EDGAR 10-K Filing

Company CIK: 1041024
Filing Year: 2024
Filename: 1041024_10-K_2024_0001628280-24-012572.json

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ITEM 1. BUSINESS
Item 1. Business.
Unless otherwise indicated in this Annual Report on Form 10-K “we,” “our,” “us,” “the Company,” "Rockwell," “Rockwell Medical,” and other similar terms refer to Rockwell Medical, Inc., together with its consolidated subsidiaries. You are advised to read this Annual Report on Form 10-K in conjunction with other reports and documents that we file from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). In particular, please read our definitive proxy statement, which will be filed with the SEC in connection with our 2024 annual meeting of stockholders, our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and any current reports on Form 8-K that we may file from time to time. You can access free of charge on our website copies of these reports as soon as practicable after they are electronically filed with the SEC. The SEC also maintains a website on the internet that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding issuers, such as us, that file electronically with the SEC.
CENTRISOL®, CitraPure®, Dri-Sate®, RenalPure®, RENASOL®, SteriLyte®, and Triferic® are registered trademarks of Rockwell. This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains references to our trademarks and trademarks belonging to other entities. Solely for convenience, trademarks and trade names referred to in this Annual Report, including logos, artwork, and other visual displays, may appear without the ® or TM symbols, but such references are not intended to indicate, in any way, that we will not assert, to the fullest extent under applicable law, our rights or the rights of the applicable licensor to these trademarks and trade names. We do not intend our use or display of other companies’ trade names or trademarks to imply a relationship with, or endorsement or sponsorship of us by, any other company.
BUSINESS OVERVIEW
Rockwell Medical is a healthcare company that develops, manufactures, commercializes, and distributes a portfolio of hemodialysis products for dialysis providers worldwide.
Rockwell is a revenue-generating business. The Company is the largest supplier of liquid bicarbonate concentrates and the second largest supplier of acid and dry bicarbonate concentrates for dialysis patients in the United States. Hemodialysis is the most common form of end-stage kidney disease treatment and is usually performed at freestanding outpatient dialysis centers, at hospital-based outpatient centers, at skilled nursing facilities, or in a patient’s home. This represents a large market opportunity for which we believe Rockwell's products are well-positioned to meet the needs of patients.
Rockwell manufactures hemodialysis concentrates under current Good Manufacturing Practices ("cGMP") regulations at its three facilities in Michigan, Texas, and South Carolina totaling approximately 175,000 square feet, and manufactures dry acid concentrate mixers at its facility in Iowa. Additionally, in July 2023, the Company purchased customer relationships, equipment and inventory from Evoqua Water Technologies related to manufacturing and sale of hemodialysis concentrates products, all of which are manufactured under a cGMP contract manufacturing agreement with a third-party organization in Minnesota.
Rockwell delivers the majority of its hemodialysis concentrates products and mixers to dialysis clinics throughout the United States and internationally utilizing its own delivery trucks and third-party carriers. Rockwell has developed a core expertise in manufacturing and delivering hemodialysis concentrates, and has built a longstanding reputation for reliability, quality, and excellent customer service.
Rockwell was incorporated in the state of Michigan in 1996 and re-domiciled to the state of Delaware in 2019. Our headquarters is located at 30142 Wixom Road, Wixom, Michigan 48393. Our telephone number is (248) 960-9009 and our website is https://www.rockwellmed.com. We have included our website in this Annual Report on Form 10-K solely as an inactive textual reference, and content from or that can be accessed through our website is not part of, or incorporated by reference into, this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
SIGNIFICANT 2023 HIGHLIGHTS
Rockwell Medical's key developments from 2023 include:
•In February 2023, we signed a three-year, multi-million-dollar supply agreement with the largest non-profit dialysis provider in the United States.
•In February 2023, we signed a three-year, multi-million-dollar product purchase agreement with Concerto Renal Services.
•In February 2023, we were named a 'Great Place to Work'.
•In May 2023, we expanded our geographic footprint to sell our hemodialysis concentrates products into the United Arab Emirates.
•In June 2023, we were added to the Russell Microcap® Index.
•In June 2023, we entered into a three-year co-promotion services agreement with B. Braun Medical Inc.
•In July 2023, we acquired the hemodialysis concentrates business from Evoqua Water Technologies.
•In September 2023, we entered into an amended and restated products purchase agreement with DaVita, Inc. ("DaVita").
•In September 2023, we entered into a three-year product purchase agreement with Sanderling Renal Services and expanded our distribution capabilities westward into Utah.
•In October 2023, we entered into a three-year product purchase agreement with Centers for Dialysis Care.
•In October 2023, Joan Lau, Ph.D. was appointed to the Company's board of directors.
•In October 2023, Jesse Neri joined the Company as SVP, Finance.
OUR STRATEGY
Rockwell Medical is focused on innovative, long-term growth strategies that enhance its products, its processes, and its people, enabling the Company to deliver exceptional value to the healthcare system and provide a positive impact on the lives of hemodialysis patients.
Rockwell is focused on growing the Company's revenue-generating business, which currently includes its portfolio of hemodialysis concentrates products. Once the Company achieves sustainable profitability and cash flow from its revenue-generating business, it plans to consider investments in higher-value, longer-term products to develop a broader kidney care products portfolio.
HEMODIALYSIS CONCENTRATES
Rockwell's mission is to provide dialysis clinics and the patients they serve with the highest quality products supported by the best customer service in the industry.
Hemodialysis is the most common form of end-stage kidney disease treatment and is usually performed at freestanding outpatient dialysis centers, at hospital-based outpatient centers, at skilled nursing facilities, or in a patient’s home. Our hemodialysis concentrates products are used to sustain a patient's life by removing toxins and balancing electrolytes in a dialysis patient’s bloodstream.
Rockwell's products are vital to vulnerable patients with end-stage kidney disease. We are an established leader in manufacturing and delivering high-quality hemodialysis concentrates and dialysates, along with certain ancillary products, to dialysis providers and distributors in the United States and abroad. All of our concentrate products are manufactured according to Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation ("AAMI") guidelines and cGMP regulations. Our concentrate products are diluted with purified water on-site at the clinic in the dialysis machine, creating dialysate, which works to clean the patient’s blood.
A key element of our dialysis business strategy going forward is to improve the strength of our concentrates business. We believe we can achieve this by growing our business through the addition of new customers, expanding our territory coverage, increasing the efficiency by which Rockwell produces its products, and pricing our products appropriately to drive profitability.
Our Products:
Most hemodialysis patients receive dialysis treatment three times per week, or approximately 156 times per year. Most patients who have their dialysis treatment performed at a free-standing clinic have significant and irreversible loss of kidney function. These are commonly referred to as “chronic” dialysis patients. Patients who undergo dialysis in hospitals for temporary loss of kidney function are typically referred to as “acute” dialysis patients. The small percentage of chronic dialysis patients who receive their treatment at home are referred to as “home” dialysis patients. In each setting, a dialysis machine
dilutes concentrated solution, such as Rockwell’s concentrate products, with purified water. The resulting solution is called dialysate. Dialysate is pumped through an artificial kidney or filter (called a dialyzer) while the patient’s blood is pumped through a semi-permeable membrane inside the dialyzer in the opposite direction the dialysate is flowing. The dialysate can exchange bicarbonate, sodium, calcium, magnesium and potassium into the patient’s blood, while removing fluid and waste. Dialysate generally contains dextrose, sodium chloride, calcium, potassium, magnesium, sodium bicarbonate, and citric acid or acetic acid. The patient’s physician chooses the proper concentrations required for each patient based on such patient’s needs.
In addition to using concentrate products during every in-center treatment, a dialysis provider also uses other products such as blood tubing, fistula needles, dialyzers, drugs, specialized component kits, dressings, cleaning agents, filtration salts, and other supplies, some of which we sell.
CitraPure Citric Acid Concentrate
Our CitraPure Concentrate is citric acid-based and 100% acetate-free. CitraPure is packaged as a liquid acid concentrate in 55-gallon drums and one-gallon jugs sold in cases of four, and as a dry powder acid concentrate for use with our Dry Acid Concentrate Mixer in 25-gallon cases.
Dri-Sate Dry Acid Concentrate
Our Dri-Sate Concentrate is an acetic acid-based product. Dri-Sate is packaged as a dry powder acid concentrate for use with our Dry Acid Concentrate Mixer in 25-gallon cases.
RenalPure Liquid Acid Concentrate
Our RenalPure Liquid Concentrate is an acetic acid-based product and is packaged in 55-gallon drums and in one-gallon jugs (sold in cases of four).
RenalPure Bicarbonate Concentrate
RenalPure bicarbonate is a dry powder mixed on-site at the clinic and is packaged in bulk and individual treatment sizes.
SteriLyte Bicarbonate Concentrate
SteriLyte bicarbonate is a liquid packaged in cases of four one-gallon jugs (sold in cases of four) and is used mainly in acute care settings.
CENTRISOL and RENALSOL Hemodialysis Concentrates
Our CENTRISOL hemodialysis concentrates consist of acid and bicarbonate formulations suitable for 45X dilution three-stream hemodialysis devices. Our RENASOL acid and bicarbonate concentrates are compatible with 36X dilution devices. CENTRISOL and RENASOL liquid acids are packaged in 55-gallon drums or in one-gallon jugs (sold in cases of four). CENTRISOL and RENASOL bicarbonate concentrates are packaged as liquid in one-gallon jugs (sold in cases of four) or as dry powder in bulk and individual treatment sizes.
Dry Acid Concentrate Mixer
Our Dry Acid Concentrate Mixer is designed for our CitraPure and Dri-Sate Dry Acid products and enables the clinic to mix acid concentrate on-site. Clinics using our Dry Acid Concentrate products realize numerous advantages, including lower cost per treatment, reduced storage space requirements, reduced number of deliveries and more flexibility in scheduling deliveries, while enabling us to reduce distribution and warehousing costs.
Ancillary Products
We offer certain ancillary products to selected customers including testing supplies, 5% acetic acid cleaning solution, 5% and 2% citric acid descaler, filtration salts, and other items used by hemodialysis providers.
Market Opportunity:
Rockwell's vision is to become the leading global supplier of all hemodialysis concentrates. Today, Rockwell is the leading supplier of liquid bicarbonate concentrates and the second largest supplier of acid and dry bicarbonate concentrates for dialysis patients in the United States. According to an independent research report that Rockwell commissioned from L.E.K. Consulting LLC in 2022, the hemodialysis concentrates market in the United States is anticipated to grow to approximately $500 million by 2026, up from $380 million in 2022. This is driven primarily by an increasing number of patients suffering from end-stage kidney disease. Hemodialysis concentrates represent a large market opportunity for which we believe Rockwell's products are well-positioned to meet the needs of patients. Rockwell is one of only two suppliers that has the manufacturing scalability and transportation infrastructure to service the more than 12,000 individual purchasing facilities (including outpatient dialysis clinics and hospitals) in the United States along with select international markets.
Sales and Marketing:
On November 9, 2022, Rockwell reacquired its distribution rights to its hemodialysis concentrates products from Baxter Healthcare Corporation ("Baxter") and agreed to terminate the exclusive distribution agreement dated October 2, 2014. Exclusivity and other provisions associated with the distribution agreement terminated November 9, 2022 and the remaining operational elements of the agreement terminated December 31, 2022. Rockwell agreed to provide certain services to a group of Baxter customers until March 31, 2023. Under the exclusive distribution agreement, Baxter distributed and commercialized Rockwell’s hemodialysis concentrates products in the United States and certain other countries. Rockwell manufactured all hemodialysis concentrates products and provided customer service and order delivery to nearly all U.S. customers. Following the reacquisition of these rights, Rockwell is now able to sell its hemodialysis concentrates products directly to dialysis clinics throughout the United States and around the world. Additionally, Rockwell is now able to independently price its products, eliminate costs associated with manufacturing covenants, improve manufacturing efficiencies and realize the full benefits from those improvements, and develop, in-license, or acquire new products to develop a broader kidney care products portfolio. This is expected to improve Rockwell's overall profitability and set the Company on a positive growth trajectory.
On June 29, 2023, the Company announced that it entered into a three-year co-promotion services agreement with B. Braun Medical Inc. ("B. Braun"), a leader in renal therapies including innovative, high-quality products for hemodialysis. As part of the agreement, Rockwell designates B. Braun as an independent, non-exclusive representative to promote the Company's hemodialysis concentrates products to dialysis providers in the United States with a focus on the west coast. All terms of the sale of any Rockwell product, including price, delivery schedule, and terms and conditions, are set by Rockwell at the Company's sole discretion. All orders are directed to, and processed by, Rockwell. B. Braun receives a fee for any sales generated by its promotional efforts.
On July 10, 2023, the Company executed and consummated the transactions contemplated by an Asset Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) with Evoqua Water Technologies LLC ("Evoqua") (the "Evoqua Acquisition"). Subject to the terms and conditions of the Purchase Agreement, at the closing of the transaction (the “Closing”), the Company purchased customer relationships, equipment and inventory from Evoqua, which were related to manufacturing and selling of hemodialysis concentrates products, all of which are manufactured under a contract manufacturing agreement with a third-party organization.
On September 18, 2023, Rockwell and our long-time partner, DaVita, a leading provider of kidney care, entered into an Amended and Restated Products Purchase Agreement (the "Amended Agreement"), which amends and restates the Product Purchase Agreement, dated July 1, 2019, as amended, under which the Company supplies DaVita with certain dialysis concentrates. Under the Amended Agreement, the Company and DaVita agreed to an increase in product pricing, effective September 1, 2023 and a one-time payment to Rockwell on or after December 1, 2023. The term of the Amended Agreement will expire on December 31, 2024. DaVita will have the right, in its sole discretion upon written notice to the Company given no later than September 30, 2024, to further extend the term through December 31, 2025. In the event of such an extension, product pricing will be increased for the extended term. In addition, DaVita is required to provide the Company with nine-month purchasing forecasts and a commitment to purchase at least the forecasted amounts. In the event that DaVita does not meet its forecasts, it is required to pay the Company for the amount forecasted, purchase additional product, or the Company may terminate the Amended Agreement. Upon expiration or termination of the Amended Agreement, and upon request by DaVita, the Company has agreed to provide transition services to DaVita during a transition period.
In 2023, Rockwell entered into several long-term product purchase agreements, which include supply and purchasing commitments from certain parties. These agreements include the largest non-profit dialysis provider in the United States; Concerto Renal Services, the largest provider of dialysis in skilled nursing facilities in the United States; Sanderling Renal Services, Inc., a full-service provider of in-center, home dialysis and renal telemedicine services focusing on patients in rural and underserved communities across the United States; Centers for Dialysis Care, the largest non-profit, independent outpatient
dialysis provider in Northeast Ohio; Houston Methodist, a leading health system and academic medical center; Dialyze Direct, a leading provider of home dialysis services in the skilled nursing facility setting; and Outset Medical (Nasdaq:OM), a medical technology company pioneering a first-of-its-kind technology to reduce the cost and complexity of dialysis with its Tablo® Hemodialysis System, which is FDA-cleared for use from the hospital to the home.
We also supply dialysis concentrates to distributors serving a number of foreign countries, primarily in the Americas and the Pacific Rim. Nipro Medical Corporation is the primary distributor of our dialysis concentrates in certain countries in Latin America that were not covered under the Distribution Agreement.
Dialysate concentrates accounted for approximately 97.2% of our revenue for the year ended December 31, 2023, of which approximately 91.5% was to distributors and customers for use in the United States.
Customers:
We currently operate in one market segment, the hemodialysis market, which involves the manufacture, sale and distribution of hemodialysis products to hemodialysis clinics, including pharmaceutical, dialysis concentrates, dialysis kits and other ancillary products used in the dialysis process.
DaVita, accounted for 47% of our concentrate sales in 2023 and 46% of our concentrate sales in 2022. Our accounts receivable from this customer were $2.1 million and $1.9 million as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. In July 2019, we entered into the Products Purchase Agreement with DaVita, with an initial term expiring on December 31, 2023. On April 6, 2022, the Company and DaVita entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement (the “SPA”), which provided for the issuance by the Company of up to $15 million of preferred stock to DaVita (see "Preferred Stock" section in Note 12 below). On September 18, 2023, we entered into the Amended Agreement with DaVita under which the Company supplies DaVita with certain dialysis concentrates. See "Material Agreements" below for more information on the Amended Agreement.
No other customers accounted for more than 10% of our sales in any of the last three years.
DaVita and Nipro Medical Corporation are important to our business, financial condition and results of operations. The loss of any significant accounts could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
See Item 1A “Risk Factors” for a discussion of certain risks related to our key customers.
The majority of our international sales in each of the last two years were sales to domestic distributors that were resold to end users outside the United States. Our total international sales, including sales made through domestic distributors for resale outside the United States, aggregated 9% and 9% of our overall sales in 2023 and 2022, respectively.
See Item 1A “Risk Factors” for a discussion of certain risks related to our foreign sales.
Competition:
In the United States, our principal competitor for concentrate products is Fresenius Medical Care NA (“Fresenius”), a vertically integrated manufacturer and marketer of dialysis devices, drugs and supplies and operator of dialysis clinics, which has substantially greater financial, technical, manufacturing, marketing, and research and development resources than we do. Fresenius, through its Fresenius Kidney Care division, operates approximately 2,600 clinics and treats approximately 37% of the in-center hemodialysis patients in the United States. Fresenius also manufactures and sells a full range of renal products, including dialysis machines, dialyzers, concentrates, and other supplies used in hemodialysis. Fresenius services clinics owned by others with its products where it commands a market leading position in its key product lines. Fresenius manufactures its concentrates in its own regional manufacturing facilities. Fresenius and Rockwell are the two major dialysis concentrate suppliers in the United States.
Quality Assurance and Control:
We have established a Quality Management System ("QMS"), which defines systems and procedures used to assure quality in the design, manufacture, and delivery of our finished device products.
We operate under FDA regulations and place significant emphasis on providing quality products and services to our customers. We have established an organizational structure and quality system procedures to ensure our device products are
designed and produced to meet product quality requirements and FDA guidelines. The Grapevine, Texas facility is certified to ISO 13485:2016. Dialysis products are manufactured and tested using validated equipment and defined process controls to ensure rigorous conformance to specifications. To assure quality and consistency of our dialysis concentrates, analytical testing is performed using validated instrument methods to verify that the chemical properties and microbial limits of each product lot comply with the specifications required by industry standards. Our concentrates are labeled per FDA's Labeling and Packaging Control Requirements, including a Unique Device Identifier ("UDI") code, to ensure traceability of distributed products. Our quality program activities also include qualification and ongoing assessments of suppliers of raw materials, packaging components and finished goods, and quality management reviews designed to inform management of key issues that may affect the quality of products, assess the effectiveness of our quality systems, and identify areas for improvement.
The raw materials and packaging materials for our hemodialysis concentrates, the components for our hemodialysis kits and the ancillary hemodialysis products we distribute are generally available from several potential suppliers. The raw materials for our concentrate products consist primarily of chemical ingredients which meet or exceed the requirements of United States Pharmacopeia (“USP”). Key raw materials used in our hemodialysis concentrates include USP grade sodium chloride, calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, potassium chloride, dextrose, citric acid, glacial acetic acid, and sodium bicarbonate. Key packaging components include drums, bottles, caps, film/bags, boxes, and labels. We generally negotiate pricing and approximate material quantities for our chemicals on an annual basis and utilize blanket purchase orders with monthly release schedules to meet our needs for production.
See Item 1A “Risk Factors” for a discussion of certain risks related to our key suppliers.
Distribution and Delivery Operations:
The majority of our domestic dialysis concentrate products are delivered through our subsidiary, Rockwell Transportation, Inc., which operates a fleet of trucks used to deliver products to our customers. Rockwell distribution and delivery operated under the Distribution Agreement on behalf of Baxter for domestic business. On November 9, 2022, Rockwell reacquired its distribution rights to its hemodialysis concentrates products from Baxter and agreed to terminate the exclusive distribution agreement dated October 2, 2014. Exclusivity and other provisions associated with the distribution agreement terminated November 9, 2022 and the remaining operational elements of the agreement terminated December 31, 2022. Rockwell agreed to provide certain services to a subgroup of Baxter's customers until March 31, 2023.
Triferic
Triferic (dialysate) and Triferic AVNU are indicated to maintain hemoglobin in patients undergoing hemodialysis. We began commercializing Triferic and Triferic AVNU in the United States in the second half of 2019 and in early 2021, respectively.
In 2022, Rockwell undertook a strategic review of Triferic's viability in the United States. Triferic was launched into a very competitive marketplace with well-entrenched products and a lack of consensus regarding unmet medical needs for dialysis patients with anemia. Due to its limited market adoption, unfavorable reimbursement, and absence of interest from other companies to license or acquire Triferic despite Rockwell's significant effort to partner the program, the Company discontinued its New Drug Applications ("NDAs") for Triferic and Triferic AVNU in the United States in the fourth quarter of 2022. Sustaining Triferic commercially in the United States resulted in losses to Rockwell annually. The decision to discontinue the NDAs was not made lightly as the Company realizes the direct impact this action had on patients using the products. Triferic and its approved presentations were not discontinued for safety reasons. Rockwell continues to support its partners outside the United States that have exclusive license agreements to develop and commercialize Triferic.
MATERIAL AGREEMENTS
Distribution Agreement with Baxter
Pursuant to the Exclusive Distribution Agreement dated October 2, 2014 (as amended, the “Distribution Agreement”), Baxter was our exclusive agent for commercializing our hemodialysis concentrate and ancillary products in the United States to clinics other than DaVita and various foreign countries for an initial term of 10 years ending October 2, 2024. We retained sales, marketing and distribution rights for our hemodialysis concentrate products for our international customers and in those countries in which we had an established commercial presence. In the fourth quarter of 2022, Rockwell reacquired its distribution rights to its hemodialysis concentrates products from Baxter and terminated the Distribution Agreement. Rockwell was required to pay Baxter a fee for the reacquisition of its distribution rights. This fee was paid in two equal installments on January 1, 2023 and April 1, 2023.
Following the reacquisition of the distribution rights, Rockwell is now able to sell its hemodialysis concentrates products to dialysis clinics throughout the United States and around the world.
Products Purchase Agreement with DaVita
On September 18, 2023, Rockwell and our long-time partner, DaVita, a leading provider of kidney care, entered into the Amended Agreement. Under the Amended Agreement, the Company and DaVita agreed to an increase in product pricing, effective September 1, 2023 and a one-time payment of $0.4 million to Rockwell on or after December 1, 2023. The term of the Amended Agreement will expire on December 31, 2024. DaVita will have the right, in its sole discretion upon written notice to the Company given no later than September 30, 2024, to further extend the term through December 31, 2025. In the event of such an extension, product pricing will be increased for the extended term. In addition, DaVita is required to provide the Company with nine-month purchasing forecasts and a commitment to purchase at least the forecasted amounts. In the event that DaVita does not meet its forecasts, it is required to pay the Company for the amount forecasted, purchase additional product, or the Company may terminate the Amended Agreement. Upon expiration or termination of the Amended Agreement, and upon request by DaVita, the Company has agreed to provide transition services to DaVita during a transition period.
Product License Agreements
We are party to a Licensing Agreement between the Company and Charak, LLC (“Charak”) dated January 7, 2002 (the “2002 Agreement”) that grants the Company exclusive worldwide rights to certain patents and information related to our Triferic products. On October 7, 2018, we entered into a Master Services and IP Agreement (the “Charak MSA”) with Charak and Dr. Ajay Gupta, who is the former Executive Vice President and Chief Scientific Officer of the Company. Pursuant to the Charak MSA, the parties entered into three additional agreements described below related to the license of certain soluble ferric pyrophosphate (“SFP”) intellectual property owned by Charak, as well as the Employment Agreement (defined below). The Charak MSA provided for a payment of $1,000,000 to Dr. Gupta, payable in four quarterly installments of $250,000 each on October 15, 2018, January 15, 2019, April 15, 2019 and July 15, 2019, and reimbursement for certain legal fees incurred in connection with the Charak MSA. As of December 31, 2019, all payments under the Charak MSA were paid.
Pursuant to the Charak MSA, the aforementioned parties entered into an Amendment, dated as of October 7, 2018 (the “Charak Amendment”), to the 2002 Agreement, under which Charak granted the Company an exclusive, worldwide, non-transferable license to commercialize SFP for the treatment of patients with renal failure. The Charak Amendment amends the royalty payments due to Charak under the 2002 Agreement such that the Company is liable to pay Charak royalties on net sales by the Company of products developed under the license, which includes the Company’s Triferic product, at a specified rate until December 31, 2021 and thereafter at a reduced rate from January 1, 2022 until February 1, 2034. In addition, the Company is required to pay Charak a percentage of any sublicense income during the term of the agreement, which amount shall not be less than a minimum specified percentage of net sales of the licensed products by the sublicensee in jurisdictions where there exists a valid patent claim, on a country-by-country basis, and not be less than a lower rate of the net sales of the licensed products by the sublicensee in jurisdictions where there exists no valid patent claim, on a country-by-country basis.
Also pursuant to the Charak MSA, the Company and Charak entered into a Commercialization and Technology License Agreement Triferic IV, dated as of October 7, 2018 (the “IV Agreement”), under which Charak granted the Company an exclusive, sublicensable, royalty-bearing license to SFP for the purpose of commercializing certain intravenous-delivered products incorporating SFP for the treatment of iron disorders worldwide for a term that expires on the later of February 1, 2034 or upon the expiration or termination of a valid claim of a licensed patent. The Company is liable to pay Charak royalties on net sales by the Company of products developed under the license at a specified rate until December 31, 2021. From January 1, 2022 until February 1, 2034, the Company is liable to pay Charak a base royalty at a reduced rate on net sales and an additional royalty on net sales while there exists a valid claim of a licensed patent, on a country-by-country basis. The Company shall also pay to Charak a percentage of any sublicense income received during the term of the IV Agreement, which amount shall not be less than a minimum specified percentage of net sales of the licensed products by the sublicensee in jurisdictions where there exists a valid claim, on a country-by-country basis, and no be less than a lower rate of the net sales of the licensed products by the sublicensee in jurisdictions where there exists no valid claim, on a country-by-country basis.
Also pursuant to the Charak MSA, the Company and Charak entered into a Technology License Agreement TPN Triferic, dated as of October 7, 2018 (the “TPN Agreement”), pursuant to which Charak granted the Company an exclusive, sublicensable, royalty-bearing license to SFP for the purpose of commercializing worldwide certain Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN) products incorporating SFP. The license grant under the TPN Agreement continues for a term that expires on the later of February 1, 2034 or upon the expiration or termination of a valid claim of a licensed patent. During the term of the TPN Agreement, the Company is liable to pay Charak a base royalty on net sales and an additional royalty on net sales while there exists a valid claim of a licensed patent, on a country-by-country basis. The Company shall also pay to Charak a percentage of
any sublicense income received during the term of the TPN Agreement, which amount shall not be less than a minimum royalty on net sales of the licensed products by the sublicensee in jurisdictions where there exists a valid claim, on a country-by-country basis, and not be less than a lower rate of the net sales of the licensed products by the sublicensee in jurisdictions where there exists no valid claim, on a country-by-country basis.
GOVERNMENT REGULATION
We are regulated by the FDA under the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (the "FD&C Act"), as well as by other federal, state and local agencies. We hold several FDA product approvals including medical devices.
The testing, manufacture and sale of our hemodialysis concentrates and the ancillary products we distribute are subject to regulation by numerous governmental authorities, principally the FDA and corresponding state and foreign agencies. Under the FD&C Act, and FDA regulations, the FDA regulates the pre-clinical and clinical testing, manufacture, labeling, distribution and marketing of medical devices and drugs. Noncompliance with applicable requirements can result in, among other things, fines, injunctions, civil penalties, recall or seizure of products, total or partial suspension of production, failure of the government to grant pre-market clearance or pre-market approval for devices, withdrawal of marketing clearances or approvals and criminal prosecution.
Medical Device Approval and Regulation
Pursuant to its authority under the FD&C Act, the FDA has jurisdiction over medical devices. The FDA regulates, among other things, the research, design, development, preclinical and clinical testing, manufacturing, safety, effectiveness, packaging, labeling, storage, recordkeeping, pre-market clearance or approval, adverse event reporting, marketing, promotion, sales, distribution and import and export of medical devices. Unless an exemption applies, each new or significantly modified medical device requires either a premarket notification to the FDA requesting permission for commercial distribution under Section 510(k) of the FD&C Act, also referred to as a 510(k) clearance, or FDA approval of a premarket approval application ("PMA").
Device Classification
Under the FD&C Act, medical devices are classified into one of three classes-Class I, Class II or Class III-depending on the degree of risk associated with each medical device and the extent of control needed to provide reasonable assurances with respect to safety and effectiveness.
Class I includes devices with the lowest risk to the patient and are those for which safety and effectiveness can be reasonably assured by adherence to General Controls, which require compliance with the applicable portions of the FDA’s Quality System Regulation ("QSR"), facility registration and product listing, reporting of adverse events and malfunctions, and appropriate, truthful and non-misleading labeling and promotional materials. Some Class I devices also require premarket clearance by the FDA through the 510(k) premarket notification process described below. Most Class I products are exempt from the premarket notification requirements.
Class II devices are those that are subject to the General Controls, as well as Special Controls as deemed necessary by the FDA to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the device. These Special Controls can include performance standards, patient registries, FDA guidance documents, and post-market surveillance. Most Class II devices are subject to premarket review and clearance by the FDA. Premarket review and clearance by the FDA for Class II devices is accomplished through the 510(k) premarket notification process.
Class III devices include devices deemed by the FDA to pose the greatest risk such as life-supporting or life-sustaining devices, or implantable devices, in addition to those deemed novel and not substantially equivalent following the 510(k) process. The safety and effectiveness of Class III devices cannot be reasonably assured solely by the General Controls and Special Controls described above. Therefore, these devices are subject to the PMA application process, which is generally more costly and time-consuming than the 510(k) process. Through the PMA application process, the applicant must submit data and information demonstrating reasonable assurance of the safety and effectiveness of the device for its intended use to the FDA’s satisfaction.
510(k) Pathway
To obtain 510(k) clearance, a premarket notification must be submitted under Section 510(k) of the FD&C Act demonstrating that the proposed device is “substantially equivalent” to a predicate device. A predicate device is a legally-
marketed device that is not subject to premarket approval, i.e., a device that was legally marketed prior to May 28, 1976 (pre-amendments device) and for which a PMA is not required, a device that has been reclassified from Class III to Class II or I, or a device that was found substantially equivalent through the 510(k) process. To be “substantially equivalent,” the proposed device must have the same intended use as the predicate device, and either have the same technological characteristics as the predicate device or have different technological characteristics and not raise different questions of safety or effectiveness than the predicate device. Clinical data is sometimes required to support substantial equivalence. The FDA’s 510(k) clearance pathway usually takes from three to 12 months from the date the notification is submitted, but it can take considerably longer, depending on the extent of FDA’s requests for additional information and the amount of time a sponsor takes to fulfill them. After a 510(k) is submitted, the FDA determines whether to accept it for substantive review. If it lacks necessary information for substantive review, the FDA will refuse to accept the 510(k) submission. If it is accepted for filing, the FDA begins a substantive review. By statute, the FDA is required to complete its review of a 510(k) premarket notification within 90 days of receiving the 510(k) submission. As a practical matter, clearance often takes longer, and clearance is never assured.
Although many 510(k) premarket notifications are cleared without clinical data, the FDA may require further information, including clinical data, to make a determination regarding substantial equivalence, which may significantly prolong the review process. If the FDA agrees that the device is substantially equivalent to a predicate device, it will grant clearance to commercially market the device. If the FDA determines that the device is not “substantially equivalent” to a predicate device, or if the device is automatically classified into Class III, the device sponsor must then fulfill the much more rigorous premarketing requirements of the PMA process, or seek reclassification of the device through the de novo process.
After a device receives 510(k) clearance, any modification, including modification to or deviation from design, manufacturing processes, materials, packaging and sterilization that could significantly affect its safety or effectiveness, or that would constitute a new or major change in its intended use, may require a new 510(k) clearance or, depending on the modification, could require a PMA application. The FDA requires each manufacturer to make this determination initially, but the FDA can review any such decision and can disagree with a manufacturer’s determination. If the FDA requires a new 510(k) clearance or approval of a PMA application for any modifications to a previously-cleared product, the applicant may be required to cease marketing or recall the modified device until clearance or approval is received. In addition, in these circumstances, the FDA can impose significant regulatory fines or penalties for failure to submit the requisite 510(k) or PMA application(s).
Medical device types that the FDA has not previously classified as Class I, II, or III are automatically classified into Class III regardless of the level of risk they pose. The Food and Drug Administration Modernization Act of 1997 established a new route to market for low to moderate risk medical devices that are automatically placed into Class III due to the absence of a predicate device, called the “Request for Evaluation of Automatic Class III Designation,” or the de novo classification procedure.
The de novo classification procedure allows a manufacturer whose novel device is automatically classified into Class III to request down-classification of its medical device into Class I or Class II on the basis that the device presents low or moderate risk, rather than requiring the submission and approval of a PMA application. Prior to the enactment of the Food and Drug Administration Safety and Innovation Act of 2012 (the "FDASIA"), a medical device could only be eligible for de novo classification if the manufacturer first submitted a 510(k) premarket notification and received a determination from the FDA that the device was not substantially equivalent. The FDASIA streamlined the de novo classification pathway by permitting manufacturers to request de novo classification directly without first submitting a 510(k) premarket notification to the FDA and receiving a not substantially equivalent determination. Under the FDASIA, the FDA is required to classify the device within 120 days following receipt of the de novo application, though in practice the process may take significantly longer. If the manufacturer seeks reclassification into Class II, the manufacturer must include a draft proposal for Special Controls that are necessary to provide a reasonable assurance of the safety and effectiveness of the medical device. In addition, the FDA may reject the reclassification petition if it identifies a legally marketed predicate device that would be appropriate for a 510(k) or determines that the device is not low to moderate risk or that General Controls would be inadequate to control the risks and Special Controls cannot be developed.
PMA Pathway
A PMA must be submitted if a device cannot be cleared through the 510(k) clearance or de novo process. A PMA must be supported by extensive data, including, but not limited to, technical information, preclinical data, clinical trial data, manufacturing data, and labeling, to demonstrate to the FDA’s satisfaction the safety and efficacy of the device for its intended use.
Following receipt of a PMA, the FDA conducts an administrative review to determine whether the application is sufficiently complete to permit a substantive review. If it is not, the agency will refuse to file the PMA. If it is, the FDA will accept the application for filing and begin the review. The FDA, by statute and by regulation, has 180 days to review a filed PMA, although the review of an application more often occurs over a significantly longer period of time. During this review period, the FDA may request additional information or clarification of information already provided, and the FDA may issue a major deficiency letter to the applicant, requesting the applicant’s response to deficiencies communicated by the FDA. The FDA considers a PMA or PMA supplement to have been voluntarily withdrawn if an applicant fails to respond to an FDA request for information (e.g., major deficiency letter) within a total of 360 days. Before approving or denying a PMA, an FDA advisory panel may review the PMA at a public meeting and provide the FDA with the committee’s recommendation on whether the FDA should approve the submission, approve it with specific conditions, or not approve it. The FDA is not bound by the recommendations of an advisory panel, but it considers such recommendations carefully when making decisions. Prior to approval of a PMA, the FDA may conduct a bioresearch monitoring inspection of the clinical trial data and clinical trial sites, and a QSR inspection of the manufacturing facility and processes. The FDA can delay, limit, or deny approval of a PMA for many reasons, including:
•the device may not be shown safe or effective to the FDA’s satisfaction;
•the data from preclinical studies and/or clinical trials may be found unreliable or insufficient to support approval;
•the manufacturing process or facilities may not meet applicable requirements; and
•changes in FDA approval policies or adoption of new regulations may require additional data.
If the FDA evaluation of a PMA is favorable, the FDA will issue either an approval letter or an approvable letter. The latter usually contains a number of conditions that must be met in order to secure final approval of the PMA. When and if those conditions have been fulfilled to the satisfaction of the FDA, the agency will issue a PMA approval letter authorizing commercial marketing of the device, subject to the conditions of approval and the limitations established in the approval letter. If the FDA’s evaluation of a PMA or manufacturing facilities is not favorable, the FDA will deny approval of the PMA or issue a not approvable letter. The FDA also may determine that additional tests or clinical trials are necessary, in which case the PMA approval may be delayed for several months or years while the trials are conducted and data are submitted in an amendment to the PMA, or the PMA is withdrawn and resubmitted when the data are available. The PMA process can be expensive, uncertain, and lengthy and a number of devices for which the FDA approval has been sought by other companies have never been approved by the FDA for marketing.
New PMAs or PMA supplements may be required for modifications to the manufacturing process, equipment or facility, quality control procedures, sterilization, packaging, expiration date, labeling, device specifications, components, materials or design of a device that has been approved through the PMA process. PMA supplements often require submission of the same type of information as an initial PMA, except that the supplement is limited to information needed to support any changes from the device covered by the approved PMA and may or may not require as extensive technical or clinical data or the convening of an advisory panel, depending on the nature of the proposed change.
In approving a PMA, as a condition of approval, the FDA may also require some form of postmarket studies or postmarket surveillance, whereby the applicant follows certain patient groups for a number of years and makes periodic reports to the FDA on the clinical status of those patients when necessary to protect the public health or to provide additional or longer term safety and effectiveness data for the device. The FDA may require postmarket surveillance for certain devices approved under a PMA or cleared under a 510(k) notification, such as implants or life-supporting or life-sustaining devices used outside a device user facility, devices where the failure of which would be reasonably likely to have serious adverse health consequences, or devices expected to have significant use in pediatric populations. The FDA may also approve a PMA with other post-approval conditions intended to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the device, such as, among other things, restrictions on labeling, promotion, sale, distribution, and use.
Clinical Trials
Clinical trials are almost always required to support a PMA and are sometimes required for a 510(k) premarket notification. In the United States, these trials often require submission of an application for an investigational device exemption ("IDE") if the investigation involves a significant risk device. Some types of studies deemed to present “non-significant risk” are deemed to have an approved IDE-without affirmative submission of an IDE application to the FDA-once certain requirements are addressed and institutional review board ("IRB") approval is obtained. The IDE application must be supported by appropriate data, such as animal and laboratory testing results, showing that it is safe to test the device in humans and that the testing protocol is scientifically sound. The IDE must be approved in advance by the FDA for a specified number of patients, unless the product candidate is deemed a non-significant risk device and is eligible for more abbreviated IDE requirements. Clinical trials for a significant risk device may begin once the IDE application is approved by the FDA and
appropriate IRBs at the clinical trial sites. Submission of an IDE will not necessarily result in the ability to commence clinical trials, and although the FDA’s approval of an IDE allows clinical testing to go forward for a specified number of subjects, it does not bind the FDA to accept the results of the trial as sufficient to prove the product’s safety and efficacy, even if the trial meets its intended success criteria.
All clinical trials must be conducted in accordance with the FDA’s IDE regulations that govern investigational device labeling, prohibit promotion, and specify an array of recordkeeping, reporting and monitoring responsibilities of study sponsors and study investigators. Clinical trials must further comply with the FDA’s Good Clinical Practices ("GCP") requirements for IRB approval and for informed consent and other human subject protections. Required records and reports are subject to inspection by the FDA. The results of clinical testing may be unfavorable, or, even if the intended safety and efficacy success criteria are achieved, may not be considered sufficient for the FDA to grant marketing approval or clearance of a product candidate.
Postmarket Requirements-U.S.
After the FDA permits a device to enter commercial distribution, numerous regulatory requirements continue to apply. These include:
•establishment registration and device listing with the FDA;
•the FDA’s QSR, which requires manufacturers, including third-party manufacturers, to follow stringent design, testing, production, control, supplier/contractor selection, complaint handling, documentation and other quality assurance procedures during all aspects of the manufacturing process;
•labeling regulations, unique device identification requirements and FDA prohibitions against the promotion of products for uncleared, unapproved or off-label uses;
•advertising and promotion requirements;
•Restrictions on sale, distribution or use of a device;
•PMA annual reporting requirements;
•PMA approval or clearance of a 510(k) for certain product modifications;
•medical device reporting regulations, which require that manufacturers report to the FDA if their device may have caused or contributed to a death or serious injury or malfunctioned in a way that would likely cause or contribute to a death or serious injury if the malfunction were to recur;
•medical device correction and removal reporting regulations, which require that manufacturers report to the FDA field corrections and product recalls or removals if undertaken to reduce a risk to health posed by the device or to remedy a violation of the FD&C Act that may present a risk to health;
•recall requirements, including a mandatory recall if there is a reasonable probability that the device would cause serious adverse health consequences or death;
•an order of repair, replacement or refund;
•device tracking requirements; and
•post-market surveillance regulations, which apply when necessary to protect the public health or to provide additional safety and effectiveness data for the device.
Additionally, manufacturers are subject to unannounced inspections by the FDA to determine compliance with the QSR, which cover the methods and the facilities and controls for the design, manufacture, testing, production, processes, controls, quality assurance, labeling, packaging, distribution, installation and servicing of finished devices intended for human use. The QSR also requires, among other things, maintenance of a device master file, device history file, and complaint files. Manufacturers are subject to periodic scheduled or unscheduled inspections by the FDA. A failure to maintain compliance with the QSR requirements could result in the shut-down of, or restrictions on, manufacturing operations and the recall or seizure of products. The discovery of previously unknown problems with products, including unanticipated adverse events or adverse events of increasing severity or frequency, whether resulting from the use of the device within the scope of its clearance or approval or off-label by a physician in the practice of medicine, could result in restrictions on the device, including the removal of the product from the market or voluntary or mandatory device recalls. In addition, the FDA can issue warning letters or untitled letters, impose injunctions, suspend regulatory clearance or approvals, ban certain medical devices, detain or seize adulterated or misbranded medical devices, order repair, replacement or refund of these devices, and require notification of health professionals and others with regard to medical devices that present unreasonable risks of substantial harm to the public health. The FDA may also initiate action for civil penalties and/or criminal prosecution of such violations.
There are also certain requirements of state, local, and foreign governments that we must comply with in the manufacturing and marketing of our products. We will need to maintain customer complaint files, record all lot numbers of disposable products, and conduct periodic audits to assure compliance with applicable regulations. We place special emphasis
on customer training and advise all customers that device operation should be undertaken only by qualified personnel. In addition to laws and regulations in the United States, we are subject to a variety of laws and regulations in other jurisdictions governing, among other things, clinical trials and any commercial sales and distribution of our product candidates.
Postmarket Requirements-EU
The regulatory review process varies from country to country and may in some cases require the submission of clinical data. Our international sales are subject to regulatory requirements in the countries in which our product candidates are sold. In addition, the EU has adopted the EU Medical Device Regulation (EU 2017/745) (the “EU MDR”) which imposes stricter requirements for the marketing and sale of medical devices than in the United States, including in the area of clinical evaluation requirements, quality systems and post-market surveillance. The transition period provided for in the EU MDR for existing CE certifications issued under the previous Medical Devices Directive will end on May 26, 2024. For certain medical devices, the transition period was extended, ending between December, 31, 2026 and December 31, 2028, depending on the class of the device and the fulfillment of certain additional conditions. (Regulation (EU) 2023/607). Complying with these regulations may require us to incur significant expenditures. Failure to meet these regulatory requirements could adversely impact our business in the EU and other regions that tie their product registrations to the EU requirements.
We are also subject to numerous federal, state and local laws relating to such matters as safe working conditions, manufacturing practices, environmental protection, fire hazard control, transportation and disposal of hazardous or potentially hazardous substances.
Our hemodialysis concentrate products and other ancillary devices are subject the FDA 510(k) requirements.
We have 510(k) clearance from the FDA to market hemodialysis concentrates in both liquid and powder form. In addition, we have received 510(k) clearance for our Dry Acid Concentrate Mixer.
We must comply with the FD&C Act and related laws and regulations, including cGMP, to retain 510(k) clearances. We cannot assure you that we will be able to maintain our 510(k) clearances from the FDA to manufacture and distribute our products. If we fail to maintain our 510(k) clearances, we may be required to cease manufacturing and/or distributing our products, which would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. If any of our FDA clearances are denied or rescinded, sales of our products in the United States would be prohibited during the period we do not have such clearances.
Other Government Regulations
The federal and state governments in the United States, as well as many foreign governments, from time to time explore ways to reduce medical care costs through health care reform. Due to uncertainties regarding the ultimate features of reform initiatives and their enactment and implementation, we cannot predict what impact any reform proposal ultimately adopted may have on the pharmaceutical and medical device industry or on our business or operating results. Our activities are subject to various federal, state and local laws and regulations regarding occupational safety, laboratory practices, and environmental protection and may be subject to other present and possible future local, state, federal and foreign regulations. We do not expect that compliance with these regulations, including environmental laws, will have a material adverse impact on our financial condition.
In August 2022, Congress passed the Inflation Reduction Act (“IRA”), which authorizes the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to negotiate prices of certain drugs with participating manufacturers in federal healthcare programs. The IRA provides Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services ("CMS") with significant new authorities intended to curb drug costs and to encourage market competition. For the first time, CMS will be able to directly negotiate prescription drug prices and to cap out-of-pocket costs. Each year, CMS will select and negotiate a preset number of high-spend drugs and biologics that are covered under Medicare Part B and Part D that do not have generic or biosimilar competition. These price negotiations began in 2023. The IRA also provides a new “inflation rebate” covering Medicare patients that took effect in 2023 and is intended to counter certain price increases in prescriptions drugs. The inflation rebate provision will require drug manufacturers to pay a rebate to the federal government if the price for a drug or biologic under Medicare Part B and Part D increases faster than the rate of inflation. Notwithstanding these provisions, the IRA’s impact on commercialization and competition remains largely uncertain.
Other restrictions under applicable federal and state healthcare laws and regulations may include the following:
•the federal Physician Self-Referral Law, which prohibits a physician from making referrals for certain designated health services payable by Medicare to an entity with which he or she (or an immediate family member) has a financial relationship, and prohibits the entity from presenting or causing to be presented claims to Medicare for those referred services;
•the federal Anti-Kickback Statute, which prohibits, among other things, persons or entities from soliciting, receiving, offering or providing remuneration, directly or indirectly, where one purpose is to induce either the referral of an individual for, or the purchase order or recommendation of, any item or services for which payment may be made under a federal healthcare program such as the Medicare and Medicaid programs. The U.S. government has interpreted this law broadly to apply to the marketing and sales activities of medical device manufacturers;
•the federal civil and criminal false claims laws, including the False Claims Act (“FCA”), which prohibits, among other things, individuals or entities from knowingly presenting, or causing to be presented, claims for payment from Medicare, Medicaid or other federal healthcare programs that are false or fraudulent. Moreover, the government may assert that a claim including items or services resulting from a violation of the federal Anti-Kickback Statute constitutes a false or fraudulent claim for purposes of the FCA;
•the federal Civil Monetary Penalties Law, which prohibits, among other things, offering or transferring remuneration to a federal healthcare beneficiary that a person knows or should know is likely to influence the beneficiary’s decision to order or receive items or services reimbursable by the government from a particular provider or supplier;
•the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (“HIPAA”), which, in addition to privacy protections applicable to healthcare providers and other entities, prohibits, among other things, executing a scheme to defraud any healthcare benefit program and making false statements relating to healthcare matters;
•the federal Physician Payments Sunshine Act which requires certain applicable manufacturers of drugs, devices, biologics and medical supplies for which payment is available under certain federal healthcare programs, to monitor and report to CMS, certain payments and other transfers of value to physicians (defined to include doctors, dentists, optometrists, podiatrists and chiropractors); certain other healthcare providers, including physician assistants and nurse practitioners, and teaching hospitals; as well as ownership and investment interests held by physicians and their immediate family members;
•U.S. federal consumer protection and unfair competition laws, which broadly regulate marketplace activities that potentially harm customers; and
•state law equivalents of each of the above federal laws, such as anti-kickback and false claims laws, which may apply to item or services reimbursed by any third-party payor, including commercial insurers; state laws requiring device companies to comply with specific compliance standards, restrict payments made to healthcare providers and other potential referral sources, and report information related to payments and other transfers of value to healthcare providers or marketing expenditures and state laws related to insurance fraud in the case of claims involving private insurers.
The approval procedures for the marketing of our products in foreign countries vary from country to country, and the time required for approval may be longer or shorter than that required for FDA approval. We generally depend on our foreign distributors or marketing partners to obtain the appropriate regulatory approvals to market our products in those countries, which may or may not require additional testing for products that have received FDA approval.
However, since medical practice and governmental regulations differ across regions, further testing may be needed to support market introduction in some foreign countries. Some foreign regulatory agencies may require additional studies involving patients located in their countries. Even after foreign approvals are obtained, further delays may be encountered before products may be marketed. Issues related to import and export can delay product introduction. Many countries require additional governmental approval for price reimbursement under national health insurance systems.
PATENTS, TRADEMARKS AND TRADE SECRETS
We have several trademarks and service marks used on our products and in our advertising and promotion of our products, and we have applied for registration of such marks in the United States and several foreign countries. Most such applications have resulted in registration of such trademarks and service marks.
As of December 31, 2023, we owned or had the rights to 6 issued patents (4 U.S. and 2 foreign) and 1 pending foreign application. Patents and patent applications owned or licensed by us include claims to FPC in both dialysate and IV
compositions, formulations and methods of making and parenteral nutritional compositions including Triferic. We have allowed several Charak-licensed and Company-owned patents and applications that are not material to our business to lapse.
United States Foreign
Description Issued Expiration Pending Issued Expiration Pending
Triferic (IV and Dialysate) 3 2027 - 2036 - 2 2028 - 2034 1
Triferic (TPN) 1 2030 - - -
Total 4 - 2 1
See Item 1A “Risk Factors” for a discussion of certain risks related to our intellectual property.
Human Capital
As of December 31, 2023, we had 237 employees, substantially all of whom are full time employees. Our arrangements with our employees are not governed by any collective bargaining agreement. Our employees are employed on an “at-will” basis.
Our key human capital management objectives are to identify, recruit, integrate, retain and motivate our new and existing employees. We believe that our compensation and benefit programs are appropriately designed to attract and retain qualified talent. Employees receive an annual base salary and are eligible to earn a performance-based merit increase and cash bonuses. To create and maintain a successful work environment, we offer a comprehensive package of additional benefits that support the physical and mental health and wellness of all of our employees and their families. Additionally, we grant equity awards to enable directors, officers, senior and manager-level employees to share in the performance of the Company.
We are committed to a safe workplace for our employees and have implemented health and safety management processes into our operations. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we continue to follow the CDC protocol for safe return-to-work for affected employees and remain steadfast in our efforts to keep employees healthy and protected.

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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
Item 1A. Risk Factors.
Investing in our common stock involves a high degree of risk and there can be no assurance that our future results will meet expectations. You should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties described below, together with all of the other information contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, before purchasing our common stock. If we are unable to successfully address these risks and challenges, our business, financial condition, results of operations, or prospects could be materially and adversely affected. If any of these risks actually occur, our business, financial condition or results of operations would likely suffer. In that case, the trading price of our common stock could fall, and you may lose all or part of the money you paid to buy our common stock. It is not possible to predict or identify all such risks; our operations could also be affected by factors, events or uncertainties that are not presently known to us or that we currently do not consider to present significant risks to our operations. Therefore, you should not consider the following risks to be a complete statement of all the potential risks or uncertainties that we face.
RISK FACTOR SUMMARY
•We have limited capital resources and will likely need additional funding to operate and expand our business. If we are unable to raise additional capital on attractive terms, or at all, we may be unable to grow our operations.
•Our A&R Loan Agreement with Innovatus contains certain covenants that could adversely affect our operations and, if an event of default were to occur, we could be forced to repay the outstanding indebtedness sooner than planned and possibly at a time when we do not have sufficient capital to meet this obligation. The occurrence of any of these events could cause a significant adverse impact on our business, prospects and share price.
•Our existing capital resources may not be adequate to finance our operating cash requirements beyond the length of time that we have estimated and additional capital that we may need to operate or expand our business may not be available.
•Our agreement with our largest customer in our concentrates business is set to expire on December 31, 2024 and our inability to negotiate a new agreement would have a material and adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
•Market dynamics in our concentrates business that have resulted in lower volumes could lead to the implementation of cost-saving measures that would have a material and adverse effect on our business.
•We may fail to realize the anticipated benefits of the Evoqua Acquisition, including an improved financial position, and those benefits may take longer to realize than expected.
•Our business is highly regulated, resulting in additional expense and risk of noncompliance that can materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial position and cash flows.
•Our business operations may subject us to numerous commercial disputes, claims, lawsuits and/or investigations.
•Our business could be adversely affected by economic downturns, inflation, increases in interest rates, natural disasters, public health crises, cybercrime, political crises, geopolitical events, such as the crisis in Ukraine and the Middle East, or other macroeconomic conditions, which could have a material and adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.
RISKS RELATED TO OUR FINANCIAL POSITION
We have limited capital resources and will likely need additional funding to operate and expand our business. If we are unable to raise additional capital on attractive terms, or at all, we may be unable to sustain our operations.
We have limited capital resources, a cumulative deficit of approximately $397.2 million since inception and we may incur further losses. As of December 31, 2023, we had approximately $10.9 million of cash, cash equivalents and investments available-for-sale, and working capital of $12.1 million. Net cash used in operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2023 was approximately $9.4 million.
In March 2020, we entered into a Loan and Security Agreement (the "Loan Agreement") with Innovatus Life Sciences Lending Fund I, LP, ("Innovatus") to make certain term loans to the Company in the aggregate principal amount of up to $35 million. Net draw down proceeds at closing were approximately $21 million, net of estimated fees and expenses. As of December 31, 2023, $8 million remains drawn under the Loan Agreement. While we expect to have sufficient capital through 12 months from the date of this filing, there is uncertainty beyond that period.
Our ability to fund our planned activities will be dependent upon our ability to restructure our contracts with some of our customers, raise additional capital, control our costs and maintain or increase our gross margin on sales. These factors are subject to significant risks and uncertainties and there can be no assurance that we will be successful in raising additional capital, controlling costs and restructuring our customer relationships. If we are unable to achieve one or all of these objectives, we may be forced to implement further cost-saving measures that could have a negative impact on our activities. If we are unable to increase our revenues and decrease our expenses or raise any required capital, we may be forced to curtail our activities and, ultimately, cease operations. In addition, our day-to-day operations depend in part on the amount of credit our suppliers will extend to us. If we are unable to maintain a favorable financial position, that credit may be curtailed, which could significantly impact our operations. Even if we are able to raise sufficient capital, such financings may only be available on unattractive terms, or result in significant dilution of stockholders’ interests and, in such event, the market price of our common stock may decline.
Our A&R Loan Agreement with Innovatus contains certain covenants that could adversely affect our operations and, if an event of default were to occur, we could be forced to repay the outstanding indebtedness sooner than planned and possibly at a time when we do not have sufficient capital to meet this obligation. The occurrence of any of these events could cause a significant adverse impact on our business, prospects and share price.
Pursuant to the A&R Loan Agreement, we have pledged substantially all of our assets and the assets of our subsidiary, Rockwell Transportation, Inc., and have agreed that we may not sell or assign rights to our patents and other intellectual property without the prior consent of Innovatus. Additionally, the Loan Agreement contains customary representations and warranties and affirmative covenants, subject to customary carve outs, and includes financial covenants related to liquidity and actual hemodialysis products revenue (measured on a biannual basis). The A&R Loan Agreement also contains negative covenants that, among other things, restrict our ability to:
•incur additional indebtedness;
•grant liens;
•make distributions, including dividends;
•enter into a merger or consolidation;
•alter the business of the Company; or
•sell all or a portion of the Company’s property, business or assets.
These terms of the A&R Loan Agreement could prevent us from taking certain actions without the consent of our lenders, which may limit our flexibility in operating our business and our ability to take actions that might be advantageous to us and our stockholders, placing us at a competitive disadvantage compared to our competitors who have less leverage and who therefore may be able to take advantage of opportunities that our leverage prevents us from exploiting. These covenants could also limit our ability to make needed capital expenditures or otherwise conduct necessary or desirable business activities. If we cannot maintain compliance with the covenants under our A&R Loan Agreement, we may trigger an event of default. Our ability to comply with these covenants may be adversely affected by events beyond our control. For example, on November 10, 2022, we entered into the Second Amendment to Loan Agreement under which we (i) prepaid an aggregate principal amount of $5.0 million in outstanding term loans in one installment on November 14, 2022; (ii) agreed to make interest-only payments until September 2023 (at which time we resumed scheduled debt payments) in consideration for certain modifications to the financial covenants under the Loan Agreement. The A&R Loan Agreement provides for us to make interest-only payments for thirty months, or up to thirty-six months if certain conditions are met. The loan will mature on January 1, 2029, unless earlier repaid. The A&R Loan Agreement includes a financial covenant that requires actual consolidated revenue from the sale and supply of hemodialysis products for the trailing six-month period (ended on the date when tested), to be not less than 85.0% of the projections for the same period and, beginning with the quarter ending September 30, 2024, actual consolidated revenue from the sale and supply of hemodialysis products for the trailing six-month period (ended on the date when tested), to be not less than 80.0% of the projections for the same period. The A&R Loan Agreement also includes a liquidity covenant that requires that us to maintain minimum liquidity of the greater of (x) our three-month cash burn or (y) the sum of $1.5 million and the aggregate amount of capital lease payments required to be made during the succeeding 12 months (or during a continuing event of default, the aggregate amount of capital lease payments required to be made during the entire term of such capital leases). Although we are currently in compliance with all reporting and financial covenants, there can be no assurance that we will be able to continue to maintain compliance in the future.
The A&R Loan Agreement also includes customary events of default, including, among other things, a change of control or a failure to comply with certain of the covenants in the A&R Loan Agreement. Upon the occurrence and continuation of an event of default, all amounts due under the A&R Loan Agreement become (in the case of a bankruptcy event), or may become (in the case of all other events of default and at the option of Innovatus), immediately due and payable.
If an event of default under the A&R Loan Agreement should occur, we could be required to immediately repay the outstanding indebtedness. If we are unable to repay this debt, the lenders would be able to foreclose on the secured collateral, including our cash accounts, and take other remedies permitted under the A&R Loan Agreement. Even if we are able to repay the indebtedness on an event of default, the repayment of these sums may significantly reduce our working capital and impair our ability to operate as planned. The occurrence of any of these events could cause a significant adverse impact on our business and financial condition.
Our existing capital resources may not be adequate to finance our operating cash requirements for the length of time that we have estimated and additional capital that we may need to operate or expand our business may not be available.
Our forecast of the period of time through which our existing capital resources will be adequate to support our current operations is a forward-looking statement that involves risks and uncertainties. The actual amount of funds we will need to operate is subject to many factors, some of which are beyond our control. These factors include, but are not limited to:
•the extension of the contract with our largest customer in our concentrates business;
•our ability to enter into new contracts and negotiate favorable terms with our customers;
•our ability to increase our prices to keep up with inflation;
•whether we experience significant input costs for, or disruptions to, the manufacturing or distribution of our products;
•whether we expand into new territories; and
•whether we develop and launch new product offerings.
If we are required to raise additional capital to fund our operations, such equity financings may be dilutive to our stockholders and newly issued securities may have rights, preferences or privileges senior to those of holders of our common stock. Any debt financing is limited by the terms of our Securities Purchase Agreement with DaVita, dated as of April 6, 2022, pursuant to which they invested in our convertible preferred stock. Specifically, until DaVita owns less than 50% of its investment, the Company may only incur additional debt in the form of a purchase money loan, a working capital line of up to $5 million or to refinance existing debt, unless DaVita consents.
Debt financing, if available, may involve significant cash payment obligations and covenants that restrict our ability to operate as a business. If our operations require substantial cash resources in the future in excess of our liquid resources on hand and if our cash flows are not sufficient to support financing through unsecured indebtedness, we may not be able to obtain debt financing and our capital financing options may become limited.
Regardless of whether we seek to raise additional working capital through the sale of equity securities or the incurrence of indebtedness, if we do not have sufficient funds available to run our concentrates business and pursue business opportunities, our business, results of operations, financial position and cash flows could be materially adversely affected.
Our revenue growth and profitability projections are based on various assumptions that may not come to fruition.
Our revenue growth and profitability projections are subject to many assumptions regarding our future operations, including that we are successful in expanding to new territories, that we successfully develop and launch new product offerings, that we are able to increase our prices to keep up with inflation, and that we do not experience significant disruptions to the manufacturing or distribution of our products, among other assumptions. If we are unsuccessful in one or more of those efforts, we may not be able to achieve our projected growth and profitability.
RISKS RELATED TO OUR BUSINESS
Our agreement with our largest customer in our concentrates business is set to expire on December 31, 2024 and our inability to negotiate a new agreement would have a material and adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
Our Amended and Restated Products Purchase Agreement (the “Products Purchase Agreement”) with DaVita is set to expire on December 31, 2024. The Products Purchase Agreement is a fixed price agreement. In September 2023, we amended the original Products Purchase Agreement with DaVita to raise our prices in light of inflationary pressures and to remove certain provisions. The Products Purchase Agreement may be extended by DaVita for one year in its sole discretion. When the Products Purchase Agreement is again up for renewal, we may be unable to reach an agreement with DaVita on new terms that make economic sense for us. In that case, we would not expect to enter into a new agreement. This would result in the loss of approximately one-half of our current volume of concentrates products and would have a material and adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations and would likely lead to the implementation of cost saving measures that would negatively impact our activities.
Market dynamics in our concentrates business have resulted in fluctuating volumes that could lead to the implementation of cost-saving measures that would have a material and adverse effect on our business.
Volumes have fluctuated in our concentrates business, due to the reduction in patient census caused by COVID-19 and cost saving measures by our customers, including switching to single use bicarbonate canisters. If these volumes decrease substantially, we may be forced to consolidate our operations and curtail our activities to lower our fixed costs. While our fixed costs would be reduced by such actions, we may not be able to realize the full amount of that reduction if our variable costs (such as transportation) increase and we are unable to pass along those increases to our customers. In addition, a consolidation or restructuring of our business could lead to significant one-time costs related to exiting operations. Such a consolidation could have a material and adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We may fail to realize the anticipated benefits of the Evoqua Acquisition, including an improved financial position, and those benefits may take longer to realize than expected.
On July 10, 2023, we completed our acquisition of the hemodialysis concentrates assets (the “Evoqua Acquisition”) from Evoqua. Our synergistic goals with regard to the acquisition include an improved financial position, expanded geographic footprint, customer base and product offerings, and increased manufacturing capacity. While we have completed the integration of Evoqua’s former assets, there can be no assurance that we will be able to operate Evoqua’s former product line profitably. In addition, many of the former Evoqua customers that we inherited as a result of the Evoqua Acquisition are not subject to contractual purchasing commitments and may discontinue their business with us as a result of the transition of ownership.
Following the Evoqua Acquisition, the number of our customers is significantly larger than prior to the Evoqua Acquisition. The Company's future success depends, in part, upon our ability to manage this expanded business, which will pose substantial challenges for our management, including challenges related to the management and monitoring of new operations and associated increased costs and complexity. The dedication of management resources to this portion of our business could detract attention from our current day-to-day operations.
Because we have limited financial resources, by investing in the Evoqua Acquisition, we may forgo or delay pursuit of other future opportunities that may have proven to have greater commercial potential. Also, we now possess certain liabilities and obligations, including contractual liabilities and obligations, that were assumed by us upon closing of the Evoqua Acquisition. Further, it is possible that undisclosed, contingent, or other liabilities, problems or obligations may arise in the future of which we were previously unaware. These disclosed and undisclosed liabilities could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
These factors, including the failure of the expanded business to perform as expected, could decrease or delay the expected accretive effect of the Evoqua Acquisition, negatively affect our stock price, result in impairment of our intangible assets, and harm our financial condition, results of operations or business prospects. As a result, it cannot be assured that the Evoqua Acquisition will result in the full realization of the benefits anticipated from the Evoqua Acquisition or in the anticipated time frames or at all.
We depend on a third party to manufacture products for the business that was the subject of the Evoqua Acquisition. If this organization is unable or unwilling to manufacture our newly acquired concentrates products, or if the organization fails to comply with applicable regulations or otherwise fails to meet our requirements, our business will be harmed.
We rely on a contract manufacturing organization ("CMO") to manufacture the concentrates products that were the subject of the Evoqua Acquisition. If that CMO is unable to manufacture those products in sufficient quantities and on a consistent basis, or if it becomes unwilling to produce the products for us, we may not be able to fulfill our contractual requirements or sell those products while we look for an alternative. We currently have a single-source supplier, and our supply contract expires at the end of 2024. If we were to experience a supply disruption, it could take an extended period of time to take over the manufacturing ourselves. The manufacturing facilities and processes used by our CMO must be approved by the FDA before the products manufactured by such CMO can be sold. After approval, our CMO must meet certain ongoing regulatory requirements for product testing and stability of commercially marketed products. We do not control the manufacturing processes of our CMO and depend on it to comply with current good manufacturing practices (“cGMP”) and obtain and maintain regulatory approval. If approval for a CMO is not received or ongoing testing does not continue to meet approved standards and approval is withdrawn, the CMO’s production would be delayed or suspended, which could adversely affect our business. If that was to happen, we may be forced to find another capable CMO or take over production ourselves. Any such circumstance could significantly hamper our ability to supply our customers in a timely manner, which may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
We have been and may continue to be materially and adversely affected by increases in raw material, labor and transportation costs and may be unable to recover certain costs due to provisions in our largest customer contract and other fixed price contracts and we may lose other customers due to price sensitivity.
A significant portion of our costs relates to chemicals and other raw materials and transportation, which such costs are out of our control, and we may not be able to recover a portion of such costs due to provisions in the Products Purchase Agreement with DaVita and other fixed price contracts. The costs of chemicals and other raw materials are subject to price volatility based on supply and demand and are highly influenced by the overall level of economic activity in the United States and abroad. In addition, labor costs have been steadily rising and our manufacturing process is labor intensive, which increases our costs to produce our products.
These costs have tended to rise from year to year and are likely to continue to rise in the future. In the past year, raw materials costs have increased significantly, due to short supply and excess demand. In addition, in many areas, we have a single source of raw materials, which makes us particularly sensitive to cost increases. Transportation also comprises a significant portion of our costs. We have been adversely affected by a general shortage in commercial truckers in the United States and significant increases in labor and fuel costs. In addition, there has, in the past, been a nationwide shortage of diesel fuel in the United States, which we use to run our delivery trucks. Such a shortage, has and in the future may result in an increase in the cost of diesel fuel or lack of availability of diesel fuel and we would need to find another way to deliver our products to clinics. If we are unable to do so, we could be in breach of our contracts. In addition, any increase in the use of third-party freight would significantly increase our costs, which we may not be able to pass on to our customers.
Our Product Purchase Agreement with DaVita provides for a fixed price to DaVita, with limited increases from year to year that must be agreed to by the parties, regardless of the increases in raw materials costs and transportation costs. As a result, we have in the past been unable to fully recover our costs for the products we sell to DaVita (including transportation costs). Continued rising costs and declining volumes have had and could continue to have a negative impact on our business.
We expect that if we continue to be subject to the limitations in the Products Purchase Agreement and other fixed price contracts, the increasing costs and decreasing volumes may continue to negatively impact our profit margins and materially and adversely affect our financial position.
Some of our customers buy products from us on a purchase order basis or pursuant to contracts that allow for price increases at least once per year. In situations where we are able to increase prices to keep up with our costs, we may lose customers if such customers are unwilling to pay higher prices. That would result in lost revenue for the Company and may negatively impact our financial position and results of operations.
A few customers account for a substantial portion of the end user sales of our concentrate products. The loss of any of these customers could materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial position and cash flows.
Sales of our medical device products are highly concentrated among a few customers. One customer accounted for nearly half of our sales in each of the last three years and for a substantial number of the clinics we serve. Due to the composition of Evoqua’s customer portfolio, we experienced further concentration with regard to that customer and an additional customer through the Evoqua Acquisition. The loss of any of these significant customers could materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial position and cash flows.
Unfavorable weather, economic conditions or supply shortages could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.
Our results of operations could be materially and adversely affected by general weather conditions, as well as conditions in the United States and global economy and in the global financial markets. A severe weather or other geological event in our locations or those of our suppliers, or prolonged economic downturn or persistent inflation have and could continue to result in a variety of risks to our business, including our ability to recover our costs or to raise additional capital when needed on acceptable terms, if at all. In addition, weather-related events may jeopardize our ability to deliver our products as required by our contracts. For example, in 2023, winter storms led to delays in our operations, particularly in the transportation division as equipment froze and roads became impassible. A weak or declining United States or global economy could also strain our suppliers, possibly resulting in supply disruption. In addition, due to macro-economic conditions in the global economy (including inflation), there have been shortages in raw materials, parts and fuel that we need to run our business. For example, from time to time, our suppliers have experienced shortages in bicarbonate and acid, which are components of our dialysis concentrates, and parts needed for our equipment to make certain of our products. Diesel fuel has also been in short supply in the United States at times and our delivery trucks run on diesel. While we have been able to minimize the impact of these disruptions to date, there can be no assurance that will continue. Any of the foregoing could harm our business and we cannot anticipate all of the ways in which the current economic climate and financial market conditions could adversely impact our business.
We face competition in the concentrates market and have a large competitor with substantial resources.
The primary competitor in the market for our concentrates products is Fresenius, a large, diversified company which has financial, technical, manufacturing, marketing, research and management resources substantially greater than ours. We may not be able to successfully compete with Fresenius. Fresenius has historically used product bundling and low pricing as a competitive strategy to capture market share of concentrates products. We may be at a disadvantage in competing against these strategies to sell concentrates products. Furthermore, Fresenius is vertically integrated and is the largest provider of dialysis services in the United States, treating approximately 37% of all U.S. in-center hemodialysis patients through its clinics. Fresenius has routinely acquired our customers, and it may acquire more of our customers in the future. In addition to Fresenius, we are aware of other large manufacturers potentially looking to increase their market share of the domestic concentrates market, which, if successful, could have an impact upon our profitability.
Our production and other processes are largely manual, which introduces risk of error and may result in rising production costs.
The production of our hemodialysis concentrates products is largely manual and involves considerable unskilled labor. The manual nature of production can introduce the risk of error. In addition, manual processes involving high amounts of labor can result in significant production costs. Many of our products are “made to order,” which can further increase production costs as we have to frequently change production runs. Unless we are able to automate our production processes, our costs may continue to increase and we may be unable to recover those rising costs or may lose customers altogether, which could negatively impact on our financial position.
Our business depends on government funding of health care, and changes could impact our ability to be paid in full for our products, increase prices or cause consolidation in the dialysis provider market.
Medicare and Medicaid fund the majority of dialysis costs in the United States. Many dialysis providers receive most of their funding from the government and are supplemented by payments from private health care insurers. These providers depend on Medicare and Medicaid funding to be viable businesses. Changes to health insurance and reimbursement by Congress may have a negative impact on Medicare and Medicaid funding and on reimbursement protocols. If Medicare and Medicaid funding were to materially decrease, dialysis providers would be severely impacted, increasing our risk of not being paid in full. An increase in our exposure to uncollectible accounts could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial position and cash flows.
Since 2011, CMS has continued to modify reimbursement policies for dialysis under the end-stage renal disease ("ESRD") prospective payment system generally falling short of covering the increasing cost of dialysis care resulting in economic pressure of dialysis providers. We anticipate that dialysis providers will continue to seek ways to reduce their costs
per treatment due to these reimbursement policies, which could reduce our sales and profitability and have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial position and cash flows.
Federal and state healthcare reform measures could be adopted in the future, any of which could limit the amounts that federal and state governments will pay for healthcare products and services, or change the methods used by Medicare and Medicaid to reimburse providers, including the “bundled” payment model. Any such reforms could potentially impact reimbursement by Medicare and Medicaid programs for dialysis and could negatively affect the ability of certain individuals to obtain coverage.
As a result of these changes to Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement, the dialysis provider industry may continue to consolidate. This may result in increased purchasing leverage for providers across all dialysis product categories and increased pricing pressure on all suppliers to the industry.
Our medical device products are life sustaining and any failure to supply them to our customers and resulting scrutiny related to such circumstances could negatively impact our reputation and stock price.
Our hemodialysis concentrates products are critical to sustain the lives of patients who need them. Routine business actions we take under our contractual arrangements with purchasers or individual clinics, such as price increases or discontinuation of supply to customers who fail to pay us on time or at all, could mean that our customers may need to find alternative sources of supply and may not be able to serve their patients. This may result in increased governmental or other scrutiny on our business. Such actions could also result in reputational harm to us and have a negative impact on our stock price.
We may not be successful in expanding our business or in our business development efforts related to in-licensing, acquisitions or other business collaborations. Even if we are able to enter into business development arrangements, they could have a negative impact on our business and our profitability.
In addition to the Evoqua Acquisition, we may seek to make further acquisitions or enter into business development arrangements in our concentrates business to expand our customer base or geographic footprint. In addition, as part of our business strategy, we may seek to acquire or in-license products or product candidates that we believe are a complementary fit with our business, as well as other product or product candidates that we believe have substantial development potential. We may not be able to identify such opportunities. If we do, the negotiation of such arrangements can be a lengthy, complex and expensive process and there can be no assurance that any such negotiations will be completed on a timely basis or at all or result in an arrangement that will enable us to effectively integrate, develop and launch such products or product candidates effectively.
In addition, the market potential for new products or product candidates is highly uncertain and evaluation of such potential requires significant judgment and assumptions. There is a significant risk that any new product may not be able to be brought to market as profitably as expected or at all. If the results of any new product initiative are materially worse than expected, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial position and cash flows.
Our international partnerships for Triferic involve risks that may materially impact those international relationships or our business generally.
We have international partnerships for Triferic that require us to supply the drug product to be marketed and sold in foreign countries. We may not be able to obtain the raw materials or packaging components we need to supply our international partners, or the price of such materials or components may rise significantly, for a variety of reasons, including but not limited to a business interruption, increased costs of raw materials, a failure of a supplier to comply with cGMP standards, which could result in quality or product failures, adulteration, contamination and/or recall and other factors beyond our control.
If we are unable to obtain our raw materials and packaging components and are not able to establish alternative supply sources, or if the prices for such items increase substantially, our CMOs may not be able to produce the desired quantities of our drug products for our international partners and our relationships may be materially adversely affected.
In addition, the third parties that we depend on to manufacture Triferic for our international partners may be unable or unwilling to manufacture our drug products, which could also harm our relationships with those partners. For Triferic (dialysate) and Triferic AVNU, we have a single-source finished goods supplier and do not have a long-term supply contract. If we were to experience a supply disruption, it could take an extended period of time to find and qualify an alternate supplier. The manufacturing facilities and processes used by our CMOs must be approved by the FDA and foreign regulators, where applicable, before the drug products manufactured by such CMOs can be sold. After approval, CMOs must meet certain ongoing regulatory requirements for product testing and stability of commercially marketed products. We do not control the manufacturing processes of our CMOs and depend on them to comply with cGMP, and obtain and maintain regulatory
approval. If approval for a CMO is not received or ongoing testing does not continue to meet approved standards and approval is withdrawn, the CMO’s production would be delayed or suspended, which could adversely affect our international partners’ Triferic commercialization efforts.
Finally, we may be subject to additional risks due to Triferic being approved and marketed outside of the United States, including:
•increased cost or resource requirements associated with measures required to support the registration and/or sale of the product or products, such as labeling changes, product changes, testing, provision of documents or production requirements;
•unexpected changes in the safety profile;
•reduced protection for intellectual property rights;
•additional risk of litigation;
•unexpected changes in tariffs, trade barriers and regulatory requirements;
•economic weakness, including inflation, or political instability in particular foreign economies and markets;
•compliance with anti-corruption laws, including the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (the “FCPA”);
•foreign currency fluctuations, which could result in increased operating expenses and reduced revenues, and other obligations incident to doing business in another country; and
•business interruptions resulting from disease outbreaks, including pandemics, geopolitical actions, including war and terrorism, or natural disasters, including earthquakes, typhoons, floods and fires.
If we do not successfully manage these risks, our prospects related to marketing Triferic outside the United States by our international partners could suffer.
We have in-licensed rights to certain patents that cover Triferic. If we fail to remain in compliance with these license agreements, we could forfeit the rights to these patents, which could negatively impact our partners' ability to commercialize our products and result in our noncompliance with those partnership agreements.
We have acquired rights to certain patents under license agreements, including from an affiliate of Dr. Ajay Gupta, our former Chief Scientific Officer. These in-licensed patents, if granted, cover Triferic AVNU and have other claims that could cover Triferic. If we fail to remain in compliance with the terms of these license agreements, including due diligence obligations relating to our efforts to develop and commercialize licensed products in certain markets, we could be found to be in breach of these license agreements. If this was to happen, the licensor could terminate the license agreement in certain circumstances, causing us to forfeit our rights to the licensed patents. This could cause us to lose the ability to sell certain products, including Triferic and Triferic AVNU, and could potentially subject us to expensive and protracted litigation. Such an event would also result in our failure to comply with our distribution agreements with our international partners. Any of these occurrences could significantly harm our results of operations.
Our business and operations would suffer in the event of a security breach, system failure, invasion, corruption, destruction or interruption of our or our business partners’ critical information technology systems or infrastructure.
In the ordinary course of business, we and our business partners store sensitive data, including intellectual property and proprietary information related to our business, our customers and our business partners, on our information technology systems. Despite the implementation of security measures, these systems are vulnerable to damage from computer viruses, unauthorized access, cyber-attacks, natural disasters, terrorism, war and telecommunication, electrical and other system failures due to employee error, malfeasance or other disruptions. We could experience a business interruption, monetary loss, intentional theft of confidential information or reputational damage, including damage to key customer and partner relationships, from system failures, espionage attacks, malware, ransomware or other cyber-attacks. Such cyber-security breaches may compromise our system infrastructure or lead to data leakage, either internally or at our contractors or consultants. The risk of a security breach or disruption, particularly through cyber-attacks, has generally increased as the number, intensity and sophistication of attempted attacks and intrusions from around the world have increased. From time to time, we are subject to phishing attempts. In the fourth quarter of 2023, we discovered a business email compromise caused by phishing. We do not believe that it had a material adverse effect on our business. We implemented remedial measures promptly following this incident; however, we cannot guarantee that those remedial measures will prevent additional related, as well as unrelated, incidents.
To the extent that any disruption or security breach were to result in a loss of, or damage to, our data or applications, or inappropriate disclosure of confidential or proprietary information, including protected health information or personal data of employees or former employees, we could be subject to legal claims or proceedings, liability under laws and regulations governing the protection of health and other personally identifiable information and related regulatory penalties. In any such event, our business, results of operations, financial position and cash flows could be materially adversely affected.
Our future success depends on our ability to retain executives and key employees and to attract, retain and motivate qualified personnel in the future.
We are highly dependent on the operations, product development, clinical and business development expertise of the principal members of our management, operations and clinical team. We have hired executive-level employees who are leading Company initiatives, including its operational initiatives. Although we have entered into employment agreements with our executives and key employees, each of them may terminate their employment with us at any time. We do not maintain “key person” insurance for any of our executives or other employees.
Recruiting and retaining qualified manufacturing, sales and marketing, scientific, and clinical personnel is critical to our success. The loss of the services of our executive officers or other key employees could seriously harm our ability to successfully implement our business strategy. Furthermore, replacing executive officers and key employees may be difficult and may take an extended period of time due to the overall state of the labor pool and the difficulty finding the specialized skills we require. Competition to hire from this limited pool is intense, and we may be unable to hire, train, retain or motivate these key personnel on acceptable terms given the competition among numerous medical device, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies for similar personnel.
Finding production associates for our manufacturing facilities and truck drivers for our transportation division has also presented challenges for us. There is similarly a great deal of competition for these workers. This competition has resulted in increasing compensation costs as we attempt to attract and retain workers.
We use hazardous materials, and any claims relating to improper handling, storage or disposal of these materials could be time consuming or costly.
We use hazardous materials, which could be dangerous to human health and safety or the environment. Our operations also produce hazardous waste products. Federal, state and local laws and regulations govern the use, generation, manufacture, storage, handling and disposal of these materials and wastes. Compliance with applicable environmental laws and regulations may be expensive, and current or future environmental laws and regulations may impair the operation of our business and any development or expansion efforts.
In addition, we cannot entirely eliminate the risk of accidental injury or contamination from these materials or wastes. If one of our employees was accidentally injured from the use, storage, handling or disposal of these materials or wastes, the medical costs related to his or her treatment would be covered by our workers’ compensation insurance policy. However, we do not carry specific hazardous waste insurance coverage and our property and casualty and general liability insurance policies specifically exclude coverage for damages and fines arising from hazardous waste exposure or contamination. Accordingly, in the event of contamination or injury, we could be held liable for damages or penalized with fines in an amount exceeding our resources, and our clinical trials or regulatory approvals could be suspended, or operations otherwise affected.
RISKS RELATED TO LEGAL AND REGULATORY
Our business is highly regulated, resulting in additional expense and risk of noncompliance that can materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial position and cash flows.
Our business is highly regulated. The testing, manufacture, sale and delivery of the products we manufacture directly or through third party CMOs are subject to extensive regulation by the FDA and by other federal, state and foreign authorities, including, with respect to our transportation operations, the U.S. Department of Transportation. Before medical devices, such as our concentrate products, can be commercially marketed in the United States, the FDA must give either premarket approval or 510(k) clearance. After a product is approved, regulatory authorities may impose significant restrictions on a product’s indicated uses or marketing or requirements for potentially costly post-marketing studies. In addition, manufacturers and their facilities are required to comply with extensive FDA requirements, including ensuring that quality control and manufacturing procedures conform to current cGMP and applicable state laws. As such, we and our CMOs are subject to continual review and periodic inspections to assess compliance with cGMP and state laws. For example, in 2023, the FDA conducted a routine GMP inspection of one of our manufacturing facilities and issued Form FDA-483 report with one observation. The Company performed corrective actions and resolved the issue. While the finding was not serious, management time and effort was expended for the correction. Accordingly, we and our partners must continue to expend time, money and effort in all areas to achieve and maintain regulatory compliance. We are also required to report certain adverse reactions and production problems, if any, to applicable regulatory authorities.
If non-compliant inventory is sold or if a regulatory agency determines that we are not compliant with any applicable regulatory requirements, we may be subject to warnings from, or enforcement action by, state and federal government authorities, which may include penalties, fines, injunctions, recall or seizure of products, suspension of production, denial of future regulatory approvals, withdrawal or suspension of existing regulatory approvals, operating restrictions, injunctions and
criminal prosecution. If regulatory sanctions are applied, the value of our Company and our operating results could be materially and adversely affected. For example, such actions could cause our customers to doubt the safety or efficacy of our products, which could adversely impact our business. Even a voluntary Class III recall, which is a recall of products for a defect that is unlikely to result in adverse health consequences, can have an adverse impact on the Company due to the costs of the recall or the reactions of customers.
Our failure to comply with applicable regulations could also result in product liability litigation against us. In addition, our failure to comply with applicable regulations with respect to our concentrates products could constitute a breach of our Products Purchase Agreement, providing DaVita with various remedies that would be material and adverse to us. Moreover, changes in applicable regulatory requirements could significantly increase the costs of our operations, which we may not be able to recover under our fixed price contracts.
Our business operations may subject us to numerous commercial disputes, claims, lawsuits and/or investigations.
Operating in the medical device and pharmaceutical industries involves numerous commercial relationships, complex contractual arrangements, uncertain intellectual property rights, potential product liability and other aspects that create heightened risks of disputes, claims, lawsuits and investigations. In particular, we may face claims related to the safety of our products, intellectual property matters, employment matters, tax matters, commercial disputes, competition, sales and marketing practices, environmental matters, personal injury, insurance coverage and acquisition or divestiture-related matters. A counterparty may assert claims that we do not believe are meritorious, but we nonetheless need to defend. In addition, any commercial dispute, claim, lawsuit or investigation may divert our management’s attention away from our business, we may incur significant expenses in addressing or defending any commercial dispute, claim or lawsuit or responding to any investigation, and we may be required to pay damage awards or settlements or become subject to equitable remedies that could adversely affect our operations and financial results.
We may become the target of litigation, which is costly and time-consuming to defend.
We have in the past been subject to litigation and it is possible that legal proceedings could be brought against us in the future based upon decisions we make regarding our strategy or otherwise. Litigation can be costly and time-consuming, and the results of complex legal proceedings are difficult to predict. These lawsuits assert types of claims that, if resolved against us, could give rise to substantial damages, and an unfavorable outcome or settlement of these lawsuits, or any future lawsuits, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and/or stock price. Even if any future lawsuits are not resolved against us, the costs of defending such lawsuits may be material to our business and our operations. Moreover, these lawsuits may divert our Board and our management’s attention from the operation of our business.
Our products may have or have had undesirable side effects, and our product liability insurance may not be sufficient to protect us from material liability or harm to our business.
We sell hemodialysis concentrates that are used in dialysis procedures in the United States and foreign countries. In addition, prior to its discontinuation, we marketed and sold Triferic in the United States for four years and prior to that, engaged in clinical trials to support the submission of the NDA for approval. Our international partners continue to market and sell Triferic in foreign countries. If patients experience side effects from the use of our hemodialysis concentrates or from Triferic and the statutes of limitation and repose have not expired, such side effects may result in litigation against us by private litigants.
Although we maintain product liability insurance, we cannot be sure that such insurance would be sufficient to protect us against liabilities associated with any of these events in view of our expanding business or otherwise, or that such insurance will remain available at economical levels. We may have significant legal expenses that are not covered by insurance. In addition, our reputation could be damaged by such sanctions or product liability litigation and that could harm our business reputation and marketing ability. Any such sanctions or litigation could also hurt our ability to retain product liability insurance or make such insurance more expensive. In any such event, our business, results of operations, financial position and cash flows could be materially adversely affected.
We could be found to be infringing intellectual property rights of third parties, which could prevent us from selling products and could require us to pay significant damages and compel us to defend against litigation. We may be subject to claims that our employees or directors have wrongfully used or disclosed alleged trade secrets of their former employers.
It is possible that we may infringe on intellectual property rights of others without being aware of the infringement. If a third party believes that one of our products infringes on the third party’s patent, it may sue us even if we have received our own patent protection for the technology. If we infringe the rights of a third party, we could be prevented from manufacturing and selling products, forced to pay damages, compelled to license technology from the party claiming infringement and lose the opportunity to license our technology to others and collect royalty payments, any of which could have a material adverse effect
on our business. If we are prevented from selling any of our concentrate or ancillary products due to a patent infringement or if our ability to sell any of our concentrate or ancillary products due to a patent infringement is materially and adversely affected, DaVita may be entitled to terminate our Products Purchase Agreement.
As is common in the medical device, biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry, we engage the services of consultants to assist us in the development of our products. Many of these consultants were previously employed at, may have previously been, or are currently providing consulting services to, other biotechnology or pharmaceutical companies, including our competitors or potential competitors. As such, the Company advises consultants not to disclose, or use trade secrets, or proprietary information of their former employers or their former or current customers. Although no claims against us are currently pending, we may be subject to claims that these consultants or we have inadvertently or otherwise used or disclosed trade secrets or other proprietary information of their former employers or their former or current customers. Litigation may be necessary to defend against these claims. Even if we are successful in defending against these claims, litigation could result in substantial costs and be a distraction to management and day-to-day business operations.
Many of our employees and certain of our directors were previously employed at universities or other biotechnology or pharmaceutical companies, including our competitors or potential competitors. Although we try to ensure that our employees and directors do not use the proprietary information or know-how of others in their work for us, we may be subject to claims that we or these employees or directors have used or disclosed intellectual property, including trade secrets or other proprietary information, of any such employee’s or director’s former employer. Litigation may be necessary to defend against these claims. If we fail in defending any such claims, in addition to paying monetary damages, we may lose valuable intellectual property rights or personnel. Even if we are successful in defending against such claims, litigation could result in substantial costs and be a distraction to management.
Our business could be impacted as a result of actions by activist stockholders, including as a result of a potential proxy contest for the election of directors at our annual meeting.
We were subjected to a proxy contest at our 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which resulted in the negotiation of changes to the Board and the incurrence of substantial costs. A future proxy contest would require us to incur significant legal fees and proxy solicitation expenses and require significant time and attention by management and the Board. The potential of a proxy contest could interfere with our ability to execute our strategic plan, give rise to perceived uncertainties as to our future direction, adversely affect our relationships with customers, suppliers, investors, prospective and current team members and others, result in the loss of potential business opportunities or make it more difficult to attract and retain qualified personnel, any of which could materially and adversely affect our business and operating results.
We may also be subject, from time to time, to other legal and business challenges in the operation of our company due to actions instituted by activist stockholders. Responding to such actions, which may include publicity campaigns and, potentially, litigation, could be costly and time-consuming, divert the time and attention of our Board and management from our business, interfere with our ability to execute our strategic plan, give rise to perceived uncertainties as to our future direction, adversely impact our lobbying efforts, adversely affect our relationships with customers, suppliers, prospective and current team members and others, result in the loss of potential business opportunities or make it more difficult to attract and retain qualified personnel, any of which could materially and adversely affect our business and operating results. We cannot predict, and no assurances can be given as to, the outcome or timing of any matters relating to actions by activist stockholders or the ultimate impact on our business, results of operations, financial position and cash flows.
RISKS RELATED TO OUR COMMON STOCK
The market price of our common stock has fluctuated in the past, and is likely to continue to be volatile, which could subject us to litigation.
The market price of our common stock has fluctuated and is likely to be subject to further wide fluctuations in response to numerous factors, many of which are beyond our control, such as those in this “Risk Factors” section and others including:
•the reporting of sales, operating results and cash resources;
•announcements by commercial partners or competitors of new commercial products, clinical progress or the lack thereof, significant contracts, commercial relationships or capital commitments;
•the entry into, or termination of, key agreements, including key commercial partner agreements;
•changes in the structure of healthcare payment systems;
•the loss of key employees;
•changes in estimates or recommendations by securities analysts, if any, who cover our common stock;
•issues in manufacturing our products;
•the initiation of, material developments in, or conclusion of litigation to enforce or defend any of our intellectual property rights or defend against the intellectual property rights of others; and
•the introduction of technological innovations or new therapies that compete with our products.
In addition, third parties may engage in trading strategies that result in intentional volatility to and control over our stock price. Moreover, the stock markets in general have experienced substantial volatility that has often been unrelated to the operating performance of individual companies. These broad market fluctuations may also adversely affect the trading price of our common stock.
In the past, following periods of volatility in the market price of a company’s securities, stockholders have often instituted class action securities litigation against those companies. Such litigation, if instituted, could result in substantial costs and diversion of management attention and resources, which could significantly harm our profitability and reputation.
Shares eligible for future sale may affect the market price of our common stock.
Any future sales by us of substantial amounts of our common stock, or the possibility of such sales, could adversely affect the market price of our common stock and also impair our ability to raise capital through an offering of our equity securities in the future. In the future, we may issue additional shares or warrants in connection with investments or for other purposes considered advisable by our Board. Any substantial sale of our common stock may have an adverse effect on the market price of our common stock and may dilute the economic value and voting rights of existing stockholders.
In addition, as of December 31, 2023, there were 361,531 shares issuable upon the exercise of then-outstanding and exercisable stock options, 967,090 shares issuable upon the exercise of then-outstanding stock options that were not yet exercisable, and 3,793,000 shares issuable upon the exercise of then-outstanding and exercisable warrants. The market price of the common stock may be depressed by the potential exercise of these options and warrants and the sale of the underlying common stock. The holders of these options and warrants are likely to exercise them when we would otherwise be able to obtain additional capital on more favorable terms than those provided by the options and warrants.
We may fail to qualify for continued listing on Nasdaq, which could make it more difficult for our stockholders to sell their shares.
We are required to satisfy the continued listing requirements of Nasdaq to maintain such listing, including, among other things, the maintenance of a minimum closing bid price of $1.00 per share. In 2021, we received a notice from Nasdaq that we were not in compliance with the minimum bid price requirements set forth in Nasdaq Listing Rule 5450(a)(1) for continued listing on The Nasdaq Global Market and were unable to regain compliance in the time allotted by Nasdaq. As a result, we moved our listing to The Nasdaq Capital Market and effected an 11-for-1 reverse stock split in May 2022 to regain compliance. While we have been in compliance with the minimum closing bid price requirement since that time, there can be no assurance that we will be able to maintain compliance with the minimum bid price requirement going forward.
If our common stock were delisted by Nasdaq, we could face significant material adverse consequences, including:
•a limited availability of market quotations for our common stock;
•reduced liquidity with respect to our common stock;
•a determination that our shares are “penny stock,” which will require brokers trading in our shares to adhere to more stringent shares, and which may limit demand for our common stock among certain investors;
•a limited amount of news and analyst coverage for our company; and
•a decreased ability to issue additional securities or obtain additional financing in the future.
Our ability to use our net operating loss carryforwards to offset potential taxable income and related income taxes that would otherwise be due may be limited.
We have substantial net operating loss carryforwards ("NOLs") available to reduce future taxable income. Our ability to use our NOLs to offset potential future taxable income and related income taxes that would otherwise be due is dependent upon our generation of future taxable income before the expiration dates of the NOLs. In addition to uncertainty regarding our future profitability, our use of the NOLs may be subject to annual limitations under the “ownership change” provisions of Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, which may result in the expiration of some or all of the NOLs before they can be used. In general, an “ownership change” occurs if, during a rolling three-year period, there is a greater than 50% change in the percentage ownership of the corporation by 5% owners (and persons treated as 5% owners), as defined in Section 382 and related regulations. We may experience an ownership change in the future as a result of future changes in our stock ownership. The inability to use our NOLs to reduce federal taxable income could result in increased future tax liability to us and reduce the cash that would otherwise be available to our business.
We do not anticipate paying dividends in the foreseeable future.
Since inception, we have not paid any cash dividend on our common stock and do not anticipate paying such dividends in the foreseeable future. The payment of dividends is within the discretion of our Board of Directors and depends upon our earnings, capital requirements, financial condition and requirements, future prospects, restrictions in future financing agreements, business conditions and other factors deemed relevant by the Board. We intend to retain earnings and any cash resources to finance our operations. Therefore, it is highly unlikely we will pay cash dividends.
If securities analysts do not publish research or reports about our business, or if they publish negative evaluations, the price of our common stock could decline.
The trading market for our common stock may be impacted by the availability or lack of research and reports that third-party industry or financial analysts publish about us. There are many large, publicly traded companies active in the medical device and biopharmaceutical industry, which may mean it will be less likely that we receive widespread analyst coverage.
Furthermore, if one or more of the analysts who do cover us downgrade our stock, our stock price would likely decline. If we do not receive adequate coverage by reputable analysts that have an understanding of our business and industry, we could fail to achieve visibility in the market, which in turn could cause our stock price to decline.
GENERAL RISK FACTORS
Our business could be adversely affected by economic downturns, inflation, increases in interest rates, natural disasters, public health crises, political crises, geopolitical events, such as the crisis in Ukraine and the Middle East, or other macroeconomic conditions, which could have a material and adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.
The global economy, including credit and financial markets, has experienced extreme volatility and disruptions, including, among other things, diminished liquidity and credit availability, declines in consumer confidence, declines in economic growth, supply chain shortages, increases in inflation rates, higher interest rates, and uncertainty about economic stability. The Federal Reserve has raised interest rates multiple times in response to concerns about inflation and it may raise them again. Higher interest rates, coupled with reduced government spending and volatility in financial markets, may increase economic uncertainty and affect consumer spending. Similarly, the ongoing military conflict between Russia and Ukraine and the conflict in the Middle East have created extreme volatility in the global capital markets and may have further global economic consequences, including disruptions of the global supply chain. Any such volatility and disruptions may adversely affect our business or the third parties on whom we rely. If the equity and credit markets deteriorate, including as a result of political unrest or war, it may make any necessary debt or equity financing more costly, more dilutive, or more difficult to obtain in a timely manner or on favorable terms, if at all. Increased inflation rates can adversely affect us by increasing our costs, including labor and employee benefit costs.
We have experienced and may in the future experience disruptions as a result of such macroeconomic conditions and the occurrence of natural disasters and public health crises, including delays or difficulties in manufacturing sufficient quantities of materials. If we fail to maintain inventory or deliver product as a result of such delays or difficulties, we could breach the requirement in our Products Purchase Agreement with DaVita to maintain safety stock and maintain transportation and other services, which would allow DaVita to exercise various remedies under such agreement. Any one or a combination of these events could have a material and adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.
Our certificate of incorporation, bylaws and Delaware law could prevent a third party from acquiring us (even if an acquisition would benefit our stockholders), may limit the ability of our stockholders to replace our management and limit the price that investors might be willing to pay for shares of our common stock.
Our certificate of incorporation and bylaws could have the effect of making it more difficult for a third party to acquire, or of discouraging a third party from attempting to acquire, control of us. These provisions could delay or prevent a change in control of the company and could limit the price that investors might be willing to pay in the future for shares of our common stock. These provisions, among other things:
•establish a staggered Board divided into three classes serving staggered three-year terms, such that not all members of the board will be elected at one time;
•authorize our Board to issue new series of preferred stock without stockholder approval and create, subject to applicable law, a series of preferred stock with preferential rights to dividends or our assets upon liquidation, or with superior voting rights to our existing common stock;
•disallow our stockholders to fill vacancies on our board;
•establish advance notice requirements for nominations for election to our Board or for proposing matters that can be acted upon by stockholders at our annual stockholder meetings;
•permit our Board to establish the number of directors between three and fifteen;
•provide that stockholders can remove directors only for cause and only upon the approval of not less than a majority of all outstanding shares of our voting stock;
•require the approval of not less than a majority of all outstanding shares of our voting stock to amend our bylaws and specific provisions of our certificate of incorporation; and
•limit the jurisdictions in which certain stockholder litigation may be brought.
We are not subject to the provisions of Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, which could negatively affect your investment.
We elected in our certificate of incorporation to not be subject to the provisions of Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law (“Section 203”). In general, Section 203 prohibits a publicly held Delaware corporation from engaging in a “business combination” with an “interested stockholder” for a period of three years after the date of the transaction in which the person became an interested stockholder, unless the business combination is approved in a prescribed manner. A “business combination” includes a merger, asset sale or other transaction resulting in a financial benefit to the interested stockholder. An “interested stockholder” is a person who, together with affiliates and associates, owns (or, in certain cases, within three years prior, did own) 15% or more of the corporation’s voting stock. This may make us more vulnerable to takeovers that are completed without the approval of our Board and/or without giving us the ability to prohibit or delay such takeovers as effectively.
Our certificate of incorporation provides that the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware will be the exclusive forum for substantially all disputes between us and our stockholders, which could limit our stockholders' ability to obtain a favorable judicial forum for disputes with us or our directors, officers or employees.
Our certificate of incorporation provides that the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware (or, if the Court of Chancery does not have jurisdiction, another state court or a federal court located within the State of Delaware) is the exclusive forum for any claims that are based upon a violation of a duty by a current or former director, officer, employee or stockholder in such capacity, or as to which the Delaware General Corporation Law confers jurisdiction upon the Court of Chancery. This provision would not apply to claims brought to enforce a duty or liability created by the Exchange Act or any have exclusive jurisdiction. This choice of forum provisions may limit a stockholder’s ability to bring a claim in a judicial forum that it finds favorable for disputes with us or our directors, officers or other employees. If a court were to find the choice of forum provision contained in our certificate of incorporation to be inapplicable or unenforceable in an action, we may incur additional costs associated with resolving such action in other jurisdictions, which could harm our business.

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ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments.
Not applicable.

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ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
Item 2. Properties.
We lease a 51,000 square foot facility and a 17,500 square foot facility in Wixom, Michigan under a lease expiring in August 2024. We also lease two other manufacturing facilities, a 51,000 square foot facility in Grapevine, Texas under a lease expiring in December 2025, and a 57,000 square foot facility in Greer, South Carolina under a lease expiring in February 2026. In addition, Rockwell occupied 4,100 square feet of office space in Hackensack, New Jersey expiring on October 31, 2024. This lease is currently under a sublease expiring on October 31, 2024.
We use each of our facilities to manufacture and warehouse our products. All such facilities and their contents are covered under various insurance policies which management believes provide adequate coverage. We use the office space in Wixom, Michigan as our principal administrative office. We believe that our existing leased properties are adequate and suitable for the conduct of our business and that our capital resources are sufficient to purchase, lease or construct any additional facilities required to meet our expected long-term growth needs. We expect that we may need additional manufacturing capacity and distribution facilities to meet our business requirements and anticipate they will be available on commercially available terms.

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ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Item 3. Legal Proceedings.
We may be involved in certain routine legal proceedings from time to time before various courts and governmental agencies. We cannot predict the final disposition of such proceedings. We regularly review legal matters and record provisions for claims considered probable of loss. The resolution of these pending proceedings is not expected to have a material effect on our operations or consolidated financial statements in the period in which they are resolved. Information pertaining to legal proceedings is provided under the heading “Litigation” in Note 15, Commitments and Contingencies, to the consolidated financial statements and is incorporated by reference herein.

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ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.
Not applicable.
PART II

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ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY
Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.
Market Information
Our common stock is listed on The Nasdaq Capital Market under the trading symbol “RMTI”.
Holders
As of February 29, 2024, there were 37 holders of record of our common stock.
Dividend Policy
Our Board of Directors has discretion whether or not to pay dividends. Among the factors our Board of Directors considers when determining whether or not to pay dividends are our earnings, capital requirements, financial condition, future business prospects and business conditions. We have never paid any cash dividends on our common stock and do not anticipate paying dividends in the foreseeable future. We intend to retain earnings, if any, to finance the development and expansion of our operations.

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ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
Item 6. Reserved.

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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
Overview
Rockwell Medical is a healthcare company that develops, manufactures, commercializes, and distributes a portfolio of hemodialysis products for dialysis providers worldwide.
Rockwell is a revenue-generating business and the second largest supplier of liquid and powder acid and bicarbonate concentrates for dialysis patients in the United States. Hemodialysis is the most common form of end-stage kidney disease treatment and is typically performed at freestanding outpatient dialysis centers, hospital-based outpatient centers, skilled nursing facilities, or in a patient’s home. This represents a large market opportunity for which we believe Rockwell's products are well-positioned to meet the needs of patients.
Rockwell provides the hemodialysis community with products controlled by a Quality Management System regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ("FDA"). Rockwell is ISO 13485 Certified and adheres to current Good Manufacturing Practices ("cGMP") and Association for Advancement of Medical Instrumentation ("AAMI") standards. Rockwell manufactures hemodialysis concentrates at its facilities in Michigan, South Carolina, and Texas totaling approximately 175,000 square feet, and manufactures its dry acid concentrate mixers at its facility in Iowa. In addition, the Company manufactures the former Evoqua product line in Minnesota under a contract manufacturing agreement with a contract manufacturing organization. (See Note 4 of the accompanying consolidated financial statements for further detail). On February 12, 2024, the Company entered into an amendment to its contract manufacturing agreement to extend the term to December 31, 2024. The Company plans to transfer the manufacturing of the former Evoqua product line to one of its own manufacturing facilities by the end of 2024, which the Company believes will reduce production costs for these products. Rockwell delivers the majority of its hemodialysis concentrates products and mixers to dialysis clinics throughout the United States and internationally utilizing its own delivery trucks and third-party carriers. Rockwell has developed a core expertise in manufacturing and delivering hemodialysis concentrates, and has built a longstanding reputation for reliability, quality, and excellent customer service.
On July 10, 2023, the Company executed and consummated the transactions contemplated by the Evoqua Acquisition. Subject to the terms and conditions of the Purchase Agreement, at the Closing, the Company purchased customer relationships, equipment and inventory from Evoqua, which were related to manufacturing and selling of hemodialysis concentrates products, all of which are manufactured under a contract manufacturing agreement with a third-party organization. Total consideration was $17.4 million, comprising a cash payment at Closing of $12.4 million (inclusive of transaction costs) and two $2.5 million
deferred payments, the first to be paid on the first anniversary and the second to be paid on the second anniversary of the Closing. See Note 4 for further detail.
On August 7, 2023, Rockwell was informed by Wanbang, the Company’s commercialization partner in China for Triferic, that the main efficacy results of Wanbang’s clinical trial for Triferic (dialysate) compared with placebo were not obtained and Wanbang will not will not bring the product forward to registration. As a result, the remaining $2.1 million of deferred license revenue was recorded into revenue, and the related portion of long-term inventory of $1.1 million was reserved for.
On September 18, 2023, Rockwell and our long-time partner, DaVita, Inc. ("DaVita"), a leading provider of kidney care, entered into an Amended and Restated Products Purchase Agreement (the "Amended Agreement"), which amends and restates the Product Purchase Agreement, dated July 1, 2019, as amended, under which the Company supplies DaVita with certain dialysis concentrates. Under the Amended Agreement, the Company and DaVita agreed to an increase in product pricing, effective September 1, 2023 and a one-time payment to Rockwell on or after December 1, 2023. The term of the Amended Agreement will expire on December 31, 2024. DaVita will have the right, in its sole discretion upon written notice to the Company given no later than September 30, 2024, to further extend the term through December 31, 2025. In the event of such an extension, product pricing will be increased for the extended term. In addition, DaVita is required to provide the Company with nine-month purchasing forecasts and a commitment to purchase at least the forecasted amounts. In the event that DaVita does not meet its forecasts, it is required to pay the Company for the amount forecasted, purchase additional product, or the Company may terminate the Amended Agreement. Upon expiration or termination of the Amended Agreement, and upon request by DaVita, the Company has agreed to provide transition services to DaVita during a transition period.
Additionally, during the year ended December 31, 2023, Rockwell entered into several long-term product purchase agreements, which include supply and purchasing commitments from certain parties. These agreements include the largest non-profit dialysis provider in the United States; Concerto Renal Services, the largest provider of dialysis in skilled nursing facilities in the United States; Sanderling Renal Services, Inc., a full-service provider of in-center, home dialysis and renal telemedicine services focusing on patients in rural and underserved communities across the United States; Centers for Dialysis Care, the largest non-profit, independent outpatient dialysis provider in Northeast Ohio; Houston Methodist, a leading health system and academic medical center; Dialyze Direct, a leading provider of home dialysis services in the skilled nursing facility setting; and Outset Medical (Nasdaq:OM), a medical technology company pioneering a first-of-its-kind technology to reduce the cost and complexity of dialysis with its Tablo® Hemodialysis System, which is FDA-cleared for use from the hospital to the home.
On January 2, 2024, the Company's Loan Agreement was amended to include, among other things, an interest-only period for 30 months, or up to 36 months if certain conditions are met, and extend the maturity date to January 1, 2029. (See Note 19 for further detail).
Results of Operations
The following table summarizes our operating results for the periods presented below (dollars in thousands):
For the Year Ended December 31,
2023 % of Revenue 2022 % of Revenue % Change
Net Sales $ 83,612 $ 72,810 14.8 %
Cost of Sales 74,908 89.6 % 68,733 94.4 % 9.0 %
Gross Profit 8,704 10.4 % 4,077 5.6 % 113.5%
Research and Product Development 1,107 1.3 % 3,119 4.3 % (64.5) %
Selling and Marketing 2,125 2.5 % 2,094 2.9 % 1.5 %
General and Administrative 12,142 14.5 % 15,644 21.5 % (22.4) %
Operating Loss $ (6,670) (8.0) % $ (16,780) (23.0) % (60.3) %
Net Sales
During the year ended December 31, 2023, our net sales were $83.6 million compared to net sales of $72.8 million during the year ended December 31, 2022. Net sales of hemodialysis concentrates to dialysis providers and distributors in the
United States and abroad were $81.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to $71.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. Net sales of Triferic (dialysate) were $2.3 million and $1.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The increase in net sales of Triferic (dialysate) was due to Wanbang's decision to not bring the product forward to registration. The increase of $10.8 million in net sales is primarily due to the restructuring of our products purchase agreement with DaVita, the reacquired rights to commercialize and distribute our products, the asset acquisition of Evoqua, onboarding of new customers and increased pricing to other customers. During 2022, the Company made a strategic decision to discontinue its NDAs for Triferic and Triferic AVNU in the United States.
Cost of Sales and Gross Profit
Cost of sales during the year ended December 31, 2023 was $74.9 million, resulting in gross profit of $8.7 million, compared to cost of sales of $68.7 million and a gross profit of $4.1 million during the year ended December 31, 2022. Gross profit increased by $4.6 million during the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the year ended December 31, 2022 primarily due to the restructuring of our supply contract with DaVita in 2022, lower distribution costs, onboarding of new customers, increased pricing to other customers and net impact of recording the remaining deferred license revenue associated with Wanbang and the associated inventory reserve as described above.
Research and Product Development Expense
Research and product development expenses were $1.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared with $3.1 million during the year ended December 31, 2022. The decrease of $2.0 million is due to a reduction in wages and project costs resulting from the decision to pause all research related to our FPC for Home Infusion program. Approximately 37% of research and development expenses for the year ended December 31, 2023 were comprised of severance costs.
Selling and Marketing Expense
Selling and marketing expenses were $2.1 million during the year ended December 31, 2023 compared with $2.1 million during the year ended December 31, 2022. We continue to evaluate marketing spend and focus on target opportunities for greater return on investments.
General and Administrative Expense
General and administrative expenses were $12.1 million during the year ended December 31, 2023 compared with $15.6 million during the year ended December 31, 2022. The $3.5 million decrease was driven primarily by a reduction in wages and incentive compensation of $0.9 million, legal costs of $0.9 million, insurance costs of $0.9 million, and FDA fees relating to approved products of $0.9 million.
Other Expense
Total other expense for the years ended December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 was $1.8 million and $1.9 million, respectively, which was primarily related to interest expense incurred on our debt facility of $2.3 million and $1.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively. See Note 17 to the consolidated financial statements for more information on our debt facility.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Since inception, we have incurred significant net losses and have funded our operations primarily through revenue from commercial products, proceeds from the issuance of debt and equity securities and payments from partnerships. At December 31, 2023, we had an accumulated deficit of approximately $397.2 million and stockholders’ equity of $21.3 million. As of December 31, 2023, we had approximately $10.9 million of cash, cash equivalents and investments available-for-sale, and working capital of $12.1 million. Net cash used in operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2023 was approximately $9.4 million.
On July 10, 2023, Armistice Capital Master Fund Ltd. (“Armistice”) exercised its warrant to purchase 9,900,990 shares of common stock with an exercise price of $1.39 per share (the "Prior Warrant") and the Company received gross proceeds of approximately $13.8 million (See Note 12 to the consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Form 10-K).
On July 10, 2023, the Company completed the Evoqua Acquisition. Total consideration was $17.4 million, comprising a cash payment at Closing of $12.4 million (inclusive of transaction costs) and two $2.5 million deferred payments, the first to be paid on the first anniversary and the second to be paid on the second anniversary of the Closing. See Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements for further detail.
During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company continued to experience inflationary pressures in its dialysis concentrates business, which has resulted in operating losses associated with this business line. As a result of these inflationary pressures, and in light of the fact that the Company's concentrates business operated at a loss in 2022, the Company sought to renegotiate certain terms of its supply contracts with the Company’s two largest customers in an effort to allow the Company to stabilize its concentrates business.
The actual amount of cash that we will need to execute our business strategy is subject to many factors, including, but not limited to the costs associated with our manufacturing and transportation operations related to our concentrate business.
We may elect to raise capital in the future through one or more of the following: (i) equity and debt raises through the equity and capital markets, though there can be no assurance that we will be able to secure additional capital or funding on acceptable terms, or if at all; and (ii) strategic transactions, including potential alliances and collaborations focused on markets outside the United States, as well as potential combinations (including by merger or acquisition) or other corporate transactions. In addition, any debt financing is limited by the terms of our Securities Purchase Agreement with DaVita. Specifically, until DaVita owns less than 50% of its investment, the Company may only incur additional debt in the form of a purchase money loan, a working capital line of up to $5 million or to refinance existing debt, unless DaVita consents.
We believe our ability to fund our activities in the long term will be highly dependent upon (i) our ability to execute on the growth strategy of our hemodialysis concentrates business, (ii) our ability to achieve profitability, and (iii) our ability to identify, develop, in-license, or acquire new products in developing our renal care product portfolio. All of these strategies are subject to significant risks and uncertainties such that there can be no assurance we will be successful in achieving them. If we are unsuccessful in executing our business plan and we are unable to raise the required capital, we may be forced to curtail all of our activities and, ultimately, cease operations. Even if we are able to raise sufficient capital, such financings may only be available on unattractive terms, or result in significant dilution of stockholders’ interests and, in such event, the market price of our common stock may decline.
Management evaluated it's going concern by reviewing the Company's operational plans, which include executing on the projected financial information, including price increases, acquisition of new customers, projected growth of margins and cost containment activities. Based on the currently available working capital and expectation of the ability of management to execute on the Company's operational plans noted above, management believes the Company currently has sufficient funds to meet its operating requirements for at least the next twelve months from the date of the filing of this report. Additionally, the Company's plans include raising capital, if needed, by using the $11 million remaining on its ATM facility or other methods or forms of financings, subject to existing limitations.
In 2023, the Company was no longer subject to the "baby shelf" limitations under Form S-3, which limit the amount the Company may offer pursuant to its registration statement on Form S-3.
The Company is subject to certain covenants and cure provisions under its Loan Agreement with Innovatus. As of December 31, 2023, the Company is in compliance with all covenants (See Note 17 to the consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Form 10-K for more information on our debt facility).
Global Economic Considerations
The global macroeconomic environment is uncertain, and could be negatively affected by, among other things, increased U.S. trade tariffs and trade disputes with other countries, instability in the global capital and credit markets, supply chain weaknesses, and instability in the geopolitical environment, including as a result of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the Israel-Hamas conflict and other political tensions, and the occurrence of natural disasters and public health crises. Such challenges have caused, and may continue to cause, recession fears, rising interest rates, foreign exchange volatility and inflationary pressures. At this time, we are unable to quantify the potential effects of this economic instability on our future operations.
Rockwell has utilized a range of financing methods to fund its operations in the past; however, current conditions in the financial and credit markets may limit the availability of funding, refinancing, or increase the cost of funding. Due to the
rapidly evolving nature of the global situation, it is not possible to predict the extent to which these conditions could adversely affect the Company's liquidity and capital resources in the future.
Cash Used in Operating Activities
Net cash used in operating activities was $9.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. The net loss for this period was less than net cash used in operating activities by $1.0 million, which was primarily attributable to increases of non-cash expenses of $6.3 million, consisting primarily of $2.0 million of changes to the right to use assets, $1.4 million of depreciation and amortization, $1.1 million of inventory reserves, $0.9 million of stock-based compensation, $1.1 million of debt financing cost amortization and accretion of discount and premium, and a $7.2 million net change in assets and liabilities.
Net cash used in operating activities was $16.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. The net loss for this period was higher than net cash used in operating activities by $1.8 million, which was primarily attributable to non-cash expenses of $3.9 million, consisting primarily of $2.0 million of amortization of the right to use assets, $0.6 million of depreciation and amortization, $0.6 million of inventory reserves, $0.4 million of debt financing cost amortization and accretion of discount, $0.3 million of stock-based compensation, and a $2.1 million net change in assets and liabilities.
Cash Used in Investing Activities
Net cash used in investing activities was $3.0 million during the year ended December 31, 2023. The net cash used was primarily due to the $12.4 million of cash paid in connection with the Evoqua acquisition, $5.7 million in purchases of our available-for-sale investments and $0.3 million for the purchase of equipment, offset by proceeds from the sale of our available-for-sale investments of $15.3 million.
Net cash used in investing activities was $2.4 million during the year ended December 31, 2022. The net cash used was primarily due to the purchase of investments available-for-sale of $21.3 million, offset by $19.2 million sale of our available-for-sale investments and $0.3 million for the purchase of equipment.
Cash Provided by Financing Activities
Net cash provided by financing activities was $11.3 million during the year ended December 31, 2023. The net cash provided by financing activities was primarily due to the net proceeds from issuance of equity securities of $14.9 million, primarily comprised of gross proceeds from the issuance of common stock of $13.8 million in connection with Armistice's exercise of the Prior Warrant, offset by payments on the Company's debt, short term note payable, and financing leases which aggregated $3.5 million during the year ended December 31, 2023.
Net cash provided by financing activities was $16.2 million during the year ended December 31, 2022. The net cash provided by financing activities was primarily due to net proceeds from issuance of equity securities of $29.8 million offset by payments on the Company's debt and short term note payable of $13.2 million.
Contractual Obligations and Other Commitments
We generally expect to satisfy our material cash requirements, including contractual obligations and commitments, with cash on hand and cash provided by operating activities. See Notes 14, 15, 16, and 17 to the consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Form 10-K for additional disclosures.
Critical Accounting Estimates and Judgments
Our consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These accounting principles require us to make estimates, judgments and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of revenues, expenses, assets, liabilities, and contingencies. All significant estimates, judgments and assumptions are developed based on the best information available to us at the time made and are regularly reviewed and updated when necessary. Actual results could differ from these estimates. Changes in estimates are reflected in our financial statements in the period of change based upon on-going actual experience, trends, or subsequent realization depending on the nature and predictability of the estimates and contingencies.
Certain accounting estimates, including those concerning revenue recognition, allowance for doubtful accounts, inventory reserves, share based compensation, impairments of long-lived assets, and accounting for income taxes, are considered to be critical in evaluating and understanding our financial results because they involve inherently uncertain matters
and their application requires the most difficult and complex judgments and estimates. These are described below. For further information on our accounting policies, see Note 3 to our consolidated financial statements.
Fair Value Measurements
Nonrecurring Valuations. The assets acquired through the Evoqua Acquisition were recorded at relative fair value, which required the determination of the fair values of assets acquired as of the acquisition date. In making these fair value determinations, we were required to make estimates and assumptions that affected the recorded amounts, including, but not limited to, (i) for the customer relationships intangible asset, expected future cash flows, discount rates and remaining useful life and (ii) for the equipment, replacement cost. To assist us in making these fair value determinations, we engaged third-party valuation specialists. Our estimates of fair value are based upon assumptions we believe to be reasonable, but which are inherently uncertain.
Revenue Recognition
The Company recognizes revenue under Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. The core principle of the new revenue standard is that a company should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The following five steps are applied to achieve that core principle:
•Step 1: Identify the contract with the customer
•Step 2: Identify the performance obligations in the contract
•Step 3: Determine the transaction price
•Step 4: Allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract
•Step 5: Recognize revenue when the company satisfies a performance obligation
Taxes assessed by a governmental authority that are both imposed on and concurrent with a specific revenue-producing transaction, that are collected by us from a customer, are excluded from revenue.
Shipping and handling costs associated with outbound freight related to contracts with customers are accounted for as a fulfillment cost and are included in cost of sales when control of the goods transfers to the customer.
Deferred License Revenue - Upfront fees received under distribution and license agreements have been deferred as a contract liability. For all existing distribution and license agreements, the distribution and license agreement is not a distinct performance obligation from the underlying product sales. In instances where regulatory approval of the product has not been established and we do not have sufficient experience with the foreign regulatory body to conclude that regulatory approval is probable, the revenue for the performance obligation is recognized over the term of the license agreement (over time recognition). Conversely, when regulatory approval already exists or is probable, revenue is recognized at the point in time that the estimated product sales under the agreement occur.
Accounts Receivable
Accounts receivable are stated at invoice amounts. The carrying amount of trade accounts receivable is reduced by an allowance for doubtful accounts that reflects our best estimate of accounts that may not be collected. The Company reviews outstanding trade accounts receivable balances and based on its assessment of expected collections, the Company estimates the portion, if any, of the balance that may not be collected based on future forecasts, historical loss information, and current economic conditions. All accounts or portions thereof deemed to be uncollectible are written off to the allowance for credit losses and credit loss expense.
Inventory
Inventory is stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Cost is determined on the first-in first-out (FIFO) method. Inventory that is not expected to be converted to cash over the next year is classified as non-current. Our policy is to reserve for our drug product inventory that we determine is unlikely to be sold to, or if sold, unlikely to be utilized by our customers on or before its expiration date.
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment are recorded at cost and are depreciated using the straight-line method over the useful lives of the assets, which range from three to ten years. Expenditures for routine maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred. Leasehold improvements are amortized using the straight-line method over the shorter of the useful lives or the related lease term.
Impairment of Long-lived Assets
Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts may not be recoverable. Impairment losses on long-lived assets, such as real estate and equipment and definite-lived intangible assets, are recognized when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the undiscounted cash flows estimated to be generated by such assets are less than their carrying value and, accordingly, all or a portion of such carrying value may not be recoverable. Impairment losses are then measured by comparing the fair value of assets to their carrying amounts. For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, there were no impairments of long-lived assets.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Goodwill is the excess of purchase price over the fair value of identified net assets of businesses acquired. Intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are measured at their respective fair values as of the acquisition date. We do not amortize goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite useful lives.
We review goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets at least annually for possible impairment. Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are reviewed for possible impairment between annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of the reporting unit or the indefinite-lived intangible assets below their carrying values.
Intangible assets with definite lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives. Intangible assets subject to amortization are reviewed for potential impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that carrying amounts may not be recoverable.
Definite-lived intangible assets consist of our customer relationships intangible asset recorded in connection with the Evoqua Acquisition, which is being amortized over 20 years.
Stock-Based Compensation
The Company expenses stock-based compensation to employees over the requisite service period based on the estimated grant-date fair value of the awards. For stock-based compensation awards to non-employees, the Company re-measures the fair value of the non-employee awards at each reporting period prior to vesting and finally at the vesting date of the award. Changes in the estimated fair value of these non-employee awards are recognized as compensation expense in the period of change. The Company estimates the fair value of stock option grants using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, and the assumptions used in calculating the fair value of stock-based awards represent management’s best estimates and involve inherent uncertainties and the application of management’s judgment. For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company recorded stock-based compensation expense on its options granted under the Company’s equity compensation plans to its directors and officers, and its employees.
Accounting for Income Taxes
We estimate our income tax provision to recognize our tax expense and our deferred tax liabilities and assets for future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in our financial statements using current enacted tax laws. Deferred tax assets must be assessed based upon the likelihood of recoverability from future taxable income and to the extent that recovery is not likely, a valuation allowance is established. The allowance is regularly reviewed and updated for changes in circumstances that would cause a change in judgment about whether the related deferred tax asset may be realized. These calculations and assessments involve complex estimates and judgments because the ultimate tax outcome can be uncertain and future events unpredictable. If we determine that the deferred tax asset will be realized in the future, it may result in a material beneficial effect on earnings.
New Accounting Pronouncements
New accounting pronouncements are issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board or other standard setting bodies that are adopted by us as of the specified effective date. Unless otherwise discussed, we believe that the impact of
recently issued standards that are not yet effective will not have a material impact on our financial position or results of operations upon adoption. For further discussion on recent accounting pronouncements, please see Note 3, “New Accounting Pronouncements,” to our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information.

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ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.
Per §229.305 of Regulation S-K, the Company, designated a Smaller Reporting Company as defined in §229.10(f)(1) of Regulation S-K, is not required to provide the disclosure required by this Item.

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ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
The consolidated financial statements of the Registrant and other information required by this item are set forth beginning on page immediately following the signature page hereof and incorporated herein by reference.

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ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS
Item 9. Changes In and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.
None.

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ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures.
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
We maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure material information required to be disclosed in our reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required financial disclosure. In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, we recognized that a control system, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within a company have been detected. Management necessarily was required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures.
Under the supervision of and with the participation of our management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, we evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of December 31, 2023. Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2023. Additionally, the Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer, has concluded that the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report are fairly stated, in all material respects, in accordance with generally accepting accounting principles in the United States for each of the periods presented herein.
Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. We maintain internal control over financial reporting designed to provide reasonable, but not absolute, assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. Therefore, internal control over financial reporting determined to be effective provides only reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
Under the supervision and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer, our management evaluated the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023. In making their assessment of internal control over financial reporting, our management used the criteria described in the 2013 Internal Control-Integrated
Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on our evaluation, management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2023.
Attestation Report of the Registered Public Accounting Firm
As a non-accelerated filer, we are not required to provide an attestation report on our internal control over financial reporting issued by the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) identified in management’s evaluation pursuant to Rules 13a-15(d) or 15d-15(d) of the Exchange Act that occurred during the quarter ended December 31, 2023, that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

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ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 9B. Other Information.
(a) Appointment of Principal Accounting Officer
Effective March 20, 2024, the Company’s Senior Vice President of Finance, Jesse Neri, 46, has, in addition to his current responsibilities, assumed the role of principal accounting officer. Mr. Neri will not receive any additional compensation related to this appointment.
Prior to joining the Company in October 2023, Mr. Neri was Executive Director of Finance for Hemavant Sciences from August 2022 to October 2023. Before joining Hemavant, he was Executive Director of Financial Planning and Analysis for Aruvant Sciences from August 2021 to August 2022. From July 2020 to August 2021, he provided financial consulting services to a variety of life sciences companies. Previously, he served in a variety of finance roles at Zyla Life Sciences from June 2015 to July 2020, including most recently as Senior Vice President of Finance from January 2020 to July 2020. Mr. Neri has a B.S. in Business Administration from Villanova University and an MBA from Drexel University.
Mr. Neri has no familial relationships with any executive officer or director of the Company. There have been no transactions in which the Company has participated and in which Mr. Neri had a direct or indirect material interest that would be required to be disclosed under Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K.
(b) Trading Arrangements
None of our directors or executive officers adopted or terminated a Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement or a non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement during the quarter ended December 31, 2023, as such terms are defined under Item 408(a) of Regulation S-K.

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ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.
The information required by this Item 10 is incorporated herein by reference to information in our proxy statement for our 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “2024 Proxy Statement”), which we expect to be filed with the SEC within 120 days of the end of our fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, including under headings “Election of Directors,” “Directors Continuing in Office,” “Executive Officers,” “Corporate Governance” and, as applicable, "Delinquent Section 16(a) Reports."
Code of Business Conduct and Ethics
We have adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that applies to all of our directors, employees and officers, including our principal executive officer, our principal financial officer, principal accounting officer and persons performing similar functions. Our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics is available on our website at www.rockwellmed.com. To the extent required by applicable rules, future material amendments or waivers relating to the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics will be disclosed on our web site referenced in this paragraph within four business days following the date of such amendment or waiver.

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ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Item 11. Executive Compensation.
The information required by this Item 11 is incorporated herein by reference to information in our 2024 Proxy Statement, including under headings “Compensation of Executive Officers” and “Director Compensation.”

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ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.
The information required by this Item 12 is incorporated herein by reference to information in our 2024 Proxy Statement, including under heading “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management.”
Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans
The following table summarizes our compensation plans, including individual compensation arrangements, under which our equity securities are authorized for issuance as of December 31, 2023:
Plan Category Number of securities
to be issued upon
exercise of
outstanding options and
restricted stock units Weighted-average
exercise price of
outstanding options Number of securities
remaining available for
future issuance under
(excluding securities
reflected in column (a))
(a) (b) (c)
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders (1) 964,192 $ 7.61 1,403,325
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders (2) 624,204 $ 2.53 -
Total 1,588,396 $ 5.22 1,403,325
(1)Consists of 704,417 stock options with a weighted average exercise price of $7.61, 258,885 restricted stock units issued at $1.97 and 890 restricted stock awards issued at $62.70.
(2)Consists of 624,204 stock options with a weighted average exercise price of $2.53.

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ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions and Director Independence.
The information required by this Item 13 is incorporated herein by reference to information in our 2024 Proxy Statement, including under headings “Independence” and “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions.”

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ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.
The information required by this Item 14 is incorporated herein by reference to information in our 2024 Proxy Statement, including under heading “Independent Accountants.”
PART IV

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ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules.
(a) The financial statements and schedule filed herewith are set forth on the Index to Financial Statements and Schedule of the separate financial section of this annual report, which is incorporated herein by reference.
(b) Exhibits
The following documents are filed as part of this report or were previously filed and incorporated herein by reference to the filing indicated.
3.1 Certificate of Incorporation, dated as of August 28, 2019 (Exhibit 3.3 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed August 30, 2019).
3.2 Certificate of Amendment to Certificate of Incorporation of Rockwell Medical, Inc. related to the Reverse Stock Split, dated May 12, 2022 (Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on May 13, 2022).
3.3 Certificate of Designation of Preferences, Rights and Limitations of Series X Convertible Preferred Stock (Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on April 8, 2022).
3.4 Amended and Restated Bylaws (Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Form 10-Q filed November 14, 2022).
4.1 Description of Securities (Exhibit 4.2 to the Company's Form 10-K filed on April 8, 2022)
4.2 Form of Warrant (Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's Form 8-K filed on September 25, 2020).
4.3 Form of Pre-Funded Warrant (Exhibit 4.2 to the Company's Form 8-K filed on September 25, 2020).
4.4 Form of Warrant to Purchase Common Stock for Innovatus (Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's Form 8-K filed March 20, 2020).
4.5 Form of Pre-Funded Warrant (Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on June 2, 2022).
4.6 Form of PIPE Warrant (Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on June 2, 2022).
4.7 Form of PIPE Pre-Funded Warrant (Exhibit 4.3 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on June 2, 2022).
4.8 Common Stock Purchase Warrant, dated July 10, 2023, issued to Armistice Capital Master Fund Ltd. (Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's Form 10-Q filed on August 14, 2023).
4.9 Form of January 2024 Warrant to Purchase Common Stock issued to Innovatus Life Sciences Lending Fund I, LP (Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's Form 8-K filed on January 8, 2024).
10.1 Third Amendment to and Restatement of Loan and Security Agreement, dated January 1, 2024, by and among the Company, Rockwell Transportation, Inc., Innovatus Life Sciences Lending Fund I, LP and the lenders party thereto (Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Form 8-K filed on January 8, 2024).
10.2 Sales Agreement, dated April 8, 2022, between Rockwell Medical, Inc. and Cantor Fitzgerald & Co. (Exhibit 1.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on April 8, 2022).
10.3 Securities Purchase Agreement, dated April 6, 2022, by and between the Company and DaVita, Inc. (Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 10-Q filed on May 16, 2022).
10.4 RD Securities Purchase Agreement, dated May 30, 2022, by and between the Company and the Purchaser signatory therein (Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on June 2, 2022).
10.5 PIPE Securities Purchase Agreement, dated May 30, 2022, by and between the Company and the Purchaser signatory therein (Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on June 2, 2022).
10.6 Letter Agreement, dated July 10, 2023, by and between Rockwell Medical, Inc. and Armistice Capital Master Fund Ltd. (Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Form 10-Q filed on August 14, 2023).
10.7 Registration Rights Agreement, dated June 2, 2022, by and between the Company and the Holder signatory thereto (Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on June 2, 2022).
10.8+ Licensing Agreement, dated January 7, 2002, by and among the Company, Charak LLC and Dr. Ajay Gupta (Exhibit 10.18 to the Company’s Form 10-KSB filed April 1, 2002).
10.9 Amending Agreement, dated January 16, 2006, by and among the Company, Charak LLC and Dr. Ajay Gupta (Exhibit 10.13 to the Company’s Form 10-KSB filed March 21, 2006).
10.10 Master Services and IP Agreement, dated October 7, 2018, by and among the Company, Charak, LLC and Dr. Ajay Gupta (Exhibit 10.34 Company's Form 10-K filed on March 18, 2019).
10.11 Amendment to License Agreement, dated October 7, 2018, by and among the Company, Charak, LLC and Dr. Ajay Gupta (Exhibit 10.35 to the Company's Form 10-K filed on March 18, 2019).
10.12 Commercialization and Technology License Agreement IV Triferic, dated October 7, 2018, by and among the Company, Charak, LLC and Dr. Ajay Gupta (Exhibit 10.36 to the Company's Form 10-K filed on March 18, 2019).
10.13 Technology License Agreement TPN Triferic, dated October 7, 2018, by and among the Company, Charak, LLC and Dr. Ajay Gupta (Exhibit 10.37 to the Company's Form 10-K filed on March 18, 2019).
10.14 Asset Purchase Agreement dated July 10, 2023 by and between Rockwell Medical, Inc. and Evoqua Water Technologies LLC (Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Form 10-Q filed on August 14, 2023).
10.15+ Amended and Restated Products Purchase Agreement dated September 18, 2023 by and between Rockwell Medical, Inc. and DaVita Inc. (Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Form 10-Q filed on November 14, 2023).
10.16* Rockwell Medical, Inc. Amended and Restated 2007 Long Term Incentive Plan, as amended effective May 21, 2015 (Appendix to the Company’s Proxy Statement for the 2015 Annual Meeting of Shareholders filed on April 13, 2015).
10.17* Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement (2007 Long Term Incentive Plan) (Director Version) (Exhibit 10.22 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed December 20, 2007).
10.18* Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement (2007 Long Term Incentive Plan) (Employee Version) (Exhibit 10.23 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed December 20, 2007).
10.19* Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement (2007 Long Term Incentive Plan) (Director Version) (Exhibit 10.62 to the Company’s Form 10-K filed February 29, 2016).
10.20* Form of Performance Share Award Agreement March 2017 (Director Version) (Exhibit 10.65 to the Company’s Form 10-Q filed May 9, 2017).
10.21* Rockwell Medical, Inc. Amended and Restated 2018 Long Term Incentive Plan (Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Form 10-Q filed on August 14, 2023).
10.22* Form of Stock Option Agreement (2018 Long Term Incentive Plan) (Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Form 10-Q filed on November 14, 2022).
10.23* Form of Contingent Option Agreement for Directors (2018 Long Term Incentive Plan) (Exhibit 10.76 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed March 21, 2018).
10.24* Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement Employee Version (2018 Long Term Incentive Plan).
10.25* Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement Director Version (2018 Long Term Incentive Plan).
10.26* Rockwell Medical, Inc. Short Term Incentive Plan (Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 10-Q filed on November 14, 2022).
10.27* Form of Indemnification Agreement (Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed August 30, 2019).
10.28* Stock Appreciation Right Agreement, dated September 5, 2017, by and between the Company and John G. Cooper (Exhibit 10.71 to the Company’s Form 10-Q filed November 8, 2017).
10.29* Employment Agreement, dated June 21, 2022, between Rockwell Medical, Inc. and Mark Strobeck (Exhibit 10.7 to the Company’s Form 10-Q filed on August 15, 2022).
10.30*# Employment Agreement dated July 21, 2021 between Rockwell Medical, Inc. and Megan Timmins.
10.31# Rockwell Medical, Inc. Amended and Restated Clawback Policy.
10.32# Rockwell Medical, Inc. Statement of Company Policy Prohibiting Insider Trading.
21.1 List of Subsidiaries (Company's Form 10-K filed on March 31, 2021).
23.1# Consent of EisnerAmper LLP.
23.2# Consent of Marcum LLP.
31.1# Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a).
32.1# Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
101.INS XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema
101.CAL XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase
101.DEF XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Database
101.LAB XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase
101.PRE XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase
104 The cover page from the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021, formatted in Inline XBRL (included as Exhibit 101)
* Indicates management contracts or compensatory plans or arrangements.
+ Certain confidential portions of this exhibit were omitted by means of marking such portions with asterisks because the identified confidential portions (i) are not material and (ii) would be competitively harmful if publicly disclosed.
# Filed herewith