ORAMED PHARMACEUTICALS INC. [ORMP] Filings

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

☒ ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2023

or

☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Commission file number 001-35813

ORAMED PHARMACEUTICALS INC.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

844-967-2633
(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

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

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

None.

(Title of class)

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.

Yes ☐      No ☒

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.

Yes ☐     No ☒

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

Yes ☒      No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Date File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).

Yes ☒      No ☐

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

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. ☐

If securities are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act, indicate by check mark whether the financial statements of the registrant included in the filing reflect the correction of an error to previously issued financial statements. ☐

Indicate by check mark whether any of those error corrections are restatements that required a recovery analysis of incentive-based compensation received by any of the registrant’s executive officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant to §240.10D-1(b). ☐

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

Yes ☐      No ☒

The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates as of the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter was $130,525,522 based on a price of $3.58, being the last price at which the shares of the registrant’s common stock were sold on the Nasdaq Capital Market prior to the end of the most recently completed second fiscal quarter.

As of March 6, 2024, the registrant had 40,519,160 shares of common stock issued and outstanding. 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION AND USE OF CERTAIN TERMS

As used in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, the terms “we,” “us,” “our,” the “Company,” and “Oramed” mean Oramed Pharmaceuticals Inc. and our wholly-owned subsidiaries, unless otherwise indicated. All dollar amounts refer to U.S. dollars unless otherwise indicated.

On December 31, 2023, the exchange rate between the New Israeli Shekel, or NIS, and the dollar, as quoted by the Bank of Israel, was NIS 3.627 to $1.00. Unless indicated otherwise by the context, statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K that provide the dollar equivalent of NIS amounts or provide the NIS equivalent of dollar amounts are based on such exchange rate.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

The statements contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K that are not historical facts are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and other federal securities laws and the Israeli securities law. Words such as “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “plans,” “planned expenditures,” “believes,” “seeks,” “estimates” and similar expressions or variations of such words are intended to identify forward-looking statements, but are not deemed to represent an all-inclusive means of identifying forward-looking statements as denoted in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Additionally, statements concerning future matters are forward-looking statements. We remind readers that forward-looking statements are merely predictions and therefore inherently subject to uncertainties and other factors and involve known and unknown risks that could cause the actual results, performance, levels of activity, or our achievements, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance, levels of activity, or our achievements, or industry results, expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements appear in “Item 1. Business” and “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” as well as elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and include, among other statements, statements regarding the following:

Although forward-looking statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K reflect the good faith judgment of our management, such statements can only be based on facts and factors known by us at the time of such statements. Consequently, forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties and actual results and outcomes may differ materially from the results and outcomes discussed in or anticipated by the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences in results and outcomes include, without limitation, those discussed herein, including those risks described in “Item 1A. Risk Factors,” and expressed from time to time in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC. In addition, historic results of scientific research, clinical and preclinical trials do not guarantee that the conclusions of future research or trials would not suggest different conclusions. Also, historic results referred to in this Annual Report on Form 10-K could be interpreted differently in light of additional research, clinical and preclinical trials results. Readers are urged not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements in order to reflect any event or circumstance that may arise after the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Readers are urged to carefully review and consider the various disclosures made throughout the entirety of this Annual Report on Form 10-K which attempt to advise interested parties of the risks and factors that may affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

PART I

ITEM 1. BUSINESS.

Description of Business

We are a pharmaceutical company engaged in the research and development of innovative pharmaceutical solutions with a technology platform that allows for the oral delivery of therapeutic proteins.

We have developed an oral dosage form intended to withstand the harsh environment of the stomach and effectively deliver active biological insulin or other proteins. The excipients in the formulation are not intended to modify the proteins chemically or biologically, and the dosage form is designed to be safe to ingest.

On January 11, 2023, we announced that the ORA-D-013-1 Phase 3 trial did not meet its primary or secondary endpoints. As a result, we terminated this trial and a parallel Phase 3, ORA-D-013-2 clinical trial. In 2023, we completed an analysis of the data from the ORA-D-013-1 Phase 3 trial and found that subpopulations of patients with pooled specific parameters, such as body mass index, or BMI, baseline HbA1c and age, responded well to oral insulin. Based on this analysis, we are working on a protocol for a new Phase 3 clinical trial to be submitted to the FDA. We are additionally examining our existing pipeline and have commenced an evaluation process of potential strategic opportunities, with the goal of enhancing value for our stockholders.

Scilex Transaction

On August 7, 2023, we entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement, as subsequently amended on August 9, 2023 and August 21, 2023, or the Sorrento SPA, with Sorrento Therapeutics, Inc., or Sorrento, to acquire certain equity securities of Scilex owned by Sorrento, or the Purchased Securities, for a purchase price of $105 million. Sorrento and its affiliated debtor, Scintilla Pharmaceuticals, Inc., or Scintilla and together with Sorrento, the Debtors, are in Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings.

On August 9, 2023, we entered into a Senior Secured, Super-Priority Debtor-in-Possession Loan and Security Agreement, or the Senior DIP Loan Agreement, with the Debtors in the principal amount of $100 million, which included a non-refundable closing fee of $450,000 paid in full out of the proceeds. This amount was subsequently drawn in full by the Debtors and was intended to be used by us as a credit for the consideration for the Purchased Securities, with an additional $5,000,000 in cash to be paid by us at closing. Thereafter, we and Sorrento continued discussions and negotiations relating to the sale contemplated under the Sorrento SPA.

Securities Purchase Agreement

On September 21, 2023, or the Closing Date, we entered into and consummated the transactions, or, collectively, the Transaction, contemplated by a Securities Purchase Agreement, or the Scilex SPA, with Scilex and Acquiom Agency Services LLC. Pursuant to the Scilex SPA, in exchange for Scilex assuming Sorrento’s outstanding obligations under the Senior DIP Loan Agreement, or the DIP Assumption, and for the ability to credit the amounts assumed under the DIP Assumption in exchange for certain equity securities of Scilex owned by Sorrento, Scilex (i) issued to us (A) a Senior Secured Promissory Note due 18 months from the date of issuance in the principal amount of $101,875,000, or the Note, which includes accrued and unpaid interest of $875,000 under the Senior DIP Loan Agreement and $1,000,000 of fees added to the principal amount of the Note, (B) a warrant to purchase up to an aggregate of 4,500,000 shares of common stock of Scilex, par value $0.0001 per share, or the Scilex Common Stock, and containing certain restrictions on exercisability, or the Closing Penny Warrant, and (C) warrants to purchase up to an aggregate of 8,500,000 shares of Scilex Common Stock, or the Subsequent Penny Warrants, and, together with the Closing Penny Warrant, the Penny Warrants, each with an exercise price of $0.01 per share and each with certain restrictions on exercisability, and (ii) caused certain outstanding warrants to purchase up to an aggregate of 4,000,000 shares of Scilex Common Stock with an exercise price of $11.50 per share to be transferred to us, or the Transferred Warrants and together with the Penny Warrants, the Warrants. In addition, on the Closing Date, Scilex reimbursed $1,910,000 of the Company’s Transaction expenses pursuant to the Scilex SPA.

Pursuant to the terms of the Scilex SPA, Scilex agreed to certain restrictions on additional issuances of equity securities. In connection with the Transaction, we and Sorrento mutually agreed to terminate the Sorrento SPA and to release all claims we and Sorrento may have against one another, and Scilex completed the acquisition of the Purchased Securities.

Senior Secured Promissory Note

The Note matures on March 21, 2025 or upon an uncured event of default, subject to certain mandatory prepayments, and bears interest at a rate per annum equal to Term SOFR (as defined in the Note) plus 8.5% (subject to a Term SOFR floor of 4.0%), to be paid in-kind, by being capitalized and added to the principal amount of the Note on a monthly basis. The Scilex SPA provides for principal payments of (i) $5 million on December 21, 2023, (ii) $15 million on March 21, 2024, and (iii) $20 million on each of June 21, 2024, September 21, 2024, and December 21, 2024, and for the entire remaining principal balance of the Note to be paid on March 21, 2025. If the Note is not repaid in full on or prior to March 21, 2024, an exit fee equal to $3,056,250 shall be payable upon repayment of the Note in full.

The Note constitutes senior secured indebtedness of Scilex and is guaranteed by all existing or future formed, direct and indirect, domestic subsidiaries of Scilex and is secured by a first priority security interest in and liens on all of the assets of Scilex, subject to customary and mutually agreed permitted liens and except for certain specified exemptions.

Mandatory prepayments under the Note are required following the earlier of (a) April 1, 2024 and (b) the date upon which certain of Scilex’s outstanding indebtedness is repaid in full. Voluntary prepayments may be made at Scilex’s discretion; provided that, if made prior to the one-year anniversary of the Closing Date, Scilex will also be required to pay a customary 50% interest make-whole on the portion of the Note so prepaid.

The Note includes customary events of default, upon which the Note will bear interest at a default rate of Term SOFR plus 15.0%, which shall be payable in-kind, by being capitalized and added to the principal amount of the Note on a monthly basis. If the Note is accelerated upon an event of default, Scilex is required to repay the principal amount of the Note at a mandatory default rate of 125% of such principal amount (together with 100% of accrued and unpaid interest thereon and all other amounts due in respect of the Note).

Until the obligations under the Note are repaid in full, we have the right to designate one non-voting observer, to attend meetings of the board of directors and committees of Scilex and its subsidiaries. Currently, David Silberman, our Chief Financial Officer, is the observer.

Pursuant to the terms of the Scilex SPA, we received the first principal payment of $5 million on December 21, 2023. The next principal payment in the amount of $15 million is expected to be paid on March 21, 2024.

Warrants

The Closing Penny Warrant will be exercisable upon the earliest of (i) March 14, 2025, (ii) the date on which the Note has been repaid in full and (iii) the Management Sale Trigger Date (as defined therein), if any, and will expire on the date that is the fifth anniversary of the issuance date. For purposes of the Closing Penny Warrant (as well as the Subsequent Penny Warrants), the Management Sale Trigger Date is generally the first date that either Dr. Henry Ji, Scilex’s Executive Chairperson, or Mr. Jaisim Shah, Scilex’s Chief Executive Officer and President and a member of Scilex’s Board of Directors, engages in certain sales or other similar transfers of shares of Scilex Common Stock or other of Scilex’s or any of its subsidiaries’ securities, subject to certain exceptions as are customary for lock-up agreements executed by directors and officers in connection with financings or similar transactions. The exercise price of the Closing Penny Warrant is $0.01 per share, subject to adjustment.

We were issued four Subsequent Penny Warrants, each for 2,125,000 shares of Scilex Common Stock, which shall vest and become exercisable on the date that is the later of (i) March 19, 2024, June 17, 2024, September 15, 2024 or December 14, 2024, respectively, or the Subsequent Penny Warrant Vesting Date, and (ii) the earliest of (A) March 14, 2025, (B) the date on which the Note has been repaid in full and (C) the Management Sale Trigger Date (as defined therein), if any. Each Subsequent Penny Warrant will expire on the date that is the fifth anniversary of the issuance date; provided that, if the Note is repaid in full prior to the Subsequent Penny Warrant Vesting Date applicable to such Subsequent Penny Warrant, such Subsequent Penny Warrant will expire on the date the Note is repaid in full. We may exercise the Penny Warrants by means of a “cashless exercise.”

The Penny Warrants may not be exercised if we, together with our affiliates, would beneficially own in excess of 9.9% of the number of shares of Scilex Common Stock outstanding immediately after giving effect to such exercise; provided, that we may increase or decrease such limitation upon 61 days’ prior notice to Scilex.

The Transferred Warrants are listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market, or Nasdaq, have an exercise price of $11.50 per share, are fully exercisable, and expire on November 10, 2027.

Registration Rights Agreement

In connection with the Scilex SPA, on September 21, 2023, we entered into a registration rights agreement with Scilex, pursuant to which Scilex granted us certain registration rights applicable to the resale of the shares underlying the Warrants and agreed to pay liquidated damages equal to the product of 2.0% multiplied by the sum of (x) the aggregate principal amount outstanding under the Note and (y) the aggregate Exercise Price (as defined in the Closing Penny Warrant) of the Closing (capped at 12%) of the aggregate subscription amount.

Research and Development

Oral Insulin

Type 2 Diabetes: We conducted the ORA-D-013-1 Phase 3 trial on patients with type 2 diabetes, or T2D, with inadequate glycaemic control who were on two or three oral glucose-lowering agents. The primary endpoint of the trial was to evaluate the efficacy of our oral insulin capsule, ORMD-0801, compared to placebo in improving glycaemic control as assessed by HbA1c, with a secondary efficacy endpoint of assessing the change from baseline in fasting plasma glucose at 26 weeks. On January 11, 2023, we announced that the ORA-D-013-1 Phase 3 trial did not meet its primary or secondary endpoints. Following the results of the ORA-D-013-1 Phase 3 trial, we also terminated the ORA-D-013-2 Phase 3 trial, a second Phase 3 trial that included T2D patients with inadequate glycaemic control who were attempting to manage their condition with either diet alone or with diet and metformin. In 2023, we completed an analysis of the data from the ORA-D-013-1 Phase 3 trial and found that subpopulations of patients with pooled specific parameters, such as BMI, baseline HbA1c and age, responded well to oral insulin. These subsets exhibited an over 1% placebo adjusted, statistically significant, reduction in HbA1c. Based on this analysis, we are working on a protocol for a new Phase 3 clinical trial to be submitted to the FDA.

Joint Venture Agreement: On January 22, 2024, Oramed and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Oramed Ltd., entered into a Joint Venture Agreement, or the JV Agreement, with HTIT Biotech and Technowl Limited, a wholly-owned indirect subsidiary of HTIT Biotech, or HTIT Sub, and together with HTIT Biotech, HTIT, pursuant to which, subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the JV Agreement, the parties will establish a joint venture, or the JV, based on Oramed’s oral drug delivery technology.

The JV will focus on the development and worldwide commercialization of innovative products based on Oramed’s oral insulin and POD™ (Protein Oral Delivery) pipeline and HTIT’s manufacturing capabilities and technologies. The parties intend for the JV to use the protocol we are currently working on to initiate a Phase 3 oral insulin trial in the United States.

Oramed and HTIT will initially hold equal shares in the JV, with each owning 50% of the equity. The board of directors will initially consist of equal representation from HTIT and Oramed. HTIT will contribute to the JV $70 million in cash, while Oramed will contribute $20 million (comprised of $10 million in cash and $10 million in shares of Oramed common stock that will be subject to certain registration rights) and will transfer intellectual property related to its oral insulin and POD™ technology, as well as other assets in the Oramed pipeline. HTIT will have an option to invest additional funds into the JV up to an aggregate amount of $20 million, thereby increasing its equity holdings and board representation. Oramed will be entitled to receive a 3% royalty on gross revenues of the JV generated from Oramed related assets.

The consummation of the JV Agreement is subject to and contingent upon the parties entering into additional agreements within a three-month period, including an asset transfer agreement for the transfer of Oramed’s intellectual property to the JV, a commercial supply agreement for the manufacture and supply of products by HTIT to the JV, as well as other documents and agreements to regulate the relationship of the parties and the JV to be formed pursuant to the JV Agreement. There is no assurance that the parties will complete and sign these additional agreements within the agreed timeline or at all. If such agreements are not signed within the agreed timeframe, then either party may apply a 30-day extension, after which the JV Agreement may be terminated and voided by either party. Thereafter, the consummation of the JV transaction is further subject to the satisfaction or waiver of certain other closing conditions within a three-month period following the completion of the aforesaid ancillary agreements. If the closing conditions are not met within the agreed timeframe, then either party may apply a 30-day extension, after which the JV Agreement may be terminated and voided by either party. In addition, completion of the transactions contemplated under the JV Agreement is subject to the satisfaction or waiver of customary and certain other closing conditions.

NASH: On September 13, 2022, we reported positive top line results from a double blind, placebo controlled clinical trial of ORMD-0801 for the treatment of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, or NASH, in T2D, demonstrating that ORMD-0801 was safe and well tolerated at 8 mg twice daily dosing, meeting the primary endpoint of no difference in adverse events for ORMD-0801 compared to placebo. The trial also evaluated the effectiveness of ORMD-0801 in reducing liver fat content over the 12-week treatment period by observing several independent measures. All the measurements showed a consistent clinically meaningful trend in favor of ORMD-0801. We are currently evaluating our path forward for ORMD-0801 for NASH.

Oral Vaccine

On March 18, 2021, we entered into a license agreement, or the Oravax License Agreement, with Oravax, a 63% owned joint venture to commercialize oral vaccines for COVID-19 and other novel coronaviruses based on Premas Biotech Pvt. Ltd.’s proprietary vaccine technology involving a triple antigen virus like particle, or the Oravax product.

In October 2022, Oravax reported positive preliminary Phase 1 data for Cohort A of a Phase 1 clinical trial, meeting primary or secondary endpoints of safety and immunogenicity. These results included significant antibody response (2-6 fold over baseline) as measured by multiple markers of immune response to virus like particle vaccine antigens observed in the majority of the patients dosed, and no safety issues were observed, including mild symptoms. Cohort B completed dosing in January 2023. Cohort B measured Immunoglobulin G, or IGG, against the spike (S) protein, showing positive IGG in approximately 55% of the patients dosed. We are currently evaluating our path forward for Oravax’s oral vaccines for COVID-19.

PeriTech Acquisition and License

In December 2023, we executed and completed an agreement with PeriTech Pharma Ltd., or PeriTech, acquiring the rights to their film-forming technology tailored for the delivery of topical/dermatology agents. This includes a once-daily over-the-counter treatment for hemorrhoids. The PeriTech pipeline extends its potential applications to include indications such as pruritus ani, anal warts, anal fissures and herpes labialis.

We have entered into an exclusive licensing agreement with Genomma Lab Internacional S.A.B. de C.V, or Genomma Labs, pursuant to which we granted Genomma Labs the development and commercialization rights to the PeriTech pipeline, in exchange for a royalty based on net sales.

Impact of Current Events

On October 7, 2023, the State of Israel was attacked by and subsequently declared war on Hamas. Israel has been in an ongoing state of war with Hamas since that time. Following the attack by Hamas, Hezbollah has also launched attacks against Israel and Israel has been responding to these attacks with targeted air strikes. It is possible that other terrorist organizations, including Palestinian military organizations in the West Bank, as well as other hostile countries, such as Iran, will join the hostilities. As of March 6, 2024, we believe that there is no immediate risk to our business operations related to these events. For further information, see “Item 1A. Risk Factors,” under “We are affected by the political, economic and military risks of having operations in Israel.”

Raw Materials

Our oral insulin capsule for clinical trials was manufactured by Fidelio Healthcare, a diversified European Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) in the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries.

In July 2010, Oramed Ltd. entered into the Manufacturing and Supply Agreement with Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland GMBH, or Sanofi-Aventis. According to the agreement, Sanofi-Aventis supplies Oramed Ltd. with specified quantities of recombinant human insulin to be used for clinical trials.

We have purchased, pursuant to separate agreements with third parties, the raw materials required for the manufacturing of our oral capsule. We generally depend upon a limited number of suppliers for the raw materials. Although alternative sources of supply for these materials are generally available, we could incur significant costs and disruptions if we need to change suppliers. The termination of our relationships with our suppliers or the failure of these suppliers to meet our requirements for raw materials on a timely and cost-effective basis could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations.

Market Overview

Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin. Insulin is a hormone that causes sugar to be absorbed into cells, where the sugar is converted into energy needed for daily life. The cause of diabetes is attributed both to genetics (type 1 diabetes, or T1D) and, most often, to environmental factors such as obesity and lack of exercise (T2D). According to the International Diabetes Federation, or IDF, an estimated 537 million adults (20-79 years) worldwide suffered from diabetes in 2021 and the IDF projects this number will increase to 783 million by 2045. Also, according to the IDF, in 2021, an estimated 6.7 million people died from diabetes. According to the American Diabetes Association, or ADA, in the United States there were approximately 37.3 million people with diabetes, or 11.3% of the United States population in 2019. Diabetes is a leading cause of blindness, kidney failure, heart attack, stroke and amputation.

Intellectual Property and Patents

We own a portfolio of patents and patent applications covering our technologies, and we are aggressively protecting these technology developments on a worldwide basis.

We maintain a proactive intellectual property strategy, which includes patent filings in multiple jurisdictions, including the United States and other commercially significant markets. We hold 38 patent applications currently pending, with respect to various compositions, methods of production and oral administration of proteins and exenatide. Expiration dates for pending patents, if granted, will fall between 2026 and 2039.

We hold 117 patents, eight of which were issued during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, including patents issued by the United States, Swiss, German, French, U.K., Italian, Netherlands, Swedish, Spanish, Australian, Israeli, Japanese, New Zealand, South African, Russian, Canadian, Hong Kong, Chinese, European and Indian patent offices that cover a part of our technology, which allows for the oral delivery of proteins; patents issued by the Australian, Canadian, European, Austrian, Belgian, French, German, Irish, Italian, Luxembourg, Monaco, Netherlands, Norwegian, Spanish, Swedish, Swiss, U.K., Israeli, New Zealand, South African, Russian, Brazilian and Japanese patent offices that cover part of our technology for the oral delivery of exenatide; and patents issued by the European, Austrian, Belgian, Denmark, French, German, Irish, Italian, Luxembourg, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Spanish, Swedish, Swiss, U.K. and Japanese patent offices for treating diabetes.

Consistent with our strategy to seek protection in key markets worldwide, we have been and will continue to pursue the patent applications and corresponding foreign counterparts of such applications. We believe that our success will depend on our ability to obtain patent protection for our intellectual property.

Our patent strategy is as follows:

Trademarks and Trade Secrets

We have trademark applications pending in Israel, with Corresponding international trademark applications in Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Colombia, the European Union, India, Indonesia, Japan, Kazakhstan, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, U.S.A., Uzbekistan and Vietnam.

We also rely on trade secrets and unpatentable know-how that we seek to protect, in part, by confidentiality agreements. Our policy is to require our employees, consultants, contractors, manufacturers, outside scientific collaborators and sponsored researchers, Board of Directors, or our Board, technical review board and other advisors, to execute confidentiality agreements upon the commencement of employment or consulting relationships with us. These agreements provide that all confidential information developed or made known to the individual during the course of the individual’s relationship with us is to be kept confidential and not disclosed to third parties except in specific limited circumstances. We also require signed confidentiality or material transfer agreements from any company that is to receive our confidential information. In the case of employees, consultants and contractors, the agreements provide that all inventions conceived by the individual while rendering services to us shall be assigned to us as the exclusive property of the Company. There can be no assurance, however, that all persons who we desire to sign such agreements will sign, or if they do, that these agreements will not be breached, that we would have adequate remedies for any breach, or that our trade secrets or unpatentable know-how will not otherwise become known or be independently developed by competitors.

Out-Licensed Technology

Entera Bio

In June 2010, our wholly-owned subsidiary, Oramed Ltd., entered into a joint venture agreement with DNA GROUP (T.R.) Ltd. (formerly D.N.A Biomedical Solutions Ltd.), or DNA, for the establishment of Entera Bio Ltd., or Entera.

In March 2011, Oramed Ltd. sold shares of Entera to DNA, retaining 117,000 ordinary shares (after giving effect to a stock split by Entera in July 2018). In consideration for the shares sold to DNA, the Company received, among other payments, ordinary shares of DNA (see also note 3 to our audited consolidated financial statements).

As part of this agreement, Oramed Ltd. entered into a patent transfer agreement, or the Patent Transfer Agreement, according to which Oramed Ltd. assigned to Entera all of its rights to a patent application related to the oral administration of proteins that it has licensed to Entera since August 2010, in return for royalties of 3% of Entera’s net revenues and a license back of that patent application for use in respect of diabetes and influenza. As of December 31, 2023, Entera had not paid any royalties to Oramed Ltd. On December 11, 2018, Entera announced that it had entered into a research collaboration and license agreement with Amgen, Inc., or Amgen. To the extent that the license granted to Amgen results in net revenues as defined in the Patent Transfer Agreement, Oramed Ltd. will be entitled to the aforementioned royalties. During the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, we did not sell any of DNA’s ordinary shares. As of December 31, 2023, we held approximately 1.4% of DNA’s outstanding ordinary shares and approximately 0.4% of Entera’s outstanding ordinary shares.

HTIT

On November 30, 2015, we entered into a Technology License Agreement, or TLA, with HTIT and on December 21, 2015, these parties entered into an Amended and Restated Technology License Agreement that was further amended by the parties on June 3, 2016 and July 24, 2016, or the HTIT License Agreement. According to the HTIT License Agreement, we granted HTIT an exclusive commercialization license in the territory of the People’s Republic of China, Macau and Hong Kong, related to our oral insulin capsule, ORMD-0801, or the Product. Pursuant to the HTIT License Agreement, HTIT will conduct, at its own expense, certain pre-commercialization and regulatory activities with respect to our technology and ORMD-0801 capsule, and will pay (i) royalties of 10% on net sales of the related commercialized products to be sold by HTIT in the territory, or Royalties, and (ii) an aggregate of $37.5 million, of which $3 million was payable immediately, $8 million will be paid subject to our entry into certain agreements with certain third parties, and $26.5 million will be payable upon achievement of certain milestones and conditions. In the event that we will not meet certain conditions, the Royalties rate may be reduced to a minimum of 8%. Following the final expiration of our patents covering the technology in the territory in 2033, the Royalties rate may be reduced, under certain circumstances, to 5%. The royalty payment obligation shall apply during the period of time beginning upon the first commercial sale of the Product in the territory, and ending upon the later of (i) the expiration of the last-to-expire licensed patents in the territory; and (ii) 15 years after the first commercial sale of the Product in the territory. The HTIT License Agreement shall remain in effect until the expiration of the royalty term. The HTIT License Agreement contains customary termination provisions. Through December 31, 2023, we received aggregate milestone payments of $20.5 million out of the aggregate amount of $37.5 million.

On August 21, 2020, we received a letter from HTIT, disputing certain pending payment obligations of HTIT under the TLA. We wholly disputed said claims and are planning to resolve any such claims as part of our discussions with HTIT.

See “—Research and Development” above regarding the JV Agreement we signed with HTIT to establish the JV, based on Oramed’s oral drug delivery technology. The proposed JV will focus on the development and worldwide commercialization of innovative products based on Oramed’s oral insulin and POD™ (Protein Oral Delivery) pipeline and HTIT’s manufacturing capabilities and technologies.

Oravax License

In consideration for the grant of the license under the Oravax License Agreement, we will receive (i) royalties equal to 7.5% on net sales, as defined in the Oravax License Agreement, of each product commercialized by Oravax, its affiliates and permitted sublicensees related to the license during the term specified in the Oravax License Agreement, (ii) sublicensing fees equal to 15% of any non-sales-based consideration received by Oravax from a permitted sublicensee and (iii) other payments ranging between $25 million to $100 million, based on certain sales milestones being achieved by Oravax. The parties further agreed to establish a development and steering committee, which will consist of three members, of which two members will be appointed by us, that will oversee the ongoing research, development, clinical and regulatory activity with respect to the Oravax product. In addition, we agreed to buy and Oravax agreed to issue to us 1,890,000 shares of common stock of Oravax, representing 63% of the common stock of Oravax for the aggregate amount of $1.5 million. Akers Biosciences Inc. contributed $1.5 million in cash to Oravax and a license agreement to the Oravax product.

Medicox License

On November 13, 2022, we entered into a distribution license agreement with Medicox Co., Ltd., or Medicox, an emerging biotech company with a consortium of proven partnerships in the Republic of Korea. The agreement grants Medicox the exclusive license to apply for regulatory approval and distribute ORMD-0801 for ten years in the Republic of Korea. Medicox will comply with agreed distribution targets and will purchase ORMD-0801 at an agreed upon transfer price per capsule. In addition, Medicox will pay Oramed up to $15 million in developmental milestones, $2 million of which were received by Oramed in 2022, and up to 15% royalties on gross sales. Medicox will also be responsible for gaining regulatory approval in the Republic of Korea.

Government Regulation

The Drug Development Process

Regulatory requirements for the approval of new drugs vary from one country to another. In order to obtain approval to market our drug portfolio, we need to go through a different regulatory process in each country in which we apply for such approval. In some cases, information gathered during the approval process in one country can be used as supporting information for the approval process in another country. As a strategic decision, we decided to first explore the FDA regulatory pathway. The following is a summary of the FDA’s requirements.

The FDA requires that pharmaceutical and certain other therapeutic products undergo significant clinical experimentation and clinical testing prior to their marketing or introduction to the general public. Clinical testing, known as clinical trials or clinical studies, is either conducted internally by life science, pharmaceutical or biotechnology companies or is conducted on behalf of these companies by CROs.

The process of conducting clinical trials is highly regulated by the FDA, as well as by other governmental and professional bodies. Below we describe the principal framework in which clinical trials are conducted, as well as describe a number of the parties involved in these trials.

Protocols. Before commencing human clinical trials, the sponsor of a new drug or therapeutic product must submit an IND application to the FDA. The application contains, among other documents, what is known in the industry as a protocol. A protocol is the blueprint for each drug study. The protocol sets forth, among other things, the following:

Institutional Review Board. An institutional review board is an independent committee of professionals and lay persons which reviews clinical research trials involving human beings and is required to adhere to guidelines issued by the FDA. The institutional review board does not report to the FDA, but its records are audited by the FDA. Its members are not appointed by the FDA. All clinical trials must be approved by an institutional review board. The institutional review board’s role is to protect the rights of the participants in the clinical trials. It approves the protocols to be used, the advertisements which the company or CRO conducting the study proposes to use to recruit participants, and the form of consent which the participants will be required to sign prior to their participation in the clinical trials.

Clinical Trials. Human clinical trials or testing of a potential product are generally done in three stages known as Phase 1 through Phase 3 testing. The names of the phases are derived from the regulations of the FDA. Generally, there are multiple trials conducted in each phase.

Phase 1. Phase 1 trials involve testing a drug or product on a limited number of healthy or patient participants, typically 24 to 100 people at a time. Phase 1 trials determine a product’s basic safety and how the product is absorbed by, and eliminated from, the body. This phase lasts an average of six months to a year.

Phase 2. Phase 2 trials involve testing of no more than 300 participants at a time who may suffer from the targeted disease or condition. Phase 2 testing typically lasts an average of one to two years. In Phase 2, the drug is tested to determine its safety and effectiveness for treating a specific illness or condition. Phase 2 testing also involves determining acceptable dosage levels of the drug. Phase 2 trials may be split into Phase 2a and Phase 2b sub-trials. Phase 2a trials may be conducted with patient volunteers and are exploratory (non-pivotal) trials, typically designed to evaluate clinical efficacy or biological activity. Phase 2b trials are conducted with patients defined to evaluate definite dose range and evaluate efficacy. If Phase 2 trials show that a new drug has an acceptable range of safety risks and probable effectiveness, a company will generally continue to review the substance in Phase 3 trials.

Phase 3. Phase 3 trials involve testing large numbers of participants, typically several hundred to several thousand persons. The purpose is to verify effectiveness and long-term safety on a large scale. These trials generally last two to three years. Phase 3 trials are conducted at multiple locations or sites. Like the other phases, Phase 3 requires the site to keep detailed records of data collected and procedures performed.

Biological License Application. The results of the clinical trials for a biological product are submitted to the FDA as part of a Biological License Application, or BLA. Following the completion of Phase 3 trials, assuming the sponsor of a potential product in the United States believes it has sufficient information to support the safety and effectiveness of its product, the sponsor will generally submit a BLA to the FDA requesting that the product be approved for marketing. The application is a comprehensive, multi-volume filing that includes the results of all clinical trials, information about the drug’s composition, and the sponsor’s plans for producing, packaging and labeling the product. The FDA’s review of an application can take a few months to many years, with the average review lasting 18 months. Once approved, drugs and other products may be marketed in the United States, subject to any conditions imposed by the FDA. Approval of a BLA provides 12 years of exclusivity in the U.S. market.

Phase 4. The FDA may require that the sponsor conduct additional clinical trials following new drug approval. The purpose of these trials, known as Phase 4 trials, is to monitor long-term risks and benefits, study different dosage levels or evaluate safety and effectiveness. In recent years, the FDA has increased its reliance on these trials. Phase 4 trials usually involve thousands of participants. Phase 4 trials also may be initiated by the company sponsoring the new drug to gain broader market value for an approved drug.

European Regulation. Similar to the U.S., a European sponsor of a biological product may submit a Marketing Approval Application to the European Medicines Agency, or EMA, for the registration of the product. The approval process in Europe consists of several stages, which together are summed up to 210 days from the time of submission of the application (net, without periods in which the sponsor provides answers to questions raised by the agency) following which, a Marketing Approval may be granted. During the approval process, the sponsor’s manufacturing facilities will be audited in order to assess Good Manufacturing Practice compliance.

The drug approval process is time-consuming, involves substantial expenditures of resources, and depends upon a number of factors, including the severity of the illness in question, the availability of alternative treatments, and the risks and benefits demonstrated in the clinical trials.

Other Regulations

Various federal, state and local laws, regulations, and recommendations relating to safe working conditions, laboratory practices, the experimental use of animals, the environment and the purchase, storage, movement, import, export, use, and disposal of hazardous or potentially hazardous substances, including radioactive compounds and infectious disease agents, used in connection with our research are applicable to our activities. They include, among others, the U.S. Atomic Energy Act, the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, the Occupational Safety and Health Act, the National Environmental Policy Act, the Toxic Substances Control Act, and Resources Conservation and Recovery Act, national restrictions on technology transfer, import, export, and customs regulations, and other present and possible future local, state, or federal regulation. The compliance with these and other laws, regulations and recommendations can be time-consuming and involve substantial costs. In addition, the extent of governmental regulation which might result from future legislation or administrative action cannot be accurately predicted and may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

Competition

Competition in the area of biomedical and pharmaceutical research and development is intense and significantly depends on scientific and technological factors. These factors include the availability of patent and other protection for technology and products, the ability to commercialize technological developments and the ability to obtain regulatory approval for testing, manufacturing and marketing. Our competitors include major pharmaceutical, medical products, chemical and specialized biotechnology companies, many of which have financial, technical and marketing resources significantly greater than ours. In addition, many biotechnology companies have formed collaborations with large, established companies to support research, development and commercialization of products that may be competitive with ours. Academic institutions, governmental agencies and other public and private research organizations are also conducting research activities and seeking patent protection and may commercialize products on their own or through joint ventures. We are aware of certain other products manufactured or under development by competitors that are used for the treatment of the diseases and health conditions that we have targeted for product development. We can provide no assurance that developments by others will not render our technology obsolete or noncompetitive, that we will be able to keep pace with new technological developments or that our technology will be able to supplant established products and methodologies in the therapeutic areas that are targeted by us. The foregoing factors could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations. These companies, as well as academic institutions, governmental agencies and private research organizations, also compete with us in recruiting and retaining highly qualified scientific personnel and consultants.

Competition within our sector is increasing, so we will encounter competition from existing firms that offer competitive solutions in diabetes treatment solutions. These competitive companies could develop products that are superior to, or have greater market acceptance, than the products being developed by us. We will have to compete against other biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies with greater market recognition and greater financial, marketing and other resources.

Our competition will be determined in part by the potential indications for which our technology is developed and ultimately approved by regulatory authorities. In addition, the first product to reach the market in a therapeutic or preventive area is often at a significant competitive advantage relative to later entrants to the market. Accordingly, the relative speed with which we, or our potential corporate partners, can develop products, complete the clinical trials and approval processes and supply commercial quantities of the products to the market are expected to be important competitive factors. Our competitive position will also depend on our ability to attract and retain qualified scientific and other personnel, develop effective proprietary products, develop and implement production and marketing plans, obtain and maintain patent protection and secure adequate capital resources. We expect our technology, if approved for sale, to compete primarily on the basis of product efficacy, safety, patient convenience, reliability, value and patent position.

We anticipated that our oral insulin capsule would be a competitive diabetes drug because of its anticipated efficacy and safety profile; however, there are other treatment options for T1D and T2D patients, such as insulin injections, insulin pumps or a combination of diet, exercise and oral medication which improve the body’s response to insulin or cause the body to produce more insulin. 

Scientific Advisory Board

We maintain a Scientific Advisory Board consisting of internationally recognized scientists who advise us on scientific and technical aspects of our business. The Scientific Advisory Board meets periodically to review specific projects and to assess the value of new technologies and developments to us. In addition, individual members of the Scientific Advisory Board meet with us periodically to provide advice in their particular areas of expertise. The Scientific Advisory Board consists of the following members, information with respect to whom is set forth below: Dr. Roy Eldor, Professor Ele Ferrannini, Dr. Alexander Fleming, Professor Avram Hershko, Dr. Harold Jacob, Dr. Julio Rosenstock, Dr. Jay Skyler and Dr. Anne Peters.

Dr. Roy Eldor, MD, PhD, joined the Oramed Scientific Advisory Board in July 2016. He is an endocrinologist, internist and researcher with over twenty years of clinical and scientific experience. He is currently Director of the Diabetes Unit at the Institute of Endocrinology, Metabolism & Hypertension at the Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center. Prior to that, Dr. Eldor served as Principal Scientist at Merck Research Laboratories, Clinical Research – Diabetes & Endocrinology. He previously served as a senior physician in internal medicine at the Diabetes Unit in Hadassah Hebrew University Hospital in Jerusalem, Israel; and the Diabetes Division at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio, Texas. Dr. Eldor is a recognized expert, with over 50 peer reviewed papers and book chapters, and has been a guest speaker at numerous international forums.

Professor Ele Ferrannini, MD, joined the Oramed Scientific Advisory Board in February 2007. He is a past President to the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD), which supports scientists, physicians and students from all over the world who are interested in diabetes and related subjects in Europe and performs functions similar to that of the American Diabetes Association in the United States. Professor Ferrannini has worked with various institutions including the Department of Clinical & Experimental Medicine at the University of Pisa School of Medicine, and CNR (National Research Council) Institute of Clinical Physiology in Pisa, Italy; and the Diabetes Division, Department of Medicine at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio, Texas. He has extensive training in internal medicine and endocrinology, and has specialized in diabetes trials. Professor Ferrannini has received a Certificate of the Educational Council for Foreign Medical Graduates from the University of Bologna, and completed a subspecialty in Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases at the University of Torino, cum laude. He has published over 500 original papers and 50 book chapters and he is a “highly cited researcher,” according to the Institute for Scientific Information.

Dr. Alexander Fleming, MD, joined the Oramed Scientific Advisory Board in December 2019. Dr. Fleming, an endocrinologist, is Founder and Executive Chairman of Kinexum, a strategic advisory firm. From 1986 to 1998, he served at the FDA as a supervisory medical officer in the Division of Metabolism and Endocrine Drug Products and was responsible for landmark approvals of the first statin, metformin, and other endocrine and metabolic therapies. He also represented the FDA at the World Health Organization and on multiple expert working groups of the International Conference on Harmonization (ICH). Dr. Fleming coined the term, Metabesity, which refers to the constellation of major chronic diseases and the aging process itself, all which share common metabolic root causes and potential preventive therapies. He organized the first Congress on Metabesity in London in October 2017, followed by annual conferences. In 2020, Dr. Fleming founded the non-profit Kitalys Institute as a means of producing Metabesity conferences and advancing interventions of any kind that can improve health and healthspan.

Professor Avram Hershko, MD, PhD, joined the Oramed Scientific Advisory Board in July 2008. Professor Hershko served as a physician in the Israel Defense Forces from 1965 to 1967. After a post-doctoral fellowship with Gordon Tomkins at the University of San Francisco from 1969 to 1972, he joined the faculty of the Haifa Technion becoming a professor in 1980. He is now Distinguished Professor in the Unit of Biochemistry in the B. Rappaport Faculty of Medicine of the Technion in Haifa, Israel. Professor Hershko’s main research interests concern the mechanisms by which cellular proteins are degraded, a formerly neglected field of study. Professor Hershko and his colleagues showed that cellular proteins are degraded by a highly selective proteolytic system. This system tags proteins for destruction by linkage to a protein called ubiquitin, which had previously been identified in many tissues, but whose function was previously unknown. Subsequent work by Professor Hershko and many other laboratories has shown that the ubiquitin system has a vital role in controlling a wide range of cellular processes, such as the regulation of cell division, signal transduction and DNA repair. Professor Hershko was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2004, jointly with his former PhD student Aaron Ciechanover and their colleague Irwin Rose. His many honors include the Israel Prize for Biochemistry (1994), the Gairdner Award (1999), the Lasker Prize for Basic Medical Research (2000), the Wolf Prize for Medicine (2001) and the Louisa Gross Horwitz Award (2001). Professor Hershko is a member of the Israel Academy of Sciences since 2000 and a Foreign Associate of the U.S. Academy of Sciences since 2003.

Dr. Harold Jacob, MD, joined the Oramed Scientific Advisory Board in November 2016. Since 1998, Dr. Jacob has served as the president of Medical Instrument Development Inc., a company which provides a range of support and consulting services to start-up and early stage companies as well as patenting its own proprietary medical devices. Since 2011, Dr. Jacob has also served as an attending physician at Hadassah University Medical Center in Jerusalem, Israel, where he has served as the director of the gastrointestinal endoscopy unit since September 2013. Dr. Jacob has advised a spectrum of companies in the past and he served as a consultant and then as the Director of Medical Affairs at Given Imaging Ltd., from 1997 to 2003, a company that developed the first swallowable wireless pill camera for inspection of the intestine. He has licensed patents to a number of companies including Kimberly-Clark Corporation. Since 2014, Dr. Jacob has served as the Chief Medical Officer and a director of NanoVibronix, Inc., a medical device company using surface acoustics to prevent catheter acquired infection as well as other applications, where he served as Chief Executive Officer from 2004 to 2014. He practiced clinical gastroenterology in New York and served as Chief of Gastroenterology at St. John’s Episcopal Hospital and South Nassau Communities Hospital from 1986 to 1995, and was a Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine at SUNY from 1983 to 1990. Dr. Jacob founded and served as Editor in Chief of Endoscopy Review and has authored numerous publications in the field of gastroenterology.

Dr. Julio Rosenstock, MD, joined the Oramed Scientific Advisory Board in January 2020. Dr. Rosenstock is the Senior Scientific Advisor and Director of Velocity Clinical Research at Medical City, Dallas, Texas, and a Clinical Professor of Medicine at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, Texas. He is board certified in Internal Medicine, Endocrinology and Metabolism. His clinical and research activities have focused on exploring novel agents and therapeutic strategies to improve glycemic control, particularly early combination therapies in Type 2 Diabetes. Over the last 30 years, he has participated in hundreds of clinical trials and has had an active role in the development of new oral agents, incretin-related therapies and insulin formulations, often acting as a lead clinical investigator and scientific advisor on the design and reporting of these clinical trials. Dr. Rosenstock has been the author or co-author of 386 peer-reviewed manuscripts (H-index 124) and several hundreds of scientific abstracts and he is considered a key opinion leader in Type 2 Diabetes. He has also contributed to 13 book chapters on various topics in the field of diabetes and is considered a key opinion leader in Type 2 Diabetes.

Dr. Jay Skyler, MD, MCAP, FRCP, joined the Oramed Scientific Advisory Board in January 2020. Dr. Skyler is Professor of Medicine, Pediatrics and Psychology in the Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine. He previously held the position of Director of the Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism. In addition, Dr. Skyler is Deputy Director of Clinical Research and Academic Programs at the Diabetes Research Institute, and an Adjunct Professor of Pediatrics at the Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes at the University of Colorado in Denver. Dr. Skyler’s research focuses on the clinical aspects of diabetes, specifically the conduct of randomized controlled clinical trials. From 1993 to 2015, he was Chairman of the National Institute of Health (NIDDK)-sponsored Diabetes Prevention Trial–- Type 1 (DPT-1) and its successor Type 1 Diabetes Trial Net, a nationwide and global network conducting clinical trials to prevent T1D.

Dr. Anne Peters, MD, joined the Oramed Scientific Advisory Board in June 2022. Dr. Peters is Professor of Medicine at the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California (USC) and Director of the USC Clinical Diabetes Programs. Dr. Peters earned her medical degree from the Pritzker School of Medicine at the University of Chicago and performed an internal medicine residency at Stanford University and an endocrinology fellowship at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. She previously directed the clinical diabetes programs at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and UCLA in California. Her research has focused on testing new approaches for diagnosing and treating diabetes and developing systems of care to improve outcomes in diabetic under-resourced populations. Dr. Peters has consulted for many entities, including the FDA, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Institutes of Health to help guide the development and use of treatments for diabetes. In addition to being an investigator for more than 40 research studies, Dr. Peters has published over 200 articles, has written four books, and has given more than 500 lectures locally, nationally, and internationally. She has been on multiple guideline writing committees for the treatment of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. She was a recipient of the ADA Outstanding Physician Clinician Award, the Bernardo Houssay Award from the National Minority Quality Forum and received an Endocrine Society Laureate Award for Public Service.

Employees

We believe it is imperative to attract and retain top talent for all positions in the Company. We seek to make Oramed an inclusive, diverse and safe workplace, with meaningful compensation, benefits and wellness programs and opportunities.

We have experienced personnel involved in our research and development programs, as well as appropriate clinical/regulatory, quality assurance and other personnel needed to advance through clinical trials or have engaged the services of experts in the field for these requirements. As of December 31, 2023, we have contracted with fifteen individuals for employment or consulting arrangements, including employees of Oravax. Of our staff, five are senior management, four are engaged in research and development work, and the remaining six are involved in corporate and administration work.

We provide competitive compensation, health and retirement programs for our employees. We offer variable pay in the form of bonuses and stock-based compensation for eligible employees. We also provide our employees with additional benefits such as team-building and educational offsite activities and gym facilities. We believe that this provides a comprehensive package to engage, motivate and retain our employees as a cohesive unit unified in its goal to achieve the Company’s strategy and objectives.

Additional Information

Additional information about us is contained on our Internet website at www.oramed.com. Information on our website is not incorporated by reference into this report. Our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act, are available free of charge on our website under “SEC Filings” as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the SEC. Reports filed with the SEC are made available on its website at www.sec.gov and are also available on the website of the Israeli Securities Authority at www.magna.isa.gov.il or on the website of the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange at www.tase.co.il. The following corporate governance documents are also posted on our website: Code of Ethics, Whistleblowing Policy and the charters for each of the Audit Committee, Compensation Committee and Nominating Committee of our Board.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS.

An investment in our securities involves a high degree of risk. You should consider carefully the following information about these risks, together with the other information contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K before making an investment decision. Our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected as a result of any of the following risks. The value of our securities could decline as a result of any of these risks. You could lose all or part of your investment in our securities. Some of the statements in “Item 1A. Risk Factors” are forward-looking statements. The following risk factors are not the only risk factors facing the Company. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also affect our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations.

Risks Related to Our Business

Our strategic review process may not be successful or timely.

Following the results of the ORA-D-013-1 Phase 3 trial, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of the data to understand if there is a path forward for our oral insulin candidate and are working on a protocol for a new Phase 3 clinical trial to be submitted to the FDA. Concurrently, we are examining our existing pipeline and have commenced an evaluation process of potential strategic opportunities, including among others, continuation as a stand-alone business, capital raises, or one or more acquisitions, mergers or business combinations or other strategic transactions. Potential counterparties in a strategic transaction involving us may place minimal or no value on our assets. While we are devoting significant efforts to identify and evaluate potential strategic alternatives, there can be no assurance that this strategic review process will result in us pursuing any transaction or that any transaction, if pursued, will be completed on attractive terms or at all. Additionally, there can be no assurances that any particular course of action, business arrangement or transaction, or series of transactions, will be pursued, successfully consummated, or lead to any stockholder value. Any potential transaction would be dependent on a number of factors that may be beyond our control, including, among other things, market conditions, industry trends, the interest of third parties in a potential transaction with us, obtaining stockholder approval and the availability of financing to third parties in a potential transaction with us on reasonable terms. The process of reviewing alternative strategic paths may be time consuming, may involve the dedication of significant resources and may require us to incur significant costs and expenses. It could negatively impact our ability to attract, retain and motivate employees, and expose us to potential litigation in connection with this process or any resulting transaction. If we are not successful in setting forth a new strategic path for the Company, or if our plans are not executed in a timely fashion, this may cause reputational harm with our stockholders and other stakeholders and the value of our securities may be adversely impacted. In addition, speculation regarding any developments related to the review of strategic alternatives and perceived uncertainties related to the future of the Company could cause our stock price to fluctuate significantly. There can be no guarantee that the process of evaluating alternative strategic paths will result in our entering into or completing potential transactions within the anticipated timing or at all.

If we are successful in completing a strategic transaction, we may be exposed to other operational and financial risks.

Although there can be no assurance that a strategic transaction will result from the process we have undertaken to identify and evaluate strategic alternatives, the negotiation and consummation of any such transaction will require significant time on the part of our management and may disrupt our business. The negotiation and consummation of any such transaction may also require more time or greater cash resources than we anticipate and expose us to other operational and financial risks, including: increased near-term and long-term expenditures; exposure to unknown liabilities; higher than expected acquisition or integration costs; incurrence of substantial debt or dilutive issuances of equity securities to fund future operations; write-downs of assets or goodwill or incurrence of non-recurring, impairment or other charges; increased amortization expenses; impairment of relationships with key suppliers of any acquired business due to changes in management and ownership; inability to retain our key employees; and possibility of future litigation. Any of the above risks could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and prospects.

Our ability to consummate a strategic transaction depends on our ability to retain our employees required to consummate such transaction.

Our ability to consummate a strategic transaction depends upon our ability to retain our employees required to consummate such a transaction, the loss of whose services may adversely impact the ability to consummate such transaction. Our cash conservation activities may yield unintended consequences, such as attrition and reduced employee morale, which may cause remaining employees to seek alternative employment. Our ability to successfully complete a strategic transaction depends in large part on our ability to retain certain of our remaining personnel. If we are unable to successfully retain our remaining personnel, we are at risk of a disruption to our exploration and consummation of a strategic alternative as well as business operations.

We may become involved in securities and stockholder litigation that could divert management’s attention and harm the Company’s business, and insurance coverage may not be sufficient to cover all costs and damages.

In the past, securities and stockholder litigation has often followed certain significant business transactions, such as the sale of a company or announcement of any other strategic transaction, or the announcement of negative events, such as negative results from clinical trials. The market price of our common stock dropped substantially when we announced the results of the ORA-D-013-1 Phase 3 trial. We may be exposed to such litigation even if no wrongdoing occurred. Litigation is usually expensive and diverts management’s attention and resources, which could adversely affect our business and cash resources and our ability to consummate a potential strategic transaction or the ultimate value our stockholders receive in any such transaction.

We continue, and in the future expect, to incur losses.

Successful evaluation and completion of our remaining development programs and our transition to normal operations are dependent upon obtaining necessary regulatory approvals from the FDA prior to selling our products within the United States, and foreign regulatory approvals must be obtained to sell our products internationally. There can be no assurance that we will receive regulatory approval of any of our product candidates, and a substantial amount of time may pass before we achieve a level of revenues adequate to support our operations. We expect to incur substantial expenditures in connection with our research and development programs, our strategic evaluation process, as well as the regulatory approval process with FDA and other agencies for each of our current or future product candidates during their respective developmental periods. Obtaining marketing approval will be directly dependent on our ability to implement the necessary regulatory steps required to obtain marketing approval in the United States and in other countries. We cannot predict the outcome of these activities.

Based on our current cash resources and commitments, we believe we will be able to maintain our current planned activities and the corresponding level of expenditures for at least the next 12 months, although no assurance can be given that we will not need additional funds prior to such time. If there are unexpected increases in our operating expenses, we may need to seek additional financing during the next 12 months.

We will need substantial additional capital in order to satisfy our business objectives.

To date, we have financed our operations principally through offerings of securities and we may require substantial additional financing at various intervals in order to implement any potential strategic alternative, to continue our remaining or potential future research and development programs, including significant requirements for operating expenses including intellectual property protection and enforcement, for pursuit of regulatory approvals, and for commercialization of our remaining or future products. We can provide no assurance that additional funding will be available on a timely basis, on terms acceptable to us, or at all. In the event that we are unable to obtain such financing, we may not be able to implement the actions we decide to take as part of our strategic review process, and we will not be able to fully develop and commercialize our technology or pursue new technology. Our future capital requirements will depend upon many factors, including:

If we cannot secure adequate financing when needed, we may be required to delay, scale back or eliminate one or more of our existing or planned courses of action or research and development programs, or to enter into license or other arrangements with third parties to commercialize products or technologies that we would otherwise seek to develop ourselves and commercialize ourselves. In such event, our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected as we may be required to scale-back, eliminate, or delay development efforts or product introductions or enter into royalty, sales or other agreements with third parties in order to commercialize our products.

We have a history of losses and can provide no assurance as to our future operating results.

We do not have sufficient revenues from our research and development activities to fully support our operations. Consequently, we have incurred net losses and negative cash flows since inception. We currently have only licensing revenues and no product revenues, and may not succeed in developing or commercializing any products which could generate product revenues. We do not expect to have any products on the market for several years. In addition, development of our product candidates requires a process of pre-clinical and clinical testing, during which our products could fail. For example, in January 2023, the ORA-D-013-1 Phase 3 trial did not meet its primary or secondary endpoints. We may not be able to enter into agreements with one or more companies experienced in the manufacturing and marketing of therapeutic drugs and, to the extent that we are unable to do so, we will not be able to market our product candidates. Eventual profitability will depend on our success in developing, manufacturing, and marketing our product candidates or in pursuing a successful strategic alternative. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, we had working capital of $109,370,000 and $151,363,000, respectively, and stockholders’ equity of $163,821,000 and $151,812,000, respectively. During the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, we generated revenues of $1,340,000 and $2,703,000, respectively. For the period from our inception on April 12, 2002 through December 31, 2023, we incurred net losses of $157,556,000. We may never achieve profitability and expect to incur net losses in the foreseeable future. See “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”

We rely upon patents to protect our technology.

The patent position of biopharmaceutical and biotechnology firms is generally uncertain and involves complex legal and factual questions. We do not know whether any of our current or future patent applications will result in the issuance of any patents. Even issued patents may be challenged, invalidated or circumvented. Patents may not provide a competitive advantage or afford protection against competitors with similar technology. Competitors or potential competitors may have filed applications for, or may have received patents and may obtain additional and proprietary rights to compounds or processes used by or competitive with ours. In addition, laws of certain foreign countries do not protect intellectual property rights to the same extent as do the laws of the United States.

Patent litigation is widespread in the biopharmaceutical and biotechnology industry and we cannot predict how this will affect our efforts to form strategic alliances, conduct clinical testing or manufacture and market any products under development. If challenged, our patents may not be held valid. We could also become involved in interference proceedings in connection with one or more of our patents or patent applications to determine priority of invention. If we become involved in any litigation, interference or other administrative proceedings, we will likely incur substantial expenses and the efforts of our technical and management personnel will be significantly diverted. In addition, an adverse determination could subject us to significant liabilities or require us to seek licenses that may not be available on favorable terms, if at all. We may be restricted or prevented from manufacturing and selling our products in the event of an adverse determination in a judicial or administrative proceeding or if we fail to obtain necessary licenses.

We may be unable to protect our intellectual property rights and we may be liable for infringing the intellectual property rights of others.

Our ability to compete effectively will depend on our ability to maintain the proprietary nature of our technologies. We currently hold several pending patent applications in the United States, Canada, Brazil, Europe, India, Hong Kong, Japan and China for our technologies covering oral administration of insulin and other proteins and oral administration of exenatide and proteins and 117 patents issued by the United States and various other countries’ patent offices that cover a part of our technology, which allows for the oral delivery of proteins; patents issued by various patent offices that cover part of our technology for the oral delivery of exenatide; and patents issued by patent offices for treating diabetes. Further, we rely on a combination of trade secrets and non-disclosure and other contractual agreements and technical measures to protect our rights in our technology. We depend upon confidentiality agreements with our officers, directors, employees, consultants, and subcontractors, as well as collaborative partners, to maintain the proprietary nature of our technology. These measures may not afford us sufficient or complete protection, and others may independently develop technology similar to ours, otherwise avoid our confidentiality agreements, or produce patents that would materially and adversely affect our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations. We believe that our technology is not subject to any infringement actions based upon the patents of any third parties; however, our technology may in the future be found to infringe upon the rights of others. Others may assert infringement claims against us or against companies to which we have licensed our technology, and if we should be found to infringe upon their patents, or otherwise impermissibly utilize their intellectual property, our ability to continue to use our technology could be materially restricted or prohibited. If this event occurs, we may be required to obtain licenses from the holders of this intellectual property, enter into royalty agreements, or redesign our products so as not to utilize this intellectual property, each of which may prove to be uneconomical or otherwise impossible. Licenses or royalty agreements required in order for us to use this technology may not be available on terms acceptable to us, or at all. These claims could result in litigation, which could materially adversely affect our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations. Further, we may need to indemnify companies to which we licensed our technology in the event that such technology is found to infringe upon the rights of others.

Our commercial success will also depend significantly on our ability to operate without infringing the patents and other proprietary rights of third parties. Patent applications are, in many cases, maintained in secrecy until patents are issued. The publication of discoveries in the scientific or patent literature frequently occurs substantially later than the date on which the underlying discoveries were made and patent applications are filed. In the event of infringement or violation of another party’s patent, we may be prevented from pursuing product development or commercialization. See “Item 1. Business—Description of Business— Intellectual Property and Patents.”

Our success was primarily dependent on the successful commercialization of our oral insulin capsule.

The successful commercialization of our principal product, the oral insulin capsule, was crucial for our success. On January 12, 2023, we announced top-line results from the phase 3 trial of our oral insulin capsule, which did not meet its primary or secondary endpoints, and indicated that we expect to discontinue oral insulin clinical activities for T2D. At present, following the results of the ORA-D-013-1 Phase 3 trial, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of the data to understand if there is a path forward for our oral insulin candidate and are working on a protocol for a new Phase 3 clinical trial to be submitted to the FDA. Concurrently, we are examining our existing pipeline and have commenced an evaluation process of potential strategic opportunities. Even if we succeed in commencing a new clinical trial for our oral insulin capsule, there are a variety of risks and uncertainties related to its development. Principally, these risks include the following:

Our business may be seriously harmed if our analysis does not produce positive results, if we are unable to find a path forward to continue development of our oral insulin capsule, if we are unsuccessful in realizing new strategic opportunities or dealing with any of these risks, or if we are unable to successfully commercialize our oral insulin capsule for some other reason.

We have limited experience in conducting clinical trials.

Clinical trials must meet FDA and foreign regulatory requirements. We have limited experience in designing, conducting and managing the preclinical trials and clinical trials necessary to obtain regulatory approval for our product candidates in any country. In the past, we entered into agreements with Integrium LLC and other consultants to assist us in designing, conducting and managing our various clinical trials in the United States, Europe and Israel. Any failure of a consultant to fulfill their obligations could result in significant additional costs as well as delays in designing, consulting and completing clinical trials on our products.

Our clinical trials may encounter delays, suspensions or other problems.

We may encounter problems in clinical trials that may cause us or the FDA or foreign regulatory agencies to delay, suspend or terminate our clinical trials at any phase. These problems could include the possibility that we may not be able to conduct clinical trials at our preferred sites, enroll a sufficient number of patients for our clinical trials at one or more sites or begin or successfully complete clinical trials in a timely fashion, if at all. For example, the rate of enrollment for our Phase 1 clinical trial for our oral COVID-19 vaccine in South Africa was slower than anticipated due to several factors, including the fact that many volunteers did not qualify during screening due to prior asymptomatic COVID-19 infection and other conditions, and as a result we had to add an additional clinical site. Furthermore, we, the FDA or foreign regulatory agencies may suspend clinical trials at any time if we or they believe the subjects participating in the trials are being exposed to unacceptable health risks or if we or they find deficiencies in the clinical trial process or conduct of the investigation. If clinical trials of any of the product candidates fail, we will not be able to market the product candidate which is the subject of the failed clinical trials. The FDA and foreign regulatory agencies could also require additional clinical trials, which would result in increased costs and significant development delays. Our failure to adequately demonstrate the safety and effectiveness of a pharmaceutical product candidate under development could delay or prevent regulatory approval of the product candidate and could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations. For example, see “Item 1. Business—Description of Business— Research and Development” regarding the results of the ORA-D-013-1 Phase 3 trial that did not meet its primary or secondary endpoints. Finally, the COVID-19 pandemic impacted clinical trials generally in recent years, and we experienced approximately six months of delays in clinical trials due to slow-downs of recruitment for trials generally related to COVID-19. We may experience further delays in site initiation and patient enrollment, failures to comply with study protocols, delays in the manufacture of our product candidates for clinical testing and other difficulties in starting or competing our clinical trials.

Initial success in the completed and ongoing early-stage clinical trials does not ensure success in later stage trials, regulatory approval or commercial viability of a product.

Positive results in a clinical trial may not be replicated in subsequent or confirmatory trials. Additionally, success in preclinical work or early stage clinical trials does not ensure that later stage or larger scale clinical trials will be successful or that regulatory approval will be obtained. Any of our product’s failure to show sufficient efficacy in patients with the targeted indication, or if such studies are discontinued for any other reason, could negatively impact our development and commercialization goals for these products and our stock price could decline. Many companies in the biopharmaceutical industry have suffered significant setbacks in advanced clinical trials due to lack of efficacy or adverse safety profiles, notwithstanding promising results in earlier trials. As a result, preliminary and interim data should be viewed with caution until the final data are available. We have invested in clinical studies of medicines that have not met the primary clinical endpoints in their Phase 3 studies or have been discontinued for other reasons. For example, in January 2023, we reported that ORA-D-013-1 trial did not meet its primary or secondary endpoint. Even if later stage clinical trials are successful, regulatory authorities may delay or decline approval of our product candidates.

There are a number of factors that could cause a clinical study to fail or be delayed, including: (i) the clinical study may produce negative or inconclusive results; (ii) regulators may require that we hold, suspend or terminate clinical research for noncompliance with regulatory requirements; (iii) we, our partners, the FDA or foreign regulatory authorities could suspend or terminate a clinical study due to adverse side effects of a product on subjects or lack of efficacy in the trial; (iv) we, or our partners, may decide, or regulators may require us, to conduct additional preclinical testing or clinical studies; (v) change in rates of enrollment and dropout among clinical trial participants; (vi) differences in the size and type of the patient populations; (vii) changes in and adherence to the dosing regimen and other clinical trial protocols; and (viii) people who enroll in the clinical study may later drop out due to adverse events, a perception they are not benefiting from participating in the study, fatigue with the clinical study process or personal or other issues. The occurrence of any of these events could result in significant costs and expense, have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations and/or cause our stock price to decline or experience periods of volatility.

Clinical trials of our products conducted by third parties may encounter delays, suspensions or other problems and are outside of our control.

Third parties who conduct clinical trials of our products may encounter problems that may cause delays, suspensions or other problems at any phase. These problems could include the possibility that they may not be able to conduct clinical trials at their preferred sites, enroll a sufficient number of patients for their clinical trials at one or more sites or begin or successfully complete clinical trials in a timely fashion, if at all. For example, the rate of enrollment for our Phase 1 clinical trial for our oral COVID-19 vaccine in South Africa was slower than anticipated due to several factors, including the fact that many volunteers did not qualify during screening due to prior asymptomatic COVID-19 infection and other conditions, and as a result we had to add an additional clinical site. In addition, these third parties are not controlled by us and may conduct these trials in a manner in which we disagree or which may prove to be unsuccessful. Furthermore, domestic or foreign regulatory agencies may suspend clinical trials at any time if they believe the subjects participating in the trials are being exposed to unacceptable health risks or if they find deficiencies in the clinical trial process or conduct of the investigation. If such clinical trials conducted by third parties fail, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations.

We can provide no assurance that our products will obtain regulatory approval or that the results of clinical trials will be favorable.

The testing, marketing and manufacturing of any of our products will require the approval of the FDA or regulatory agencies of other countries. We cannot predict with any certainty the amount of time necessary to obtain regulatory approvals, including from the FDA or other foreign regulatory authorities, and whether any such approvals will ultimately be granted. In any event, review and approval by the regulatory bodies is anticipated to take a number of years. Preclinical and clinical trials may reveal that one or more of our products are ineffective or unsafe, in which event further development of such products could be seriously delayed or terminated. For example, in January 2023, we announced that our ORA-D-013-1 Phase 3 trial did not meet its primary or secondary endpoints. As a result, we decided to terminate our ORA-D-013-2 Phase 3 trial, conducted a comprehensive analysis of the data to understand if there is a path forward for our oral insulin candidate and are working on a protocol for a new Phase 3 clinical trial to be submitted to the FDA. Moreover, obtaining approval for certain products may require the testing on human subjects of substances whose effects on humans are not fully understood or documented. Delays in obtaining necessary regulatory approvals of any proposed product and failure to receive such approvals would have an adverse effect on the product’s potential commercial success and on our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, it is possible that a product may be found to be ineffective or unsafe due to conditions or facts which arise after development has been completed and regulatory approvals have been obtained. In this event we may be required to withdraw such product from the market. See “Item 1. Business—Description of Business—Government Regulation.”

We are dependent upon third party suppliers of our raw materials and for other services.

We are dependent on outside vendors for our entire supply of the oral insulin capsules and do not currently have any long-term agreements in place for the supply of oral insulin capsules, which is still necessary if we decide to continue development of these projects. While we believe that there are numerous sources of supply available, if the third party suppliers were to cease production, or otherwise fail to supply us with quality raw materials in sufficient quantities on a timely basis and we were unable to contract on acceptable terms for these services with alternative suppliers, our ability to produce our products and to conduct testing and clinical trials would be materially adversely affected.

We rely on suppliers, vendors, outsourcing partners, alliance partners and other third parties to research, develop, manufacture, commercialize, co-promote and sell our products, manage certain marketing, IT, data and other business unit and functional services and meet their contractual, regulatory and other obligations. Using these third parties poses a number of risks, such as: (i) they may not perform to our standards or legal requirements, for example, in relation to the outsourcing of significant clinical development activities for innovative medicines to some CROs; (ii) they may not produce reliable products; (iii) they may not perform in a timely manner; (iv) they may not maintain confidentiality of our proprietary information; (v) they may incur a significant cyberattack or business disruption; (vi) they may be subject to government orders or mandates that require them to give priority to the government and set aside pre-existing commercial orders; (vii) disputes may arise with respect to ownership of rights to technology developed with our partners; and (viii) disagreements could cause delays in, or termination of, the research, development or commercialization of the product or result in litigation or arbitration. The failure of any critical third party to meet its obligations; to adequately deploy business continuity plans in the event of a crisis; and/or to satisfactorily resolve significant disagreements with us or address other factors, could have a material adverse impact on our operations and results. In addition, if these third parties violate, or are alleged to have violated, any laws or regulations, including the local pharmaceutical code, the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practice Act of 1977, the U.K. Bribery Act of 2010, the EU’s General Data Protection Regulations, and other similar laws and regulations, during the performance of their obligations for us, we could suffer financial and reputational harm or other negative outcomes, including possible legal consequences.

Any future revenues from HTIT are dependent upon third party suppliers and Chinese regulatory approvals.

Any future revenues from HTIT under the TLA are dependent upon the achievement of certain milestones and conditions, and the success of HTIT to implement our technology and to manufacture the oral insulin capsule. Any future revenues from HTIT under the TLA are also dependent upon the ability of third parties to scale-up one of our oral capsule ingredients and to scale-up the manufacturing process of our capsules. Our future revenues from royalties from HTIT are further dependent upon the granting of regulatory approvals in the Territory. Accordingly, if any of the foregoing does not occur, we may not be successful in receiving future revenues from HTIT and may not succeed with our business plans in China.

If we fail to complete the transactions contemplated under the JV Agreement with HTIT, if such joint venture is not successful, or if we fail to realize the benefits we anticipate from such joint venture, we may not be able to capitalize on the full market potential of our drug products and technology.

On January 22, 2024, we entered into the JV Agreement with HTIT, pursuant to which, subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the JV Agreement, the parties will establish a JV based on Oramed’s oral drug delivery technology.

The consummation of the JV Agreement is subject to and contingent upon the parties entering into additional agreements within a three-month period, including an asset transfer agreement for the transfer of Oramed’s intellectual property to the JV, a commercial supply agreement for the manufacture and supply of products by HTIT to the JV, as well as other documents and agreements to regulate the relationship of the parties and the JV to be formed pursuant to the JV Agreement. There is no assurance that the parties will complete and sign these additional agreements within the agreed timeline or at all. If such agreements are not signed within the agreed timeframe, then either party may apply a 30-day extension, after which the JV Agreement may be terminated and voided by either party. Thereafter, the consummation of the JV transaction is further subject to the satisfaction or waiver of certain other closing conditions within a three-month period following the completion of the aforesaid ancillary agreements. If the closing conditions are not met within the agreed timeframe, then either party may apply a 30-day extension, after which the JV Agreement may be terminated and voided by either party.

If we do not successfully complete the ancillary agreements in a timely manner, or at all, this may harm our ability to complete additional clinical trials and marketing of our oral insulin candidate. In addition, this may cause irreparable harm to our financial position and business operations.

Furthermore, there can be no assurances that the JV will receive the necessary regulatory approvals for the Phase 3 oral insulin trial in the United States or that our drug products and our technology will be developed and commercialized successfully. In addition, the JV will subject us to a number of risks including risks relating to the lack of full control of the JV, potential disagreements with HTIT about how to manage the JV that may result in the delay or termination of the commercialization of our products or product candidates or that result in costly litigation or arbitration that diverts management attention and resources, conflicting interests of the JV, and the JV and its business not being profitable.

While we believe that our board representation, voting rights and other contractual rights with respect to the JV will serve to mitigate some of these risks, we may have disagreements with the other directors and HTIT that could impair our ability to influence the JV to act in a manner that we believe is in the best interest of the Company.

If we do not resolve our dispute with HTIT favorably, we may need to reverse deferred revenue of up to $2 million and will not receive an additional $4 million in royalties.

On August 21, 2020, we received a letter from HTIT, disputing certain pending payment obligations of HTIT under the TLA. We estimate this obligation to be between $2 million and $6 million. While we wholly disputed said claims and are planning to resolve any such claims as part of our discussions with HTIT, if we are not successful in consummating the JV or resolving the claims as part of the JV, we may be subsequently required to repay to HTIT up to $2 million, which has been received and has been included in our deferred revenue in each of the consolidated balance sheets for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022. In addition, we will not receive an additional $4 million in Royalties if HTIT is entitled to the full disputed amount of $6 million.

We may not realize a return on the ordinary shares of DNA and Entera that we own.

DNA’s ordinary shares are traded on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange and Entera’s ordinary shares are traded on the Nasdaq Stock Market, both of which are subject to market fluctuations, and may, at times, have a price below the value on the date we acquired such shares. In addition, the ordinary shares of DNA and Entera have historically experienced low trading volume. As a result, there is no guarantee that we will be able to resell the ordinary shares of DNA or Entera at the prevailing market prices or that we will realize a positive return on such shares.

We may not realize the full benefit from our distribution license agreement with Medicox.

Our distribution license agreement with Medicox provides that Medicox will comply with agreed distribution targets and will purchase ORMD-0801 at an agreed upon transfer price per capsule and pay us up to $15 million in developmental milestones, $2 million of which have already been received by us. If we are not successful in finding a mutually agreed way to continue our collaboration following the results of the ORA-D-013-1 Phase 3 trial, or if Medicox is not successful in independently advancing the oral insulin candidate, we may not realize the benefits from this collaboration.

We are highly dependent upon our ability to enter into agreements with collaborative partners to develop, commercialize and market our products.

Our long-term strategy is to ultimately seek a strategic commercial partner, or partners, such as large pharmaceutical companies, with extensive experience in the development, commercialization, and marketing of insulin applications and/or other orally digestible drugs. Such planned strategic partnership, or partnerships, may provide a marketing and sales infrastructure for our products as well as financial and operational support for global clinical trials, post marketing trials, label expansions and other regulatory requirements concerning future clinical development in the United States and elsewhere. We currently lack the resources to manufacture any of our product candidates on a large scale and we have no sales, marketing or distribution capabilities. In the event we are not able to enter into a collaborative agreement with a partner, or partners, on commercially reasonable terms, or at all, we may be unable to commercialize our products, which would have a material adverse effect upon our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations. 

The biotechnology and biopharmaceutical industries are characterized by rapid technological developments and a high degree of competition. We may be unable to compete with more substantial enterprises.

The biotechnology and biopharmaceutical industries are characterized by rapid technological developments and a high degree of competition. As a result, our products could become obsolete before we recoup any portion of our related research and development and commercialization expenses. These industries are highly competitive, and this competition comes both from biotechnology firms and from major pharmaceutical and chemical companies. Many of these companies have substantially greater financial, marketing and human resources than we do (including, in some cases, substantially greater experience in clinical testing, manufacturing and marketing of pharmaceutical products). We also experience competition in the development of our products from universities and other research institutions and compete with others in acquiring technology from such universities and institutions. We face the risk that new market entrants and existing competition may try to replicate our business model or introduce a more innovative offering that renders our services less competitive or obsolete. In addition, our research and development efforts may target diseases and conditions for which there are existing therapies or therapies that are being developed by our competitors. Further, any products resulting from our research and development efforts might not be able to compete successfully with others’ existing and future products. See “Item 1. Business—Description of Business—Competition.”

Our financial position or results could be negatively affected by product liability claims.

It is possible that we will be responsible for potential product liability stemming from product research, development or manufacturing and may face an even greater risk if any product candidate that we develop is commercialized. If we cannot successfully defend ourselves against claims that products we develop independently or with our partners caused injuries, we could incur substantial liabilities. Regardless of the merit or eventual outcome of such claims, any liability claims may result in, among other things, decreased demand for any product that we may develop, loss of revenues, significant time and costs to defend the related litigation, initiation of investigations by regulators and injury to our reputation and significant negative media attention. On occasion, large judgments have been awarded in class action lawsuits based on drugs or medical treatments that had unanticipated adverse effects. Our clinical trials are covered by liability insurance, but notwithstanding such coverage, our financial position or results could be negatively affected by product liability claims.

We have limited senior management resources and may be required to obtain more resources to manage our growth.

We expect the expansion of our business, as well as the activities we take as a result of our strategic review process, to place a significant strain on our limited managerial, operational and financial resources. We will be required to expand our operational and financial systems significantly and to expand, train and manage our work force in order to manage the expansion of our operations. Our failure to fully integrate our new employees into our operations could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations. Our ability to attract and retain highly skilled personnel is critical to our operations and expansion. We face competition for these types of personnel from other technology companies and more established organizations, many of which have significantly larger operations and greater financial, technical, human and other resources than we have. We may not be successful in attracting and retaining qualified personnel on a timely basis, on competitive terms or at all. If we are not successful in attracting and retaining these personnel, our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations will be materially adversely affected. See “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” “Item 1. Business—Description of Business—Employees.”

We depend upon our senior management and skilled personnel and their loss or unavailability could put us at a competitive disadvantage.

We currently depend upon the efforts and abilities of our senior executives, as well as the services of several key consultants and other key personnel, including Dr. Miriam Kidron, our Chief Scientific Officer. The loss or unavailability of the services of any of these individuals for any significant period of time could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations. We do not maintain “key man” life insurance policies for any of our senior executives. In addition, recruiting and retaining qualified scientific personnel to perform future research and development work will be critical to our success. There is currently a shortage of employees with expertise in developing, manufacturing and commercialization of products and related clinical and regulatory affairs, and this shortage is likely to continue. Competition for skilled personnel is intense and turnover rates are high. Our ability to attract and retain qualified personnel may be limited. Our inability to attract and retain qualified skilled personnel would have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations.

Our existing and any future joint ventures may limit our flexibility with jointly owned investments and we may not realize the benefits we expect from these arrangements. 

We are currently party to certain joint ventures, and we may in the future sell or contribute additional assets or acquire, develop or recapitalize assets to or in these joint ventures or other joint ventures that we may enter.

Our participation in our existing joint ventures is subject to risks, including the following:

Any of the foregoing risks could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Further, these, similar, enhanced or additional risks, including possible risks of the other joint venture investors having licensed assets to the joint venture, may apply to any future additional or amended joint ventures that we may enter into. 

Healthcare policy changes, including pending legislation recently adopted and further proposals still pending to reform the U.S. healthcare system, may harm our future business.

Healthcare costs have risen significantly over the past decade. There have been and continue to be proposals by legislators, regulators and third-party payors to keep these costs down. Certain proposals, if passed, would impose limitations on the prices we will be able to charge for the products that we are developing, or the amounts of reimbursement available for these products from governmental agencies or third-party payors. These limitations could in turn reduce the amount of revenues that we will be able to generate in the future from sales of our products and licenses of our technology.

In 2010, the federal government enacted healthcare reform legislation that has significantly impacted the pharmaceutical industry. In addition to requiring most individuals to have health insurance and establishing new regulations on health plans, this legislation requires discounts under the Medicare drug benefit program and increased rebates on drugs covered by Medicaid. In addition, the legislation imposes an annual fee, which has increased annually, on sales by branded pharmaceutical manufacturers. There can be no assurance that our business will not be materially adversely affected by these increased rebates, fees and other provisions. In addition, these and other initiatives in the United States may continue the pressure on drug pricing, especially under the Medicare and Medicaid programs, and may also increase regulatory burdens and operating costs. The announcement or adoption of any such initiative could have an adverse effect on potential revenues from any product that we may successfully develop. An expansion in government’s role in the U.S. healthcare industry may lower the future revenues for the products we are developing and adversely affect our future business, possibly materially.

In September 2017, members of the U.S. Congress introduced legislation with the announced intention to repeal and replace major provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, or the ACA. In addition to those efforts, on October 12, 2017, an executive order was issued that modified certain aspects of the ACA. Following several years of litigation in the federal courts, in June 2021, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the ACA when it dismissed a legal challenge to the ACA’s constitutionality. Further attempts to repeal or to repeal and replace the ACA may continue. In addition, various other healthcare reform proposals have also emerged at the federal and state level. We cannot predict what healthcare initiatives, if any, will be implemented at the federal or state level, or the effect any future legislation or regulation will have on us.

We are exposed to fluctuations in currency exchange rates.

A considerable amount of our expenses are generated in dollars or in dollar-linked currencies, but a significant portion of our expenses such as some clinical trials and payroll costs are generated in other currencies such as NIS and Euro. Most of the time, our non-dollar assets are not totally offset by non-dollar liabilities. Due to the foregoing and to the fact that our financial results are measured in dollars, our results could be adversely affected as a result of a strengthening or weakening of the dollar compared to these other currencies. During the years ended December 31, 2019, 2020 and 2021, the dollar depreciated in relation to the NIS, which raised the dollar cost of our Israeli based operations and adversely affected our financial results, while during the year ended December 31, 2022 and 2023, the dollar increased in relation to the NIS, which reduced the dollar cost of our Israeli based operations costs. In addition, our results could also be adversely affected if we are unable to guard against currency fluctuations in the future. Although we may in the future decide to undertake foreign exchange hedging transactions to cover a portion of our foreign currency exchange exposure, we currently do not hedge our exposure to foreign currency exchange risks. These transactions, however, may not adequately protect us from future currency fluctuations and, even if they do protect us, may involve operational or financing costs we would not otherwise incur.

We face uncertainties related to Oravax’s oral COVID-19 vaccine.

We face uncertainties related to Oravax’s oral COVID-19 vaccine, including uncertainties related to the risk that our continued development programs may not be successful, commercially viable or receive approval from regulatory authorities. Other companies may produce superior or competitive oral or other products that make Oravax’s oral COVID-19 vaccine not commercially worthwhile. Even if we succeed in developing the product, the demand for any product we may develop may no longer exist, given the fluid nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, including possible decreased demand for vaccines due to weaker strains, the need for different vaccines for new variants of the virus or an end of the pandemic that may render Oravax’s vaccine obsolete.

Risks Related to the Note

We have lent a substantial amount of funds to Scilex. In the event that Scilex is unable to service its obligations under the Note and defaults on such Note, it could have a material adverse effect on our business.

On September 21, 2023, we were issued the Note in an aggregate principal amount of $101,875,000 by Scilex pursuant to the Scilex SPA. The Note matures on March 21, 2025 and is payable in six principal installments, with the first installment paid on December 21, 2023. Interest under the Note accrues at a fluctuating per annum interest rate equal to the sum of (1) the greater of (x) four percent (4%) and (y) Term SOFR (as defined in the Note) and (2) eight and one half percent (8.5%), payable in-kind on a monthly basis.

There is no guarantee that Scilex will be able to service its repayment obligations under the Note. Although the Note is secured by a first priority security interest in and liens on all of the assets of Scilex and its subsidiaries, no assurance can be made that Scilex will be able to repay the Note when due or that we will be able to foreclose on such assets and recover enough value upon the sale of such assets to repay the amounts owed to us. In such an event, we could lose all or a substantial portion of our loan investment. Additionally, Scilex has disclosed in its periodic reports filed with the SEC that there is substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern. If Scilex is unable to continue as a going concern or defaults on the Note, we may be unable to recover some or all of the principal amount of the Note, which could have a material adverse affect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We may have difficulty realizing the full value of the Warrants.

The Closing Penny Warrant will be exercisable upon the earliest of (i) March 14, 2025, (ii) the date on which the Note has been repaid in full, and (iii) the Management Sale Trigger Date (as defined therein), if any, and will expire on the date that is the fifth anniversary of the issuance date. For purposes of the Penny Warrants, the Management Sale Trigger Date is generally the first date that certain members of Scilex management engage in certain sales or other similar transfers of shares of Scilex Common Stock or other of Scilex’s or any of its subsidiaries’ securities, subject to certain exceptions as are customary for lock-up agreements executed by directors and officers in connection with financings or similar transactions.

The Subsequent Penny Warrants will vest and become exercisable on the date that is the later of (i) Subsequent Penny Warrant Vesting Date, and (ii) the earliest of (A) March 14, 2025, (B) the date on which the Note has been repaid in full and (C) the Management Sale Trigger Date, if any. Each Subsequent Penny Warrant will expire on the date that is the fifth anniversary of the issuance date; provided that, if the Note is repaid in full prior to the Subsequent Penny Warrant Vesting Date applicable to such Subsequent Penny Warrant, such Subsequent Penny Warrant will expire on the date the Note is repaid in full.

The Transferred Warrants are listed on Nasdaq, have an exercise price of $11.50 per share, are fully exercisable, and expire on November 10, 2027.

Because of the foregoing restrictions on exercisability of the Closing Penny Warrant and the Subsequent Penny Warrants, and exercise price of the Transferred Warrants, we may not be able to exercise the Warrants for shares of Scilex Common Stock at a time when it would be financially beneficial for us to do so. Accordingly, there is no guarantee that we will be able to realize the full or any value of the Warrants.

Risks Related to our Common Stock

Future sales of our common stock by our existing stockholders could adversely affect our stock price.

The market price of our common stock could decline as a result of sales of a large number of shares of our common stock in the market, or the perception that these sales could occur. We experienced a significant decline in the market price of our common stock and a significant increase in trading volume after announcing the results of our ORA-D-013-1 Phase 3 trial in January 2023. Any strategic decision we make as a result of our strategic review process may also negatively affect our common stock price or cause volatility in the market price of our common stock. Sales of large amounts of our securities or large variations in trading volume might make it more difficult for us to sell equity securities in the future at a time and at a price that we deem appropriate. As of March 6, 2024, we had outstanding 40,519,160 shares of common stock, a large majority of which are freely tradable. Giving effect to the exercise in full of all of our outstanding warrants, options and restricted stock units, or RSUs, including those currently unexercisable or unvested, we would have outstanding 45,487,537 shares of common stock.

Our issuance of warrants, options and RSUs to investors, employees and consultants may have a negative effect on the trading prices of our common stock as well as a dilutive effect.

We have issued and may continue to issue warrants, options, RSUs and convertible notes at, above or below the current market price. As of March 6, 2024, we had outstanding warrants and options exercisable for 20,000 shares of common stock at a weighted average exercise price of $4.13. We also had outstanding RSUs exercisable for 350,761 shares of common stock. In addition to the dilutive effect of a large number of shares of common stock and a low exercise price for the warrants and options, there is a potential that a large number of underlying shares of common stock may be sold in the open market at any given time, which could place downward pressure on the trading of our common stock.

Because we will not pay cash dividends in the foreseeable future, investors may have to sell shares of our common stock in order to realize their investment.

We have not paid any cash dividends on our common stock and do not intend to pay cash dividends in the foreseeable future. We intend to retain future earnings, if any, for reinvestment in the development and expansion of our business. Any credit agreements which we may enter into with institutional lenders or otherwise may restrict our ability to pay dividends. Whether we pay cash dividends in the future will be at the discretion of our Board and will be dependent upon our financial condition, results of operations, capital requirements and any other factors that our Board decides is relevant.

Our failure to maintain compliance with the Nasdaq Capital Market’s continued listing requirements could result in the delisting of our common stock.

Our common stock is currently listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market. In order to maintain this listing, we must satisfy minimum financial and other requirements. Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(a)(2) requires the minimum bid price of our common stock on the Nasdaq Capital Market to remain above $1.00. If the bid price of our common stock closes below $1.00 per share for 30 consecutive business days, we would be in violation of Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(a)(2). In accordance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5810(c)(3)(A), we would have 180 calendar days to regain compliance with the minimum bid requirement.

While we intend to engage in efforts to maintain compliance, and thus maintain our listing, there can be no assurance that we will continue to meet all applicable Nasdaq Capital Market requirements in the future, especially in light of any strategic transaction we may choose to undertake. If our common stock were removed from listing with the Nasdaq Capital Market, it may be subject to the so-called “penny stock” rules. The SEC has adopted regulations that define a “penny stock” to be any equity security that has a market price per share of less than $5.00, subject to certain exceptions, such as any securities listed on a national securities exchange, which is the exception on which we currently rely. For any transaction involving a “penny stock,” unless exempt, the rules impose additional sales practice requirements on broker-dealers, subject to certain exceptions. If our common stock were delisted and determined to be a “penny stock,” a broker-dealer may find it more difficult to trade our common stock and an investor may find it more difficult to acquire or dispose of our common stock on the secondary market.

If our common stock is delisted and there is no longer an active trading market for our shares, it may, among other things: cause stockholders difficulty in selling our shares without depressing the market price for the shares or selling our shares at all; substantially impair our ability to raise additional funds; result in a loss of institutional investor interest and fewer financing opportunities for us; and/or result in costly litigation, significant liabilities and diversion of our management’s time and attention and could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, business and results of operations.

A delisting would also reduce the value of our equity compensation plans, which could negatively impact our ability to retain employees.

As the market price of our common stock may fluctuate significantly, this may make it difficult for you to sell your shares of common stock when you want or at prices you find attractive.

The price of our common stock is currently listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market and on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange and constantly changes. In recent years, the stock market in general has experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations. We expect that the market price of our common stock will continue to fluctuate. These fluctuations may result from a variety of factors, many of which are beyond our control. For example, we experienced a significant decline in the market price of our common stock after announcing the results of our ORA-D-013-1 Phase 3 trial in January 2023. These factors include:

Future sales of common stock or the issuance of securities senior to our common stock or convertible into, or exchangeable or exercisable for, our common stock could materially adversely affect the trading price of our common stock, and our ability to raise funds in new equity offerings.

Future sales of substantial amounts of our common stock, including pursuant to any strategic opportunity, the Cantor Equity Distribution Agreement (as defined below), or other equity-related securities in the public market or privately, or the perception that such sales could occur, could adversely affect prevailing trading prices of our common stock and could impair our ability to raise capital through future offerings of equity or other equity-related securities. We anticipate that we will need to raise capital through offerings of equity and equity related securities. We can make no prediction as to the effect, if any, that future sales of shares of our common stock or equity-related securities, or the availability of shares of common stock for future sale, will have on the trading price of our common stock.

Our stockholders may experience significant dilution as a result of any additional financing using our equity securities.

To the extent that we raise additional funds by issuing equity securities, including in connection with any strategic opportunity or pursuant to the Cantor Equity Distribution Agreement, our stockholders may experience significant dilution. Additionally, we may, from time to time or in connection with a strategic alternative, issue additional shares of common stock at a discount from the current trading price of our common stock. As a result, our stockholders would experience immediate dilution upon the purchase of any shares of our common stock sold at such discount. In addition, as opportunities present themselves, we may enter into financing or similar arrangements in the future, including the issuance of convertible debt securities, preferred stock or common stock. If we issue common stock or securities convertible into common stock, our common stockholders would experience additional dilution and, as a result, our stock price may decline.

Risks Related to Conducting Business in Israel

We are affected by the political, economic and military risks of having operations in Israel.

We have operations in the State of Israel, and we are directly affected by political, economic and security conditions in that country. Since the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948, a number of armed conflicts have taken place between Israel and its Arab neighbors and a state of hostility, varying in degree and intensity, has led to security and economic problems for Israel. In addition, acts of terrorism, armed conflicts or political instability in the region could negatively affect local business conditions and harm our results of operations. We cannot predict the effect on the region of any diplomatic initiatives or political developments involving Israel or the Palestinians or other countries and territories in the Middle East. Recent political events, including political uprisings, social unrest and regime change, in various countries in the Middle East and North Africa have weakened the stability of those countries and territories, which could result in extremists coming to power. In addition, Iran has threatened to attack Israel and is widely believed to be developing nuclear weapons. Iran is also believed to have a strong influence among extremist groups in the region, such as Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon. This situation has escalated in the past and may potentially escalate in the future to violent events which may affect Israel and us. On October 7, 2023, the State of Israel was attacked by and subsequently declared war on Hamas. Israel has been in an ongoing state of war with Hamas since that time. Following the attack by Hamas, Hezbollah has also launched attacks against Israel and Israel has been responding to these attacks with targeted air strikes. It is possible that other terrorist organizations, including Palestinian military organizations in the West Bank, as well as other hostile countries, such as Iran, will join the hostilities. Although we believe that there is no immediate risk to our business operations related to these events, our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected if such hostilities involving Israel continue or escalate or if trade or scientific cooperation between Israel and its current partners is interrupted or curtailed. Moreover, we cannot predict how this war will ultimately affect Israel’s economy in general, which may involve a downgrade in Israel’s credit rating by rating agencies (such as the recent downgrade by Moody’s of its credit rating of Israel from A1 to A2, as well as the downgrade of its outlook rating from “stable” to “negative”). We may also be targeted by cyber terrorists specifically because we are an Israeli-related company.

All adult male permanent residents of Israel, unless exempt, may be required to perform military reserve duty annually. Additionally, all such residents are subject to being called to active duty at any time under emergency circumstances, and several hundred thousand Israeli military reservists were drafted to perform immediate military service during the current war with Hamas and other hostile elements, such as Hezbollah in Lebanon. Some of our employees may in the future be obligated to perform annual military reserve duty, although none were called up for reserves in the current war. If called up, such persons may be absent from their positions for a lengthy period of time. We can provide no assurance that such requirements will not have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations in the future, particularly if emergency circumstances occur.

Because we received grants from the Israel Innovation Authority of the Israeli Ministry of Economy and Industry we are subject to ongoing restrictions.

We received royalty-bearing grants from the Israel Innovation Authority of the Israeli Ministry of Economy and Industry, or IIA, for research and development programs that meet specified criteria. We did not recognize any grants in the years ended December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022. We do not expect to receive further grants from the IIA in the future. The terms of the IIA grants limit our ability to transfer know-how developed under an approved research and development program outside of Israel, regardless of whether the royalties were fully paid.

It may be difficult to enforce a U.S. judgment against us or our officers and directors and to assert U.S. securities laws claims in Israel.

Almost all of our directors and officers are nationals and/or residents of countries other than the United States. As a result, service of process upon us, our Israeli subsidiary and our directors and officers, may be difficult to obtain within the United States. Furthermore, because the majority of our assets and investments, and most of our directors and officers are located outside the United States, it may be difficult for investors to enforce within the United States any judgments obtained against us or any such officers or directors. Additionally, it may be difficult to assert U.S. securities law claims in original actions instituted in Israel. Israeli courts may refuse to hear a claim based on a violation of U.S. securities laws because Israel is not the most appropriate forum in which to bring such a claim. In addition, even if an Israeli court agrees to hear a claim, it may determine that Israeli law and not U.S. law is applicable to such claim. If U.S. law is found to be applicable, the content of applicable U.S. law must be proved as a fact, which can be a time-consuming and costly process. Certain matters of procedure will also be governed by Israeli law.

Subject to specified time limitations and legal procedures, under the rules of private international law currently prevailing in Israel, Israeli courts may enforce a U.S. judgment in a civil matter, including a judgment based upon the civil liability provisions of the U.S. securities laws, as well as a monetary or compensatory judgment in a non-civil matter, provided that the following key conditions are met:

If any of these conditions are not met, Israeli courts will likely not enforce the applicable U.S. judgment.

General Risk Factors

Changes to tax laws could have a negative effect on us or our stockholders.

At any time, the U.S. federal or state income tax laws, or the administrative interpretations of those laws, may be amended. Federal and state tax laws are constantly under review by persons involved in the legislative process, the U.S. Internal Revenue Service, the U.S. Department of the Treasury and state taxing authorities. Changes to the tax laws, regulations and administrative interpretations, which may have retroactive application, could adversely affect us. Our stockholders are encouraged to consult with their tax advisors about the potential effects that changes in law may have on them and their ownership of our securities.

Our business and operations would suffer in the event of computer system failures, cyber-attacks or deficiencies in our cyber-security.

Despite the implementation of security measures, our internal computer systems, and those of third parties on which we rely, are vulnerable to damage from computer viruses, malware, natural disasters, terrorism, war, telecommunication and electrical failures, cyber-attacks or cyber-intrusions over the Internet, attachments to emails, persons inside our organization, or persons with access to systems inside our organization. The risk of a security breach or disruption, particularly through cyber-attacks or cyber intrusion, including by computer hackers, foreign governments, and cyber terrorists, has generally increased as the number, intensity and sophistication of attempted attacks and intrusions from around the world have increased. If such an event were to occur and cause interruptions in our operations, it could result in a material disruption of our product development programs. For example, the loss of clinical trial data from completed or ongoing or planned clinical trials could result in delays in our clinical trial efforts and significantly increase our costs to recover or reproduce the data. To the extent that any disruption or security breach was to result in a loss of or damage to our data or applications, or inappropriate disclosure of confidential or proprietary information, we could incur material legal claims and liability, and damage to our reputation, and the further development of our product candidates could be delayed.

We also maintain compliance programs to address the potential applicability of restrictions against trading while in possession of material, nonpublic information generally and in connection with a cyber-security breach. However, a breakdown in existing controls and procedures around our cyber-security environment may prevent us from detecting, reporting or responding to cyber incidents in a timely manner and could have a material adverse effect on our financial position and value of our stock.

Our management will have significant flexibility in using the net proceeds of any offering of securities.

We intend generally to use the net proceeds from any offerings of our securities for expenses related to our clinical trials, research and product development activities, and for general corporate purposes, including general working capital purposes. Our management will have significant flexibility in applying the net proceeds of any such offering and we will necessarily be using our capital when we decide on new strategic initiatives. The actual amounts and timing of expenditures will vary significantly depending on a number of factors, including the amount of cash used in our operations and our research and development efforts. Management’s failure to use these funds effectively would have an adverse effect on the value of our common stock and could make it more difficult and costly to raise funds in the future.

Delaware law could discourage a change in control, or an acquisition of us by a third party, even if the acquisition would be favorable to you, and thereby adversely affect existing stockholders.

The Delaware General Corporation Law contains provisions that may have the effect of making more difficult or delaying attempts by others to obtain control of the Company, even when these attempts may be in the best interests of stockholders. Delaware law imposes conditions on certain business combination transactions with “interested stockholders.” These provisions and others that could be adopted in the future could deter unsolicited takeovers or delay or prevent changes in our control or management, including transactions in which stockholders might otherwise receive a premium for their shares of common stock over then current market prices. These provisions may also limit the ability of stockholders to approve transactions that they may deem to be in their best interests.

ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS.

Not applicable.

ITEM 1C. CYBERSECURITY.

The Board recognizes the critical importance of maintaining the trust and confidence of our business partners, employees and clinical trial participants. The Audit Committee is responsible for reviewing our policies with respect to cybersecurity risks and relevant contingent liabilities and risks that may be material to the Company, including risks from third parties and business partners.

We generally seek to address cybersecurity risks by implementing security measures on our internal computer systems and ensuring that third parties and business partners implement similar measures. These security measures include firewalls, intrusion prevention and detection systems, anti-malware functionality and access controls, which are evaluated by our external IT consultant and improved through vulnerability assessments and cybersecurity threat intelligence.

Our Chief Operating and Business Officer is responsible for implementing protection measures for our information systems from cybersecurity threats and promptly responding to any cybersecurity incidents.

To date, risks from cybersecurity threats have not materially affected us and we do not currently believe any risks from cybersecurity threats are reasonably likely to affect the Company, including our business strategy, results of operations or financial condition. For further information, see “Item 1A. Risk Factors,” under “Our business and operations would suffer in the event of computer system failures, cyber-attacks or deficiencies in our cyber-security.”

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES.

We believe that our existing facilities are suitable and adequate to meet our current business requirements. In the event that we should require additional or alternative facilities, we believe that such facilities can be obtained on short notice at competitive rates.

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.

From time to time we may become subject to litigation incidental to our business. We are not currently a party to any material legal proceedings.

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES.

Not applicable.

PART II

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES.

Common Stock

Our common stock is traded on the Nasdaq Capital Market and on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange, in each case under the symbol “ORMP.”

Holders

As of March 6, 2024, there were 40,519,160 shares of our common stock issued and outstanding held of record by approximately 38 registered stockholders. We believe that a significant number of stockholders hold their shares of our common stock in brokerage accounts and registered in the name of stock depositories and are therefore not included in the number of stockholders of record.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

No unregistered sales of equity securities were made during the three months ended December 31, 2023.

ITEM 6. [RESERVED] 

ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.

The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and the related notes included elsewhere herein and in our audited consolidated financial statements.

In addition to our audited consolidated financial statements, the following discussion contains forward-looking statements that reflect our plans, estimates and beliefs. Our actual results could differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to these differences include those discussed below and elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, particularly in “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” and “Item 1A. Risk Factors.”

Overview of Operations

We are a pharmaceutical company engaged in the research and development of innovative pharmaceutical solutions with a technology platform that allows for the oral delivery of therapeutic proteins.

We have developed an oral dosage form intended to withstand the harsh environment of the stomach and effectively deliver active biological insulin or other proteins. The excipients in the formulation are not intended to modify the proteins chemically or biologically, and the dosage form is designed to be safe to ingest.

On January 11, 2023, we announced that the ORA-D-013-1 Phase 3 trial did not meet its primary or secondary endpoints. As a result, we terminated this trial and a parallel Phase 3, ORA-D-013-2 clinical trial. In 2023, we completed an analysis of the data from the ORA-D-013-1 Phase 3 trial and found that subpopulations of patients with pooled specific parameters, such as BMI, baseline HbA1c and age, responded well to oral insulin. Based on this analysis, we are working on a protocol for a new Phase 3 clinical trial to be submitted to the FDA. We are additionally examining our existing pipeline and have commenced an evaluation process of potential strategic opportunities, with the goal of enhancing value for our stockholders.

On September 21, 2023, we entered into and consummated the Transaction. Pursuant to the Scilex SPA, in exchange for the DIP Assumption and for the ability to credit the amounts assumed under the DIP Assumption in exchange for certain equity securities of Scilex owned by Sorrento, Scilex (i) issued to us (A) the Note, (B) the Closing Penny Warrant, and (C) the Subsequent Penny Warrants, and (ii) caused the Transferred Warrants to be transferred to us. In addition, on the Closing Date, Scilex reimbursed $1,910,000 of the Company’s Transaction expenses pursuant to the Scilex SPA. For further details, see “Item 1 – Business – Description of Business – Scilex Transaction.”

On January 22, 2024, we entered into the JV Agreement with HTIT, pursuant to which, subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the JV Agreement, the parties will establish the JV based on Oramed’s oral drug delivery technology. The JV will focus on the development and worldwide commercialization of innovative products based on Oramed’s oral insulin and POD™ (Protein Oral Delivery) pipeline and HTIT’s manufacturing capabilities and technologies. The parties intend for the JV to use the protocol we are currently working on to initiate a Phase 3 oral insulin trial in the United States. For further details, see “Item 1 – Business – Research and Development – Oral Insulin.”

Results of Operations

The table and discussion that follows includes a comparison of our results of operations and liquidity and capital resources for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022. For a comparison of our results of operations and financial condition for the year ended December 31, 2022 and the year ended December 31, 2021, see “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, filed with the SEC on March 6, 2023.

Revenues

Revenues consist of proceeds related to the HTIT License Agreement that are recognized on a cumulative basis when it is probable that a significant reversal in the amount of cumulative revenue recognized will not occur, through the expected product submission date by HTIT of June 2023, using the input method.

Revenues for the year ended December 31, 2023 decreased by 50% to $1,340,000, compared to $2,703,000 for the year ended December 31, 2022. The decrease was mainly due to recognition of revenues until the product submission date by HTIT in June 2023.

Cost of Revenues

Cost of revenues consists of royalties related to the HTIT License Agreement that will be paid over the term of the HTIT License Agreement in accordance with revenue recognition accounting and the Law for the Encouragement of Industrial Research, Development and Technological Innovation, 1984, as amended, including any regulations or tracks promulgated thereunder, or the R&D Law.

There was no cost of revenues for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.

Research and Development Expenses

Research and development expenses include costs directly attributable to the conduct of research and development programs, including the cost of salaries, employee benefits, costs of materials, supplies, the cost of services provided by outside contractors, including services related to our clinical trials, clinical trial expenses, the full cost of manufacturing drugs for use in research and preclinical development. All costs associated with research and development are expensed as incurred.

Clinical trial costs are a significant component of research and development expenses and include costs associated with third-party contractors. We outsource a substantial portion of our clinical trial activities, utilizing external entities such as CROs, independent clinical investigators and other third-party service providers to assist us with the execution of our clinical trials.

Clinical activities which relate principally to clinical sites and other administrative functions to manage our clinical trials are performed primarily by CROs. CROs typically perform most of the start-up activities for our trials, including document preparation, site identification, screening and preparation, pre-study visits, training and program management.

Clinical trial and pre-clinical trial expenses include regulatory and scientific consultants’ compensation and fees, research expenses, purchase of materials, cost of manufacturing of the oral insulin and exenatide capsules, payments for patient recruitment and treatment, as well as salaries and related expenses of research and development staff.

Research and development expenses for the year ended December 31, 2023 decreased by 68% to $8,971,000, compared to $27,639,000 for the year ended December 31, 2022. The decrease was mainly due to a decrease in expenses related to our Phase 3 clinical trials and in stock-based compensation expenses. Stock-based compensation expenses for the year ended December 31, 2023, were $1,718,000, compared to $3,176,000 for the year ended December 31, 2022. This decrease was mainly due to performance equity awards that expired because they did not meet their performance conditions during the year ended December 31, 2023 and to awards that were granted and issued during the year ended December 31, 2022.

Following the results of the ORA-D-013-1 Phase 3 trial, which did not meet its primary or secondary endpoints, we terminated both ORA-D-013-1 and ORA-D-013-2 Phase 3 clinical trials. In 2023, we completed an analysis of the data from the ORA-D-013-1 Phase 3 trial and found that subpopulations of patients with pooled specific parameters responded well to oral insulin. Based on this analysis, we are working on a protocol for a new Phase 3 clinical trial to be submitted to the FDA. We are also examining our existing pipeline and have commenced an evaluation process of potential strategic opportunities, with the goal of enhancing value for our stockholders.

Government Grants

The Government of Israel encourages research and development projects through the IIA, pursuant to the R&D Law. Under the R&D Law, a research and development plan that meets specified criteria is generally eligible for a grant of up to 50% of certain approved research and development expenditures. Each plan must be approved by the IIA.

From August 2009 to March 2014, our subsidiary Oramed Ltd. was awarded five government grants amounting to a total net amount of NIS 8 million (approximately $2,194,000 during such period) from the IIA. We used these funds to support further research and development and clinical trials of our oral insulin capsule and oral GLP-1 analog candidate during the period from February 2009 to December 2014. The five grants are subject to repayment according to the terms determined by the IIA and applicable law.

In the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, we did not recognize any research and development grants. As of December 31, 2023, we had incurred liabilities to pay royalties to the Israel Innovation Authority of the Israeli Ministry of Economy and Industry of $59,000.

Under the terms of the grants we received from the IIA, we are obligated to pay royalties of 3% on all revenues derived from the sale of the products developed pursuant to the funded plans, including revenues from licensed ancillary services. Royalties are generally payable up to a maximum amount equalling 100% of the grants received (dollar linked) with the addition of interest at an annual rate based on the SOFR rate.

The R&D Law generally requires that a product developed under a program be manufactured in Israel. However, when applying for a grant, the applicant may declare that part of the manufacturing will be performed outside of Israel or by non-Israeli residents and if the IIA is convinced that performing some of the manufacturing abroad is essential for the execution of the program, it may still approve the grant. This declaration will be a significant factor in the determination of the IIA as to whether to approve a program and the amount and other terms of the benefits to be granted. If a company wants to increase the volume of manufacturing outside of Israel after the grant has been approved, it may transfer up to 10% of the company’s approved Israeli manufacturing volume, measured on an aggregate basis, outside of Israel after first notifying the IIA thereof (provided that the IIA does not object to such transfer within 30 days). In addition, upon the approval of the IIA, a portion greater than 10% of the manufacturing volume may be performed outside of Israel. In any case of transfer of manufacturing out of Israel, the grant recipient is required to pay royalties at an increased rate, which may be substantial, and the aggregate repayment amount is increased up to 120% or 150% of the grant received (dollar linked) with the addition of interest at an annual rate based on the SOFR rate, depending on the portion of the total manufacturing volume that is performed outside of Israel. The approval we received from the IIA for the License Agreement was subject to payment of increased royalties and an increased ceiling, all in accordance with the provisions of the R&D Law. The R&D Law further permits the IIA, among other things, to approve the transfer of manufacturing rights outside of Israel in exchange for the import of different manufacturing into Israel as a substitute, in lieu of the increased royalties.

The R&D Law also provides that know-how developed under an approved research and development program and any derivatives thereof may not be transferred or licensed to third parties in Israel without the approval of the research committee, which approval may be subject to the payment of royalties from the sale. Such approval is not required for the sale or export of any products resulting from such research or development. The R&D Law further provides that the know-how developed under an approved research and development program and any derivatives thereof may not be transferred or licensed to any third parties outside Israel absent IIA approval which may be granted in certain circumstances as follows: (a) the grant recipient pays to the IIA a portion of the sale or license price paid in consideration for the purchase or license of such IIA-funded know-how or the price paid in consideration for the sale of the grant recipient itself, as the case may be, in accordance with certain formulas included in the tracks published under the R&D Law; (b) the grant recipient receives know-how from a third party in exchange for its IIA-funded know-how; or (c) such transfer of IIA-funded know-how is made in the context of IIA approved research and development cooperation projects or consortia.

The R&D Law imposes reporting requirements with respect to certain changes in the ownership of a grant recipient. The R&D Law requires the grant recipient to notify the IIA of any change in control of the recipient or a change in the holdings of the means of control of the recipient that results in a non-Israeli entity or person becoming an interested party in the recipient, and requires the new non-Israeli interested party to undertake to the IIA to comply with the R&D Law. In addition, the rules of the IIA may require the provision of additional information or representations in respect of certain such events. For this purpose, “control” is defined as the ability to direct the activities of a company other than any ability arising solely from serving as an officer or director of the company. A person is presumed to have control if such person holds 50% or more of the means of control of a company. “Means of control” refers to voting rights or the right to appoint directors or the chief executive officer. An “interested party” of a company includes a holder of 5% or more of its outstanding share capital or voting rights, its chief executive officer and directors, someone who has the right to appoint its chief executive officer or at least one director, and a company with respect to which any of the foregoing interested parties holds 25% or more of the outstanding share capital or voting rights or has the right to appoint 25% or more of the directors.

Failure to meet the R&D Law’s requirements may subject us to mandatory repayment of grants received by us (together with interest and penalties), as well as expose us to criminal proceedings. In addition, the Israeli government may from time to time audit sales of products which it claims incorporate technology funded through IIA programs which may lead to additional royalties being payable on additional products.

Sales and Marketing Expenses

Sales and marketing expenses include the salaries and related expenses of our commercial functions, consulting costs and other general expenses.

We recorded sales and marketing income of $287,000 for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to expenses of $1,851,000 for the year ended December 31, 2022. This was primarily due to termination of the employment of an executive officer, which led to the forfeiture of his unvested options and RSUs, resulting in a reversal of the previously recorded expense. We recorded stock-based compensation income of $440,000 for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to expenses of $1,172,000 for the year ended December 31, 2022. This was mainly due to termination of the employment of an executive officer, which led to the forfeiture of his unvested options and RSUs.

General and Administrative Expenses

General and administrative expenses include the salaries and related expenses of our management, consulting expenses, legal and professional fees, travel expenses, business development expenses, insurance expenses and other general expenses.

General and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2023 decreased by 39% to $8,425,000, compared to $13,811,000 for the year ended December 31, 2022. The decrease was mainly due to lower stock-based compensation costs and legal expenses, partially offset by higher consulting expenses. Stock-based compensation expenses for the year ended December 31, 2023 were $2,933,000, compared to $7,160,000 for the year ended December 31, 2022. The decrease was mainly due to equity awards granted to employees during 2022, and performance equity awards that did not meet their performance conditions during the year ended December 31, 2023.

Interest Expenses

Interest expenses were $2,037,000 for the year ended December 31, 2023, while there were no interest expenses for the year ended December 31, 2022. The increase was mainly due to interest on the Short-Term Borrowings (as defined herein).

Financial Income, Net

Net financial income was $22,894,000 for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to $2,934,000 for the year ended December 31, 2022. The increase was mainly due to revaluation of the Transaction (as defined herein), interest from short-term bank deposits and revaluation of non-marketable equity securities.

Basic and Diluted Income and Loss Per Share of Common Stock

Basic and diluted income per share of common stock for the year ended December 31, 2023 was $0.14 per share, compared to a basic and diluted loss of $0.94 per share for the year ended December 31, 2022. This was primarily due to the changes discussed above that caused us to have income in the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to a loss in the year ended December 31, 2022.

Weighted Average Shares of Common Stock Outstanding

Weighted average shares of common stock outstanding used in computing basic income (loss) per share of common stock for the year ended December 31, 2023 were 40,315,068 compared to 38,997,649 for the year ended December 31, 2022. The increase was mainly due to RSUs that vested during the year ended December 31, 2023.

Weighted average shares of common stock outstanding used in computing diluted income (loss) per share of common stock for the year ended December 31, 2023 were 40,566,901 compared to 38,997,649 for the year ended December 31, 2022. The increase was mainly due to RSUs that vested during the year ended December 31, 2023.

For the diluted earnings per share calculation, the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the year is adjusted for the average number of shares that are potentially issuable in connection with employee share-based payment, using the treasury stock method.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

From our inception through December 31, 2023, we have incurred losses in an aggregate amount of $157,556,000. During that period and through December 31, 2023, we have financed our operations through several private placements of our common stock, as well as public offerings of our common stock, raising a total of $255,384,000, net of transaction costs. During that period, we also received cash consideration of $28,001,000 from the exercise of warrants and options. We expect to seek additional financing through similar sources in the future, as needed. As of December 31, 2023, we had $9,055,000 of available cash and $95,279,000 of short-term bank deposits.

From inception through December 31, 2023, we have not generated significant revenues from our operations. Management continues to evaluate various financing alternatives for funding new strategic activities, future research and development activities and general and administrative expenses through fundraising in the public or private equity markets. Although there is no assurance that we will be successful with those initiatives, management believes that it will be able to secure the necessary financing as a result of future third party investments. Following the termination of the ORA-D-013-1 and ORA-D-013-2 Phase 3 trials, the Company’s research and development activities have been significantly reduced while it conducted a strategic review process. As a result, we are currently incurring lower research and development and sales and marketing expenses. We are working on a protocol for a new Phase 3 clinical trial to be submitted to the FDA. Concurrently, we are examining our existing pipeline and have commenced an evaluation process of potential strategic opportunities.

Based on our current cash resources and commitments, we believe we will be able to maintain our current planned activities and the corresponding level of expenditures for at least the next 12 months, although no assurance can be given that we will not need additional funds prior to such time. If there are increases in our operating expenses, we may need to seek additional financing during the next 12 months. We may also need additional funds to realize the decisions made as part of our strategic review process. We cannot predict the outcome of these activities. 

On August 9, 2023, we entered into the Senior DIP Loan Agreement with the Debtors in the principal amount of $100,000,000.

On September 21, 2023, we entered into and consummated the Transaction. Pursuant to the Scilex SPA, in exchange for the DIP Assumption and for the ability to credit the amounts assumed under the DIP Assumption in exchange for certain equity securities of Scilex owned by Sorrento, Scilex (i) issued to us (A) the Note, (B) the Closing Penny Warrant, and (C) the Subsequent Penny Warrants, and (ii) caused the Transferred Warrants to be transferred to us. In addition, on the Closing Date, Scilex reimbursed $1,910,000 of the Company’s Transaction expenses pursuant to the Scilex SPA.

Pursuant to the terms of the Scilex SPA, Scilex agreed to certain restrictions on additional issuances of equity securities. In connection with the Transaction, we and Sorrento mutually agreed to terminate the Sorrento SPA and to release all claims the Company and Sorrento may have against one another, and Scilex completed the acquisition of the Purchased Securities.

On August 8, 2023, we borrowed an aggregate of $99,550,000 pursuant to loan agreements from Israel Discount Bank Ltd., or the Short-Term Borrowings. The Short-Term Borrowings mature on dates ranging from August 11, 2023 to May 24, 2024, bear interest ranging from 6.66% to 7.38%, are secured by certificates of deposits issued by Israel Discount Bank Ltd. having an aggregate face amount of $99,550,000. The net proceeds of the Short-Term Borrowings were used to fund the Note. The Short-Term Borrowings are paid in one payment of principal and interest at each respective maturity. As of December 31, 2023, $50,000,000 was repaid under the Short-Term Borrowings.

As of December 31, 2023, our total current assets were $162,584,000 and our total current liabilities were $53,214,000. On December 31, 2023, we had a working capital surplus of $109,370,000 and an accumulated loss of $157,556,000. As of December 31, 2022, our total current assets were $157,109,000 and our total current liabilities were $5,746,000. On December 31, 2022, we had a working capital surplus of $151,363,000 and an accumulated loss of $163,081,000. The decrease in working capital surplus from December 31, 2022 to December 31, 2023 was mainly due to the Short-Term Borrowings.

During the year ended December 31, 2023, cash and cash equivalents decreased to $9,055,000 from $40,464,000 as of December 31, 2022. The decrease was mainly due to the reasons described below.

Operating activities used cash of $10,295,000 in the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to $27,918,000 used in the year ended December 31, 2022. Cash used in operating activities consisted mainly of changes in fair value of investments partially offset by net loss resulting from research and development and general and administrative expenses.

Investing activities used cash of $73,038,000 in the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to cash provided by investing activities of $30,211,000 in the year ended December 31, 2022. Cash used in investing activities is mainly due to our investment in the Transaction and the purchase of short-term deposits, partially offset by the proceeds of short-term deposits.

Financing activities provided cash of $51,978,000 in the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to $10,779,000 in the year ended December 31, 2022. Cash provided by financing activities consisted mainly of the Short-Term Borrowings. Our primary financing activities since the beginning of the year ended December 31, 2023, were as follows:

Trend Information

Following the results of the Phase 3 trials for our oral insulin capsule candidate, ORMD-0801, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of the data to understand if there is a path forward for our oral insulin candidate, and we are working on a protocol for a new Phase 3 clinical trial to be submitted to the FDA. Conducting this clinical trial, whether independently or as part of the JV with HTIT, will require significant funds and resources. Concurrently, we are examining our existing pipeline and have commenced an evaluation process of potential strategic opportunities, with the goal of enhancing value for our stockholders. At this time, we cannot foresee how these strategic decisions will impact our financial results and operations in 2024.

Planned Expenditures

In previous years, we primarily invested in research and development. If we proceed to conduct a new clinical trial for our oral insulin candidate, we expect that in the upcoming years our research and development expenses will continue to be our major operating expense; however, if this clinical trial is conducted through the JV with HTIT, this cost may be borne by the JV.

Following the results of the Phase 3 trials for our oral insulin capsule candidate, ORMD-0801, the JV with HTIT and the current strategic review initiated by the Company, our obligations may change significantly.

Critical Accounting Policies

Our significant accounting policies are more fully described in the notes to our accompanying consolidated financial statements. We believe that the accounting policies below are critical for one to fully understand and evaluate our financial condition and results of operations.

The discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations is based on our consolidated financial statements, which we prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP. The preparation of our consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements, as well as the reported revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate such estimates and judgments. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other factors that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying value of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

Valuation of RSUs, options and warrants: We grant options to purchase shares of our common stock to employees and consultants and have and may in the future issue warrants in connection with some of our financings and to certain other consultants.

We account for share-based payments to employees, directors and consultants in accordance with the guidance that requires awards classified as equity awards to be accounted for using the grant-date fair value method. The fair value of share-based payment transactions is based on the Black Scholes option-pricing model or Monte Carlo model when appropriate and is recognized as an expense over the vesting period.

We elected to recognize compensation cost for awards to employees, directors and consultants that have a graded vesting schedule using the accelerated method based on the multiple-option award approach.

Revenue recognition: Revenue is recognized when delivery has occurred, evidence of an arrangement exists, title and risks and rewards for the products are transferred to the customer and collection is reasonably assured.

On November 13, 2022, we entered into a distribution license agreement with Medicox, or the Medicox License Agreement. The Medicox License Agreement grants Medicox an exclusive license to apply for regulatory approval and distribute ORMD-0801 in the Republic of Korea.

Under Accounting Standards Certification, or ASC, 606 “Revenue from Contracts with Customers”, we identified Medicox as a customer and the Medicox License Agreement as a contract with a customer.

We identified a performance obligation in the Medicox License Agreement to stand-ready and provide Medicox with support in its commercialization efforts in the Republic of Korea. This performance obligation includes a non-distinct distribution license for ORMD-0801, which we view a predominant item in the combined performance obligation. We concluded that the license is not distinct, as no party other than us is capable of providing related services to Medicox, and both the license and related services are necessary for the customer to obtain a regulatory approval in the Republic of Korea. In addition, the agreement covers the terms of future manufacturing services, that are contingent on the completion and success of the commercialization efforts.

The Medicox License Agreement contains a fixed consideration of $2 million, which was received by Oramed as of December 31, 2023 and is presented under long-term deferred revenues. It also contains variable consideration of contractual milestone payments and sales-based royalties.

Our obligation to stand-ready and support Medicox will be recognized on a straight-line basis over the period we expect to provide support to Medicox. As of December 31, 2023, this support has not commenced, and no revenue was recognized from the Medicox License Agreement.

If Medicox proceeds with the regulatory approval process in the Republic of Korea, we expect most of the revenue to be recognized in 2025, going forward. We note that our Phase 3 trial did not meet its primary or secondary endpoints. If Medicox chooses to terminate the agreement as a result of the outcome of the Phase 3 trials, we will accelerate revenue recognition and recognize it in the relevant period.

Investments at fair value: On September 21, 2023. Scilex (i) issued to us (A) the Note, (B) the Closing Penny Warrant, and (C) the Subsequent Penny Warrants, and (ii) caused the Transferred Warrants to be transferred to us.

We accounted for the Transferred Warrants as derivatives measured at fair value.

We elected the fair value option for the Note and the Penny Warrants in order to reduce operational complexity of bifurcating embedded derivatives. Changes in value are recorded under financial income, net and include interest income on the Note.

Determining the fair value of the Note required significant judgment with regards to the expected repayment date of the Note which also impacts the number of Subsequent Penny Warrants to be issued to us. The total value of the Transaction (and of each of its components) was valued on a weighted average of the different scenarios.

ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.

We are exposed to a variety of risks, including changes in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, changes in the value of our marketable securities and inflation.

As of December 31, 2023, we had $9.1 million in cash and cash equivalents and $95.3 million in short term bank deposits.

We aim to preserve our financial assets, maintain adequate liquidity and maximize return while minimizing exposure to market risks. Such policy further provides that we should hold most of our current assets in bank deposits. As of today, the currency of our financial assets is mainly in U.S. dollars.

Marketable securities

We own 1,701,357 common shares of DNA, 117,000 ordinary shares of Entera and 4,500,000 Closing Penny Warrants, which are presented in our financial statements as marketable securities. Marketable securities are presented at fair value and their realization is subject to certain limitations if sold through the market, and we are therefore exposed to market risk. There is no assurance that at the time of sale of the marketable securities the price per share will be the same or higher, nor that we will be able to sell all of the securities at once given the volume of securities we hold. Entera shares and the Closing Penny Warrants are traded on Nasdaq in U.S. dollars, while DNA shares are traded on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange in NIS. We are also exposed to changes in the market price of the Entera, DNA shares and the Closing Penny Warrants, as well as to exchange rates fluctuations in the NIS currency compared to the U.S. dollar with respect to the DNA shares.

Interest Rate Risk

We invest a major portion of our cash surplus in bank deposits in banks in Israel. Since the bank deposits typically carry fixed interest rates, financial income over the holding period is not sensitive to changes in interest rates, but only the fair value of these instruments. However, our interest gains from future deposits may decline in the future as a result of changes in the financial markets.

The Note issued by Scilex is based on the SOFR rate. Our interest income may decline in the future as a result of a change in the SOFR rate.

Foreign Currency Exchange Risk

A significant portion of our expenditures, including salaries, clinical research expenses, consultants’ fees and office expenses relate to our operations in Israel. The cost of those Israeli operations, as expressed in U.S. dollars, is influenced by the extent to which any increase in the rate of inflation in Israel is not offset (or is offset on a lagging basis) by a devaluation of the NIS in relation to the U.S. dollar. If the U.S. dollar declines in value in relation to the NIS, it will become more expensive for us to fund our operations in Israel. In addition, as of December 31, 2023, we own net balances in NIS of approximately $546,000. Assuming a 10% appreciation of the NIS against the U.S. dollar, we would experience an exchange rate gain of approximately $50,000, while assuming a 10% devaluation of the NIS against the U.S. dollar, we would experience an exchange rate loss of approximately $61,000.

The exchange rate of the U.S. dollar to the NIS, based on exchange rates published by the Bank of Israel, was as follows:

We do not use any currency hedging transactions of options or forwards to decrease the risk of financial exposure from fluctuations in the exchange rate of the U.S. dollar against the NIS.

ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA.

See Item 15 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE.

None.

ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2023. Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective.

Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Our management, under the supervision of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over our financial reporting, as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) promulgated under the Exchange Act. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting is defined as a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with GAAP. Internal control over financial reporting includes policies and procedures that:

Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we evaluated the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023 based on the current framework for Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013) set forth by The Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

Based on this evaluation, our management concluded that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2023 at a reasonable assurance level.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended December 31, 2023 that have materially affected, or are reasonable likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION.

Termination of Rule 10b5–1 Trading Arrangements

ITEM 9C. DISCLOSURE REGARDING FOREIGN JURISDICTIONS THAT PREVENT INSPECTIONS.

Not applicable.

PART III

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE.

Directors and Executive Officers

The name and age of each of our directors and executive officers, his or her position with us and the period during which such person has served as a director or executive officer of the Company are set forth below.

Mr. Derovan, our former Chief Legal Officer and Secretary, ended his service with the Company on March 5, 2024. 

Dr. Miriam Kidron is Mr. Nadav Kidron’s mother. There are no other directors or officers of the Company who are related by blood or marriage.

Business Experience

The following is a brief account of the education and business experience during at least the past five years of each of our directors and of our executive officers who are not also directors, indicating the principal occupation during that period, and the name and principal business of the organization in which such occupation and employment were carried out.

Mr. Nadav Kidron was appointed President, Chief Executive Officer and director in March 2006, and Chairman of the Board effective as of June 30, 2022. He is also a director of Israel Advanced Technology Industries organization, and until 2016 was a director of Entera Bio Ltd. In 2009, he was a fellow at the Merage Foundation for U.S.-Israel Trade Programs for executives in the life sciences field. From 2003 to 2006, he was the managing director of the Institute of Advanced Jewish Studies at Bar Ilan University. From 2001 to 2003, he was a legal intern at Wine, Mishaiker & Ernstoff Law Offices in Jerusalem, Israel. Mr. Kidron holds an LL.B. and an International MBA from Bar Ilan University, Israel.

We believe that Mr. Kidron’s qualifications to serve on our Board include his familiarity with the Company as its founder, his experience in capital markets, as well as his knowledge and familiarity with corporate management.

Dr. Miriam Kidron was appointed Chief Scientific Officer and director in March 2006. Dr. Kidron is a pharmacologist and a biochemist with a Ph.D. in biochemistry. From 1990 to 2007, Dr. Kidron was a senior researcher in the Diabetes Unit at Hadassah University Hospital in Jerusalem, Israel. Dr. Kidron was formerly a visiting professor at the Medical School at the University of Toronto (Canada), and is a member of the American, European and Israeli Diabetes Associations. Dr. Kidron is a recipient of the Bern Schlanger Award.

We believe that Dr. Kidron’s qualifications to serve on our Board include her expertise in the Company’s technology, as it is based on her research, as well as her experience and relevant education in the fields of pharmacology and diabetes.

Mr. David Silberman was appointed Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer in July 2021. Prior to his appointment, from April 2018 to May 2021, Mr. Silberman served as a Corporate Financial Planning and Analysis associate director and director at Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., a global pharmaceutical company, committed to helping patients around the world to access affordable medicines and benefit from innovations to improve their health. From 2014 to 2018, Mr. Silberman served as Global Internal Audit senior manager at Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. From 2009 to 2014, Mr. Silberman provided internal audit and risk management services in the advisory department of Grant Thornton Fahn Kanne Control Management. From January 2009 until June 2009, Mr. Silberman worked in the audit department of KPMG, a certified public accounting firm. Mr. Silberman holds DCG and DSCG degrees from the French Ministry of Higher Study and Research and is a certified public accountant in Israel.

Mr. Joshua Hexter was appointed Chief Operating and Business Officer in September 2019. Prior to his appointment, Mr. Hexter served as Chief Business Officer at BrainsWay Ltd. (Nasdaq/TASE: BWAY) from 2018 to 2019, a commercial stage medical device company focused on the development and sale of non-invasive neuromodulation products. From 2013 to 2018, Mr. Hexter served as Chief Operating Officer and VP Business Development of the Company and from 2007 to 2013, Mr. Hexter was a Director or Executive Director of BioLineRx Ltd. (Nasdaq/TASE: BLRX), a biopharmaceutical development company dedicated to identifying, in-licensing and developing innovative therapeutic candidates. Prior to his employment with BioLineRx, Mr. Hexter was a member of the board of directors and Chief Executive Officer of Biosensor Systems Design, Inc., a company developing market-driven biosensors. Mr. Hexter holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin and a master’s degree in management from Boston University.

Dr. Daniel Aghion became a director in January 2024. Dr. Aghion has been a neurosurgeon at Memorial Neuroscience Institute in Florida since 2016, where he treats patients with a wide array of spine disorders, including severe degenerative spine diseases, spine trauma, cancer in the spine, spine tumors, peripheral nerve surgery and more. Dr. Aghion holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Michigan and an MD from the Sackler School of Medicine at Tel Aviv University. He completed his residency at Rhode Island Hospital in 2015, and a complex spine fellowship at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore in 2016.

We believe that Dr. Aghion’s qualifications to serve on the Board include his extensive practical and academic medical background.

Dr. Arie Mayer became a director in December 2019. Dr. Mayer is currently the Managing Director and Chairman of the Board of Sigma-Aldrich Israel Ltd. and has held that position since January 2010. Dr. Mayer has held various roles with Sigma-Aldrich Israel Ltd. since 1995 and was instrumental in introducing and developing the Cell Culture and Molecular Biology business for Sigma Aldrich Israel Ltd. Dr. Mayer holds a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from Hebrew University and a Ph.D. in biochemistry from Israel Institute of Technology.

We believe that Dr. Mayer’s qualifications to serve on our Board include his experience as an executive in the biotechnology industry, with knowledge in managing large organizations, as well as his experience and relevant education in the fields of chemistry and biochemistry.

Mr. Leonard Sank became a director in October 2007. Mr. Sank is a South African entrepreneur and businessman, whose interests lie in entrepreneurial endeavors and initiatives, with over 30 years’ experience of playing significant leadership roles in developing businesses. Mr. Sank serves on the boards of a few national businesses and local non-profit charity organizations in Cape Town, where he resides.

We believe that Mr. Sank’s qualifications to serve on our Board include his years of experience in development stage businesses, as well as his experience serving as a director of many entities.

Mr. Benjamin Shapiro became a director in May 2023. Mr. Shapiro is a successful entrepreneur and business professional who co-founded The Daily Wire, a successful, industry leading, international media outlet in June 2015. Since May 2015, he has been host of “The Ben Shapiro Show,” a popular podcast, and he is the author of numerous New York Times best-selling books. Mr. Shapiro earned a B.A. in Political Science from UCLA in 2004, summa cum laude, and a law degree from Harvard Law School in 2007, cum laude.

We believe that Mr. Shapiro’s qualifications to serve on the Board include his extensive operational experience and his business background and acumen.

Board of Directors

There are no agreements with respect to the election of directors. Each director is currently elected for a period of one year at our annual meeting of stockholders and serves until the next such meeting and until his or her successor is duly elected or until his or her earlier resignation or removal. The Board may also appoint additional directors. A director so chosen or appointed will hold office until the next annual meeting of stockholders and until his or her successor is duly elected and qualified or until his or her earlier resignation or removal.

The Board has determined that Dr. Daniel Aghion, Dr. Arie Mayer, Leonard Sank and Benjamin Shapiro are independent as defined under the rules promulgated by the Nasdaq. Except for Dr. Arie Mayer, who serves on the Board of Directors of Oravax, a company 63% owned by us, none of the independent directors has any material relationship with us besides serving on our Board.

We have determined that each of the directors is qualified to serve as a director of the Company based on a review of the experience, qualifications, attributes and skills of each director. In reaching this determination, we have considered a variety of criteria, including, among other things: character and integrity; ability to review critically, evaluate, question and discuss information provided, to exercise effective business judgment and to interact effectively with the other directors; and willingness and ability to commit the time necessary to perform the duties of a director.

Board Meeting Attendance

During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, our Board held thirteen meetings and took action by written consent on eight occasions. All of our directors attended at least 75% of the aggregate number of meetings of the Board and the committees that were held during the period such director served on the Board. Board members are encouraged to attend our annual meetings of stockholders.

Board Evaluation Process

Our Board is committed to continuous improvement and conducts a board and committee evaluation process each year, to ensure that our Board maintains optimal composition and functions effectively.

As part of this process, the members of our Board complete a confidential written assessment of the performance, oversight and composition of the Board and its committees that is submitted to the Company secretary. The results are then reported back to the full Board. After the evaluations, the Board and management work to improve upon any issues presented during the evaluation process and to identify opportunities that may lead to further improvement.

Committees

Audit Committee and Audit Committee Financial Expert

The members of our Audit Committee are Dr. Daniel Aghion, Dr. Arie Mayer and Leonard Sank. Our Board has determined that Dr. Arie Mayer is an “audit committee financial expert” as set forth in Item 407(d)(5) of Regulation S-K based on his experience as set forth above, and that all members of the Audit Committee are “independent” as defined by the rules of the SEC and the Nasdaq rules and regulations. The Audit Committee operates under a written charter that is posted on the “Investors” section of our website, www.oramed.com. The primary responsibilities of our Audit Committee include:

Our Audit Committee met five times and took action by written consent on four occasions during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023.

Compensation Committee

The members of our Compensation Committee are Dr. Daniel Aghion, Dr. Arie Mayer and Leonard Sank. The Board has determined that all of the members of the Compensation Committee are “independent” as defined by the rules of the SEC and Nasdaq rules and regulations. The Compensation Committee operates under a written charter that is posted on the “Investors” section of our website, www.oramed.com. The primary responsibilities of our Compensation Committee include:

The Compensation Committee meets as often as it deems necessary, without the presence of any executive officer when approving compensation, except that the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, at the discretion of the Compensation Committee, may be present during the approval of, or deliberations with respect to, the compensation of other executive officers. The Compensation Committee may delegate any authority granted to it to one or more subcommittees of the Compensation Committee, in its sole discretion.

Our Compensation Committee met four times and took action by written consent on four occasions during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023.

Nominating Committee

The members of our Nominating Committee are Dr. Arie Mayer and Leonard Sank. The Board has determined that all of the members of the Nominating Committee are “independent” as defined by the rules of the SEC and Nasdaq rules and regulations. The Nominating Committee operates under a written charter that is posted on the “Investors” section of our website, www.oramed.com. The primary responsibilities of our Nominating Committee include:

Our Nominating Committee met twice and took action by written consent on one occasion during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023.

Delinquent Section 16(a) Reports

Based solely upon a review of Forms 3, 4 and 5, and amendments thereto, furnished to us during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, we believe that during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, our executive officers, directors and all persons who own more than ten percent of a registered class of our equity securities complied with all Section 16(a) filing requirements, except that our directors and officers failed to timely file a Form 4 reporting their annual equity grants granted on April 17, 2023, due to a technical issue. The Form 4s reporting these grants were filed on April 20, 2023.

Code of Ethics

We have adopted a Code of Ethics and Business Conduct for our senior officers, directors and employees. A copy of the Code of Ethics and Business Conduct is located at our website at www.oramed.com. We intend to satisfy the disclosure requirement regarding any amendment to, or a waiver from, a provision of the Code of Ethics that applies to our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions and that relates to the Code of Ethics by posting such information on our website, www.oramed.com.

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.

Compensation Discussion and Analysis

This section explains the policies and decisions that shape our executive compensation program, including its specific objectives and elements, as it relates to our “named executive officers,” or NEOs.

Our NEOs for the year ended December 31, 2023 are those three individuals listed in the “Summary Compensation Table” below. The Compensation Committee believes that our executive compensation is appropriately designed to incentivize our NEOs to work for our long-term prosperity, is reasonable in comparison with the levels of compensation provided by comparable companies and reflects a reasonable cost. We believe our NEOs are critical to the achievement of our corporate goals, through which we can drive stockholder value.

The Compensation Committee of our Board is comprised solely of independent directors as defined by Nasdaq and non-employee directors as defined by Rule 16b-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act. The Compensation Committee has the authority and responsibility to review and approve the compensation of our President and Chief Executive Officer and other executive officers. Other information concerning the structure, roles and responsibilities of our Compensation Committee is set forth in “Board Meetings and Committees—Compensation Committee” section.

Our executive compensation program and our NEOs’ compensation packages are designed around the following objectives:

The Compensation Committee reviews the allocation of compensation components regularly to ensure alignment with strategic and operating goals, competitive market practices and legislative changes. The Compensation Committee does not apply a specific formula to determine the allocation between cash and non-cash forms of compensation. Certain compensation components, such as base salaries, benefits and perquisites, are intended primarily to attract, hire, and retain well-qualified executives. Other compensation elements, such as long-term incentive opportunities, are designed to motivate and reward performance. Long-term incentives are intended to reward NEOs for our long-term performance and executing our business strategy, and to strongly align NEOs’ interests with those of stockholders.

With respect to equity compensation, the Compensation Committee makes awards to executives under our Amended and Restated 2019 Incentive Plan, or the 2019 Plan. Executive compensation is paid or granted based on such matters as the Compensation Committee deems appropriate, including our financial and operating performance and the alignment of the interests of the executive officers and our stockholders.

Elements of Compensation

Our executive officer compensation program is comprised of: (i) base salary or monthly compensation; (ii) discretionary bonus; (iii) long-term equity incentive compensation in the form of stock option and RSU grants; and (iv) benefits and perquisites.

In establishing overall executive compensation levels and making specific compensation decisions for our NEOs in the year ended December 31, 2023, the Compensation Committee considered a number of criteria, including the executive’s position, scope of responsibilities, prior base salary and annual incentive awards and expected contribution.

Generally, our Compensation Committee reviews and, as appropriate, approves compensation arrangements for the NEOs from time to time but not less than once each year. The Compensation Committee also takes into consideration the President and Chief Executive Officer’s recommendations for executive compensation of the other NEOs. The President and Chief Executive Officer generally presents these recommendations at the time of our Compensation Committee’s review of executive compensation arrangements.

During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, the Compensation Committee received consulting services from Aon Solutions UK Limited., or Aon, with regard to management compensation. The Compensation Committee engaged the consultant to review the Company’s current compensation plans for its management and collect and analyze data regarding management compensation at other companies comparable to the Company, in order to provide a competitive compensation benchmark. Aon collected SEC filings data regarding U.S. and Israeli compensation practices and developed a peer group of the following U.S. and Israeli companies: ALX Oncology Holdings Inc., Anavex Life Sciences Corp., Arbutus BioPharma Corporation, Atossa Therapeutics Inc., aTyr Pharma, Inc., Chimerix, Inc., Compugen Ltd., Fulcrum Therapeutics, Inc., Gamida Cell Ltd., Immunic, Inc., Lyra Therapeutics, Inc., Marinus Pharmaceuticals, Inc., MediciNova, Inc., Minerva Neurosciences, Inc., Rani Therapeutics, Inc., Relmada Therapeutics, Inc., Vistagen Therapeutics, Inc. and Zevra Therapeutics, Inc.. Following its review, Aon provided recommendations for cash and equity compensation at various percentiles for the Compensation Committee’s consideration.

Base Salary

The Compensation Committee performs a review of base salaries and monthly compensation for our NEOs from time to time as appropriate. In determining salaries, the Compensation Committee members also take into consideration the scope of the NEOs’ responsibilities and independent third-party market data, such as compensation surveys to industry, individual experience and performance and contribution to our clinical, regulatory, commercial and operational performance. None of the factors above has a dominant weight in determining the compensation of our NEOs, and our Compensation Committee considers the factors as a whole when considering such compensation. In addition, our Compensation Committee uses comparative data regarding compensation paid by peer companies in order to obtain a general understanding of current trends in compensation practices and ranges of amounts being awarded by other public companies, and not as part of an analysis or a formula.

We believe that a competitive base salary and monthly compensation is a necessary element of any compensation program that is designed to attract and retain talented and experienced executives. We also believe that attractive base salaries can motivate and reward executives for their overall performance. Base salary and monthly compensation are established in part based on the individual experience, skills and expected contributions to our performance, as well as such executive’s performance during the prior year. Generally, we believe that executives’ base salaries should be targeted near the median of the range of salaries for executives in similar positions with similar responsibilities, experience and performance at comparable companies. Compensation adjustments are made occasionally based on changes in an executive’s level of responsibility, company progress or on changed local and specific executive employment market conditions.

In the year ended December 31, 2023, our Compensation Committee increased the base salary of one of our NEOs by 10% (effective January 1, 2023) as it deemed this to be a reasonable rate based on, among other factors, such NEO’s responsibilities and the report received from Deloitte Israel & Co. during the year ended December 31, 2022, as it determined the salary was not in line with market compensation.

In January 2024, our Compensation Committee increased the base salary of our NEOs by 10% (effective January 1, 2024, and in the case of our Chief Financial Officer, 5% effective January 1, 2024 and an additional 5% effective June 1, 2024) as it deemed this to be a reasonable rate based on, among other factors, such NEO’s responsibilities and the report from Aon, as it determined the salary was not in line with market compensation.

Performance Based Bonus

Our NEOs are eligible to receive discretionary annual bonuses based upon performance. The amount of annual bonus to our NEOs is based on various factors, including, among others, the achievement of scientific and business goals and our financial and operational performance. The Compensation Committee takes into account the overall performance of the individuals, as well as the overall performance of the Company over the period being reviewed and the recommendation of management. For any given year, the compensation objectives vary, but relate generally to strategic factors such as developments in our clinical path, the execution of a license agreement for the commercialization of product candidates, the establishment of key strategic collaborations, the build-up of our pipeline and financial factors such as capital raising. Bonuses are awarded generally based on corporate performance, with adjustments made within a range for individual performance, at the discretion of the Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee determines, on a discretionary basis, the size of the entire bonus pool and the amount of the actual award to each NEO. The overall payment is also based on historic compensation of the NEOs.

We believe that annual bonuses payable based on the achievement of short-term corporate goals incentivize our NEOs to create stockholder value and attain short-term performance objectives.

Long-Term Equity Incentive Compensation

Long-term incentive compensation allows the NEOs to share in any appreciation in the value of our common stock. The Compensation Committee believes that stock participation aligns executive officers’ interests with those of our stockholders. Equity incentive awards are generally made at the commencement of employment and following a significant change in job responsibilities, or to meet other special retention or performance objectives. The amounts of the awards are designed to reward past performance and create incentives to meet long-term objectives. Awards are made at a level expected to be competitive within the biotechnology industry, as well as with Israeli-based companies. Awards are made on a discretionary basis and not pursuant to specific criteria set out in advance. In determining the amount of each grant, the Compensation Committee also takes into account the number of shares held by the executive prior to the grant. The vesting schedule for NEOs generally provides for annual installments for new grants, though the Compensation Committee also utilizes quarterly vesting from time to time, as well as performance-based vesting. The Compensation Committee believes that time-based vesting encourages recipients to build stockholder value over a long period of time and that performance-based vesting encourages recipients to achieve goals that benefit the Company.

As part of its engagement in the year ended December 31, 2023 described above, Aon also provided consulting services in connection with grants of equity awards to our executive officers. Aon reviewed annual long-term incentive grants at peer companies, as well as such grants made by companies in the broader market, based on a blend of Black-Scholes valuations and grants as a percentage of the applicable company’s capitalization. Following such consultation, the Compensation Committee is considering alternative models and equity vehicles for future equity-based grants.

Benefits and Perquisites

Generally, benefits available to NEOs are available to all employees on similar terms and include welfare benefits, paid time-off, life and disability insurance and other customary or mandatory social benefits in Israel. We provide some of our NEOs with a phone and a company car, which are customary benefits in Israel to managers and officers.

We do not believe that the benefits and perquisites described above deviate materially from the customary practice for compensation of executive officers by other companies similar in size and stage of development in Israel. These benefits represent a relatively small portion of the executive officers’ total compensation.

Say-on-Pay Vote

Our stockholders approved, on an advisory basis, our executive compensation program at our annual meeting of stockholders held on June 30, 2022. We did not seek or receive any specific feedback from our stockholders concerning our executive compensation program during the past fiscal year. The Compensation Committee did not specifically rely on the results of the prior vote in making any compensation-related decisions during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023.

SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE

The following table sets forth the compensation earned by our NEOs for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.

All Other Compensation Table

The “All Other Compensation” amounts set forth in the Summary Compensation Table above consist of the following:

Employment and Consulting Agreements

On July 1, 2008, Oramed Ltd. entered into a consulting agreement with KNRY, whereby Nadav Kidron, through KNRY, provided services as President and Chief Executive Officer of both the Company and Oramed Ltd., or the Nadav Kidron Consulting Agreement. The Nadav Kidron Consulting Agreement was terminated, effective November 1, 2022, and replaced with the agreements as further described below. Additionally, on July 1, 2008, Oramed Ltd. entered into a consulting agreement with KNRY whereby Dr. Miriam Kidron, through KNRY, provides services as Chief Scientific Officer of both the Company and Oramed Ltd., or the Miriam Kidron Consulting Agreement.

The Miriam Kidron Consulting Agreement is terminable by either party upon 140 days prior written notice. The agreement, as amended, provides that KNRY will be reimbursed for reasonable expenses incurred in connection with performance of the agreement. Pursuant to the agreement, each of KNRY and Dr. Miriam Kidron agreed that during the term of the agreement and for a 12-month period thereafter, none of them will compete with Oramed Ltd. nor solicit employees of Oramed Ltd. Starting January 1, 2024, Dr. Miriam Kidron receives a monthly consulting fee of NIS 117,040.

The Nadav Kidron Consulting Agreement was terminable by either party upon 140 days prior written notice. The agreement, as amended, provided that KNRY will be reimbursed for reasonable expenses incurred in connection with performance of the agreement. Pursuant to the agreement, KNRY and Nadav Kidron each agreed that during the term of the agreement and for a 12-month period thereafter, none of them will compete with Oramed Ltd. nor solicit employees of Oramed Ltd. From September 1, 2021 until termination, Nadav Kidron received a monthly consulting fee of NIS 146,705.

Following the relocation of Nadav Kidron to the State of Israel, the Company entered into two agreements with Mr. Kidron, replacing the Nadav Kidron Consulting Agreement, substantially on the same terms, in order to allocate his time and services between the Company and Oramed Ltd.

Effective November 1, 2022, the Company entered into a consulting agreement with Shnida Ltd., whereby Nadav Kidron, through Shnida Ltd., provides services as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company. The agreement is terminable by either party upon 140 days prior written notice. The agreement provides that Shnida Ltd. will be reimbursed for reasonable expenses incurred in connection with performance of the agreement. Effective as of January 1, 2024, Nadav Kidron receives a monthly consulting fee of NIS 96,825. Pursuant to the agreement, Shnida Ltd. and Nadav Kidron each agree that during the term of the agreement and for a 12-month period thereafter, none of them will compete with the Company nor solicit employees of the Company.

In addition, we, through Oramed Ltd., have entered into an employment agreement with Nadav Kidron, effective as of November 1, 2022, pursuant to which, effective as of January 1, 2024, Mr. Kidron receives gross monthly salary of NIS 51,591 in consideration for his services as President and Chief Executive Officer of Oramed Ltd. In addition, Mr. Kidron is provided with a phone and a company car pursuant to the terms of his agreement.

We, through Oramed Ltd., have entered into an employment agreement with David Silberman as of May 23, 2021, pursuant to which Mr. Silberman was appointed as Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Secretary of the Company and Oramed Ltd., effective July 5, 2021. In accordance with the employment agreement, as amended, Mr. Silberman’s current gross monthly salary is NIS 49,810, effective January 1, 2024 and will increase to NIS 52,300, effective June 1, 2024. In addition, Mr. Silberman is provided with a phone and a company car allowance pursuant to the terms of his agreement.

We have entered into indemnification agreements with our directors and officers pursuant to which we agreed to indemnify each director and officer for any liability he or she may incur by reason of the fact that he or she serves as our director or officer, to the maximum extent permitted by law. 

Potential Payments upon Termination or Change-in-Control

We have no plans or arrangements in respect of remuneration received or that may be received by our NEOs to compensate such officers in the event of termination of employment (as a result of resignation or retirement).

According to our NEOs’ employment agreements, upon a termination in connection with a change-in-control that occurs during the period that is three months prior and 12 months after the event, the following “double trigger” change-in-control provisions shall apply:

Pension, Retirement or Similar Benefit Plans

We have no arrangements or plans under which we provide pension, retirement or similar benefits for directors or executive officers. Our directors and executive officers may receive stock options, RSUs or restricted shares at the discretion of our Compensation Committee in the future.

Policy Relating to Recovery of Erroneously Awarded Compensation

Our Board has adopted an executive compensation clawback policy, administered by our Compensation Committee, which provides for the recoupment (or clawback) from current and former executive officers of certain compensation in the event of an accounting restatement resulting from material noncompliance with financial reporting requirements under the federal securities laws of the United States. In the event the Company is required to prepare an accounting restatement of its financial statements due to the Company’s material non-compliance with any financial reporting requirement under the securities laws, the Compensation Committee will require prompt reimbursement or forfeiture of any excess incentive compensation (as defined in the clawback policy) received by any covered executive officer during the three completed fiscal years immediately preceding the date on which the Company is required to prepare an accounting restatement.

OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT DECEMBER 31, 2023

The following table sets forth information concerning stock options and stock awards held by the NEOs as of December 31, 2023.

DIRECTOR COMPENSATION

The following table provides information regarding compensation earned by, awarded or paid to each person for serving as a director who is not an executive officer during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023:

Our directors are entitled to reimbursement for reasonable travel and other out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with attendance at meetings of our Board. Based on a report provided to the Compensation Committee by Aon in 2023, effective as of January 1, 2024, each independent director is entitled to receive as remuneration for his or her service as a member of the Board a sum equal to $30,000 and a grant of 5,070 RSUs per annum. The Chairman of our Board is entitled to receive an additional sum equal to $25,500. The members of our Audit Committee are each entitled to receive an additional sum equal to $6,000 and a grant of 2,230 RSUs. The members of our Compensation Committee are each entitled to receive an additional sum equal to $4,500 and a grant of 1,520 RSUs. The members of our Nominating Committee are each entitled to receive an additional sum equal to $4,000 and a grant of 505 RSUs. All cash remuneration is to be paid quarterly after the close of each quarter. The RSUs vest on April 1, July 1, October 1 and January 1 of each year, subject to Compensation Committee approval each year. Our executive officers did not receive additional compensation for service as directors. The Board may award special remuneration to any director undertaking any special services on behalf of us other than services ordinarily required of a director.

Other than as described above, we have no present formal plan for compensating our directors for their service in their capacity as directors. Other than indicated above, no director received and/or accrued any compensation for his services as a director, including committee participation and/or special assignments during the year ended December 31, 2023.

ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS.

Stock Option Plans

Our Board adopted the 2008 Plan and the 2019 Plan in order to attract and retain quality personnel.

The 2008 Plan, which is no longer utilized for new grants, provided for the grant of stock options, restricted stock, RSUs, and stock appreciation rights, collectively referred to as “awards.” Under the 2008 Plan, as amended, 2,400,000 shares were reserved for the grant of awards. As of December 31, 2023, options with respect to 2,287,989 shares had been granted, of which 275,673 had been forfeited, 308,804 had been exercised and 1,310,586 have expired. As of December 31, 2023, 525,824 RSUs had been granted, of which 89,636 have vested and the shares of common stock underlying those RSUs have not been issued and 34,118 have been forfeited.

The 2019 Plan provides for the grant of stock options, restricted stock, RSUs, and stock appreciation rights, collectively referred to as “awards.” Under the 2019 Plan, 1,000,000 shares were initially reserved for the grant of awards. On June 29, 2020, and August 3, 2020, respectively, our Board and stockholders approved to amend and restate the 2019 Plan, the principal change being an increase in the number of shares of common stock available under the 2019 Plan from 1,000,000 shares to 3,000,000 shares. On June 30, 2022, our Board and stockholders approved to amend and restate the 2019 Plan, the principal change being an increase in the number of shares of common stock available under the 2019 Plan from 3,000,000 shares to 7,500,000 shares. Stock options granted under the 2019 Plan may be either incentive stock options under the provisions of Section 422 of the Code, or non-qualified stock options. Under the amended 2019 Plan, 7,500,000 shares are reserved for the grant of awards, which may be issued at the discretion of our Board from time to time. As of December 31, 2023, options with respect to 1,863,646 shares have been granted, of which 232,918 had been forfeited, 66,978 had been exercised and none of them were expired. As of December 31, 2023, 3,015,600 RSUs had been granted, of which 122,500 have vested and the shares of common stock underlying those RSUs have not been issued and 371,751 have been forfeited. Since the Company had granted options during the time after the 2008 Plan allegedly terminated, and out of an abundance of caution, the Company canceled these grants and re-granted certain of the options under 2019 Plan in the same amounts and under the same terms as the original grants.

The following table sets forth additional information with respect to our equity compensation plans as of December 31, 2023:

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management

The following table sets forth certain information regarding the beneficial ownership of our common stock as of March 6, 2024 by: (1) each person who is known by us to own beneficially more than 5% of our common stock; (2) each of our current directors; (3) each of our NEOs; and (4) all of our directors and executive officers as a group. On such date, we had 40,519,160 shares of common stock outstanding.

As used in the table below and elsewhere in this form, the term “beneficial ownership” with respect to a security consists of sole or shared voting power, including the power to vote or direct the vote, and/or sole or shared investment power, including the power to dispose or direct the disposition, with respect to the security through any contract, arrangement, understanding, relationship or otherwise, including a right to acquire such power(s) during the 60 days following March 6, 2024. Inclusion of shares in the table does not, however, constitute an admission that the named stockholder is a direct or indirect beneficial owner of those shares. Unless otherwise indicated, (1) each person or entity named in the table has sole voting power and investment power (or shares that power with that person’s spouse) with respect to all shares of common stock listed as owned by that person or entity and (2) the address of each of the individuals named below is: c/o Oramed Pharmaceuticals Inc., 1185 Avenue of the Americas, Third Floor, New York, New York 10036.