or others that may require the Company to relinquish rights to certain technologies or potential markets.

 

NOTE 3 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

Basis of Presentation

 

The accompanying unaudited condensed financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial information and the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). In the opinion of the Company’s management, the accompanying condensed financial statements reflect all adjustments, consisting of normal, recurring adjustments, considered necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the interim periods ended March 31, 2024 and 2023. Although management believes that the disclosures in these unaudited condensed financial statements are adequate to make the information presented not misleading, certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in condensed consolidated financial statements that have been prepared in accordance U.S. GAAP have been omitted pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC.

 

 8

 

 

The accompanying unaudited condensed financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s financial statements and notes related thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, filed with the SEC on April 16, 2024. The interim results for the three months ended March 31, 2024 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the year ending December 31, 2024 or for any future interim periods.

 

Use of Estimates

 

The preparation of condensed financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the condensed financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Significant estimates made by management include, but are not limited to, estimating the useful lives of patent assets, realization of long-lived assets, valuation of deferred income taxes, unrealized tax positions and business combination accounting.

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents. As of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the Company did not have any cash equivalents.

 

As of March 31, 2024, the Company had deposits in excess of federally insured limits.

 

Research and Development

 

We incur research and development costs during the process of researching and developing our technologies and future offerings. We expense these costs as incurred unless such costs qualify for capitalization under applicable guidance. The Company reviews acquired R&D and licenses to determine if they should be capitalized or expensed under U.S. GAAP standards.

 

Below is a disaggregation of R&D expenses:

 

   For the Three Months Ended   For the Three Months Ended 
   March 31, 2024   March 31, 2023 
Consultant  $30,033   $16,400 
Lab Gas        
Lab Cell Storage   24,127    10,100 
Chemistry Manufacturing and Controls (“CMC”)   303,397     
IP Services   109,049    159,617 
Total  $466,606   $186,117 

 

 

 9

 

 

Fair Value Measurements and Fair Value of Financial Instruments

 

The Company adopted FASB ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements (“ASC Topic 820”). ASC Topic 820 clarifies the definition of fair value, prescribes methods for measuring fair value, and establishes a fair value hierarchy to classify the inputs used in measuring fair value as follows:

 

  Level 1 Inputs are unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities available at the measurement date.

 

  Level 2 Inputs are unadjusted quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable, and inputs derived from or corroborated by observable market data.

 

  Level 3 Inputs are unobservable inputs which reflect the reporting entity’s own assumptions on what assumptions the market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on the best available information.

  

The Company did not identify any assets or liabilities that are required to be presented on the balance sheets at fair value in accordance with ASC Topic 820.

 

Due to the short-term nature of all financial assets and liabilities, their carrying value approximates their fair value as of the balance sheet dates.

 

Stock-Based Compensation

 

The Company accounts for stock-based compensation costs under the provisions of ASC 718, Compensation—Stock Compensation, which requires the measurement and recognition of compensation expense related to the fair value of stock-based compensation awards that are ultimately expected to vest. Stock-based compensation expense recognized includes the compensation cost for all stock-based payments granted to employees, officers, and directors based on the grant date fair value estimated in accordance with the provisions of ASC 718. ASC 718 is also applied to awards modified, repurchased, or cancelled during the periods reported. Stock-based compensation is recognized as expense over the employee’s requisite vesting period and over the nonemployee’s period of providing goods or services. Pursuant to ASC 718, the Company can elect to either recognize the expenses on a straight-line or graded basis and has elected to do so under the straight-line basis.

 

Basic and Diluted Net Loss per Common Share

 

Basic loss per common share is computed by dividing the net loss by the weighted average number of shares of Common Stock outstanding for each period. Diluted loss per share is computed by dividing the net loss by the weighted average number of shares of Common Stock outstanding plus the dilutive effect of shares issuable through the common stock equivalents. The weighted-average number of common shares outstanding excludes common stock equivalents because their inclusion would be anti-dilutive. As of March 31, 2024, 197,560 stock options and 55,000 warrants were excluded from dilutive earnings per share as their effects were anti-dilutive. As of March 31, 2023, 156,671 stock options were excluded from dilutive earnings per share as their effects were anti-dilutive.

 

Income Taxes

 

The Company accounts for income taxes pursuant to the provision of ASC 740 “Accounting for Income Taxes,” which requires, among other things, an asset and liability approach to calculating deferred income taxes. The asset and liability approach requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the carrying amounts and the tax bases of assets and liabilities. A valuation allowance is provided to offset any net deferred tax assets for which management believes it is more likely than not that the net deferred asset will not be realized.

 

The Company follows the provision of the ASC 740 related to Accounting for Uncertain Income Tax Position. When tax returns are filed, it is more likely than not that some positions taken would be sustained upon examination by the taxing authorities, while others are subject to uncertainty about the merits of the position taken or the amount of the position that would be ultimately sustained. In accordance with the guidance of ASC 740-10, the benefit of a tax position is recognized in the financial statements in the period during which, based on all available evidence, management believes it is most likely that not that the position will be sustained upon examination, including the resolution of appeals or litigation processes, if any. Tax positions taken are not offset or aggregated with other positions.

 

 10

 

 

Tax positions that meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold are measured as the largest amount of tax benefit that is more than 50% likely of being realized upon settlement with the applicable taxing authority. The portion of the benefits associated with tax positions taken that exceeds the amount measured as described above should be reflected as a liability for uncertain tax benefits in the accompanying balance sheet along with any associated interest and penalties that would be payable to the taxing authorities upon examination. The Company believes its tax positions will more likely than not be upheld upon examination. As such, the Company has not recorded a liability for uncertain tax benefits.

 

The federal and state income tax returns of the Company are subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service and state taxing authorities, generally for three years after they were filed. The Company is in the process of filing the tax returns for the 2023 year. After review of the prior year financial statements and the results of operations through December 31, 2023, the Company has recorded a full valuation allowance on its deferred tax asset. 

 

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

 

In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures, which requires disaggregated information about a reporting entity’s effective tax rate reconciliation, as well as information related to income taxes paid to enhance the transparency and decision usefulness of income tax disclosures. This ASU will be effective for the annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024. The Company is currently evaluating the timing and impacts of adoption of this ASU.

 

Subsequent Events

 

The Company has evaluated all transactions through the date the financial statements were issued for subsequent event disclosure consideration. 

 

 

NOTE 4 – RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

Employment Agreement  

 

On February 14, 2024, the board of director of the Company (the “Board”) received a demand letter from an attorney representing Chromocell Holdings and Christian Kopfli, our former Chief Executive Officer and former Chief Strategy Officer. Mr. Kopfli alleges an improper termination for “cause” and seeks monetary damages in the amount of $479,169. Of the $479,169 asserted by Mr. Kopfli, as of March 31, 2024, the Company has accrued $363,091 in compensation expenses associated with Mr. Kopfli’s prior employment with the Company. To the extent Mr. Kopfli is successful in his assertions, the Company will pay any amounts owed thereunder from future working capital reserves; however, the Company believe the assertions made by Mr. Kopfli are without merit and intends to vigorously defend the matter.

  

Camden Consulting LLC

 

The Company entered into a Consultant Agreement with Camden Capital LLC (“Camden”), dated January 10, 2023 (the “Consultant Agreement”). This Consultant Agreement replaced an agreement with Mr. Francis Knuettel II dated June 2, 2022 and pursuant to which, Camden agreed to provide the services of Mr. Knuettel, who was to serve as our Chief Financial and Strategy Officer, Treasurer and Secretary.

 

Under the Consultant Agreement, Camden accrued a consulting fee for the period June 6, 2022 through August 31, 2022 of $10,000 per month and effective September 1, 2022, began to accrue a consulting fee of $20,000 per month, payable in cash at the rate of $5,000 per month (a minimum of $1,125 per week), with the remainder accrued. All accrued consulting fees are payable as of the earliest of a sale or liquidation of the Company, the Company’s bankruptcy or three days after Post-registration Approval. The Consultant Agreement provides for the following equity awards to Camden: (i) an option, awarded as of January 10, 2023, to acquire 200,000 shares of our Common Stock, vesting quarterly over 10 quarters and beginning October 1, 2022, with the option having an exercise price equal to the fair market value of our Common Stock on the date of grant and expiring on the 10th anniversary of the date of grant; (ii) an option, awarded as of January 10, 2023, to acquire 25,000 shares of our Common Stock, vesting 100% upon the sooner of the sale of the Company or Post-registration Approval, with the option having an exercise price equal to the fair market value of our Common Stock on the date of grant and expiring on the 10th anniversary of the date of grant; and (iii) a RSU, awarded as of January 10, 2023, of 150,000 shares of our Common Stock, vesting 100% on the day after the first trading window that opens after Post-registration Approval.

 

 11

 

 

The Consultant Agreement contemplates an additional consulting fee, as determined by the Board. The potential additional consulting fee is 50% of the annualized consulting fee and will be based on achievement of performance goals and objectives established by the Board in concert with Mr. Knuettel in January of each year. The Board may increase the potential additional consulting fee in recognition of performance in excess of the performance objectives. Any amount shall only be paid if Camden continues to provide consulting services to the Company as of the date of payment, which will be no later than March 15 of the year following the year to which the additional consulting fee relates. Any additional consulting fee for 2022 is payable solely in the Board’s discretion.

 

Pursuant to the Consultant Agreement, in the event the relationship with Camden is involuntarily terminated by the Company other than for “Cause” or if Camden terminates the relationship for “Good Reason,” Camden is entitled to receive (i) six months of consulting fees at the same rate existing immediately prior to termination, (ii) a potential additional consulting fee, if performance goals and objectives have been established for the year and prorated for the period of service, and (iii) six months of additional vesting credit with respect to any outstanding time-based equity awards. “Cause” and “Good Reason” are each defined in the Consultant Agreement.

 

Finally, Camden and Mr. Knuettel agree to certain non-solicitation and non-competition provisions for a period of 12 months following termination of the relationship and to certain confidentiality obligations. Additional terms and conditions are set forth in the Consultant Agreement.

 

On June 23, 2023, we amended and restated the Consultant Agreement by entering into an Amended and Restated Consultant Agreement with Camden whereby the RSU for 16,667 shares of Common Stock was cancelled, and the Company agreed to grant Camden an option to acquire 27,777 shares of Common Stock within 30 days of the closing of the IPO. As of June 23, 2023, such RSU for 16,667 shares of the Company’s Common Stock had not vested, and no expense was recorded on the Company’s financial statements. In addition, from and after June 1, 2023, the consulting fee will be paid in cash by the Company. No other material changes were made to the Consultant Agreement.

 

Effective July 19, 2023, the Board appointed Francis Knuettel II as Interim Chief Executive Officer and as of March 13, 2024, the Board appointed Francis Knuettel II as Chief Executive Officer of the Company. Mr. Knuettel will serve as the Company’s Chief Executive Officer until a successor is duly elected and qualified, unless sooner removed. In addition to his role as Chief Executive Officer of the Company, Mr. Knuettel will continue to serve in his capacity as Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Secretary of the Company.

 

Director Note

 

On December 6, 2022, the Company and Mr. Todd Davis, one of the Company’s directors, entered into the Director Note for $175,000. The Director Note has an original issuance discount of $75,000, and matures on December 31, 2023, or, if earlier to occur, upon the closing of an underwritten offering of securities resulting in at least $15 million in gross proceeds. On December 28, 2023, the Company entered into an amendment to the Director Note, which extended the maturity date to February 29, 2024. On February 21, 2024, the principal and accrued interest on this note converted into 29,167 shares of the Company’s Common Stock.

 

April and September Bridge Financings

 

On April 17, 2023 and September 1, 2023, the Company entered into bridge notes, the investors in which were almost entirely existing investors. Related party investors in the April Bridge Financing include Chromocell Holdings, Boswell Prayer Ltd., Motif Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Aperture Healthcare Ventures Ltd., MDB Merchants Park LLC, Balmoral Financial Group LLC and AME EQUITIES LLC (each a related party based on share ownership in excess of 5% or resulting from a principal at one of the entities being on the Board). All of these investors, except Chromocell Holdings, also participated in the September Bridge Financing. On February 21, 2024, the principal and accrued interest on these notes converted into 130,494 shares of the Company’s Common Stock.

 

 12

 

 

Due from/to Chromocell Corporation

 

As of March 31, 2024, the Company had a $40,400 receivable due from Chromocell Holdings, from which the Company was spun out in August 2022. This amount is comprised of expenses paid by the Company to be reimbursed by Chromocell Holdings. No interest is incurred on these amounts.

 

As of December 31, 2023, the Company had a $5,586 liability due to Chromocell Corporation. This amount is comprised of expenses paid by Chromocell Holdings to be reimbursed by the Company. No interest is incurred on these amounts.

 

Side Letter to the Contribution Agreement and Issuance of Series C Convertible Redeemable Preferred Stock

 

On August 2, 2023, the Company entered into a side letter to the Contribution Agreement (the “Holdings Side Letter”) with Chromocell Holdings. Pursuant to the side letter, upon closing of the Company’s IPO: (a) Chromocell Holdings re-assumed all $1.6 million in direct liabilities previously assumed by the Company in accordance with the Contribution Agreement, (b) Chromocell Holdings waived the Company’s obligations to make a cash payment in the amount of $0.6 million to Chromocell Holdings, and (c) in consideration thereof, the Company issued to Chromocell Holdings 2,600 shares of Series C Convertible Redeemable Preferred Stock of the Company, par value of $0.0001 per share (the “Series C Preferred Stock”).

 

The Series C Preferred Stock has a liquidation preference of $1,000 per share. Holders of the Series C Preferred Stock are not entitled to dividends, have no voting rights other than as required by law, and the shares of Series C Preferred Stock are convertible into shares of Common Stock at a price of $7.50 per share of Common Stock.   Following the IPO, at the Company’s option, the shares of Series C Preferred Stock are convertible into shares of Common Stock automatically if, the trading price of the Common Stock exceeds certain thresholds and are redeemable by the Company for cash. 

 

NOTE 5 – NOTES PAYABLE

 

Investor Note

  

On February 4, 2022, the Company entered into a note payable for $450,000 (the “Investor Note”) with a third party. This Investor Note had an original issuance discount of $150,000, representing an implicit interest rate of 50%, a maturity date of February 3, 2023, and accrues no interest beyond the original issuance discount. As of December 31, 2023, the debt discount was fully amortized. The Company recognized $14,370 and $135,630, respectively, of amortization of debt discount included in interest expense on the statement of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 related to the Investor Note.

 

On February 27, 2023, the Investor Note agreement was amended. The maturity date was extended from its original due date of February 3, 2023 to May 15, 2023, in return for the Company agreeing to pay 2% per month in accrued interest and the third party agreeing to settle its outstanding debt, including accrued interests in shares of Common Stock at the IPO. Accrued interest and related interest expense totaled $15,517 for the three months ended March 31, 2024, compared to $17,036 for year ended March 31, 2023.

 

On June 23, 2023, the Company entered into a side letter with the holder of the Investor Note pursuant to which the Company (i) amended and restated the Investor Note to extend the maturity date to August 15, 2023 and (ii) in consideration therefor, issued to such holder 50,000 shares of Common Stock. The Company determined that this extension qualified as a modification of the Investor Note rather than an extinguishment. The Company recorded an expense of $126,000 from the issuance of the 556 shares of Common Stock based on a share price of $22.68. The $22.68 share price was based on a third-party valuation of the Company’s Common Stock, with certain adjustments as set forth below in detail in Note 7 – Stockholders’ Equity. This expense was recorded to interest expense on the Company’s statement of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2024. 

 

 13

 

 

On August 17, 2023, the Company entered into a second side letter with the holder of the Investor Note (the “August Investor Note Side Letter” and, together with the June Investor Note Side Letter, the “Investor Note Side Letters”) pursuant to which the Company (i) amended and restated the Investor Note to extend the maturity date to September 30, 2023 and (ii) in consideration therefor, issued to such holder 30,000 shares of Common Stock. On September 24, 2023, the Company entered into an amendment to the Investor Note, which further extended the maturity date to October 10, 2023. The Investor Note provides for the accrual of interest equal to 2% of the face amount of $450,000 per month ($9,000 per month) and obligates the holder to subscribe for securities in the IPO in full satisfaction of our repayment obligations. In addition, pursuant to the Investor Note Side Letters, the Company agreed to register the 8,890 shares of Common Stock (5,556 issued for the June 23, 2023 side letter, and 3,334 issued for the August 17, 2023 side letter) for resale. The Company recorded an expense of $75,600 from the issuance of the 3,333 shares of Common Stock based on a share price of $22.68. The $22.68 share price was based on a third-party valuation of the Company’s Common Stock, with certain adjustments as set forth below in detail in Note 7 – Stockholders’ Equity. This expense was recorded to interest expense on the Company’s statement of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2024.

 

Effective October 10, 2023, the Company entered into a side letter with the Holder of the Investor Note, which extended the maturity date of the Investor Note to November 14, 2023 and the Company issued to the Holder of the Investor Note 3,334 shares of Common Stock. The Company recorded additional interest expense of $75,600 from the issuance of the 3,333 shares of Common Stock based on a share price of $22.68.

 

Effective November 13, 2023, the Company entered into another side letter with the holder of the Investor Note pursuant to which the Company (i) amended and restated the Investor Note to extend the maturity date to January 31, 2024, and (ii) in consideration therefor, agreed to issue to such Holder of the Investor Note 3,334 shares of Common Stock on each of November 29, 2023, December 29, 2023 and January 29, 2024, provided the Investor Note remained outstanding as of such date. The Company recorded an expense of $75,600 from the issuance of the 3,334 shares of Common Stock based on a share price of $22.68.

 

Amendment to Investor Note

 

Effective January 30, 2024, the Company entered into another side letter with the holder of the Investor Note (the “January Investor Note Side Letter”) pursuant to which the Company (i) amended and restated the Investor Note to extend the maturity date to February 29, 2024, and (ii) in consideration therefor, agreed to issue to such Holder of the Investor Note 77,778 shares of Common Stock on the earlier to occur of the IPO or February 29, 2024. As of March 31, 2024, the Investor Note has been fully paid off.

 

Director Note

 

On December 6, 2022, the Company and Mr. Todd Davis, one of the Company’s directors, entered into a note payable agreement (the “Director Note”) for $175,000. The Director Note had an original issuance discount of $75,000, no other interest and matures on December 31, 2023, or, if earlier to occur, upon the closing of an underwritten offering of securities resulting in at least $15 million in gross proceeds. Mr. Davis, as lender, has the right but not the obligation to subscribe to the underwritten offering by presenting the Director Note in whole or in part to purchase such securities as legal tender therefor, on a dollar-for-dollar basis based upon the offering price of such securities to the public. The Director Note bears no interest except in the case of certain events of default. 

 

On December 28, 2023, the Company entered into an amendment to the Director Note, which extended the maturity date to February 29, 2024. The Director Note was exchanged for 29,167 shares of Common Stock at the time of the Company’s IPO.

 

April Bridge Financing

 

On April 17, 2023, the Company entered into a bridge loan for working capital purposes, with various accredited investors, all of whom are pre-existing stockholders, in the aggregate principal amount of $393,808 (the “April Bridge Financing”). During the three months ended March 31, 2023, the Company received $166,903 in Advances from certain participating investors. Such Advances accrued interest at a rate of 8% per annum until close of the April Bridge Financing on April 17, 2023, for a total of $1,870 in aggregate interest on all Advances. The April Bridge Financing consisted of senior secured convertible notes that had a maturity date of October 17, 2023. Such notes accrued interest on the unpaid principal amount at a rate of 8% per annum and automatically converted into shares of Common Stock at the IPO of shares of Common Stock at a 20% discount to the price per IPO Share. The senior secured convertible notes issued in the April Bridge Financing were secured by a security interest in all of our assets (including our patents and intellectual property licenses). In connection with the April Bridge Financing, on April 17, 2023, the Company also entered into a securities purchase agreement with holders of the notes, pursuant to which the Company is required to file a registration statement within 180 calendar days after consummation of the IPO, providing for the resale of Common Stock received by holders of the notes upon conversion of such notes.

 

 14

 

 

On October 12, 2023, the Company entered into a first amendment to the senior secured convertible notes in the April Bridge Financing, which extended the maturity of the notes to November 1, 2023. On October 24, 2023, the Company entered into a second amendment to the senior secured convertible notes in the April Bridge Financing, which extended the maturity of the notes to November 14, 2023. On November 13, 2023, the Company entered into a third amendment to the senior secured convertible notes in the April Bridge Financing, which further extended the maturity of the notes to February 29, 2024. These notes were exchanged for 87,727 shares of Common Stock at the time of the Company’s IPO.

 

September Bridge Financing

  

On September 1, 2023, the Company entered into a bridge loan for working capital purposes, with various accredited investors, certain of which are pre-existing stockholders, in the aggregate principal amount of $198,128 (the “September Bridge Financing”). The September Bridge Financing consisted of senior secured convertible notes that had a maturity date of March 1, 2024. Such notes accrued interest on the unpaid principal amount at a rate of eight percent (8%) per annum and automatically converted into shares of Common Stock in connection with the IPO at a twenty percent (20%) discount to the price per IPO Share plus an additional 62 shares of Common Stock issuable as further consideration for the September Bridge Financing. The senior secured convertible notes issued in the September Bridge Financing were secured by a security interest in all of our assets (including our patents and intellectual property licenses). In connection with the September Bridge Financing, on September 1, 2023, the Company also entered into a securities purchase agreement with holders of the notes, pursuant to which the Company is required to file a registration statement within 180 calendar days after consummation of the IPO, providing for the resale of Common Stock received by holders of the notes upon conversion of such notes. Additionally, we entered into a subordination and intercreditor agreement, effective September 1, 2023, with the holders of the senior secured convertible notes issued in the April Bridge Financing, pursuant to which those notes and certain liens of the Company would be subordinated to the rights of the holders of the notes issued in the September Bridge Financing. These notes were exchanged for 42,767 shares of Common Stock at the time of the Company’s IPO.

 

October Promissory Notes

 

On October 12, 2023, the Company and four existing investors entered into promissory notes (the “October Promissory Notes”) with an aggregate face amount of $210,000 and an aggregate purchase price of $175,000. The October Promissory Notes matured on November 12, 2023 or, if earlier to occur, upon the closing of the IPO. The October Promissory Notes bore no interest except in the case of certain events of default. On November 7, 2023, the Company amended and restated the October Promissory Notes to extend the maturity dates of the October Promissory Notes to November 17, 2023. On November 13, 2023, the Company amended and restated the October Promissory Notes to further extend the maturity dates of the October Promissory Notes to February 29, 2024. As of March 31, 2024, the October Promissory Notes have been fully paid off.

 

Bridge Financing Note Amendments and Recission Agreement

 

On February 8, 2024, the Company and certain affiliates of A.G.P./Alliance Global Partners (“A.G.P.”) entered into amendments to the senior secured convertible notes issued to such affiliates of the A.G.P. in the April Bridge Financing and September Bridge Financing to remove the automatic conversion features from such notes (the “Bridge Financing Note Amendments”). Under the Bridge Financing Note Amendments, both notes issued in the April Bridge Financing and the September Bridge Financing have a maturity date of March 1, 2024, and the full principal amount of both notes and any accrued interest thereon shall be payable solely in cash upon the consummation of the IPO. Both notes have an annual interest rate of 8%, which accrues daily, and is calculated on the basis of a 360-day year (consisting of twelve 30 calendar day periods), giving an effective interest rate of 8.3%.

 

 15

 

 

On February 10, 2024, the Company entered into a Stock Rescission Agreement with certain affiliates of A.G.P. (the “Stock Rescission Agreement” and, together with the Bridge Financing Note Amendments, the “Representative Affiliate Transactions”), pursuant to which the Company rescinded 111,129 shares of Common Stock held by such affiliates of A.G.P. and agreed to refund an aggregate of $91,513 paid by such affiliates of A.G.P. in consideration therefor within 30 days of the effective date of the Stock Rescission Agreement. At March 31, 2024, all such amounts have been paid pursuant to the Representative Affiliate Transactions and there are no remaining obligations thereto.

 

NOTE 6 – STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

Initial Public Offering

 

On February 21, 2024, the Company completed its IPO and issued 1,100,000 shares of Common Stock at a price of $6.00 per share. The aggregate net proceeds from the IPO were approximately $5.7 million after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and offering expenses.

 

Stock Split

 

On February 15, 2024, the Company effected a 9-for-1 reverse stock split. All share and per share amounts have been retrospectively adjusted for the reverse stock split.

 

Share Forfeiture

 

Pursuant to the terms of the April Bridge Financing, Chromocell Holdings forfeited 1,203,704 of the shares of Common Stock of the Company on April 17, 2023. All shareholders with ownership stakes greater than 5% of the Company agreed that the failure to invest its pro rata allocation in the April Bridge Financing would result in the forfeiture of a pro rata percentage of their shares. Chromocell Holdings did not invest its full pro rata allocation, leading to the forfeiture of a portion of their shares of Common Stock of the Company.

 

Standby Investor Side letter

 

On October 11, 2023, the Company entered into a securities purchase agreement with an institutional investor (the “Standby Investor”), pursuant to which (i) the Standby Investor agreed to purchase, upon close of the IPO and at the Company’s election, an aggregate of up to 750 shares of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock, par value of $0.0001 per share (the “Series B Preferred Stock”) for a purchase price of $1,000 per share, and (ii) in consideration therefor, the Company would issue upon close of the IPO, and regardless of whether the Company would have issued any shares of Series B Preferred Stock, an aggregate of 4,167 shares (such shares, the “Standby Shares”) of Common Stock to the Standby Investor (such agreement, the “Series B Securities Purchase Agreement”). In addition, pursuant to the Series B Securities Purchase Agreement, the Company was required to file a registration statement within 180 calendar days after consummation of the IPO, providing for the resale of the Standby Shares and shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of the Series B Preferred Stock, if issued.

 

Effective November 13, 2023, the Company entered into a side letter with the Standby Investor (the “Standby Investor Side Letter”), pursuant to which it (i) waived in full the Standby Investor’s obligation to fund the aggregate amount to be paid for the Series B Preferred Stock to be purchased under the Series B Securities Purchase Agreement and (ii) agreed to continue to have the obligation to issue the full amount of the Standby Shares upon the closing of the IPO. The Company and the Standby Investor also agreed to terminate each of their obligations solely with respect to the Series B Preferred Stock under the Series B Securities Purchase Agreement and a certain Registration Rights Agreement between the Company and the Standby Investor, which was required to be delivered pursuant to the Series B Securities Purchase Agreement.

 

 16

 

 

Rights Offering

 

On November 22, 2023, the Company commenced a rights offering (the “Rights Offering”) pursuant to which the Company distributed non-transferable subscription rights (“Subscription Rights”) to each holder of its Common Stock held as of 5:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on November 22, 2023, the record date for the Rights Offering (the “Rights Offering Record Date”). The Subscription Rights could be exercised at any time during the subscription period, which commenced on November 22, 2023 and expired at 5:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, on December 1, 2023. Each Subscription Right entitled the eligible holder to purchase up to three shares of the Company’s Common Stock at a price per whole share of Common Stock of $0.1008 (the “Subscription Price”). Holders who fully exercised their rights could also subscribe for additional shares of Common Stock not subscribed for by other holders on a pro rata basis. In addition, the Company could distribute to one or more additional persons, at no charge to such person, additional non-transferable subscription rights to purchase shares of its Common Stock in the Rights Offering at the same Subscription Price, without notice to the holders of its Common Stock. Upon the closing of the Rights Offering, the Company issued an aggregate of 2,533,853 shares of Common Stock and received aggregate net proceeds of $255,412, after giving effect to the Representative Affiliate Transactions (as defined below), which it intended to use primarily for general corporate purposes and expenses associated with the IPO.

 

Recission Agreement

 

On February 10, 2024, the Company entered into a Stock Rescission Agreement with certain affiliates of A.G.P. pursuant to which the Company rescinded 111,129 shares of Common Stock held by such affiliates of A.G.P. and agreed to refund an aggregate of $91,513 paid   by such affiliates of A.G.P. in consideration therefor within 30 days of the effective date of the Stock Rescission Agreement. At March 31, 2024, all such amounts have been paid pursuant to the Representative Affiliate Transactions and there are no remaining obligations thereto.

 

Options 

 

During the three months ended March 31, 2024, no new options were granted.

 

During the three months ended March 31, 2023, the fair value of each stock option granted was estimated using the Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model using the following inputs:

 

Exercise price   $ 22.68  
Expected dividend yield     0 %
Risk free interest rate     3.61-3.93 %
Expected life in years     10  
Expected volatility     157-158 %

 

The risk-free interest rate assumption for options granted is based upon observed interest rates on the United States Government Bond Equivalent Yield appropriate for the expected term of the options.

 

With certain adjustments outlined below, the Company based its determination of the underlying fair value of the Company’s Common Stock on the findings of an independent third party engaged by the Company to determine the fair value of the Company’s intellectual property. The Company had the analysis conducted in conjunction with the Contribution Agreement, which was executed on August 10, 2022. The analysis determined that the fair value of the Company’s intellectual property was $44.8 million. At the time of the Contribution Agreement and the option grants, there was 1,187,302 shares (on an as converted basis reflecting the conversion of the 600,000 Series A Convertible Preferred Stock held by Chromocell Holdings). As of March 31, 2024, all of the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock shares have been converted. The resulting value per share of common stock was $37.71. The Company then adjusted this value in accordance with the following:

 

Value of intellectual property   $ 44.8 million  
Common shares outstanding (as converted)     1,187,302  
Value per common share   $ 37.71  
Illiquidity discount     20 %
Minority discount     20 %
Fair value of the common stock   $ 22.68  

 

 17

 

 

After the completion of the Company’s IPO, the trading price of the Company’s Common Stock is used as the fair value of the Company’s Common Stock.

 

The Company determined the expected volatility assumption for options granted using the historical volatility of comparable public companies’ common stock. The Company will continue to monitor peer companies and other relevant factors used to measure expected volatility for future option grants, until such time that the Company’s Common Stock has enough market history to use historical volatility.

 

The dividend yield assumption for options granted is based on the Company’s history and expectation of dividend payouts. The Company has never declared nor paid any cash dividends on its Common Stock, and the Company does not anticipate paying any cash dividends in the foreseeable future.

 

The Company recognizes option forfeitures as they occur as there is insufficient historical data to accurately determine future forfeiture rates.

  

The following is an analysis of the stock option grant activity:

 

       Weighted
Average
   Weighted
Average
 
   Number  

Exercise

Price

   Remaining
Life
 
Stock Options               
Outstanding December 31, 2023   197,560   $22.68    9.08 
Granted      $     
Expired      $     
Exercised      $     
Outstanding March 31, 2024   197,560   $22.68    8.83 
Exercisable March 31, 2024   127,723   $22.68    8.83 

 

A summary of the status of the Company’s nonvested options as of March 31, 2024, and changes during the three months ended March 31, 2024, is presented below:

 

Non-vested Options  Options   Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price
 
Non-vested at December 31, 2023   113,429   $22.68 
Granted      $ 
Vested   (43,592)  $22.68 
Forfeited      $ 
Non-vested at March 31, 2024   69,837   $22.68 

 

The total number of options granted during the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 was 0 and 106,669, respectively. The exercise price for these options was $22.68 per share and there was an intrinsic value of $0.

 

The Company recognized stock-based compensation expense related to option vesting amortization of $292,552 and $272,221 for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, which is included in general and administrative expenses in the statement of operations.

 

As of March 31, 2024, the unamortized stock option expense was $1,561,727. As of March 31, 2024, the weighted average period for the unamortized stock compensation to be recognized is 2.11 years.

 

 18

 

 

Warrants 

 

The following is an analysis of the stock warrant grant activity:

 

       Weighted
Average
   Weighted
Average
 
   Number  

Exercise

Price

   Remaining
Life
 
Stock Warrants               
Outstanding December 31, 2023      $     
Granted   55,000   $7.50    4.88 
Expired      $     
Exercised      $     
Outstanding March 31, 2024   55,000   $7.50    4.88 
Exercisable March 31, 2024   55,000   $7.50    4.88 

 

A summary of the status of the Company’s nonvested warrants as of March 31, 2024, and changes during the three months ended March 31, 2024, is presented below:

 

Non-vested Warrants  Warrants   Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price
 
Non-vested at December 31, 2023      $ 
Granted   55,000   $7.50 
Vested   (55,000)  $7.50 
Forfeited      $ 
Non-vested at March 31, 2024      $ 

 

The total number of warrants granted during the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 was 55,000 and 0, respectively. The exercise price for these warrants was $7.50 per share and there was an intrinsic value of $0.

 

The Company recognized stock-based compensation expense related to warrant vesting amortization of $0 and $0 for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

 

On February 21, 2024, the Company issued warrants to purchase up to 55,000 shares of Common Stock to the representative of the underwriters of the IPO (the “Representative”). These warrants have an exercise price of $7.50, have a cashless exercise provision, are exercisable 180 days following the commencement of sales of the shares of Common Stock of the IPO and have an expiration date of February 21, 2029. No expense was recognized to the warrants issued to such warrants from the IPO as these warrants constituted offering costs of the IPO.

 

NOTE 7 – LEGAL

 

Demand Letter from Mr. Kopfli’s Attorney

 

On February 14, 2024, the Board received a demand letter from an attorney representing Chromocell Holdings and our former Chief Executive Officer and former Chief Strategy Officer, Mr. Christian Kopfli, who was released for “cause” as disclosed elsewhere in this Report. Mr. Kopfli alleges an improper termination for “cause” and seeks monetary damages in the amount of $479,169. Of the $479,169 asserted by Mr. Kopfli, as of March 31, 2024, the Company has accrued $363,091 in compensation expenses   associated with Mr. Kopfli’s prior employment with the Company. To the extent Mr. Kopfli is successful in his assertions, the Company will pay any amounts owed thereunder from future working capital reserves; however, the Company believe the assertions made by Mr. Kopfli are without merit and intends to vigorously defend the matter.  

 

 19

 

 

Complaint Filed by New Jersey Economic Development Authority

 

On April 9, 2024, we received correspondence notifying us of an Entry of Default Notice, filed on April 8, 2024, against “Chromocell Corporation d/b/a Chromocell Therapeutics” in the matter New Jersey Economic Development Authority v. Chromocell Corporation, et al. (Docket No. MER-L-001748-23). The complaint filed by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (the “EDA”) on September 12, 2023 in the Superior Court of New Jersey Law Division, Mercer County, alleges Chromocell Holdings’ (not the Company’s) breach of a Settlement Agreement between the EDA and Chromocell Holdings, dated December 31, 2022 (the “Settlement Agreement”), pursuant to which EDA and Chromocell Holdings agreed that Chromocell Holdings would (i) vacate the premises located at 671 US Highway One South, North Brunswick, New Jersey, on or before December 31, 2023, (ii) pay an initial lump-sum payment of $10,000 toward outstanding rent and provide a copy of its Registration Statement on Form S-1 for the Company’s IPO (the “Registration Statement”) and (iii) make a final one-time lump sum payment to the EDA of $510,701 to satisfy Chromocell Holdings’ outstanding rent and additional rent obligations within 90 days of Chromocell Holdings’ executing the Settlement Agreement or within 15 days of Chromocell Holdings’ IPO, whichever was the first to occur. The complaint alleges Chromocell Holdings’ breach of each of these provisions of the Settlement Agreement and seeks a judgment for the entire amount allegedly due and owing as of September 12, 2023 ($510,701), compensatory damages, pre-judgment interest, attorney’s fees, costs of suit and such other and further relief as the court deems just and proper. Besides including “Chromocell Therapeutics” in the case caption, the complaint does not include allegations related to any action purportedly taken by the Company. While the complaint appears to concern a matter between Chromocell Holding and EDA, the Company steadfastly believes it was inappropriately named as a defendant and filed motions to vacate the Entry of Default and have “Chromocell Therapeutics” dismissed from the matter on April 24, 2024.  

 

NOTE 8 – SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

Consultant Agreement

 

On May 10, 2024, the Company entered into a side letter to the Consultant Agreement (the “Consultant Agreement Side Letter”) with Camden. Pursuant to the Consultant Agreement Side Letter: (a) effective as of February 21, 2024 until the earlier of seven calendar days following the date of a Financing Transaction (as defined in the Consultant Agreement Side Letter) or December 15, 2024, Camden agreed that the Company would not be obligated to pay in cash unpaid fees pursuant to the Consultant Agreement of $131,867.81 (the “Outstanding Liability”); and (b) in order to document the Outstanding Liability, the Company agreed to issue to Camden a promissory note in the principal amount of $131,867.81, effective as of May 10, 2024 (the “Camden Promissory Note”). The Camden Promissory Note matures on December 15, 2024, of if earlier to occur, seven calendar days following the Company’s closing of a public or private offering or other financing or capital-raising transaction of any kind. The principal amount of the Camden Promissory Note accrues interest at a rate of 4.86% per annum.

 

Any fees due on or after February 21, 2024 under the Consultant Agreement would be paid in cash in accordance with the Consultant Agreement.

 

Employment Agreement

 

On May 11, 2024, the Company entered into an employment agreement, effective as of May 1, 2024, with Mr. Knuettel (the “Employment Agreement”). Pursuant to the terms of the Employment Agreement, Mr. Knuettel agreed to serve as the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and President, Chief Financial and Strategy Officer, Treasurer and Secretary, in consideration for an annualized salary of $410,000. The Employment Agreement provides for a signing bonus of $56,666.00. The Employment Agreement contemplates an annual cash bonus, as determined by the Board in its sole discretion and in good faith. The target cash bonus is 50% of Mr. Knuettel’s annualized salary and will be based on achievement of performance goals and objectives determined by the Board. The Board may increase the cash bonus in recognition of performance in excess of the performance objectives. Any cash bonus will be paid if Mr. Knuettel remains employed on the date of payment, which will be no later than March 15 of the year following the year to which the cash bonus relates.

 

Pursuant to Mr. Knuettel’s employment agreement, in the event he is involuntarily terminated by the Company other than for “Cause” or if he resigns for “Good Reason,” he is entitled to receive (i) six months of salary at the same rate existing immediately prior to his termination, (ii) if and only if the target for the cash bonus has been set, a prorated amount of the cash bonus, as determined in good faith by the Board in its sole discretion, (iii) vesting of all outstanding options with time-based vesting, and (iv) coverage of 18 months of group medical, dental and/or vision benefits under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, as amended, if he elects to continue such benefits. “Cause” and “Good Reason” are each defined in the Employment Agreement.

 

Finally, Mr. Knuettel agreed to certain non-solicitation and non-competition provisions for a period of 12 months following termination and to certain confidentiality obligations. Additional terms and conditions are set forth in the Employment Agreement.

 

Pursuant to the terms of the Employment Agreement, the parties agreed that Camden would cease to provide services to the Company and the Company would no longer be obligated to make any payment of fees under the Consultant Agreement. Services provided under the Employment Agreement would be considered services under the Consultant Agreement, solely with respect to vesting and for purposes of determining the exercise period under any equity award with respect to any equity grant to Mr. Knuettel or Camden. In addition, Camden will be entitled to payment for services rendered through April 30, 2024, together with the amount evidenced by the Camden Promissory Note.

 

 20

 

 

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

 

Cautionary Notice Regarding Forward Looking Statements

 

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (this “Report”) contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Forward-looking statements discuss matters that are not historical facts. Because they discuss future events or conditions, forward-looking statements may include words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “intend,” “could,” “should,” “would,” “may,” “seek,” “plan,” “might,” “will,” “expect,” “predict,” “project,” “forecast,” “potential,” “continue,” negatives thereof or similar expressions. These forward-looking statements are found at various places throughout this Report and include information concerning possible or assumed future results of Chromocell Therapeutics Corporation’s (“Chromocell”, the “Company”, “our”, “us” or “we”) operations; business strategies; future cash flows; financing plans; plans and objectives of management; any other statements regarding future operations, future cash needs, business plans and future financial results, and any other statements that are not historical facts.

 

From time to time, forward-looking statements also are included in our other periodic reports on Form 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K, in our press releases, in our presentations, on our website and in other materials released to the public. Any or all of the forward-looking statements included in this Report and in any other reports or public statements made by us are not guarantees of future performance and may turn out to be inaccurate. These forward-looking statements represent our intentions, plans, expectations, assumptions and beliefs about future events and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, including risks related to market, economic and other conditions; our current liquidity position, the need to obtain additional financing to support ongoing operations, Chromocell’s ability to continue as a going concern; Chromocell’s ability to maintain the listing of its Common Stock on the NYSE American LLC (the “NYSE American”), Chromocell’s ability to manage costs and execute on its operational and budget plans; and, Chromocell’s ability to achieve its financial goals. Many of those factors are outside of our control and could cause actual results to differ materially from the results expressed or implied by those forward-looking statements. In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the events described in the forward-looking statements might not occur or might occur to a different extent or at a different time than we have described. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this Report. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements concerning other matters addressed in this Report and attributable to us or any person acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements contained or referred to in this Report.

 

Except to the extent required by law, we undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, a change in events, conditions, circumstances or assumptions underlying such statements, or otherwise.

 

Overview

 

We are a clinical-stage biotech company focused on developing and commercializing new therapeutics to alleviate pain. Our clinical focus is to selectively target the sodium ion-channel known as “NaV1.7”, which has been genetically validated as a pain receptor in human physiology. A NaV1.7 blocker is a chemical entity that modulates the structure of the sodium-channel in a way to prevent the transmission of pain perception to the central nervous system (“CNS”). Our goal is to develop a novel and proprietary class of NaV blockers that target the body’s peripheral nervous system.

 

We have formally launched two programs developing pain treatment therapeutics, both based on the same proprietary molecule, as follows:

 

Neuropathic Pain: CC8464 is being developed to address certain types of neuropathic pain. The chemical characteristics of CC8464 restrict its entry into the CNS and limit its effect to the NaV1.7 receptors in the peripheral nervous system, which consists of the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. Activation of other receptors in the CNS can result in side effects, including addiction and other centrally mediated adverse effects. Since CC8464 is designed to not penetrate the CNS it is highly unlikely to produce CNS mediated side effects including euphoria or addiction. Based on its characteristics, preclinical studies (described below) and the Phase 1 studies we have completed to date, we believe that CC8464, if approved, could become an attractive option for both patients and physicians as a treatment for moderate-to-severe pain in Erythromelalgia (“EM”) and idiopathic small fiber neuropathy (“iSFN”).

 

 21

 

 

We conducted four Phase 1 trials with 207 patients. The results showed that CC8464 has a good overall tolerability and demonstrated no liver or renal toxicity, no central nervous system changes and no cardiovascular findings but may cause rashes in certain patients. The occurrence of rashes is not uncommon in the class of molecules to which CC8464 belongs and the rashes were resolved in all cases with topical steroids and/or topical antihistamines (with the exception of one patient requiring systemic steroids).

 

As a result of the potential for rashes, following discussions with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”), we decided to launch a slow dose escalation study to further evaluate the incidence of rashes. By titrating the dose over nine weeks, we anticipate that we will reduce or eliminate this side effect. We expect that the slow dose escalation study will also help determine the need for dose escalation in the final treatment regime. Even though the FDA has in the past approved drugs that listed rashes as a potential side effect, we do not know if CC8464 will be approved by the FDA (or any foreign authority).

 

We anticipate that the dose escalation will enroll the first patient dosing in the third quarter of 2024. The dose escalation trial will enroll approximately 20 healthy volunteers who will receive CC8464 over a period of approximately nine weeks, with the dose escalation study expected to take approximately nine months in total. We anticipate that the slower dose escalation will decrease the likelihood of drug-related skin reactions. The primary endpoint of the dose escalation trail will be safety and tolerability of the slower dose titration; however, we will also be measuring blood concentrations of CC8464, which will allow us to better understand the pharmacokinetics of CC8464. Even if it is ultimately determined that we will need an escalation period for chronic pain treatment therapy, which patients could well take for the remainder of their lives, we do not believe the dose escalation approach is consequential.

 

We are conducting the escalation trial in Australia to avail ourselves of a 43.5% tax credit for clinical expenses incurred in Australia. The location of the proof-of-concept (“POC”) has not been determined at this time, with availability of facilities and patient population, costs, tax credits, centers of excellence in the respective fields (EM or iSFN) are all factors in the ultimate determination of the location.

 

We are currently working on the development of the Phase 2a POC plan and expect to launch the Phase 2a POC study in 2025 to assess the potential efficacy of CC8464 in EM and iSFN patients. Both are orphan indications for which we plan to apply for orphan drug designations. The orphan indication may decrease the scope of the ultimate development program that is necessary for approval and is associated with a marketing exclusivity period from the FDA along with some tax advantages.

 

Though the Phase 2a POC study design has not yet been completed, the study will take approximately twelve months after it is initiated. The primary endpoint will be the amount of pain experienced from EM or iSFN with secondary endpoints including other measurements like pain relief and neuropathy scores. The final design may change based on feedback from regulatory authorities or information learned during the dose escalation trial.

 

The potential population for EM in the United States is estimated to be between 5,000 and 50,000 patients and the potential population for ISFN in the United States is estimated to be between 20,000 and 80,000 patients. In both instances, we expect patients would potentially take our drug for the remainder of their lives, and given the lack of good therapeutic alternatives, we expect to have a robust, ongoing, and durable market.

 

The Phase 2a results will have significance beyond EM and iSFN and provide important insights about NaV1.7 as a potential target to find novel pain medications as an alternative to opioids, the continuing primary standard of care in analgesics. We believe that positive results from the Phase 2a study could not only act as support for CC8464’s potential in EM and iSFN but may also provide guidance of its potential for other indications of peripheral neuropathic pain.

 

Eye Pain: Based on the same proprietary molecule as CC8464, our newly launched program, titled CT2000, is for the potential treatment of both acute and chronic eye pain. NaV1.7 receptor is present on the cornea, making it a viable biological target for treating eye pain. Eye pain may occur with various conditions, including severe dry eye disease, trauma and surgery. Existing therapies for eye pain (such as steroids, topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, lubricants, local anaesthetics) are limited in their effectiveness and/or limited in the duration that they may be prescribed because of safety issues. We intend to explore the viability of developing CT2000 as a topical agent for the relief of eye pain. A potential advantage of this approach is that topical administration of CT2000 is unlikely to lead to any hypersensitivity or skin reactions, like what was noted with systemic administration of CC8464, because the systemic absorption from a topical administration would be extremely limited. We have commenced development of a topical ophthalmic formulation of CT2000 that would initially be evaluated for ophthalmic toxicology and then followed by a POC trial in patients. We expect the trials for this ophthalmic formulation of CT2000 to start in 2025.

 

 22

 

 

Current options for the treatment of ocular pain center on the use of corticosteroids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (“NSAID”) based therapeutics. These options suffer from sight-threatening complications such as Glaucoma and corneal melting, thus there is a large unmet need for other approaches. As an example of the potential patient population, we estimate that there are approximately 5 million cases of corneal abrasions per year in the United States. In addition, other potential indications associated with eye pain include:

 

  severe dry eye,
  side effects from photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) and pterygium surgery,
  second eye cataract surgery,
  neuropathic corneal pain, and
  severe uveitis and severe iritis/scleritis.

 

As the NaV1.7 receptor is present on the cornea and is a viable biological target for treating eye pain, we believe that we have a sound scientific basis for our ability to treat a multitude of eye pain indications. We are in the process of formulating CT2000 eye drops and expect to move into animal toxicity studies in the second half of 2024. From there, we intend to move into proof-of-concept studies in humans.

 

We may further expand our pipeline with other internal or external compounds in the future, but all other internally discovered compounds are pre-clinical and no commercial discussions about in-licensing have been initiated to date, other than as disclosed in this Report with respect to the licensing of the “Spray Formulations.

 

Background

 

We were incorporated in Delaware on March 19, 2021. On August 10, 2022, we entered into the Contribution Agreement with Chromocell Corporation, a Delaware corporation (“Chromocell Holdings”). Pursuant to the Contribution Agreement, as of the Contribution Date, we acquired from Chromocell Holdings all assets, liabilities and results of operations related to Chromocell Holdings’ therapeutic business, including all patents, pre-clinical and Phase I study results and data, and trade secrets related to the CC8464 compound, in exchange for the issuance by us of 1,111,112 shares of our common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (“Common Stock”) and (ii) 600,000 shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock (“Series A Preferred Stock”).

 

On August 2, 2023, we entered into a Side Letter to the Contribution Agreement with Chromocell Holdings (the “Holdings Side Letter”). Pursuant to the Holdings Side Letter, upon closing of our initial public offering (“IPO”): (a) Chromocell Holdings re-assumed all $1.6 million in direct liabilities previously assumed by the Company in accordance with the Contribution Agreement, (b) Chromocell Holdings waived the Company’s obligations to make a cash payment in the amount of $0.6 million to Chromocell Holdings, and (c) in consideration thereof, we issued to Chromocell Holdings 2,600 shares of Series C Convertible Redeemable Preferred Stock of the Company, par value of $0.0001 per share (“Series C Preferred Stock”).

 

On February 21, 2024, we completed the IPO and issued and sold 1,100,000 shares of Common Stock at a price to the public of $6.00 per share. The aggregate net proceeds from the IPO were approximately $5.7 million after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions of approximately $0.5 million and offering expenses of approximately $0.4 million.  

 

 23

 

 

In connection with the completion of the IPO: (A) we have effected the 9-for-1 reverse stock split (the “Reverse Stock Split”) of our shares of Common Stock, (B) all 600,000 issued and outstanding shares of our Series A Preferred Stock automatically converted into 499,429 shares of Common Stock, (C) $389,757 and accrued interest of approximately $28,336 as of February 21, 2024 outstanding under our senior secured convertible notes issued in a bridge financing in April 2023 for an aggregate principal amount of $393,808 (the “April Bridge Financing”) after giving effect to the Representative Affiliate Transactions (as defined below), automatically converted into approximately 87,109 shares of Common Stock, (D) $197,421 and accrued interest of $8,169 as of February 21, 2024 outstanding under our senior secured convertible notes issued in a bridge financing in September 2023 for an aggregate principal amount of $198,128 (the “September Bridge Financing”) after giving effect to the Representative Affiliate Transactions, automatically converted into approximately 43,385 shares of Common Stock, which includes an additional 549 shares of Common Stock issuable as consideration for the September Bridge Financing (the “Bonus Shares”), (E) we issued 37,500 shares of Common Stock to an investor as consideration for its previous agreement to provide funding that is no longer necessary in connection with the IPO, (F) we effected the Representative Affiliate Transactions, (G) we effected the transactions contemplated by the Holdings Side Letter, and issued an aggregate of 2,600 shares of Series C Preferred Stock to Chromocell Holdings pursuant thereto, and (H) we issued (i) 93,823 shares to a lender holding a note payable for $450,000 (the “Investor Note”) and (ii) 29,167 shares to one of our directors holding the promissory note in the aggregate principal amount of $175,000 (the “Director Note”) in full satisfaction of our obligations thereunder (in the case of (A) through (D) and (H) above, based on the IPO price of $6.00 per share of Common Stock). We refer to these actions as the “IPO Transactions.”

 

In addition, certain stockholders of the Company (“Selling Stockholders”), as identified in the Registration Statement, have agreed to offer for resale of up to an aggregate of 2,969,823 shares of Common Stock (the “Selling Stockholder Shares”) to the public. After conversion of the convertible notes or shares of preferred stock, as applicable, the Selling Stockholders, or their respective transferees, pledgees, donees or other successors-in-interest, may sell the Selling Stockholders Shares through public or private transactions at prevailing market prices, at prices related to prevailing market prices or at privately negotiated prices. We will not receive any proceeds from the sale of the Selling Stockholder Shares by the Selling Stockholders.

 

Trends and Other Factors Affecting Our Business

 

On December 23, 2023, we entered into an exclusive licensing agreement (the “Benuvia License Agreement”) with Benuvia Operations LLC (“Benuvia”) for the Diclofenac Spray Formulation (as defined below), an intranasal spray formulation of Rizatriptan and an Ondansetron sublingual spray formulation (collectively, the “Spray Formulations”), diversifying our pipeline of non-opioid pain treatment therapies, while adding therapeutic options for related conditions. The sublingual formulation of a Diclofenac spray for the treatment of acute pain (the “Diclofenac Spray Formulation”) is patented and has started clinical development in human volunteers. Preliminary pharmacokinetics suggest that this formulation may have a faster onset of action than oral Diclofenac tablets. Diclofenac is an NSAID that is also marketed under additional brand names including Voltaren and Cataflam in its pill form. Rizatriptan, whose brand name is Maxalt, is used for the acute treatment of Migraines as a pill. By a number of clinical measures it is thought to be superior to Sumatriptan. A sublingual formulation of Rizatriptan may potentially have a faster onset of action than an oral form and may be easier to tolerate than swallowing a pill when patients are experiencing nausea as a result of the migraine headache. Ondansetron is an anti-emetic that is available in oral and intravenous form. An Ondansetron sublingual spray formulation may potentially have a faster onset of action than an oral form and may be easier to tolerate than swallowing a pill when patients are experiencing nausea. Under the terms of the Benuvia License Agreement, Benuvia will be responsible for the manufacturing and supply of the Spray Formulations, but we will have exclusive, worldwide rights to develop, commercialize and distribute the Spray Formulations.

 

In connection with the Benuvia License Agreement, we agreed to pay Benuvia a six and one-half percent (6.5%) royalty on net sales of the Spray Formulations for a period of up to 15 years from the date of the first commercial sale of any of the Spray Formulations. In addition, on December 23, 2023, we entered into a stock issuance agreement with Benuvia pursuant to which we issued to Benuvia 384,226 shares of our Common Stock, which may be offered and sold pursuant to the resale prospectus which forms a part of the Registration Statement.

 

While we currently do not have strategy and development plans for the Spray Formulations licensed from Benuvia, beginning in the third quarter of 2024, we plan to develop clinical programs for each of the Spray Formulations, determine the labelling strategy that would be obtained from completion of these programs and discuss with the FDA the requirements for bringing each of the Spray Formulations to market. We anticipate bringing the Spray Formulations to market through the FDA 505(b)(2) regulatory pathway for new drug applications; however, the exact details will require further consultation with the FDA.

 

 24

 

 

As a result, our results of operations and balance sheets may not be indicative of future operating results or of our future financial condition.

 

Going Concern

 

For the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, we had a net loss of $2.6 million and $1.0 million, respectively, and will require additional capital in order to operate in the normal course of business and fund clinical studies. The IPO closed on February 21, 2024, from which, the Company received net proceeds from the IPO of approximately $5.7 million after deducting the underwriting discounts and commissions and offering expenses payable by the Company (excluding any exercise of the warrants issued to the A.G.P./Alliance Global Partners (the “Representative”) or its designees, in connection with the IPO).

 

Based on the Company’s current cash balance and projections, management believes there is substantial doubt about its ability to continue to operate as a going concern and fund its operations through at least the next twelve months following the issuance of these financial statements.

 

Results of Operations

 

Comparison of the Three Months Ended March 31, 2024 and 2023

 

The following table summarizes our results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023:

 

   For the Three Months Ended
March 31, 2024
  

For the Three Months Ended

March 31, 2023

   $ Change   % Change 
                 
OPERATING EXPENSES                    
General and administrative expenses  $787,561   $477,630   $309,931    65%
Research and development   466,606    186,117    280,489    151%
Professional fees   679,815    250,836    428,979    171%
Total operating expenses   1,933,982    914,583    1,019,399    111%
Loss from operations   (1,933,982)   (914,583)   (1,019,399)   (111)%
Other expense   (628,348)   (51,978)   (576,370)   1,109%
Net loss before provision for income taxes   (2,562,330)   (966,561)   (1,595,769)   165%
Provision for income taxes               NA 
Net loss  $(2,562,330)  $(966,561)  $(1,595,769)   165%

 

Operating Expenses

 

Our operating expenses consist of general and administrative expenses, research and development expenses and professional fees.

 

General and Administrative Expenses

 

We incurred general and administrative expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 of $787,561 and $477,630, respectively. For the three months ended March 31, 2024, compared to the same period in 2023, this represented an increase of $309,931, or 65%, primarily as a result of increases of $92,527 in compensation expenses, an increase of $106,000 in marketing expenses, and an increase of $20,331 in stock-based compensation expense.

 

 25

 

 

Research and Development Expenses

 

We incurred research and development expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 of $466,606, and $186,117, respectively. For the three months ended March 31, 2024, compared to the same period in 2023, this represented an increase of $280,489, or 151%, with the details set forth in the table below:

 

   For the Three Months Ended
March 31, 2024
   For the Three Months Ended
March 31, 2023
   $ Change   % Change 
                 
Consultant  $30,033   $16,400   $13,633    120%
Lab Gas               %
Lab Cell Storage   24,127    10,100    14,027    72%
Chemistry Manufacturing and Controls (“CMC”)   303,397        606,397    %
IP Services   109,049    159,617    (50,568)   (316)%
Total  $466,606   $186,117   $280,489    66%

  

The Company incurred higher research and development expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2024, as compared to the corresponding period in 2023 primarily as a result of an increase in contract research services of $303,397.

 

Professional Fees

 

We incurred professional expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 of $679,815 and $250,836, respectively. For the three months ended March 31, 2024, compared to the same period in 2023, this represented an increase of $428,979, or 171%, as a result of higher auditing and legal expenses associated with IPO readiness activities.

 

Other (Expense) Income

 

We incurred other expense for the three months ended March 31, 2024 of $628,348 as compared to other expense for the three months ended March 31, 2023 of $51,978. For the three months ended March 31, 2024, compared to the same period in 2023, this represented an increase of 576,370 or 1,109%. The other expense for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 was the result of interest expense. The increase in the interest expense was due to the remaining debt discount on the Company’s notes being amortized out upon the conversion of the notes at the completion of the IPO.

  

Liquidity

 

Sources of Liquidity and Capital

 

We are in our early stages of development and growth, without established records of sales or earnings. We will be subject to numerous risks inherent in the business and operations of financially unstable and early stage or emerging growth companies. We have not yet commercialized any products, and we do not expect to generate revenue from product sales of any of our compounds for several years.

 

Cash totaled $3.8 million and $0.1 million as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively. As of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, we had an accumulated deficit of approximately $16.1 million and $13.5 million, respectively, and had a working capital of $1.1 million and a working capital deficit $6.4 million, respectively.

  

Historically, we have funded our operations from a series of cash advances from Chromocell Holdings, licensing arrangements, bridge and note issuances and grants from the National Institutes of Health.

 

 26

 

 

We anticipate that we will enter into a purchase agreement to issue the shares of Common Stock issuable pursuant to an Equity Line of Credit (the “ELOC”); however, as of the date hereof, an agreement with respect to our proposed ELOC has not been, and may never be, finalized and executed and there is no assurance that we will enter into an ELOC or, if we do enter into such an ELOC, that the terms thereof will be consistent with or as favorable as those described in this Report.

 

On February 8, 2024, we and certain affiliates of the Representative entered into amendments to the senior secured convertible notes issued to such affiliates of the Representative in the April Bridge Financing and September Bridge Financing to remove the automatic conversion features from such notes (the “Bridge Financing Note Amendments”). Under the Bridge Financing Note Amendments, both notes issued in the April Bridge Financing and the September Bridge Financing had a maturity date of March 1, 2024, and the full principal amount of both notes and any accrued interest thereon was payable solely in cash upon the consummation of the IPO. Both notes had an annual interest rate of eight percent (8%), which accrued daily, and was calculated on the basis of a 360-day year (consisting of twelve 30 calendar day periods).

 

On February 10, 2024, we entered into a Stock Rescission Agreement with certain affiliates of the Representative (the “Stock Rescission Agreement” and, together with the Bridge Financing Note Amendments, the “Representative Affiliate Transactions”), pursuant to which we rescinded 111,129 shares of our Common Stock held by such affiliates of the Representative and agreed to refund an aggregate of $91,513 paid   by such affiliates of the Representative in consideration therefor within 30 days of the effective date of the Stock Rescission Agreement. At March 31, 2024, all such amounts have been paid pursuant to the Representative Affiliate Transactions and there are no remaining obligations thereto.

 

On February 21, 2024, we completed the IPO and issued 1,100,000 shares of Common Stock at a price of $6.00 per share. The aggregate net proceeds from the IPO were approximately $5.7 million after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and offering expenses.

 

In connection with the completion of the IPO: (A) we effected the Reverse Stock Split, (B) all 600,000 issued and outstanding shares of our Series A Preferred Stock automatically converted into 499,429 shares of Common Stock, (C) principal in the amount of $389,757, along with accrued interest   of approximately $28,336 as of February 21, 2024, outstanding under our senior secured convertible notes issued in the April Bridge Financing (after giving effect to the Representative Affiliate Transactions), automatically converted into approximately 87,109 shares of Common Stock, (D) principal in the amount of $197,421, along with accrued interest   of $8,169 as of February 21, 2024, outstanding under our senior secured convertible notes issued in the September Bridge Financing (after giving effect to the Representative Affiliate Transactions), automatically converted into approximately 43,385 shares of Common Stock, which includes an additional 549 Bonus Shares issuable as consideration for the September Bridge Financing, (E) we issued 37,500 shares of Common Stock to an investor as consideration for its previous agreement to provide funding that is no longer necessary in connection with the IPO, (F) we effected the Representative Affiliate Transactions, (G) we effected the transactions contemplated by the Holdings Side Letter, and issued an aggregate of 2,600 shares of Series C Preferred Stock to Chromocell Holdings pursuant thereto, and (H) we issued (i) 93,823 shares to a lender holding the Investor Note and (ii) 29,167 shares to one of our directors holding the Director Note in full satisfaction of our obligations thereunder (in the case of (A) through (D) and (H) above, based on the IPO price of $6.00 per IPO Share).

 

In addition, certain Selling Stockholders, as identified in the Registration Statement, have agreed to offer for resale of up to an aggregate of 2,969,823 Selling Stockholder Shares to the public. After conversion of the convertible notes or shares of preferred stock, as applicable, the Selling Stockholders, or their respective transferees, pledgees, donees or other successors-in-interest, may sell the Selling Stockholders Shares through public or private transactions at prevailing market prices, at prices related to prevailing market prices or at privately negotiated prices. We will not receive any proceeds from the sale of the Stockholder Shares by the Selling Stockholders.

 

Future Funding Requirements

 

Our primary use of cash is to fund clinical development, operating expenses and repay accrued liabilities associated with our IPO.

 

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With respect to the Company’s future expected operations expenses, the primary expense drivers will be research and development and management overhead, including costs of being a public company. Of these, it is expected that research and development will be the largest expense and comprise approximately $3.0 million in the twelve months following the IPO, which will be utilized for the furtherance of the Company’s CC8464 and CT2000 programs. We have based the research and development costs on current clinical and pre-clinical trial parameters and expectations on certain existing tax credits, and there is no certainty that the clinical and pre-clinical trial parameters or tax credits available to the Company will remain as they are, which could lead to changes in our research and development expenditures. Cash used to fund operating expenses is impacted by the timing of when we pay these expenses, as reflected in the change in our outstanding accounts payable, accrued expenses and prepaid expenses.

 

We expect to continue to incur significant and increasing expenses and operating losses in connection with our ongoing research and development activities. In addition, with the closing of the IPO, we expect to incur additional costs associated with operating as a public company. As a result, we expect to continue to incur operating losses and negative operating cash flows for the foreseeable future.

 

Based on our current operating plan, we believe that the net proceeds from the IPO, together with our existing cash, will be sufficient to fund our operations and capital expenses through the end of 2024. However, we have based this estimate on assumptions that may prove to be incorrect, and we could exhaust our capital resources sooner than we expect.

 

We may also raise additional funding through strategic relationships, public or private equity or debt financings, credit facilities, grants or other arrangements. If such funding is not available or not available on terms acceptable to us, our current development plan and plans for expansion of our general and administrative infrastructure may be curtailed. If we raise additional funds through the issuance of preferred stock, convertible debt securities or other debt financing, these securities or other debt could contain covenants that restrict our operations. Any other third-party funding arrangement could require us to relinquish valuable rights.

 

The source, timing and availability of any future financing will depend principally upon market conditions. Funding may not be available when needed, at all, or on terms acceptable to us. Lack of necessary funds may require us to, among other things, delay, scale back or eliminate expenses including some or all of our planned development. There is substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern.

 

Cash Flows

 

The following table summarizes our cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023:

 

  

For the Three

Months Ended

March 31, 2024

  

For the Three

Months Ended

March 31, 2023

  

$

Change

  

%

 Change

 
                 
Net cash used in operating activities  $(1,991,893)  $(173,369)  $(1,818,524)   (1,049)%
Net cash provided by financing activities   5,665,731    166,903    5,498,828    3,295%
Net increase (decrease) in cash  $3,673,838   $(6,466)  $3,680,304    (56,918)%

 

Net Cash Used in Operating Activities

 

For the three months ended March 31, 2024, we incurred a net loss of $2,562,330, and net cash flows used in operating activities was $1,991,893. The cash flow used in operating activities was primarily due to a net loss of $2,562,330, offset by stock-based compensation expense of $292,552, amortization of debt discount of $605,630, a change in account payable and accrued expense of $90,994, change in prepaid expenses of $220,930 and an increase in accrued compensation in the amount of $155,000.

 

For the three months ended March 31, 2023, we incurred a net loss of $966,561, and net cash flows used in operating activities was $173,369. The cash flow used in operating activities was primarily due to a net loss of $966,561, offset by stock-based compensation expense of $272,221, amortization of debt discount of $31,650, a change in account payable and accrued expense of $367,326, and an increase in accrued compensation in the amount of $121,995

 

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Net Cash (Used in) Provided by Investing Activities

 

The Company neither received nor used cash in investing activities during the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023.

 

Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities

 

For the three months ended March 31, 2024, net cash flows provided by financing activities were $5,665,731 resulting from payments from loans of $214,757, net proceeds from common stock issued for cash of $5,972,000, and payment of recission on stock of $91,512.

 

For the three months ended March 31, 2023, net cash flows provided by financing activities were $1,622,223, consisting of cash received total net proceeds from the issuance of notes in the amount of $166,903.

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

During the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, we did not have, and we do not currently have, any off-balance sheet arrangements, as defined under applicable SEC rules.

  

Critical Accounting Estimates

 

The following discussions are based upon our financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.

 

The preparation of these financial statements requires management to make estimates, judgments and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosures of contingencies. We continually evaluate the accounting policies and estimates used to prepare the financial statements. We base our estimates on historical experiences and assumptions believed to be reasonable under current facts and circumstances. Actual amounts and results could differ from these estimates made by management.

 

See Note 3 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to the accompanying financial statements for a detailed description of our significant accounting policies.

 

Income Taxes

 

We are subject to income taxes in the U.S. Significant judgment is required in determining income tax expense, deferred taxes and uncertain tax positions. The underlying assumptions are also highly susceptible to change from period to period. In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some or all the deferred tax assets will be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred taxes assets is dependent upon generation of future taxable income during the period in which those temporary differences become deductible. Management considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, and taxable income in carryback years and tax-planning strategies when making this assessment. There is currently significant negative evidence which contributes to our recording a valuation allowance against our deferred tax assets due to cumulative losses since inception.

 

Although we believe our assumptions, judgments, and estimates are reasonable, changes in tax laws or our interpretation of tax laws and the resolution of any tax audits could significantly impact the amounts provided for income taxes in our consolidated financial statements. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities from a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. Adjustments to income tax expense, to the extent we establish a valuation allowance or adjust the allowance in a future period, could have a material impact on our financial condition and results of operations.

 

 29

 

 

The critical accounting estimates below do not represent a material estimate in the preparation of our financial statements.

 

Recently Issued and Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

 

The FASB issues ASUs to amend the authoritative literature in the Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”). There have been several ASUs to date, including those above, that amend the original text of ASC. Management believes that those issued to date either (i) provide supplemental guidance, (ii) are technical corrections, (iii) are not applicable to us or (iv) are not expected to have a significant impact on our financial statements.

 

Other accounting standards that have been issued or proposed by FASB and do not require adoption until a future date are not expected to have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements upon adoption. Management does not believe that any other recently issued, but not yet effective, accounting standard if currently adopted would have a material effect on the accompanying financial statements.

 

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Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

 

As a smaller reporting company, as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act, we are not required to provide the information required by this Item.

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures.

 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

As required by Rule 13a-15 under the Exchange Act, we have carried out an evaluation of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this Report. This evaluation was carried out under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer.

 

Disclosure controls and procedures are controls and other procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our company’s reports filed under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, cannot provide absolute assurance that the objectives of the controls system are met, and no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within a company have been detected. Based on the evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of March 31, 2024, our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of such date, our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective.

 

 Management identified the following material weaknesses:

 

  1.   We lack the necessary corporate accounting resources to maintain adequate segregation of duties. Such a lack of segregation of duties is typical in a company with limited resources.  
     
  2. We lack the ability to provide multiple levels of review in connection with the financial reporting process, which means that we cannot ensure that we are meeting certain financial reporting and transaction processing controls standards.  
     
  3. We lack the necessary internal IT infrastructure to ensure proper IT general controls. Additionally, we are reliant on third-party software for our financial systems and cannot ensure there are no vulnerabilities in these systems.

 

Changes in Internal Controls

 

With the completion of the IPO, the Company has begun instituting controls and procedures that we expect will demonstrably improve the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures in upcoming reporting periods.  

 

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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

 

From time to time, we may be involved in legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of our business. We are not presently a party to any legal proceedings that, in the opinion of our management, would have a material adverse effect on our business. Regardless of outcome, litigation can have an adverse impact on us due to defense and settlement costs, diversion of management resources, negative publicity and reputation harm, and other factors.

 

On February 14, 2024, our board of directors received a demand letter from an attorney representing Chromocell Holdings and our former Chief Executive Officer and former Chief Strategy Officer, Mr. Christian Kopfli, who was released for “cause” as disclosed elsewhere in this Report. Mr. Kopfli alleges an improper termination for “cause” and seeks monetary damages in the amount of $479,169. Of the $479,169 asserted by Mr. Kopfli, as of March 31, 2024, the Company has accrued $363,091 in compensation expenses associated with Mr. Kopfli’s prior employment with the Company. To the extent Mr. Kopfli is successful in his assertions, we will pay any amounts owed thereunder from future working capital reserves; however, we believe the assertions made by Mr. Kopfli are without merit and intends to vigorously defend the matter.

 

On April 9, 2024, we received correspondence notifying us of an Entry of Default Notice, filed on April 8, 2024, against “Chromocell Corporation d/b/a Chromocell Therapeutics” in the matter New Jersey Economic Development Authority v. Chromocell Corporation, et al. (Docket No. MER-L-001748-23). The complaint filed by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (the “EDA”) on September 12, 2023 in the Superior Court of New Jersey Law Division, Mercer County, alleges Chromocell Holdings’ (not the Company’s) breach of a Settlement Agreement between the EDA and Chromocell Holdings, dated December 31, 2022 (the “Settlement Agreement”), pursuant to which EDA and Chromocell Holdings agreed that Chromocell Holdings would (i) vacate the premises located at 671 US Highway One South, North Brunswick, New Jersey, on or before December 31, 2023, (ii) pay an initial lump-sum payment of $10,000 toward outstanding rent and provide a copy of its IPO Registration Statement and (iii) make a final one-time lump sum payment to the EDA of $510,700.62 to satisfy Chromocell Holdings’ outstanding rent and additional rent obligations within 90 days of Chromocell Holdings’ executing the Settlement Agreement or within 15 days of Chromocell Holdings’ IPO, whichever was the first to occur. The complaint alleges Chromocell Holdings’ breach of each of these provisions of the Settlement Agreement and seeks a judgment for the entire amount allegedly due and owing as of September 12, 2023 ($510,700.62), compensatory damages, pre-judgment interest, attorney’s fees, costs of suit and such other and further relief as the court deems just and proper. Besides including “Chromocell Therapeutics” in the case caption, the complaint does not include allegations related to any action purportedly taken by the Company. While the complaint appears to concern a matter between Chromocell Holding and EDA, the Company steadfastly believes it was inappropriately named as a defendant and filed motions to vacate the Entry of Default and have “Chromocell Therapeutics” dismissed from the matter on April 24, 2024.

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors

 

As a smaller reporting company, the Company is not required to include the disclosure required under this Item 1A.

 

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

 

None.

 

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

 

None.

 

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 5. Other Information

 

Consultant Agreement

 

On May 10, 2024, the Company entered into a side letter (the “Consultant Agreement Side Letter”) to a Consultant Agreement with Camden Capital LLC (“Camden”), dated January 10, 2023. Pursuant to the Consultant Agreement Side Letter: (a) effective as of February 21, 2024 until the earlier of seven calendar days following the date of a Financing Transaction (as defined in the Consultant Agreement Side Letter) or December 15, 2024, Camden agreed that the Company would not be obligated to pay in cash unpaid fees pursuant to the Consultant Agreement of $131,867.81 (the “Outstanding Liability”); and (b) in order to document the Outstanding Liability, the Company agreed to issue to Camden a promissory note in the principal amount of $131,867.81, effective as of May 10, 2024 (the “Camden Promissory Note”). The Camden Promissory Note matures on December 15, 2024, of if earlier to occur, seven calendar days following the Company’s closing of a public or private offering or other financing or capital-raising transaction of any kind. The principal amount of the Camden Promissory Note accrues interest at a rate of 4.86% per annum.

 
Any fees due on or after February 21, 2024 under the Consultant Agreement would be paid in cash in accordance with the Consultant Agreement.

 

Employment Agreement

 

On May 11, 2024, the Company entered into an employment agreement, effective as of May 1, 2024, with Mr. Knuettel (the “Employment Agreement”). Pursuant to the terms of the Employment Agreement, Mr. Knuettel agreed to serve as the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and President, Chief Financial and Strategy Officer, Treasurer and Secretary, in consideration for an annualized salary of $410,000. The Employment Agreement provides for a signing bonus of $56,666.00. The Employment Agreement contemplates an annual cash bonus, as determined by the Board in its sole discretion and in good faith. The target cash bonus is 50% of Mr. Knuettel’s annualized salary and will be based on achievement of performance goals and objectives determined by the Board. The Board may increase the cash bonus in recognition of performance in excess of the performance objectives. Any cash bonus will be paid if Mr. Knuettel remains employed on the date of payment, which will be no later than March 15 of the year following the year to which the cash bonus relates.

 

Pursuant to Mr. Knuettel’s employment agreement, in the event he is involuntarily terminated by the Company other than for “Cause” or if he resigns for “Good Reason,” he is entitled to receive (i) six months of salary at the same rate existing immediately prior to his termination, (ii) if and only if the target for the cash bonus has been set, a prorated amount of the cash bonus, as determined in good faith by the Board in its sole discretion, (iii) vesting of all outstanding options with time-based vesting, and (iv) coverage of 18 months of group medical, dental and/or vision benefits under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, as amended, if he elects to continue such benefits. “Cause” and “Good Reason” are each defined in the Employment Agreement.

 

Finally, Mr. Knuettel agreed to certain non-solicitation and non-competition provisions for a period of 12 months following termination and to certain confidentiality obligations. Additional terms and conditions are set forth in the Employment Agreement.

 

Pursuant to the terms of the Employment Agreement, the parties agreed that Camden would cease to provide services to the Company and the Company would no longer be obligated to make any payment of fees under the Consultant Agreement. Services provided under the Employment Agreement would be considered services under the Consultant Agreement, solely with respect to vesting and for purposes of determining the exercise period under any equity award with respect to any equity grant to Mr. Knuettel or Camden. In addition, Camden will be entitled to payment for services rendered through April 30, 2024, together with the amount evidenced by the Camden Promissory Note.

 

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Item 6. Exhibits

 

Exhibit
Number
  Description
10.1+    Side Letter to Amended and Restated Consultant Agreement (Camden Capital) (filed herewith).
10.2+   Promissory Note Issued by the Company (Camden Capital) (filed herewith).
10.3+   Employment Agreement (Francis Knuettel II) (filed herewith).
10.4+   Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement under the Chromocell Therapeutics Corporation 2023 Equity Incentive Plan (filed as Exhibit 4.5 to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-8, filed with the SEC on April 15, 2024 and incorporated by reference herein).
10.5+   Form of Stock Option Agreement under the Chromocell Therapeutics Corporation 2023 Equity Incentive Plan (filed as Exhibit 4.6 to Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-8, filed with the SEC on April 15, 2024 and incorporated by reference herein). 
31.1   Certification of Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.1   Certification of Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
101   Interactive Data Files (embedded within the Inline XBRL document)
104   Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101)

 

+ Indicates management contract or compensatory plan.

 

In accordance with SEC Release 33-8238, Exhibit 32.1 is being furnished and not filed.

 

 33

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

  Chromocell Therapeutics Corporation
   

Date: May 15, 2024

By: /s/ Francis Knuettel II
    Name: Francis Knuettel II
   

Title: Chief Executive Officer and President, Chief 

Financial Officer, Treasurer and Secretary 

(Principal Executive Officer, Principal Financial Officer, Principal Accounting Officer) 

     

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Exhibit 10.1

 

CHROMOCELL THERAPEUTICS CORPORATION

 

May 10, 2024

 

Camden Capital LLC

116 E 63rd St., Apt. 3C

New York, NY 10065

 

Re:Amended and Restated Consultant Agreement

 

Dear Sir:

 

Reference is made to that certain Amended and Restated Consultant Agreement, dated as of June 23, 2023, but effective as of May 15, 2023 (the “Consultant Agreement”), by and between Chromocell Therapeutics Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and Camden Capital LLC (“Consultant”). Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Consultant Agreement.

 

This letter agreement (this “Letter Agreement”) confirms our recent discussions about, among other matters, certain compensation and benefits matters under the Consultant Agreement. Notwithstanding anything in Section 3 of the Consulting Agreement to the contrary, this Letter Agreement reflects our further understanding and agreement with respect to your continuing engagement with the Company, as follows:

 

1.Effective as of February 21, 2024 and until the earlier of (a) seven (7) calendar days following the closing date of a public or private offering of the Company or other financing or capital-raising transaction of any kind (a “Financing Transaction”) or (b) December 15, 2024, Consultant hereby agrees that the Company shall not be obligated to pay in cash unpaid Consulting Fees and Potential Additional Consulting Fees owed to Consultant pursuant to Section 3 of the Consulting Agreement, the amount of which as of March 8, 2024 totals $131,867.81 (the “Outstanding Liability”). The Outstanding Liability shall in all events be paid in cash not later than December 31, 2024. For the avoidance of doubt, any Consulting Fees or Potential Additional Consulting Fees due on or after February 21, 2024 shall be paid in cash in accordance with the Consulting Agreement. For purposes of this Side Letter, the closing date of a Financing Transaction shall mean the date as of which the Board approves a funded operating budget with appropriately established milestones subsequent to the effective date of a registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or, in the absence of such registration statement, the effective date of any agreement governing a Financing Transaction.

 

2.In order to document the Outstanding Liability, the Company shall issue to Consultant a promissory note in the principal amount of the Outstanding Liability, substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A, effective May 10, 2024.

 

 

 

 

This Letter Agreement is limited as written. As of the date first written above, each reference in the Consultant Agreement to “this Agreement,” “hereunder,” “hereof,” “herein,” or words of like import, shall refer to the Consultant Agreement, as applicable and as modified hereby, and this Letter Agreement and the Consultant Agreement shall be read together and construed as a single agreement. The execution, delivery and effectiveness of this Letter Agreement shall not, except as expressly provided herein, (A) waive or modify any right, power or remedy under, or any other provision of the Consultant Agreement or (B) commit or otherwise obligate any party to enter into or consider entering into any other amendment, waiver or modification of the Consultant Agreement.

 

All communications and notices hereunder shall be given as provided in the Consultant Agreement. This Letter Agreement (a) shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the law of the State of New York, (b) is for the exclusive benefit of the parties hereto, and, together with the Consulting Agreement, constitutes the entire agreement of such parties, superseding all prior agreements among them, with respect to the subject matter hereof, (c) may be modified, waived or assigned only in writing and only to the extent such modification, waiver or assignment would be permitted under the Consulting Agreement (and any attempt to assign this Letter Agreement without such writing shall be null and void), (d) is a negotiated document, entered into freely among the parties upon advice of their own counsel, and it should not be construed against any of its drafters and (e) shall survive the satisfaction or discharge of the amounts owing under the Consulting Agreement. The fact that any term or provision of this Letter Agreement is held invalid, illegal or unenforceable as to any person in any situation in any jurisdiction shall not affect the validity, enforceability or legality of the remaining terms or provisions hereof or the validity, enforceability or legality of such offending term or provision in any other situation or jurisdiction or as applied to any person.

 

SIGNATURE PAGE TO FOLLOW

 

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Kindly confirm your agreement with the above by signing in the space indicated below and by PDFing a partially executed copy of this letter to the undersigned, and which may be executed in identical counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original but all of which shall constitute one and the same agreement.

 

  Very truly yours,
     
  CHROMOCELL THERAPEUTICS CORPORATION
     
  By: /s/ Francis Knuettel II              
  Name:  Francis Knuettel II
  Title:    Chief Executive Officer & Chief Financial Officer

 

AGREED AND ACCEPTED:  
   
CAMDEN CAPITAL LLC  
   
By: /s/ Francis Knuettel II            
Name:  Francis Knuettel II  
Title:    Managing Member  
     
By: /s/ Francis Knuettel II             
Francis Knuettel II, in his individual capacity as to those provisions that apply to him

 

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Exhibit A

 

PROMISSORY NOTE

 

(see attached)

 

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Exhibit 10.2

 

CHROMOCELL THERAPEUTICS CORPORATION

 

Promissory Note

 

Principal Amount: $131,867.81 May 10, 2024

 

  New York, New York

 

FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned Chromocell Therapeutics Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the “Borrower”), promises to pay to the order of Camden Capital LLC, its successors or assigns (the “Lender”), One Hundred Forty Thousand Dollars ($131,867.81) (the “Principal Amount”), together with any applicable interest on the outstanding Principal Amount, by the Maturity Date as provided herein or on such earlier date as this Promissory Note is required or permitted to be repaid as provided hereunder. All computations of interest under this Promissory Note shall be calculated on the basis of a 30-day month and 360-day year.

 

1. Maturity; Interest. The Principal Amount shall be repaid in cash on the earlier to occur of: (i) December 15, 2024 or (ii) seven (7) calendar days following the Company’s closing of a public or private offering or other financing or capital-raising transaction of any kind (such date, the “Maturity Date”); provided, that this Promissory Note may be prepaid in whole or in part at any time and from time-to-time upon three (3) prior business days’ written notice, without penalty. Interest on the unpaid Principal Amount shall accrue at a rate of four and 78/100ths percent (4.86%), compounded monthly (the “Interest Rate”). All repayments shall be applied first to accrued but unpaid interest and then to the Principal Amount.

 

Section 1.            Repayment. On the Maturity Date (or earlier as provided in Section 1), Borrower shall repay, in cash, one hundred percent (100%) of the Principal Amount and interest due on this Promissory Note outstanding as of the date of repayment. So long as no Event of Default has occurred, such repayment shall satisfy Borrower’s obligations pursuant to this Promissory Note in full, and this Promissory Note shall be of no further force and effect.

 

Section 2.             Event of Default.

 

(a)          In the event that any one of the following events shall occur (whatever the reason and whether it shall be voluntary or involuntary or effected by operation of law or pursuant to any judgment, decree or order of any court, or any order, rule or regulation of any administrative or governmental body), it shall be deemed an Event of Default:

 

(i)            Any default in the payment of the principal of, interest on or other charges in respect of this Promissory Note, as and when the same shall become due and payable;

 

(ii)           Borrower shall fail to observe or perform any other material covenant, agreement or warranty contained in, or otherwise commit any breach or default of any provision of this Promissory Note;

 

(iii)           There shall be a breach of any of the representations and warranties set forth in this Promissory Note or any transaction document executed contemporaneously herewith; or

 

 

 

 

(iv)           Borrower, shall commence, or there shall be commenced against Borrower any applicable bankruptcy or insolvency laws as now or hereafter in effect or any successor thereto, or Borrower commences any other proceeding under any reorganization, arrangement, adjustment of debt, relief of debtors, dissolution, insolvency or liquidation or similar law of any jurisdiction whether now or hereafter in effect relating to Borrower or there is commenced against Borrower any such bankruptcy, insolvency or other proceeding which remains undismissed for a period of sixty (60) days; or Borrower is adjudicated insolvent or bankrupt; or any order of relief or other order approving any such case or proceeding is entered; or Borrower suffers any appointment of any custodian, private or court appointed receiver or the like for it or any substantial part of its property which continues undischarged or unstayed for a period of sixty (60) days; or Borrower makes a general assignment for the benefit of creditors; or Borrower shall fail to pay or shall state that it is unable to pay or shall be liable to pay, its debts as they become due or by any act or failure to act expressly indicate its consent to, approval of or acquiescence in any of the foregoing; or any corporate or other action is taken by the Borrower for the purpose of effecting any of the foregoing.

 

(b)         Upon the occurrence of an Event of Default, the Lender shall give the Borrower notice of such occurrence, at which time the Borrower shall have five (5) business days from receipt of such notice to pay the outstanding amount of the Promissory Note in full. In the event that full payment is not made upon the expiry of the five (5) day period, a default penalty equal to the Interest Rate specified in Section 1 of this Promissory Note plus an additional 200 basis points shall be due during the period of Default (the “Default Penalty”). Lender may then, at its sole discretion declare the entire then outstanding Principal Amount of this Promissory Note and the Default Penalty immediately due and payable (a “Default Declaration”), in which event the Lender may, at its sole discretion take any action it deems necessary to recover amounts due under this Promissory Note.

 

(c)          Upon the occurrence of an Event of Default, the Lender shall be entitled to receive, in addition to the Principal Amount of the Promissory Note and the Default Penalty, the Lender shall be entitled to recover all of its costs, fees (including without limitation, reasonable attorney’s fees and disbursements), and expenses relating to the collection and enforcement of the Promissory Note, including all costs and expenses incurred by it in enforcing its rights under the Promissory Note and any transaction document entered into contemporaneously herewith.

 

(d)         The failure of Lender to exercise any of its rights hereunder in any particular instance shall not constitute a waiver of the same or of any other right in that or any subsequent instance with respect to Lender or any subsequent holder. BORROWER ACKNOWLEDGES THAT THE LOAN EVIDENCED BY THIS PROMISSORY NOTE IS A COMMERCIAL TRANSACTION. BORROWER FURTHER WAIVES DILIGENCE, DEMAND, PRESENTMENT FOR PAYMENT, NOTICE OF NONPAYMENT, PROTEST AND NOTICE OF PROTEST, AND NOTICE OF ANY RENEWALS OR EXTENSIONS OF THIS PROMISSORY NOTE. BORROWER ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT MAKES THIS WAIVER KNOWINGLY, VOLUNTARILY, WITHOUT DURESS AND ONLY AFTER CONSIDERATION OF RAMIFICATION THIS WAIVER WITH ITS ATTORNEYS. Lender may immediately and without expiration of any grace period enforce any and all of its rights and remedies hereunder and all other remedies available to it under applicable law. The remedies available to the Lender upon the occurrence of an Event of Default shall be cumulative.

 

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Section 3.             Notices. Any and all notices, service of process or other communications or deliveries required or permitted to be given or made pursuant to any of the provisions of this Promissory Note shall be deemed to have been duly given or made for all purposes when hand delivered or sent by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested and postage prepaid, overnight mail or courier as follows:

 

If to Lender, at: 

Camden Capital LLC 

116 E 63rd St., Apt. 3C 

New York, NY 10065 

Attn: Francis Knuettel II, Member

 

Or such other address as may be given to the Borrower from time to time

 

If to Borrower, at: 

 

Chromocell Therapeutics Corporation 

4400 Route 9 South, Suite 1000 

Freehold, New Jersey 07728

 Attn: Francis Knuettel II, Chief Executive Officer

 

Or such other address as may be given to the Lender from time to time

 

Section 4.             Usury. This Promissory Note is hereby expressly limited so that in no event whatsoever, whether by reason of acceleration of maturity of the loan evidenced hereby or otherwise, shall the amount paid or agreed to be paid to the Lender hereunder for the loan, use, forbearance or detention of money exceed that permissible under applicable law. If at any time the performance of any provision of this Promissory Note or of any other agreement or instrument entered into in connection with this Promissory Note involves a payment exceeding the limit of the interest that may be validly charged for the loan, use, forbearance or detention of money under applicable law, then automatically and retroactively, ipso facto, the obligation to be performed shall be reduced to such limit, it being the specific intent of the Borrower and the Lender that all payments under this Promissory Note are to be credited first to interest as permitted by law, but not in excess of (i) the agreed rate of interest set forth herein or therein or (ii) that permitted by law, whichever is the lesser, and the balance toward the reduction of principal. The provision of this Section 4 shall never be superseded or waived and shall control every other provision of this Promissory Note and all other agreements and instruments between the Borrower and the Lender entered into in connection with this Promissory Note. To the extent permitted by applicable law, Borrower waives any right to assert the defense of usury.

 

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Section 5.            Governing Law; Waiver of Jury Trial. This Promissory Note and the provisions hereof are to be construed according to and are governed by the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to principles of conflicts of laws thereof. Borrower agrees that the New York State Supreme Court located in the County of New York, State of New York shall have exclusive jurisdiction in connection with any dispute concerning or arising out of this Promissory Note or otherwise relating to the parties relationship. In any action, lawsuit or proceeding brought to enforce or interpret the provisions of this Promissory Note and/or arising out of or relating to any dispute between the parties, Lender shall be entitled to recover all of its costs and expenses relating collection and enforcement of this Promissory Note (including without limitation, reasonable attorney’s fees and disbursements) in addition to any other relief to which Lender may be entitled and all costs of collection, including any legal fees associated with this Promissory Note will be paid by the Borrower. Each party agrees that any process or notice to be served or delivered in connection with any action, lawsuit or proceeding brought hereunder may be accomplished in accordance with the notice provisions set forth above or as otherwise provided by applicable law. BORROWER HEREBY WAIVES TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION, PROCEEDING, CLAIM OR COUNTERCLAIM, WHETHER IN CONTRACT OR TORT, AT LAW OR IN EQUITY, ARISING OUT OF OR IN ANY WAY RELATING TO THIS PROMISSORY NOTE.

 

Section 6.            Successors and Assigns. Subject to applicable laws, this Promissory Note and the rights and obligations evidenced hereby shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the successors of Borrower and the successors and assigns of Lender.

 

Section 7.             Amendment. This Promissory Note may be modified or amended or the provisions hereof waived only with the written consent of Lender and Borrower.

 

Section 8.             Severability. Wherever possible, each provision of this Promissory Note shall be interpreted in such manner as to be effective and valid under applicable law, but if any provision of this Promissory Note shall be prohibited by or invalid under applicable law, such provision shall be ineffective to the extent of such prohibition or invalidity, without invalidating the remainder of such provisions or the remaining provisions of this Promissory Note.

 

SIGNATURE PAGE TO FOLLOW

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Borrower has caused this Promissory Note to be duly authorized officer and/or such individual borrower as of the date first above indicated.

 

  CHROMOCELL THERAPEUTICS CORPORATION
       
  By: /s/ Francis Knuettel II   
    Name: Francis Knuettel II  
    Title: Chief Financial Officer  

 

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Exhibit 10.3

 

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

 

This Employment Agreement (the “Agreement”), dated May 11, 2024 and effective as of May 1, 2024 (the “Effective Date”), is by and between Chromocell Therapeutics Corporation (the “Company”) and Francis Knuettel II (the “Executive”). Collectively, the Company and Executive may be referred to herein as the “Parties” or each individually as a “Party.”

 

RECITALS

 

WHEREAS, the Company has previously entered into an offer letter, dated June 2, 2022 and that certain Consultant Agreement, dated January 9, 2023, between the Company and Camden Capital LLC (“Camden”);

 

WHEREAS, the Company subsequently entered into that certain Amended and Restated Consultant Agreement, dated as of June 23, 2023, effective as of May 15, 2023, as modified by that certain Side letter to Consultant Agreement, dated May 10, 2024 (together, the “Consultant Agreement”), between the Company and Camden;

 

WHEREAS, Executive was elected as the Company’s Interim Chief Executive Officer and President on July 19, 2023 and served as the Company’s Interim Chief Executive Officer and President, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Secretary until March 13, 2024;

 

WHEREAS, Executive was appointed as the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and President on March 13, 2024, and continues to serve in his capacity as Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Secretary of the Company; and

 

WHEREAS, the Parties mutually deem it advisable and in their respective best interests to terminate the performance of future services under the existing Consultant Agreement and to enter into this Agreement setting forth the mutual expectations of the engagement of the Executive and the Company.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, IN CONSIDERATION of the mutual covenants and promises of the Parties hereto, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Parties hereto agree as follows.

 

1.           Term. The Company shall employ Executive and Executive accepts employment as Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”), devoting substantially all his professional time, on the terms and conditions set forth herein.

 

Executive’s employment under this Agreement shall be for an unspecified term (the “Term”) on an “at will” basis. Nothing in the Company’s policies, actions or this Agreement shall be construed to alter the “at will” nature of Executive’s status with the Company, and Executive understands that the Company may terminate Executive’s employment at any time for any reason or for no reason, provided that it is not terminated in violation of state or federal law.

 

At the beginning of the Term, the Company acknowledges and agrees to Executive’s hybrid remote work arrangement wherein Executive is partially working from his residence.

 

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2.           Duties and Position. During the Term of this Agreement, Executive shall serve as the Company’s CEO and in such other positions as the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”) may require. As of the Effective Date, Executive also serves as Company’s Chief Financial and Strategy Officer, President, Treasurer and Secretary, for which positions Executive shall not be entitled to any compensation in addition to what is set forth herein.

 

Executive will report to, and be subject to the direction of, the Board and shall be subject to the duly-issued instructions of the Board regardless of whether he supports each such instruction. Executive shall devote such time as required to carry out his duties faithfully and professionally and in the best interests of the Company.

 

The expenditure of reasonable amounts of time for education, charitable or professional activities shall not be deemed a breach of this Agreement if those activities do not materially interfere with the services required under this Agreement. Furthermore, this Agreement shall not be interpreted to prohibit Executive from making passive personal investments if those activities do not materially interfere with the services required under this Agreement and if those investments do not create any conflict of interest with Executive’s duties to the Company; provided, however, that Executive may invest in index funds without regard to conflicts of interest.

 

3.           Compensation and Benefits.

 

(a)Salary. As of May 1, 2024, Executive’s annual salary (the “Salary”) shall be $410,000, less applicable taxes and withholdings. Executive’s Salary shall be reviewed annually and may be adjusted by the Board, or any committee thereof, in its sole discretion. Executive’s Salary shall be paid in accordance with the Company’s regular payroll practices and applicable law in effect from time to time.

 

(b)Signing Bonus. Executive shall be paid a signing bonus of $56,666.00 (the “Signing Bonus”), less applicable taxes and withholdings, representing approximately the difference between the $410,000 annualized Salary and the $240,000 annualized Consulting Fee under the Consultant Agreement, prorated for the period from January 1, 2024 through April 30, 2024. The Signing Bonus shall be paid within ten (10) days of the Effective Date and only if Executive is employed by the Company on the date such Signing Bonus is paid.

 

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(c)Cash Bonus. The Board shall, in concert with Executive, establish Company aggregate and Executive performance goals and objectives (the “Goals”) for each year in January of each year (and within thirty (30) days of the Effective Date for 2024). Full achievement of the Goals will result in a bonus of up to fifty percent (50%) of the Executive’s annualized Salary in effect at the date of payment (the “Cash Bonus”). The Board, in its sole discretion and in good faith, shall determine the final amount payable as a Cash Bonus based upon results and performance relative to the Goals, together with such other and further factors as the Board deems relevant; provided, however, that full achievement of the Goals is intended to result in payment of the entire Cash Bonus. In the event that results and performance exceed the Goals, which shall be determined solely by the Board, the Board may (but shall not be required to) provide for the payment of an additional amount (the “Additional Cash Bonus”) in its sole discretion. Any Cash Bonus and any Additional Cash Bonus shall be paid no later than the March 15 following the end of the applicable year. Except as otherwise provided in Section 6, no Cash Bonus or Additional Cash Bonus shall be earned for a year unless the Executive remains employed through the date of payment.

 

(d)Benefits. Executive shall participate in benefits offered to the Company’s other executives that will include health insurance, dental insurance, vision (VSP), short-term and long-term disability insurance. The Company retains the right to modify, in its sole discretion and from time to time, the Company’s benefits.

 

(e)Leave/Absence. Executive shall be entitled to unlimited paid time off, subject to the Company’s policy as from time to time amended in its discretion.

 

(f)Out-of-Pocket Expenses. The Company shall reimburse Executive for all reasonable out-of-pocketexpenses incurred by Executive in the conduct of the Company’s business. Such reimbursement shall be in accordance with applicable policies and procedures.

 

4.           Compliance with Laws and Policies. Executive agrees that he must act in conformity with the law at all times, without exception. Executive will abide by the Company rules, regulations and policies as in effect from time to time including, but not limited to, any of those uploaded to the “Corporate Governance” section of the Company’s website.

 

5.           D&O Insurance. The Company will maintain a policy for directors and officers (“D&O”) insurance. Any D&O coverage acquired by the Company shall include Executive.

 

6.Termination.

 

(a)Termination for Cause. If the Agreement is terminated by the Company for “Cause” (as defined below) or the Executive terminates other than for Good Reason (as defined below), then (1) the Company shall compensate Executive with a pro rata portion of the Salary (but for the avoidance of doubt not including any Cash Bonus or Additional Cash Bonus) due for the month in which services are terminated and (2) Executive shall not be entitled to any further compensation for services.

 

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(b)Other Termination. The provisions of this Section 6(b) apply in the event of a termination of this Agreement by the Company other than pursuant to Section 6(a) or by Executive for Good Reason. For the avoidance of doubt and absent a modification of the Agreement pursuant to the provisions of Section 10(i), the provisions of this Section 6(b) shall remain in effect in the event Executive is involuntarily terminated other than for Cause or the Executive resigns for Good Reason following a sale of the Company or other similar change in control transaction. No amount payable under this Section 6(b) shall be paid unless Executive executes, delivers and does not revoke the Company’s standard release of claims agreement within sixty (60) days of such termination of services. If the sixty (60)-day period referenced in the preceding sentence spans two (2) taxable years, payment shall only commence in the second taxable year.

 

(1)Salary related severance. The Company will pay fifty percent (50%) of Executive’s annualized Salary beginning at the end of the sixty (60)-day period referred to above ratably over a period of six (6) months, less applicable taxes and withholdings.

 

(2)Prorated Cash Bonus. If and only if the target for any Cash Bonus has been set for the applicable year of termination of services, Executive shall be entitled to receive the amount of Cash Bonus related to the achievement of Goals prior to Executive’s termination, as determined in good faith by the Board in its sole discretion. Any amount payable pursuant to this Section 6(b)(2) shall be paid at the end of the sixty (60)-day period following termination of employment.

 

(3)Vesting. All outstanding options with time-based vesting shall become one hundred percent (100%) vested as of the date of termination.

 

(4)COBRA. In the event Executive elects to continue Company group medical, dental and/or vision benefits under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, as amended (“COBRA”), following termination, the Company will continue to contribute toward the cost of such coverage for up to eighteen (18) months as if Executive were an active employee unless doing so violates applicable law or is inconsistent with the coverage arrangement.

 

(c)Suspension of Payment. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, if Executive is in material violation of any provision of this Section 6 or Section 7 below, the Company shall have no obligation to make payment(s) under Section 6(b) of this Agreement if the Company has determined in good faith that such a violation(s) has occurred or is occurring. If it is later established through a judicial proceeding that no such violation occurred, the Company shall agree to pay to Executive any such amount withheld from or not paid during such period to the extent consistent with Section 409A (“Section 409A”) of the Internal Revenue Code (the “Code”).

 

(d)No Mitigation. Executive will be under no obligation to mitigate damages by seeking other employment or service relationships, and there will be no offset against the amounts due Executive under this Agreement, except as specifically provided in Section 6(c) above or for any other claims that the Company may have against Executive and to the extent consistent with Section 409A.

 

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(e)Definitions. For purposes of this Agreement:

 

(1)“Cause” means any of the following with respect to Executive: (i) engaging in any acts of fraud, theft or embezzlement involving the Company; (ii) conviction, including any plea of guilty or nolo contendere, of any felony crime that is relevant to Executive’s position(s) with the Company; and (iii) material violation of this Agreement, which is materially damaging to the reputation or business of the Company; provided, however, that prior to terminating Executive for Cause, the Board must, if possible under the given circumstances, first (A) provide notice to Executive specifying in reasonable detail the condition giving rise to Cause for termination no later than the tenth (10th) day following the occurrence of that condition, (B) provide Executive a period of twenty (20) days to remedy the condition, if subject to remedy, and so specify in the notice and (C) terminate the employment or service relationship for Cause within ten (10) days following the expiration of the period to remedy if the Executive fails to remedy the condition.

 

(2)“Good Reason” means any of the following with respect to Executive: (i) an involuntary material reduction in Salary; (ii) an involuntary material diminution in authority, duties or responsibilities (but not including any diminution in, or termination of, responsibilities relevant to any role that Executive has held or holds in addition to that of CEO); (iii) the failure of the Company to maintain D&O coverage, as described in Section 5; or (iv) the Company’s breach of a material provision of this Agreement, provided, however, that prior to Executive terminating for Good Reason, Executive must, if possible under the given circumstances, first (A) provide notice to the Company specifying in reasonable detail the condition giving rise to termination for Good Reason no later than the tenth (10th) day following the occurrence of that condition, (B) provide the Company a period of thirty (30) days to remedy the condition, if subject to remedy, and so specify in the notice and (C) terminate the employment or service relationship for Good Reason within ten (10) days following the expiration of the period to remedy if the Company fails to remedy the condition.

 

(f)Notice of resignation. Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, Executive agrees to provide eight (8) weeks’ notice in the event of his resignation (with or without Good Reason). In the event of a resignation without Good Reason, the Company may in its discretion terminate Executive’s employment immediately or at any time during the eight (8)-week period. Executive shall not otherwise be entitled to any other Salary, bonuses or benefits after the date of termination, except the right to receive benefits that have become vested under any benefit plan or to which Executive is entitled as a matter of law. For the avoidance of doubt, if Executive resigns without “Good Reason,” then none of the severance related benefits described in Section 6(b) shall be provided.

 

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7.           Restrictive Covenants. The Parties hereby agree as follows.

 

(a)Client of the Company. For purposes hereof, the term “Client” shall mean any Client of the Company: (1) to whom the Company or any officer, director, member, employee, contractor, affiliate, representative or agent of the Company provided any services or products of any kind; or (2) entities with whom the Company conducts business, including but not limited manufacturers, distributors, firms or marketers of any kind prior to or during the Term.

 

(b)Non-Solicitation. During the Term of this Agreement and for a period of twelve (12) months after the termination of this Agreement for any reason, whether voluntary or involuntary, Executive shall not, on his own behalf or on behalf of any other person, entity or other third party directly or indirectly: (1) cause any person to leave their employment with the Company (other than terminating subordinate employees or employees in the course of his duties for the Company); (2) hire, employ or otherwise engage any individual or entity who is an employee, independent contractor or agent of the Company, or solicit or contact any such individual or entity to quit or change such individual’s or entity’s relationship with the Company; (3) contact, call upon or solicit any of the Clients of the Company for the purpose of (i) providing any services to such entity or (ii) diverting or encouraging such entities or Clients of the Company to discontinue, in whole or in part, all or any portion of their relationship with, and services or products received from the Company; or (4) hire, employ or otherwise engage any individual or entity who is or was, an employee, independent contractor, representative or agent of the Company. Item (4) in the preceding sentence shall not restrict Executive from hiring, employing or otherwise engaging any individual or entity who is or was, an employee, independent contractor, representative or agent of the Company so long as the hiring or engagement by Executive does not interfere with that person or entity’s service to Company.

 

(c)Proprietary Information. Executive has, and will continue to have, access to information of the Company that the Company considers sensitive, proprietary and/or otherwise confidential (the “Proprietary Information”). Proprietary Information includes, without limitation, trade secrets and similarly protected proprietary, secret and/or confidential information about the Company’s business that is not generally known by others with whom the Company competes or does business, or with whom it plans to compete or do business, and any and all information, publicly known in whole or in part or not, which, if disclosed by the Company, would assist in competition against them, including but not limited to (1) the products, services, technical data, methods, processes, know-how, developments, inventions and formulae of the Company, (2) the development, research, testing, marketing and financial activities and strategic plans of the Company, (3) their costs and sources of supply, (4) the identity and special needs of the Clients and prospective clients, customers and portfolio companies of the Company and (5) the vendors, suppliers and other organizations with whom the Company has business relationships and the nature and substance of those relationships. Proprietary Information also includes any confidential or proprietary information that the Company may receive or has received from Clients, prospective clients or business partners with any understanding, express or implied, that the information would not be disclosed. Compensation to Executive for services does not constitute Proprietary Information. Executive will maintain the confidentiality of all Proprietary Information both before and after the Term except as otherwise specifically instructed by the Company.

 

6 

 

 

(d)Non-Competition. To protect the Company’s trade secrets, goodwill and Proprietary Information, Executive agrees that, during the Term of this Agreement and for a period of twelve (12) months after the termination of this Agreement for any reason, whether voluntary or involuntary, Executive shall not directly or indirectly engage (whether such engagement is as an employee, consultant, proprietor, partner, director or otherwise) in any business that competes against the Company by owning, licensing, developing, marketing, manufacturing, producing, selling or distributing products, technologies, therapies or services in any way related to the therapeutic mechanisms of action that are being evaluated in the Company’s active research and development efforts at that time. It is agreed that ownership of no more than one percent (1%) of the outstanding voting stock of a publicly traded corporation shall not constitute a violation of this provision.

 

(e)Reasonable Restrictions. Executive agrees that the limitations as to time, geographic area and scope of activity to be restricted pursuant to this Agreement are reasonable and are not greater than necessary to protect the goodwill or other business interests of the Company. Executive further agrees that such interests are worthy of protection and that the scope of activity to be restrained as detailed herein is reasonable and is not greater than the hardship Executive may experience by complying with its terms. Executive expressly waives the right to protest the reasonableness of the restrictions contained within this Section 7.

 

8.           Remedy for Breach. Executive acknowledges that each Party would be irreparably injured by a violation of this Agreement and agrees that the other Party shall be entitled to an injunction restraining the other Party from any actual or threatened breach of the provisions contained herein or to any other appropriate equitable remedy without any bond or other security being required. The Parties further consent to court enforcement of the specific language of this Agreement. Unless expressly provided otherwise, each right and remedy in this Agreement is in addition to any other right or remedy, at law or in equity, and the exercise of one right or remedy will not be deemed a waiver of any other right or remedy.

 

7 

 

 

9.           Termination of Performance of Future Services under Consultant Agreement. The Parties hereto, together with Camden, mutually agree that (a) Camden shall, as of the Effective Date, cease to provide services to the Company, (b) the Company shall have no obligation to make any payment of any Consulting Fee or Additional Potential Consulting Fee for services on or after the Effective Date except as otherwise provided pursuant to this Section 9, (c) the termination of the performance of future services under the Consultant Agreement shall not constitute a termination by the Company in a manner that would otherwise trigger liability under Section 6 thereof, (d) the termination of the performance of future services under the Consultant Agreement shall not be treated as a termination for purposes of vesting or the acceleration of any exercise period under any equity award (as applicable) with respect to any equity grant to Executive or Camden and (e) service hereunder shall be treated as continued service for vesting and for purposes of determining the exercise period under any equity award (as applicable) with respect to any equity grant to Executive or Camden. For the avoidance of doubt, the Parties hereto, together with Camden, agree that Camden shall be entitled to all payment for services rendered through April 30, 2024, pursuant to the terms of the Consultant Agreement, together with the amount evidenced by that certain promissory note in the principal amount of the $131,867.81 issued by the Company to Camden and dated May 10, 2024.

 

10.         Miscellaneous Provisions.

 

(a)Governing Law. This Agreement and the interpretations hereof, shall be governed exclusively by its terms and by the laws of the State of New York, without reference to its principles of conflicts of laws.

 

(b)Withholding. All amounts payable as compensation shall be subject to deductions for taxes and other withholdings as required by law.

 

(c)Section 409A. It is the intention of the Parties that no payment or entitlement pursuant to this Agreement will give rise to any adverse tax consequences to any person pursuant to Section 409A and this Agreement shall be interpreted, applied and, to the minimum extent necessary, amended to achieve that intention. It is further intended that payments hereunder satisfy, to the greatest extent possible, the exemption from the application of Section 409A provided under Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(b)(4) (as a “short-term deferral”). To the extent (1) any payments or benefits to which Executive becomes entitled under this Agreement, or under any agreement or plan referenced herein, constitute deferred compensation subject to Section 409A that are payable on “separation from service” (as defined under Section 409A) and (2) Executive is deemed at the time of termination of employment to be a “specified employee” under Section 409A, then such payments shall not be made or commence until the date that is immediately following the expiration of the six (6)-month period measured from the date of the Executive’s “separation from service” (as defined under Section 409A) from the Company or, if earlier and if permitted under Section 409A, the date of Executive’s death following such “separation from service” (as defined under Section 409A). Upon the expiration of the applicable deferral period, any payments that would have otherwise been made during that period (whether in a single sum or in installments) in the absence of this provision shall be paid to Executive (or his estate or legal representative, as applicable) in one lump sum (without interest). Each installment of any payments provided hereunder shall constitute separate “payments” for purposes of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-2(b)(2)(iii). Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, to the extent any expense reimbursement or the provision of any in-kind benefit under this Agreement is determined to be subject to Section 409A, the amount of any such reimbursement or benefit in one calendar year shall not affect any reimbursement or benefit in any other taxable year, in no event shall any such reimbursement or benefit be provided after the last day of the calendar year following the calendar year in which Executive incurred such expense and in no event shall any right to reimbursement or the provision of any in-kind benefit be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit. Any payments to be made under this Agreement upon a termination of employment will only be made upon a “separation from service” (as defined under Section 409A).

 

8 

 

 

(d)Notice. Except as otherwise specified herein, any notice required or permitted to be given under this Agreement shall be sufficient if in writing and if sent by registered mail to the Company at its principal offices or to Executive at the last address provided by Executive in writing with the Company, or via email with read-receipt obtained from the other Party. Either Party may change the relevant address by notifying the other Party of such change in writing at any time. Any such notice shall be effective when received.

 

(e)Survival and Severability. Provisions of this Agreement, which by their nature and/or terms extend beyond the termination of this Agreement shall continue in effect after termination of this Agreement, regardless of the reason, and whether such termination is voluntary or involuntary. If any provision of this Agreement (or portion thereof) is held to be invalid or unenforceable, such invalidity or unenforceability shall not affect any other provision (or portion thereof) of this Agreement that can be given effect without the invalid provision. In such event, all Parties agree that the court making such determination shall have the power to alter or amend such provision so that it shall be enforceable to the maximum extent permitted by law.

 

(f)Waiver of Rights. Failure or omission by any Party at any time to enforce or require strict or timely compliance with any provision of this Agreement shall not affect or impair that provision in any way or the rights of that Party to avail itself of remedies it may have in respect to any breach of that provision. Any waiver or consent given by any Party shall be effective only as to that instance and will not be construed as a bar to or waiver of any right on any other occasion.

 

(g)Assignment and Successors. Neither this Agreement nor any of the rights, interests or obligations hereunder shall be assigned by either Party without the prior written consent of the other Party; provided, however, that the Company may, without notice to Executive, (1) assign this Agreement to any entity that acquires all or substantially all of its assets or its business that is the subject hereof or (2) assign this Agreement to any entity that is owned by the Company, so long as the assignment does not negatively impact the Executive in any material manner, including compensation. The provisions of this Agreement will inure to the benefit of and be binding on the Parties and their respective representatives, successors and assigns. Nothing contained in this Agreement shall be construed, nor is intended to give any rights or benefits to any person or entity, other than to the Company and Executive.

 

9 

 

 

(h)Counterparts and Headings. This Agreement and any amendment hereof may be executed in any number of counterparts and by each Party on a separate counterpart, each of which, when so executed and delivered (which delivery may be via telefax or other electronic means), shall be deemed to be an original and all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same instrument. The headings in this Agreement are inserted for convenience only and are in no way intended to describe, interpret, define or limit the scope, extent or intent of this Agreement or any provision thereof. Words of any gender used in this Agreement shall be held to include any other gender, and words in the singular shall be held to include the plural when the sense requires.

 

(i)Entire Agreement and Modification. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the Parties and supersedes all previous agreements on this matter. There are no other written or oral agreements, representations or understandings with respect to the subject matter of this Agreement. This Agreement may only be modified by the mutual written and signed agreement of both Parties hereto. No oral statement shall in any manner modify or otherwise affect the terms and conditions set forth herein.

 

(j)Disclaimer Regarding Reporting. Nothing in this Agreement, any other agreement between the Parties or any Company policy or program prohibits Executive from reporting in good faith possible violations of law or regulations to any governmental agency or governmental entity (including but not limited to the Department of Justice, the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Congress and any agency Inspector General) or making other disclosures that are protected under state or federal whistleblower provisions or by any other state or federal law or regulation. Pursuant to the Defend Trade Secrets Act, an individual shall not be held criminally or civilly liable under any federal or state trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret that: (1) is made (i) in confidence to a federal, state or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to an attorney, and (ii) solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law; or (2) is made in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, if such filing is made under seal. Furthermore, if Executive files a lawsuit for retaliation by the Company for reporting a suspected violation of law, Executive may disclose the Company’s trade secrets to his attorney and use the trade secret information in the court proceeding if he (A) files any document containing the trade secret under seal and (B) does not disclose the trade secret, except pursuant to court order. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 7 of this Agreement, Executive does not need prior authorization from the Company to make such reports or disclosures, and Executive is not required to notify the Company that Executive has made such reports or disclosures. Nothing in this Agreement is intended to conflict with the whistleblower provisions of any United States federal, state or local law or regulation, including but not limited to Rule 21F-17 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or Section 1833(b) of the Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016.

 

[REMAINDER OF PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

 

10 

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have executed this Agreement below.

 

EXECUTIVE:

 

/s/ Francis Knuettel II 

Francis Knuettel II 

 

COMPANY: 

 

Chromocell Therapeutics Corporation

 

By: /s/ Todd Davis         
Name:   Todd Davis  
Title:     Chairman of the Board of Directors  

 

As to Section 9 only:

 

CAMDEN CAPITAL LLC

 

By: /s/ Francis Knuettel II   
Its: Managing Member  

 

11 

 

EXHIBIT 31.1

 

CERTIFICATIONS

PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, 

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF 

THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

 

I, Francis Knuettel II, certify that:

 

1.              I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Chromocell Therapeutics Corporation;

 

2.              Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

3.              Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

4.              The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

 

(a)             Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

(b)            Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

(c)            Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

(d)            Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

5.              I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

(a)            All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

 

(b)            Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Date: May 15, 2024  

                 
    /s/ Francis Knuettel II  
    Francis Knuettel II  
   

Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer 

(Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer)

 

 

 

Exhibit 32.1

 

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO 

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

 

In connection with the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Chromocell Therapeutics Corporation (the “Company”) for the quarter ended March 31, 2024 (the “Report”), I, Francis Knuettel II, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of the Company, hereby certify pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

 

1.The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d), as applicable, of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

 

2.The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company. 

       

Date: May 15, 2024

  /s/ Francis Knuettel II
    Name: Francis Knuettel II
    Title:

Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer 

(Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer) 

       

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906, or other document authenticating, acknowledging, or otherwise adopting the signature that appears in typed form within the electronic version of this written statement has been provided to the Company and will be retained by the Company and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.

 

 

v3.24.1.1.u2
Cover - shares
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2024
May 13, 2024
Cover [Abstract]    
Document Type 10-Q  
Amendment Flag false  
Document Quarterly Report true  
Document Transition Report false  
Document Period End Date Mar. 31, 2024  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q1  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2024  
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31  
Entity File Number 001-41964  
Entity Registrant Name Chromocell Therapeutics Corporation  
Entity Central Index Key 0001919246  
Entity Tax Identification Number 86-3335449  
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code DE  
Entity Address, Address Line One 4400 Route 9 South  
Entity Address, Address Line Two Suite 1000  
Entity Address, City or Town Freehold  
Entity Address, State or Province NJ  
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code 07728  
City Area Code (877)  
Local Phone Number 265-8266  
Title of 12(b) Security Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share  
Trading Symbol CHRO  
Security Exchange Name NYSEAMER  
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes  
Entity Interactive Data Current Yes  
Entity Filer Category Non-accelerated Filer  
Entity Small Business true  
Entity Emerging Growth Company true  
Elected Not To Use the Extended Transition Period false  
Entity Shell Company false  
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   5,766,704
v3.24.1.1.u2
CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited) - USD ($)
Mar. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2023
CURRENT ASSETS    
Cash $ 3,770,229 $ 96,391
Prepaid expenses 220,930
Due from Chromocell Corporation 40,400
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS 4,031,559 96,391
TOTAL ASSETS 4,031,559 96,391
CURRENT LIABILITIES    
Accounts payable and accrued expenses 2,407,515 4,620,925
Accrued compensation 493,924 645,947
Bridge loan, net of debt discount 316,324
Loan payable, net of debt discount 202,279
Loan payable - related party, net of debt discount 750,082
Due to Chromocell Corporation 5,386
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES 2,901,439 6,540,943
TOTAL LIABILITIES 2,901,439 6,540,943
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT)    
Common stock, $0.0001 par value, 200,000,000 shares authorized, 5,766,704 and 3,914,338 shares issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively 578 391
Additional paid in capital 17,211,521 7,074,646
Accumulated deficit (16,081,979) (13,519,649)
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT) 1,130,120 (6,444,552)
TOTAL LIABILITIES, AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT) 4,031,559 96,391
Series A Preferred Stock [Member]    
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT)    
Preferred stock, value, issued 60
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT) 60
Series C Preferred Stock [Member]    
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT)    
Preferred stock, value, issued
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT) $ 1