UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

[X]   QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d)

OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2008

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 0-19635

GENTA INCORPORATED

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware

 

33-0326866

(State or other jurisdiction of

 

(I.R.S. Employer

incorporation or organization)

 

Identification Number)

 

 

 

200 Connell Drive

 

 

Berkeley Heights, NJ

 

07922

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

(Zip Code)

(908) 286-9800

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

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    X            No ____

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

Large accelerated filer o

 

Accelerated filer o

Non-accelerated filer (Do not check if a smaller reporting company) x

 

Smaller reporting company o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934).

Yes                No    X   

As of April 30, 2008, the registrant had 36,740,558 shares of common stock outstanding.

 
 

 

 



Genta Incorporated

INDEX TO FORM 10-Q

 

 

 

 

 

Page

PART I.

 

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

 

Item 1.

 

Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited):

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets at March 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007

 

3

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2008 and 2007

 

4

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2008 and 2007

 

5

 

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

6

Item 2.

 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

19

Item 3.

 

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

 

27

Item 4.

 

Controls and Procedures

 

27

PART II.

 

OTHER INFORMATION

 

 

Item 1.

 

Legal Proceedings

 

28

Item 1A.

 

Risk Factors

 

29

Item 2.

 

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

 

41

Item 3.

 

Defaults Upon Senior Securities

 

41

Item 4.

 

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

 

41

Item 5.

 

Other Information

 

41

Item 6.

 

Exhibits

 

42

SIGNATURES

 

43

 

 

2

 



GENTA INCORPORATED

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Unaudited)

 

(In thousands, except par value data)

 

March 31,
2008

 

December 31,
2007

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

4,109

 

$

5,814

 

Marketable securities (Note 4)

 

 

 

 

1,999

 

Accounts receivable – net of allowances of $38 at March 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively

 

 

50

 

 

31

 

Inventory (Note 5)

 

 

200

 

 

225

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets (Note 6)

 

 

18,751

 

 

19,170

 

Total current assets

 

 

23,110

 

 

27,239

 

Property and equipment, net

 

 

282

 

 

323

 

Other assets

 

 

1,744

 

 

1,731

 

Total assets

 

$

25,136

 

$

29,293

 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable and accrued expenses (Note 6)

 

$

28,699

 

$

25,850

 

Notes payable

 

 

190

 

 

512

 

Total current liabilities

 

 

28,889

 

 

26,362

 

Commitments and contingencies (Note 11)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stockholders’ equity (Note 7):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred stock, 5,000 shares authorized:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Series A convertible preferred stock, $.001 par value; 8 shares issued and outstanding, liquidation value of $385 at March 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively

 

 

 

 

 

Series G participating cumulative preferred stock, $.001 par value; 0 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock, $.001 par value; 250,000 shares authorized, 36,741 and 30,621 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively

 

 

37

 

 

31

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

 

444,155

 

 

441,159

 

Accumulated deficit

 

 

(447,945

)

 

(438,288

)

Accumulated other comprehensive income

 

 

 

 

29

 

Total stockholders’ equity

 

 

(3,753

)

 

2,931

 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

 

$

25,136

 

$

29,293

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

 

3

 



GENTA INCORPORATED

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Unaudited)

 

 

(In thousands, except per share data)

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

Product sales - net

 

$

117

 

$

94

 

Cost of goods sold

 

 

25

 

 

22

 

Gross margin

 

 

92

 

 

72

 

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Research and development

 

 

6,438

 

 

3,383

 

Selling, general and administrative

 

 

3,638

 

 

4,052

 

Provision for settlement of litigation, net (Note 6)

 

 

(260

)

 

(1,560

)

Total operating expenses

 

 

9,816

 

 

5,875

 

Other income/(expense):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gain on maturity of marketable securities

 

 

31

 

 

8

 

Interest income, net

 

 

61

 

 

274

 

Interest expense

 

 

(25

)

 

(84

)

Total other income, net

 

 

67

 

 

198

 

Net loss

 

$

(9,657

)

$

(5,605

)

Net loss per basic and diluted share

 

$

(0.29

)

$

(0.21

)

Shares used in computing net loss per basic and diluted share

 

 

33,781

 

 

26,565

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

 

4

 



GENTA INCORPORATED

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31,

 

(In thousands)

 

2008

 

2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss

 

$

(9,657

)

$

(5,605

)

Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

41

 

 

56

 

Share-based compensation (Note 9)

 

 

145

 

 

570

 

Gain on maturity of marketable securities

 

 

(31

)

 

(8

)

Provision for settlement of litigation, net (Note 6)

 

 

(260

)

 

(1,560

)

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts receivable

 

 

(19

)

 

17

 

Inventory (Note 5)

 

 

25

 

 

22

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

 

419

 

 

442

 

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

 

 

3,110

 

 

(3,743

)

Other assets

 

 

(13

)

 

(11

)

Net cash used in operating activities

 

 

(6,240

)

 

(9,820

)

Investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purchase of marketable securities (Note 4)

 

 

 

 

(13,900

)

Maturities of marketable securities (Note 4)

 

 

2,000

 

 

10,000

 

Purchase of property and equipment

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

 

 

2,000

 

 

(3,900

)

Financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Repayments of note payable

 

 

(322

)

 

(385

)

Issuance of common stock, net (Note 7)

 

 

2,857

 

 

10,090

 

Net cash provided by financing activities

 

 

2,535

 

 

9,705

 

Increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 

 

(1,705

)

 

(4,015

)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

 

 

5,814

 

 

9,554

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

 

$

4,109

 

$

5,539

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

 

5

 



 

GENTA INCORPORATED

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

March 31, 2008

(Unaudited)

1. Reverse Stock Split

At the Annual Meeting of Genta Incorporated (“Genta” or the “Company”) on July 11, 2007, the Company’s shareholders authorized its Board of Directors to effect a reverse stock split of all outstanding shares of common stock, and the Board of Directors subsequently approved the implementation of a reverse stock split at a ratio of one for six shares, which became effective on July 13, 2007. All share and per share data in these consolidated financial statements and related notes hereto have been retroactively adjusted to account for the effect of the reverse stock split for all periods presented.

2. Organization and Business

Genta Incorporated (“Genta” or the “Company”) is a biopharmaceutical company engaged in pharmaceutical (drug) research and development, its sole reportable segment. The Company is dedicated to the identification, development and commercialization of novel drugs for the treatment of cancer and related diseases.

The Company has had recurring annual operating losses since its inception. Management expects that such losses will continue at least until its lead product, Genasense® (oblimersen sodium) Injection, receives approval for commercial sale in one or more indications. Achievement of profitability for the Company is currently dependent on the timing of Genasense® regulatory approval. Any adverse events with respect to approvals by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (‘‘FDA’’) and/or European Medicines Agency (‘‘EMEA’’) could negatively impact the Company’s ability to obtain additional funding or identify potential partners.

The Company has prepared its financial statements under the assumption that it is a going concern. The Company’s recurring losses and negative cash flows from operation raise substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern. The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.

The Company had $4.1 million of cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities on hand at March 31, 2008. On February 13, 2008, the Company sold 6.1 million shares of the Company’s common stock at a price of $0.50 per share, raising approximately $3.1 million, before estimated fees and expenses. Net cash used in operating activities during the three months ended March 31, 2008 was $6.2 million.

The Company will require additional cash in order to maximize its commercial opportunities and continue its clinical development opportunities. The Company has had discussions with other companies regarding partnerships for the further development and global commercialization of Genasense®. Additional alternatives available to the Company to subsequently sustain its operations include financing arrangements with potential corporate partners, debt financing, asset-based loans, royalty-based financings, equity financing and other sources. However, there can be no assurance that any such collaborative agreements or other sources of funding will be available on favorable terms, if at all.

If the Company is unable to raise additional funds, it will need to do one or more of the following:

 

delay, scale back or eliminate some or all of the Company’s research and product development programs and sales and marketing activity;

 

license third parties to develop and commercialize products or technologies that the Company would otherwise seek to develop and commercialize themselves;

 

attempt to sell the Company;

 

 

6

 



 

cease operations; or

 

declare bankruptcy.

The Company will continue to maintain an appropriate level of spending over the upcoming fiscal year, given the uncertainties inherent in our business and our current liquidity position. Presently, with no further financing, Management projects that it will run out of funds in the second quarter of 2008. The Company currently does not have any additional financing in place. If the Company is unable to raise additional financing, it could be required to reduce its spending plans, reduce its workforce, license to others products or technologies it would otherwise seek to commercialize itself and sell certain assets. There can be no assurance that the Company can obtain financing, if at all, on terms acceptable to it.

3. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation

The consolidated financial statements are presented on the basis of accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. All professional accounting standards that are effective as of March 31, 2008 have been considered in preparing the consolidated financial statements. Such financial statements include the accounts of the Company and all majority-owned subsidiaries. The accompanying consolidated financial statements included herein have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements have been condensed or omitted from this report, as is permitted by such rules and regulations; however, the Company believes that the disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect reported earnings, financial position and various disclosures. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The unaudited consolidated financial statements and related disclosures have been prepared with the presumption that users of the interim financial information have read or have access to the audited financial statements for the preceding fiscal year. Accordingly, these financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and the related notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007. Results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results for the full year. The Company has experienced significant quarterly fluctuations in operating results and it expects those fluctuations will continue.

Revenue Recognition

Genta recognizes revenue from product sales when title to product and associated risk of loss has passed to the customer and the Company is reasonably assured of collecting payment for the sale. All revenue from product sales are recorded net of applicable allowances for returns, rebates and other applicable discounts and allowances. The Company allows return of its product for up to twelve months after product expiration.

Under the Company’s Supply and Distribution Agreement with IDIS, the Company will supply Ganite® and Genasense® to IDIS on a consignment basis. The Company recognizes revenue when IDIS reports that it has delivered product to customers, which is the point in time that title to the product and risk of loss has passed.

Research and Development

Research and development costs are expensed as incurred, including raw material costs required to manufacture products for clinical trials.

 

 

7

 



Cash, Cash Equivalents and Marketable Securities

The carrying amounts of cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities approximate fair value due to the short-term nature of these instruments. Marketable securities primarily consist of government securities, all of which are classified as available-for-sale. Management determines the appropriate classification of securities at the time of purchase and reassesses the classification at each reporting date.

Income Taxes

The Company uses the liability method of accounting for income taxes. Deferred income taxes are determined based on the estimated future tax effects of differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities given the provisions of the enacted tax laws. Management records valuation allowances against net deferred tax assets, if based upon the available evidence, it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The Company generated additional net operating losses during the three months ended March 31, 2008 and continues to maintain a full valuation allowance against its net deferred tax assets.

The Company’s Federal tax returns have never been audited. In January 2006, the State of New Jersey concluded its fieldwork with respect to a tax audit for the years 2000 through 2004. The State of New Jersey took the position that amounts reimbursed to Genta by Aventis Pharmaceutical Inc. for co-development expenditures during the audit period were subject to Alternative Minimum Assessment (AMA), resulting in a liability at that time of approximately $533 thousand. Although the Company and its outside tax advisors believe the State’s position on the AMA liability is unjustified, there is little case law on the matter and it is probable that the Company will be required to ultimately pay the liability. In March 2007, the Company received a formal assessment from the State of New Jersey for $712 thousand. As of March 31, 2008, the Company had accrued a tax liability of $533 thousand, penalties of $27 thousand and interest of $234 thousand related to this assessment. The Company appealed this decision to the State and on February 13, 2008, the State notified the Company that its appeal had not been granted. On April 25, 2008, the Company filed a complaint with the Tax Court of the State of New Jersey to appeal the assessment.

The Company recorded $18 thousand and $78 thousand in interest expense related to the State of New Jersey assessment during the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

Stock Options

Effective January 1, 2006, Genta adopted the fair value recognition provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (revised 2004), Share-Based Payment, (‘‘SFAS 123R’’), using the modified prospective transition method. Under the standard, all share-based payments including grants of employee stock options are recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Operations based on their fair values. The amount of compensation cost is measured based on the grant-date fair value of the equity instrument issued. The Company utilizes a Black-Scholes option-pricing model to measure the fair value of stock options granted to employees. See Note 8 and Note 9 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a further discussion on share-based compensation.

 

 

8

 



Net Loss Per Common Share

Net loss per common share for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively, are based on the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the periods. Basic and diluted loss per share are identical for all periods presented as potentially dilutive securities have been excluded from the calculation of the diluted net loss per common share because the inclusion of such securities would be antidilutive. The potentially dilutive securities include 2.3 million and 2.1 million shares on March 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively, reserved for the conversion of convertible preferred stock and the exercise of outstanding options and warrants.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS 141(R), “Business Combinations” (“SFAS 141(R)”), which replaces SFAS 141. SFAS 141(R) establishes principles and requirements for how an acquirer in a business combination recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any controlling interest; recognizes and measures the goodwill acquired in the business combination or a gain from a bargain purchase; and determines what information to disclose to enable users of the financial statements to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business combination. SFAS 141(R) is to be applied prospectively to business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after an entity’s fiscal year that begins after December 15, 2008. The Company will assess the impact of SFAS 141(R) if and when a future acquisition occurs.

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements — an amendment of ARB No. 51” (“SFAS 160”). SFAS 160 establishes new accounting and reporting standards for the noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary. Specifically, this statement requires the recognition of a noncontrolling interest (minority interest) as equity in the consolidated financial statements and separate from the parent’s equity. The amount of net income attributable to the noncontrolling interest will be included in consolidated net income on the face of the income statement. SFAS 160 clarifies that changes in a parent’s ownership interest in a subsidiary that do not result in deconsolidation are equity transactions if the parent retains its controlling financial interest. In addition, this statement requires that a parent recognize a gain or loss in net income when a subsidiary is deconsolidated. SFAS 160 also includes expanded disclosure requirements regarding the interests of the parent and its noncontrolling interest. SFAS 160 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning on or after December 15, 2008. The Company does not expect that adoption of this standard will have a material impact on its financial statements.

In December 2007, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) issued Staff Accounting Bulletin 110 (“SAB 110”), which permits entities, under certain circumstances, to continue to use the “simplified” method of estimating the expected term of plain options as discussed in SAB No. 107 and in accordance with SFAS 123R. The guidance in this release is effective January 1, 2008. The impact of this standard on the consolidated financial statements did not have a material effect.

In December 2007, the FASB issued EITF Issue No. 07-1, “Accounting for Collaborative Arrangements,” which is effective for calendar year companies on January 1, 2009. The Task Force clarified the manner in which costs, revenues and sharing payments made to, or received by, a partner in a collaborative arrangement should be presented in the income statement and set forth certain disclosures that should be required in the partners’ financial statements. The Company is currently assessing the potential impacts of implementing this standard.

 

 

9

 



In June 2007, the FASB issued EITF Issue No. 07-3, “Accounting for Nonrefundable Advance Payments for Goods or Services Received for Use in Future Research and Development Activities,” which is effective for calendar year companies on January 1, 2008. The Task Force concluded that nonrefundable advance payments for goods or services that will be used or rendered for future research and development activities should be deferred and capitalized. Such amounts should be recognized as an expense as the related goods are delivered or the services are performed, or when the goods or services are no longer expected to be provided. The impact of this standard on the consolidated financial statements did not have a material effect.

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities” (“SFAS 159”). SFAS 159 permits all entities to choose to elect, at specified election dates, to measure eligible financial instruments at fair value. An entity shall report unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value option has been elected in earnings at each subsequent reporting date and recognize upfront costs and fees related to those items in earnings as incurred and not deferred. SFAS 159 applies to fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, with early adoption permitted for an entity that has also elected to apply the provisions of SFAS 157, “Fair Value Measurements”. The impact of this standard on the consolidated financial statements did not have a material effect.

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS 157, “Fair Value Measurements”. SFAS 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS 157 applies under other accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements. Accordingly, this pronouncement does not require any new fair value measurements. The Company was required to adopt SFAS 157 beginning January 1, 2008. The impact of this standard on the consolidated financial statements did not have a material effect.

4. Marketable Securities

The Company did not have any marketable securities at March 31, 2008. At December 31, 2007, the carrying amounts of the Company’s marketable securities, which were securities of government-backed agencies, approximated fair value due to the short-term nature of these instruments. The fair value of available-for-sale marketable securities was as follows ($ thousands):

 

 

 

December 31,
2007

 

Cost

 

$

1,970

 

Gross unrealized gains

 

 

29

 

Gross unrealized losses

 

 

 

Fair value

 

$

1,999

 

The fair value of each marketable security was compared to its cost and therefore, an unrealized gain of approximately $29 thousand was recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2007.

 

 

10

 



5. Inventory

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market with cost being determined using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method. Inventories consisted of the following ($ thousands):

 

 

 

March 31,
2008

 

December 31,
2007

 

Raw materials

 

$

24

 

$

24

 

Work in process

 

 

 

 

 

Finished goods

 

 

176

 

 

201

 

 

 

$

200

 

$

225

 

The Company has substantial quantities of Genasense® drug supply which are recorded at zero cost. Such inventory would be available for the commercial launch of this product, should Genasense® be approved.

6. Reduction in Liability for Legal Settlement

The Company reached an agreement to settle a class action litigation in consideration for issuance of 2.0 million shares of common stock of the Company (adjusted for any subsequent event that results in a change in the number of shares outstanding as of January 31, 2007) and $18.0 million in cash for the benefit of plaintiffs and the shareholder class, (see Note 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements). The cash portion of the proposed settlement will be covered by the Company’s insurance carriers. Effective June 25, 2007, the Company and plaintiffs executed a written Stipulation and Agreement of Settlement, which was filed with the Court on August 13, 2007, seeking preliminary approval. The unopposed Motion for Preliminary Approval of Settlement was granted on October 30, 2007, and the Court held a hearing on plaintiffs’ unopposed motion for final approval of the settlement on March 3, 2008. At the end of the hearing, the Court indicated it was inclined to approve the settlement. A written decision on the final approval motion is expected. The Company has also entered into release and settlement agreements with its insurance carriers, pursuant to which insurance will cover the settlement fee and various costs incurred in connection with the action. Under FASB Statement No. 5, “Accounting for Contingencies” and FASB Interpretation No. 14, “Reasonable Estimation of the Amount of a Loss, an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 5,” the Company recorded an expense of $5.3 million, comprised of 2.0 million shares of the Company’s common stock valued at a market price of $2.64 on December 31, 2006. At December 31, 2007, the revised estimated value of the common shares portion of the litigation settlement was $1.0 million, based on a closing price of Genta’s common stock of $0.52 per share. At March 31, 2008, the revised estimated value of the common stock portion of the litigation settlement was $0.8 million, based on a closing price of Genta’s common stock of $0.39 per share, resulting in a reduction in the provision of $0.3 million. The amount of the liability will continue to be adjusted based on the market price of the Company’s stock until final approval of the settlement by the Court, at which time the value of the shares to be issued will be fixed. The liability for the settlement of litigation, originally recorded at $23.2 million at December 31, 2006, is measured at $18.8 million at March 31, 2008 and is included in accounts payable and accrued expenses in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. An insurance receivable of $18.0 million is included in prepaid expenses and other current assets in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets.

 

 

11

 



7. Stockholders’ Equity

Common Stock

On February 13, 2008, the Company sold 6.1 million shares of the Company’s common stock at a price of $0.50 per share, raising approximately $3.1 million, before estimated fees and expenses.

Series A Preferred Stock

Each share of Series A Preferred Stock is immediately convertible into shares of the Company’s common stock, at a rate determined by dividing the aggregate liquidation preference of the Series A Preferred Stock by the conversion price. The conversion price is subject to adjustment for antidilution. As of March 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007, each share of Series A Preferred Stock was convertible into 2.8023 and 2.3469 shares of common stock, respectively. At March 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007, the Company had 7,700 shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock issued and outstanding.

8. Share-Based Compensation

The Company estimates the fair value of each option award on the date of the grant using the Black-Scholes option valuation model. Expected volatilities are based on the historical volatility of the Company’s common stock over a period commensurate with the options’ expected term. The expected term represents the period of time that options granted are expected to be outstanding and is calculated in accordance with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) guidance provided in the SEC’s Staff Accounting Bulletin 107, (“SAB 107”) and Staff Accounting Bulletin 110 (“SAB 110”), using a “simplified” method. The Company will continue to use the simplified method as it does not have sufficient historical exercise data to provide a reasonable basis upon which to estimate an expected term. The risk-free interest rate assumption is based upon observed interest rates appropriate for the expected term of the Company’s stock options. There were no option grants during the three months ended March 31, 2008. The following table summarizes the weighted-average assumptions used in the Black-Scholes model for options granted during the three months ended March 31, 2007:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
March 31, 2007

 

Expected volatility

 

102

%

 

Expected dividends

 

 

 

Expected term (in years)

 

6.25

 

 

Risk-free rate

 

4.6

%

 

Share-based compensation expense recognized for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively, was comprised as follows:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31, 

 

($ thousands, except per share data)

 

 

2008

 

 

2007

 

Research and development expenses

 

$

44

 

$

207

 

Selling, general and administrative

 

 

101

 

 

363

 

Total share-based compensation expense

 

$

145

 

$

570

 

Share-based compensation expense, per basic and diluted common share

 

$

0.00

 

$

0.02

 

 

 

12

 



9. Stock Option Plans

As of March 31, 2007, the Company has three share-based compensation plans, which are described below:

2007 Stock Incentive Plan

On September 17, 2007, the Company’s Board of Directors approved the Company’s 2007 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2007 Plan”), pursuant to which 8.5 million shares of the Company’s common stock will be authorized for issuance, subject to approval of the Company’s shareholders. Awards may be made under the plan to officers, employees, directors and consultants in the form of incentive stock options, non-qualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, dividend equivalent rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units and other stock-based awards. Awards granted under the plan prior to shareholder approval of the plan are subject to and conditioned upon receipt of such approval on or before September 17, 2008. Should such shareholder approval not be obtained on or before such date, the plan will terminate and any awards granted pursuant to the plan will terminate and cease to be outstanding.

On September 17, 2007 and September 20, 2007, the Board of Directors approved the issuance of a combined total of 5.4 million options under the 2007 Plan. Most of these awards vest over a three-year period in increments of 50%, 25% and 25%, beginning on the first anniversary of the date of the grant. The Company has not recognized compensation expense for these grants, because a grant date as defined in SFAS 123R has not occurred. This is because the grant of these options is contingent upon shareholder approval, which cannot be assured.

Acquisition Bonus Program

On September 17, 2007, the Board of Directors approved an Acquisition Bonus Program. Under the program, participants are eligible to share in a portion of the proceeds realized from a change in control of the Company that occurs prior to the earlier of (i) December 31, 2008 or (ii) the approval by the Company’s shareholders of the 2007 Stock Incentive Plan.

Pursuant to the program, participants selected by the Board of Directors will be awarded a number of units with a designated base value. The amount of a participant’s bonus award will be determined by multiplying (i) the difference between the unit value and the base value by (ii) the number of units awarded to such participant. The unit value for each unit will be determined by dividing the change in control proceeds (as defined in the award agreement) by the total number of shares of the Company’s common stock outstanding at the time of the change in control. The units will be subject to a vesting schedule, if any, determined by the Board of Directors at the time the unit award is made. Bonus awards will generally be paid in cash within 30 days after the later of (i) the effective date of the change in control or (ii) the date the change in control proceeds are paid to the Company’s shareholders. The maximum number of units that may be awarded under the Acquisition Bonus Program is 8.5 million units, which equals the number of shares of the Company’s common stock that are authorized for issuance under the 2007 Plan. On September 27, 2007, 5.4 million acquisition bonus units were granted under the Acquisition Bonus Program.

Any stock options granted to a participant under the 2007 Plan will terminate and cease to be outstanding in the event the participant becomes entitled to receive a payment under the Acquisition Bonus Program.

 

 

13

 



1998 Stock Incentive Plan

Pursuant to the Company’s 1998 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended, (the “1998 Plan”), 3.4 million shares have been provided for the grant of stock options to employees, directors, consultants and advisors of the Company. Option awards must be granted with an exercise price at not less than the fair market price of the Company’s common stock on the date of the grant; those option awards generally vest over a four-year period in equal increments of 25%, beginning on the first anniversary of the date of the grant. All options granted have contractual terms of ten years from the date of the grant.

The following table summarizes the option activity under the 1998 Plan as of March 31, 2008 and changes during the quarter then ended:

 

Stock Options

 

Number
of Shares

(in thousands)

 

Weighted
Average
Exercise Price

 

Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term
(in years)

 

Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
(in thousands)

 

Outstanding at January 1, 2008

 

2,155

 

$

23.05

 

 

 

 

 

 

Granted

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exercised

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Forfeited or expired

 

(10

)

 

12.85

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding at March 31, 2008

 

2,145

 

$

23.10

 

4.9

 

$

 

Vested and expected to vest at March 31, 2008

 

1,287

 

$

23.10

 

4.9

 

$

 

Exercisable at March 31, 2008

 

1,376

 

$

23.76

 

3.3

 

$

 

There is no intrinsic value to outstanding stock options as the exercise prices of all outstanding options are above the market price of the Company’s stock at March 31, 2008. The amount of aggregate intrinsic value will change based on the market value of the Company’s stock.

As of March 31, 2008, there was approximately $0.7 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested share-based compensation granted under the 1998 Plan, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.2 years.

At March 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively, 20,000 Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) were outstanding. These RSUs vest on July 1, 2008 upon satisfactory provision of certain other financial and accounting services. The fair value of the grant, $28 thousand, based on a grant date fair value per share of $1.42, is being amortized evenly over the vesting period, resulting in compensation expense of approximately $9 thousand for the three months ended March 31, 2008.

 

 

 

14

 



1998 Non-Employee Directors’ Plan

Pursuant to the Company’s 1998 Non-Employee Directors’ Plan as amended (the “Directors’ Plan”), 0.6 million shares have been provided for the grant of non-qualified stock options to the Company’s non-employee members of the Board of Directors. Option awards must be granted with an exercise price at not less than the fair market price of the Company’s common stock on the date of the grant. Initial option grants vest over a three-year period in equal increments, beginning on the first anniversary of the date of the grant. Subsequent grants, generally vest on the date of the grant. All options granted have contractual terms of ten years from the date of the grant.

The fair value of each option award is estimated on the date using the same valuation model used for options granted under the 1998 Plan.

The following table summarizes the option activity under the Directors’ Plan as of March 31, 2008 and changes during the quarter then ended:

 

Stock Options

 

Number
of Shares

(in thousands)

 

Weighted
Average
Exercise Price

 

Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term

(in years)

 

Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value

(in thousands)

 

Outstanding at January 1, 2008

 

113

 

$

30.61

 

 

 

 

 

 

Granted

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exercised

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Forfeited or expired

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outstanding at March 31, 2008

 

113

 

$

30.61

 

6.1

 

$

 

Vested and expected to vest at March 31, 2008

 

68

 

$

30.61

 

6.1

 

$

 

Exercisable at March 31, 2008

 

111

 

$

31.18

 

6.1

 

$

 

There is no intrinsic value to outstanding stock options as the exercise prices of all outstanding options are above the market price of the Company’s stock at March 31, 2008. The amount of aggregate intrinsic value will change based on the market value of the Company’s stock.

10. Comprehensive Loss

An analysis of comprehensive loss is presented below:

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended
March 31,

 

($ in thousands)

 

2008

 

2007

 

Net loss

 

$

(9,657

)

$

(5,605

)

Change in market value of available-for-sale marketable securities

 

 

 

 

26

 

Total comprehensive loss

 

$

(9,657

)

$

(5,579

)

 

 

15

 



11. Commitments and Contingencies

Litigation and Potential Claims

In 2004, numerous complaints were filed in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey, or the Court, against Genta and certain of its principal officers on behalf of purported classes of the Company’s shareholders who purchased its securities during several class periods. The complaints were consolidated into a single action and alleged that the Company and certain of its principal officers violated the federal securities laws by issuing materially false and misleading statements regarding Genasense® for the treatment of malignant melanoma that had the effect of artificially inflating the market price of the Company’s securities. The shareholder class action complaint sought monetary damages in an unspecified amount and recovery of plaintiffs’ costs and attorneys’ fees. The Company reached an agreement with plaintiffs to settle the class action litigation in consideration for the issuance of 2.0 million shares of common stock of the Company (adjusted for any subsequent event that results in a change in the number of shares outstanding as of January 31, 2007) and $18.0 million in cash for the benefit of plaintiffs and the shareholder class. The cash portion of the proposed settlement will be covered by the Company’s insurance carriers. Effective June 25, 2007, the Company and plaintiffs executed a written Stipulation and Agreement of Settlement which was filed with the Court on August 13, 2007, seeking preliminary approval. The unopposed Motion for Preliminary Approval of Settlement was granted on October 30, 2007, and the Court held a hearing on plaintiffs’ unopposed motion for final approval of the settlement on March 3, 2008. At the end of the hearing, the Court indicated it was inclined to approve the settlement. A written decision on the final approval motion is expected.

In addition, two separate shareholder derivative actions have been filed against the directors and certain officers of Genta in New Jersey State and Federal courts. The Federal shareholder derivative action was consolidated with the securities action.

The Company has continued to deny all of the allegations in all of these proceedings, and settlement and potential settlement do not constitute an admission of guilt or liability.

In February 2007, a complaint against the Company was filed in the Superior Court of New Jersey by Howard H. Fingert, M.D., a former employee of the Company. The complaint alleges, among other things, breach of contract as to the Company’s stock option plan and as to a consulting agreement allegedly entered into by the Company and Dr. Fingert subsequent to termination of Dr. Fingert’s employment with the Company, breach of implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing with respect to the Company’s stock option plan and the alleged consulting agreement, promissory estoppel with respect to the exercise of stock options and provision of consulting services after termination of employment, and fraud and negligent misrepresentation with respect to the exercise of stock options and provision of consulting services after termination of employment. The complaint seeks monetary damages, including punitive and consequential damages. The Company filed an answer to the complaint on May 29, 2007, and on August 8, 2007, filed a request for production of documents. On January 4, 2008, the Court dismissed the complaint without prejudice due to Dr. Fingert’s failure to produce the requested discovery. Dr. Fingert filed a motion dated March 24, 2008 to reinstate the complaint, which was granted by the Court on April 11, 2008 at which time the Court adopted a discovery schedule that concludes in December 2008. The Company denies the allegations in the complaint and intends to vigorously defend this lawsuit.

In November 2007, a complaint against the Company was filed in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey by Ridge Clearing & Outsourcing Solutions, Inc. The complaint alleges, among other things, that the Company caused or contributed to losses suffered by a Company shareholder which have been incurred by Ridge. The Company filed its Answer and Affirmative Defenses on February 27, 2008 to respond to the complaint. The Company denies the allegations in the complaint and intends to vigorously defend this lawsuit.

 

 

16

 



12. Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flows Information and Non-cash Investing and Financing Activities

No interest or income taxes were paid for the three months ended March 31, 2008, and 2007, respectively.

13. Subsequent Event

On April 2, 2008, the Company announced that it had restructured certain of its operations to conserve cash and focus on its priority oncology development operations. The Company reduced its workforce by 16 people, or approximately 30%. In addition, the Company announced that it is now seeking buyers for Ganite®.

 

 

17

 



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

Certain Factors Affecting Forward-Looking Statements – Safe Harbor Statement

The statements contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q that are not historical are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including statements regarding the expectations, beliefs, intentions or strategies regarding the future. We intend that all forward-looking statements be subject to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements reflect our views as of the date they are made with respect to future events and financial performance, but are subject to many risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially from any future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements about:

 

the Company’s financial projections;

 

the Company’s projected cash flow requirements and estimated timing of sufficient cash flow;

 

the Company’s current and future license agreements, collaboration agreements, and other strategic alliances;

 

the Company’s ability to obtain necessary regulatory approval for Genasense® (oblimersen sodium) Injection from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or European Medicines Agency (EMEA);

 

the safety and efficacy of the Company’s products;

 

the commencement and completion of clinical trials;

 

the Company’s ability to develop, manufacture, license and sell its products or product candidates;

 

the Company’s ability to enter into and successfully execute license and collaborative agreements, if any;

 

the adequacy of the Company’s capital resources and cash flow projections, and the Company’s ability to obtain sufficient financing to maintain the Company’s planned operations;

 

the adequacy of the Company’s patents and proprietary rights;

 

the impact of litigation that has been brought against the Company and its officers and directors and any proposed settlement of such litigation; and

 

the other risks described under Risk Factors in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007 and in this Form 10-Q.

We do not undertake to update any forward-looking statements.

We make available free of charge on our Internet website (http://www.genta.com) our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to these reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the Securities and Exchange Commission. The content on the Company’s website is available for informational purposes only. It should not be relied upon for investment purposes, nor is it incorporated by reference into this Form 10-Q.

 

 

18

 



Overview

Genta Incorporated is a biopharmaceutical company engaged in pharmaceutical research and development. We are dedicated to the identification, development and commercialization of novel drugs for the treatment of cancer and related diseases. We have had recurring annual operating losses since inception and we expect to incur substantial operating losses due to continued requirements for ongoing and planned research and development activities, pre-clinical and clinical testing, manufacturing activities, regulatory activities and the eventual establishment of a sales and marketing organization. From our inception to March 31, 2008, we have incurred a cumulative net deficit of $447.9 million. Our recurring losses from operations and our negative cash flow from operations raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. Our consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty. We expect that such losses will continue at least until our lead product, Genasense®, receives approval from the FDA or EMEA for commercial sale in one or more indications. Achievement of profitability is currently dependent on the timing of Genasense® regulatory approvals. We have experienced significant quarterly fluctuations in operating results and we expect that these fluctuations in revenues, expenses and losses will continue.

We had $4.1 million of cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities on hand at March 31, 2008. On February 13, 2008, we sold 6.1 million shares of our common stock at a price of $0.50 per share, raising approximately $3.1 million, before estimated fees and expenses. Cash used in operating activities during the first three months of 2008 was $6.2 million.

Irrespective of whether a New Drug Application (NDA) or Marketing Authorization Application (MAA) for Genasense® are approved, we anticipate that we will require additional cash in order to maximize the commercial opportunity and continue its clinical development opportunities. Alternatives available to us to sustain our operations include collaborative agreements, equity financing and other financing arrangements with potential corporate partners and other sources. However, there can be no assurance that any such collaborative agreements or other sources of funding will be available on favorable terms, if at all. We will need substantial additional funds before we can expect to realize significant product revenue.

We will maintain an appropriate level of spending over the upcoming fiscal year, given the uncertainties inherent in our business and our current liquidity position. Presently, with no further financing, we will run out of funds in the second quarter of 2008. We currently do not have any additional financing in place. If we are unable to raise additional financing, we could be required to reduce our spending plans, reduce our workforce, license to others products or technologies we would otherwise seek to commercialize ourselves and sell certain assets. There can be no assurance that we can obtain financing, if at all, on terms acceptable to us.

Our financial results have been and will continue to be significantly affected by FDA and EMEA actions with respect to Genasense®.

In 2003, we submitted a NDA to the FDA for the use of Genasense® plus dacarbazine (DTIC) in patients with advanced melanoma. In May 2004, a majority of the ODAC failed to recommend approval of our NDA. As a consequence, we withdrew the NDA. In October 2006, data from this trial was published in a peer-reviewed journal, which reported statistically significant increases in overall response, complete response, durable response and progression-free survival (PFS). An independent review of the X-rays confirmed the major responses with high concordance. An increase in overall survival by intent-to-treat analysis, which was the study’s primary endpoint, approached but did not reach statistical significance (P=0.077). Our analysis identified a statistically significant treatment interaction for blood levels of an enzyme known as LDH, which was a prospectively specified component of stratification. When this effect was analyzed by treatment arm, survival was shown to be significantly superior for patients with a non-elevated LDH who received Genasense® (P=0.018; n=508).

 

 

19

 



In January 2006, we completed a Marketing Authorization Application (MAA) to the European Medicines Agency (EMEA), which sought approval for use of Genasense® plus dacarbazine for the treatment of patients with advanced melanoma who had not previously received chemotherapy. In April 2007, we were informed that the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (“CHMP”) of the EMEA had issued a negative opinion on the MAA. In July 2007, we received notice from the EMEA that a requested re-examination by a Scientific Advisory Group had reaffirmed the negative opinion. We contemplate no further action on the MAA.

In August 2007, we announced that the first patients had been enrolled in a confirmatory Phase 3 trial of Genasense® plus chemotherapy in advanced melanoma. The trial, known as AGENDA, is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in which patients are randomly assigned to receive Genasense® plus dacarbazine or dacarbazine alone. The study targets patients using LDH as a biomarker to identify patients who may be most likely to respond, based on data obtained from our preceding trial in melanoma. The co-primary endpoints of AGENDA are progression-free survival and overall survival.

The trial is designed to expand evidence for the safety and efficacy of Genasense® combined with dacarbazine for patients who have not previously been treated with chemotherapy. The study will prospectively target patients who have low-normal levels of LDH. We expect to enroll approximately 300 subjects at approximately 90 sites worldwide in this trial. Genasense® in melanoma has been designated an Orphan Drug in Australia and the United States, and the drug has Fast Track designation in the United States. Target accrual of 300 patients is expected to complete in the fourth quarter of 2008, with initial data on the interim assessment of progression-free survival expected shortly thereafter.

In chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), we conducted a randomized Phase 3 trial in 241 patients with relapsed or refractory disease who were treated with fludarabine and cyclophosphamide (Flu/Cy) with or without Genasense®. The trial achieved its primary endpoint: a statistically significant increase (17% vs. 7%; P=0.025) in the proportion of patients who achieved a complete response (CR), defined as a complete or nodular partial response. Patients who achieved this level of response also experienced disappearance of predefined disease symptoms. A key secondary endpoint, duration of CR, was also significantly longer for patients treated with Genasense® (median not reached but exceeding 36+ months in the Genasense® group, versus 22 months in the chemotherapy-only group).

Several secondary endpoints were not improved by the addition of Genasense® including overall response rate (i.e., the percentage of patients who achieved CR plus partial response), time-to-disease progression, or overall survival. Adverse events (irrespective of relation to study drugs) during treatment or within 30 days from last dose of treatment that resulted in death occurred in nine patients treated with Genasense® plus chemotherapy compared with five patients treated with chemotherapy alone. The percentage of patients who experienced serious adverse events was increased in the Genasense® arm; however, the percentages of patients who discontinued treatment due to adverse events were equal in the treatment arms. The incidence of certain serious adverse reactions, including but not limited to nausea, fever and catheter-related complications, was increased in patients treated with Genasense®.

In December 2005, we completed submission of an NDA to the FDA that sought accelerated approval for the use of Genasense® in combination with fludarabine plus cyclophosphamide for the treatment of patients with relapsed or refractory CLL who had previously received fludarabine. In September 2006, an ODAC meeting voted not to recommend approval of Genasense® in CLL, and in December 2006, we received a “non-approvable” notice from the FDA. We believe that our application met the regulatory requirements for approval, and in April 2007, we filed an appeal of this non-approvable notice pursuant to the FDA’s Formal Dispute Resolution process that exists within the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER). In June 2007, we announced that the initial appeal was denied and that we would further appeal the decision to the next level within CDER. On October 25, 2007, we announced that we had completed the filing of our next-level formal appeal to CDER.

 

 

20

 



On March 17, 2008, we announced that CDER had decided that additional confirmatory evidence would be required to support approval of Genasense® for treatment of patients with CLL. CDER acknowledged that complete response, which was the primary endpoint in the pivotal trial, was an appropriate endpoint for assessing efficacy. FDA also agreed that this endpoint was achieved, and that those results supported the efficacy of the drug. CDER recommended two alternatives for exploring the efficacy of Genasense® that could provide such confirmatory evidence. One option was to conduct an additional clinical trial. The other option was to collect additional information regarding the clinical course and progression of disease in patients from the completed trial. We currently plan to pursue both of these options. Information from the completed trial should be available by the third quarter of 2008. In the second quarter of 2008, we submitted a new protocol seeking Special Protocol Assessment (SPA) from the FDA and Scientific Advice from the EMEA. This protocol is similar in design to the completed trial and uses the same chemotherapy and randomization scheme. The major difference is that the trial focuses on the patient population who derived maximal benefit in the completed trial. This group is characterized by patients who had received less extensive chemotherapy prior to entering the trial and who were defined as being “non-refractory” to fludarabine. The earliest date this new trial could begin patient accrual would be the fourth quarter of 2008. However, we do not currently have sufficient resources to finance this trial, and at present we do not expect to begin this trial absent funding from a partnership or other sources.

Between 2004 and 2007, we reported that randomized trials of Genasense® in patients with myeloma, acute myeloid leukemia, (AML), hormone-refractory prostate cancer, small cell lung cancer and non small cell lung cancer were not sufficiently positive to warrant further investigation on the dose-schedules that were examined or with the chemotherapy that was employed in these trials. Data from these trials have been presented at various scientific meetings

On March 7, 2008, we entered into a License Agreement with Daiichi Sankyo Company, Limited, a Japanese corporation based in Tokyo, Japan, whereby we obtained an exclusive worldwide license for tesetaxel, a novel taxane compound that is taken by mouth. Tesetaxel has completed Phase 2 trials in a number of cancer types and the drug has shown definite evidence of antitumor activity. Tesetaxel may also be associated with a lower incidence of peripheral nerve damage, a common side effect of taxanes. Due to the occurrence of several fatalities in the setting of severe neutropenia, tesetaxel has been placed on “clinical hold” by the FDA. Together with the former Sponsor, we plan to file a response to the FDA that may lift the clinical hold and enable clinical testing to resume. However, there is no guarantee that the FDA will accept this plan, and thus no assurance can be provided that the clinical tests that would be required to secure regulatory approval for marketing can be undertaken.

Pursuant to the agreement, we paid Daiichi Sankyo $250,000 within 30 days from signing the agreement. We will also pay four equal installments of $562,500 per quarter beginning at the end of the second quarter 2008, and also at the end of each subsequent calendar quarter, until the end of the first quarter 2009, for a total of $2.25 million. The agreement also provides for payments by us upon achievement of certain clinical and regulatory milestones, as well as royalties on net product sales. We will purchase Daiichi’s current inventory of tesetaxel and we will be responsible for all future development, commercialization, and manufacturing of the drug.

We have also developed a novel oral formulation of a gallium-containing compound in collaboration with Emisphere Technologies, Inc. In the third quarter of 2007, we filed an Investigational New Drug (IND) Exemption with the FDA, and we have completed a single-dose Phase 1 study of this new compound (now known as G4544). The results of this study will be presented at a scientific meeting in the second quarter of 2008. A second study using a modified formulation of G4544 is also planned. The FDA has indicated that a limited animal toxicology study in a single species will be required prior to initiation of multi-dose studies of G4544. We intend to pursue a 505(b)(2) strategy that may establish bioequivalence to our marketed product, Ganite®, for the initial regulatory approval of G4544. We believe this drug may also be useful for treatment of other diseases associated with accelerated bone loss, such as bone metastases, Paget’s disease and osteoporosis.

 

 

21

 



In 2004, we acquired the worldwide rights from Temple University to intellectual property and technology and an antisense compound. The compound (G4460) uses antisense technology to target a proto-oncogene known as c-myb that regulates key functions in cancer cells. In 2006, a new Phase 1 clinical trial, G4460 was initiated. However, due to lack of progress in the clinical trial and decreasing patent life, we terminated our involvement in this program in the second quarter of 2008

Results of Operations

 

 

 

 

Summary Operating Results
For the three months ended March 31,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Increase (Decrease)

 

($ thousands)

 

2008

 

2007

 

$

 

%

 

Product sales - net

 

$

117

 

$

94

 

$

23

 

24

%

Cost of goods sold

 

 

25

 

 

22

 

 

3

 

14

%

     Gross margin

 

 

92

 

 

72

 

 

20

 

28

%

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Research and development

 

 

6,438

 

 

3,383

 

 

3,055

 

90

%

     Selling, general and administrative

 

 

3,638

 

 

4,052

 

 

(414

)

(10

%)

     Provision for settlement of litigation, net

 

 

(260

)

 

(1,560

)

 

1,300

 

83

%

Total operating expenses

 

 

9,816

 

 

5,875

 

 

3,941

 

67

%

Other income, net

 

 

67

 

 

198

 

 

(131

)

(66

%)

Net loss

 

$

(9,657

)

$

(5,605

)

$

(4,052

)

(72

%)

Total revenues

Product sales-net of Ganite® were $117 thousand for the three months ended March 31, 2008, compared with $94 thousand for the three months ended March 31, 2007. Product sales-net include $10 thousand through the “named-patient” program managed for us by IDIS.

Cost of goods sold

There was a higher cost of goods sold in the three months ended March 31, 2008 than in the three months ended March 31, 2007 as a result of higher product sales.

Research and development expenses

Research and development expenses were $6.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2008, compared with $3.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2007. This increase was primarily due to the recognition in March 2008 of $2.5 million for license payments on tesetaxel and expenses from the AGENDA clinical trial.

Research and development expenses incurred on the Genasense® project during the three months ended March 31, 2008 were approximately $3.4 million, representing 53% of research and development expenses, (including the $2.5 million that was recorded for license payments of tesetaxel). Excluding the expense of $2.5 million that was recorded for license payments of tesetaxel, research and development expenses incurred on the Genasense® project represented 88% of research and development expenses.

Due to the significant risks and uncertainties inherent in the clinical development and regulatory approval processes, the nature, timing and costs of the efforts necessary to complete projects in development are subject to wide variability. Results from clinical trials may not be favorable. Data from clinical trials are subject to varying interpretation and may be deemed insufficient by the regulatory bodies that review applications for marketing approvals. As such, clinical development and regulatory programs are subject to risks and changes that may significantly impact cost projections and timelines.

 

 

22

 



Selling, general and administrative expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses were $3.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2008 compared with $4.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2007. Share-based compensation expenses recognized under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (revised 2004), Share-Based Payment, (‘‘SFAS 123R’’) declined $0.3 million.

Provision for settlement of litigation, net

In the fourth quarter of 2006, we recorded an expense of $5.3 million that provides for the issuance of 2.0 million shares of Genta common stock, for a settlement in principle of class action litigation. The expense is net of insurance recovery of $18.0 million. At March 31, 2007, the revised estimated value of the common shares portion of the litigation settlement was $3.7 million, based on a closing price of Genta’s common stock of $1.86 per share, resulting in a reduction in the provision of $1.6 million, recognized in the first quarter of 2007. At March 31, 2008, the revised estimated value of the common stock portion of the litigation settlement was $0.8 million, based on a closing price of Genta’s common stock of $0.39 per share, resulting in a reduction in the provision of $0.3 million, recognized in the first quarter of 2008.

Other income, net

Other income, net of $0.1 million for the three months ended March 2008 declined from $0.2 million for the prior-year period, primarily due to lower investment income, resulting from lower investment balances.

Net loss

Genta incurred a net loss of $9.7 million, or $0.29 per share for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and $5.6 million, or $0.21 per share, for the three months ended March 31, 2007.

The larger net loss in 2008 is primarily due to the recognition of the tesetaxel license payments of $2.5 million, the lower reduction in provision for settlement of litigation of $1.3 million and higher expenses resulting from the AGENDA clinical trial.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

At March 31, 2008, we had cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities totaling $4.1 million compared with $7.8 million at December 31, 2007. During the first three months of 2008, cash used in operating activities was $6.2 million compared with $9.8 million for the same period in 2007. Lower cash used in operating activities was primarily due to the timing of payments in the two respective periods.

In February 2008, we sold 6.1 million shares of our common stock at a price of $0.50 per share, raising approximately $3.1 million, before estimated fees and expenses.

Effective May 7, 2008, we moved the trading of our common stock from The NASDAQ Capital Markets to the Over-the-Counter Bulletin Board (OTCBB) maintained by FINRA (formerly, the NASD). This action was taken pursuant to receipt of notification from the NASDAQ Listing Qualifications Panel that we had failed to demonstrate our ability to sustain compliance with the $2.5 million minimum stockholders’ equity requirement for continued listing on The NASDAQ Capital Markets.

 

 

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Irrespective of whether an NDA or MAA for Genasense® are approved, we will require additional cash in order to maximize this commercial opportunity and to continue its clinical development opportunities. We have had discussions with other companies regarding partnerships for the further development and global commercialization of Genasense®. Additional alternatives available to us to sustain our operations include financing arrangements with potential corporate partners, debt financing, asset-based loans, royalty-based financing, equity financing, profits from named-patient sales, and other potential sources of financing. However, there can be no assurance that any such collaborative agreements or other sources of funding will be available to us on favorable terms, if at all.

We will continue to maintain an appropriate level of spending over the upcoming fiscal year, given the uncertainties inherent in our business and our current liquidity position. Presently, with no further financing, we project that we will run out of funds in the second quarter of 2008. We currently do not have any additional financing in place. If we are unable to raise additional financing, we could be required to reduce our spending plans, reduce our workforce, license to others products or technologies we would otherwise seek to commercialize ourselves and sell certain assets. There can be no assurance that we can obtain financing, if at all, on terms acceptable to us.

We anticipate seeking additional product development opportunities through potential acquisitions or investments. Such acquisitions or investments may consume cash reserves or require additional cash or equity. Our working capital and additional funding requirements will depend upon numerous factors, including: (i) the progress of our research and development programs; (ii) the timing and results of pre-clinical testing and clinical trials; (iii) the level of resources that we devote to sales and marketing capabilities; (iv) technological advances; (v) the activities of competitors; (vi) our ability to establish and maintain collaborative arrangements with others to fund certain research and development efforts, to conduct clinical trials, to obtain regulatory approvals and, if such approvals are obtained, to manufacture and market products and (vii) legal costs and the outcome of outstanding legal proceedings.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In December 2007, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued SFAS No. 141(R), “Business Combinations” (SFAS 141(R)), which replaces SFAS 141. SFAS 141(R) establishes principles and requirements for how an acquirer in a business combination recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any controlling interest; recognizes and measures the goodwill acquired in the business combination or a gain from a bargain purchase; and determines what information to disclose to enable users of the financial statements to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business combination. SFAS 141(R) is to be applied prospectively to business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after an entity’s fiscal year that begins after December 15, 2008. We will assess the impact of SFAS 141(R) if and when a future acquisition occurs.

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements — an amendment of ARB No. 51” (SFAS 160). SFAS 160 establishes new accounting and reporting standards for the noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary. Specifically, this statement requires the recognition of a noncontrolling interest (minority interest) as equity in the consolidated financial statements and separate from the parent’s equity. The amount of net income attributable to the noncontrolling interest will be included in consolidated net income on the face of the income statement. SFAS 160 clarifies that changes in a parent’s ownership interest in a subsidiary that do not result in deconsolidation are equity transactions if the parent retains its controlling financial interest. In addition, this statement requires that a parent recognize a gain or loss in net income when a subsidiary is deconsolidated. SFAS 160 also includes expanded disclosure requirements regarding the interests of the parent and its noncontrolling interest. SFAS 160 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning on or after December 15, 2008. We do not expect that adoption of this standard will have a material impact on our financial statements.

 

 

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In December 2007, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) issued Staff Accounting Bulletin 110 (SAB 110), which permits entities, under certain circumstances, to continue to use the “simplified” method of estimating the expected term of plain options as discussed in SAB No. 107 and in accordance with SFAS 123R. The guidance in this release is effective January 1, 2008. The impact of this standard on the consolidated financial statements did not have a material effect.

In December 2007, the FASB issued EITF Issue No. 07-1, “Accounting for Collaborative Arrangements,” which is effective for calendar year companies on January 1, 2009. The Task Force clarified the manner in which costs, revenues and sharing payments made to, or received by, a partner in a collaborative arrangement should be presented in the income statement and set forth certain disclosures that should be required in the partners’ financial statements. We are currently assessing the potential impacts of implementing this standard.

In June 2007, the FASB issued EITF Issue No. 07-3, “Accounting for Nonrefundable Advance Payments for Goods or Services Received for Use in Future Research and Development Activities,” which is effective for calendar year companies on January 1, 2008. The Task Force concluded that nonrefundable advance payments for goods or services that will be used or rendered for future research and development activities should be deferred and capitalized. Such amounts should be recognized as an expense as the related goods are delivered or the services are performed, or when the goods or services are no longer expected to be provided. The impact of this standard on the consolidated financial statements did not have a material effect.

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities” (SFAS 159). SFAS 159 permits all entities to choose to elect, at specified election dates, to measure eligible financial instruments at fair value. An entity shall report unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value option has been elected in earnings at each subsequent reporting date and recognize upfront costs and fees related to those items in earnings as incurred and not deferred. SFAS 159 applies to fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, with early adoption permitted for an entity that has also elected to apply the provisions of SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (SFAS 157). The impact of this standard on the consolidated financial statements did not have a material effect.

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS 157, “Fair Value Measurements(SFAS 157). SFAS 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS 157 applies under other accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements. Accordingly, this pronouncement does not require any new fair value measurements. We were required to adopt SFAS 157 beginning January 1, 2008. The impact of this standard on the consolidated financial statements did not have a material effect.

Critical Accounting Policies

Our significant accounting policies are more fully described in Note 3 to our consolidated financial statements. In preparing our financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, management is required to make estimates and assumptions that, among other things, affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and reported amounts of revenues and expenses. These estimates are most significant in connection with our critical accounting policies, namely those of our accounting policies that are most important to the portrayal of our financial condition and results and require management’s most difficult, subjective or complex judgments. These judgments often result from the need to make estimates about the effects of matters that are inherently uncertain. Actual results may differ from those estimates under different assumptions or conditions. We believe that the following represents our critical accounting policies:

 

 

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Going concern. Our recurring losses from operations and negative cash flows from operations raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern and as a result, our independent registered public accounting firm included an explanatory paragraph in its report on our consolidated financial statement for the year ended December 31, 2007 with respect to this uncertainty. We have prepared our financial statements on a going concern basis, which contemplates the realization of assets and the satisfaction of liabilities and commitments in the normal course of business. The financial statements do not include any adjustments relating to the recoverability and classification of recorded asset amounts or amounts of liabilities that might be necessary should we be unable to continue in existence.

 

Revenue recognition. We recognize revenue from product sales when title to product and associated risk of loss has passed to the customer and we are reasonably assured of collecting payment for the sale. All revenue from product sales are recorded net of applicable allowances for returns, rebates and other applicable discounts and allowances. We allow return of our product for up to twelve months after product expiration.

 

Research and development costs. All such costs are expensed as incurred, including raw material costs required to manufacture drugs for clinical trials.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

Our carrying values of cash, marketable securities, accounts payable, accrued expenses and debt are a reasonable approximation of their fair value. The estimated fair values of financial instruments have been determined by us using available market information and appropriate valuation methodologies. We have not entered into and do not expect to enter into, financial instruments for trading or hedging purposes. We do not currently anticipate entering into interest rate swaps and/or similar instruments.

Our primary market risk exposure with regard to financial instruments is to changes in interest rates, which would impact interest income earned on such instruments. We have no material currency exchange or interest rate risk exposure as of March 31, 2008. Therefore, there will be no ongoing exposure to a potential material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operation for sensitivity to changes in interest rates or to changes in currency exchange rates.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Conclusion Regarding the Effectiveness of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

As required by Rule 13a-15(b), Genta’s Chief Executive Officer and Principal Accounting and Financial Officer conducted an evaluation as of the end of the period covered by this report of the effectiveness of the Company’s ‘‘disclosure controls and procedures’’ (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e)). Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Principal Accounting and Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this report.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting identified in connection with the evaluation required by paragraph (d) of Exchange Act Rule 13a-15 that occurred during the period covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

 

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PART II

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

In 2004, numerous complaints were filed in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey, or the Court, against Genta and certain of its principal officers on behalf of purported classes of the Company’s shareholders who purchased its securities during several class periods. The complaints were consolidated into a single action and alleged that the Company and certain of its principal officers violated the federal securities laws by issuing materially false and misleading statements regarding Genasense® for the treatment of malignant melanoma that had the effect of artificially inflating the market price of the Company’s securities. The shareholder class action complaint sought monetary damages in an unspecified amount and recovery of plaintiffs’ costs and attorneys’ fees. The Company reached an agreement with plaintiffs to settle the class action litigation in consideration for the issuance of 2.0 million shares of common stock of the Company (adjusted for any subsequent event that results in a change in the number of shares outstanding as of January 31, 2007) and $18.0 million in cash for the benefit of plaintiffs and the shareholder class. The cash portion of the proposed settlement will be covered by the Company’s insurance carriers. Effective June 25, 2007, the Company and plaintiffs executed a written Stipulation and Agreement of Settlement which was filed with the Court on August 13, 2007, seeking preliminary approval. The unopposed Motion for Preliminary Approval of Settlement was granted on October 30, 2007, and the Court held a hearing on plaintiffs’ unopposed motion for final approval of the settlement on March 3, 2008. At the end of the hearing, the Court indicated it was inclined to approve the settlement. A written decision on the final approval motion is expected.

In addition, two separate shareholder derivative actions have been filed against the directors and certain officers of Genta in New Jersey State and Federal courts. The Federal shareholder derivative action was consolidated with the securities action.

The Company has continued to deny all of the allegations in all of these proceedings, and settlement and potential settlement do not constitute an admission of guilt or liability.

In February 2007, a complaint against the Company was filed in the Superior Court of New Jersey by Howard H. Fingert, M.D., a former employee of the Company. The complaint alleges, among other things, breach of contract as to the Company’s stock option plan and as to a consulting agreement allegedly entered into by the Company and Dr. Fingert subsequent to termination of Dr. Fingert’s employment with the Company, breach of implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing with respect to the Company’s stock option plan and the alleged consulting agreement, promissory estoppel with respect to the exercise of stock options and provision of consulting services after termination of employment, and fraud and negligent misrepresentation with respect to the exercise of stock options and provision of consulting services after termination of employment. The complaint seeks monetary damages, including punitive and consequential damages. The Company filed an answer to the complaint on May 29, 2007, and on August 8, 2007, filed a request for production of documents. On January 4, 2008, the Court dismissed the complaint without prejudice due to Dr. Fingert’s failure to produce the requested discovery. Dr. Fingert filed a motion dated March 24, 2008 to reinstate the complaint, which was granted by the Court on April 11, 2008 at which time the Court adopted a discovery schedule that concludes in December 2008. The Company denies the allegations in the complaint and intends to vigorously defend this lawsuit.

In November 2007, a complaint against the Company was filed in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey by Ridge Clearing & Outsourcing Solutions, Inc. The complaint alleges, among other things, that the Company caused or contributed to losses suffered by a Company shareholder which have been incurred by Ridge. The Company filed its Answer and Affirmative Defenses on February 27, 2008 to respond to the complaint. The Company denies the allegations in the complaint and intends to vigorously defend this lawsuit.

 

 

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Item 1A. Risk Factors

You should carefully consider the following risks and all of the other information set forth in this Form 10-Q and the Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 before deciding to invest in shares of our common stock. The risks described below are not the only ones facing our Company. Additional risks not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also impair our business operations.

If any of the following risks actually occurs, our business, financial condition or results of operations would likely suffer. In such case, the market price of our common stock would likely decline due to the occurrence of any of these risks, and you may lose all or part of your investment.

Risks Related to Our Business

We may be unsuccessful in our efforts to obtain approval from the FDA or EMEA and commercialize Genasense® or our other pharmaceutical products.

The commercialization of our pharmaceutical products involves a number of significant challenges. In particular, our ability to commercialize products, such as Ganite® and Genasense®, depends, in large part, on the success of our clinical development programs, our efforts to obtain regulatory approvals and our sales and marketing efforts directed at physicians, patients and third-party payors. A number of factors could affect these efforts, including:

 

our ability to demonstrate clinically that our products are useful and safe in particular indications;

 

delays or refusals by regulatory authorities in granting marketing approvals;

 

our limited financial resources and sales and marketing experience relative to our competitors;

 

actual and perceived differences between our products and those of our competitors;

 

the availability and level of reimbursement for our products by third-party payors;

 

incidents of adverse reactions to our products;

 

side effects or misuse of our products and the unfavorable publicity that could result; and

 

the occurrence of manufacturing, supply or distribution disruptions.

We cannot assure you that Genasense® will receive FDA or EMEA approval. Our financial condition and results of operations have been and will continue to be significantly affected by FDA and EMEA action with respect to Genasense®. Any adverse events with respect to FDA and/or EMEA approvals could negatively impact our ability to obtain additional funding or identify potential partners.

 

 

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For example, in December 2005, we completed submission of an NDA to the FDA that sought accelerated approval for the use of Genasense® in combination with fludarabine plus cyclophosphamide for the treatment of patients with relapsed or refractory CLL who had previously received fludarabine. In September 2006, an ODAC meeting voted not to recommend approval of Genasense® in CLL, and in December 2006, we received a “non-approvable” notice from the FDA. We believe that our application met the regulatory requirements for approval, and in April 2007, we filed an appeal of this non-approvable notice pursuant to the FDA’s Formal Dispute Resolution process that exists within the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER). In June 2007, we announced that the initial appeal was denied and that we would further appeal the decision to the next level within CDER. On October 25, 2007, we announced that we had completed the filing of our next-level formal appeal to CDER.

On March 17, 2008, we announced that CDER had decided that additional confirmatory evidence would be required to support approval of Genasense® for treatment of patients with CLL. CDER acknowledged that complete response, which was the primary endpoint in the pivotal trial, was an appropriate endpoint for assessing efficacy. FDA also agreed that this endpoint was achieved, and that those results supported the efficacy of the drug. CDER recommended two alternatives for exploring the efficacy of Genasense® that could provide such confirmatory evidence. One option was to conduct an additional clinical trial. The other option was to collect additional information regarding the clinical course and progression of disease in patients from the completed trial. We currently plan to pursue both of these options. Information from the completed trial should be available by the third quarter of 2008. In the second quarter of 2008, we submitted a new protocol seeking Special Protocol Assessment (SPA) from the FDA and Scientific Advice from the EMEA. This protocol is similar in design to the completed trial and uses the same chemotherapy and randomization scheme. The major difference is that the trial focuses on the patient population who derived maximal benefit in the completed trial. This group is characterized by patients who had received less extensive chemotherapy prior to entering the trial and who were defined as being “non-refractory” to fludarabine. The earliest date this new trial could begin patient accrual would be the fourth quarter of 2008. However, we do not currently have sufficient resources to finance this trial, and at present we do not expect to begin this trial absent funding from a partnership or other sources.

In January 2006, we completed a MAA to the EMEA, which sought approval for use of Genasense® plus dacarbazine for the treatment of patients with advanced melanoma who had not previously received chemotherapy. In April 2007, we were informed that the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) of the EMEA had issued a negative opinion on the MAA and we indicated that we would seek re-examination of the MAA by a Scientific Advisory Group. In July 2007, we received notice from the EMEA that the requested re-examination by a Scientific Advisory Group had reaffirmed the negative opinion. We contemplate no further action on the MAA.

Ultimately, our efforts may not prove to be as effective as those of our competitors. In the United States and elsewhere, our products will face significant competition. The principal conditions on which our product development efforts are focused and some of the other disorders for which we are conducting additional studies, are currently treated with several drugs, many of which have been available for a number of years or are available in inexpensive generic forms. Thus, even if we obtain regulatory approvals, we will need to demonstrate to physicians, patients and third-party payors that the cost of our products is reasonable and appropriate in light of their safety and efficacy, the price of competing products and the relative health care benefits to the patient. If we are unable to demonstrate that the costs of our products are reasonable and appropriate in light of these factors, we will likely be unsuccessful in commercializing our products.

 

 

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Recurring losses and negative cash flows from operations raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern and we may not be able to continue as a going concern.

Our recurring losses from operations and negative cash flows from operations raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern and as a result, our independent registered public accounting firm included an explanatory paragraph in its report on our consolidated financial statement for the year ended December 31, 2007 with respect to this uncertainty. Substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern may create negative reactions to the price of the common shares of our stock and we may have a more difficult time obtaining financing.

We have prepared our financial statements on a going concern basis, which contemplates the realization of assets and the satisfaction of liabilities and commitments in the normal course of business. The financial statements do not include any adjustments relating to the recoverability and classification of recorded asset amounts or amounts of liabilities that might be necessary should we be unable to continue in existence.

Our business will suffer if we fail to obtain timely funding.

Our operations to date have required significant cash expenditures. Our future capital requirements will depend on the results of our research and development activities, preclinical studies and clinical trials, competitive and technological advances, and regulatory activities of the FDA and other regulatory authorities. In order to commercialize our products, seek new product candidates and continue our research and development programs, we will need to raise additional funds. In February 2008, we sold 6.1 million shares of the Company’s common stock at a price of $0.50 per share, raising approximately $3.1 million, before fees and expenses. Cash used in operating activities during the quarter ended March 31, 2008 was $6.2 million.

We will need to obtain more funding in the future through collaborations or other arrangements with research institutions and corporate partners or public and private offerings of our securities, including debt or equity financing. We may not be able to obtain adequate funds for our operations from these sources when needed or on acceptable terms. Future collaborations or similar arrangements may require us to license valuable intellectual property to, or to share substantial economic benefits with, our collaborators. If we raise additional capital by issuing additional equity or securities convertible into equity, our stockholders may experience dilution and our share price may decline. Any debt financing may result in restrictions on our spending.

If we are unable to raise additional funds, we will need to do one or more of the following:

 

delay, scale back or eliminate some or all of our research and product development programs;

 

license third parties to develop and commercialize products or technologies that we would otherwise seek to develop and commercialize ourselves;

 

attempt to sell our company;

 

cease operations; or

 

declare bankruptcy.

We will maintain an appropriate level of spending over the upcoming fiscal year, given the uncertainties inherent in our business and our current liquidity position. Presently, with no further financing, we will run out of funds in the second quarter of 2008. We currently do not have any additional financing in place. If we are unable to raise additional financing, we could be required to reduce our spending plans, reduce our workforce, license to others products or technologies we would otherwise seek to commercialize ourselves and sell certain assets. There can be no assurance that we can obtain financing, if at all, on terms acceptable to us.

 

 

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We have relied on and continue to rely on our contractual collaborative arrangements with research institutions and corporate partners for development and commercialization of our products. Our business could suffer if we are not able to enter into suitable arrangements, maintain existing relationships, or if our collaborative arrangements are not successful in developing and commercializing products.

We have entered into collaborative relationships relating to the conduct of clinical research and other research activities in order to augment our internal research capabilities and to obtain access to specialized knowledge and expertise. Our business strategy depends in part on our continued ability to develop and maintain relationships with leading academic and research institutions and with independent researchers. The competition for these relationships is intense, and we can give no assurances that we will be able to develop and maintain these relationships on acceptable terms.

We also seek strategic alliances with corporate partners, primarily pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, to help us develop and commercialize drugs. Various problems can arise in strategic alliances. A partner responsible for conducting clinical trials and obtaining regulatory approval may fail to develop a marketable drug. A partner may decide to pursue an alternative strategy or focus its efforts on alliances or other arrangements with third parties. A partner that has been granted marketing rights for a certain drug within a geographic area may fail to market the drug successfully. Consequently, strategic alliances that we may enter into may not be scientifically or commercially successful.

We cannot control the resources that any collaborator may devote to our products. Any of our present or future collaborators may not perform their obligations as expected. These collaborators may breach or terminate their agreements with us, for instance, upon changes in control or management of the collaborator, or they may otherwise fail to conduct their collaborative activities successfully and in a timely manner.

In addition, our collaborators may elect not to develop products arising out of our collaborative arrangements or to devote sufficient resources to the development, regulatory approval, manufacture, marketing or sale of these products. If any of these events occur, we may not be able to develop our products or commercialize our products.

An important part of our strategy involves conducting multiple product development programs. We may pursue opportunities in fields that conflict with those of our collaborators. In addition, disagreements with our collaborators could develop over rights to our intellectual property. The resolution of such conflicts and disagreements may require us to relinquish rights to our intellectual property that we believe we are entitled to. In addition, any disagreement or conflict with our collaborators could reduce our ability to obtain future collaboration agreements and negatively impact our relationship with existing collaborators. Such a conflict or disagreement could also lead to delays in collaborative research, development, regulatory approval or commercialization of various products or could require or result in litigation or arbitration, which would be time consuming and expensive, divert the attention of our management and could have a significant negative impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We anticipate that we will incur additional losses and we may never be profitable.

We have never been profitable. We have incurred substantial annual operating losses associated with ongoing research and development activities, preclinical testing, clinical trials, regulatory submissions and manufacturing activities. From the period since our inception to March 31, 2008, we have incurred a cumulative net loss of $447.9 million. We may never achieve revenue sufficient for us to attain profitability. Achieving profitability is unlikely unless Genasense® receives approval from the FDA or EMEA for commercial sale in one or more indications.

 

 

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Our business depends heavily on a small number of products.

We currently market and sell one product, Ganite® and the principal patent covering its use for the approved indication expired in April 2005. If Genasense® is not approved, if approval is significantly delayed, or if in the event of approval the product is commercially unsuccessful, we do not expect significant sales of other products to offset this loss of potential revenue.

To diversify our product line in the long term, it will be important for us to identify suitable technologies and products for acquisition or licensing and development. If we are unable to identify suitable technologies and products, or if we are unable to acquire or license products we identify, we may be unable to diversify our product line and to generate long-term growth.

We may be unable to obtain or enforce patents, other proprietary rights and licenses to protect our business; we could become involved in litigation relating to our patents or licenses that could cause us to incur additional costs and delay or prevent our introduction of new drugs to market.

Our success will depend to a large extent on our ability to:

 

obtain U.S. and foreign patent or other proprietary protection for our technologies, products and processes;

 

preserve trade secrets; and

 

operate without infringing the patent and other proprietary rights of third parties.

Legal standards relating to the validity of patents covering pharmaceutical and biotechnological inventions and the scope of claims made under these types of patents are still developing, and they involve complex legal and factual questions. As a result, our ability to obtain and enforce patents that protect our drugs is highly uncertain. If we are unable to obtain and enforce patents and licenses to protect our drugs, our business, results of operations and financial condition could be adversely affected.

We hold numerous U.S., foreign and international patents covering various aspects of our technology, which include novel compositions of matter, methods of large-scale synthesis and methods of controlling gene expression and methods of treating disease. In the future, however, we may not be successful in obtaining additional patents despite pending or future applications. Moreover, our current and future patents may not be sufficient to protect us against competitors who use similar technology. Additionally, our patents, the patents of our business partners and the patents for which we have obtained licensing rights may be challenged, narrowed, invalidated or circumvented. Furthermore, rights granted under our patents may not be broad enough to cover commercially valuable drugs or processes and therefore may not provide us with sufficient competitive advantage with respect thereto.

The pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries have been greatly affected by time-consuming and expensive litigation regarding patents and other intellectual property rights. We may be required to commence, or may be made a party to, litigation relating to the scope and validity of our intellectual property rights or the intellectual property rights of others. Such litigation could result in adverse decisions regarding the patentability of our inventions and products, the enforceability, validity or scope of protection offered by our patents or our infringement of patents held by others. Such decisions could make us liable for substantial money damages, or could bar us from the manufacture, sale or use of certain products. Moreover, an adverse decision may also compel us to seek a license from a third party. The costs of any license may be prohibitive and we may not be able to enter into any required licensing arrangement on terms acceptable to us.

 

 

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The cost to us of any litigation or proceeding relating to patent or license rights, even if resolved in our favor, could be substantial. Some of our competitors may be able to sustain the costs of complex patent or licensing litigation more effectively than we can because of their substantially greater resources. Uncertainties resulting from the initiation and continuation of any patent or related litigation could have a material adverse effect on our ability to compete in the marketplace.

We also may be required to participate in interference proceedings declared by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office in opposition or similar proceedings before foreign patent offices and in International Trade Commission proceedings aimed at preventing the importation of drugs that would compete unfairly with our drugs. These types of proceedings could cause us to incur considerable costs.

The principal patent covering the use of Ganite® for its approved indication, including Hatch-Waxman extensions, expired in April 2005.

We have licensed ten U.S. patents relating to Genasense® and its backbone chemistry that expire between 2008 and 2015. Corresponding patent applications have been filed in three foreign countries. We also own five U.S. patent applications relating to methods of using Genasense® expected to expire in 2020 and 2026, with approximately 50 corresponding foreign patent applications and granted patents.

Most of our products are in an early stage of development, and we may never receive regulatory approval for these products.

Most of our resources have been dedicated to the research and development of potential antisense pharmaceutical products such as Genasense®, based upon oligonucleotide technology. While we have demonstrated the activity of antisense oligonucleotide technology in model systems in vitro and in animals, Genasense® is our only antisense product to have been tested in humans. Several of our other technologies that serve as a possible basis for pharmaceutical products are only in preclinical testing. Results obtained in preclinical studies or early clinical investigations are not necessarily indicative of results that will be obtained in extended human clinical trials. Our products may prove to have undesirable and unintended side effects or other characteristics that may prevent our obtaining FDA or foreign regulatory approval for any indication. In addition, it is possible that research and discoveries by others will render our oligonucleotide technology obsolete or noncompetitive.

We will not be able to commercialize our product candidates if our preclinical studies do not produce successful results or if our clinical trials do not demonstrate safety and efficacy in humans.

Our success will depend on the success of our currently ongoing clinical trials and subsequent clinical trials that have not yet begun. It may take several years to complete the clinical trials of a product, and a failure of one or more of our clinical trials can occur at any stage of testing. We believe that the development of each of our product candidates involves significant risks at each stage of testing. If clinical trial difficulties and failures arise, our product candidates may never be approved for sale or become commercially viable. We do not believe that any of our product candidates have alternative uses if our current development activities are unsuccessful.

There are a number of difficulties and risks associated with clinical trials. These difficulties and risks may result in the failure to receive regulatory approval to sell our product candidates or the inability to commercialize any of our product candidates. The possibility exists that:

we may discover that a product candidate does not exhibit the expected therapeutic results in humans, may cause harmful side effects or have other unexpected characteristics that may delay or preclude regulatory approval or limit commercial use if approved;

the results from early clinical trials may not be statistically significant or predictive of results that will be obtained from expanded, advanced clinical trials;

 

 

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institutional review boards or regulators, including the FDA, may hold, suspend or terminate our clinical research or the clinical trials of our product candidates for various reasons, including noncompliance with regulatory requirements or if, in their opinion, the participating subjects are being exposed to unacceptable health risks;

subjects may drop out of our clinical trials;

our preclinical studies or clinical trials may produce negative, inconsistent or inconclusive results, and we may decide, or regulators may require us, to conduct additional preclinical studies or clinical trials; and

the cost of our clinical trials may be greater than we currently anticipate.

Between 2004 and 2007, we reported that randomized trials of Genasense® in patients with myeloma, acute myeloid leukemia, (AML), hormone-refractory prostate cancer, small cell lung cancer and non small cell lung cancer were not sufficiently positive to warrant further investigation on the dose-schedules that were examined or with the chemotherapy that was employed in these trials. Data from these trials have been presented at various scientific meetings.

We cannot assure you that our ongoing preclinical studies and clinical trials will produce successful results in order to support regulatory approval of Genasense® in any territory or for any indication. Failure to obtain approval, or a substantial delay in approval of Genasense® for these or any other indications would have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

Clinical trials are costly and time consuming and are subject to delays; our business would suffer if the development process relating to our products were subject to meaningful delays.

Clinical trials are very costly and time-consuming. The length of time required to complete a clinical study depends upon many factors, including but not limited to the size of the patient population, the ability of patients to get to the site of the clinical study, the criteria for determining which patients are eligible to join the study and other issues. Delays in patient enrollment and other unforeseen developments could delay completion of a clinical study and increase its costs, which could also delay any eventual commercial sale of the drug that is the subject of the clinical trial.

Our commencement and rate of completion of clinical trials also may be delayed by many other factors, including the following:

 

inability to obtain sufficient quantities of materials for use in clinical trials;

 

inability to adequately monitor patient progress after treatment;

 

unforeseen safety issues;

 

the failure of the products to perform well during clinical trials; and

 

government or regulatory delays.

 

 

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If we fail to obtain the necessary regulatory approvals, we cannot market and sell our products in the United States.

The FDA imposes substantial pre-market approval requirements on the introduction of pharmaceutical products. These requirements involve lengthy and detailed preclinical and clinical testing and other costly and time-consuming procedures. Satisfaction of these requirements typically takes several years or more depending upon the type, complexity and novelty of the product. We cannot apply for FDA approval to market any of our products under development until preclinical and clinical trials on the product are successfully completed. Several factors could prevent successful completion or cause significant delays of these trials, including an inability to enroll the required number of patients or failure to demonstrate adequately that the product is safe and effective for use in humans. If safety concerns develop, the FDA could stop our trials before completion. We may not market or sell any product for which we have not obtained regulatory approval.

We cannot assure you that the FDA will ever approve the use of our products that are under development. If the patient populations for which our products are approved are not sufficiently broad, or if approval is accompanied by unanticipated labeling restrictions, the commercial success of our products could be limited and our business, results of operations and financial condition could consequently be materially adversely affected.

If the third party manufacturers upon which we rely fail to produce our products in the volumes that we require on a timely basis, or to comply with stringent regulations applicable to pharmaceutical drug manufacturers, we may face delays in the commercialization of, or be unable to meet demand for, our products and may lose potential revenues.

We do not manufacture any of our products or product candidates and we do not plan to develop any capacity to do so. We have contracted with third-party manufacturers to manufacture Ganite® and Genasense®. The manufacture of pharmaceutical products requires significant expertise and capital investment, including the development of advanced manufacturing techniques and process controls. Manufacturers of pharmaceutical products often encounter difficulties in production, especially in scaling up initial production. These problems include difficulties with production costs and yields, quality control and assurance and shortages of qualified personnel, as well as compliance with strictly enforced federal, state and foreign regulations. Our third-party manufacturers may not perform as agreed or may terminate their agreements with us.

In addition to product approval, any facility in which Genasense® is manufactured or tested for its ability to meet required specifications must be approved by the FDA and/or the EMEA before it can manufacture Genasense®. Failure of the facility to be approved could delay the approval of Genasense®.

We do not currently have alternate manufacturing plans in place. The number of third-party manufacturers with the expertise, required regulatory approvals and facilities to manufacture bulk drug substance on a commercial scale is limited, and it would take a significant amount of time to arrange for alternative manufacturers. If we need to change to other commercial manufacturers, the FDA and comparable foreign regulators must approve these manufacturers’ facilities and processes prior to our use, which would require new testing and compliance inspections, and the new manufacturers would have to be educated in or independently develop the processes necessary for the production of our products.

Any of these factors could cause us to delay or suspend clinical trials, regulatory submissions, required approvals or commercialization of our products or product candidates, entail higher costs and result in our being unable to effectively commercialize our products. Furthermore, if our third-party manufacturers fail to deliver the required commercial quantities of bulk drug substance or finished product on a timely basis and at commercially reasonable prices, and we were unable to promptly find one or more replacement manufacturers capable of production at a substantially equivalent cost, in substantially equivalent volume and on a timely basis, we would likely be unable to meet demand for our products and we would lose potential revenues.

 

 

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Even if we obtain regulatory approval, we will be subject to ongoing regulation, and any failure by us or our manufacturers to comply with such regulation could suspend or eliminate our ability to sell our products.

Ganite®, Genasense®, if it obtains regulatory approval, and any other product we may develop will be subject to ongoing regulatory oversight, primarily by the FDA. Failure to comply with post-marketing requirements, such as maintenance by us or by the manufacturers of our products of current Good Manufacturing Practices as required by the FDA, or safety surveillance of such products or lack of compliance with other regulations could result in suspension or limitation of approvals or other enforcement actions. Current Good Manufacturing Practices are FDA regulations that define the minimum standards that must be met by companies that manufacture pharmaceuticals and apply to all drugs for human use including those to be used in clinical trials as well as those produced for general sale after approval of an application by the FDA. These regulations define requirements for personnel, buildings and facilities, equipment, control of raw materials and packaging components, production and process controls, packaging and label controls, handling and distribution, laboratory controls and recordkeeping. Furthermore, the terms of any product candidate approval, including the labeling content and advertising restrictions, may be so restrictive that they could adversely affect the marketability of our product candidates. Any such failure to comply or the application of such restrictions could limit our ability to market our product candidates and may have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. Such failures or restrictions may also prompt regulatory recalls of one or more of our products, which could have material and adverse effects on our business.

The raw materials for our products are produced by a limited number of suppliers, and our business could suffer if we cannot obtain needed quantities at acceptable prices and qualities.

The raw materials that we require to manufacture our drugs, particularly oligonucleotides, are available from only a few suppliers. If these suppliers cease to provide us with the necessary raw materials or fail to provide us with an adequate supply of materials at an acceptable price and quality, we could be materially adversely affected.

If third-party payors do not provide coverage and reimbursement for use of our products, we may not be able to successfully commercialize our products.

Our ability to commercialize drugs successfully will depend in part on the extent to which various third-party payors are willing to reimburse patients for the costs of our drugs and related treatments. These third-party payors include government authorities, private health insurers and other organizations, such as health maintenance organizations. Third-party payors often challenge the prices charged for medical products and services. Accordingly, if less costly drugs are available, third-party payors may not authorize or may limit reimbursement for our drugs, even if they are safer or more effective than the alternatives. In addition, the federal government and private insurers have changed and continue to consider ways to change the manner in which health care products and services are provided and paid for in the United States. In particular, these third-party payors are increasingly attempting to contain health care costs by limiting both coverage and the level of reimbursement for new therapeutic products. In the future, it is possible that the government may institute price controls and further limits on Medicare and Medicaid spending. These controls and limits could affect the payments we collect from sales of our products. Internationally, medical reimbursement systems vary significantly, with some countries requiring application for, and approval of, government or third-party reimbursement. In addition, some medical centers in foreign countries have fixed budgets, regardless of levels of patient care. Even if we succeed in bringing therapeutic products to market, uncertainties regarding future health care policy, legislation and regulation, as well as private market practices, could affect our ability to sell our products in quantities, or at prices, that will enable us to achieve profitability.

 

 

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Our business exposes us to potential product liability that may have a negative effect on our financial performance and our business generally.

The administration of drugs to humans, whether in clinical trials or commercially, exposes us to potential product and professional liability risks, which are inherent in the testing, production, marketing and sale of human therapeutic products. Product liability claims can be expensive to defend and may result in large judgments or settlements against us, which could have a negative effect on our financial performance and materially and adversely affect our business. We maintain product liability insurance (subject to various deductibles), but our insurance coverage may not be sufficient to cover claims. Furthermore, we cannot be certain that we will always be able to maintain or increase our insurance coverage at an affordable price. Even if a product liability claim is not successful, the adverse publicity and time and expense of defending such a claim may interfere with or adversely affect our business and financial performance.

We may incur a variety of costs to engage in future acquisitions of companies, products or technologies, and the anticipated benefits of those acquisitions may never be realized.

As a part of our business strategy, we may make acquisitions of, or significant investments in, complementary companies, products or technologies, although no significant acquisition or investments are currently pending. Any future acquisitions would be accompanied by risks such as:

 

difficulties in assimilating the operations and personnel of acquired companies;

 

diversion of our management’s attention from ongoing business concerns;

 

our potential inability to maximize our financial and strategic position through the successful incorporation of acquired technology and rights into our products and services;

 

additional expense associated with amortization of acquired assets;

 

maintenance of uniform standards, controls, procedures and policies; and

 

impairment of existing relationships with employees, suppliers and customers as a result of the integration of new management personnel.

We cannot guarantee that we will be able to successfully integrate any business, products, technologies or personnel that we might acquire in the future, and our failure to do so could harm our business.

We face substantial competition from other companies and research institutions that are developing similar products, and we may not be able to compete successfully.

In many cases, our products under development will be competing with existing therapies for market share. In addition, a number of companies are pursuing the development of antisense technology and controlled-release formulation technology and the development of pharmaceuticals utilizing such technologies. We compete with fully integrated pharmaceutical companies that have more substantial experience, financial and other resources and superior expertise in research and development, manufacturing, testing, obtaining regulatory approvals, marketing and distribution. Smaller companies may also prove to be significant competitors, particularly through their collaborative arrangements with large pharmaceutical companies or academic institutions. Furthermore, academic institutions, governmental agencies and other public and private research organizations have conducted and will continue to conduct research, seek patent protection and establish arrangements for commercializing products. Such products may compete directly with any products that may be offered by us.

 

 

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Our competition will be determined in part by the potential indications for which our products are developed and ultimately approved by regulatory authorities. For certain of our potential products, an important factor in competition may be the timing of market introduction of our or our competitors’ products. Accordingly, the relative speed with which we can develop products, complete the clinical trials and approval processes and supply commercial quantities of the products to the market are expected to be important competitive factors. We expect that competition among products approved for sale will be based, among other things, on product efficacy, safety, reliability, availability, price, patent position and sales, marketing and distribution capabilities. The development by others of new treatment methods could render our products under development non-competitive or obsolete.

Our competitive position also depends upon our ability to attract and retain qualified personnel, obtain patent protection or otherwise develop proprietary products or processes and secure sufficient capital resources for the often-substantial period between technological conception and commercial sales. We cannot assure you that we will be successful in this regard.

We are dependent on our key executives and scientists, and the loss of key personnel or the failure to attract additional qualified personnel could harm our business.

Our business is highly dependent on our key executives and scientific staff. The loss of key personnel or the failure to recruit necessary additional or replacement personnel will likely impede the achievement of our development objectives. There is intense competition for qualified personnel in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, and there can be no assurances that we will be able to attract and retain the qualified personnel necessary for the development of our business.

Risks Related to Outstanding Litigation

The outcome of and costs relating to pending shareholder class action and shareholder derivative actions are uncertain.

In 2004, numerous complaints were filed in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey, or the Court, against Genta and certain of its principal officers on behalf of purported classes of the Company’s shareholders who purchased its securities during several class periods. The complaints were consolidated into a single action and alleged that the Company and certain of its principal officers violated the federal securities laws by issuing materially false and misleading statements regarding Genasense® for the treatment of malignant melanoma that had the effect of artificially inflating the market price of the Company’s securities. The shareholder class action complaint sought monetary damages in an unspecified amount and recovery of plaintiffs’ costs and attorneys’ fees. The Company reached an agreement with plaintiffs to settle the class action litigation in consideration for the issuance of 2.0 million shares of common stock of the Company (adjusted for any subsequent event that results in a change in the number of shares outstanding as of January 31, 2007) and $18.0 million in cash for the benefit of plaintiffs and the shareholder class. The cash portion of the proposed settlement will be covered by the Company’s insurance carriers. Effective June 25, 2007, the Company and plaintiffs executed a written Stipulation and Agreement of Settlement which was filed with the Court on August 13, 2007, seeking preliminary approval. The unopposed Motion for Preliminary Approval of Settlement was granted on October 30, 2007, and the Court held a hearing on plaintiffs’ unopposed motion for final approval of the settlement on March 3, 2008. At the end of the hearing, the Court indicated it was inclined to approve the settlement. A written decision on the final approval motion is expected.

In addition, two separate shareholder derivative actions have been filed against the directors and certain officers of Genta in New Jersey State and Federal courts. The Federal shareholder derivative action was consolidated with the securities action.

The Company has continued to deny all of the allegations in all of these proceedings, and settlement and potential settlement do not constitute an admission of guilt or liability.

 

 

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In February 2007, a complaint against the Company was filed in the Superior Court of New Jersey by Howard H. Fingert, M.D., a former employee of the Company. The complaint alleges, among other things, breach of contract as to the Company’s stock option plan and as to a consulting agreement allegedly entered into by the Company and Dr. Fingert subsequent to termination of Dr. Fingert’s employment with the Company, breach of implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing with respect to the Company’s stock option plan and the alleged consulting agreement, promissory estoppel with respect to the exercise of stock options and provision of consulting services after termination of employment, and fraud and negligent misrepresentation with respect to the exercise of stock options and provision of consulting services after termination of employment. The complaint seeks monetary damages, including punitive and consequential damages. The Company filed an answer to the complaint on May 29, 2007, and on August 8, 2007, filed a request for production of documents. On January 4, 2008, the Court dismissed the complaint without prejudice due to Dr. Fingert’s failure to produce the requested discovery. Dr. Fingert filed a motion dated March 24, 2008 to reinstate the complaint, which was granted by the Court on April 11, 2008 at which time the Court adopted a discovery schedule that concludes in December 2008. The Company denies the allegations in the complaint and intends to vigorously defend this lawsuit.

In November 2007, a complaint against the Company was filed in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey by Ridge Clearing & Outsourcing Solutions, Inc. The complaint alleges, among other things, that the Company caused or contributed to losses suffered by a Company shareholder which have been incurred by Ridge. The Company filed its Answer and Affirmative Defenses on February 27, 2008 to respond to the complaint. The Company denies the allegations in the complaint and intends to vigorously defend this lawsuit.

Risks Related to Our Common Stock

Provisions in our restated certificate of incorporation and bylaws and Delaware law may discourage a takeover and prevent our stockholders from receiving a premium for their shares.

Provisions in our restated certificate of incorporation and bylaws may discourage third parties from seeking to obtain control of us and, therefore, could prevent our stockholders from receiving a premium for their shares. Our restated certificate of incorporation gives our board of directors the power to issue shares of preferred stock without approval of the holders of common stock. Any preferred stock that is issued in the future could have voting rights, including voting rights that could be superior to that of our common stock. The affirmative vote of 66 2/3% of our voting stock is required to approve certain transactions and to take certain stockholder actions, including the amendment of certain provisions of our certificate of incorporation. Our bylaws contain provisions that regulate how stockholders may present proposals or nominate directors for election at annual meetings of stockholders.

In addition, we are subject to Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, which contains restrictions on stockholder action to acquire control of us.

In September 2005, we announced that our Board of Directors approved a Stockholder Rights Plan and declared a dividend of one preferred stock purchase right, which we refer to as a Right, for each share of our common stock held of record as of the close of business on September 27, 2005. In addition, Rights shall be issued in respect of all shares of common stock issued after such date, including the shares issued hereunder, pursuant to the Plan. The Rights contain provisions to protect stockholders in the event of an unsolicited attempt to acquire us, including an accumulation of shares in the open market, a partial or two-tier tender offer that does not treat all stockholders equally and other activities that the Board believes are not in the best interests of stockholders. The Rights may discourage a takeover and prevent our stockholders from receiving a premium for their shares.

 

 

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We have not paid, and do not expect to pay in the future, cash dividends on our common stock.

We have never paid cash dividends on our common stock and do not anticipate paying any such dividends in the foreseeable future. We currently intend to retain our earnings, if any, for the development of our business.

Our stock price is volatile.

The market price of our common stock, like that of the common stock of many other biopharmaceutical companies, has been and likely will continue to be highly volatile. Factors that could have a significant impact on the future price of our common stock include but are not limited to:

 

the results of preclinical studies and clinical trials by us or our competitors;

 

announcements of technological innovations or new therapeutic products by us or our competitors;

 

government regulation;

 

developments in patent or other proprietary rights by us or our respective competitors, including litigation;

 

fluctuations in our operating results; and

 

market conditions for biopharmaceutical stocks in general.

At March 31, 2008, we had 36.7 million shares of common stock outstanding, 2.3 million additional shares reserved for the conversion of convertible preferred stock and the exercise of outstanding options and 0.6 million additional shares of common stock authorized for issuance and remaining to be granted under our stock option plans. Future sales of shares of our common stock by existing stockholders, holders of preferred stock who might convert such preferred stock into common stock and option holders who may exercise their options to purchase common stock also could adversely affect the market price of our common stock. Moreover, the perception that sales of substantial amounts of our common stock might occur could adversely affect the market price of our common stock.

At our Annual Meeting of Shareholders held on July 11, 2007, our shareholders authorized our Board of Directors to effect a reverse stock split of all outstanding shares of common stock, and the Board of Directors subsequently approved the implementation of a reverse stock split at a ratio of one for six shares. On July 12, 2007, we filed a Certificate of Amendment to our Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, with the Delaware Secretary of State to effect the reverse stock split. As of July 12, 2007, the effective date of the reverse stock split, every six shares of “old” common stock were converted into one “new” share of common stock. Upon the open of trading on July 13, 2007, the “new” shares of common stock began trading on the NASDAQ Global Market on a split-adjusted basis. As a result of the 1-for-6 reverse stock split, shares of our common stock outstanding were reduced from 183.7 million shares on a pre-split basis to 30.6 million shares on a post-split basis, or 83%. The resulting decrease in the number of shares of our common stock outstanding could potentially adversely affect the liquidity of our common stock, especially in the case of larger block trades.

Effective May 7, 2008, we moved the trading of our common stock from The NASDAQ Capital Markets to the Over-the-Counter Bulletin Board (OTCBB) maintained by FINRA (formerly, the NASD). This action was taken pursuant to receipt of notification from the NASDAQ Listing Qualifications Panel that we had failed to demonstrate our ability to sustain compliance with the $2.5 million minimum stockholders’ equity requirement for continued listing on The NASDAQ Capital Markets.

 

 

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

None.

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None.

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

No matters were submitted to a vote of security holders in the quarter ended March 31, 2008.

Item 5. Other Information

None.

 

 

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Item 6. Exhibits.

(a) Exhibits

 

Exhibit
Number

 

Description of Document

10.1

 

License Agreement between the Company and Daiichi Sankyo dated March 7, 2008 (filed herewith)*

31.1

 

Certification by Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith)

31.2

 

Certification by Vice President, Finance pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith)

32.1

 

Certification by Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (furnished herewith)

32.2

 

Certification by Vice President, Finance pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (furnished herewith)


*

Portions of this exhibit have been omitted under a request for confidential treatment and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

 

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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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Genta Incorporated

Date: May 8, 2008

 

 

 
/s/ RAYMOND P. WARRELL, JR., M.D.

 

 

 

Raymond P. Warrell, Jr., M.D.

 

 

 

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
(principal executive officer)

 

 

 

 

 

Date: May 8, 2008

 

 


/s/ GARY SIEGEL

 

 

 

Gary Siegel

 

 

 

Vice President, Finance
(principal financial and accounting officer)

 

 

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Exhibit Index

 

Exhibit
Number

  

Description of Document

10.1

 

License Agreement between the Company and Daiichi Sankyo dated March 7, 2008 (filed herewith)*

31.1

 

Certification by Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith)

31.2

 

Certification by Vice President, Finance pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith)

32.1

 

Certification by Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (furnished herewith)

32.2

 

Certification by Vice President, Finance pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (furnished herewith)


*

Portions of this exhibit have been omitted under a request for confidential treatment and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

 

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