aethlon_s82-080210.htm
As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 2, 2010
Registration No. 333-_________
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM S-8
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
AETHLON MEDICAL, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Nevada
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13-3632859
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(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation
or organization)
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(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
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8910 University Center Lane, Suite 660
San Diego, California
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92122
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(Address of principal executive offices)
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(Zip Code)
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INDIVIDUAL OPTION GRANTS
(Full title of the plan)
James A. Joyce
8910 University Center Lane, Suite 660
San Diego, California 92122
(Name and address of agent for service)
(858) 458-7800
(Telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer" and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer o
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Accelerated filer o
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Non-accelerated filer o
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
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Smaller reporting company x
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CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
Title of securities to be registered
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Amount to be
registered (1)
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Proposed maximum
offering price
per share (2)
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Proposed maximum
aggregate offering
price (2)
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Amount of
registration fee
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Common Stock, par value $0.001
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13,416,060 shares
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$ |
0.2585 |
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$ |
3,468,051.51 |
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$ |
247.27 |
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(1) Pursuant to Rule 416 of the Securities Act, this Registration Statement also shall cover any additional shares of common stock that shall become issuable by reason of any stock dividend, stock split, recapitalization, or other similar transaction by the Registrant.
(2) Estimated pursuant to Rule 457(h) of the Securities Act solely for purposes of calculating amount of the registration fee, based upon the average of the high and low prices reported on July 30, 2010, as reported on the OTC Electronic Bulletin Board.
PART I
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE SECTION 10(a) PROSPECTUS
Information required in Part I of Form S-8 to be contained in a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10(a) of the Securities Act is not required to be filed with the Commission and is omitted from this Registration Statement in accordance with the explanatory note to Part I of Form S-8 and Rule 428(b)(1) under the Securities Act.
REOFFER PROSPECTUS
Aethlon Medical, Inc.
13,416,060 Shares of Common Stock
This reoffer prospectus relates to up to 13,416,060 shares of our common stock that may be offered and resold from time to time by the selling stockholders identified herein for their own account. The selling stockholders are current or former directors, officers, employees, consultants or advisers of our company. We will not receive any proceeds from the sale of shares made by selling stockholders. We anticipate that selling stockholders will sell at prevailing prices quoted on the OTC Bulletin Board or at privately negotiated prices. The selling stockholders will bear any applicable sales commissions, transfer taxes and similar expenses. We will pay all other expenses incident to the registration of the shares.
Our common stock currently is quoted on the OTC Bulletin Board under the symbol “AEMD.”
An investment in our common stock involves a high degree of risk. You should purchase our securities only if you can afford a complete loss of your investment. See “Risk Factors” beginning at page 1.
NEITHER THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION HAS APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED OF THESE SECURITIES OR DETERMINED IF THIS PROSPECTUS IS TRUTHFUL OR COMPLETE. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
The date of this reoffer prospectus is August 2, 2010.
AETHLON MEDICAL, INC.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Page
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Our Company
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1
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Risk Factors
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1
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Forward-Looking Statements
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16
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Use of Proceeds
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17
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Selling Stockholders
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17
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Plan of Distribution
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18
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Incorporation by Reference
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19
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Legal Matters
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20
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Experts
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20
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Where You Can Find More Information
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Disclosure of Commission Position on Indemnification for Securities Act Liabilities
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OUR COMPANY
Aethlon Medical, Inc. (the “Company,” “we” or “us”) is a developmental stage company focused on creating medical devices that address infectious disease and cancer. Our devices are designed to be novel platform solutions that fill significant therapeutic voids or aid in disease diagnosis and monitoring. We believe that our Hemopurifier(R) is the first medical device to selectively target the removal of infectious viruses and immunosuppressive proteins from the entire circulatory system. We have also discovered that our Hemopurifier(R) captures tumor-secreted exosomes, known to kill off the immune cells of those afflicted with cancer. Currently, a therapeutic strategy to directly inhibit or reverse the immunosuppressive destruction caused by exosomes does not exist in cancer care but we believe the Hemopurifier(R) can be developed for that use. By eliminating this mechanism deployed by all cancers to survive, we believe our Hemopurifier(R) could fill an unmet clinical need that offers the potential benefit of an immune-based therapy without adding drug toxicity or interaction risks to established and emerging treatment strategies. Through in vitro studies we have demonstrated that our Hemopurifier(R) captures exosomes underlying ovarian cancer and have since initiated collaborations with universities and research institutes to determine if the Hemopurifier(R) has broad-spectrum capability to address exosomes underlying other types of cancers. Upon the completion of in vitro studies, we also hope to initiate human pilot studies to demonstrate the clinical effect of removing exosomes from cancer patients.
Our website address is www.aethlonmedical.com. Our website and the information contained on our website are not incorporated into this prospectus or the Registration Statement of which it forms a part.
Our principal executive offices are located at 8910 University Center Lane, Suite 660, San Diego, California 92122.
RISK FACTORS
An investment in our common shares involves a high degree of risk and is subject to many uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties may adversely affect our business, operating results and financial condition. In such an event, the trading price for our common shares could decline substantially, and you could lose all or part of your investment. In order to attain an appreciation for these risks and uncertainties, you should read this prospectus in its entirety and consider all of the information and advisements contained in this prospectus, including the following risk factors and uncertainties.
RISKS RELATING TO OUR BUSINESS
WE HAVE INCURRED SIGNIFICANT LOSSES AND EXPECT LOSSES TO CONTINUE FOR THE FORESEEABLE FUTURE.
We have yet to establish any history of profitable operations. We have incurred annual operating losses of $2,848,892 and $2,923,254, for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively. At March 31, 2010 and 2009, we had an accumulated deficit of $42,760,510 and $38,311,414, respectively. We have incurred net losses of $4,573,315 and $6,084,158 for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2010 and 2009. We have not had significant revenues to date. We expect that our revenues, if any, will not be sufficient to sustain our operations for the foreseeable future. Our profitability will require the successful commercialization of our Hemopurifier(R) technology. No assurances can be given when or if this will occur or that we will ever generate revenues or be profitable.
WE HAVE RECEIVED AN EXPLANATORY PARAGRAPH FROM OUR AUDITORS REGARDING OUR ABILITY TO CONTINUE AS A GOING CONCERN
Our independent registered public accounting firm noted in their report accompanying our financial statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for our fiscal year ended March 31, 2010 that we had a significant deficit accumulated during the development stage, had a working capital deficit and that a significant amount of additional capital will be necessary to advance the development of our products to the point at which we may become commercially viable and stated that those conditions raised substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. Note 1 to our financial statements for the year ended March 31, 2010 describes management's plans to address these matters. We cannot assure you that our business plans will be successful in addressing these issues. This explanatory paragraph about our ability to continue as a going concern could affect our ability to obtain additional financing at favorable terms, if at all, as it may cause investors to lose faith in our long-term prospects. If we cannot successfully continue as a going concern, our shareholders may lose their entire investment in our common shares.
WE WILL REQUIRE ADDITIONAL FINANCING TO SUSTAIN OUR OPERATIONS AND WITHOUT IT WE WILL NOT BE ABLE TO CONTINUE OPERATIONS.
Should the financing we require to sustain our working capital needs be unavailable to us on reasonable terms when we require it, the consequences could be a material adverse effect on our business, operating results, financial condition and prospects. If we cannot raise operating capital, we may be forced to cease operations.
WE ARE RELIANT UPON LICENSES OF PATENTS AND TECHNOLOGIES FROM THIRD PARTIES FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF CERTAIN APPLICATIONS AND USES OF OUR DEVICES; THE TERMINATION OF ANY SUCH LICENSE, OR A CHALLENGE TO THE PATENT AND INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY UNDERLYING SUCH LICENSE COULD HAVE A MATERIAL AND ADVERSE EFFECT UPON OUR ABILITY TO CONTINUE THE DEVELOPMENT OF OUR DEVICES IN CERTAIN FIELDS OF USE, WHICH WOULD ADVERSELY AFFECT OUR BUSINESS PROSPECTS AND THE VALUE OF YOUR INVESTMENT IN OUR SECURITIES.
We rely upon third party licenses for the development of specific uses for our Hemopurifer® devices, including in the area of cancer treatment. Specifically, we are researching, developing and testing cancer-related applications for our devices under a license with Boston University and with the London Health Science Center Research, Inc. and Mr. Thomas Ichim. Should either of these licenses be prematurely terminated for any reason, or should the patents and intellectual property owned by such entities that we have licensed be challenged or defeated by third parties, our research efforts could be materially and adversely affected. There can be no assurances that these licenses will continue in force for as long as we require for our research, development and testing of cancer treatments. There can be no assurances that should these licenses terminate, or should the underlying patents and intellectual property be challenged or defeated, that suitable replacements can be obtained or developed on terms acceptable to the Company, if at all.
WE WILL FACE INTENSE COMPETITION FROM COMPANIES THAT HAVE GREATER FINANCIAL, PERSONNEL AND RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT RESOURCES THAN OURS. THESE COMPETITIVE FORCES MAY IMPACT OUR PROJECTED GROWTH AND ABILITY TO GENERATE REVENUES AND PROFITS, WHICH WOULD HAVE A NEGATIVE IMPACT ON OUR BUSINESS AND THE VALUE OF YOUR INVESTMENT.
Our competitors are developing vaccine candidates, which could compete with the Hemopurifier(R) medical device candidates we are developing. Our commercial opportunities will be reduced or eliminated if our competitors develop and market products for any of the diseases we target that:
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have fewer or less severe adverse side effects;
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are more adaptable to various modes of dosing;
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are easier to administer; or
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are less expensive than the products or product candidates we are developing.
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Even if we are successful in developing effective Hemopurifier(R) products, and obtain FDA and other regulatory approvals necessary for commercializing them, our products may not compete effectively with other successful products. Researchers are continually learning more about diseases, which may lead to new technologies for treatment. Our competitors may succeed in developing and marketing products that are either more effective than those that we may develop, alone or with our collaborators, or that are marketed before any products we develop are marketed.
The Congress' passage of the Project BioShield Bill, a comprehensive effort to develop and make available modern, effective drugs and vaccines to protect against attack by biological and chemical weapons or other dangerous pathogens, may encourage competitors to develop their own product candidates. We cannot predict the decisions that will be made in the future by the various government agencies as a result of such legislation.
Our competitors include fully integrated pharmaceutical companies and biotechnology companies as well as universities and public and private research institutions. Many of the organizations competing with us, have substantially greater capital resources, larger research and development staffs and facilities, greater experience in product development and in obtaining regulatory approvals, and greater marketing capabilities than we do.
The market for medical devices is intensely competitive. Many of our potential competitors have longer operating histories, greater name recognition, more employees, and significantly greater financial, technical, marketing, public relations, and distribution resources than we have. This intense competitive environment may require us to make changes in our products, pricing, licensing, services or marketing to develop, maintain and extend our current technology. Price concessions or the emergence of other pricing or distribution strategies of competitors may diminish our revenues (if any), adversely impact our margins or lead to a reduction in our market share (if any), any of which may harm our business.
WE HAVE LIMITED MANUFACTURING EXPERIENCE.
To achieve the levels of production necessary to commercialize our Hemopurifier(R) products, we will need to secure manufacturing agreements with contract manufacturers which comply with good manufacturing practice standards and other standards prescribed by various federal, state and local regulatory agencies in the U.S. and any other country of use.
We have limited experience manufacturing products for testing purposes and no experience manufacturing products for large scale commercial purposes. We will likely outsource the manufacture of our Hemopurifier(R) products to third parties operating FDA-certified facilities. To date, we have manufactured devices on a small scale for testing purposes and have begun to utilize the services of a contract manufacturer. There can be no assurance that manufacturing and control problems will not arise as we attempt to commercialize our products or that such manufacturing can be completed in a timely manner or at a commercially reasonable cost. Any failure to address such problems could delay or prevent commercialization of our products and would have a material adverse effect on us.
OUR HEMOPURIFIER(R) TECHNOLOGY MAY BECOME OBSOLETE.
Our Hemopurifier(R) products may be made unmarketable by new scientific or technological developments where new treatment modalities are introduced that are more efficacious and/or more economical than our Hemopurifier(R) products. The Homeland Security industry is growing rapidly with many competitors trying to develop products or vaccines to protect against infectious disease. Any one of our competitors could develop a more effective product which would render our technology obsolete.
OUR USE OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS, CHEMICALS AND VIRUSES REQUIRES US TO COMPLY WITH REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS AND EXPOSES US TO POTENTIAL LIABILITIES.
Our research and development involves the controlled use of hazardous materials, chemicals and viruses. The primary hazardous materials include chemicals needed to construct the Hemopurifier(R) cartridges and the infected plasma samples used in preclinical testing of the Hemopurifier(R). All chemicals are fully inventoried and reported to the appropriate authorities, such as the fire department, who inspect the facility on a regular basis. We are subject to federal, state, local and foreign laws governing the use, manufacture, storage, handling and disposal of such materials. Although we believe that our safety procedures for the use, manufacture, storage, handling and disposal of such materials comply with the standards prescribed by federal, state, local and foreign regulations, we cannot completely eliminate the risk of accidental contamination or injury from these materials. We have had no incidents or problems involving hazardous chemicals or biological samples. In the event of such an accident, we could be held liable for significant damages or fines. We currently carry a limited amount of insurance to protect us from these damages. In addition, we may be required to incur significant costs to comply with regulatory requirements in the future.
WE ARE DEPENDENT FOR OUR SUCCESS ON A FEW KEY EXECUTIVE OFFICERS. OUR INABILITY TO RETAIN THOSE OFFICERS WOULD IMPEDE OUR BUSINESS PLAN AND GROWTH STRATEGIES, WHICH WOULD HAVE A NEGATIVE IMPACT ON OUR BUSINESS AND THE VALUE OF YOUR INVESTMENT.
Our success depends to a critical extent on the continued services of our Chief Executive Officer, James A. Joyce, and our Chief Science Officer, Richard H. Tullis. Were we to lose one or both of these key executive officers, we would be forced to expend significant time and money in the pursuit of a replacement, which would result in both a delay in the implementation of our business plan and the diversion of limited working capital. The loss of Dr. Tullis would harm the clinical development of our products due to his unique experience with the Hemopurifier(R) technology. The loss of Dr. Tullis and/or Mr. Joyce would be detrimental to our growth as they possess unique knowledge of our business model and infectious disease which would be difficult to replace within the biotechnology field. We can give you no assurance that we can find satisfactory replacements for these key executive officers at all, or on terms that are not unduly expensive or burdensome to our company. Although Mr. Joyce and Dr. Tullis have signed employment agreements providing for their continued service to our company, these agreements will not preclude them from leaving our company. We do not currently carry key man life insurance policies on any of our key executive officers which would assist us in recouping our costs in the event of the loss of those officers.
OUR INABILITY TO ATTRACT AND RETAIN QUALIFIED PERSONNEL COULD IMPEDE OUR ABILITY TO GENERATE REVENUES AND PROFITS AND TO OTHERWISE IMPLEMENT OUR BUSINESS PLAN AND GROWTH STRATEGIES, WHICH WOULD HAVE A NEGATIVE IMPACT ON OUR BUSINESS AND COULD ADVERSELY AFFECT THE VALUE OF YOUR INVESTMENT.
We currently have an extremely small staff comprised of four full-time employees consisting of our Chief Executive Officer, our Chief Science Officer, a research scientist and an executive assistant. We also employ a Senior Vice President - Finance, a Director of Business Development and a Director of Corporate Communications on a contract basis. Although we believe that these employees and consultants will be able to handle most of our additional administrative, research and development and business development in the near term, we will nevertheless be required over the longer-term to hire highly skilled managerial, scientific and administrative personnel to fully implement our business plan and growth strategies. Due to the specialized scientific nature of our business, we are highly dependent upon our ability to attract and retain qualified scientific, technical and managerial personal. Competition for these individuals, especially in San Diego where many biotechnology companies are located, is intense and we may not be able to attract, assimilate or retain additional highly qualified personnel in the future. We cannot assure you that we will be able to engage the services of such qualified personnel at competitive prices or at all, particularly given the risks of employment attributable to our limited financial resources and lack of an established track record.
WE PLAN TO GROW RAPIDLY, WHICH WILL PLACE STRAINS ON OUR MANAGEMENT TEAM AND OTHER COMPANY RESOURCES TO BOTH IMPLEMENT MORE SOPHISTICATED MANAGERIAL, OPERATIONAL AND FINANCIAL SYSTEMS, PROCEDURES AND CONTROLS AND TO TRAIN AND MANAGE THE PERSONNEL NECESSARY TO IMPLEMENT THOSE FUNCTIONS. OUR INABILITY TO MANAGE OUR GROWTH COULD IMPEDE OUR ABILITY TO GENERATE REVENUES AND PROFITS AND TO OTHERWISE IMPLEMENT OUR BUSINESS PLAN AND GROWTH STRATEGIES, WHICH WOULD HAVE A NEGATIVE IMPACT ON OUR BUSINESS AND THE VALUE OF YOUR INVESTMENT.
We will need to significantly expand our operations to implement our longer-term business plan and growth strategies. We will also be required to manage multiple relationships with various strategic partners, technology licensors, customers, manufacturers and suppliers, consultants and other third parties. This expansion and these expanded relationships will require us to significantly improve or replace our existing managerial, operational and financial systems, procedures and controls; to improve the coordination between our various corporate functions; and to manage, train, motivate and maintain a growing employee base. The time and costs to effectuate these steps may place a significant strain on our management personnel, systems and resources, particularly given the limited amount of financial resources and skilled employees that may be available at the time. We cannot assure you that we will institute, in a timely manner or at all, the improvements to our managerial, operational and financial systems, procedures and controls necessary to support our anticipated increased levels of operations and to coordinate our various corporate functions, or that we will be able to properly manage, train, motivate and retain our anticipated increased employee base.
WE MAY HAVE DIFFICULTY IN ATTRACTING AND RETAINING MANAGEMENT AND OUTSIDE INDEPENDENT MEMBERS TO OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS AS A RESULT OF THEIR CONCERNS RELATING TO THEIR INCREASED PERSONAL EXPOSURE TO LAWSUITS AND SHAREHOLDER CLAIMS BY VIRTUE OF HOLDING THESE POSITIONS IN A PUBLICLY HELD COMPANY.
The directors and management of publicly traded corporations are increasingly concerned with the extent of their personal exposure to lawsuits and shareholder claims, as well as governmental and creditor claims which may be made against them, particularly in view of recent changes in securities laws imposing additional duties, obligations and liabilities on management and directors. Due to these perceived risks, directors and management are also becoming increasingly concerned with the availability of directors and officers liability insurance to pay on a timely basis the costs incurred in defending such claims. We currently do carry limited directors and officers liability insurance. Directors and officers liability insurance is expensive and difficult to obtain. If we are unable to continue or provide directors and officers liability insurance at affordable rates or at all, it may become increasingly more difficult to attract and retain qualified outside directors to serve on our board of directors. We may lose potential independent board members and management candidates to other companies in the biotechnology field that have greater directors and officers liability insurance to insure them from liability or to biotechnology companies that have revenues or have received greater funding to date which can offer greater compensation packages. The fees of directors are also rising in response to their increased duties, obligations and liabilities as well as increased exposure to such risks. As a company with a limited operating history and limited resources, we will have a more difficult time attracting and retaining management and outside independent directors than a more established company due to these enhanced duties, obligations and liabilities.
OUR INABILITY TO PROTECT OUR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS, INCLUDING OUR U.S. AND INTERNATIONAL PATENTS COULD NEGATIVELY IMPACT OUR PROJECTED GROWTH AND ABILITY TO GENERATE REVENUES AND PROFITS, WHICH WOULD HAVE A NEGATIVE IMPACT ON OUR BUSINESS AND THE VALUE OF YOUR INVESTMENT.
We rely on a combination of patents, patents pending, copyrights, trademark and trade secret laws, proprietary rights agreements and non-disclosure agreements to protect our intellectual properties. We cannot give you any assurance that these measures will prove to be effective in protecting our intellectual properties.
In the case of patents, we cannot give you any assurance that our existing patents will not be invalidated, that any patents that we currently or prospectively apply for will be granted, or that any of these patents will ultimately provide significant commercial benefits. Further, competing companies may circumvent any patents that we may hold by developing products which closely emulate but do not infringe our patents. While we intend to seek patent protection for our products in selected foreign countries, those patents may not receive the same degree of protection as they would in the United States. We can give you no assurance that we will be able to successfully defend our patents and proprietary rights in any action we may file for patent infringement. Similarly, we cannot give you any assurance that we will not be required to defend against litigation involving the patents or proprietary rights of others, or that we will be able to obtain licenses for these rights. Legal and accounting costs relating to prosecuting or defending patent infringement litigation may be substantial. We believe that certain patent applications filed and/or other patents issued more recently will help to protect the proprietary nature of the Hemopurifier(R) treatment technology.
The Hemopurifier(R) and related treatment approaches are protected by three issued U.S. patents and seven issued international patents. We have also applied for five additional U.S. patents and twenty-one additional international patents.
We also rely on proprietary designs, technologies, processes and know-how not eligible for patent protection. We cannot give you any assurance that our competitors will not independently develop the same or superior designs, technologies, processes and know-how.
While we have and will continue to enter into proprietary rights agreements with our employees and third parties giving us proprietary rights to certain technology developed by those employees or parties while engaged by our company, we can give you no assurance that courts of competent jurisdiction will enforce those agreements.
IF WE FAIL TO COMPLY WITH EXTENSIVE REGULATIONS OF DOMESTIC AND FOREIGN REGULATORY AUTHORITIES, THE COMMERCIALIZATION OF OUR PRODUCT CANDIDATES COULD BE PREVENTED OR DELAYED.
Our pathogen filtration devices, or Hemopurifier(R) products, are subject to extensive government regulations related to development, testing, manufacturing and commercialization in the U.S. and other countries. The determination of when and whether a product is ready for large-scale purchase and potential use will be made by the U.S. government through consultation with a number of governmental agencies, including the FDA, the National Institutes of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Department of Homeland Security. Our product candidates are in the pre-clinical and clinical stages of development and have not received required regulatory approval from the FDA to be commercially marketed and sold. The process of obtaining and complying with FDA and other governmental regulatory approvals and regulations is costly, time consuming, uncertain and subject to unanticipated delays. Such regulatory approval (if any) and product development requires several years. Despite the time and expense exerted, regulatory approval is never guaranteed. We also are subject to the following risks and obligations, among others.
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The FDA may refuse to approve an application if they believe that applicable regulatory criteria are not satisfied.
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The FDA may require additional testing for safety and effectiveness.
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The FDA may interpret data from pre-clinical testing and clinical trials in different ways than we interpret them.
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If regulatory approval of a product is granted, the approval may be limited to specific indications or limited with respect to its distribution.
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The FDA may change their approval policies and/or adopt new regulations.
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Failure to comply with these or other regulatory requirements of the FDA may subject us to administrative or judicially imposed sanctions, including:
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product seizure or detention;
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total or partial suspension of productions.
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DELAYS IN SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETING OUR CLINICAL TRIALS COULD JEOPARDIZE OUR ABILITY TO OBTAIN REGULATORY APPROVAL OR MARKET OUR HEMOPURIFIER(R) PRODUCT CANDIDATES ON A TIMELY BASIS.
Our business prospects will depend on our ability to complete clinical trials, obtain satisfactory results, obtain required regulatory approvals and successfully commercialize our Hemopurifier(R) product candidates. Completion of our clinical trials, announcement of results of the trials and our ability to obtain regulatory approvals could be delayed for a variety of reasons, including:
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serious adverse events related to our medical device candidates;
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unsatisfactory results of any clinical trial;
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the failure of our principal third-party investigators to perform our clinical trials on our anticipated schedules; and/or
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different interpretations of our pre-clinical and clinical data, which could initially lead to inconclusive results.
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Our development costs will increase if we have material delays in any clinical trial or if we need to perform more or larger clinical trials than planned. If the delays are significant, or if any of our Hemopurifier(R) product candidates do not prove to be safe or effective or do not receive required regulatory approvals, our financial results and the commercial prospects for our product candidates will be harmed. Furthermore, our inability to complete our clinical trials in a timely manner could jeopardize our ability to obtain regulatory approval.
THE INDEPENDENT CLINICAL INVESTIGATORS THAT WE RELY UPON TO CONDUCT OUR CLINICAL TRIALS MAY NOT BE DILIGENT, CAREFUL OR TIMELY, AND MAY MAKE MISTAKES, IN THE CONDUCT OF OUR CLINICAL TRIALS.
We depend on independent clinical investigators to conduct our clinical trials. The investigators are not our employees, and we cannot control the amount or timing of resources that they devote to our product development programs. If independent investigators fail to devote sufficient time and resources to our product development programs, or if their performance is substandard, it may delay FDA approval of our medical device candidates. These independent investigators may also have relationships with other commercial entities, some of which may compete with us. If these independent investigators assist our competitors at our expense, it could harm our competitive position.
WE MAY FAIL TO OBTAIN GOVERNMENT CONTRACTS TO DEVELOP OUR HEMOPURIFIER(R) TECHNOLOGY FOR BIODEFENSE APPLICATIONS.
The U.S. Government has undertaken commitments to help secure improved countermeasures against bioterrorism. To date, we have been unsuccessful in obtaining grant income. As a result, future attempts to obtain grant income from the Federal Government will be sought through direct communication to government health and military agencies, and may include unsolicited proposals to provide the Hemopurifier(R) as a treatment countermeasure.
At present, the Hemopurifier(R) has not been approved for use by any U.S. Government agency, nor have we received any contracts to purchase the Hemopurifier(R). Since inception, we have not generated revenues from the sale of any product based on our Hemopurifier(R) technology platform. The process of obtaining government contracts is lengthy with the uncertainty that we will be successful in obtaining announced grants or contracts for therapeutics as a medical device technology. Accordingly, we cannot be certain that we will be awarded any U.S. Government grants or contracts utilizing our Hemopurifier(R) platform technology.
U.S. GOVERNMENT AGENCIES HAVE SPECIAL CONTRACTING REQUIREMENTS, WHICH CREATE ADDITIONAL RISKS.
Our business plan to provide biodefense product candidates may involve contracts with the U.S. Government. U.S. Government contracts typically contain unfavorable termination provisions and are subject to audit and modification by the government at its sole discretion, which subjects us to additional risks. These risks include the ability of the U.S. Government to unilaterally:
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suspend or prevent us for a period of time from receiving new contracts or extending existing contracts based on violations or suspected violations of laws or regulations;
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audit and object to our contract-related costs and fees, including allocated indirect costs;
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control and potentially prohibit the export of our products; and
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change certain terms and conditions in our contracts.
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If we were to become a U.S. Government contractor, we would be required to comply with applicable laws, regulations and standards relating to our accounting practices and would be subject to periodic audits and reviews. As part of any such audit or review, the U.S. Government may review the adequacy of, and our compliance with, our internal control systems and policies, including those relating to our purchasing, property, estimating, compensation and management information systems. Based on the results of its audits, the U.S. Government may adjust our contract-related costs and fees, including allocated indirect costs. In addition, if an audit or review uncovers any improper or illegal activity, we would possibly be subject to civil and criminal penalties and administrative sanctions, including termination of our contracts, forfeiture of profits, suspension of payments, fines and suspension or prohibition from doing business with the U.S. Government. We could also suffer serious harm to our reputation if allegations of impropriety were made against us. Although adjustments arising from government audits and reviews have not seriously harmed our business in the past, future audits and reviews could cause adverse effects. In addition, under U.S. Government purchasing regulations, some of our costs, including most financing costs, amortization of intangible assets, portions of our research and development costs, and some marketing expenses, would possibly not be reimbursable or allowed under such contracts. Further, as a U.S. Government contractor, we would be subject to an increased risk of investigations, criminal prosecution, civil fraud, whistleblower lawsuits and other legal actions and liabilities to which purely private sector companies are not.
THE APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS FOR MEDICAL PRODUCTS USED TO FIGHT BIOTERRORISM ARE STILL EVOLVING, AND WE CANNOT BE CERTAIN THAT ANY PRODUCTS WE DEVELOP, IF EFFECTIVE, WOULD MEET THESE REQUIREMENTS.
We are developing product candidates based upon current governmental policies regulating these medical countermeasure treatments. For instance, we intend to pursue FDA approval of our proprietary pathogen filtration devices to treat infectious agents under requirements published by the FDA that allow the FDA to approve certain medical devices used to reduce or prevent the toxicity of chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear substances based on human clinical data to demonstrate safety and immune response, and evidence of effectiveness derived from appropriate animal studies and any additional supporting data. Our business is subject to substantial risk because these policies may change suddenly and unpredictably and in ways that could impair our ability to obtain regulatory approval of these products, and we cannot guarantee that the FDA will approve our proprietary pathogen filtration devices.
OUR PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT EFFORTS MAY NOT YIELD MARKETABLE PRODUCTS DUE TO RESULTS OF STUDIES OR TRIALS, FAILURE TO ACHIEVE REGULATORY APPROVALS OR MARKET ACCEPTANCE, PROPRIETARY RIGHTS OF OTHERS OR MANUFACTURING ISSUES.
Our success depends on our ability to successfully develop and obtain regulatory approval to market new filtration devices. We expect that a significant portion of the research that we will conduct will involve new and unproven technologies. Development of a product requires substantial technical, financial and human resources even if the product is not successfully completed.
Our previously planned products have not become marketable products due in part to our transition in 2001 from a focus on utilizing our Hemopurifier(R) technology on treating harmful metals to treating infectious diseases prior to our having completed the FDA approval process. Our transition was made in order to focus on larger markets with an urgent need for new treatment and to take advantage of the greater sense of urgency surrounding acute and chronic infectious diseases. Prior to initiating the development of infectious disease Hemopurifiers(R), we successfully completed an FDA approved Phase I human safety trial of a Hemopurifier(R) to treat aluminum and iron intoxication. Since changing the focus to infectious disease research, we have not initiated an FDA approved human clinical trial as the development of the technology is still continuing and will require both significant capital and scientific resources. Our pending products face similar challenges of obtaining successful clinical trials in route to gaining FDA approval prior to commercialization. Additionally, our limited financial resources hinder the speed of our product development due to personnel constraints.
Our potential products may appear to be promising at various stages of development yet fail to reach the market for a number of reasons, including the:
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lack of adequate quality or sufficient prevention benefit, or unacceptable safety during pre-clinical studies or clinical trials;
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failure to receive necessary regulatory approvals;
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existence of proprietary rights of third parties; and/or
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inability to develop manufacturing methods that are efficient, cost-effective and capable of meeting stringent regulatory standards.
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THE PATENTS WE OWN COMPRISE A MAJORITY OF OUR ASSETS WHICH COULD LIMIT OUR FINANCIAL VIABILITY.
The Hemopurifier(R) is protected by three issued U.S. patents and seven issued international patents. One of the U.S. patents is covered via an exclusive license. Our exclusive license expires March 2020 and is subject to termination if the inventors have not received a minimum of $15,000 in any year during the term beginning in the second year after the FDA approves the Hemopurifier(R). These patents comprise a majority of our assets. At March 31, 2010, our intellectual property assets comprise 31% of our non-current assets, and 22% of total assets. If our existing patents are invalidated or if they fail to provide significant commercial benefits, it will severely hurt our financial condition as a majority of our assets would lose their value. Further, since the financial value of our patents is written down for accounting purposes over the course of their term until they expire, our assets comprised of patents will continually be written down until they lose value altogether.
LEGISLATIVE ACTIONS AND POTENTIAL NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS ARE LIKELY TO IMPACT OUR FUTURE FINANCIAL POSITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.
There have been regulatory changes, including the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, and there may potentially be new accounting pronouncements or additional regulatory rulings which will have an impact on our future financial position and results of operations. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and other rule changes as well as proposed legislative initiatives following the Enron bankruptcy have increased our general and administrative costs as we have incurred increased legal and accounting fees to comply with such rule changes. Further, proposed initiatives are expected to result in changes in certain accounting rules, including legislative and other proposals to account for financial instruments at fair value. These and other potential changes could materially increase the expenses we report under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, and adversely affect our operating results.
OUR PRODUCTS MAY BE SUBJECT TO RECALL OR PRODUCT LIABILITY CLAIMS.
Our Hemopurifier(R) products may be used in connection with medical procedures in which it is important that those products function with precision and accuracy. If our products do not function as designed, or are designed improperly, we may be forced by regulatory agencies to withdraw such products from the market. In addition, if medical personnel or their patients suffer injury as a result of any failure of our products to function as designed, or our products are designed inappropriately, we may be subject to lawsuits seeking significant compensatory and punitive damages. The risk of product liability claims, product recalls and associated adverse publicity is inherent in the testing, manufacturing, marketing and sale of medical products. We do not have general clinical trial liability insurance coverage. There can be no assurance that future insurance coverage will to be adequate or available. We may not be able to secure product liability insurance coverage on acceptable terms or at reasonable costs when needed. Any product recall or lawsuit seeking significant monetary damages may have a material affect on our business and financial condition. Any liability for monetary damages could exceed the amount of our coverage. Moreover, a product recall could generate substantial negative publicity about our products and business and inhibit or prevent commercialization of other future product candidates.
POLITICAL OR SOCIAL FACTORS MAY DELAY OR IMPAIR OUR ABILITY TO MARKET OUR PRODUCTS.
Products developed to treat diseases caused by or to combat the threat of bioterrorism will be subject to changing political and social environments. The political and social responses to bioterrorism have been highly charged and unpredictable. Political or social pressures may delay or cause resistance to bringing our products to market or limit pricing of our products, which would harm our business. Bioterrorism has become the focus of political debates both in terms of how to approach bioterrorism and the amount of funding the government should provide for any programs involving homeland protection. Government funding for products on bioterrorism could be reduced which would hinder our ability to obtain governmental grants.
RISKS RELATING TO AN INVESTMENT IN OUR SECURITIES
TO DATE, WE HAVE NOT PAID ANY CASH DIVIDENDS AND NO CASH DIVIDENDS WILL BE PAID IN THE FORESEEABLE FUTURE.
We do not anticipate paying cash dividends on our common shares in the foreseeable future, and we cannot assure an investor that funds will be legally available to pay dividends, or that even if the funds are legally available, that the dividends will be paid.
THE APPLICATION OF THE "PENNY STOCK" RULES COULD ADVERSELY AFFECT THE MARKET PRICE OF OUR COMMON SHARES AND INCREASE YOUR TRANSACTION COSTS TO SELL THOSE SHARES.
As long as the trading price of our common shares is below $5 per share, the open-market trading of our common shares will be subject to the "penny stock" rules. The "penny stock" rules impose additional sales practice requirements on broker-dealers who sell securities to persons other than established customers and accredited investors (generally those with assets in excess of $1,000,000 or annual income exceeding $200,000 or $300,000 together with their spouse). For transactions covered by these rules, the broker-dealer must make a special suitability determination for the purchase of securities and have received the purchaser's written consent to the transaction before the purchase. Additionally, for any transaction involving a penny stock, unless exempt, the broker-dealer must deliver, before the transaction, a disclosure schedule prescribed by the SEC relating to the penny stock market. The broker-dealer also must disclose the commissions payable to both the broker-dealer and the registered representative and current quotations for the securities. Finally, monthly statements must be sent disclosing recent price information on the limited market in penny stocks. These additional burdens imposed on broker-dealers may restrict the ability or decrease the willingness of broker-dealers to sell our common shares, and may result in decreased liquidity for our common shares and increased transaction costs for sales and purchases of our common shares as compared to other securities.
OUR COMMON SHARES ARE THINLY TRADED, SO YOU MAY BE UNABLE TO SELL AT OR NEAR ASK PRICES OR AT ALL IF YOU NEED TO SELL YOUR SHARES TO RAISE MONEY OR OTHERWISE DESIRE TO LIQUIDATE YOUR SHARES.
Our common shares have historically been sporadically or "thinly-traded" on the OTCBB, meaning that the number of persons interested in purchasing our common shares at or near ask prices at any given time may be relatively small or non-existent. This situation is attributable to a number of factors, including the fact that we are a small company which is relatively unknown to stock analysts, stock brokers, institutional investors and others in the investment community that generate or influence sales volume, and that even if we came to the attention of such persons, they tend to be risk-averse and would be reluctant to follow an unproven company such as ours or purchase or recommend the purchase of our shares until such time as we became more seasoned and viable. As a consequence, there may be periods of several days or more when trading activity in our shares is minimal or non-existent, as compared to a seasoned issuer which has a large and steady volume of trading activity that will generally support continuous sales without an adverse effect on share price. We cannot give you any assurance that a broader or more active public trading market for our common shares will develop or be sustained, or that current trading levels will be sustained.
THE MARKET PRICE FOR OUR COMMON SHARES IS PARTICULARLY VOLATILE GIVEN OUR STATUS AS A RELATIVELY UNKNOWN COMPANY WITH A SMALL AND THINLY TRADED PUBLIC FLOAT, LIMITED OPERATING HISTORY AND LACK OF REVENUE WHICH COULD LEAD TO WIDE FLUCTUATIONS IN OUR SHARE PRICE. THE PRICE AT WHICH YOU PURCHASE OUR COMMON SHARES MAY NOT BE INDICATIVE OF THE PRICE THAT WILL PREVAIL IN THE TRADING MARKET. YOU MAY BE UNABLE TO SELL YOUR COMMON SHARES AT OR ABOVE YOUR PURCHASE PRICE, WHICH MAY RESULT IN SUBSTANTIAL LOSSES TO YOU.
The market for our common shares is characterized by significant price volatility when compared to seasoned issuers, and we expect that our share price will continue to be more volatile than a seasoned issuer for the indefinite future. In fact, during the 52-week period ended March 31, 2010, the high and low closing sale prices of a share of our common stock were $0.64 and $0.20, respectively. The volatility in our share price is attributable to a number of factors. First, as noted above, our common shares are sporadically and/or thinly traded. As a consequence of this lack of liquidity, the trading of relatively small quantities of shares by our shareholders may disproportionately influence the price of those shares in either direction. The price for our shares could, for example, decline precipitously in the event that a large number of our common shares are sold on the market without commensurate demand, as compared to a seasoned issuer which could better absorb those sales without adverse impact on its share price. Secondly, we are a speculative or "risky" investment due to our limited operating history and lack of revenue or profit to date, and the uncertainty of future market acceptance for our potential products. As a consequence of this enhanced risk, more risk-adverse investors may, under the fear of losing all or most of their investment in the event of negative news or lack of progress, be more inclined to sell their shares on the market more quickly and at greater discounts than would be the case with the stock of a seasoned issuer. The following factors may add to the volatility in the price of our common shares: actual or anticipated variations in our quarterly or annual operating results; acceptance of our proprietary technology as a viable method of augmenting the immune response of clearing viruses and toxins from human blood; government regulations, announcements of significant acquisitions, strategic partnerships or joint ventures; our capital commitments and additions or departures of our key personnel. Many of these factors are beyond our control and may decrease the market price of our common shares regardless of our operating performance. We cannot make any predictions or projections as to what the prevailing market price for our common shares will be at any time, including as to whether our common shares will sustain their current market prices, or as to what effect the sale of shares or the availability of common shares for sale at any time will have on the prevailing market price.
Shareholders should be aware that, according to SEC Release No. 34-29093, the market for penny stocks has suffered in recent years from patterns of fraud and abuse. Such patterns include (1) control of the market for the security by one or a few broker-dealers that are often related to the promoter or issuer; (2) manipulation of prices through prearranged matching of purchases and sales and false and misleading press releases; (3) boiler room practices involving high-pressure sales tactics and unrealistic price projections by inexperienced sales persons; (4) excessive and undisclosed bid-ask differential and markups by selling broker-dealers; and (5) the wholesale dumping of the same securities by promoters and broker-dealers after prices have been manipulated to a desired level, along with the resulting inevitable collapse of those prices and with consequent investor losses. Our management is aware of the abuses that have occurred historically in the penny stock market. Although we do not expect to be in a position to dictate the behavior of the market or of broker-dealers who participate in the market, management will strive within the confines of practical limitations to prevent the described patterns from being established with respect to our securities. The occurrence of these patterns or practices could increase the volatility of our share price.
VOLATILITY IN OUR COMMON SHARE PRICE MAY SUBJECT US TO SECURITIES LITIGATION.
The market for our common shares is characterized by significant price volatility when compared to seasoned issuers, and we expect that our share price will continue to be more volatile than a seasoned issuer for the indefinite future. In the past, plaintiffs have often initiated securities class action litigation against a company following periods of volatility in the market price of its securities. We may in the future be the target of similar litigation. Securities litigation could result in substantial costs and liabilities and could divert management's attention and resources.
OUR OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS BENEFICIALLY OWN OR CONTROL APPROXIMATELY 17.5% OF OUR OUTSTANDING COMMON SHARES AS OF JUNE 24, 2010, WHICH MAY LIMIT YOUR ABILITY OR THAT OF OTHER SHAREHOLDERS, WHETHER ACTING INDIVIDUALLY OR TOGETHER, TO PROPOSE OR DIRECT THE MANAGEMENT OR OVERALL DIRECTION OF OUR COMPANY. ADDITIONALLY, THIS CONCENTRATION OF OWNERSHIP COULD DISCOURAGE OR PREVENT A POTENTIAL TAKEOVER OF OUR COMPANY THAT MIGHT OTHERWISE RESULT IN YOU RECEIVING A PREMIUM OVER THE MARKET PRICE FOR YOUR COMMON SHARES.
As of June 24, 2010, our officers and directors beneficially own or control approximately 17.5% of our outstanding common shares (assuming the exercise of all outstanding options and warrants held by our officers and directors). In addition, our Board has approved the grant of 4,000,000 shares of restricted stock to our Chief Executive Officer, and upon such issuance in full of such shares, the beneficial ownership of our officers and directors will increase to 21.2%. These persons will have the ability to substantially influence all matters submitted to our shareholders for approval and to control our management and affairs, including extraordinary transactions such as mergers and other changes of corporate control, and going private transactions.
A LARGE NUMBER OF COMMON SHARES ARE ISSUABLE UPON EXERCISE OF OUTSTANDING COMMON SHARE PURCHASE OPTIONS, WARRANTS AND CONVERTIBLE PROMISSORY NOTES. THE EXERCISE OR CONVERSION OF THESE SECURITIES COULD RESULT IN THE SUBSTANTIAL DILUTION OF YOUR INVESTMENT IN TERMS OF YOUR PERCENTAGE OWNERSHIP IN THE COMPANY AS WELL AS THE BOOK VALUE OF YOUR COMMON SHARES. THE SALE OF A LARGE AMOUNT OF COMMON SHARES RECEIVED UPON EXERCISE OF THESE OPTIONS OR WARRANTS ON THE PUBLIC MARKET TO FINANCE THE EXERCISE PRICE OR TO PAY ASSOCIATED INCOME TAXES, OR THE PERCEPTION THAT SUCH SALES COULD OCCUR, COULD SUBSTANTIALLY DEPRESS THE PREVAILING MARKET PRICES FOR OUR SHARES.
As of March 31, 2010, there are outstanding purchase options and warrants entitling the holders to purchase 38,776,526 common shares at a weighted average exercise price of $0.33 per share. That figure includes 3,980,021 warrants that are conditional upon the exercise of other warrants or conversion of certain convertible debt instruments. There are 14,265,999 shares underlying promissory notes convertible into common stock at a weighted average exercise price of $0.20. The exercise price for all of the aforesaid warrants may be less than your cost to acquire our common shares. In the event of the exercise of these securities, you could suffer substantial dilution of your investment in terms of your percentage ownership in the company as well as the book value of your common shares. In addition, the holders of the common share purchase options or warrants may sell common shares in tandem with their exercise of those options or warrants to finance that exercise, or may resell the shares purchased in order to cover any income tax liabilities that may arise from their exercise of the options or warrants.
OUR ISSUANCE OF ADDITIONAL COMMON SHARES, OR OPTIONS OR WARRANTS TO PURCHASE THOSE SHARES, WOULD DILUTE YOUR PROPORTIONATE OWNERSHIP AND VOTING RIGHTS.
We are entitled under our certificate of incorporation to issue up to 250,000,000 shares of common stock. We have reserved for issuance 53,669,525 shares of common stock for existing options, warrants and convertible notes. We have issued and outstanding, as of March 31, 2010, 61,913,508 shares of common stock. As a result, as of March 31, 2010 we have 134,416,967 common shares available for issuance to new investors. Our board may generally issue shares of common stock, or options or warrants to purchase those shares, without further approval by our shareholders based upon such factors as our board of directors may deem relevant at that time. It is likely that we will be required to issue a large amount of additional securities to raise capital to further our development. It is also likely that we will be required to issue a large amount of additional securities to directors, officers, employees and consultants as compensatory grants in connection with their services, both in the form of stand-alone grants or under our stock plans. We cannot give you any assurance that we will not issue additional shares of common stock, or options or warrants to purchase those shares, under circumstances we may deem appropriate at the time.
OUR ISSUANCE OF ADDITIONAL COMMON SHARES IN EXCHANGE FOR SERVICES OR TO REPAY DEBT WOULD DILUTE YOUR PROPORTIONATE OWNERSHIP AND VOTING RIGHTS AND COULD HAVE A NEGATIVE IMPACT ON THE MARKET PRICE OF OUR COMMON STOCK.
Our board may generally issue shares of common stock to pay for debt or services without further approval by our shareholders based upon such factors that our board of directors may deem relevant at that time. For the past four years, we issued a total of 12,704,767 shares for debt to reduce our obligations. The average price discount of common stock issued for debt in this period, weighted by the number of shares issued for debt in such period was 40.0% and 35.7% for the years ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
For the past four fiscal years we issued a total of 5,343,758 shares as payment for services. The average price discount of common stock issued for services during this period, weighted by the number of shares issued was 6.0% and 4.3% for the years ended March 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively. It is likely that we will issue additional securities to pay for services and reduce debt in the future. We cannot give you any assurance that we will not issue additional shares of common stock under circumstances we may deem appropriate at the time.
THE ELIMINATION OF MONETARY LIABILITY AGAINST OUR DIRECTORS, OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES UNDER OUR CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION AND THE EXISTENCE OF INDEMNIFICATION RIGHTS TO OUR DIRECTORS, OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES MAY RESULT IN SUBSTANTIAL EXPENDITURES BY OUR COMPANY AND MAY DISCOURAGE LAWSUITS AGAINST OUR DIRECTORS, OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES.
Our certificate of incorporation contains provisions which eliminate the liability of our directors for monetary damages to our company and shareholders. Our bylaws also require us to indemnify our officers and directors. We may also have contractual indemnification obligations under our agreements with our directors, officers and employees. The foregoing indemnification obligations could result in our company incurring substantial expenditures to cover the cost of settlement or damage awards against directors, officers and employees that we may be unable to recoup. These provisions and resultant costs may also discourage our company from bringing a lawsuit against directors, officers and employees for breaches of their fiduciary duties, and may similarly discourage the filing of derivative litigation by our shareholders against our directors, officers and employees even though such actions, if successful, might otherwise benefit our company and shareholders.
ANTI-TAKEOVER PROVISIONS MAY IMPEDE THE ACQUISITION OF OUR COMPANY.
Certain provisions of the Nevada General Corporation Law have anti-takeover effects and may inhibit a non-negotiated merger or other business combination. These provisions are intended to encourage any person interested in acquiring us to negotiate with, and to obtain the approval of, our Board of Directors in connection with such a transaction. However, certain of these provisions may discourage a future acquisition of us, including an acquisition in which the shareholders might otherwise receive a premium for their shares. As a result, shareholders who might desire to participate in such a transaction may not have the opportunity to do so.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Some of the statements contained in this Registration Statement that are not historical facts are “forward-looking statements” that can be identified by the use of words like “estimates,” “projects,” “plans,” “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” or the negative or other variations, or by discussions of strategy that involve risks and uncertainties. We caution you that such statements in this Registration Statement reflect our current beliefs with respect to future events and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors affecting our operations, market growth, services, and products. We cannot assure you of the achievement of future results, as actual results may differ materially as a result of the risks we face, and actual events may differ from the assumptions underlying the statements we have made regarding anticipated events.
USE OF PROCEEDS
This prospectus relates to shares of our common stock that may be offered and sold from time to time by the selling stockholders identified herein. We will not receive any of the proceeds resulting from the sale of the shares held by the selling stockholders. If any of the selling stockholders were to exercise options to acquire the common stock to be sold pursuant to this reoffer prospectus, we would receive the purchase or exercise price. As of the date of this prospectus, 13,416,060 shares of our common stock are issuable upon exercise of options issued to the selling stockholders under the individual grants covered by this prospectus at exercise prices ranging from $0.21 to $3.75. We expect to use the proceeds received from the exercise of options, if any, for general working capital purposes.
SELLING STOCKHOLDERS
All of the common stock registered for sale under this prospectus will be owned by the current or former directors, officers, employees, consultants or advisers of the Company listed below (the “selling stockholders”) prior to the offer and sale of such shares. All of the shares owned by the selling stockholders and offered pursuant to this prospectus will have been acquired by them pursuant to individual stock option grants from the Company.
The following table sets forth the names of the selling stockholders who may sell their shares pursuant to this prospectus. The selling stockholders have, or within the past three years have had, positions, offices or other material relationships with us or with our predecessors or affiliates as identified below. The following table also sets forth information as of the date of this prospectus, to the best of our knowledge, regarding the ownership of our common stock by the selling stockholders and as adjusted to give effect to the sale of all of the common stock offered by the selling stockholders pursuant to this prospectus.
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Number of Shares
Owned Before
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Number of Shares
Being Offered
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Common Shares
Owned After Sale
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Selling Stockholder
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Offering (1)
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(1) (2)
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Number
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% of Class (3)
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James A. Joyce (4)
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13,988,243
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9,588,243
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4,400,000
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5.6%
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Richard H. Tullis, Ph.D (5)
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2,415,925
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1,897,175
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518,750
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*
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Franklyn S. Barry, Jr. (6)
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873,010
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766,417
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106,593
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*
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Edward G. Broenniman (7)
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1,096,399
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814,225
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282,174
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*
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Paul Duffin (8)
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300,000
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300,000
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--
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*
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Robert S. Stefanovich (9)
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50,000
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50,000
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--
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*
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Total
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18,723,577
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13,416,060
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5,307,517
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* Less than 1%.
(1)
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Assumes the exercise of all options granted under the individual stock option grants covered hereby.
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(2)
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Except for those agreements filed as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part, the Company has no written agreements pursuant to which the selling stockholders acquired or may acquire the shares being offered pursuant to this prospectus.
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(3)
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Based on 68,690,216 shares of common stock outstanding as of July 28, 2010.
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(4)
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Mr. Joyce is our Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, Principal Accounting Officer and Secretary.
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(5)
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Dr. Tullis is our Vice President and Chief Science Officer and is a director of the Company.
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(6)
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Mr. Barry is a director of the Company.
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(7)
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Mr. Broenniman is a director of the Company.
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(8)
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Mr. Duffin is senior research scientist of the Company.
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(9)
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Mr. Stefanovich is a former chief financial officer of the Company.
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PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
The selling stockholders and any of their pledgees, assignees and successors-in-interest may sell, from time to time, any or all of their shares of common stock on any stock exchange, market or trading facility on which the shares are traded or in private transactions. These sales may be at fixed or negotiated prices. The selling stockholders may use any one or more of the following methods when selling shares:
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ordinary brokerage transactions and transactions in which the broker-dealer solicits purchasers;
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block trades in which the broker-dealer will attempt to sell the shares as agent but may position and resell a portion of the block as principal to facilitate the transaction;
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purchases by a broker-dealer as principal and resale by the broker-dealer for its account;
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an exchange distribution in accordance with the rules of the applicable exchange;
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privately negotiated transactions;
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settlement of short sales entered into after the effective date of the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part;
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broker-dealers may agree with the selling stockholders to sell a specified number of such shares at a stipulated price per share;
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through the writing or settlement of options or other hedging transactions, whether through an options exchange or otherwise;
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a combination of any such methods of sale; or
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any other method permitted pursuant to applicable law.
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The selling stockholders also may sell shares under Rule 144 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), if available, rather than under this prospectus.
Broker-dealers engaged by the selling stockholders may arrange for other broker-dealers to participate in sales. Broker-dealers may receive commissions or discounts from the selling stockholders (or, if any broker-dealer acts as agent for the purchaser of shares, from the purchaser) in amounts to be negotiated, which compensation as to a particular broker-dealer may be in excess of customary commissions).
In connection with the sale of the common stock or interests therein, the selling stockholders may enter into hedging transactions with broker-dealers or other financial institutions, which may in turn engage in short sales of the common stock in the course of hedging the positions they assume. The selling stockholders also may sell shares of the common stock short and deliver these securities to close out their short positions, or loan or pledge the common stock to broker-dealers that in turn may sell these securities. The selling stockholders also may enter into option or other transactions with broker-dealers or other financial institutions or the creation of one or more derivative securities that require the delivery to such broker-dealer or other financial institution of shares offered by this prospectus, which shares such broker-dealer or other financial institution may resell pursuant to this prospectus (as supplemented or amended to reflect such transaction).
The selling stockholders and any broker-dealers or agents that are involved in selling the shares may be deemed to be “underwriters” within the meaning of the Securities Act in connection with such sales. In such event, any commissions received by such broker-dealers or agents and any profit on the resale of the shares purchased by them may be deemed to be underwriting commissions or discounts under the Securities Act. The selling stockholders have informed us that they do not have any written or oral agreement or understanding, directly or indirectly, with any person to distribute the shares covered by this prospectus.
As the selling stockholders may be deemed to be “underwriters” within the meaning of the Securities Act, they will be subject to the prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act. In addition, any securities covered by this prospectus that qualify for sale pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities Act may be sold under Rule 144 rather than under this prospectus. There is no underwriter or coordinating broker acting in connection with the proposed sale of the resale shares by the selling stockholders.
We will pay all fees and expenses incident to the registration of the shares, but any brokerage commissions and other expenses incurred by a selling stockholder will be borne by such stockholder.
The resale shares will be sold only through registered or licensed brokers or dealers if required under applicable state securities laws. In addition, in certain states, the resale shares may not be sold unless they have been registered or qualified for sale in the applicable state or an exemption from the registration or qualification requirement is available and is complied with.
The selling stockholders will be subject to applicable provisions of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) and the rules and regulations thereunder, including Regulation M, which may limit the timing of purchases and sales of shares of the common stock by the selling stockholders or any other person. We will make copies of this prospectus available to the selling stockholders and have informed them of the need to deliver a copy of this prospectus to each purchaser at or prior to the time of the sale.
INCORPORATION OF DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
The following documents are hereby incorporated by reference into this Registration Statement:
(a) The Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010, filed by the Registrant with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission” or the “SEC”) on July 2, 2010;
(b) The Current Report on Form 8-K filed by the Registrant with the Commission on May 28, 2010;
(c) The Current Report on Form 8-K filed by the Registrant with the Commission on July 16, 2010;
(d) The Current Report on Form 8-K filed by the Registrant with the Commission on July 30, 2010, including the description of the Registrant's common stock filed as Exhibit 99.1 thereto; and
(e) In addition, all documents subsequently filed by the Registrant pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 and 15(d) of the Exchange Act prior to the filing of a post-effective amendment which indicates that all securities offered have been sold or which deregisters all securities then remaining unsold, shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference into this Registration Statement and to be a part hereof from the date of filing of such documents.
Any statement contained herein or in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference herein shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this Registration Statement to the extent that a statement contained herein or in any other subsequently filed document that also is or is deemed to be incorporated by reference herein modifies or supersedes such earlier statement. Any statement so modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this Registration Statement.
We will provide to each person, including any beneficial owner, to whom a prospectus is delivered, a copy of any or all of the information that has been incorporated by reference in this prospectus but not delivered with the prospectus. We will provide this information upon written or oral request at no cost to the requester. Any request for this information should be directed to the Corporate Secretary, Aethlon Medical, Inc., 8910 University Center Lane, Suite 660, San Diego, California 92122, (858) 458-7800.
LEGAL MATTERS
The validity of the common stock offered pursuant to this prospectus has been passed upon by the Law Office of Jennifer A. Post, Beverly Hills, California.
EXPERTS
Squar, Milner, Peterson, Miranda & Williamson, LLP, a registered independent public accounting firm, has audited the consolidated balance sheets of the Company as of March 31, 2010 and 2009 and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders' deficit and cash flows for each of the years in the two-year period ended March 31, 2010 and for the period January 31, 1984 (Inception) through March 31, 2010 as set forth in their report dated June 30, 2010, and such financial statements have been incorporated by reference in this prospectus in reliance upon the report of such Firm given upon their authority as experts in auditing and accounting.
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We are a reporting company under the Exchange Act, and we file annual, quarterly and current reports and other information with the SEC. The public may read and copy any materials that we file with the SEC at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. The public may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC maintains an Internet site at http://www.sec.gov that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC.
DISCLOSURE OF COMMISSION POSITION ON INDEMNIFICATION FOR SECURITIES ACT LIABILITIES
Our Articles of Incorporation permit us to limit the liability of our directors to the fullest extent permitted under Section 78.037 of the Nevada General Corporation Law. As permitted by Section 78.037 of the Nevada General Corporation Law, our Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws also include provisions that eliminate the personal liability of each of our officers and directors for any obligations arising out of any acts or conduct of such officer or director performed for us or on our behalf. To the fullest extent allowed by Section 78.751 of the Nevada General Corporation Law, we will defend, indemnify and hold harmless our directors or officers from and against any and all claims, judgments and liabilities to which each director or officer becomes subject in connection with the performance of his or her duties and will reimburse each such director or officer for all legal and other expenses reasonably incurred in connection with any such claim of liability. However, we will not indemnify any officer or director against, or reimburse for, any expense incurred in connection with any claim or liability arising out of the officer’s or director’s own negligence or misconduct in the performance of duty.
The provisions of our Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws regarding indemnification are not exclusive of any other right we have to indemnify or reimburse our officers or directors in any proper case, even if not specifically provided for in the Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws.
We believe that the indemnity provisions contained in our Bylaws and the limitation of liability provisions contained in our Articles of Incorporation are necessary to attract and retain qualified persons for these positions. No pending material litigation or proceeding involving our directors, executive officers, employees or other agents as to which indemnification is being sought exists, and we are not aware of any pending or threatened material litigation that may result in claims for indemnification by any of our directors or executive officers.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers or persons controlling us pursuant to the foregoing provisions, we have been informed that, in the opinion of the SEC, such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is therefore unenforceable.
PART II
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT
Item 3. Incorporation of Documents by Reference.
The following documents are hereby incorporated by reference into this Registration Statement:
(a) The Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010, filed by the Registrant with the Commission on July 2, 2010;
(b) The Current Report on Form 8-K filed by the Registrant with the Commission on May 28, 2010;
(c) The Current Report on Form 8-K filed by the Registrant with the Commission on July 16, 2010;
(d) The Current Report on Form 8-K filed by the Registrant with the Commission on July 30, 2010, including the description of the Registrant's common stock filed as Exhibit 99.1 thereto; and
(e) In addition, all documents subsequently filed by the Registrant pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 and 15(d) of the Exchange Act prior to the filing of a post-effective amendment which indicates that all securities offered have been sold or which deregisters all securities then remaining unsold, shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference into this Registration Statement and to be a part hereof from the date of filing of such documents.
Any statement contained herein or in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference herein shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this Registration Statement to the extent that a statement contained herein or in any other subsequently filed document that also is or is deemed to be incorporated by reference herein modifies or supersedes such earlier statement. Any statement so modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this Registration Statement.
Item 4. Description of Securities.
Not applicable. The class of securities to be offered is registered under Section 12 of the Exchange Act.
Item 5. Interests of Named Experts and Counsel.
None.
Item 6. Indemnification of Directors and Officers.
Our Articles of Incorporation permit us to limit the liability of our directors to the fullest extent permitted under Section 78.037 of the Nevada General Corporation Law. As permitted by Section 78.037 of the Nevada General Corporation Law, our Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws also include provisions that eliminate the personal liability of each of our officers and directors for any obligations arising out of any acts or conduct of such officer or director performed for us or on our behalf. To the fullest extent allowed by Section 78.751 of the Nevada General Corporation Law, we will defend, indemnify and hold harmless our directors or officers from and against any and all claims, judgments and liabilities to which each director or officer becomes subject in connection with the performance of his or her duties and will reimburse each such director or officer for all legal and other expenses reasonably incurred in connection with any such claim of liability. However, we will not indemnify any officer or director against, or reimburse for, any expense incurred in connection with any claim or liability arising out of the officer’s or director’s own negligence or misconduct in the performance of duty.
The provisions of our Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws regarding indemnification are not exclusive of any other right we have to indemnify or reimburse our officers or directors in any proper case, even if not specifically provided for in the Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws.
We believe that the indemnity provisions contained in our Bylaws and the limitation of liability provisions contained in our Articles of Incorporation are necessary to attract and retain qualified persons for these positions. No pending material litigation or proceeding involving our directors, executive officers, employees or other agents as to which indemnification is being sought exists, and we are not aware of any pending or threatened material litigation that may result in claims for indemnification by any of our directors or executive officers.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers or persons controlling us pursuant to the foregoing provisions, we have been informed that, in the opinion of the SEC, such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is therefore unenforceable.
Item 7. Exemption from Registration Claimed.
Not applicable.
Item 8. Exhibits.
Exhibit
No.
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Description
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5
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Opinion regarding legality
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23.1
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Consent of Squar, Milner, Petersen, Miranda & Williamson, LLP
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23.2
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Consent of Law Office of Jennifer A. Post (included in Exhibit 5)
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99.1
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Notice of Grant and Stock Option Agreement between Aethlon Medical, Inc. and James A. Joyce, dated June 13, 2007
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99.2
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Notice of Grant and Stock Option Agreement between Aethlon Medical, Inc. and Franklyn S. Barry, dated December 15, 2008
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99.3
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Notice of Grant and Stock Option Agreement between Aethlon Medical, Inc. and Edward G. Broenniman, dated December 15, 2008
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99.4
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Notice of Grant and Stock Option Agreement between Aethlon Medical, Inc. and Ryan Paul Duffin, dated December 15, 2008
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99.5
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Notice of Grant and Stock Option Agreement between Aethlon Medical, Inc. and James A. Joyce, dated December 15, 2008
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99.6
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Notice of Grant and Stock Option Agreement between Aethlon Medical, Inc. and Richard H. Tullis, dated December 15, 2008
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Item 9. Undertakings.
The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes:
(1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this Registration Statement:
(i) To include any prospectus required by section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933;
(ii) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of this Registration Statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment hereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in this Registration Statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than a 20% change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the “Calculation of Registration Fee” table in the effective Registration Statement; and
(iii) To include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in this Registration Statement or any material change to such information in this Registration Statement;
provided, however, that paragraphs (1)(i) and (1)(ii) above do not apply if this Registration Statement is on Form S-8, and the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in periodic reports filed with or furnished to the Commission by the Registrant pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are incorporated by reference in this Registration Statement.
(2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof;
(3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered that remain unsold at the termination of the offering; and
(4) That, for the purpose of determining liability under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser in the initial distribution of the securities, in a primary offering of securities of the Registrant pursuant to this Registration Statement, regardless of the underwriting method used to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following communications, the Registrant will be a seller to the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to such purchaser: (i) any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of the Registrant relating to the offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424; (ii) any free writing prospectus relating to the offering prepared by or on behalf of the Registrant or used or referred to by the Registrant; (iii) the portion of any other free writing prospectus relating to the offering containing material information about the Registrant or its securities provided by or on its behalf; and (iv) any other communication that is an offer in the offering made by the Registrant to the purchaser.
(5) The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the Registrant's annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan’s annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that is incorporated by reference in this Registration Statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
(6) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-8 and has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in San Diego, California, on August 2, 2010.
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AETHLON MEDICAL, INC., |
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a Nevada corporation |
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/s/ James A. Joyce |
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By: James A. Joyce |
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Its: Chief Executive Officer |
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the date indicated:
Dated: August 2, 2010 |
/s/ James A. Joyce |
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James A. Joyce, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Principal Accounting Officer |
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Dated: July 29, 2010 |
/s/ Franklyn S. Barry, Jr. |
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Franklyn S. Barry, Jr., Director |
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Dated: August 2, 2010 |
/s/ Edward G. Broenniman |
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Edward G. Broenniman, Director |
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Dated: August 2, 2010 |
/s/ Richard H. Tullis |
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Richard H. Tullis, Director |
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
Exhibit
No.
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Description
|
|
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5
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Opinion regarding legality
|
|
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23.1
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Consent of Squar, Milner, Petersen, Miranda & Williamson, LLP
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23.2
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Consent of Law Office of Jennifer A. Post (included in Exhibit 5)
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99.1
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Notice of Grant and Stock Option Agreement between Aethlon Medical, Inc. and James A. Joyce, dated June 13, 2007
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99.2
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Notice of Grant and Stock Option Agreement between Aethlon Medical, Inc. and Franklyn S. Barry, dated December 15, 2008
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99.3
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Notice of Grant and Stock Option Agreement between Aethlon Medical, Inc. and Edward G. Broenniman, dated December 15, 2008
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99.4
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Notice of Grant and Stock Option Agreement between Aethlon Medical, Inc. and Ryan Paul Duffin, dated December 15, 2008
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99.5
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Notice of Grant and Stock Option Agreement between Aethlon Medical, Inc. and James A. Joyce, dated December 15, 2008
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99.6
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Notice of Grant and Stock Option Agreement between Aethlon Medical, Inc. and Richard H. Tullis, dated December 15, 2008
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