Overview

We are a pharmaceutical company developing therapeutics utilizing our proprietary long-term drug delivery platform, ProNeura®, for the treatment of select chronic diseases for which steady state delivery of a drug has the potential to provide an efficacy and/or safety benefit. ProNeura consists of a small, solid implant made from a mixture of ethylene-vinyl acetate, or EVA, and a drug substance. The resulting product is a solid matrix that is designed to be administered subdermally in a brief, outpatient procedure and is removed in a similar manner at the end of the treatment period.

Our first product based on our ProNeura technology was Probuphine® (buprenorphine implant), which is approved in the United States, Canada and the European Union, or EU, for the maintenance treatment of opioid use disorder in clinically stable patients taking 8 mg or less a day of oral buprenorphine. While Probuphine continues to be commercialized in Canada and in the EU (as Sixmo™) by other companies that have either licensed or acquired the rights from Titan, we discontinued commercialization of the product in the U.S. during the fourth quarter of 2020 to allow us to focus our limited resources on product development programs.

In December 2021, we announced our intention to work with our financial advisor to explore strategic alternatives to enhance stockholder value, potentially including an acquisition, merger, reverse merger, other business combination, sales of assets, licensing or other transaction. In June 2022, we implemented a plan to reduce expenses and conserve capital that included a company-wide reduction in salaries and a scale back of certain operating expenses to enable us to maintain sufficient resources as we pursued potential strategic alternatives. In July 2022, David Lazar and Activist Investing LLC (collectively, "Activist") acquired an approximately 25% ownership interest in Titan, filed a proxy statement and nominated six additional directors, each of whom was elected to our board of directors (the "Board") at a special meeting of stockholders held on August 15, 2022 (the "Special Meeting"). The exploration and evaluation of possible strategic alternatives by the Board has continued following the Special Meeting.

Critical Accounting Policies and the Use of Estimates

The preparation of our financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in our financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates. We believe the following accounting policies for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 to be applicable:

Revenue Recognition

We generate revenue principally from collaborative research and development arrangements, sales or licenses of technology, government grants, sales of Probuphine materials to Molteni and Knight, and prior to the discontinued operations, the sale of Probuphine in the U.S. Consideration received for revenue arrangements with multiple components is allocated among the separate performance obligations based upon their relative estimated standalone selling price.

In determining the appropriate amount of revenue to be recognized as we fulfill our obligations under our agreements, we perform the following steps for our revenue recognition: (i) identification of the promised goods or services in the contract; (ii) determination of whether the promised goods or services are performance obligations, including whether they are distinct in the context of the contract; (iii) measurement of the transaction price, including the constraint on variable consideration; (iv) allocation of the transaction price to the performance obligations based on estimated selling prices; and (v) recognition of revenue when (or as) we satisfy each performance obligation.




                                       19




Grant Revenue

We have contracts with NIDA, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and other government-sponsored organizations for research and development related activities that provide for payments for reimbursed costs, which may include overhead and general and administrative costs. We recognize revenue from these contracts as we perform services under these arrangements when the funding is committed. Associated expenses are recognized when incurred as research and development expense. Revenues and related expenses are presented gross in the statements of operations.




Net Product Revenue

Prior to the discontinuation of our commercialization activities relating to Probuphine in the U.S., we recognized revenue from product sales when control of the product transferred, generally upon shipment or delivery, to our customers, including distributors. As customary in the pharmaceutical industry, our gross product revenue was subject to a variety of deductions in the forms of variable consideration, such as rebates, chargebacks, returns and discounts, in arriving at reported net product revenue. This variable consideration was estimated using the most-likely amount method, which is the single most-likely outcome under a contract and was typically at stated contractual rates. The actual outcome of this variable consideration could materially differ from our estimates. From time to time, we would adjust our estimates of this variable consideration when trends or significant events indicated that a change in estimate is appropriate to reflect the actual experience. Additionally, we continued to assess the estimates of our variable consideration as we continued to accumulate additional historical data.

Returns - Consistent with the provisions of ASC 606, we estimated returns at the inception of each transaction, based on multiple considerations, including historical sales, historical experience of actual customer returns, levels of inventory in our distribution channel, expiration dates of purchased products and significant market changes which could impact future expected returns to the extent that we would not reverse any receivables, revenues, or contract assets already recognized under the agreement. During the year ended December 31, 2019, we entered into agreements with large national specialty pharmacies with a distribution channel different from that of our existing customers and, therefore, the related reserves had unique considerations. We continued to evaluate the activities with these specialty pharmacies and updated the related reserves accordingly.

Rebates - Our provision for rebates was estimated based on our customers' contracted rebate programs and our historical experience of rebates paid.

Discounts - The provision was estimated based upon invoice billings, utilizing historical customer payment experience.

Performance Obligations

A performance obligation is a promise in a contract to transfer a distinct good or service to the customer. Our performance obligations include commercialization license rights, development services and services associated with the regulatory approval process.

We have optional additional items in contracts, which are accounted for as separate contracts when the customer elects such options. Arrangements that include a promise for future commercial product supply and optional research and development services at the customer's discretion are generally considered as options. We assess if these options provide a material right to the customer and, if so, such material rights are accounted for as separate performance obligations. If we are entitled to additional payments when the customer exercises these options, any additional payments are recorded in revenue when the customer obtains control of the goods or services.

Transaction Price

We have both fixed and variable consideration. Non-refundable upfront payments are considered fixed, while milestone payments are identified as variable consideration when determining the transaction price. Funding of research and development activities is considered variable until such costs are reimbursed at which point they are considered fixed. We allocate the total transaction price to each performance obligation based on the relative estimated standalone selling prices of the promised goods or services for each performance obligation.




                                       20



At the inception of each arrangement that includes milestone payments, we evaluate whether the milestones are considered probable of being achieved and estimate the amount to be included in the transaction price using the most likely amount method. If it is probable that a significant revenue reversal would not occur, the value of the associated milestone is included in the transaction price. Milestone payments that are not within our control, such as approvals from regulators, are not considered probable of being achieved until those approvals are received.

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

Allocation of Consideration

As part of the accounting for these arrangements, we must develop assumptions that require judgment to determine the stand-alone selling price of each performance obligation identified in the contract. Estimated selling prices for license rights are calculated using the residual approach. For all other performance obligations, we use a cost-plus margin approach.

Timing of Recognition

Significant management judgment is required to determine the level of effort required under an arrangement and the period over which we expect to complete our performance obligations under an arrangement. We estimate the performance period or measure of progress at the inception of the arrangement and re-evaluate it each reporting period. This re-evaluation may shorten or lengthen the period over which revenue is recognized. Changes to these estimates are recorded on a cumulative catch-up basis. If we cannot reasonably estimate when our performance obligations either are completed or become inconsequential, then revenue recognition is deferred until we can reasonably make such estimates. Revenue is then recognized over the remaining estimated period of performance using the cumulative catch-up method. Revenue is recognized for licenses or sales of functional intellectual property at the point in time the customer can use and benefit from the license. For performance obligations that are services, revenue is recognized over time proportionate to the costs that we have incurred to perform the services using the cost-to-cost input method.

Inventories

Inventories are recorded at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Cost is based on the first in, first out method. We regularly review inventory quantities on hand and write down to its net realizable value any inventory that we believe to be impaired. The determination of net realizable value requires judgment including consideration of many factors, such as estimates of future product demand, product net selling prices, current and future market conditions and potential product obsolescence, among others.

Share-Based Payments

We recognize compensation expense for all share-based awards made to employees, directors and consultants. The fair value of share-based awards is estimated at the grant date based on the fair value of the award and is recognized as expense, net of estimated pre-vesting forfeitures, ratably over the vesting period of the award.

We use the Black-Scholes option pricing model to estimate the fair value method of our awards. Calculating stock-based compensation expense requires the input of highly subjective assumptions, including the expected term of the share-based awards, stock price volatility, and pre-vesting forfeitures. We estimate the expected term of stock options granted for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 based on the historical experience of similar awards, giving consideration to the contractual terms of the share-based awards, vesting schedules and the expectations of future employee behavior. We estimate the volatility of our common stock at the date of grant based on the historical volatility of our common stock. The assumptions used in calculating the fair value of stock-based awards represent our best estimates, but these estimates involve inherent uncertainties and the application of management judgment. As a result, if factors change and we use different assumptions, our stock-based compensation expense could be materially different in the future. In addition, we are required to estimate the expected pre-vesting forfeiture rate and only recognize expense for those shares expected to vest. We estimate the pre-vesting forfeiture rate based on historical experience. If our actual forfeiture rate is materially different from our estimate, our stock-based compensation expense could be significantly different from what we have recorded in the current period.




                                       21




Income Taxes

We make certain estimates and judgments in determining income tax expense for financial statement purposes. These estimates and judgments occur in the calculation of certain tax assets and liabilities, which arise from differences in the timing of recognition of revenue and expense for tax and financial statement purposes.

As part of the process of preparing our financial statements, we are required to estimate our income taxes in each of the jurisdictions in which we operate. This process involves us estimating our current tax exposure under the most recent tax laws and assessing temporary differences resulting from differing treatment of items for tax and accounting purposes.

We assess the likelihood that we will be able to recover our deferred tax assets. We consider all available evidence, both positive and negative, expectations and risks associated with estimates of future taxable income and ongoing prudent and feasible tax planning strategies in assessing the need for a valuation allowance. If it is not more likely than not that we will recover our deferred tax assets, we will increase our provision for taxes by recording a valuation allowance against the deferred tax assets that we estimate will not ultimately be recoverable.

Clinical Trial Accruals

We also record accruals for estimated ongoing clinical trial costs. Clinical trial costs represent costs incurred by CROs and clinical sites. These costs are recorded as a component of research and development expenses. Under our agreements, progress payments are typically made to investigators, clinical sites and CROs. We analyze the progress of the clinical trials, including levels of patient enrollment, invoices received and contracted costs when evaluating the adequacy of accrued liabilities. Significant judgments and estimates must be made and used in determining the accrued balance in any accounting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates under different assumptions. Revisions are charged to expense in the period in which the facts that give rise to the revision become known. The actual clinical trial costs for studies conducted in the past two years have not differed materially from the estimated projection of expenses.

Warrants Issued in Connection with Equity Financing

We generally account for warrants issued in connection with equity financings as a component of equity, unless there is a deemed possibility that we may have to settle warrants in cash. For warrants issued with deemed possibility of cash settlement, we record the fair value of the issued warrants as a liability at each reporting period and record changes in the estimated fair value as a non-cash gain or loss in the statements of operations.

Leases

We determine whether the arrangement is or contains a lease at inception. Operating lease right-of-use assets and lease liabilities are recognized at the present value of the future lease payments at commencement date. The interest rate implicit in lease contracts is typically not readily determinable, and therefore, we utilize our incremental borrowing rate, which is the rate incurred to borrow on a collateralized basis over a similar term an amount equal to the lease payments in a similar economic environment. Certain adjustments to the right-of-use asset may be required for items such as initial direct costs paid or incentives received.

Lease expense is recognized over the expected term on a straight-line basis. Operating leases are recognized on our balance sheet as right-of-use assets, operating lease liabilities, current and operating lease liabilities, non-current.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

We have funded our operations since inception primarily through the sale of our securities and the issuance of debt, as well as with proceeds from warrant and option exercises, corporate licensing and collaborative agreements, the sale of royalty rights, sales of Probuphine and government-sponsored research grants. At December 31, 2022, we had working capital of approximately $1.0 million compared to working capital of approximately $4.6 million at December 31, 2021.




                                       22




                                          2022         2021
As of December 31:
Cash and cash equivalents               $  2,937     $  6,037
Working capital                         $    973     $  4,560
Current ratio                             1.37:1        2.7:1

For the Years Ended December 31: Cash used in operating activities $ (8,183 ) $ (7,899 ) Cash used in investing activities $ - $ (23 ) Cash provided by financing activities $ 4,984 $ 8,841

Net cash used in operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2022 consisted primarily of the net loss for the period of approximately $10.2 million. This was partially offset by an approximately $0.9 million of non-cash stock-based compensation, $0.5 million of stock based payments, approximately $0.2 million of depreciation and amortization expense and approximately $0.4 million related to net changes in other operating assets and liabilities. Uses of cash in operating activities were primarily to fund our product development programs and administrative expenses.

No net cash was used or provided by in investing activities during the year ended December 31, 2022.

Net cash provided by financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2022 consisted primarily of approximately $5.0 million in proceeds from our equity offerings.

In February 2022, we completed a registered direct offering with an accredited investor pursuant to which we issued an aggregate of 1,100,000 shares of our common stock and 2,274,242 pre-funded warrants to purchase shares of our common stock, with an exercise price of $0.001 per share. In a concurrent private placement, we sold unregistered pre-funded warrants to purchase an aggregate of 1,289,796 shares of common stock with an exercise price of $0.001 per share and issued unregistered five year and six month warrants to purchase an aggregate of 4,664,038 shares of common stock with an exercise price of $1.14. The net cash proceeds from these offerings were approximately $5.0 million after deduction of underwriting fees and other offering expenses.

In January 2021, we completed a registered direct offering pursuant to which we issued 2,725,000 shares of our common stock at an offering price of $3.55 per share and private placement warrants to purchase 2,725,000 shares of our common stock with an exercise price of $3.55 per share. We received net cash proceeds of approximately $8.8 million after the deduction of underwriting fees and other offering expenses.

At December 31, 2022, we had cash and cash equivalents of approximately $2.9 million, which we believe is sufficient to fund our planned operations into the second quarter of 2023. There is substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. We will require additional funds to finance our operations. We are exploring several financing alternatives; however, there can be no assurance that our efforts to obtain the funding required to continue our operations will be successful.

Results of Operations

Year Ended December 31, 2022 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2021



Revenues

                       For the Years ended December 31,
                    2022              2021           Change
                                (in thousands)
Revenue:
License revenue   $      60       $         13       $    47
Product revenue           -                236          (236 )
Grant revenue           497              1,277          (780 )
Total revenue     $     557       $      1,526       $  (969 )




                                       23



License revenues for the years ended December 31, 2022 consists of an upfront license payment of approximately $50,000 related to the use of our ProNeura technology for ophthalmic use and royalties received on sales of Probuphine by Knight in Canada. License revenues for the years ended December 31, 2021 reflect royalties received on sales of Probuphine by Knight in Canada.

Product revenues for the year ended December 31, 2021 consisted of sales of our Probuphine product materials to Molteni and Knight for the EU and Canada, respectively.

The decrease in grant revenue was primarily due to decreased activities related to the NIDA grant for the development of a nalmefene implant.



Operating Expenses

                                 For the Years ended December 31,
                                2022              2021         Change
                                          (in thousands)
Operating expenses:
Cost of goods sold           $         -       $       199     $  (199 )
Research and development           4,758             5,692        (934 )
General and administrative         6,034             4,989       1,045

Total operating expenses $ 10,792 $ 10,880 $ (88 )

Cost of goods sold reflects costs and expenses associated with sales of Probuphine product materials to Molteni and Knight for the EU and Canada, respectively.

The decrease in research and development costs was primarily associated with reduced activities related to non-clinical studies required for the IND submission as part of our NIDA grant for the development of a nalmefene implant, decreases in expenses related to initial non-clinical proof of concept studies related to our TP-2021 implant program and decreases in research and development personnel-related costs and other expenses. Other research and development expenses include internal operating costs such as research and development personnel-related expenses, non-clinical and clinical product development related travel expenses, and allocation of facility and corporate costs. As a result of the risks and uncertainties inherently associated with pharmaceutical research and development activities described elsewhere in this document, we are unable to estimate the specific timing and future costs of our clinical development programs or the timing of material cash inflows, if any, from our product candidates. However, we anticipate that our research and development expenses will increase as we continue our current or any future ProNeura development programs to the extent these costs are not supported through grants or partners.

The increase in general and administrative expenses was primarily related to increases in non-cash stock-based compensation, employee related expenses and legal and other professional fees.



Other Expenses, Net

                                            For the Years ended December 31,
                                         2022            2021            Change
                                                     (in thousands)
Other income (expense):
Interest income, net                   $      53       $       1       $        52
Other expense, net                           (24 )           (84 )              60
Non-cash gain on debt extinguishment           -             661              (661 )
Other income, net                      $      29       $     578       $      (549 )

The decrease in other income, net was primarily due to a gain on debt extinguishment resulting from the May 2021 forgiveness of our outstanding PPP Loan.




                                       24



Net Loss and Net Loss per Share

Our net loss applicable to common stockholders for the year ended December 31, 2022 was approximately $10.2 million, or approximately $0.76 per share, compared to our net loss continuing operations applicable to common stockholders of approximately $8.8 million, or approximately $0.90 per share, for the comparable period in 2021.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We have never entered into any off-balance sheet financing arrangements and we have never established any special purpose entities. We have not guaranteed any debt or commitments of other entities or entered into any options on non-financial assets.

© Edgar Online, source Glimpses